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Article THE FREEMASON. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1 Article Reviews. Page 1 of 2 →
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The Freemason.
fjiE Kneph , a journal representing the body which claims to be and has dubbed itself " The Ancient and Primitive Rite , " though the name we believe only dates from 1864 , has appeared , and as ; l o-eneral rule we should hail it with every feeling 0 f friendliness , and every expression of courtesy and
goodwill . But it commences its existence by an unjustifiable attack on Craft Masonry in an editorial , and is evidentl y seeking to introduce that " folly of follies " Adoptive Masonry , and the utter nonsense of the so-called reformed Egyptian Rite of that chief of impostors , CAGLIOSTRO .
We cannot S 3 'inpathisc with such a movement , as it may do an infinity of harm , and , therefore , in all good feeling we honestly say so , though wc wish all success at all times to all Masonic journals . Indeed , we sa \' and think , "thc more the merrier . "
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of , the op inions expressed by onrcorrespondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . !
ROVAL MASONIC INSTITUTION' FOR GIRLS . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Allow mc to state , for your information , that the alteration in the date of the festival of this Institution was made in consequence of the inability of the Chairman
to preside on the usual day ( the second Wednesday in May ) , a notification of which alteration was duly made to the Pro Grand Master ( for the President ) for his approval . 1 am , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and fraternally , F . R . W . HEDGES , Secretary .
THE HOYS ' . SCHOOL . To the Editor ofthe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I have read theletter of "P . \ V . M . " in your impression of the 15 th ult . with great pain . While 1 can lieartilysympathi . se with your desire to give to your correspondents the fullest opportunity of stating
their case on any matter that may be of importance , I hope you will pardon me for thinking that in so very momentous amatteras this , Bro . "P . W . M . " should have been reminded that his letter casts serious reflections , not only upon the officers of the School , but also upon the Committee , and that , unless his observations were founded upon more than one or two isolated cases , it would be well for him to seek
redress by less public means , or by a private letter to the authorities , giving such particulars as should enable them to investigate his grievance , and apply a remedy if necessary , I dare not impute motives to my worthy brother , hut I would suggest to him that it is quite unprofessional , and , to use the slang of the day , " very bad form , " for an " experienced public schoolmaster" to condemn byinnuendoand
anonymously the work of a brother teacher , and I am very sure that your readers will have no hesitation in characterising it as utterly unmasonic . "P . W . M ., " in common with all brethren , has every opportunity of visiting the School at any time , and testing for himself the truth of his allegations as to the morale of
the boys . Having been a Steward at the last festival , I can say that from the impressions received upon a recent visit to the School , and from other trustworthy sources , 1 have no doubt whatever that our brother is in error if he thinks the manners and gentlemanly bearing of our boys will suffer in comparison with any other school of its class he can
name . Further , I fear "P . W . M . "stands self condemned as an investigator who rushes into print somewhat heedlessly . Foi an " experienced public schoolmaster" not to know our worthy Head Master , argues himself unknown and certainly unlearned . Dr . Morris ' s world-wide reputation as a scholar needs no defence from me , and I am well justified in asserting that those who know him best , best know how to value Ihe good fortune which enables the Craft to retain his
. I have not the pleasure of the acquaintance oi the matron of the Schools , but , Sir , I think your readers will allow that lhaveheard quite enough to induce " P . W . M . " to be more careful in future should he be tempted to indulge in such violent , not to say virulent , charges without having- previously made the fullest personal inquiry . I am . dear Sir and Brother , vours fraternally .
THE HEAD MASTER OF ONE OF THE LARGES'l ENDOWED GRAMMAR SCHOOLS IN LONDON .
