GRADES OF RANK. Many persons have endea voured to substantiate their objections to the institution of Freemasonry from the admitted dogma that its mem bers meet on a level ; whence they conclude that the system abolishes all human distinctions. and promises to disorganise society, and reduce it to its primitive ments. But it does no such thing. There is, in fact, no other institution where the grades of rank are better defined and preserved. The W. M. sits in the east. For what purpose is he placed there ? Why, to rule and orovern his lodge. And he is invested with power even to despotism, should he consider it safe to use it, and the 'Wardens are his assistants, not his equals. Each has a particular duty assigned to him, and beyond that, he has no right to interfere. The n lxt grade are the Dea cons. And what is their duty ? Not, surely, to rank in equality with the Master and 'Wardens, but to perform the part of inferiors in office, to carry messages and com mands. It is their province to attend on the Master,
and to assist the Wardens in the active duties of the lodge, such as the reception of candidates into the differ ent degrees of Masonry, and the immediate practice of our rites This is the business of the Deacons ; and by its punctual discharge, the office becomes a stepping stone to further preferment : for as it is incumbent on a brother to serve the office of a Warden, before he is eligible for the chair of a lodge, so it would be well if the office of a Deacon were preparatory to that of a Warden. The Treasurer, the Secretary, the Stewards, the Inner Guard, and the Tyler, have all their respec tive duties to perform, and rank to support ; while the brethren are bound to obey the will and pleasure of the W. M.