Masonic Discipline.—Iv.

we share with the animals in a lower scale of creation , who are endowed with it to a remarkable degree . Children possess a peculiar innate sagacity of determining at first sight , something of the inner character of those with whom they

are brought in contact . There is a provei-b to the effect that the person should be shunned whom " children and dogs do not love . " As with individuals , so with circumstances . Witness the pretended attempts to describe a man ' s character from that of his handwriting . Consequently Ave maintain that the notices sent to all brethren

should be of such a nature as to impress them with the importance , dignity , and prestige of the institution into which they have obtained admission . Let us glance for a moment at the communications , which emanate from the various

govermental departments , the War Office , the Admiralty , the Revenue , the Bank , and others . The very first sign that attracts the attention , that catches the eye is the well known crown with the royal initials V . R . The veriest stranger would be

aware , directly he saw that distinguishing characteristic , that the document or circular he had received emanated from some one "having- authority . " Many persons might remark that the communication would have equal power and effect if

it were divested of the royal stamp . This , however , is not quite the case , as a little reflection will point out . Hnless a coin be stamped with the proper inscription it will not pass as a current coin of the realm . The mere impression ofthe

royal likeness and the reverse device would not add intrinsically to the value of the piece . A plain gold piece of the same weight , and containing the orthodox one-eleventh part of alloy , would be intrinsically of the same value as a

sovereign . It would sell for the same price as old gold . Try and pass it , and the chances amount to a certainty that you would be impeached , and probably convicted as an utterer of false coin , with intent to defraud her Majesty the

Queen . As every branch ofthe military and civil department in connection with the government manifests in its commucications with the public at large the authority under which it acts , so we consider that every communication relating to

Freemasonry should be stamped with the arms and crested insignia of the Grand Lodge , as the supreme authority under which we hold our warrants of constitutions , and which in combination with the volume of the sacred law and the number

seven makes our lodges "just , perfect , and regular . '' The drift of our argument will be probably now more apparent , and there can be little or no difficulty in ensuring this first step of unanimity

among individual lodges . It must not be forgotten that the universal establishment and introduction of the most trivial and insignificant item of Masonic routine is , in reality , a great feat to accomplish . It would lead all lodges , their officers , and their members to be more cognisant of the

authority under which they are constituted , to feel that there was some kind of a fraternal , although strict , surveillance exercised over them , aud that it was not a matter of indifference at " head quarters , " whether they were working or playing

Masons . There is a great and prominent evil in connection with a relaxed state of discipline . Those who are careless of it , either from ignorance and neglect , have no pressure , however gentle , brought

to bear upon them ; while those who are really earnest , who have really the interest of the Craft at heart , who are in every sense true and faithful brethren , have no encouragement to persevere in their disinterested endeavours , have no

inducement , Masonically speaking , to bring the working of their respective lodges up to the proper standard , and to struggle against that spirit of apathy , indolence , and carelessness which is becoming far too prevalent among the members of our ancient and honourable institution . As a

proof to every initiate that he has joined an order possessing some prestige and importance , as a proof also to any outsider that might take up by chance any of the communications addressed to members of the Order , we would suggest to those

in authority that every printed document issued under the sanction of the Grand Lodge should be stamped with its distinguishing characteristic , should " bear upon its front the round and top of Masonic sovereignty . " The peculiar device or

motto belonging to any lodge issuing a Masonic notice or circular could be p laced in addition at the left-hand corner , but we maintain that the universal heading should consist of the arms of the Grand Lodge , bearing the well known and

appropriate motto , " Audi , Vide Tace , " as indicative of the authority under which we Masons are constituted , and which we recognise as the unappealable arbitrator of all Masonic differences , and as our supreme court of judicature .