Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-12-07

were more extended to embrace Nirtuous MEM
bers of the community iii general, without re-
gard to'lheir arocation.
During the heptarchy in England masonry
was generally neglected, and no wonder; for the
pure religion Of christianity never suffered
more perseculionin Britain, at any one period,
than from that Pagan heplarchy, al which time
masonry was little noticed; for when the prin>
cipal business of the day was to destroy the
temples OF religion, and to immediate the disci.
piles Of Christ, the arts and sciences could Ind
but little protection. But St. Swi,hers the Ia
nous bishop Of Winchester again cherished
and protected the masons; and, some time al
ter, they found powerful and jealous bene!ac-
tor in Alfred the GreaI. Soon after this there
was general REVIVAL of the Order, under Athel-
stan. Some rules of general observation were
introduced, and some reformation and i'm
provement Of the go>erDmen,--so that the Pc
Rod ofihis monarch. the beginning OF the 10th
centusyl has been called, The re>establishment OF
Masonry ia England; and there is, at present,
the lodge Of ancient York niasons, who, with
high confidence, can trace their origin TO this
period, distance OF 900 years. And, as II has
been the glory and boast Of brethren, IN almost
every country where masonry has been intro
duccc, to be the descendants Of the ancient York
masons, have the pleasure 10 inform you that
il is 10 this honorable body, that the grand
lodge Of this city owes its existence.
The short history is this: Nearly one hundred
years ago, 1857, provincial grand master was
regularly appointed by that body, as The repre-.
sentative of the grand lodge of England, and
from him the different lodges that were formed
at that early period in this state derived their
authority. Blu, in 1871 these lodges met in
convocaion, and by pe,itioning TO the parent
body, warran, was soon after obtained, for
opening and holding grand lodge in this city:
in the language Of the charter authorizing and
empowering the fee and accepted ancient York
masovs, inhabitants of The PROVING OF New
York in North America, to conyregae, form,
aud hold provincial grand lodge in the city OF
New York, and province Of New York." sc
and Of which the subsequent history oil mason
~ among ourselves, the pages ct your reports,
brethren, and your journals, will give you more
distinct Information.
l, is true other associations have beet form
ed at dlffcIent periods and in different countries,
that have taken for a covering the name OF una
sonry. Such as those political associations OF
Europe, so Justly exposed and severely censur
ed by Baruel aud Robinson in The "Proof Of
conspiracy" and the "H,story of the Illrmina
III aud other (mote limiIed) associations might
name, tha, have beef lIt,le else than schools OF
RIGHTEOUSNESS.
But the principles oil ancient masonry. are of
the most vir,uous and honorable CHI. racter; and
I take this Opportunity 10 declare, that had |,
from any knowledge or experience tina, have
been able TO obtain Of this society, discovered
principles Of a contrary nature, no obligation
whatever should control me against The supe-
rior claims Of 6cneColeace, and honorable integrity
10 mankind, and piety 10 God And il is because
sine erely believe, that these are the professed
land marks Of the order, that yenera,e and re-
Dect The society.
1t is readily conceded, as painful and me-
lancholy truth, that masonry has been abused,
yes shamefully abused, BY unworthy members
But has not even the purity of christianity IL
self been scandalized by the wicked lives of
false professors? Or what system is there 10
be found perfect, so holy, that is not sus-
ceptible Of corruption and abuse from the de-
pravity Of our natures 1t is ,rue tha, masons
have suffered, and have been prosecuted in al.
most every country in Europe, by those who
were unacQuainted with their order. Aud even
in this highly favor land Of ligh, AMI liberty,
the fraternity have not escaped the most tho't-
less and unqualified ccnsures, from those that
know nothing oftheir principles; and scandal
GUS books have been published FOR the vile pur-
pose OF dishonorable gain; and base falsehoods
have been circulated, with al! The confidence ct
truth; and what is more painful, even some re-
spectacle christian sects have permitted fana-
,icism and super sti,ion 10 gain a temporary as
cenden,y in their councils; and prescriptions
and anathema. have been pronounced by them
OH they know not what, How unminGiul this
Of that precept Of th,ir divine Master, in his
sermon Of The mount: "Wbatsos,er We would
that men should do unto you, do you even so
unto them; forthis is the law and the prophets
"But being reviled, we will bless: being perse-
cutrd, we will il; being DETAINED, We will
enlreat."
This society has been honoured with many
OF the mos, illus.rious names Of history, and
many of the wise and the good of all ages and
nations Of the civilized world, and kings, and
princes, and patriots, and philosophers, and ma
ny Of the brightest ornaments Of the church,
have been the benefactors and the members of
this institution
"I am persuaded" says the great and good