services in the administration of what I deem a common duty, you also virtually anticipate the theme of my subject in returning thanks; and, in so doing, I hardly need say that you forbid even the attempt to lead you into any other than a most familiar path. And I am glad that it is so; I am glad that Masonry stands out so pre-eminently that its character can be known and read of all men. The sun is not the less glorious to my eye because I know that he has been shining upon the world for ages, and that all the dwellers upon earth are familiar with his illuminating and quickening beams; nor is the theme of Freemasonry the less grateful to my heart because I know that eloquent tongues and eloquent pens have glowed with it, until nothing that is worthy to be said can be said, but at the expense of acknowledged repetition. I aspire, my dear friends, to no higher task on this hallowed day than that which he who exhibits a magnificent picture performs, as he calls the attention of his visitors to its more striking peculiarities, while yet they can examine it for themselves as minutely as they will. Here then is my picture, soaring as if amidst the splendour of the sun, and I shall have fulfilled my wishes if I may be permitted to hope you will not only mutually admire with me its general harmony, beauty, and incomparable effect, but pause a little upon those peculiar features out of which its irresistible attraction chiefly arises.

I am well aware, sir and brethren, of the exalted station I occupy in the Grand Lodge, as well as of the high estimation in which my humble name is held by the nobility and clergy, the faculty, and others throughout the Order; such a mark of distinction is very rare, and cannot but be appreciated by any individual, but in my case there are circumstances which are peculiar, and, if possible, enhance the honour which has been conferred on me. I may instance my having arrived in England a mere stranger and comparatively unknown, consequently unable personally to return the many courtesies and attentions I have received; but let me remind you I never overlook the source from whence all this emanates. Need I utter that all originated in the body of this assembly? And need I add, that I rejoice St. Paul's Lodge now has increased claims on the Grand Lodges of England and America, and that it has emphatically merited, and in some small measure realized, its reward for that Christian civility which is characteristic of our common brotherhood.

You, I doubt not, know that I have been extensively engaged in observing the Masonic labours of Great Britain, Ireland, and other countries; that I have largely participated in the kind bounty of all classes of society; and when I tell you that, though I have had much to see and, perhaps, more to admire, it has been admitted, and without exaggeration too, by many not conversant with my intimacy among you, that the work of St. Paul's Lodge was as near precise as could be, it must and does, I am sure, afford you unqualified gratification. As an evidence of my individual approbation, often as I may be asked by an American craftsman for an introduction to a British Mason's heart or a British Mason's fortress, St. Paul's Lodge, above all others, will have the precedence for uniformity of work and for its strict observance of those cardinal virtues-Faith, Hope, and Charity. Do not mistake me; I do not allude to the mere symbolic form of alms-giving, but to charity, in its purest, largest, most comprehensive form-the charity which bids us put THE BEST CONSTRUCTION upon the acts and motives of others. By your own works this day I am shown that Masonry is not

to be classed with the host of lengthened panegyrics which, sabbath and sabbath, emanate in the pulpit from the lips of some who, seldom practising what they preach-like the Priest and Levite-turn a deaf ear to the cause of humanity, but that its admonition" to be careful to entertain strangers; for ye may sometimes entertain angels unawares," has been on this momentous occasion emphatically verified in the hearts of this hallowed company.

When public companies like these, therefore, are united, their unanimity is wonderful! This subject is full of matter, and abounds with many facts to which I cannot now advert, and upon which I cannot now remark; one common sentiment, however, to combine the idea that we shall all of us harmonize in peace and charity while we live, and that when our earthly tabernacle be dissolved, that our connexion will be again re-united and moulded together after death, in that bourne from whence no traveller is permitted to return.'

To dwell on a reminiscence of those happy scenes which have transpired during our last Masonic season, to recount the honoured names of distinguished men enrolled in the catalogue of brethren, to review their individual virtues, and enumerate their personal efforts in planting and in fostering the fundamental principles upon which every newly-elected candidate into Masonry should build their structure among the craft, would furnish a theme full of interest, could I recollect the several facts and place them as a living reality before the mind. What an array of talent, and virtue, and piety would be thus grouped together! What fraternal regard for the common interest of the entire Brotherhood would be seen to have characterized their stewardship! What devotion to the sound principles of ancient Masonry! And what unabated attachment to the institution itself lived in their hearts and actuated their conduct! To this portrait of Masonic evidence it is impossible for me to do anything like justice; more than that, I am assured the spirit of brotherly love, relief, and truth are so inseparably connected with the peace and happiness of society, that I am constrained to believe Freemasonry is destined to stand extolled, by the example of our worthy Chairman, on the catalogue of those human instrumentalities brought to bear on the common well-being of man; and if I do not greatly misjudge, a history of the past, together with my own observations of the present, is to me a clear revelation of what St. Paul's Lodge, No. 229, though at this time second to none in respectability and strength, will yet be according as it does those divine illuminations with which its members are yet to be blessed.

