t and inhabitants of the
same planet, are to aid and protect each other. On this principle
Masonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion, and conciliates
true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a
perpetual distance.

Relief.--To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men, but
particularly on Masons who profess to be linked together by an
indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To soothe the unhappy, to
sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries and
to restore peace to their troubled minds, is the great aim we have in
view. On this basis we form our friendships and establish our
connections.

Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of every virtue. To be
good and true is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry. On this
theme we contemplate, and by its dictates endeavor to regulate our
conduct; hence, while influenced by this principle, hypocrisy and deceit
are unknown among us; sincerity and plain-dealing distinguish us, and
the heart and tongue join in promoting each other's welfare and
rejoicing in each other's prosperity.

P. P. E.

Every Mason has four (p. p. e.) which are illustrated by the four
cardinal virtues: Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance and Justice.

Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose of the mind whereby we are
enabled to undergo any pain or peril, when prudentially deemed
expedient. This virtue is equally distant from rashness and cowardice,
and should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every Mason. It is a
safeguard or security against the success of any attempt, by force or
otherwise, to extort from him any of those valuable secrets with which
he has been solemnly intrusted, and which were emblematically impressed
upon him on his first admission into the lodge, when he was received on
* * * which refers to * * *

Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeably to the
dictates of reason, and is that habit by which we wisely judge and
prudentially determine on all things relative to our present as well as
to our future happiness. This virtue should be the peculiar
characteristic of every Mason, not only for the government of his
conduct while in the lodge, but also when abroad in the world. It should
be his constant care, when in any strange or mixed companies never to
let fall the least sign, token or word whereby the secrets of Masonry
might be unlawfully obtained; ever bearing in mind that i