By-Laws Of An Old Lodge.

BY-LAWS OF AN OLD LODGE .

WIELIAM JA 1 IES HUGIIAN . TX 7 TE have lately come across the by-laws of an old Lodge , No . 34 , and held for some '' years at Jersey , by authority of the Grand Lodge of Ireland ,-which are well worthy of reproduction . A declaration prefaces the laws , indicative of the basis of the Society , and is as follows : —

1 . The Order or Freemasonry is composed ot Freemen , who have formed themselves into an association , governed by general statutes and by by-laws . It has for its basis the existence of one God , the immortality of the sold , ancl the love of humanity . It has for its object charity , the study of universal morality , and the practice of every virtue . 2 . No person can be admitted into Freemasonry or enjoy the rights and privileges

thereof—( a . ) Unless he has attained the full age of twenty-one years . ( b . ) Unless his reputation and private conduct are irreproachable . ( c . ) Unless he exercises a free and honourable profession , ancl unless he is in comfortable circumstances . * ( d . ) Unless he is possessed of sufficient education ancl intelligence to understand ancl value the doctrines and tenets of Freemasonry . 3 . The title of a Masonas well as the rihts and privileges annexed theretoare

, g , lost—¦ ( a . ) By the committing of any dishonourable action , proved masonieally or civilly . ( b . ) By the carrying on of an infamous trade or calling . ( c . ) By the violation of the Oath of Fidelity , or by the breach of any of the engagements entered into at the initiation . ( d . ) And in . certain cases described in the Book of Constitution .

We need say nothing by way of commendation of the foregoing excellent introduction , save to state that we wish they were to be found similarly printed in all bylaws of Lodges . Various rules are then inserted of a general character , No . 3 requiring that " The officers of this Lodge are expected to study the history of the Craft , its archives ancl ceremonialso that the working be perfectly executed . " The wisdom of this regulation

, is evident , though practically it is one much neglected , especially in the treatment by the Craft of their periodical literature , which affords the means at a trifling cost to secure all that is needful for the ordinary Mason at least , as to our history and character .

Rule 7 provides for the nomination of members eli gible for the different offices ancl for the ballot at the succeeding Lodge . In England now the nomination is generally omitted , the ballot being taken for the W . M . by the members placing a cross against one of the brethren's names , on a printed sli p of paper , and when folded it is placed in the box . All are eli gible for that office who have served as Wardens or Masters , and the one having the majority of votes is declared elected , and can be

installed at the next regular meeting , after confirmation of the minutes . The other officers are appointed by the W . M ., save the Treasurer , who is . elected by ballot , and the Tyler , who is chosen b y s / ioio of hands . Rule 8 refers to the appointment of an Orator or Lecturer , who is specially charged —( 1 ) With the explanation of the symbols of the various degrees , and of the history , doctrines , and tenets of the Order , ( 2 ) with the celebration of the feasts ot the Order , and of funeral and other ceremonies , etc . ; ( 3 ) with the examination ot unyouched-for visiting Brethren . A few Lodges appoint Orators or Lecturers in