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Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1 Article To Correspondents. Page 1 of 1 Article Untitled Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1 Article REVIEWS Page 1 of 1 Article REVIEWS Page 1 of 1 Article Masonic Notes and Queries. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ad00706
MASONIC MUSIC—A Beautiful Service , admirably arranged for the Three Degrees by Bro . John Hall , Marquis of Lome Lodge , No . 1354 , Leigh , Lancashire . Lodges supplied in quantity . One Shilling each , net . Post free , Thirteen Stamps . GEORGE KENNING , 16 & iG . v , GREAT OUEEN STREET , LONDON , W . C . '
To Correspondents.
To Correspondents .
An interesting account of the opening of the Sheldonian Theatre , from the London Gazette of 1 G 69 , will appear in our next week's Notes . LEX , BRISBANE . —Considered unadvisable to publish , as not Masonic in tone and temper . H . H . RIACH . —Under consideration . The following stand over : —Suffield Lodge , No . 1 S 0 S , and North London Chapter of Improvement . " j
BOOKS , & c , RECEIVED . "Die Bauhutte , " ' * Jewish Chronicle , " "El . Porvcnir , " " New York Dispatch , " "Sunday Times " ( New York ) , " Report of the Grand Lodgeof Indiana , " "Hull Packet , " "Royal Cornwall Gazette , " " Freemasons' Chronicle , " " Broad Arrow , " "Liberal
Freemason , " " Lc Moniteur de la Chance Universelle , " " Victorian Freemason , " "Victorian Masonic Journal , " "Court Circular , " " Proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Canada , " "Metropolitan , " "Freemasons' Repository , " "Allen's Indian Mail , " " La Espana Masonica , " " La Abeja , " " Western Daily Mercury , " " Tricycling Journal . "
Ar00707
Mreg | asoi § Ballsg'fegSS ^ S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 13 , 1884 .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
£ VVedo not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion , ]
HOME FOR SISTERS . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , In the Freemason of August 23 rd you mention the establishment of a " Home for Sisters " to be erected by the German brethren , and announce that the fund
amounts to 30 , 000 marks . This last statement is not quite right . The fund is about 100 , 000 marks , and will be increased probably in these days by the members of the "Union of German Freemasons" at further 15 , 000 marks . By inserting this you will greatly oblige , Yours fraternally , ADOLF OBER 1 MECK . Ulzin , Hanover , September 4 th .
THE GRAND LODGE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , In your issue of the 14 th June last you were pleased to notice the establishment of the Grand Lodge of South Australia , as reported in the South Australian Register of tbe iSth April . You say " We should have ourselves augured better for the reality of the movement , and the stability of
the venture , if we had not noted the absurd statements by many itinerant agitators . To one we called attention sometime back , but no response has come from the Antipodes , namely , the bold assertion of the contributions of the brethren of the English lodges in South Australia to benevolence , those contributions in fact representing the admirable figure of 0 . " The term itinerant agitators may not have been meant offensively , but it is not a pleasant
epithet as applied to brethren , who honestly believe that they have acted in the interest of an overwhelming majority of the Craft in the Colony . " The report of the proceedings in connection with the establishment of the Grand Lodge of South Australia , " of which copies have been forwarded to you , gives a full and correct statement of the whole of the proceedings in connection with the movement from the very commencement , exactly a year ago , and I venture to
say that no unprejudiced person could read this report without giving the South Australian brethren credit for true Masonic conduct , due respect for constituted authorities , obedience to our ancient land-marks , respectful consideration for the feelings and opinions of others , and yet firmness in acting in a rig hteous cause . I know of only one public utterance that in any way warrants your strictures upon us as regards the question of Benevolence , and ,
curiously enough , this unique expression of opinion , which has to some extent brought disgrace upon us , comes from the Master of the only lodge in the Colony of the English Constitution which refused to join the movement . You quote Bro . Ingleby ' s remarks in -your issue of ist March ; these remarks were of course made in ignorance . The Mount Gambier Lodge , o £ which Bro . Ingleby is Master , is a small country lodge situated nearly three hundred miles from the
city , and as its Oflicers and members have but scant opportunity of making themselves acquainted with the business of Freemasonry outside their own lodge , the blunder may be considered a venial one . The lodge , at the instigation of Bro . Ingleby , have resolved not to join the South Australian Grand Lodge until recognition is accorded by the Grand Lodge of England . Although the District Grand Lodges of the English Constitution in the Colonies do not contribute
to your Charitable Institutions , a very considerable amount of money is annually paid to the general funds of the Grand Lodge of England by way of certificate and joining fees . During the last twelve months the sum of £ 153 has been forwarded to the Grand Secretary from the District Grand Lodge of South Australia—I quote from District Grand Lodge Books . The leaders of the Craft in the Colony have not urged this as a strong motive for the severance . Other
and far more important reasons influenced their action , the election by the members of the head of the Craft being not the least important ; this boon is particularly appreciated by the brethren recently belonging to the English Constitution , who have for nearly a quarter-of a century been ruled over by a brother who has been singularly successful in niaking himself the most unpopular man in the Craft . Appointed in the first instance against the expressed wishes of the brethren , he has been nothing but obstructive ever since , and
Original Correspondence.
