Masonic Discipline.—Vii.

the proceedings at a Glasgow lodge , Avhich , in our opinion , Avere an open violation of all " Masonic Discipline . " It would probably not have been noticed , but for the admirable illustration it afforded of the truth of the observations aud statements ,

that have been put forward in our preceding articles upon this subject . There is one more point that deserves notice before we pass on to other matters . It was that " a protest was tabled against the newly-initiated brethren voting . " Is

jt now that these questions have to be settled ? Is Freemasonry a creation of yesterday ? Is the constitution of Masonic lodges reduced to so pitiably modern a date , that our Scotch brethren do not knoAV , as a matter of right , whether

newlyinitiated brethren may vote or not ? It is disheartening to the last degree , to Avitness an institution , in comparison Avith which the haughtiest lineage , the oldest descent , in point of antiquity ,

are but as mushrooms , lowered m tone , authority , and prestige , by such wretched pretences and evasions . Masonry must either exist " pure and undefiled , " or not exist at all . There is no medium course . If ' attempts be made , as in the case

before us , to introduce secular considerations and views Avithin the sacred , precincts of a lodge , the inmates can no longer lay claim to the character of true and faithful brethren . Once the lodge is opened , we are supposed to be dead to mere

worldly influences ; Ave are supposed to conduct the ceremonies , Avhether it be that of initiation , passing , raising or installation , solely with regard to Masonic principles and Masonic regulations , and provided a brother be qualified Masonically ,

we not only have no business to inquire further , but are expressly enjoined by the tenor of our obligation , to totally disregard his social position in the scale of rank and fortune .

Having thoroughly examined the " legal , ' let us noAV consider Avhat may be termed the " moral" constitution of a lodge , or the fitness of the officers for the duties of their respective positions . This consideration naturally conducts

us to the point , to which we have been arriving by slow but certain steps—the working of our lodges . We are aAvare that Ave have UOAV reached the great point at issue , the Rubicon has been passed , the tug of Avar has come , and Ave shall in

true fraternal spirit brace our nerves and our energies for the friendly contest . Startling as the assertion may ^ seem , its veracity is unimpeachable , that the Avorking of our lodge is simply and purely

a disgrace to the Craft . It is not Avithout feelings of bitter mortification that many a worthy Mason , many a true and faithful brother , Avill feel compelled , almost in spite of himself to endorse this deplorable but indisputable statement . There are

not a dozen lodges in London Avhere the workingis perfect , Avhere every officer fz'om the O . G . to the W . M . knoAVs his duty and does it . We are not noAV alluding to such points as impressiveness of recitation , dignity of demeanour , or oratorical

eloquence , Avhich must always depend upon personal merit , ability , and appearance ; but to those de tails which belong strictly to "Masonic Discipline . " The former could not by the severest

martinet be fairly rendered obligatory upon every officer , as their execution must be more or less the the results of natural gifts , Avith which every one is not equally endowed . But the correct performance of the latter , Avhich more especially

concerns the Assistant Officers , should be strictly enforced . They are absolutely points of " drill " in Avhich , similar to the practice in the army , every officer should be required to be perfect before he be permitted to instruct and command others .

The duties of the respective officers in a lodge will be treated of seriatim , in as full a manner as the exposition of those duties may be treated before the uninitiated Avorld Avho are not Masons .

We would take this opportunity of remarking that Ave are no great admirers of false secrecy . So long as nothing " becomes improperly knoAvn , " so long as the real secrets are kept inviolate in the safe and sacred repository of our hearts , there is

much of Masonry that may with every propriety be revealed to outsiders . The real truth Avhy so little is known that might be revealed Avith impunity , or even with advantage to the Craft , is that not one brother in a thousand knows anything else

of Masonry but what he should not reveal . Under these circumstances his discretion and reticence cannot be too highly commended , but they who have really studied Freemasonry , who have traced its origin from the present time until it is lost in

the oblivion of ages , Avho have discovered and felt the hidden meaning and unrevealed spirit of tho science , they maybe safely trusted with the popular exposition of its virtues , and to descant upon a theme that while it is capable of poAverfully

exciting the interests and legitimate curiosity of the hearer , yet leaves him on the threshold that divides the seen from , the unseen—the knoAvn from the unknown .