Masonic Baptism.

of the universe has placed in tlie heart of man , that which holds the first rank is charity . It is upon charity and beneficence that Freemasonry bases its edifice . Unfortunately it is only too clear that society , as now . constructed , is cursed with unequally distributed riches and comforts ; and the interests of man , far from being united and thoroughly combined , arc too often opposed , were it not for the teachings of Masonry , which hold that the hotly must

not completely govern the soul , but that we must till , for the common welfare" seek to extend the sphere ofthe heart ' s affections , and teach the beauties of charity and fraternal love . Tims it is that Masonry addresses itself lirst and above all to the mind , and calls for the highest development in the midst of liffl's trials ol' the soul ' s nobility and tenderness . A wide sphere opens before the Mason who , beyond the material wants of life , feels a ne cessity for reciprocal affections . lie needs a famillie needs friendsand

y , , he is impelled even beyond those circles in order to satisfy the wish for affectionate intercourse with his fellow-men . Imbued with a humanity su ¦ perior to that ofthe votaries of ignorance and sensuality , he lives for others , sacrificing his personal material wants to the generous promptings of his heart , lie will not hesitate to risk his material life to obey the dictates of friendship , a tender humanity , because the desires of the soul reach beyond him to sympathise with those of his fellow-beings . These arc the virtues of

the true Mason , these the results of charity and fraternity as wc always have and always shall understand them to be . Such are the teachings of Masonry , such the virtues that her sons endeavour to practice ; such the institution that has cverbeen sought to he calumniated and injured in public opinion . Men , who from principle should be tolerant , full of good ( hi ! h , inclined to forgive injuries , disposed to the observance of charity , fraternity , and justice ; men who far from disseminating feelings of hatred , should be

without bitterness or guile ; for is it not true that our patron saint , St . John the 'Evangelist , teaches them , as well as all of us , " Love one another . " " Do or say what they may please , our adversaries can do us no harm , their weapons are powerless and cannot stop our onward march , hot them all , one and another , talk and say what they please . AVhat matters fo the swift moving chariot , that this or that , grain of sand is crushed bencalh lis wheels ; Freemasonry will , nevertheless , cany out its divine mission ; she

ivill outlast Utopias , quarrels , tempests ; and whilst the great river of time carries upon its stormy waves all human sorrows and joys , the blazing star , ever brilliant in heaven , warms with its life giving rays the hearts of true . Masons . From this short review , you will see what Masonry accomplishes . She does not occupy herself with trivial matters , as the world are taught to believe . She does not conspire against society , as has been calumniousl y asserted . Masons have a more elevated and nobler object—the cultivation

of the powers of reason and of the heart , philanthropy , practical morality , the central point that unites all good men , who are both virtuous and intelligent , both free and beneficent . In fine , Masonry is the most reliable association for him who understands ancl practises fraternal affection ; for the philanthropist who asks that respect for his opinions that , he always exhibits for the opinions of others ; where the immortality of the soul is not looked upon as a chimera ; where hypocrisy is not concealed beneath a pleasing

mask ; where goodness is not weakness of character , benevolence not ambition in disguise , talent not another word for tyranny , wealth not a means of seduction , power not despotism ; where all talents , qualities , powers , are on the contrary , subject to the same forms , bound by the same oath , bowed , without humiliation , beneath the bonds of equality . This is what is seen among Masons ; for , united under the same banner , subject to the same sign , the same word , they practise among themselves the rules of a primi-