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your support powerful. It is needless to recount them in my preceding remarks, I endeavoured to do them all the justice my feeble abilities would permit. When I view you, clothed in those garments which so peculiarly distinguish us, and portray the purity of our order, I feel a conscious glow of satisfaction at my relation to you, dart through every vein; but when perceive, in so many brethren, locks, over which has hastened in hurried confusion, the blast of many a wintry day, I feel a great degree of reluctance and delicacy in addressing them. But why? the duty which I am attempting to discharge, was by the request of many. Therefore, let me intreat you, not to conceive it arrogance in me, if I presume to trespass upon your patience, by attempting briefly to mark out a course which every Mason ought to pursue, while a resident in this sublunary sphere of affliction and distress. Permit me here to offer the following selected remarks: "The Christian Mason is taught to esteem the first Great Light in the golden candlesticks, as infinitely superior to the light of nature, reason, and philosophy, united in triple ranks; superior to the son of genius, or the morning star of science. The light of heaven itself his enraptured spirit hails, and faithful to the star which led the adoring magi to Bethlehem's vale, this light in death shall lead the sons of amity and peace; the friends of virtue and of man, to the eternal fountain of light itself, who alone is worthy of the morning song: the noontide shoutings, and the ceaseless anthems of praise from all his works."

There is, or ought to be one peculiarly distinguishing feature in the character of every Mason. It is the foundation stone of Masonry, and must every remain the main pillar of the order. I mean that charitable and benevolent feeling which one member of our fraternity ought to entertain for another. If therefore, a brother knocks at the door of your habitation, even

at the midnight hour, not a moments hesitation is necessary before you give him entrance; if a brother approach your threshold naked, hesitate. not to clothe him; if he is hungry, can you withhold nourishment? It is a ruling principle "that you do as you would be done by," and that you "will love your neighbour as yourself." It is however, an unfortunate circumstance, and it is with extreme regret I mention it, that too many embrace the dictates of the order, and become craftsmen in the erection of the same work, solely from selfish views. I am aware of this, for I have bore witness to the realization of my remark, in too many instances. Despicable and contracted indeed, must be that man, who is thus lost to justice, and to feeling; callous to principle he, who would thus imolate his all at the altar of personal feeling, and self-aggrandizement. Excuse the observation ; you are aware of its correctness, and my feelings outweigh every other consideration; I cannot withhold what I conceive calculated to promote the interest of the order, or advance the welfare of the

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Ing, every faithful follower in the wake of religion. Is there one present who purports to claim connection with our order, and who wears the sacred robe, that could view unmoved the tear of distress marking its furrowed course down the cheek of the disconsolate partner of a deceased brother? If there is, let him hide his head where the mortal eye cannot ken him, nor human discernment ascertain his place of concealment.

been spent in the exercises of a vocation, which has tended to benefit a fellow-creature. He sinks into the arms of Morpheus, with sensations inexpressibly delightful, and retires to repose, with the conscious satisfaction of having devoted his last hour to the welfare, advantage, and relief, of at least one of the great human family. Oh delightful sensation! oh extatic feeling! how enviable is he who can thus close his earthly career, and reHe who connects himself with Ma- posing on the "bosom of his father, sonry, connects himself with all man- and his God," exchange this transitokind. I mean thus far; that when he ry sphere of mortification and disapembraces, and practices the goldenpointment, for "another and a better precepts of the order, he is recognized and known as such, at the eastern and the western, the northern and the southern boundaries of the world.-olate, those sacred principles and dic

world."

It is our duty, also, as Masons, as members of society, to preserve invi

And when thus bound, and that too, tates which ever govern the honest by the strongest ties which can possi- man, who is "the noblest work of bly bind man to man, he ought to im- God." Without we pursue a course bibe such principles, maxims, and rather enviable than otherwise, we governing rules, as are well calcula- are unworthy members of the commuted, not only to promote his own in-nity, and tend to degrade, and lessen terest, but to advance the interest of every brother.

