shine of our lives! The introduction of music will increase your enjoyment, elevate your taste, and add great impressiveness to your services. I again commend to you that Lodges of Instruction be multiplied among you. Five or six contiguous Lodges might, with great profit and pleasure, unite, and delegations of five or ten from each, would make a most happy re-union of Brethren, meeting at each place once or thrice in a season, adding much to the pleasure of social intercourse, and by the employment of a lecturer, to a uniformity of work in our jurisdiction. Let me say to you, Brethren, that the violation of the Constitution in the appearance at our communication of so many Brethren without their jewels, has become an evil and an interruption, to which I know you will most readily apply the remedy; and I take occasion here to state, that no officer of a Lodge can transfer his jewel to another, or appoint another to represent him in G. Lodge. And now, Brethren, I close as I began, exhorting you to be loyal to your Government and faithful to your vows. We are not a political but a philanthropic and conservative institution, and throughout our land, whatever our political differences, we are a unit still, and come what will, we will do all we can to keep it so. "Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate, Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait." And wherever distress exists, there we can alleviate, if we cannot avert. Let us look up with a confiding spirit, and believe that if we merit it, we shall be guided right, and whether passing through the sunshine of prosperity, or under the cloud of sorrow, still it is a Father's hand that is leading us; and "Though the labor of the olive should fail, and there be no fruit on the vine-though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stall, yet will we joy in the Lord, and trust in the God of our salvation." PRESENTATION. We noticed, very briefly, in our issue for November last, the presentation of a SWORD by the members, and a BIBLE by the Chaplain, of Mount Vernon Lodge, Malden, to Past Master GEORGE D. ALLEN, 1st Lieut. of the 5th Massachusetts Battery. Since then a full account of the interesting proceedings has been published in the Malden Messenger, which we should be pleased to transfer entire to our pages could we conveniently spare the necessary space. Not being able to do this, we content ourselves with laying before our readers the following eloquent extracts from the presentation speeches, which were uncommonly beautiful and appropriate. The first is from the address of Brother W. H. RICHARDSON, Jr., Senior Warden of the Lodge : PRESENTATION OF THE SWORD. And now, my Brother, I present to you, in the name of the members of Mount Vernon Lodge, this SWORD with its accompaniments, the free gift of those whose love and esteem you have fairly won; and if but one act were necessary to cement forever the high regard of every member of this Institution, the step you are about to take would call it forth. Take it, my Brother, and may the noble cause in which you are engaged give to its edge a keenness, and to your arm a vigor, that shall conquer every opposing foe: may every flash of its glittering blade leave one rebel the less may you never draw it ingloriously nor sheathe it dishonorably, and with it may you carve a name that shall shine as clear and undimmed as the polished surface which it bears. We do not forget that the name of Allen bears an historic glory, and a revolu tionary memory that will never die; and may you emulate that steady patriotism and unflinching courage which make the names of Allen and Ticonderoga the watch-words of victory. Remember that "In peace there's nothing so becomes a man As modest stillness and humility; But when the blast of war blows in his ears, You will now have an opportunity to exemplify those cardinal virtues which are the true tests of the upright Mason, prominent among which stands fortitude, "that noble and steady purpose of the mind whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain, peril, or danger when prudentially deemed expedient." You are now to exchange the gavel for the sword, and thereby discharge the duties you owe to the laws under which you live, keeping steadily in view the allegiance due to your country. These spurs, too, are emblems of honor, suggestive of that open-eyed vigilance which is ever ready for the word of command, come when it may; requiring, as Napoleon used to term it, a sort of "two o'clock in the morning" courage, and demanding great discipline, and great enthusiasm to guard against surprise. It is said of Suwarrow that even in peace he always slept fully armed, boots and all, and when he wished to enjoy a very comfortable nap, he used to take