The Masonic Oration.
Brother William Hull, J.P., at the request of the Worshipful Master, pronounced the following Oration. As an exposition of the higher principles of Masonry, it is given uncurtailed :— Mr. Hull said, "Worshipful Sir, your c o m m a n d shall be obeyed;" (and then apologising for remaining covered owing to the great heat of the sun, thus continued :—" From the building of that Temple in which dwelt the Shekinah of the Great Architect to the laying the foundation-stone of this intended building, Hospitals and Asylums for sick, wounded, aged and decayed persons have in an especial manner been connected with speculative and practical Masonry. It is now 3000 years since the erection of that building in which ' N o workman's steel, no ponderous axes rung, Like some tall palm the noiseless fabric sprung,'
" under the auspices of that Grand Master, ' Who, inspired by power divine, M a d e wisdom, strength and beauty all combine T o frame, confirm, and deck the vast design.'
" From this period, Post-diluvian Masonry takes its most prominent standing, although ' it is an institution which is coeval with the Creation,' for ever since symmetry began, or harmony displayed its charms, the Order has had a being. It may be a matter of speculative inquiry with geologists whether the ground on which we now stand ever existed at that period; certain it is that not two lustrums have passed since this spot, upon which thefirststone of a Temple dedicated to Charity is now laid, was occupied by beasts without a name, by evil-omened birds, by serpents horrible and deadly beyond their c o m m o n species, and by beings (lowest of the human family) from w h o m the Great Architect has hitherto (as far as we can judge) withheld even a glimmer of the Divine Law, and upon whose understandings darkness still hangs as a thick mantle. Under the direction of a skilful architect, this Hospital will soon be completed, and w e trust it will combine wisdom, strength and beauty in its erection; and that its management will devolve upon m e n w h o m a y be eminent for scientific and professional attainments, combined with the Masonic principle—love of fellow creatures. But, say the uninitiated, what connection has Masonry with this, or what necessity for Masonic processions ? W e reply, judge not by externals. There is in Masonry ' a light shining in darkness,' and its secrets m a y be known by the good and worthy of every class of mankind, if the legitimate process be adopted. Masonic processions may be deduced from the highest antiquity, and they are the very essence of every ancient institution in any way connected with virtue or religion. Masonry has included amongst its Fraternity—Patriarchs—Prophets—Evangelists—Apostles— Priests—Philosophers—and as there ever have been, so there still are—Kings—Princes—and Great and Good M e n of every degree and profession. Freemasonry is that Philosophy which, blended with the great principle of the Order—Brotherly Love—constitutes that active Benevolence and Universal Charity, whichfillthe heart of m a n with disinterested love of his species—which promote in the mind pure religious feelings by tracing the works of nature until they lead us to humble and correct reflections upon the Immensity of Power—the Triumph of W i s d o m — a n d the Goodness of H i m w h o constructed the universe for the advantage and happiness of His creatures. W e have seen the Corn, and Oil, and Wine poured out. H o w truly applicable are these Masonic emblems to this intended Institution ! Here the hungry and weary will find bread, the staff of life, prepared for them. Here the wounded will have the healing balm poured into their wounds. Here those whose hearts are lacerated by h u m a n woes, will have the cup that cheereth the heart, presented to their lips ; and here, we trust and hope (whether they who m a y exercise their skill on suffering humanity be of the Mystic-tie or otherwise) that Charity and Brotherly Love to their patients m a y be the foundation and cope-stones of their practice. M a y they be of that mind to say 'The widow's tears—the orphan's cry, All wants our ready hands supply As far as power is given.'
