CHAPTER XIV.

\e Unity and Fellowship of Masons. — All agree in the great essentials. — Things un- essential break not the Unity of the Bro- therhood.
SUCH is the nature of man, that he seldom altogether satisfied with his pre- ut situation, be it ever so agreeable, or cempt from those cares incident to hu- an life. He is naturally aspiring, and uch inclined to picture, in imagination, any inconveniencies in his present condi- gn, which have no real existence. He ricies his situation may be greatly impro- *d, by which his happiness and enjoy- ent may be advanced. Hence that pro- snsity for change and variety. From ng experience, such a disposition has *en found to actuate mankind, in every age and condition of life. In govern- cnts, also, changes and innovations have sen effected no less than in habits of life, ave the latter often arisen from unfound- i discontent ? so have the former, t^as ride or ambition been the moving cause f the one? so has it ol the other. A si- lilar restless disposition hass been found > exist, in a greater or less degree, in the
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146 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
members of various societies and institu- tions of the world.
While some, from the best of motives, have exerted themselves to improve the general constitution of society, or the ad- ministration of its principles, to promote the extent of its usefulness ; others, from motives far different, have often attempt- ed innovations, with too much success.—' Such attempts have seldom failed to excite party feelings, create jealousies, originate slanders, weaken confidence, and some- times wholly destroy that social friendship, created by virtue of membership. Such is the much lamented fact, even amongst the churches of the blessed Immanuel. Here, in truth, there is one Lord, one faith, one Spirit, one communion, and one heaven. Yet differences altogether un- essential in their nature, as respects the great subject matter, have crept in, and by degrees rent asunder those strong cords of union, which should have bound them to- gether, as disciples of the same Lord, and heirs to the same inheritance.
Such secondary considerations have se- vered their visible fellowship and com- munion with each other as beloved breth- ren. Where unity should have existed, there has been schism* Where love should have abounded, there has been coldness,
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 147
and sometimes jealousies. Where the most perfect union should have been main- tained, by virtue of a common interest in the same future blessedness, there has been individual sectarian interests, and an open refusal, both of Christian fellowship and communion. Such things ought not to bfe, and nothing but the want of sufficient char- ity has led to this state of things. As it respects the Masonic Institution, disunion is a stranger. Although its members are found dispersed through every quarter of the globe, although no special arrange- ment for official intercourse exists between the Institutions of different countries, yet the unity and fellowship of the great body has never been broken. How surprising does this appear, when not another society in the world can be excepted ! Although, in some countries, long periods have elaps- ed, during which Masonry has flourished unnoticed and unassisted by brethren of any other country, yet the same forms have, in substance, been observed, the same fundamental principles carefully maintained, and the same unison of bro- therly affection perpetuated. Notwith- standing the Institution has existed from ancient time, and is now to be found a- mongst all civilized nations, yet the same unity of sentiment, in relation to that sys-
148 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
tern, is commensurate with the existence of the Society itself.
From this consideration, the purity of the system may be inferred : here the con- trolling influence of its principles are ex- emplified in a surprising manner. It is not to be supposed, that a corrupting, de- moralizing institution, secretly aiming to subvert government, under any or every form, or contrary to the principles of or- der and decorum, religion, morality or virtue, could have preserved its unity du- ring every age, in every nation and state of society, both ancient and modern.
The existing fact, therefore, of univer- sal Masonic unity in all periods, is high pre- sumptive evidence that the principles ac- cord with the nature and fitness of things. Mankind, whether savage or civilized, na- turally possess an aptitude to discover the propriety and reasonableness of things, when once presented to the mind. Mason- ic unity and fellowship are, in truth, very precious considerations. There is some- thing so peculiar in this relation, that no one can describe it. The great fundamen- tal points constituting the system, are so manifestly plain and unexceptionable, ac- cording to the just apprehensions of every sound mind, as to unite heart to heart in the strongest bonds of social and brotherly
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affection. Nothing, therefore, can sunder this union and fellowship, wherever the characteristic marks of a true and faithful brother are found impressed on the heart; no matter of what nation, complexion or language.
