The Marquis Of Dalhousie Lodge (No. 1,049).

fear are inseparable from every society , IiOAvever exclusive , OAving to the innate frailty and Aveakness of our poor humanity . It is certainly not a benefit society , as the qualifications required in its members at once militate against any such idea ;

ancl yet its charities are noble ancl munificent to a degree . It is a secret society only in regard to the means by Avhich its members are bound one to another for the purpose of recognition , and the prevention of fraud ancl imposture . Its influence

is Avidely extended , its usefulness co-extensive Avith civilisation , its sympathy and . aid cordially extended ancl cheerfully rendered Avherever misery and distress are to be found . To such au

Institution as that thus imperfectly described it may be thought no objections could be urged . Unfortunately the reverse is the case . Time fails me to enter at length into a consideration of the sentiments adverse to our Order . Two , hoAvever ,

prominently offer themselves ; one , —I state it Avith regret , —comes from Avithin ; the other , from Avithout . The first has reference to Avhat are

considered by some the unmeaning forms used m our rites , and the want of intrinsic importance in our ceremonies . Those who entertain this opinion regard as highly ridiculous and unnecessary the greater portion of our ritualistic observances . On

this hand I would simply point to the most ancient religion of Avhich Ave have a record , in Avhich forms and ordinances were carried to an extent unknown with us ; ancl that under the express injunctions of the Most High , and ask you to

agree Avith me that it is not so much in the out-Avard ancl visible form , as in the thing signified or symbolised , that the value of a rite or ceremony depends ; ancl that if the apostolic maxim , "Do all things decently ancl in order" is to be respected ,

it can , in an Institution like ours , be so only through the medium of a properly-conducted and dignified ceremonial . The second objection is urged by those of the outer Avorld , who gauge the value of Freemasonry by the conduct and practice

of Freemasons ; singling out this or that deviation from the strict path of rectitude as a triumphant justification of their unrighteous estimate . But surely this is an altogether untenable objection . Every sect of religion , every form of faith , every

society , constituted for whatever purpose , is equally open to the same objection , and must equally fail in maintaining its position if subjected to an equally crucial test . No matter Avhat may be our creed , no matterAvhat obligations maybe imposed upon us ,

or voluntarily taken by us , conscience , that faithful monitor , tells too truly hoiv feiv of us there are ivho " ivalk Avorthily in the vocation Avhereivith Ave are called ; " and it is manifestly unjust that Masonry should be judged by a test Avhich AVOUIC ! prove

fatal to any religion or organisation if similarly applied . The articles of that Church to Avhich the majority of us belong tell us that the uuAvorthiness of a minister hinders not the efficiency of the rite

administered ; and surely the unAvorthiness of a professor ought not to prejudice the worth and value of a profession .

In the exercise- of the perogative of the M . W , Grand Master , the government of this lodge has been entrusted to three distinguished and influential brethren , AVIIO have this day entered on their duties as W . Master , Senior and Junior

Warden , I Avould draw a parallel betAveen these three principal officers , ancl the great luminary of creation in the three principal stages of his diurnal career ; these further typifying the three principal stages of human life .

" The W . M . opens the lodge at sunrise with solemn prayers ; the J . W . calls the brethren from labour to refreshment when the sun attains his meridian height ; ancl the S . W . closes the lodge Avith prayers at sunset when the labours of our

ancient brethren are ended . The great luminary of Creation rises in the east to open ancl enliven the day Avith a mild but genial influence , ancl all nature rejoices in the appearance of his beams . He gains his meridian lustre in the south

invigorating all things with the perfection of his ripening qualities , ancl with declining strength he sets in the Avest , leaving mankind at rest from their labours . "

"This isa type of the threemostprominent stages of human life—infancy , manhood , old age . Tho first , characterised by the blush of innocence , is pure as the tint Avhich gilds the eastern portals of the sky ; the heart rejoices in the unsuspecting

integrity of its oivn unblemished motives—no ? fears . deceit because it knoAvs no guile ; manhood succeeds—the ripening intellect arrives at the maturity of its poAvers;—ancl at the approach of old age man's strength decays—his sun is setting

in the Avest—enfeebled by sickness and bodily infirmities , he lingers on until death closes his eventful clay , ancl happy is he if the setting splendours of a well-spent virtuous life gild his departing moments with the gentle tint of hope ^ ,