THRIFT AS A MASONIC VIRTUE . To thc Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Benevolence is the glory of our Craft , and the Order may compare favourably with any religious denomination for works of charity or mercy to the young and aged . Hut thecreedof Masonrydemandsniore than benevolence to
others—it requires the individual to he just to himself , to bc ar > independent of circumstances as ' possible , and to be accumulative in his habits , thrifty and frugal , that he may be able to distribute to them that need . You , Sir , know better than any brother how far lodge life and the persona ! Was of the brethren trend towards sentiments of providence •or children , and dependents , or persona ! old age , or seasons
&•' distress , sickness , or misfortune . I am afraid yojr great txperiencfe would say that while Masons are most 'fenerous in gifts to others , they are not thrifty , "or provident for that inevitable future of wasting power which too often precedes an old age
° » poverty or dependence upon others . It is computed that our Craft numbers nearly a million brethren throughout the world ; these brethren nearly all belong to the prosperous or money-making classes of society . While circumstances are prosperous , lodge membership or Masonic fellowshi p continues , but I fear the waste orloss of brethren Tom thc rank and file is greater than is expected , and the
Original Correspondence.
number of poor brethren not in fellowship is bej'ond calculation , and is an ever increasing roll . It is because I meet with so many broken-down biethren that 1 venture to ask the Editor of the organ ot Masonry throughout the world if any recognised societies exist in connection with Freemasonry for the encouragement of thrifty and prudent personal habits . The brethren are
numerically strong enough , and wealthy enough , to support an office for Life Assurance and Annuities ; to establish a savings bank where deposits can be encourage'd , withdrawable only on medical certificate of sickness or death . Many forms of popular prudence and thrift may be mentioned which are encouraged by the State for the benefit of the so-called working classes , but I think the real
working tlassses of society are the professional and commercial toilers , who work , indeed , with laboured length of day and in exhaustive mental pursuits , from whom no State encouragements to prudence exist . From these come the long helpless list of men and women , young , middle-aged , and old , to whom poverty is worse than death . As Masonry , like all true beneficence , is for the future as well as for the
present , I venture to ask the favour of a place in your columns , in the hope that my enquiries and perplexities may perhaps provoke sympathy or suggestions leading to a practical service to our brethren and their dear ones . An increase of habits of prudence , thrift , and economy are
absolutely a part of manliness and Masonry . The first Lodge of Benevolence is the home . When we provide for our own we keep the faith , become true Masons , and have withal to give those that need . Dear Sir and Brother , please inform me what aids exist in connection with ourancicnt Order and help to be prudent . AN ANXIOUS SENIOR .
A CAUTION . To the Editor ofthe "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Some weeks ago I was applied _ to by a "brother in distress , " who made some bastard signs , and who informed me that "he had been a soldier ; that he was made a Mason in India , in Lodge No . 552 , Lucknow ; that he
was now a subscribing member of Lodge No . 53 , Royal Sussex , Bath ; that he ' was in receipt of a pension , and that with this he and his wife could make a respectable livelihood in making , and disposing of , artificial flowers ; that unfortunately they had had the misfortune to have their little stock in trade destroyed by thc late heavy rains whilst out in thc country , and that itwould take 15 s . to give
them another start on the road ; that Bro . had given him 2 s ., Bro . 2 s . 6 d . ; and they had also recommended him to me and to others . He had seen the Almoner of the lodge , but he could not do anything for him as such because he could not produce his certificate , it being at home in a frame , but he had given him 2 s . privately . It was the first time in his life that he ever made such an
appeal to his brethren , that he felt ashamed to do it now ; but he had no alternative , as he had not broken his fast for twenty-four hours , " & c . ; all of which he wound up with a miserable attempt to shed a few tears . " He was willing to prove " himself if I would examine him , " but 1 declined , informing him that in my younger days , as a Mason , I had been several times imposed upon
but later , as Almoner of the Iodge , I had had experience which convinced me that the best policy was to " hear and see all , but say or do nothing , " in such cases ( believing that much information is gathered by itinerant Masons from being incautiously questioned and "proved" ) . I advised " Hezekiah "—for such he said was his name—to visit us at the lodge meeting in the evening , when , if he
satisfied the brethren , I promised that he should be well cared for , and the full amount required by him for his present purpose should be handed over to him . He was very profuse in his thanks , gave me a grip , and retired , promising to attend at the lodge in the evening . Having my doubts as to the -genuineness of " Hezekiah , " I at once wired to "his lodge" at Bath , but received no reply until
the following morning , when 1 received a letter from the Secretary , stating , as I expected , that he was " not known . " On relating the circumstance at the Iodge" Hezekiah " not having put in an appearance—1 found that he had obtained 5 s . from another brother with the same story . A few days afterwards I came upon " Hezekiah , " with his same parcel of damaged tissue paper , & c ,
in the street , but on his catching sight ot me he made off . My promise to" respect genuine and truebretlnen , and to discountenance impostors , " must be my excuse for troubling you with this communication , in the hope that , should you think it worthy of insertion , it may not be without its effect . 1 am , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and fraternally , P . M . No . 44 S .