Here is a privilege no where else to be found. Are you a Free and accepted Mason? you have a home in every coun- try, a friend and benefactor in every wor- thy brother, through the whole fraternity. Do you travel for curiosity, health or knowledge? in every clime you meet well- informed brethren, who will serve you in either case as far as time, means or oppor- tunity will permit. Are you driven to a ret urnless distance, or cast on the shores of a foreign land ? the hand of a brother is there extended to alleviate your wants, to animate your sinking spirits, or console your agonized mind. Do you fall into the merciless hands of unrelenting Turks? even there the shackles of slavery are bro- ken from your hands, through the interpo- sition of a brother. Do you meet an ene- my in battle array ? the token of a Mason instantly converts him into a guardian an- gel. Even the bloody flag of a pirate is changed for the olive branch of peace, by the mysterious token of a Mason. 3 * Is
* The author states this on the authority of * \WwR*\&\ft%~
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your life in jeopardy from any casually ofti'iie, place or circumstance? a brother's arm is nerved for your assistance, and his own life jeopardized for your safety. He vir\\h not your condition with supine in- diffcrence, nor shrinks in view of surround- ing dangers.
Such being the undeniable facts, attest- ed by the experience of the world, what heart would not reciprocate the friendship, and kindle into love at the sight of a bro- ther, in whose bosom dwells such tender- ness and compassion ! The language of a Alason is universally understood by all the brotherhood, wheresoever found. It speaks to the heart, is answered from the heart, and excites such feelings as mingle in kindred souls. The unity of the great body is preserved entire, and the cords of friendship extend to every Masonic heart, throughout the four quarters of the globe. Wherever a Mason may sojourn, wherever he may be found, whether in prosperity or adversity, on a throne or in a prison,*
iher, who escaped from Ireland, during their last national dif- ficulties, and who protected the whole crew from a pirate, by his knowledge of Masonry. This brother was a man of res- pectability, and the truth of his relation was not doubted.
* Two facts deserve to be related. During the American
revolution, a citizen on board % privateer, was captured by
the British, and the whele crew imprisoned at Edinburgh.—
The following night, after their imprisonment, a lodge held
its communication net? thtpt'wm. Dosing the time of re-
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same interchange of feelings and bro- rJy affection, and union of heart exists ivery country and every nation. The r of every lodge opens to welcome admission, and every band presents a igeoflove. Brethren, this is truly a ering reflection. It excites such lively >tions in the heart as may be felt, but er can be described.
nent, some of the brethren visited the prisoners. This •ican manifested himself to be a Mason, and was* recogni* s such. During the same evening 1 , he was permitted to the lodge, and associate with the craft By the friendly F his brethren, he was liberated from confinement, had eedom of the city, and shortly after was sent back to his ry and family.
e other instance was an American on board a British ves- i- a passage to Europe. The vessel was captured, and
to Brest. This was at the time when Bonaparte was in ssion of Egypt. The crew, therefore, was sent to Alex* a, and put into close confinement. A man was seen to the street by the prison, wearing a sash of many colours. American believing it to be a Masonic badge, wanted no-
but an opportunity to make himself known as a Mason.
however, it happened the same person, wearing the same came to the prison. This person proved to be the prin- officer of the city, and recognizing the American as a >n, took him to his own house The American thence* ird enjoyed the liberty of the city, and the privilege of tfficer's table* Some months after, an opportunity pre- d t by which the American might go on board a vessel, 1 would put him in a situaiion, eventually, to arrive at ec. The officer then paid his passage in the first vessel, him sixty crown*, and dismissed him. Suffice it to say, rived at Quebec, came to Montreal, and thence to White- at the head of Lake Champ tain, where he taught a school at months. All circumstances in relation to the above nent having been duly examined and compared, it was rained, to the reasonable satisfaction of the lodge at that , to be correct. Who would not wish, for humanity's
principles, which product such tn effect* mvgjhX ta geaendJjr understood ?