Christianity C. Universality.

rightly , in a former letter he asserted he had never heard of , or never read "Pearson on the Creed ; " probably he would do well to make himself acquainted with that work before commencing an argument against the Christian faith as generally held in this country ; at any rate lie might not be judged less qualified to form an opinion after having read one of the best works on the creed ivhich was ever published . Surely he would not grudge a little time ancl attention to a matter of such vital

importanceperhaps were he to study the Scriptures carefully , ancl with a little humility , giving some weight to the opinions of learned and good men , whose researches have thrown light on difficult points , not relying too much on his own powers , however great ; and , moreover , not going to work with a predetermination not to be convinced , he might be induced to alter his views . Be that as it ma } ' , he would probably be as much benefited by that course as by any result which miht follow his published defiance .

g Now , Sir , the recognition of Christianity in our Lodges is not a matter of moment to ministers of any denomination in this land alone . The episcopal church is not the only church in which Christianity is taught as the faith whereby men can alone be saved ; there are many ministers besides those of the Church of England who go about their Master's work honestly ; but they also preach Christ crucified , however they may differ on other points .

It is not then to one body alone of God's ministers that this matter is of moment ; nor is it to those ministers of more importance than to the people at large ; the great mass of the people are believers , thorough believers , in their Saviour— -the number of those whose creed is as the Universalists is

happily small . Ancl however the opinions ofthe laity on other articles may vary , they are , as a bod y , Christians by profession . Many of them , when they thank God at the closing of their Lodge for his blessings already received , ivould like to acknowledge the greatest of them all ; and their regret at the omission is increased when they are obliged to go back to olden times , ancl resort to what must be confessed to be ingenious reasonings to connect the honoured name of their Saviour with the work they have in hands .

It is absurd to say that the recognition of Christianity would contract the bonds of Freemasonry—not a tenth part of the candidates yearly initiated but are Christians . The obligation might remain as it is , also the ritual in applying it to special cases ; but when Christian men meet together and unite in prayer for one of their own faith , that prayer should be made in the name of Him who can alone render it acceptable . Many Unitarians , who are good men , do not refuse to attend service in church and chapel , ancl would hardl

they y object to attend a Lodge because the majority of their Brethren thought fit to confess their faith . As regards our Brethren of the Jewish persuasion , I would add , they do not object to sit in a Christian hall of legislature ; and it could not be with them a matter against conscience to sit in a confessedly Christian Lodge . It is a poor compliment to any man ' s good sense to imagine he respects you more because you conceal your religion studiously , as though you honoured his

peculiar views rather than 3-0111- God . It is also ridiculous to raise the cry of sectarianism , and to talk of attempts to bring the Articles of the Church of England into Lodge—as "A Universalist" writes in a former letter—it has nothing to do with the matter . It does not follow that a person who has read "Pearson on the Creed , " ancl desires to see the name of his Saviour acknowledged in Lodge , must , therefore , be a member of the church of England ; let him recollect , there are many Christians not episcopalians who will read and admire a book which treats cleverly and convincingly the