Masonic Reminiscences.

Sussex * presides over the Order with the most devoted affection . Men such as these , and we could make their name Legion , not more exalted by their rank than by their virtues , should guard us from such defamatory attacks as we have beard this evening . In the name of common sense , if not of common charity , is it within the range of probability that they should lend the sanction of their high names to anything

founded in evil ? "' But the tree is known by its fruits . ' Behold , then , the fruits of Freemasonry in its manifold charities ; see it in the salvation of the bereaved female orphan , saved , perhaps , from a life of sin and shame , trained up to virtue , and made a happy ancl creditable member of society . "Behold it in the aged and infirm brother who had failed in the battle

of life , and now at the hands of Ms brother , in Ms declining years , finds a peaceful asylum to rest Ms tired spirit ancl sinking heart . Examine our schools , our hospitals ; can a society producing results like these be banded together for evil ? Forbid it , the God of charity ancl love ! " It is charged against our Order that it is inconsistent with , and would supersede morality and religion .

"The municipal institutions necessarily established throughout the civibsed world , prove how ineffective have been all known systems of faith and morals hitherto promulgated to keep man in the rigid path of duty towards his Creator and his fellow creature . The bitter controversies among Christian sects show how imperfectly are still felt and practised the divine precepts of the pure religion of the Cross .

"It is thus manifest that , in mans present imperfect state , the soundest code of morals and the purest system of religion require additional helps and assistants ; and the minister of God , as well as the administrator of human laws , would find no more powerful assistant than in making Masonry auxiliary to their high purposes , by encouraging the extension of its principles throughout the length and breadth of every land , till the ivhole globe should become one Lodge , ancl all mankind Brothers .

" Freemasonry is not the enemy of faith and morals ; but rather the gentle and effective helpmate of both : it excludes none from its communion but the vicious and the profligate ; it comprehends within its extended circle men of every clime , and creed , and colour , ivithout distinction ; it recognizes no qualities but those of the head and the heart ; it is universal as God's love , throwing its fraternal arms open wide as the poles , inviting all into its sacred brotherhood , merely observing those forms essential to the preservation of its rules and the observance of its solemn sanctions .

"The discordant elements which disturb the world abroad , find no place in the Masonic sanctuary ; all minor differences are sacrificed at that shrine of peace , and merge in its god-like universality . " Numberless instances could be adduced to prove how binding and deep-felt are the sanctions of the Masonic bond , and how rigidly they are observed , even under the most extraordinary circumstances . One recent