Masonic Discipline.—Xvii.

that the lodge is properly tyled is "the first care of every Mason . " When this question is demanded , the lodge is not formed , and has not been previously tyled , and it is in fact the preliminary stage of the whole future proceedings . This

having been once accomplished , it is " the constant care of every Mason" to see that the command of the W . M . is always enforced while the lodge is opened . It is competent for the W . M . or any of the officers or even brethren of a lodge ,

to " prove the lodge close tyled " at any moment that they might have a suspicion that the contrary is the case . In a word , it is " the first care of every Mason" to see that the Tyler is at his post before the opening - of the lodge , and his constant

care during the time that the lodge is opened , and at its close , to prove that he has been , and is in his proper situation . The whole beauty of the working of a lodge is completely marred by blunders of this description , and in fact so long as they continue , it is idle to hope for anything like uniformity in the ritual . We do not assert , we do

not expect , that one out of ten lodges will ever come up to the proper standard of working , not at least until more of Masonry is unlearned than learned , but what we , and every earnest brother complain of is , that there is no standard . Let us

ask in all sincerity , where are Masons to go to learn " the thing that is' right ? " We are perfectly ready to receive instruction , but we warn the brethren that it must be instruction of the right kind . It must be instruction that will stand

the test of reason , of fair argument , and of the rules of Lindley Murray , and it must obviously be something very different from what is taught at many so called "lodges of instruction . " To our own knowledge there is only one " lodge of

instruction " in which Masonry is well taught , although there is room for inrproveinent in it . To a certain extent , precedent must be adhered to in Masonic matters , but to adhere to it , in defiance of common sense , ancl ordinary rules of grammar and diction is an absurdity , and only serves to lower the science in the opinion of intelligent and well educated

men . The second question of the W . M . at the opening of a lodge , which is addressed to the S . W ., is precisely similar to that addressed by him to the same officer , at the closing of the lodge , but the answers are not identical . We consider it an open question for consideration , whether the answer given at the closing of the lodge might not be

Masonic Discipline.—Xvii.

equally well used at the opening' , and one link m the chain of simplification and uniformity we advocate , introduced . It will be readily perceived that the test of there being " none but Masons present '* is in their appearing - * to order , " or at

least in their attempting to appear in that position . Heaven knows if the majority ofthebrethi'enwere to be received or rejected in lodges , according to the manner in which they exhibited the " outward ancl visible signs , " there would freqently be but a

very scant }* attendance ! It is true that the precise object of the question we are considering , is different in the two instances . Nevertheless , the subsequent command of the W . M . is the same at both the opening and closing of the lodgo . As the

same test is applied , there is no absolute reason for making any difference in the respective answers returned by the S . W . on the two occasions . This , however , is one of those points which admits of fair discussion , and in whichever way it may be

decided , it involves no inconsistency , or violation of common sense , diction or propriety . On the other hand it may be urged that as the persons present at the opening of the lodge when this question is

asked , have not been tested or proved to be brethren , it is not correct to reply "to see the brethren etc . " There is a good deal of force in this remark . As the answer stands , there is a distinction made between those who might be in the

lodge at the commencement of the opening ceremonial , and those who , it is supposed would have proved themselves to be brethren , and therefore be present at the closing . Bearing in mind that the two different answers to the same question

gives rise to some more of the blundering already noticed , it is a fair case of simplification versus abstract , and somewhat hypercritical precision . While we are strong advocates for accuracy , Ave have no partiality for pedantry , or needless

complexity . We wish to see Masonry practised not theorised ; worked , not talked about . Were we compelled to choose , we would infinitely rather select a W . M ., who could do his work thoroughly and efficientlyand yet was profoundly ignorant

, of the " Celestial Mysteries , ' * ' than one who could " read the stars ' - '' and was nevertheless obliged to resign his chair when the ceremony of " raising " was to be net-formed .

A discovery was made on the 7 th inst . at Hercmlanetm . of two gold brooches of moderate size still fastened to two pieces of stuff . They probably served as the clasp for a pepium .