Subdivision Of Ceremonies.

SUBDIVISION OF CEREMONIES .

WHEN we consider how much depends on the manner in which the ceremonies of Freemasonry are carried out , we are surprised that greater efforts are not made to render them even more impressive than is at

present the case . There are many points in onr ritual to which attention might advantageously be devoted , not so much with a view of attaining perfection in the mere

delivery of the words , as to acquire something like effect in the manner in which they are rendered . Onr Lodges of Instruction are excellent schools , so far as they go ; the work of their Precentors is to teach tho ritual of

Freemasonry ; ancl we think that few of them lay claim to teaching more , even if any general attempt on their part to do so would not be rejected by their pupils . The improvement to which we refer must first be looked for from

the pupils , rather than from the teachers , and it is therefore to those who are actually in office , or who are working for office , that we now address ourselves . We would ask each Worshipful Master to study , not only what to

say , but how to say it , and in order to make the ceremonies even more impressive than is usual at the present time we ask them to seek the co-operation of the Past Masters and Officers of their Lodge .

One of the most radical changes we should like to see is , a subdivision of labour in the rendering of the various ceremonies , so that the monotony of Lodge work , which oftentimes proves wearisome to the majority of listeners may be ,

in a measure , relieved . There is an old truism that " variety is charming , " and nowhere would the aphorism better apply than in a Masonic Lodge . For example , we should like to see the Master , instead of taking the whole

of the initiation ceremony , or that of passing or raising , follow up to a certain point , and then permit his principal Officers , or others in the Lodge , to "take up the wondrous tale , " thus relieving tho monotony of the Master ' s

voice , which , however eloquent and impressive , may , and often does , prove irksome to some of his listeners . This , we urge , would tend to make the ceremonies of the Lodge more impressive and interesting to the general body

of the members ; moreover , it would create a stimulus in the minds of all who attend to emulate the example of others , and to embrace the opportunities for advancement offered to them . To the candidate this subdivision of work

would be of the utmost interest , for instead of listening to the " parrot rote" of perhaps an inefficient Worshipful Master , prompted by a veteran on his left , he would then discern that unity and co-operation which are amongst the

highest and most laudable of the tenets of our Order . We care not how able or competent a Master may be , or how desirous of displaying his erudition before his Lodo-e , there is at times a wearisomeness in the recapitulation of

sentences with which all intelligent Masons are conversant ; and to vary the routine , by calling in extraneous assistance from those who would only too gladly render it , would be to the advantage and edification of the brethren all round .

The same remarks apply to the festivities which follow labour , and in which the post-prandial business is invariably left in the hands of one or two individuals . Every

Mason who attends a banquet and glances over the toast list is able almost intuitively to guage the calihre of the speeches to which he is about to listen , unless indeed the Worshipful Master be a man of more than mediocre per-

Subdivision Of Ceremonies.

spicuity . It may be that thero is a certain laudable ambition on the part of a Worshipfnl Master to impress upon the brethren his ability to do all the work efficiently but it would , in a majority of instances , be more conducive

to the comfort ancl enjoyment of the brethren to diffuse the amenities of the festive board over as wide an area as is compatible with courtesy and tho usages of the Fraternity . Thus the whole of tho work , both in the

Lodge and at tho subsequent festivities , would go more smoothly and regularly , to the advantage , wo consider , both of the Master himself , his Officers , and all who share in the subordinate ranks . Of conrse , such a programme could

not be carried out without natural ability and an intelligent conception of the sublimity of the teachings of tho Craft , but on that very ground we seo in the aspirations of the brethren who were called upon to fulfil their parts an

incentive would be found to break fresh ground , and thus the after-dinner proceedings , instead of proving , as they too often do , a mere repetition of that which we have heard too often before , would bo brightened

by thoughts and sentiments which are frequently promised in the lectures , — " should time permit . " If the matter was thought out , and acted upon in a spirit of unity and good understanding , the work which is now

painfully confined to two or three speakers might bo agreeably subdivided amongst half a dozen or more of the members of a Lodge , aud we feel convinced it would tend not

only to enhance the pleasures and enjoyment of the brethren , but would stimulate inquiry and research , and a desire for perfection in all branches of Masonic work , which is at present lamentably unknown .

Trivial Appeals To Grand Lodge.

TRIVIAL APPEALS TO GRAND LODGE .

A GREAT deal might be said in regard to the frivolous appeals which are frequently submitted to the arbitration of United Grand Lodge , and which involve an expenditure of valuable time that cannot fail to be a source of annoyance aud irritation to those who object to bo

mixed up in petty squabbles . Of course , when disputes of serious moment crop up , as they will do in any organisation where differences of opinion are allowed , Grand Lodge is undoubtedly the legally constituted authority by whom

such questions should be decided ; but it is deplorable at times to note what a quantity of " dirty linen " is submitted to that tribunal which might very well have been " washed at home . " On a recent occasion , as

we took the opportunity of pointing out , thero were no less than five of these appeals , all of which—with the exception , perhaps , of one—might have been easily and pleasantly settled without wasting

the valuable time and the patience of Grand Lodge . Even in that exceptional case the Brother , had ho recognised the lawfully constituted authority , as he should have clone , would not have aired his Grievances in tho manner which

so vexed ancl infringed upon the forbearance of G : and Lodge . We venture to assert that the case wonld never have come before the Craft in its judicial capacity if the appellant had been actuated by a greater degree of commr-n

sense , and a recognition of that authority in which we , as Masons , arc all bound to confide . Having gone so far as to admit that he was in the wrong , he should have gone a step further , ancl : uade the amende honorable ; and Grand