The Portrait—A Mason's Story.

history , he spoke but little , and seemed to be pained at any question concerning himself . That ho was an orphan , struggling with poverty , and had denied himself , of even necessary food and exercise , that he might secure an education , was all that could be gathered from his lips . But I must not weary you with these details . After a time the student recovered , completed

his studies , and left fche university , and city , to seek his fortune elsewhere . "In course of years , and after many hard struggles , the fortunes of the kind-hearted nurse had bettered . Her children had relieved her of their support and care ; her son had prospered in his new home , and . waa-able to assist her in his turn ; and her declining years were

passing happily away . Her son ' s prosperity continued to increase , and he desired his mother to remove to America , and pass the rest of her life in his own household . But the task of removal seemed too great , and the severing of old friendships too painful to contemplate , and she determined to live and die amid the scenes of her childhoodand the trials of her maturer . Finding her

, years resolution firmly fixed , her son ceased to persuade . But he could not rest satisfied without at least a picture of the mother , who bent over him in his cradle , and whom he had noe seen since she kissed and bade him good-bye when he first started for the Western world . Deeply impressed with tbe thought , he wrote to request that she would sit for her portrait ; and remembering how

beautiful she seemed to him in days long passed , and of his own presentprosperity , he particularly directed that it should be painted by the best artist that she could find . If he must content himself with the counterfeit , he desired it should at least be skilfully executed . " Anxious to gratify her son ' s wishes to the fullest extent , the mother sought for an artist . She learned that the most celebrated artist resided in a neighbouring city , aud was known as the ' court' painter , being honoured with the special patronage of the nobility .

Thither she went , not knowing whether he would condescend to so humble a task , and having obtained an interview , stated the object of her visit . To her great delight , as well as surprise , the distinguished painter readily consented , and seemed pleased to be able to confer so signal a favour upon herself and her affectionate son . In reply to a delicate inquiry as to the price , he

assured her that , although it was an unusual undertaking on his part , the price should be within her means , and satisfactory to both herself aud her sou . " The artist entered upon his work at once , seeming desirous to relieve his patron of all possible delay and suspense . As the portrait approached completion ifc was remarked that the painter was unusually interested in

his work . He seemed to be wholly engrossed in his subject , and careless of the presence or remarks of his distinguished visitors . "At last the portrait was finished , and offered for inspection . The verdict was unanimous that the artist had exceeded all his previous efforts ; and as the fame of his success spread throughthe city , crowds came to

see and admire the portrait . People wondered that ho should have selected so humble a subject for the exercise of his highest skill , and thought that he never before expressed so much pleasure in hearing his work praised . " The mother heard these enthusiastic praises with many misgivings . She feared that the price would be far above the means of herself and son , and accused

herself of blindly allowing her affection and pride to lead her to such extravagance . At length , summoning courage , she inquired the price . The artist in . return asked her if it was perfectly satisfactory , or if she could suggest any additions or changes in any part of ifc . The poor woman trembled to think of the possibility of adding to the enormous sum- she already feared to hear named , and eagerly assured him that it seemed faultless , —that no room had been left for improvement . "' Madam , ' said the artist , * I assured you in the be-

The Portrait—A Mason's Story.

ginning , that the price should be satisfactory to you . The portrait is yours !' " The woman was speechless with surprise , unable to penetrate the meaning of this strange language . "' You do not yefc recognise me , ' said the artist . " She shook her head , —and he continued : "' Do you not remember the pale-faced student ; him .

you watched so tenderly during his long illness ? He stands before you ! I recognised you at our first interview , and only delayed making myself known , that I might in this way prove to you that I have not forgotten to whom I owe my very life . You perhaps thought me inquisitive , when I have made so many inquiries about yourself and familbut now

undery , you stand it . You were more than a mother to me , when life hung suspended by a single thread , and this is bub a feeble requital . ' " You may judge of the feelings of the poor woman , as she listened to the burning words of the grateful artist , aud will hardly doubt that the price of the portrait was satisfactory .

" 'And now , brethren , " said Brother S , ' if I have made a long story , and have painted my picture in high coloured language , I know you will forgive me , when I tell you that the poor widoiv was my own mother , and the portrait ivas for me ! Should either of you visit New York , and would like to see the picture , call at No . — , in Street , and you can do so . " Need I add , in conclusion , that we all promised to call and see the portrait of the mother of our worthy brother , should we ever find it possible to do so ?

The Common Origin Of The Ancient Mysteries.

THE COMMON ORIGIN OF THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES .

( From the Masonic Monthly , Boston , TJ . S . ) The numerous analogies observable in the rites of the various mysteries of the ancient world , so far as they have been revealed to us , have always suggested to the thoughtful mind the unity of their origin . A writer who has thorougly studied this interesting theme , has remarked— " U a review of all the evidence on the

, pon subject , I am led to the conclusion that every form of religion which does now exist , or ever has existed , was Copied from an original , divine institution ; and that every form of the ancient mysternes was copied from some primitive religious rite . " They all bear conclusive evidence of a leading intention to conceal from the vulgarwho could not comprehendand to reveal to the

, , initiated , a knowledge of certain abtruse doctrines concerning nature , deity , and man ' s destiny , which had been preserved from a still remoter antiquity , and which they were instituted to preserve for the coming ages . In other words , they were an enacted tradition of tho earliest teachings which the human mind had received—a translation into the language of symbols of those primary

truths which lie at the foundation of all philosophies and theologies . In the absence of an alphabetical literature , the principles of symbolic teaching and hieroglyphic writing were elevated to the height of a science , the study of which was most essential to the advancing human intelligence . The field of inquiry into which an investigation into

fche evidences of a common origin of the ancient mysteries , would lead us , is too extensive to embrace in an articie suitable for these pages . We shall , therefore , be enabled merely to produce a brief catalogue of a few of the features in which the ancient mysteries resemble each other , and from which deduction is made of their springing from a common source . Isaiah , the Hebrew Prophefc , wrote : — "I will bring the blind by a way they know not ; I will lead them in