The Reception Of The M.W.G.M. In The United States.

A memorial volume is nearly ready for issue from the press , containing a full report of all the proceedings and speeches at this truly interesting" Masonic entertainment .

The Maelstrom Of Freemasonry.

THE MAELSTROM OF FREEMASONRY .

Like the great tide that gathers the drift of the mighty ocean , and sets its way toward the seething cauldron ofthe Maelstrom , is the Freemasonry of to-day . Strong language we admit , from one who believes in the universality of Masonry , and

would that its benign influence and teachings might be felt and followed by every being on God's footstool . But when we pause and look about us in the calm moments of reflection , and see the surging of the sea of life toward

the portals of our Order , we cannot help fearing that the time is within our own day , when the ship that has stood the storms of centuries , will be drawn into the great vortex and dashed to pieces on the rocks below .

Masonry is now numbered by thousands . In every town and village we find Lodges where but a few days ago its name was looked upon with suspicion . In our cities also we see a vast increase year after year . And as this becomes more

and more apparent , the reflecting mind will see beneath the surface more than the free will and and accord of the many applicants . Many will agree with us that it is not a surplus of material that calls for the erection of new lodges ,

but in reality a rivalry to see the numbers of each swelled to the utmost capacity . In order to do this , not unfrequently is material used not in accordance with the ancient landmarks , but of such kind as would not stand the test ofthe Grand Overseer ' s

square . Men are admitted who never become Masons only in name . Many become members through mere curiosity , and after they have taken the last step never enter the lodge-room except , perhaps , to pay their yearly dues . Others become

members in a mere business point of view , thinking it will add a few more customers to their trade ; and again others join it as a speculation , and to make money out of it . Thus we find Masons of the present day . f Instead of brotherly love and friendship we find

The Maelstrom Of Freemasonry.

discordant feelings . Brothers meet , not as brothers should meet amid the busy scenes of life , but as strangers . Instead of " working on the square " as all good Masons do work , we find all the teachings that have been inculcated cast to the four

winds oWieaven , and many bearing the title of Mason , are such only in name . With such elements as these , ivhat is to prevent our time-honoured institution drifting into the great whirlpool that shall shake it to its centre ?

When we speak of the universality of Masonry , we do not intend to say that its various degrees should be conferred upon the whole human family , but upon those who shall be found worthy , not only here but in every clime and country . Instead of this Ave find the institution swa . rmin _ r with the

unworthy , who take every available opportunity to show by their connection with it , ancl by their acts bring reproach upon its name . By many the principles of Masonry are misunderstood ^ and by many are disgraced , while others live up to its

teachings , and adopt them as rules to govern them in every day life . It is not from any outward opposition thatMasonry may fear any threatened , dangers , but there is danger from the very elements within its own

ranks . J . B . So Co ., might charge its walls until the crack of doomsday , but their puny efforts would be as the passing wind upon the solid rock . The enemy most to be dreaded is within the walls , not without .

No immediate danger is to be apprehended , even from this , if wise and comprehensive minds are at the hel ____ , the old ship will be steered safely through ail perils . Never was Masonry so strong in numbers as at the present day , and still the

tidal wave is sweeping towards its doors . For this reason we would admonish the fraternity to guard well its portals , and select from the numerous applicants only those found truly worthy , aud then none will have reason to dread the whirling waters of the Maelstrom . — Landmark .

The Royal Order Of Scotland.

THE ROYAL ORDER OF SCOTLAND .

As considerable interest seems to have been awakened of late amongst our brethren , regarding the history and origin of the Royal Order , I have obtained the permission of an eminent member of