Reviews.

This not only offends our Masonic , but grievously insults ^ our national susceptibilities . To be coolly told , as AVO . are in this History , over and over again , that whilst clouds of impenetrable darkness rest upon the history , principles and practice of Freemasonry amongst us , a bright and guiding sun diffuses the light of its noon-day -effulgence for the especial behoof the brethren in Germany , is a little too bad , for not only are such insinuations grossly offensive , but we know the fact is just the contrary .

AVe could name some dozens of our countrymen and brethren whose reputation , AVCII attested by their important labours for Freemasonry , not only must be held second to none , but will claim the precedence over the little stars " that twinkle up so high , " in certain portions of tho Continent . Experience tells us that " a prophet hath no honour in his OAvn country , " hence the widely entertained idea that foreign authorities on Freemasonry are more learned than the home production . This need not occasion any surprise , because it can be easily accounted for Avithout going very far below the surface . In the first place , our most learned brethren are men of refined tastes , good social position , seldom to be seen , and , like

" Fine spirits for fine issues turned , " carefully avoid printing ink and notoriety . Secondly , it appears that A \ iien a brother of reputation determines no longer to labour in the field of original research , he suddenly discovers , in some theory promulgated abroad—generally in Germany—a desideratum for which he has long sought . Nor is there any substantial loss of previous personal reputation incurred in this ostentatious worship of foreign genius ; forbeyond a

contractedAvell-, , read circle , the merits of the questions involved are little discussed ; and , to the general body of Freemasons , the obtruded name is — Avhenevor they chance to hear it—a mere tub to a Avhale , diverting attention from native talent , and detracting from national character . Another result of this vicious system of invoking continental assistance to supply poor England ' s alleged want of knowledge , has been to create a set of little cliqueseach swearing bthe standard that capriceaccidentor

-, y , , oppor tunity has led them to select , and set up , among the heaven-bom geniuses to be found so plentifully everywhere else but at home . Almost every Chapter and Encampment has its representative hero-worshipper drawn from that teeming land of metaphysical dreamers—Germany . In Craft lodges too , here and there , are to be found brethren ripe for the introduction of any innovation , in Avork , practice , or history , if the same has

been introduced by their mentor , and is derived from , a foreign source . In such places , generally , there is to be found a select few—a staff of disciples —Avaiting to carry out their seniors ; and , after burying them decently , hoping to step into the place of honour on tho strength of having sat patiently at the feet of some popular Masonic innovator , Avhose talents have been so Avondrous , that he Avas compelled to take upon trust any foreign absurdity for the purpose of making a distinctive feature in his system . The staff of disciples are carefully

selected , in the first instance , by the great man , with a view to the perpetuation of his own peculiar version of Freemasonry . Self-reliant genius never has a chance , and anyone Avith more than ordinary ability is disqualified . Docility and blind devotion to their chief are indispensable qualities which always insure his friendship , and the refusal of such honours as he deems beneath him . It is under these circumstances that Continental authorities arc so eagerly adopted by some of our brethren . Compilers of clap-trap orations — men of

the loAvest calibre of mental attainments—despise and discourage Avorks of home production , and seize every opportunity of advertising their brethren , that they are in constant communication with the eminent writer on the craft , Herr von Twaddler , and avc never happy until they have secured the presence of the oracle , and been the chaperoue of the distinguished foreigner . Such brethren arc hailed as great lights in their respective neighbourhoods , and labour most assiduously in endeavouring to found ' , a popular belief in the