Masonic Processions.

MASONIC PROCESSIONS .

" Processions may be deduced from the highest antiquity . They are the very essence of every ancient institution ivhieh has had the most remote alliance ivith religion ; ancl particularly they form so great a portion of Freemasonry , that it could not exist without them . If Freemasonry be considered in all its parts and hearings , from the most simple elements to the highest and most ineffable degrees , this inevitable conclusion will result—that if

Masonry be good for anything , its excellence is derived , in a great measure , from professional observances . Take away its processions , aud obliterate the illustrations consequent thereon , and AA'here is the system of Freemasonry ? Our public processions have been instituted for many noble purposes . We visit the house of God in public , to offer up our prayers aud

praises for mercies and blessings ; we attend in a body , to shoiv the world our mutual attachment as a baud of brothers ; we are arranged in a set form , to exhibit the beauty of our system , constructed on the most harmonious proportions , and modelled into a series of imperceptible grades of rank , ivhieh cement and unite us in that indissoluble chain of sincero

affection , which is so well understood by Master Masons , and blend the attributes of equality and subordination in a balance so nice and equable , that the concord between rulers and brethren is never subject to violation , ivhile ive meet on the level aud part on the square . " But 1 will bring forward such a cloud of witnesses

from the sacred records in favour of this practice , as shall silence all objections to its antiquity and usefulness . To establish the point , I need not mention the solemn procession of Adam and Eve out of Paradise , though it forms a prominent illustration of Royal Arch Masonry . It ivill he unnecessary to adduce

the procession of angels on Jacob ' s ladder ; or that splendid procession , the most numerous , perhaps , ever witnessed in the world , which took place at the deliverance from Egypt , when the people came out with a mighty hand , and were conducted through the -wilderness by the rod of Moses . These , however ,

bear upon the subject , because they are peculiarly connected with . Freemasonry , aud received the sanction of God himself , who attended them in person , enveloped in a cloud of g lory . 11 These processions were accompanied hy the banners of the twelve tribes , and many others emblazoned with various devices ; and they were conducted on certain prescribed principles , under the immediate direction of God himself .

" Jjook at the prdcesisiGii ot David to Mount Moriah , ' when it pleased the Lord to put a stop to the pestilence which raged amongst his people in consequence of his inadvertently having them numbered ; and that most pompous one of Solomon , ivhen his stately temple was dedicated . Look at the Jeivish

processions generally , and in particular the triumphal one which preceded the feast of Purim . Contemplate , finally , that grand procession through the streets of Jerusalem , in which the Saviour of mankind ivas the most prominent character ; ivhen the people shouted in strains of gratulation , ' Ilosanna to the Son of David ! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord ! ' These are the holy models on ivhieh our processions are founded ; and you will , therefore , no

Masonic Processions.

longer be inclined to think that such observances are useless , or frivolous , or unnecessary . "—Oliver ' s Philosophy of Freemasonry .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES .

GREAT ARCHITECT 01 ? THE UNIVERSE . —TEACHINGS OS THE OLD GREEK PHILOSOPHERS . A Brother asks , in the teachings of which of the old Greek Philosophers do we first recognise our Great Architect of the Universe ? My answer is , in the teachings of Socrates . —CHARLES PURTON COOPEB ^

MYSTERIES OE ANCIENT NATIONS . The Brother , asking the question contained in theforegoing communication , further asks , In which of the Mysteries of ancient Nations were the doctrines of Freemasonry inculcated ? My answer is , in those-Mysteries ( if any ) of ancient nations , in which were

inculcated the doctrines of One God , Maker , Preserver and Ruler of the "World ; of Man's Ethical Obligation , and of a Future State of Eewards and Punishments . My brother will note the " if any . " ' An explanation of those words is a task which , at my advanced age , I may not undertake . —CHARLES PURTON COOPER .

MASONIC HELPS TO MEMORY . The zeal of some of our foreign brethren for Masonic science is , as some of us know , so great that they encourage publications in any shape . Of the consequences of this some startling examples occasionally present themselves . Our friends , the Jesuits ,

are regular customers for such publications . Lately , a Eoman Catholic Archbishop , distinguished as a persecutor of Masonry and Masons , has laid in a large stock of tuileurs and manuals Avith the better hope of carrying on his warfare . —A ROVING MASON ,.

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

The E . li . oris not responsible far I ' m oplwliU expressed hy Comspoiidenisr PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTERS . TO THE EDITOR OT THE TKEEUiSOSS' MAGAZINE AHD JIASOXIC JIIEE 0 B , DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Pray alloiv me space for a few remarks on the letter of Bro . Hughan in

your number of the 17 th inst ., AA-hereiu he comments on mine of the previous week , for Avhich I tender him my best thanks . No doubt he is aware of the locality indicated , and correct in his idea that the statements made in regard to it have been " not so strong " as the case warrants . I am quite willing to submit to

his correction as to interference ivith " a prerogative-, of the Grand Master , " although there are great difficulties , already pointed out , in the judicious exercise