Memoirs Of The Freemasons Of Naples.

and benevolence , was in heart a Ereemason , though he might not know the secrets of the order . His confinement he assured them had led him to think more deeply of these things , and the love he had formerly had for the fraternity had increased with his sufferings ; he was willing to bow with submission to the will of his

sovereign , ancl should it be so ordered that meetings of his society should not be permitted , he should respect the law , but in heart ancl soul he would still be a Mason . " Michele Sciaronne was now loudly called forth by the assembled multitude ; he was an old man , but his grey hair had become whiter aud his forehead more wrinkled

, in his short confinement ; he was loved and respected by all Avho knew him , for he Avas ever ready to assist his neighbour in distress , and offered kindly advice to all ; he had never indulged in politics , but was a man of acknowledged honour and integrity . The cheers that greeted him were too much for the poor old man , and

he held down his head and wept . He had not strength to make more than a few remarks . He said " That he was in the hands of the Almighty , and that he hoped to be patient under every affliction it should please Him to ordain . His earthly existence , must be short , and so long as he lived , he determined to do his duty as far as he

was able , as a Christian ; and if they were of the same mind as himself they would meet him , the next morning , at La- Grotto , di Fausilippo , where lie Avoulcl return thanks to Almighty God for his deliverance , and let all , who will , attend , and they will find that we look for comfort ancl happiness , not in the things that be , but in those that shall be hereafter . " In our translation we are unable

to give enect to lus words , but the power that it had on the multitude was great ; some were even convulsed with sobs , and scarcely an ej'e in that vast assemblage but shed a copious flood of tears . The next mornin < r a vast multitude assembled at Ln

Grol-la di Fausillippo , and there , without any interference from the government , the relieved prisoners were allowed to render thanks to the Almighty , and pray for the general welfare of the kingdom . But in this they gave great offence to the Cardinal Archbishop aud the clergy , of which we shall speak hereafter . To the surprise of allthe govermentin order to

ex-, , culpate themselves , joined their voice of indignation to that of the people , and pointing to Vauni as the author of the false accusations , deposed him from iiis office , banished him from the city , and overwhelmed him with every mark of disgrace . The Prince di Casteleicala , his associate in guilt , escaped by throwing all the

blame on his unfortunate friend . General Acton , pretended to retire from the burdens of state , and other ministers , and forms of Government were introduced into the cabinet , —Castelciala still remaining Minister of Justice , and the system of spies and informers retained . The Junta proceeded with the trial of the prisoners

, and soon after the acquittal of the Chevalier di Medici and others , Pietro di Falco was put upon his trial for being the leader of a plot against the government . This manwehave formerly spoken of as betrayinghis associates , and giving false evidence which led both to conviction imd death of many members of tho Masonic Order . He

offered on this to become informer against his associates , but the J unta would not hear him , and he was condemned to be confined for life in the Island of Tremiti . Tho Queen , remembcringtheformerpatriotismandbenevolence of tlie ' Freemasons , extended to them the same patronage she had formerlbestowedand iness

y , happ and uuaniinity seemed daily ' to increase among all classes of the community . The Grand Lodge of Germany communicated to the Neapolitan lodges , under their ' superintendence , their command that at all meetings of the

brethren no political subject should be discussed , and , " that any brother becoming a member of a secret political society , should be expelled from the Masonic Order . " The Freemasons in Germany were then , as now , a highly respected body , and had amongst their members persons of the hihest rank and respectability ; it had been

g clearly proved that they had no connection with any political society ; and they were acknowledged , even by their former enemies , to possess honour , loyalty and benevolence .

It will be rememberedthat about this period asuspicion was excited that the Grand Lodge of England had encouraged those political societies in this country , which had exercised such a baneful influence on the Continent ; but after a careful examination by the agents of the English Government , it was found wholly incorrect , and

Avhen the " Act for the more effectual suppression of societies established for seditious and treasonable purposes , " & c , was passed in the year 1799 , it was , inter alia , declared illegal for any body of men to require an oath , test , or declaration from their members , not authorised blaw ; but that an express exception was

y contained therein in favour of Freemasons under certain provisions , videlicit .- —Sec . 5 . ' - ' Andwhereas certain societies have been long accustomedto beholdenin this kingdom , under the denomination of Lodges of Freemasons , the meetings whereof have been in a great measure directed to charitable purposes ; be it therefore enacted that nothing

in this Act shall extend to the meetings of any such society or loclge which shall , before the passing of this A . ct , have been usually holden under the said denomination , and in conformity to the rules prevailing among the said bodies of Freemasons . " This Act bore honourable testimony to the purity of the Order , and silenced

the daring breath of calumny . Another Act was passed in 1316 , containing a similar provision . These exemptions are not only honourable to the loyalty and prudence of British persons , but are gratifying testimonies to the pure principles of the fraternity . But to return to Naples : the remaining prisoners were soon released from custody , when no positive charge could he substantiated against them .

I he Freemasons again held their meetings without fear , and many new members were initiated , but no candidate was admitted till the strictest scrutiny had been made into his conduct . And now arrived in Naples the tidings of the battle of Aboukir , in which , by a bold manoeuvre , the English Admiral , Nelson , had seized and

burnt the ships of France , which had anchored in the roadstead after the disembarkation of the troops , and unwisely deemed themselves secure from attack . The particulars of the battle were joyfully announced in Naples , aud , soon after , the English fleet wa s seen entering the Bay with their captured ships . Immediatel

y , the King , the Queen , ancl the English Ambassador , with Lady Hamilton , proceeded some distance to meet the victor , in ships decorated as for a festival , and went on board his vessel to do him honour . The King presented him with a rich sword , and loaded him with so mamwords of commendation , that he could not have said

more had the victory been that of his own fleet for the salvation of the kingdom . The Queen presented him Avith costly gifts , ancl amongst the rest a jewel with the motto , "To the Hero of Aboukir . " The Ambassador , Sir William Hamilton , thanked him on the part of his Government ; and his beautiful ladexpressed her

deepy felt admiration . All Naples hastened to the palace , and the city was in a tumult of joy . In the evening the Grand Theatre was illuminated , as was usual on occasions of national or royal rejoicings . When the King and Queen entered , accompanied by Nelson , the people