the peace and prosperity of the Craft were only obtained when pressure was brought to bear to compel him to place the actual government of the District in the hands of his Deputy . His attempt on several occasions to interfere with the authority so delegated has been productive of confusion and discord .
You further say The English Grand Lodge , of course , is not likely to seek to put any impediment in the way of such a deliberative enunciation of Masonic opinion . " 1 sincerely trust and believe that your prediction is a true one , but I do demur to the succeeding statement , " for it the matter ends . " VVe not only seek fraternal recognition , but co-operation , correspondence , and mutual support , and we shall not be satisfied merely with a blessing that at the
same time bids us depart . With regard to Benevolence , your Masonic brethren in the Colony have not been behindhand in affording assistance to thc distressed and needy amongst the Fraternity , and it is a fact that of the considerable amount of money expended yearlyjin relief , nine-tenths of it have been given to Masons hailing from England , Ireland , and Scotland , who have not in any way been connected with our lodges . VVe are still
continuing this , and I trust the day is far distant when a poor and distressed brother , come from where he may , will apply to the Charity of South Australian Masons in vain . In the concluding paragraph of your notice you quote from the Sydney Freemason . Without wishing to accuse you of being disingenuous , I must say that this is calculated to mislead and possibly to harm our cause ; the Sydney Freemason is published in another Colony , and has nothing
whatever to do with us , and does not at all represent our views ; it would be almost as fair for you to quote from the Pope's Encyclical Letter as evidence against us . No word has ever emanated from our Masonic press , or from any other source , derogatory to the Grand Lodge of England , for which we all have the most sincere respect , admiration , and esteem . The following extract from the speech of our Most VVorshipful Grand Master at his installation will
convey better than I can write the feelings and opinions of all the Masons of South Australia on this matter : — "I have never heard , and never expect to hear , from a South Australian Mason , onedisloyal or unfraternal word respecting the Grand Lodges under whose warrants we have hitherto worked . VVe shall always be proud of the three sourcesof the ever-widening stream of South Australian Masonry . The English , Irish , and Scotch Constitutions , to which we have
now ceased to be subordinate , but from which we hope never to be severed in friendship , will continue to be regarded by us with much the same feelings as in after life we have for the homes of our youth , with the same affection as we who have become South Australians will always retain for our Mother Countrv—for our Fatherland . "
Trusting that your well-known character for fairness and true Masonic conduct will ensure the insertion of this letter , —I am , dear Sir and Brother , Yours fraternally , JAMES H . CUNNINGHAM , Grand Sec , Grand Lodge of South Australia . Adelaide , S . A ., July 30 th , 18 S 4 .
