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( orcorpsd'etat ) of France ; ( 3 ) theCompagnonage , theCompagnonsdelaTour , the Enfans de Salamon , or the Enfans de Maitre Jacques , & c , also all purely French . And this is certainly the great feature of Bro . Gould ' s work , which must commend it to the attention of the thoughtful and the studious in such old-world matters . It is true

that , thanks to other writers , some of us had heard of the Compagnonage , and had been struck with many of its peculiar characteristics . But no one before Bro . Gould , as a Masonic writer , has so probed and so brought out the subject ; no one has thus far placed before us , in such clear and speaking light , the remarkable similarities in the gross and in the

main , which exist between the Compagnonage and Craft Masonry . As we purpose to devote a second article to the consideration of the Compagnonage , & c , as revealed to us in Bro . Gould ' s effective history , we pass on to other points . One remark we think it well to make here before going on any further . In that general apathy in respect of Masonic literature ,

which prevails in all English-speaking lands , and that objection to publication , ( which within certain , limits deserves respect ) , some of our worthy , but " too scrupluous , " brethren may , as in other days , profess to think that in some matters as connected with the peculiar ceremonial of the Compagnons and the Masonic Legend , & c , & c , Bro . Gould has touched too closely on

the " Aporreta . " But we must remind all such critics that Bro . Gould , when writing a History of Freemasonry , is practically almost between Scylla and Charybdis . If he says too much he is denounced by " gentle dulness ,- " if he says too little he is found fault with by loud-voiced criticism . Those who are non-Masons will be none the wiser for Bro . Gould ' s really careful

and well-chosen words ; those who are Freemasons must read between the lines . But since many of the unwise publications of Dr . Oliver , which are much to be deplored , and the free and open discussion of Masonic antiquities , & c , as in America and Germany for instance , Masonic historians , if their works are to be read , are to be up to the times , are to

survive , must write much which previously would not have been written , and which , to say the truth , had better be kept back from a profane audience . However , we are dealing confessedly with a " crux , " which Bro . Gould , if anyone can do il , is well able to solve and to settle . We agree with almost everything he has so well and so truly

written as regards the Collegia Romana , the Essenes , the Mysteria , the Culdees and the Ancient Charges . If here and there we entertain slight scintilla ; of difference , they are so slight as to constitute rather essential concurrence . As regards the Mysteries , for instance , we have long held that their traditions and effects may be traced in Freemasonry , though rather

as if by way of reflexion than of reality . The probation , the purification , the enlightenment , the initiation , ( muesis ) , of the Mysteries , constitute the cosmopolitan secret of all Hermetic associations , and all similar Sodalities . Much may be written on this interesting topic , and Bro . Gould puts the matter before us fairly and carefully . The Essenes had ,

no doubt , a hidden system of discipline and organization , of probation and recognition ; and whether they are the remains of a Maccabaiaii Fraternity , or are a purely Jewish Hermetic Sodality , they present in many points remarkable similarities with Freemasonry . As regards the Collegia Romana , much may be said , as we are still

altogether in the dark as to their " modus vivendi , agendi , et operandi . Bro . Gould has followed the best authorities on the subject , and especially the laborious Massmann , and the latest writings of Mr . Coote , and though some little exception may be fairly taken to the latter ' s too enthusiastic advocacy of the "Collegia , " as to actual facts and certain

statements , yet his main points are , no doubt , positively unimpeachable . Bro . Gould and the writer of this review were looking over Gruter the other day , when they came upon an inscription by the " Coll . Tignar " ( Carpenters ) , which mentioned six Scribae by name , as recorded elsewhere in this impression , thus confirming Mr . Coote ' s statement and Bro . Gould's remark as

to the " Scribae tn connection with the Collegia , a point on which a little doubt had been cast on an article on the Collegia in the " Masonic Monthly " for September , which see . We are not at all convinced , however , as to the admission of slaves into the Collegia , or as regards the Collegia Tenuiorum , —tenuis , in Latin , is not a slave , in any sense . It means a poor and humble

man , but not necessarily a slave ; and as there was a Collegium of freed-men at Rome , ( seethe" Masonic Monthly " for September ) , it appears to us , that Massmann ' s idea that slaves could be admitted into the Collegia is a mistake , unless indeed they were the " servi officinarii" often mentioned in inscriptions . Lobeck says slaves were admitted into the lesser mysteries in Greece ,

( a fact not at all clear ) , and in the Saturnalia great privileges were accorded to the slaves ; but remembering the Roman ideas on the subject we doubt the allegation . The provision as to monthly payments alluded to does not refer in the Digest to the Collegia Servorum at all . The Culdees , of whom little is , we apprehend , really known , have been dealt with a masterly hand

by Bro . Gould ; and he brings out certain facts as regards Athelstan and the Culdees , or Colidei , which will interest the York Masons . They were undoubtedly great builders , had special and secret customs , and , as Bro Gould remarks , many have held that Hermeticism came through them from the East . Under this head Bro . Gould has told us much of what many were

ignorant before . As regards the Charges , Bro . Gould s words are very clear and concise , and yet most full and elaborate . Amphibalus is , as he truly remarks only mentioned in "Adhabell"in Matthew Cooke's MS ., and as Amfibal in Krause . Englet is probably , as Bro . Gould points out , a repetition in the additional MS . for " Enclidnis . " The

Masonic Poem , a most remarkable MS ., with two " ordinaciones , " legends , " or " orders , " and a portion of a third , interpolated in the " Ars Quatuor , " is clearly the basis of the additional MS ., and if Mr . Bond's date is correct , they arc both about 1415 .- It may well be that a third and undiscovered Constitution is the parent of the . Lansdowne ,