Methinks I hear a voice whispering from the ruins of the pastfrom the humiliations of the proud-from the prostrate thrones of conquerors-from the baffled schemes of statesmen-from the reprobation which, sooner or later, visits unrighteous policy-that though men, measures, and all earthly interests vanish, Masonic principles are eternal; the true Masonic character is immortal. I shall not, I hope, be suspected or censured for claiming too much by the formation of our Masonic characters, and to refuse a study of it will, you will readily allow be injustice to ourselves with so bright an evidence before us; I know you will not, and one pledge of it I read in the spirit which has instituted this day's festival. It was a noble impulse, worthy sir and brethren, that led you in the promulgation of this emergency, to look forward to this auspicious day several weeks, I am informed, before it dawned upon us, and to resolve that it should be hallowed by some such

mark of recognition of an humble recipient. The observance of this day is, I assure you, a lovely peace-offering, a welcome, a glorious proof of your friendship and united esteem.

Were any one not of our own Order to ask me so strange a question, as where HE might look for some evidence recording the character of a Mason, I might properly enough answer, look at the Girls' School,' and read it on the face of those innocent children, so bright at noonday, so serene in the evening! Alas! to the eye of some, nothing is bright; to the heart of others nothing is serene! And, but for Freemasonry, who can tell but that we might have also been in enslaved ignorance to this hour? If this should be rejected as fanciful, look abroad among our Brethren, and read it in the deep veneration with which many of the great and good delight in universal benevolence; or if this should not be thought palpable enough, I might add, look over this happy realm, mark the simplicity, the dignity, the efficiency of its public charities.

Long since has the characteristic feature of operative Masonry been merged in a scientific application of its original principles to the symbolical structure of a moral temple, emblematically supported by three great pillars, called wisdom, strength, and beauty; and the entire superstructure of our Masonic temple is a developement of moral truth and relative duties, under the most impressive emblems.

Hence we have only to compare the prophetic mode, by which the reality of spiritual things is unfolded to the Christian Church, with that by which the moral principles of our Order are now presented in the Lodge-room, to perceive a striking coincidence in both cases.

We are not, however, in this matter to be understood to speak of Masonry as a Divine institution, adequate to the wants of man, but as an organization of human wisdom, embracing and carrying out such principles of revealed truth as subserve the great purposes of benevolent enterprise in aid of the common welfare of mankind.

This characteristic feature of Masonry must of course be as much more perfectly developed, and display as much higher degrees of moral excellence, in accordance with the object of the Institution, as are predicted of the increase of purity and prosperity of the Church herself. While the latter fully exemplifies the true spirit and power of the Christian religion, the former, in its own proper sphere, co-operates as an angel of mercy in those subordinate matters which are inseparably connected with the consummation of man's earthly happiness.

Thus, companions, we arrive at a state of things, in the progress of religious truth and morality, by which will be found that to be good Masons we must necessarily be good Christians.'

But, worthy sir and Brethren, of some of the most peculiar attributes of our Order connected with the best interests of travelling and foreign craftsmen, I have as yet said nothing. Were I permitted to make this a personal application, my own experience dictates, without fear of conscientious scruples, that no better passport is desirable than the square and compass-not, however, the mere possession of them, but the act of knowing how best to use and exercise them. They have been my passport throughout both the ancient and modern world. It was the square and compass only which ushered me into the presence of sovereignty, to be the guest of monarchs; and, after being courteously entertained by Louis Philippe, her Majesty the Queen, and the Royal family, the same passport assisted me in a further participation of all

which my ambition desired and asked to enjoy, either by sea or land, regardless of the obstacles which too often retard the progress of strangers in a strange land, in every clime, in every nation, and on every coast.

Worthy sir and Brethren I will detain you no longer. I wish I could have spoken to you more impressively on this great theme, but I have endeavoured at least to speak in words of truth and soberness. I implore the Great Architect of the Universe to apportion to each and all of you a place among England's best benefactors; to exalt you to become polished stones in the temple not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. I invoke, especially, the great, "I AM” to smile upon your families, your wives, your children, and your homes.

May you all long enjoy that health you owe, under God's blessing, to the adoption of the same means which it is our common object to recommend to others; may you all enjoy more and more of that happiness which is the true reward of disinterested friendship.