Reviews
REVIEWS
EGYPT : AND THE WONDERS OF THE LAND OF THE PHARAOHS . By WILLIAM OX LEV . London : Trubner and Co ., 18 S 4 . This work is largely the result of a visit made by the author to Egypt . He was convinced , after seeing the sculptures of many of the temples , " that there was , and is , an affinity between ancient Egypt and modern Great Britain , which had either been unseen or ignored by
previous authors on this deeply interesting subject , " that is to say , as stated in another part of the work , " that Egypt , being the birthplace of the British nation , and consequently its inheritance . " This would alone be sufficient to startle sober-minded students , but the author is a believer in the inspiration of the Great Pyramid , spiritualism , what is called theosophy , and the rest—therefore , many things which have presented difficulties for ages he would have us
believe are now cleared up . For centuries the scientific world has been _ groping about in utter darkness ; but now there is light , if only the world will follow in the path of Mr . Oxley and others who think as he does ! What vanity there is in all such books as this ! Yet what do they really teach us ? What new fact is there to lay hold of ? We are bound to confess we have found none . The author ' s knowledge of
the s pecial literature of Egyptian studies , and other subjects he treats of , is small , and he has evidently not " covered the ground , " so to speak , nor does this indeed seem to be required from him—where there is a difficulty the Psychological Key , if applied , will open the lock . Once et this be admitted and there is a wide field for speculation , —we would rather say imagination—to which there is literally no end . Deeper study and more
reading will probably cause Mr . Oxley to modify many of his ideas . Apparently he is unacquainted with the works of the late Dr . Inman , Colonel Forlong , and others . Mr . Oxley makes a number of statements with regard to ancient history and other matters which will startle the more thoughtful of hia readers , based , we think , on error . His quotations , except where he refers to Egyptian texts , in most instances
are taken and his praise is given to works of very inferior merit—if of any merit at all . Should these works survive the wear of time , it will not be as marking any epoch in the course of thought , but they will only do so in the opinion of scholars as curiosities , showing how far diseased minds of speculative dreamers will run loose when there is no serious stud y or competent knowledge to restrain them .
CALENDRIER MACONNIQUE DU GRAND ORIENT DE FRANCE . I SS 4 . "' IC , Rue Cadet , Paris . By this official publication , now in its 112 th year of issue , it would seem as if there were still 294 lodges under the Grand Orient of France , 3 G chapters , 1 consistory , and 1 Grand College of Rites—in all -uo bodies . . Of these
66 lodges , chapter , and conseils are in Paris j 13 in the Department of the Seine ; 20 S in the various Departments of France ; 12 in Al geria ; 11 in French colonies ; and 28 in foreign countries . We were curious to see in what foreign counties these lodges were , and we find in the list Spain , Greece , Roumania , Wallachio , Nedelavia , Switzer-
Reviews
and , Turkey , Egypt , Mauritius , Argentine Confederation , and the Republics of Chili and Uruguay . VVe should be afraid from what we hear that French Freemasonry is losing yearly a large number of its respectable members , and its position , numerically and socially , has greatly deteriorated of late years . We are very sorry for it ; but at present there is no hel p for it , and nothing can be done to rally the minority of French Freemasons . If the French Freemasons
do not take heed some fine day , —oh ! most wonderful consummation of all things—a Republican Government will close the lodges . French Freemasonry can never be anything higher or better until it sets to work to do something seriously for charity , and to give up for ever sterile discussions and childish controversies on social , municipal , and political questions . We are struck with the little knowledge possessed in the Rue Cadet of the officials of the
Grand Lodge of England ; but we presume that it either arises from a difficulty of understanding English , or since the Masonic "entente cordiale" is at end , from that " re" froidissement" and " cloignement" which have arisen necessarily between the two jurisdictions . Some American Masonic writers hold that tlie Grand Orient of France by its deflection from , and desertion of Cosmopolitan principles has ceased to be a legal jurisdiction . VVe cannot quite see
that point as regards France , itself , though we can quite realize the fact , that if an ( Ecumenical Masonic Congress was to be holden , Anglo-Saxon Masonic bodies could rightly refuse to recognize the legal position of the Grand Orient of France . In fact , it is still a jurisdiction for France and French Freemasons , but dormant and defunct suicidally as regards all extern jurisdictions . VVe repeat we are sincerely sorry for the French Freemasons !