It is your duty, then, my brethren, carefully to guard yourselves against any measure, having for its object the infliction of an injury upon a brother; it is your duty to watch over his welfare as over your own; to aid him in the hour of peril, and of danger; to alleviate his distresses wheresoever you may meet him; be a physician to him in sickness; a partner in care, a solace in adversity, and a comforter in the last expiring moments of agonizing woe, and his terrestrial residence; to strew his paths with the odoriferous flowers of consolation, and to extend and administer the balsam of eternal life, is an imperious duty incumbent upon every brother, who by the sacred principles we cherish,

ourselves in the estimation of our fellow men. Our actions, then, through life, should be such as are calculated to endear us to all, and entitle us to the admiration of every member of society. In our ordinary transactions and dealings, we should ever act upon the level, and square those actions according to the golden precepts of re ligion. Moral rectitude, correct deportment, a strict adherence to truth, and a proper regard for every thing calculated to advance the interest of mankind, in conjunction with a decent respect for the opinion of all religious denominations, will ever have the desired effect to promote the future prospects and welfare of every Mason.

With these few and incomplete observations, my brethren, I commit you to the care of Him who ruleth over

taught to feel "another's woe." Re-all, relying on his mercy and good

flect, for a moment, my brethren, upon the pleasant sensations experienced by him, who when he retires to his pillow, is accompanied by the consoling hope, that the past day has

ness, to guide and direct your steps, and in the end, prepare you for an inheritance in the Grand Lodge above, "not made with hands, eternal in heaven!"

CHARITY THE FIRST OF MASONIC DUTIES.

Many valuable and important papers have been written on the subject of Freemasonry, which, in a word, serve to illustrate the principles of the institution. It would be unnecessary to offer any remarks on this head. It is my intention to show, that charity does, and always did, form a particular ingredient in the character of a free and accepted Mason. Although the charity of a Mason extends to the whole human family, of which each individual is a child, yet, a certain class of men having inlisted under the banners of the order, to partake of the several benefits and privileges, it is but reasonable to suppose, that they should, individually and collectively, come under our particular notice. Is it not the fact in all societies designed for charitable purposes? Do not the individuals composing such an institution unite together, in order to assist their fellow members in the hour of distress and trial? Are they not, in a particular manner, subservient to other ends for the relief of widows, orphans, &c.?

All these institutions, which are numerous, and generally well conducted, have at all times received the patronage of the liberal and enlightened. But my reader, in the order of Freemasonry, the instances are numerous and beyond calculation, where the benefits of the society have extended to the relief of distressed brethren, widows, and orphans. It is sometimes said, by those who have not been initiated into the society, "I have never seen any good arising from it," nor, indeed, will they, until they are regularly initiated. As well might they endeavour to obtain the secrets of a Mason, which we all know have existed from time immemorial, as to become acquainted with the charitable transactions of a lodge; or to know when an individual stretches out his hand to serve a distressed brother, with whom he is often made acquaint

ed by those inviolable secrets, which constitute, among Freemasons, a universal language. What has the world to do with private transactions; whether a widow, an orphan, or a pilgrim has obtained relief? If they were, then, as well might the mysteries of light be unfolded to them!

The peculiar excellency of the institution does not rest in the display of virtues merely civil, nor in the jewels which adorn the Mason; nor in a word, in external show or grandeur. Though these have their several ends, some of which are absolutely essential to the appropriate clothing of a Mason, yet, charity, benevolence, and love, constitute the basis of the temple. Thousands, and I may add tens of thousands, have witnessed the kindly offices of Masons: the widow and the orphan, whose petitions have never been rejected, can also witness, not only in this, but in every quarter of the globe, the charity of a Mason.

Charity! thou heavenborn virtue ! long mayest thou preside as the guardian genius of Masonry: and may wisdom, strength and beauty, remain the three great pillars.

C.

GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK.

The following is the address, delivered by his excellency Daniel D. Tompkins, grand master of Masons in the State of New-York, and vice president of the United States, on the fifth of July last; on his taking the chair, the first time after his installation.

GRAND LODGE.

NEW-YORK, 6th Sept. A. L. 5820. RESOLVED, That a committee be appointed to wait on his excellency the most worshipful grand master, and respectfully request of him, for publication, a copy of his address, delivered on 5th July, before the grand lodge.

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appreciate this instance of your confidence with the most friendly and lively recollection, not only as an honour of the highest nature, but as a gratifying testimonial of the respect and esteem of men whom it will always be my greatest pleasure to claim as brothers.