off one spur. Let his ready zeal be to you a lesson of fidelity. Think not, my Brother, because you leave us you will be forgotten. Oh! no, we shall follow you to the battle-field, and when the long roll beats to arms, we shall eagerly watch for the first intelligence that speaks of you and your command. "Our souls, much further than our eyes can see." We hope soon to welcome you home again; and may you come with the great army that has preceded you, the heralds of a peace that has been won without a compromise of principle, and may it be a peace that neither tyranny abroad, nor corruption and treason at home, shall be able to overthrow or successfully disturb. So may we see again one Nation, bound together in glittering harmony, controlled by the great central idea of Unity and Freedom, and ready to do the World's work. And now, having discharged the duty allotted me, I bid you, in the name of Mt. Vernon Lodge! and the glorious fraternity of which this is a branch, God-speed! in your noble mission. You go to join those noble souls who have made the name of Massachusetts, the synonym of martial glory: you go to fill the places of those martyr-spirits who have fallen while bravely contending beneath the shadow of a Nation's Capital for a nation's life!-you go to fight for a principle against those who would ruthlessly and with profane hands destroy this glorious Union, with its priceless privileges and garnered hopes-the impersonation of a constitutional power, created by the people, cemented by the best blood of the world, and eternal in its nature. And although in the visible contest it may at times look dark, and our cause may seem to waver, let us remember that an eternal principle forever renews itself and cannot be successfully overcome. "Truth crushed to earth will rise again, The eternal years of God are hers!" He must be blind, indeed, who does not see that victory, though postponed, is surely ours. Events march, and every hour sees that sentiment so dear to the American people, "Liberty and Union," deepening with irresistible power. The defeat at Bull Run and Lexington were only temporary checks, shocks, which were required to awaken you and millions more, to the importance of the achievement of that greater glory which is to come-sure as the Will of God. Soon shall we see the light of victory gleam from the crest of our young chieftain, McClellan. He will take from their resting places the sacred dust of those who have fallen-the gallant Ellsworth-the daring Greble-the brave and accomplished Winthrop-the heroes who fell at Baltimore-Lyon the lion-hearted-the lamented Baker, and scatter that precious seed until there shall arise an army so numerous, that rebellion shall be forever crushed, and Freedom, Liberty and Union stand forth as the representatives of a redeemed nation. Until that hour shall ar. rive, let our young men go forth, prepared to conquer or to die; and let this be our benediction upon you— I know that your spirit is Bro. Allen-You are in the midst of a solemn scene. overwhelmed with its many affecting considerations, and weighty responsibilities. You have received these tokens of fraternal regard from the members of the Lodge over which you have so happily presided. And in addition to the eloquent words which have borne the presentation, even the gifts themselves, have tongues, to remind you of the trials and difficulties eminent in your way. With a view to turn your thoughts to a higher, a holier, and more welcome theme, may I be permitted to ask you to accept a slight token of my personal and brotherly regard. My Brother, you know my vocation, and the principles of my faith. And though our religious thoughts have not run in the same channel, yet we both reverence the DIVINE TEACHINGS-the WORD of GOD! And as a minister of that Word, permit me the pleasure of presenting to you, as a token of personal esteem, of Christian affection, and as a witness of the intense and anxious interest with which, for weeks, I have looked forward to the transactions of this hour, and the scenes which may ensue―THIS LITTLE GIFT. I know it is of humble outside seeming; and in this regard but of little value; yet it is no less than the Great Light of Freemasonry, which we are all taught to heed. It is the WORD of GOD. It has treasures for you. It is the record of the WILL of my Father-your Father-our Father-the Father of the spirits of all flesh, leaving to us the glorious bequests of Immortal Good to her children; while it illuminates the pathway in which obedience requires us to walk. In these re spects it is of inestimable worth. Its treasures are richer than rubies: they are of more value than refined gold; and all you can desire is transcended by its riches. It is not, then, for its outward worth