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
39 6 ] WORCESTER EXHIBITION * . The " Moira " apron which was exhibited at Worcester by Bro . John Lane , P . M . 1402 ( on behalf of the Torbay Lodge , Paignton ) , does not contain all the figures that are mentioned by Bro . H . T . Bobart ( Freemason ) May Sth , 1 S 75 . I had not noticed this difference until examining it
this week , and comparing the design with that recorded in 1 S 75 . The date also is March 13 th , 1 S 13 , 710 / January Gth ; so there were evidently two issues at least ot the printed apron . The one belonging to No . 135 S lacks "The Prince Regent , the Earl of Moira , and the Duke of Sussex , " but has the Earl of Moira at the head of the apron . W . J . HUGHAN .
397 J SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN . As a question has arisen as to who really designed the Sheldonian Theatre , 1 refer " A Worthy Brother at Oxford " to " Parentalia , " page 335 , where it is declared to be the " first public performance of the surveyor in architecture . " Reference is made to the opening of the theatre at page 337 ,
when a cross of gold is said to have been given to the architect , Sir C . Wren , and he was made joint curator with the Vice-Chancellor . Dr . Plot , in his Past History of Oxfordshire , is quoted , and perhaps "A Worthy Brother at Oxford" will see if he can cull any notes about Sir Christopher and the Freemasons' house . Anderson must have some authority for what he advances . 1 GNOTUS .
39 S ] The following references to letters , & c , of Sir Christopher Wren in the Tanner MSS ., in the Bodleian , at Oxford , may not be without interest to brother students ; they were forwarded by a " worthy brother there . "
MASONIC STUDENT . Tanner MSS . 340 295 About Sir C . Wren's fellowship at All Souls . 33 S 117 From Mr . Wren to Dr . Baylie , Vice-Chancellor , explaining why his cousin Wren stayed in Oxford , viz ., to assist at some observations to be made by the Earie of Sandwich , his desire .
' 55 ' 7 John Breton (?) writes from Eman . Col . Camb . to the Dean of St . Paul ' s about Dr . Wren ' s coming to Cambridge . 35 Same to same . Passing allusion to Dr . Wren . 37 Do . Do . Ci Do . Do . ios Do . Do . 106 Do . Dc .
142 21 The briele of the accompt of Sir Christopher Wrenne for the churches from Michal ., 1673 , toXmas , 1 C 77 . 42 64 From Humfr . Linden (?) to "Deare Mr . Deane . " A reference to Sir C . Wrenn going to Oxford to compete for the place of Burgess for the University . ( Dec . 15 , 1673 . ) 40 123 Letter signed " Chr . Wren , " dated Dec . 30 , 77 , to congratulate Dr . Sancroft on being
nominated Archbishop of Canterbury . 31 35 From Tho . Raffen (?) to " Your Grace" ( name not given ) , arranging for himself , S Ch . Wren , to meet His Majesty in the " Abby . " 44 101 . From Humfr . London , to Deare S ' - an allusion to Dr . Wren ' s succession to Sir John Denham . 145 no "Proposals toy ' right H ' ' IJ y Comissioncrs
for y Reparon of S . Pis . Cathedral . " 5 pages . Signed "Chr . Wren . " 115 Letter from Dr . Wren to Dr . Sancrof , dated May 7 . 117 Do . Do . Aug . s 145 127 Letter signed " Chr . Wren" to " Reverend Sr , " dated Nov . 29 th , iGGG .
129 "Advice to the Reverend the Deane and Chapter of St . Paul ' s concerning the ruines of that Cathedrall . " Unsigned , but apparently by Wren . 131 Another copy of the same , but in a different handwriting . 144 Letter from "C . Wren" to " IV ¦ S' -, " dated , April 2 Sth , iGGS .
