GRAND ORANGE LODGE

New Zealand Tablet, 19 April 1917, Page 45

GRAND ORANGE LODGE

Mr. F. Kenneth McDouall comments thus in the columns of the Evening Star-.

Sir,Always interested in the work of societies which have for their objects the uplifting of mankind and the amelioration of the ills of man, I was greatly edified by the reports of the proceedings of the Grand Conference of the above institution, held during the holy season of Eastertide. The account of the banquet, in your issue, of this evening, is helpful in these times of world-wide misery, uncharitableness, and materialism.

P.W. Bro. McDonald’s toast to the ladies was good reading, and I am sure and more than hopeful that the various works of charity under the direction of the Order —e.g., orphanages, poor schools, private hospitals, retreats for women, and other such-like fruits of that great faith to be found among them—will receive a spur, if such could be needed, and the L.O.L. institutions in this regard sprout new evidences of that practical Christian charity so marked in their works wherever the Order is happily established. The Rev. Howard Elliott’s speech, or what is published of it, to the Charter toast is also good—very good. But, sir, I am of opinion that speeches of this sort should be ‘ tyled,’ or censored. The press, at any rate, should not be admitted, for in any event these priceless pearls of historical value should not be put forth for the ordinary public gaze and criticism. Whatever we owe to the glorious, pious, and immortal memory of William 111., we certainly do not owe the ‘ Act of Succession ’ or ‘ Bill of Rights.’ William had about as much to do with these as Mr. Howard Elliott. The Parliament arranged all that, and his glorious Majesty could only proceed to the confirmed succession of the Throne by subscribing to them. William did not establish anything in the Bill of Rights. He was firmly established by it, and that only by a majority of one vote ! It was not he that made it impossible for a Papist to ascend the Throne of England, and the ‘ Succession ’ is still valid, and was not revoked two years ago by the ‘ rotten Liberal Government ’ of England. I -wonder what would be said if some poor historically ignorant Irishman, at one of his functions, spoke of the ‘rotten Liberal Government.’ But, six', we owe to William not any of those glories outlined by the rev. speaker; yet the Glencoe massacre of the McDonald clan can be laid to his credit. Not any Bosche horror in Belgium can rank with that, for it was ordered and executed by the pious and glorious Christians. The flooding of Scotland and Ireland with brutal and lustful German mercenaries, who did

even worse deeds than lately were accomplished in Belgium and Northern France, we also owe to his pious and immortal memory; and in the memory of many a Scots family or clan division this is still a bitter tradition. Hence we see the necessity for a ‘ tyler,’ or, to make one unnecessary, people like the rev. speaker should not ‘go beyond their lasts.’ How much of the pure gospel of love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in this His day of resurrection could be preached ! What beautiful lessons and canticles for the right ordering of our ways, and how many tests of light and happiness enlarged upon to the uplift of poor sinful humanity and the purging of souls. Perhaps we have a little light amidst the darkness. These conferences, held at such a spiritually uplifting season, must, too, strengthen the faith of the brothers. Here in New Zealand, I am sure, as in Australia and all the world over, the members of the grand old Order are conspicuous for their religious zeal and piety, their Sabbath attendances at Divine worship, the saintly ordering of their lives, the close attention to (Scripture study and injunction. Their various pastors must surely be edified at the crowds at all the devotional meetings and the eager rush of communicants Sunday after Sunday. Small wonder, indeed, that such genuine fervor fills our churches and is productive of works of

charity; not to mention the meek and lowly apostolic spirit—that Christ-like humility, patience, and sweetness that are so remarkably the insignia of the brethren. We have, indeed, sir, much to be thankful for in these days of gloom. That the ensuing twelve ’ months will be ‘ pious and glorious ’ times for all, and the fruits of the Holy Spirit manifest in all our lives, is something to wish for and be certain of. These blessings are rendered the more certain by our annual conferences and the truly edifying addresses threat