The New Masonic Hall At Philadelphia.

« To Htm that made great lights : for His mercy cniliu-eth for ever . "The sun to rule by day : for His mercy endureth for over . "The moon and stars to rule by night : for His mercy endureth for ever . " AVho remembered us in our low estate : for His

mercy endureth for ever . " And hath redeemed us from our enemies : for His mercy endureth for ever . " 0 give thanks unto the God of heaven : for His mercy endureth for ever . "

The B . W . Grand Master then directed the Grand Stewards to cover the lodge , and there was instrumental music while the Grand Stewards were attending to this duty . B . W . Past Grand Master Bro . Eobert

A . Lamberton then delivered an Oration . BIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER AND BRETHREN : —By a usage which is so timelionoured as to have attained the force of law , the ancient and honourable fraternity

beaks its seclusion only for Masonic purposes . LiAdng in the beneficent lives and deeds of its world-Avide membership , and in the order , peace , and harmony of the lodge , it covets retirement , xiever proselyting , never forsaking its OAA ' cpiiet Avays to win the multitude , it rarely appears in

public procession . Through its Avhole system floAvs a calm and equable pulse , Avhich quickens to the IOAV voice of charity , but is unstirred by popular excitements . Selfpoised , with raiment spotless and teachings pure , Avalking in its OAVII silent paths ,

guarding its mysteries , preserving its customs , keeping close to its landmarks , it awaits the Masonic occasion to appear on toe streets , and then , as in all ages before us , it is ready , as of old , to be seen and

known of all men . Such an occasion is that of to-day . . And as Ave have assembled to dedicate and conaerate this Temple , our traditions , linked to our ceremonies , bring before us another

scene , when Avere gathered together in Jerusalem "the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes , the chiefs of the

fathers and all the men of Israel , " to the grandest and most sublime dedication of all time . The seven years of labour were over . The toil of the craftsmen was ended . The quarries had contributed their stones , Tyre

its master workman and purple , Lebanon its cedar and fir , the East its gems , and Parvaim its gold . No sound of hammer or axe or any tool of iron had been heard Avithin the sacred precincts . In its majesty and beauty the finished Temple stood ,

AA'aUs and roof , Avith their golden sheeting , lustrous Avith the radiance of the meridian sun . It awaited the presence of the Cloud , the baptism of Jehovah . With the sound of the cymbal , the

psaltery , the harp , and the trumpet , there rises the ascription of praise , "Eor He is good , for His mercy endureth for ever . " As the dedication prayer is offered by the wisest of our race , we hear him pleading Avith the covenant-keeping and

niercysliOAving God , that when Israel is put to the Avorst before the enemy , when the heaven is shut up and there is no rain , if there be dearth in the land , or pestilence ) or blasting , or mildew , -whatever' sore or Avhatever sickness there be , hear , then , the

supplications of Thy people which they shall make in this place ; hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling-place , and when Thou hearest , forgive . He prays , too , " for the stranger AAIIO is not of Thy people , but is

come from a far country for Thy name ' s sake , and Thy mighty hand and Thy stretched out arm ; if he come and pray in this house , then hear Thou from the heavens , even from thy dAvelling-place , and

do according to all that the stranger calleth to Thee for , and that all people may know Thy name , and fear Thee , as doth Thy people Israel . " The prayer is ended , the fire comes doAATi from heaven and consumes the burnt offerings and the sacrifices , and whilst the glory of the Lord fills the Lord ' s house , once more there ascends