The Masonic Mirror.

offered , widely different from each other , in respect of the origin , the progress , and the past annals of our Craft . There are some , for instance , who see in Freemasonry , a secret order deriving its teaching from the Egyptian mysteries , preserved through the lapse of ages , until resuscitated by the Knightly Orders , and more fully developed in what are technically often termed the High Grades . There are those , again , who look upon Freemasonry as a secret Orderpreserving au

, occult science , but formed into an exclusive system , which was to pass through the world unconnected with the religion and politics of all times , inculcating moral duty and . extending brotherly love . AVhile there are others ^ Avho , on the great principle of cause and effect , Avould discern in our speculative brotherhood to-day , the lineal ancl lawful descendants of those guilds and sodalitieswhichflourishing in the

, , middle and early ages , are linked through the Roman colleges with Tyrian and Jewish Masons . Those who adopt this view , claim , as a matter of course , on the ground both of direct and inferential evidence , those operative Freemasons who directed science , Avho encouraged art , Avho adorned this and other lands with so many glorious temples of the Most High , as the precursors of that adopted brotherhood to which we to-day belong .

Now , whichever theory be true , Avhichever explanations be correct , certain it is , that the early institution of Freemasonry aud its existence through so many generations , is a very striking fact in the history of mankind . Both from our own records and from non-Masonic writers , we learn the indubitable truth that a secret and mysterious order , calling itself the Order of Freemasonshas outlived the departure of centuriesand has

Avith-, , stood the encroaching hand of time . Amidst many revolutions and many changes in the world , the passing away of mighty empires and the overthrow of human institutions , Masonry has still survived—has even apparently gained fresh vigour and new life with the very progress of each succeeding age , though on every side of it lie the wrecks of the past , and the sure if silent tokens of Aveakness and decay . This has been ascribed

by an able Masonic Avriter to the fact , that Freemasonry is built upon the immoveable basis of the best affections of the human heart , and that , therefore , its pillars have remained unshaken amidst the rage of every passing storm , and to this very

hour have suffered no material decay . AVe may well then , for a short time , recall to our memories , on the present occasion , those solemn truths ancl leading principles of our great and useful Order , Avhich , perhaps , long usage and constant familiarity have rendered us less mindful of than Ave should properly be , or apt , may be , to undervalue , in some degree , their lasting claim on our sympathies and allegiance . Freemasonry , my brethrenis universallet us never forgetin its design

, , ; and scope , and alike expansive and tolerant , rejects all partizan theories and condemns all sectarian animosities , A deep reverence and grateful acknowledgment of the Most High , is interwoven with every precept of its traditional teaching , and with every emblem and every symbol of its beautiful ceremonies . Freemasonry Avould link together all Masons , nay all men , in the fraternal chain of union ,

concord , and peace—would form a nucleus of intimate brotherhood amongst all the nations of the world . It would seek to still the angry strife of human passion , aud cement enduring friendship ; it would sweeten the bitterness of earthly trial and care with the timely offering of assistance and sympathy ; it would bind up the broken heart , feed the orphan , relieve distress aid struggling industry , and cause the widow's heart to

sing for joy . Not only this , great and beneficent as it is , but Freemasonry Avould vmceasingly inculcate alike social duty and moral responsibility . As Freemasons , Ave are bound to be loyal subjects and good citizens , friends of peace and order , and opponents of commotion and revolution ; discharging every obligation , and following every calling with freedom , fervency , and zeal . Yetstrange to this usefulthis

, say , , benevolent , this loyal Order , notwithstanding its peaceful progress and its unobtrusive charity , has fouud both detractors ancl calumniators ! In all cases , such assaults on our system have proceeded either from heated and unreasoning opponents , or from those who , by their own confession , were altogether ignorant both of our practice and our principles . Masonry has nevertheless flourishedand will continue to

, flourish , so long as our lodges contribute to the true interest and happiness of our brethren—so long as they help forward the welfare , of all men in their collective and ind ividual capacity . Yes , Most Worshipful Grand Master , I make bold to say , that Order over Avhich you so worthily preside , and long may you continue

to do so , will indeed flourish , despite any opposition , he it what it may , so long as the brethren seek to realise and adorn those principles which Masonry unfolds , and those great truths which Masonry proclaims . Without this practical development of our esoteric system the real design of our Institution will he forgotten , our teaching aud our ceremonies will degenerate into an unmeaning formalism , and the true spirit of Masonry will be lost . But , with a consistent unfolding of our true

teaching , with an enduring avowal of our actual desigu , we can see no limit , humanly speaking , to tbe progress and perpetuatiou of our Craft , save only that end , which time must one day fix , for all things earthly and human . May , then , the stone we have laid to-day according to Masonic ceremonial , he the foundation of a structure destined to be perfect in all its parts and honourable to the builder . May it eventually reflect lasting credit on the energy and ability of the Building Committee ,

Avhich have surmounted so far successfully every obstacle , and have been so freely offered , both for tbe comfort and for the happiness of the brethren , as well as for the honour and dignity of the Craft at large . May no danger befall the workmen while engaged in this undertaking—may we ourselves be permitted to witness its steady progress , and to rejoice in its happy completion—may this new building fitly represent , as I believe it willin this great metropolisthe permanent utility

, , and dignity of our venerable Order . And though , my brethren , its walls must one day succumb to time , though the material building must crumble into decay , may it have ever ministered , while it shall endure , to the glory of God and the happiness of man . Above all , may it prove but the portal—for all our accepted brotherhood who shall enter within its sacred enclosure—of that immaterial and beatific temple not made with hands , eternal in the heavens .

So mote it be . The reading of this oration Avas frequently loudly applauded , and at its close the reverend brother received the hearty congratulations of many present at the splendid composition with Avhich he had edified and instructed them . " AVifcli this closed the ceremonial of laying the first stone , but we omitted to state while it Avas going on , a photographic sketch was taken of the vast assembly by a an artist Avho had fitted up a place for that purpose . The procession then returned to the Temple in reversed order .

GEAND LODGE . The Grand Master having taken his seat , was proclaimed in due form as Grand Master for the year ensuing , and afterwards received the customary salutes from the brethren . The G . MASTEB said—Brethren , I beg sincerely to thank yon for the honour conferred upon me , for the twentieth time , and I assure you I highly prize and appreciate the compliment you

have paid me . I trust that I may continue to perform my duties to your satisfaction , as it is my most anxious desire to devote the best energies of my life to your service . ( Loud cheers . ) I shall now appoint my noble friend and brother , Earl de Grey and Ripon , Deputy Grand Master for the ensuing year . ( Cheers . ) The Deputy Grand Master having been proclaimed and

saluted , The D . G . MASTEE said , —Most "Worshipful Grand Master , I return you my warm ancl heartfelt thanks , for having again conferred upon me the honour of appointing me as your Deputy Grand Master . I receive the appointment on this occasion with , peculiar pleasure , and will to the best of my ability endeavour to discharge my duties , iu conjunction with the avocations of the other important offices Avhich I have the honour to fill . The G . Master then appointed the rest of the officers aa follows : —

...Bro . Col . Arthur L . Cole , C . B . S . G . Warden . „ Sir John Ratcliffe J . G . AVarden . „ Rev . A . F . A . AVoodford ... i „ , , . „ Rev . Sir E . G . Ouseley , Bart . \ ' l ? lam 3 - ,, S . Tomkins G . Treasurer . „ M . S . M'Intyre G . Registrar . „ W . Gray Clarke G . Secretary . Brandt ( G Sec for German Corres

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