The Secession Of The Grand Lodge Of Nova Scotia.

to them ; neither did they , iu any sense , occupy the province as a Masonic territory . The Masonic law upon this important and most interesting point has been clearly and fully established . In the discussion which occupied the earnest attention

of the ablest Masonic minds , not only of this continent but of Europe , at the time of the establishment ofthe Grand Lodge of Canada , this question Avas carefully , earnestly , and learnedly considered : and investigated . The dusty records of past

ages Avere consulted , the precedents of more recent periods Avere examined , and every argument that the learning or ingenuity of those interested in the inquiry could bring to bear upon the subject was brought forward and discussed .

We may say that the subject was exhausted , and the right of three or more warranted lodges ( meeting on unoccupied territory , and following certain recognised Masonic precedents ) to establish an independent Grancl Lodge , Avas fully xecognised and sanctioned .

"We have observed with much pleasure that the new Grand Lodge has already been recognised and acknowledged by several of her sister Grand Lodges , and Ave entertain no doubt but that , ere long , she will be similarly greeted by every Grand

Lodge in -the world . The Grand Lodges of England and Scotland may for a time feel hurt at the separation from them of their colonial subordinates , but their love of Masonry , their knowledge of Masonic law , and the conviction which

they must feel that such movements , when Masonically and properly carried out , are calculated to promote the true interests and objects of the Order , will soon reconcile them to Avhat was an inevitable consequence .

"The Grand Lodge of NoA a Scotia haA'ing ¦ been thus regularly formed , constituted , and recognised , it follows , as a necessary sequence , that she now holds supreme and undivided Masonic jurisdiction in that province . No foreign

authority ( and , in the sense in which we write , the Grand Lodges of Great Britain and Ireland are included ) can now issie Avarrants , grant charters , or exercise any Masonic authority Avithin that territory . The supervision of , and the

responsibility for , all Masonic acts and duties UOAV devolves upon the new Grand Lodge , and Ave rely Avith confidence upon a faithful and conscientious discharge by her of the important interests and duties she has assumed . The day is not far distant when the important question of one Grand

Lodge for the whole of these British American provinces must come up for discussion and settlement ; and we will conclude this present article by expressing , in the words of the learned and venerable Tucker , our earnest Avish thafc we may

yet see the Masonry of this continent firmly established on its own unsculptured Doric columns , as strong in its moral as are the pyramids in their physical strength . " NOAV , after making every allowance for local

feeling , Avhich often necessarily gives a partial tinge to discussion , Ave cannot help thinking * that our contemporary is too sanguine as to the policy and expediency of the very serious step Avhich has been taken by our brethren in Nova Scotia . We

Avho are at a distance are more likely to look with calm and unbiassed eyes at the casus belli ; and after due consideration of all the circumstances of

the case , Ave must adhere to the opinion that our Nova Scotian brethren have acted with rather too much precipitancy in the matter . Grievances they may have had to complain of ; inconveniences , it is true , may have arisen from

the Grand Lodge of England . Grantine * all this , would it not have been more expedient ( takingthe lowest ground ) , and more accordant with the spirit of Freemasonry , AA'hich exacts obedience , prompt and unmurmuring , from its members , to

have manifested more calmness and consideration before proceeding to extremities ? We feel quite sure that the Grand Lodge would have met the No \* n Scotian Masons in a kindly and generous manner ; would . have taken into consideration any grievances that may exist , and done what is fair and right to redress them . There is no doubt that

English Masons are desirous full justice should be done . Why , then , did not our brethren in Nova Scotia act more openly with us ? By the course which they have now adopted , they have , it seems to us , placed themselves , as

Masons , in a most unenviable position . Heartburnings , Ave fear , will arise , mutual recriminations be fostered , and things Avill , perhaps , be said on both sides , which , for the sake of Masonic charity , had far better be left unsaid . The

uninitiated world Avill look on , and jeer , and whisper —nay , proclaim on the housetops to each other , " See IIOAV these Masons hate one another . " And all this might have been avoided . Most sincerely do we hope that this matter will be brought to a happy conclusion , and that mutual peace and harmony may be established .