A MASONIC ADDEESS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 117, 30 May 1881, Page 4

A MASONIC ADDEESS.

Afc the laying of the foundation stone of a Masonic Hall at Lytielton, fhe Aclirjg-Deputy District G.M. Bro. Jtev. James Hill delivered the following address : — Ladies and Gentlemen mid Brethren, I am sure that it is with real gladness of heart that the members of the Canterbury Kilwinning Lodge in Lyttelton, and tbe members of other Masonic Lodges represented here tc-day, have witnessed the ceremony that has now been performed ; and from tbe number of ladies and of others not belonging to thd Maaonic body that are present, it is evident that the ceremony has notbeen without interest to them. Nor is this difficult to be understood. The progress of Freemasonry is in harmony with the progress of humanity, and the laying of the foundation stone of a lodge-room, as well as everything that is fitted to advance the craffc, may well be regarded with interest by all who rejoice in the enlightenment of the human mind, and the happiness of the human heart. For Freemasonry is founded on two great principles, than which nothing is more intimately associated with the welfare and peace of tbe human race over the world. These principles are love and fidelity. Freemasonry k founded on love, and as is light in the physical world, bo is love in the moral world. Love chaseß away dajknesß and fills the hearts of God's creatures with gladness. Its path is sunshine, its sounds are melody, and its institutions are the noblest palaces that have been reared by the hands of men. It has an arm for the oppressed, a shield for the fallen, a word for the weary. It Btops the breath of calumny, checks the rising of wrath, and w hispers, Be at peace. None are so high as to be above its influence ; none so low a3 to be beneath its notice. It has blessings for kingß, and its joys are in the homes of the poorest. There is not a wound but it cannot soothe and heal ; not a tear but it can wipe away. Down to the lowest strata of society it has gone, enlightening the ignorant, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and touching the hearts ot the most hardened and vicious; and over the wide ocean it has sent to the most distant lands its richest bounties. Yes; cold-hearted as this world is, there are still proofs that love reigns, and that everywhere its triumphß are peace and joy. And love is one of the chief characteristics in that institution whose interests have brought us together tc-day ; and love, not as a mere sentiment to be admired in the mind, but as a principle to move the heart and influence the life. Composed of men of all ranks and countries, and of all political and religious creeds, the brotherhood are under solemn obligations to cherish love to each other, to render counsel, sympathy, and succour in times of difficulty and danger ; and to manifest to all mankind the spirit of charity and peace. And successfully has this object been attained— of this as of every other institution in the world it is true that practice has come far short of precept— still fairly successfully has this object been attained. The charitable institutions of Freemasonry are before the world. It has often lightened the burden of the afflicted and smoothed the path oi the aged. It has often received the widow's blessing and the orphan's prayers. Through all its symbols, and secrets and ceremoniep, there runs the golden thread of the lesson of love. Corresponding with that principle of love is the other principle of fidelity. Every brother is charged to keep within his breast a faithful heart. What is more . beautiful than fidelity ? Not a fouler blot on human nature can there be than treachery. It lurks in the false friend, the hypocrite, the traitor; it gives pain to the innocent breast, and force and point to the dagger of the assassin. But the blacker the wickedness, the brighter the opposing virtue. Noble and precious in a treacherous world is fidelity. The word is music to the ear and support to the heart. Even in crime we admire it, how much more bo when associated with righteousness and truth. II is a mother's strength and a child's honor; it is woman's highest and noblest quality, and man's highest and holiest aim. And this fidelity is one of the most

conspicuous features in Masonry ; the feature most; recognised and acknowledged by the world. Have Masons not been faithful to the secreta of the system ; faithful to each other's secrets and interests, and faithful to their relatives « hen sorrow smote the heart and enshrouded the dwelling in gloom, Have not the affluent remembered the poor, and the strong the weak ? Have not monarch s bailed a brother though clad in rags, and has not the magic power of Masonic fidelity been felt even amid the din and strife of the battle-field. Yet more. Freemasonry demands the highest fidelity of all — fidelity to God. On the broad basis of responsibility and the standard of revealed truth, it demands that the sacred duties of religion shall not be forgotten, but earnestly discharged. Being based then on these two great and grand principles, it is not unreasonable or inappropriate that a community should take an interest in the advancement of the craft, and I am sure it is a delight to the hearts of the brethren to see so many of this community present to-day. And let it be hoped that this ceremony shall give to those who are Masons a clearer view and a firmer hold of their principles so that they may prove to the world that Masonic love and Masonic fidelity are not mere shadows, but substance ; not a mere name, but a reality. Proud is the victor when the laurel wreath is twined around his brow, and a monarch when the crown of a mighty nation is put around his bead ; and not to soil the wreath or dim the lustre of the crown their hearts sincerely seek. Freemasons, down through long ages have come to you these bright and precious jewels — love and fidelity. In the dust the ashes of many that once wore them and were true to them long have lain, but the jewels are as bright and precious as ever. Keep them, prize them, wear them ; let your hearts and lives be ever adorned by them. Then, still undimmed, it shall be yours to hand them down to those in many a clime, who, for the diminution of human sorrow and the increase of human joy, shall defend, maintain, and advance the noble science of Freemasonry when you shall have passed- away. May the edifice to be erected here be successfully dedicated to the highest interest of Masonry, aud from it may there ever abundantly extend the principles of -the institution to all" the brethren; and, not to them only, but .to all man-, kind. So mote it be. ,