Time's Changes.

TIME'S CHANGES .

rpHERE is always a risk of charitable institutions •* - changing their character in the course of time , even beyond the necessary modifications that circumstances demand . The history of the Charity Commissioners is full of instances of the transference of funds left for specific

purposes to other uses . It might be advanced with perfect truth that in some cases the spirit of the bequest has been violated , and donbts have arisen as to the future disposal of the gifts of donors . This uncertainty is calculated to have a deterrent effect npon the cause of charity ,

nnless care is taken in the disposal of funds left for clearly defined objects . On the other hand , it must be admitted that many abuses have grown up with time that needed reform in accordance with the spirit of the age . Where these changes have been carried out in a reverent manner

no one has a right to complain . Where , however , they have led to money that was left for one class being devoted to another , suspicion has been aroused and dissatisfaction expressed . Popular opinion has often been urged against the present method of the administration of Christ ' s

Hospital , in the City of London . It is alleged that it has become a foundation school for the sons of the comparatively well-to-do , and that only those , or chiefly those , who could otherwise afford to educate their ' children , reap the advantage . How far that accusation is sustained it is not

necessary now to consider ; it exists , and forms a very important factor in considering the whole question . It is true that time and circumstances have developed a middle class in this country for whom little or no provision has been made when misfortune has overtaken them . This

condition of things has been assigned as a reason for diverting funds left for educational purposes , but which had hitherto been devoted to the use of the very poor alone . The Church of England for many years past , and the Government of late years , have done a great deal to supersede the

necessity of private benevolence in the matter of the education of the poor , and this fact has been taken into account in dealing with the charitable bequests of olden time .

Admitting all that can be advanced m this respect , there is danger in disturbing the evident intentions of donors , unless it can be proved that abuses have so altered them as to demand reform .

Looking back to the time when Masonic Charities hegan to take a concrete form , it is quite clear that the knowledge of the poverty of some of the brethren was the mainspring of the action of the promoters , and their zeal was directed in making provision for those who were helpless .

In 1812 , Grand Lodge passed a resolution , providing for contributions , in the shape of a registration fee for every newly-made brother of five shillings in Lodges in London and Westminster , and of " two-and-sixpence in country , foreign , and military Lodges , " in aid of

the " Institution for clothing and educating the sons of deceased and indigent Ancient Freemasons . " About five years after the union of the "Ancients" and " Moderns , " the two funds devoted to the hel p of boys that , - had previously existed apart were amalgamated , and in a letter announcing that fact , dated

Time's Changes.

29 th May 1817 , " and signed " F . C . Daniel , " occurs the following very significant passage : " There are now upwards of forty promising boys imploring protection , and I am sorry to say some without a shoe ; what is still more

distressing , that unless we provide for them , they must remain in ignorance , linger through a life of wretchedness , without education or decent clothing , and exposed to the mercies of a wide world . " These references indicate the

character of the foundation of the Boys' Institution , and they should be borne in mind in dealing with its present condition . There is danger of forgetting old landmarks , of violating the spirit of the Charity . It is rig ht that altered circumstances should be taken into account , and it may

also be admitted that it is wise and prudent to move with the spirit of the times . But no change is warranted that is calculated to lessen the value of a fundamental principle . The Institution was founded for the poor , the indigent , the waifs , and the ignorant , and these still have

the first claim . The qualifications of candidates , as laid down in the laws , are fenced round with protections more or less in consonance with the foundation of the Institution . It is almost superfluous to insist upon a certificate from a Lodge to which a brother belonged to the effect

that at the time of bis enrolment he was in a position to warrant such a step . His admission was proof that the Lodge was satisfied as to his means ,, and it is hardly likely that they would express a contrary opinion ^ to their own discredit , especially in a case where an

object of Charity was involved . There is real force in the obligation that a Lodge shall certify that a brother ' s position has so changed in a pecuniary sense , or if dead , that his family are so reduced in circumstances , as to render his child a suitable candidate for the benefits of the

Charity . Even this condition is wide , and is open to a very liberal interpretation ; still , it goes upon the original lines , and recognises the broad fact that a candidate must need help before he can be admitted . The character of the claim , the degree of necessity , is left an open question ,

and an opportunity is afforded of bringing forward candidates who are not exactly poor , or without means , but whose claims rest upon the broad grounds that their fathers fulfilled all the conditions of the Craft , and that they or their friends , or both , were supporters of the Charities of

the Order . Membership and subscription do not confer a right to any one of the Institutions of the Fraternity . One is a necessary condition , the other gives power and moral influence . The right to relief is based upon poverty , and those who are poor have the first claim , accord ?

ing to their necessities . That ground is unassailable , and when departed from charity loses its strength and beauty . When rules of - admission were framed , the fact that there were degrees of claims was duly noted . There is a

provision for admitting a candidate npon the payment of a fixed sum , supposing room can be conveniently found . This rule conclusively establishes the theory of preferential claims , and the basis of preference is beyond doubt .

Last week reference was made to two cases , one of a boy named Collingwood , who had been admitted to the School , and subsequently removed after protest against his election on the ground that his mother was in possession of a considerable sum of money ; the other of a boy

Ad00102

JJJ _ L _ L fe ^ ( COMFORTING ) \ j \ J \ J \ JJ \ .,