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

closing his short career in peace , harmony , and brotherly love !" On an occasion such as this it is permitted only to glance at a feiv of the many interesting topics suggested by a study of the history and

constitution of our ancient Craft , and , I trust , if by some I may be considered as having Avandered somewhat from the beaten track , the by-paths Ave have been traversing together during the last feiv minutes may not be considered as altogether barren ,

desolate , or unattractive . My desire has been to suggest subjects for enquiry and reflection , even at the risk of being discursive , rather than to present a connected common-place oration , or to argue out premises to a legitimate conclusion .

The Institution of Avhich Ave are members is described as universal , there being scarcely a nation , people , or tongue , Avithin the area of civilisation in AA'hich some trace of it is not to be found , and instances are not wanting to proA'e that

eA en among saA'age tribes it exists under forms , if not similar , at all events analagous , to those in use amongst ourselves . That Freemasonry is daily making progress and extending its ramifications , Ave have constant proofs . At the

commencement of this paper something was said as to the origin of Masonry . However , vjhenevor , ov wherever it originated , its primal source must have been small .

It may be likened , iu its then condition , to the grain of mustard seed—it may be compared , in its present state , to the giant of the forest . With outstretched arms it embraces , as it Avere , the Avhole family of man—its shelter is afforded

equally to all nations , creeds , and climes—under its spreading leaves is found protection for the weak—succour for the distressed—nourishment for the hungry and thirsty—solace for the afflicted ¦ —sympathy for the Aveary and heavy-laden . Its

massive stem has risen" proudly upward—its roots have struck deep dowmvards . But , like trees of ordinary growth , it has been subject to blight and decay , ancl the pruning-knife has occasionall y been

applied to cut aivay unsound ancl useless boughs . But a very few years since a large number of such boughs Avere lopped aAA'a }' , the operation leaving the parent stem not only in the possession of all its original vitalit y , but seemingly imparting

added vigour , for more numerous ancl more healthy branches have appeared , flin ging out a foliage more luxuriant and abundant than ever previously

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

graced and adorned this unique and stately trunk . In plainer language , four years since 302 lodges were erased from our calendar—the number previous to such erasure having been 1276 , leaving

974 working in a health } ' ancl efficient condition . To-day we consecrate the lodge for Avhich a Avarrant Avas latest granted—the number being " 1 , 159 , " thus showing a state of prosperity marvellous and unprecedented .

May the brethren now about to be formed into a regular lodge , under the title of the " Marquis of Dalhousie , No . 1 , 159 , " recognise their responsibilities ancl act up to the mission with Avhich they are charged ; may peace , harmony , and

brotherly love ever characterise the proceedings of the lodge ; above all , may the pleadings of the still small voice of charity never be unheeded ; may its members through all time be distinguished by a strict observance of the principles they

profess—by a constitutional obedience to the laws of the Order , —ancl by the pursuit , acquisition , aud cultivation of all those arts ancl accomplishments , the exercise of Avhich lends a charm to social intercourse , and renders man useful and serviceable to man .

Address To The Officers And Brethren Of The Lodge Of Antiquity, Montreal.

ADDRESS TO THE OFFICERS AND BRETHREN OF THE LODGE OF ANTIQUITY , MONTREAL .

By Bro . J . G . FKAXCK , TOf . of the lodge , P . D . G . M ., P . G . Z . of the Grand Chapter of Canada , Sfo . ( Continued from page 225 . ) It is Avith the deepest regret I consider it my duty to allude to the fact , that the immediate

Past Master of this lodge has never attended any of our meetings , ancl that the Inner Guard has only attended tAvice during the present year . Both these officers are young Masons . Brethren , let me remind yon of the closing portion of our

address to the neAvly-initiated : " If in the circle of your friends you find a man AA'I IO desires to be introduced into Freemasonry , be particularly careful not to recommend him unless yon are certain he will conform to our rules , that the honour ,

dignity , and respectability of the Order may be fully established , ancl the Avorld at large satisfied of its good results . "" Remember , also , that you are never to persuade a man to become a Mason . He must come to us of his own free will and accord , unbiassed by the improper solicitations of friends ,