145 Do . Do . May 24 th , iGGS . 171 From "Chr . Wren " to " S' * -, " Sept . iG , 1 C 71 1 S 3 From John T ilhson to Dr . Sancroft , with passintr allusion to Dr . Wren . **" 1 S 5 From John Tillison ( superscri ption torn off ) passing allusion to Dr , Wren .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ad00706
MASONIC MUSIC—A Beautiful Service , admirably arranged for the Three Degrees by Bro . John Hall , Marquis of Lome Lodge , No . 1354 , Leigh , Lancashire . Lodges supplied in quantity . One Shilling each , net . Post free , Thirteen Stamps . GEORGE KENNING , 16 & iG . v , GREAT OUEEN STREET , LONDON , W . C . '
To Correspondents.
To Correspondents .
An interesting account of the opening of the Sheldonian Theatre , from the London Gazette of 1 G 69 , will appear in our next week's Notes . LEX , BRISBANE . —Considered unadvisable to publish , as not Masonic in tone and temper . H . H . RIACH . —Under consideration . The following stand over : —Suffield Lodge , No . 1 S 0 S , and North London Chapter of Improvement . " j
BOOKS , & c , RECEIVED . "Die Bauhutte , " ' * Jewish Chronicle , " "El . Porvcnir , " " New York Dispatch , " "Sunday Times " ( New York ) , " Report of the Grand Lodgeof Indiana , " "Hull Packet , " "Royal Cornwall Gazette , " " Freemasons' Chronicle , " " Broad Arrow , " "Liberal
Freemason , " " Lc Moniteur de la Chance Universelle , " " Victorian Freemason , " "Victorian Masonic Journal , " "Court Circular , " " Proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Canada , " "Metropolitan , " "Freemasons' Repository , " "Allen's Indian Mail , " " La Espana Masonica , " " La Abeja , " " Western Daily Mercury , " " Tricycling Journal . "
Ar00707
Mreg | asoi § Ballsg'fegSS ^ S ATURDAY , S EPTEMBER 13 , 1884 .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
£ VVedo not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion , ]
HOME FOR SISTERS . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , In the Freemason of August 23 rd you mention the establishment of a " Home for Sisters " to be erected by the German brethren , and announce that the fund
amounts to 30 , 000 marks . This last statement is not quite right . The fund is about 100 , 000 marks , and will be increased probably in these days by the members of the "Union of German Freemasons" at further 15 , 000 marks . By inserting this you will greatly oblige , Yours fraternally , ADOLF OBER 1 MECK . Ulzin , Hanover , September 4 th .
THE GRAND LODGE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , In your issue of the 14 th June last you were pleased to notice the establishment of the Grand Lodge of South Australia , as reported in the South Australian Register of tbe iSth April . You say " We should have ourselves augured better for the reality of the movement , and the stability of
the venture , if we had not noted the absurd statements by many itinerant agitators . To one we called attention sometime back , but no response has come from the Antipodes , namely , the bold assertion of the contributions of the brethren of the English lodges in South Australia to benevolence , those contributions in fact representing the admirable figure of 0 . " The term itinerant agitators may not have been meant offensively , but it is not a pleasant
epithet as applied to brethren , who honestly believe that they have acted in the interest of an overwhelming majority of the Craft in the Colony . " The report of the proceedings in connection with the establishment of the Grand Lodge of South Australia , " of which copies have been forwarded to you , gives a full and correct statement of the whole of the proceedings in connection with the movement from the very commencement , exactly a year ago , and I venture to
say that no unprejudiced person could read this report without giving the South Australian brethren credit for true Masonic conduct , due respect for constituted authorities , obedience to our ancient land-marks , respectful consideration for the feelings and opinions of others , and yet firmness in acting in a rig hteous cause . I know of only one public utterance that in any way warrants your strictures upon us as regards the question of Benevolence , and ,
curiously enough , this unique expression of opinion , which has to some extent brought disgrace upon us , comes from the Master of the only lodge in the Colony of the English Constitution which refused to join the movement . You quote Bro . Ingleby ' s remarks in -your issue of ist March ; these remarks were of course made in ignorance . The Mount Gambier Lodge , o £ which Bro . Ingleby is Master , is a small country lodge situated nearly three hundred miles from the
city , and as its Oflicers and members have but scant opportunity of making themselves acquainted with the business of Freemasonry outside their own lodge , the blunder may be considered a venial one . The lodge , at the instigation of Bro . Ingleby , have resolved not to join the South Australian Grand Lodge until recognition is accorded by the Grand Lodge of England . Although the District Grand Lodges of the English Constitution in the Colonies do not contribute
to your Charitable Institutions , a very considerable amount of money is annually paid to the general funds of the Grand Lodge of England by way of certificate and joining fees . During the last twelve months the sum of £ 153 has been forwarded to the Grand Secretary from the District Grand Lodge of South Australia—I quote from District Grand Lodge Books . The leaders of the Craft in the Colony have not urged this as a strong motive for the severance . Other
and far more important reasons influenced their action , the election by the members of the head of the Craft being not the least important ; this boon is particularly appreciated by the brethren recently belonging to the English Constitution , who have for nearly a quarter-of a century been ruled over by a brother who has been singularly successful in niaking himself the most unpopular man in the Craft . Appointed in the first instance against the expressed wishes of the brethren , he has been nothing but obstructive ever since , and
Original Correspondence.
