An Oration.

solemnly dedicated . Lodges are intended [ ,, be the place Avhere " the most sublime truths" may be recalled to our memories , <¦ jn the midst of the most innocent social p leasures . " The better to attain these ends , let us

always , to use the Avoids of an old and reverend brother , * " Avhen Ave meet together be moderate and temperate , innocent iu our pursuits and prudent in our habits , and in all things , so ordering our Avhole deportment as to render due obedience to our Creator , perform real justice to our neig hbour and practice genuine virtue for ourselves . " But above all , let us

endeavour to uphold and preserve the unity and peacefulness of our lodge system—as knoAving hoAV much that system advances , IIOAV deeply it influences the happy felloAvship of each friendly and Masonic gathering . Let us be careful to avoid private piques and quarrelsby Avhich the harmony of the

, lodge may he impaired or its usefulness altogether destroyed . Let us actively endeavour to make our lodge meetings both a privilege and happiness to ourselves , in their present effects and in then- after remembrancesby

culti-, vating peace and harmony and sympathizing friendshi p , as Masons of one mind and under one law , in unanimity and charity mid in affection , moving by one unchanging system , and actuated by one principle of rectitude of conduct . Or , as the Reverend

brother , - ) - abeady quoted , Avell puts it , " that Ave may all be stirred up to act our OAVII parts as individuals for the good government of the whole community , so that true harmony may floAv of its OAVU accord ; let no contention be amongst us , out each

contending for the truth , let Were be no strife amongst us , but each striving Avho can Avalk best and wve one another most . " And hence will naturall y spring , my Masonic brethren , a ) f those inestimable blessings to our so-1 %

C < , Avhich it both deserves at the hands ot its members , and is itself calculated to convey to mankind . For thus Ave shall not be contented Avith ™ mere name of Masons onl y , but shall ^¦ we to walk worthy of that profession nto wlucfi we have voluntarily entered . llr lod ges will serve to SIIOAV that we

actually practice the virtue Ave profess to believe in , because there brotherly love and fraternal consideration Avill abound , because linked together there by the mystic tie of fellowship and affection , Ave shall zealously endeavour to approve ourselves excellent Masonsin the presence of God

, , and in the sight of man . NOAA ' , it may be Avell to remind ourselves to-day , IIOAV it is , that a lodge amongst us is duly formed and constituted , in proper Avorking order , and able to hand to others Avhat has been received from our Masonic

forefathers . * As this is a matter of some little importance , I prefer to adopt language of more authority than any of my OAVU could be .

Any number of regularly registered Freemasons , not less than seven , being Avell skilled in the Avork and system of the Craft , and of good report among their brethren , may petition the Grand Master for a dispensation , authorizing them to hold a lodge for Masonic ceremonies and purposes .

When organized , a lodge consists of the W . Master , the Senior and Junior Wardens , the Treasurer and Secretary , the Senior and Junior Deacons , the Inner Guard , and the Tyler , and as many other members as a majority of the brethren may

determine . After a lodge has thus been duly organized , it should be solemnly constituted by proper Masonic authority , that is , by some distinguished brother , deputed by the Grand Master or by the Deputy

Grand Master , or in the provinces by the P . G . Master , as the representative of the Grand Master . The lodge being then constituted according to the ceremonies proper and usual on such occasions , and consecrated and dedicated by solemn prayer and our

appointed ritual , is hi laAvful and regular Avorking order . The Worshipful Master who is named in the Avarrant , after his installation by a Board of installed Masters , enters immediately upon the exercise of his office , and

instals his Wardens in their proper places . The other officers are then appointed , and invested according to ancient usage , and in the lodge thus laAvfully assembled and properly dedicated , and Avhen duly secured against the intrusion of the profane ,.