Sermon

the relationship or brotherhood of the human race . We should think of this : Ave should try sometimes to recollect the resemblances as Avell as the diversities of human nature , and then , perhaps , Ave should be less inclined to pride ourselves upon our fancied superiority , and more ready and willing to

entertain and cherish feelings of peace and goodwill , to all . So that while Ave faithfully discharge the duties and offices of our common humanity , AA e should , as Masons , manifest to the outer world , and put in practice , those pure and benevolent principles that are among some of the most

conspicuous landmarks of our Order . There is , perhaps , no feeling or quality of the mind which any one more desires to discover in those around him than that Avhich Ave call sympathy , or felloAV-feeling—that state or condition of mind in which the pleasures and pains of a fellowcreature become in a certain sense our own . The

desire to partake in the joy or SOI - I - OAV of another is common to most of us ; and next to that consolation which is given from on High , probably nothing seems to diminish our trouble and add to our pleasure more than the knowledge of a heart that both feels for us and Avith us ; and it is in tho exercise

of this beautiful and heavenly spirit Ave experience some of the sweetest pleasures of life . To remember the forgotten , to Avait upon the neglected , to visit the forsaken , and uniting Avith these the highest and best of all human virtues , charity , prompting us to do Avhat Ave can to alleviate the miseries

of our felloAv-creatures , is indeed to magnify our office as Masons , and to carry out in all their fulness and integrity those three great principles of our Order—namely , brotherly love , relief , and truth .

It sometimes pleases the Great Architect of the Universe to bestoAvupon his servants , ashe did upon Israel of old , the good things of this present life : hence the rich man may learn IIOAV he can be happier than a poor man , in that it is more blessed to give than to receive ; and he Avho , influenced by

the spirit of love and liberality , employs those talents that God has entrusted to his keeping for the benefit of his fellow-creatures , Avill not only be able to give a good account of his steAA'ardship , but Avill ensure 'unto himself a good reward at that day Avhen every man's Avork shall be tried

to see of what sort it is . Surely he shall not be moved for ever , and the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance ; his prayers and his alms being had in memorial before God , nothing shall deprive him of his reward and his happiness . When his AVOI-IC is done , his body -will repose like

that of other men in the dust , but the recollection of his name and good deeds Avill outlive all others , and form a tablet to his memory , far better and more lasting than that of brass or marble—Avhile it is recorded on high , he hath dispersed abroad , he hath given to the poor ; his rig hteousness endureth for ever , his horn shall be exalted with . honour . Such is the fruit and good report of love

and charity among men , and not forgotten before God who hath prepared for it an everlasting reward Considering that Ave all are endo'ved Avith certain talents entrusted to our keeping for the promotion of God's glory , and knowing that we shall be held accountable for the use Ave make of them , we should ever be mindful of actino ; in such a

manner that his name be exalted among men ; and knowing also that the maintenance of peace on earth and goodwill to man is one method whereb y that glory is especially promoted , ve have an additional reason apart from the usages and institutions of our Order why brotherly love should direct ,

sanctify , and govern us in all our words , actions , and dealings Avith each other , AAdiether present or absent , that generous feeling Avhich keeps in active exercise the spirit of charity towards all mankind , but more especially towards our brethren in Masonry . We should bear in mind that the love of

man proceeds from the love of God , which , Avhile it serves to g ive stability to our society to lengthen our cords and to strengthen our bands , it should serve to remind every brother that that peace and harmony Avith which we should always Avork and live together proceeds from that highest and holy source Avhich obliges him Avho loves God to love his brother also .

Let us also not fail to remember , as another bond of union between us , that Ave have a number of cares , Aveaknesses , trials , and distresses in common . We , my Masonic companions , are not only brethren of a mystic tie , but brethren also in sorrow and guilt ; and shall vre not , as those who aro

thus situated , feel for each other as -veil as for the rest of mankind . All of us are heirs of the same corrupt nature—all are guilty , and are called upon to suffer the penalty ol guilt by many temporal calamities and painful visitations ; surely , then , Ave may and ought to sympathise Avith each other , bearing each other ' s burdens , and so lightening a brother ' s care , Avhile Ave are ministering to his

necessities . As Masons Ave should also remember that our unity does not lie so much in externals , Avhich have their advantages and importance as it lies in a certain unity of purpose in one in hand , heart , and Avork , that Ave are labouring to do good in the

same Avay—all searching after the same holy truths , all pursuing- the same paths of light , knowledge , and science , all looking up to the same God and Father of all , and striving to promote his honour and glory in everything . And let us consider Avhat excellent lessons of goodness ,

usefulness , love , and charity this unity of purpose teaches us ! What an impulse it must give to every generous feeling ! What an outlet for the discharge of good Avork and the fulfilment of every good intention ! And how it must necessarily draw forth every feeling of sympathy , tenderness , and compassion of Avhich our nature is susceptible —feelings Avhich doubtless the mercenary and