The Master Mason.

THE MASTER MASON .

THBEE is no doubt that the position we hold in society as Master Masons is one of considerable dignity , if our conduct be such as to honour the institution into which Ave have been received . It is therefore of great consequence to ourselves ,

personally , as Avell as to the order , that Ave do not bring reproach upon either by unworthy actions before men , neither by intemperance or excess , in any act , word , or deed , when we are not in the performance of our usual labour ; otherwise we inflict serious damage upon both in the estimation of our folloAv citizens outside as Avell as inside of

the order . We are under the moral necessity , therefore , to maintain a jealousy over our acts , that we may receive and maintain the respect and esteem of our felloAV men . So far our conduct to the outside Avorld being

irreproachable , our duties to the interest of the Lodge , the order , and the brotherhood , are numerous and weighty , requiring much consideration and skill in adopting right judgment on all questions coming before the Lodge , in its

collective and administrative capacity . For instance , the question of the choice of officers is one upon Avhich often hangs the harmony , and the proper conduct of the business of the Lodge . It is not every Brother , well versed in the ritual , AVIIO

is suitable to be Master of the Lodge , or either of the Wardens . If , therefore , the men of experience and ability habitually neglect to be present at the annual election , and too young and too inexperienced a person be elected to fill the

Oriental Chair , the result must necessarily be a loss of the dignity of the Lodge , ancl so far damage the respect it should be held in by not only its members , but the outside world .

Again , the same remark applies to the Wardens . That young men should be encouraged to fill these stations , Ave believe , so that when they have arrived at years of discretion they may be invited and elected to the East ; but it by no means should

follow that a young Junior Warden or Senior Warden , should be advanced to the chair of King Solomon , while there are older brethren , better suited by years of experience to grapple Avith other questions , and discharge the very onerous

duties that belong to that high position . The mere ability to recollect the verbiage of the ritual , is the smallest recommendation to the chair in the East .

There are also many questions of order , of visitation , and reception , occurring at the regular meetings of the Lodge , and it is bringing the Lodge into contempt if a suitable representation of the Avisdom and dignity of the Lodge is not

present to sustain the Master and present to visiting brethren an aspect , Avhich shall shoAv that the brethren are alive to the honour and wellbeing of the order into ivhich they have been inducted . How often at annual elections , are

brethren mistaken in their conclusions upon many vital points in the working of the Lodge , because they have been habitually absent during the year aud knoAV little or nothing of the conduct of the Master and other officers , and are inadequate to

judge as to their suitability for re-election , and equally ignorant of Avhat is required in the Lodge to promote its usefulness and harmonious work in every department . These are a few of the most important reasons

for regular attendance at the Lodge , when domesticduties do not imperatively demand our absence , by the necessity of our obedience to still hi gher claims upon our attention . When these do not con flict , and Ave are able to attend , we are

undoubtedly derelict in duty , by listeningto the syren of idleness , or Avant of interest enough to visit our Lodgeat its regular meeting . Want of interest enough to attend the Lodge meetings is a general complaint , and is one that

a regular attendance Avould dispel . A large gathering is always interesting , and individual attendance creates a larger gathering , made up of units—every one is a unit , Avhich , Avhen all the units attend , the gathering becomes large and of

considerable interest . Some Masters of Lodges can promote an increase of attendance by their suavity of manners , and the institution of measures to increase the interest of the individual membership by a series of lectures , to be given

by the members of the Lodge upon such topic as are to be found in the entire range of the arts and sciences , whicli properly belong to ancient craft Masonry . If these Avere originated to be given by the

members during the Avinter months , by such as would volunteer to do so , an emulation would spring up amongst the members , some to lecture and others to listen , that would for ever insure a large attendance . There is no need to import foreign aid , except on rare occasions . The craft