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forefathers withheld from them that knowledge we now so amply share , Masonry diffused its influence . This science unveiled , arts arose , civilization took place ,, and the progress of knowledge and philosophy gradually dispelled the gloom of ignorance and barbarism . The universal principles of the art unite in one indissoluble bond of affection men of the most distant countries and of the most

contradictory opinions ; so that in every nation a Mason may find a friend , and in every climate a home . " But again , thirdly , another of the uses of Masonry may be seen in this , —that it enlarges the heart and expands the sympathies . It is a libel upon the Craft to say that it is rooted in selfishness ; for Masonry , as strictly and rightly practised , knows no preference for any but the good : an unworthy brother loses all part and lot in his inheritance : favour shown is

conditional upon good conduct ; and who can justly forbid men uniting for the encouragement of virtue and the repression of vice ? This is a work in which Jehovah himself is engaged ; and in this men may lawfully band together . What , we may ask , can expand the heart more than the constant exercise and indulgence of the pure feelings of mercy , pity , and charity ? Is not this last virtue

preeminently styled the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason ' s heart ? And is it not true , that when a worthy Brother is in adversity , sympathy is awakened , and help is afforded ? so that if hungry , he is fed ; if naked , clothed ; if in bereave- ? ment , he is visited : and thus , Jhy their fruits , Masons are known , and the cold world is compelled to admit , that Brother , among Masons , is not a mere blind , not a mere name , nor an empty sound .

Masonry , then , as the handmaid to religion , as an enlighten er of the mind , and as a represser of natural selfishness , cannot fail to maintain her vitality so long as her principles are faithfully carried into practice ; while this is done , she will continue a system of the present , and not of the past ; she will hold on her majestic way , and shine in beauty to unborn generations . Thus , my Brethren , even from

these few remarks we may note that there are good purposes and uses in Masonry , which commend it to the reflective mind : but then , our estate is one , as it were , upon condition—it may be forfeited ; and it must depend upon the use , and not upon the abuse , for the maintenance of our time-honoured Institution . Change , then , the picture , and note , secondly , that while the uses of Masonry are many , its abuses are many also , and , it is to be feared , only too apparent .

It is against these that we have to guard , against these we must be forewarned , lest we cry peace when there is no peace , and find our Society falling into disrepute from want of discipline and failure in knowledge and organization . Thus far few of you will except to our remarks , but , in the main , will approve them . ISTow , perhaps , I might fear , if addressing a common assembly , lest I should give offence ; but you would despise me , as I should despise myself , if I spoke to you with "bated breath and whispered humbleness . " You are anxious

that truth should win and prevail ; you care not if the bitter go with the sweet ; the health-imparting tonic of friendly admonition with the ambrosial nectar of laudatory felicitation . So , then , reminding you of the pure feelings by which we are actuated , we would notice , that our exertions in the cause of charity ( speaking of course of Masons as a great public body , and bearing testimony to the large personal sacrifices made by individuals in fulfilment of this great duty ) , our exertions , we say , are feeble , and by no means commensurate with the most moderate expectations .

The only permanently endowed institution of our Order is , we believe , the Girls' School , lately erected on Wandsworth Common . True it is , that we pay for the education of a number of boys , and that a large sum is fructifying at interest for the purpose of ultimate application towards the erection of a permanent building for clothing and educating the sons of indigent and deceased Freemasons

but the movements herein seem halt of foot , tardy , and unmarked by the ardour and zeal we could wish to see exhibited . To the above may be added the Eoyal Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons , and the General Bund of Benevolence , to which all subscribing Masons are by their own laws and constitutions required to contribute annually ; and many Lodges have also private charity funds for the relief of cases which como peculiarly under their own notice ., Uu-