Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-04-08

and encircled the Tomb, the procession halted
with the Grand Lodge fronting the door OF me
vault. After short, Impressive ana 'r1iy APP
propriate prayer from Grand Chaplain Brother
wallace, dirre was performed by the oand' the
,n,son;c omblems were stationed in their proper
nos;tions. and Grand Master Momier ascended
The Tomb. and delivered the following brief ad-
dress:
Mr. Brethren: We are assembled around the
tomb of that illustriOus parsonage whom II Is our
duty % Diasons and as Patriots to honor; one
who. while living, and in the zenith OF his glory,
mingled with the Fraternity. and lent his inhu
ence to support our ancient institution against
whom no person can be found who is bold enough
to brave the opinion Of our nation so tar as even
to lisp word of detraction. We need no tes-
timony in favor of the excellency OF masonry
but if we did, we should 90 no farther than this
spot: here we would stand, and whilst we pointed
to the place where the remains OF WASHINGTON >,
are deposited, we would say, in answer TO al
that caumny could invent. He who reposes BE-
meath that sod was once the brother emu associate
of Masons.
Brother s. H. Jerks, Of Boston, Massachus-
etts, having been selected as oPeciai uIahu Ha
tor for the occasion. then pronounced 'ne io,io",
ing address, (which has been politely 1urhisheu
IN.
Brethren and Friends: The reflection that we
are assembled around tie TOMB OF WAsHINeToN,
might, of itself, serve every purpose OF euogy TO
which human speech is capable OF being applied.
In silent veneration, as pilgrims brought hlther
bv the four winds of Heaven, might we bow our
heads, and cast upon the holy spot our simple TO-
ken of perpetual remembrance-the spnS o. Cas-
sin. But the occasion is fraught with peculiar
interest-and in attempting to comply win the
flatterirg injunction which has assigned to me the
duty of addressing you, it were useless and dis-
ingenious to affect indifference to the extraordl-
nary emotions so naturally inspired by this unde-
served commission. An entire age has elapsed,
since within this transformations sepulchre were
deposited the mortal remains of Him, whose fame
adorns the brightest page of history, as the fa-
Their of this Republic the foremost IN her defence,
the first in her councils the dearest in the affec-
tons of a brave and enlightened People. Tous,
in the character we now bear, Is his memory dou-
bly endeared, and the heartfelt tribute which we
offer at this sacred shrine in the fullness OF our
| flial reverence and pious ardour, will leave Its
impression upon our souls, to the latest moment
of conscious existence.
How vain are the efforts Of language how in
adequate the conceptions Of intellect, mighty and
vast as are their several resources, III attempts 10
embrace a theme so sublimely melancholy, SO aw-
fully grand, as that which is here suggested =
When we look upon this unassuming mound, iy-
ing in rural meekness upon the verge OF the muir
muring Potomac-sheltered only by the cluster
ing foliage of the forest, waving in mournful ma
iesty beneath the broad blue arch of Heaven-and
realize that within the dark confines OF this mar
row house, repose the relics of one in whom were
blended all qualities that unite in the constitu-
ton of human greatness, we may we'll bend In
humility at the thought of our frailty; and mingle
our griefs and send forth our sighs for, 10! here
HERE, we witness the termination OF mans ca
reer on earth; the sad consummation of his proud
est exertions; the final disposition, SO far as the
view is permitted in this state of being, OF all the
grandeur and the glory Of his nature!
Yet the very ground upon which we stand may
be denoninated holy. 1t is the consecrated rest
ing place of WAsHINGroS. llluStrious, immortal
name! His epitaph is unwritten-words cannot
comprehend it. His monument towers beyond
the confines of matter and of time-erected in
the bosoms of his emancpated countrymen, it
must abide with them, and with their descend
ants, forever imperishable. This sod has oft
been pressed by his footsteps-here he was wont to
linger, in the enjoyment of that quietude and Sc
curity which he had so daerly pure hased for his
favored country; and here he loved to cherish
those noble and philanthropic principles, which,
as his brethren and follower, it should ever be
our boast to profess and our study to cultivate.
The scenery around us was once familiar to his
eye-from this peaceful retreat, after the tolls OF
life spent in the cause of virtue and liberty, he
could look with fond serenity upon the land which
he contributed so efectually to rescue from for
eign thraldom, calmly contemplating the happy
results of his labors, as the sinking sun throws its
mellow and golden smile upon the subsiding
storm!
Masonry was instituted for noble and wise
purposes: it was to expand our benevolence to
the limits of society; to open, enlishten, and puri
fly the heart of man; to ameliorate the condition
Of mortality here, and to prepare it for an en-
trance hereafter into the g Celesta! Lodge above,
where the Supreme Architect of the Universe
presides." If the sublime and immutable princi-
pies Of our Order were not deeply founded in
truth and in virtue, how is it that the banner of
Freemasonry IS spread through every land, and
among every People? Thong it has been dash
ed beneath the feet fanatical tyrantsin Europe,
and has sustained the abjurations of the American
4 u -,