BRO . HUGHAN AND THE " ANTIENT AND PRIMITIVE RITE OF MASONRY . " Dear Brother Editor , — In the first number of the " Kneph , " at page S , is a " List of Members" of the Antient and Primitive Rite who have received decorations since it was chartered in 1 S 71 " ( ten names ) , followed by " Bronze Star of Merit ,
I'irst Class , for Saving Life " ( four names ) , and then " Third Class—Literary" ( eight names ) . In the last mentioned is my name , and as the whole three divisions look and read as the complete " List of Members " ( of course unintentionall y so ) many have considered me to be a member of the " Rite" before mentioned , as also my lamented friend and Bro . Richard Woolfe ( WooQk I have had so
much correspondence in consequence , that instead of answering the enquiries , I have ventured to seek your kind aid in making tbe fact of my opposition to the " Rile " known through the medium of the Freemason . 1 wrote to the learned editor of the "Kneph" on the subject , and received ( as mi g ht be expected ) a genial letter from him in reply , quite in keeping with the pleasant
character of all my correspondence with Bro . Kenneth R . H . Mackenzie , LL . D . In the last number issued of the " Kneph " however , there is no allusion to my note , and so I have returned the " decoration " so kindly sent me , in order to prevent any further misunderstanding on the subject . / have never been , am not , and never intend to be , a
me nberof the " Ancient and Primitive Rite of Masonry . " * Yours fraternally , WILLIAM JAMES HUGHAN . Truro , February 7 th . [ On personal grounds , we have acceded to Bro . Hughan ' s request with pleasure , but being simply , as we have stated , a personal matter , we shall not permit any discussion on the subject , —ED . F . M . 1
Original Correspondence.
THE SWEDENBORG RITE . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Can any brother inform me what is the antiquity of this rite , of which I have seen some prospectuses lately ? Can Bro . Hughan or "Masonic Student ? " I can 'find nothing about it which seems to me reliable , except in some very recent publications . Was Swedenborg really a Mason ?
Yours fraternally , M . S . M . [ Our correspondent asks us a very difficult question to answer . As far as we know Swedenborg was not a Mason , and the Swedenborgian Rite is a completely modern arrangement of the last few years . Perhaps Bro . Hughan or " Masonic Student , " if they see this letter , will reply more fully . —ED . F . M . ]
THE JEWS AND THE HIGH GRADES . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — It greatly surprised me to find in your columns a letter conceived in so narrow and unmasonic a spirit as that of "A P . RoseCroix" in your issue of Feb . 5 th . Whethera person professing the Jewish faith would feel himself
justified in taking an obligation with which he could not conscientious ! } ' agree is a matter upon which there can be no manner of doubt ; but this point lies at present outside the issue raised by your correspondent ' s letter . I should not have ventured to ask you for a portion of your valuable space were it not for the fact that a large number of English Masons will be grieved by the remarks of "A P . Rose Croix . "
In the first place he seems to sneer in an unmasonic way at the personal appearance of some individuals against whom he has evidently a private grudge . I pass over this point without further comment , for conduct like this is distasteful to every right thinking man . The second of your correspondent ' s arguments , viz ., " Any person I suppose could adopt the Jewish religion ,
but he would not therefore become a Jew , any more than a Jew become an English or Irishman , " is totally and entirely wrong . Any person who by conscientious conviction , and after long and patient trial , shows that he is a Jew in spirit can become a Jew , though conversion is disapproved of by the Jews ; and , further , 1 absolutely deny ycur
correspondent s right to assert that a Jew cannot be an Englishman . Her Majesty numbers amongst her subjects no more loyal class than the Englishmen who profess the Jewish faith . They are as proud of the name ot Englishmen as their fellow countrymen who profess the Protestant or the Catholic faith .
