able fruits, in the bright example of our life and conduct. In this way truth may be displayed with a convincing power: the principles of Masonry will then appear to mankind in their original purity, combining all the moral excellencies in the moral world. Then, and not till then, will the tongue of slander be silenced, or the lip of prejudice sealed.-Then, and not till then, will the Institution appear in all its loveliness to the world ;then, and not till then, shall we experience that sweet consolation which flows from a heart and conscience approved in the sight of God.

Brethren, I cannot close this address without expressing the most earnest solicitude, that the Companions of this Grand Chapter will redouble their exertions, will use all their influence and weight of character to remove every prejudice or misconception from the minds of community, and plainly set before the world the leading principles of Speculative Free-Masonry. We, as Masons, do KNOW for ourselves, that the system as such, is TRULY and EMPHATICALLY excellent in its nature, and we are bound by conscience, and every benevolent affection which warms the heart,

which rejoices in the promotion of human happiness, to proclaim it distinctly to the world. Let the veil of ignorance, therefore, be rent from the understanding, let the true LIGHT shine into the heart, and Masonry will be hailed with acclamations of joy as the harbinger of peace. It is time for us to arise, that the world may be brought to light.

By a full and fair exposition of our great leading principles we betray no Masonic secrets: these are safely locked up in the heart of every Mason, and are NEVER to be imparted, except in a constitutional manner. Were these secrets communicated, they could be of no material service to mankind: their appropriate use is to distinguish our brethren of every nation and kindred and language. On these no man has any claim, except he enter the door of Masonry. By these, Masons of every nation are recognized as brethren, and thereby entitled to privileges which the world can never enjoy in common. No moral quality can be predicated on those tokens by which Masons distinguish each other.

These considerations, therefore, should silence every murmur, allay every undue apprehension, and satisfy every candid mind.

But our leading tenets are no secrets. It is no secret that Masonry is of divine origin. It is no secret that the system embraces and inculcates evangelical truth. It is no secret that there is not a duty enjoined, nor a virtue required, in the volume of inspiration, but what is found in, and taught by Speculative Free-Masonry. It is no secret that the appropriate name of God has been preserved in this institution, in every country where Masonry existed, while the rest of the world was literally sunk in heathenism. It is no secret that we feed the hungry and clothe the naked, protect the widow and orphan, and in all things, according to our ability, do good to the whole human family. And, above all, it is not, neither can it be a secret, that a good Mason is of necessity, truly and emphatically, a Christian.

Finally, my brethren, in view of this whole subject, we see what a great mystery is involved in Speculative Free-Masonry. How weighty, and solemn and interesting is our profession! No period, short of a boundless eternity, can fully display the moral beauties, the unsearchable riches of this system. Let

us, therefore, rejoice in the light, persevere in ways of well doing unto the end, that we may at the last, receive a crown of righteousness incorruptible, which can never fade away.

CHAPTER II.

The ultimate end of the material Creation, to subserve the Moral World.-The proper object of human Association, and the origin of various Societies.

IN surveying the material world with all its numerous appendages, the contemplative mind is naturally led to inquire after the great efficient cause. From the varied scenery of nature, the sublimity of the heavens, and the order of the universe, we are constrained to ascribe wisdom, design and superintendence to their Author.

In contemplating the moral world also, we behold a higher and far more sublimated order of beauty, by which we admire the unspeakable goodness of God in every display of his moral perfections.

From those constituted laws of matter which pervade the natural world, and

those harmonizing principles of moral fitness and propriety, so essential to the peace and happiness and general wellbeing of society, we necessarily infer some great and ultimate end, to which all things and all events are made subservient. Hence, the primary object of the material creation, was to form a proper, theatre, on which to unfold the councils of eternity, in relation to the great moral system. Man was, therefore, created in the image of his God, endowed with reason and understanding, and constituted a social being. Through the medium of social intercourse, those intrinsic excellencies of mind are unfolded, which fully bespeak the dignity of man. It therefore appears that the principles of human association, are inherent in our nature, and constitute the highest subordinate means in advancing the common happiness of mankind, in duly honouring our Creator, and answering the proper end of our creation. It is certain that our intellectual faculties are susceptible of vast improvement; improvement depends on means, and means are derived through the medium of society. We hence infer most conclusively, that social intercourse is according to di