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542 BOOK OF THE A. AND A. KITE.
The duties which you are in that case to perform are known
to you, and need not be repeated. When he is present you are
to assist him with your counsel and advice, and aid him in maintaining
the dignity *u:d authority of his office, and the peace and
harmony of the Consistory. I congratulate you on being thought
worthy by your brethren of this honorable station, and earnestly
hope that you may give them no reason to regret the choice they
bave made.
Charge to the First Lieutenant.
Or:. Com. 111.-. Brother, the office to which you have been
elected, though in rank and power below that of Commander-in-
Chief, is of great importance. As his First Lieutenant, you will
receive from him his orders, communicate them, and see that they
are obeyed and ; in his absence and that of his illustrious Deputy,
you will perform the duties of his office. The efficiency of the
Commander depends on that of his Lieutenants ; and if they are
indifferent and incompetent, his labor, besides being largely and
improperly increased, will to a great extent prove unavailing.
Often, indeed, more depends upon the subordinate than upon
the Chief; and it is not uncommon for the latter to reap and wear
the laurels that in justice belong to the former.
Will you promptly obey him and faithfully second his exer-
tions ? You are especially charged with the supervision within
and without the Consistory of your column.
You are peculiarly the conservator of the peace of the Consis-
tory and it is your especial duty to settle all difficulties and unveil
all dissensions that may arise among the brethren. You will to
that end carefully watch all approaches to misunderstanding, and
discountenance all censorious or sarcastic remarks in debate or
elsewhere, and especially keep a careful watch over your own
temper, never suffering yourself to utter a harsh or bitter word
to a brother. Teach every brother by your wise example to beai
with the infirmities of another ; and beware particularly ol
obstinacy and pride of opinion, out of which most difficulties in
Masonry grow.
111.'. Grand Master of Ceremonies, you will please conduct
the I1L\ First Lieutenant Commander to the West, and seat him