A Model Master.

A MODEL MASTER .

WE commend the folloAving observations of Bro . Wm . Mercer Wilson , Grand Master of Canada , made in the course of his address to his Grand Lodge , on the 14 th July , to the consideration of the Brethren , being equally applicable to Lodges in the old country , as to those beyond the Atlantic , " To become the model Master of a Lodshould be the ambition of

ge every Brother ; and to discharge Avith efficiency and zeal the duties of that important office should be his most anxious desire . These duties are not confined to the mere repetition of a few phrases learned by rote , but he should be enabled to instruct the Craft , not only as to the meaning and origin of our ceremonies , but also to explain to them the philosophy which is veiled in its allegories and illustrated by its symbols . He should he able , also , to convince his Brethren , that all science and all art , legitimately directed , are but

lines that radiate towards the great "I AM ; " that the sciences are the media by which AVC are led to contemplate the goodness , greatness , Avisdom , and power . of the Great Architect of the Universe ; and that the arts are the modes we have developed of expressing our sense and admiration of the ofthe Ai'oiiclrous glories of an Almighty Father AA'hich are scattered around us . The Master of a Lodge should also , in his life and in his conversation , be a model for his Brethren to admire and imitate , and should himself practise , out of the Lodge , those great moral doctrines aud A'irtues Avhich he inculcates within its Avails . He should be punctual and methodical in all things , and , both by his character and conduct command the respect , the

esteem , and good Avill of all men ; for , as the Master is supreme in his Lodge , and distinguished hy his position in the Craft , so should he also hn distinguished as the possessor of an irreproachable character , a dignified demeanour , an expanded intellect , and a liberal education . Happy and prosperous must those Lodges he , Avhich are governed by such men!—their time of meeting is looked forward to by the Brethren ivith the most pleasing anticipations . Prompt at the hour , every Brother

is at his station , and the Avork is carried on Avith pleasure and profit . The Worshipful Master AVIIO presides over his Lodge ivith ability , firmness , and decision ( for Avithout force of character there can he no force of impression ) ; Avhose manner is courteous yet dignified ; Avhose decisions arc consonant Avith reason and Masonic LaAV ; and who dispenses light and information among the Craft , Avill ever be regarded hy his Brethren as one who is entitled to their hi ghest respect and their most fraternal regard .

The anxious inquirer after truth and li ght feels that lie may appeal Avith confidence and safety to such a ruler of a Lodge , as to one ivho is not onl y able and Avilling to reward and advance him according to his ability and Avorth , but to one Avhose duty and high privilege it is to diffuse the beams of light , and to scatter abroad the seeds of truth . The aspirant , animated b y the love of truth , uninfluenced by mercenary motives , duly appreciating the philosopher ' s apothegm , that " Knowledge is poiver , " and prompted b y higher desires , eagerly presses fonvard , believing in a nobler destiny , and aspiring after a brighter record ; it is the Master ' s duty to assist him in his research—it is his high privilege to " pom the balm oi' instruction o ' er the