Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1837-07-06
(Continsed from LIST pase.)

1t presents its gifts in secret. and relieves without
shocking the refined feelings of decacy. 1t does
not soop to make enquiries into particulars charity
the nobest attribute of nature was to be measured by
scale of inches lit only asks, Is the object worthy
and presents ITS g not untrequeny without the recipi
ent suspecung the hand that administers relief. Even
~hen Is forced to make application for assistance
ne can 90 SO with confidence for he knows that his tale
OF woe VIII not from the sanctuary in which his poan
OF distress was first heard and that he applies TO source
TOT He where the voice OF distress has never been heard
IN vain Indeed know of but limit to Masonic be-
nevolence and charity and that is want Of means TO
pond to the application.
Is there any thing here which the most fasdious
could obect Is single doctrine taught at our affairs
mat Is not IN the most perfect accordance with the doctrines
OF the Bible 1t is particular creed taurbtno
sectaan peculiarly adopted all are left free to Worship
God according to the dictates of their conscience the
great requirement. of the order being faith in God! and
the reception of the Bible His word the rule and ;de
OF our faith and practice Good Masons value too hob
Inc sacred treasure they assisted in preserving treat
lightly its important teachings.
1t IS In this view of the subject that stand ,monost
you to-day an advocate for the institution OF Feemason-
~ Long before admit, to its Temple, l entertained
like opinions, and shall be happy i'm the recollection of
this day, succeed in contributing to the reign of the
only true and Legitimate principles ofthe society re.
gara the position occupy of responsibility
ana fearful reckoning, and should feel recreant to the pn
cples glory to maintain if failed assure YOU that an
observance OF the duties pointed out furnish YOUR only
70 the character OF free and accepted Mason For
man admission to the Lodge makes him
IhIisuan Abstain then from freshly lusts which war
against the soui;' have 'syour conversation honest
the Henue' that being established in the principles of
your PROFESSION, our ancient and honorable institution
IKE another Pharos, may lift its head above the stormy
waters OF lite, pointing the troubled mariner to haven
where the waves mount not, and the is at rest
AN important enquiry may here arise: What is the aim
OF the institution! and what can it promise to effect IN
render secret association The effect of the doc
tines taught IN their influence the human mind would
furnish solution to the enquiry Its aim is to cultivate
on which of ceeds and chimes diverse NAV meet and
hold communion IS brothers. And there be scene
on earth more nearly allied the pure associations of bc,
Ven than that waaeh exhibits the feelings Of party spirit
sed, local asctions and national pecuiaes laid aside
ana men OF every creed Joining in heart and voice in the
sublime petton, Our Father ,clo artin HEAVEN" An
gels who hold communion around the throne look down
VIII pleasure upon like this, and with Sterne
LAD well nigh said let fall obltersc the minor
cnarges from the book OF remembrance. gain seeks
by the cultivation Of $s principle to excite iauabe
disposition to relieve Distress and constant reference in
these acts to the great Father of our spirits
1t IS SO constituted that large portion of the worlds
population are, BY it, brought under moral training that
are uaIntuenced by other and stronger duties
The objecter may here say "Wi not the Church bet
ter prepare men for the performance of these duties and
IT IN times of treachery and immortality the Order MIGHT
have been necessary be SO now and see no
cessl tor secret institution this day to enforce moral
DUTY: Ihls mode OF reasoning is specious and MANY
are disposed TO yield the conclusion without having ex-
ahmed the premises In the first place it taxes for GRANT
eo that men delivered from the influence of
heart and are moro disposed yield to the influence of
moral restraint at this day than formerly This is oby
ouSy false for it is eontrae;ed BY the Bible The car
Dove all things, and desperately wicked" Again as in
iormer days, there many who 'wil not come unto
Christ that they might have e' over these Masonry
%' exert moral influence, and under God lead many to
the fountain opened in the house of .sDavidn In add
non TO this, Masonry is not ga secret institution" Its
members are known-its times of meeting published
nails grace many of our cities and viages-s laws are
Slyen to the woEld-its charges may be read by all No
tnng Is concealed from the world but its universal Ian
gaage' and the traditions carefully treasures The
"ho'e objection must therefore fall to the ground
Surely It'll absurd to say that because you cannot make
men christians you will therefore cast them off ncapa-
9iIe OF any yruous act and unworthy of any moral in
sucon This ground taken and what good reason the
chrslan man give for his connection with that useful be-
neVoent association the Temperance Society," He cannot
Say mat oy making men temperate, he makes them Chris
usns II is only preparation for that great work So
"i'e masonry 1t does not make Christians- only
prepares the way for tbs Gospel by sound moral dscip
lne Another objector remarks, that the association in
Masonic Lodge sometimes dangerous and that yonng
M nave ncen frequently led contract dsspated habits
~ pIooiuihg members of the society," Have not youno
ne oeen Drought into the Church. and introduced into
oocle ABOVE their former walks and under the influence
o. me attentions shown them have they not ito ms ~