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 SIC 
 

 ^ Rev. Mr. HARRIS'S 
 r« MASONIC 
 
 f^ D I S C O U R S E S. 
 
 1801. '»^- 
 
EXPLANA*nON 
 
 JPRON^ISPI£C£. 
 
 THE oval in the centre Is an engraving from 
 an antient painting in the Herculaneum. 
 
 The figures at the fides and bottom are explained 
 in the Diflertation at the end of this vokime, 
 which was written to vindicate to fome of the 
 Author's learned friends the explication he ventur- 
 ed to give of that paflage In the book of Revela- 
 tions which is the fubjeft of the Fifth Difcourfe, 
 
DISCOURSES, 
 
 DELIVERED ON PUBLIC OCCASIONS, 
 
 ILLUSTRATING THE PRINCIPLES, DISPLAYING 
 THE rENDENCr, AND VINDICATING 
 
 FREE MASONRY, 
 
 -^ 
 
 Br THADDEUS MJSON HARRIS^ 
 
 PAsV GRAND CHAPLAIN TO THE GRAND LODGE, 
 
 AND 
 
 CHAPLAIN TO THE GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER 
 OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 a=: 
 
 PRINTKD AT CHARLESTOWN, 
 
 i?r SAMUEL ETHER/jDGE. 
 
 (Copy right fecured.) 
 ANNO LUCII, 
 
 ^8oi. 
 
N 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Several of thefe difcourfes 
 have been delivered before the 
 
 GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS 
 
 in the difcharge of my office of 
 GRAND CHAPLAIN. Somc of them 
 have been already publiflied, in a 
 pamphlet form, at the requefl 
 and for the accommodation of 
 the particular lodges at v^hofe 
 confecration they were deliver- 
 ed ; but, as their circulation v^as 
 limited, many of the brethren 
 
V* INTRODUCTION. 
 
 who were defirous of perufing 
 them had not an opportunity. 
 To fatisfy the repeated applica- 
 tion of fuch, and to extend to 
 the pubhc in general fome cor- 
 re6l ideas of the facred charaSier 
 and genuine principles of Free Ma- 
 fonry, I have been induced to 
 confent to the republication of 
 thofe difcourfes in which I en- 
 deavored to obviate the mifrep- 
 refentations, confute the afper-. 
 fions, and allay the prejudices 
 which have been fo induftrioufly 
 circulated to deftroy th^ credit 
 of the inftitution.. 
 
 Some difcourfes are now added 
 which I declined publiihing at 
 the time of their delivery ; and 
 
INTRODUCTION. Vii 
 
 Others are prepared for this vol- 
 ume to give it a fuitable variety, 
 and a refpeftable fize. 
 
 The critic will doubtlefs find 
 thefe compofitions unequal and 
 defeftive. For this fome apolo- 
 gy mull be made. They were 
 written upon emergencies, upon 
 very fliort notice, and when there 
 was no leifure to fpare from the 
 preffing avocations, the laborious 
 duties, and the anxious cares, in 
 which their author was involved. 
 
 ** HsEc fcripfi, non otii abundantia, fed amoris," 
 
 However they may be receiv- 
 ed by the Public, this I would 
 have remembered, that I have 
 endeavored in them to give a 
 
Vin INTRODUCTION. 
 
 faithful delineation of the fpirit and 
 principles j/'free masonry; " I 
 fpeak that I do know, and teftify 
 that I have feen ;" and theje pages 
 contain the open and undisguis- 
 ed SENTIMENTS OF MY HEART. 
 
 N. B. In the hafte of tranfcribing for the prefs, 
 a note of interrogation was inferted at the end of the 
 fecond line of the 217 page, which the reader wifl 
 pleafe to erafe. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 DISCOURSE I. 
 
 ON THE DESIGN AND GENIUS OF FREE 
 MASONRY. 
 Prov. xvii. 17. A friend loveth at all times ; and 
 a brother is born for adverfity 1 7 
 
 DISCOURSE II. 
 
 ON THE RELIGIOUS CHARACTER AND BENEVO- 
 LENT AIMS OF FREE MASONRY. 
 Luke ii. 14. Glory to GOD in the highefiy and on 
 earth peace and good will towards tnen 39 
 
CONTENTS, 
 
 DISCOURSE in. 
 
 ON THE PEACEFUL GENIUS OF FREE MASONRY. 
 
 Rom. xiv. 9. Let us therefore follow after the 
 things which make for peace ^ and things luhere- 
 with one may edify another 55 
 
 DISCOURSE IV. 
 
 DN THE CHARITABLE PURPOSES OF FREE MA- 
 SONRY, 
 lievlt. XXV, 35. J^ thy brother be waxen poor and 
 fallen into decay with thee^ thoik fhalt relieve 
 him ; yeay though he be aflranger orfojourner, 
 that he may live with thee 6^ 
 
 DISCOURSE V. 
 
 FREE MASONRY GLORIFIED. 
 Ilcvel. ii. 17. 5r<? hi7n that cvercometh will I- 
 
CONTENTS. xi 
 
 fhe to eat of the hidden manna ; And I ivill 
 give him a white Jioney and in thejione a new 
 name, written, ivhich no man knoweth Jaijinr 
 he that receiveth it. 83 
 
 DISCOURSE VI. 
 
 MASONIC EMBLEMS EXPLAINED. 
 Jklatth. X. 16. Behold I fend you forth as Jheep 
 among wolves .• he ye, therefore, wife as fer- 
 pents and harmlefs as doves ^X 
 
 ON ILLUSTRATING OUR PROFESSION BY EX- 
 AMPLE. 
 
 Matth. V. 16. Let your light fo Jhitie before men 
 that they may fee your good worh, and glorify 
 your F4THER who is in heaven 117 
 
Xa CONTENTS. 
 
 DISCOURSE VIII. 
 
 ON PRESERVING THE CREDIT OF THE INSTI- 
 TUTION. 
 Rom. xiv. 1 6. Let ncty thetiy your good be evil 
 fpoken of 135 
 
 DISCOURSE IX. 
 
 ANSWER TO SOME POPULAR OBJECTIONS- TO 
 
 FREE MASONRY. 
 Exod. xvi. 15. And ivhen the children of If roe I 
 Jaw it, they /aid one to another, it is manna, 
 for they ii^iji not what it was. And MqsES 
 faid unto them, this is the bread luhich the 
 L ORD hath given you to eat. 
 
 DISCOURSE X. 
 
 .LAMINATION OF THE MODERN PREJUDICES. 
 AGAINST FREE MASONRY. 
 
CONTENTS. Xiii 
 
 Rom X. 3. We be Jlanderoiijly reported^ and fame 
 affirm that tue fay let us do evil that good may 
 come 1 8 ? 
 
 DISCOURSE XL 
 
 ON THE BEST WAY OF DEFENDING FREE MA- 
 SONRY. 
 
 I Pet. ii. 15. 16. With nuell doing ye may put 
 toftlence the igtiorafice of foolijfj men. jis free, 
 and not uftng your liberty for a cloak of mali- 
 cioufnefs) but as the fervants of GOD 209 
 
 DIS COURS E XII. 
 
 VALEDICTORY. 
 2 Cor. xiii. 1 1. Finally^ Brethren, Farewell. 
 Be perfeEl. Be of good comfort. Live in peace ; 
 and the GOD of love and peace f mil be ivith 
 yon 225 
 
3UV CONTENTS. 
 
 A MASONIC EULOGY 441 
 
 A CHARGE 258 
 
 ADDRESS TO A BROTHER AT HIS 
 
 RECEPTION 257 
 
 ADDRESS TO A BROTHER ON HIS 
 
 BEING CRAFTED 2^1 
 
 ADDRESS TO A BROTHER AT HIS 
 
 RAISING 274 
 
 FUNERAL ADDRESS 286 
 
 ON THE DEDICATION OF COLUM- 
 BIA HALL 284 
 
 FRATERNAL TRIBUTE TO THE MEM- 
 ORY OF WASHINGTON 290 
 
 EXTEMPORANEOUS DIRGE 300 
 
 MASONIC DIRGE ^ 301 
 
 HYMN 302 
 
 TRANSLATION OF THE NOTES 303 
 
CONTENTS. acr 
 
 DISSERTATION ON THE TESSERA 
 HOSPITAUS OF THE ANTIENT 
 ROMANS 305 
 
 INTRODUCTION 307 
 
 CHAPTER L 
 Of the Tefl'era Hofpitalis 
 
 SECTION L 
 
 Method of contra^ling Friendflilp 309 
 
 SECTION II. 
 
 The ufe and facred nature of this contra^ 311 
 
 SECTION III. 
 
 Connc«n:ion indiffoluble but by a public difa- 
 
 vowal 3 13 
 
 SECTION IV. 
 
 Difgrace of violation 314 
 
 SECTION V. 
 
 The privileges of this Friendfliip might be 
 claimed by the dcfcendants of the con- 
 tra^ors -51(5 
 
■xvv CONTENTS. 
 
 SECTION VI. 
 
 A praftice of this kind in ufe among the early 
 
 cliriftians 319 
 
 SECTION VII. 
 
 Application 321 
 
 Obje£tions removed 328 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Of the Arrha Hofpitale 3^5 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Of the Bacillus 328 
 
DISCOURSE I. 
 
 ON THE 
 
 DESIGN AND GENIUS of 
 FREE MASONRY. 
 
« Haec eft vera et Indirupta Fraternitas, quae ani- 
 morum perfe£lione ac virtute concrefcit ; cujus fcmel 
 initum foedus, nee defideriorum varletas, ncc conten- 
 tiofa dirumpet contrarletas voluntatum : quse fratrem 
 veneratur devotum, corripit difTolutum, prsefentem 
 obfequitur, abfentem non rodit, fanum applaudit, in- 
 firmum non deferit, divitem gaudet, pauperum adju- 
 vat," Kabauvs, fuper Matth. cap. ult. 
 
DISCOURSE I. 
 
 Delivered at BRIDGWATER, November 3, 1797, at the 
 CONSECRATION OF FELLOWSHIP LODGE. 
 
 PROVERBS xvir. 17. 
 
 A FRIEND LOFETH AT ALL TIMES / AND A 
 BROTHER IS BORN FOR ADFERSITT" 
 
 w 
 
 H O does not know and feel 
 that man is ordained to converfc with his 
 brethren ; to impart to them what he is and 
 has ; to interchange his reflections and fen- 
 timents with theirs ? Who has not tafted the 
 plcafures of focial life, or been charmed with 
 the more intimate union oifriendjhip ? There- 
 fore, who does not find in himfelf fufficient 
 impulfe to the ufe of the one, and the enjoy- 
 ment of the other f 
 
 But whether this tendency to fociety pro- 
 cure us all the good it might ; whether there 
 be not fome forms in which a wife and 
 
20 On the dejtgn and genius 
 
 benevolent man may derive from his compan- 
 ionable propenfities and afFedionate difpoli- 
 tions greater utility and more noble pleafures 
 than in their common application j is a fub- 
 jed worthy of inveftigation. 
 
 Man is fond of focial life. But if the 
 fondnefs be without limitation it is extrav- 
 agant ; if it be not regulated it is unreafona- 
 ble. When the affedions are diffufed indif- 
 criminately they become languid : When 
 confined to an individual objed they are 
 ftraitened and contraded. Like the rays of 
 light, if widely diverged, they are fcattered 
 and loft ; if concentrated in a very fmall 
 focus, they are intenfe : their real ufe is in a 
 due medium, where they are colleded fo as 
 to warm, to vivify, and to cheer ; not to 
 burn, effervefce, and confume. 
 
 " A FRIEND,*' fays Solomon, " ioveth at all 
 ti?}ies." But how rare is fuch a friend ! 
 When found, tried, and proved, how valua- 
 ble ! Well mischt an antient wife man advife 
 " not to change a friend for any good, by no 
 means ; neither a faithful brother for the 
 gold of ophir."* " A brother is born for 
 
 ♦ Ecclcfiaftlcus vii. i8. 
 
of Free Mafonry, 2 1 
 
 adverftty ;" but how feldom does he inherit a 
 difpofition for its duties !* So that the wife 
 man elfewhere advifes " Go not into thy 
 brother's houfe in the day of thy calamity,"! 
 adding, that there is greater reafon to ex- 
 pe6l afliftance from ftrangers than benefit 
 from relatives. 
 
 Friendship wants not panegyrifts. Phi- 
 lofophers, hiflorians, orators, and poets have 
 made it their favorite theme, and dwelt upon 
 its praifes with enrapturing eloquence. There 
 have been found fome in all ages to decorate 
 its flirine with the choiceft flowers of fancy, 
 and the moft exquifite ornaments of art. 
 And yet in all ages and at all times lamenta- 
 tions have been made of the felfiflmefs, the 
 
 * " Fratcr ne deferere fratrem, fratrum quoque rara gratia eft." 
 By comparing the antient verfions, there is reafon to fuppofe 
 that the fame perfon is intended in both claufes of the fentence, 
 and that the real conftrudbion of the verfe is, Tue friend who 
 
 LOVETH AT ALL TIMES, IS BORN (tbct is, bccOniCS, or prOVts) A 
 
 BROTHER IN ADVERSITY. This reading is fupported by Eben 
 Ezra, Munster, Vatablus, and Patrick. In like manner, it 
 has been obferved, that " though a Brother is not always a Friend, 
 yet a Friend is always a Brother." 
 
 The writer, in choofing the text, had reference alfo to the ChaU 
 dee paraphrafe, which is followed by the Tar^um and the Talmud 
 Bahyknicum, and adopted by the learned Schultens. " /« omni 
 tempore amat Socn;s -ueriis ; et ille f RATER ejl ad u/igujliam natus." 
 
 t Prov. xxvii, lO. 
 
 B 2 
 
22 On the dejtgn arid genius 
 
 inflncerity, or the perfidy of profefTed friends. 
 Few who have tried it have found it capable 
 of affording thofe high fatisfaclions which are 
 attributed to it. Mofl have fuftered from the 
 eventual worthlefsnefs of the bofom partner ; 
 or from his mean and interefted views, had 
 the fund of fenlibility and confidence with 
 which they commenced the attachment fairly 
 exhaufted. Their bleeding afFeclions and in- 
 jured peace have given them too much caufe 
 to repent the truft they repofed witli fuch 
 fond and implicit affiance. How many, too, 
 under the fpecious femblance of friendfhip, 
 *' full of fair feeming," have been betrayed 
 by their fond credulity, or precipitated by 
 their unfufpeding heedlefsnefs, into extrava- 
 gant attachments and pernicious intimacies ! 
 And ah ! how many have been deceived and 
 undone by unprincipled companions, whom 
 they had cherilhed as virtuous friends ! 
 
 The fa<5l is, Friendiliip, as it is known and 
 cultivated in the world, feldom arifes from a 
 cool, difcriminating choice, founded on zuorth, 
 and fanclioned by virtue. Men revolt from 
 fuch formal contrails, where the affcdions 
 muft wait for the flow approbation of the 
 
of Free Mafonry* 29 
 
 judgment ; and the /jeart reftrain its impulfes 
 or delay its regards, till reafon has been con- 
 fulted, and had opportunity to decide upon 
 the propriety of their indulgence. Hence, 
 the connexion of which we are fpeaking moft 
 commonly originates from cafual acquaint- 
 ance, the confequence^ of a fimilarity of fen- 
 timents, fituations, or purfuits ; rendered 
 more and more agreeable and intimate, as it 
 is found conducive to mutual convenience, 
 pleafure, or advantage. Sometimes it is little 
 elfe than the reciprocal negociations of inter- 
 eft, or mercenary exchange of fervices, which 
 the felfilh employ to promote their advan- 
 tage. The intercourfe ceafes with the mo- 
 tive that gave it birth : as partnerfhips in 
 trade are diflblved when the fpecial objed: of 
 the firm has been effefted, or has failed. 
 
 There are friends enough to be faithful, 
 and brethren enough to love in the feafon of 
 profperity : to participate our abundance, to 
 feaft on our plenty, and to rejoice in our de- 
 lights. But it is the moft deplorable fate of 
 adverfity, that, when we are in the greateft 
 need of friends, it often puts them farthcft 
 
24 On the deftgn and genius 
 
 from us.* " Some men, fays the wife fon 
 of Sirach, afe friends for their Own occafion, 
 and will not abide in the day of trouble : 
 and there is a friend, who being turned to 
 enmity and reproach, will difcover thy re- 
 proach. Again, fome friend is a companion 
 at the table, and will not continue in the day 
 of affliction. In thy profperity he will be as 
 thyfelf, and will be bold over thy fervants j 
 but if thou be brought low, he will be againft 
 thee and hide himfelf from thy face. A friend 
 cannot be known in profperity ; and an ene- 
 my cannot be hidden in adverfity : in the 
 profperity of a man enemies will be grieved j 
 but in his adverlity, even a friend will de- 
 part." t 
 
 In fliort, friendfliip is fo commonly found- 
 ed owf elf -inter ejl^ and in its utmofl purity is 
 fo much like y^^-Zo'y^' ; it is fubjed to fo many 
 interruptions ; fo uncertain and fhort-lived ; 
 and withal is fo partial and limited an exer- 
 
 * Ut — comes radios per folis cuntibus umbra, 
 
 Cum latet hie prefTus nubibus, ilia fugit ; 
 Mobile fie fequitur Fortuns Jumina vulgus, 
 Qiia fimul inducSla nofte teguntur, abit. 
 
 OviB, 7V//7. I. 
 
 f Ecclus. vii. 5 — 12. and xli. 8, 9. " In inalis amicus deferit 
 amicum." Plaut. 
 
of Free Mafonry, 25 
 
 cife of the focial affeftions and benevolent 
 difpoiitions of our nature j that we muft 
 abate much from the high praifes with which 
 it comes recommended to us, and expect to 
 find it defeftive as a pure virtue. Hence, 
 perhaps, the total filence of the gofpel upon 
 this fubjed. For it has been remarked that 
 " it is neither enjoined nor recommended in 
 any one fentence in the whole new tefla- 
 ment." Chriftianity, to be fure, makes it 
 not a duty j does not exprefsly inculcate it : 
 prefcribing, indeed, to its followers benevo- 
 lence towards all, and univerfal kindnefs and 
 brotherly love, but not difcri?ninate friendjhip, 
 which, ftriftly fpeaking, cannot be a perma- 
 nent obligation for all. It is not to be en- 
 joined, like juftice and general kindnefs. Its 
 rife and progrefs muft frequently depend on 
 circumftances and events that we are not al- 
 ways able to influence or command. That 
 could not properly be made the object of a 
 divine requifition, which is purely a matter 
 of free choice, and fo delicate in its nature as 
 to render the meeting of thofe who are qual- 
 ified for it altogether uncertain. So that 
 even very intelligent and worthy men, of » 
 
i6 On the deftgn and genius 
 
 fweet and amicable difpofition, may and oft- 
 en muft forego the attachments of this pecu- 
 liar and appropriated alliance in their ftricleft 
 intimacy and warmed cordiality ; not from 
 any fault of theirs, but from not finding eafl- 
 ly in others that perfect fimilarity of difpofi- 
 tion and coincidence of fentiment and regard 
 on which friendlhip is founded. And, in- 
 deed, " to lavifh on one objed; that kindnefs 
 and affection which ought to be diffufed a- 
 mong the whole human race, might well be 
 deemed a monopoly incompatible with that 
 free and general commerce of good offices 
 which the gofpel certainly meant to extend 
 to every quarter of the globe.*'* 
 
 On the other hand, though it be our in- 
 cumbent duty to love all and to do good 
 to ALL, even this is to be but as we have op- 
 portunity ; and it is flill to be underftood 
 xhztfome have a more fpecial claim upon our 
 cfteem, and a more immediate need of our 
 ailiflance. Widely as we extend the circle 
 
 * Bp. PoRTEDS, in a fermon on John xiii. 23, has attempted 
 to prove, and he does it in a moft pleafing and ingenious man- 
 ner, that, although friendfliip is not exprefsly enjoined in the gof- 
 pel, yet it is implicated in many of its precepts, and recommend- 
 ed in the example of the Savior. 
 
of Free Mafonry. 27 
 
 of our benevolent regards, univerfal and dif- 
 interefted as our good will may be, yet it is 
 certain we can neither know the needy nor 
 adminifter to the comfort^ of every individual. 
 Ignorance of the former, and inability to the 
 latter, reftrain even our attempts. The very 
 circumftances of the cafe require a more 
 fpecial appropriation : while our reafon, our 
 inftincts, and natural propenfities, lead us to 
 make choice of fome on whom to gratify 
 our kind inclinations and benevolent a^s, 
 where they may be indulged and applied 
 with dearer intereft and happier efiecl. And 
 this may be done in entire confiflency with 
 that UNIVERSAL LAW OF LOVE which the 
 gofpel enjoins. 
 
 It remains, then, that we inquire for fome 
 medium^ where our affedions may be exercif- 
 ed without being partial and without being 
 indifcriminate. And how fhail we attain 
 this defirable mean between the diffufednefs 
 of general regard and the contraflednefs of 
 individual attachment, but in a fele^l'wn of 
 thofe among our acquaintance who poflefs 
 congenial hearts, mutual good difpoiitions 
 and propenfities, and reciprocal efleem and 
 
28 On the defign and genius 
 
 love ? Who are infpired with like ardor In 
 the purfuit of wifdom, like zeal in the caufe 
 of virtue ? Of whom to form an aflbciation 
 which ihall partake of the liberal fpirit of 
 Philanthropy and the intimate union of Friend- 
 Jhip ; combining the benevolence of the one 
 with the tendernefs of the other. And what 
 fociety anfwers fo exactly to this defcription, 
 and unites fo many of thefe purpofes and ad- 
 vantages, as that of FREE masons ? Founded 
 on a liberal and extenfive plan, its benigni- 
 ties extend to every individual of the human 
 race, and its adherents are collected from 
 every nation under heaven. It invites to its 
 lodges the fons of virtue, of love, and of 
 peace ; that it might conned them by vows 
 of eternal amity in a moft facred, intimate, 
 and endeared alliance, and unite and invigo- 
 rate their befl endeavors for mutual and gen- 
 eral advantage. Blending their refources in 
 a common ftock, and forming a community 
 of interefts, it makes the profperity of each in- 
 dividual the object of the whole, the profper- 
 ity of the whole the object of each individual. 
 How nearly does this approach the ftate of 
 the primitive Chriftians^ who were " of one 
 heart and one foul, neither faid any of them 
 that aught of the things which he poffeffed 
 
of Free Mafonry. 29 
 
 was his own, but they had all things com- 
 mon !" Were fuch the unanimity, love, 
 equality, generoiity, and difmtereftednefs, of 
 profefling Chriftians iiow. Free Mafonry 
 would be lefs neceffary among them. 
 
 Moreover, in the affociation we are de- 
 fcribing is alfo realized that conjlancy of affec- 
 tion which friendfliip boaftingly promifes, 
 but frequently fails to retain ; and that ten- 
 der fympathy which fraternal love ought ever 
 to exprefs. There is to be found " the 
 friend that loveth at all times, and the broth- 
 er that is born for adverfity." And fuch are 
 the mutual relations and connections which 
 compofe the fodality,* that " if one member 
 fuffer all the members fuffer with it, and if 
 one member rejoice aU the members rejoice 
 with it." 
 
 The order, though compofed of perfons 
 from various countries, feparated by all the 
 natural barriers which prevent men from 
 running into coherent maffes, yet feems to 
 be one body actuated by one foul. Thou- 
 fands and thoufands have one heart, one 
 
 • " Fratcrnum vcre duke fodalitium !" Ci»Tn.. 
 
30 On the dejlgn and genius 
 
 hand ; the heart of benevolence, the hand of 
 charity. 
 
 Sweet are its ufes in adverfity ! Then, 
 when the offices of general Philanthropy would 
 not reach us ; or our jhare in its benignities 
 be inadequate to our need : when Fricndjhip 
 grows cold, and its moft zealous profeflbr 
 forfakes us ; Mafonry triumphs in the exer- 
 cife of its lovely charities. The nobleft 
 fpherc of its operation is in redrefling the ca- 
 lamities of negleded, injured, merit ; invef- 
 tigating the wants and fupplying the need 
 of indigence, relieving pain, pitying and 
 foftening infirmity ; admiring and foftering 
 virtue. Yes, the true Mafon (and all who 
 are not fo Ihould not be numbered among 
 us,) the true Mafon looks as much to the 
 welfare of his coHeague as to his own ; feels 
 more fatisfadion when he can give him af- 
 fiftance, when he can benefit him or fuffer 
 for him, than when he receives help or fa- 
 vors from him ; and is mofl forward to re- 
 lieve him when his occafion is mod urgent 
 and his ability to requite the favor appears 
 the leaft. He is emphatically the " brother 
 born for adverfity." If his means of affifl;- 
 
of Free Mafonry, ^l 
 
 ance are fmall, and his powers of relief lim- 
 ited, he will at leaft difcover thofe foft and 
 gentle attentions, and that tender and heart 
 felt companion, which footh the diftrefs he 
 cannot remove, and bathe with tears the 
 wound he cannot heal. He remains true 
 and faithful to his brother when he can pro- 
 cure him no more profit and afford him no 
 more help, and has no tribute to make him 
 but fighs of fympathy and tears of pity. He 
 forfakes not his bed of languifhment. He 
 ftays to fupport his drooping head, to catch 
 his expiring breath, and to clofe his eyes 
 with the laft offices of fraternal affedion. 
 Nor does his love ceafe to ad in his brother's 
 behalf becaufe his fpirit is departed, and his 
 perfon is no more an objed of neceffity. It 
 is ftronger than death. It is the inheritance 
 of his fan^ly. It fympathizes in the forrows 
 of his bereaved relations, inquires out their 
 neceffities, and ftrives to be all that to them 
 which he was in kindnefs and in care. 
 
 Such are the offices of Free Mafonry in 
 adverlity. Such its affeftion and its fympa- 
 thy. What fweet cordials may thus be in* 
 fufed even into the bittereft forrows of life ! 
 What cheering light fpread over the dark- 
 
32 On the genius and defign 
 
 neffcs that furround it ! With what vigor 
 and courage will it infpire the weary and 
 heavy laden heart ! With what a lenient hand 
 will it bind up its wounds ; with what ani- 
 mating encouragements awaken its hopes \ 
 To this kind end, what attention, what alli- 
 duity, what complacency, what indulgence, 
 what facrifice, is too inconfiderable or too 
 great ! And what repays and rejoices' more 
 than when we fee the fufFering brother fufFer 
 Icfs, fufFer more compofedly, or fufFer no 
 more ; when we can fee him reflored, 
 ftrengthened, cheered, and fatisfied 5 again 
 in pofFelTion of the comforts of life. 
 
 This, I am bold to fay, is the genuine fpirit 
 of our inflitution. Thefe are its appropriate 
 fervices, its peculiar duties. In this philan- 
 thropic affeftion, and in thefe. benevolent 
 and gentle cares, does it endeavor, l?y the in- 
 culcation of forceful precept and the exhibi- 
 tion of afFefting example, to inftrud and 
 exercife its attentive and faithful difciples : , 
 exciting the generous difpofition of love ; 
 adding to brotherly kindnefs, charity ; con- 
 firming the habits of difmterefled benefi- 
 cence ; and prompting " the capacious wilh 
 that pants for univerfal good." 
 
of Free Mafonry* 33 
 
 Not that I would by any means be un- 
 derftood to intimate that thofe who are not 
 of the fodahty may not be as confpicuous in 
 all thefe amiable regards as thofe that are : 
 but only that our inftitution adds to the law 
 of our natures and the requifitions of our 
 moft excellent religion, another and prevail- 
 ing inducement to their obfervance. So 
 that to fay " an uncharitable or unkind Free 
 Mafon" implies a grofs contradidion : and if 
 fuch an one there be, he has done violence 
 to his profeffion, and is an odious excref- 
 cence on our fociety. 
 
 Here indulge me the freedom of one re« 
 mark. Inafmuch as Mafonry is profcfled in 
 thofe nations which have not yet been con- 
 verted to the Chriftian faith, and as it 
 enkindles benevolence an4 exqites virtue fo 
 accordant with the genius of the Gofpel, it 
 may eventually liave no inconiiderable ten-* 
 dency towards introducing and propagating 
 among them that moft glorious fyftem of 
 revealed truth ; at leaft by humanizing the 
 difpofition, foftening the manners, and re- 
 moving the prejudices, may prepare the way 
 c 
 
34 On the dejign and genius 
 
 for that moft defirable event.* I hazard 
 this obfervation, with more confidence from 
 knowing that the sublime graded, to 
 which all the initiated with fo much eager- 
 nefs afpirc, do in fad imply the knowledge 
 and cannot be attained but through the ac- 
 knowledgment of Chriftianity.f 
 
 Finally ; with conliflent views of our 
 Society even the prejudiced will forego their 
 diflike. They muft acknowledge that the 
 blunders of its ignorant or the vices of its 
 degenerate members do not indicate defed nor 
 prove bafenefs in the inftitution itfelf. As we 
 do not know the heart, we may be deceived, 
 and unhappily adopt the unworthy. As we 
 cannot alter the nature nor control the paf- 
 lions of men, there may be fome among us 
 whom our perfualions have been inefFedual to 
 meliorate or our injundions to reform ; who 
 *' remember not the brotherly covenant,"! or 
 
 * So St. John the Baptift, the firft Chriflian Mafon, was com- 
 miffioned to prepare the way of the Lord ; to fmooth the way 
 and remove the obftrudlions to the introdu6Uon of his truth. 
 
 ■)■ Particularly the " Companions of the Holy Sepulchre" and 
 the " Knights of St. John of Jcrufalem." 
 
 .} Amos i. 9 . 
 
of Free Mafonry* 35 
 
 difregard its bonds. We lament thefe un- 
 fortunate circumftances. We pity our weak, 
 and reprobate our corrupt brethren. We are 
 forry too, that the world is fo difpofed to 
 treat us contemptuoufly on their account. 
 Still we comfort ourfelves with the hope that 
 the candid will fee where the error lies, and 
 not withhold honor from thofe to whom it is 
 due : while we are affured that every friend 
 of enlightened reafon and redified humanity 
 will approve and patronize our fecial plan. 
 Herein we this day indulge a livelier joy, and 
 felicitate the members of the newly ere£bed 
 lodge on the happy occafion. 
 
 Right Worjhipful Master, Worjhipful Ward- 
 ens, Refpeded Officers, a7id Beloved 
 Brethren ofFellowJhip Lodge, 
 
 Your joy is the joy of us all. Pure be 
 the pleafures of your union, increafing the 
 profperity of your lodge ! Ever may you 
 exhibit for each other, and for every mem- 
 ber of the Mafonic family, that conjiancy of 
 affcdion which fignalizes the friend who lov- 
 eth at all times, and that tendernefs offympathy 
 which defignates the brother who is born 
 
3 6 Oil the dejign and genius 
 
 for adverfity. In all that is afFe<^Ionate and 
 all that is noble may you excel ! And let 
 your confpicuous virtues diffufe beauty and 
 luftre over your own characters and that of 
 the Society to which you belong ! 
 
 The appearance of two Grand Lodges on 
 this occafion is an happy exemplification of 
 Mafonic union and harmony, and an addi- 
 tional fource of pleafure to us all.* Let me 
 be honored as the organ of fraternal con- 
 gratulation on the plealing circumflance. 
 
 The very large colleftion of refpe<5lable 
 brethren gives a dignified afpecl to the day. 
 I falute them all w^ith fraternal aflfedion.f 
 May the honor our inftitution derives from 
 their patronage, and our feftival from their 
 prefence, be repaid in all thofe ads and 
 exprefllons of refped with which we delight 
 to venerate the worthy, the wife, the emi- 
 nent, and the good ! 
 
 * The Grand Lodge of Maflactuifctt.s under the M. W. Paul 
 Revere, Efq. Grand Mafter, was jouied by the M. W. Jabez 
 BowKN, Efq. Chancellor of the College, and late Governor of the 
 State of Rhode-Ifland, at the head, with fevcral members, of the 
 Grand Lodge of that State. 
 
 f « Quos ego dilcxi fraterno more fodalcs.** 
 
tfFree Mafonry. 37 
 
 May we all love fervently as Cliriftians 
 and as Brethren, walk as children of the 
 light, keep the unity of the fpirit in the 
 bonds of peace, and by adive, graceful, and 
 exemplary virtue be trained up for, and 
 hereafter admitted to, ihe Society of the Perfect 
 in the Temple not made with hands eternal 
 in the heavens ! 
 
 c 2 
 
DISCOURSE II. 
 
 ON THE 
 
 RELIGIOUS CHARACTER anb BENEVOLENT AIMS 
 
 QF 
 
 FREE MASONRY. 
 
" Jam orator adcrat — vcniamquc rogavit, 
 Paciferaquc manu ramum pretendit OLiviE." 
 
 VIRGIL, Mn. 
 
DISCOURSE II. 
 
 DELllftRED AT OXFORD, SEPTEMBER X^, I798, AT THE COKSE- 
 
 CRATioN OF THE OLIVE BRANCH LOBGE. 
 
 LUKE II. 14. 
 
 " GLORY rO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND ON EARTH 
 PEACE AND GOOD WILL TOWARDS MEN,** 
 
 1 HE Angelic hofts, bringing "good 
 tidings of great joy which fliall be to all peo- 
 ple," defcended to earth from their fpheres 
 of celeftial glory to announce the arrival of 
 the long expefted Meffiah ; " the delire of all 
 nations." They came as the retinue of the 
 Heavenly Prince, to honor his miflion, and 
 congratulate mankind on his advent. Tranf- 
 ported with the happy profpe6ls which were 
 now opening to the view of the world, they 
 pronounced " peace on earth and good will 
 towards men," to be the defign and legit- 
 imate fruits of this new difpenfation. The 
 
42 Religious Chara&er, ^c. 
 
 words of our text form the choral fong with 
 which they celebrated an event fo glorious 
 to God, fo aufpicious to man ; exprefs the 
 matter, as well as ground and reafon of their 
 acclamations of joy ; and fupply a fit topic 
 of difcourfe before an inftitution which 
 breathes the fame fentiment, and co-operates 
 with the fame plans of benevolence and 
 peace. In commenting upon them, we fliall 
 conlider how they are indicative of the 
 defign and effeft of the Chrijlian Religion; 
 and then apply them to the purpofes of the 
 prefent affembling, by fhewing how expref- 
 five they are of the pacific and benevolent 
 difpofition of Free Mafonry, 
 
 Let ms^ firji, examine the peaceful genius 
 and tendency of the christian religion. 
 
 The many prophecies, in the Old Tejiamentj 
 which relate to the Mefliah, and intimate the 
 defign and foretel the effeft of his miflion, 
 uniformly fpeak of him as coming to re- 
 ftore peace on earth, and to promote the 
 beft temporal and fpiritual interefl:s of man- 
 kind. They give him the title of " the 
 Prince of peace."* They declare, that " of 
 the increafe of his government and peace 
 
 * Ifaiah ix. 6. 
 
of Tree Mafonry, 43 
 
 there fliall be no end."* They defcribe the 
 genius and aufpicious influence of that do- 
 minion which he will exercife, (after the 
 oriental manner) by a beautiful aflemblage 
 of exquifite and expreflive imagery ; com- 
 paring its effects in reconciling the moll: 
 hoftile, and reforming and taming the moft 
 favage difpofitions, to a foftening of brutal 
 natures ; to " the wolf and the leopard, no 
 longer fierce, lying down with the Iamb and 
 the kid ; the calf and the young lion led in 
 the fame peaceful band, and that by a little 
 child ; the heifer and the fhe bear feeding 
 together, and lodging their young, of whom 
 they ufed to be fo jealous, in the fame place ; 
 and all the ferpent kind becoming fo harm- 
 lefs that the fucking child may fafely put his 
 hand on the bafilifk*s den, and play on the 
 hole of the afpic."t Finally, it was prom- 
 ifed that the MefTiah Ihould come to publifh 
 peace,J and to eftablifli with mankind " the 
 covenant of peace."j| 
 
 * Ifai. ix. 7. 
 t IfaL li. 6—9. « The Greek and Latin Poets have painted 
 their Golden Age in very beautiful colors, but the exquifite im- 
 agery of Ifaiah ftands unequalled and inimitable." 
 
 Smith's Summary View of the Prophets^ page 30. 
 flfai. lii. 7. Nahumi. 15. jj Ifai. liv. lo. Ezek. Kxxiv. la 
 
44 Religious CharaBer, b'r. 
 
 Concurring with thefe prediclions, his 
 religion is ftiled, in the New Tejiament, " the 
 gofpel of peace.'** He indeed came and 
 " fpake peace to the people." He confoled 
 his difciples by affuring them that in him 
 they fliould have peace.f And he left them 
 a legacy in the fame ft rain.} 
 
 So remarkable a frequency and agreement, 
 in the ufe and application of this word and 
 fentiment, naturally excites our curiofity to 
 know in what fenfe be brought peace on 
 earth, and produced good will among 
 men.|j This is the fubjed of our prefent 
 inquiry. 
 
 I. The words of our text may be con- 
 fidered as a proclamation of spiritual 
 
 PEACE. 
 
 Christ, who came to reftore the human 
 race, alienated from God by wicked works, 
 made our peace with the juftly offended 
 Deity and thus procured us that peace of 
 
 * Rom. X. 25. t John xvi. 33. ^ John xiv. a7» 
 
 I! Blfhop PORTEUS. 
 
of free Mafonry, 45 
 
 mind which the world could not give, nor 
 we otherwife obtain. 
 
 " He is our peace, faith the Apoftle, that 
 he might reconcile us to God."* " He came 
 and preached peace to you (the gentiles) 
 that were afar off, and to them (the Jews) 
 which were nigh.^f " Being juftified by 
 faith, we have peace with God through our 
 Lord Jeiiis Chrift."| Thefe exprellions, and 
 the many others of the like import in the 
 chriftian fcriptures, fhew us that the primary 
 fenfe in \^ich this peace is procured, is that 
 of afpiritual nature. But, 
 
 2. Our text may be confidered as an- 
 nouncing peace on earth in a temporai* 
 
 SENSE. 
 
 The life, the charader, the inftruclions of 
 Jefus, all exhibited and recommended be- 
 nevolence and peace. And his religion is 
 eminently calculated to promote " peace on 
 earth and good will towards men," not only 
 by rcftraining or deftroying every paflion 
 which is unfriendly to human happinefs, but 
 
 * Ephcf, iu 16. f Ephcf. il. 17. i Rom. v. i. 
 
46 Religious CharaBery ^c. 
 
 by exciting every virtue, and cherifliin^ 
 every difpolition conducive to the mutual 
 interefts, and conciliatory of the mutual re- 
 gards of mankind. 
 
 One great objeft of chriftianity is to open 
 the heart, improve the focial affections, and 
 render man benevolently difpofed towards 
 all his fellow beings ; to promote the moft 
 friendly intercourfe and kind offices ; to 
 eftablilh human fociety in peace and good 
 order ; and to contribute to the fecurity, 
 comfort, and true enjoyment of this life, as 
 well as to lead men to eternal happinefs and 
 glory beyond the grave. The fyftem itfelfis 
 univerfal benevolence and philanthropy. Its 
 pacific nature and amicable tendency will 
 clearly appear, if we examine its general 
 ftructure, or confider the fpirit of its laws. 
 It recommends an affedionate temper and 
 demeanor, reprefies ill will and injuries of 
 every kind and degree, and forbids every acl 
 by which the peace or enjoyment of our 
 neighbor may be interrupted. " Follow 
 peace with all men ;"* " if it be pofiible, as 
 much as lieth in you live peaceably with all 
 
 * Hcb. xii. 14. 
 
of Free Mafonry, 47 
 
 men ;* " have peace one with another ;t 
 ftudy the things which make for peace;*'} 
 are familiar and frequent injunctions, are 
 leflbns which perpetually recur in the writ- 
 ings of the New Teftament. 
 
 By enjoining it upon us to do unto others 
 as we would they fhould do unto us, it regu- 
 lates the practice of all the known focial du- 
 ties ; prefcribes the proportion and afcertains 
 the meafure of juftice, mercy, or benevo- 
 lence which we ought to mete out to others 
 upon all occafions, and makes even the prin- 
 ciple of felf-love the moft efFe^ual means of 
 pointing out and prompting us to afts of 
 honefty, humanity, and juftice. By bidding 
 us love our enemies, blefs thofe who curfe 
 us, do good to thofe who defpitefully ufe us, 
 and pray for thofe who perfecute us, it re- 
 ftrains the refentful paflions, prevents retali- 
 ation and revenge, and leads to reconciliation 
 and peace. 
 
 So that in this religion there is nothing 
 hoftile to the peace of fociety, or the happi- 
 nefs of mankind : But, on the contrary, all its 
 
 * Rom. xii. 18. f Mark ix. 50. \ Rom. xlv. 19. 
 
48 Religious CharaBer, ^c. 
 
 influence is on the fide of human felicity. 
 And it is certain, that, the more chriftianity 
 is known and followed, the more will men 
 become improved, and the fewer will be their 
 contentions, corruptions and crimes : The 
 more mild will be their governments, the 
 more equitable their laws, and the more fe- 
 cure and lafting their national profperity. 
 
 In every country over which chriftianity 
 has fpread its peaceful and conciliating influ- 
 ence, it has meliorated the whole conftitu- 
 tion of fociety ; re6lified its general codes and 
 inftitutions ; mixed with the civil arrange- 
 ments and focial habits of life ; and difplayed 
 its efFe6ls in common tranfadlions and private 
 intercourfe, in every fcene of public engage- 
 ment or domeftic enjoyment. " It has foften- 
 ed the tyranny of kings and the rigor of the 
 laws ; and reftrained the pride of ambition, 
 the horrors of war, and the infolence of con- 
 queft."* Thus has it been the caufe of genu- 
 ine and efficient benefit to mankind. And 
 wc may confidently affert, that, were the gof- 
 pel univerfally received, rightly under ftood, 
 and confcientioufly praclifed, under its mild 
 
 '' PORTEUS, 
 
of Free Mafonry, ^g 
 
 dominion, there would be no wars nor fight- 
 ings ; no tyranny, civil or religious ; no in- 
 juftice, envy, nor malice ; no public or private 
 wrongs ; But peace and love, freedom and 
 benevolence, would blefs the whole world. 
 What a change would take place in the con- 
 dition of mankind, were chriftianity to obtain 
 fuch an extenfive influence, fuch a glorious 
 triumph ! How profperous and happy would 
 all nations be in " the abundance of peace !** 
 
 Such is the peaceful genius and tendency 
 of the chriftian difpenfation ! 
 
 I WILL now clofe my difcourfe by obferving 
 that the language of our text is alfo the ex- 
 preflion of fxEE MASONnr. 
 
 This inftitution infpires its members with 
 the moft exalted ideas of God, and leads to 
 the exercife of the moft pure and fublimc 
 piety. A reverence for the fupreme Being, 
 the grand archited of nature, is the ele- 
 mental life, the primordial fource of all its 
 principles, the very fpring and fountain of all 
 its virtues. 
 
 D 
 
50 Religious Cbarader, csfc. 
 
 It interefts us, alfo, in the dudes and en- 
 gagements of humanity ; produces an affec- 
 tionate concern for the welfare of all around 
 us ; and, raifing us fuperior to every felfifh 
 view, or party prejudice, fills the heart with 
 an unlimited good will to man. 
 
 All its plans are pacific. It co-operates 
 with our bleffed religion in regulating the 
 tempers, reflraining the paflions, fweetening 
 the difpofitions, and harmonizing the difcord- 
 ant interefl:s of men ; breathes a fpirit of uni- 
 verfal love and benevolence ; adds one thread 
 more to the filken cord of evangelical charity 
 which binds mart to man ; and feeks to in- 
 twine the cardinal virtues and the ehriftian 
 graces in the web of the affections and the 
 drapery of the conduft. In its bofom flows 
 cheerily the milk of human kindnefs j and 
 its heart expands with love and good will. 
 It wears' " the ornament of a meek and quiet 
 fpirit." In one hand it holds out the olive 
 branch of peace ; and in the other the liberal 
 donation of charity. 
 
 While Mafonry thus aids the caufe of vir- 
 tue by giving additional weight to moral ob- 
 ligations J it promotes public happincfs, by 
 
of Free Mafonry. 51 
 
 enjoining a ready fubmifTion to the whole- 
 feme laws and regulations of civil fociety. 
 
