The Masonic Temple, Jersey.

going still farther back a few thousands of years , of the secrets , ivhose discover !' , after they had been long lost , affoi-dod such joy to the builders of the second Temple of Jerusalem , ivhieh we now commemorate in one branch of our art , as doubtless he will then continue to do . For this is one of the peculiarities of our Order , that wherever civilization extends , it takes root and spreads ; whether

we refer to nations UOAV extinct , of which no memento remains , except monuments of stone bearing our devices and symbols , or even mere traditions ; whether ive refer to others once renowned for their learning and science , of which ive have written records ; or whether we cast our eyes on tha more cultivated countries of our own time , in which Freemasonry , far from languishing ,

appears to be bursting forth with renewed vigour , extending branches into new colonial possessions , thus proving its innafco and unlimited goodness . In fact , to use the words of a Masonic writer of a century ago , " When order shall produce confusion , when harmony shall give rise to discord , and proportion shall be the source of irregularity , then , and not till then , will Freemasonry bo unworthy tho patronage of the great , the wise , and the good . " " AA ' e build upon the noblest plan ,

lor friendship rivets man to man , And makes us all as one . " Yes , brethren , as ive are taught to esteem ourselves brothers to one ivho has ages ago gone before us , for peculiar reasons familiar to us all , so will our common ground of union bind us as Masons to all , who , like him , do honour to their profession , even to tho death , in past ,

in this , and in succeeding ages . " Hence ' midst the ruins of three thousand years , Unhurt , unchang'd , Freemasonry appears . " And such , it may ivith confidence be predicted , will be the continued affirmation among its adherents , when that period shall have been doubled or trebled . Permit mebefore I sit downto address a fow distinct

, , observations , appropriate for the occasion , to the different classes of hearers now before me , according to their several positions . Eight Worshipful Provincial Grand Master—I am sure you must feel that on you this day a great and lasting honour has fallen , in being privileged to perform the ceremony of consecrating this Temple . You thus give

a pledge of your fidelity to the Order of your anxiety for its honour and credit , of your appreciation of the exalted sentiments it inculcates , and your desire to act conformably to them , of your hopes for its future prosperity , of your acknowledgment of devotion to the Great

Architect of the Universe , and of obedience to His laws as a leading characteristic in tho heart of ei'ery good Mason . Doubtless , attended by a rotinuue of eminent brethren , you have often , in imitation of your illustrious predecessor , been to view tho building , aud like him , have expressed to the Superintendent of the Works , as they approached completion , your satisfaction with the labours

• of himself and his Craftsmen , in admiration of tho order , harmony and beauty which reign throughout . We may confidently hope , that as years roll on , you ivill have increasing reason to congratulate yourself on the result of this day ' s proceedings ; aud that , on the approach of the last great enemy , you will be able to feel that in this edifice , dedicated by you on behalf of the

Oraft to Freemasonry , and through it to the service of the Most High , you have left a monument , with which , among your fellow-men , your name must be honourably associated in times to come . I am sure that I may Avithout impropriety call upon the brethren present , in thankfulness for your assistance this day , to join me in the exclamation , " With gratitude toourMaster we bend . "

Worshipful Masters , Provincial Grand Officers , and Eulers in the Craft generally , —To you , in your respective capacities , the object at the consummation ivhereof we are assisting , must necessarily be of the highest importance and value . Your experience in the management

of your lodges , or in the discharge of other Masonic duties which involve direction and responsibility , must have pointed out many difficulties arising from the want of centralisation , and a common focus of action , from irregularities produced by inconvenient accommodation , and the unavoidable commingling of our peculiar arrangements with others of very different character , to which

must bo added some questionable influences of a counteracting tendency , and the fear of encroachment on the part of the profane . It cannot be otherwise than that such of you as take advantage of the facilities now offered iu this building , must have your labours and anxieties greatly diminished thereby . It is confidently believed , therefore , that the energies hitherto exerted

in the maintenance of regularity and order , under adverse circumstances , ivill now be directed into more congenial channels , ancl that you ivill cordially co-operate with your equals in Masonic rank , in advancing the general interests of the fraternity , while scrupulously looking after those of the members of your own lodges , with whom you are brought into more especial

communication . Above all , that by your own example and precept , you ivill seek to encourage among those over Avhom you are appointed to exercise authority , the display of" AVarm charity—the general friend , With justice , to herself severe , And pity , dropping soft the sadly-pleasing tear . "

Visitors , Members of our Order , —It is hardly necessary to say to you that the Freemasons of Jersey arc delighted , as at all times , especially on so important an occasion , to have an opportunity of offering a hearty and fraternal welcome , ancl of proving , by the acts of this day , that they arc desirous to do all in their power to promote the dignity and honour of the Craft , to enhance

the efficiency of its rites and ceremonies , and to give it a status in tho eyes of the profane world , as you also show yourselves to bo , by favouring us with your presence . To thoso of you especially ivho come from the shores of France , as near neighbours , we would offer a cordial greeting , in testimony that no difference of country , of language , or of race , interferes ivith the bonds of

union between all worthy brethren . To all of you , ivhether French or English , Italian , Pole , or German , whoever yon are , we offer tho right hand of fellowship ; and would say , that AVO trust you will be able to carry back to your lodges and fellow-countrymen a favourable report of your reception among us , and of the progress of tbe royal art in this island . We thank you for your sympathy on this important occasion , and desire to do our part in mutually interchanging warm and sincere congratulations , with every sentiment of regard and

brotherly affection befitting those who are united by the close ties of Freemasonry . Brethren , who are not rulers in the Craft , though at present occupying subordinate positions , you have materially assisted , by your readiness to contribute to this undertaking , in promoting the object after which many ot us have long aspired , and by your attendance to-day

you have afforded proof of your joy at the result . I trust that the solemn impression which must have been produced by the ceremonial in which we have all been engaged , ivill , like the charge you received on your initiation into the Order , never be effaced from your memories ; that you will retire from this building filled ivith serious thoughts and resolutions , ivith hearts

overflowing with gratitude , ivith minds inclined to appreciate even more fully than before , the beauties of the system ; with dispositions to improve the advantages nowafforded ; by being an honour to the fraternity in all your words and actions , whether your content yourselves with your present position as simple Master Masons , or aspire to qualify yourselves , by your uniformly

respectable demeanour aud the exercise of your talents , to take higher rank among us ; by remembering that this edifice is UOAV set apart for sacred purposes , and must never be polluted by the misconduct of those Avho frequent it .