you meet well-informed brethren, who will subserve you in either case, as far as time, means or opportunity will permit. Are you driven to a returnless distance, or cast on the shores of a foreign land? the hand of a brother is there extended to alleviate your wants, to animate your sinking spirits, or console your agonized mind. Do you fall into the merciless hands of unrelenting Turks? even there the shackles of slavery are broken from your hands, through the interposition of a brother. Do you meet an enemy in battle array? the token of a Mason instantly converts him into a guardian angel. Even the bloody flag of a pirate is changed for the olive branch of peace, by the mysterious token of a Mason.* Is your life in jeopardy from any casualty of time, place or circumstance? a brother's arm is nerved for your assistance, and his own life jeopardized for your safety. He views not your condition with supine indifference, nor shrinks in view of surrounding dangers.

*The author states this on the authority of a Masonic brother, who escaped from Ireland, during their last national difficulties, and who protected the whole crew from a pirate, by his knowledge of Masonry. This brother was a man of respectability, and the truth of his relation was not doubted.

Such being the undeniable facts, attested by the experience of the world, what heart would not reciprocate the friendship, and kindle into love at the sight of a brother, in whose bosom dwells such tenderness and compassion. The language of a Mason is universally understood by all the brotherhood, where soever found. It speaks to the heart, is answered from the heart, and excites such feelings as mingle in kindred souls. The unity of the great body is preserved entire, and the cords of friendship extend to every Masonic heart, throughout the four quarters of the globe. Hence, wherever a Mason may sojourn, wherever he may be found, whether in prosperity or adversity, on a throne, or in a prison,*

* Two facts deserve to be related. During the American revolution, a citizen on board a privateer, was captur ed by the British, and the whole crew imprisoned at Edinburgh. The following, night, after their imprisonment, a lodge held its communication near the prison. During the time of refreshment, some of the brethren visited the prisoners. This American manifested himself to be a Mason, and was recognised as such. During the same evening, he was permitted to visit the lodge, and associate with the craft. By the friendly aid of his brethren, he was liberated from confinement, had the freedom of the city, and shortly after was sent back to his country and family.

The other instance was an American on board a British vessel on a passage to Europe. The vessel was captured, and taken to Brest. This was at the time when Bonaparte was in possession of Egypt. The crew, therefore, was sent

the same interchange of feelings and brotherly affection, and union of heart exists in every country and every nation. The door of every lodge opens to welcome his admission, and every hand presents a pledge of love. Brethren, this is truly a cheering reflection. It excites such lively emotions in the heart as may be felt, but never can be described.

to Alexandria, and put into close confinement. A man was seen to pass the street by the prison, wearing a sash of many colors. The American believing it to be a Masonic badge, wanted nothing but an opportunity to make himself known as a Mason. Soon, however, it happened the same person, wearing the same sash, came to the prison. This person proved to be the principal officer of the city, and recognising the American as a Mason, took him to his own house. The American thenceforward enjoyed the liberty of the city, and the privilege of this officer's table. Some months after, an opportunity presented, by which the American might go on board a vessel, which would put him in a situation, eventually to arrive at Quebec. The officer then paid his passage in the first vessel, gave him sixty crowns, and dismissed him. Suffice it to say, he arrived at Quebec, came to Montreal, and thence to Whitehall, at the head of Lake Champlain, where he taught a school several months. All circumstances in relation to the above statement having been duly examined and compared, it was ascertained, to the reasonable satisfaction of the lodge at that place, to be correct. Who would not wish, for humanity's sake, principles, which produce such an effect, might be more generally understood.

CHAPTER XV.

Masonry as a Charitable Institution.

ces.

THE state of human existence is such, that mankind are in some respects dependent on each other in nearly, if not all the relations in civilized life. As they have mutual wants, and stand in need of mutual assistance, no one can be placed in absolute independence of circumstanEach individual, in the midst of all his affluence is still dependent. Hence arise those mutual obligations, by which, not only the members of a neighborhood or society, but the citizens of a nation and the inhabitants of the world are bound, mutually to subserve each other's interest, and promote each other's happiness. This obligation corresponds with the very nature and fitness of things, and is necessarily binding on all mankind. But, notwithstanding its nature, multitudes of the human family seldom feel its force, or comply with its requisitions. Hence, the unfortunate sufferer often wanders through the world unpitied and forlorn. There are unfortunate sufferers, and such there will be till

the end of time. Notwithstanding all human foresight, prudence and provident care, individuals are exposed, in numerous ways, to be suddenly precipitated from a state of affluence to penury and want. Hence, the virtuous citizen may be thrown into circumstances, in which he shall have a just claim for charitable assistance. It is the glory of a nation or society, to have its citizens or members kindly disposed, mutually to rejoice or sympathize together. A charitable disposition in the view of the world, marks a character of true benevolence and worth, and draws kind benedictions on the memory.

Charity is a shining virtue, adorns our nature, comports with the feelings of humanity, and is deeply characteristic of true benevolence of heart. Hence Masonry as a charitable Institution, aside from all other considerations, is justly entitled to the approbation of mankind. Individuals, in their private capacity, are never expected promptly to meet all the exigencies of innocent sufferers. Hence, the union of individuals will afford the more sure means of effecting this important object. Such, in a special manner, is our Institution. Here is a