 In all countries, and in all ages " the true 
 and accepted" have been found to conduct as 
 peaceable citizens, and acknowledged to be 
 the firm and decided fupporters of good or- 
 der, government, and religion. How much, 
 then, are we fupprized to find oppofers to an 
 alTociation whofe whole law is peace, and 
 whofe whole difpofition is love j which is 
 known to difcourage by an exprefs prohibi- 
 tion the introduction and difcuflion of politi- 
 cal or religious topics in its afl'emblies ; and 
 which forbids in the moft pofitive and folemn 
 manner all plots, confpiracies, and rebellions. 
 But, notwithftanding the ignorant miftake, 
 and the prejudiced cenfure the fociety, we 
 are perfuaded that its r*?^/ character is too 
 well known, and its credit too well fupport- 
 ed, to be injured by their mifreprefentations, 
 or deftroyed by their invectives. When they 
 charge us with demoralizing principles, we 
 will tell them that fome of the moft ortho- 
 dox and refpe<^able Clergyjiien are of our or- 
 der J and when they impute to us diforgan- 
 
52 Religious CharaSler, ^c, 
 
 izing attempts, we will remind them that 
 Washington is our patron and friend. 
 
 *' Little fliould we deferve the name of 
 the forts of peace, if we violated our allegiance 
 as fubjeds j much lefs fliould we merit the 
 protedion of the legiflature, if we gave the 
 flighteft encouragement to machinations 
 againft the national tranquillity, or the 
 poifonous breath of feditious calumny."* 
 To depart from evil and do good ; uni- 
 formly to follow after the things that make 
 for peace, and things whereby we may edify 
 one another ; and to promote, as far as we 
 can, the general welfare of the community 
 to which we belong, and of mankind at 
 large ; is at once our characleriftic profeflion, 
 our duty, our intereft, and our praife. And 
 while we thus feel and acl, and are thus 
 known to the world, we may be perfectly 
 eafy about thofe unfriendly fuggeftions which 
 have been propagated againft the fociety ; 
 which, however, none will believe who read 
 
 * Dr. WATKINS' charge at the expulfion of a mafon in Eng- 
 land, who had " perfifted in declaiming on (late affairs, in a man- 
 ner which was calculated to excite difaflcdion to Government." 
 8vo. Lond. 1796. 
 
of Free Mafonry, ^-j 
 
 our conftitutions, and none will fear who 
 fee our conduct. 
 
 Remembering, my beloved brethren, 
 that " PIETY TOWARDS GOD the glorious 
 mafter-builder of the univerfe, and love to 
 MANKIND, are the two grand immoveable pil- 
 lars which fupport the fabric of Mafonry,"* 
 may your hearts ever glow with the warm- 
 eft emotions of piety and the nobleft fenti- 
 ments of benevok7ice* 
 
 I salute the officers and brethren of the 
 lodge this day publicly organized, with fra- 
 ternal affedion. *' Peace be unto you, and 
 peace to your helpers."! Pleafant be your 
 hours of private intercourfe ; bleft be their 
 tendency and happy their effecls. 
 
 Under the peaceful fliade of your flour- 
 ifhing OLIVE branch may you find refrefh- 
 ment. Fair be its promifing flowers, and 
 plentiful its rich fruits ! And may the 'falu- 
 tary oil it diftils, heal all the wounds which 
 care, trouble, or calumny may make in your 
 hearts ; and, like the precious ointment on 
 
 * Antient Mafonic CoD(litutions,Chap. i.§. z. f i Chron. xii. i8. 
 D 2 
 
54 Religious CharaBer^ ^c. 
 
 the head of Aaron, make your face to fliine 
 with gladnefs, and diffufe far around you 
 the grateful and reviving perfume of honor, 
 praife, and glory ! 
 
 Peace be within the walls, and profperity 
 to the interefts of every lodge ! Peace to the 
 brethren : And " may the God of peace 
 himfelf give us peace always by all means 1'* 
 
 A M E N I 
 
DISCOURSE III. 
 
 ON THE PEACEFUL GENIUS OF 
 FREE MASONRY. 
 
 » .^ 
 
*^ Bleft are thie ^ons of peace, 
 
 Whofe hearts and hopes are one, 
 Whofe kind defigns to love and pleale 
 
 Through all their alliens run." 
 
 WATTS. 
 
DISCOURSE III. 
 
 Delivered at WRENTHAM, October io, 1798, at the con- 
 secration OF MONTGOMERY LODGE of Franklin. 
 
 ROMANS XIV. 19. 
 
 "let us, THEREFORE, FOLLOfF AFTER THE THINGS 
 IVHICH MAKE FOR PEACE, AND THINGS WHERE- 
 WITH ONE MAY EDIFY ANOTHER" 
 
 IHE Apoftle, perceiving that fome 
 dilTenfions had arifen between the jewifli and 
 gentile converts with regard to the perpetu- 
 ity of the hebrew ritual and the obfervance of 
 its ceremonies, in this chapter affumes the of- 
 fice of peace-maker. He attempts to allay the 
 uncharitable fpirit they difcovered, and warm- 
 ly recommends to the brethren the exercife 
 of mutual forbearance, candor, charity, and 
 love. And to reilrain their cenforioufnefs, 
 and fhew them the impropriety of judging 
 and condemning- each other, he reminds them 
 that they mull all ftand before the judg- 
 
58 On the peaceful genius 
 
 ment feat of Chrlft, to whom alone men are 
 accountable for their religious principles and 
 conduct. 
 
 The paffage chofen for our text is one of 
 his friendly cautions. It calls them away 
 from emulations and ftrife, and folicits their 
 utmoft endeavors in the promotion of mu- 
 tual pe^ce and edification. 
 
 The recommendation is proper, not only 
 for thofe to whom it was immediately ad- 
 dreffed, but for chriftians in all ages. Indeed, 
 fo long as men will think and ad different- 
 ly, and dillike and difpleafe each other for 
 doing io ; fo long as jarring inter efts and dif- 
 cordant paffions divide and difturb them ; — 
 fo long will it bC'necefTary to recal their atten- 
 tion to the duties of love, the advantages of 
 union, and the charms of peace. And fuch is 
 the humble objeft of the prefent difcourfe. 
 In purfuing it, I fhaU attempt to explain the 
 duty here recommended, in general terms ; 
 and then Ihew how it belongs to us in our 
 
 INDIVIDUAL, SOCIAL, CHRISTIAN, and MASON- 
 IC ckara8ers» 
 
of free Mafonry. 59 
 
 I. To purfue the things which make for 
 peace and mutual advantage, is, in general 
 terms, to endeavor fo to demean ourfelves, 
 in the various ftations and offices of life, as to 
 promote a friendly underftanding and corref- 
 pondence among thofe with whom we con- 
 verfe ; and to prevent, as much as poffible, 
 all miftakes and jealoufies, all contentions and 
 ftrife. 
 
 Such are the imperfections of our nature, 
 fuch the diverfities or prejudices of our educa- 
 tion, and in fuch different lights do we fee 
 the fame thing, that it is not probable we ever 
 fliould concur exactly in the fame opinions. 
 Yet that we fliould make allowances for thefe 
 things, and exercife charity and candor for 
 each other, is but reafonable and juft : ef- 
 pecially iince the things in which we all agree 
 are vaftly greater and of higher importance 
 than thofe in which we differ. Therefore, 
 to cenfure or condemn others, becaufe they 
 think differently from us in fmall or indiffer- 
 ent matters, is as unreafonable as to be dif- 
 atisfied with them becaufe they have not our 
 features or complexion. 
 
6b On the peaceful genius 
 
 But, to be more particular, 
 
 II. In order to promote the amicable and 
 pacific difpofition and conduft our text 
 recommends, we ought, as individuals, to 
 make it our habitual endeavor to cultivate 
 and cherifh all thofe mild and friendly difpo- 
 £tions which bring ferenity into our own 
 bofoms and difFufe it to all around us ; and 
 to fupprefs and reftricl all thofe inclinations 
 and pallions which inflame our fenfc of 
 injuries, or excite a fpirit of refentment, 
 unkindnefs, or animofity. Every luft, paf- 
 lion, and inordinate affedion, tends to create 
 difcord and fow diifenlion. From pride 
 cometh contention ; from ambition, wars 
 and fightings : and difcontent, envy, anger, 
 and malice, are thofe roots of bitternefs 
 which fpring up and are fruitful in all the 
 diforders of private, focial, and public life. 
 
 Whoever is not at peace with his own 
 felf, will never be at peace with his fellow 
 creatures. 
 
 If the heart be full of rancor, the con- 
 dudl will be full of malignity. 
 
Gf Free Mafonry, ^ 
 
 But he who is kindly affeftioned, who 
 hath the rule over his own fpirit, will be 
 under no temptation to difturb the peace of 
 his neighbor. His carriage will be always 
 inofFeniive, his manners gentle, and his con- 
 duct obliging. And thus will he conciliate 
 univerfal eftimation and love, aid the caufe of 
 general harmony and peace, and edify all 
 around him by his good difpolition, example, 
 and condud. 
 
 III. In our social character and relations 
 we ought, alfo, to purfue the plans of peace 
 and mutual edification. 
 
 Men are born for fociety, and defigned as 
 helps and comforts to each other* Strifes 
 and debates, refentment and wrath, are dif- 
 cordant with this original deftination and 
 intent. They unfocialize man. They are 
 deftruftive of all union and harmony. 
 
 The very nature and fituation, the inter- 
 efts and happinefs of mankind, fliew the im- 
 portance and necellity of purfuing the things 
 which make for peace, and things wherewith 
 one may edify another. 
 
62 On the peaceful genius 
 
 The duty itfelf implies mutual love and 
 charity. He who obferves it will be kind 
 and condefcending. His heart will glow 
 with benevolence. His arms will be extend- 
 ed to the large embrace of philanthropy, or 
 the liberal beftowment of generofity. In his 
 intercourfe with his fellow men he will Ihew 
 the moft obliging attention to their concerns, 
 and the moft adive readinefs to promote their 
 welfare. He will not needlefsly give nor 
 take offence. He will ufe great compliance 
 in all matters of indifference, and rather 
 fuffer inconvenience than excite uneaiinefs. 
 He is not eafily provoked, but fuffereth long 
 and is kind. He expeds to meet with little 
 affronts, and to have to deal fometimes with 
 difobliging tempers. But he is not apt quickly 
 and upon every flight occafion to conceive a 
 difpleafure, or to take fire at every provoca- 
 tion or neglect. He will pacify the refentful 
 by a foft anfwer, or difarm them by an 
 obliging court efy. In fliort, he is defirous 
 and ready upon all occafions to make up dif- 
 ferences, to redify mifunderftandings, to 
 foften prejudices and to reftore harmony 
 and good will between any perfons and in 
 
of free Mafonry» 63 
 
 any cafes which fall within the compafs of 
 his knowledge. 
 
 Such is the character of him who cndeav* 
 ors as much as lieth in him to live peace- 
 ably with all men, and to promote their 
 peace and welfare. 
 
 As members of civil fociety it becomes us, 
 likewife, to lead quiet and peaceable lives ; 
 to promote the public tranquillity and prof- 
 perity ; to pay a due regard to the laws of 
 our country, to fhew a high refped: to our 
 rulers, and a generous confidence in their 
 wife adminiftration, to avoid a fadious and 
 party fpirit ;* and, by proving ourfelves at 
 all times the friends of order and of peace, to 
 build up and fuftain our national fecurity, 
 liberty, and independence. 
 
 IV. Christians, more efpecially, fhould 
 follow after the things which make for peace 
 and tend to mutual edification. They owe 
 this to the common caufe of the gofpel. 
 
 * " Donate inimicitias Reipublica" — to facrifce all prhait aui- 
 mnfiies and difcords to the public gocd, was the advice pf thc anUcn"^ 
 
 Romaas for the fecurity of thcii civil ftatc. 
 
64 On the ■peaceful genius 
 
 They are by their profeffion all " members of 
 one body," called " in one hope," fervants 
 of " one Lord," difciples of the fame heav- 
 enly teacher, inftruded In " one faith," in- 
 troduced in " one baptifm," and confecrated 
 to the " one God and father of all j" par- 
 takers of the fame promifes, and fellow heirs 
 to the fame glorious inheritance. What 
 bonds of union are thefe ! What conlidera- 
 tions can prevail to divide thofe thus con- 
 nected together by the moft facred ties ! 
 Shall they not always love with " one heart 
 and one foul," and " keep the unity of faith 
 in the bonds of peace 1" Convinced of the 
 propriety of fuch a temper and condu(5t of 
 love and charity, let us, my fellow chriftians, 
 make it the fixed purpofe of our hearts to 
 avoid all ftrifes and contentions ; to facrifice 
 all little party diftin^tions for mutual edifica- 
 tion, for advancing the common intereft ; 
 to cultivate and cherifli the kind affedions ; 
 and to do all in our power to promote and 
 preferve concord and unanimity, harmony 
 and peace, that we may " excel to the edify- 
 ing of the church," and in the " love of the 
 
cf Free Mafonry. 65 
 
 brethren.*** And be It remembered, that, 
 while we follow after the things which make 
 for peace, we adorn the holy religion we 
 profefs, as well as evidence to the world that 
 we belong to that Jefus who is " the Prince 
 of peace," and who has faid that all men 
 may know his difciples by the love they bear 
 to one another. So that love is the badge 
 and mark of the true chriftian : peace is his 
 difpofition, and edification his deftre. 
 
 Acknowledged and accepted in this char- 
 after as the " children of God,'* may we all 
 hereafter fhare " the fruits of righteoufnefs 
 which are fown in peace for them that make 
 peace,'* in a world where goodnefs flourilhes 
 in blifs eternal ! 
 
 v. Lastly. As masons let us never neg~ 
 left to purfue the things which make for 
 peace and mutual edification. The very 
 genius and defign of our inftitution affign us 
 
 • Pope Alexander, in a letter recommending Peace between the 
 kings of France and England, in 1163, has the following excellent 
 remark : " Inter caetera bona, quae honiinera amabileni proiimis, 
 et placidum Deo reddunt, illud fpccialiter :icceptum fore credi- 
 mus, quod caritatem cordibus inferit, ct animarum vinculuis 
 operalur." 
 
 RvMKR, Fxdera, torn i, p- ai. 
 
 £ 
 
66 On the peaceful genius 
 
 this duty : its credit aiid profperity demand 
 it of us. Recollect for one moment, my 
 brethren, the peculiar fpirit, the appropriate 
 objed of our ^ociation. Is it not to fornt 
 us to the habits and the moft liberal exercife 
 of charity and candor, forbearance and placa- 
 bility, humanity and peace ? Are we not in- 
 ftrucled td wear " the ornament of a meek 
 and quiet fpirit,** and to retain " the law of 
 kindnefs in our mouth ?'* Are we not in-» 
 flru(5led not only to " dwell together in uni- 
 ty,** but to " follow peace with all men :" 
 not only to " bear one another's burdens," 
 but to " fulfil the whole law of love :'* not 
 only to make the kindeft allowance for a 
 brother's infirmities, but to condefcend to 
 the peculiarities of other men, excufe their 
 imperfecflions, and apologize for their fail- 
 ings ? Yes ! We are taught to fupprefs pri- 
 vate prejudices and party fpirit ; to forget 
 animofities and to liften to the voice of rec- 
 onciliation ; to foften into gentlenefs and 
 complaifance, fympathy and love ; and to 
 prepare for all the duties of univerfal benevo- 
 lence. And muft not the cultivation of 
 fuch difpolitions and habits have the moft 
 happy Influence on general fociety ? Mull 
 
of free Mafonry* 6y 
 
 not men thus inftruded be the friends of fe- 
 cial tranquillity and public happinefs ? Cer- 
 tainly ! And FREE MASONS have always prov- 
 ed fo. For ages they have maintained this 
 charader and merited this praife. And we 
 may be allured that all fufpicions or declara- 
 tions to the contrary, are unfounded, unde- 
 ferved, and unjuft. Be it your care, my 
 beloved brethren, to fliew that they are fo, 
 by a condu6t that will refled honor upon 
 the order. Shun whatever would fix a ftig- 
 ma on its charader, or raife a doubt of its 
 worth. " Walk in wifdom towards them 
 that are without.** Do not needlefsly excite 
 their jealoufies, nor willingly provoke their 
 difpleafure. Convince the world, by an 
 amiable deportment, a wife demeanor, and a 
 good example, that while Mafonry difcour- 
 ages all imprudence and forbids all vice, it 
 aflifts the progrefs and the perfeclion of hu- 
 man virtue and happinefs. 
 
 The officers and brethren of the lodge 
 this day confecrated will be pleafed to accept 
 my affedionate falutations. 
 
 I CONGRATULATE you on the aufpicious 
 occafion ! May all joy and happinefs ever 
 
6S On the peaceful genius^ ^c, 
 
 attend you ! May the beauteous edifice* you 
 are ere<^ing, be the fan6luary of piett^ the 
 afylum of virtue, the delightful abode of 
 LOVE I There may wisdom exalt her throne : 
 there " reign silence and peace /" And 
 may you improve the inftrudlive Icdures of 
 "' the craft to the beft purpofes, and with the 
 happieft effed ; till, having paffed the trials of 
 this probationary ftate, you iliall be raifed to 
 the temple not made with hands, eternal in 
 the heavens, where all is harmony, and love, 
 and blifs, uninterrupted and eternal ! 
 
 " Finally, brethren, farewell. Be per- 
 fed, be of good comfort, be Of one mind, 
 live in peace ; and the God of love and 
 peace be with you I" Amen. 
 
 ♦ The members of Montgomery Lodge have creifled and arc 
 finifliing a large and handfomc buildiog for their Aflcmbhcs, in 
 the town of rrankKn. 
 
DISCOURSE IV. 
 
 ON THE CHARITABLE PURPOSES OF 
 FREE MASONRY. 
 
DISCOURSE IV. 
 
 On the festival or St. yOJIN tHE EFANGELIST : roa th« 
 PURPOSE OF CHARITY. 
 
 Remote from thofe contefts and 
 revolutions which make Europe one vaft 
 aceldama^ we, my brethren, have opportu- 
 nity, in thefe happy retreats of liberty and 
 peace, to unite in thofe mild plans whofe 
 .«noftentatJous objeft is charity, and whofe 
 humble efFed is individual and focial benefit. 
 And we now alTemble to celebrate the fefli- 
 val of " tU d'lfciple -whom JESUS loved *'— 
 HOLY SAINT y OH N^ the patron of our order ; 
 with the more exprefs purpofe of calling into 
 exeircife the 'virtues which JESUS loved ; be- 
 ^NEVOLENCE AND CHARITY ; the diftinguifhino" 
 'chara'deriftics of the liiafonic inftitution. 
 
 Were there nothing congenial in the 
 fentiments of the liberal, were there noth- 
 
72 On the tharltahle purpofe: 
 
 ing afTimllating in the tempers of the be- 
 nevolent, that mind muft furely be warped 
 from every generous impulfe of humanity, 
 which is not gladdened at the fair occafipn 
 the prefent offers of congratulating the 
 progrefs of a fociety formed with the exprefs 
 defign of leffening the aggregate of human 
 mifery and increaling the fum of human 
 happinefs. 
 
 This is your folemn, yet joyous feftival, 
 my brethren. Not the feaft in which appe- 
 tite is pampered or fenfuality indulged ; but 
 where the moral tafte is gratified, and the 
 bowels of mercy refreihed : the feaft to 
 which the poor and the afilidled are invited, 
 that their wants may be fupplied and their 
 hearts comforted. 
 
 So well am I affured of your readinefs to 
 every good work of hofpitality and benefi- 
 cence, that I have little elfe to do than to 
 aflift your kind offices and fecond your en- 
 deavors. In my prefent addrefs, I pretend 
 not to inftruft you in a duty already familiar 
 and in happy operation \ but fhall only take 
 the liberty of *' ftirring up your pure minds 
 by way of remembrance,'* and of pointing 
 
of free Mafonry, 7^ 
 
 out thofe channels in which your bounty 
 will flow with the moft certain advantage 
 and permanent efFeft. As a text to my dif- 
 courfe, (if it be not too late to introduce 
 one,) I would ufe thofe words inferted in thfe 
 35thverfe of the xxvth chapter of LEVITI- 
 CUS. 
 
 — « If TffT BROTHER BE WAXEN POOR AND 
 FALLEN INTO DEC AT WITH THEE, THOU SHALT 
 RELIEVE HIM ; YEA THOUGH HE BE A STRANGER 
 OR SOJOURNER^ THAT HE MAY LIFE WITH 
 THEE." 
 
 This is the admirable injunftion of the 
 jewifh legiflator. He had been flating the 
 law for the inftitution of the jubilee, or year 
 of liberty. This was to take place every 
 fiftieth year. It was a feafon of national 
 reft, feftivity and joy. Care ceafed and 
 labor was fufpended. The ground remained 
 untilled, and whatever it fpontaneoufly pro- 
 duced belonged to the poor and needy. 
 Slaves were manumitted, captives releafed, 
 and prifoners fet free. All debts were can- 
 celled, all controverfies adjufted, all law-fuits 
 terminated. Mortgaged and alienated eftates 
 reverted back to their original owners j for 
 
74 On the charitable purpofes 
 
 thefe were fo entailed that the right heir 
 could never be wholly excluded from his 
 patrimony. This law was intended to pre- 
 ferve a perfect diftindion of tribes and fami- 
 lies ; to fix the Jews in Canaan, and attach 
 them to the country ; to cut off the means 
 and fupprefs the greedinefs of heaping up 
 wealth ; to prevent the rich from opprefling 
 the poor ; and to preferve, as much as pofli- 
 ble, the equality of their fortunes apd con- 
 dition.* 
 
 But to guard agalnft the uneafmefs fuch a 
 liquidation of debt and reverfion of property 
 might occafion ; or rather, to prevent any 
 from the neceflity of incumbering or alienat- 
 ing their eftates to get a livelihood ; it was 
 made a folemn requifition that the more 
 fortunate and opulent ftiould exercife the 
 utmoft charity and compaffion to their 
 brethren under decay j contribute to their 
 relief by every means in their power ; and 
 
 - * Fov this end their genealogical records, were, of necefiity, to L.e 
 carefully kept, that they might be able to prove their right to the 
 • inheritance of their anceflors. By this mean, in after times, the 
 family of the Mefliah was readily and fully afcertained, to be, as 
 the prophets had foretold, " of the tribe of Judah and lineage of 
 I>avi4.',!. 
 
 Ci;tiEUS, dc Repub. Hihr. lib. X. C. 3. 
 
of "Free Mafonry, y^ 
 
 lend them money, if they delired it, to be 
 repaid as they could make it moft conve- 
 nient, and without demanding any thing for 
 its ufe. They were bidden to extend their 
 afliftance even \.o fir angers and fojourners^ as 
 well as neighbors and fellow citizens : for 
 the exercife of benevolence ftiould not be 
 confined to kindred nor limited to place ; 
 every human being who needs, has a claini 
 to its regards.* 
 
 Some of the beforementioned regulations, 
 to be fure, were peculiarly accommodated to 
 the jewifh commonwealth, and are not ap- 
 plicable to any other condition of civil foci- 
 ety : but the difinterefted and generous prin- 
 ciples on which they are founded belong to 
 
 THE PERPETUAL CODE OF HUMANITY. 
 
 Although an equalization of property 
 and a community of goods was attempted 
 among the firft chriftian converts,! yet it is 
 
 * <' Charity is a complete and confident thing. It is not zfegment 
 but a circle. Its aflfcdlions ftrcam from God, as their centre ; all 
 mankind compofc their circumference : they go forth, not only in 
 one, but in all diredtions towards the production of others good." 
 
 FAWCKTTi 
 
 • t •Ails ii. 44, 45 ; and iv, 32. 
 
■ f6 On the charitable furpofes 
 
 evident that it was not intended that the 
 ^nrcumftances of mankind in after ages 
 fiiould thus be adjufted. Special reafons 
 made it expedient then, ^lich would never 
 ©Operate again. 
 
 In faft, a perfect equality of ftation and 
 poirefllon, however plealing in theory, is not 
 reducible to pradicc. Mankind are too 
 corrupt and felfifli for fuch a condition to 
 continue long, were it once introduced. 
 The flrong would foon take advantage of 
 H:he -weak, and filch by power a larger lliare 
 from the common ftock. Cupidity would 
 itccumukte, and avarice prevent ditfufion. 
 And, while the induftrious increafed their 
 property, the indolent would become poor. 
 
 But even were this equalization poflible, 
 it would not "be delirable : for it would be 
 incompatible with improvement and un- 
 favorable to virtue. There would he no 
 ftimulus to mental application, and no ufe 
 for intellectual improvement. Induftry and 
 indolence would have the fame fuccefs. 
 Merit would fail of promotion ; and perfor- 
 mance, of reward. The chain of mutual 
 
of Free Mafonr)', 77 
 
 dependence, which renders us according to 
 the exprelTion of St. Peter, " fubjccl one to 
 another," would be broken. There would 
 be no room for a reciprocity of kindnefles, 
 no opportunity for the beftowment of 
 charity, and nothing to call into exercife 
 thofe benevolent affections and tender fym- 
 pathies which are the ornament of our 
 fpecies and the prolific caufes of individual 
 and fecial happinefs. 
 
 Instead, therefore, of making any vain 
 attempt to bring the conditions of mankind 
 to a common flandard ; or indulging any 
 idle wifhes that they were more upon a 
 level ; it is much more expedient, com- 
 mendable, and proper, that the rich and 
 the poor, by a mutual interchange of good 
 ofliccs, (hould contribute to each other's 
 accommodation and comfort ; that the abun- 
 dance of the one Ihould be freely and gen- 
 eroully beftowed to fupply the wants of the 
 other J and that thus, as Saint Paul enjoins, 
 *' there may be in fome fort an equality."* 
 
 Have ive been fortunate in the labors of 
 induftry, or fuccefsful in the enterprizes of 
 
 • 2 Cor. viiL 14. 
 
yS On the charitable purpofes 
 
 bullnefs ; have our ftores been increafed by 
 the fucceffive feafons of productive years ; 
 have our riches been rolled in with the pro- 
 pitious tide, or wafted home by the favoring 
 gale ? This is under the aufpices of heaven. 
 " Not our hand, nor our might hath gotten 
 us this wealth." It is beftowed by a blcfling 
 we did not deferve, and fecured from contin- 
 gencies we could not control ; that in its ufe 
 we might be happy, and make others fo too. 
 It is conferred on us by the fupreme Propri- 
 etor, not to fupport our indolence or pamper 
 our luxury, not to be hoarded by our ava- 
 rice, or fquandered by our profligacy ; but 
 that we might be made " ftewards of the 
 manifold grace of God,** and almoners of 
 his bounty to the poor. 
 
 But, as it cannot be expe<5led, that, while 
 the claims are fo repeated and the claimants 
 fo numerous, even the beft difpofed and 
 moft liberal individual can fatisfy all their 
 wants ; it has been found advifable to form 
 an affociation, which, uniting the means of 
 the provident and the bountiful, might col- 
 led their contributions and their " alms into 
 a ftore houfe" of fupplies for numbers. And 
 
of Free Mafonry. 79 
 
 this, my hearers, is one main defign of the 
 fociety whofc anniverfary feftival makes this 
 day the jubilee of humanity. 
 
 Though the manner and the meafure of ^ 
 our charity be a profound fecret, yet it is \ 
 generally known that our inftitution eftab- 
 lifhes a fund for charity, and provides 
 refources for the unfortunate ; and that it 
 fuperadds to the common law of our nature 
 and the exprefs injundions of religion anoth- 
 er reafon for the exercife of benevolence, and 
 another motive to the beftowment of gene- 
 rolity. And you, my brethren, have often 
 felt with what engaging and perfualive em- 
 phafis the importance of brotherlt love^ 
 RELIEF^ AND TRUTH ^ are inculcatcd in our lec- 
 tures. The firft renders us affe^ionatc, the 
 iQCOiid generous, the thiidjujl. To brotherly 
 kindnefs is added charity ; and both are 
 crowned with fidelity, and fecured with 
 juftice. 
 
 Our excellent book of constitutions har> 
 afferted,* what I am fure your own hearts 
 witnefs, that, " to afford fuccor to the dif- 
 treffed, to divide our bread with the indullri- 
 
 • Chapter i. Sedlion 3. 
 
$o On the charitable purpofes 
 
 ous poor, and to put the mifguided traveller 
 into the way, are duties of the craft, fuitable 
 to its dignity and exprcffive of its ufefulnefs. 
 But, though a Mafon is never to Ihut his ear 
 unkindly againft the complaints of any of 
 the human race, yet, when a brother is op- 
 preffed or fuffers, he is in a more peculiar 
 manner called upon to open his whole foul 
 in love and compailion to him, and to re- 
 lieve him, without prejudice, according to 
 his capacity." 
 
 The prefent occafion, which reminds you 
 of the benevolent purpofes of our affociation, 
 prompts you to inquire if any brother be wax^ 
 en poor through misfortune, or fallen into decay 
 through iicknefs, that you may repair his 
 loiTes or relieve his diftrefs ? If any Jiranger 
 orfojourner from a foreign land need the wel- 
 come of your hofpitality or the afliftance of 
 your bounty, that he may live with you ? If the 
 defolate widow of fome deceafed member be 
 in neceflitous circumftances, or his helplefs 
 orphans require protcdion or maintenance ? 
 Thefe are the tender inquiries of the day. 
 Here are the -channels opened for the cur- 
 rent of your affedtion, and the beilowment 
 
of Free Mafonry, 8i 
 
 of your charity. Here your compaflion 
 may operate without reftraint, and your 
 - benefactions be applied in the worthieft man- 
 ner. You may have the pleafing reflection 
 that you fupply the neceflities of thofe who 
 are allied to you by the moft endearing ties, 
 and difcharge one of the characteriftic duties 
 of the mafonic inflitution. 
 
 Wherefore, my brethren, do you carry^ 
 corn, ivine, and oil in your proceflions, but to 
 remind you, that, in the pilgrimage of hu- 
 man life you are to impart a portion of your 
 bread to feed the hungry, to fend a cup of 
 your wine to cheer the forrowful, and to 
 pour the healing oil of your confolation into 
 the wounds which ficknefs hath made in the 
 bodies or afflidion rent in the hearts of your 
 fellow travellers ? 
 
 Hasten, then, to perform thefe affeClionate 
 fervices ; and " thus fulfil the whole law of 
 love !'* " The bleffing of thofe who are ready 
 to perifh will come upon you," accompanied 
 with the approbation and followed by the 
 reward of the divine philanthropist. 
 ^' Then, in that awful day, when the fecrets 
 
 F 
 
82 On the charitable purpofes, '<5fc, 
 
 of all hearts fliall be difclofed, the gazing 
 multitude who have curioufly inquired our 
 fecret fhall be aftonilhed to know that the 
 greateji deep of Mafonic fecrecy was rHE unj'ub- 
 LisHED ACT OF DOING GOOD !"* The memorials 
 of your beneficence will prove your paffport 
 to the blifsful feats of eternity ! You will be 
 received to that glorious fociety where there 
 will be no neceflitous objects to excite com- 
 panion J but where your bounty to fuch on 
 earth will meet a liberal recompence, and 
 the divine principle of charity forever re- 
 main a facred band to unite us to one anoth- 
 er and to THE God of love who is the 
 fpring of immortal joy ! 
 
 ♦ Rev. Jethro Inwood's Sermons, p. 247. 
 
DISCOURSE V. 
 
 FREE MASONRT GLORIFIED. 
 
DISCOURSE V. 
 
 Before a CHAPTER of ROTAL-ABCH MASONS. 
 
 He that hath an ear to hear^ let him 
 HEAR^ what the great high Prieji of our profef- 
 Jion hath promifed, 
 
 REVELATIONS ii. 17, 
 
 TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GIVE TO EAT 
 OF THE HIDDEN MANNA, AND I WILL GIVE HIM 
 A WHITE STONE, AND IN THE STONE A NEW 
 NAME, WRITTEN WHICH NO MAN KNOWETH 
 SAVING HE THAT RECEIVETH IT. 
 
 1 HIS fublime promife has a peculiar 
 fignificance to thofe who have been admitted 
 within the vail of the mafonic temple. 
 
 With that caution which becomes me in 
 addrelling a mixed audience, I will take the 
 liberty of explaining the paflage, for the pur* 
 pofe of pointing out thofe motives which 
 
 F3 
 
S6 Free Mafonry glorified, 
 
 it fuggefts to a patient perfeverance in the 
 ways of well doing. 
 
 Though this chapter of the Apocalypfe, 
 and the one preceding, be particularly ad- 
 dreffed to the churches of Afia, yet the 
 threatenings and the promifes they contain 
 are introduced with a folemnity which be- 
 fpeaks them intended for the caution and 
 encouragement of chriftians in general in all 
 fucceeding ages, fo long as the vices they 
 reprove and the virtues they commend 
 fliall be found in the world. 
 
 *'Eye hath not feen, nor ear heard, 
 neither have entered into the heart of man, 
 the things which God hath prepared for 
 them that love him. But God hath re- 
 vealed them unto us by his fpirit : for the 
 fpirit fearcheth all things, yea the deep 
 things of God.'** Thefe inconceivable glo- 
 ries are defcribed to us in a way conform- 
 able to our narrow intelledls. Were fpirit- 
 nal and heavenly joys reprefented as they 
 really are, and defined by their own proper 
 names and qualities, we Ihould be utterly 
 
 • I Co;-, ii. 9. I a 
 
Free Mafonry glorifed, 87 
 
 unable to comprehend them, and therefore 
 very incompetent judges of their value. In 
 condefcenlion, therefore, to our limited fac- 
 ulties, fuch metaphors are ufed in the holy 
 fcriptures in revealing to us " the hidden 
 myfteries" of the future life, as are within 
 the comprehenlion of the human mind, and, 
 in fome fort, accommodated to the feelings 
 and wifhes of the human heart. Among 
 thefe is the promife of our text, which I Ihall 
 now proceed to explain. 
 
 Without quoting the various conje(5lures 
 of commentators and critics into its mean- 
 ing, all of which I fhall take the liberty to 
 rejedl as contradictory or inapplicable ; I 
 Ihall at once ftate what I conceive to be the 
 import of the paffage. 
 
 I. The firft part of the promife has un- 
 doubtedly a reference to that miraculous 
 proviiion made for the children of Ifrael in 
 the wildernefs by the immediate hand of 
 God. The " hidden manna" alludes to that 
 fample of this bread which was laid up before 
 the Lord in the ark of the covenant :* and 
 by it is intended " that meat which enduretli 
 
 * Coiupare £xod. xvi. 33. Hcb. ix. 4. 
 
8S Free Mafonry glorified, 
 
 unto cverlafting life,** that fpiritual food 
 with which the foul fliall be amply fupplied 
 in the heavenly ftate, where all its refined 
 defires ihall be fully gratified. 
 
 " Lord evermore give us this bread !" 
 When the laborers fliall be called from work 
 to refreshment, and the Grand Mafter (hall 
 clofe the earthly lodge to open upon the firft 
 ftep of eternity, may we be admitted to the 
 privilege and raifed to the honor of eating 
 and drinking with him at his table ;* and 
 be abundantly fatisfied with the goodnefs of 
 his houfe, even of his holy temple If 
 
 II. The other claufe of the verfe we are 
 confidering relates to a particular cuftom 
 among the antients with which they com- 
 menced and perpetuated a refined friendftiip. 
 For this purpofe the contrading parties took 
 a fmall piece of bone, ivory or ftone, and 
 dividing it into equal and fimilar parts, one 
 of the perfons wrote his name upon one 
 of thefe, and his friend upon the other ; 
 and they made a mutual exchange. This 
 little ticket, or " keep-fake,** was retained as 
 a facred pledge and remembrancer of an 
 
 ♦ Luke xsii. 30. t Pfal- ^^' 4- 
 
free Mafonry glorified* 8^ 
 
 attachment the moft facred and inviolable, 
 entire and permanent, that could be formed. 
 Including the word, Jign, and token of an en- 
 deared fraternity, it was the mean of afcer- 
 taining the objed of the heart's affedions 
 after many years abfence, and of fecuring for 
 him a welcome to the privileges and a ftiare 
 in the endearments of hofpitality and love. 
 Of courfe the token was carefully preferved. 
 Though, in itfelf confidered, of fmalleft 
 worth ; yet, as the memorial of a highly 
 efteemed friend, as it renewed thofe kind 
 emotions of which he was the object, and 
 called up a hiftory on which the heart de- 
 lighted to dwell, its value became ineftimable. 
 And left fome one elfe fhould take the ad- 
 vantage of it, the pofTelTor kept it with great 
 privacy, and cautioufly concealed from every 
 one the name or mark engraved upon it. 
 
 Supposing our text to relate to this cuf- 
 tom ; what a delightful train of ideas does it 
 fuggeft 1 
 
 In 2ifpiritual fenfe, the promife is to this 
 effecl:, that the man of thiumfhant virtue 
 
 SHALL BE REWARDED BT THE FAFOR AND FRIEND^r 
 
9© free Mafonry glorified. 
 
 SHIP OF HIS DIVINE REDEEMER. ThlS truly 
 
 plealing aflurance is alfo given or implied in 
 feveral other paiTages of the New Teftament, 
 " not in the language of mere affirmation 
 only, but in a great variety of figurative, 
 animated expreffions, fo as to convey to the 
 imagination as well as to the reafon and 
 judgment, the livelieft and deepeft impref- 
 fions of its truth and import."* Here we 
 perceive the affedions of the heart directed 
 to the fcene of their nobleft exercife ; and 
 the virtues of the chriftian character ripening 
 for a fphere of exalted blifs. And here we 
 are alTured that in another and better world 
 the true follower of Jefus ftiall be admitted 
 to a friendfliip^ the pledges and the privi- 
 leges, the fatisfactions and the glories of 
 which, can be felt, underftood, and realized 
 only by the honored and highly favored receiver. 
 
 To ufe the words of Dodor Toung, on a 
 fimilar fubjed : " Is not this almoft too 
 much for human modefty to mention, for 
 human frailty to credit ; and oh ! is it not 
 far too much for human gratitude to leave 
 
 * Confult John xv. i, 2. xxii. 30. Roni: viii. 29. a Cor. iiu 
 xS. xii. 17. Rev. iii. ao. xix. 9. 
 
Free Mafonry glorified, 91 
 
 unproclaimed, unadored ! O bleffed revela- 
 tion that opens fuch wonders !'* What en- 
 couragement and hope are here ! Who would 
 exchange the frame of mind which even the 
 bare anticipation of fuch happinefs produces, 
 if nature could fupport it, for any other ? 
 Who is there that would not wifti to be of 
 the number thus diftinguilhed ? Who but 
 would be glad to have his fidelity thus ac- 
 knowledged, his virtue thus rewarded, his 
 eternal interfts thus fecured ? What joy will 
 tranfport thy heart, christian^ at this pleaf- 
 ing tranfaction ! How will the fons of God 
 congratulate thee upon this mofl honorable 
 teftimony to thy integrity and fidelity 1 
 How will thy fellow faints rejoice with thee 
 in mutually fharing the commendation and 
 friendfliip of the beft of beings ! 
 
 In this view, how great, how excellent, is 
 the chriftian profeflion ; how high and dig- 
 nifying the work of life ! What can be a no- 
 bler object of purfuit than the friendfhip of 
 Jefus ! What more worthy method of pur- 
 fuing it than by ftedfaftnefs and perfeverance 
 in the ways of well doing ! 
 
ga Free Mafonry glorified* 
 
 The mutual operations of fincere and vir» 
 tuous afFedion, even in this world, though 
 often weak and intermitting, are accompan* 
 ied with fo much fatisfaftion, that, next to 
 the confcioufnefs of doing well, aflurance of 
 the divine approbation, and the hope of 
 heaven, it is the greateft enjoyment we 
 have. But, fweet and endearing as it may 
 prove, it partakes fo much of human imper- 
 fe£tion, is fo liable to interruption, and may 
 fo foon be fufpended by death, that we can- 
 not reft in any earthly connection, as com- 
 pletely fatisfying, undifturbed, or fecure. 
 But the heavenly union has none of this 
 allay, none of this uncertainty ; it is perfecl, 
 indiffoluble. " The joy hereafter to be re- 
 vealed** is fubftantial and lincere ; large as 
 the capacities of our immortal fouls, and laft- 
 ing as the duration of eternity ! 
 
 If there be fuch a ftate of future happinefs 
 as we have been defcribing, fuch a fublime 
 connexion with all that is pcrfe6l and great 
 in the univerfe, there is nothing wortb a 
 lingle thought compared with making provi- 
 so n for it. Highly necelTary is it to begin 
 to be that which we hope to be forever, and 
 
Tree Mafonry glorified. 53 
 
 to enter upon that way of living in which 
 we hope to live to all eternity. " Every 
 man who hath this hope purifieth himfelf as 
 Chrift the Lord is pure." 
 
 Assured that he acknowledges thofe only 
 as his friends who do whatfoever he com- 
 mandeth ;* {hould we not be ready to yield 
 a conftant obedience to all his requirements, 
 " and follow all his will ?" Knowing that 
 " the fecret of the Lord is with them that 
 ferve him ;"t fliould we not now cultivate 
 the favor, and fecure an intereft in the love 
 of that Being, whofe future friendfliip is the 
 ambition of our fouls, " the prize of our 
 high calling ?" How ought we to maintain, 
 in the whole of our deportment, that purity 
 and dignity which become an expectation fo 
 noble ! How delirous fhould we be of a 
 nearer aiUmilation with our exalted friend, 
 remembering that " he who is joined with 
 the Lord is of one fpirit."| 
 
 May God teach us more of that hidden 
 wifdom which they only know who are 
 
 *Joh. XT. 14. I Pfal. XXV. 14. 
 
 i I Cor. v\. 17. 
 
94 ^^se Mafonry glorified. 
 
 truly initiated into real chriftianity ! " that 
 our hearts might be comforted, being knit 
 together in love, and unto all riches of the 
 full alTurance of underftanding, to the acknow- 
 ledgment of the myftery of God the father, 
 and of Chrifl, in whom are hid all the treaf- 
 tares of wifdom and knowledge."* 
 
 To you, my beloved and venerable com- 
 panions, who are acquainted with the mean- 
 ing and ufes of the diftinguiftiing fymbol of 
 the MASTER MARK MASON; the explanation of 
 this paflage and the antient cuftom to which 
 it alludes, will be very inftrudive and encour- 
 aging. 
 
 " Mark Majiers all appear 
 Before the chief O'erfeer ; 
 
 View there thejlone^ 
 On which appears the name 
 That raifes high the fame 
 Of all to whom the fame 
 
 Is truly knoivn !'* 
 
 The ftone which bears " the myftic word" 
 is legible only by thofe who have been 
 taught the interpretation : by others it is 
 
 * Colofs. ii, 2, 3i 
 
Free Mafonry glorified* 95 
 
 rejected as inlignificant, or confidered as " a 
 ftone of ftumbling and a rock of offence." 
 
 Though, therefore, you fay to the inquifi- 
 tive, as the angel to Manoah, " Why alkefl 
 thou after my name, feeing it is fecret ?" to 
 you it is known as the fymbol of your ex- 
 pected reward. You learn the honor of 
 having " your names written in heaven."* 
 You indulge the cheering hope, that, though 
 diftance divide or death interrupt the union 
 of virtuous minds, it will be renewed in a 
 more improved form when you fliall meet 
 again in the most holy place, and be co?n- 
 panions forever. 
 
 Often let us think of that glorious fociety 
 amongft whom we are enrolled as members ; 
 rejoice in the privileges and honors which 
 refult from fuch a relation to it ; and afpire 
 to the dignity and felicity promifed to thofe 
 who Ihall feaft upon " the heavenly manna," 
 and be " called by the new name which the 
 mouth of the Lord Ihall name !"t Then 
 Ihall we not only " have fellowlhip with one 
 
 * Luk€ X. 2a t Ifai. Ixii. %. 
 
c)6 Free Mafonry glorijied^ 
 
 another," but " our fellowftiip will be with 
 the Father, i.vA with his Son Jefus Chrift."* 
 
 Let the hopes of meeting with this great 
 reward, animate us in all our toils and labors 
 through the wearifome pilgrimage of this 
 life, and encourage us in the practice of 
 thofe duties and to the acquirement of thofe 
 virtues that may render us meet to be par- 
 takers of it. Let us rife from the love of 
 man to the love of God : and let us fo culti- 
 vate human friendfhip as at length to be-* 
 come worthy of the divine ! ' 
 
 • I Joh. i. 37. 
 
u ii ^ M j. ■■ T j3HL-rj.»^ -ai^M 
 
 DISCOURSE VI. 
 
