nature, which, on every hand, present to our view unbounded scenes of pleasure and delight, in which divinity and wisdom are alike conspicuous?The scenes which she displays, are indeed too expanded for the narrow capacity of man; yet it is easy, from the uniformity of the whole, to comprehend what may lead to the true source of happiness, the grand Author of existence, the supreme Governor of the world, the one perfect and unsullied beauty!

BESIDES all the gaieties and pleasing prospects which every where surround us, and with which our senses are every moment gratified; besides the symmetry, good order, and proportion that appear in the whole works of the creation, there is something farther that affects the reflecting mind, and draws its attention nearer to the Divinity; the universal harmony and affection which subsist throughout the different species of beings of every rank and denomination. These are the sure cements of the rational world, and by these alone the rational world subsists. Could we think that it was possible for them to be dissolved, nature too, and man, the chief work of God, would soon return to chaos, and universal ruin ensue.

If we look around us, we shall find that, in the whole order of beings, from the seraph that adores and burns, down to the most inconsiderable insect, all, according to their proportion in the scale of existence, have, more or less, implanted in them by wise nature, the principle of uniting with others of the same species with themselves. Do we not observe some of even the

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most inconsiderable animals formed into different ranks and societies for the benefit and protection of each other? Need I name the careful ant, or the industrious bee? insects which the wisest of men has recommended as a pattern of unwearied industry and prudent foresight.

If we raise our ideas higher, we shall find that this innate principle of friendship arises in proportion as the objects seem to advance nearer to the degree of rational. There can be no better way of judging of the superiority of one partof the animal creation above the other, than by observing what degrees of kindness and seeming good nature they enjoy. However, I shall here pause, and refer the discussion of this philosophical disquisition to some more refined genius, of superior parts and abilities.

To confine my subject to the rational species: let us think and meditate on these benevolent dispositions and good temper of soul which indulgent nature has so kindly bestowed upon us. As human nature rises in the scale of things, so do the social affections likewise arise. Do we not feel in our breasts a strong propensity to friendship? Enjoy we not a pleasure when it is firm and cemented, and feel we not a pain when it deadens or declines? What sweetens life but friendship? what diverts care but friendship? what alleviates pain, or makes sorrow smile, but friendship? sacred, holy friendship!

THE progress of friendship is not confined to the narrow circle of private connections, but is universal,

and extends to every branch of the human race. Though its influence is unbounded, yet it exerts itself more or less vehemently as the objects it favours are nearer or more remote. Hence springs true patriotism, which fires the soul with the most generous flame, creates the best and most disinterested virtue, and inspires that public spirit and heroic ardour, which enables us to support a good cause, and risk our lives in its defence.

THIS commendable virtue crowns the lover of his country with unfading laurels, gives a lustre to all his actions, and consecrates his name to latest ages. The warrior's glory may consist in murder, and the rude ravage of the desolating sword; but the blood of thousands will not stain the hands of his country's friend. His virtues are open, and of the noblest kind. Conscious integrity supports him against the arm of power; and should he bleed by tyrant hands, he gloriously dies a martyr in the cause of liberty, and leaves to posterity an everlasting monument of the greatness of his soul. Should I name the first Brutus, the self-devoted Decii, or the self-condemned but unconquerable Cato?

FRIENDSHIP not only appears divine when employed in preserving the liberties of our country, but shines with equal splendour in the more tranquil hours of life. Before it rises into the noble flame of patriotism, aiming destruction at the heads of tyrants, thundering for liberty, and courting dangers in a good cause, we shall see it calm and moderate, burning with

an even glow, improving the soft hours of peace, and heightening the relish for virtue.-Hence it is that contracts are formed, societies are instituted, and the vacant hours of life are chearfully employed in agreeable company and social conversation.

IT is thus we may trace from reason, and the na ture of things, the wise ends and designs of the sacred institution of Masonry; which not only cultivates and improves a real and undisguised friendship among men, but teaches them the more important duties of society. Vain then is each idle surmise against this sacred art, which our enemies may either meanly cherish in their own bosoms, or ignorantly promulgate to the uninstructed world. By decrying Masonry, they derogate from human nature itself, and from that good order and wise constitution of things, which the almighty Author of the world has framed for the government of mankind, and has established as the basis of the moral system; which, by a secret but attractive force, disposes the human heart to every social virtue. Can friendship or social delights be the object of reproach? Can that wisdom which hoary Time has sanctified, be the object of ridicule? How mean, how contemptible must these men appear, who vainly pretend to censure or contemn what they cannot comprehend! The generous heart will pity ignorance so aspiring and insolent.

I SHALL now procceed, and consider in what shape Masonry is of universal utility to mankind, how it is reconcilable to the best policy, why it deserves the

general esteem, and why all men are bound to pro

mote it.

ABSTRACTING from the pure pleasures which arise from a friendship so wisely constituted, and which it is scarce possible that any circumstance or occurrence can erase; let us consider, that Masonry is a science confined to no particular country, but diffused over the whole terrestrial globe. Wherever arts flourish, there it flourishes too. Add to this, that by secret and inviolable signs, carefully preserved among ourselves throughout the world, Masonry becomes an universal language. By this means many advantages are gained: men of all religions and of all nations are united. The distant Chinese, the wild Arab, or the American savage, will embrace a brother Briton; and he will know that, besides the common ties of humanity, there is still a stronger obligation to engage him to kind and friendly actions. The spirit of the fulminating priest will be tamed; and a moral brother, though of a different persuasion, engage his esteem. Thus all those disputes, which embitter life and sour the tempers of men, are avoided; and every face is clad in smiles, while the common good of all, the generous design of the Craft, is zealously pursued.

Is it not then evident that Masonry is an universal advantage to mankind? for sure, unless discord and harmony be the same, it must be so. Is it not likewise reconcilable to the best policy? for it prevents the heat of passion, and these partial animosities, which different interests too often create. Masonry teaches us to be faithful to our king, and true to our country; to