lour correspondent ' s letter is nothing more or less than an attempt to introduce into English Freemasonry the narrow-minded and anti-human doctrines now being preached in Germany by the Anti-Semidic League . I do not fancy that this new Crusade will have much success in free England . I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours truly and fraternally , "ONE WHO IS" ENGLISHMAN , JEW , AND FREEMASON . February 7 th .
ANCIENT AND PRIMITIVE MASONRY . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I have no objection to give a " West Country P . M . " the information which he requests of me , and wil reply to his queries in inverted order . 1 . I do not advocate the Rite of Memphis , but the
Ancient and Primitive Rite of Masonry . The first consists of ninety-six Degrees , the second of thirty-three Degrees , as arranged and allowed in 1 S 65 by the Grand Orient which constituted us ; but we reserve the right to confer any of the Memphis Grades which suit us . We have nothing to do with Craft Masonry . 2 . So far as my knowledge extends , we have never given any of its Degrees to any irregular Craft Mason whatever .
Its constitution requires that all its neophytes must have the Three Craft Degrees from some constitutional Grand Lodge , and the Kite has formally renounced all claim upon Craft Masonry in regard to conferring its ceremonies . The ceremonial of the Ancient and Primitive Rite is in complete accord with the Three Craft Degrees , and is in every respect such as all Craft Masons must regard with esteem .
3 . I have not found it interesting to continue a monthly attendance upon the repetition of Craft ceremonies for a period of twenty-seven years , and onl y now belong to thc Ancient and Primitive Rite . I did my duty in the Craft and Mark Degrees for many years , and hope all our members will do the same . I should , however , be perfectly ready again to place myself in such a position that a " West
Country P . M . " can extract the fullest satisfaction from me , provided it does not take up too much time , which , at my age , is too valuable to be frittered away in worthless Masonic squabbles . I fancy that your correspondent has run his head against the Reformed Rite of Memphis , which had a Grand Lodge established at London about 1 S 59 . If this is so , I can assure him that the true Rite of Memphis had no relations at any time with that spurious body . Fraternally yours , JOHN YARKER .
Reviews.
Reviews .
FULGENC 1 US . With other Poems , Old and New . By R . MONTGO . MERIE RANKING . Newman and Co ., 45 , Hart-street , E . C . We have read this work , the production of the author of " Bjorn and Bera , " with interest and pleasure , as we have come across much that is both worth persual and worth remembrance , a needful test , a true test , moreover , of real
poetry . For much that is called " Poiesis " to day is not truly "Poiesis" at all , and if poets and poetasters are many , the production of verse great , the " residuum " of real , veritable , lasting poetry is , we apprehend , a very " modicum , " and , like the Philobopher's Stone , difficult to seek after , and still more difficult to find .
