Opening Address.

our system as symbolical of those great moral and spiritual truths and lofty sentiments which will tend to purify your own hearts and minds , to teach you your duties to the Grand Overseer of the Universe ancl your fellow men , especially your brethren in the Craft , and finally to prepare you for that scrutiny

which will thoroughly test your work , proving whether you are entitled to eat of the hidden manna , to receive the white stone , and to learn the new name w hich will be the portion of him that overcometh , when earthly labours are brought to an end , and we

are summoned to apply for our wages , by Him who alone can determine , by his searching eye aud unerring wisdom , whether we have " marked well or ill , " and have " looked for a city which hath foundations , whose builder aud maker is God . "

It now only remains to express my obligation , and you will doubtless desire me to add that of the lodge also , to my excellent friend , Y . W . Bro . Yincent Bird whom a few months ago I had the pleasure of installing in the Master ' s chair of St . Aubyn ' s Lodge of Mark Masters , No . 6-1 , Devonport , and who has

this evening favoured us with his valuable aid , by so ably officiating at the ceremony of inducting me into my present position . I am sure , brethren , that you will cordially assent to a vote of thanks to him , to be recorded in the minutes of the lodge , for his kindness

in coming so far to assist us in a time of need , and for the skilful and impressive manner iu which he has performed the ceremony of installation , and those duties which were necessary to carry out the warrant , and to constitute us a duly authorised lodge of Mark

Masters , which I now propose . This proposition was seconded by the S . W ., and carried unanimously . Y . "W . Bro . Y . Bird briefly acknowledged the comliment which had been paid to him iu terms

expressive of the satisfaction and pleasure he had felt in being instrumental in the revival of Mark Masonry in Totnes .

The S . Y . rose and iu feeling terms commented on the address which had just been delivered , observing that the instruction and sentiments contained in it , as well as the mode of their expression , coulcl not have failed to impress ail present . He concluded by

moving a cordial vote of thanks to the W . M . for the trouble be had taken in thus placing before the brethren the character of Mark Masonry and their duties in regard to it ; also for the zeal he had manifested in preparing aud presenting to the lodge the various books to contain the recoi'ds and other

documents . The J . W . enlarged at some length on the proposition just made , observing that though a desire had long existed for the revival of the Lodge of Mark

Masters , it could not now have been accomplished but for the ready response with which Bro . Dr . H . had met the request that he would undertake the necessary arrangements , ancl accept the Mastership , for which ho had been qualified by his previous experience in this branch of the Craft . He concluded by

seconding the motion . Bro . A . S . Distin , Treas ., felt called upon to support the proposition , the more especially as his name had been so kindly and honourably mentioned by the W . M . He had but dons his duty as a Mason when

he had been applied to by a brother for information ,, and he had now reason to congratulate himself on having been instrumental in bringing the W . M . intothis district as a resident . The motion , thus proposed and seconded , was put

to the meeting by the S . W ., and carried unanimously . The W . M . p leaded the lateness of the hour and his exertions during the evening as reasons for contenting himself with a brief acknowledgment of the

compliment , and an expression of his satisfaction that he had obtained the approbation of the brethren at the commencement of his year of office by his preparations for carrying out their object . He felt that it was too early for them to be justified in forming any opinion of his rule , and hoped that by his conduct he might merit the same at its conclusion .

SociAi , PiELiTioxsnir os HASOSKT . —A remark of Gen . Washington ' s , that it Masonry never accomplished anything else , but the protection it throw around the female relations of Masons , it was worth all the labour it cost , made a permanent impression upon our mind , as evincing a social theory second to none in the world . No true Freemason can look upon the mother , wife , sister , or daughter of a brother , without experiencing in their behalf a tenderness of sympathy and interest

only understood by the fraternity . He looks upon them as his special wards , and ho knows not how soon he must assume , through the stem mandates of death , all the relationship of " brother ; " having this daily experience on account of those who have passed away , ho already feels towards the female relations of his living brother the sentimente of sincere esteem and protection . To him all are virtuous , ancl that character he

defends for them , if necessary , with his life-blood ; this tie is reciprocal through the Masonic relationship ofthe world , hence arises that undefinable confidence in the social circle , which the profane cannot understand . This relationship is sacred , and the man who , so lost to all sense of honour and trust as to violate this assurance , had better never been born . From this delicate relationship springs the highest sentiments of regard for female

character and virtue . The passions are subdued and tamed by the exercise of an exalted morality , and we are taught to feel that we do live in a world where tho better principles of our nature can and must triumph . TriE CABLE TOW . —This Masonic cable-tow is emblematic ! -. I of a cord of affection , that should ever be regarded as binding the whole Masonic Brotherhood firmly together , and make them one in feelings of love . Tlie Prophet of Israel must have known

something of the use of this cord , when he saicl : " I drew tliom with cords of a man , with bands of love . " Every member should ever consider that the Masonic cord extends " from the rivers unto the ends of the earth . " It reaches around the entire globe , where Masonry , with her mission of love , can , and is permitted to go . The hearts of the subjects of the world are drawn by this strong cord of affection , and are entitled to its lasting benefits . — Mystic Star .