Sermon

perceive the many excellences , aud discern and appreciate the beauty and advantages of that sentiment put forth by our own Grand Master DaA * id iu . the words of the text . But I need hardly say that this feeling is not confined to ourselves : the world at large

participates in it , and has given us from the earliest times many an indication that it has acted in the spirit and belief of the words of the prophet , that it is a -- good and pleasant thing to dwell together in unity . " And to secure this very desirable state of things Ave find it has been the immemorial

custom and practice among all races of men to enter into solemn leagues and covenants with each other , as the best means of ensuring to themselves the blessing of peace , and all the numerous benefits that folloAv in her train- —the better security of person and propertythatreling on an

under-, , y standing of mutual good faith , mankind might in those intervals of peace and tranquillity pursue their different occupations without let or hindrance —the husbandman reap the fruits of the earth in due season—the merchant behold with joy the reneAval of trade and commerce—the statesman

perceive Avith satisfaction the general prosperity of his country—Avhile the cultivation of the arts and sciences , and the progress of ciialization and refinement begin once again to repair the desolating track of Avar . The use and benefit , therefore , of treaties and

compacts of different kinds Avere early seen and adopted—a practice Avhich is still , and doubtless Avill be , continued as necessary , as long as the restless and impatient spirit of man betrays a desire to break the bonds and g'ood order of society . If , therefore , it was only for the sake of the

security Avhich Avas created by the striking of a solemn bond or covenant betAveen nations and individuals , the advantages derived therefrom are manifestly very great . But unity among brethren , whether civil or religious , is productive of much that is pleasurable as well as profitable : of profit

, because in its unity lies the principal element of the strength and Avell-being of every human as well as divine institution ; of pleasure , because that unit y begets mutual love , which renders the happiness and success of one , to a certain extent the happiness of allcreating and nourishing that

, generous feeling of sympathy between the individual members of the whole body , that if one member suffer all the others suffer Avith it , or if one member rejoice , all the others rejoice with it .

But it is not merely in the feelings of security and protection produced by oaths and covenants that Ave are to consider the advantages , and trace m part the origin of societies like our own : we may be sure that when David uttered the words of the text he spoke as one AA-hobeing- an

-, expe rienced judge of human nature , felt that if it was to go no further than his OAVII family , it Avas a good and joyful thing for brethren to dwell together in unit y . What misery and trouble did not the

unhappy differences of his children cause the good king in his old age ! Well might the inspired writer so eloquently describe , and draw such an affecting picture of the beauty of domestic peace and love , as he does in the 133 rd psalm . Like the holy anointing oil which diffused its fragrance

far and Avide , nothing could exceed or resemble it ; and like the same precious oil , which it was unlawful to imitate , adulterate , or counterfeit , it stood alone , among some of the holiest and purest of all earthly blessings . But this peace and joy of domestic happiness which the King of Israel had more particularly in view in the Avords of the text branches itself out , and extends to and embraces the Avhole human

family ; and , looking at it in this light , it Avould appear as if , in the spirit of prophecy , he Avas hailing- that happy time when nation should not lift up sword against nation , neither should they learn Avar any more . But though this day may be far distant Avhen mankind shall have so far laid aside

their natural ferocity and evil tempers , as once and ever to beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks—meanwhile , Avhen does the Avorld ever approach such a state of peace and harmony as when she recognises the claims of mercy and pity , and feels the compelling cords of fraternal love restrainina- her hands from violence , i " i • • cruelty , and injustice , and ready to raise for every brother in distress a column of mutual succour and

defence . The sentiments of the king are not , therefore , to be restricted to our domestic relations , or particular societies like our OAVU , but take in the whole human race . We should recollect that outside of

us there is a world full of misery and suffering , Avhich has the strongest claims upon our sympathy , and appeals AA'ith a silent but powerful eloquence to that which should be the distinguishing feature of every Freemason's heart—I mean charity ; that is love Avhich , setting aside differences of creed ,

opinion , language , or people , is ever ready to step forward and act a brother ' s part , doing as it would be done by . There may , nay there must , unavoidably be many circumstances which must necessarily prevent persons from actually loving one another ; yet this is not a sufficient reason to prevent them

helping each other , and living together in unity and peace . We are to recollect that all the world is our neighbour , and the AA'hole human race one great fraternity , and stand in need of each other ' s assistance ; they have many things in common , and have claims upon one another which cannot be

discharged if they stand apart , and try and act independently . However much Ave may differ in the world , in rank , position , talents , or fortune , things which in some measure must necessarily fix an almost impassable gulf between us , there are , not-Avithstanding , many points of resemblance betAveen

us , some of them very evident indeed , others not so much so—but most of them sufficiently plain and numerous to point out one great fact , namely ,