We all of us must know by this time , both in our readingand experience , that there are " poems and poems , " " poetry and poetry , " " poets and poets , " and that it is one thing to call a volume of ivords a volume of poetry , and another thing—quite another thing—for it actually to be what it professes to assert itself . In Mr . Banking ' s volume we lind a good deal to admire , and some lines of great merit and beauty . He is a little unequal , and sometimes forced , but we think that wc are ? not wrong in
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemason.
fjiE Kneph , a journal representing the body which claims to be and has dubbed itself " The Ancient and Primitive Rite , " though the name we believe only dates from 1864 , has appeared , and as ; l o-eneral rule we should hail it with every feeling 0 f friendliness , and every expression of courtesy and
goodwill . But it commences its existence by an unjustifiable attack on Craft Masonry in an editorial , and is evidentl y seeking to introduce that " folly of follies " Adoptive Masonry , and the utter nonsense of the so-called reformed Egyptian Rite of that chief of impostors , CAGLIOSTRO .
We cannot S 3 'inpathisc with such a movement , as it may do an infinity of harm , and , therefore , in all good feeling we honestly say so , though wc wish all success at all times to all Masonic journals . Indeed , we sa \' and think , "thc more the merrier . "
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of , the op inions expressed by onrcorrespondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . !
ROVAL MASONIC INSTITUTION' FOR GIRLS . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Allow mc to state , for your information , that the alteration in the date of the festival of this Institution was made in consequence of the inability of the Chairman
to preside on the usual day ( the second Wednesday in May ) , a notification of which alteration was duly made to the Pro Grand Master ( for the President ) for his approval . 1 am , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and fraternally , F . R . W . HEDGES , Secretary .
THE HOYS ' . SCHOOL . To the Editor ofthe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I have read theletter of "P . \ V . M . " in your impression of the 15 th ult . with great pain . While 1 can lieartilysympathi . se with your desire to give to your correspondents the fullest opportunity of stating
their case on any matter that may be of importance , I hope you will pardon me for thinking that in so very momentous amatteras this , Bro . "P . W . M . " should have been reminded that his letter casts serious reflections , not only upon the officers of the School , but also upon the Committee , and that , unless his observations were founded upon more than one or two isolated cases , it would be well for him to seek
redress by less public means , or by a private letter to the authorities , giving such particulars as should enable them to investigate his grievance , and apply a remedy if necessary , I dare not impute motives to my worthy brother , hut I would suggest to him that it is quite unprofessional , and , to use the slang of the day , " very bad form , " for an " experienced public schoolmaster" to condemn byinnuendoand
anonymously the work of a brother teacher , and I am very sure that your readers will have no hesitation in characterising it as utterly unmasonic . "P . W . M ., " in common with all brethren , has every opportunity of visiting the School at any time , and testing for himself the truth of his allegations as to the morale of
the boys . Having been a Steward at the last festival , I can say that from the impressions received upon a recent visit to the School , and from other trustworthy sources , 1 have no doubt whatever that our brother is in error if he thinks the manners and gentlemanly bearing of our boys will suffer in comparison with any other school of its class he can
name . Further , I fear "P . W . M . "stands self condemned as an investigator who rushes into print somewhat heedlessly . Foi an " experienced public schoolmaster" not to know our worthy Head Master , argues himself unknown and certainly unlearned . Dr . Morris ' s world-wide reputation as a scholar needs no defence from me , and I am well justified in asserting that those who know him best , best know how to value Ihe good fortune which enables the Craft to retain his
. I have not the pleasure of the acquaintance oi the matron of the Schools , but , Sir , I think your readers will allow that lhaveheard quite enough to induce " P . W . M . " to be more careful in future should he be tempted to indulge in such violent , not to say virulent , charges without having- previously made the fullest personal inquiry . I am . dear Sir and Brother , vours fraternally .
THE HEAD MASTER OF ONE OF THE LARGES'l ENDOWED GRAMMAR SCHOOLS IN LONDON .
