Masonic Notes And Queries.

and unfraternal contention ; then , if possible , both parties shall be for a time apprehended . But no day for the settlement of the dispute shall be designated until the work in hand be completed . Leisure may be found in the holy days for this purpose . The work day must not be consumed iu the consideration of

quarrels . The seventh point . The Master shall not commit whoredom with with the wife or concubine of his Master or Fellows , any more than he would have them do with his . The penalty for such offence shall be severe , for great evils would grow out of such

deadly sin . The ei ghth point . If the Mason has undertaken any contract of work , he shall be true to his Master , and a faithful daysman between his Master and Fellow , dealing honourably by both parties . The ninth point . The Stewards of the Masonic

Hall must serve each other in brotherly love , performing the duties alternately week by week . None shall gain aught at the expense of another , and none refuse to bear his portion of the' outlay ; all shall share

equally in the expense . All accounts made for provisions shall be honourably paid , that no public scandal grow out of neglect of this matter . Let a true entry be made against each Brother for his share in the entertainment , and see that exact records be . kept of all expenses , where and how aud to what purpose moneys are applied ; aud the Stewards shall

make an exhibit of these matters to the rest whenever required so to do . The tenth point . Masonry encourages peace and a quiet life . If the Mason lives in sin , and is false to his work—if , through his mis-statements , he scandalise his brethrenand by his slanders cause the Order to

, be despised—if he do such villany as this to the Craft , let them show him no manner of countenance , and uphold him not in his evil ways , lest the peace of the Brotherhood be . endangered . Yet you must not totally exclude him , only summon him to appear at a time and lace appointed . Cite him to the next

p assembly before his Fellows , and if he will not obey , let him be made to forswear the Order . He should then be punished according to the law ordained of olden time .

The eleventh point . A Mason , versed in the skill of the Craft , seeing a brother working upon a block so unskilfully as to threaten to mar it , must , if jiossible , correct the work and point out the error to the brother . He must instruct the unskilful workman with such brotherly words as God may teach him . For the sake of Him that sitteth on hih he

g must act the counselled iu a fraternal spirit . The twelfth point . Wherever the Grand Communication is held , there the Master and Fellows , Noblemen , and many others shall assemble . The sheriff and mayor of the city shall join them , together with knights , squires and aldermen . The ordinances

they may establish there shall be maintained entire against every member of this Order who breeds strife against it . Every unruly member shall be imprisoned . The thirteenth point . The Mason shall swear never to be a thief , nor aid oue in his viliany for any fee or reward . The fourteenth point . The Mason shall take a good aud true oath before those who are present at his

making , to be faithful and steadfast to every ordinance herein recorded . Also , to the Sovereign Lord , the king , to obey him above all others . All Masons , high and low , must assume the obligations to keep eveiy point established by such hi gh authority , aud each shall enquire in his own circle of Masonic

acquaintance whether any have violated the same ; if so , let them be found and brought up to the assembly . The fifteenth point . An ordinance was made at this assembly , that the Mason who should prove disobedient to these articles agreed upon by the Lords and Masons aforesaidif he be charged openly before

, the assembly , and proved guilty , and make no amendsfor his guilt , then must he be made to forswear the Order . "But if ho make suitable amends , all is well . The sheriff shall seize him who is contumacious , aud incarcerate him during the kiug ' s pleasure , and take his goods for the king ' s use .

[ They appear to be a paraphrase of what Andersonterms "the old Gothic Constitutions , " reprinted in various forms during the last fifty years . ]

CHARITY DEFINED . The following definition of charity is as good as ifc is true . "Where does it originally come from?—AV . G . C . —This is a constant aud universal rule , that no consideration of any advantage , no regard of any personwhatsoever , must ever prevail with us to do

, au ill thing . The Mason who practises the virtue of . charity , prefers the good of others before his own private pleasure or profit . That which frequently passes for charity , is really no better than a selfish and carnal principle . True charity seeks not its ownadvantage ; and the man possessed of this

principlesets no undue value upon himself or others . For the same reason " charity envieth not ; " because envy is a passion proceeding from selfishness and pride . Charit y looks upon God as the sole beginning and end of all . good , the source from whence it flows , and the immense oceau in which it is swallowed up . And

therefore the true brother and just Mason takes no part of the merit or honour to himself ; he is not profuse iu the commendation of others , but ascribes the whole glory of every virtuous action to Him whose originally aud in truth it is . Little need be said to show thatone thus disposedthus persuaded of Godas the

, , only , the universal good , must have set his heart on things above . Many links are added to that golden chain of charity , which ere long will encircle thewhole family of man . And then

" At thy shrine , 0 Masonry , Slmll admiring nations bend ; In future times thy sons shall see Thy fame from pole to pole extend . To worlds unknown thy heaven-horn light dispense , . And systems own thy sacred influence . " BED CROSS KNIOIIl'S .

What is a council of Bed Cross Knights , having a , Sovereign Master and Master of Dispatches ?—D . LILAC CLOVES . Is there auy reason why I may not wear lilac coloured kids in lodge ? Some one objected to it

lately . —S . W . — [ White gloves are the prescribed tone , but there is no law to prevent any other colour being worn . Neither is there any law which would interfere with your dyeing your hair or whiskers blue ,