 MASONIC EMBLEMS EXPLAINED. 
 
DISCOURSE VI. 
 
 I>ZMVERED BEFORI THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF KING 
 
 SOLOMON'S LODGE in Charlestown, June 24, 1796, 
 
 BEING THE FESTIVAL OF ST, JOHN THZ BaPTIST. 
 
 MATTHEW X. i6. 
 
 BEHOLD I SEND YOU FORTH AS SHEEP AMONG 
 WOLVES: BE YE THEREFORE iVISE AS SERPENTS 
 AND HARMLESS AS DOVES. 
 
 IN thefe words our Saviour addreffed 
 his apoftles, w^hom he fent forth into the 
 world to teach and to recommend his relig- 
 ion by their inftru(5lion and example. At 
 the fame time he very frankly warned them 
 of the dangers to which they would be ex- 
 pofed, and counfelled them how to condud 
 fo as to fliun, or to bear, the oppofition they 
 muft expect. Making a ftrong and expref- 
 five allulion to the known qualities of fome 
 of the inferior animals, he bid them take a 
 hint of the expediency of patience from the 
 
loo Mafonic emblems explained, 
 
 flieep, a leflbn of wifdom from the ferpent, a 
 recommendation of harmlefsnefs from the 
 dove. Such allufions to fenfible objects was 
 one of the earlieft, the eaiieft, and moft en- 
 gaging methods of inftruding mankind in 
 moral and divine truths. Affembling ima- 
 ges from nature, it fpeaks to the underftand- 
 ing by the fenfes. Thefe pleafmg illuftra- 
 tions lead us, by an eafy procefs, to form the 
 moft important, and often times the moft 
 fublime ideas, from things moft familiar and 
 intelligible. Hence the loftinefs of ftyle and 
 fentiment, the rich imagery, the animated 
 defcription, the enchanting grace, which per- 
 vade and embellifh all the productions of the 
 Eaft. And hence the admirable tiffue of al- 
 legory and metaphor with which they deco- 
 rated wifdom and virtue. This method of 
 imparting the moft fage and falutary leflbns 
 was, by our Lord, repeatedly ufed with the 
 happieft efficacy. Our text is a pleafing in- 
 ftance. The purport of the advice it con- 
 tains is, that his difciples fliould ad with 
 prudence, caution, and mildnefs 5 and exhib- 
 it fuch traits of inoffenlivenefs, wifdom, and 
 innocence, as to give no occafion for any 
 thing to be alledged againft them or their 
 
Mafonic emblems explained, loi 
 
 doftrine, nor any handle for their being ill 
 ufed. Thefe admonitions, my hearers, are 
 ftill important and falutary. No individual 
 perfon, nor any body of men, can be beyond 
 the neceffity of their fervice. And there is 
 fcarcely a day but calls for their exercife and 
 difplays their utility. Let me alTure myfelf, 
 then, that this large and refpeftable affembly 
 will not be difpleafed if I dwell, a little, up- 
 on the important qualities enjoined and rec- 
 ommended in our text : while my beloved 
 brethren of the free mason society ac- 
 knowledge my obedience to their commif- 
 fion, in my public defence and illuftration of 
 their primary and favorite principles. 
 
 Since he who is " the Mighty Counfellor" 
 hath thought fit to fet forth this inftrudion, 
 to which I would lead you, under the ex- 
 preflive emblems of the sheep, the serpent 
 and the dove, it may be very proper for us 
 to obferve wliat there is in thefe animals 
 that affords matter for our imitation with 
 reference to our conduding of ourfelves in 
 the world. 
 
 I. From iht Jheep we may learn patience 
 and SILENCE. Thefe are, on many occafions, 
 
 G 2 
 
102 Mafonic emblems etcplalned. 
 
 very becoming, difcreet, and laudable , but 
 pre-eminently requilite in lituations expofed 
 to difingenuous oppofition or taunting re- 
 proach. In fuch circumftances the bleffed 
 Saviour gave thefe qualities the exprellive 
 recommendation of his own example. " He 
 was led as a lamb to the flaughter ; and as 
 a flieep before her fliearers is dumb, fo he 
 opened not his mouth." 
 
 II. Our Lord, deligning to join wisdom 
 and INNOCENCE together, propofes the fer- 
 pent for the one, and the dove for the other : 
 to let his difciples know that he allows them 
 io much wifdom as is confifterit Ivith inno- 
 cence, and perfuades them to no more fim- 
 plicity than is confiftent with wifdom. A 
 reference is made to the commendable qualities 
 of both ; that what was wanting in one 
 might be fupplied from the other ; and that 
 from their conjundion might refult a per- 
 itdi. wifdom free from all guile, and a well 
 guarded innocence without the leaft mixture 
 of indifcretion. This would produce a char- 
 a<^er at once fuperior to the iniquitous con- 
 trivance of fraud and the yielding timorouf- 
 nefs of mental imbecility j too generous to 
 
Mafonic e?nblems explained. 1 03 
 
 impofe upon others, and too cautious to be 
 impofed upon. 
 
 Whatever Ikill or prudence we may pof- 
 fefs feparate from inofFenlivenefs, our Ikill is 
 dangerous, and our prudence ineffectual : 
 the former may terminate in deftru6live mif- 
 chief, and the latter degenerate into con- 
 traded felfiftinefs. Wifdom without inno- 
 cence turns into Qraft and cunning, and lim- 
 plicity without wifdom is mere folly.* So 
 hazardous, alfo, is our fituation amidft the 
 corruptions of the world, that even blame- 
 lefsnefs yields not fecurity :t it will only ex- 
 pofe us unlefs it be guarded by difcretion. 
 The chriftian fathers often infift upon both 
 of thefe, and join them together. " Let no 
 man impofe upon you, faith Ignatius,! and 
 fee that you do not impofe upon any one.'* 
 Jerom thus recommends ;j| " have the fim- 
 
 * " Sciemia, quae a juflitia et honeftate fejundia efl, caltditis 
 potius quam fapientia eft appellanda." Cicero de otl^ 1. i. 
 
 " Prudentia, abfque fimplicitate, malitia eft : ct limpllcitas, 
 abfquc ratione, ftultitia nominatur." Hieron. fuper Ofcam. 
 
 f " Parum tuta per feipfa probitas eft." Sallust. 
 
 ^ iGXATiuSjCpift. ad Ephcs. 
 
 II " Habeto funplicitatem columbx, ne cuiquam mach.'ncris 
 dolos ; et ferpcntis aftutiam, nc aliorum fupplanteris inHdiis," 
 HiERON. epift.ad Pa\iJin. 
 
104 Mafonic emblems explained. 
 
 plicity of the dove, that thou mayeft not con- 
 trive to cheat any one ; and the warinefs 
 of the ferpent that thou mayeft not be fup- 
 planted by the fnares that others lay for 
 thee." Gregory Nazianzen faid of his father 
 that " he neither fufFered the wifdom of the 
 ferpent to degenerate into cunning, nor the 
 innocence of the dove into indifcretion ; but 
 made up one complete kind of virtue from 
 the union of both together."* This union 
 he afterwards defcribes under the name of 
 " goodnefs combined with underftanding :** 
 by Hilary it is called " wife fimplicity."t It 
 is this union of wisdom and innocence 
 which perfects the character of man. It gives 
 him all that commands refpect and conciliates 
 efteem ; all that is venerable, and all that is 
 lovely. The injundion, then, may bear re- 
 peating, that we blend the wifdom of the 
 ferpent without its malignity, with the inno- 
 cence of the dove without its fillinefs. In 
 fliort, to defignate our wifdom as coming 
 from above, it muft be " firft pure, then peace- 
 able, gentle, eafy to be intreated, full of 
 
 * Gregor. Nazianz. Orat. 19, 
 f " Sapiens flmpUcitas." 
 
Mafonic emblems explained^ 105 
 
 mercy and good fruits, without partiality 
 and without hypocrify." 
 
 These hints for the better underftanding 
 of the text being premifed, let us proceed to 
 confider tliefe things feparately ; that is to 
 fay, let us inftance wherein we may lawfully 
 imitate the wifdom of the ferpent, or advan- 
 tageoufly difplay the harmleffnefs of the 
 dove. 
 
 From remoteft antiquity to the prefent 
 day the ferpent has been remarkable for a 
 peculiar penetration and artfulnefs.* This 
 rendered him, unhappily, a fit inftrument, 
 under the management of the malignant de- 
 ceiver, to effeftuate the fall of man. This 
 natural fagacity was not evil in itfelf, how- 
 ever the abufe of it, by the devil's means, 
 was unfpeakably evil and deftrudive.f 
 
 * See fome remarkable ftories of the fagacity of ferpents, in Pti- 
 NY, Nat. Hift. 1. vii. c. 23. a;. 
 
 t The charaAer which is given of this animal by the facred 
 hiflorian, Genefis 3d chapter, may denote rather his gentle, free, 
 and infinuating nature, than any original malicioufnefs : that, 
 before the fall, the ferpent was mild, tra(£table, and more familiar 
 with man than any other creature ; and ftrongly intimates that he 
 had won the attention and gained the good liking of our firft 
 parents. For when Ood fays he will put enmity bctwen the fer- 
 pent and woman, the implication mufl be that there was fome 
 fort of kindnefs and friendship between them before. This wa$ 
 
io6 Mafonic emblems explained. 
 
 From this difaftrous period enmity irrec- 
 oncilable has fubfifted between the ferpent 
 and man. It is natural for us to dread even 
 the tool by which we have been wounded, 
 though we cannot predicate guilt of the in- 
 ftrument, or rationally account for our aver- 
 lion. But this need not prejudice us againft 
 the inftru6tion we may hence derive. Let 
 me make the creature which was inftru- 
 mental in teaching our progenitor evil and 
 mifery, inftrumental in teaching us, his de- 
 fcendants, good and happinefs.* 
 
 I. The firft lelTon of wifdom we may learn 
 from the ferpent is that of prudence. This 
 animal is faid always to endeavor, when af- 
 faulted to defend his head ; he fecures that, if 
 it be pollible, though the body be expofed.f 
 
 the fentiment of the antient and modern Jews, and of feveral of 
 the Chriftian Fathers. \^See Josephus, antiq. lib. i. c. a. Rabbi 
 Isaac Abarbihel. R.Maimonides, more nevochim, p. xi. c. 30 R. 
 Menachem. Basil, iomil. de paradifo. Damascen. de fide, 1. 2. 
 c. 10.] And it may be well to recoUedl that the Hebrew word 
 [gnarum, whence the Latin word gnami] here tranflatedyj^i/// docs 
 not fignify craft, or infidioufnefs, but irwwing ; and fo the Seven- 
 ty Interpreters have rendered it : and they employ the fame greek 
 word which our Saviour ufes in the text we are explaining. 
 
 * " Fas eft ab hofte doceri." 
 
 f " In prsfentifTimo vltx periculo totum corpus IdVibus objici- 
 unt, ut caput occultent at<iue integrum fervent." 
 
 PUN, naU kiJL 
 
Mafonic emhlerm explained. 107 
 
 It becomes us, in imitation of this, when 
 expofed to danger, to take care to defend 
 and fecure the capital, the principal, the chief 
 concern.* 
 
 2. We may learn from the ferpent perspi- 
 cacity and CIRCUMSPECTION. The antients 
 have celebrated all the fpecies for quicknefs of 
 Jight.i Hence the poets have placed them as 
 keepers of the garden of the Hefperides.f 
 He who has ]omed prudence to his wifdom will 
 acquire thefe alfo. He will look about him : 
 efpy both his advantage and his danger ; 
 efpecially if by difcerning the latter he may 
 know how to bring about the former. His 
 watchfulnefs will either prevent the evil 
 
 * " The prudent man forefeeth the evil and hideth himfelf.'* 
 
 Prov. xxli. 3. 
 
 f So the name of the ferpent in greek comes from the verb 
 ■which fignifies to fee. 
 
 " tam cernis acutum 
 Quam aut aquila, aut Terpens epidaurius." 
 
 HoR. lib. i.fat. 3. 
 
 \ DiOD. 4. Ovid, meiam. iv. 637. ix. 90. HrciN, tab. 30. Apol- 
 Loo. iii- c. 5. Hesiod. theogn. v. 215. 
 
 It is ftrange that thofe who have pretended to explain the an- 
 tient mythology have not difcovcred in this fable the lineaments 
 of refcmbiance to the hiftory which Mofes gives of the fall of 
 man. One can furely fee here the prohibited apples, the guarded 
 tree, and the ferpent. 
 
 # 
 
ro8 Mafonie emblems explained, 
 
 which is defigned againft him, or to which 
 he is expofed, or it will enable him to pro- 
 vide againft it efFeflually, 
 
 3. We are taught by the example of the 
 ferpent, the advantages of secrecy and re- 
 tirement. He owes to them his fafety and 
 repofe. In them we may find fecurity, tran- 
 quillity, and peace. In the facred filence of 
 retreat from the world the mind collects its 
 powers and rebraces its energies. There we 
 find leifure, opportunity, and inclination to 
 think and to refolve : and there acquire the 
 ability and the vigor to perform. There, 
 too, we efcape from temptation, difembarrafs 
 our perplexities, and get beyond the reach of 
 care. There we acquire the knowledge of 
 ourfelves ; hear the " ftill fmall voice" of 
 reafon and of confcience which was drowned 
 in the noife and buftle of life ; and there we 
 find accefs to the Divinity. " The eye which 
 feeth in fecret" beholds us with complacen- 
 cy : while the benignity of his love hides us 
 with fheltering fafety in the receffes of his 
 pavilion. 
 
 4. The ferpent is faid to evade the force 
 of the enchanter by laying one ear clofe to 
 
Mafonic emblems explained, 109 
 
 the ground, and Hopping the other by the 
 extreme end of his body.* Let us hence 
 take a hint of caution to (hut our ears to the 
 enchantments of pleafure and vokiptuoufnefs, 
 the fpells of wealth, the delufions of ambi- 
 tion, and the temptations of fin. If we give 
 ear to them we may be feduced from the fe- 
 cure condition of innocence and duty, to the 
 ruinous one of guilt and apoftacy. 
 
 5. It is obferved of ferpents that they caft 
 off their old fkins in the fpring, and a new 
 one fucceeds them, and they grow, as it were 
 young again.f It may be proper for us, in 
 imitation of this, to throw afide our rough 
 exterior, and become fmooth, pliant, and in- 
 finuating. Morofity and aufterity are no 
 parts of the wifdom we are recommending. 
 They are " the fuperfluous matter which 
 muft be knocked off.*' External embellifh- 
 ment is not to be difregarded. Many people 
 form their opinion at fir ft fight. The out- 
 
 • BoCBART. h'uroz. torn. 2. 1. 3. C. 6. Calmet, dij[ert. in Pfal. Ivlii. 
 4,5. 
 
 f EpiPiiANitJS, fpealdng of this property of the ferpent, fays, he 
 fufs off his old age. See alfo Aristot. hiJI. an. 1. 8. So the antients 
 reprcfented ^fculapius with a fnake in his hand, to ilgmfy his 
 (kill ia renewing men's bodies which had bceo diieafcd. 
 
no Mafonic emblems explained, 
 
 ward deportment ihould be prepoffelling r 
 it fliould have a polilhed grace. Then it will 
 prove a kind of letter of introdudion to the 
 good opinion of thofe who have not better 
 means of knowing us. By becoming more 
 agreeable wc may render ourfelves the more 
 ufefiil. But the man of roughnefs will be 
 either negleded or defpifed. 
 
 There is an inference yet more inftru^live 
 atd important to be derived from this pecu- 
 liar circumftance in the hiftory of the fer- 
 pent. We are by it reminded of that moral 
 RENOVATION of life our religion enjoins. 
 Would we become " wife unto falvation," 
 we muft " put off the old man, be renewed 
 in the fpirit of our minds, and put on the 
 new man which is created in righteoufnefs 
 and true holinefs." 
 
 And, then ftill farther may we extend the 
 metaphor to that more perfed transforma- 
 tion, when our vile bodies Ihall be changed 
 after the fafhion of Chrift*s moft glorious 
 body, and this mortal fhall be clothed with 
 immortality. 
 
 These three Jlages of advance, from un- 
 formed roughnefs to complete perfection. 
 
Mafonic emblems explained, x 1 1 
 
 are underftood by my brethren of the lodge 
 in a manner emphatically clear and import- 
 ant. Here they involve fome of the fublim- 
 eft myftcries of Free Mafonry. But here a 
 folemn awe pervades my foul : nor would 
 my trembling hand prefumc to draw afide 
 the veil which hides the bright tranfcenden- 
 cy of wifdom. 
 
 III. Let us turn, my brethren, from inef- 
 fable wonders and over dazzling fplendors t« 
 the contemplation of thofe mild and lovely 
 graces prefigured to us in the fymbol of the 
 dove. Thus we ceafe to gaze at the glorious 
 magnificence of the fetting fun, to view the 
 tempered radiance of the ftarry fky. 
 
 Without dwelling upon particulars, it 
 will be fufficient here to enumerate fome of 
 thofe qualities afcribable to the dove proper 
 for our imitation. At the head of thefe are 
 
 HARMLESSNESS, MILDNESS, and INNOCENCE. 
 
 The bird has always been the emblem of 
 thefe. Indeed it is fo remarkable for being 
 placid and gentle that the antients fuppofed 
 it had no gall.* Doves are, alfo, familiar, 
 
 • Plin. nat. hiji. 1. 10. C. 34. Ovid metamorp. 1. 7. V. 369. 
 Clemens Alex. padagA. 1. c. j. Tertul. de baptifmo, c. 8. Isio- 
 poR. orlg. I. 12. C^SARius, dial. 4. ap, 191. Horapollinis. 
 hierogl. I. 2. c. 48. 
 
ii:> Mafonic eynhleim explamcd* 
 
 FRIENDLY, and PEACEABLE. They take in- 
 juries rather than offer them. They are like- 
 wife fignalized for being pure and chaste, 
 very loving and very constant in affec- 
 tion. They feem to have a social disposi- 
 tion, and go in flocks. And they are faid 
 to be PITIFUL and compassionate.* Such 
 lovely qualities have always infured them the 
 protedlion and endeared them to the partial- 
 ity of man. Lodges are ere6led for them near 
 our houfes ; and refrejhment furnifhed them 
 from our own fupplies. And with fuch pleaf- 
 ing monitors, my friends, before our eyes, 
 fliall we not be prompted and allured to ev- 
 ery thing amiable, endearing, and kind ? 
 Shall we not foar above each low and fordid 
 fcene of vice and wanton folly, and flretch 
 our eager pinions towards the fky ? And, 
 tired with earth and vanity, take to our- 
 felves wings as a dove, and fly away and be 
 at refl ! 
 
 Thus, my hearers, have I endeavored to 
 convey to you fome of the ideas which pre- 
 
 ? Thefe qualities are alluded to in Ifai. xxxviii. 14. lix. ii« 
 Nah. ii. 7. 
 
Mafonic emblems explained. 1 1 3 
 
 fented themfelves in contemplating our text. 
 I hope the leffons of wisdom and innocence, 
 will be allowed a general application^ although 
 the enumerated qualities of the one and the 
 other are purely Mafonic. Not that they 
 are the prevailing features in every Mafon's 
 charader ; for there are bad men among us, 
 as well as amongft chriftians, and other 
 aflbciations for virtue- Thefe are fpots in 
 our, and in their, feafts of charity. But 
 the moralities pointed out are the acknow- 
 ledged, appropriate, articles of every Mafon's 
 creed. In our lodges they are illuftrated by 
 the moft expreflive fymbols, recommended 
 by the moft engaging examples, and enforc- 
 ed by the moft pathetic lectures : while the 
 lignet of heavenly truth ftamps them, on 
 every yielding, receptive heart, in characters 
 indelible. This folemn declaration I make 
 in the fear of God, as well as love of the 
 brethren. " Let us, therefore, as many as 
 be perfed:, be thus minded ; and, if in any 
 thing ye be otherwife minded, God fliall re- 
 veal even this unto you."* 
 
 * Philippians iii. 15. 
 H 
 
114 Mafonic emblems explained. 
 
 In conclufion, allow me to obferve to you 
 that though you ftiould underftand all myfte- 
 ries and all knowledge, and have not char- 
 ity, it will profit you nothing. In vain is it, 
 my brethren, that you have been illuminated 
 by a fun more glorious than that which rules 
 the day, if its kindly beams have not warm- 
 ed and melted your heart to foftenings of 
 love and generofity. "To do good, then, 
 and to communicate forget not, for with 
 fuch facrifices God is well pleafed." An op- 
 portunity is now offered for that liberal be- 
 ftowment of alms fo grateful to the indigent 
 receiver, fo honorable to the generous be- 
 ftower, and fo acceptable to the Lord of 
 mercy, who acknowledges the fmalleft in- 
 flance of relief done for one of the leafl of 
 thefe his brethren as bellowed on himfelf. 
 
 In pleading for the poor of this town I 
 can ufe all the emphafis which confraternity 
 in alliance and affedion excites. Here are 
 my deareft kindred and friends. Here firfl 
 I drew the vital air ; and with it inhaled a 
 fentiment of partiality for my native place 
 
Mafonic emblems explained* 1 1 5 
 
 which has blended itfelf with all the affec- 
 tions of my heart, and breathed in all my 
 prayers to heaven. Having, with my belov- 
 ed parents^ fliared deeply in the diftrelfes 
 and defolations which war occafioned here, 
 moft fenlibly can I feel for thofe who yet 
 fink under the accumulated preffure of dif- 
 appointed expedations and penurious cir- 
 cumftances. And devoutly do I hope that 
 thofe who Ihare a kindlier fate will now be 
 excited tenderly to commiferate and bounti- 
 fully to relieve their unfortunate brethren. 
 
 Permit me, my fellow townfmen, on this 
 day confecrated to the memory of worth departed^ 
 to tender you the condolences of my fympa- 
 thy upon the recent death of two moft valu- 
 ed members of our community. A Russell 
 and a Gorham are loft indeed to earth, 
 though gained to heaven. To the circle of 
 private relations and extenftve friendfhip 
 they were defervedly and invaluably dear : 
 their removal from thefe is felt with all the 
 poignancy of remedilefs grief. To the inter- 
 cfts of their country, of humanity, and of 
 
1 1 6 Mafonic emhlenu explained. 
 
 virtue, tjiey were patrons whofe lofs is irrep- 
 arable. But they have left us the bright 
 legacy of their example. Let us all ftrive to 
 emulate their never to be forgotten excellen- 
 ces ; and our names fhall be recorded with 
 theirs in the regiftry of immortal glory. 
 
DISCOURSE VII. 
 
 ON ILLUSTRATING OUR PROFESSION BT 
 EXAMPLE. 
 
DISCOURSE VII. 
 
 Delivered at the consecration of the MERIDIAN SUN 
 LODGE IN Brookfield, September 12, 1798. 
 
 MATTHEW V. 16. 
 
 " LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN THAT 
 THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD IVORXS, AND 
 GLORIFY YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN** 
 
 As the suN^ when he retires from 
 the horizon, is fucceeded by the planets and 
 the ftars, which irradiate the hemifphere he 
 has quitted with a luftre, though more 
 feeble, yet fuch as fliews they partake of his 
 brightnefs and fupply his place : fo when he, 
 who is emphatically ftiled the sUn of right- 
 eousness, was about to leave this earth, he 
 ordained that the faithful fliould rife in his 
 ftead to enlighten the world in the knowL 
 
I20 On ilhtfl rating our 
 
 edge of his truth, and difFufe its falutary 
 influence through every region and every 
 age. 
 
 When, at the firft creation, God faid, let 
 
 THERE BE LIGHT, AND THERE WAS LIGHT ; it 
 
 was to the end that the darknefs might be 
 difperfed, and his works become vilible and 
 his perfections manifefl : and when, at the 
 fecond creation our Lord Jefus Chrift fays, 
 
 LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE MEN; he intcuds 
 
 that thofe whom he had juft called " the 
 light of the world^^ ihould endeavor to diflipatc 
 the moral darknefs of mankind by inftruft- 
 ing them in the dodrines of his gofpel and 
 by difplaying the happy effects of his religion 
 in the purity of their lives and the luftre of 
 their virtues. 
 
 There is great propriety and beauty in 
 the metaphor w^hich he here ufed. Nothing 
 is more apt to attract the eyes and enliven 
 the countenance than light ; efpecially that 
 which fhines in a dark place : So nothing 
 can more excite the obfervation, engage the 
 attention, or gladden the hearts of beholders, 
 than a fair, bright, and excellent charader. 
 
■profejfion by example, 121 
 
 appearing in the midft of a diflblute, and 
 corrupt generation. And, as all luminous 
 bodies, in proportion to the degree of their 
 own brightnefs, difFufe their light around 
 them, and at a diftance enlighten other bod- 
 ies ; fo, in a moral and religious fenfe, a 
 good example is a light fliining in darknefs, 
 fpreading its influence every way, difFuling 
 inftru<5lion and knowledge, motives to ref- 
 ormation and encouraG:ements to virtue.* 
 
 *o^ 
 
 There is obfervable in human nature a pe- 
 culiar pronenefs to imitation. Hence fomc 
 of our earlieft habits are formed. In infancy 
 we catch the ideas and conform to the man- 
 ners of our parents and acquaintance. As 
 we progrefs forward in life, we learn to fol- 
 low and to copy thofe whom we refpect as 
 fuperiors, venerate as inftructors, or love as 
 friends. We affimulate to our affociates, 
 imbibe their opinions, and imitate their con- 
 dud : We even take their mode of fpeech 
 and tone of voice. Indeed, example has a 
 
 • Cicero obferves that the reafon why we are formed, pleafed 
 and able to admire the beauty and regularity in the heavenly bod- 
 ies, was to admonifli us to imitate their conltancy and order in 
 the nobltr beauty of a tuorthy bebavitr. 
 
122 On ilhtjirating our 
 
 kind of fafcination or charm which it is 
 almoft impoffible to relifl. It carries with it 
 both inftruftion and encouragement* Whilft 
 advice or precepts make only a flight impref- 
 lion on the mind, and one which lafts for a 
 very ftiort time, example is a conftant and 
 powerful call to imitation.* It works, 
 though gradually and imperceptibly, yet 
 more powerfully and fuccefsfuUy than we are 
 aware of ; like light, iilent in its operation, 
 but wonderful in its effeifts. It has an elo- 
 quence which reaches the heart. No lan- 
 guage is more perfuafive or inftrudive. It 
 admoniflies without exciting refentment, 
 and correds without giving offence, and 
 thus poITelTes all the utility without the for- 
 mality of reproof. 
 
 As a good picture ftrikes us more forcibly, 
 and gives a more adequate, lively, and im- 
 preflive idea of the objed reprefented by it, 
 than any defcription by words could do ; fo 
 goodnefs or excellence of any kind reprefent- 
 ed by precepts does not fo powerfully move 
 the affeftions as when we fee it dehneated in 
 
 * " •validiora J\tnt exempla quam vcrba^ et pkniut ctere docetur quam 
 veee." 
 
profeffion by example. 123 
 
 the life. Nor is there any thing which can 
 fo efFeclually recommend any fyftem, and 
 render it worthy of all acceptation, exclufive 
 of its own intrinlic worth, as its beneficial 
 and happy efFe6i:s made vifible in the charac- 
 ters of its advocates. Thefe carry with them 
 undeniable evidence of the value of thofe 
 principles from whence they flow, and whofe 
 tendency is thus confpicuoufly good. 
 
 In farther difcourfing on the paflage under 
 confideration, I propofe to Ihew, in the Jirjl 
 place, to my hearers in general, the import- 
 ance of a good example as exhibiting and 
 vindicating the principles of Christianity ; 
 2Xidi, fecondly^ ^PP^^Y "^^ fubjecl to the prefent 
 occafion, by recommending to my brethren 
 of the MASONIC family, a conduct which fhall 
 refled luftre and honor upon the inflitution 
 to which they belong, 
 
 I, It is the peculiar honor and glory 
 of CHRISTIANITY in its firft promulgation 
 that the behavior of its profefTors was agree- 
 able to the heavenly precepts they incul- 
 cated ; that the integrity of their morals 
 was anfwerable to the purity of their faith j 
 
1 24 Oyi illiijlrating our 
 
 and that the goodnefs of their example and 
 the holinefs of their converfation, the irre- 
 proachablenefs of their conduct, and the 
 amiablenefs of their manners, adorned the 
 doElrine they taught and gave it peculiar luf- 
 tre in the eyes of the world. Prophecies had 
 foretold its intent, and miracles announced 
 its divinity ; but the life of its author and its 
 followers exhibited the religion in its genu- 
 ine influence and fhew its intrinfic excellency. 
 And it feems to have been the defign of our 
 Lord that in every after age it fliould extend 
 itfelf by the internal evidence of its admira- 
 ble precepts and the external .difplay of its 
 benign effe<5ls. And, if its profeffors did but 
 act up to their principles, an appeal might be 
 made to their lives for the beft recommenda- 
 tion of their faith ; and lefs would need be 
 written in defence of the gofpel : For every 
 doubt and every objedion mufl yield to the 
 lovelinefs of example and the eloquence of 
 pradice. When the graces of chriftianity 
 adorn the charader, and its virtues dignify 
 the conduct, its beauty muft attract every 
 eye and its worth gain on every heart. Men 
 from admiring, will infenfibly be induced to 
 
profejfion by example* a 25 
 
 imitate fuch illuftrious models ; which, " bet- 
 tering all precept, fliine before the world the 
 faireft call to good." Such bright difplays 
 will not only be feen, but felt ; and may kin- 
 dle, even in the coldeft and moft infenfible 
 hearts, a noble emulation. For a good ex- 
 ample, as has been already intimated, has not 
 only in itfelf a tendency to form the tempers 
 and morals of others to an aflimulation ; but 
 it alfo places religion in a very engaging 
 light, and naturally begets an efteem, love 
 and choice of it in every obferver. 
 
 With the utmoft propriety, then, did our 
 Lord recommend to his difciples an exem- 
 plary conduft, both as befitting the high and 
 honorable office he had affigned them, and as 
 eminently conducive to its fuccefs in the 
 world. 
 
 What was their duty as teachers, is be- 
 coming us, my hearers, as difciples. Efpec- 
 ially as we live at a period in which infidelity 
 in opinion and profligacy in manners are 
 very prevalent. It is, therefore, highly ex- 
 pedient that we give to our religion all the 
 authority of our acknowledgment, and all 
 
1 26 On iliuji rating our 
 
 the recommendation of our example : That 
 by our converfation and conduct we may 
 " exhibit lucid proof that we are honeft in 
 the facred caufe j'* and that it may be ap- 
 parent in our " good works," that chriftian- 
 ity produces the happieft effecbs, contributive 
 to the improvement and felicity of man, and 
 to the honor and glory of God. 
 
 Be ye, therefore, fliining profeflbrs and 
 bright examples of religion in a dark and 
 mifguided age ! Thus adorn the dodlrine of 
 God your faviour, making your lives a faith- 
 ful commentary upon it, and a high recom- 
 mendation of it ! Thus win it admirers and 
 gain it profelytes ! 
 
 Let it be remembered, that our good 
 works may be confpicuous without being 
 oftentatious. The genuine and unafFeded 
 appearances refulting from righteoufnefs and 
 piety, may be exhibited without the danger 
 of being even fufpected of hypocrify. We 
 need not /peak great things, but live them. 
 We fliould, however, manfully avow what 
 w^e lincerely believe ; and, by an open and 
 vifible attachment to duty, exprefs our re- 
 
profejjion by example. 127 
 
 gard to the honor of God, and give refplend- 
 ency to the chriftian name. 
 
 It is true, that many of the good effeais of 
 our religion are the private exercifes and fat- 
 isfadions of the heart, and known only to 
 the Deity and our own fouls : But yet there 
 are many things which are made vifible in 
 the life ; thefe our acquaintance will notice, 
 and from them judge of our real charadler. 
 Thefe^ therefore, fhould be fuch as will exem- 
 plify the excellent principles by which we 
 are governed, fuch as men may behold with 
 the grcateft pleafure and follow with the 
 greateft advantage ; fuch as may render us 
 friendly luminaries, ferving at once both to 
 enlighten the paths and kindle the emulation 
 of all around us. And it may reafonably be 
 expected, that fuch an experimental reprefen- 
 tation of goodnefs as this, will induce a great 
 many to become profelytes to religion. 
 
 The natural tendency of a good example 
 to induce thofe who obferve it to an imita- 
 tion ; and the great probability there is that 
 it will have this effed, upon fome at leaft, if 
 not upon all who fee it, is a very powerful 
 
128 On illuji rating our 
 
 inducement to the faithful difcharge of the 
 duty we are recommending. Becaufe, if it 
 have this effect, we fhall do the greateft kind- 
 nefs to our neighbor, obtain the mod ample 
 fatisfaclion and reward for ourfelves, and 
 bring glory to God in the difFufion of his 
 truth : Any of which confiderations alone is, 
 and therefore, much rather are they alto- 
 gether, fufficicnt to ftimulate all our endea- 
 vors, and to demand our bell condud. Let 
 us not decline, then, giving fufficicnt out- 
 ward proofs of being ourfelves moved and 
 actuated by a true fpirit of godlinefs ; and 
 let us ftrive, by all practicable and prudent 
 methods to propagate the fame in others. 
 Let us impart freely our knowledge ; and, 
 like the glorious luminaries of heaven, re- 
 fled the light we receive ; and not be like 
 thofe opaque fubftances which abforb or in- 
 tercept every ray of brightnefs, and even caft 
 a Ihade on each furrounding body. Let us 
 *' ftiine as lights in the world j'* guiding 
 others by the refplendence of our wifdom, 
 and winning them to virtue by the lullre of 
 our example ! 
 
prof ejfion by example, 129 
 
 These obfervations and counfels, are 
 equally applicable to us all, my refpedcd 
 hearers, both as Chrijiians and as Mafons : 
 And I feel a peculiar pleafure in affirming the 
 intimate connexion between the two char- 
 aders. We are alike " built upon the foun- 
 dations of the prophets and apoftles, Jefus 
 Chrift himfelf being the chief corner ftone ; 
 in whom all the building fitly framed to- 
 gether, groweth into an holy temple in the 
 Lord.'* Indulge me, however, while I apply 
 the fubjecl, as I propofed, in the fccond place^ 
 by recommending to my brethren of the 
 MASONIC FAMILY^ in addition to the general 
 duty of exemplarinefs as chrijiians, the exhi- 
 bition of fuch a condudl as fliall reflect luflre 
 and honor upon their own inftitution ; dif- 
 playing its venerable character and illuftrat- 
 ing its benevolent defigns. 
 
 Since many of our forms and operations 
 are neceflarily fecreted from common infpec- 
 tion, tlie generality of mankind will make 
 up their opinion of the fociety from the de- 
 portment of its members. This ought to 
 ferve as a very powerful call to every one 
 of us, uniformly and openly, to difplay thofc 
 I 
 
J30 On illujirating our 
 
 qualities and virtues fo ftrongly inculcated 
 and warmly recommended in the lodge. To 
 little purpofe fhall we commend the inftitu- 
 tion and boaft the excellence of its principles 
 and purpofes, if our lives give not corrobora- 
 tive evidence to our affertions and prove not 
 the propriety of our encomiums. If we ap- 
 pear neither wifer nor better than the unin- 
 itiated, the world will begin to fufped the 
 efficacy of our tenets j and if no good effects 
 are apparent, they will doubt whether any 
 are produced. How necefl'ary is it, there- 
 fore, my brethren, that ye " be blamelefs 
 and harmlefs, the fons of God without re- 
 buke in the midfl of a crooked and perverfe 
 nation, among whom ye fhine as lights in 
 the world 1*'* 
 
 The conduct of thofe on whom fo many 
 eyes are fixed, muft infenfibly have a very 
 confiderable influence. As it is juftly requir- 
 ed that they Ihould live up to the high char- 
 after they allume, fo their defers and ill 
 conduct will difappoint the expectations they 
 have excited, and eventually bring difcredit 
 upon their order. " If the light that is in 
 
 • Philip, ii. 15. 
 
profejfioji by example* 131 
 
 them be darknefs, how great is that dark- 
 nefs !"* 
 
 At the fame time there is no propriety in 
 taxing us with every unreafonable prejudice, 
 cr making us accountable for every unfound- 
 ed fufpicion. If people will condemn our 
 principles without examination, and decide 
 upon our deeds without candor or juftice ; 
 we have no refource but in the inward con- 
 fcioufnefs of integrity and good intentions, 
 and the outward difplay of fuch conduct as 
 fiiall prove their cenfures unjuft. And we 
 will hope " by well doing to put to filence 
 the ignorance of foolifh men." Yes, my 
 brethren, be it your care to confute all fuch 
 illiberal cenfures as modern alanmjli have 
 belched out againft Free Mafonry, by {hew- 
 ing the good influence of the inftitution 
 upon your tempers and lives. In fpite of all 
 ihcir fneers, and all their invedlives, it will 
 flill infallibly fecure pubHc approbation and 
 private cftcem, if your condud elucidate its 
 principles and is modelled by its precepts. 
 
 * Matth. vi. 23, 
 
132 On illiijlmtlng our 
 
 As light is not held forth merely to manifeft 
 itfelf, but to fliew fome other ufeful thing 
 which, without it, might have remained in 
 obfcurity ; fo your confpicuous worth will 
 not only fhew the brightnefs of your own 
 characters, but lend a lullre to your fociety 
 whereby it may be better underftood and its 
 nature more advantageoufly difplayed. 
 
 Whilst unitedly difpofed to defend your 
 order, be unitedly determined to preferve it 
 worthy of defence. Carefully guard againft 
 all innovations- " Remove not the old land- 
 marks which your fathers have fet." They 
 are rendered venerable by antiquity, and y^- 
 cred by religion. Preferve unaltered the dig- 
 nity of its antient conftitutions, and unadul- 
 terated the primitive fimplicity and pure 
 morality of its laws ; and Mafonry will flour- 
 ifli in its priftinc honors. 
 
 May the lodge this day confecrated, be 
 beautiful as the Sun in its brightnefs, cheer- 
 ing and enlivening as its kindlieft influences, 
 clear and glorious as its noon-tide beams ! 
 May the officers fill their fpheres with light, 
 and the members be radiant orbs around 
 
profejjlon by example. i j^ 
 
 their centre ! May the brethren be glad- 
 dened by their enlightened courfe, and re- 
 fled and diffufe on all around, their fplendor ! 
 
 Long, bright, and profperous, be the fair 
 and hopeful day which now fliines upon 
 you ! May no mifts of prejudice obfcure, no 
 envious difk eclipfe its glory. 
 
 Finally. Let us all my hearers, be ac- 
 tively and eminently good. May our exam- 
 ple and conduct in life prove a high recom- 
 mendation and a fair illuftration of our prin- 
 ciples, and reflect the brighteft honor upon 
 our profelTion and chara6ter. May our 
 " light fo fliine before men, that they may 
 fee our good works and glorify our Father 
 who is in heaven ;" and may we, (having 
 been ivife, and happily inftrumental in turn- 
 ing many to righteoufnefs) hereafter " fliine 
 as the brightnefs of the firmament and as the 
 itars forever and ever !'* 
 
 12 
 
DISCOURSE VIII. 
 
 ON PRESERVING THE CREDIT OF THE 
 INSTITUTION. 
 
DISCOURSE VIII. 
 
 Deuvered at the consecration of HIRAM LODGE, in 
 Lexington, October 17,1798. 
 
 ROMANS XIV. 16. 
 
 LET NOT THEN YOUR GOOD BE EVIL SPOKEN OF. 
 
 1 HE Apoflle had been fuggefting fomc 
 advice to the brethren with regard to their 
 behavior in matters of indiflference. He af- 
 ferted the full extent of chriftian liberty ; 
 but at the fame time cautioned them not to 
 abufe this liberty fo as to give offence or 
 occalion of {tumbling to any man. In the 
 words felected as our text, he enjoins it upon 
 them fo to order their conduct that their 
 profellion might never be reproached as coun- 
 tenancing improper freedoms. He advifes 
 them, therefore, to abftain altogether from 
 things, which, if not unlawful, were never- 
 
138 On preferving the credit 
 
 thelefs inexpedient ; and that what was too 
 good to be given up, in condefcenfion to pop- 
 ular opinion or prejudice, they muft vindi- 
 cate from mifreprefentation and guard from 
 abufe. 
 
 You perceive, my hearers, that the pre- 
 cept refpeds all ages of the world ; and will, 
 unqueftionably, be wife counfel, fo long as 
 mifapprehenlions and miftakes, want of can- 
 dor and want of caution, remain amongft men^ 
 
 To wifli to be well fpoken of for what we 
 do well, is natural and reafonable. Merit 
 ihould obtain this reward. Exertion needs 
 this encouragement. Neverthelefs, " if do- 
 ing well, we yet fuffer reproach, to endure it 
 patiently is acceptable before God."* At 
 the fame time it is poilible that fomething in 
 the manner or circumftances of our condudl 
 may take off from its beauty or leffen its 
 credit. Againft this it becomes us to guard, 
 
 I WILL mention a few inftances. 
 
 1. We expofe our good to being evil fpoken 
 of, if we are too fond of difplaying it ; and 
 
 • I pet. ii. ao- 
 
of the Injiitutim* 135 
 
 it may fufFer from too great referve. The 
 firft will be ridiculed as oftentation ; the 
 laft, ftigmatized as inexcufable timidity. 
 
 2. Austerity of manners, on the one hand; 
 and levity, on the other, may bring reproach 
 upon our virtue. The former is forbidding, 
 and produces averfion ; the latter renders our 
 fmcerity fufpicious. 
 
 3. Our good may be evil fpoken of, if we 
 difcover in its defence too much, or too little 
 zeal. " It is, indeed, good to be zealoufly 
 affecled always in a good thing." Yet, if 
 our zeal be without knowledge, or be not 
 duly tempered with prudence and charity, it 
 will grow extravagant and ra{h, and will 
 really injure the caufe it profeffes to defend. 
 At the fame time not to fhew any zeal, will 
 appear like indifference. 
 
 There is a certain medium in thefe clr- 
 cumftances which is to be aimed at and fol- 
 lowed, if we would avoid giving offence. 
 
 It would be impofTible to point out every 
 particular in which we may expofe our good 
 to be evil fpoken of. Even fmall matters 
 may induce fufpicions or increafe reproaches. 
 
140 On preferring the credit 
 
 A little inadvertence or neglect, a trifling im- 
 propriety or indifcretion, may tarnifli the 
 luftre of the higheft virtues, and prevent the 
 ufefulnefs of the beft of characters. 
 
 How prudently, how cautioufly, then, 
 fhould we behave ! How circumfpedly fliould 
 we walk ! How carefully fhun whatever 
 wears the refemblance of a fault or may be 
 conftrued into a crime : Left our very excel- 
 lences pafs under an ill name, or fome flaws 
 be found in our good qualities, which, though 
 candor might be willing to overlook, ill-na- 
 ture will not know how to fpare. So that 
 we muft not only avoid evil, but the very 
 appearance of evil : not only take care that 
 our conduft be right, but tha,t what is good 
 in itfelf be not, through our inadvertence or 
 fault, difadvantageoufly exhibited to others. 
 
 It is true there are fome perfons of fo cap- 
 tious and uncharitable a make, that it would 
 be impoflible for the moft cautious to avoid 
 their remarks or efcape their cenfures. The 
 exceptions may lay hold of fome unguarded 
 circumftance or other, mifreprefent what is 
 good; and by giving it a wrong turn or 
 
of the Injlitut'wn, 141. 
 
 appellation, fpoil both its credit and efFedl. 
 While the envious and malicious will be fa- 
 gacious in difcovering the weak fide of every 
 character, and dexterous in making the moft 
 and the worft of it. 
 
 Thus circumftanced, how are we to con- 
 duct ? How is it poilible to fleer clear from 
 blame ? It may not be. But if we cannot 
 efcape reproaches, we may avoid deferving 
 them. 
 
 While we exercife every precaution to 
 keep our good actions from any fuch fpots 
 or defeats as thofe who watch for our halt- 
 ing may wifh to fpy in them ; we fliould, 
 alfo, more efpecially, beware left we give any 
 reafonable perfons juft caufe to cenfure or 
 condemn us. While we are careful not to 
 furnifh our enemies with any pretence which 
 might juftify their criminations, we fliould 
 prudently refrain from every thing which 
 would needlefsly difpleafe our friends. 
 
