Scotch Masonic Lectures.

sonic duty , the brethren can only appeal for redress by petition to the Grand Lodge . I need scarcely remind you then how careful tho brethren should be in their selection for an office demanding such qualifications as those

necessary to honourably fill the Master ' s seat . Next in importance to the Master ' s office are those of the ' Wardens . " Bro . Cowie here explained the jeivels and symbols dedicated to the Wardens , ancl stated that in the ancient form no

lodge could be opened in the absence of both Master and Wardens . With the Junior Warden and not less than seven brethren present a lodge might be opened in the first ; with the presence of the Senior Warden could be opened in the second ;

but in the absence of the Master no lodge could be opened in the third . In modem lodges a lodge can be opened in the third if there is present a Past Master or a depute holding the Master ' s Avritten authority ; the charter being indispensable in all

cases . In the olden time every tenth man ivas a Warden . Two ' Wardens ivith the Master were twenty-one , ancl a third of that is still considered

necessary to constitute a lodge . In addition to a thorough knowledge of Masonic ceremonies in speculative Masonry the "Wardens should be capable of giving information on scientific topics . The Senior giving instructions in such subjects as

might improve the intellect ; the Junior on that Avhich may forward the cause of morality . The habits of our predecessors had raised the office of Junior AYtrdcn to such importance that it is presumed , in self defence , the Master had to take a

share of the duties ; this is an understanding which modern taste is rapidly removing , for every wellinformed brother knowns that it ivas not merel y to rule over convivial enjoyment that this office ivas instituted , it was a moral trust , an office instituted to guard against- excess so that harmless engagement should not exceed the bounds of

propriety . Most of the other offices are of modern date , invented to meet the exigencies of Grand Lodges and the growing wants of speculative Masonry , many of these offices are highly useful .

The Depute Master fill ., the chair in the absence of a Past or Substitute Master ; many lodges turn this office to good account by making it a probation for the Master ' s seat , giving the candidate an opportunity of practising the Master ' s office , and the brethren an opportunity of judging

Avhether the candidate is capable of fulfilling the Master ' s duties . Bro . CpAvie then proceeded to explain the duties of the Deacons , their jewels and working of their office , stating that the Deacons require

a thorough knowledge of Masonic ceremony , Avith temper aud tact to assist the timid ancl restrain the forward ; in the working of a lodge ancl duringinitiation the Deacons' services are of the utmost importance .

In ordinary lodges the Sword Bearer may be said to supply the place of the Master of the Ceremonies , and it is of great service during initiations and receptions . Bro . Coivie then said "Yvhafc office is not important , even

the-Inside T yler's office well or ill fulfilled may go far to help or mar the proper ivorking of a lodge . The duties of each office may be further illustrated in a lecture on the symbols of each office , for which I am preparing draivings , but

before concluding , I would crave a feiv remarksupon the office Outside Tyler . Many of our predecessors , aud some of our contemporaries , seemed and seem to think it ivell to cultivate the public notion , that Masonry ivas something very absurd

ancl ridiculous , else ivhy these absurd exhibitions of their Tylers disguised as Turks , Tartars , or nondescripts , in every variety of guise . In a large Masonic procession , of which I was a spectator ,, some few years ago , one might have imagined

there ivas a rivalship amongst the country lodges Avho should turn out the most extravagantly arrayed outside guard . As each passed in succession the mob shouted and laughed , taming down their ridicule as the more decently attired brethren

passed onward , to be renewed again as another Tyler came iu view , and culminating in a grin as the G . L . came onward , headed by their Tyler costumed as a running footman , but even his Avelltrimined attire could not redeem the ridicule of

the ragged absurdities which ivent before . Modern taste is gradually improving all this , for it is found that the more respectability in manners ancl appearance AVO can attach to all Avhich may have to appear without our circles , the more readily Avill

the world believe Ave have gentlemen Avithin . In conclusion , I would say , that though increased appreciation of the beauty of our ceremonies ivill grow Avith knoAvledge and practice in their use , ancl I trust that your practice will be such that outgeneral meetings ivill see nothing but perfect