Masonic Oration,

probability to the whole * first , the manner of preserving Masonic tradition secretly and sacredly , which makes it less liable to interpolation and the garniture of the public tongue ; and second , the inherent probabilities of these results from such

labours and studies . To operative Masonry undoubtedly is traceable the discovery and study of geometry , astronomy , and all the branches of architecture ; and from these would necessarily grow up that spirit of inquiry and inA estigation

which , among the Egyptians , Persians , Greeks , & c ., produced their systems of philosophy—the vain attempts of the finite to answer the questionings of the infinite Avhile to the chosen people , under Divine instruction , her inspired philosophers and

poets gave ansAvers to these questionings , which became recorded , the scriptures of God , whereby Masonry strives to guide itself , and to which it seeks to conform .

Let us briefly consider Avhat are the vital tenets of Freemasonry , and see if they be Avorthy to claim this august origin . And here let me anticipate the use against me of that stale argument , that the lives of Masons do not conform to these

tenets as I shall unfold them . There is no answer to this save the universal one , fclzafc human nature must ever fall below the ideal , because , while it is possible for the soul to conceive a perfect moral life , and even to lay down rules for

its attainment , human nature can never entirely lay aside sin , can never fully conform to those rules . This same objection has been urged with equal persistency and justice against every organisation that has ever existed , Avhich set up for its

folloAvers a noble standard , not even excepting the purest branches of the purest ages of the Christian Church .

At the very portals of Freemasonry , its banner hung upon the outer wall , we find inculcated the great doctrines of faith , hope , and charity—faith in God , hope in immortality , and charity towards all mankind . And , as a sequence of the last , Ave

have laid upon us the duty of relief ; while , to fit ns for the full exercise of the privileges and duties of Masons , we are enjoined to study the scriptures of the Word of God ; to compass and circumscribe our passions and desires ; to square our actions b y

the rules of virtue ; to love and cleave to truth ; to cultivate temperance in all things ; to exercise fortitude and prudence ; and to do justice to all men . Upon us also are laid the requirements of loyalty and patriotism . Again , education is

commended , and we are urged to listen well to those from Avhom we may gain Avisdom ; to impart carefully and instructively the results of our studies to others . In faithful breasts we are to treasure inviolably the confidences of our brethren . And

coming to the summit of this progression , we are taught tho propriety and necessity of man ever having a pure heart , from which the incense of thanks may continually ascend to the Great Father . Above all , we have impressed upon our

minds the thought of the omnipotence and omniscience of God . Governed by the doctrines of the universal brotherhood of man , Masonry regards no one on account of worldly Avealfch or honour , bufc brings all to the indiscriminate test of moral

worth , remembering that we all travel upon a common level to that bar where all will stand equally to render their account . And this , briefly stated , is the theoiy , the moral structure of Masonry ; these are the tenets inculcated , this the

work assigned to all who enter our number and strive to possess themselves of our privileges . Where else is there to be found any institution of human devising in which so much is urged upon its votaries , calculated to elevate and inspire , and with so little alloy of evil ?

But , it may be asked , do the workings of the Order in any Avay correspond to these doctrines ? Can you point to any noble records of honourable deeds which will bear witness for you ? In this association the objections made to the

institution of Freemasonry naturally suggest themselves , and it is proper that they be examined candidly ; the just Aveight given to every objection seeming valid ; the grand totals of good and evil marshalled ; the balance struck . The

attacks made upon Freemasonry in every age have been with Aveapons of warfare suited to the time and the spirit of the people . In our OAvn day the SAvord has given place to the pen and press , and the centralised power of mediasval

tyranny to fche aggravated force of modern antagonistic organisations . Rome attacks us in common Avith all other secret Orders , and hurls against us the thunders of the Vatican , because we are said to infringe the exclusive function of the

confessional , and to place our duty to the Order on a par with , or superior to , our duty to the pontiff . This _ objection from this source is a consistent one , and it is not proposed to argue it at length . To do so would involve an investigation into the claims of the apostolic see , and that is far from my