Masonic Jottings.—No. 15.

TRUE THEORY OE THE ORIGIN OP SPECULATIVE j MASONRY . It is only by what Sir William Hamilton terms modified Logic , that we must expect to see the true theory of the origin of Speculative Masonry

satisfactorily established . —Fragmentary Excerpts of Masonic Correspondence , 1867 . PROOF OF A TRADITION . Proof of a Tradition ordinarily is by the writing , printed or manuscript , of persons who lived at the

time when the tradition is alleged to have existed . ROMAN , FRENCH , AND GERMAN EDIFICES . A correspondent inquires what were the last laa-ge edifices in France and Germany , supposed

to have been built by Roman architects and Masons , and what were the first supposed to have been built by French and German Architects and Masons . DEVELOPEMENT . —GRAFTING .

These words seem to indicate two different theories the former , a theory of an origin from within ; the latter , a theory of an origin from without . But is it altogether clear that the notions of the respective authors are in reality unlike ?

Masonic Notes And Queries.

MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES .

THE OEDE & OB THE TEMPLE . I have the honour to be one of the Commissioners for England under tbe treaties of uniformity , and noticing the observations of Bro . Yarker , at page 268 , I may call to his recollection a MS . of mine , in which all the suggestions made b" E Templi" (

exy ques cepting as to costume ) have been long since submitted by me for consideration in the proper quarter . I have no doubt that the jewel of the Scottish Templars was originally ( about 1800 ) a black cross with a white orle , and was an identical copy of the old cross of the Teutonic Order ; shortly afterwards it was charged

with a red cross , upon the suggestion of a distinguished brother , who then took a prominent interest in the Scottish Masonic Templars ; afterwards it was surmounted with a crown ( adopted from the Ordredu-Temple of France ) for the higher grades of the Order , and the whole combination appears to me to

form a handsome-looking badge . Some time since a correspondent of the Magazine asserted that it was an original jewel , and , on my requesting his authority , lie told your readers that it would be found in " Favme's Theatre of Honour , ' ' hook ix ., page 7 , where I do not find it . I hope he may see this , as he will probably desire to

explain . A considerable amount of investigation leads me to the belief that the jewel badge of the early Templars was a red patriarchal cross , differing perhaps in size and manner of wearing , according to . grade . The white eight-pointed cross , charged with a red cross ^ a ^ ee and surmounted with a crown , which is now in part used amongst the English Templars , is

Masonic Notes And Queries.

the cross of the French Ordre-du-Temple , and was adopted by the English Order some years ago , although the usurpation was protested against by the French at the time . It is a very handsome jewel , but I hardly think its adoption justifiable . A handsome engraved cross of the period anterior to the establishment of a Supreme Grand Council 33 ° is known iu

the Baldwin Encampment , Bristol . This allusion , en passant , leads to a doubt whether the high degrees have behaved very well to the Templars , seeing the generous concessions which were made by the latter , and without which the high grades in this country must have " melted into air—into thin air . " They are

deeply indebted to the honest and generous consideration of the Templars , and ought most gladly to welcome an alliance with the Order which preserved and perpetuated the very grades over which they sought to preside , and surrendered them with an unselfish liberality , which was immediately rewarded with

ungrateful repudiation . If ever a noble disregard was exhibited under circumstances which would fully justify a resumption of their rights , that great and dignified indifference must be credited to the Templars of England . I hope this is now being rectified . What is Bro . Tarker ' s objection to the Scottish jewels , and

what other would he recommend ? I believe , on all main points , I agree with him ; and I think he agrees with me in opposing all theatrical descriptions of costume of every sort and kind . I think much of Brother Yarker ' s opinion , and I feel sure he will agree with me that it would not be profitable to enter upon a discussion of the claims of an Order with which we are in no way brought in contact and which , as I believe , is at at present

entirely abeyant . Indeed my only intention was to call Bro . Yarker ' s attention to my view of the position which I thought he intended to put , and in which I feel no doubt he concurs . As an archajological question I should much like to see the Charter placed in competent hands in this country for careful examination ; this however is , I fear , impossible , and , without

it , all speculation as to the personal views of Larmenius ( if he ever existed ) , and all argument upon the ease with which a fist of Grand Masters may be invented , will be useless . If the Charter be genuine all our theories melt away . I have simply intended to say , and I still say , that the anathema contained in the Charter is a much greater indication of its authenticity than otherwise . A curious instance of ingenious argument was exhibited some years since in the

effort to prove that the remains of one of our kings did not lie in the place indicated by the royal tomb . The reasons advanced were so cogent , and the deductions so forcible , that it was considered proved beyond doubt . I have read the published statement , and must have felt that it was conclusive , if I did not know the sequelIt remained thus proved for some

. years , when a sceptical canon of the Cathedral induced the Chapter to test the fact by a simple expedient . They consented , the slab of the sarcophagus was raised , and the mortal remains of the majesty of England scattered the laborious arguments and ingenious theories to the winds . When I gaze on the

sculptured form of that King , who more than six centuries since was a guest in the proud halls of the Templars , I am reminded how necessary it is to be careful in too far pressing our own theories , and cautious of drawing too hasty conclusions . —Lurus .