Antiquity Of Masonic Degrees.

( whose authorit y is by no means so high as "Delta " seems to rate it , or free from taint ) there is so much in that degree , to connect it with the innermost traditions and history of the order , that its present exalted position is neither difficult to understand , nor difficult to support . Will "Delta" kindlygivethe " excellent authority , "

which mentions the high grades in 1722 . The earliest of them , as far as present enquiry goes , s not earlier than the middle of the last century , waiving , for the present , the question of the actual antiquity of the knightly degrees , and of "Rose Croix , " as they would entail a long and tedious

discussion . Bat " Delta " goes on to say : — " It is traditionally aud historically true that the Templars of York , established these lodges in 1314 , they were therein 1561 , and from 1700 to 1787 . " . ^ "Unfortunately for "Delta , " the very traditions of Templar Masonry , give no countenance to such a-

statement , while the historical proof of such important facts , and such remote dates , is equally wanting , as far as any research has yet established . Indeed the whole connexion of the knightly orders with Masonry , is still a vexata Quwstio- and cannot be settled by random statements and unauthenticated authorities . Whether the kni g htly orders found Masonrv existing , as is most probable , and adopted

it , as it was so plainly to be adapted to their own inner organization , or whether they were first the patrons , and then the confreres of Masons , or whether lastly , finding Masonry existing in the East , the Templars added to it a separate and distinctive degree , preserving the original basis of the Order , must yet remain to be solvedwhen we possess greater

, knowledge of the subject than we do at present . The analogy of the Masonic Knights , and of the Knights of St . John , would seem to show , that the Knightly Orders , absorbed , so to say , Masonry into their system , and certain it is , that in the trial of the Templars at Pai'isone of the Knights deposes to

, Masonic initiation . The g ist of the whole question lies in this , is Templary the source , of Masonry , or is Masonry the teacher ofTemplary . This is a subject which deserves the most careful study and enquiry . Luckily at this moment , the

facilities we enjoy , in our opened state paper and public offices , in the chapter rooms of cathedrals , yet to be more liberally opened , seem to say , that the present time is most propitious for so interesting an enquiry . Let us hope that some one may be found competent and willing to undertake the task , for the clearing up of doubt , the overthrow of error , and the establishment of truth . —EBOK .

The Hidden Mysteries Of Nature And Science.

THE HIDDEN MYSTERIES OF NATURE AND SCIENCE .

This subject is possessed of the greatest interest to every Craftsman , whether he be one of the brethren of the mystic tie , or belong to any of the other crafts ; but how few attempt to solve even one mystery . "Oh ! it is something mysterious ; I can't attempt to unravel the secret . " Such is , but too often , the reply heard . The very idea , the sound even , of the word mystery appears an effectal bar to many persons , making even the slightest attempt at any elucidation

of whatever subject is obscure or mysterious ; have they ever attempted to find out the meaning of their bugbear ? what does mystery mean ? The word mystery is derived from tho Greek n uffT'ip io > ' , aud means "a secret . " A mystery being a thing kept secret and hid from our understanding till it be revealed to us . Mysteries ( vide Crudetis Concordance ) are

said to be of two sorts j one sort are such as would never have been known without revelation , but when revealed may be , in a good measure , explained or understood . Such is the doctrine of the satisfaction of Christ , of the resurrection from the dead , and of the forgiveness of sins , and of eternal life in a future

world . The other sort of mysteries are those which , when revealed to us , we know the existence , or reality and certainty of them , but cannot comprehend the manner and mode how they are . These are the mystery of the blessed Trinity , the mystery of the incarnationor union of the divine and human natures

, in one person . The calling of the Gentiles , which was hid and kept secret for many ages , is called a mystery . Romans xvi , 25 . A mystery there is a revealed secret , Most people have heard of , or read , the story of Eyes and no Eyes ( Fvenintjs at Some ) ; but though

there are many who pass a long life ' s path with closed eyes and stopped ears , yet there are many who , doubtless , would be glad to use both ears and . eyes did they but know how to do so . To the illiterate and unlearned man a book is but a mass of curious black marks , and in , like manner , the unwritten word , the Booh of Nature , that lies open around , above , below us , is but a confused mass of objects and without meaning to those who cannot read it . Many would

like to read this book but cannot do so ; objects pass so rapidly and constantly before their notice , that they have scarce time to make a few brief remarks ere they are gone , and thus , it becomes , no marvel that many persons are bewildered amongst the variety of natural objects , animate and inanimate , and the countless wonders that surround them . They are

like the ( Ethiopian Eunuch , and cannot understand what they see , without somebody to explain to them . Many again will be unable to see any connection between nature and art or science , but to the well instructed man , who has made the liberal arts and sciences his studythe close connection will at once

, appear , —thejgreat object of art is to reproduce nature . The science of natural history in its relation to the different animals , plants , minerals , & c , affords ample scope for the speculations of the philosopher , the genius of the poet , and the wonder , admiration , and thanksgiving , of all good men . To enlarge upon the

advantages which result from this stud y is scarcely necessary , for to become initiated into this knowledge is to become enamoured of its charms , the ideas become expanded , the imagination more vivid , and an endless fund of rational amusement is afforded , which improves and exalts the mind . In whatever way the

varied objects of this beautiful world are viewed , the contemplative mind will find them all alike to be the visible words of the Almighty , " The Creator , says Dedham ( Pki / s . Tkeol . xi . 2 ) , doubtless did not bestow se much curiosity and exquisite workmanship and skill upon his creatures , to be looked upon with a careless incurious eye . " Could mankind be but prevailed upon to read a few lessons from the book of nature , they would clearly see the hand of Providence