is of necessity, truly and emphatically, a Christian.

Finally, my brethren, in view of this whole subject, we see what a great mystery is involved in Speculative Free Masonry. How weighty, and solemn and interesting is our profession! No period, short of a boundless eternity, can fully display the moral beauties, the unsearchable riches of this system. Let us, therefore, rejoice in the light, persevere in ways of well doing unto the end, that we may, at the last, receive a crown of righteousness incorruptible, which can never fade away.

The ultimate end of the Material Creation, to subserve the Moral World. The proper object of human Association, and the origin of various Societies.

IN surveying the material world, with all its numerous appendages, the contemplative mind is naturally led to inquire after the great efficient cause. From the varied scenery of nature, the sublimity of the heavens, and the order of the universe, we are constrained to ascribe wisdom, design and superintendence to their Author.

In contemplating the moral world, we behold that perfect order of beauty, by whi h we admire the unspeakable goodness of God in every display of his moral perfections.

From those constituted laws of matter which pervade the natural world, and those harmonizing principles of moral fitness, so essential to the peace, and happiness and general well-being of society, we necessarily infer some great and ultimate end, to which all things and all events are made subservient. We hence, infer that the primary object of the material creation, was to form a proper theatre, on which to unfold the counsels of eternity, in relation to the great

moral system. Man was, therefore, created in the image of his God, endowed with reason and understanding, and constituted a social being. Through the medium of social intercourse, those intrinsic excellencies of mind are unfolded, which fully bespeak the dignity of man. It therefore appears that the principles of human association are inherent in our nature, and constitute the highest subordinate means in advancing the common happiness of mankind, in duly honouring our Creator, and answering the proper end of our creation. It is certain that our intellectual faculties are susceptible of vast improvement; improvenient depends on means, and means are derived through the medium of society. We hence infer most conclusively that social intercourse is according to Divine constitution, and is the great medium through which are displayed the beauties of the moral system.

The establishment of civil government, that powerful safeguard of individual rights and privileges, at once constitutes the broad foundation of a common association. Here is erected the standard, and here the great rallying point for civilized life. All mankind are, from the nature of their existence, constituted members of this common society. A way is thus pre

pared under the most favourable circumstances, for individuals to establish and organize subordinate societies, with an ultimate reference to the general good. As individual exertions proved inadequate to remedy incidental evils, and fully to subserve the purposes of social life, a union of means, of energy and wisdom became indispensible. Numerous are the objects essential to the present and future well-being of mankind, which are not sufficiently embraced by civil polity. The legislative and executive departments of a nation cannot minutely extend their protecting care to every object, separately considered, which may contribute in the best manner to the peace and happiness of the community. A remedy for these deficiencies was readily found in the voluntary associations of inen. This is a natural conclusion as to the origin of various individual societies, in every age and country. The accomplishment of different objects, led to different systems of organization.-Hence, all those religious and moral institutions, both ancient and modern: the co-operation of individuals to promote arts and sciences-to encourage agriculture and manufactures--to relieve the unfortunate to civilize the savage—to emancipate the slave--to suppress vice and im

morality--to diffuse the gospel and christianize the world. All these associations, so far as the members are actuated by proper motives, have one ultimate end in view; to meliorate the condition of man, and render his whole existence a blessing. The aggregate of happiness produced in the moral system through the instrumentality of those various humane, benevolent, moral and religious societies of the world, is far beyond all human conception. No period short of eternity, can fully show how much misery has been prevented, and how much relative good introduced. In point of antiquity, and universal prevalence, the Masonic institution ranks with the first. These are points long since established by known historical facts.

From what has been said, it appears that mankind were not only created rational beings, but destined to act in a social capacity. Our existence, therefore, necessarily creates a relation to all mankind, and our social compacts, in many respects, add an increasing weight to each original obligation. Every relation we sustain, whether it arise from the constituted laws of moral fitness, or from voluntary engagement in mutual association, is inseparably connected with relative duties. Such is our relation to God the supreme governor