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third centuries of our era , new publications have given us more insight into their symbols , as preserved in vast accumulations of gems , amulets , and talismans in antiquarian cabinets ; many of ihe Masonic symbols are found on these gems ,

bearing the like interpretation then as now . Masonic initiations present indications of Hebrew descent in their reverence for the Bible , and much of their philosophy ; other ceremonial and symbolic portions are strongly Mithraic ; while , in

many particulars , a curious blending from different sources can be traced , — Hebrew Kabbalistic rather preponderating , in my opinion . The very selection of St . John the Evangelist , —the most imbued with Kabbalistic doctrines among the

Evangelists , —as their patron , indicates that era , when , as we have seen , the influence that inspired the prophesy of Malachi , acting on Christian , Hebrew , and Pagan hearts , made the sun of righteousness a spiritual emblem held in common

as the symbol of the Living Source , the unknown God , or the Redeemer . The extreme limits for an address are reached

It is more a rare coincidence that all these symbols , and these points of doctrine , still green and flourishing among us , should lay in the very track followed by the art of Masonry , from age to age , in its migration to our day . The similarities and

resemblances , which the intelligent Mason who explores the whole array of evidence will detect , must carry a conviction to his mind that the theory of a chance invention of yesterday will not account satisfactorily therefor . The scholars of

the antiquary alone can unveil our mysteries , aud they cannot , unless they bathe their eyes in the light of initiation , distinguish the secret things manifest in the petals and leaves of the Eose . I regret that the labourers are few , and that a refuge

in scepticism is sought by many faint spirits who shrink appalled from the probations of faith and hard study through which even the initiate ' s soul be purified in its onward seeking for more light-

The Common Secret, And Its Influence.

THE COMMON SECRET , AND ITS INFLUENCE .

The subtle , indefinable influence , the quick , apprehensive sympathy , engendered by the possession of a common secret , held sacred and inviolable , can never be fully comprehended hy those who have not

themselves felt its mystic power . It quickens the impulse of charity , sharpens the sense of integrity , softens the asperities of political warfare , tones down the dogmatic acrimony of theological discussion , mitigates the horrors of war , and prompts to deeds of truest

chivalry , of generous self-sacrifice . Many a tombstone standing where pestilence has blazed its desolating way through crowded cities , is but a monumental record of the self-sacrificing spirit

thus developed . A striking illustration of its influence came under my own observation a few years since : In a rural district , where the very name of the disease is terror , a Mason fell sick with small-pox . He was deserted by all save one young man , bound to him only by the

Masonic tie , who watched over him while living , and cast the evergreen into his early grave . A few days later , this young man came to the city , suffering with the initial fever of the disease , and asked me to take him to the pest-house , to remain until the danger of

infecting his- friends were past . In answer to my questions , he told me how he had contracted the disease , remarking that the man was a Mason , and he couldn't see him lie there and suffer without care He made no ado about it , and seemed unconscious

that he had performed an act of self-sacrificing devotion , requiring the highest type of courage . This young man ' s surroundings , the atmosphere of his daily life , had not been of an elevating character . More than likely he neglected the " mint , anise , and cummin " of the law , and might have heen termed a reprobate by those who adhere rather to the letter

which killeth than to the spirit which giveth life but the compelling power of Masonry had taken root in his heart , and blossomed into deeds redolent of the sweet odours of charity , and blessed in the sight of heaven . The influence of the spirit—I might almost say , this instinct of brotherhood—in

mitigating the horrors of war is attested hy manywell known instances , and many more are known only to those who were parties to them . It snatched Putman from the torturing hand of his captors in the old French war . It more than once unnerved

the arm of Butler , when , with Brandt and his savage followers , he swept , with Are and sword , the lovely valley of Wyoming . In the last struggle for national existence it ministered to the necessities of our brave defenders who

languished in Southern prisons , snatching them ftom their living death , or , failing in that , smoothing tho pathway that led down into the dark valley of the shadow , for many a brother W 3 offered . "The last libation that liberty draws , From the hearts that bled aud breaking in her cause " It was this spirit that seut the heroic Kane on his