THRIFT AS A MASONIC VIRTUE . To thc Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Benevolence is the glory of our Craft , and the Order may compare favourably with any religious denomination for works of charity or mercy to the young and aged . Hut thecreedof Masonrydemandsniore than benevolence to
others—it requires the individual to he just to himself , to bc ar > independent of circumstances as ' possible , and to be accumulative in his habits , thrifty and frugal , that he may be able to distribute to them that need . You , Sir , know better than any brother how far lodge life and the persona ! Was of the brethren trend towards sentiments of providence •or children , and dependents , or persona ! old age , or seasons
&•' distress , sickness , or misfortune . I am afraid yojr great txperiencfe would say that while Masons are most 'fenerous in gifts to others , they are not thrifty , "or provident for that inevitable future of wasting power which too often precedes an old age
° » poverty or dependence upon others . It is computed that our Craft numbers nearly a million brethren throughout the world ; these brethren nearly all belong to the prosperous or money-making classes of society . While circumstances are prosperous , lodge membership or Masonic fellowshi p continues , but I fear the waste orloss of brethren Tom thc rank and file is greater than is expected , and the
Original Correspondence.
number of poor brethren not in fellowship is bej'ond calculation , and is an ever increasing roll . It is because I meet with so many broken-down biethren that 1 venture to ask the Editor of the organ ot Masonry throughout the world if any recognised societies exist in connection with Freemasonry for the encouragement of thrifty and prudent personal habits . The brethren are
numerically strong enough , and wealthy enough , to support an office for Life Assurance and Annuities ; to establish a savings bank where deposits can be encourage'd , withdrawable only on medical certificate of sickness or death . Many forms of popular prudence and thrift may be mentioned which are encouraged by the State for the benefit of the so-called working classes , but I think the real
working tlassses of society are the professional and commercial toilers , who work , indeed , with laboured length of day and in exhaustive mental pursuits , from whom no State encouragements to prudence exist . From these come the long helpless list of men and women , young , middle-aged , and old , to whom poverty is worse than death . As Masonry , like all true beneficence , is for the future as well as for the
present , I venture to ask the favour of a place in your columns , in the hope that my enquiries and perplexities may perhaps provoke sympathy or suggestions leading to a practical service to our brethren and their dear ones . An increase of habits of prudence , thrift , and economy are
absolutely a part of manliness and Masonry . The first Lodge of Benevolence is the home . When we provide for our own we keep the faith , become true Masons , and have withal to give those that need . Dear Sir and Brother , please inform me what aids exist in connection with ourancicnt Order and help to be prudent . AN ANXIOUS SENIOR .
A CAUTION . To the Editor ofthe "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Some weeks ago I was applied _ to by a "brother in distress , " who made some bastard signs , and who informed me that "he had been a soldier ; that he was made a Mason in India , in Lodge No . 552 , Lucknow ; that he
was now a subscribing member of Lodge No . 53 , Royal Sussex , Bath ; that he ' was in receipt of a pension , and that with this he and his wife could make a respectable livelihood in making , and disposing of , artificial flowers ; that unfortunately they had had the misfortune to have their little stock in trade destroyed by thc late heavy rains whilst out in thc country , and that itwould take 15 s . to give
them another start on the road ; that Bro . had given him 2 s ., Bro . 2 s . 6 d . ; and they had also recommended him to me and to others . He had seen the Almoner of the lodge , but he could not do anything for him as such because he could not produce his certificate , it being at home in a frame , but he had given him 2 s . privately . It was the first time in his life that he ever made such an
appeal to his brethren , that he felt ashamed to do it now ; but he had no alternative , as he had not broken his fast for twenty-four hours , " & c . ; all of which he wound up with a miserable attempt to shed a few tears . " He was willing to prove " himself if I would examine him , " but 1 declined , informing him that in my younger days , as a Mason , I had been several times imposed upon
but later , as Almoner of the Iodge , I had had experience which convinced me that the best policy was to " hear and see all , but say or do nothing , " in such cases ( believing that much information is gathered by itinerant Masons from being incautiously questioned and "proved" ) . I advised " Hezekiah "—for such he said was his name—to visit us at the lodge meeting in the evening , when , if he
satisfied the brethren , I promised that he should be well cared for , and the full amount required by him for his present purpose should be handed over to him . He was very profuse in his thanks , gave me a grip , and retired , promising to attend at the lodge in the evening . Having my doubts as to the -genuineness of " Hezekiah , " I at once wired to "his lodge" at Bath , but received no reply until
the following morning , when 1 received a letter from the Secretary , stating , as I expected , that he was " not known . " On relating the circumstance at the Iodge" Hezekiah " not having put in an appearance—1 found that he had obtained 5 s . from another brother with the same story . A few days afterwards I came upon " Hezekiah , " with his same parcel of damaged tissue paper , & c ,
in the street , but on his catching sight ot me he made off . My promise to" respect genuine and truebretlnen , and to discountenance impostors , " must be my excuse for troubling you with this communication , in the hope that , should you think it worthy of insertion , it may not be without its effect . 1 am , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and fraternally , P . M . No . 44 S .
