Alexandria gazette, commercial and political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1812-1817, 1813-01-02

brethren 90 flSht aPPrSNcnsiSu " ens
sublimity and grandeur Of the Institu
ton, to stimulate you to a corresponding
course of personal demeanor in the con,
duct of your Masonic concerns, to ba-
nish all low and groyelling ideas Of the
meancr Purposes to which ignorance and
folly have sometimes debased it, and to
recommend its important bene6isto the
wise and the good. 1t
The cultivation of intellect, and the
cultivation of the affections ofthe heart,
are among the great objects Of Masonic
attachment. This is in direct conso-
nance with the original design of this
association, which certainly had for its
object from the beginning, the extension
OF human knowledge through the medi-
UNI of an unien connected by the bonds.
of personal affection, and perpetuated
by csrsmonials of the most interesting
kind.
1t is vain for me or you to conceal the
occasional departure of many branches
of the Masonic family from the high
ground of their venerable Ancestry
The prodisality with which, their inhe-
stance has bsen often squandered a
mosg undeserving and dangerous asso-
ciates, bias sometimes been made charge
upou our convivial meetings. This
should be counteracted and prevented
by those who remain faithful to the ho-
norable principles of this ancient and
endearing establishment
Were we to carry our recollections
back 10 local review OF Masonry IN
former times, within our own precincts,
we should find that it has had its vlcls-
STUDIES, Seldom without powerful and
respectable coadjutors, its influence has
sometimes been depressed by the weight
of popular opinisn, and its usefulness
impaired by individual misconduct, its
value has been deprecated by the narrow
conceptions entertained as well of the
solid advantages as of the occidental
pleasures it bestows-aDd sometimes an
occasional dispensation of pecuniary
bounty and reveling in the pleasures OF
the tableohave seemed to form the whole
employment of our lodges. The feun-
dation Of a more correct estimate OF our
Order was laid by our venerable prede-
cessors succeeding to their hoaors-we
have aimed by much exc"tion, though
with less ability, to effectuate their we'll
intended views. Let us then, my re-
spected Brethren, by a harmonious co.
operation, endeavor to regain the high
ground on which Masonry has, and of
right ought to stand, among its votarles
eli The present day. Let us observe
studied regard to. the maintenance OF
harmony amoag the eraft-Order and
decorum should be Increasingly mani
tested by all. Let so much solemnity,
beauty and skill in the administration Of
our MYSTERIES, be observed by those to
whom they arc con6dcd, that none shall
have their affections cooled or their zeal
abated, hy even occasional exhibitions of
different nature. These are the desi-
rable wishes Of the Grand Lodge, and
to accomplish which you have not only
to remove whatever is now amiss among
YOU, but to guard with soicltude against
external Danger. And above all, my re-
spected Brethren, permit me here to
remind YOU of the lamentable truth that
our institution is too often sought alter
by individuals whose character onght to
exrlude them from all decent assocla-
lions of their fellow men. 1t IS sor-
fowful truth that crowds of apostates
from integrity and virtue arc constantly
endeas oring to provide shield for their
wjckedness in the honorable name OF
Mason. An indolent neglect or Shame
Gul carelessrcss, has been the means OF
introducing some auch within the vail
of our haliowed sanctuary-And might
he well warranted, in behalf of the Grand
Lodge in saying, that almost all the IN
Jury Masonry has ever received has
been received from such hands. -
Let them my Brethren knock in vain at
the door of your Lodge; to their en-
trance let it be an everlasting barrier,
but to the solicitations Of the worthy,
whatever be their grade in society, lend
a willing ear, and be as ready 70 grant
as in future we hope they will be to So
licit an interest in your labours Let
unexceplionable character and personal
ability to perform its duty, always y re, RE.
ceiye its just recommendations IN the
distribution of the Offices of your Lodge,
whether mounting up the elevated
heights of learning and science or nov '
jne through the rambler, but not less
honorable paths Of common industry
,vho have never deviated into the crook
ca ways of abused appetite, and forfeited
nteeri,y; and you address by these
means more powerful persuasives to an
union with your Society, than the most
,Ioouancc could furnish. Ii Is