the peace and prosperity of the Craft were only obtained when pressure was brought to bear to compel him to place the actual government of the District in the hands of his Deputy . His attempt on several occasions to interfere with the authority so delegated has been productive of confusion and discord .
You further say The English Grand Lodge , of course , is not likely to seek to put any impediment in the way of such a deliberative enunciation of Masonic opinion . " 1 sincerely trust and believe that your prediction is a true one , but I do demur to the succeeding statement , " for it the matter ends . " VVe not only seek fraternal recognition , but co-operation , correspondence , and mutual support , and we shall not be satisfied merely with a blessing that at the
same time bids us depart . With regard to Benevolence , your Masonic brethren in the Colony have not been behindhand in affording assistance to thc distressed and needy amongst the Fraternity , and it is a fact that of the considerable amount of money expended yearlyjin relief , nine-tenths of it have been given to Masons hailing from England , Ireland , and Scotland , who have not in any way been connected with our lodges . VVe are still
continuing this , and I trust the day is far distant when a poor and distressed brother , come from where he may , will apply to the Charity of South Australian Masons in vain . In the concluding paragraph of your notice you quote from the Sydney Freemason . Without wishing to accuse you of being disingenuous , I must say that this is calculated to mislead and possibly to harm our cause ; the Sydney Freemason is published in another Colony , and has nothing
whatever to do with us , and does not at all represent our views ; it would be almost as fair for you to quote from the Pope's Encyclical Letter as evidence against us . No word has ever emanated from our Masonic press , or from any other source , derogatory to the Grand Lodge of England , for which we all have the most sincere respect , admiration , and esteem . The following extract from the speech of our Most VVorshipful Grand Master at his installation will
convey better than I can write the feelings and opinions of all the Masons of South Australia on this matter : — "I have never heard , and never expect to hear , from a South Australian Mason , onedisloyal or unfraternal word respecting the Grand Lodges under whose warrants we have hitherto worked . VVe shall always be proud of the three sourcesof the ever-widening stream of South Australian Masonry . The English , Irish , and Scotch Constitutions , to which we have
now ceased to be subordinate , but from which we hope never to be severed in friendship , will continue to be regarded by us with much the same feelings as in after life we have for the homes of our youth , with the same affection as we who have become South Australians will always retain for our Mother Countrv—for our Fatherland . "
Trusting that your well-known character for fairness and true Masonic conduct will ensure the insertion of this letter , —I am , dear Sir and Brother , Yours fraternally , JAMES H . CUNNINGHAM , Grand Sec , Grand Lodge of South Australia . Adelaide , S . A ., July 30 th , 18 S 4 .