 The rule we have been illuftrating con- 
 cerns locieties, no lefs than fingle perfons : 
 focieties of an order, in particular, whd are 
 
142 On prefer ving the credit 
 
 more expofed to obfervation, and whofe rep- 
 utation is of more fpecial importance to 
 themfelvcs and to the public. 
 
 At the prefent day when every thing is fuf- 
 pe(5ted which is not fully known ; when the 
 very circumftance of myfteries in chriftianity 
 is made an excufe for infidelity ; when all 
 antient eftabliftiments are become objects of 
 jealoufy ; and the very beft things in the 
 world' are either negle(5led or contemned; 
 who, or what, {hall be certain of exemption 
 from " the ftrife of tongues ?'* and how can 
 we be furprized that the inllitution of free, 
 MASONRY has met with fecret and open ene- 
 mies ; that the ignorant miftake, and the pre- 
 judiced defame it ? 
 
 Convinced as you are, brethren, of the 
 purity of your principles, confcious of having 
 the warmefl wifhes for the benefit of man- 
 kind, and of exerting yourfelves in the caufe 
 of charity and virtue ; to meet with calumny 
 infi:ead of commendation, and reproaches in- 
 ftead of thanks, is a mortifying difappoint- 
 ment. Hitherto you have patiently born the 
 infults and the invedlives with which the order 
 
of the Injiitution, 14^ 
 
 has been unjuftly loaded ; hoping *' by well 
 doing to put to filence the ignorance of fool- 
 ilh men." But the *^ accufers of the brethren'* 
 have brought forward new accufations, and 
 attempted to render fufpicious your princi^ 
 pies, your intentions, and your conduft. To 
 let thefe criminations circulate unanfwered, 
 unrefuted, would ill become you. The noble 
 fpirit of confcious innocence rifes indignant. 
 And you delegate me, your humble advocate, 
 this day, to plead your caufe, to vindicate 
 your tenets, and to refute the cavils and ex- 
 pofe the abfurdity and injuftice of the charges 
 brought againft our order. I undertake it j 
 regretting only that it will not be in my 
 power to do juftice to the fubjedl, or to your 
 expeflations ; but hope that my franknefs 
 and fmcerity will in fomc meafure compen, 
 fate for any deficiences in the execution. 
 
 The moral good of Free Mafonry is evilfpok-r 
 en of How unjuftly will be evident from 
 the ftatement I will now give you of its ten- 
 ets on this fubjedl. 
 
 " To \\2xt faith and hope in GOD, the fu- 
 preme architect, and charity towards mak, the 
 
144 On prefer'ving the credit 
 
 mafter-workmanfhip of his hands,** is among 
 its firft injunctions.* This is the key-Jione of 
 the arch, on which every other bears ; which 
 unites all to itfelf, and cements the feveral 
 parts into one folid, flrong, and beautiful 
 whole. But, as every one is accountable on- 
 ly to the Deity for his religious principles, 
 and, as Mafons are colleded from various 
 countries where, they have been educated un- 
 der different forms and ellabliftiments, only 
 thofe great elTentials and leading truths are 
 injijied on in which all men agree ; contefts 
 about modes of faith are forbidden in the 
 lodge ; and each one is left to his own con- 
 fcience. At the fame time it is well known 
 that in all chriftianized countries Mafons 
 have proved the warm friends, admirers, 
 and advocates of the gospel. But their ad- 
 verfaries have taken exception at this liber- 
 ality of fentiment and conduft, and have 
 charsced the inftitution with demoralizinor 
 principles. Becaufe Mafons were neither 
 bigots nor enthufiafts, they have inferred 
 that they muft be libertines and atheifls. 
 
 * See the Book of Constitutions, publiflied by the Grand 
 Lodge of MafTachufctts, part i. chap. i. § i. " 0/~ God and Re- 
 ligion." 
 
of the Injiitution, 14^ 
 
 *' To be guided by temperance in our per- 
 fonal habits ; to h^iVe fortitude to refift temp- 
 tations and to check improper defires j to 
 let prudence be the ruler of our adions, and 
 jujiice inftruct us to render to every one 
 his due ;'* is another of the moral leffons 
 of Free Mafonry. There can be nothing, 
 furely, exceptionable in this. But the warm 
 and frequent inculcations of charity, brother- 
 ly-love, and general benevolence, are evil 
 fpoken of by thofe who are difpofed to find 
 fault. They ridicule them as " wire-drawn 
 diiTertations on the focial duties ;" inform- 
 ing us that " all declamations on univerfal 
 philanthropy are dangerous :'** and thus the 
 SOCIAL GOOD of Free Mafonry is evil fpoken of 
 But what then will be faid of Chriftianity, 
 for teaching the fame do6trine of loving our 
 neighbor as ourfelves ; which extends this 
 charity fo as even to include enemies in the 
 fphere of its beneficence ; and which denies 
 the participation of its affedions to none ? 
 A pious divine hath remarked, that, " Phi- 
 lanthropy owes much of its perfection to 
 Revelation, which has enlarged its limits, 
 
 * See Mr. Robison's book about confpiracies, &c. page 17, 
 juid 345. 
 
 K 
 
146 On prefewing the credit 
 
 extended its views, defined its degrees, and 
 increafed its objecls. Human benevolence 
 is heightened and finiflied to the laft degree 
 and in the utmoft extent in the comprehen- 
 live fcheme of chriftian charity."* 
 
 Besides ; the univerfal benevolence which 
 Mafonry infpires is fo far from being incon- 
 fiftent with the indulgence of the private af- 
 fe6tions and the obfervance of the leffer char- 
 ities, that thefe are the very materials of 
 which it is compofed. " The top of the cli- 
 max of affection cannot be reached without 
 advancing through each intermediate ftep ; 
 nor is it pofTible to remain at the top, with- 
 out refting on the ladder by which we have 
 afcended." 
 
 Because mafons are fliledyr^f, and becaufe 
 in the lodge they Hand upon a level^ an im- 
 putation is brought againft them as favoring 
 the modern notions of " Liberty and Equal- 
 ity."! Now, the freedom which we profefs 
 is perfectly confiflent with order, with fub- 
 ordination, and with allegiance. And as to 
 
 • Bidlake's fermons, vol. i. p. 37, and ir.ore largely p. 194. 
 \ See ^' La voiU rttira, far M. Ll Fuanc." 
 
of the hjlitution. 147 
 
 the equality we cultivate, it is only that vol- 
 untary and temporary condefcenfion of fupe- 
 riors to inferiors which takes place during 
 the meeting of the lodge ; where it is con- 
 fidered as effential to unanimity and promo- 
 tive of brotherly love.* When the members 
 depart to mix again with the world, each 
 man refumes his proper place in fociety, and 
 retains that honor and refpecl to which he is 
 entitled by his flation, his talents, or his vir- 
 tues. Perhaps this cannot be better expreff- 
 ed than in the words of our conftitutions \\ 
 " You are to falute each other in a courteous 
 manner, as you will be inftructed, calling 
 each other brother ; freely giving mutual 
 inftruclion, as fhall be thought expedient, 
 without encroaching upon each other, or de- 
 rogating from that refpecl which is due to a 
 brother were he not a mafon : for thoudi 
 
 o 
 
 all mafons are, as brethren, upon a level, yet 
 mafonry diverts no man of the honors due to 
 him before, or that may become due after, 
 
 * " Love fubfifts only by mutual kindnefles and compliances : 
 its bafis is that principle of sqaallty which ought ever in fome de- 
 gree to reign between man and man, however unequal be their 
 condition in life." Dr. Enfield's y/Twnw.f, vol. 3, p. 17. 
 
 f Chap. iv. 
 
148 On preferring the credit 
 
 he was made a Mafon. On the contrary, h 
 increafes refped, teaching us to add to all his 
 other honors, thofe which as Mafons we 
 cheerfully pay to an eminent brother ; dif* 
 tinguilhing him above all of his rank and 
 ftation, and ferving him readily according to 
 our ability." 
 
 How ftrangely perverfe muft that judg- 
 ment be, which infers from fuch premifes 
 that the inftitution has an unfavorable afpe<fc 
 upon fociety, as a levelling fyftem, deftruclive 
 of the grades and diftin<5lions of civil life, 
 and fatal to the very exiftence of government 
 and order ! I 
 
 This leads me to obferve, in the laft place, 
 that, the political good of Free Mafonry isy 
 alfo, evilfpoken of. 
 
 In vain is it proved that the primary and 
 elTential laws and regulations of the Frater- 
 nity, require of the members allegiance and 
 fubmiffion to the government of the country 
 in which they live ; and forbid, in the moft 
 pofitive and folemn manner, their engaging 
 in any plots, confpiracies, or cabals.* In vain 
 
 * See the book of Conftitutions, chap. 1. Sei5t 2. " Of Gov- 
 cnm^cjit and the Civil Magiftrate." 
 
of the Injlitution* 14^ 
 
 is It proved that in all ages and countries the 
 Free Mafons have been found to be good and 
 peaceable citizens, the friends of order and 
 public tranquillity. Prejudice rejeds all evi- 
 dence, and is deaf to every plea. Bribery 
 and corruption fuborn falfe witneffes againft 
 the inftitution. Minifterial jealoufy commen- 
 ces the profecution, and a ftate penfion pays 
 the fees.* 
 
 Nay, the Free Mafons are taxed with the 
 plans and enormities of a German club, with 
 which they had no connedion and no ac- 
 quaintance : and whofe principles and prac- 
 tices are diametrically oppolite to theirs, and 
 acknowledged to be fo even by their moft 
 zealous oppofer.f 
 
 Thus, my hearers, have I briefly enumerat- 
 ed the popular prejudices of the prefent day 
 againft Free Mafonry. I need not attempt a 
 
 * " See fcrlbblcrs to the charge by intcrejl led, 
 The fierce North-Briton thundering at their head, 
 pour forth i>»vc(SUvcs, deaf to candor's call, 
 And, injur'd by one alien, rail at all !" 
 
 Churchill, 
 
 f See the various palTages in Mr. Robison's work in which he 
 inakes an abatement iu favor of the EngUJh Mafons : by which he 
 jngenioudy contrives, while criminating tbs "whole, to exculpate a 
 fart, 
 
 K 2 
 
150 On preferving the credit 
 
 formal confutation. It muft be apparent to 
 every candid examiner that they are illiberal 
 and unjuft. Time and experience will fhew 
 that they are fo ; correct the miftakes that 
 are now entertained, and eflablifli the credit 
 of the inftitution. Its pretenfions will appear 
 to be well founded. Its tendency to focial 
 improvement, to moral virtue, and to politi- 
 cal tranquillity, will be feen and acknowledg- 
 ed. And it will emerge brighter and fairer 
 from the cloud with which ignorance and 
 prejudice feek to envelop and obfcure it. 
 
 In the mean time, my brethren, as the 
 world will have fomething to fay of us, it 
 much concerns us for our own fakes and for 
 the inllitution's fake that the report Ihould 
 be in our favor. For this purpofe let us 
 purfue the good that is effential to the order 
 and which it is eminently calculated to pro- 
 duce. 
 
 And let me recommend to the brethren, 
 at whofe requeft I Hand here, that difcreet 
 behavior as men and as mafons which Ihall 
 filence the tongue of reproach, remove the 
 fufpicions of prejudice, and fmooth the frown 
 
of the Injiitution. 1 5 1 
 
 of contempt ; which fliall not only fecure 
 their good from being evil fpoken of, but 
 gain it the trueft praife. 
 
 May the lodge this day conftituted main- 
 tain a high credit in the increafing lifts of 
 Mafonry ! May its benevolent and peaceful 
 influence difFufe joy and gladnefs over thefe 
 plains, made memorable by the malTacre of 
 thofe who fell nji6lims of tyranny^ but martyrs 
 TO LIBERTY ! From the fhuddering recollec- 
 tion of that horrid fcene, let us turn to the 
 happy contraft this day prefents. Here are 
 no inftruments of deftruftion ; no clangor of 
 battle ; no groans of flaughter j no garments 
 rolled in blood : only the emblems of love 
 and the train of peace. A little band of 
 brothers celebrate as a feftival of joy the day 
 which conjlituies them a regular fociety, and 
 confecrates their plans and purpofes of charity, 
 focial virtue, and happinefs. May thefe plans 
 and purpofes produce the moft beneficial ef- 
 fects ; evince the good of mafonry, redeem 
 its credit with the prejudiced, and eftablifh it 
 with the candid ! And may the fociety, in 
 every part of the world, be influential in dif- 
 
152 On preferring the credit, ^c. 
 
 fufing the light of wifdom, aiding the firenph 
 of reafon, and difplaying the beauty of virtue ; 
 in leflening the aggregate of human mifery 
 and vice, and in extending the bounties of 
 charity and the bleflings of peace ! 
 
DISCOURSE IX. 
 
 ANSWER TO SOME POPULAR OBJECTIONS 70 
 
 FREE MASONRY. 
 
DISCOURSE IX. 
 
 Delivered At the consecration of ST. PAUUs LODGE lU 
 GROTON, August 9, 1797. 
 
 EXODUS, XVI. 15. 
 
 « AND iVHEN THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL SAW IT 
 THEY SAID ONE TO ANOTHER, IT IS MANNA, FOR 
 THEY WIST NOT WHAT IT WAS. AND MOSES 
 SAID UNTO THEM, THIS IS THE BREAD WHICH 
 THE LORD HATH GIVEN YOU TO EAT." 
 
 1 HE children of Ifrael, in their travels 
 through the deferts of Arabia towards the 
 land of Canaan, murmured againft Mofes 
 and againft the Lord becaufe the fcanty ftores 
 they brought from Egypt were nearly ex- 
 haufted, and they were ignorant of the 
 means for a new recruit. In particular they 
 wanted bread. They were gratified by a 
 miraculous providential fupply. Bread was 
 
156 Popular obje^ions 
 
 granted them, bread from heaven ! myf- 
 terious in its origin and charadler, but highly 
 agreeable in its reliih, falutary in its nature 
 and nutritive in its qualities. 
 
 There are circumftances, connected with 
 its beftowment and reception, deferving our 
 particular notice ; and the fubjecl will lead 
 to fome reflections applicable to the fociety 
 on whofe account we affemble. With this 
 view I propofe the following method. 
 
 1. To confider what notice was taken by 
 the Ifraelites of the proviiion and refrefh- 
 ment, divinely furniihed them ; 
 
 2. Shew what it really was ; and 
 
 3. Apply the fubjeft to the prefent occa* 
 fion, by inquiring what is faid of Free Ma/on- 
 ry by thofe who know not what it is, and by 
 defcribing its real nature and charader. 
 
 We are,^r/2 then to confider ivhat notice was 
 taken by the Ifraelites of the provifion and refrejh- 
 vient furnijhed them by afpecial divine providence 
 in the deferis of Arabia. 
 
 No fooner did they fee it than they cried out 
 one to another *' it is manna^ it is manna, for 
 
conjidered a?id anfwercd* tcj 
 
 they knew not what it was.'* Whether this 
 was an exclamation of furprize, a queftion of 
 curiofity, or an expreflion of contempt, we 
 Ihall not decide. Critics and commentators 
 feem at a lofs how to underhand it. One 
 fays it is this and another ihat^ for they know 
 not what it is.* However, it is plain enough 
 that 7nanna, let it mean what it will, was not 
 the proper definition nor defcription of the 
 admirable provifion.f And fo Mofes inform- 
 ed them by telling them, " this is the bread 
 which the Lord hath given you to eat." Not- 
 withftanding, they perfifted in giving their 
 own opinion of it, though they were unac- 
 quainted both with its name and nature.J 
 
 * vide Poll fynops. criticorum, in loc. 
 
 f The derivation of the word manna is varioufly given by learn- 
 ed men. Philo Judkus and Josephus make it to fignify -what h 
 this ? and fo do the Ixx. and R. Solomon, R. Menaciiem, and 
 others. Accordingly it is thus tranflated in Matthew's, the 
 Geneva, and Do\rAY verfions. It is fo rendered, alfo, by the 
 celebrated Dr. Geddes. But Coverdale renders it "Ms is 
 mans ;" our tranflation " it is manna" and others, " it is a portion" 
 The declaration that « they knew not what it was," and the re- 
 ply of MosEs, would lead one to fuppofe that the phrafe before 
 was a quejiicn. Our only furprize is that it fhould afterwards paf$ 
 into a defcriptive name. Thus loe ufc a very vulgar phrafe in 
 fpcaking of fomcthing of which we have forgotten the name, and 
 fay " the -what do you call it" 
 
 J Compare Dcut. viii. 3. where Mofcs cxprcfsly affcrts their <«- 
 l»« ignorance 0/ it. 
 
 V 
 
158 Popular cbjeBiom 
 
 What a ftrange contradiftion ! But not 
 ftranger than all are likely to fall into who 
 pretend to decide upon matters which they 
 do not underftand. " They faid one to 
 another it is manna ;" and manna it has been 
 called ever fmce. It is no eafy matter to al- 
 ter names. When people misjudge at firft, 
 it is very difficult to redlify their opinion. 
 Ignorance is blind and perverfe ; prejudice is 
 politive and obftinate. What is mifconceived 
 and mifapplied feldom afterwards retrieves 
 its real eftimation. Men are apt to judge at 
 large, refleft at random and condemn at a 
 venture ; without waiting for a patient ex- 
 amination or fatisfaclory evidence. Now, 
 nothing can be more contrary both to equity 
 and found reafon than fuch precipitate judg- 
 ments. Thofe who build opinions upon con- 
 jectures muft often be in the wrong. They 
 may make grofs blunders, and do great injuf- 
 tice. The apoftle Jude gives fuch a rebuke : 
 " Thefe, fays he, fpeak evil of the things they 
 know not." It has been the practice of vul- 
 gar ignorance to abufe what it could not com- 
 prehend J and to alTert that there muft be 
 
confidered and anfwered, 1 59 
 
 faults, where it had not the fagacity to dif- 
 cover excellence.* 
 
 II. But I proceed to inquire what this won* 
 derful provijion really was, about which they were 
 Jo ignorant. 
 
 That there fhould no doubt remain in the 
 minds of thofe to whom it was fent, Mofes 
 informed them that it was the bread which the 
 Lord had given them to eat. In like manner 
 David calls it " the corn of heaven," and 
 " angels* food."t The Scripture defcribes 
 particularly its appearance and properties, 
 and mentions its coming down with the 
 dew ; alike the gift of refrefhment from 
 above. And it retains ftill its fame in the 
 Eaft, being called " celeftial fweetmeat."| 
 
 * " Trifles light as air," often tried in the balance and found 
 wanting, fink as deeply in unfurniflied minds, and make as much 
 impreffion there, as difficulties of a weightier nature ; like feath- 
 ers defcending in a void with a force and velocity equal to that 
 of much more fubftantial and mafl'y bodies." 
 
 Seed. 
 
 f Pfal. Ixxviii. 24, 25. See alfo its true name in Nehemlah ix. 15. 
 
 if " Les orientaux appellcnt la manne qui tomba aux Hcbreux 
 dans le Defert, la Dragee ou Confiture de la Toute Puiflance, te 
 que les Arabes fignifient par Haluat al Kodrat, et les Tur9s par 
 Kodret Kalvafi." Herbei.ot, bibllcth. Orientah. The Greeks call- 
 ed it aeromeli, aerial lo>u-y. Atuzn. 1, i:, and Dies. Hi. 2. caf. loi. 
 
i6o Popular objeilions 
 
 Nor can there be any propriety in denying 
 to the gift its real charadler and intrinlic 
 value, becaufe its appearance was not prepof. 
 fefling. It is fufficient that its origin was 
 divine^ and its ufes excellent. If this could not 
 recommend it, we may exped that the beft 
 things and richeft bleffings will be treated 
 with negled or fpurned with contempt. 
 
 That it pojfejfed remarkably palatable and nu- 
 tritive qualities is evident both from the di- 
 vine delign of its beftowment, and from its 
 ufe. The author of the book of Wifdom 
 fays that it fo accommodated itfelf to every 
 one's tafle as to prove agreeable to all. His 
 words are, "thou feddeft thine own people 
 with angels food, and didft fend them from 
 heaven bread prepared without their labor ; 
 able to content every man's delight, and 
 agreeing to every tafte. For thy fuften- 
 ance declared thy fweetnefs unto thy chil- 
 dren, and, ferving to the appetite of the eat- 
 er, tempered itfelf to every man's liking."* 
 
 From modern famples of this fubftance, as 
 it is gathered in the Eaft, we perceive that it 
 
 * Wifdom xvL 20, it. 
 
conftdered and anfwered, 1 6 f 
 
 has the appearance of condenfed honey, and 
 a tafte of agreeable fweetnefs. A late cele- 
 brated traveller into Arabia fays, "it is ufed 
 jjow as fugar in feveral difhes ; it is nourifli- 
 ing, and when newly gathered has no purga- 
 tive qualities."* Its medicinal ejOfeds are 
 probably occafioned by its being left fome 
 time ; in confequence of which it ferments 
 in a degree, becomes candied, and iofes its 
 relifhing tafte and nutritive properties. To 
 the Ifraelites, who were obliged to confume, 
 each day, their given portion, it afforded an 
 agreeable, nouriftiing, wholeiome repaft ; 
 and was their principal aliment during a pe- 
 riod of forty years. Though liable to cor- 
 ruption, it did not become bad unlefs im- 
 properly ufed or unlawfully abufed.f And 
 the beft things are perverted and debafed by 
 ill ufage. 
 
 It is alfo worthy of remark that it had 
 tnoral tendencies. It was pjranted in daily 
 
 * NiEBUHR,v. 2. p. 362 of the tranjlatlon, and Father PiNOLo, de- 
 fcribing that of California which falls as is fuppofed with the dew, 
 fays, that, without the whitenefs of refined fugar, it has all its 
 fweetnefs. 
 
 \ Exod. xvi. ao. 
 
1 62 • Popular objeillons 
 
 fhowfers, that they might be kept in a coti* 
 tinual thankful dependence upon divine 
 providence. It was in fuch fmall grains, and 
 was fo fcattered, that they were obliged early 
 and feafonably to begin their work of col- 
 lecting it, or they would fail of a fupply. 
 Thus were they taught indujiry ; and learned 
 that their own endeavors were to be united 
 to the afliftance and to co-operate with the 
 grace of God. And a double portion on the 
 laft day of the week, and its non-appearance 
 on the fabbath, gave them a very ftriking 
 intimation that the inftitution of a day of 
 actual reft from labor was to be religioufly 
 and devoutly obferved. 
 
 The manner too in which it was diftribut- 
 ed was admirably calculated to excite and 
 encourage a fpirit of liberality and gemrojify, a 
 willingnefs to impart to thofe whofe induftry 
 had been lefs fuccefsful, or who 'were unable 
 to gather for themfelves : for in meafuring 
 their refpeclive gatherings before they went 
 to their tents, thofe who had collected a 
 greater quantity than fufficed for their imme- 
 diate need or ufe freely gave the overplus to 
 thofe who had not enough. ^ So that he 
 
confidered and anfwered, 1 63 
 
 -who gathered much had nothing over, and 
 he that gathered little had no lack.'* In 
 this fenfe the words are underflood by the 
 Apoftle. 2 Cor. viii. 14, 15. who ufes the 
 palTage as an apt illuftration of his moft ex- 
 cellent argument for that happy equality, in 
 the diftribution of the good things of this 
 life, which our mutual relation to each oth- 
 er and particular exigencies may require j 
 that he who abounds fliould willingly im- 
 part of his fuperfluity, fo that he who is def- 
 titute may obtain a competent fupply. 
 
 It would be eafy to point out the very 
 ftriking refemblance which free masonry 
 bears to the rnoral qualities and purpofes here 
 enumerated ; but it is too obvious to need a 
 more particular reference. I fliall, therefore, 
 go on to make one more remark, in which 
 the analogy is alfo apparent. 
 
 After all, there were fome things in the na- 
 ture of this heavenly provifton ivhich could not eafi- 
 ly he accounted for. Where it was prepared^ 
 and how it was made, they could not tell. 
 There they were in the dark. Why the 
 fame fubftance which melted and evaporated 
 in the heat of the fun when it was left expof- 
 
164 Popular objeBions 
 
 cd in the field, ihould, only upon being 
 brought into the tent, become of fo condenf- 
 ed a confiftence that it might be beaten to 
 powder in a mortar or ground in a mill, and 
 baked in an oven,* was beyond their com- 
 prehenfion. And why it fhould be endued 
 with fuch a religious reference to the obfer- 
 vation of the fabbath that none fell on that 
 day, and a double quantity the day before, 
 was a circumftance that excited their fur- 
 prife. Surprife fometimes degenerates into 
 ftupidity. Oftener than once they defpifed 
 and loathed this miraculous and delicious 
 provilion. 
 
 Such is the pride of the human underftand- 
 ing that it has no great opinion of that which 
 it cannot fully comprehend. Whatever has 
 any thing of myftery in it is very likely to 
 be flighted. Though it poflefs all the char- 
 acters of excellence, and all the recommend- 
 ations of utility, yet if it elude inveftigation 
 and have fome fecret qualities " paft finding 
 out," doubts will be immediately entertain-; 
 ed whether it be " worthy of all accepta- 
 tion ;" and opinions propagated tending 
 
 * Numb. li. 9. 
 
conftdered and anfwered, 165 
 
 to leffen its charad:er and deny its import- 
 ance. This was the cafe with regard to the 
 heavenly refrefliment furnifhed in the wil- 
 dernefs to the Ifraelites. They valued it not 
 becaufe they lacked " the onions, the leeks, 
 and garlicks of Egypt." Hear their difcon- 
 tented fneers ! " But now our foul is dried 
 away ; there is nothing at all, befides this 
 manna, before our eyes."* A like fpirit of 
 difapprobation and rejediion the fame nation 
 difcovered of God*s moft precious gift. They 
 murmured at Jesus becaufe he faid, " your 
 fathers did eat manna in the wildernefs and 
 are dead. I am that bread of life which 
 Cometh down from Heaven, of which if a 
 man eat he fliall live forever."! They reject- 
 ed the Meffiah before they adverted to the 
 divine authority of his credentials. This, 
 and the former circumilance with which it 
 was compared, could be only from preju- 
 dice : for prejudice is a judgment formed 
 before hand without examination. How 
 unreafonable and unjuft muft fuch ajudo-- 
 
 * Numb. xvi. 6. 
 
 t Johnvi. 4r. ?i. 
 L 2 
 
1 66 Popular ohjeSlwm 
 
 ment be !* And how great a bar to all after 
 information ! For, if the mind be warped by 
 V prepoffeffions, free inquiry into the merits of 
 a caufe is prevented. Prejudice reftrains all 
 candid interpretations of motives or princi- 
 ples. It difcolors every qbje^l ; or repre- 
 fents it in a falfe light. It leads to a deci- 
 sion equally ungenerous and unfair ; for it 
 often prefumes to confider the moft flight 
 and frivolous circumftances as fatisfaftory 
 materials for confident affertion and decifive 
 fentence. It is the immediate and copious 
 fource of evil furmifes and unkind fufpicions. 
 It gives rife to a caviling cenforioufnefs, 
 mean infinuations, and farcaflic fneers. — 
 Wherever there is a fecret bias of mind 
 previoufly formed, it will catch readily at 
 every little incident and appearance to in- 
 creafe its own propenfion : and turn every 
 current of obfervation into its own corrupt 
 channel. It perverts and mifreprefents the 
 very beft things : turns honor into difgrace, 
 merit into mifchief, chriftianity into fuperfti^ 
 tion, and virtue into vice. 
 
 * " Qui ftatuit aliquid, parte inaudita altera, 
 ^quum licet ftatuerit, haud sequus erit." 
 
 Seneca in Afidea-. 
 
conftdered and anjiuered* i ^-j 
 
 Cautioned and inftrucled by our fubje6r, 
 and the remarks which it has fuggefted, let 
 us not, MY HEARERS, form our opinion either 
 of perfons or things too haftily ; and never 
 proceed upon furmifes and precarious con- 
 jeftures. There is danger in making up a 
 precipitate judgment. Hafty conclufions arc 
 the chief caufe of all our miftakes and er- 
 rors. Let us not forget to examine before 
 we judge ; and to underfland before we 
 decide. To ridicule things we never took 
 pains to inquire into, would be unfair. To 
 condemn practices, the grounds and founda- 
 tion of which we never examined and know 
 nothing about, would be unjuft and cruel. 
 A difcreet perfon will avoid being preremp- 
 tory in his remarks, and decline hazard- 
 ing an opinion upon that of which he is 
 either totally ignorant, or but partially in- 
 formed. He follows the prudent counfel of 
 the antient wife man j " blame not before 
 thou haft examined the truth. Underfland 
 fjrft, a,nd then rebuke. Anfwer not before 
 thou haft heard the caufe ; and ftrive not in 
 a matter that concerneth thee not." "He that 
 anfwereth a matter before he heareth it, it is 
 
jC8 Popular objeclms 
 
 folly and fliame unto him.*' Upon the f^me 
 principle of equity is that maxim in common 
 law, " every man is prefumed to be inno- 
 cent till he is proved to be guilty." No one 
 is to be arraigned without evidence, nor con- 
 demned before he has made his plea of de- 
 fence. Verdict is never paffed upon a caufe 
 unheard. 
 
 It is a good rule in all doubtful matters 
 to fufpend our opinion, at leaft till pofitive 
 proof is obtained on which to found it. Un- 
 til we have fully afcertained the real ftate of 
 the cafe, let us always be willing to put the 
 faireft conftru6lion it will admit ; and even 
 to hope the beft of a thing where appearances 
 are againft it. Where doubt hefitates, let can- 
 dor prompt ; and where jujlice balances, let 
 mercy prevail. Even where we find ourfelves 
 obliged to blame the principles of a certain 
 feft or party, let us not be fo uncharitable as 
 to confound all its adherents and followers 
 under one general indifcriminate cenfure. 
 Efpecially let us not charge them with fuch 
 confequences of their tenets as they difavow. 
 
 Lastly : where we know but in part, 
 and fee but in part, we will have the mod- 
 
conjidered and anfwered* \ 6g 
 
 efty not to prefume to decide upon the 
 whole. Carefully will we avoid all prejudice;, 
 and all afperity of opinion. We will be kind 
 and liberal both in fentiment and conduct \ 
 encourage in ourfelves and approve in others 
 whatever tends to promote the interefts of 
 mankind and contribute to the refrefliment 
 of life ; and will humbly hope by the exer- 
 cife of amiable difpolitions and beneficent 
 actions towards each other, fanclified and 
 perfected by piety towards God, to become 
 prepared for that glorious fociety on high, 
 where we fliall be permitted to eat of the 
 HIDDEN MANNA, and houorcd alfo with the 
 poffefiion of the white stone in which is 
 the new and myfterious name written which 
 no man knoweth faving he that receiveth it.* 
 
 I HAVE dwelt the longer upon this part of 
 the fubjed becaufe from prejudice^ as well as 
 from ignorance i arife moft of the objedions 
 againft free masonry, and all the mifrepre- 
 fentations of its principles and practices.! As 
 
 * Revelations u. 17. 
 
 f " Of all fociities, ancient or modern, the mofl: worthy and 
 rcfpcdtable is the order of Free Mafons, which fociety has been 
 rendered very famous and fpread themfclvcs with inconceivable 
 
17© Popular ohjeBions 
 
 the origin of fuch dillike to our inftitution 
 is fo well known, it might be deemed paying 
 too great refped to its cavils to take any no- 
 tice of them at all. In general it is beft to 
 defpife the invedives of calumny and fmile at 
 the impotence of malice ; to difdain tak- 
 ing any notice of groundlefs furmifes ; and 
 not to give ourfelves the trouble of liftening 
 to the queries of the ignorant, or of confut- 
 ing the opinions of the prejudiced and cap- 
 tious. But left it fhould be thought that we 
 are delirous of evading an anfwer from an 
 inability to vindicate, we fhall now conde- 
 fcend, as was propofed, 
 
 III. To inquire what is /aid of tree masonry 
 by thoje who " know not what it is" 
 
 The opinion of the initiated is well known. 
 They all unite in commending the fociety 
 with a warmth that borders upon enthufi-. 
 afm. They difcover an attachment to it, at 
 which ig7iorance wonders and prejudice fneers. 
 
 celerity into every corner of the world where arts and learning 
 have found a name. But their worth has alfo raifed them up ma- 
 ny enemies, who are the lefs to be pardoned, as the only motive 
 of their intemperate rancor is their ignorance." See the Apology 
 far the Free Mafons, occafioned by their ferfecution in the CarJon of 
 Biriie. 7ranjl,ited from the French. Frankfort, 1 748. lima 
 
confidend and anfwered, 1 7 j 
 
 .One of the moft frequent objedions urged 
 againft free masonry, is ^' the profound fecrecy 
 ohferved upon certain parts of the injiitution.** It 
 is queried how it is conliftent with thofe 
 principles of good will we profefs, to conceal 
 any thing from the world. We anfwer, that 
 the principles and privileges of the inftitution 
 are open to all fuch as are qualified to receive 
 them : but of thefe qualifications we muft 
 referve the power of judging for ourfelves.* 
 To the wife and virtuous the arcana of the 
 craft, imder proper fanctions, are freely com- 
 municated. But to reveal them to the igno- 
 rant and vicious, would be proftituting their 
 purpofe and profaning their fandity. To di- 
 vulge them in common, would be to annihil- 
 ate the fociety : becaufe they are its diftin- 
 guifhing features, the characleriftics of the 
 order, and the means of its prefervation. 
 
 fxev roig ^etvjXoig ra? ay^areiTTra^ixivccg rovrotg fV/- 
 votug \j.Vi 'ujcc^ciyvij.vcvvruvy «iAA' iv ei^ei y^v^ov 
 zy^oaxTvixovvruv. Toig ^e eiro^liMcare^oig 'aui uvxhtO' 
 ^wv evrog, t-^ %v^(po^ca tcov 0'jrci)V Kci(ji,'rcih, (fiuvtare- 
 gov TiXovvruv. Taro It nui vifJ^iv, h{x.£vici {isv elv\ ruv 
 f ijvj/xfvwv, rci iJ.vgiKi')T£^ci Se "«ffV]1w a-iyvi TfTz/xvi^Sa'." 
 
 Heliodorus, ^thkp. lib. ix. p. 4^4. edit. 1619. 
 
172 ' Popular objeBions 
 
 Without them, therefore, it could not fub- 
 fift. Befides, were all men acquainted with 
 them, without regard to feled:ion or defert, 
 the peculiar obligation to good ojices arifing from 
 the inftitution would revert back to the gent 
 eral duty of all mankind, and be fubjecl to all 
 thofe dcdudions it now meets with in the 
 world at large, and againft which it is our 
 endeavor to guard. 
 
 However, to have fecrets is not peculiar 
 to FREE MASONRY. Evcry trade, every art, 
 and every occupation, has its fecrets, not to 
 be communicated but to fuch as have become 
 proficients in the fcience connected with 
 them, nor then but with proper caution and 
 reftriflion j and often times under the guard 
 of heavy penalties. Charters of incorpora- 
 tion are granted by civil governments for 
 their greater fecurity, and patents for their 
 encouragement. Nay every government, 
 every ftatefman, and every individual, has 
 fecrets, which are concealed with prudent 
 care, and confided only in the trufty and 
 true. 
 
eonjidered and anfwered, 173 
 
 We only claim a like indulgence ; " that 
 of condu<5ting ourfelves by our own rules, 
 and of admitting to a participation of our 
 lecrets and privileges fuch as choofe to apply 
 for them upon our own terms. So far from 
 wilhirig to deprive any one of the light we 
 enjoy, we fincerely wilh all the race of men 
 were qualified to receive it ; and if fo, our 
 doors fhall never be fliut againft them, but 
 our lodge, our hearts and fouls, fhall be open 
 to their reception."* 
 
 Nothing more furely, need be faid in 
 apology for the myftery and concealment 
 FREE MASONS profefs. I wiU proceed to an- 
 other objedion allied to the foregoing, which 
 ignorance alfo has fujrmifed and prejudice prop*- 
 agated. 
 
 It is pretented that " all who are initiated 
 ■mujifwear to conceal certain fecrets before they are 
 communicated to them, or they have it in their 
 power to examine their nature and tendency : and 
 that this pradice is unlawful." There would 
 be fome force in this obje<^ion were the obli* 
 
 • Rev. J. Mc Conochie's fcrmon before the Fraternity at 
 ?cnrith, 1796. p. 2%. 
 
174 Popular ohjedions 
 
 gation in itfelf iHnmoral, or the communica- 
 tions and requirements incompatible with the 
 great laws of religion or civil fociety : the 
 very reverfe of which is the cafe. 
 
 What the ignorant call " the oath" is 
 fimply an obligation, covenant, and promife, 
 exa£led previoufly to the divulging of the fpe- 
 cialties of the order, and our means of recog- 
 nizing each other ; that they fliall be kept 
 from the knowledge of the world, left their 
 original intent fhould be thwarted and their 
 benevolent purport prevented. Now pray 
 what harm is there in this ? Do you not all, 
 when you have any thing of a private nature 
 which you are willing to confide in a partic- 
 ular friend before you tell him ivhat it is, de- 
 mand a folemn promife of fecrecy ? And, is 
 there not the utmoft propriety in knowing 
 whether your friend is determined to con- 
 ceal your fecret before you prefume to reveal 
 it ? Your anfwer confutes your cavil. 
 
 It is further urged againft free masons 
 that " Their fociety is not founded on univerfal 
 benevolence, becaufe they oblige themfehes to be 
 hindejl and mofi generous to their own members** 
 
conjldered and anfwercd. 1 7^ 
 
 That our firft and choiceft fervices are paid 
 to our brethren, is true ; but then we think 
 it would be the greateft injuftice if it were 
 otherwife. Certainly a difference ought to 
 be made between thofe who have a claim 
 upon our afliftance and charity, and thofe 
 who have not. As our benevolence can reach 
 only a few of the infinite number that need 
 comfort and fupport, fome difcrimination is 
 neceffary : and what more proper than to 
 give a preference to thofe who are allied to 
 us by the ftrid bands of brotherhood and 
 affeclion ? So the apoftle exhorts the chrift- 
 ians to do good as they have opportunity to 
 all men ; but enjoins their fpecial and diftin- 
 guifhing regards to fuch as are of the houfe- 
 hold of faith.* 
 
 Yet though we give a decided preference 
 to fuch as have been tried, and proved, and 
 found to be worthy ; and have, in confe- 
 quence, been made members of the ma- 
 fonic family j we are known to profefs and 
 pradlife charity unconfined and liberality un- 
 limited, and to comprehend in the wide cir- 
 cle of our benevolence the whole human race. 
 
 * Galat. vi. lO. 
 
lyS Popular ohje^ions 
 
 It is, alfo, frequently argued againft free 
 MASONRY that ^^fome of thofe who belong to it 
 are intemperate, projligate, and vicious** But 
 nothing can be more unfair or unjuft than to 
 depreciate or condemn any inftitution, good 
 in itfelf, on account of the faults of thofe 
 who pretend to adhere to it. The abufe of a 
 thing is no valid objedion to its inherent 
 goodnefs. Worthlefs characters are to be 
 found, occafionally, in the very beft inftitu- 
 tions upon earth. " If the unworthinefs of 
 a profeffor cafts a reflection upon the profef- 
 fion, it may be infered, by parity of reafon, 
 that the mifcondudl of a chriftian is an argu- 
 ment againft chriftianity. But this, is a con- 
 clulion which, I prefume, no man will allow ; 
 and yet it is no more than what he muft fub- 
 fcribe who is fo unreafonable as to infift on 
 the other."* Nor is it any evidence that 
 civil laws and political inftitutions are hurt-, 
 ful or unferviceable becaufe there are corrupt 
 citizens and diforderly members of a com- 
 munity. 
 
 The fact is, the beft things may be abufed. 
 The bread of heaven grew corrupt when ufed 
 
 * See the excellent fermon of the Rev. Brother Brockwell, 
 preached at Eofiop, 1749. 
 
confidered and anfiuered, 177 
 
 indifcreetly. The common bleflings of lif^ 
 are turned into curfes if mifappliecL 
 
 . When you fee bafe and unworthy men 
 among the free masons, depend upon it, 
 the fault is not in the inftitution, but in 
 themfelves. They have deviated from the 
 principles of the craft. They have counter- 
 aded their profeffion, and are as bad mafons 
 as men. 
 
 The greateft precautions are ufed to pre- 
 vent the admiflion of unworthy charafters. 
 If from want of proper information, or from 
 too charitable conilrudions, fuch are intro- 
 duced, we deeply regret the miftake, and ufe 
 every proper method to remedy the evil. 
 
 Nor do we pretend to fay that thofe only 
 in whom we were deceived bring difcredit 
 on the inftitution. There may be in mafon- 
 ry, as there has been in chriftianity, a falling 
 away, or a fading in the once famed good- 
 nefs of many of its members.* Some there 
 are who have been admitted with the beil 
 proofs of a good, a faithful, and a well fub- 
 
 • Rev. J. Invtood's fcrm. at D.u-tfcrd, G. B. 1796. 
 M 
 
178 Popular ohje6iions 
 
 ftantiated charader. Their name was beau- 
 ty, and their adions praife. Their families 
 were happy, their neighborhood fatisfied, 
 and the community honored, by their vir- 
 tues and their worth : and mafonry itfelf 
 boafted the uprightnefs, conftancy, and in- 
 tegrity with which they were diftinguifhed. 
 But now, alas ! all, perhaps, havereafon to 
 lament, " that the fine gold is become dim, 
 and the moft pure gold changed." 
 
 Such defection, you muft be fenfible, are 
 not unfrequent in all focieties : for, in this 
 fallen world, focieties are formed of men ; 
 and men are fallible, imperfect, frail. But 
 whether fuch difafters, fuch apoftacy, fhould 
 reafonbly difgrace the inftitution, or be 
 thought proofs of its immorality, judge ye : 
 but " judge righteous judgment." 
 
 We do not hefitate to appeal to the world 
 in juflification of the purity of our moral 
 fyftem. Our conjlitut'wns are well known. 
 We have fubmitted them freely to general 
 inveftigation. We folemnly avouch them as 
 the principles by which we are governed, the 
 
conftdered and anfivered. 179 
 
 foundation on which we build, and the ruleg 
 by which we work. We challenge the moft 
 fevere critic, the moft precife moralift, the 
 moft perfeA chriftian, to point out any thing 
 in them inconliftent with good manners, fair 
 morals, or pure religion. We feel aftured 
 that every one who will take pains to confult 
 the book muft be convinced that the inftitu- 
 tion is friendly to the beft interefts of man^ 
 kind, well calculated to meliorate the difpofi- 
 tion and improve the charader, and to adorn 
 its faithful adherents with every natural, fo- 
 cial and moral virtue. 
 
 I IV. This remark 'leads me to Ihew as I 
 propofed, in the laft place, what free mason- 
 ry really is, 
 
 I It is a moral order of enlightened men, 
 founded on a fublime, rational, and manly 
 PIETY, and pure and a<5live virtue ; with 
 the praife-worthy delign of recalling to our 
 remembrance the moft interefting truths in 
 the midft of the moft fociable and innocent 
 pleafures,* and of promoting, without often- 
 
 • " mifcuit utile dulci, 
 
 — — dckdtando, paritcrque monendo." Horace, 
 
i8o Fspular objcd:ions 
 
 tation, or hope of reward, the moft diffiifivd 
 BENEVOLENCE, the Hioft gencrous and exten- 
 live PHILANTHROPY, and the moft warm and 
 affediionate brotherly love. The mem-^ 
 bers are united together by particular obli^ 
 gations, and acquainted by certain^zg^j and 
 tokens preferved with inviolable fecrecy, from 
 remoteft ages. Thefe were originally adopt- 
 ed in order to diflinguifh one another with 
 cafe and certainty from the reft of the 
 world ; that impoftors might not intrude 
 upon their confidence and brotherly affec- 
 tion, nor intercept the fruits of their benefi- 
 cence. They become an univerfal language, 
 which, " notwithftanding the confufion of 
 foreign tongues, and the forbidding aliena- 
 tion of cuftom, draws from the heart of a 
 ftranger the acknowledgment of a brother, 
 with all its attendant endearments." 
 
 The decorations and fymhols of the craft 
 which are thofe of a very common and ufe- 
 ful art,* and the phrafeology, which is bor- 
 rowed from its higher orders, ferve to char- 
 acterize an inftitution which might juftly 
 claim more noble devices j and at the fame 
 
 * Architecture. 
 
covfidercd and anfwercd. 1 8> \ 
 
 time are ufed either as emblems or indica- 
 tions of the fimpleft and moft important 
 
 MORAL TRUTHS. 
 
