West Indies.

0 f this end and purport , Masonry inculcates numerous moral virtues , which she illustrates by the most beautiful symbols in ] ier initiations and ceremonies . To expatiate upon certain of tbese virtues is my present object , and that of no less of them than what she most appropriately terms the cardinal virtuestemperance , fortitude , prudence , justice . Temperance , in the ] aI 1 t . uage of the lecture , is that due restraint of our passions and affections which render the bocty tame and governableancl

, relieve the mind from the allurements of vice . The precepts 0 f this virtue are not confined to the mere restraint of our carnal appetites , or those excesses which our bodies unrestrained are apt to run into , but it extends to the curbing of the mindthe prompter and originator of all our movements , from inordinate desires and lusts . The mind of man is described by the first Great Light in Masonry as being " evil from the

beo-iniiing ; " consequently , the dictates from thence , without the reason furnished from a spiritual source , will be evil also . The fostering of thoughts , therefore , which reason reprobates , the wish or desire for the accomplishment of inordinate objects , are as much intemperate acts of the mind , as drunkeness or gluttony are intemperate acts of the body . This virtue comprises , alsomore than the prohibition of what are termed " venal" sins .

, It requires a suppression of the petty irritabilities to which the temper of man is prone—fretfulness , impetuosity , and jealousy , and the like , all come under the category of intemperate passions . The possession , then , of this virtue in its full extent is the accomplishment of a great end of Masonry ; it constitutes a fitness ancl a facility for the receipt of every other virtue ; it renders easy and familiar the practice of prudence , fortitude , and justice ,

anil , in truth , presents a clear and open path to the perfection of a true Mason . Fortitude is that noble ancl steady purpose of the soul , equally distant from rashness or cowardice ; it enables a man to undergo any labour , pain , danger , and difficulty , when thought necessary , or deemed prudentially expedient . This virtue is the first that is inculcated in Masonry ; trials and approbations on it form the principles of our initiation ceremony ,

anil it is formed the subject of a solemn obligation . As in the course of man's life trials and difficulties present themselves wherever we turn , a probation in this virtue is indispensable . It is a sure shield and protection in the warfare of life , aud it

enables us to overcome , where , without it , we would sink and be trampled on . In Masonry it is still more particularly requisite , as towards the . secrets of our Order there has always been directed , and , doubtless , ever will be , fierce opposition ancl violent oppression . This principle is possessed in a great degree by the savages of the East and the West , ancl has been the theme of many a poetic moral ; and it would be well for us to learneven from themso admirable a lesson . Dr . Oliver tells

, , 11 s that they "attained such a mastery over their passions , under circumstances the most distressing , that , when the fortune of war placed them in the hands of their enemies , they despised torment ancl courted death , and , instead of trying to conciliate their persecutors , they taunted them with their own performances , ancl dared them to proceed to the utmost extremity of inflicting pain— -dying at length with a song in their mouth

, ancl joy and peacefulness in their hearts . " Let this , then , form the example of every Mason in every circumstance of distress , to bear up in full reliance on this virtue . Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives ancl actions by the dictates of right reason , and it is that habit of mind by which men wisely jud ge on all things relative to their temporal and eternal happiness . Possessed of this virtue , there is nothing good or desirable

that may not be accomplished : it is the true philosop her ' s stone of the mind , which converts into a treasure everything to which it is rightly applied . It is also the only means of arriving at that covetable state , contentment , which is a balm for every disease , a solace in every misfortune . In Masonry we are directed to use it both as a caution auclas an lenever to let slithe least ideabwhich

examp , p , y < wrmysteries may be obtained ; not only for thebetter regulation of our own lives and actions , but to set a more pious example to that part of the world who are not Masons . In this life it has been found the infallible means of acquiring distinction , lienor , wealth , and happiness , and for the world to come it lays « p in store treasures imperishable and inexhaustable . Need I then dear brethrendraw attention to this virtue