Although it belongs to more proficient brethren than myself to develope the origin and history of Masonry, and to pronounce its encomium; yet it will not, I hope, be deemed irrelevant, on the present occasion, concisely to review the lofty and noble character which has hitherto distinguished our fraternity, and to indulge in a perspective view of our future destinies, and of the benefits that may result from our future operations.

The reflection that this institution is the most ancient of all moral, social, political, literary, and benevolent societies, is just cause of pride and satisfaction to every enlightened and candid member. History produces no parallel of its duration.

Whatever may be the diversity of opinion as to the precise period of its commencement, it seems to be conceded by all, that it is at least coeval with the building of Solomon's temple. What thrones have not been shaken within that space of time! What empires have not forever disappeared from the political horizon! What moral, literary or religious tribunals, formed within that interval, have not been broken into fragments, or totally annihilated! Governments, civil and religious, have been instituted and destroyed. Powers and dominions innumerable have arisen and passed. away, without leaving a trace behind. Every thing but Masonry, seems to have been constantly changing, from the remotest periods of history.About the date of the departure of the Romans from Britain, and for a lapse of time afterwards, during the sanguinary conflicts that ensued, Masonry suffered a decline, and then had its only interval of depression. But it

was only in the dark age, which preceded the introduction of Christianity. that this noble institution drooped for a time. When the light of religion had dissipated the prevailing darkness, Masonry was again revived, by the countenance and patronage of the great and learned men of the age, and has ever since maintained its pristine vigour and lustre.

It is equally a source of pleasing reflection, in the review of our past operations, that our institution is known and embraced throughout the whole habitable globe; and that its votaries find brethren and friends, of the same family, wherever choice or destiny may convey them. Among the innumerable characteristics of the craft, it is not the least grateful, that besides the promotion of philanthropy, morality, friendship, benevolence, civilization and religion, it has always been made subservient to the advancement of literature, and the promotion of the fine arts. It is our boast too, that for ages past, the most illustrious sovereigns, statesmen, divines, and philosophers of every age and country, have been proud to enrol themselves as brethren of the most benevolent and distinguished association that man ever formed, and that, notwithstanding the wide diffusion of its mysteries to brethren of all politics, climes, and religions, they have been inviolably withheld from the rest of the world.

These considerations, with others, which the heart and imagination of every member of this worshipful grand lodge will easily supply, ought to impress us deeply with the propriety and necessity of devoting ourselves to the preservation of its character and usefulness. To accomplish this desirable object, I shall feel myself authorized to put in requisition the united experience and wisdom of the brethren of this worshipful fraternity.

ishes us to anticipate additional calls on the charitable fund, both of the grand lodge, and of the lodges under its jurisdiction, at the same time that the means of the brethren at large to contribute to that fund are proportionably diminished. It is our duty therefore to economise the resources of the institution, and to diminish its expenditures, so that these accumulated demands may be met with that promptitude, and character for benevolence, which has heretofore so justly and so pre-eminently distinguished this grand lodge.

To preserve friendship, harmony, and social intercourse in the bosom of a lodge, it is desirable, if not indispensable, that mutual respect and esteem sho uldbe cherished amongst its members; and therefore the greatest circumspection ought to be exercised in relation to the moral and charitable character and disposition of candidates for the mysteries and benefits of the craft. But above all, we should scrupulously examine and guard ourselves against the indulgence of sectarian or political feelings within these sacred walls. These have been the bane of all moral, charitable, and literary societies, that ever were formed; and it is in vain to hope, that the pillars of our fabric, though of long duration, and firmly established now, will be exempt from the downfall, which the same causes have invariably accomplished in other institutions. Here we are brethren of the same family, endeared by ties that ought never to be broken. Here the lion and the lamb truly lie down together. The objects we have in view are the same, and concerning them there can be no diversity of opinion or sentiment. Let us then cordially unite our hearts, in the accomplishment of the grand work and duty before us, with a single eye to their honourable and full perforinance; and thereby we shall preserve and perpetuate the character and blessings of this venerable and exalted as

The existing state of pecuniary distress throughout the country, admon-sociation.

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