 It colle<fts men of all nations and opinions 
 into one amiable and permanent affociation, 
 and binds them by new and irrefragable 
 obligations to the difcharge of every relative 
 and moral duty : and thus becomes the moft 
 effeduai lup.^ort and brighteft ornament of 
 ibcial life, aad opens a wider channel for the 
 current or benevolent atfeftions, and a new 
 fource to human happinefs. 
 
 Its laws are reason, and equity ; its 
 principles^ benevolence, and love; and its 
 religion, purity and truth. Its intention is 
 PEACE ON EARTH ', and its difpofition, good 
 
 will TOWARDS MEN. 
 
 "I THINK (fays a fine writer*) we are 
 warranted in concluding that a fociety thus 
 conftituted, and which may be rendered fo 
 admirable an engine of improvement, far 
 from meriting any reproachful or contu- 
 melious treatment, dcferves highly of the 
 
 * Rev. Dr. Milne,' Grand Chaplain, in a fcrmon before the 
 Grand Lodge of England, 1788. 
 
 M 2 
 
i^Z Popular objeBms 
 
 community ; and that the ridicule and af^ 
 fedted contempt which it has fometimes 
 experienced can proceed only from igno- 
 rance or from arrogance ; from thofe, in 
 fine, whofe oppofition does it honor, whofe 
 cenfure is panegyric, and praife would be 
 cenfure." 
 
 Assuredly then, my hearers, you will 
 with me congratulate the members of St. 
 Paul's lodge on the agreeable event of this 
 day. 
 
 Right worshipful MASTER, wor- 
 shipful WARDENS, respected OF- 
 FICERS, AND BELOVED BRETHREN. 
 
 Accept my affectionate falutations ; accept 
 the felicitations of all the friends of mafonry. 
 We are pleafed with your harmony and 
 zeal, and rejoice in your eftablifhment and 
 profperity. Your fuccefs is connected with, 
 the beft interefts of humanity. May the 
 focial virtues you cultivate and the heart- 
 felt pleafures you experience in the lodge, be 
 your companions through life ! Their mild 
 influence, their benignant fpirit, will animate 
 
conftdered and anfwend. 183 
 
 every fcene of duty, alleviate every corrofion 
 of care, heighten every fenfation of joy, and 
 in the hour of diffolution fhed divine tranf- 
 port on your fouls* 
 
 Let all my brethren prefent be willing I 
 Ihould remind them that in vain do we 
 attempt the vindication of our moft excel- 
 lent fociety, or the commendatory defcrip- 
 tion of its purpofes and requirements, if out 
 condud contradift our profeffion. Let us 
 then be cautious to avoid all thofe impro- 
 prieties and vices which might tarnifli th6 
 luftre of our jewels, or diminifli the credit of 
 the craft. Mafonry will rife to the zenith of 
 its glory if our lives do juftice to its noble 
 principles, and the world fee that our actions 
 hold an uniform and entire correfpondence 
 with the incomparable tenets w^e profefs. 
 Thus we fhall " obtain a good report of 
 them that are without : " " and thofe who 
 fpeak evil of us will be afhamed, feeing they 
 falfely accufe our good converfation** and 
 mifreprefent our generous purpofe. " For 
 fo is the will of God that with well doing 
 ye may put to filence the ignorance of fool- 
 ifli men.** 
 
I $4 Popular objeSiions, tsfc. 
 
 Remember that we are the associated 
 FRIENDS OF HUMANITY J that our facrcd un- 
 ion embraces in its philanthropy the amities 
 of the gofpel j and that charity in its kind- 
 eft exercife and largeft extent is our diftin- 
 guifliing charaderiftic. Others wear the 
 warmth of fummer in their face, and the 
 coldnefs of winter in their heart ; but a Ma- 
 fon's difpofition ftiould be mild as the breeze, 
 open as the air, and genial as the fun ; cheer- 
 ing and blefling all around him : and his 
 deeds pleafant as the clear fhining after the 
 rain ; and refreihing, as the dewy cloud in a 
 harveft day.* 
 
 May the ajfembly at large be convinced that 
 prejudices againft free masonry are ill 
 founded, and that the Society is worthy of 
 high encouragement and warm commen- 
 dation. 
 
 Finally ; let us all pray that the privil- 
 eges of equal right may be widely extended, 
 and all men become /r<?^ .- that wars and con- 
 tentions may be forever terminated : that 
 peace and happinefs may be the uninterrupt- 
 ed enjoyment of all mankind : and to God 
 afcend the univerfal, united, uncealing afcrip- 
 tion of love and joy and praife ! 
 
 * Ifaiah xviii. 4. 
 
DISCOURSE X. 
 
 EXAMINATION OF THE MODERN PREJUDICES AGAINST 
 
 FREE-MASONRY. 
 
DISCOURSE X. 
 
 Delivered at the consecration of KING DAFID^s LODGE, 
 IN Taunton, August 28, 1799. 
 
 ROMANS X. 3. 
 
 WE BE SLANDEROUSLY REPORTED, AND SOME AF- 
 FIRM THAT IV E SAY, LET US DO EVIL THAT 
 GOOD MAY COME. 
 
 W HEN partiality is fo bufily endeav- 
 oring to render fufpicious the bell adions, and 
 prejudice fo artful in throwing out inlinua- 
 tions to the difadvantage of the worthieft 
 characters, who can expert to efcape " the 
 ftrife of tongues ?** Efpecially as the ignorant 
 and the evil minded are ever ready to adopt 
 the furmife, however improbable ; and to 
 give currency to the imputation, however 
 unjtift. 
 
1 8 8 Examination of the jnodern prejudices 
 
 Even our blefled Lord, the holy and im- 
 maculate Jefus, " was defpifed and rejeded 
 of men." Not all the wonderful works that 
 diftinguiflied his miniftry, not the divinity 
 of his preaching, the difmtereftednefs of his 
 condud, nor the fandity of his morals, could 
 fecure him from the oppofition of party and 
 the rage of malignity. He forewarned his 
 difciples of a iimilar treatment ; and told 
 them that they muft exped to meet with un- 
 kind ufage, bitter reproach, and violent per- 
 fecution, as well as he.* Accordingly " in 
 every city they had trial of cruel mockings, 
 and fcourgings, yea moreover of bonds, and 
 imprifonments, and tortures.f They were 
 " a' fe6t every where fpoken againft." The 
 apoftles were reproached as being peftilent, 
 fadious, turbulent, and feditious fellows.} 
 They were not only accufed of confpiring 
 againft the government of their nation and 
 the peace of the world ; || but alfo, of aiming 
 to overthrow the religious eftablifliment of 
 their own country, and of all others. § 
 
 ♦ Matth. X. 24—26. t Heb. xi. 36. t Ai5ts xxiv. 5, 6. 
 II A(fts xvii. 6. § Afts vi. 13, 14. xviii. 13. 
 
againji Free Mafonry* 189 
 
 Not only were there imputed to them pra^i^, 
 ces that were dangerous, but principles tha* 
 were unjuft. So St. Paul intimates, in the 
 paffage fetected as a text, that there were 
 thofe who charged him and his fellow labor- 
 ers in the propagation of the gofpel, with 
 holding tenets that he detefted. He fays no 
 more in confutation of the vile imputation 
 than that thofe who profefs and practife upon 
 fuch a principle deferve and will receive the 
 higheft condemnation : but to attribute to 
 him and his affociates fuch a motive, was a 
 falfe and inlidious charge. 
 
 Thus we fee that the beft men and the 
 worthieft conduct may be mifreprefented 
 and flanderoufly reported : and that the pur- 
 eft purpofes and the nobleft exertions in 
 behalf of virtue, humanity, and peace, have 
 been ftigmatized by fome, and oppofed by 
 others. 
 
 The moft unfair and difingenuous, need I 
 add the moft fuccefsful mode of attack, is to 
 infmuate that the defign, however plaufible, 
 is mifchievous j or, that the endy however 
 
1 90 Examination of the modern prejudices 
 
 commendable, is efFeded by means reprehcn- 
 lible and unjuft. 
 
 The bafe and vile do(^rine of " doing evil 
 that good may come," or, in other words, 
 that " the end juftifies the means," has alfo 
 been alledged againft the fuee masons. Or, 
 rather, it is exprefsly afferted of the Jefuifs 
 and Illuminees* by authors who delignedly im- 
 plicate and involve our fociety with thofe 
 corrupt alTociations : declaring it to be form- 
 ed upon the fame plan, founded on the fame 
 principles, and furthering the fame defigns.f 
 To be fure they make fome referves and 
 abatements in favor of Free Mafonry ; but 
 flill affert it to be the fatal fource to which 
 all thefe bitter and deftrudive ftreams are to 
 be traced. I 
 
 * See Abie Barrvel's hijlory of Jacobinifm, V. 3. iVi?7i; Tori 
 edition, p. 61, 93, and 189. Profejfor ROBISON, Proofs of a confpiracy 
 apainji the Religions and Go-oernments of Europe, carried or. in the fecret 
 vieetings of Free Mafons, Illuminati, &c." 
 
 f BarrUEL, vol. 3, p. la, note, 91, 136, &C. Prof^ffor ROBISON, 
 Philadelphia edit. p. 83, 4Z, ^^, 75, 34a, &C. 
 
 % BaRRUEL, vol. 3. p. II, 38, 41. 5». 87, 15a, &C. Profeffor Ro- 
 
 BISON, p. 15, i6j, 343. &C' M.Li Franc, " la •uoile retiree'^ 
 
againjl Tree Mafonry* ipi 
 
 I doubt not, my brethren^ but it will ftrike 
 your minds with furprife and aftonifliment, 
 not unmixed with indignation and horror, 
 to be informed that our venerable and antient 
 Fraternity is implicated with the infidels, 
 atheifts, and diforganizers of the prefent day 
 in a charge of no lefs atrocity, than a preme- 
 ditated defign, a long preconcerted plan, to 
 deftroy the religion of Chrift, to fubvert eve- 
 ry eftabliftied government upon earth, and 
 to overthrow every fyftem of civil fociety 
 which the virtuous ingenuity of man has 
 been able to invent, with a view to improve 
 and fecure the happinefs of the world !* 
 
 * The Abbe Barruel has this affertlon : « Irreligion and un- 
 qualified Liberty and Equality are the genuine and original fecrets 
 of Free Mafonry, and the ultimatum of a regular progrefs through 
 ail its degrees." And Profejfor Robison declares, that " the Ma- 
 fpn Lodges in France were the hot-beds, where the feeds were fowa 
 and teifderly reared of all the pernicious dodlrines which foon af- 
 ter choaked every moral or rehglous cultivation, and have made 
 the Society worfe than a wafte, have made it a noifome marfh of 
 human corruption, filled with every rank and poifonous weed." 
 And again ; " Germany has experienced the fame gradual progrefs 
 from Religion to Atheifm, from decency to diffolutenefs, and from 
 loyalty to rebellion, wliich has had its courfe in France. And \ 
 muft now add, that this progrefs has been effedled in the fame 
 manner, and by the fame means ; and that one of the chief means 
 of fedudtion has been the Lodges of Free Mafoas." 
 
I9:i Examination of the modern prejudices 
 
 Looking into yourfelves, my brethren, 
 and feeling confcious of the purity of your 
 own intentions ; referring, too, to the prin- 
 ciples of our antient and hitherto refpected 
 inftitution you are at a lols even to con- 
 je^ure the motive for fabricating an allega- 
 tion fo unfounded, and bringing forward an 
 imputation fo undeferved and fo unjuft. 
 
 By artful inlinuations, forced conftruc- 
 tipns, arMi palpable mifreprefentations, mod- 
 ern alarmifts have afcribed to the Free- 
 Mafon^ principles which they hold in detefta- 
 tion, fimtives to which they are ftrangers, 
 and anions of which they were not authors. 
 They blend them with focieties to which 
 they have no affinity ; mere political clubs 
 whofe intentions and purfuits are diametri- 
 cally oppofite to our's, and altogether 
 inconliftent both with our rules and difpoii- 
 tions. 
 
 For. thofe excelTes, thofe moral and 
 political evils which have of late not only 
 fpread war and confufion, and every evil 
 work through the kingdoms of Europe, but 
 
aga'mji Free Mafonry, 19^ 
 
 endangered the fecurity and peace of the 
 world : the advocate for Free Mafonry has 
 no apology to offer. He contends only that 
 they are not the fruits of his fyftem, and 
 cannot with any truth or juftice be afcribed 
 to it : but muft be attributed folely to the 
 corrupt fchemes and wicked devices of thofe 
 defigning and bad men who were their real 
 authors or abettors. 
 
 It is pollible that the artful and daring 
 heads of " the antichriftian, the antimo- 
 narchical, and the antifocial confpiracy," 
 about whom fo much has been written and 
 faid, may have affumed the name of Mafons 
 and profeffed to flielter their fecret meetings 
 for plots and cabals under the pretence of 
 holding a lodge. But, God forbid ! that the 
 innocent fhould be confounded with the 
 guilty, or that Free Mafonry fliould be ac- 
 countable for projects or condemned for 
 pradiccs which it could never countenance. 
 Long and deeply Ihall we have to regret that 
 the opinion which the public had entertain- 
 ed of a peaceable and undefigning fociety 
 fliould be thus abufed. But the candid 
 
 N 
 
194 Examination of the modern prejudices 
 
 obferver will do us the juftice to acknow- 
 ledge that the harmlefs fold are not account- 
 able for the mean duplicity, the bafe deligns, 
 or the bloody ravages of the wolves in 
 Iheep's clothing.* 
 
 The vilionary fancies which modern phi- 
 lofophiftsf niay have annexed to Free 
 Mafonry, the abfurd and extravagant errors 
 they have attempted to father upon it, are 
 foreign and illegitimate. We difavow and 
 difown them. They bring difcredit upon 
 thofe who would incorporate fuch vanities 
 with our fyftem : but they debafe not the 
 purity of our original conftitution. They 
 can be urged only to fliew the arts and 
 wickednefs of intriguing men ; and impeach 
 
 * " It is fufficiemly in proof that the founders of different con- 
 fpiracies, aware of the fecrecy permitted to the proceedings of 
 the fraternity of Mafons, have aflumed that charaAer, and avail- 
 ed therafelves of the credit given to that inftitution, in order to 
 render unfufpe<£ted the tendency, and undetected the progrefs of 
 their own abominable machinations. From what wc have heard 
 and read, we are perfuadcd, that the fundamental principles and 
 general pradlices of Free Mafonry are as oppofite to thofe of the 
 llluminees, of the Propaganda, or of any other fedt in hoftihty to 
 good order and government, as light to darknefs, or good to evil." 
 
 London Review, Aug. 1797. 
 
 •)■ The Martinifts, £cIe<Sticg, Caglioftros, Sec. 
 
agawji Free Mafonry ig^ 
 
 not the natural tendency of an eftablifhment, 
 whofe every precept, form, and ceremony, 
 inculcates virtue, aflifts order, and difpofes 
 to peace. And no one fuppofes it an argu- 
 ment againft Christianity, or that im- 
 peaches its divinity, that the corruptions of 
 popery or the fcandals of mahometanifm 
 have been engrafted upon it : nor is it a re- 
 proach to its truth, that falfe profeflbrs and 
 falfe doctrines have abufed the fandlion of 
 its name. Such impoftures were predicted 
 by the higheft authority ; and, while they 
 have faded away, the permanency of that 
 fublime and rational fyftem has been a 
 ftrong proof of its divine origin and fupe- 
 rior excellence. And we are alTured that 
 genuine free masonrt- will long furvive 
 the imitations of impofture and the attacks 
 of mifrepxefentation. 
 
 We cannot too often repeat, that, while 
 our inftitution is known to require a firm 
 belief in the exiftence, a devout reverence 
 for the character, and a cheerful obedience 
 to the laws of the supreme architect of 
 THE UNIVERSE, THE ETERNAL GOD ; 
 
igS Examination of the modern prejudices 
 
 while it is evidently built upon, and vene- 
 rates THE HOLY SCRIPTURES ;* that COn- 
 
 ftruftion muft be a forced one, indeed, 
 which imputes to it principles and plans of 
 irreligious tendency 1 If it were an immoral 
 or antichriftian affociation, how happens it 
 that fo many of the clergy are not only 
 members, but zealoufly attached to it ; not 
 only its apologifts, but its patrons ? For my- 
 felf, I declare that fuch is my high reverence 
 for CHRISTIANITY, and my devotednefs to 
 its caufe, that, did I believe FJiEE MASONRTy 
 as it is known and cultivated among us, and 
 as I have been acquainted with it, had a ten- 
 dency to weaken or deftroy the faith of the 
 gofpel, I would openly and immediately re- 
 nounce the order, and fpurn with indigna- 
 tion its badges and its bonds ! f 
 
 * See the Book of Conftitutions, Chapter L Se6tlx)n i. o/"Gob 
 and religion. 
 
 f " I have had the honor (faid the Rev. Charles Brockwell) 
 of being a member of this antient and honorable fociety many 
 years, have fuftained many of its offices, and can, and do aver in 
 this /acred place, and before the grand architect of the luorid, 
 that I never could obferve ought therein, but what was juftifiable 
 and commendable according to the ftridleft rules of fociety ; this 
 being founded on the precepts of the gofpel, the doing the will 
 of God, and the fubduing the paffions, and highly conducing t» 
 
againfl Free Mafonry^ 197 
 
 It is equally incredible to fuppofe it cal- 
 culated to effect any change of political 
 opinion, much lefs to promote a revolution 
 in any government under which it may be 
 pemiitted to operate. For one of the moft 
 politive injunclions impofed on a candidate 
 for our order, and, one of the admonitions 
 moft frequently repeated in our aflemblies, 
 is " to fulfil all civil duties in the moft dif- 
 tinguiflied manner and from the pureft 
 motives." This, it is well known, is among 
 our moft pofitive and binding regulations ; 
 
 every facred and focial virtue. But, not to infift on my own ex- 
 perience, the very antiquity of our conflltutions furnifhes a fuffi- 
 cient ground to confute all gainfayers. For no combination of 
 wicked men, for a wicked purpofe, ever lafted long. The want 
 of virtue, on which mutual truft and confidence is founded, foon 
 divides and breaks them to pieces. Nor would men of unqueft- 
 ionable wifdom, known integrity, ftritft honor, undoubted veraci- 
 ty and good fenfe, (though they might be trepanned into a foolifli 
 or ridiculous fociety, which could pretend to nothing valuable,) 
 ever continue in it, or contribute towards fupporting and propa^ 
 gating it to pofterity." Serm. before ths Grand Lodge at Bofton, 
 ^IS^^fage 16. 
 
 It were eafy to quote other tcfttmonies. Were not this note 
 already too lengthy, I would have added tbat of the Rev. Charles 
 Leslie ; a man eminent for his piety, and famous for his matter- 
 ly writings in defence of Chriftianity againft the Deifts, &c. but 
 muft refer to his difcourfe entitled " A vindication of Mafonry 
 and its excellency demonftrated : " delivered before the Lodge of 
 Vernon Kilwinning. 
 
 N 2 
 
198 Examination of the modern prejudices 
 
 yet it feems as if our anceftors, fearful of riot 
 fufficiently guarding the fraternity againft 
 the poflibility of being fufpe<5led of difloyal- 
 ty, had judged it neceffary, in their general 
 
 laws, politively to prohibit the uttering of a 
 fingle fentence in our meetings on any politi- 
 cal fubjed whatever. In the " antient charges 
 colle6led fro?n old records " is the following : 
 " No private piques or quarrels muft be 
 brought within the door of the lodge, far 
 iefs any quarrels about religion, or nations, 
 or ftate policy : being of all nations, tongues, 
 kindreds, and languages, we are refolved 
 againft all politics, as what never yet con- 
 duced to the welfare of the lodge, nor ever 
 will." Again ; " as political affairs have oc- 
 cafioned difcord amongft the neareft relations 
 and moft intimate friends, Mafons are en- 
 joined never to fpeak of, or difcufs them in 
 the lodge." 
 
 How far Free Mafonry interferes with the 
 affairs of government will be beft afcertained 
 by one or two extrads from the book of 
 conftitutions. Such an appeal " to the law 
 and to the teftimony" is the more neceffary, 
 becaufe this has lately become a fubjed of 
 
againfi Free Mafonry. 199 
 
 ferious alarm ; and becaufe our inftitutes 
 and rules, orders and ceremonies, though 
 printed and publifhed, are feldom confulted 
 but by the brethren. Others do not read 
 them from indifference ; our enemies will 
 not, from contempt ; or elfe they fear to 
 bring their affertions to this light, left they 
 fiiould be reproved, or confuted. This vol- 
 ume, curious for its articles of remote an- 
 tiquity, and interefting for its inftrudive 
 documents, contains the following princi- 
 ples : " Whoever would be a true Mafon is 
 to know, that, by the privileges of his order, 
 his obligations as a fubjeft and citizen will 
 not be relaxed, but enforced. He is to be a 
 lover of peace, and obedient to the civil 
 powers which yield him prote(5lion, and are 
 fet over him where he relides, or works. 
 Nor can a real craftfman ever be concerned 
 in confpiracies againft the ftate, or be difre- 
 fpeclful to the magiftrate 5 becaufe the wel- 
 fare of his country is his moft happy 
 objeft."* No man can be invefted with the 
 
 * Conftitutions, chap. i. fecft %. cf government and th( civil 
 magiftrate. 
 
200 Examinatien of the modern prejudices 
 
 office of mafter of a lodge until he has 
 fignified his affent to thofe charges and regu- 
 lations which point out the duty of that 
 ftatioHj and promife to fubmit and fupport 
 them, " as mafters have done in all ages." 
 Among other particulars are thefe : " You 
 agree to be a peaceable fubjeft, and cheer- 
 fully to conform to the laws of the country 
 in which you refide." " You promife not 
 to be concerned in plots or confpiracies 
 againft government ; but patiently to fub- 
 mit to the decifions of the fupreme legifla- 
 ture." " You agree to pay a proper refpe6t 
 to the civil magiftrate \ to work diligently, 
 live in credit, and acl honorably with all 
 men."* Laftly, every candidate, upon ad- 
 miffion, is thus charged ; " In the ftate you 
 are to be a quiet and peaceable fubjed:. You 
 are never to countenance diflayalty or re- 
 bellion ; but yield yourfelf, and encourage 
 in others, a cheerful conformity io the gov- 
 ernment under which you live."! 
 
 * Conftitutions, Part II. Ceremony of conJliUit'tng and cenfecrat'ing a 
 lodge, injlalliiig the officer!, ISfc. page 84. 
 
 •f Conftitutions, Part m. Charge at initiating into the Jirji degree., 
 page ia6. 
 
againfi Feee Mafonry, 201 
 
 How ftrange is it, my hearers, that an 
 inftitution, thus guarded and fenced againft 
 political difobedience, fliould be fufpefted of 
 being " the hot-bed of fedition !" Or that 
 any one fhould think of imputing to men 
 bound by thefe ties, governed by thefe laws, 
 and under thefe reftridions, " plans of dif- 
 organization and rebellion !" Do thefe prin- 
 ciples lead to confpiracy ? Are they not 
 diametrically oppofite to all difafFeftion to- 
 wards " the powers that be ; whether it be 
 to the king as fupreme, or unto governors?" 
 Do they not more refemble the good old 
 loyal doctrine oi pajfive obedience and non-rejtji- 
 ance ?* We blufli for the ignorance, and 
 wonder at the perverfity of thofe who 
 
 • An aged and orthodox divine, in a fermon at the confecra- 
 tion of a lodge at Ramfgate in Kent, Sept. 3, 1798, makes this 
 folemn protcftation ; " As an advocate both zealous and deter- 
 mined, as an advocate for this order, from the (Irongefl: convicSlion 
 of its excellency, both in politics and patriotifm ; I fcruple not to 
 challenge our bittereft reviler to fix upon one fingJe Mafon who 
 dare affirm that in any of our tranfadtions, whether public or pri- 
 vate, there is a fmgle trait either fentimental or practical, in all 
 our mafonic order which bears not even the very enthufiafm of 
 loyalty." Inwood, p. a66. 
 
so 2 Examination of the modern prejudices 
 
 declare that they " view the brotherhood as 
 a hoard of confpirators, who have long 
 waited only for the baleful genius of a 
 Weilhaupt to launch out into all the crimes 
 of a revolution."* 
 
 That an inftitution which is founded on 
 love to God and love to man; whofe glory is to 
 reward in its members thofe peaceful virtues 
 which are moft friendly to their own inter- 
 nal tranquillity, and moft beneficent and hap- 
 py to the world ; which declares and repeats 
 to all its candidates and in all its lodges, that 
 It can never countenance any thing contrary 
 
 to MORALS .y RELIGION, OX THE STATE ; wllich 
 
 expects and requires the higheft reverence to 
 the Supreme Beikg, obedience to rulers, re- 
 fpect to fuperiors, kindnefs to equals, and 
 condefcenfion to inferiors ; I fay, that fuch 
 an inftitution fhouid be declared, or even 
 fufpecled to militate with religion, peace, 
 and focial order, is matter of aftonifliment. 
 It m.uft require the prejudices of an ex-jefuit 
 to draw fo ftrange an inference from fuch 
 
 * BarP.UEI... I'ol, J^th^efths 2J. Er.gUJh cdiiio'i. p. l6^. 
 
againjl free Mafonry, io^ 
 
 <*)ppofing premifes ; or the faculty of Scotch 
 fecond light to fee things thus awry.* 
 
 Are not Mafons, as well as other men, 
 members of civil fociety ; equally interefted 
 in preferving its order and peace ? Do they 
 not owe their perfonal and their alTociate fe- 
 curity to the laws ; their protection to the 
 magiftrate ? What poffible inducement could 
 they have for endangering that fecurity, or 
 forfeiting that protection ? 
 
 Whatever interferes with the profperity 
 of any nation, perfuafion, or individual, 
 forms no part of the mafonic theme. While 
 the real Mafon ads within his fphere he is a 
 friend to every government which affords 
 him protection ; and particularly attached 
 to that country wherein he firft drew breath. 
 
 * " Nor lefs avails this optic fleight, 
 And Scottifll gift oi fecond fight : 
 Which fees not only all that was, 
 But much that never came to pafs. 
 And optics fliarp it needs, I ween, 
 To fee what is not to be feen." 
 
 Trumbull's M'Fintral. 
 
204 Examination of the modern prejudices 
 
 That is the centre of his circle ; the point 
 where his afFedions are warmeft. His phif 
 lanthropy is by no means incompatible with 
 ■patriotijm ; and when he fpeaks of being ^r^^, 
 and of Handing on a level with his brethren, 
 he advances no fentiment in militancy with 
 fecial or political grades and dignities. He 
 admits, and is familiar with, the principle 
 of due fubordination. He finds its expedi- 
 ency in his own inftitution ; and he knows 
 it elTential to good government and order 
 in the community. " To be free is one of 
 the chara6teriftics of his profeflion ; but it 
 is that fteady freedom which prudence feels 
 and wifdom dilates :'* a freedom which 
 reafon honors and virtue fandions : a free- 
 dom from the dominion of paffion and the 
 flavery of vice. 
 
 Appeal we to fa6t, to the hiftory of all na- 
 tions ; and we fhall find that Free Mafons 
 have always been peaceable and orderly 
 members of fociety.* Submiffive, even un- 
 der governments the moft intolerant and 
 
 * See " An afology/or ths Free and Accepted Mafons, occaftomi 
 
againjl Free Mafonry. 205 
 
 opprefTive, they filently cultivated their be- 
 nevolent plan, and fecured it confidence and 
 protection by exhibiting in their conduct 
 Its mild, pacific, and charitable tendencies* 
 They excited no factious refifl:ance to 
 eftablifhed authorities, confpired in no tur- 
 bulent and feditious fchemes, exaggerat- 
 ed no grievances, nor even joined in the 
 clamors of popular difcontent. Making it a 
 rule never to fpeak evil of dignities, nor in* 
 terfere with the claims of lawful authority, 
 they, at all times and in all places, fupported 
 the character and obtained the praife of liege 
 fubjecls, and good citizens. 
 
 Recur we to the American hifl:ory. 
 Were Price, Oxnard, Tomlinfon, Gridley, 
 leaders in rebellion ? Was Warren a feditious 
 
 ty the perfecution of them in the Canton of Berne." Printed at JFratic- 
 fort, 1748. laino. 
 
 And " An impartial examination of the ail of the afTociate Synod 
 at Stirling ." by the Rev. Charles Leslie. 
 
 In a late Britifh publication is the following obfervation i 
 " Were there even no other ttftimony in favor of Free Mafonry, 
 the public would not be eafily perfuaded to look upon that to be 
 big with fecret mifchief, which is openly cfpoufed by Earl 
 MoiRA." 
 
 fublie Cbarailert, of 1798 and 1 799, vol. I, p. 24- 
 
2c6 Examination of the 7nodern prejudices 
 
 perfon ? Or does Waihington countenance 
 confpiracy againft government ? Are not the 
 members of the fraternity known ? Are they 
 fuch as are generally thought to harbor in- 
 imical defigns againft the civil or eccleliafti- 
 cal eftablifhment ? Are the lodges principally 
 compofed of, or governed by, men fufpected 
 of diforganizing projecfbs or demoralizing 
 views ? You will unite in anfwering No ! 
 Scarcely an individual can be found in our 
 order who can be thought to favor fuch 
 principles. 
 
 But enough, furely has been faid to con- 
 vince every candid and unprejudiced mind 
 that the members of the antient Fraternity 
 of Free and Accepted Mafons are incapable 
 of a defign fo bafe and villanous as " a con^ 
 fpiracy againft religion, government, and 
 focial order." 
 
 And we, my brethren^ know, and it is our 
 boaft, that a profound veneration for the 
 chriftian verity ; and a dignified refped for 
 the government and a patriotic zeal for the 
 
cigainfi Free Mafonry. 207 
 
 welfare of our country, are among our fa- 
 cred duties and our deareft interefts. In this 
 charafter and conduct may we ftill be known, 
 and refpeded ; continuing to " walk by the 
 fame rule, and to mind the fame thing.'* 
 
 The officers and members of King David* s 
 Lodge, this day to be inftalled and confecrat- 
 ed, will permit me, ere I retire, to congratu- 
 late th ':" eftablifliment, and tender them my 
 beft wilhes. 
 
 While your attachnjent to Free Mafonry 
 and zeal in its caufe demand the approbation 
 of all its friends, may your lives and virtues 
 confute the llanderous reports of all its ene- 
 mies, 
 
 May your lodge be beautiful as the tem- 
 ple, peaceful as its ark, and facred as its moft 
 holy place ! May your oblations oi piety and 
 pra'y'e be grateful as the incenfe, your love 
 warm as its flame, and your charity diftulive 
 as its fragrance ! May your hearts be pure as 
 the altar, and your whole conduSi acceptable 
 as the offering ! May the approbation of 
 
20 8 Examination of the modern prejudices 
 
 Heaven be your encouragement ; and may 
 that benignant Being, " who feeth in fecret, 
 reward you openly !** 
 
 Finally : May we all be accepted of God ; 
 workmen that need not to be alhamed, right- 
 ly difcharging the duties of life. May we 
 abhor that which is evil, and cleave to that 
 which is good ; approving ourfelves to ev- 
 ry man's confcience in the light of God i 
 and be continually making approaches to 
 that ftate where the credit of virtue is ef- 
 tablifhed and fecure, and its fatisfadions per- 
 fect and eternal ! 
 
DISCOURSE XI. 
 
 ON THE BEST WAT OF DEFENDING ^ 
 FREE-MASONRY. , 
 
DISCOURSE XL 
 
 ^ I PETER, II. IS, 1 6. 
 
 — « WITH WELL DOING YE MAY PUT TO SILENCE 
 THE IGNORANCE OF FOOLISH MEN. AS FREE, 
 AND NOT USING YOUR LIBERTY FOR A CLOAK OF 
 MALICIOUSNESS, BUT AS THE SERVANTS OF GOD." 
 
 1 SHALL ufe thefe words, my brethren, 
 as the motto to a difcourfe, wherein I pro- 
 pofe, after adverting to the injuftice of thofe 
 imputations which are brought forward 
 againft Free Mafonry, briefly to confider the 
 way in which we can beft preferve it from 
 mifreprefentations, and beft defend it againft 
 cenfures. 
 
 Whilst we feel our minds enlarged by 
 its difcoveries, our hearts expanded by its 
 charities, and our fatisfadions increafed by 
 
212 On the bejl way of defending 
 
 its influence, we cannot grow indifferent to 
 its interefts, nor hear the reproaches repeated 
 againft it with the coldnefs of unconcerned 
 auditors, without emotion and without re- 
 ply. With honeft zeal we come forward ; 
 not to conteft the fubje<5l in " a war of 
 words ;" not to difcufs, but to demonftrate ; 
 not to defend opinions againft thofe whom 
 no reafons will fatisfy and no arguments 
 convince ; but to vindicate our principles by 
 referring to their effects on our temper and 
 our conduft.' 
 
 Modesty, which retires from obfervationj 
 diffidence, which always entertains an hum- 
 ble opinion of its own merit, and avoids 
 oftentation as it does cenfure ; have hitherto 
 reftrained us from fuch a plea : but our 
 enemies impel us to this iflue. 
 
 I. Free Masonry, you know, is, at the 
 prefent day, viewed in an unfavorable light : 
 and we are confidered by fome as covenant- 
 ing on principles and affociated for purpofes 
 deftrudive of civil fubordination, and tend- 
 ing to diflblutenefs and infidelity j to the 
 
 i 
 
Free Mafonry. 2 1 3 
 
 difavowal of all that is venerable in virtue or 
 facred in religion. In vain have we re- 
 peatedly unfolded our fentiments to public 
 examination, in the moft honeft, ingenuous, 
 and explicit manner. Our pupteftations are 
 difregarded : and while every paltry pam- 
 phlet or paragraph written in oppofition to 
 us is eagerly read and implicitly believed ; 
 what lue publiih, particularly the book of 
 CONSTITUTIONS, which contains our laws and 
 ceremonies, is never inquired after, never con- 
 fulted. 
 
 My brethren, our inexorable accufers ar- 
 raign us at the tribunal of the public, to de- 
 fend ourfelves, not againfl what they know, 
 but what they fufpe6l ; to anfwer, not for 
 what they have experienced, but what they 
 fear. This is taking us at great difadvan- 
 tage : and the unfairnefs, as well as injuftice, 
 of fuch an allegation, will excufe our palling 
 it by in filent contempt. We challenge 
 them to point out the inftances in which wc 
 have appeared the advocates or the abettors 
 of immorality or rebellion ! We fubmit our 
 actions to their prying inveftigation ; hoping, 
 o 2 
 
214 On the befi way of defending 
 
 befure, fome allowance for the frailties and im- 
 perfedions incident to humanity ; arrogating 
 to ourfelves no immaculate purity nor inde- 
 fedible virtue ; but neither needing nor 
 afking apology^ for any thing that is peculiar 
 
 to us as MASONS, 
 
 Assured that whatever follies or impru- 
 dencies may have injured our credit as 7nen, 
 and that whatever vices have wounded our 
 charadler as chriflians^ it never juftified the 
 former nor allowed the latter, let us excul- 
 pate our inftitution ; and frankly declare 
 that our errors and crimes are from another 
 fource, the weaknefs and depravity of human 
 nature, the incitements to evil and the cor- 
 ruptions of the world, to which all alike are 
 expofed. 
 
 A DISTINCTION muft bc made between 
 what is attributive to Free Mafonry, and what 
 is not ; between what is within its influence, 
 and what is beyond its fphere. For though 
 we may fafely declare that it is impracticable 
 to afcend into thefe regions without improve- 
 ment of the heart and enlargement of the un- 
 derftanding, and without carrying along with 
 
Free Mafonry, ^ij 
 
 us into the world we are obliged to a^l 
 in, fome thing to purify our conduft and 
 itieliorate our condition : yet we do not 
 pretend that Free Mafonry was inftituted for 
 the exprefs purpofes of teaching morals. 
 And though all its rites, ceremonies and 
 charges, imply the neceflity and exprefs the 
 importance of piety and virtue, and with im- 
 preflive folemnity inculcate their obferv- 
 ance j yet it never profelTed to be a fubftitute 
 for natural or revealed religion, nor to pre- 
 fcribe the faith, regulate the confcience, or 
 control the judgment of any. It has 
 enough liberality to allow each man to be 
 " free," but fo much reftraint as to prevent 
 him from ufmg his liberty for " a cloak o£ 
 licentioufnefs." 
 
 We are the more particular in making 
 this difcrimination, becaufe fome late writers 
 have fuggefted that Mafonry profeffes to 
 fuperfede all religions, and to introduce a 
 moral code of its own in their ftead. 
 
 2. Many are fo uncharitable as to lay 
 the blame of every thing erroneous in the 
 
2i6 On the heji way of defending 
 
 fcntiments or reprehenfible in the conduct o£ 
 a Mafon, to the regulations or principles of 
 the inftitution to which he belongs ; falfely 
 arguing, or obliquely infinuating that be- 
 caufe he was reproachable, that muft have 
 bafe and immoral tendencies. ' 
 
 Now, this mode of reafoning is not 
 perfectly juft. It is not fair to predicate 
 worthleflhefs of that profeffion which may 
 have fome unworthy profeflbrs. 
 
 But if Free Mafonry has not made us 
 better^ is it certain it has made us worfe? 
 Are we more loofe in our principles, more 
 unjuft in our actions, more niggardly in our 
 difpofitions, or more parfimonious in our 
 charity, than before we entered the lodge ? 
 Are we more fo than thofe who are not of 
 the fraternity ? Are the moft thorough 
 Mafons confpicuous as the moft notorious 
 villains, the moft daring infidels, oi: the 
 moft iniidious jacobins ? Or are the bafe, the 
 atheiftical, and the fadious always Mafons ? 
 
 We confefs, with forrow, that there are 
 fome of our order who defer ve not its pror 
 
Free Mafvnry, 2 1 7 
 
 tedion and diflionor its name. But would 
 our oppofers wifh to conclude from that ? 
 that all Mafons are fimilar to them ? Is it right 
 to argue thus ? Are fuch inferences admitted 
 in eftimating other profeffions ? Doth the 
 perfidy of a fingle Judas give grounds to 
 conclude that all the other difciples were 
 faithlefs and traitors ? Why, then, is a 
 mode of reafoning which is never juftified 
 in any other cafes, only fupportable when 
 directed againft Free Mafonry ? 
 
 But if we have been difgraced by fome, 
 who have walked unworthy of their pro- 
 feffion J fo likewife have we been honored 
 by others, who would reflecH; luftre on any 
 fociety. Admitting that there may be feen 
 among us fome whofe conduct deferves the 
 odium of all the wife and good ; are there 
 not others, whofe actions even prejudice 
 cannot cenfure, and whofe virtues even 
 malignity dare not impeach ? If Mafonry be 
 made refponfible for the ill conduft of the 
 few; ought it not, in all reafon, to have 
 credit for the good condu£l; of the many ? 
 
2 1 8 On the hejl way of defending 
 
 The greateft charaders in the world have 
 laid alide their dignities, and put themfelves 
 on a level with us. Not that I would have 
 it imagined that Free Mafonry can derive 
 any authenticity or importance from the 
 celebrity of thofe who belong to the fociety : 
 it being rather calculated to confer refpect- 
 ability, than neceflitated to borrow it. Yet, 
 when we find in every period of its hiftory 
 fome of the firft rate characters in every 
 eftimable refpect, belonging to it and glory- 
 ing in it, the conclufion cannot be confidered 
 extremely arrogant, that the inftitution has 
 fome real excellence ; at leaft, that it is not 
 fo "frivolous'* or "dangerous" a combina- 
 tion as fome would fain reprefent it. It is 
 not to be fuppofed that the great, the wife, 
 and the good, of all ages, would have given 
 it their decided fupport, had they found it 
 containing any intrinfic principles repugnant 
 to the interefts of fociety, or hoftile to their 
 religious principles. Would they not, ra- 
 ther,, have been the firft to have proclaimed 
 the evil of its tendency, and to have avowed 
 their condemnation of its fpirit and defign ? 
 
Free Mafonry. 219 
 
 Suffer me now, in conclufion, my breth- 
 ren, briefly to point out what I confider the 
 beft, I might fay the only effectual method 
 of vindicating the principles and re-eftablifli- 
 ing: the credit of the order. 
 
 To remove the veil which mifinformatlon 
 and prejudice have thrown over the eyes of 
 our enemies, it remains for us to convince 
 them by our lives of the truth of our decla- 
 rations ; and to let our conduct be a letter 
 of recommendation, " feen and read of all 
 men." 
 
 This is a kind of conviction which muft 
 at length prevail over the moft obftinate and 
 unyielding prepoffeflions. 
 
 A GOOD life is an unanfwerable refutation 
 of every charge. 
 
 By a life and converfation regulated by 
 wifdom and fandioned by virtue ; by dif- 
 charging every duty with integrity and fidel- 
 ity ; and by exercifing to all around us every 
 friendly and tender office of charity 5 we 
 
220 0)f the hejl way of defending 
 
 fliall demonftratlvely prove that our inftltu- 
 tion does not train us up in demoralizing 
 principles ; and that they are either ignorant 
 or foolifh men who have faid that it did. 
 
 By piety towards God and faith in the 
 Lord Jesus Christ ; by a veneration for 
 the gofpel^ an exemplary obedience to its 
 precepts, and a regular obfervance of its infti- 
 tutions ; we fhall get clear of the charge of 
 being " Antichriftian Confpirators." 
 
 Lastly : By our zeal for the interefts of 
 our country ; by maintaining, fupporting, 
 and defending its civil and religious rights 
 and liberties ; by paying all due allegiance, 
 honor, and fubmiflion to its magiftrates, fu- 
 preme and fubordinate ; by leading peace- 
 able lives in all godlinefs and honefty ; and 
 by endeavoring to promote harmony and 
 good will, condefcenfion and fubordination 
 among all orders of men ; we Ihall put to 
 filence the opprobrious allegations of thofe 
 who ftrive to prejudice the public againft 
 Free Mafonry by infmuating that it is " the 
 
Free Mafonry* 2ii 
 
 hot-bed of fedition,'* and fraught with pur- 
 pofes for the fubverfion of all government 
 and rule, all thrones, principalities and pow- 
 ers. 
 
 Thus, my brethren, 
 
 ** We'll diffipate each dark and threatening cloud 
 That prejudice and calumny can raife, 
 
 By radiant probity of heart and life. 
 And perfevering deeds of love and peace." 
 
 Defended and illuftrated by an edifying 
 example. Free Mafonry will yet triumph in 
 its influence, and be refpeded in its effeds. 
 
 While we evince in praSlke thofe princi- 
 ples we profefs in theory^ our inftitution will 
 " have a good report of all men, and of the 
 truth itfelf j" and thofe who " fpeak evil of 
 us as evil doers, will be alhamed,** feeing 
 they falfely accufe and mifreprefent us. 
 
 Regulated by the precepts of wifdom, 
 fupported by the Jirength of virtue, and a- 
 dorned with the beauty of beneficence, our 
 adions will efcape cenfure, if they meet not 
 praife. If we live within compafs, act upon 
 
•222 On the bejl iv^y of defending 
 
 the fquare, fubdue the paflions, keep a tongue 
 of good report, maintain truth and praftifc 
 charity ; we Ihall not only difplay the prin- 
 ciples, but honor the caufe we have efpoufed. 
 Such an exemplification of its tendencies, 
 will do more to wipe away the unfavorable 
 impreffions which any have received againft 
 the inftitution, and will more eiFedually con- 
 ciliate their efteem of it, than all the reafon- 
 ing of labored argument, or all the eloquence 
 of verbal panegyric. 
 
 Then, as we honor our profeffion, our 
 profeflion will be an honor to us. 
 
 Remember, brethren, that the interefts of 
 Free Mafonry are in your hands. Be careful 
 then, not to blend with it your weakneffes, 
 nor to ftain it with your vices. Confider 
 how much the world expeds of you ; and 
 how unwilling to make you any abatements. 
 Confider with what dignity, fidelity, and 
 rcfpeftability you ought to fupport the char- 
 after you bear : and render the name of Free 
 Mafon illuftrious, as defignating worth and 
 virtue of fuperior ftamp. 
 