BRO . HUGHAN AND THE " ANTIENT AND PRIMITIVE RITE OF MASONRY . " Dear Brother Editor , — In the first number of the " Kneph , " at page S , is a " List of Members" of the Antient and Primitive Rite who have received decorations since it was chartered in 1 S 71 " ( ten names ) , followed by " Bronze Star of Merit ,
I'irst Class , for Saving Life " ( four names ) , and then " Third Class—Literary" ( eight names ) . In the last mentioned is my name , and as the whole three divisions look and read as the complete " List of Members " ( of course unintentionall y so ) many have considered me to be a member of the " Rite" before mentioned , as also my lamented friend and Bro . Richard Woolfe ( WooQk I have had so
much correspondence in consequence , that instead of answering the enquiries , I have ventured to seek your kind aid in making tbe fact of my opposition to the " Rile " known through the medium of the Freemason . 1 wrote to the learned editor of the "Kneph" on the subject , and received ( as mi g ht be expected ) a genial letter from him in reply , quite in keeping with the pleasant
character of all my correspondence with Bro . Kenneth R . H . Mackenzie , LL . D . In the last number issued of the " Kneph " however , there is no allusion to my note , and so I have returned the " decoration " so kindly sent me , in order to prevent any further misunderstanding on the subject . / have never been , am not , and never intend to be , a
me nberof the " Ancient and Primitive Rite of Masonry . " * Yours fraternally , WILLIAM JAMES HUGHAN . Truro , February 7 th . [ On personal grounds , we have acceded to Bro . Hughan ' s request with pleasure , but being simply , as we have stated , a personal matter , we shall not permit any discussion on the subject , —ED . F . M . 1
Original Correspondence.
THE SWEDENBORG RITE . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Can any brother inform me what is the antiquity of this rite , of which I have seen some prospectuses lately ? Can Bro . Hughan or "Masonic Student ? " I can 'find nothing about it which seems to me reliable , except in some very recent publications . Was Swedenborg really a Mason ?
Yours fraternally , M . S . M . [ Our correspondent asks us a very difficult question to answer . As far as we know Swedenborg was not a Mason , and the Swedenborgian Rite is a completely modern arrangement of the last few years . Perhaps Bro . Hughan or " Masonic Student , " if they see this letter , will reply more fully . —ED . F . M . ]
THE JEWS AND THE HIGH GRADES . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — It greatly surprised me to find in your columns a letter conceived in so narrow and unmasonic a spirit as that of "A P . RoseCroix" in your issue of Feb . 5 th . Whethera person professing the Jewish faith would feel himself
justified in taking an obligation with which he could not conscientious ! } ' agree is a matter upon which there can be no manner of doubt ; but this point lies at present outside the issue raised by your correspondent ' s letter . I should not have ventured to ask you for a portion of your valuable space were it not for the fact that a large number of English Masons will be grieved by the remarks of "A P . Rose Croix . "
In the first place he seems to sneer in an unmasonic way at the personal appearance of some individuals against whom he has evidently a private grudge . I pass over this point without further comment , for conduct like this is distasteful to every right thinking man . The second of your correspondent ' s arguments , viz ., " Any person I suppose could adopt the Jewish religion ,
but he would not therefore become a Jew , any more than a Jew become an English or Irishman , " is totally and entirely wrong . Any person who by conscientious conviction , and after long and patient trial , shows that he is a Jew in spirit can become a Jew , though conversion is disapproved of by the Jews ; and , further , 1 absolutely deny ycur
correspondent s right to assert that a Jew cannot be an Englishman . Her Majesty numbers amongst her subjects no more loyal class than the Englishmen who profess the Jewish faith . They are as proud of the name ot Englishmen as their fellow countrymen who profess the Protestant or the Catholic faith .
