Masonic Discipline.—Xiv.

quick fire . It may in fact be compared to a Havannah cigar . You may have it mild , medium , or full flavoured . Let us now consider the effect of this trip le manner of honouring the same toast . The Tyler ' s toast is one of great beauty and

pathos , and reflects not only much credit upon our festive assemblies , but redounds to the honour of our noble institution . It proves that in the midst of genial sociality , when the eye is bright , and the spirit gay , when the tongue is ready aud

eloquent , the wit sprightly and brilliant , the hearts and sympathies of Masons are nevertheless with their " poor and distressed brethren wherever ¦ dispersed over the face of land and water . " In the midst of their own enjoyment , when lively jests

and smart repartees are mutually interchanged with fraternal good will , they do not forget those who may be placed in fer different circumstances . Many of their less fortunate brethren may be ^ battling with " the houseless ocean's heaving

field" ; may be shipwrecked on foreign shores , wanderers and outcasts in hostile hands , or in the power of a man as relentless and merciless as the

Mexican Lopez . To all such as these who may be'in peril of liberty , life and fortune , is the Tyler's toast solemnly dedicated , and in whatever manner it may be received , the wish for " a speedy release from their sufferings , and a happy return to

their native land " is equally fervent and sincere . It might be observed that it is a matter of indifference in what manner the toast is honoured , provided these is a unanimity of sympathy and feeling . Here we beg to differ . As we have

frequently expressed in previous articles , it is in these apparently trifling points of " Masonic discipline " that it is essential there should be absolute , and unalterable uniformity . It is idle to

expect that it will be possible to reform greater and more important discrepancies , if a beginningbe not made with those of a miner prominence . There are in all probability , few brethren who have not witnessed , to use the mildest phrase , the

unpleasantness of the want of uniformity in the instance under notice . As an example , a brother in whose lodge it is customary to receive the Tyler ' s toast in silence , invites a brother who belongs to a lodge , in which it is honoured with a quick fire .

It is scarcely necessary to mention the result . The latter , at the last moment brings in his fire , in utter dissonance with the general silence , thereby marring the whole character of the toast , and causing some chagrin to the members of the lodge

of which he is the guest . If a young Mason , he naturally feels a little confused , and probably apologises to the brother who invited him , for the commission of an action which is no fault of his . Should he be an experienced brother , he resumes

his seat with the remark " Oh , you drink the Tyler's toast in a different manner to what we do at our lodge . " As a piece of advice to young-Masons , who may wish to avoid disturbing the harmony of the toast , let them always receive it

in any lodges which they may happen to attend as visitors , with a silent fire . Even if they be not right , they can do no wrong . With respect to the question that will immediately arise in connection with these remarks , in what manner ought the

Tyler ' s toast to be received , we do not profess to give any opinion , but to leave it to those in authority to decide . We sincerely wish that those at head quarters , would show a little more energy in reconciling this , and many other points of Masonic difference , to which we shall draw attention in our future articles . Some authoritative interference in

the drill , discipline and education of Masons , particulars of those placed in office , is urgently needed , and we have no hesitation in saying , that every earnest and reflecting brother who really knows Masonry , who knows what the working of our

lodges is , and what it ought to be , will corroborate the assertion we have made . ' - Leaviug the question respecting the manner in which the Tyler's toast ought to be received , to those more competent than ourselves to determine

we may be permitted to observe that we give the preference to the silent reception , and honouring of it . It must be borne in rnind that this toast , in its character and general features , is totally distinct from all others that form the usual

accompaniment of Masonic banquets . Although this fact does not necessarily establish , that it should therefore be received in a manner equally distinct , yet there is evidently a manifest fitness , and natural propriety in so doing . The reception of

this toast in silence , unquestionably renders it more imposing , and bestows upon it another distinguishing characteristic , in addition to those it already possesses . At the same time , it is not of any material consequence in which manner it be

honoured , provided there was one uniform standard adopted by the Craft at large . The difference between receiving a toast in silence , and with a quick fire is so demonstratively obvious , that a painful prominence , palpable to every brother , is