Freemasonry In France.

FREEMASONRY IN FRANCE .

LONDON , SATURDAY , SEPT-EMBUS 30 , 1865 .

Bro . Mellinet , the newly elected Grand Master of tlie Older in France , immediately after his inauguration , issued the following circular : —• " The Grand Master of the Order to the lodges and Masons of the province , greeting ,

" Beloved brethren , —Having been elected Grand Master by the free votes of your representatives , I am thankful for the high honour you have conferred upon me ; and inspired by the gratitude , my tried Masonic heart ( cceur de vieux magon ) prompts me to the fulfilment of the duties

devolving- upon me , and to a deep and incessant devotion to our beloved Order . The example that I hold as a legacy from my illustrious and everto-be-lamented predecessor , will be my best and safest monitor , and with a view to maintain the independence and prosperity of our Order , I need

but persevere in the paths that he has trod . Besides , however arduous the important task may be that I have assumed , I shall be assisted in its

discharge by the good sense that prevails in our lodges , by the enlightened concurrence of the Council of the Order , and by the most fraternal co-operation I trustfully expect from the two Deputy Grand Masters , Bros . Alfred Blanche and Lengle . A time-honoured affection connects me

with the first named , while the second is one of those a mail need not know very long to permanently secure them as friends , and the votes of your late General Convention have shown to what extent both of them are possessed of your confidence . Under these circumstances , beloved

brethren , though I cannot take possession of the place you have allotted to me , Avithout the strongest palpitations of my heart , I am doing so , at least , in the hope of complying , to the best of my ability , with your free appeal . Kety on me , as I rely on you , and under the protection of our Constitution ,

and looking up to the Great Architect of the Universe , Ave shall further and promote , by our mutual efforts , the cause of true light and humanity .

" Receive , beloved brethren , the assurance of any high and affectionate consideration . "The Grand Master of the Order , " MELLINET . " Countersigned by the Deputy Grand Master , "ALFKEN BLANCHE . " Grand Orient of France , "August 20 , 1865 ( V . E . )"

The Bulletin du Grand Orient de France , for September , from which we extract the above document , publishes also the tenor of the new constitution of the French Masons , as voted by the Convention of June 6-8 . We gave in a previous number a full report of these proceedings . The aeAv constitution , as set in force bv decree of the

Grand Master , of June 10 , is divided into five chapters , headed respectively—On Freemasonry and its principles . On Masons , Masonic Associations , and the various rites .

On Masonic powers . On the relations -with the outer world . Supplementary article . The most important part of this document is its first chapter , the draught of which was the subject of the most -violent discussions , and we feel justified in laving it before our readers in toto .

On Freemasonry ctnd its Principles . " 1 . Freemasonry being essentially a philanthropical , philosophical , and progressive institution , has for its object the search of truth , the study of universal morals , of the sciences and arts , and the practice of charity .

''It has for its principles the existence of God , the Great Architect of the Universe , the immortality of the soul , and the mutual responsibility of mankind fsolidantc humainej . " It considers liberty of conscience as a right belonging to every individual , and excludes no man

on account of his creed . "It has for its motto , "Liberty , Equality , Fraternity . " " 2 . In the e ! e \ ated sphere in which it lives , Freemasonry respects the religious faith and the political views of every one of its members , but it

formally excludes from all its meetings any discussions on religious or political topics the object of which should be either the dissertation on the various religions , or the critic of the actions and doings of the civil authority or of the various forms of government . " It reminds all its adepts that one of their first duties , as Masons and as citizens , is to respect the laws of the land tkev inhabit .

" 3 . Freemasonry considers the compulsion to labour as one of the most imperious laws of mankind . It imposes upon each , in proportion to his forces , and consequently proscribes voluntary idleness .

" 4 . As Ireemasonry aspires towards the extension to all members of mankind of the bonds of brotherhood that unite Freemasons throughout the globe , it recommends to all Masons to propagate Masonry by word of mouth , by writing , and by good example .

" 5 . It is the Mason's duty to assist , to enlighten , and to protect his brother in every emergency , and to shield him against injustice , should he even endanger his own life by doing so . " The last issue of the Monde Maeonniipie contains an abundance of most A'aluable material . Our readers are aware that this publication is the chief organ of the cause of " positivism" ( the euphe-