to the Brother to whom we have alluded, to consider of the propriety of extending the period at which widows may prefer their petitions for casual aid. Why not make it indefinite? Any one who has been in the habit of attending the Lodge of Benevolence, must have often sympathised at the disappointment arising not merely from ignorance of the law, but at the law itself, which should be amended without delay; and while on the subject of the Lodge of Benevolence, we must enter a protest against that "meting out" of the funds which we have observed is becoming a growing evil. The funds of the Lodge of Benevolence are the PROPERTY OF THE NECESSITOUs, for whose wants the Constitutions provide. If, on examination, it is found that means have become inadequate, because we have diverted £400 annually, from objects of casual relief to deserving annuitants, let us repair the evil before it is too late, by increasing the casual fund. We shall best illustrate our position by observing, that not long since, when the list of petitions was very numerous, the presiding officer reminded the meeting that they had but sixty-four pounds to distribute. The hint was not taken, for the sum voted was nearer one hundred and fifty !

COMMITTEE OF MASTERS.-At this meeting the scrutineers for the Grand Lodge are chosen; the measure is always attended with difficulty, and frequently the office is undertaken by the same parties. As in the charges, it is stated that preferment is conferred on merit only, we suggest that the precedent, which by the Constitutions, regulates the appointment of the Audit Committee of the Grand Lodge from a certain number of the Masters of London, to be chosen by rotation, should also be adopted in the case of scrutineers. If the honours of the purple are open to certain Lodges, let them, also, partake of the most honourable service in the Craft. We had intended to have

made some similar remarks as to the Red Apron Lodges, but must for the present defer the subject.

STATUE TO THE LATE GRAND MASTER.

The Grand Lodge has decided that a statue shall be erected in Freemasons' Hall, to the memory of his late Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, and has directed that sufficient funds for such purpose be placed in the hands of a committee, consisting of the Earl of Zetland, Pro-Grand Master; the Marquis of Salisbury, Deputy Grand Master; the Earl of Fortescue, and ten other members of the Grand Lodge. By this act, the Grand Lodge has sustained the dignity of the Craft, and done itself high honour; every Brother shares equally in the gratification attending so graceful a tribute to the illustrious departed.

THE SUSSEX MEMORIAL.

Our readers will find in another part,* that the public tribute to the memory of H. R. H. the late Duke of Sussex, promises to take rank among those lasting memorials of departed greatness, which form one of the leading characteristics of the British character.

The list of subscribers, we understand, embraces royaltymembers of the peerage-baronetage-knighthood—the episcopal bench, and other dignitaries of the church; members of the senate and the bar; many gentlemen distinguished in science and literature; military and naval officers, &c.

The fraternity of Freemasons will, no doubt, aid in this public cause; many of their order are to be found adorning the rank of "every grade" above enumerated; and we have no doubt if arrangements are entered into, the list will be materially increased. In these matters there is always a business department, of which noblemen may not be aware: this remark will not be considered offensive by the noblemen connected with this memorial; for they have

* Page 380.

entered into it with all the zeal which a disinterested and grateful recollection of the talents of the departed prince was calculated to inspire. Still there may be something required to correct the effects caused by the too hasty limitation of the individual subscription to twenty pounds; and this error, for such it is, will require considerable efforts to correct. Had no limit been stated, we have no hesitation in averring that by this time the marble would have breathed. Our experience, limited as it may be, warrants the position we assume. low the example set them, and if told that small subscriptions (for what is twenty pounds to a nobleman?) are sufficient, could it be expected that any thing but the smallest was expected-nay, that any sum was at all required? whereas, in an unlimited amount, the hundred guinea list would have been seconded by a fifty guinea list, and so on down to an incalculable number of guinea subscriptions.

The public usually fol

However, this is but an error in judgment. We suggest that the Committee, do without delay, consult with such of their noble friends as are connected with the Fraternity, as to the best mode of availing themselves of so very extensive a means of aid. Be it borne in mind, that the Grand Lodge having, in the most dignified and liberal manner, advanced ample means from the general fund to erect a statue to the late Grand Master, the Fraternity at large are not called upon, as such, to subscribe thereto; and will no doubt avail themselves of the opportunity to support the "Public Memorial."

We could enlarge on this subject, but may be trespassing on the province of the Committee, to whom we respectfully offer an apology for making the present remarks; but we really could not abstain from expressing our desire as Freemasons, that the "Sussex Memorial" should be worthy of the age. To have been altogether silent must have appeared at least indifferent. Should these remarks attract notice and deserve attention, our object is fulfilled, and therein will be our reward.

MASONIC OFFERING TO THE REV. DR. OLIVER.

The proceedings of the Lincoln and London Committees will be found elsewhere; they evince a most cordial co-operation. It appears that the subscription is about to close, for the purpose of making final arrangements to present the "Offering" to the historian of Freemasonry in the ensuing spring. We remind such of the Fraternity as may have delayed their subscriptions, to forward them at once to the Treasurer either of the Lincoln or London Committee, that they may not be debarred from the gratification of sharing in an object so truly honourable to Freemasonry.

It is currently reported that the Grand Conclave of English Masonic Knights Templar will assemble early in October, after a lapse of nearly thirty years. Much interest is excited. We shall give all the particulars that transpire.

As a parting glance at recent events, we feel it our duty to express our opinion that a good understanding appears generally prevalent, which promises that the forthcoming Masonic session will herald the cheering prospect of PEACE and AMITY.

LAYS OF THE CRUSADES.

IV. SIR RAYNALD DE CHATILLON.

Say, who has not heard of the famed Chatillon ?
Sir Raynald the dauntless, the handsome, and strong;
Not a Paynim but quailed when his faulchion he drew,
Not a Christian but joyed when his free banner flew.

Oh, the pink of free knights was the bold Chatillon!
For goods, nor for gear, never wanted he long;
From the Saracen's tents he would lift both at need,
And well knew the dogs the approach of his steed.

On a fleet-footed Arab, the choice of its race,
Rode Sir Raynald, the model of chivalrous grace;
Not the heart of a princess such right could withstand,
And Dame Constance, of Antioch, vowed him her hand.

Oh, woe to that patriarch! so meddling and old,
Who for his gay deeds, this brave gallant would scold!
On the top of a tomb, with his bald pate bespread
With honey, Sir Raynald up stuck him half-dead.

Black Noureddin came on ;-fierce the fight was and long-
In the thick of the battle was brave Chatillon;
Till at length all surrounded, a prisoner was he,
And long, long was held, e'er again he got free.

Then came Salcheddin; then on Hittim's red plain,
The flower of the Christians were captured or slain.
The stern Soldan himself, with a scowl and a scoff,
In cold blood cut the head of brave Chatillon off!

Chatillon first arrived in the East as an adventurer in the army of Louis-le-Jeune, and became enrolled among the troops of Raymond de Poitiers, Prince of Antioch, whose widow he married, He was a regular freebooter, and would have done honour either to the English or Scottish borders.