Modern Writers Upon Freemasonry.—Iv.

other things ive object to thc introduction in the quotation we have only just made to the application of words to a book of this nature , which , in their place in the Prayer-book refer to the Holy Bible ; ancl we think , after reading it through with attention and striving hard to draw attention to such good points as it possesses , that thoro are many living Masons who will go through both their ordinary life and their

Masonic career happily and profitably without reference to its pages . " It is a sound policy , " 'the author continues , " that every individual brother should be acquainted with the laws of Masonry . " Very true , but they arc to be found in the Book of Constitutions , which , though not a perfect work , appears to us more practically useful than its selfcontradicting commentary .

" No Lodge or Masonic library can be perfect without it as a perpetual book of reference . " AVe should have supposed that this last sentence was the language of a favourable review iu some well known

paper or periodical ; certaudy wc could not , had wc not read it , have suspected that it ivas thc recommendation of his own work by the author himself , dated at his own residence , signed with his own name . " Such a publication as this has long been wanted to direct the brethren in the right path , ancl it will not be recklessly cast aside now it is pilacecl within their reach . " No , but it may be deliberately so ; we

do not anticipate that it will be very largely consulted , and we clo noiv most sincerely recommend Dr . Oliver to leave off writing until he has more fully informed himself on thc subject of which he writes . AVe now * take our leave of him for the present , and hope to sec no more " whimsical and uium . tliori-. ecl speculations . " One word to justify us for what sonic may consider our rather stringent criticism . No

one need read the book it is true , unless he pleases , but when a book is put forth with a preface of such high pretensions , absolutely ancl in terms challenging criticism , that criticism can . scarcely be very favourable if the work does not fulfil the high expectations which the author himself raises in tho minds of his readers .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES .

WE shall feel obliged if subscribing Lodges and brethren Avill forward to us memoranda ofthe fees and subscriptions of then' lespective Lodges ancl Chapters , as also a copy of the by-laws , where printed , AA ^ e are desirous generally of having better materials for the history of Lodges' for tho purposes of our general articles on Masonic Missions , and to lay a sounder foundation for Masonic history ancl practice . In

many ofthe provincial Lodges interesting customs and practices are preserved , which illustrate the landmarks of the Craft . The number of members in each Lodge will likewise be useful , as we shall obtain many facts as to the power of various populations to