Opening Address.

spirit of hostility or rivalry , that as being necessarily members ofthe Great Brotherhood of Craft Masonry , we regard department as paramount , ' desiring all our -operations to be conducted in a line parallel wdth it . I am sanguine enough to hope that ere very long we shall find ourselves in the same position as Eoyal

Arch Masonry , that is , recognised by the Grand Craft Lodge of England , but still maintaining a separate jurisdiction . By our Mark authorities an attempt has been made to compile a simple and effective ceremony from the

• variety of elements existing iu different districts , and "those among us whose experience enables them to compare the ritual we practice with some of those in vogue uo longer than twenty years ago , must come to the conclusion that the landmarks , traditions and

safeguards have been well preserved , that much which was objectionable and even ludicrous has been wisely discarded , as innovations imprudently and irreverently introduced at a time when the true objects of the Order were but imperfectly understood , and that the ¦ result has been beneficial both as to moral influence

and intellectual dignity . Preposterous as some of Chese practices were , they could not be more so than many I have witnessed on the continent even in Craft Masonry but a very few years ago . Well , brethren , having been the first Master of a Mark Lodge elsewhere , J necessarily acquired some

knowledge of the ritual , some experience of the uianuer in which it should be carried out , and to this ¦ ¦ accidental circumstance , of which you have taken advantage , rather than to any personal merit , must be -attributed your favour in placing me iu the eminent jiosition I this evening occupy . The post I now

assume is one which can confer no additional rank on myself , can gratify no ambitious feeling ; on the contrary , it entails great labour and responsibility , from much of which , if I succeed , my successors will be exempt , since I hope they will find every thing brought into a proper train . I have been induced to accept it

by my love of Masonry , by a desire to be useful , and to cany out former obligations , whereby , in common with all other rulers in the Craft , I have undertaken 'to disseminate our system wherever and whenever opportunity offers , under a conviction that the

promotion of kindly feelings , and the inculcation of the princi ples of Freemasonry , will do much to advance the moral progress of mankind , nay , even to save human life , of which it is possible to adduce many past examples , under imprisonment , on the field of battle , and even when exposed to danger from one

suffering from insanity , who was nevertheles open to Masonic influences . Moreover , having been blessed with moderate means and ample leisure , I consider myself bound to employ my time and such powers as I possess for the good of others , thus obeying the

apostolic injunction , . " Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification . ' ' In conclusion , I beg to assure you that I have done all in my power to make such preliminary arrangements as appeared to me most likely to conduce to a successful commencement and the future prosperity

of our new lodge , especially in affording means to the officers of acquiring a knowledge of the ritual , and in the preparation of a complete set of books for the necessary records , without putting you to any expense . The cost of the warrant has been defrayed by the W . M . and Wardens . Our furniture is at present

very limited , comprising barely what is essential , for I have felt that prudence and economy must be the first consideration . As time advances and pecuniary means increase , we may hope gradually to supply all deficiencies . In carrying out the duties of the first chair during

the next year , I pledge myself not to relax in my efforts ; and I call upon you , brother officers , to do your part , by acquiring such facility in the practice of our ceremonies as shall make the lodge attractive to its members , deserving the respect of the other branches of our Institution , drawing them to us , and

giving hopes of a brig ht future . This I do most earnestly and affectionately , in accordance with the charge which has been solemnly committed to me , to teach you to practise out of the lodge the duties you

are taught within it , that the world may see the happy and beneficial effects of our ancient Institution . As being almost a stranger among you , my personal influence is necessarily limited to that which every ruler in the Craft ought to possess ; and it is very uncertain whether my sojourn in this

neighbourhood will be of sufficient duration to produce any important results , beyond putting you in fair working order . Still , it will be my aim to enforce our principles , to carry out our Constitutions , to win your esteem , to instruct our younger members , and to

promote union , love , and harmony . I caunot but fear that the latter are at present somewhat deficient , if I may judge by the number of resident members of the Fraternity , gentlemen of influence , education , and position in society , who abstain from active participation in Masonic duties , and rarely attend our

regular assemblies . Thus I may hope to satisfy my own conscience , and whenever I may depart hence , to feel that I leave my mark among you , one of honour , of virtue , of duty , faithfully performed . To you , Bro . Wardens , most especially and confidently , do I appeal for a fulfilment of tlie exhortotion you have

received , assiduously to assist the Master in the discharge of his important trust , since from your experience as rulers in other departments of our art , you well know its importance . Brethren , I entreat vou all to regard the whole of