Masonic Discipline And The Ritual.—Xxiii.

It is difficult for brethren to imagine themselves bound together by the same chain , when the forging of it is dependent upon ignorance and incompetency . A large proportion of W . M . ' s are about as much fitted to occupy that position as the

Khau of Tartary is to fill the primacy . In order to entitle a brother to wear the jewel of a P . M . there ought to be some other qualification required , than what in in nine cases out of ten , is the mere farce of passing the chair .

Instead of the jewel representing the 47 th proposition of Euclid , that usually known as the " Pons Asiuorurn" would have been a more appropriate selection in many instances that have come under our ovv ? i observation . There is besides a g-ood

deal of quiet satire in presenting a man with a jewel , upon which is engraved a problem of geometry , when the recipient probably knows as much about that science as he does of the " black art . " Might we suggest , that as " Masonry is an art

founded on the principles of geometry , " it would not be asking too much of the candidates for its honours that they should be able to demonstrate

that they possess , at least , some elementary knowledge of the scieuce before they are decore , as our French friends term it ? It is not to be understood by this suggestion that no one but an able geometrical ! should wear the jewel , but it is

intended to signify that one who is totally ignorant of the principles , practice , propositions , aud applications of that ancient science should be excluded from receiving it . No good , earnest Mason who has the interest of the fraternity at heartis

, acquainted with the sections , and can work a lodge thoroughly , is ignorant of the principles and practical application of geometry , although he may never have heard of the problem in question , or

any other of a similar nature . It is not technical knowledge that is needed to render a brother eligible for distinction , but Masonic knowledge , and a sincere desire to use "the talents with which God has blessed him " for the benefit of the

Institution and the advantage of its members . The " obligation" being finished , it is a very common occurrence to witness the members of a lodge resume their seats . This is incorrect , ancl violates the general rule , which it is very easy for

any one to remember . This rule is , that when the candidate kneels , the brethren rise , and when the candidate rises , the brethren sit down . The brethren therefore should not resume their seats , until after the W . M . has pointed out to the

Initiate the emblematic lights in Masonry , and repeated the sentence which follows . The whole ceremony is frequently completely spoiled , and its solemnity and impressiveness destroyed by some of the brethren sitting down prematurely , while

others remain in a standing position . Before quitting the " obligation" we would take the opportunity of remarking that we have never witnessed its rehearsal , without noticing that but very few brethren appear to order correctly . We have

watched newly-initiated members glancing from one brother to the other , in the vain hope of making up their minds which they ought to copy . If brethren would only bear in mind that the " obligations" in the three degrees are note

" prayers , " and that they contain an allusion to penalty , they will have no difficulty in remembering what is the proper " sign " to show . A word from the W . M . would be quite sufficient to put the brethren d'accord in points like these , but

unfortunately that officer is frequently in the same dilemma himself , and is therefore unable to set them right , for fear he should make a blunder . He therefore very wisely leaves them alone , and the error is thus perpetuated on all subsequent occasions . In explaining the " three lesser lights , " a mistake is very often perpetrated . This arises from

the fact that the " point" of the explanation is not understood , nor the peculiar Masonic propriety of it perceived . The order of the position and that of the exposition is reversed , which is a well known Masonic facon do purler . The order is "East , south , and west ; sun , moon , and "W . M . " There is nothing

incongruous or uniutelh ' gble in this style of language . It is similar to that employed in geometry under the term " invertendo , " and is one of those " niceties " of the JRifrual to which we Ziave already alluded , and which we hope will always he retained . It is

particularly unfortunate that the parrot-like manner in which the working of a lodge is got up , altogether precludes the possibility of the brother either comprehending or appreciating the many beauties of the Ritual . They are oftentimes altogether omitted ,

slurred over , or delivered in such a manner that they become absurd , and pass from the sublime—which they really are—to the ridiculous—which they certainly are not . The transit is hut a step , and it is the commonest remark in the world that " extremes

meet . " " While no one would lament more than ourselves the incapacity of a W . M . to appreciate and to display the beauties of our ceremonial routine , yet it must not he imagined that on that account we should consider him unqualified for office . All that we contend for is that he should he able to do his work