Virginia statesman. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1828-1829, 1828-07-02

anu lc4u-el O. copy tl l-t Stu-- -lL r-l1iL-
cation.
We therefore odaryou the thanks of the
fraternity, and hope YOU w,l furnish us
with d copy for publication. Accept the
above. and receive the persona. regard OF
Yours Fnternal.y,
JNO. GOSHORN, r......,..
JW. CLEMENS. {
VIM Mcconnell Esq.
IybeeGng. jim D. lS25
SIEssBs. JNo. GosHosN, s. J.H CLEN-
ENs. C5mmtee.
BHErmEN,
ILave received your note of the 18th
lnst informing me that you bad been APP
pointed a committee. by the Masonic fra
ternltv. assembled on the 9th inst for
che purpose of Obtaining. for publication,
o copy tine speech delivered en- that oc-
caslon.
j place at y0u disposal copy of chat
sDoccb TO- BEE published n whole or n
part. as YOU may think proper, and re-
.um YOU, and the Masonic fraternity my
sincere thanks for the kindness expressed
inyour note. Yours, frauuaIv
WI. MCCONNELL.
OR ATTON.-Dsisovd tr Nr William BE
Come. tre Presbyterian Church u Wheel.
Ing. Oh. .l. 2fl june l--e
The ex1avagant qualities of antiquity
and perfection. claimed by he advocates of
MASONRY. have often excited % smile of de-
rislo1 The world has been disposed TO
view tbe objects. tle principles and the exc
is.auce of an Institution covered by the
veil of secrecy from the public eye with o.
ie1.ousv amounting t0 prescription l.has
Frequently. without hesitation, condemned
DID institution, which. from its nature, e.
udes that investigation, necessary 90 form
O correct opinion of its merits. D5uul-
cahoas have been boldly pronounced up
on Masonry bF men unqualified t7 Judge
of is nature OF usefulness. But their de-
nuucal0us are MS frivolous as they are
e-omd.ess For what can discover more
c9nsummata folly. than TO Calmniate any
society. because is unknown by the
same principle. one half of the institutions
of the world would be rejected Ii IS
true. that the conduct of unworthy mem
bers. often af0rtsa prercNt TO- the ma.evo-
Gent. for thor densucauoas But these
anomalous eycraseuces OF our order, are
dscaImed br genuine Masonry, as read
ilv they are eDrobate0 by the world.
But whatever may have been the senu-
neat of the uo-io heretofore, in tins eu-
hgmene5 AGE and country, where reason
IS uncontrolled bv B.go.ry and Prejudice.
and where every institution is Judged by
by ITS principles. sr apology for Masonry
Isl surely not necessary. be appreciation
off Washington, the author of his country S
liberties. and the friend of mankind, has
nl ced 10 beyond the reach of suspicion OF
re1r3ach The most dist gu,saed men,
In aII ages have been the patrons of tms
society. and have supported % by their Do
aueace And can it Dee supposed .lt such
men would lend their influence to- am Iusu-
sutton founded o1 ridiculous or erroneous
principles, and th.s too. for Che dlslonora-
bic purpose of deserving mankind. It's
history. It's principles, SO far as they are
known. ts monuments of charity and be-
ucyo'eucc. fully Justify l6elr support DO the
oyeof a reasonable community.
but notwithstanding tle smile of deu-
sion. TINT IS sometimes cast upon our pre-
tensions. he light %. Ancient History and
orreasol prove. that Operative Mason
-v- als been almost coeral W,a tlo exist
once of m3u.
Ia he early stages of his existence,
WHOM his mind aud manners were unre-
II l1v civilization. 81 his passions uncou-
trouod by reason. the principle of sel-de-