The Worshipful Master.

expose and discountenance imposters . Try to so cultivate your social natures as to make yourselves agreeable to your companions while you are true to honour , virtue , and sobriety . Study carefully the cardinal virtues , " Temperance , Fortitude ,

Prudence , and Justice , " and also the liberal arts and sciences . So divide your time that you can serve God and your brother , and reserve some time for the culture of your own minds and hearts . - —Michigan Freemason .

Principles Of Masonry.

PRINCIPLES OF MASONRY .

The Principles of Freemasonry comprehend the entire code of the moral law . To be a Mason is to be a good man . A good man will be an observer of the laAV . The principles of Freemasonry , the ancient landmarks , the Constitution and

laws of Grand Lodges , and the by-laws of subordinate lodges , all ought to stand harmoniously together , and in no part contradict each other or come into conflict . The by-laws of lodges ought to be simplified , and only contain such provisions

as are necessary to systematise the working of the lodge . Every by-law should be faithfully lived up to . The time of meeting specified is as necessary to be observed as the particular stated night . Minutes and parts of hours are of importance to the man of Avell-regulated mind ; and Avho , better than Masons , understand the value of time ? The

officers especially of a lodge , as well as its members , ought to be at the lodge room so as to open the lodge precisely at the time stated in the bylaws . Indifference to the particular observance of any one IQAV ought not to exist in any of the officers

or membership . The Master is bound not only to observe the laws of his lodge himself , but strictly to enforce them , also ; and the more rigid the letter of the law is adhered to , the better will be the spirit of Masonry among its membership .

These observations apply to every law established for the government of the craft . The Master of a lodge ought to be Avell acquainted with the laAVs ; usages , and customs of the society . He ought to be a man of good judgment , discretion , and particularly ought to have his passions under good control . He ought to be

an example of punctuality , faithfulness , zeal , devotion , and uprightness . If the Master is punctual in his attendance at the lodge , the members Avill be punctual also . If the Master' has the intelligence and capacity to instruct properly the

members , they will also be intelligent Masons . Whatever his social disposition may be out of the lodge , he must maintain a dignity of character suited to the station which he occupies . Freemasonry is a system of order and regularity ;

the work of the lodge ought therefore to be conducted free from confusion . The lodge beingunder the charge of the Master , and as he holds the gavel , he holds in his hand the authoritative emblem Avhich can command order and regularity .

The gavel should be used Aviththe utmost caution j its monitions should never be disregarged . The Master is supreme in his lodge ; his Avord is law ; . from his decision there is no appeal , at least upon questions of Masonic usage he is , according to the

general verdict of the Masonic jurists , above all law during his term of office , so far as regards the membership of his lodge , and is only amendable to the Grand Lodge for any misconduct or violation of the laws of the society .

As lodges are constituted now , having their warrants from a Grand Lodge , their officers and members are under obligations to support , keep , and abide by the Constitution and laws of the Grand Lodge of their particular jurisdiction ; hence

theseand the ancient landmarks from the code of laws by Avhich they are governed . As the Constitution aud the laws of the many Grand Lodges all differ one from another , no code of Masonic law nor principles of jurisprudence can be universally

applicable to the Craft of all the various jurisdictions . This is a matter that ought to be Avell understood , as it may prevent much confusion in the decision of Masonic questions .

The legislation of the craft is confined to Grand Lodges . Subordinate lodges meet for purposes expressed in the warrants , and to perform the functions for which Freemasonry Avas instituted ,. These are to open and close the lodge according to

the ritual practised in each jurisdiction , to make Masons , to practice charity , to impart instruction , to perfect themselves in the work , and to transact the usual business of organized associations . The Avhole must be conducted in the most systematic and orderly manner . The lodge , during its sessions ,