228 MEMOIR OF GEORGE WILSON. CHAP. V. 



Triangle " to occupy themselves during the summer, so that the 

 glory of the Order may be increased, and the principles take 

 root in the hearts of men. Except in very rare and peculiar 

 circumstances, positive distinction and public reputation con- 

 stitute the only test by which the claim to that honour can be 

 tried." The ribbon was worn on all occasions, crossing the 

 bosom conspicuously, and attracting remarks of wonder not un- 

 mixed with suspicion, towards the wearer. The triangle was 

 reserved for state occasions, and in addition to it, the original 

 members had a silver star to be worn below it. 



The high tone of morality exhibited in the addresses delivered 

 from time to time by the grand masters, and the true chivalry 

 pervading all their aims, call for our admiration, and show how 

 strong was the stimulant to youthful effort afforded by such a 

 fellowship. Two extracts will best illustrate this. Both are from 

 addresses by Edward Forbes, who was the soul of the Brother- 

 hood, his interest in it being apparently so truly heartfelt, that 

 the absence of years caused no diminution in the loving care 

 and watchfulness shown by him in its early existence. In 1838, 

 on the 9th day of the third month, the day selected for their 

 yearly meeting, he says, " The brethren are earnestly exhorted 

 to follow out the principles of the Order, to exert their abilities 

 to the utmost of their power for its honour and the good of 

 mankind, and to set such a moral example that the world may 

 respect and honour the Brotherhood to which they belong ;" and 

 at the close of the third year, he winds up an address as follows : 

 " Let us always so conduct ourselves that the intellectually 

 good, whose good opinion we should ever strive to gain, may have 

 nothing to complain against us, being ever mindful of that 

 canon of our Order, which bids eveiy one of the brethren ' dis- 

 countenance vice, and act according to his conscience.' 



" Paul, Romans i. 20, ' For the invisible things of him from the 

 creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the 

 things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead ;' xii. 

 10, 'Be kindly affectioned one to another in brotherly love : in 

 honour preferring one another.' " 



Meetings were held frequently by the brethren ; and not only 

 was a kindly care shown by them to one another, but a watchful 



