The Origin And Teachings Of Masonry.

THE ORIGIN AND TEACHINGS OF MASONRY .

OK the Sth September , 1823 , a Provincial Grand Lodge was holden at Teivkesbury , in the course of ivhich the folloAving very excellent address was delivered by Bro . Harris , a well knoAvn and enthusiastic Mason . We are not aware AVIIO was the Provincial Grand Master at that time , who was so highly spoken of by the orator . IT bas ever been customary among the fraternity , on occasions like the

present , that an address should be delivered on the subject of our institution . Delegated to that honourable office , I exhibit a test of Masonic obedience , though deeply conscious of my own inabilit y , and sincerely sorry it has not heen assigned to some of the many brothers around mc , whoso talents and attainments ivould so much better have qualified them for the arduous task . Emboldened , hoivever , " by thc subject , and the conviction that your indulgence AA'ill not abandon me , . 1 " purpose to explain , ns far as the rules of institution ivill

our permit , before those who arc not initiated into our mysteries , the nature , orig in , and principles of our lvidcly extended orderthat ive may not be misunderstood or misrepresented by thoso ivho do not rank under our banners—that AVO may not be held in discstecm by tbe loveliest and fairest of the works of the almi ghty Architect , by those Avhose approbation has in all ages formed the chief deli ght of man , in every civilized association . Amid the institutions which in all ages have best deserved the protection of sovereigns , the esteem of philosophers , and the support of mankind , our Order has , in all ages , stood conspicuous as

eminently inculcating the knowledge of the supreme God , obedience to princes , subjugation of the passions , love towards our fclloiv creatures , and humanity to the distressed . Works of art may show thc genius of man and the fertility of his imagination ; the perfection ofthe sciences may mark the extent of bis enterprise anil spirit ; but nothing can demonstrate the goodness of his heart more than Freemasonry . What ! Avithout even knowing each other—in spite of the diversity of language , the opposition of characterthe violence of

, passion—men in sill ages , m all climes—in peace and in Avar—in the calm sunshine of prosperity , and the bitter gales of adversity—ivelcome each other with cordiality , sacrifice themselves one for another , receive with brotherly love , cherish ivith relief ; and greet with truth , those AV-IIO have no other claim than fraternity , no other tie than one mere common bond of recognition ! Whence arises this ? It is nofc the force of laws , tlie violence of authority ; it is jiot personal interest ( for we

oblige those whom ive never see again ) ; it is not the hope of gain ( for ive only give ) ; it is not the sordid calculations of self love and vanity , for all Ave do is in silence and secrecy . What , then , is Preemasonry ? In two words it may be expressed—it is religion and philanthropy . Yes ! these are the two immovable and perfect pillars on ivhich our superstructure rests ; and thus supported , it has in all ages defied , and till time itself shall be no more it will repel , as ivell the covert undermining of calumny and ignorance , as the more open attacks of falsehood , tyranny , or superstition . >

Having thus explained the nature of our institution , I proceed to investigate its . origin . If ivo trace this by the science and motives which gave it birth , wc shall find it of great antiquity ; indeed , almost