Misconduct In A Lodge

less pit . " However , the sentence of suspension as against the Lodgo was removed , the Warrant was returned to the R . W . M ., and the P . G . Lodgo closed . The matter was then referred to the Grand Lodge , and at the Quarterly

Communication held on t th May , on tho motion of Bro . W . Officer seconded by Bro . Daniel Robertson , it was resolved , by a large majority , that tho sentence of suspension be removed , and it has been removed accordingly .

Shall we offer any comments on these disgraceful proceedings or leave them , as they are , in all their naked infamy ? We prefer the latter plan , and shall merely add that tho course of action adopted by Grand Lodge

Scotland is as contemptible as apparently it is inexplicable . The Lodge , in which a tithe of what we have described is possible , should be struck off the roll with all imaginable publicity .

Masonic Portraits. (No. 51.)

MASONIC PORTRAITS . ( No . 51 . )

A GEAND STEWAED . " Give me that man That is not passion ' s slave , and I will wear him In my heart's core , ay , in my heart of heart , As I do thee . "

IT is well nigh impossible to express in fitting terms our admiration for those who pursue the tenour of their way quietly and unostentatiously , rendering services wherever they are most sorely needed , supporting institutions of a beneficent character which it is known most

urgently require support , and generally doing these acts of kindness , which are , perhaps , more frequently observed in theory than in practice . It is undeniable that Freemasons as a body have eminently distinguished themselves in the field of charity . We in England , for example , have erected

and support three magnificent institutions ; and the amount of good they have clone in alleviating the distresses of aged members and widows of members , as well as in promoting the welfare of the orphan , is incalculable . It is unfortunately true , and all who are acquainted with the

inner life of Freemasonry will verify our statement , that the credit of supporting these Institutions is not shared equally among all Craftsmen . There are many brethren who never trouble themselves about the obligations they have contracted . They have the means , but not the will to

contribute , and under these circumstances they have no part in the credit which belongs to our Society . But when we have struck these out of the reckoning , we shall find a large majority of members who practise that particular virtue of Charity which is so strenuously enjoined on them

from their very entrance into our ranks . And , albeit the motives which actuate this majority , may vary in degree and character ; though some may give from a regard for selfinterest , and others for the sake of ostentation , still the general result is worthy of the highest praise , and is so recognised by the world at large .

Among the many liberal and conscientious supporters of our Charitable Institutions there is one who , without fear of giving offence , may be selected as a pattern for imitation by the general body . We do not say there are no other brethren whose services are not as efficient , or whose

zeal is not as conspicuous ; but go into what Lodge or what Province we may and it will be difficult to find one who more fully and faithfully represents the ideal of a thorough Mason . It may be he has no special aptitude above his fellows for tlie peculiar duties of the Lodge ,

though he has achieved distinction in more than one , as well as in the Province in which he resides . We may not claim for him that he is a brilliant expositor of our mysteries . He knows , of course , as all who are Masons know , that the system of morality , which we call Freemasonry , is

veiled in allegory , and illustrated by symbols . He understands the allegory , and can explain the meaning and application of the various symbols , but we have never heard that he has devoted any time to the study of the more hidden mysteries of our Science . This , indeed , is not to

be wondered at . His labours have taken quite a different direction . The bent of his mind is practical rather than philosophical , and he has generously illustrated the beauties

of our Masonic system in the domain of Charity , instead of in that of scientific research . He no doubt felt , if he gave the matter any thought at all—and the native earnestness which distinguishes him forbids us supposing he ever did

Masonic Portraits. (No. 51.)

so—we say , ho no doubt felt his services would bo productive of greater benefit to the Society if they wero directed principally towards strengthening and confirming our Schools and Benevolent Institution , and so making them a more efficient means for aiding the poor orphan and aged and

distressed craftsmen or their widows . That he made a just selection hardly admits of any question . Being independent as regards business or profession , ho has ample timo at his disposal . Holding a good social position , he brings to his work broad and generous views ; while of his zeal and

energy we have the strongest possible evidence in the fact that , though resident in the vicinity of Leeds , he is never absent from his post in London . We do not think we are over-stating the case if we say , that never a fortnight passes but our worthy brother will be found in the region

of Freemasons' Hall , either awaiting the call to duty or enjoying the pleasures of light social converse , when the labours of the day have been accomplished . This is the class of men we want—and , fortunately , we can boast of several such—men who have the time , the will and the

energy to devote in furtherance of the practical interests of Freemasonry . With such as these no sacrifice of time or pleasure , no amount of labour , no difficulty is ever allowed to serve as a bar to their determination to make the Institutions they serve so loyally as complete models of

excellence as possible . The business to be transacted may be formal in its character , but that is no sufficient reason why such a one should not take part in it . His duty , the duty he has solemnly undertaken , with the resolution to discharge it thoroughly , is to help , all he can , to place and maintain our

Institutions in good working order , and he fulfils it admirably , at no matter what cost of personal convenience . Not only as a Vice-Patron , but more particularly as a member of the House Committee of the Boys' School , he takes , of necessity , a leading part in the conduct of its affairs . The

cares and responsibilities which devolve on the members of this governing body are of a serious character . With them rests the initiation of all measures necessary to the internal economy of the Institution . By them are originated some of the most important measures . It is thev who are

brought more immediately into contact with the educational and domestic staffs . It is their duty to inquire more particularly into the daily life of the School . Though subordinate to the General Committee and Quarterly Court of Governors and Subscribers , and liable , therefore , to have

their proposals over-ruled or rejected , they aro none the less , by reason of their greater practical acquaintance with the working of the Institution , more justly entitled to be considered in the light of the Administrative . This fully bears out what we have said that tho cares and

responsibilities attendant on the position our brother occupies are of a peculiarly important character . Indeed , it would be difficult to estimate the amount of harm that might befall the School in the event of the House Committee being

inefficient in the discharge of its functions . As showing , further , the confidence which is resposed in him by the several Committees of the Institution , we must add that he is one of the four Trustees of the General Fund .

Moreover , there is one other branch of duty in which he exhibits a great and laudable interest . The system in force at our English boarding schools of high class may not be as perfect perhaps as the admirers of our educational system might desire , but the general course of instruction is

admirably calculated to fit boys for the duties of life . But there is , in unfortunately too many of our scholastic establishments , an utter disregard shown for speaking our native language . Boys are taught to read as well as to write , and if they pronounce their words fairly well , the reading

passes current . But no care is taken to cultivate a boy ' s elocutionary powers . He is left to himself to find out how best he may deliver what he is called upon to say . He may deliver it in a sing-song monotonous tone . He may eject whole sentences , as it were , in a single breath . He is left

to find out for himself when to raise or lower his voice , where to accentuate a word with more or less emphasis . In short , if he has a natural taste for reading aloud , if he is quick at understanding what he reads , and if , in addition , he has a tolerably flexible voice , then he may chance to turn

out a good reader , one who will not weary his audience by the indistinctness or rapidity of his utterance , or by tho flatness , the monotony , or the stridency of his elocution .

Now , in most schools , this is left to chance ; but in our Boys' School , thanks to the liberality of our worthy brother , a prize is annually given to the boy who exhibits tbe greatest skill as an elocutionist , and the result is in the