Masonic Government.

MASONIC GOVERNMENT .

By CEESCENT . II .

In our last we promised to send some remarks on what we think Avould be the best Avay of improving the Avorking and instruction of brethren holding the subordinate offices in lodges , or qualifying to hold them ; but Ave will first quote

two paragraphs from the pages of the MAGAZINE . The writer in the Daily News on " The Prince of Wales a Freemason " says" The man Avho hits upon a method of keeping alive in the great body of Masonic P . M . ' s , the

zeal which has given them their rank , will deserve better of the Order than any dignitary since King-Solomon . " Again , Bro . Hopkins P . M . Avrites" I have devoted one evening in each Aveek to this

object" ( Masonic instruction ) " offering to receive any , AVIIO Avould favour me Avith their company , at my residence . " NOAV , this is the real Avay of giving , and receiving rudimental instruction ; a Lodge of

Instruction is excell ent for those , who have learned their work , to practice it , but actors do not attend rehearsals Avithout previously learning their parts , nor should brethren Avaste their own time , and that of others , at Lodges of Instruction , by

stammering , and bungling through a ceremony . Each P . M . should take apprentices , and pride himself on the progress of his pupils ; if Ave are told that this is not in conformity with the rules of the Order , let us refer to the Antient Charges , VI . 3 .

" Of behaviour when brethren meet Avithout strangers , but not in a lodge formed . " Where Ave are told " freely to give mutual instruction as shall be thought expedient , Avithout being overseen , or overheard . " Whenever , as W . M . elect ,

\ ve have had to appoint our officers , Ave have always offered a brother an office on the express understanding that he pledged us his Masonic honour to make himself perfect in those parts of the ritual , to Avhich it Avould be his duty to attend .

Without holding any " private assemblies , " Ave have got brethren , one or two at a time , to visit us at our house , or to go for Avalks Avith us , and thus , in retired spots , Avhere Ave could not be " overseen or overheard ' ' question ancl answer

would pass , whilst we smoked our- cigars , and enjoyed the cool breeze , and beautiful scenery . The result was , that , in that lodge , Ave soon had about thirty brethren ready , at a moments notice , to

take any office . We do not depreciate the use of Lodges of Instruction , Avhich Avould have higher aims . As brethren would know each his work before assembling , they Avould perform rapidly any ceremony selected to be rehearsed , and the

instructor Avould only have to correct any slight inaccuracy , and , as it were , put oh the final polish ; this would leave time for the delivery of an original lecture on some Masonic subject , for practising lodge music , etc ., before the brethren separated ,

and would render the meeting interesting alike to old , and young Masons . We tried this with great success , and had croAvded meetings , at which many very able papers Avere read by different brethren .

Next , as to uniformity of working , we think something should be done by G . L . ; there should be some standard to which Ave could refer for correction , or decision of a disputed point ; a perfect ashlar on which to try , and adjust our tools .

At present Ave know of no such standard . The Book of Constitutions holds Lodges of Instruction " responsible that the mode of working has received the sanction of G . L ., " but hoAV are we to know Avhether our Avorking has , or has not received

such sanction ? We have always understood that the Grand Stewards Lodge was supposed to be the model ; if so , Avhy not make this law ? and , if an authorised ritual cannot be deposited Avhere all duly qualified brethren consult it , let there be a

secretary AVIIO Avill answer any question as to a disputed point . A similar model Avorking body might be established in each province or district Avhen found practicable , and a Prov . G .

Stewardship Avould be eagerly coveted by P . M / s , if it made them members of the Prov . Model Lodge of Instruction , ( which might be held under the sanction of the Prov . G . L . ) and , thereby , rendered them authorities as to correct working .

We throw out these suggestions for the consideration of the Craft , as Ave think , all will agree Avith Bro . " Crux " and ourselves , that something should be clone to ensure greater uniformity ; for , if such differences in working have arisen in the

few years that have passed since the meeting of the Lodge of Reconciliation , Avhat can Ave expect after the lapse of many centuries ? and surely we ought to look forward , as well as backwards , and strive to preserve in all its puritfor future

generay tions , that light , which -Ave have inherited from our forefathers , the Crafts of olden time . In our next , Ave propose to touch upon the position and duties of Past Masters .