Happy! thrice happy those who, brought to that point where no earthly pleasure can yield them enjoyment and where human power seems capable of rendering them no assistance, are led to seek comfort in higher hopes, hopes that maketh not ashamed.

THE FREEMASONS' LEXICON.

(Continued from page 153.)

Oberflache der Erde. Surface of the Earth.-Reminds the Freemason that his activity should be universal, that hills or mountains in his way should not be able to turn him from the straight path of duty, but that in the midst of the greatest dangers and difficulties, he should proceed steadily, though cautiously, on his way to light and truth.

Oestreich. Austria.-During the reign of the Empress Maria Theresa, no Lodges were permitted to be held in Austria, although her husband, Francis I. was a Freemason but unknown to her. The bulls of the popes against the Order, were probably the cause of this regulation from this bigoted catholic princess. Under her more tolerant son and successor, Emperor Joseph II., the Order spread itself again in those states in a most extraordinary manner. Nearly in every city of note, there were one or more Lodges to be found. Joseph 11. was never initiated into the Order it is true, but he never mistrusted the Freemasons, and this he has declared himself, in a royal ordinance, or decree, published 12th December, 1785, which was to regulate all the Lodges. This royal decree is as follows, "Freemasonry has extended itself so much in my dominions, that there is scarcely a city in the provinces, in which there is not a Lodge, and it is therefore necessary that order should be introduced among them. I do not know their secrets, and was never curious to know them, but it is enough for me that I know that some good institutions have been founded by the Freemasons, that the poor have been supported, and the sciences promoted by them, to induce me to do for them in my states, what has been done for them in no other. Yet, as care for the welfare of the state, and the maintenance of good order, requires that those people should not be left entirely to themselves without any supervision, I have determined, if they continue to do good,

to take them under my especial inspection and protection, under the following regulations, viz:

"I. In future there shall only be one or two, or if there is not room for all the fraternized, at most, three Lodges in the capital. In the circle, or provincial towns, where there is no governor, no Lodge shall be allowed to be held, and in those which have governors, there shall, at most, be one, two, or three, permitted. All others which do not come under those acknowledged Lodges, shall, in case they are discovered, together with the landlord who allows them to assemble in his house, be liable to the same punishment as for frequenting, or keeping, private gaming houses.

"II. The list of the whole Lodges, and of their members, shall be given to government, together with an account of the Lodge nights, and every quarter the increase or decrease in the numbers of the members, and also their names and stations, with the exception of their titles, or rank in the Lodge.

"III. The name of the W. M. shall be annually reported to the government.

"IV. On those conditions, the government will allow to the Freemasons, everywhere, the most full acknowledgment, protection, and freedom, in their Lodges, which are left entirely to themselves, and shall never be forcibly entered, but shall be protected from any meddlesome spies or intruders. In this manner the society of Freemasons, which consists of many just men, who are known to myself, may become more and more useful to the state, and to their fellow men, and these my orders are to be made known to all governors of cities and provinces, by circular."

After this regulation, many of the Lodges of the Austrian Empire were closed, or joined others in the neighbourhood, that according to the command of the Emperor, there might not be above three Lodges in any large town. These Lodges continued to work in perfect peace until the outbreak of the French Revolution, which gave rise to suspicious and malignant reports about them, so that they voluntarily closed themselves. The Lodges Zur Gekronten Hoffnung, and Zum Heiliger Joseph in Vienna, handed the Emperor a memorial in which it was written, "At the present time, when the terrific appearances in the political horizon are calculated to arouse all the evil passions of the masses of mankind, and to make it the duty of every good citizen, and the double duty of every good Freemason, to exert all their energies to preserve the public peace, to maintain the supremacy of the law and order, and carefully to remove every thing calculated in the remotest degree to strengthen the widely spread seeds of fear, suspicion, envy, and hatred, among the uninstructed portion of the public, who have formed such unhallowed and confused opinions of a society which from the very nature of its constitution and laws cannot be generally known, and which by continuing its meetings, might be the means of bringing injury to the innocent. In these evil times, impressed with the purest feelings of gratitude to your Majesty for your truly paternal care of your people, we, although the smallest portion of your Majesty's subjects, beg leave freely and voluntarily to return to your Majesty your most gracious permission to hold our Lodges, and declare that our assemblies and labours are closed for a time," &c., &c. In the year 1801, on the 23rd of April, after the Lodges had voluntarily closed themselves, appeared an ordinance from the Emperor, by which all secret