Free Mnfonry, 223 
 
 It is highly incumbent on you to " walk 
 in wifdom towards them that are without •,'* 
 doing nothing that Ihould render your prin- 
 ciples fufpicious, or difgrace your inftitution 
 in their eyes, nothing that iliould give them 
 new Gccalion of diflike, or increafe their for- 
 mer prejudices. For, " be affured that, if in 
 your conduct you forget that you are men ; 
 the world, with its ufual feverity will remem- 
 ber that you are Mafons*^ 
 
 While ambitious of obtaining the favor- 
 able opinion of men, let us not be regardlefs 
 of the honor that cometh from God. His 
 approbation will make us ample amends for all 
 we may fuffer from their evil furmifmgs and 
 unjuil reproaches. Let us, therefore, feek to 
 pleafe God rather than men. Remembering 
 that we are his fervants ; let us be fervent in 
 fpirit, ferving him with fideliity, conftancy, 
 and zeal. Let the fenfe of his adorable pref- 
 ence never, for a moment, be eftranged from 
 pur minds. May all our conduct be ftriclly 
 and invariably directed by his will and word. 
 May we " walk worthy of the Lord unto all 
 
224 On the heft way of defending^ l^c, 
 
 pleafing :** and " when a man's ways pleafe 
 the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to bp 
 at peace with him." 
 
 To CONCLUHE : 
 
 If, Brethren, we have any true love for 
 Mafonry 5 if we have at heart the honor and 
 the intereft of this moft antient and venera- 
 ble inftitution \ we fhall be careful, not only 
 to rule and govern our faith, but to fquare 
 our actions by the holy word of God : and, 
 while with each other we literally walk upon 
 the level, may we keep within due bounds 
 with all mankind. Thus Ihall we merit and 
 obtain the reputation, not only of " good 
 men and true," but of wife and Ikilful, Free 
 and accepted Mafons.* And when he who 
 is " the firft born among many brethren," 
 fliall agaih appear " to be glorified in his 
 faints and admired in all them that believe," 
 may he pronounce our commendation and 
 defignate our reward by this declaration, 
 " thefe fhall walk with me in white, for 
 they are worthy 1" 
 
 * Bro. Benjamin Green's Or aim lef«ri ihe Philanthropic 
 Lodge, June 24, 1797, page 22. 
 
1 ^1 i m nua tamtm&migimmBmmmmti^ 
 
 DISCOURSE XII, 
 
 yjLEDICTORY 
 
DISCOURSE XII. 
 
 On resigning the Office of CHAPLAIN to the GRAND 
 LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS, December 27, 1799. 
 
 As the time has now arrived, my 
 brethren, when I am to retire from the office 
 with which I have for feveral years been 
 honored, and fhall not again addrefs you in 
 public ; I am defirous of leaving with you, 
 now, my laft counfels and my beft wiflies. 
 
 As Chaplain to the grand lodge, I have 
 been repeatedly called upon, both to lead the 
 devotional exercifes, and to perform the pre- 
 ceptive duties on public confecrations and 
 feftivals. During the courfe of this fervice 
 I have endeavored, to the beft of my abilities, 
 to illuftrate the genius and to vindicate the 
 principles of our inftitution ; and, while 
 inculcating upon the members a regard to 
 its duties, to imprefs the community at large 
 
 ^pr 
 
228 Vakdidory Difcourfe, 
 
 with a favorable opinion of its defign and 
 tendency. And you have not only liftened 
 to my inftruftions with attention, but have 
 . expreffed, in the moft flattering terms, your 
 acknowledgment of my fidelity and your 
 approbation of my zeal. To have acquitted 
 myfelf, in any degree, to your fatisfadion^ 
 in my addrefles to you, and in my public vin- 
 dication of the Fraternity, is a circumftance 
 upon which I fliall reflect with grateful fenfi- 
 biiity fo long as I live. 
 
 Desirous of improving the interefl: I have 
 obtained in your regards for the purpofe of 
 animating you to a fpirit and conduft becom- 
 ing the antient and honorable inftitution to 
 which you belong, I beg your attention to a 
 few parting counfels upon feveral topics of 
 great importance to your credit and your 
 happinefs as masons. 
 
 With this view \ have, according to cler-r 
 ical cufl:om, felecled a text for my difcourfe 
 from the facred fcriptures. As pertinent to 
 my fituation and my defign, I fliall make ufe 
 of that paflage inferted in th^ 
 
VeledlBory Difcourfe. 229 
 
 2 COR. XIII. II. 
 
 FINALLY, BRETHREN, FAREWELL. BE PERFCT. BE 
 OF GOOD COMFORT. BE OF ONE MIND. LIFE IN 
 PEACE ; AND THE GOD OF LOVE AND PEACE 
 SHALL BE WITH YOU. 
 
 This is the affectionate farewell which the 
 Apoftle Paul took of his chtiftian friends at 
 Corinth. Its import is this : May all joy 
 and happinefs ever attend you ! That this 
 may be the cafe, make it your care to amend 
 whatever is amifs among you, and rife to 
 the greateft perfection in virtue. Support 
 and help one another in afHiclion : and may 
 you be yourfelves comforted with thofe 
 flrong confolations which true chriftianity 
 fuggefts. Cultivate for each other an en- 
 deared attachment, and retain an intire 
 unanimity. And let me urge it upon you 
 that ye be peaceable in your demeanor, and 
 charitable in your fentiments ; for then the 
 God of love and peace will gracioufly own 
 and blefs y ou, and be your prefent helper 
 and everlafting portion. 
 
 In like terms, and with like cordiality, 
 would I apply this pathetic counfel to you. 
 
2^0 ValediSlory Difcourfe, 
 
 my moft valued friends, and echo thefe pious 
 willies on your behalf. But, as your chrif- 
 iian duties are inculcated on other occafions, 
 there is no propriety in my dwelling particu- 
 larly on them now ; I fhall confine myfelf 
 principally to thofe that are mafonic. 
 
 In the kowledge and obfervance of thefe 
 alfo, Brethren, be perfect. 
 
 I. To be thoroughly inftru^ted in the lee- 
 itires^ well acquainted with the ceremonies^ and 
 complete in the degrees of free masonry, is 
 the ambition of all. But by this very incli- 
 nation, laudable as it undoubtedly is, fome 
 are prompted to a more rapid progrefs 
 through its for7ns than is confiftent with a 
 clear and adequate comprehenfion of its prin- 
 ciples. Hence they gain but a fuperficial, or 
 at beft only a theoretical and fpeculative 
 knowledge of its fublime arcana : and, not 
 applying to pradice its fymbols and its rules, 
 they do not live in its influence nor exhibit 
 its effecls. They miftake the procefs for 
 the refult ; and reft in the means, without 
 attaining the end* 
 
Valedidory Difcourfe, 231 
 
 Masonry is an art of great compafs and 
 extent. A knowledge of its myfteries is not 
 attained at once, but by degrees. By much 
 inftruclion and affiduous application, ad- 
 vances are made. Every ftep is progreffive, 
 and opens new liglit and information. " Ac- 
 cording to the progrefs we make we limit 
 or extend our inquiries ; and, in proportion 
 to our capacity, we attain to a lefs or a great- 
 er degree of perfection.*'* 
 
 He who knows the names and under- 
 ftands the application of the various tools 
 and implements of the craft, is, to be fure, 
 thereby thoroughly furnifhed to every good 
 work; but he, only, who ufes and applies 
 them to intelleftual, moral, and focial edi- 
 fication, is the workman that ncedeth not to 
 be afhamed. 
 
 Therefore, in exhorting you to be per- 
 
 fed: in masonry^ I intend, not merely that 
 
 you Ihould be expert in the lectures, or 
 
 eager to rife through its degrees ; but that 
 
 * Preston, 
 
232 VekdiSlory Difcourfe. 
 
 you fhould enter into the fpirit of its folenfln 
 rites, and learn the full import of its inter- 
 efting fymbols ; that you Ihould be perfect 
 in the knowledge and in the application of 
 its principles, in the pofTeflion of the virtues 
 it expedls, and in the difcharge of the duties 
 it enjoins. 
 
 2. Moreover, my brethren, be of good 
 
 COMFORT. 
 
 There are, indeed, many troubles in the 
 iot of humanity ; and you, like others, are 
 expofed tO' them. But be not difmayed. 
 By our excellent inftitution you are furnifh- 
 cd with preventives or remedies againft: 
 moft of them, and with fupports and folacei 
 under all. You have a retreat, over which 
 the chane:es of the world have not the leafl 
 power. They reach not its peaceful recefles : 
 they intrude not on its facred quiet. Your 
 cares, perplexities, and misfortunes, follow 
 you not into the lodge. You leave them 
 behind you, with the agitated fcene of 
 which they are a part j and come hither to 
 
Vdledidory Difcourfe, 33.^ 
 
 partake the fweet comfort of brotherly love, 
 the bland alleviations of fympathy, or the 
 effeclual relief of charity and beneficenccj 
 when that is wanted alfo. 
 
 Here you are introduced to alTociates 
 whofe warm and generous fouls, whofe en- 
 lightened and elevated minds, are drawn 
 towards each other by wiflies the moft virtu- 
 ous and fentiments the moft fublime. Here 
 you enter into a faithful, tender, and refined 
 FRIENDSHIP. In this intimate and endeared 
 connection, the inclinations are free, the 
 feelings genuine, the fentiments unbialTed. 
 And the undifguifed communication of 
 thoughts and wifhes, of pleafures and pains, 
 fhews that the confidence is mutual, fincere, 
 and intire. Advice, confolation, fuccour,- 
 are reciprocally given and received, under 
 all the accidents and misfortunes of life* 
 And what forrow can refift the confolation 
 that flows from an intercourfe fo tender and 
 fo kind ? The pains and troubles of a wound- 
 ed heart will foon be alleviated or cured ! 
 The clouds which overfliadowed the profpect 
 
234 VakdiBory Difcourfe. 
 
 win quickly fade away. Light will break in 
 upon the view, and hope and joy gild and 
 decorate the fcene. 
 
 Yes, my brethren, in coming hither you 
 gather reftoration from the paft, refrefhment 
 for the prefent, and refources againft the 
 future : and you return back to the world, 
 with a calm, refolute, and well fortified 
 mind, better fitted to meet the trials, and 
 better enabled to bear the burdens of life. 
 
 In fad, in the very courfe of pafilng 
 through the feveral grades, you acquire a 
 Jirm andjleady refolution of mind ^ prepared for 
 every reverfe, fuperior to every fhock. You 
 learn the difcipline of virtue j you liften to 
 the inftruclions of wifdom ; and, following 
 a faithful and unerring guide, you ^ut your 
 truji in God, and fear nothing. 
 
 " Wherefore, we befeech you brethren, 
 comfort yourfelves together and edify one 
 another, even as alfo you do :" and be par- 
 ticularly attentive to the circumflances of 
 the afllided and the wants of the dellitute, 
 " that their hearts may alfo be comforted by 
 
Valedidory Difcourfe, 235 
 
 being knit together in love'* with thofe who 
 have difpofitions to fympathize with their 
 forrows and willingnefs to fupply their 
 need 1* 
 
 On another fcore, too, I would exhort 
 you to be of good comfort ; and that is, with re- 
 fpect to the reflections lately caft upon the 
 order to which you belong. 
 
 Though the ignorant fufpect, and the 
 prejudiced ftigmatize your views and labors, 
 " fear ye not their reproaches, neither be 
 afraid of their revilings.** Notwithftanding 
 all their united attacks and pertinacious op- 
 polition, Mafonry will flill retain its influence 
 and its credit ; and, like its own well com- 
 pacled arch, will even be rendered more firm 
 and ftrong by the preffure and the weight it 
 bears. 
 
 * " To relieve the diftrcfled, is a duty incumbent on all men ; 
 but particularly on Mafons, who are linked together by an indilfo- 
 lublc chain of linccre afFeAion. To footh the unhappy, to fym- 
 pathize with their misfortunes, to compaffionate their miferies, 
 and to reftore peace to their troubled minds, is the grand aim wc 
 have in view. On this balis we eftablifli our friendihips and 
 fcnn our conne<5tions." Preston's Uhjirations of M'jS'""^3'> P- 54- 
 
9,^6 Vakdidory Difcourfe, 
 
 It is rendered Hill more fecure if the 
 members grow more and more united in 
 judgment and afFedlion to each other, and in 
 their attachment to the antient conftitutions^ 
 privileges and principles of the craft. This 
 is the more neceffary at the prefent day, be- 
 caufe one of our moft formidable opponents 
 commences the deduction of his " Proofs'* 
 with an account of " the fchifms in Ma- 
 fonry.** 
 
 Let me, therefore, in the third place ^ enjoin 
 it upon you to be of one mind. 
 
 Among the variety of duties incumbent 
 upon you, remember that there is none 
 more effential to the prefervation, none more 
 efficacious to the welfare of our inftitution 
 than UNANIMITY, This makes the ceiimit^ 
 the great principle of cohefion, which gives 
 compadnefs to all the parts and members ; 
 forms them into a regular ftructure, into one 
 uniform building ; and adds harmony and 
 beauty, firmnefs and ftability to the whole. 
 Or, it may be likened to the key-Jlone which 
 compads and ftrengthens the arch on which 
 the edifice is fupported and upheld, 
 
Valedicfory Difcourfe. 237 
 
 A CORDIAL afFeclion is the life and foul of 
 all focieties, and muft be much more fo of 
 thofe who pretend to affociate together upon 
 the nobleft maxims of charity and friendlhip. 
 
 Unity is the sfolden chain which binds 
 our willing hearts, and holds together our 
 happy fociety : the principle on which de- 
 pends its internal harmony and its outward 
 profperity. 
 
 Jars and difcords among the brethren 
 will not only loofen the cement of the well 
 joined fabric, but fap its very foundation. 
 *' Need I mention, fays a Rev. Brother, need 
 I mention the malicious triumph which any 
 fchifm or conteft among us would give to 
 the enemies of our antient Craft ? A fadious 
 fpirit would foon check the progrefs of true 
 Mafonry, and ftrengthen every vulgar preju- 
 dice againft us."* 
 
 As in the erecting of the temple of Solomon 
 every thing was fo prepared that " there was 
 neither hammer, nor axe, nor any iron tool 
 heard in the houfe while it was building ;" 
 
 * Dh James Grant's Sermon at Greenwich, Jim: 34, 1774. 
 
238 ValediElory Difccurfe, 
 
 fo of Free Mafons it has always been the boaft 
 that they perfect the work of edification, by 
 quiet and orderly methods, " without the 
 hammer of contention, the axe of divifion, 
 or any tool of mifchief." 
 
 I SPEAK then a language harmonious in 
 your ears and congenial to your hearts, when 
 I fay that you are " kindly affecbioned one 
 to another." and " perfectly joined together 
 in the fame mind and the fame judgment ;'* 
 walking by one rule and following the fame 
 thinj 
 
 'o* 
 
 Having but one intereft and one objc^l ; 
 the benefit and the advancement of the 
 whole J be perfuaded to purfue it with con- 
 curring harmony and joint agreement. 
 While particularly interefted in the welfare 
 of the lodge to which you individually be- 
 long, be regardful of the general welfare. 
 And let there be no other conteft among you 
 than that moft honorable of all contefts, -who 
 jhall do the moji good. 
 
 " Behold, how good and how pleafant 
 it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. 
 
ValediBory Difcourfe. i^^ 
 
 It is like the precious ointment upon the 
 head, that ran down upon the beard, even 
 Aaron's beard ; that went down to the 
 Ikirts of his garments. As the dew of Her- 
 mon, and as the dew that defcended upon 
 the mountains of Zion ; for there the Lord 
 commanded the blefling, even life forever- 
 more !'* 
 
 To bind you more firmly together in the 
 bonds of unity^ and to ftrengthen the ties of 
 brotherly love, has been an aim ever kept in 
 view in my difcourfes before the fraternity : 
 and, in this my final addrefs, " I befeech you, 
 brethren, that ye all fpeak the fame thing, 
 and that there be no divifions among you !" 
 " Fulfil ye my joy that ye be like-minded, 
 having the fame love, being of one accord, 
 of one mind." 
 
 I have but one direction more. 
 
 Live in peace. 
 
 This is a natural effed, and will be the 
 certain refult of that unanimity and concord 
 of which I have juft fpokcn. 
 
^4® Valedidory Difcourfe, 
 
 So often have I, on former occafions, ex- 
 patiated upon the pacific genius of Free Ma- 
 fonry, and on the necefiity and beauty of a 
 correfpondent conduct in its members, that I 
 need now only repeat my earneft defires 
 that you would invariably, unitedly, and 
 affeftionately " follow after peace,'* and 
 *' ftudy the things that make for peace" and 
 ^re conducive to mutual edification. 
 
 It has been well obferved that, " no fplcn- 
 dor of talents, no endowment of body or 
 mind, can be put in comj>etition with thofe 
 humble but lovely virtues which ferve to 
 make us endearing and endeared. Abilities 
 alone may excite admiration, the tribute of 
 the UNDERSTANDING ; but, joined with amen- 
 ity of manners, they never fail to conciliate 
 offedion, the better tribute of the heart." 
 
 Let it always be knov/n that we belong 
 to a fociety, cemented by union ^ and edified 
 with peace : where all the members are invi- 
 olably attached to the general good, and 
 harmonioufly confpire in its promotion ; 
 where unfeigned affection prevails ; wher€ 
 
Vakdi&ory Dlfcourfe. 241 
 
 every man is the fincere friend of every 
 man ; in a word, where all vigoroufly and 
 cheerfully exert themfelves in ads of kind- 
 nefs and labors of love. Such principles, 
 furely, will advance and eftablifli the happi- 
 nefs of the whole, and the welfare of each 
 individual : and upon fuch principles our 
 fociety hath bidden defiance to oppolition, 
 and been fecured from diffolution or decay. 
 
 Glory to God in the higheft, peace on 
 earth, and good will towards men, is the 
 difpofition and the defire of every Free and 
 Accepted Mafon. With fuch a temper, 
 brethren, you will enjoy the fatisfadion of 
 your own hearts, the approbation and con- 
 currence of all the wife and good, and the 
 
 GOD OF LOVE AND PEACE WILL BE WITH 
 
 YOU. That divine Being, who is the author 
 of peace and the lover of concord, will ren- 
 der your endeavors fuccefsful, and reward 
 them with the bleflings of time and the glo- 
 ries of eternity ! 
 
 Finally, brethren, farewell ! Ac- 
 cept the beft wifhes, as you {hare in the beft 
 affections of my heart ! 
 
242 VafediSlory Difcoitrfe, 
 
 The fpecial relation in which I have flood 
 to you will now ceafe ; but the affection 
 connefted with it, and the gratitude arifing 
 from it, will ever remain. 
 
 My particular thanks are due to the officers 
 and members of the grand lodge for the hon- 
 ors and the patronage with which they have 
 diflinguifhed me. And I intreat them, with 
 MY BRETHREN ALL, to acccpt my warmcft 
 acknowledgments for their alliflance and 
 kindnefs. Their attentions have been fo 
 flattering, their benevolence fo diiinterefted, 
 their bounty fo liberal, their fympathy fo ten- 
 der, that I mufl be inexcufably infenfible not 
 to feel ; and feeling, criminally ungrateful 
 not to exprefs, my many obligations. 
 
 The affecting adieu I am now taking, brings 
 forcibly to mind the laji folemn parting, when 
 DEATH fhall feparate me from thofe whom I 
 have cordially loved ; whofe fociety made 
 the charm of my moft privileged moments % 
 and to whom, under Providence, I owe mofl 
 of my earthly profperity. 
 
 Tender and faithful friends ! Death is 
 haflening to interrupt, it cannot diffolve, 
 our union. No ! Virtuous attachments are 
 eternal. They are renewed in Heaven. We 
 meet again there, to part no more / 
 
MASONIC EULOGY. 
 
 Delivered at WORCESTER, June 24, A. L. 1794, on the 
 
 Festival of ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, before the 
 
 Officers and Brethren oe the MORNING 
 
 STAR LODGE, in that town, joined by 
 
 TRINITY LODGE from LANCASTER. 
 
 RESPECTED HEARERS^ 
 
 jL OU fee before you a band of 
 BROTHERS, connefted with each other by the 
 firmeft engagements and moft afFe<5iionate 
 ties. Warmed with the moft general philan- 
 thropy, they profefs to unite their endeavors 
 in the benevolent delign of aflifting the per- 
 fection of the human character, and the har- 
 mony and happinefs of fociety. Their infti- 
 lution boafts its origin in the earlieft ages of 
 
244 ^ Mafonic Eulogy. 
 
 the world ; and it retains its antient laws 
 uncorrupted, its venerable rites and expref- 
 iive fymhoh unchanged, and its primeval cerC' 
 monies intire. The ftupendous pyramids 
 which were raifed, the lofty obelilks infcrib- 
 edj and the magnificent temples built, by ma- 
 fonic hands, have yielded to the ravages of 
 time ; but the inftitution itfelf has furvived 
 their overthrow, and outlived their glory* 
 It will CO ntinue ftill, and flourifli, till 
 
 " The great globe itfelf, 
 
 And all which it inherit, be deftroyed. 
 And, like the bafelefs fabric of a vifion, 
 Leave not a wreck behind." 
 
 Had we leifure, it would be an interefting 
 md entertaining refearch to trace its progrefs 
 through the various ftages of fociety it has 
 fucceffively improved and adorned : To fee 
 its early honors in Egypt j* its CONSE- 
 
 * Thofe who have moft minutely inveftlgated antient hiftory, 
 will have reafon to date the origin of the Egyptian myftcries at 
 the times of Joseph ; who, not being able to fubvert the idolatry 
 and fuperlVition of the country, and introduce his own purer faith, 
 communicated to feledt friends, under fuitable cautions, the 
 knowledge of the Divine unity and fpirituality, of the imraor- 
 sality of the foul, and fome leading truths in the patriarchal re- 
 
A Mafonic Eulogy, 245 
 
 C RATION at Jerufalem j its fubfequent glo- 
 ry J and its prefervation, and exteniion " in 
 ages long gone by." It is true that in recur- 
 ring to fome periods of its remote hiftory, 
 we fliould have occafion to lament that the 
 unfounded and illiberal prejudices of too 
 many which it could not foften, and their 
 corrupt paffions which it could not fubdue^ 
 at times denied the craft its merited honors, 
 oppofed its caufe, and impeded its progrefs.* 
 
 ligion. Thefe dogmas were tranfmitted down ; but, through the 
 Japfe of ages, became fomewhat obfcured and corrupted. 
 
 The Eleufinian and Gentile myfteries were probably branches 
 of this more antient eftablifliment ; and not diftindt inftitutions. 
 For an account of thefe, confult jElian, Var. Hift. xii. c. 24. 
 Pausanias, X. c. 31. and Meursii Eleufinia ; In torn. 7. Gronov. 
 Antiq. Gr. 
 
 " Nor did the priefts of the myfteries negledl to recommend 
 to the brethren a fpirit of friendjhip and the love of virtue ; fo 
 plealing even to the moft corrupt minds, and fo requillte to render 
 uny fociety refpeiflable in its own eyes." 
 
 Gibbon's obf. on the viith book of the .^neii, p. 7, 
 
 * Prepoffeflion hurries people to condemn what they will 
 not have patience to undcrftand. 
 
 Happily at the prefent day thefe prejudices lofe much of 
 their priftine obftinacy. " Time has allayed the violence of par- 
 ty, and checked with a cool difcretion the tumults of oppolition. 
 Mankind, fuperior to national prediledlion or the barriers of 
 policy or prieftcraft, begin to follow the genuine di<5lates of rea- 
 fon, and honor the wife And the good wliatevcr be their fountry 
 0» their creed." 
 
 ^2 
 
246 A Mafonic Eulogy. 
 
 Like the sun, its emblem, it has at times 
 been obfcured. Clouds and darknefs have 
 overfliadowed its luftre : The clouds of error 
 and the darknefs of ignorance. But from 
 the temporary penumbra it always emerged 
 with increafed fplendor. And though from 
 low minds mifts of prejudice may ftill arife, 
 and dim the clearnefs of its horizon, before 
 the meridian light of reafon, truth and wifdom^ 
 they will quickly difappear. 
 
 In the dark ages Mafonry yielded only a 
 faint and glimmering radiance : " A light 
 that {hined in a dark place." But, when the 
 gloom of ignorance and barbarifm was difr 
 pelled, it revived in its priftine confequence 
 and glory. 
 
 Those who enter minutely into the 
 hiftory of this fociety, will find it eventful 
 and interefting. Various have been the 
 efforts wantonly ufed, even in later times, to 
 difturb its tranquillity and diminifli its im^ 
 portance. Diflatisfaftion has, however, been 
 obliged to yield to conviction ; and the 
 groundlefs imputations of enmity, have been 
 
A Mafonic Eulogy. 247 
 
 filenced by a difplay of the virtues the infti- 
 tution recommends and excites, and the 
 laudable effects it produces. Among all na- 
 tions, at laft, its falutary influence is felt, 
 and its beneficial tendency acknowledged. 
 And, (though, like the common blelling of 
 light, unheeded in its filent operation,) men 
 are ignorantly indebted to it, as a principle, 
 for fome of the moft difinterefted exertions 
 of generofity, and fome of the fweeteft inti- 
 macies of endearing friendfhip and fociallife. 
 
 Free Masons have always confidered 
 liberality as a virtue of the moft general obli- 
 gation and diffufive nature. To adminifter 
 relief to the needy, and confolation to the 
 diftreffed, is their moft conftant wifti, and 
 their higheft pride ; eftablilhing friendfhip 
 and forming connexions not by receiving 
 but conferring benefits ; and diffufing the 
 conveniences and comforts of life with that 
 cheerful readinefs and benevolent impartial- 
 ity which heightens their value and fweetens 
 their pofTefTion. Their bounty is not difH- 
 pated among thofe who can return the 
 obligation ; but is frequently conveyed to 
 
24-8 A Mafonic Eulogy. 
 
 diftant lands and foreign cities, to the naked 
 and the hungry who fee not the hand that 
 reaches out the kind fupply, and can make 
 no acknowledgment to their unknown 
 ^enefaftors but the ardent benedidion of 
 gratitude. 
 
 To communicate the bleilings of which we 
 are partakers ; to contribute to the fuccefs* 
 ful propagation of knowledge, virtue and 
 peace, of the fciences and the arts, and of 
 whatever cultivates and adorns focial life ; 
 and to affift the advancement of human 
 happinefs j have ever been the great objects 
 of this venerable aflbciation. Imprefled with 
 a due fenfe of their obligation to the dif- 
 charge of thefe duties, the members of it 
 have fteadily purfued fuch means as were 
 apparently moft conducive to the accom- 
 plifhment of fo defirable an end : And they 
 hope to furmount the obftacles and difcour- 
 agements which retard its more general 
 propagation. 
 
 To refled on the rapid progrefs and 
 prefent general diffuiion of the royal 
 
A Mafonic Eulogy, 249 
 
 ART* through almoft every part of the habi- 
 table world,! mull be particularly agreeable 
 to all its friends, to every one iincerely in- 
 terefted in the caufe of humanity 5 the hap- 
 pinefs of his fpecies. 
 
 At the prefent, as in every former age 
 over virhich it hath fpread its princjjples, 
 Mafonry conftitutes the affeftionate and in- 
 diffoluble alliance which unites man in warm 
 cordiality with man. It forms the moft liber- 
 al and extenlive conneclions. No private pre- 
 
 * «« This art was called royal not only becaufe it was originally 
 pradlifed by Kings and Princes, who were its firft profeflbrs and 
 warmeft patrons, but likewife on account of the fuperiority which 
 fo fublime a fcience gave its difciples over the reft of mankind." 
 
 Smith, p. 27. 
 
 fEuMENios, fpeaking of the nuniber of Mafons that went 
 over to the continent, about the beginning of the fourth century, 
 fays " even your city Autun, moft devoted to your fervice, and in 
 whofe name I am efpecially to congratulate you, has been well 
 ftored with architedls and Mafons, lined your vi(£tory over the 
 Britons whofe provinces abounded with them ; fo that it now 
 rifes in iplendor, by the rebuilding of antient houfes, eredling 
 public works, and the inftauration of temples. Thus the antient 
 name of a Roman Brotherhood, which they long lince enjoyed, is 
 again reftored, by having your Imperial Majefty for their fecond 
 founder." Paneg, Emp. Maximian, Aug. diet 
 
 See " Notices of the hiftory of Free Mafonry, in all parts of the 
 world," 8vo, Bofton, 1798. 
 
250 -^ Mafonic Eulogy. 
 
 poffellion nor national prediledion, no civil 
 policy nor ecclefiaftical tyranny, no party 
 fpirit nor dilTocial paffion, is fufFered to pre- 
 vent the engagement, or interfere with the 
 free exercife of xh^X. brotherly love^ relief and fi- 
 delity^ it fails not to produce. It has for ages 
 been lamented, that petty diftindiions and 
 partial conliderations, irrational prejudices 
 and contraded fentiments, fhould fo much 
 obftrucl the friendly intercourfe of mankind. 
 Mafonry breaks down thefe formidable bar- 
 riers. In its folemn affembly, around its fe- 
 cial altar, meet the inhabitants of different 
 countries with benignant looks of efteem and 
 fentiments of unfeigned friendfhip. Around 
 diftant lands it cafts Philanthropy's conneft- 
 ing zone, and binds together in the fame fym- 
 pathies the whole family on earth. 
 
 By the ufe of the univerfal language of Ma- 
 
 fons^ members of the fraternity of all nations 
 
 communicate ealily and freely with each 
 
 other.* On every quarter of the globe they 
 
 * " Free Mafons poffefs what the learned have fougkt in vain, 
 tui invariable cypher for general communication. 
 
 See Free Mason's Mag. Vol. I. p. 11. 
 Mr. Locke's notes to the MS. Bodl. 
 
A Mafonic Eulogy. 251 
 
 can make known their wiflies, and be fure 
 of finding an attentive friend, a hofpitable 
 afylum, and liberal afliftance. 
 
 With Religion, whofe fublime doBrlnes 
 it cannot increafe, whofe noble precepts it can- 
 not improve, and whofe fandions it dare not 
 adjudge, Mafonry does not interfere. The 
 duties of piety muft be the voluntary and 
 fpiritual intercourfe of man with heaven. 
 Over them it ufurps no control and claims no 
 jurifdiclion. It is fatisfied with teaching all 
 the brethren to remember that " the eye 
 WHICH SEETH IN SECRET'* obfcrvcs all their 
 conduct ; that they muft therefore " live as 
 feeing him who is invifible," and have their 
 fouls raifed fuperior to the grofs indulgences 
 of vice, and their affeclions refined by the 
 fublime energies of virtue ; that they muft 
 be alive to all the engaging duties of benev- 
 olence, and be attached to their fellow men 
 by all thofe tender ties of friendftiip and 
 good will which hold the heart in the moft 
 permanent captivity. 
 
 Such, my hearers, is the genius, the do- 
 fign, and tendency, of this inftitution. 
 
252 A Mafonlc Eulogy » 
 
 But faint and imperfect is the reprefenta. 
 tion I have given. Yet I cannot but hope 
 that, though it be but as the fun painted in 
 the dew drop, it will be found to have the 
 merit of refledling fomething of the fplendor 
 of its original. 
 
 At the door of Mafonry I ftand with my 
 taper. Would you view the glories of the 
 temple, enter in, and dwell there. 
 
 The ingenuoufnefs of nature, my breth- 
 ren, kindles a blufh at the praife which comes 
 fo near to ourfelves. Yet, who, but one of 
 its own members, can fpeak the eulogy of 
 an eftablifliment, all of whofe regulations, 
 and moft of whofe effefls, are not open to 
 general infpeclion, but delignedly concealed 
 from all but the initiated ? Determined by 
 his conviction, and in the caufe of truth, 
 REASON and philanthropy, indifferent alike 
 to ridicule and cenfure, the fpeaker afferts the 
 high utility and value of this fociety, for the 
 encouragement and cultivation of thofe at- 
 tainments and qualities which are of vital 
 confequence to moral and foc'ial man. He 
 
A Mafonic Eulogy* 253 
 
 honors from his foul its laws : Thofe laws 
 which foftening nature by humanity melt 
 nations into brotherhood. Happy would it 
 be for the peace of the world were they 
 more univerfally acknowledged. They would 
 give quiet to the nations. They would an- 
 nihilate the fpirit of martial glory, and ut- 
 terly debafe the pomp of war. They would 
 be inftrumental in meliorating the difpoli- 
 tions of men ; in awakening and exercifing 
 their virtues ; in exalting their condition 
 and their happinefs. 
 
 Seek ye a pure fource of joys to enliven 
 your profperity ? Afk ye for confolation in 
 adverlity ? Want ye relief from poverty ? 
 Enter our temple and fhare our bleflings. 
 Friendship will conduA your faultering ftep, 
 VIRTUE will y?r^«^//j^« your refolutions, and 
 WISDOM enlighten your mind. There, alfo, 
 PITY and CHARITY will dired your benevo- 
 lence, and give value to the exercife of your 
 kindnefs. There hope will brighten your 
 profpefls, and glory crown your deeds. 
 
 To this commendation of our fociety, my 
 beloved brethren, your knowledge and your 
 
254 -^ Mafonic Eulogy. 
 
 hearts will bear willing teftimony. Let the 
 a6lions of your lives afford corroborative 
 evidence. Anfwer the raifed expectations of 
 the world. While ambitious of extending: 
 the influence, neglect not to fupport the 
 credit of this antient and venerable fociety. 
 May the amiable fimplicity and goodnefs of 
 your manners produce fentiments of efteem 
 in others for the principles from which they 
 arife ! Difgrace not your profeflion by any 
 unworthy action.* Mafonry may indeed 
 fuffer awhile from the fufpicions of the 
 ignorant and the cenfure of its enemies, but 
 it can be laftingly injured only by the im- 
 prudences and ill conduct of its members 
 and friends. Let me therefore enjoin it upon 
 you, while you treat with jufl indifference 
 the iniinuations and furmifes of the difingen- 
 uous and the perverfe, to iilence the tongue 
 of reproach by the rectitude of your condu6t, 
 and the brilliance of your virtues. Let it be 
 feen in you that our inftitution produces the 
 good effeds we have fo openly boafted, and 
 
 * In the antient Mafonic charges is this injundlion : " Ye fliaU 
 ilo no villainie whcieby the craft may be flandered." 
 
A Mafonic Eulogy^ 255 
 
 the virtues we have fo frequently recom- 
 mended and warmly approved* Fix your 
 eyes fteadily on the important objed of your 
 aflbciation. Let it open the afFedionate em- 
 brace of large philanthropy, and lift up the 
 hands of rational devotion ! Let it exalt the 
 capacity of the mind, refine the focial fym- 
 pathies, and form you for the nobleft pur- 
 pofes of reafonable life ! 
 
 RIGHT WORSHIPFUL MASTERS, 
 RESPECTED OFFICERS, AND BELOVED BRETHREN ! 
 
 You this day alTemble to celebrate the in- 
 creafed reputation and ufefulnefs of Mafon- 
 ry ; and to pay the tribute of affedlionate 
 remembrance to its departed patrons and 
 brethren. Let hilarity therefore be temper- 
 ed with thoughtfulnefs. Forget not in the 
 cheerfulnefs of the day to retain decorum in 
 feftivity, and innocence in mirth. Let vir- 
 tue chaften your pleafures, and it will give 
 them a higher relifti. 
 
 While you commemorate the wifdom and 
 glory of Solomon, the fideHty of Hiram, 
 and the virtues of St. John, you will join 
 
156 A Mafonic Eulogy, 
 
 alfo in celebrating the valor of Warren and 
 the wifdom of Franklin. While you 
 praife departed worth, neglect not to honor 
 living virtue. And add to all your fongs the 
 chorus of acknowledgment and affedionate 
 refpeft to ouv furviving patron and brother, 
 Washington, " the friend of Mafonry, of 
 his country, and of man/' 
 
 Around the altar of friendfliip do we thus 
 yearly affemble, and bring our votive incenfe 
 to that temple which our predeceffors found- 
 ed on the firm bafis of virtue, and fupported 
 by the pillars of wifdom, Jirength and beauty. 
 We meet not to drain the bowl of intem- 
 perance, nor to indulge the exceffes of glut- 
 tony : But to renew the cordialities of 
 friendfliip, the refolutions of love and good 
 will. We affemble not to difturb the peace 
 of mankind by the bufier plans of ambition, 
 nor to fabricate thofe arts of luxury which 
 but augment the miferies of life : Our object 
 is to enliven the kindly fenfibilities of human 
 nature, and all the fweet civilities of focial 
 intercourfe. 
 
A Mafonic Eulogy, 257 
 
 CHILDREN OF LIGHT ! 
 
 The duties of your profeflion are intereft- 
 ing and important. The duties o^fociety and 
 of religion are alfo binding upon you. May 
 you difcharge them all with fidelity and 
 honour ! Then, when the events of time fliall 
 be ended, and the retributions of eternity 
 begin, when the morning stars fhall again 
 feig together and the fons of God Ihout for 
 joy, YE Ihall join the animating chorus and 
 fhare the glorious triumph. Ye fhall be 
 deemed worthy to enter the doors of the 
 celeftial temple, to be adorned with jewels 
 beautified with immortality, and advanced 
 to glories incomparably more refplendent 
 than any here below. 
 
 so MOTE IT BE! 
 
CHARGE. 
 
 Delivered before the GRAND LODGE of MASSACHU- 
 SETTS, June a4th, A. L. 5795. 
 
 IN fubmifllon to the appointment, 
 and in compliance with the requeft of the 
 venerable officers and beloved brethren of 
 this GRAND LODGE, I rife to give the cuftom- 
 ary mafonic charge. To make apologies 
 now^ would be ineffectual. And to intreat 
 indulgence in behalf of what it is expefted I 
 fhould enforce by authority, would but dimin- 
 ifli the dignity of the precepts to be incul- 
 cated, and weaken the influence of the cau- 
 tion to be imprelfed. I cannot doubt the 
 candor of the liberal j and need not fear the 
 cenfure of the prejudiced. It will fuffice if 
 
Mafonic Charge* 259 
 
 this refpe^led audience be but convinced, 
 from my honeft developement of the charac- 
 ter and limple ftatement of the duties of Free 
 Mafonry, that the principles upon which the 
 inftitution is founded are falutary, and that 
 the morals it enjoins are pure. 
 
 To give to thefe principles and thefe mor- 
 als their proper force, recoiled, my beloved 
 brethren, that I Hand in the place, and fpeak 
 by the authority of that Divine Mafon whofe 
 anniverfary, you celebrate. On this occa- 
 fion you are to regard me as his reprefenta- 
 tive. To his counfels you are invited to 
 liften. " The same came for a witness, ro 
 
 BEAR WITNESS OF THE LIGHT, THAT ALL MEN 
 
 THROUGH HIM MIGHT BELIEVE," As the her- 
 ald, commiffioned to awaken attention to 
 the glories of the brightefl fcene that ever 
 dawned upon the earth, he calls for the re- 
 formation of thofe prejudices which preclude 
 acknowledgment of the doctrines of heavenly 
 truth, and thofe corruptions which prevent 
 diflfufion of the fyftem of unbounded love. 
 
 Let your minds be open to convidion. 
 Examine with the utmoft freedom. Be will- 
 
aSo Mafonic Charge, 
 
 ing to adopt what you find to be excellent ; 
 and in the beft of caufes be the warmeft of 
 advocates. 
 
 The duties of piety claim your firft and 
 chiefeft attention. Their facred fpirit Ihould 
 fan<5lify, pervade, and influence all your 
 thoughts and adions, ennoble all your pur- 
 fuits, and be both the beginning and the end 
 of whatever deferves the name of wifdom. 
 
 Demonstrate by devout reverence and 
 habitual goodnefs, your homage, fidelity and 
 love to the almighty architect. Ever 
 aft as under the infpeftion of that " Eye 
 which feeth in fecret." Negled not to im- 
 plore the affiftance of the Deity in your 
 building ; work by his perfed plans ; and 
 confecrate the edifice you finifii to his glory 
 and praife. 
 
 Weigh well the powers of fimple piety ! 
 Make it the key-J}one In your arch of virtue ; 
 And it wijl keep that graceful fabric firm. 
 Though all the ftorms of fortune burft upon it. 
 
 Forget not that you have profefled your- 
 felves " members of the great temple of the 
 
Mafonic Charge, 261 
 
 univerfc, ready to obey the laws of the 
 Grand Mafter of all, in whofe prefence you 
 feek to be approved." 
 
 Next cultivate and exercife the principles 
 of generous philanthropy and munificent 
 benevolence. Your liberalities and affeftions 
 muft not be limited to kindred and neigh- 
 bors J nor circumfcribed within the narrow 
 confines of felfintereft or perfonal obligation ; 
 but, uniformly directed to the general wel- 
 fare, muft be dilated into an exercife wide 
 and extenfive as human kind. " You muft 
 aflfu redly know that in all the bonds by 
 which we are united ; in all the lectures 
 we receive ; and in all the exercifes by 
 which we endeavor either to amufe, in- 
 ftrucl, or benefit ■ each other ; ftricl: juftice 
 and univerfal charity form the principle, the 
 fentiment, and the labor of the Free and Ac- 
 cepted Mafon."* 
 
 In the endeared and fublime friendfhip 
 you have formed, you are to confider, more 
 efpccially, the interefts of a brother as in- 
 feparable from your own. And your's is the 
 
 *Inwood"» fcrmons, p. 75. 
 R 2 
 
262 Mafonic Charge. 
 
 fweet fatisfadion of alliance with thofe, to 
 whofe bofoms you may confide the moft im- 
 portant and fecret thoughts, without diftruft 
 or fear j and in whofe hearts you may 
 always be fure to find an unfailing willing- 
 nefs to be inter efl:ed for you, to folace your 
 griefs, calm your inquietudes, relieve your 
 neceffities and lighten the burden of your 
 labors. Every member of this fociety is 
 happy in the enjoyment of that reciprocal 
 confidence and efi:eem which amply provides 
 for the mutual interchange of affectionate 
 fervices and afUftance. 
 
 Reverence the laws, and conform to the 
 ufages of our venerable conftitution. Dif- 
 countenance every deviation from its princi- 
 ples, and carefully avoid any innovation in 
 its long efl:ablifhed pradices. In retaining 
 their primeval fimplicity, you approach 
 neareft to their original purity, and befl: an- 
 fwer their original intent. 
 
 These are fome of your leading duties. 
 Such is the excelling nature of our inftitu- 
 tion J which, as it honors itfelf by its lef- 
 ibns, fo may we honor it by our virtues. 
 
Mafonk Charge, 263 
 
 Let us on all occafions fupport its dignity 
 and maintain its credit. May our whole 
 condudl prove our convidion of its excel- 
 lency, and bear evidence to its happy efFeft. 
 
 Proceed, brethren, with firmnefs in the 
 lucid path pointed out for your fteps. 
 
 Be the animating fpirit of our affociation 
 the incitement to your nobleft employment, 
 and the enlivener of your moft exalted 
 delights ! 
 
 Still may your bofoms glow with the 
 ardor of kindnefs, and ftill poffefs the unfuf- 
 pe<5ting fecurity and undiminifhed tendernefs 
 of friendlinefs and love ! 
 
 Suffer no confideration to induce you 
 to ad unworthy the refpedable charader 
 you bear. But ever difplay the difcretion, 
 the virtue, the dignity and the harmony, 
 which become you as the sons of reason, 
 the disciples of wisdom, and the brethren 
 of HUMANITY ! Thus wiU your conduct lend 
 diftinguifhed luftre to your profeflion, and 
 contradict the feoffs of thofe who contemptu^ 
 oufly overlook or ftudioufly depreciate in a 
 
364 Mafonlc Charge, 
 
 Mafon even the moil: eminent inftances of 
 merit. 
 
 O YE, whom curiofity, or the purfuit of 
 amufement hath drawn into this affembly. 
 Would to GOD that fuch fmiles of good 
 humor as fuffufe your cheeks, and fuch 
 beams of joy as irradiate your eyes, glowed 
 on the cheeks and brightened in the eyes, 
 of every fon and daughter of Adam I And 
 that all might, like you, participate the hap- 
 pinefs which refults from the privileges of 
 freedom, is refined by knowledge, and per- 
 fefted in the reign of virtue and peace ! 
 
