Extract From An Address ,

EXTRACT FROM AN ADDRESS ,

Delivered before the Grand Lodge of Arkansas , BY BRO . THORNBURGH , M . W . G . M . THE universality of Masonry exceeds that of any organization under the sun . A Mason may leave Arkansas , cross either ocean ancl circle the

globe , ancl wherever he goes he finds a brother . Though his tongue be unknown ancl his colour strange , let him appeal in the powerful language of the hailing sign , ancl assistance is at his side . He may speak the English language to foreign ears and it brings no response , but let him call in the silent language of the token , and warm recognition at once is given .

Masonry has taught all nations to speak one language by signs and symbols . She glories in age , without the least sign of dotage . She presents herself today in all the vigour of youth , ancl with the wisdom of manhood . She moves like an angel of mercy wherever suffering and Avant are known . Her countenance beams Avith the light of heavenl y charity . Her garments are unstained , and her white banner floats upon the breeze of every clime , the admiration of

the good ancl true of every country . And while she peacefully carries forward her heaven-blessed work , there are those who , filled with envy and hatred , would crush her out of existence , were it in their power . A few instances of this spirit may be interesting to you , and as the principal actors preach the total depravity of the human soul , they are entitled to the credit of consistency , as they practise what they preach . An organization exists in Chicagothe

ob-, ject of which is to oppose Freemasonry . They call themselves "The National Christian Association , opposed to Secret Societies . " They shoiv their deep piety , on the start , by committing a fraud upon , and crime against , the postal laws . They sent their circulars to the Neiv York Independent , ancl doubtless other papers , and on the inside of the printed matter , snugl y hidden , was a written letter to the editor .

A circular was sent me from several members of a lodge at Red Wing , Minnesota , stating that they were members of a church whose pastors and officers were oppressing them , ancl endeavouring to force them to renounce Masonry or leave the church . They desired help to build another church . The Reformed Church , ivhich held its General Synod in Brooklyn , in June last , had a desperate wrestle . The bigots in that church , flattering themselves

that they ' were in the majority , introduced a resolution in the Synod to force all who were Masons out of the church , But they found , to their sorrow , that they had " dug up more snakes than they could kill . " Nearly every doctor of divinity , nearly every college professor , and nearl y every prominent layman in the Synod proved to be a Mason . Dr . Porter , one of their ablest divines , said : " Masonry does not hinder any man ' s Christian work . I wish to God the

Christian Church knew enough to copy the methods of Masonic lodges , that it might do more good . Yon never find widows ancl orphans of Masons in the poor house . " That was a high compliment to be paid in the face of such bitter hatred . The Synod , instead of adopting the ridiculous resolutions , declared that every organization "should be judged by its fruits , " and that the fruits of Masonry were good . All honour to the true men of that Synod .

It is strange , ancl it is melancholy to see such a spirit of intolerance ancl bigotry exhibited under the cloak of that reli gion whose Divine founder was the meekest and mildest of all teachers . It is just as strange that , after so much has been said and written b y the wisest and best men in all countries in favour of the moral tendency of Masonry , and after the testimony of the