Masonic Oration,

time , and call us back to the contemplation of the true objects of our gatherings and festivities . To the few who participate in our Order , this day is possessed of peculiar significance . It is strictly a Masonic festal-day , and as such calls our

attention to the points of difference which distinguish us from the world , that is , the tenets of Masonry ; as Avell as commemorates the life and character of one of our ancient brothers ,

distinguished for virtue , piety , and those peculiar characteristics which ; have had a moulding influence in the moral world from , that day to this . The career of St . John marks an era in the world , the inauguration of a moral empire that since then

has steadily widened its borders , and increased in its power . As a pebble dropped in a still ocean will drive a ripple to the most distant lands , so the ripple evoked in the then still ocean of thought by the doctrine of St . John has constantly spread ,

gaining power from the breath of the spirit of God , until a billow , crested with the flashing pearls of ¦ truth , it has cast its treasure upon every shore , and the continents have quivered with its force . But -to-day I will only reverently mention the name of

St . John , leaving your oAvn ' minds to fill up the •outlines of the p icture which suggests itself at that mention ; and then call your attention to that ¦ other theme suggested by our gathering , the tenets ot Masonry , in whose praise and name Ave are today met together .

Perhaps to Masons I owe an apology for pursuing the course which I have determined to adopt in speaking to you to-day . I am addressing those who by their OAVU actions have given the strongest ¦ evidence of their devotion to the interests ,

thenbelief in the principles of Freemasonry . I am addressing those Avho have long practised upon the Masonic rule of avoiding discussion upon our tenets with the ignorant or the prejudiced , leaving it to the logic of noble Masonic life to refute calumnies ,

and commend our Order . And yet my purpose is to-day briefly to review the principles and defend the institution of Freemasonry . It is not that I believe any of you here present need arguments to commend our Order to yourselves ; far

from it ! for already there is in you the invincible argument of love—an argument that through the heart takes captive the reason , and even if other arguments were Avanting would make you commend Masonry because loving it . But the argument "which satisfies your heart , and makes you feel Masonry to be altogether Avorthy , is not the

argument Avhich Avill satisfy another ' s mind , who enters into an investigation prejudiced , or , at least , disposed to doubt and question at every step in the onward progression . And arguments , or assumed arguments , are not wanting in antagonism to us ,

which should be fairly contested . From the earliest times Ave have been vigourously attacked , in many ways , by many opponents . To-day we live in an age of superior enlightenment , in which the bloody dramas and fierce tragedies of past

centuries cau never be re-enacted ; and the advancement of the time in the spirit of liberal investigation and dispassionate argument makes ib move imperatively necessary now than ever before , that the advocates of every doctrine should be

prepared , Avhen called upon , to give a reason for the faith that is in them . It is Avith this purpose in vieAv , to shoAv why true men should seek Masonry , and why Masons should be enthusiastic in the advocacy and practice of the tenets of the

Order , and in thus doing to refute certain charges Avhich have of late emanated against us from no mean source , that I , AVIIO count it just cause for pride that I strive as best I may to be a living exponent' of the immortal doctrines of Freemasonry , to-day enter the field of controversy .

I have said that in all ages the Order of Freemasons has been vigourously attacked , that strongefforts have been made for its suppression . The swords of tyrants , the interdicts of emperors and kings , the anathemas of Roman pontiffs , and the

misinformed and ill-guided zeal of protestant organizations of our own time have been successfully appealed to , to aid in the extirpation of this Order . What is this Order ?

Undoubtedly in its origin Masonry Avas an association for the preservation and improvement of the useful arts ; and in the first stages the name Avas a descriptive one . It came to be called Freemasonry , because those studying its sciences , aud

on account of high attainments , being raised to the honourable position of masters of its arts , became free from the necessity of sei-vile labour , and able to devote themselves to the study of those higher branches which have been treasured , and handed doAvn to us . It is a fact attributable to a

peculiarity of human nature , that generally those Avho have possessed high qualifiations and made high attainments in any art or science , have jealously guarded the results of their labours , and transmitted them only to those who , by a like apprenticeship to that fulfilled by themselves , have