 But confent to look abroad into the 
 world. It may interrupt, indeed, for one 
 painful moment, the cheerful flow of your 
 fpirits : But it will teach you fome moft im- 
 portant leflbnsi See the members of a moft 
 exteniive family engaging in perpetual con- 
 tefts. Man, who ought to be the friend, the 
 brother^ becomes the enemy of man. The 
 luft of power and domination, every mean 
 propenfity, every turbulent paflion, excites 
 variance and leads to outrage. The crimfon 
 ftandard of war is eredled. Nations furioufly 
 
Mqfontc Charge, 26^ 
 
 prefs around it. And the moft populous 
 and flouriihing countries exhibit the moft 
 fanguinary fcenes of defolation. You fhud- 
 der at the painful view. You tremble for 
 the diftreffes of mankind, and anxioufly 
 inquire, What can mitigate the fufferings 
 thefe occaiion ? What proje6t for reconcilia- 
 tion can be devifed ? Who will communicate 
 a plan, eafy to be adopted and efFedrual in its 
 exercife, which will reftore its rights to vio- 
 lated nature, and its fupremacy to deprefled 
 humanity : Which will banifli entirely every 
 unfocial paflion, and eftablifh perpetually uni- 
 verfal peace ? With what animated pleafure 
 would we liften to the propofal which prom- 
 ifed fuch delirable efFefts ! How would we 
 all rejoice in its ready adoption and general 
 diffufion ! 
 
 Assuredly, then, you will obferve with 
 pleafure the increaling progrefs of Mafonry, 
 At leaft you will not withhold your encour- 
 agement from an inftitution which has the 
 moft manifeft tendency to annihilate all party 
 fpirit, to conciliate all private opinions, and 
 by the fwcet and powerful attra(5tIons of Iov& 
 
a66 Ma/hnic Charge, 
 
 to draw into one harmonious fraternity men 
 of all nations and all opinions. Who can 
 remain unmoved and cold at the idea of the 
 manifold good that may and will be effected 
 by fuch an inftitution ! What generous citi- 
 zen will helitate at making it his duty and 
 joy to contribute what he can to the accom- 
 pliftiment of fuch delightful hopes ! 
 
 Let us all join in the fervent wifh for 
 fuccefs to all fuch motives as enforce, and all 
 fuch focieties as encourage philanthropy and 
 virtue. And may the whole brotherhood of 
 mankind be united in the harmony of love, 
 and bleffed with the tranquillity of peace I 
 
. FIRST DEGREE. 
 
 " Entered Apprentices, at their making, are charged that they Jhould travel 
 hcnejily^ love their fello-Ws as themf elves, and le faithful to the Lodge." 
 Antient MS. in the reign of Edw. III. 
 
 Address to a Brother at his reception. 
 
 BROTHER, 
 
 1 SALUTE you cheerily and affec- 
 tionately by this endearing appellation. The 
 communications made on our part, and the 
 engagements entered into on your's, are 
 mutual pledges of confidential truft and 
 agreement, and tokens of an attachment 
 facred and inviolable. 
 
 From this moment we Ihall feel a fpecial 
 claim upon your friendfhip, and a fpecial 
 intereft in your welfare : and we hope you 
 will cultivate a warm attachment to that 
 family of love into which you are now 
 adopted j the pleafures and advantages of 
 
l68 Charge at the firjl Degree. 
 
 which you are beginning to realize. And 
 we are certain that the better you underftand, 
 the more you will admire our principles and 
 practices. 
 
 Our good opinion of you induced us to 
 receive with pleafure your application ; and 
 vote, unanimoufly, to admit you into our 
 fociety. We have always wiftied to bring 
 into our alliance the wife and the good ; 
 that, while we attach them to us, by the 
 light we convey, we may borrow luftre for 
 our inftitution from their talents and their 
 virtues. Let our expectations oi you be all 
 accomplifhed. Retain, we entreat you, that 
 goodnefs of heart, that fair fame, that purity 
 of intention, and love of virtue, of which 
 we believe you now poffeffed ; and of which 
 the fpotkfs vejiment wherewith you are now 
 girded, is at once the emblem, the badge, 
 and the reward. 
 
 Be juft to yourfelf and to us, to your 
 profeffion and engagements ; and it will be 
 apparent to all that, in becoming a Mafon, 
 you become a better man. 
 
Charge at ihefrjl Degree. 269 
 
 Now look around you ! Tliofe, whofe eyes, 
 j^arkling with joy, and countenances, dreffed 
 in fmiles, are diredled towards you, are your 
 BRETHREN. Ready to difcharge all the of- 
 fices of that intimate relation, they now bid 
 you welcome to their number and fellowfhip, 
 to their affections and affiftance, to their 
 privileges and joys : and through me they 
 proraife to protect you by their influence 
 and authority, to advife you by their abilities 
 and ikill, to afllft you in exigence by their 
 liberality and bounty, and to cheer you at 
 all times with their kindnefs and love. And 
 you will have the happinefs of experiencing 
 the truth of this antient remark that " Mafons 
 being brethren, there exiji no invidious dijiinc- 
 tions among them : "* and that they "love each 
 other 7nightily, as hath bee?i faid ; which indeed 
 way not otherioife be, for good men and true, 
 knowing each other to befuch^ do always love the 
 more as they be the more good."\ 
 
 This, brother, is the beginning of our art. 
 How fuccefsful is its progrefs, and how happy 
 
 * Antient Mafonic MS. 
 
 t See the Bodlean MS. with the notes and explanations of the 
 celebrated John Locke, Efq. 
 
270 Charge at thefirjl Degree* 
 
 is its end.^ you may fully know if you are but 
 attentive, faithful and wife. Your diligence 
 and adlivity in work, your fkill in acquiring 
 the inftru6lions of your degree, and your 
 zeal in the caufe of Free Mafonry, will lead 
 you forwards to higher grades, to clearer 
 views, and to nobler privileges.* 
 
 * " Mafonry is a progreffive fcience, and not to be attained in 
 any degree of perfecStion but by time, patience, and a confiderable 
 degree of application and induflry ; for no one is admitted to the 
 profoundeft fecrets, or the higheft honors of this fraternity, till by 
 time we are aflured he has learned fecrecy and morality." 
 
 See a fermon entitled " Mafonry founded on Scripturei' by the 
 J?(;i;. W.Williams. 175 a. 
 
SECOND DEGREE. 
 
 "They that be laboring men, or Crafstmen, do it truly.' 
 ANTIENT CHARGES, MS. 
 
 Address to a brother^ on his being crafted. 
 
 W E have now endeavored, brother^ 
 to reward your diligence by conferring on 
 you a higher rank in the fcale of Mafonry ; 
 making to you new and interefting difcove- 
 ries ; and affigning you work in an elevated 
 apartment of the temple. 
 
 In behalf of the brethren, I congratulate 
 your preferment. I affure you that the ftep 
 you have taken is a fafe one j and with a 
 lingle eye you may fee that your ftagings are 
 firm, your fituation fecure, and your prof- 
 peels brightened. 
 
 You will now be inftru6ted in the ufe of 
 tools of a more artful and ingenious con- 
 
272 Charge at the fccond Degree. 
 
 ftruftion. Be not regardlefs of their fym- 
 bolic application. By them you will learn 
 to reduce rude matter into form, and rude 
 manners into the more polilhed Ihape of 
 moral and religious rectitude ; becoming 
 thereby, yourfelf, a more fymmetical part of 
 the ftru^lure of human fociety. By the 
 fqiiare of juftice, learn to meafure your 
 adions. To the level of humility and conde- 
 fcenfion, reduce your difpofition and de- 
 meanor : And by the plumh line of reditude 
 regulate all your moral conduct. 
 
 The grade to which you are now ad- 
 vanced has its appropriate fervices and 
 duties. It demands the exercife of Jlrength^ 
 jntelleftual and moral ; and it calls for the 
 extenfion of relief to your brethren, accord- 
 ing to your ability and their exigence. 
 
 While invincible as a Mafon, snd brave as 
 a man ; be fure to difplay the benignity of 
 the friend, and the kindnefs of the brother. 
 
 You are to learn, now, to encounter trials 
 with unyielding ftability ; and to endure 
 tribulation with fubmiflive patience. And 
 
Charge at thefecond Degree. 273 
 
 you will . find that Mafonry prevents the 
 pufilanimity of dejecflion, and lilences the 
 murmurs of difcontent, by encouragements 
 and fupports peculiar to itfelf.* But fliould 
 a lot be your's in life, as we fervently hope, 
 exempt from the pains of affliction and the 
 preffure of adverlity, let the leffons you arc 
 now acquiring teach you to help and relieve 
 all your deftitute and diftreffed brethren to 
 the beft of your power. Be willing to diftri- 
 bute to the neceffitous a portion of thofe 
 bounties your profperity can fpare ; and 
 ready to communicate to the afflicted fome 
 of thofe precious confolations which fympa- 
 thy prepares and kindnefs adminifters. And 
 your's be all the bleffings promifed the 
 merciful by the God of mercy ! 
 
 BROTHER^ 
 
 We have feen with pleafure your im- 
 provement in our art ; and are convinced 
 that your induftry and perfeverance will 
 foon lead you to the acquirement of greater 
 knowledge and entitle you to greater honors. 
 
 * " Maconnes teach the fkylle of becommynge gude and par- 
 fyghtc, withoughten the holpynges of fere and hope," ms. bodl. 
 
 S 
 
THIRD DEGREE. 
 
 *' Every onejhall aunftvere theje three quejlions ; Hoiv bajl thou entered ^ 
 Ho-w hajl thou ivrought ? Hoiv hajl thou lived ? And if he can aJfoiU 
 thefe, and hath laud therein, he may be raifed and honoured and reiuard- 
 ed.'" Antient ms. 
 
 Address td a Brother at his raifing. 
 
 BROTHERy 
 
 X HE arcana of our craft are imparted 
 gradually to its members, according to their 
 improvement. As you have acquitted your- 
 felf well as an expert and ingenious craftf- 
 man, in reward for your diligence and 
 ingenuity we now admit you to our moll 
 confidential communications, and exalt you 
 to thQfublime degree of master mason. 
 
 This, brother, is a privilege which but 
 few obtain : and mufl be the more grateful 
 to you as the badges with which you are 
 
Charge at the third Degree. 2y^ 
 
 now invefted, are conferred only on the wor- 
 thy and the wife. 
 
 The affeding fcene through which you 
 have juft pafled muft have deeply impreffed 
 your mind. Let the folemn cautions with 
 which it was accompanied, and the excellent 
 leffons it inculcates, be always remembered 
 and invariably obferved. 
 
 Support with dignity the refpedable char- 
 acter you now bear. 
 
 Be juft to your profeffion, and true to your 
 engagements. Hold faft your integrity ; and 
 let no offers bribe and no threats intimidate 
 you to betray your truft or violate your 
 vow. Be faithful unto the death, and the 
 acacian fragrance of a good report will em- 
 balm your memory. At the Supreme 
 Grand Master's word your body will be 
 raifed in honor, and your reward be glori- 
 ous in the region of light and life eternal ! 
 
CHARGE, 
 
 AT THE OPENING OF A LODGE, 
 
 BRErHREN, 
 
 1 BEHOLD you again affembling 
 togetlier, with thofe complacent emotions of 
 iffedion which animate the meeting of dear- 
 eft friends that have been fome time fepa- 
 rated. 
 
 After this interval you muft have acquired 
 an increafed relifli for the interefting exercifes 
 of this retreat ; and you undoubtedly return 
 with new alacrity to your labors of love. 
 
 And now, brethren, with that clofing 
 door, the bufy world is fliut out : and with 
 it, all its perplexities, and cares, and forrows. 
 None of them are fuffered to intrude upon 
 our happy privacy. Here nothing enters 
 
Charge at the opening of a Lodge. nyy 
 
 but " innocent pleafures, pure joys, and 
 rational gaities." 
 
 Come, then, ye who are ^mulous to ex» 
 eel in the true, the good, or the great ! Enjoy- 
 ing the bright aufpices and emanations of 
 that glorious Sun, which now Iheds around 
 you the cleareft, the moft cheering rays, 
 your underftandings will become more en- 
 lightened with WISDOM, your hearts more 
 warmed with beneficence. Come, you are 
 welcome guefts at the feaft of charity and 
 the refrefhment o£ love ! 
 
 Ye, Brethren, are not in darknefs. Walk 
 as children of the light. Obferve the ftricteft 
 decorum. Carefully attend to every inftruc- 
 tion here offered, and readily comply with 
 every requirement here enjoined. Be dili- 
 gent in the duties of your refpecflive fta- 
 tions : and may the joys of unity and PEAct 
 prevail ! 
 
 s 2 
 
AT THE CLOSING OF A LODGE. 
 
 BRETHREN^ 
 
 \ OU are now to quit this facred 
 retreat of friendjhip and virtue, to mix again 
 with the world. Amidft its concerns and 
 employments, forget not the duties you have 
 heard fo frequently inculcated, and forcibly 
 recommended in this Lodge. Be, therefore, 
 diligent, prudent, temperate, difcreet. Re- 
 member alfo, that around this altar you have 
 folemnly and repeatedly promifed to befriend 
 and relieve, with unhefitating cordiality, fo 
 far as ftiall be in your power, every brother 
 who fliall need your affiftance : That you 
 have promifed to * ?mind him, in the moft 
 tender manner, of his failings, and aid his 
 reformation. Vindicate his charader when 
 wrongfully traduced. Suggeft in his behalf 
 the moft candid, favorable, and paliating 
 
Charge at the clofing of a Lodge* 279 
 
 clrcumftances, when his conduct is juftly 
 rq)rehended. That the world may obferve 
 how Mafons love one another. 
 
 These generous principles are to extend 
 farther. Every human being has a claim up- 
 on your kind ofiiaes. So that we enjoin it 
 upon you to " to do good unto all,'* while 
 we recommend it more " efpecially to the 
 houfehold of the faithful.^* 
 
 By diligence in the duties of your refpecl- 
 ive callings, by liberal benevolence, and dif- 
 fufive charity, by conftancy and fidelity in 
 your friendftiips, by uniformly juft, amia- 
 ble, and virtuous deportment, difcover the 
 beneficial and happy effects of this antient 
 and honorable inftitution. 
 
 Let it not be fuppofed that you have here 
 labored in vain, and fpent your Jirength for 
 nought ; for your work is with the Lord, 
 and your recompenfe with your God. 
 
 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be ye all of 
 one mind. Live in peace. And may the 
 God of love and peace delight to dwell with 
 and to blefs you ! 
 
AN 
 
 DDRES: 
 
 AT THE INTERMENT (wiTH MASONIC HONORS) OF BROTHER 
 
 SAMUEL PIERCE, jun. 
 
 OF DORCHESTER ; 
 
 WHO WAS UNFORTUNATELY DROWNED NEAR LONG-ISLAND, 
 OCTOBER l6, 1796. S.. 30. 
 
 UE AR is eftimated the name of friend. 
 Lovely is the relation which cements con- 
 genial fouk. But dearer ftill the amity, 
 more intimate the connexion, my brethren, 
 which unites our hands and hearts. How 
 painful then the cataftrophe in which is dif- 
 folved an alliance fo clofe and fo afFe<^ion- 
 ate ! Alas ! how forcibly do we feel this now ! 
 Death, regardlefs of thofe fweet engage- 
 ments, thofe pleafmg intercourfes, and thofe 
 improving joys, which Mafons know, has 
 fuddenly fummoned away, in the midft of his 
 days and ufefulnefs the valued brother whofe 
 
 \ 
 
Tuner al Addrefs, 23 1 
 
 remains we have juft lodged in the filei;tt tomb. 
 We beheld his fun in its meridian, and rejoic- 
 ed in its brightnefs. It is now fet ; and the 
 evening fliades of exiftence have clofed a- 
 round. BlelTed be his reft, and foft and fafe 
 to him the mortal bed ! Sweet be the open- 
 ing flowers we plant around : fragrant the 
 cajfta fprig that here Ihall flourifh !* While 
 we his memory cherifh, his virtues imitate, 
 his death improve ! 
 
 With bleeding hearts we fympathize with 
 the difconfblate widow, the bereaved pa^ 
 rents, the afilided friends. Their griefs are 
 our*s, for our*s the lofs they feel. But let 
 us look forward, enlightened by religion, to 
 the brighter fcene, when our brother, who 
 is now levelled by the ftroke of death, (hall 
 be raifed from his proftrate ftate, at the Su- 
 FREME Grand Master's word, and be admitr 
 ted to the privileges of the Lodge Celejliai; 
 Let us comfort one another, with thefe 
 words. With thefe profpecls let us confole 
 the widow and the mourners. And permit 
 
 * Alluding to the fionuers and t%uigs the brethren h^d (trewed 
 around the entrance to the tomb. 
 
283 Funeral Addrefs, 
 
 me, brethren, in their behalf to tender you 
 a tribute of lively acknowledgment for the 
 refped you fhew the deceafed. Your kind- 
 nefs, attention, and fympathy are peculiarly 
 grateful and foothing to their agonized 
 hearts. Their tears, their looks thank you, 
 though forrow denies their lips an utterance. 
 
 " These laft offices we pay the dead ought 
 to be improved as ufeful inftrudions to the 
 living." Let us all remember that, " the 
 generations of men are like the waves of the 
 fea." In quick fucceffion they follow each 
 other to the coafts of death. Another and 
 another ftill fucceeds, and preffes on the 
 fhore ; then ebbs and dies, to give place to 
 the following wave. Thus are we wafted 
 forward. Now buoyed, perhaps by hope ; 
 now linking in defpair : riling on the tide of 
 profperity ; or overwhelmed with the billows 
 of misfortune. Sometimes, when leaft ex-, 
 peeled, the ftorms gather, the winds arife, 
 " and life's frail bubble burfts." Be caution- 
 ed then, nor truft to cloudlefs Ikies, to placid 
 feas, or fleeping winds. Forget not there are 
 
Funeral Addrefs. 283 
 
 hidden rocks. Guardj too, againft the 
 fudden blaft. Be faith your pilot ; you 
 will then be fafely guided to the haven of 
 eterpal blifs. 
 
 « There may you bathe your weary foul 
 
 In feas of heavenly reft ; 
 And not a wave of trouble roll ' 
 
 Acroft your peaceful breaft ! '* 
 
AN 
 
 ADDRESS. 
 
 Delivered at the reqjjest of the Officers ANii Members 
 
 or COLUMBIAN LODGE, on the DEDICATION of 
 
 THEIR NEW HALL, June 24, 1800. 
 
 
 1 HE ceremonies we are about to per- 
 form are not unmeaning rites, nor the amu- 
 fmo- pageants of an idle hour ; but have a 
 folemn and ijiftrudive import. Suffer me to 
 point it out to you, and to prepare your 
 minds for thofe important fentiments they 
 are fo well adapted to convey. 
 
 This Hall, defigned and built by wifdom^ 
 fupported by ftrength, and adorned in beauty, 
 we are firft to confecrate in the name of 
 THE GREAT Jehovah.* Which teaches us 
 
 * Sec the ceremooy of dedication, ip the Book of Conftitu- ^ 
 
 tions. 
 
On the dedication of Cohanbia Hal!, 285 
 
 jn all our works begun and finiflied' to ac- 
 knowledge, adore, and magnify him. It re- 
 minds us, alfo, in his fear to enter the door 
 of the lodge, to put our truft in him while 
 paffing its trials, and to hope in him for the 
 reward of its labors. 
 
 Let, then, its altar be devoted to his fer^* 
 vice, and its lofty arch refound with his 
 praife ! May t^e eye which seeth in secret 
 witnefs here the fincere and unaffected piety^ 
 which withdraws from the enccasrements of 
 the world to fdence and privacy, that it may 
 be exercifcd with lefs interruption and lefs 
 oflentation. 
 
 Our march round the lodge reminds us of 
 the travels of human life, in which Mafonry 
 ,is an enlightened, a fafc, and a pleafant path. 
 Its tajfalated pavement of Mofaiczvork intimates 
 to us the chequered diverlity and uncertainty 
 of human aft'airs. Our Hep is time ; our 
 progrellion, eternity. 
 
 Following our antient conftitutions, with 
 myftic rites, we dedicate this Hall to the 
 
 HONOR OF MASONRY, 
 
286 On the dedication of Columbia HalL 
 
 Our beft attachments are due to the craft. 
 In its profperity we find our joy ; and, in 
 paying it honor, we honor ourfelves. But 
 its worth tranfcends our encomiums, and its 
 glory will out-found our praife. 
 
 Brethren, it is our pride that we have 
 our names on the records of Mafonry : may 
 it be our high ambition that they fliould ftied 
 a luftre on the immortal page ! 
 
 The Hall is alfo to be dedicated to virtue. 
 
 This worthy appropriation will always be 
 duly regarded while the moral duties which 
 our fublime led:ures inculcate with affefting 
 and impreffive pertijiency, are cheriflied in 
 our hearts and illuftrated in our lives. 
 
 As Free Mafonry aims to enliven the fpirit 
 of philanthropy, and promote the caufe of 
 charity, fo we dedicate this Hall to univer- 
 sal BENEVOLENCE ; in the affurance that 
 every brother will dedicate his affedions and 
 his abilities to the fame generous purpofe : 
 that while he difplays a warm and cordial 
 affection to thofe who are of the Fraternity, 
 
On the dedication of Columbia Hall. 187 
 
 he will extend his benevolent regards and 
 good wifhes to the whole family of man- 
 kind. 
 
 Such, my brethren, is the fignificant 
 meaning of the folemn rites we are now to 
 perform, becaufe fuch are the peculiar duties 
 of every Lodge. I need not enlarge upon 
 them now, nor fliew how they diverge, as 
 rays from a centre, to enlighten, to improve, 
 and to cheer the whole circle of life. Their 
 import and their application is familiar to 
 you all. In their knowledge and their exer- 
 ercife may you fulfil the high purpofes of the 
 mafonic inftitution ! 
 
 How many pleafing confiderations, my 
 brethren, attend the prefent interview. 
 Whilft in almoft every other part of the 
 world political animolities, contentions, and 
 wars, interrupt the progrefs of humanity 
 and the caufe of benevolence, it is our dif- 
 tinguiflied privilege, in this happy region 
 of liberty and peace, to engage in the plans 
 and to perfecl the defigns of individual and 
 focial happinefs. Whilft in other nations 
 
ft 8 8 On the dedication of Cohmihla Hall. 
 
 Our order is viewed by politicians with fufpi- 
 cion, and by the ignorant with apprehenfion ; 
 in this country, its members are too much 
 refpe^bed and its principles too well known, 
 to make it the objed of jealoufy or miftruft. 
 Our private affemblies are unmolefted j and 
 our public celebrations attrad a more general 
 approbation of the Fraternity. Indeed, its 
 importance, its credit, and we truft its ufe- 
 fulnefs, are advancing to a height unknown 
 in any former age. The prefent occafion 
 gives frelh evidence of the increaling affec- 
 tion of its friends ; and this noble apart- 
 ment, fitted up in a ftile of elegance and 
 convenience which far exceed any we have 
 among us, does honor to Mafonry, as well 
 as the higheft credit to the refpedable Lodge 
 for whofe accommodation and at whofe ex- 
 penfe it is ereded. 
 
 We offer our beft congratulations to the 
 worjhipful MASTER, WARDENS, OFFICERS and 
 
 MEMBERS of the COLUMBIAN LODGE. We 
 
 commend their zeal, and hope it will meet 
 with the mofl ample recompenfe. May their 
 Hall be the happy refort of piety, virtue. 
 
On the dedication of Columbia Hall. 289 
 
 and BENEVOLENCE ! May it be protefted 
 from accident, and long remain a monument 
 of their attachment to Mafonry ! May their 
 Lodge continue to flourifli ^ their union to 
 ftrengthen ; and their happinefs to abound ! 
 And when they, and we all, fliall be removed 
 from the labors of the earthly lodge, may we 
 be admitted to the brotherhood of the per- 
 fed:, in the building of God, the hall not 
 made with hands, eternal in the heavens ! 
 
INVOCATION. 
 
 SXTPREME ARCHITECT of aU worlds I 
 vouchfafe to accept the folemn dedication of 
 
 this Hall, TO THE GLORY OF THY HOLY NAME ! 
 
 Make its walls falvation, and its arch praife ! 
 May the brethren who fhall here affemble, 
 meet in unity, work in love, and part in har- 
 mony ! May Fidelity keep the door, Faith 
 prompt the duties, Hope animate the labors, 
 and Charity difFufe the bleflings of the Lodge ! 
 May wifdom and virtue diftinguifli the Fra- 
 ternity, and Mafonry be<:ome glorious in all 
 the earth ! 
 
 So 7mtc it be / 
 
 AMEN ! 
 
FRATERNAL TRIBUTE 
 
 OF 
 
 RESPECT 
 
 PAID TO THE 
 
 MASONIC CHARACTER 
 
 WASHINGTON, 
 
 UNION LODGE, 
 
 DORCHESTER, 
 
 JANUARY pi, A. L. j8oo. 
 
«l» 
 
 INFORMATION. 
 
 x\.S foon as the members could convenietly be 
 called together after the mournful intelligence arrived 
 of the death of their illuftrious Brother George 
 Washington, they afTembled to pay their funeral 
 honors to his memory. 
 
 The hall, the furniture of the lodge, and the 
 brethren were all dreflcd in the badges of mourning : 
 and the apartment but dimly lighted. 
 
 The following addrefs was delivered : an occa* 
 
 fional dirge was fung and a well adapted anthem 
 
 chanted, by the choir. 
 
 » 
 
 Appropriate teftimonials of refpedt clofed the 
 
 folcmnities. 
 
ADDRESS. 
 
 Ah, my brethren, what a change do 
 we perceive ! Our lodge, the lightfome abode 
 of joy, how darkened with the gloom of for- 
 row ! Inftead of the gay fplendor with which 
 it was irradiated, a pale fepulchral light dim- 
 ly gleamjs in its receffes. The cheerful falu- 
 tation with which we were wont to hail the 
 beloved member or welcome the accepted 
 vifitant, is now exchanged for the look of 
 fadnefs and the condolence of fympathy. We 
 forego the fprightly fong for the folemn 
 <^irge, and the cup of pleafure for the chalice 
 of woe. The regalia are all veiled in black, 
 and every thing about us bears the tokens 
 of the lofs we have fuftained in the death of 
 Washington, the patron, the ornament, 
 the pride of our Fraternity. We aflemble to 
 dwell in penfive recolleftion on his fublime 
 virtues, to record his focial worth, and t« 
 
 T 2 
 
354 Fraternal tribute ofrefpeSl to the 
 
 give vent in privacy to our unaflfected for- 
 rows at his deceafe. 
 
 His modeft and unambitious fpirit, which 
 flirunk from the pomp of life, and delighted 
 rather in the filent fatisfadion of doing well, 
 than in the loud applaufes of the world for 
 having done fo, would not difdain the hum- 
 ble honors we pay : though artlefs, yet cor- 
 dial J though unoftentatious, yet lincere. 
 
 It is not in our power to make a parade of 
 funeral obfequics, nor to ered a pompous 
 cenotaph to his fame j but what wc can, we 
 do J we infcribe his worth on our memo- 
 ries, and inflirine his virtues in our hearts. 
 
 When we conlider him as a General and 
 a Statefman, we are filled with admiration. 
 When we recognize in him the defender, 
 deliverer, and father of his country, our 
 bofoms glow with gratitude. But when we 
 behold him in the lefs majeftic but more en- 
 gaging charader of a brother, his memory is 
 endeared to our affections and has a peculiai: 
 claim upon our love. 
 
Qhara^er of WaJIjtngton* 295 
 
 Possessing difpolitions congenial with the 
 genuine fpirit of Free Mafonry, he early be- 
 came a member of the fbciety. Habitually 
 defirous of enlarging the fphere of focial 
 happinefs and of promoting the caufe of 
 philanthropy, he difcovered in our order 
 means eminently conducive to thefe impor- 
 tant purpofes.* It gave a nobler expanlion 
 to his charity, a wider range to his benevo- 
 lence. Accordingly, he engaged in the plans 
 and ailifted the labors of the lodge, with a 
 high fatisfadion* which thofe only can feel 
 whofe hearts are warmed with the fame dif- 
 interefted love, and enlarged with the fame 
 good will. 
 
 When haraffed by the fatigues of war or 
 the concerns of public life, he was fond of 
 feeking the refrejhment and enjoying they^r^'w- 
 ity always to be found within the peaceful 
 walls of the lodge. There every perplexing 
 anxiety fubfided, and every tumultuous 
 thought was calmed. There he obtained 
 
 * See this mofl beautifully alluded to, and moft happily exprefTed 
 in his anfwer to the addrefs of the Grand Lodge of MafTachufct^s 
 pn their prefenting him a copy of the Book of ConfUtutions. 
 
2g6 Fraternal tribute of refped to the 
 
 relief horn his cares, or flrength to rife above 
 them. There his fpirit was enlivened and 
 his joys reftored ; every cloud difperfed, and 
 a bright funlhine illuminated his profpefts. 
 
 He paffed the various grades and filled the 
 feveral offices of the lodge ; and was tried^ 
 proved, and accepted in them all. And whethr 
 er we contemplate him as exalted to the chair 
 of Solomon, to infi:rucl: and govern ; or re- 
 turning to the level of his brethren, to par- 
 take their toils and fhare their duties j we 
 have equal occafion to admire the dignity and 
 humility of his character , the noble elevation 
 and amiable condefcenfion of his manners.* 
 So, when raifed to the highefl; military and 
 civil honors his grateful country could be- 
 llow, even when filling the rank of president 
 OF THE UNITED STATES he dcemed it no 
 derogation of his diftinguilhed eminence 
 and fl:ation to be confidered as a Mafon.\ 
 
 * In the courfe of the revolutionary war, this exalted hero fre- 
 quently viflted a Lodge where a Serjeant prefided as Majler. 
 
 f This is proved by his anfwers to the various complimentary 
 addrefles of mofl of the Grand Lodges in America. His reply to 
 one from King David's Lodge in Newport (R. I.) contains this dec- 
 
CharaBer of Wajhin^m, 297 
 
 Im fhort, his love for the order, his zeal 
 in promoting its interefts, and his teftimoni- 
 als in its favor, have not only revived its 
 priftine credit, but given it new confequence 
 and reputation in the world. 
 
 The honor thus conferred upon us ha$ 
 been peculiarly ferviceabje at the prefent day, 
 when the moft unfounded prejudices have 
 been harbored againft Free Mafonry, and the 
 moft calumnious impeachment brought for- 
 ward to deftroy it. But our oppofers blufh- 
 ed for their cenfures when we reminded 
 them that Washington loved and patron- 
 ized the inftitution. 
 
 When the order was perfecuted by re- 
 ligious fanaticifm and political jealoufy, his 
 unfullied virtue was its apology, and his 
 irreproachable life its pledge. He advocated 
 its principles^ becaufe he had found them to 
 be pure ; and cqmmended its dejigns, becaufe 
 he knew then> to be generous. 
 
 laration -. « Bei^g perfuaded that a jufl: application of the princi- 
 ples on which the Mafonic Fraternity is founded, muft be promo- 
 tive of private virtue and public profperity, I fliail always be hap- 
 py to advance the interefts of the focicty, and to be confidcr- 
 ed by tjiem as a deferving brother." 
 
298 Fraternal tribute ofrefped. to the 
 
 What an irreparable lofs, to be deprived 
 of fuch a patron at fuch a time ! Ages, per- 
 haps, will pafs away, before our Fraternity 
 may boaft at its head a character fo great, 
 
 Yet let not our enemies fuppofe they may 
 triumph now that he lives not to confute 
 their afperlions. The fuperior luftre of his 
 name will out-fhine the flalhes of their re- 
 fentment, and refled a glory upon Mafonr^ 
 which pan never fade. 
 
 Happy in its original value and grateful 
 for its augmented fame, let us refolve never 
 to forfeit nor leffen the prefent high refped- 
 ability of the craft. Let our lives be adorn- 
 ed with thofe focial and moral virtues which 
 become us as the fons of light, and the broth- 
 ers of Washington. We ihall honor him 
 by honoring the inftitution of his early at- 
 tachment, and lateft veneration. His vir- 
 tues illuftrated its principles, and his benev- 
 olence explained its tendencies. O might 
 our virtuous actions and benevolent pur- 
 pofes, formed by the fame difcipline and 
 excited by the fame motives, emulate his ! 
 
Chara6ler of Wqfh'mgton, 299 
 
 And, though they fall, at laft, far, far be- 
 hind in merit and efFed j it will be to their 
 praife that they were modelled after thofe 
 that were fublime and perfect. 
 
 Illustrious Washington ! We lament 
 thee as mortal by nature, but we celebrate 
 thee as immortal by virtue ! We mourn thy 
 departure from earth, but rejoice at thy arri- 
 val in heaven ! Having been faithful in all 
 thy courfe, thou art now raifed to the fub- 
 lime degree of light ineffable. Taught 
 by thy example worthily to pafs the proba- 
 tionary grades of time, we will hope to fol- 
 low thee to the Grand Lodge of kindred 
 fpirits. 
 
 Farpwell, till the grand fummons : then, 
 brother, we will rife and meet thee ! 
 
THE 
 
 EXTEMPORANEOUS DIRGE 
 
 WHICH WAS SUNG ON THE OCCASION. 
 
 WHILE all our nation, wheml'd in grief. 
 Lament their General, Patriot, Chief, 
 
 Let us, his brethren, long revere 
 
 A name to Mafonry fo dear ! 
 
 In myftic rites our Lodge difplays 
 Its forrows and its patron's praife ; 
 
 And fpreads frefh garlands round the tomb. 
 Where the fweet caffia long fhall bloom. 
 
 Look to the Eaft ; its fplendors fail ! 
 
 The leffer lights grow dim and pale ! 
 - — ^The glory once reflected here 
 Now dawns upon a higher fphere ! 
 
M ASONIC DIRG E. 
 
 / 
 
 COMPOSED AT THE RK(yiEST OF THE 
 
 GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 [Stt to muftc by the R. W. Brotbtr lioLVEi},arulfungon tie lltl> 9/ 
 Feb. J 800, the day fet apart by the Grand Lodge to pay their funeral 
 honors to their Brother Geokge Washington.] 
 
 WHILE every Orator and Bard difplays 
 The Hero's glory and the Patriot's fame ; 
 
 And ALL the Guardian of their Country praife, 
 Revere his greatnefs and his ^orth proclaim — 
 
 We mourn the Man, made ou^s by tendereft tics, 
 
 STi&wV honor'd Chieftain, ourXov'd Brother dies ! 
 
 Come then, the myftic rites no more delay ; 
 Deep filence reigns, the tapers dimly burn : 
 
 Wisdom and Fortitude the requiem pqy. 
 And Beauty ftrews frefh garlands round the urn. 
 
 A Mason, brothers ; a Grand Master dies ! 
 
 The caffia fprig defignates where he lies. 
 
 As Love Fraternal leads our footfteps there. 
 Again to weep, again to bid adieu. 
 
 Faith views the foul, releas'd from mortal care. 
 Through fpheres empyreal its bleft courfe purfue, 
 
 'Till it the Lodge of Perfect Light attain ; 
 
 There may we meet our Washington again. 
 
SCNG AT THE CONSECRATION OF UNION LODGE, JN 
 
 DORCHESTER, June 24, 1797. 
 I. 
 
 GREAT fource of light and love. 
 To thee our fongs we raife ( 
 
 O in thy Temple Lord above, 
 Hear and accept our praife ! 
 
 II. 
 
 Shine on this feftive day. 
 
 Succeed its hop'd defign : 
 And may our charity difplay 
 
 A love refembling thine. 
 
 III. 
 
 May this fraternal band. 
 
 Now confecrated, blefs'd. 
 In UNION all diftinguifh'd ftand. 
 
 In PURITY be drefs'd ! 
 
 rv. 
 
 May all the fons of peace 
 
 Their every grace improve ; 
 'Till difcord through the nations ceafe, 
 
 And all the world be love ! 
 
TRANSLATION of the NOTES. 
 
 PAGE 17. 
 
 1 HIS is genuine and indlflbluble fraternitt, grow- 
 i*g out of the virtue and perfecSbion of minds ! whofe once form- 
 ed league neither the diverfity of defires nor contrariety of 
 wills can difannul : whofe principles lead to venerate the worthy 
 and rebuke the diflblute member ; to be obliging to the brother 
 when prefent, and not to fpeak ill of him when abfent ; to con- 
 gratulate him in health, and not to defert him when infirm ; to 
 rejoice with him if rich, and to affift him if poor. 
 
 PAGE 21. 
 For a brother not to defert his brother, is alfo a rare honor t« 
 that near relationflaip. 
 
 A true companion loves at all times : he is a brother bora for 
 
 adverfity. 
 
 PAGE 24. 
 
 As when the Sun breaks forth with fplenddrs gay, 
 
 The fliadow follows his all-guiding ray ; 
 
 But foon as clouds o'ercaft his happier light,' 
 
 Follower no more ! She takes her faithlefs flight : 
 
 The world's Vain friends, ungenerous, thus recede, 
 
 When Fortune's glooms to brighter days fucceed. 
 
 In misfortunes the friend deferts his friend. 
 
 PAGE 29. 
 Dear Brother of tJji choice ! A band more facred 
 Than Nature's brittle tie ! — — 
 
 PACE 36. 
 Companions, cheriflted with fraternal love ! 
 
304 Tranjlatlon of the Notes. 
 
 PAGE 40. 
 Now came the Orator, and audience afkM ; 
 Bearing the peaceful olive branch —— . 
 
 PAGE 65. 
 Among other good things which render men amiable to their 
 neighbors and pleaCng to God, we believe that to be moA accept- 
 able which infures charity in the heart and operates as a bond of 
 union to different minds. This good is Peace, by which hatred 
 is difpelled, rancor allayed, envy driven away, and anger repreff- 
 «d; which pacifies the mind, conciliates the heart, affuages the 
 fcreaft, and renders concordant the affedlions. This is what we 
 feek to plant, to propagate, and to nourifli among the fons of the 
 church : this is what we wifli to bring to fruit among kings, 
 princes, and great men.* 
 
 PAGE 171. 
 Thefe men, (killed in divine and human knowledge, do not 
 difclofe to the vulgar the hidden fignifications contained under 
 the natural appearances, but veil them under figures and em- 
 blems. Yet they are ready to reveal them, in a proper place, and 
 with due ceremonies to thofc who are deiirous and worthy of be- 
 ing initiated. So far 1 may be permitted to fay with refpedt ; 
 breferving a reverential fijence as to what farther relates to thefe 
 myftic rites. [This note is extralied f torn q viorh 0^ Hei,I0D0R17S, 
 Bijbop of Tricca, tuho Jlourijhed in the wtb century.'] 
 
 Mojl of the other Latin notes are explained in the faff ages to -which 
 they are annexed, ■ 
 
 * 1 have taken the liberty to tranflate two or three fentences 
 more of this fine paragraph than what I had tranfcribed for a note. 
 
DISSERTATION 
 
 TESSERA HOSPITALIS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ANTIENT ROMANS ; 
 WITH A DESIGN TO ILLUSTRATE REV. II. 17. 
 
 TO WHICH IS ADDED, 
 
 AN ACCOUNT OF THE ROMAN ARRHA HOSPITALE 
 
 AND 
 
 OF THE 5^ C/Z,Zt/5, MENTIONED 
 
 BY 
 
 OLAUS WORMIUS. 
 
 " USE HOSFlTALirr ONE TO ANOTHER.''^ I PET. IV. 9. 
 
 PRINTED, 
 
 1801. 
 
PROLOGUS. 
 
 " In Theologo zccurztum. illud antiquitatis flu- 
 dium, fi abeft, fortafle non requiram ; fi adeft, ve- 
 hementer ampleftar. Nee folum quafi ornamentum, 
 fed etiam, fas fi dicere, adjumentum. Nam in hifto- 
 ria facra multa cfle, quorum penitior intelligent! a 
 pendeat a moribus et Uteris antiquis, nemo negabit.'* 
 J. LiPsius, Epift. 1. 3. Ep. 10. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 In the following dijfertation I have 
 frequently ufed the term friendship for the latin 
 HospiTALiTAS. hi jujiification of which Iprejia 
 the following authorities, 
 
 " HosPEs proprie dlcitur qui privatim et 
 amicitia caufa, vel recipit, vel recipitur. 
 Unde et pro externo amico capitur, et hofpi^ 
 iium pro amicitia, Hine hospitalitas, facilitas^ 
 vel benignitas in recipiendo ; et hospitauteh, 
 adv. benigne^ tX.faciliter,^^* 
 
 ** Virtus unde hoc proficifcitur, nobilif- 
 lima praeftantiflimaque eft j qua nimirum 
 peregrines et advenas, quocunque poffumus, 
 humanitatis, benignitatis, benevolentiseque 
 genere perfequimur, illis aedes domofque 
 noftros patefacimus, cibum potumquc liber- 
 aliter praebemus."! 
 
 " In hofpitiiim venire j" id eft, inviolabilem 
 amicitiam introire. 
 
 * Lancius. \ Si'UCKius, ant'^i. canviviaks, p. 87, 
 
3o8 Introdu^ion. 
 
 "Hospitality was that tie among the 
 antients which was ratified by particular 
 ceremonies, and confidered as the moft facred 
 of all engagements ; nor diffolved, except 
 with certain folemn forms, and for weighty 
 reafons." 
 
 " Hospitality was univerfally praclif- 
 ed in the earlieft times. It was almoft the 
 only thing that attached nations to each 
 other. It was the ijurce of the moft antient, 
 the moft lafting, and the moft refpecled 
 friendjhip, contracted between families who 
 were feparated by immenfe regions."* 
 
 * Abbe RaYNAL, Hiji. of the Indies. 
 
CHAP. I. 
 
 OF THE TESSERA HOSPITALIS. 
 SECTION I. 
 
 Method of contracting Friendjhip, 
 
 1 HOSE perfons among the Greeks 
 and Romans who were defirous of perpetu- 
 ating their attachmeni, of rendering its 
 union more facred, and of infuring to it priv- 
 ileges more extenfive, ufed the following 
 method. They took a fmall piece of bone, 
 ivory, or ftone, and dividing it into equal 
 and limilar parts, one of them wrote his 
 name upon one of thefe, and his friend upon 
 the other : they then made a mutual ex- 
 change ; promifmg to confider and retain 
 the little tally as a pledge of inviolable friend- 
 fhip. 
 
 " Veteres, quoniam non poterant omnes 
 fuos hofpites nofcere, tejferam illis dabant, 
 quam illi ad hofpitia reverfi oftendebant 
 praepofito hofpitii ; unde intelligebantur hof- 
 pites."* 
 
 * LucTATius in Stat. Theb. vii. 237. 
 U 2 
 
3IO DiffertaHon^ ^c. 
 
 The Scholiaft of Euripides * defcribes this 
 cuftom as it was ufed amongft the Greeks. 
 
 '^ 0/ f/-ev ^fV8/xfVo/ T/fiT/v uqr^uyaXov nularsixvov- 
 
 AvjAs? exuyofJusvoi ro vjixiav utfl^uyx^^iov avsvsvlo tv^w 
 ^eviciv" That is ; " They had a cuftom, 
 when a friendfhip had commenced, to take a 
 white ftone and engrave thereon any word 
 upon which the parties had mutually agreed. 
 Then they brake the ftone in the midft, di- 
 viding the word, and one half was kept by 
 one friend, and the remaining half by the 
 other, as a conftant memorial of their friend- 
 fliip." 
 
 KcEMPFER mentions the ufe of the teffera 
 in contracting friendfhips in Perlia.f 
 
 The particular ftiape and figure of the 
 token, was fuch as was agreed upon by the 
 contradors. 
 
 Of this kind of teffera feveral are preferv- 
 qd to this day in the cabinets of Antiquarians. 
 
 * /// Medea, V. 613. f Amenit. Exoi. p. 736. 
 
Dijfertation, ^c, 311 
 
 Some of them, as defcribed by Thomafinus, 
 may be feen delineated in the Frontifpiece 
 of this volume, A, a. B, b. C, c. reduced to 
 about one fourth of their fize. 
 
 SECTION II. 
 
 ^HE ufe and f acred nature of this Cojitra^^ 
 
 THE producing of the teffera was a recog- 
 nition of the covenant of friendfhip. And 
 with it the traveller was fure to be received 
 with diftinguiflied marks o£ civility, and to 
 obtain a hearty welcome at the houfe of his 
 friend. 
 
 So highly was this alliance efteemed, that 
 it was preferred even to relationfliip. To 
 exprefs, in the mod forcible terms, their 
 veneration for it, and their fenfe of its facred 
 nature, the antient Romans gave to their 
 Sovereign of the Gods the title of Jupiter 
 
 HOSPITALIS.* 
 
 * ViRG. vE/;. lib. I. V. 735. So the Greeks ftiled him Hospit- 
 able Jove. See Homer's Oiys.lih ix. v. 269. and lib. xiv. v. 5^. 
 
