An Address

The great principle of Freemasonry is Humanity , and the welfare of mankind in every part of the world and in every position of life . To this must be added Benevolence and Philanthropy , with an ardent desire to unite all men together as the children of one great divine Creator as so

many brethren , irrespective of their religious faiths and their nationalities ; to lead them to divest themselves of their human prejudices to respect the religious sentiments of every one , to bear with and , if possible , to correct their frailities ; and to

elevate them above degrading aud harmful passions of weak prejudices and the fancied superiorities of life ; to place all mankind upon one broad platform of Humanity and of a common origin ; to induce them to regard knowledge , intelligence , and

a virtuous conduct in each and every sphere of life , industry and labour , as the most noble and elevating principles of man ; and , above all things , of a never-ceasing conviction of a common individual responsibility for their moral acts to the Great Architect of the Universe .

Perhaps some of the ladies present , who have honoured us to-day with their presence and their . sympathies , will ask how it is that , as humanity and universal benevolence are the first principles of Freemasonry , why they are not likewise

initiated into our Order . If there be indeed any , I may answer them , and appeal to the whole world , to history and tradition , for a confirmation of my declaration that the female heart needs no such institution . It is , naturally , always actuated by

the noblest sentiments of humanity and benevolence , and , therefore needs no " Mystic Tie " to develope . How many memorable instances , ever fresh in our recollection , mio-bfc be cited , wherein man , wayward man , ambitious man , ambitious

even in his thirst for knowledge , has , when reduced to the extreme depths of misery or misfortune , owed even his life to the natural benevolence of

the female heart . In fact , the ladies are all Free-. masons by nature , and art or craft can add nothing . to the divine gift so largely bestowed upon them . The world has its snares and its attractions to ¦ offer wayward manwhich are unknown to those

, who adorn the dear place called home . There the mother , the wife , the sister , or the daughter , -exercises each her natural feelings of love and ^ benevolence within her own particular sphere .

What the brother is within the lodge the sister is beyond it ; and thus each promotes the first principles of our beloved institution . I sincerely and confidently believe that when Freemasonry is perfectly understood in this

country , appreciated as it fully deserves to be , and acted upon with sincerity , it will become as highly esteemed and as popular as it is in all other parts of the world . Whatever may be the distinctions of official and social life Freemasonry holds that all men are on the footing of one common

brotherhood , united by the " Mystic Tie " of mutual interest and mutual affection . It has no design to extend any peculiar views of religion or politics . Any deviation from this rule is a serious error which degrades our Order . In both it fills a

perfectly neutral position , though it strongly inculcates the principle that each brother should sincerely act up to those of his own faith , and be devotedly loyal to his Sovereign , his country , and his government . What more liberal principle than

this can be proclaimed to the world ? Within its own sphere it also calls for the strictest conformity to its own laws and regulations , and obedience to its own authorities .

I hope that this example of the Caledonian Lodge will soon be followed by other lodges in this country . The same fraternal feeling of unity , which unites it with the admirable and excellent Leiuster Lodge under the jurisdiction of the

Grand Lodge of Ireland , would soon promote the erection of other Masonic Temples , both in Constantinople and throughout the East , so that , under the blessing of divine providence , Freemasonry may extend its benign influences among the

varied peoples of the Ottoman Empire , and unite them together in one common fraternity . In conclusion , may our mysteries prove to be only those of nature , and of its Divine Creator . May this Caledonian Lodge become one more symbol of the

great temple which surrounds us wherever we be ; and its members fully appreciate the supreme truth that even the deepest recesses of our Masonic hearts are , here and everywhere , open to the all-seeing eye of the Great Architect of

Universe . And , may this new Lodge , of wliich we have just laid the foundation stone , be the means of spreading , far and near , the learning of Scotland ' s Dugald Stewart and the tenderess of heart of Scotland ' s Burns !