, my , your , lour own experience , in its invariable success ,. has taught you w esteem and admire it ; let me , therefore , on this , the first y ° f a new year , advise a continual application of it in all your actions , and remind you of the time when you were placed "More the AV . M . in the E . Justice is that station or

boundary of right which teaches us to render to every man his just due , and that without distinction . There is no other virtue of such absolute importance and essential necessity to the welfare of society as Justice . Let every man be just to himself and to all ' others , let him endeavour by the exercise of industry and economy to provide for his own wants , ancl abstain in the pursuit of his own subsistence , from anything injurious to the interest of others . Justice is the divine attribute ; it is also . the

scales in which the actions of mankind are weighed , it should then be the standard to regulate whatsoever measure we meet , and we will find it returned with equal exactitude in the world to come . AA ithout justice the world would be one mass of confusion , brutal violence , and immorality , and Masonry destitute of order , beauty , and utility ; it may , with truth , then , be termed most indispensable , and amongst Masons it is a virtue as requisite for the mind as the food is for our bodies ; reflect

then upon the time when you were placed at that xiart of the lodge in which you received that excellent injunction from the W . M ., to be just aud upright to all mankind . These virtues so estimable ancl valuable individually , when combined , constitute not only the full qualifications of a " perfect Mason , " but is the very consummation of all that is desirable in manwith these possessions all other minor virtues come unbidden to tbe mind . Religion opens wide and cheerfully her arms to

embrace , and the cup of happiness is as full as mortal means can make it . In the advancement of such principles consists the true science of Masonry ; our forms , our emblems , ancl our ornaments , though beautiful in themselves are but the index and illustrations of the great volume of morality , which contains the precepts of our Order so also our initiations ancl ceremonies , though solemn ancl impressive , they are but the abstracts of our

great code of principles , ancl he who would arrive at a mastery of Masonic knowledge ancl eminence must search deep into the volumes of her virtues , and practice the jirecepts of her ordinances . To be a complete Mason , in the literal acceptation of term , I conceive it to be impossible . It is too ethereal and perfect a character for mortal attainment ; but that very great attainment in the art has been accomplished , we have numerous and admirable instances ; and it is the duty—nay the

solemn obligation of every fellow of the Craft to make a daily progress in this laudable art . In proportion as he advances will he find all difficulty recede , ancl the more he studies the more beautiful will her subjects appear , and the more his satisfaction increase . A Masonic lodge is but tbe emblem of a perfect Mason . Wisdom , strength , ancl beauty support its frame , brotherly love , relief , and truth breathe through its vitals , and

prudence aud concord regulate its actions . To raise such a superstructure should be the aim of every Mason , and for the foundation no more appropriate virtues can be selected than temperance , fortitude , prudence , and justice . On so solid a basis it will rest secure against the winds of calumny , the seas of adversity , or any convulsions which the profanes may raise . The D . Paov . G . M . stated he was perfectly sure that every brother who had heard the Prov . G . M . ' s addresscould not

, otherwise than feel a pleasure in listening to the same , and he had no doubt that the brethren would bear the same in mind . Tlie Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed , and the brethren were entertained by the Prov . G . M . at a dejeuner a- la fonrchette , at which there was everything to satisfy the most fastidious epicure . The healths of the Queen ; the M . AA . the G . M ., and Prov . G . M ., were given in succession , and at 3 p . m . the brethren separated in love and harmony .

TURK'S ISLAND . On Saturday , December 271862 , a meeting of the brethren of Turks Islands' Forth Lodge ( No . 930 ) , was held , for the purpose of installing Bro . Thomas Ockenden , AV . M . of the lodge for the ensuing year . This ceremony and the appointment and investiture of officers having been performed , the lodge was closed aud the brethren adjourned for refreshment . After the

usual loyal and Masonic toasts had been drunk , the brethren separated at an early hour ; in fact , the hilarity indulged in on such festive occasions was greatly marred by the evident gloom pervading the whole community of these islands on Saturdaylast , in consequence of the death of the Hon . James Misick , which mournful event took place on the morning of that day . The following brethren are the officers of the lodge for 1863 : — Bros . T . Ockenden , W . M . ; T . J . Godet , S . W . ; H . J . Murray , J . W . ; A . G . Wynns , P . M ., Treas . ; N . T . Godet , P . M ., Sec ; T . Frith , S . D . ; G . A . Wynns , J . D .: A . P . Darrell , Tyler .