Freemasonry In France

of the political society in the midst of which we live . Each new principle propounded by society becomes a new subject of research imposed upon freemasonry . Our institution may be compared to vast inexhaustable reservoir of ideas , which the

profane world can extract , and which not withstanding , like the cask in the fable , is filled as fast as it is emptied . Liberty , equality , fraternity , universal instruction , the amelioration of the condition of the

working classes , political economy , the development of labour , respect of individual property , sympathy with misfortune , distribution of office according to merit in candidates , universal suffrage , the republican form of government ; all these principles

which have regulated the political world , come within the ordinary domain of Masonry , and its mission will never be fulfilled while one work is left undone , and one idea left undeveloped . It is under the influence of these sentiments

we shall find ourselves , when I shall have to remit unto your hands the authority with which you have entrusted me , and I would desire to express to you from my heart the sense of the honour you have done me . BABAUD LARIBIERE , Grand Master of the Order .

The Worshipful Master.

THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER .

How much of the usefulness and reputation of a lodge depend upon the faithfulness of the Worshipful Master in discharging the important duties of his office . We greatly fear that many , perhaps a majority , of those who are elected to fill this

responsible station do not realize as they should the weighty obligations they assume . As presiding officers , their position is a commanding one , and their influence for good or evil is proportionately great . In many respects their rule is

absolute , as they are only amendable to the Grand Lodge for their rulings and their official conduct . And in so important a position no brother should be insensible of the great responsibility to the Craft for the faithful manner in which he discharges

his obligations . It should be the constant care of the Masters to so demean themselves as to reflect honour " upon themselves and the noble institution which they represent .

We are fully of the opinion that much of the odium which oftentimes attaches to Masonry in certain localities , results from the bad choice made by the Lodges of their chief officers . If a Master be chosen who knows little or nothing of the

ritual of Mssonry , he will be found sadly out of place in the East , and will necessarily be subject to more or less criticism ; but if he be a good , true man , and a Mason at heart , those better qualified will render him the needed assistance , and

by constant application , this difficulty will soon be remedied . But a greater evil is done the institution Avhen a member is chosen to the important station of [ Master , simply becaus ^ he is a good ritualist , and perhaps knoAvs something of the laws

and landmarks , but who is quite destitute of that moral qualification which can alone give influence to his acts , either among the members of the fraternity or with the outside world . The inconvenience of having an unqualified Master , in the

first sense , is chiefly felt in the lodge-room ; but the great evil of a Master without moral qualifications is felt everywhere , and seems to bring the institution into bad repute . It should be the aim of the newly-installed

Master to see how well he can discharge the functions of his office , and thus serve our noble Craft —see how much can be done to advance the

character of the brotherhood , and bring it as near as possible up to the standard of Masonic morality . The better to accomplish this , see to it that you reflect the virtues you commend by your oAvn good life and conversations . Be good men and true ,

and strictly obey the moral laAV . Be peaceful citizens . —be peacemakers , not only among the brethren , but among the outside world as well Be civil , and respect the rights of others ; especially be civil to magistrates , showing that the

true Mason is a laAV-abiding citizen . Be diligent in your business , so as to be an example of industry to the brethren , and earn the means of your support , so that you shall eat no man ' s bread for nought . Study to be " the true lovers of the

whole fraternity , wheresoever dispersed over the face of the earth . " Shun all tendency to excess ; especially guard against intemperance—the direst foe of society , and the hardest to vanquish . Always greet brethren with due respect , and in a

special manner remember the courtesy which is due to the stranger and sojourner . Greet such with that true Masonic fervour which is due , but