Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1827-11-29

4
sed TO attach to the institution Of Free
masonry those imperfeclions aud evils,
which, it they exist at all, are alone at.
tribuied to the imperiections, frailly, and
corruption of its membersi-If this best
of all institutions, among men, were to
be judged, and condemned. by the frallty
and wickedness of its members, it could
not stand, and all hopes of reforming
and retaining this our world, must for
ever cease. Yet, the rash and very un.
candid representation of this our disaf.
fected brother, calls for our compassion.
rather than for our resentment and
contempt. Let prudence, caution aud
brotheriy love, direct our steps, under
all trials and circumstances and we
shall have nothing 10 fear, for the honor
OF masonry.
also, considered IL advisable, at the
commencement of the past summer, TO
address circular TO the several Lodg.
es, under the jurisdiction of this Grand
Lodge, tbro' the agency of the District
Deputies, recommending it to them to
contribute something from their funds,
as they might deem expedlent and pro
per, IN aid of the great and benevolent
objects of the American Colonization
Society.
This measure was not without prece.
dent, and example. Masonic Societies
in other states have contributed to the
same benevolent object--And this
Grand Lodge has formerly contributed
literally in aid of similar objects
therefore, confidently trust that you,
my brethren, will not be inclined to con-
slider the recommendation OF this mea
sure, as departure from masonic prin
ciples, or violation OF official duty.
The ultimate success OF the African
Colony, at Liberia, which was common
| cec, and Hitherto has been sustained by
that Society, in many respects, may be
Justly consider of the first importance
The oppressed and degraded sons OF
Africa, torn from their native land, and
enslaved by the cupidily Of our Ances.
tors, have Just claim upon our com
misseration and benevolenee.--And how
can we so eHectuaily discharge the
great, and accommodating debt, we owe
this injured race, as By sending them
back, and making them comfortable,
enlightened and tree, in the land Of their
Fathers? And how can we so etfectu.
ally relieve our beloved country from
that great national eurse--starery, a
foul stain upon our national escucheon,
which, unless timely removed. will, a,
no very distant period, drench our land
in blood, and involve US in all the hor
rors Of civil war, and PROSTATE our free
institutions, as by promptly, and eff
cienty aiding the laudable efforts of the
A. G. Society," And how can we dis
charge the great debt we owe to injured
Africa. so well, as by sending back her
sons with knowledge of the Arts
thereby shedding the light of Science,
OF civilization, of Freemasonry, and of
the blessed Gospel of Peace and Divine
truth thro' that dark and benighted re.
glon OF the earth9 Where is there an
enlightened, and liberal minded Mason,
who would not rejoice and estee m il his
! highest privilege, TO lend bis aid in
spreading civilization, the lights of Free
masonry and the blessings Of our holy
religion-from whence would flow free
dom and happiness, through that extern
sive region Of the Globe, where mental
darkness. extreme wretchedness, aud
gross idolatry, with all their accompa-
nying evils, now reign with imperial
| sway.
should this Grand Lodge see ct to
sanction donation of this Character
let its application be limited should
they so direc.--to the procuring of i'm
plements, clothing, furniture, and Jew
els together with the Book of Constitu.
tons and other suitable treaties on
Freemasoury, and the Holy Writings
TO send out for the sole benefit of a
Grand Lodge of Free and acce pied Ma
sons which shall be hereafter esta blished
at Liberia, that thereby the right and
benefits of Freemasonry may be exten.
ded through that neglected quarter of
the globe, where at present, darkness
| reig s.
This, my brethren, is an age Of won
ders--gTeat improvements are going
forward, calculated to elevate man TO
that distinguished rank, in the scale OF
created intelligence for which be was
originally designed. Much is now do.
ing. and much more remains to be per-
formed. through the agency OF human
exertions.