Individual Exertion.

INDIVIDUAL EXERTION .

A MONG tlio greatest events of the world's histoiy there are few that can be disassociated with the memory of an individual , around whom the whole interest seems to concentrate , and who in himself appears to havo performed tlie task , merely using outside means in order

the more readily to give effect to his ideas . Whether it be an invention , a discovery , a stratagem , or any other important undertaking , there is always traceable the master mind , which , by the slightest exercise of its power , is able to impede or advance the work in hand . If we inquire

into the character of the men who thus rule , we find they are possessed of a quiet , calm disposition , and of a resolute and persistent nature ; they are- of the class who never

allow tbe prospect of failure to retard them , and if in the course of their proceedings they find themselves stopped by unforeseen difficulties , they are aroused to increased ciforts which in most cases overcome the obstacle . It is to

these men we owe the majority of the great institutions and improvements that have from time to time grown up in our midst , and to similar individuals wo look for further development of the gifts of nature or the advancement of civilization . These remarks apply with equal force to the

Masonic brotherhood in its various phases , the rise and development of which can be traced , as it were , to tho efforts of a few prominent members—men who devote their minds and energies to the cause , and Avho are undismayed at any difficulty that may present itself . It may be the

foundation of a Lodge , tho concentration of a Province , the inauguration or the advancement of a new idea in the cause of charity that calls forth the exertion , but each scheme is entered upon with fixed determination , and most meet tlie success that is aimed at ; indeed , the bulk of the failures that do occur are traceable to the death or

withdrawal of the master mind before the work had taken root firmly enough to withstand the blasts of prejudice . On these occasions it frequently occurs that tlie ideas of the promoters prove so extensive that no one can be found with sufficient courage to continue the work or

tlie foundation laid may have been so slight that the first heavy pressure of adverse circumstances brings the structure to the ground . The danger of insufficient fonndation

is so frequently brought under our notice that it may seem somewhat out of place to mention it here , still , warnings cannot bo repeated too often , nor can advico ever be too abundant .

Tims wo realise that a new undertaking should never he entered upon until its promoters are in possession of a thoroughly firm and sound foundation to build upon , and have an ample supply of material at their command to f ' ° ntinne tho work when once it has been started . Even it be in

^ 'th these important accessories must borne mind 'J' -ifc it fs unwise at any stage to discontinue active exer-.. ns ; human institutions if left unaided must fall , with a little assistance they will maintain their position , while if a , v y advancement is contemplated , strenuous and continued

psistancc will be needed . Our exertions , as well as the ¦ Thoars of those who in years to come may undertake the carrying on of tho project , may be considerably lessened j * precautions are taken at the outset to provide a firm

• IMS tor every advance that is made , which in case a '•• isfortune does occur will be found to render material aid 111 remed ying the mishap . Hence it is we devote so £ ch time to the arrangement of what may be considered y some as mere trifles , bnt which afterwards prove to

Individual Exertion.

havo been the most i mportant features of the whole superstructure . Glancing at the more recent advances that havo taken place in Freemasonry there ai-e several which stand prominently forward in support of this theory , and perhaps

the most successful among the number are those which still enjoy tho assistance and counsel of the brethren who played a prominent part in their establishment , and who exhibit with pleasure tho pride they feel in the success of their undertaking . It would be invidious for us to

award the palm of perfection to any one of these brethren in particular , as it is difficult for us to form any general opinion of the obstacles that had to bo surmounted byeach , or to learn what amount of outside aid or opposition they experienced . If , however , we confine our remarks to

a class or to one section of the brotherhood , it is no very difficult task to point to a brother who , though he may not be the first in the order of merit , may yet provo what can be done by individual exertion , and serve as a pattern to any who may contemplate similar measures to those ho has brouQ-ht to a successful issue . The _ * i'cat addition to

the roll of our Lodges during tho past few years , and tho consequent vast increase in tho number of thoso initiated into Freemasonry is ono of tho greatest advances we can boast of , and wo may therefore take this fact as the basis of our remarks , and inquire how such increases have been

brought about ? As regards the new Lodges in tho home district , or other largo centres which have possessed a Lodge for years past , the advance may simply bo regarded as the natural effect of tho increase of population , but when we hear of a new . Lodge being planted in some

faroff corner of the world , outside the influence of its nearest neighbour , it is there wc look for the effect of individual exertion , and there we expect to find that success is , in a great measure , due to the working of a master mind .

The present condition of Freemasonry in North Africa will serve as au example . There , wo think , the success that has resulted from a very short period of labour is mainly duo to the skill of one man , and his ability to direct the exertions of his friends into one channel . The first

English official notice of tho dawn of Masonic light in the northern part of the Continent of Africa appears in the agenda paper of Grand Lodgo for the September meeting of 1877 , where it is recorded that a warrant had been granted for the Lodge of Ancient Carthage No . 1717 ,

a number corresponding to that of tho year which witnessed the revival of our present Masonic system , and peculiarly appropriate in its connection with this Lodge , which , if not exactly a revival , has certainly proved itself to have been the precursor of great Masonic activity . The

warrant was granted in answer to the prayer of nine worthy brethren who were resident in Tunis , among the number being Bro . A . M . Broadley , who was chosen as the first Master , aud in due course was installed in . Imposition on the 3 rd October 1877 . Six months later wo recorded tho fact that the Lod < _ c had secured a

membership of fifty brethren , twenty-eight of whom looked to it as their Masonic mother . Various other particulars of a personal nature wore supplied at this time , and we refer the reader to our issno of 2--th May 1 . 878 should lie cai-e to become better acquainted with the inner working of the

Lodge . Irom its peculiar position , tins Lodge may be regarded as a most perfect illustration of the universality of Freemasonry , embracing as it does almost every creed and sect amongst its members . Even at tho early date of its history to which wc have already referred , wc arc told that "' Moor and Maltese , Frenchman and German , Italian ,