Freemasonry In Egypt.

FREEMASONRY IN EGYPT .

ZONDON , SATUBDAT , MARCH 10 , 1866 .

iHAtraXJEATION OP THE LUCE DI OKIENTE LODGE . The following is a translation of the inaugural address delivered by the W . M ., Bro . Freclrico Figari : — Beloved Brethren , —Whenever a new Masonic

lodge is inaugurated , a new temple is erected to virtue , and a barrier opposed to vice . It is , therefore , with intense joy , and Avith a serene and elevated mind , that in this solemn hour I assume the chair in the East , and to Avhich honourable

post I have been raised by your unanimous vote , to uphold the laws that rule ancl govern our ancient Order , which is called upon to propagate humanitarian works , as the champion of progress

and the harbinger of civilisation . But in order to secure and render more profitable the results of Masonic labours , it is meet , beloved brethren , to draw a distinct line of conduct , and to act in strict accordance Avith the

principles of our Order ; we should divest ourselves of profane passions , and become purified by the holy spiritual fire , that we may , pure and honest , worthy of respect and respected , go into the combat and struggle until Ave depart from life ;

for our life will be hemmed in , though , lite the phcenix of the fable , we shall be resuscitated by the neAV Masonic fire , pervaded by that flame which may become evanescent , but can never be Avholly extinguished .

As a very old Mason permit me to give you as the result of my experience the fruits I have on manyfold occasions reapt from the participation in lodge labours , and I will endeavour to convey to your mind the conclusions which ought to be drawn ,

from this experience . It is a sad truth , but it is a truth that in very rare instances only Ave see the labours that are performed at our temples , produce those results and attain those objects which might be conducive to the good of all those who join in it . To this frustration of its aims is due that indifference

which causes many amongst the Graft , independently of the -animated , to think that " Freemasonry has had its time , " an assertion perfectly incorrect and ill-founded ; for if Masonry has accomplished its work in part , it has not completed it and is not likely to ever complete it , considering that progress is infinite and that " mankind is but

one man who lives eternally and never ceases to learn . " Let us inquire into the causes to which this lamentable evil is due , and how it be possible to stop and entirely suppress it , before this malady

yet slight , should in course of time , and through negligence , assumegreater proportions and become a deadly disease . Apathy which always , and ambition Avhich in many cases engenders discord , and the little

confidence in its intrinsic force are the principal stumbling blocks to the progress and Avelfai-e of the Institution of Freemasonry . To eschew ancl counteract those evils , we should oppose to them , union , strength , and courage , and with them raise

high the banner bearing the sublime inscription : Liberty , fraternity , equality , which is identical Avith the Masonic creed , the love of mankind .

But in order to preserve in our heart this love of mankind , Avhich is the very essence of our Institution , we should reject the vie * vs of those Avho incline towards pessimism , who see but the shadow in everything and exaggerate it a thousandfold

wherever it exists ; we should not allow ourselves to be overcome by those who are clad in vituperation and diffidence . In folloAving those , Ave fall into that complete indifferenfcism and misanthropy which easily irritate aud lead to words of bitterness ,

without realising any useful effect . On the contrary , we should have confidence in progress , confidence in our equals , and hope in the success of Masonic labours ; and always remind each other of and inspire each other Avith the excellence and

¦ vitality of Freemasonry . On the other hand , the excesses of a too ambitious mind must be avoided . Who knows

not to what consequences intemperance in speech and feelings may lead ? We do not deny that wisdom is one of those precious qualities that are required of us . For the remainder , the prosperity ancl influence of our Older depends

entirely on ourselves . To secure these , Ave need but follow the path of the humanitarian tendencies of the as ; e , and act as its auxiliaries and confederates . Another of the chief evils under which our

Institution labours is the erroneous belief entertained by many that its poAver consists in its numerical strength . Brethren , if yovi mean to secure long life to this temple of ours , keep aloof from this most injurious error . The Masonic family wishes , no 'doubt , to be considerable also