perhaps you will then find, as in the present instance, that some unknown person has befriended you, and you are really in a better situation than you think yourself.”  The candidate then rises and is made acquainted with the grips, words, and signs of this degree.  The pass-grip of this degree is made by extending the right arms and clasping the fingers of the right hands, as one would naturally do to assist another up a steep ascent; the pass-word is “Joppa;” the real grip is made by locking the little fingers of the right hand, bringing the knuckles together, placing the ends of the thumbs against each other; the word is “Mark well.”  The signs have been described.  After the grips, words, and signs are given and explained (see Lectures), the Master says, “Brother, I now present you with the tools of a Mark Master (here he points them out in the carpet, or in the chart), which are the chisel and mallet; they are thus explained:  The chisel morally demonstrates the advantages of discipline and education; the mind, like the diamond in its original state, is rude and unpolished, but as the effect of the chisel on the external coat soon presents to view the latent beauties of the diamond, so education discovers the latent beauties of the mind, and draws them forth to range the large field of matter and space, to display the summit of human knowledge, our duty to God and man.  The mallet morally teaches to correct irregularities, and to reduce man to a proper level; so that by quiet deportment, he may, in the school of discipline, learn to be content.  What the mallet is to the workmen, enlightened reason is to the passions; it curbs ambition, it depresses envy, it moderates anger, and it encourages good dispositions, whence arises among good Masons that comely order,

        ’Which nothing earthly gives, or can destroy,
        The soul’s calm sunshine, and the heartfelt joy.’”

The Worshipful Master then delivers a charge to the candidate, which completes the ceremony of advancement to this degree.

* * * * *

CEREMONIES GENERALLY GONE THROUGH IN CLOSING A LODGE OF MARK MASONS.

The Worshipful Master says, “Brother Junior Warden, assemble the brethren, and form a procession for the purpose of closing the Lodge.”  The brethren then assemble and commence a circular march, singing the song, “Mark Masons all appear.”  After the song is completed, the brethren compare the wages they have received, and finding that all have received alike (one penny or cent), they begin to murmur among themselves, some pretending to think they ought to have more, as they have done all the labor.  They finally throw down their wages upon the altar, declaring if they cannot be dealt justly with, they will have none.  The Worshipful Master calls to order, and demands the cause of the confusion.  Some brother answers, “Worshipful, we are not