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

of the heart ; not merely to compare notes about doctrines , to lock horns of controversy and to push for the A'ictory ; but that they may see each other ' s moral features , discover each other ' s principles , ancl thus recognize the deep-seated family likeness ,

the unity of the spirit . " He might Avell have added , that , in the conduct of nearly all associated bodies of men , the clear lesson of history is , that mere toleration easily lapses into intolerance Avhere authority sits at the helm , or is the gOA

erning hand . The toleration of brotherhood , is a larger , Avarmer , kindlier spirit , Avhich as gladly recognizes the right to differ as the right to agree . Assailed , as the society of Freemason has often been , by different organizations

of sectarianism , it has never failed in its high allegiance to the religious principle enthroned above all sects and creeds . If religion be the tie Avhich binds man to God , Masonry binds him Avith equal force of obligation to his Brother , ancl whatever

may be the claim of the sectary through his dogma , doubtless to the true Mason , that is the noblest form or outgroivth of the religious element , in Avhich Avork and ivorship accord , ancl Avhere reverence for the eternal , uncreated Father is most

certainly manifested in love and devotion to the created Son and Brother . The instincts of the poets here teach us the lesson Avhich the Scriptures so fully confirm . In tho rigours of a Arbiter night the lyre of Robert Burns rings out clearly ,

"The heart , benevolent and kind , The most resembles God , " " lie prayeth best who loveth best All things both great and small ; For the dear God who loveth us , He made and loveth all . "

" And the King shall answer ancl say unto them , ' Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of tho least of these , my Brethren , ye have done it unto me . '" Freemasonry Avill never consent to the abrogation of the religious principle , Avhich

from the earliest days , has proceeded in the march of mankind , on parallel lines Avith its other sentiment of brotherhood , even though the special guardians of the former may assume its control and guidance in the beliefs and affairs of men . More than tolerant of all creeds , though Avedded

to none , Masonry ivill sustain Avhat is good in all , for the life of the State , not less than of tho church , in spite of the open attack of the secret intrigue of sectary or zealot .

In this necessarily hasty ancl imperfect sketch , Avhich is in no sense an exposition of the beginnings and growth of the principle of Freemasoniy , I shall have failed in my purpose , if I have not satisfied you , that the real claim of our IIOAV ancient Institution to the clear recognition of

mankind , rests not . indeed upon the consideration that all essentially good Masons are to be found Avithin its ranks ; or that many essentially bad men are not often in its fold—nor because the sentiment of universal brotherhood has not been asserted and

fostered by other men and in other social organizations—but because ivith us , it has been most truly maintained ancl conserved ¦ —because here , as the great underlying principle of our foundation , its base has been broader and deeper—because its

outgrowth has stretched to tho embrace of all mankind—because its reach of all human interests has been wider and more comprehensive—because the breath of its life has been clraAvn from an ampler atmosphere and from "the heart ' s diviner regions . "

The groAvth and progress of the Masonic principle and its domination in the affairs of men , may thus perhaps lead the philosophic mind to the anticipation of that day ' s dawning , Avhen in the fulness of time , and in the ripeness of man ' s

perfection through a complete education and development , it shall enfold Avithin its arms of love , the Avhole family of the Father ' s household- —a universal Lodge" one fold ancl one shepherd . " It may thus be seen to Avhat extent

Masonry is independent of its mere surroundings , ancl IIOAV , at various periods of its history , it may have assumed different modes of expression or organization , without detriment to its essential idea . Instituted for the sustenance of the sold in its

immortal longings , not less than for loAver human needs , and " vital in every part , " it Ai'ill adapt itself from time to time , to any forms Avhich may best demonstrate its every living principle . Most Worshi pful Grand Master , Our temple , built upon the old and imperishable foundations ancl rich with the garnered