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

without hypocrisy and without partial.
ity, then will true masonry flourish, and
SHINE forth with the brightness OF the
sun, and will cheer and witty with its
influences, the intellectual and moral
world.
By our duty to those without, we are
taught to be not weary in we'll doing, so
tar as in our power lies. We are to
promote the general welfare and happi
ness of man. Our charities and kind
offices, are not to be confined exclu
siveiy to our brethren, though they have
the first claim, but are to extend TO the
rehti of the distressed, oppressed and
afflicted of all nations.
Atthis enlightened period of the world,
when so much Is dong TO enlighten,
happily, and ameliorate the condition of
the human race-can any true mason
be found, IN this land of plenty, of lib
eral principles, and of free government,
who will pretend TO say, that the CHAIR
ties of masons must be confined solely
to the relief of poor and needy brethren,
their widows and orphans when after
supplying their wants. we have still a
bundant funds to spare, Ii is hardly
possible tha, any one can be found VINO
entertains so contracted and Liberal
views Of the principles of the ancient
and venerable institution OF Freemaso
ry.
At an age when so much is doing to
extend civilization. and a knowledge OF
the arts, the lights Of science, and
boye all knowledge of the Gospel oil
Peace and Divine truth through the
world, shall freemssoas, who pretend
so much ilberality and benevoleace. re-
main idle2 With folded arms. looking
on with cold indifference, without ex
tending helping hand' Not so those
who ought 30 be first and foremost in this
great work Of reforming and happifyiog
the norld, will not remain inactive.
But in imitation OF that ancient and
venerable mason whose memory and
exalted virtues, for many succeeding
ages have been, and still are held in the
highest vene Grafton, and are annually re-
cognised in the celebrations OF tue or
der, all true masons, feeling their high
responsibility will unitedly 20 forward
in the great work, extending the lights
and principles Of masonry, as fore
runner, to prepare the way, by liberal
izing the minds of men, by removing
their psejudices, correcting their evil
propensities, and by doing away all i'll
will, malice, hatred, revenge and con
tentions among men, so as 10 prepare
their minds fns the reception ofthe bless
! ings of divine truth.
Then will the institution Of masonry
shine with peculiar Iustre and be viewed
in its true tight, aud be no longer con
temned aud frowned upon by the world,
as misc hievous combination of men,
plotting treschery and treason.
| Never, perhaps, were greater efforts
made at any period, than are now ma
king in some parts OF this country, 10
bring the institution of masonry into dis
repute and TO destroy its usefulness;
therefore, masons ought to be doubly
vigilant in the exercise OF every mason
&c virtue.
The falsehood and SANDER poured
forth upon the institution of masonry,
are to be regarded by the brethren with
indifference, and their authors are rath.
er to be piued than disposed, and the
lie given them, BY the upright conduct
and virtuous exertlons of all true ma
sons.
II is to be much regretted, to say the
least, that the perfidy of some, and the
impudent conduct OF others. have lately
in neighboring state, given occasion
for much excitement, and caused many
of the brethren to feel severely the rod
OF persecution.
A more daring attempt to impose up
on the cred1lity of mankind, perhaps
was never before made than the one
lately set on foot. by certain pretended
masons, who attempted to palm upon
the world a spurious production, DIS a
genuine work, aud with respect to de
ceiving and quilting the more credulous
and lnconslderate part OF the communi-
ty, they have but too well succeeded in
their Defsrious attempts.
But you, my brethren, and all true
masons will not be deceived; you know
in what estimation this spurious pro
duction. and its authors ought to be
held. and the credulous and inconsider
ate will be taught wholesome lesson,
that they have paid dear for their credu-
lily, aud will soon learn, that no one
can gain a Just knowledge of masonry,