Masonic Baptism.

together in this temple , but unfortunately for you and for myself I am called upon as the Master to address you in a style worthy of the event ; and my task becomes the more difficult when I reflect that it is to be performed in presence of a distinguished audience ancl those illustrious Masons with whose noble powers of oratory all here are familiar . My courage Fails me somewhat , and nothing could induce me to accept so prominent a position on this

occasion , were it not for the consciousness of my sacred duties as a Mason , and the imperative necessity of fulfilling them , t ask your indulgence then , brethren , and you ladies and gentlemen , for it is especially to you that I would -address a few explanations , based on the grand principles of our constitution , and point out the object of our constant labour . Happy shall I be if I can clo away with the unjust prejudices which ignorance ancl fanaticism have ever sought to establish against Masonry . Thus it is that Masonry

ever recalls to its disciples the obligations of duty , and by not separating the useful from the agreeable puts a noble stamp on the record of its festivals , and bestows a dignity even on its pleasures . " Man thrown on the earth by the hand of God , was destined by his marvellous organization for the accomplishment of a holy mission . And , indeed , does not . the sublimity of our origin point out to us the grandeur of our destiny ? Does it not tell us that we arc not created to lead a uselessan

, ignoble career on this earth ; that the world is not the term of our pilgrimage ? Docs not the instinctive belief possess us also , that a nobler country than this awaits us ; that we must labour to become worthy of-it ; and that knowledge and virtue form the only path that will lead us through the storms of life safely to our harbour . But in the midst of those elements of discord and trouble that formerly swept over the world , arose an institution , the object of which ivas to ennoble men and draw them closer together in

the bonds of affection . Freemasonry built up among the bewildered nations temples , beneath whose arches soon gathered a multitude of eager disciples , and she implanted in their hearts germs of virtue , equality , tolerance , humanity , and legitimate independence , which prepared the way for the progress of that divine civilization which it is her destiny one clay to achieve . "For ever teaching men that they arc children of the same Father , Masonry never tires of teaching them too that they must love each other

even as brothers . At her voice quarrels cease , fanaticism flics , the barriers which separate nations give way , war calms its fury , intolerance ceases , differences of faith are no longer persecuted , and mankind call to each other from all parts of the globe , holtl out the hand of friendship , and the helping hand of charity , regardless of country , manners , opinions , and sects . Far different from [ most other associations of men , which disseminate troubles and exercise a dangerous ambition , give birth to intrigue and hatred—our noble

institution preaches disinterestedness , indulgence , and love of humanity . "To those who arc governed by self-interest , she speaks of charity . Those who are driven on by ambition , or bewildered by pride , can enter into her precincts only by bending beneath the yoke of equality , which takes into account only man ' s virtues and talents . Vainly do the clamour of passion , or the invective of intolerance rage around her ; she opposes to them only the language of reason and truthanswers them onlbdeeds of

be-; y y neficence ; confutes them only with good acts , and confides in the powers of time to bring about her triumph . " Freemasonry , in a word , is the practical school of virtue ; for by virtue alone can society exist . Take from men virtue , probity , reciprocal faiththat faith whicli the Romans early worshipped—and nothing noble remains , nothing stable and solid lives in the world ' s affairs ; the human race itself is on the road to destruction . But of all the virtues which the Great Architect