Oration By M.W. Grand Master Van Slyck, Of Rhode Island.

with their constant experience ancl the analogies of nature , that those Avho had bound themselves in the underlying and original bands of brotherhood , should for the perfection of their existence as a scientific or philosophic societj ' , invest or surround themselves Avith secresy , as at once

a necessity and a charm . The circle of their association Avas to be a mystic circle Avithin Avhich only those Avorthy of the brotherhood could find that instruction

in its arts and sciences , by Avhich alone its true ends could be pursued . The knoAvledge of it should be hid from the common gaze , until mankind at large should make a title to Avhatever of good it possessed . The secret band , AA'hile it attracted the attention and desires of the

profane towards the society , added strength and compactness to the union of the Brethren . But the great brotherhood , noAv rejoicing in a scheme or system of science ancl government , in Avhich its essentia ] elements

or ideas hacl found adequate expression , and held under imposing forms of union , could not content itself vrith Wiese alone . It must propound the independence of man 0 A er the absolute control of both governments and creedsand find room for

, the assertion of the individual soul . It could not yield in its political or religious life , to the tyranny of mere numbers , nor assent to the domination of a single Avill .

It gave itself to the reasonable demands of country , and Avas true to King or government , but it thought for itself . Large and generous in its OAvn toleration , it could not endure the intolerance of creed or doctrine , ivhether in Church or state . It worshipped

God according to its OAvn needs and perceptions of duty ancl held a Brother ' s ri ght to do the same , Avith equal and unfailing jealousy . Doubtless from very earl y periods hi the social life , men have been associated ancl held together for the

prosecution of some common interests , but a close scrutiny Avill discover that these interests have been either strictl y selfish , temporary or limited in scope ancl have not been founded upon that exalted sentiment of the fatherhood and the

brotherhood Avliieh is the subject of our contemplation . Political leagues and societies have been established for the propagation of a dogma or policy—have heen confined to the men of a particular

era , country or party , and have excluded from their rank all men of other countries or opinions . Associations and churches built upon doctrines and creeds have , naturally ancl necessarily , been restricted to the firm and unhesitating believers in a

special faith . HoiA'ever zealous may be the sectary in the interest of a Brother , his zeal is aAvakened largely for the propagation of the dogma Avhich first prompted their union . The Protestant ' s sense of

brotherhood is hardly sufficiently large and comprehensive per se , to enable him to take fully to his heart , his brother of the Eoman Catholic faith , although he may irish him well—nor can he who holds to the rigours of the decrees ancl the enthroned ancl immutable justice of Heaven as his dominant creed , find full felloivship Avith him of the milder and more liberal doctrines .

The simple truth is , that the creed is narroAved to the prosecution of , its distinctive ends and aims , Avhich do not ancl cannot comprehend and embrace man in the largest relations and possibilities of manhood . The boast of Masonry , in theory , at least ( and God grant that the

, practice may never fail ) is , that it asserts its love and its charity to man as man , in spite of all differences of political , religious or social opinions . So long as a Brother loves and serves his country ancl owns the common Fatherhe cannot differ so Avidely

, as to policies , dogmas or creeds , that the all-embracing garment of fraternal love Avill not unfold him . It is no disparagement therefore , to churches , parties or creeds , Avhich have their peculiar titles to human regard and utilities Avhich subverse

human interests , to say that they rest upon a narrower basis than that grand ancl comprehensive foundation Avhich is laid for all races and enfolds all diversities , so that man , in his relation to his church or creedmust live a closer and more

, restricted life , than in that Avide relation Avhich seeks and finds fraternity in the more sweeping circle of a common manhood .

It has been Avell observed by a modern Avriter , that " the differences Avhich deeply divide good people from each other ' s fellowship Avill never be got over by mere toleration . They must advance toAvards each other so as to see more clearly Avherein they agree ; must advance , not merely along the road of intellect , but by the path