Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Foreign.
being assembled within walls consecrated to the service of Jehovah , and under a roof which has long resounded to the voice of prayer and praise , we meet amid the trees of the forest , and under the canopy of heaven ; —although , in place of objects ancl associations which are in their nature calculated to solemnize the feelings and recall the thoughts to the great realities of eternity , we are in the midst of that agitation and hustle which seem inseparable from secular employments , of whatever
description , —still let us remember that the All-seeing Eye is upon us , — that we stand in the presence of that great and eternal Being , whose very essence is light and truth , —ancl that from him no secrets are hid . " In adverting to those points on which it is open to me to address you , as members of the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons , I might call your attention to various particulars which distinguish our Order . To its great antiquityextending back to the remotest
, ages , ( its origin being involved in the midst of darkness and obscurity ) , yet for thousands of years to be distinctly traced in its undoubted history , and well authenticated traditions . I might dwell on its unlimited extent—for , as practical Masonry comprehends , in one great scheme of benevolence , all who are partakers of our common nature , so speculative Masonry includes in its view the whole creation , from the meanest of God ' s worksthrough progressive scales of being
, , and the peopled regions of unlimited space , even to the heavenl y mansions of Eternal Day . I might enumerate the many dignified names which grace our annals , including some of the most august monarchs , tlie most illustrious princes , the most distinguished statesmen , the most venerable prelates , the most enlightened
philanthropists , which our own country or any other has produced . I might point to the fact that , although the meetings of our society are of necessity enshrouded with the veil of secresy , which circumstance , in seasons of excitement and peril , the designing and malicious would have converted into matter of accusation or suspicion , yet the highest authorities have ever patronised our assemblies , - and in no case " has their confidence been misplaced—there existing no recorded instance of
a disloyal Freemason . I might produce a long catalogue of the benefits which individuals have derived , in periods of danger ancl distress , from having been made acquainted with this universal language , having become links in this vast chain extending round the whole globe . Such ancl similar details mi ght well form topics of deep and thrilling interest to every member of our Order . It suits , however , better with my inclinationancl may be more beneficial to those whom I addressto
, , direct your attention ( if for a few moments I may engage it ) , to the high and lofty principles which Freemasons profess , ancl the solemn responsibilities involved in that profession . Every ceremony we practice is calculated to impress some salutary truth—every emblem we use is well adapted to convey some lesson of religious or moral instruction . It is not the external badge that makes the Mason , ancl they clo not merit the high and honourable appellation whoalthough they have
be-, may come entitled to wear this , look not to something far beyond it . No man has placed his foot within the threshold of a Lodge , without having been reminded , from the symbols that there met his view , of the three great branches of Christian and moral duty—to God , his neighbour , ancl himself . To the Most High , in showing that reverence due from a helpless , erring , and dependent creature to the Great Creator ; ' In all thy ways acknowledge him , and he will direct thy steps . ' To
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Foreign.
being assembled within walls consecrated to the service of Jehovah , and under a roof which has long resounded to the voice of prayer and praise , we meet amid the trees of the forest , and under the canopy of heaven ; —although , in place of objects ancl associations which are in their nature calculated to solemnize the feelings and recall the thoughts to the great realities of eternity , we are in the midst of that agitation and hustle which seem inseparable from secular employments , of whatever
description , —still let us remember that the All-seeing Eye is upon us , — that we stand in the presence of that great and eternal Being , whose very essence is light and truth , —ancl that from him no secrets are hid . " In adverting to those points on which it is open to me to address you , as members of the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons , I might call your attention to various particulars which distinguish our Order . To its great antiquityextending back to the remotest
, ages , ( its origin being involved in the midst of darkness and obscurity ) , yet for thousands of years to be distinctly traced in its undoubted history , and well authenticated traditions . I might dwell on its unlimited extent—for , as practical Masonry comprehends , in one great scheme of benevolence , all who are partakers of our common nature , so speculative Masonry includes in its view the whole creation , from the meanest of God ' s worksthrough progressive scales of being
, , and the peopled regions of unlimited space , even to the heavenl y mansions of Eternal Day . I might enumerate the many dignified names which grace our annals , including some of the most august monarchs , tlie most illustrious princes , the most distinguished statesmen , the most venerable prelates , the most enlightened
philanthropists , which our own country or any other has produced . I might point to the fact that , although the meetings of our society are of necessity enshrouded with the veil of secresy , which circumstance , in seasons of excitement and peril , the designing and malicious would have converted into matter of accusation or suspicion , yet the highest authorities have ever patronised our assemblies , - and in no case " has their confidence been misplaced—there existing no recorded instance of
a disloyal Freemason . I might produce a long catalogue of the benefits which individuals have derived , in periods of danger ancl distress , from having been made acquainted with this universal language , having become links in this vast chain extending round the whole globe . Such ancl similar details mi ght well form topics of deep and thrilling interest to every member of our Order . It suits , however , better with my inclinationancl may be more beneficial to those whom I addressto
, , direct your attention ( if for a few moments I may engage it ) , to the high and lofty principles which Freemasons profess , ancl the solemn responsibilities involved in that profession . Every ceremony we practice is calculated to impress some salutary truth—every emblem we use is well adapted to convey some lesson of religious or moral instruction . It is not the external badge that makes the Mason , ancl they clo not merit the high and honourable appellation whoalthough they have
be-, may come entitled to wear this , look not to something far beyond it . No man has placed his foot within the threshold of a Lodge , without having been reminded , from the symbols that there met his view , of the three great branches of Christian and moral duty—to God , his neighbour , ancl himself . To the Most High , in showing that reverence due from a helpless , erring , and dependent creature to the Great Creator ; ' In all thy ways acknowledge him , and he will direct thy steps . ' To