I . W. GRAND LOlMiK ^licitnt, /ice, Mb ^cttptei SElasons, A i/ro \

Illinois: To yon the growing interest! of onr belored institution in this Ftaie
are now entrusted for the ensuing year; and from your high position, and
well known character, we feel assured that onr confidence is not misplaced.
During your term of off<strong>ice</strong>, many questions concerning Masonic jurisprudence
will doubtless arse, and much will be said of innovation, and the
ancient usages of the Order. And I beg of you, while you shun Berlin, do
not fall into Charybdis—mistake not the dry letter of the law for " ancient
usage," or a lib.ral and enlightened construction < r " innovation."
Brethren of the M. W. Grand Lodge: You can do much in assirting your
Grand Off<strong>ice</strong>rs in the discharge of their arduous duties; and as jou are
rhortly to return to your respective places of abode, instruct your lesi informed
brethren in the many important lessons which have here been in-
And now, in conclusion, let me entreat you all to be true to your sacred
obligations—then you can bo false to no man.
Pract<strong>ice</strong> uncessingly the sublime principles of Free Masonry, and "become
And when you have finished your labors on earth, and the Supreme Grand
Master sounds his gavel to summon you to
" Th»t un4i,i*.T»r»d aonntrr from wlmte bonrn*
may you go down to the grave, like the sun as be sinks in the oloudless west f
leaving to tbe world the soft twilight of a glorious career!