Masonic Notes And Queries.

sonry Considered . " * Many a one , and I myself among the number , have scoffed at Freemasonry as a vain show and a hollow cheat before the light " shone down on the dark waters of ignorance , and now acknowledge , with gratitude , that the first thoughts of an after statethe first leams of an aAvakening to a hiher

, g g -and better life , and the first longings to be enrolled in the societ y of the G . A . O . T . TJ . ' s chosen were engendered by the teachings of Freemasonry . —CHAELES . Ptraroir COOPEE .

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

fPhe Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by Correspondents EOYAL AECH MASONEY .

TO THE EDITOE OF HIE PSEElIASONs' MAGAZINE AUD MASONIC MIItnOE . Dear Sir and Brother , —There are a few typographical errors which I should like to correct in my communication on the above subject on March 19 th , page 231 , 8 th line , 1 st column , " Of course it is admitted" should be" Of course if it is admitted" & c

, , , then "all that 'Fiat Lux' has said iu the Freemason ' s Magazine may readily be believed . " 34 th line , 2 nd column , " A . D . 1710 " should be " A . D . 1720 . " Thus , " There is not a work known that refers to the third degree as a separate degree that was printed before A . D . 1720 . "

I may say here that this is not the first time that the Eoyal Arch degree has been supported by me in the Freemason ' s Magazine . A long account of its origin and history appeared in my " Analysis of Ancient aud Modern Freemasonry , " and for some Aveeks a friendly and interesting discussion AA-as maintained

between the well-knoAvn and respected brother , the "Masonic Student , " and myself . On several occasions beside f have not refrained from expressing my opinions on Eoyal Arch Masonry . Yours fraternally , W . J . HUGHAN .

? o inn EDITOR cr TEE TEEEMASOXS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIHEOE , Dear Sir and Brother , —I have no objection to defend Eoyal Arch Masonry as al present constituted . Bro . " Fiat Lux" appears to think otherwise , - but he must please remember that the attack came from him firstand consequently he may fairly be asked for the

, reasons why he objects to Eoyal Arch Masonry , when so may of the most distinguished Masons uphold it in this country . I do not defend the innovation of the Eoyal Arch originally , but think that since the union of 1813 , the degree is susceptible of defenceand is noiv reall

, y a part of Ancient , Free , and Accepted Masonry . If " Fiat Lux" will give his objections to Eoyal Arch Masonry as at present constituted , and the reason why the degree should be treated with contempt ,

Correspondence.

he may expect an answer from me iu evidence that I " do not ignore the value of proof . " It will be well to avoid personalities in the discussion , aud the less " Fiat Lux" says about my newly-born zeal for facts the better , for surely he cannot be in earnest in so saying , as throughout my Masonic career the facts of Masonry have been my constant study and delig ht .

I purpose limiting myself to three communications on the subject , if Bro . " Fiat Lux" will agree to do the same ; his letters to appear on the 2 nd , 16 th , and ( finally ) 30 th April , and mine on the 9 th and 23 rd April and ( finally ) 7 th May respectively . Yours fraternally , "W . J . HUGHAN .

A PEESONAL EXPLANATION . TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASON'S * MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIEEOB . Dear Sir and Brother , —I find in prominent type , and in a conspicuous position of a contemporary , chiefly devoted to advertising purposes , an article entitled "Masons and Antimasons . " I will not , for

one moment , take any exception to the style of the " editorial" in question , although it is a veritahle " gusher " but I must really protest against such remarks as the following : — " Wo must therefore condemn those well-meaning brethren who enter the lists to do battle with its profane

opponents , especially in the columns of a secular newspaper . . . . . It is , besides , a proof of great presumption on the part of these self-appointed advocates , who , in all probability , lack in essential particulars the qualifications for a victorious encounter with the foe . " Now I have had the honour for many years to be

a constant contributor to Masonic literature , and I may flatter myself , have not altogether failed in my endeavours to elucidate the truth and to defend our Order , Ayhen necessary . As to whether my humble efforts would be considered a " proof of presumption , " I must leave others to judge ; but I wish to

characterise and point out the aboA'e paragraph as a piece of impertinence , reflecting upon all brethren who may dive beneath the surface in Masonic lore . In my opinion , the editor of this magazine , on the princip le of audi alteram par tern , Avas perfectly justified in publishing the extracts from " Notes and Queries . " Yours fraternally , A CONSTANT CONTEIBUTOB .

YOEK LODGE ( No . 236 ) . TO THE EE-ITOE OF THE IBEEMAGONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIEEOB . Dear Sir and Brother , —I thought the following act of grace of the Earl of Zetland , G-. M ., relative to the York Lodge would interest you , and perhaps your readers . For the reasons explained in the

enclosed memorial the brethren at YorJc had long expressed a desire to change the name of the lodge . At the commencement of the present year , and in view of its being the last year of office of the noble Earl ( AV ! IO is our oldest subscribing member , having been a member upAvards of five-and-twenty years ) , it was felt

the time had come to ask for permission to make the change . Accordingly I gave notice in open lodge , and to every brother by circular , that 1 should read