No Mason can be deprived of his masonic rights, except after a trial, with the opportunity of defense, and a verdict of his peers.
But before coming to a definite conclusion on this subject, it is necessary that we should view the subject in another point of view, in which it will be seen that a suspension from the rights and benefits of Masonry, for the non-payment of dues, is entirely at variance with the true principles of the Order.
The system of payment of lodge-dues does not by any means belong to the ancient usages of the fraternity.

It is a modern custom, established for purposes of convenience, and arising out of other modifications, in the organization of the Order.

It is not an obligation on the part of a Mason, to the institution at large, but is in reality a special contract, in which the only parties are a particular lodge and its members, of which the fraternity, as a mass, are to know nothing.

It is not presented by any general masonic law, nor any universal masonic precept.

No Grand Lodge has ever yet attempted to control or regulate it, and it is thus tacitly admitted to form no part of the general regulations of the Order.