I. Our Philanthropy. — An ancient maxim was that

the whole world is, in effect, a great republic, of which every nation is a family, and every particular person a child. To revive and spread abroad this maxim, drawn
THE LEVEL. 51
from the nature of man, is one of the ends of our es- tablishment. We wish to unite all men of an agreeable humor and enlightened understanding, not only by the love of the polite arts, but still more by the great prin- ciples of virtue. From such a union the interests of the Fraternity become the interests of all mankind. From such every nation may draw solid knowledge, and all the subjects of different kingdoms may unite without jealousy, live without disorder, and mutually love one another without renouncing their country. Freemasonry instructs in our duty to the Supreme Architect of the universe, to our neighbors, and to ourselves. It instructs us to be peaceable citizens to the civil powers, and never to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against the well-being of the nations. It teaches truth, peace, and concord. It bids us open our ears to the cries of the unfortunate, and to extend our hands to them with the cup of consolation. It unites men of all nations in one affectionate band of brotherhood. It shows us that we are all upon a level, and that merit is the only just dis- tinction. It orders us to live within compass, and al- ways to act upon the square with the world and with one another. It is not gloomy, but cheerful. It forbids intemperance, but encourages rational mirth and innocent pleasure. In short, it is a superstructure fixed with solid firmness on the broad basis of moral and' social virtue.