or seeming that I present it, but, emphatically, for its intrinsic value alone! Not that it may be laid up with the records in the archives of the Lodge as a memorial, even of the transactions of this interesting hour; but that it may be constantly borne with your person, and worn near your heart; that the perusal of its contents and thoughts upon its teachings may employ the leisure moments you may find, in the midst of the busy and exciting scenes in which you may be placed! It will open to your mind treasures which will not be cankered by the rust of earth; and joys that are not startled by the clangor of resounding arms-things which are not wasted by the breath of de cay; and thoughts of good to come, transcending the best blessings of this lower world. Should you live, its pages will speak to you of the preserving goodness of the Almighty Father,-of the constancy of His care, the faithfulness of His guidance, and the fulness and freeness of His everlasting love. Should you fall, as fall sooner or later we all must, it will open to your expiring gaze visions of glory and of peace as lasting as the Throne of God. PRESENTATION OF P. M. DIPLOMA. [By R. W. JOHN K. HALL, D. D. G. M.] Bro. Allen-It is not remarkable that from a Lodge bearing the name of that hallowed spot where repose the ashes of the Father of our Country, should go forth those imbued with his sentiments of patriotism, ready to do battle for that country, and to give his life, if need be, for the sacred cause. It is well that Mt. Vernon should respond to the call of duty and patriotism; and since that Mount Vernon cannot restore to us our Brother again to fight the battles of his country, since we cannot reanimate his ashes, that we should keep alive his vir tues, and send forth those from our Mount Vernon who will honor him and the Lodge. And with this confidence in you, Brother Allen, the Grand Lodge of Massachu setts present you with this Diploma of a Past Master, in acknowledgment of the faithful performance of the duties intrusted to you, certifying that you have been, and trusting that you ever will be, a shining light to your Brethren. And we feel satisfied that the sword which you have taken up will never be drawn in the cause of injustice or oppression. "And may its hill be bless'd by Faith in God, GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE.* YOUR Committee received too late for review the last year, the Calendar of the Grand Orient of France, from which we gather and translate the following state ments. The Grand Orient of France is composed 1. Of one Grand Master. 2. Two Assistant Grand Masters, appointed by him. 3. Three Grand Dignitaries and Seven Grand Officers of Honor, named in the terms of the constitution. 4. Council of the Grand Master of twenty one members, named by the Grand Orient. 5. All the Presidents or Masters of the Lodges or delegates appointed in their places, but no delegate is admissible without the consent of the Grand Master. The Grand Master is the supreme head of the Order-the representative of Masonic power with strangers, and the official organ of government. He is the executive, administrative and directing power. He presides in all Masonic re-unions which occur, announces the decrees and decisions of the Grand Orient, and convokes all assemblies ordinary and extraordinary. He has the power of suspending the Charters of all Lodges, and all Masons who fail of respect to the laws of the country, or infringe upon the principles and statues of the Order. He has power to remit all penalties incurred by Lodges or individual Masons. He can for special reasons delegate his powers to a member of his council, a member of the Grand Orient, or to any other Mason. The Grand Master with his Council has powers provided by the Constitutions, in matters pertaining to the Grand Orient, its Chambers and Committees. He decides in the last resort upon all appeals of the Lodges, and of individual Ma sons. He has power to revoke, to revise, and decide in the last resort, all the affairs which interest the Lodges and the individual Masons. No member of deputations and visitor can be admitted to the Grand Orient unless he has the rank of Master. His Royal Highness Prince Lucien Murat is the Grand Master of the Order. The Constitutions and Rules of Order are given in extenso, but our limits forbid their insertion. The following is the list of Grand Masters at the dates specified : 1725. Lord Derwentwater. 1736. Lord Compte D'Harnoester. 1738. Le Duc D'Antin. 1743. Louis de Bourbon. 1771. Le Duc de Chartres. 1795. Roettiers de Montaleau. 1805. S. M. Joseph Napoleon. S. M. Joachim Murat and Prince Cambaceres, Assistant Grand Masters. 1852. S. A. R. Prince Lucien-Charles-Napoleon Murat. *Maine Report on Correspondence. |