American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1824-10-12

The following Address delivered to Gen LA FAY
ErTE on Wednesday last, in this Borough, by J. g
BRrNcKLE, Grand Master
g Sin BnoTHEn,
The pleasing duty has devolved on me of present.
ing to you the congratulations OF the Grand Lodge of De-
laware your arrival within their masonic jurisdiction.
In common with others, citizens animated by
the most, lively sentiments Of affection and gratitude
wards you. We cannot forget that surrounded by the
dearments Of your family and the Establishments of society,"
with fortune which enabled enjoy at home all the
pleasures 10 which youth could give zesl-that born in
foreign lsndseparated from us by 5000 miles of
and bound 10 us by no ties those which mpel the good
to nepose between the oppresor and the oppressed,
you came to our aid through dangers and dcues-tlat
you entered our little army without 1ankat YOU risked
your lethat you shed your blood in battles-and in
shor that you Unidentified your feelings with those Of
American and patriot. And we know that the high cha
racter which you then earned has never been ofeed
After long absence you have again visited our Shores
and you sauted by the Joyous greetings of ten millions
of people rendered more free and happy by the
suit of the Uest which you bore conspicuous a
part, than any other people beneath the canopy of ea-
ven These greetings are the spontaneous workings Of
delighted hearts. There breathcs not American who
does not honor the name of La Fayette.
When we look abroad into the world and view The ST.
tuaton of our brethren in other countries the conviction
rressbly forced upon that as masons we owe YOU
further debt Of gratitude.
An attempt made in the North Of Europe TO render our
society dsrepuabe by making connection with il dis
qualification 10 hold any public olice-in the South
brethren prohibited from assembling under The penal
ty OF suffering the punishment Of traors-amost every
where ON the continent we proscribed-and even i'm
Ireland our lodges are, in effect closed by The GO
yernment
One would think that the hosts of worthy men who have
in I'LL ages belonged to society, would sufficiently
test the purity Of its principles and demonstrate that what
ever they might be, the institutions Of feemasonry in
culcae nothing which demolaize its disciples or dis
rb the peace and harm ny Of society But the ruers of
gcYeln mens moi based the affection of their Subjects
start at passing shadows.
In the United States fortunate Your arm
has helped to build up government which has nothing
fear from the people whom it extends, and therefore
need not prohibit watever the pryng eyes of blind spies
and intormels cannot gaze upon.
Here in extending the pale of our society and practising
the sacred enets and niunctons Of order have
thing TO contend with but the prcjudices Of the ignorant.
To such could formerly declare, the great and good
Washington is mason-we point to La Fayctte
and proudly say, the without shame and above
proac is broter and the progress has aade
in mysteries affords ample proof that lie feels respect
for institutions and is not indifferent prosperity.
We fervently pray that the Supreme ':htect may
have you both here and hereafter in his holy and
keeping"
General La Fayeue in the address, expressed
the pleasure It gave him his masonic brethren Of
Delaware, and the afectonate attachment he felt the
fraternity lie said freemasonry distinguished for the
enlightened llberaty Of lis principles i ncuIcaed
limited federation of religious opinions aud alhough
society did Interfere with politics. they cunsi-
dered every member brother and standing upon the
same natural level Freemasonry these respects iaynrs
liberty and equality, the foes of yrants; be not hererz
surprised that they should prescribe and prosecute YOU