Performance Of Masonic Work.

may bo that the mind of the neophyte , impressed by the solemn and sacred ceremonies through Avhich he passed as he stepped over the threshold , is in a frame to appreciate in a suitable Avay that which is to follow , should the first impression be

followed up by other ceremonies equally solemn . But are these ceremonies , as frequently performed , of that character ? We naturally move slowly and with measured step Avhen our minds are imbued with the

solemnity incident to an impressive ceremony . We naturally conclude that it is Avorthy of the time it will consume if done in an appropriate manner . No Christian partakes of the Eucharist as though he Avas starving or dying of thirst . No one goes

to the baptismal font as though travelling for a wager . We do not precede our friend at the grave at the top of onr speed . Quick and agile movements are inconsistent with solemnity , and are as much out of place in the lodge work , as a waltz at a funeral .

But how often do we see parts of the ceremony performed with all the lightness of manner and movement of the CIOAVU in the circus-ring . And not only that , it is sometimes made Avith so little regard to fitness that it partakes of the nature of violence towards the candidate . When this is the

case the impression on the candidate must be thrown upon the side of the outside institution , and accumulate in his mind still more arguments in favour of the trifling character of the Institution . What is Avorth doing at all is worth doing

well , and abundant time should be taken to give the ceremony its full weight . A solemn , measured tread , the absence of baste and the presence of a serious and respectful regard for the occasion , are absolutely necessary on the part of the officiating officers . This remark applies as well to what is said as to what is done in this part of the

ceremony . As the candidate progresses in his initiation into the mysteries of the FvateYnity he should still be met with a serious earnestness on the part of the officers of the lodge , that betokens a profound regard and reverence for the rites Avhich he is

called upon to perform . It is not enough that he has every word and syllable perfectly at his command as he delivers the charges and lectures of the order . He is not a good officer who does not in some degree feel and appreciate the sentiments and truths which he enunciates . The best impression

Performance Of Masonic Work.

is made by the officer ivho enters so deeply into the spirit of the lecture that he pronounces as to identify himself with each thought , sentiment and sentence . He who does not do this can scarcely be said to be fit for the east of a lodge .

Suppose a candidate who has an idea of the fitness of things and the solemnities that ought to reign in a lodge of Masons , and has come up from the ante-room under the discouraging circumstances that we have said sometimes prevail , stands

before the principal chair to receive the finale of the degree , and finds there , as all along through the ceremony , there is an evident carelessness and negligence in the conduct of the Avork ; that he finds no evidence of au appreciation of the beauties

that even he can see are covered up in the indifference of the officials . Will he not be likely to become disgusted with the lodge which is so unmindful of the proprieties which they ought to preserve . That this is the legitimate influence of

such a negligent , heedless and unimpressive way of doing the work of the lodge , few -will dispute . That this is the cause of more than half the prevailing indifference among Masons , Ave profoundly believe .

If this be so , then it ia the duty , the interest , and should be the pleasure of those who occupy stations of honour in the lodge , to amend theircondnct in this respect . Do the work of Masonry in that solemn , reverential manner designed by

those ivho created and established it ; strive to be impressed with it ; become permeated Avith its spirit ; above all , do not so conduct , or so speak , as to give the impression to those with whom you come in contact , that - Masonry is in any Avay

a trifling institution , unAVorthy of the patronage of the serious and earnest men of the age . But our limits admonish us to close . There are other points connected with those we have noticed , and which are important to the progress and welfare of Masonry , but Ave must make them the subjects of discussion in a future number .

" A JOKE . —The brethren of Sutter Chapter , E . A . M ., San Francisco , havo elected Bro- Peek to the office of Hi gh Priest , la announcing tho result the Secretary took occasion to extol the qualifications of their now officer , remarking that ho was amply qualified in all respects to fill the office , that he was a Peel ; of moi-o than scriptural measure , a weighty citizen , of some two hundred and seventy-five pounds a voirdu pods

. Bro . Owen , G-rand Secretary , replied , congratulating - the Chapter upon , thoir selection , and remarked that : — " If all flesh is grass , as the Bible doth say , Your High Priest will make a big ton of hay . "