It is that sacred bond that teaches us the immortality of the soul, that binds men of the most discordant opinions into one band of brothers, gives one language to all "nations, and one altar to men of all re'igions. There are those who pretend to deny the existence of a Supreme Governor of the Universe, and death to them would be but an eternal sleep. What a faith for a rational being to hold in a world teeming with wonders of animal and veget able life. We behold the waters of a noble river flowing ceaselessly onward to swell the mighty ocean ; there they do not re main. The glorious sun, in its bright career, attracts the pure elements again to the skies, where, wafted by evening zephyrs over distant hills, silently at night it descends in gentle dew to cool the arid plaio, or con densed in heavy clouds, in dark horizon and in lightnings lurid glare, proclaims the approaching storm, pouring the treasures of heaven in liberal profusion over the vast field of human labour—causing the grass to grow, the grain to swell, the trees to bud, and the heart of man to rejoice. They can not discern m this the handiwork of the Creator. The Freemason, however, learns ■ that, when he has performed his allotted task, when this life is ended, it closes to open upon a newer and a higher one, where in a second temple and purer lodge, he will find " Eternal Truth,"— For on Him he will calmly rely To whom at onco All secrets are known. Who reigns supreme on high. At the conclusion of the address, Bro. Lazar offered up prayer. Ode—'" Now the Evening Shadows." Now the evening shadows closing. Warn from toil to peaceful rest; Mystic arts and rites reposing. Sacred in each faithful breast, God of Light! whose lovo unceasing, Doth to all Thy works extend. Crown our order with Thy blessing ; Build, luatain us to the end. Humbly now we bow before Thee, Grateful for Thy aid Divine ; Everlasting power and glory, Mighty Architect! be Thine. Congratulations were received by the D. Grand Master from the following :—Bro. McCullogh, D.P.G.M., S.C., Thames, on behalf of Bro. Jno. Hislop, P.G.M. of Dunedin ; Bro. Doull, for the Provincial Grand Lodge, I.C. Bro. 