Page:Oration Delivered on the Occasion of the Dedication of the New Hall of Cooper Lodge.djvu/15

Rh of the same, than the malaria, that in sickly autumn, ascends from the dying vegetables of the world. Oh! brethren, I beseech you, in the name of the great Architect and builder of all things, to make your Hall a fountain of peace and truth, a home of love and good works.

We have said much upon the spirit of Masonry, and now let us speak of its fruits. In one word, its fruits are to do to others as we would have them do to us. Did the world act upon this principle, we would have a world of peace and righteousness. Man’s best security would then be in the society of his brother: and then instead of “man’s inhumanity to man,” making countless thousands mourn; it would be man’s humanity to man, makes countless thousands smile. Then wars would cease, and contention and strife, and all of their evil results, would disappear from earth; then the North would not harass and vex the South, and the South would not hate the North, but each seek to promote the welfare and prosperity of the other.

A word now in reference to Cooper Ledge:

Cooper Lodge, No. 36, dates her charter on the 9th of October, 1841. Her first officers were Andrew Gibson, Worshipful Master; R. S. Leveridge, Senior Warden; B. Hart, Junior Warden. Brother Leveridge is dead. Brother Hart resides in Philadelphia, and brother Gibson lives in this place. Gibson, Harley and Kelly are the only resident members of the Lodge from the time of its formation. All the rest are dead or have removed to other places.

The charter for the Chapter is dated October, 1847. R. S. Leveridge was High Priest; A. Gibson, King; and C. D. W. Johnson, Scribe. Of these officers, A. Gibson is the only remaining one. Thus, brethren, passes the generations of men away. Let us be ready, for at such a time as we know not, and think not, the summons for us will come. Be always ready, brethren, for your final call from labor to endless rest—where toils and cares no longer perplex, and where the wicked cease to trouble and persecute.

And now, ladies, it is my pleasant duty to address a few