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Dowland , & c . They must all , however , have had a common origin , and if " Pars Oculi" ever turns up , we shall be better able to speak upon this point than we are now . Our brief and cursory remarks will show our readers what an extent of ground Bro . Gould has travelled over , and prove how much we are all indebted to him for a work so lucid and well arranged

so readable and so interesting , with which you are carried on to the last page , characterized as it is in all its parts by a most laudable anxiety to be correct and precise in all that concerns the genuineness and authenticity , whether of our Masonic traditions or our Masonic annals . Above all does Bro . Goulrl

handle effectively that Masonic archaeology of ours which sheds such a light on the past of our excellent Craft , and seems the more we dive into it , do what we will and say what we may , to carry it and us back to ancient days and to a hoar antiquity .

Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .

The monthly meeting of the General Committee of this institution was held on Saturday , the 2 nd inst ., at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Alfred Williams presiding . The other brethren present were Bros . J . Mason , Jno . L . Mather , Don M . Dewar , C . F . Matier , F . Adlard , Rev . Richard Morris , D . D ., ( Head Master ) , W . Paas , John M . Stedwell , Edgar Bowyer , Raynham W . Stewart , W . H . Saunders , and H . Massey , ( Freemason ) .

In consequence of the serious illness of Bro . F . Binckes , Secretary , and his necessary absence , the minutes were read by Bro . C . F . Matier . The names of two boys were removed from the October list , one by the wish of the boy ' s friends , whose circumstances had fortunately become more prosperous , and the other because the candidate had died .

Two petitions were examined , one for admission of a boy by election , and the other for admission by presentation from West Yorkshire . The former was in all respects regular and was passed : the latter was accepted subject to further documents being forwarded . One case was deferred . Bro . Matier informed the committee that Bro . Binckes was improving in

health , and that his medical man said he would be able to get out in a tortnight . He was moreover only just now able to leave his bed . A motion was passed and ordered to be entered on the minutes recording the satisfaction of the committee with the intelligence as to the improvement in Bro . Binckes ' s health . The committee then adjourned .

Grand Lodge Of Canada.

GRAND LODGE OF CANADA .

The Grand Lodge of Canada F . and A . M . began its twenty-seventh annual session at the Grand Opera House , London , Ontario , on July 12 th . The attendance of representatives was large , the Credential Committee having received no less than S 8 9 voting papers , of which 659 were represented in person , and 230 by proxies . The accommodations furnished , and the adaptability of the Opera House as a place of meeting , were spoken of

as first-class , and were apparently highly appreciated by the members of the Grand Lodge . The address of the M . W . Grand Master , Bro . James Moffatt , was interesting and instructive . The address was referred to the Board of General Purposes to report upon , and copies of the same were distributed among the members . The report of the Board upon the condition of Masonry speaks favourably of the Order throughout the jurisdiction . Among other matters they find that as the Grand Lodge increases in years

and prosperity , so the condition of Masonry within the Dominion increases in usefulness and good fellowship with each other ; and several lodges , for which warrants have been granted at the last annual communication have been regularly constituted , and their rooms in many cases elegantly furnished and properly dedicated and consecrated . They observe with pride the dedication of a Masonic Temple of the city of London , Canada , which is a grand monument erected by the liberality of the London brethren . On the subject of dues and suspension the Grand Master remarks :

" In this country and in the United States there is a perfect rage for what are called Masonic Rites and Degrees , which at least prove that the want of money is not the cause , at least with some , that lodge dues are not paid . That being the case , it seems to me that it would not be asking too much , and even insisting upon , if we as Craft Masons are expected to in any way recognise these rites or grades of Masonry , to ask that candidates should in every instance be affiliated and in good standing with some blue lodge . " He further asserts :

"That if this suggestion was adopted and carried out by the different rites , that it would have a most beneficial effect in teaching all candidates for higher degrees that Ancient Cralt Masonry was the foundation of all Masonry , and as such their members must retain their connection with that body . " The Grand Master bespeaks a careful consideration of the subject of dues and suspensions , for the latter are becoming far too plentiful , being

nearly equal to the number of gains from all other sources . In his opinion a remedy could easily be found for this state of things in a general compromise by a payment of , say ten dollars , by all Masons whose date of suspension goes beyond ten years , and five dollars for those under ten years , and under this arrangement the Grand Lodge to relinquish their portion of the claims against suspended Masons ; and if upon inquiry by a committee

from the several lodges Masons are found whose characters are good , and are unable to pay the sums named , through poverty or distress , that the claims against them be cancelled and they be invited to visit their respective lodges as formerly . In many cases the dues have run on so long that it is utterly hopeless to expect that they will ever be paid , except in the way proposed .

The report of Bro . Otto Klotz , Chairman of the Benevolent Committee , deals with the statistics of this fund for several years past . From his showing it is gleaned that 44 brothers , 216 widows , 27 orphans , and 16 local boards were granted relief to the amount of 9940 dollars . There are 3 ° 3 parties on the benevolent fund for 1882 . The funds of the Grand Lodge

have increased during the year 1797 dollars 31 cents . An address of welcome was presented to the Grand Body , signed by all the Worship ful Masters , and on behalf of the Cralt in London . Warrants were granted to four lodges working under dispensation located severally at VViaston , Brigden , Victoria-road and Harrietsville . Ottawa was selected as the next place oi meeting . — Masonic Review .