Freemasonry—Past And Present.

until 1702 , as most modern writers are so anxious to persuade ns that it did , we should have been in possession of such lodge minutes as they yet have in Scotland , and the proof of its having passed

into a private association of a different character , is confirmed by such documents as we have , as well as the absence of such as we ought to have had . "

The same accomplished writer also observes that it is very unlikely that the Master Mason ' s degree is a fabrication of 1717 , and says that " there is nothing whatever to saddle such a gross imposition upon either the "Ancients" or

" Moderns " beyond the fact that mention of it has not been found in the operative lodges of Scotland , and this I consider goes for very little indeed . " We think the latter statement " goes for little indeed / 5 but certainly not the fact that the

third degree is never mentioned in the operative records of ( Scotland , a country which possesses the best collection of old Masonic Minute Boolcs known , and besides which the evidence upon which the third degree is proved to be modem , ( as a degree ) is far from being confined to that Masonic country .

We are to be privileged with reading some of the evidences a " Masonic Student" has been collecting respecting the antiquity of our Order . These will doubtless be both valuable and interesting , as few Masons are better qualified to treat

the subject , and as we may reasonably expect Bro . Hyde Clarke will also continue his important observations on the "English Guilds / 5 and on Masonry generally , we shall think with him that though " there is much that is now dark and

mysterious to be lighted up ; yet it is not unattainable in the present progress of research . ' We shall also hope that the future of the " Masonic Archasological Institute" will chronicle important advantages in that respect . At least we have the

promise of several articles or papers which augurs well for the approaching Masonic season . It is pleasant also to witness the originator of the "Notes and Queries ' department , ( viz ., Bro . Hyde Clarke ) , again contributing to that interesting and useful feature in the MAGAZINE .

Having paved our way for a few words on the History of Freemasonry , we purpose as soon as we are able to refer to the three following subjects respectively , and will promise to maintain only what has evidence to support it , condemn what is opposed to facts , and consider what appears pro-

Freemasonry—Past And Present.

bable , although not established , respecting the origin of our Order . We anticipate our thoughts will arrange themselves as follows : — 1 . Operative and Speculative Freemasonry

before A . D . 1716 . 2 . The Eevival of Freemasonry . 3 . Masonic Historians and the Facts of Freemasonry . As each division will be completed in a single

number of the FEEEHASONS 5 MAGAZINE , we shall be excused doing more than to give bare outlines of the evidences accumulated on each subject , leaving it to brethren who are more iavc-Tirabry circnmstanced than ourselves to continue the interesting investigation .

An Initiation In Paris.

AN INITIATION IN PARIS .

By LL W . L . L Hotel du Grand Orient de France is situated in the Rue Cadet ; it is a large rambling place , but architecturally far inferior to our new Hall in Great Queen-street . Many lodges meet there .

In April last I had the pleasure of visiting " Les Admirateurs de TUnivers " ( No . 4 ) , and was fortunate enough to " assist 55 at the reception of four profanes ; and think a short account of the ceremony may interest some of the readers of the

MAGAZINE . At the appointed time for the reception of visitors ( after the minutes had been read ) , I was admitted and escorted to a seat on the dais as a

S . P . R . C , The room itself was about the same size as those used by private lodges in Great Queen-street , and equally devoid of decoration . The Venerable was seated in tho east , facing the door , on either side of which was a pillar—one

bearing the letter B ., the other J . In front of these sat the Surveillants ( wardens ) . The other officers were an Orator , Secretary , Treasurer , Hospitaller , Experts ( deacons ) ,, Master of the Ceremonies , and Inner Guard . The

Apprentices and Compagnons only wore aprons , and these were of an identical pattern , of plain white leather , semi-circular , and very small . The Masters wore a broad blue sash , reversible ; the other side being black , and bearing emblems peculiar to the

degree . The officers wore collars and jewels only , and every one held a drawn sword . The greater part of the ritual was read by the Venerable .