Masonic Journalism.

Avanted great brilliancy , Avhose conductors Avere not men of expanded thought , oreA'en of moderate intellect , but we have never known in all our experience a subservient Masonic editor . And so of the three great qualifications

that should combine to make a perfect journal , courtesy , ability , and independence , AVC think we may safely say that Masonic journalism at this day shows more than an average proportion of each . We have so long been a part of the

fraternity of Masonic editors , that Ave enjoy a natural pride in the thought that that fraternity is entitled to so much praise . If not always , nay , if A'ery seldom , reaching the substantial reward which such qualities should receive , the fault is simply that the

Craft does not properly appreciate the merits and the needs of Masonic journalism . The feast is spread , but those who are to be fed are Avithout the appetite . The loss is theirs . —Macketfs National Freemason .

The Old Tyler.

THE OLD TYLER .

BY JEFFERSON . At the outer door , well armed , lie long hath stood , The faithful sentinel of mystic hours . None pass or repass , but the favoured few—So truly hath he kept the outer gate . AVhen winds have swept the skies in fearful gale ,

AVhen AVinter ' s cold congealed the nightly air , AVhen Summer'sheat poured down itsburningrays—He still for duty oared , and held his trust Like one commissioned by the higher powers . His jurisdiction ne'er was intervened—So conscientious was lie - that none should Pass the sacred threshold which lie guarded AVith such Masonic care .

AVe have mot this good old Tyler—often met him—and often stopped at his outer gate to have a passing word . He is UOAV gray in years , and his form is bent with the Aveakness of age . Long j'ears ago he first saw the light of the Temple in a distant

State . Then the craft was a small band in Israel , and the obscurity of the Order made it seem little and insignificant in the eyes of the world . To join the Fraternity then was largely a venture in the dark compared with the

present day , for the simplicity of its ancient prestige held the institution in modest reserve , while the crowds held themselves aloof from it , because it Ayas far from being

popular . The Churches even looked upon it Avith suspicions and jealousy as a semiinfidel association , and in most instances protested against their ministers and members joining it ; and in many parts of the country it was no easy matter for outsiders to find out AVIIO Avere Masonsfor there was

, then no display of jeAvellery such as we have in these clays . Even the fact of being a Mason was ordinarily concealed from the Avorld . It Avas none of their business . It never is any of their concern ; and thereforeas all knoAvit is not necessary to

, , carry an emblem of any sort to convince any Master Mason that we are one . There used to be , and there is 3 'et , a sort of private Avay of giving this information , which , after all , is much to be preferred to any other

This much of Masonry the old Tyler could teach us , as he had had long years of experience , and though most of the time ho was outside the Lodge-room , he had , by critical attention , gathered more

knowledge of the history of the Lodge , and of the character and standing of the members than perhaps any other officer in it . Many a Ion 2 yarn he has told us Avhile we smoked our cigar at his stove . " Brother Tyler , " Ave asked him , one niht" did 3 'ou ever have any one come

g , up here who Avas not a Mason , AVIIO Avanted admission to the Lodge-room . " " Why , yes , " said he , with a laugh , " I once had a woman to knock at the door , and I opened it , and asked her to walk in and take a seat , Avhich she did , for she

kneAV me , as I had clone some painting for her . " "Mr . Tyler , " said she , "I ' m in hunt of my husband , and he told me he was coming to the Lodge to-night , but to tell you the truthI am very much afraid he has

, gone somewhere else . " " Your husband , madam , " said I , " is sitting in the Lodge-room ; he is our Senior Warden . " " Was he here last Saturday night ?" she asked .

" He Avas , " I responded . n " Was he here two Aveeks before that ? she enquired . " Yes , madam , he Avas , " said I . " Well , 1 guess I ' m a fool , " said she , Avith rather a serious laugh . n "Why , Avhat ' sthe matter , madam ? 1 asked .