lour correspondent ' s letter is nothing more or less than an attempt to introduce into English Freemasonry the narrow-minded and anti-human doctrines now being preached in Germany by the Anti-Semidic League . I do not fancy that this new Crusade will have much success in free England . I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours truly and fraternally , "ONE WHO IS" ENGLISHMAN , JEW , AND FREEMASON . February 7 th .
ANCIENT AND PRIMITIVE MASONRY . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I have no objection to give a " West Country P . M . " the information which he requests of me , and wil reply to his queries in inverted order . 1 . I do not advocate the Rite of Memphis , but the
Ancient and Primitive Rite of Masonry . The first consists of ninety-six Degrees , the second of thirty-three Degrees , as arranged and allowed in 1 S 65 by the Grand Orient which constituted us ; but we reserve the right to confer any of the Memphis Grades which suit us . We have nothing to do with Craft Masonry . 2 . So far as my knowledge extends , we have never given any of its Degrees to any irregular Craft Mason whatever .
Its constitution requires that all its neophytes must have the Three Craft Degrees from some constitutional Grand Lodge , and the Kite has formally renounced all claim upon Craft Masonry in regard to conferring its ceremonies . The ceremonial of the Ancient and Primitive Rite is in complete accord with the Three Craft Degrees , and is in every respect such as all Craft Masons must regard with esteem .
3 . I have not found it interesting to continue a monthly attendance upon the repetition of Craft ceremonies for a period of twenty-seven years , and onl y now belong to thc Ancient and Primitive Rite . I did my duty in the Craft and Mark Degrees for many years , and hope all our members will do the same . I should , however , be perfectly ready again to place myself in such a position that a " West
Country P . M . " can extract the fullest satisfaction from me , provided it does not take up too much time , which , at my age , is too valuable to be frittered away in worthless Masonic squabbles . I fancy that your correspondent has run his head against the Reformed Rite of Memphis , which had a Grand Lodge established at London about 1 S 59 . If this is so , I can assure him that the true Rite of Memphis had no relations at any time with that spurious body . Fraternally yours , JOHN YARKER .
Reviews.
Reviews .
FULGENC 1 US . With other Poems , Old and New . By R . MONTGO . MERIE RANKING . Newman and Co ., 45 , Hart-street , E . C . We have read this work , the production of the author of " Bjorn and Bera , " with interest and pleasure , as we have come across much that is both worth persual and worth remembrance , a needful test , a true test , moreover , of real
poetry . For much that is called " Poiesis " to day is not truly "Poiesis" at all , and if poets and poetasters are many , the production of verse great , the " residuum " of real , veritable , lasting poetry is , we apprehend , a very " modicum , " and , like the Philobopher's Stone , difficult to seek after , and still more difficult to find .
We all of us must know by this time , both in our readingand experience , that there are " poems and poems , " " poetry and poetry , " " poets and poets , " and that it is one thing to call a volume of ivords a volume of poetry , and another thing—quite another thing—for it actually to be what it professes to assert itself . In Mr . Banking ' s volume we lind a good deal to admire , and some lines of great merit and beauty . He is a little unequal , and sometimes forced , but we think that wc are ? not wrong in