The Canadian Seceders.

such were done , he would consider it his duty to declare them clandestine and irregular , and to forbid all intercourse with them . The reply of J Lord Zetland accepted these conditions , and fully admitted the sovereignty of the Grand Lodge of Canada , which that

body is determined unflinchingly to maintain , as , at the outset of the conflict , we predicted they would do . The report is a very lengthened one , the session extending over three days ; but we need no apology to our readers for occupying so large a portion of our

sjiaee , as the subject is of the greatest interest . In addition to these important matters there was a great amount of business to be transacted ; but it is a gratifying fact that the consideration of no case of grievance or appeal was deferred till the next meeting .

English Gilds.

ENGLISH GILDS .

( Gonliniteil from page 103 . ) The gilds were popular , and , when well managed , grew in numbers and importance , ancl persons of all ranks , even the highest in the kingdom , joined them . The Gild of St . Michael-on-the-Hill ,

Lincoln , being composed of " common and middling folds , " refused to admit " any of the rank of mayor or bailiff . '' The Gild of Corpus Cliristi , York , numbered 1-1 , 850 members . The Gild of the Trinity , Coventry , admitted many famous men ,

and , on the authority of Dugdale , Ave are informed that Kings Henry IV . and Henry YI . were members of it ; and in tbe Gild of St- Barbara ,, of St . Ivatherins's Church , near the Tower of London , Henry VIII . and Cardinal Wolsey were enrolled as

members-The payments made Avere numerous , and , of great variety . The payment on admittance was sometimes a fixed amount : at others " as the Masters and he may accord / ' sometimes in money , and sometimes in kind . The contributions also

varied , some being collected yearly , others quarterly or weekly . In some Gilds it was understood a brother or sister dying should leave a legacy . * The meetings of the various G ilds were held once to four times yearly . At these meetings new

members were admitted , officers elected , accounts made up , ordinances read over . One day in the year—usually the day of the saint to which the Gild Avas dedicated—was devoted to festivities . "It was then that the brethren and sistren being all assembled , Avorshipped together ,

gave their alms , and feasted together for the nourishment of brotherly love /' Mutual charity was practised in the gilds . The burying of the dead , help to the poor , the sick , the infirm , and tiie aged , to those who had suffered

loss or robbery , or those overtaken by misfortune , if not through their own folly . Weekly payments Avere made to the poor , with gifts of clothing or food . Loans or gifts Avere made to enable the young to get work or trade . Those going on a

pilgrimage were honoured and helped . The Gild of Coventry kept a " lodging house , with thirteen beds to lodge poor folks coming through the land on a pilgrimage , or any other work of charity . " Many instances are found of good works done

by the gilds other than among their own members , such as feasting the poor , repair of churches , the repair of roads , the establishment of almshouses , and maintenance of free schools , being among such works .

The Livery Companies of the city of London arc relics of the ancient gilds , each of which had its liveiy . The by-laws of all the gilds show a great respect for the laAvs of the land , and a full appreciation

of moral Avorth . "No ordinances shall be made against the common law , rebels against the IaAV shall be put out of the gild . " " The liberties of the town shall be upheld / ' & c . are clauses which exhibit the prevailing sentiments . Every one Avho

wished to be admitted into a gild , Avas required to be of good reputation and bearing if a brother became a brawler or a thief , or committed other offences , he was punished or turned out . Industry was well appreciated , as the following extract will show : —

" And if ony man be of good state , and use liym to ly long in bed and at rising of his bed ne will not Avork , but [? ne ] wyn his sustenance and keep his house , and go to the tavern , to the Avyne , to the ale , to wrestling , to

schetyn , aud in this manner falleth poor , and left his cattel in his defaub for succour ; aud trust to be holpen by the fraternity : that man shal never have good , ne help of companie , neither in his lyfe , ne at his detke but he shal be put off for

evermore of the companie . " The disputes between brethren Avere to be settled by arbitration , and fines Avere imposed upon any of the brethren Avho should take action against another Avithout first submitting the quarrel to this " Council of conciliation ; " and