312 Dijfertation, Isfc. 
 
 This excellent ufage eftabliflied friendfliip 
 even between individuals of different nations. 
 
 Cicero recommended feveral perfons, 
 and promoted their intereft from this con- 
 fideration. Thus, in his letter to Sulpitius, 
 the governor of Achaia, he introduces Lyfo 
 to his favor, by faying, " Cum Lyfone 
 Patrenfi eft mihi quidem hofpitium vetus, 
 quam ego necellitudinem fancle colendum 
 puto."* 
 
 Even war between their refpective nations 
 did not difannul the union. Hiftorians have 
 recorded feveral inftances of combatants lay- 
 ing down their arms in the heat of battle, out 
 of a pious regard to the alliance of hofpitality 
 which had been entered into by their pro- 
 genitors. 
 
 Lest any one, belides the perfon to 
 whom it rightfully belonged, fhould claim its 
 privileges, the little pledge was preferved 
 with the utmoft care and fecrecy: and no 
 one knew the name infcribed on it but the 
 pofleffor. 
 
 * Epijl. ad Fa?ml. 19. lib. iii. 
 
DiJJertation^ Zffc, 313 
 
 SECTION III. 
 
 The connedion was indijfoluble except by a pub- 
 lic difavozuaL 
 
 THE engagement thus entered into could 
 not be difpenfed with, unlefs publicly difa- 
 vowed in a juridical manner. One of the 
 ceremonies pradifed in this folemn adl of re- 
 nunciation, was to break the mark or fymbol 
 of hofpitality. By this acl, he who came to 
 this open rupture, authentically declared, he 
 would for the future have no more com- 
 merce with him who had broken his faith 
 with him. 
 
 " Abi, quaere ubi jurejurando tuo fatis lit 
 fubfidii ! Hie, apud nos, jam, Alfefimarche, 
 confregifti tefferam."* 
 
 See, alfo, an inftance recorded by Li\'y,t 
 where Badius Campanus renounces the 
 friendftiip of Q^ Crifpinus. 
 
 IsiODORUs declares, " Veteres quando fibi 
 promittebant, ftipulam tenentes frangebant, 
 quam iterum jungentes fponfiones fuas-ag- 
 nofcebant."j: 
 
 • Plaut. Cijierd. A<51 ii. Sc. i. v. 27. f Decad. iii. lib. 5. t Lib. ^ 
 
314 Dijferiation, ^a 
 
 SEC. IV. 
 
 Dtfgrace of violation. 
 
 THIS connection was founded upon all 
 that was honorable in charader, virtuous in 
 principle, and generous and afFedionate in 
 difpofition. Nothing, therefore, was confid- 
 ered fo bafe as a violation of it. " Non de- 
 faere tamen, qui ferarum more, non homi- 
 num, ab omni humanitate alieni erant, ut 
 non benigne hofpites ad menfam admitterent, 
 fed menfae apponerent."* 
 
 Plutarch informs us that thofe who vio- 
 lated thefe bonds^, were looked upon as wick- 
 ed and abominable both among Greeks and 
 Romans : and the moft injurious thing that 
 could be faid of a man was to charge him 
 with having difregarded the laws of hofpital- 
 ity. " The vengeance of Jupiter, the patron 
 of hofpitality and friendfliip, vifited Philip 
 (fays he) for his breach of both, and purfued 
 him through life. For he was beaten by the 
 Romans, and forced to yield himfelf to t^ieir 
 
 * CiESARius, dial. 2. 
 
Differtation, ^c. 315 
 
 difcretion. In confequence of which he was 
 ftripped of all the provinces he had conquer- 
 ed ; gave up all his fhips, except five j oblig- 
 ed himfelf to pay a thoufand talents, and de- 
 liver his fon as a hoftage. He even held 
 Macedonia and its dependencies only at the 
 mercy of the conquerors. Amidft all thefe 
 misfortunes, he was poffcffed only of one blef- 
 fing, a fon of fuperior virtue ; and him he put 
 to death, in his envy and jealoufy of the hon- 
 ors the Romans paid him."* 
 
 Horace, fpeaking of a degenerate perfon, 
 to complete his charader, declares him 
 ■ <* et penetrall4 
 
 Sparfifle nofturno cruore 
 Hofpitis." 
 
 Cicero, in his invectives againft Verres, 
 among other crimes, charges him with hav- 
 ing been a frequent violator of the rights of 
 hofpitality. " Num te ejus lachrymse, num 
 feneclus, num hofpitii jus atque nomen, a 
 fcelere aliquam ad partem humanitatis revo- 
 care potuit ? Sed quid ego hofpitii jurq. in 
 hac tam immani bellua commemoro, qui 
 
 * Plutarch's A'wj V. 6. p. 196. Langhorne's ira'ijlathn. 
 
2i6 Dijfertation^ ^c, 
 
 Sthenium Termitanum, hofpitem fuum, cujus 
 domum per hofpitium exhaulit et exinanivit, 
 abfentem in reos retulerit, caufa indi6la, capite 
 damnarit j ab eo nunc hofpitiorum jura 
 atque olEcia quaeramus ?" 
 
 " Unpitied may he die 
 Who to a friend affiftance can deny ; 
 Nor, to afflicted virtue kind, 
 Unlocks the treafures of his mind !"* 
 
 SECTION V. 
 
 The privileges of this Friendjhip might be 
 claimed by the defcendants of the contra6ling 
 parties, 
 
 WHEN this Friendfliip was contracted 
 it became perpetual. The memorials of it 
 were tranfmitted from father to fon. 
 
 '* Eo prefente homini extemplo oftendit 
 fymbolum, C)uem tute dederas ad eum, ut- 
 ferret filio."t 
 
 * EuRIPlD. Medea. Potter's tranjlation. 
 t Plaut. Bacchid. ASt. II, Sc. 3. 
 
f 
 
 Differtation, '<3'c. 317 
 
 Plautus, in his comedy entitled Poenulus, 
 plainly intimates that the defcendants of 
 thofe who formed the friendly compact, 
 might challenge its rights. In the fecond 
 fcene of Act v, he, who had made " the 
 brotherly covenant" with Antidamus, comes 
 to his fon, not doubting of an affedlionate 
 welcome ; for, faith he, 
 
 *' Deum hofpitalem, ac tefleram mecum fero." 
 
 The interview which fucceeds, is a pleaf- 
 ing illuftration of many of the preceding re- 
 marks. Poenulus is introduced inquiring for 
 Agoraftocles, who thus replies, 
 
 ** Siquidemae tu Antidam hie qu^eris adoptatitium, 
 Ego fum ipfus, quern tu quseris. 
 
 PCEN. Hem ! quid audio ? 
 
 AG. Antidamse gnatum me efle. 
 
 PCEN. Si ita eft, tefleram confer >,"e fi vis hofpitalem, 
 Eccam attuli. i 
 
 AG. Age dum hue oftende ! Eft par ? Probe. 
 Nam habeo domi. 
 
31 8 Dijferiation, tffc. 
 
 PCEN. O mi hofpes, falve multum ! Nam mihi tuus 
 
 pater, 
 
 Pater tuus ergo mihi Antidamas fuit. 
 
 Hsec mihi hofpitaUs teflera cum illo olim fuit. 
 AG. Ergo hie apud me hofpitium tibi prsebebitur. 
 
 PCEN. Dii dent tibi omnia quae veUs !" 
 
 The antient Greeks, alfo, depofited thefe 
 tokens among their treafures, to keep up the 
 memory of their friendfliips to fucceeding 
 generations ; as we are informed by the com- 
 ment of Euftathius on that paffage of Homer 
 where Diomedes recounts to Glaucus the 
 gifts which their anceftors Oeneus and Belle- 
 rophron had prefented each other. 
 
Dijfertation, i^c, 319 
 
 SECTION VI. ' 
 
 A PRACriCE of this kindfeems to ha'ue been in 
 ufe among the early chrijiians. 
 
 TERTULLIAN has thefe words : "Sic 
 omnes probant unitatem ; dum eft illis com- 
 municatio pacis, et appellatio fraternitatis, et 
 contefferatio hofpitalitatis : quae jura non 
 alia ratio regit quam ejufdem facramenti una 
 traditio."* 
 
 The teffera was carried by them in their 
 travels as an introduction to the friendfliip 
 and brotherly kindnefs of their fellow chrif- 
 tians.f Afterwards, heretics, to enjoy thofe 
 privileges, counterfeited the teffera. The 
 chriftians then altered the infcription. This 
 was frequently done, till the Nicene council 
 gave their fandion to thofe marked with the 
 initials of the words Uarvi^, Tiog, Kym Tlvevixcc, 
 Thefe B. Hildebrand calls " telTerse cano- 
 nic3e."J 
 
 The impoftor Peregrinus, as we learn from 
 the particulars ftated by Lucian,§ feigned 
 
 * Be Prafcrip. cap. 20. See alfo S. Ambros. lib. ii. offic. cap. ai, 
 and lib. iii. cap. 7. Chrysostom. condone %,de Lazaro. Augustin. 
 ferm. 70, de temp. CoNciL. Trident./^ xkv. c. 8. 
 f C. Corn a Lapide, Comment, in Pauii Apoft. epifl. Hsebr. cap, xiiL 
 \ Col. in Alma Julia. 
 
 § LuciANi opera, torn. Ill, (ib, 9. p. 215. edit, Amf. 1743. 
 
320 Dijfertation^ ^c. 
 
 himfelf a chriflian, that he might not only 
 be clothed and fed by then]f, but allifted on 
 his travels and enriched by their generofity. 
 3ut his artifice was deteded and expofed. 
 
 *' Peregrinus, philofophus gentilis, lucri 
 caufa religionis chriftianae ftimulator, etiam 
 carcerem toleravit ; fed coUeda non parva 
 pecunia ex eleemofynis Sandorum, defcivit, 
 fatis libi aiens in hofpitalitate chriftianorum.* 
 
 The procuring a teffera, as a teftimony of 
 evangelization, anfwered all the purpofes, 
 and faved the trouble of formal written cer- 
 tificates, and introdudory letters of recom- 
 mendation. The danger of its being ufed by 
 impofl;ors, as in the cafe of Peregrinus, made 
 it neceffary to preferve the token with great 
 care, and never to produce it but upon fpec- 
 ial occafions. Notwithftanding the fimplicity 
 of this method, it continued in ufe until the 
 time of D. Burchardus, Abp. of Worms, 
 who flouriflied a. d. io2o, who mentions it 
 in a vifitation charge. 
 
 * EusEB. chron. anno xtL 78. See alfo the tefVinionies of Aulus 
 Gellius, Ammianus Marcellinus, Athenacoras, and Ter- 
 
 TULLIAN. 
 
D'tfertatioriy ^c. 321 
 
 SECTION VII. 
 
 Application, 
 
 WE find from the foregoing fe(?lIons that 
 the teffera was the teftimonial and pledge of 
 the moft perfed friendfhip ; the obligations 
 of which were mutual, facred, and indiffolu- 
 ble, and the benefits perpetual. The little 
 token was carefully and privately kept, that 
 no one might claim and enjoy its privileges, 
 but he for whom they were intended. And 
 this cuftom, I have thought, gives the moft 
 natural explication of the following paffage in 
 Revelations ii. 17. To him that overco?neth 
 will I give a white Jione^ and in thejione a new 
 name written^ which no man knoweth faving he 
 that receiveth it. Allowing the verfe to refer 
 to the beforementioned method of com- 
 mencing and perpetuating a fpecial Friend- 
 fhip, the promife will be to this effect : To 
 him that overcometh will I give a pledge of 
 my affeftion which fliall conftitute him 7ny 
 rsiENDj and entitle him to privileges and 
 w 
 
322 Dijfertation, &'c. 
 
 honors, of which none elfe can know the 
 value or extent.* 
 
 The following apoftrophe in Dr, Watts' 
 Ixxviii hymn of the iftbook, is a happy illuf- 
 tration of this paffage. It reprefents the 
 Saint entreating his beloved Lord. 
 
 « O let my name engraven ftand 
 Both on thy heart and on thy hand. 
 Seal me upon thine arm, and wear 
 That pledge of love forever there ! 
 
 Stronger than death thy love is known. 
 Which floods of wrath could never drown i 
 And hell and earth in vain combine 
 To quench a flame fo much divine. 
 
 But I am jealous of my heart, 
 Left it fhould once from thee depart ; 
 Then let thy name be well impreft 
 As a fair fignet on my breaft !" 
 
 * Sec more particularly Discourse v* 
 
Dijfertationj ^c» 323 
 
 SEC. VIII. 
 
 ObjeB'wns removed. 
 
 THE opinion of learned commentators 
 upon this verfe in the Apocalypfe, fo far as 
 they differ from this explanation, will be 
 confidered as leifening its confequence ; the 
 objedt of this fecliqn, therefore, is to make 
 fome remarks upon the moft plaulible con- 
 flrucbion^ of this paffage. Th^ explications 
 which have been generally adopted, are the 
 following. 
 
 I. The text has been confidered as allud- 
 ing to the black and white ftones with which 
 the judges, among the antients, condemned 
 or acquitted the criminal. 
 
 ** Mos erat antiquis, niveis atrifque lapillis. 
 His damnare reos, illis ablolvere culpa."* 
 
 But the latter part of the verfe convinces 
 us that it could not intend this practice ; for 
 on thefe tefferx there was 7io name written. 
 
 * Ovid. 
 
324 Differ tat ion, l^fc, 
 
 1. Others have fuppofed it an allufio» 
 to the ftone given to fervants when they 
 were liberated by their mafters, accompanied 
 by the name of Freedjiian. Yet the benefit, 
 the honor, and the privileges of this eman- 
 cipation muft be conferred in vain, or rather 
 could not be given at all, unlefs known to 
 others befides him who received them. 
 
 3. It has again been fuppofed to allude 
 to the token or ticket gieven to the con- 
 queror in the Olympic games, exprefling 
 his name and fignifying the reward he was 
 to receive for his achievements : but here 
 the name muft be known or the reward could 
 not be procured. 
 
Dijfertatlon, ^(, 32^ 
 
 CHAP. n. 
 
 QF THE ARRHA HOSPITALE. 
 
 THIS name was given to the pocket-pieces, 
 or keep-fakes, formed by breaking a piece of 
 money in two. Such broken coins are fre- 
 quently found at Rome. On one fide are the 
 heads of Aug. C^sar and M. Agrippa ;. 
 on the other a crocodile chained to a tree, 
 with the words COL. NEM. [Colonia Ne- 
 MAUsus] a province of Gaul, with which 
 thofe Princes were rewarded after the con- 
 queft of Egypt, See in the Frontifpiece, E, e. 
 
 Plautus introduces Palaeftrio, in his com- 
 edy entitled " Miles Gloriofus,'* prefenting 
 a token of this name. 
 
 " HuNC arrabonem amoris primum a me 
 recipe."* The Romans, probably, obtained 
 both the word and the cuftom from the an- 
 tient Hebrews. The word is ufed, i Samu- 
 
 * Aa, IV. Seen. i. 
 
326 Differ tation, tsfe. 
 
 uel, xvii. 18. where David is fcnt to the 
 camp to fee how his brethren fared, and to 
 take their an^"-!;? [arrabon] pledge. The 
 Greek word c^fa^wv, a pledge^ or furety, oc- 
 curs 2 Cor. i. 22. V. 5. and Ephes. i. 14. It 
 is, alfo, ufed in the Septuagint yerfion of 
 Gen. xxxvii. 17, 18, 20, where it anfwers 
 to the Hebrew jUiy. 
 
 In the Frontifpiece D, d. is copied, from a 
 plate of curious articles, an antique, which 
 from its form, and the clafped hands engrav- 
 ed upon it, will be readily underftood to be- 
 long to this clafs of tefferae : and may be 
 confidered as corroborative proof that the 
 cuftom we are elucidating came originally 
 from the Hebrews, 
 
D'ljfertation^ Is'c. 327 
 
 CHAP. IIL 
 
 OF THE BACILLUS. 
 
 THE bacillus was a love-token entirely 
 refembling the tejfera hofpitalis. It is thus 
 defcribed by Olaus Wormius : " Bacillus eft 
 quadratus trium poUicum longitudine ; lat- 
 itudine tertia parte poUicis ; latera quatuor 
 characteribus inlignita habens ; expruno fyl- 
 veftri, ut videtur, fabricatus."* 
 
 A FIGURE of one he has given may be feen 
 in the plate, F, f. He fuppofes the letters to 
 be amatorial, and fo written as to convey in 
 an intricate, or anagrammatic, manner the 
 name of the lover, in a fentiment of attach- 
 ment intelligible to all. 
 
 The words on the tejfera amatoria or bacillus y 
 which he has defcribed are : 
 
 Bynaffa viiet hierejla muia aff 
 Thenkejlol inde Latidian. 
 *' Nomen meum novit amiciffima mea 
 Ex amoris hac teflera Landum." 
 
 • IHsnummU Dankorum lib, xvii. 
 
328 
 
 Dijfertat'wn^ Is'c, 
 
 « Bleft be the pledge, whofe kind enchantment gives 
 To wounded Jove the food on which it Uves ! 
 Rich in this gift, though cruel ocean bear 
 The youth to exile from his faithful fair, 
 He in fond dreams hangs o'er her glowing cheek. 
 Still owns her prefent, and ftill hears her fpeak." 
 
 Hayley. 
 
 ^^kP-^ 
 
LIST OF . 
 
 SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND APOLOGY 
 
 SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 To the refpefted officers and mem- 
 bers of the GRAND LODGE, and to my 
 beloved brethren of the feveral lodges 
 throughout the Commonwealth, my grate- 
 ful acknowledgments are due for the kind 
 encouragement and liberal patronage they 
 have given to this work. This inftance of 
 their benevolent attention, added to the 
 various other favors they have heaped upon 
 me, affects me fenfibly. I wifh I could bet- 
 ter exprefs and better repay my obligations. 
 I hope they will not be altogether difappoint- 
 cd in the volume ; and that it may prove 
 
 A MONUMENT OF MY GRATITUDE TO THEM, 
 AND OF MT ATTACHMENT TO MASONRY. 
 
 I REGRET that, fubfcription papers not 
 having been returned in feafon, the lift of 
 Subfcribers is fo very imperfeft. It com- 
 prifcs but about half the lodges. I have 
 heard repeatedly of the encouragement tliis 
 
332 Acknowledgment to Siibfcribers, 
 
 work has met in lodges whofe returns have 
 not reached me, and from brethren whofe 
 names would do honor to my lift. 
 
 As a change of OiEcers has taken place 
 fmce the papers were fubfcribed, I found my- 
 felf not a little embarraffed in affixing proper 
 titles ; but, from the returns of lodges at 
 the quarterly communications of the Grand 
 Lodge, endeavoured to make the neceffary 
 alterations. 
 
 For reafons, which will be apparent to 
 the Brethren, civil titles are omitted alto- 
 gether. 
 
 For any error or mifnomer in tranfcrib- 
 ing the lifts I muft beg pardon. The texture 
 of the fubfcription paper was fuch that the 
 ink fpread fo as to render fome of the names 
 fcarcely legible. 
 
 T. M. HARRIS. 
 
 DORCHESTER, Mount-Potosi, 
 July 7, 1801. 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 Moji Worjh'rpful Samuel Dunn, Grand Majler^ 2 copies. 
 Right lVorJ]Apful ]os^VH L.avghtok, Dep. Gra7id Mafier. 
 Right IVorJIjipfid John Boyle, Senior Grand Warden, 3 
 Right Worjhipful Isaac Hurd, Junior Grand Warden. 
 Right Worfhipfid K-L-L'?.^ Crocker, Grand Treafurer^ 6 
 Worjj/tpfid ]on-n Procter, Grand Secretary. 
 WorJInpfid Amos Lincoln, S. G. Deacon. 
 Worjhipful Paul Revere, J. G. Deacon. 
 RigJk WorJ/jip/id Bta J Anis Russell; G. Marfl^al, 6 
 Br. Edward Goodwin, G. Sivord Bearer. 
 Br. John Edmonds, 7 /-• o. / 
 
 Br. John Risbrough, | ^- S^^'^'^^^^' 
 Br. George Gever, G. Tyler, 
 
 PAST GRAND OFFICERS. 
 
 M. W. John Warren, PaJ} Grand Majler^ 
 
 M. W. Moses Michael Hays, P. G. M. 
 
 M. W. John Cutler, P. G. M. 
 
 M. W. Paul Revere, P. G. M. 
 
 M. W. Josiah Bartlett, P. G. M. 
 
 R. W. William Scollay, P. D. G. M. 
 
 R. W. Perez Morton, P. D. G. M. 
 
 R. W. Timothy Whiting, P. S. G. W. 
 
 R. W. Isaiah Thomas, P. S. G. W. 
 
 R. W. Aaron Dexter, P. J. G. W. 
 
 R. W. Samuel Parkman, P. J. G. W. 
 
 W. John Jackson, P. G. Sec. 
 
 Br. Danifl Oliver, P, G. S.. 
 
 X 2 
 
334 
 
 Subfcribers* Names. 
 
 CLERICAL BRETHREN. 
 
 R. W. and Rev. Edward Bass, D. D. (Ne'whury.Port.) 
 
 Rev. Bunker Gay, (Hinfdale, N. H.) 
 
 Rev. John Eliot, D. D. (Bojlon.) 
 
 Rev. Ezra Ripley, (Concord.) 
 
 Rev. Richard Rosewell Eliot, (Waterto<von.) 
 
 Rev. MiLLiAM Bentley, (Salem.) Pafl: Grand Chaplain. 
 
 Rev. John Murray, (Bojlon.) 
 
 Rev. Ebenezer Coffin, (Brunf'wick.) 
 
 Rev. Abraham Lynsen Clarke, Paft G. Chaplain t© 
 
 the G. L. of Rhode Ijland. 
 
 Rev. John Pipon, (Taunton.) 
 
 St. JOHN'S LODGE, (Boston.) 
 
 R. W. Samuel Wells Hunt, Mafter. 
 
 W. Shubael Bell, Senior Warden. 
 
 W. George Blake, Junior Warden. 
 
 R. W. Thomas Dennie, Treafurer^ P. M. 
 
 Br. William AUine, Secretary. 
 
 R. W. Samuel Shaw, P. M. 
 R. W. Lewis Hayt, P. M. 
 
 MEMBERS and BRETHREN. 
 
 Fortunatus ^. Allen 
 Afahel Bigelow 
 Thomas Buriey 
 Cornelius Coolidge 
 Jofeph Coolidge 
 Jofeph Dix, 
 David Everett. 
 
 lO 
 
 Ebenezer Farley. 
 John Ward Gurley. 
 William Healey. 
 Ebenezer Niles. 
 Francis J. Oliver. 
 Thomas Paine. 
 David Wier. 
 
 RISING STATES' LODGE;, (Boston.) 
 
 R. W. Benjamin RulTell, Pajl Mafter. 
 W. Edmund Bowman, S. Wardeny 
 
Subfcribers* Names, 335 
 
 W. Jonathan Willmgton, J. Warden^ 2 
 
 Br. Jofeph Clark, Secretary^ z 
 
 MEMBERS and BRETHREN. 
 
 Enoch Baldwin, 2 * Job Drew, 2 
 
 Jofeph Clark, jun. % Stephen Francis. 
 
 Benjamin Coolidge. % Philip R. Ridgway. 
 
 Adenton Davenport. | Samuel Williams. 
 
 TYRIAN LODGE, (Gloucejier.) 
 
 By J. G. Fudger, Secretary y 13 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS LODGE, (Bojlon.) 
 
 R. W. John Boyle, Paji Majler. 
 
 W. Allen Crocker, P. S. Warden. 
 
 ' W. John Wheelwright, junior Warden. 
 
 R. W. Jofeph Laughton, Treafurer. 
 
 Br. William V'Aix&'^i-Secretary, 
 
 R. W. J. Bradford, P. M. 
 
 MEMBERS and BRETHREN. 
 
 Jonathan Amory, jun. 6 -^ Daniel Sargeant, jun. 
 Nathaniel Ayres. I William Smith, 
 
 David W. Bradleev | Gideon Snow. 
 
 Thomas Brewer. | Jefle Sumner. 
 
 Rufus Davenport. | John Taylor. 
 
 Simon Eliot, 6 i James Thwing, 
 
 Judiili Hayes, 2 | Nathaniel Tucker. 
 
 Thomas K. Jones, 4 | R. D. Tucker. 
 
 John Mc. Lean, 2 | David Tyler. 
 Samuel Prince. \ Robert Wier, junr. 
 
 Jolhua Revere. 41. 
 
33^ Suhfcribers* Names. 
 
 St. PETER'S LOPGE, (Nenulury Pert*) 
 
 R. W. Jofliua Greenleaf, K. T. Mafter. 
 W. Stephen Howard, K. T. Senicr Warden. 
 
 W. Samuel A. Otis, K. T. Treafurer. 
 - W. Abraham Perkins, K. T. Secretary, 
 
 MEMBERS and BRETHREN. 
 
 Edward Bafs, jun. * W. Andrew Frothingham, 
 
 Edmund M. Blunt. I jun. R. A. 
 
 W. Samuel Cutler, K. T, | Reuben Jones. 
 
 Jonathan Dalton. I W. Jacob Perkins, K. T. 
 
 TRINITY LODGE, (Lancajler.) 
 
 R. W. John Maynard, Majler, 
 
 W. Eli Steams, Senior Warden. 
 
 W. Jacob Fifher, Junioi Warden, 
 
 Br. Jonas Lane, Treafurer, 
 
 Br. JoSah Flagg, Secretary, 
 
 R. W. Michael Newhall, P. M. 
 R. W, Abraham Hafkell, P. M. 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHRE]^. 
 
 Abel W. Atherton. ^ Oliver Pollard, 
 
 Solomon Carter, J. D. f John Robbins. 
 
 Edward Goodwin, S, D. | Edward Stevenfon. 
 
 John Hunt. ' | Robert B. Thomas 
 
 Elnathan PoUey. | Samuel Ward. 
 
 WARREN LODGE, (Madias.) 
 
 R. W. John Cooper, Majier, ^ 2 
 
 W. Ebenezer Inglee, Senior Warden. 
 W. Jacob Penniman, Junior Warden, 
 
 * For fcveral of the fxibfcribers in this Lodge, fee the Royal 
 Artk lift. 
 
Sub/cribers* Names, 337 
 
 Br. Samuel Ellis, Treafiirer. 
 R. W. Ralph H. Bowles, Secretary. ' 
 
 R. W. William Chaloner, P. M. 
 
 R. W. Marfhal Thaxter, P. M, 
 
 Br. Phineas Bruce. 
 
 KING SOLOMON'S LODGE, (Charkjionm.) 
 
 R. W. Oliver Holden, Majler, z 
 
 W. David Goodwin, jun. Senior Wat-den. 
 W. Amariah Childs, Junior Warden. 
 
 Br. Melzar Holmes, Treafurer. 
 Br. William M. Engliih, Secretary. 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN. 
 
 Nathan Adams. ■*■ Samuel Jaques. 
 
 William Bentley. f Peter Jones. 
 
 Amariah Childs. f Thomas O.Larkin, P. S,W, 
 
 David Devens. I Lot Meriam. 
 
 John Edmonds. f William Newhall. 
 
 W. M. Englifh. I William Pratt. 
 
 Edward Goodwin, I Andrew Radplace, 
 
 John Goodwin. | Thomas Robbins. 
 
 Benjamin Gorham. i F. Siflbn. 
 
 John Gorham. | Ammi R. Tufts. 
 
 Jofhua Hooper. | Ifaac Williams. 
 
 Francis Hyde. * 
 
 ESSEX LODGE, {Sahn.) 
 
 R. W. Benjamin Hodges, Majier. 
 
 W. James King, Senior Warden. 
 W. Abel Lawrence, Junior Warden, 
 
 Br. Stephen Abbot, Treafurer. 
 Br. Edward Lang, Secretary. 
 
 R. W. Jofeph HiUer, P. M. 
 
335 
 
 Subfcribers* Names-, 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN. 
 
 John Albree. 
 John Becket. 
 Cornelius Briggs. 
 Thomas Bowditch. 
 Benjamin Carpenter. 
 John Dabney. 
 Samuel Derby. 
 James Devereux. 
 Edward Dorr, K 
 H. Elkins. 
 Jofeph Eveleth. 
 Robert Fofter. 
 William Godfhall. 
 Jofhua Goodale. 
 Thomas Hartfhorne. 
 Daniel Hathorne. 
 Hugh Irwin. 
 
 ■*f^ John Jenks. 
 
 ^ Samuel Mafbury. 
 
 V Jonathan Mafon. 
 
 W James Odell. 
 
 f Joflah Orne. 
 
 I John Page. 
 
 (| Samuel Page. 
 
 " I David Patten, R. A. 
 
 T. i William Patterfon. 
 
 I Jonathan Perce. 
 
 I Daniel Sage. 
 
 I Enoch Swett. 
 
 I M. Townfend. 
 
 I Robert Tucker. 
 
 I Ifaac Very. 
 
 I Jofeph Vincent. 
 
 ^ John Wefton. 
 
 LINCOLN LODGE, (Wifcapt.) 
 
 R. W. Abiel Wood, Mafler^ 
 
 W. Jacob Bro-wn, Senior Warden. 
 
 W. Jofeph Stevens, Junior Warden. 
 
 Br. Thomas W. Crate, Treafurer. 
 
 Br. Jofeph Tinkham, Secretary. 
 
 R. W. Silas Lee, P. M. 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN 
 
 Samuel Adams. 
 
 Roylance Childs, 3 
 
 J. Choate. 
 
 Ezekiel Cutler, S. D. 
 
 John Duhon, 2 
 
 John Farley. 
 
 John S. Faye. 
 
 Ebenezer Gove. 
 William Hodge. 
 Jeremiah W. Noyes. 
 Michael Ofborn. 
 Maiincr Pearfon. 
 Alexander Troupe, J. D. 
 
Sub/criben* Names. 339 
 
 MORNING STAR LODGE, (Worcefter.) 
 
 R. W. James Wilfon, Mafler^ 2 
 
 M. Benjamin Andrews, Senior Warden. 
 W. Jedediah Healey, yunior Warden. 
 
 Br. Jeffe Craig, Treafurer. 
 
 Br. John Green, Secretary. 
 
 R. W. William Caldwell, P. M. 2 
 
 R. W. Nathaniel Paine, P. M. 2 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN. 
 
 Jofeph Allen, jun. ^ Daniel Goulding. 
 
 Daniel Boyter, f John Johnfon. 
 
 Thomas Chandler. I George Merriam. 
 
 Zenas Crane. I Ephraim Mower. 
 
 Samuel Flagg. I William White. 
 
 FRANKLIN LODGE, {Chejhlre.) 
 
 R. W. Robert Walker, Majler. 
 W. Chad Brown^ Senior Warden. 
 
 R. W. Jofeph Jarvis, P. M. 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN. 
 
 Melandthon W. Wells, "^ Barney J. Read. 
 R. A. ^ Jotham Cufhman. 
 
 REPUBLICAN LODGE, {Greenfield.) 
 
 R. W. John Stone, Majler. 
 W. Amos Comwell, Senior Warden. 
 W. William Wait, Junior Warden. 
 
 Br. Calvin Munn, Treafurer. 
 
 Br. Caleb Alvord, Secretary. 
 
 R. W. John Long, P. M. 
 
340 
 
 Subfcribers* Names, 
 
 MEMBERS ANP BRETHREN. 
 
 Elijah Alvord. 
 JElijah Alvord, 2d. 
 Daniel Afhcraft. 
 Jofeph Babcock 2d. 
 JohnW. Blake. 
 Mofes Bondwell. 
 Dudley Filk. 
 Samuel Flas 
 Lemuel Fol 
 Eli Grave*. 
 Calvin HaU. 
 
 Jofeph Henry. 
 Robert Henry. 
 Elijah Lamb. 
 Samuel Pickett, jun= 
 John Picks. 
 Samuel Rofs. 
 Stephen Taylor. 
 David Wait. 
 Stephen WebHer, 2d. 
 Elifha Wells. 
 
 COLUMBIAN LODGE, {Bofton.) 
 
 R. W. John W. Folfom, Majlery 
 W. Amafa Stetfon, Senior Warden. 
 W. Daniel Baxter, Junior Warden. 
 Br. Samuel Stetfon, Treajurer. 
 Br. William J. Mc. Donell, Secretary, 
 
 R. W. Jofeph Churchill, P. M. 
 
 Samuel Albree. 
 Edward Atkins. 
 John G. Coffin. 
 Ammi Cutter, jun. 
 Mefor Davidfon. 
 William Farmer. 
 Thomas Feflendon. 
 John B. Green. 
 John B. Hammatt. 
 William Ingalls. 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN. 
 
 Samuel Johns. 
 Peter Kennedy. 
 John Perkins, 
 Thomas Pons. 
 J. F. Sleeper. 
 John Somes. 
 Benjamin Stetfon. 
 Elifha Tower. 
 John J. Volentine. 
 William Whittington. 
 
Subfcribers* Names, . 34I 
 
 CINCINNATUS LODGE, (2V>w Marlborough.) 
 
 R. W. Dan Chappell, Mafter. 
 
 br. John Budd. 
 
 Br. Benjamin Rogers. 
 
 tVASHINGTON LODGE, {Roxhury.) 
 
 R. W. John Ward, Majier. 
 
 W. Phinehas Withington, Senior Warden. 
 
 W. Samuel Barry, Jitnior Warden. 
 
 Br. Jofeph Ruggles, Treafurer. 
 
 Br. John Bowen, Secretary. 
 
 R. W. Ebenezer Seaver, P. M. 
 
 R. W. Simeon Pratt, P. M. 
 R. W. Nathaniel Ruggles, P. M. 
 
 MEMBERS ANB BRETHREN. 
 
 David Dana. ■^ Mofes Harriman. 
 
 Ebenezer Davis. | Thomas Williams, jun» 
 
 Charles Durant. | Enos Withington. 
 
 Samuel Gore. I 
 
 KING HIRAM LODGE, {Truro.) 
 
 R. W. Jonathan Cook, Majier. 
 
 W. Jofhua Atkins Mayo, Senior Warden, 
 
 W. Jonathan Nickerfon, Junior Warden^ 
 
 Br. Solomon Cook, Treafurer. 
 
 Br. Samuel Cook, Secretary 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN. 
 
 Stephen Atkins, jun. "t S. Coxnate. 
 
 Edward Cook. ® Freeman Gozer. 
 
342 Subfcribers^ Names. 
 
 HARMONY LODGE, {Northfield,) 
 
 R- W. Solomon Vofe, Paji Majier. 
 
 Br. Edward Houghton, Treafurer. 
 
 Br. Samuel Whiting, jun. Secretary. 
 
 Br. Obadiah Dickinfon. 
 
 Br. Elifha Hollifter. 
 
 Br. Mofes Howe. 
 
 UNION LODGE, {Dcrchejler.) 
 
 R. W. James Davenport, Majier. 
 
 W. Edward W. Baxter, Senior Warden. 
 
 W. Samuel B- Lyon, Jtmior Warden. 
 
 Br. Thomas Williams, Tj-eafurer. 
 
 Br. Nathaniel Minot, Secretary. 
 
 R. W. Ebenezer Withington, 3d. R. A. P. M. 2 
 R. W. Edmund Baker, R. A.Y.M. 4 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN. 
 
 Samuel Capen. ■*■ John Holmes. 
 
 Henry Cox. | Samuel How. 
 
 Samfiel Crehoi-e, R. A. . | Benjamin Jacobs. 
 
 Ebenezer Davenport, jun. | Lewis Leach. 
 
 Jofiah Davenport. | George Manning. 
 
 Jofeph Fofter. | John Mellift. 
 
 Amafa Fuller, 2 | Samuel Richards. 
 
 Samuel Glover. | John Sullivan. 
 
 Jefle Goodenow. ^ Edward Withington. 
 
 John Hawes. | Jofeph W. Withington. 
 
 Bela Heaifey. X Lemuel Withington. 
 
 THOMAS' LODGE, {Monfin.) 
 
 R. W. Samuel Guthrie, Majier. 
 
 ' W. Oizem Blaflifield, Senior Warden. 
 
 W. Ede Whitaker, junior Warden. 
 
 Br. Ifaac Holmes Treafurer. 
 
 Br. Joel Norcrols, Secretary. 
 
Subfcribers* Names. 
 
 343 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN, 
 
 Gideon Abbot. 
 Calvin Eaton. 
 Hezekiali Fifk. 
 John Hoar. 
 Comfort Johnfon. 
 
 Alfred Munn. 
 Amos Norcrofs. 
 Clement Trowbridge. 
 Edward Turner. 
 Samuel D. Ward. 
 
 FELLOWSHIP LODGE, {Bridge'water*) 
 
 R. W. Simeon Dunbar, Mafler. 
 W. Ifaac Ijazel, Senior Warden. 
 
 Br. Nathan Lazel, Treafurer. 
 Br. Daniel Howard, Secretary, 
 
 R. W. Hedor Orr, P. M. 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN. 
 
 Seth Alden. 
 John Ames, jun. 
 Elias Dunbar. 
 Noah Fearing. 
 Daniel Howard, 
 
 *• 
 
 Sylvanus Lazell. 
 Nathan Mitchel. 
 Daniel Ripley. 
 Zenas Walhbura. 
 
 CORINTHIAN LODGE, {Concord.) 
 
 R. W. Thomas Heald, Majier.. 
 
 W. Reuben Bryant, Senior Warden. 
 
 W. Andrew Adams, Ju7iior Warden. 
 
 Br. John Richardfon, Treafurer. 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN. 
 
 Nathaniel Adams. 
 Theodore Babfon. 
 Abel Barrett, P. J. 
 Samuel Barrett. 
 Daniel Brooks. 
 
 ♦ S. P. P. Fay. 
 
 I John Hartwell, P. 
 
 W. I Jonathan Hildreth. 
 
 I Jonathan Hoar. 
 
 I Cyrus Hofmer. 
 
 S. W 
 
344 Subfcribers* Names, 
 
 Jofhua Brooks. * Francis Jarvls. 
 
 Roger Brown. | Henry Jones. 
 
 Horatio J. Buttrick. | Thomas Mercero 
 
 Jonathan Curtis. i Samuel Tuttle. 
 
 St. PAUL'S LODGE, {Groton,) 
 
 R. W. Oliver Prefcott, jun. Mafter. 
 
 W. Timothy Bigelow, Senior Warden. 
 
 W. James Prefcott, Junior Warden. 
 
 Br. Thomas Gardner, Treafurer. 
 
 Br. John Waltonj Secretary, 
 
 R. W. James Brazer, Paji Majier. 
 R. W. Thomas Whitney, Pajl Majier, 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN^ 
 
 Shobal C. Allen. * Wallis Little. 
 
 Abel Boynton. | Abel Moore. 
 
 Tilly Buttrick. I Samfon Woods. 
 
 Jofeph Cummings, jun. ^ 
 
 OLIVE BRANCH LODGE, {Oxford.) 
 
 R. W. Jonathan Learned, Majier. 
 
 W. Jeremiah Kingfbury, jun. Senior Warden. 
 
 W. Reuben Barton, Junior Warden. 
 
 Br. Sylvanus Town, Treafurer. 
 
 Br. Peter Butler, S. D. 
 
 Br. William Robinfon,_J. D. 
 
 Br. Jonathan Davis. 
 
 MERIDIAN SUN LODGE, {Brookjield.) 
 
 . R. W. Cheney Reed, Majier. 
 W. Benjamin Drury, Senior Warden. 
 W. Francis Clark, Junior Warden, 
 
 Br. John Cutter, Treafurer. 
 Br. Liberty Bannifter, Secretary. 
 
Subfcribers' Names* 345 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN. 
 
 Robert Cutler. t Mofes Hitchcock. 
 
 Simeon Draper. ^ Daniel Morfe. 
 
 Pearley Hale. I Thomas Rice. 
 
 Enos Hitchcock. I Tilly Rice, jun. 
 
 MERIDIAN LODGE, {Waterto'wn.) 
 
 R. W. Nathaniel Weld, Majier. 
 
 W. Jofeph Pierce, Semor IVarden. 
 
 W. William Bond, Junior Warden. 
 
 R. W. William Hull, P. M. 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN. 
 
 Jonathan Alden. ■*• Walter Hunnewell. 
 
 Daniel Coolidge. 1' R. Richardfon. 
 
 Nathan Fuller ||) Jonas Wood. 
 
 MOUNT MORIAH LODGE, {Reading.) 
 
 R. W. John Hart, Majier. 
 
 W. Oliver Pope, Senior IVarden. 
 
 W. James Gould, Junior Warden. 
 
 Br. David Smith, Treafurer. 
 
 Br. Thomas Swain, Secretary. 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN. 
 
 Thomas Emerfon. * Oliver Swain. 
 
 Stephen Hale. * Nathaniel Wiley. 
 
34^ Subfcriben^ Names. 
 
 EASTERN STAR LODGE, {Rehohth.) 
 
 R. W. Ifaac Fowler, R. A. Ma^r. 
 
 W. Lewis Wheaton, R. A. Senior Wardeiu 
 
 W. James Ellis, R. A. Junior Warden. 
 
 Br. Jofeph Wheaton, Treafiirer. 
 
 Br. Ebenezer Short, Secretary. 
 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN. 
 
 Benajah Barney. * Ifrael Nichols. 
 
 Philip Bowers, I Nathaniel M. Pidge. 
 
 Gardner Mafon. I Barnard Wheeler, S. D. 
 
 Gardner Mafon, 2d. I Daniel Wheeler. 
 
 Jacob Miller. ^ 
 
 KING DAVID'S LODGE, {rauntoji.) 
 
 R. W. John W. Smith, Majier. 
 
 W. William Seaver, Senior Warden. 
 
 W. Fofter Swift, Junior Warden. 
 
 R. W. Seth Paddleford, R. A. P. M. 
 MEMBERS AND BRETHREN. 
 
 Samuel Crocker. -^ Leonard Porter. 
 
 Samuel Fales. fP James Sproat. 
 
 Names interfperfed in the preceding Lifts. 
 
 Br. Jofeph Gleafon, of St. Andrew's Lodge, {Bojion.) 
 
 Br. J. D. Hopkins, J. D. of Portland Lodge. 
 
 Br. Ifaac Story, J. W. of Hancock Lodge. 
 
 Br. Caleb Allen, of Mount Vernon Lodge. 
 
Subfchlers^ Names, ^4? 
 
 GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER 
 
 OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 Benjamin Hurd, jun. G. H. P. ^ 
 
 Joshua Greenleaf, D. G. H. P. 
 
 William Mc. Kean, G. K. 
 
 Charles Jackson, G. Scribe. 
 
 Seth Sweetser, G. Secretary. 
 
 Henry Purkitt, G. Marflial. 
 
 Hezekiah Hudson, 
 
 Hezekiah Hudson, "1 
 Amos Tappan, ( ^ 
 
 David Stanwood, C 
 Angier March, J 
 
 Stewards. 
 
 Robert Newman, Gr. Infide Centinel. 
 William Tarbox, Gr. Outfide Tyler. 
 
 OFFICERS of St. ANDREW'S ROYAL ARCH 
 CHAPTER, (Bo/ion.) 
 
 M. E. James Harrlfon, H. P. 
 
 E. Henry Fowle, K. 
 
 E. John Lamfon, S. 
 
 C. Elifha Sigourney, T. 
 
 C. Samuel Billings, P. S. 
 
 C. Andrew Sigourney, R. A. C 
 
 C. Hezekiah Hudfon, C Hoft. 
 
 Companions, Henry Purkitt, 1 
 
 Jofeph Tucker, |- G. M. V. 
 Benjamin Smith, J 
 John Raymond, K. T. 
 
34^ Subfcrihers* Names, 
 
 OFFICERS OF KING CYRUS' ROYAL ARCH 
 CHAPTER, {Newbury Port.) 
 
 M. E. Jonathan Gage, H. P. 
 *► E. Oilman White, K. 
 
 E. Nathaniel Knap, jun. S. 
 
 C. Samuel A. Otis, T. 
 
 C. Edward Dorr, P. S. 
 
 C. Charles Jackfon, C. H. 
 
 Companions, David Coffin, ~i 
 
 Amos Tappan, J- G. M. V. 
 Angier March, J 
 E. Dudley Atkin3 Tyng, P. G. K. & K. T. 4 
 E. William Woart, P. G. Secretary. 
 
I^f. 
 
 l*l'-»^.