Sketches Of Notable Masonic Works.

better suited for so responsible a position . It appears that no Grand Chapter was organized in America before 1797 , previous to which date , the Royal Arch , and three other degrees were ¦ given under the sanction of a Master s wai'rant

sometimes , and at other times , the sanction of a neighbouring chapter was obtained . The evils resulting from this " uncontrolled mode of proceeding were such that governing bodies were almost imperatively demanded , and accordingly constituted .

The " circular issued to the companions speaks of "time immemorial Chapters of Royal Arch Masonry . " How any chapter can reasonably be called " time immemorial , when the degree itself , or even the title of "Royal Arch , has not been

proved to be of more antiquity than some hundred and thirty years ago , I leave to my readers to discover . To me it appears simply preposterous to thus bolster up Royal Arch Masonry , and impose on the Masonic public such incorrect

chronology , when the ceremonies of the order require neither trickery nor antiquity to secure their general appreciation . From 1797 warrants were granted to hold Mark Lodges separately , but the Past and Excellent Masters , were prohibited

from working apart from the chapter . No Mason was allowed "to be a member of two separate and distinct bodies , of the same denomination , at one and the same time , ' ( Section 5 , Article 3 . ) Section 8 , provides that the " High Priest , and

other officers , of every chapter , and the officers of every lodge of Mai'k Master Masons , shall be chosen annually by ballot . The High Priest on his installation declared that he would " never suffer the chapter to be opened unless there were

present nine regular Royal Arch Masons , and that he would never permit " more or less than three brethren to be exalted in his chapter at one and the same time . 55 All applications for the exaltation or advancement of candidates , in any chapter

or lodge , under jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter shall lie over , at least one meeting , for the consideration of the members . On the whole the laws are well arranged , and provide for the ceremonies being conducted with the precision

and care , their importance and nature deserve . Book 2 nd being exclusively on the "hautes grades , ' and the History of Freemasonry in America , we will reserve the consideration for another opportunity . ( To be continued . )

Masonic Discipline.—Xii.

MASONIC DISCIPLINE . —XII .

BY CRUX . Our articles upon this important subject have now anived at a point , which enables us to examine a little in detail , into the practical execution of the plan we have briefly suggested as yet ,

only in outline . It is not to be understood that we arrogantly claim to lay down the law irrevocably and defiantly , because we offer to the consideration of the members of the Craft at large , a plan which , in our opinion , is calculated to permanently efface

what every earnest aud reflecting brother , feels to be a foul blot upon our otherwise untainted escutcheon . On the contrary , similarly to the principles that have actuated us throughout the whole of our task , and which should ever actuate

Masons , we are governed by no other motives than those springing from fervency and zeal , from a sincere wish for the future welfare and advancement of this our Masonic art , and from a fervent desire to raise the status and prestige of the

Institution collectively , by improving those of the members individually . There is , however , one point upon which , so loug as we remain faithful to the views we entertain , and have persistently advocated in our articles , we cannot yield a single inch

of ground . It is the first and most essential condition , the sine qiuu non of the whole proposed scheme . ¦ It is that Grand Lodge is bound , in the interests of Freemasonry , to assume a more active part in the education , in the supervision , and in

the discipline of the several lodges which " range beneath its banners , and are committed to its sovereign care and guidance . At present it may almost be said that our lodges are orphans , and have no parent to train them in the paths of

rectitude , and exercise over them that paternal care , which can never be ensured by the most anxious solicitude of strangers . There is no need of any inquisitorial surveillance , so offensive to the feelings and character of Englishmen ; no need of any

officious or prying interference with those affairs , that may be fairly and justly denominated the private property of a lodge , and no need of claiming a monopoly of those privileges and those rights which a lodge can exercise , suo jure , by virtue of

its bye laws . But there is need , not of an officious , but of an official interference . Can it be right for any government—any presiding body—any community or society of men , that by universal consent are invested with supreme authority , and