Freemasonry And The War.

¦ expressed his regret that the managers of that paper should ever liave allowed to be introduced into it such a letter as this . He could only suppose that it was inserted by an oversight , to which the most carefully conducted papers ivere

sometimes liable , and he put it to them that they should so carry on the publication as to do their duty to the craft , and to the Grand Master , as the constituted head of Freemasonry . A privilege had been accorded to them of reporting the

proceedings of the Grand Lodge , ancl difficulties like the present were of rare occurrence , but if they became frequent , it would then be for the Grand Lodge to consider Avhether they Avould not revieiv the subject of publishing their proceedings ; but he would

rather leave it to their good sense , and the Masonic feeling by Avhich all ivere actuated , to undertake that they Avould not introduce matter that ought not to be published , which was especially incumbent upon them in exercising their hig h , aud great

• duties toAvards the Craft . For himself , he felt satisfied after this painful matter to which ho had referred , it Avould be unnecessary for any one occupying the chair in the Grand Lodge again to to call attention to such a matter .

Ought A Mason To Shield A Brother Who Has Committed A Crime?

OUGHT A MASON TO SHIELD A BROTHER WHO HAS COMMITTED A CRIME ?

There is some diversity of opinion as to the duties and responsibilities assumed by gentlemen on becoming members of the Masonic fraternity . It is true that there aro very many branches emanating from the same stem of Masonry ,

important in themselves as leading to a knowledge of its principles ancl theories , and of special interest to ¦ the brethren in defining the true character of their relationship to the institution and to their fellow members , yet there are but few of the principal

attributes of Freemasonry necessary to be understood , in giving direction to a Mason ' s course of action , in the absence of any applicable regulation . Very many persons associating themselves with the institution , pass its threshold without

comprehending fully its privileges , and do not see hoAv safely they are guarded from any act of overstrained or misapplied philanthropy . Indeed , many , partially indifferent to the study of its science , pass from the theatre of life , ignorant of its characteristics , and without having acquired

Ought A Mason To Shield A Brother Who Has Committed A Crime?

any practical knoAvledge of its countless virtues . The constitutions of Freemasonry have their source in principles resting in the bosom of Deity himself ; and existence Avithout origin , incapable of modification or restraint . Love , virtue , and

beneficence find there an abiding home j an incentive to every moral suggestion of the heart . Love is Masonry ; virtue is Masonry ; that which is right , proper , and noble is Masonry . Follow any path in benevolence and honour , and you are within the circle ivhich circumscribes the Mason's

sentiments and governs his course of action . Persons stimulated in their conduct by impulse from a source so pure ancl potent , knitted together by the strongest ties of brotherhood , and feeling that by the mystic tie there is a common

interest of identification in pain , suffering , and pleasure , and imagine a difficulty in answering the question heading this article ; viz : —Ought a Mason to shield a brother who has committed a

crime ? " But this is no intricate interrogatory . Taking the above mentioned characteristic of the order as a guide , the response of virtue , honour , and justice will be promptly and emphatically given in the negative . Treason , murder , robbery ,

theft , and arson are offences against the criminal laivs , punishable by imprisonment or death . Should a Mason offend in either of these , or in any other of like character , he , by the fact , severs the tie which imposes the duty upon his felloivs

to succour him in cases requiring personal intervention . So far from its being the duty of a Mason to divert the ends of justice by screening a brother from the consequences of his guilt , and thus become a farticeps criminis to the act ,

subject to the same punishment under the law , and exclusion from the privileges and sympathies of the institution , it is his duty to suffer the law to take its course , untrammelled by his interference , be the consequences what they may .

As treason is enumerated among the penal offences , and possesses elements of various modifications , Ave may properly pause here a moment , to dwell upon its different phases in this connection . Treason may be fostered in conspiracy against the

life . of a monareh , simply to transfer the ruling power from one individual to another , Avithout intending thereby to effect any change in the principles of the government itself , or by betraying the state into the hands of a foreign poiver . In either case , should such a conspiracy br partici-