they are important. Instead of produ eing enmity, it would create true love. Instead of alienating the feelings of brethren, it would warm, cement and harmonize. Instead of weakening our social bonds, it would make them "stronger than a threefold cord." Vice would stand appalled, and virtue in smiling countenance.. Such faithfulness would. add an inextinguishable lustre to the Masonic Institution, and secure to posterity the precious blessings resulting from." precept, teaching by example."

Brethren and Companions, let it be asked with solemn emphasis, what would be the probable result, if every worthy member, in all our numerous Institutions, should in this particular discharge his duty with fidelity? Would it not be a glorious fact, that immorality of every description would be banished from the society, and seldom be chargeable against a single individual? Would not the great Institution literally become a nursery of piety, its members the pillars. of state, and the salt of the earth? Methinks, this would indeed be a joyful era..

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From the experience of ages we are taught, that where precept and example are united in a good cause, they are ate

tended with powerful influence over the human heart. Seldom do they fail of controling the general current of opinion in society. The principles of imitation are inherent in our nature, and imperceptibly incline us to imbibe the sentiments, and adopt the habits of those we esteem. How exceedingly important then, that every Masonic brother embrace those sentiments, exercise that friendship, cultivate those habits, and maintain that excellence of character, which may render it truly virtuous to imitate his examples.

CHAPTER XVIII

An Address to Lodges and Chapters..

BELOVED BRETHREN AND COMPANIONS,

THE honorable Institution of which you are members, lays claim to great merit, as well as high antiquity. In every age of the world, and almost every country, Masonry has met with distinguished patronage. Not only men of great intellectual powers and eminent science, but many clothed with the high*est civil authority, have been its hearty and zealous advocates. Not a few, also, distinguished for their piety and devotion, whose virtues have adorned their age, and whose names will descend to posterity as the friends and benefactors of mankind, have gone before you in. that long trodden path of Masonry..

Such has been that illustrious succession of the guardians of the Institution, whose vigilance and care have been constantly exercised, in preserving in their purity, from age to age, those principles now committed to your charge. Through your hands are they to descend to suc

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ceeding generations. How sacred is that deposit committed to you, in trust for future ages !

In view of the origin and true nature of the Institution, its high importance to the world, the sacredness of its principles, its harmonizing influence, and the whole excellence of the system, whether it be considered in a historical, benevolent, moral or religious point, your minds must be solemnly affected, and your hearts seriously engaged to maintain the purity of its precepts; not only as a plain and reasonable duty, but as examples worthy to be imitated by those who shall receive the administration from your hands. In view of such high responsibility, you cannot be insensible, that the greatest caution, wisdom and prudence are indispensably necessary, as respects the present celebrity, and future usefulness of Speculative FreeMasonry. Seeing your profession is built on a tried foundation, you stand solemnly pledged to the world to maintain the cause of truth against all the assaults of vice, or the inroads of error. Your several lodges are, or ought to be, so many temples of virtue, and schools of moral and religious instruction.

Each individual is, or ought to be, a watchful sentinel over the happiness of mankind. Ever on the alert to rescue injured innocence, or avert impending dangers.

Such, however, is the state of the world, and such the unhappy lot of all Institutions, that none have been preserved free from the unhallowed tread of unworthy members. Even in thy little family, O blessed Immanuel! was a betraying Judas. Nor is thy sacred table, in this world, always surrounded by sanctified hearts.

Although such is a sore evil, and greatly to be lamented, yet from the nature of man, it cannot wholly be prevented in our present state. Much, however, may be done, to remedy this general evil.

Let it, therefore, be remembered, and written as with sunbeams on the heart of every Mason, that the harmony and happiness of your assemblies, and your true enjoyment as individuals, do not, cannot depend on your numbers, but on the real intrinsic worth, the virtue, the integrity and the moral excellence of your members. This is a great point as respects the unity and fellowship of Masonic brethren. You are, therefore, un