Reviews
REVIEWS
EGYPT : AND THE WONDERS OF THE LAND OF THE PHARAOHS . By WILLIAM OX LEV . London : Trubner and Co ., 18 S 4 . This work is largely the result of a visit made by the author to Egypt . He was convinced , after seeing the sculptures of many of the temples , " that there was , and is , an affinity between ancient Egypt and modern Great Britain , which had either been unseen or ignored by
previous authors on this deeply interesting subject , " that is to say , as stated in another part of the work , " that Egypt , being the birthplace of the British nation , and consequently its inheritance . " This would alone be sufficient to startle sober-minded students , but the author is a believer in the inspiration of the Great Pyramid , spiritualism , what is called theosophy , and the rest—therefore , many things which have presented difficulties for ages he would have us
believe are now cleared up . For centuries the scientific world has been _ groping about in utter darkness ; but now there is light , if only the world will follow in the path of Mr . Oxley and others who think as he does ! What vanity there is in all such books as this ! Yet what do they really teach us ? What new fact is there to lay hold of ? We are bound to confess we have found none . The author ' s knowledge of
the s pecial literature of Egyptian studies , and other subjects he treats of , is small , and he has evidently not " covered the ground , " so to speak , nor does this indeed seem to be required from him—where there is a difficulty the Psychological Key , if applied , will open the lock . Once et this be admitted and there is a wide field for speculation , —we would rather say imagination—to which there is literally no end . Deeper study and more
reading will probably cause Mr . Oxley to modify many of his ideas . Apparently he is unacquainted with the works of the late Dr . Inman , Colonel Forlong , and others . Mr . Oxley makes a number of statements with regard to ancient history and other matters which will startle the more thoughtful of hia readers , based , we think , on error . His quotations , except where he refers to Egyptian texts , in most instances
are taken and his praise is given to works of very inferior merit—if of any merit at all . Should these works survive the wear of time , it will not be as marking any epoch in the course of thought , but they will only do so in the opinion of scholars as curiosities , showing how far diseased minds of speculative dreamers will run loose when there is no serious stud y or competent knowledge to restrain them .
CALENDRIER MACONNIQUE DU GRAND ORIENT DE FRANCE . I SS 4 . "' IC , Rue Cadet , Paris . By this official publication , now in its 112 th year of issue , it would seem as if there were still 294 lodges under the Grand Orient of France , 3 G chapters , 1 consistory , and 1 Grand College of Rites—in all -uo bodies . . Of these
66 lodges , chapter , and conseils are in Paris j 13 in the Department of the Seine ; 20 S in the various Departments of France ; 12 in Al geria ; 11 in French colonies ; and 28 in foreign countries . We were curious to see in what foreign counties these lodges were , and we find in the list Spain , Greece , Roumania , Wallachio , Nedelavia , Switzer-
Reviews
and , Turkey , Egypt , Mauritius , Argentine Confederation , and the Republics of Chili and Uruguay . VVe should be afraid from what we hear that French Freemasonry is losing yearly a large number of its respectable members , and its position , numerically and socially , has greatly deteriorated of late years . We are very sorry for it ; but at present there is no hel p for it , and nothing can be done to rally the minority of French Freemasons . If the French Freemasons
do not take heed some fine day , —oh ! most wonderful consummation of all things—a Republican Government will close the lodges . French Freemasonry can never be anything higher or better until it sets to work to do something seriously for charity , and to give up for ever sterile discussions and childish controversies on social , municipal , and political questions . We are struck with the little knowledge possessed in the Rue Cadet of the officials of the
Grand Lodge of England ; but we presume that it either arises from a difficulty of understanding English , or since the Masonic "entente cordiale" is at end , from that " re" froidissement" and " cloignement" which have arisen necessarily between the two jurisdictions . Some American Masonic writers hold that tlie Grand Orient of France by its deflection from , and desertion of Cosmopolitan principles has ceased to be a legal jurisdiction . VVe cannot quite see
that point as regards France , itself , though we can quite realize the fact , that if an ( Ecumenical Masonic Congress was to be holden , Anglo-Saxon Masonic bodies could rightly refuse to recognize the legal position of the Grand Orient of France . In fact , it is still a jurisdiction for France and French Freemasons , but dormant and defunct suicidally as regards all extern jurisdictions . VVe repeat we are sincerely sorry for the French Freemasons !
