a social point of view, are very extensive. It unites all mankind. In every nation it opens an asylum to virtue in distress, and grants hospitality to the necessitous and unfortunate. The sublime principles of uni versal goodness and love to all mankind, which constitute its basis, cannot be lost in national distinctions, prejudices, or animosities. It has abated the rage of contest, and substituted the milder emotions of humanity. Should your country demand your services in foreign wars, and captivity should be your portion, it is probable that you will find affectionate brethren, where others would only find enemies. In whatever nation you travel, when you meet a mason, you will find a brother and a friend, who will do all in his power to serve you, and who will cheerfully relieve you to the utmost of his abilities, if you should be involved in poverty or distress. Other charges suitable to extraordinary occasions might be introduced. The judicious master, however, will find no difficulty in annexing to the usual charges, such additions as, in his opinion, the nature of the case may require. 150963B CHAPTER X. Of Masonic Virtues. SECTION 1.-OF BROTHERLY LOVE. By the exercise of this virtue, we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family, whether high or low, rich or poor, who, as children of the same parent, are to aid, support, and protect each other. Relief is the next tenet of the profession, which, indeed, may be considered as a most important part of what we have denominated brotherly love. To relieve the distressed, is a duty incumbent on all men, but particularly on masons, who are linked together by ties, which may be considered as indissoluble. To soothe calamity, alleviate misfortune, sympathise with the miserable, and, as far as may be practicable, to restore peace to the troubled mind, ought ever to be objects of primary importance. SECTION 2.—OF TRUTH. We are taught, in the sacred scriptures, that truth is a peculiar attribute of the deity, that those, “who worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth " John iv. 24. and that " every one should tell truth to his neighbour." To be good and true is one of the first lessons, which we are taught in masonry. This, therefore, is a theme, which we ought to contemplate, and, by its dictates, endeavour to regulate our conduct; for we are told, that God “desireth truth in the inward parts.” Psalm li. 6. The arts of deceit and cunning continually grow weaker and less effectual to those, who practise them, while, on the other hand, integrity gains strength by use, and the more and the longer any man accustoms himself to it, the greater service it will do him; as it will establish his reputation, and thus encourage others to repose in him the greatest trust and confidence, which may be certainly considered as being of unspeakable advantage in the common affairs of life. Truth is, always, consistent with itself, and needs nothing to help it out. It is near at hand; it sits upon our lips, and is ready to drop out before we are aware; but a lie is troublesome and sets a man's invention con stantly on the rack to preserve even a tolerable appearance of consistency. A lie is like a building upon a false foundation, which continually stands in need of props to preserve it, and proves, at last, more chargeable than the erection of a substantial building would have been, on a true and solid foundation. Truth is firm. It is irresistible, and those who practise it, in all their transactions, can never be put to shame. "The wicked flee, when no man pursueth ; but the righteous are bold as a lion." Let us, therefore, not only in regard to truth but, likewise, every other moral duty, always maintain the testimony of a good conscience, and we have nought to fear. Influenced by these principles, in our intercourse with each other, and with the world at large, hypocrisy and deceit should be unknown among us; and the heart and tongue should unite in promoting our mutual welfare, and in rejoicing in each other's prosperity. Truth has ever been a distinguishing prerequisite among free-masons; and he who deviates from it, in a single instance, is acting in direct opposition to one of the first precepts of the order. "The man, whose mind on virtue bent, Serene, beholds the angry crowd, Nor can their clamours, fierce and loud, His stubborn honour tame." BLACKLOCK SECTION 3.-OF TEMPERANCE. Temperance may be defined to be the réstraint of passion. That it is a quality essential to happiness, reason and observation bear ample testimony. So highly, indeed, has it always been esteemed, that it ranks as a virtue in every system of morality; for as uncontrouled passions lead us to wickedness and turbulence, so temperance leads us to virtue and tranquillity. Even in worldly affairs, it is found to be a guide to health, wealth, and prosperity; for it forbids us to indulge in enervating luxuries, and inculcates economy in all the concerns of life. Its best recommendation is to be found in its effects; and no one, who is convinced, that temperance leads to bliss, can hesitate in adhering to it through life. It is essentially necessary that this virtue should be observed by all, who wish to live with comfort; but, for reasons, which will naturally occur to every free-mason, it is peculiarly proper, that it should be observed by them. The dire effects of intemperance are thus most pathetically discribed by an ingenious poet; if I remember right, the late Rt. Rev. Dr. Porteous, bishop of London. -War its thousands slays; Peace its ten thousands. In th' embattled plain, Though death exults and claps his raven wings, Of midnight revel, and tumultuous mirth; Down the smooth stream of life the strippling darts, |