Social Problems And Their Peaceful Solution.

reading-rooms and institutes ; fill the ranks of volunteer coips ; build gymnasiums , and use them ; establish cricket-clubs ; promote all kinds of harmless and healthy amusement . Into these studies and these sports alike enter heartily during the hours freely given up to thembut when work is the

, order of the day—work ! Give , in short , to , work , to play , to rest , each their fair proportion of time , and thus in your periods of Recreation , fit yourselves anew for your hours of Creation .

The Broken Tessera.

THE BROKEN TESSERA .

The following most interesting little story has recently appeared in one of our able American contemporaries : " Two are better than one , because they have a good reward for their labour . " When Philadelphia was about to be

evacuated by the British Army , under Sir Henry Clinton , June 18 , 1778 , there was a merchant , one Hubbard Simpson , largely engaged in the sale of English goods , who had become highly obnoxious to the American residents , for supplying the British commander with mercantile facilities , and with information that had been used to the detriment of the

American army . This man was in high repute with Sir Henry and his immediate predecessor , Lord Howe . From the former he now received a notification in time to enable him to sell his goods and depart under the protection of the British army .

It was not possible , however , to dispose of so large a stock at short notice . To sell upon a credit was impracticable , so far as any of the American merchants were concerned , and as for those in the Tory interest they were not to be trusted .

To make a cash sale in the present state of the funds was impossible . Thus Mr . Simpson revolved the matter in his mind till the very clay preceding the evacuation . A final notice from Sir Henry found him undecidedsitting in his crowded

ware-, house , soon to be devoted to spoliation and fire by the incensed Americans . Now , this man was a member of the Masonic Fraternity , Before the breaking » ut of strife he had held a distinguished place in the provincial Lodges . Although

his understanding of right aud wrong , in the present war , differed from that of the majority of his countrymen , yet the most zealous patriot could not accuse him of inconsistency or turpitude . What he had professed to be from his youth—a warm loyalist—he still maintained ; and this had

led him to adopt the unpopular side iu the revolutionary struggle , and to follow the British army , even at the expense of a large portion of his property . As things now stood he was likly to lose more . Already he had begun to

contemplate the idea of throwing open the doors and departing , when a rap was heard without , and , in answer to his invitation , an old friend , Mr . Jonas Lee , entered and asked a conference . This person , come at so critical a

moment , was a person of note in the cityone who had suffered more . . than most others for his attachment to liberty—aud a zealous Mason . For three years and upward no intercourse had been held between the pair ,

once fraternally intimate ; they had only acknowledged each other ' s acquaintance by a nod of recognition when they met on the streets . The object of the present call was stated in a few words , "My old friend and BrotherI have

, heard of your approaching danger , and am come to offer you a service . We have takeu opposite sides in politics ; but you have sustained your choice , like myself , at great sacrifices ; and , while I can but regret you are arrayed against our common

country , I yet respect your honesty of purpose . Masonry knows no principle but duty , and this is your hour of oppression ; therefore am I come . My influence is now in the ascendant , and I hereby offer to you in Brotherly truth . For old time ' s sake I

will take charge of your property , otherwise the spoil of our soldiers , and before to-morrow morning , will sell it for you at the best time and advantage , and hold the proceeds subject to your order . " The grateful merchant was profuse with his thanks .

"None of that , Brother Simpson . M y own heart is a sufficient reward . You can say all that when we meet again . Time presses . You are in immediate and great danger . "