Masonic Address.

brings peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race to attain the ends for which the Order was orginally formed . Every candidate must pledge himself never to divulge the mysteries nor communicate to the outside world those important secrets with which he is entrusted and by which he is enabled to distinguish his brethren from the uninitiated , and convince others that he is entitled to these great Masonic privileges should he be in

distress ; and when found qualified by diligence and assiduit y he is advanced to hig her degrees until he has received that Masonic knowledge which enables him to hold the highest office of trust to which Freemasonry can raise its members . It is an organised society , by which , although a brother may be in distress among a people whose language he cannot speak , of whose manners and customs he is ignorant , he is in possession of a universal language which

is no sooner expressed by the lips than it is responded to b y the heart , his distress is relieved , and if need be , his life is saved . Let me relate an incident in corroboration , and which tells more in favour of Freemasonry than a score of eulogistic theories . During the battle of Waterloo , a victory which for so many years secured peace to Europe , a French officer engaged in the conflict was severely woundedand in that situation was discovered by a British

Dra-, goon , who , with his blood-stained sword , his teeth clenched , and his eyes flashing fire , put spurs to his horse and galloped up to dispatch the officer , but just as he was on the point of striking the fatal blow , the officer gave that recognition which was well understood by the astonished Dragoon , whose giant arm was immediately unnerved , love and sympathy were depicted on his countenanceand as he turned his horse and rode off to the thick of the conflict was

, heard to say , "The Lord bless ancl protect thee , my brother . " Brotherl y love is the first attribute of the Order , and in that bond men of varying creeds and opinions may cordially unite in promoting individual and . general good . Charity in its broadest extent is the rock ancl bulwark . I do not mean the

mere almsgiving , but brotherly love , which not only doeth but thinketh no ill of his neighbour . This is the definition of charity as it is taught by the volume of the sacred law conferring peace on earth and good will towards man . The popularity and usefulness of the Order can onl y be maintained b y the conduct of the brethren in their transactions with the world . Freemasonry does not necessarily superinduce the practice of virtue , although it strongly ,

ancl at all times , recommends it , ancl believe me ; were the brethren to act up to the principles inculcated on their admission into the Order , and continuall y brought before them in the proceedings in Loclge ; were they to discharge their duties with freedom , fervency ancl zeal , the Craft would grow faster in the appreciation of the moral world , To have a son a Mason would be a mother ' s joy , and to have a Free and Accepted Mason a husband would be to

our fair sisters an assurance of happiness . We are pleased to see here this evening so many of those whose approbation has in all ages , in every civilised clime , formed the chief delight of man . We are by no means personall y opposed to the presence of the fair sex , hat the founders of our Order macle certain laws by which they were excluded from our mysteries , and these laws are unalterable . It has been said the reason of their exclusion is because they

could not keep a secret ; this could not be true , as I know that the ladies can keep secrets as well as some Masons . Were it in my power the ceremonies of dedication of this beautiful Hall would have been graced with the presence of our wives , sisters , and , may I add , sweethearts . Such are the general features of an institution which instructs us in our dut y to God , our neighbours , ancl ourselvesthe honourable incentive to the practice of every social and moral

, virtue . I will now address a few closing words to the brethren . Remember , the strength of the Order is in its principles , and its prosperity in the character of its members . Preserve then , inviolate , the landmarks which have been so carefully handed down pure and unimpared ; and never omit the practice of forbearance and brotherly love . Endeavour to rear to the honour