Practical Freemasonry.

health on the arid plains of young Egypt—for so is Sine ! recognised , and christened accordingly by modern travellers . His sojourn in that land of sand , mosquitoes , and muggers , has not only renewed his toil-Avorn frame , but has increased his fame and fortune . He is the leading man at the

bar , and is so much esteemed that the Knrracheeites hope to secure his permanent residence amongst them . The other day a brother , who has held high position in the Craft , happened to have a case in court , the adverse decision , of ivhich Avould have caused him a loss of some 1300 or

, or 1 , 400 rupees , and would have proved ruinous . It involved some intricate points with which he was not competent to deal . At the eleventh hour , before the hearing of the case , the matter was casually mentioned by a mutual friend to Bro . Darby , who , on learning that the defendant to the

action was not in a position to pay the usual heavy fees , immediately resolved to rescue his brother from danger and . ruin . He mastered the case with the ability of an old and experienced practitioner . He defended his client in such a manner as to elicit the encomiums of the bench and the court , and triumphantly rescued his " brother in distress "

from the clutches of the law and the grasp of the usurer . He brought his whole energies to bear on the weak points of the suit , and overwhelmed the opposing counsel with an array of legal arguments , supported by facts , that cut the ground from under the feet of the plaintiffs , ancl laid bare

their rascality in such a manner as to induce the presiding judge to censure their conduct in the strongest terms . By this act a family was saved from ruin ; and , to the credit of BrO . Darby be it said , he undertook the task without fee or revrard of any kind whatever . He Avas solely prompted

by Masonic feelings and fraternal ties , ancl he has now the pleasing reflection of knowing that not only did he do his duty to a brother in the hour of difficulty and despair , but he has earned the lasting gratitude of the family whose case he pleaded so eloquently and successfully , and Avon golden

opinions amongst the Craft in Kurrachee . Comment on such conduct is superfluous . Let it be an example to the Freemasons in Western India . All have an opportunity of doing good in their individual spheres to their brethren around them ; and , in conclusion , Ave may safely assert that such acts tend more to unite ancl elevate all classes and

creeds in one universal bond of brotherly love , than any outward demonstration Avhere display and ambition too often fan the embers of discord . — Masonic Record of Western India .

Ar00402

LIB ! in the country may he one ofthe richest on earth , hut it may also he one of the poorest . If the great hook of nature bo open to the eve of him who resides there , and illuminated with the lisht of heaven , from his little knoll he can see and enjoy all the glory of the world ; but if he sees in nature only the potato-field which gives him food , then is this golden view closed from him ancl he himself stands like the potato plant , fast rooted into the-earth .

Masonic Law In India.

MASONIC LAW IN INDIA .

( From the Indian Freemasons' Friend . ) AJAJUH v . JORDAN . The following report of the judgment in the case of Allan t ' . Jordan is important to the Craft as not only confirming by civil decree the constitutional Masonic action taken by the Provincial Grand

Master , but as a warning to those who , forgetful of their obligations , seek to drag into a civil court actions cognisable , in reality , only by the supreme Masonic authority . The course pursued by Bro . Jordan was so fragrantly in violation of Masonic riht and custom

g , and Ave may add of common prudence , that we are not surprised at even a civil court expressing itself so decidedly on even a purely Masonic matter . Although glad to find that Bro . Allan has esta-Wished the justice of his case , we ivould still hai e preferred that this matter had been left to the

action of the R . W . the G . Master , as we hold it to be subversive of the principles of Masonry to submit Masonic cases to outside judicial decision , so Ions- as a constitutional and Masonic Court of

Appeal exists . ( Oudh Gazette . ) This case I think does not require any great amount of legal acumen to decide it , but on the contrary should be determined solely by the constitutions or rules compiled by the authority ofthe United Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons , aided as far as possible by the civil law .

The plaintiff , Captain Allan , in his capacity of Master of the Lodge Harmony , claims certain jewels , books , papers , & c , belonging to the members of that lodge , and which he values at 200 rupees , on the ground that he is the proper custodian , having been elected Master in due course ,

and agreeably to sec . 2 , page 59 , of the " Constitutions " above alluded to , and furthermore that this election was duly confirmed as shown by the warrant , or document of authority , filed in Court , duly signed by Provincial Grand Registrar , and by the Provincial Grand Secretary .

Captain Allan , the plaintiff , further adduces a stronger argument in favour of his claims , the fact that the defendant , Mr . Jordan , ivas expelled the Order of Ereemasonry , on the 28 th December , 1863 , by the Provincial Grand Master in Bengal , AVIIO is so empowered by Sec . 1 page 55 of the

, , " Constitutions . " On the other hand , Mr . Jordan ( the defendant ) alleges that he , during his tenure of the office of Master , and previous to Captain Allan ' s election , suspended the said Lodge Harmony , for reasons best known to himself , and referred the same in

October last , to the Grand Master in England , and argues that until a reply is received to the said reference he has the power to retain the various articles of jewellery , books , and papers , & c , under his own custody;—in addition to this , however , Mr . Jordan has brought forward the opinion of