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
39 6 ] WORCESTER EXHIBITION * . The " Moira " apron which was exhibited at Worcester by Bro . John Lane , P . M . 1402 ( on behalf of the Torbay Lodge , Paignton ) , does not contain all the figures that are mentioned by Bro . H . T . Bobart ( Freemason ) May Sth , 1 S 75 . I had not noticed this difference until examining it
this week , and comparing the design with that recorded in 1 S 75 . The date also is March 13 th , 1 S 13 , 710 / January Gth ; so there were evidently two issues at least ot the printed apron . The one belonging to No . 135 S lacks "The Prince Regent , the Earl of Moira , and the Duke of Sussex , " but has the Earl of Moira at the head of the apron . W . J . HUGHAN .
397 J SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN . As a question has arisen as to who really designed the Sheldonian Theatre , 1 refer " A Worthy Brother at Oxford " to " Parentalia , " page 335 , where it is declared to be the " first public performance of the surveyor in architecture . " Reference is made to the opening of the theatre at page 337 ,
when a cross of gold is said to have been given to the architect , Sir C . Wren , and he was made joint curator with the Vice-Chancellor . Dr . Plot , in his Past History of Oxfordshire , is quoted , and perhaps "A Worthy Brother at Oxford" will see if he can cull any notes about Sir Christopher and the Freemasons' house . Anderson must have some authority for what he advances . 1 GNOTUS .
39 S ] The following references to letters , & c , of Sir Christopher Wren in the Tanner MSS ., in the Bodleian , at Oxford , may not be without interest to brother students ; they were forwarded by a " worthy brother there . "
MASONIC STUDENT . Tanner MSS . 340 295 About Sir C . Wren's fellowship at All Souls . 33 S 117 From Mr . Wren to Dr . Baylie , Vice-Chancellor , explaining why his cousin Wren stayed in Oxford , viz ., to assist at some observations to be made by the Earie of Sandwich , his desire .
' 55 ' 7 John Breton (?) writes from Eman . Col . Camb . to the Dean of St . Paul ' s about Dr . Wren ' s coming to Cambridge . 35 Same to same . Passing allusion to Dr . Wren . 37 Do . Do . Ci Do . Do . ios Do . Do . 106 Do . Dc .
142 21 The briele of the accompt of Sir Christopher Wrenne for the churches from Michal ., 1673 , toXmas , 1 C 77 . 42 64 From Humfr . Linden (?) to "Deare Mr . Deane . " A reference to Sir C . Wrenn going to Oxford to compete for the place of Burgess for the University . ( Dec . 15 , 1673 . ) 40 123 Letter signed " Chr . Wren , " dated Dec . 30 , 77 , to congratulate Dr . Sancroft on being
nominated Archbishop of Canterbury . 31 35 From Tho . Raffen (?) to " Your Grace" ( name not given ) , arranging for himself , S Ch . Wren , to meet His Majesty in the " Abby . " 44 101 . From Humfr . London , to Deare S ' - an allusion to Dr . Wren ' s succession to Sir John Denham . 145 no "Proposals toy ' right H ' ' IJ y Comissioncrs
for y Reparon of S . Pis . Cathedral . " 5 pages . Signed "Chr . Wren . " 115 Letter from Dr . Wren to Dr . Sancrof , dated May 7 . 117 Do . Do . Aug . s 145 127 Letter signed " Chr . Wren" to " Reverend Sr , " dated Nov . 29 th , iGGG .
129 "Advice to the Reverend the Deane and Chapter of St . Paul ' s concerning the ruines of that Cathedrall . " Unsigned , but apparently by Wren . 131 Another copy of the same , but in a different handwriting . 144 Letter from "C . Wren" to " IV ¦ S' -, " dated , April 2 Sth , iGGS .
145 Do . Do . May 24 th , iGGS . 171 From "Chr . Wren " to " S' * -, " Sept . iG , 1 C 71 1 S 3 From John T ilhson to Dr . Sancroft , with passintr allusion to Dr . Wren . **" 1 S 5 From John Tillison ( superscri ption torn off ) passing allusion to Dr , Wren .