What Non-Masons Say Of Us.

Even the most inconsiderable animals are formed into different ranks and societies for mutual benefit ancl protection . Need Ave name the careful ant , or the industrious bee , insects Avhich tho Avisest of men has recommended as patterns' of unwearied

industry and prudent foresight 1 When Ave extend our ideas , Ave shall find that the innate principle of friendship increases in proportion to tho extension of our intellectual faculties , and the only criterion by Avhich a judgment can be formed respecting

the superiority of one part of tho animal creation above the other , is by observing the degrees of kindness and good-nature in Avhich it excels . Such arc the general principles AAdiich pervade tho Avhole system of creation .

HOAV forcibly , then , must such lessons predominate in our assemblies , Avhere civilization and virtue are most zealously cherished , under the sanction of science and the arts !

THE ADVANTAGES EESULTING FKOM FRIENDSHIP . No subject can more properly engage the attention than the bencA r olent dispositions Avhich indulgent Nature has bcstoAved upon the rational species . These are replete

Avith the happiest effects , and afford to the mind the most agreeable reflections . The breast Avhieh is inspired Avith tender feelings , is naturally prompted to a reciprocal intercourse of kind and generous actions . As human nature rises in tho scale of beings , the social effections likewise arise . Where friendship is unknoAvn , jealousy and

suspicion prevail ; but Avnere that virtue is the cement , true happiness subsists . In every breast there is a propensity to friendly acts , Avhich being exerted to effect , SAvectous every temporal enjoyment , and although it does not remove the disquietudes , it tends at least to allay the calamities of life .

Friendship is traced through the circle of private connections to the grand system of universal benevolence , Avhich no limits can circumscribe , as its influence extends to every branch of the human race . Actuated by this sentimenteach individual

, connects his happiness Avith the happiness of his neighbour , and a fixed ami permanent union is established among men . Nevertheless , though friendship , considered as the source of mhversal

benevolence , be unlimited , it exerts its influence more or less poAverfully as the objects it favours are nearer or more remote . Hence the love of friends ancl of country takes tho lead in our affections , and gives rise to that true patriotism Avhich fires the soul

Avith the most generous flame , creates the best and most disinterested virtue , ancl inspires that public spirit and heroic ardour Avhich enable us to support a good cause , and risk our lives in its defence . This commendable virtue croAvns the

lover of his country with unfading laurels , gives a lustre to his actions , ancl consecrates his name to latest ages . The ivarrior ' s glory may consist in murder ancl the rude ravage of the desolating SAVOrd , but tho blood of thousands Avill not stain the hands

of his country ' s friend . His virtues are open , and of the noblest kind . Conscious integrity supports him against tho arm of pOAver , and should ho 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 .

Though friendship appears divine when employed in preserving the liberties of our country , it shines Avith equal splendour in more tranquil scenes . Before it rises into the noble flame of patriotism , aiming destruction at the heads of tyrants ,

thundering for liberty , and courting danger in defence of rights , Ave behold it calm and moderate , burning Avith an even gloAv , improving the soft hours of peace , ancl heightening the relish for virtue . In those happy moments contracts are formed , societies are instituted , and the A acant hours of life are employed in the cultivation of social and polished , manners .

On this general plan the universality of our system is established . Were friendship confined to the spot of our nativity , its operations Avould be partial , and imply a kind of enmity to other nations . Whore the interests of one country interfere Avith

those of another , Nature dictates an adherence to the Avelfare of our oivn immediate connections ; but such interference apart , the true Mason is a citizen of the world , ancl his philanthropy extends to all the human race . Uninfluenced by local

prejudices , he knows no preference in A'irtue but according to his degree , from Avhatever clime it may spring .