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

Ill hSid - pTuS, anu
call your minds to the solemnities oil
another state. "We close with the So
Tenn thought of death" How gloomy
those dreary regions of the dead, with
out the rcviving consultations of Chris
'anity! Across this dark gulph she
places her bow, radiant with heavenly
mercy not like the reflected rays Of
sunlight which fall upon the distant
cloud TO tell the tempest over for a
season tits the beamings of Alrnigh-
y Mercy falling upon a Redeemer's
cross, through his dripping blood. it
Tells that the clouds which darkened
the Valley of Death, are gone to return
no more; and that to him who relies
upon the pleading merits of that blood
new and living way is opened up to
uod In cultivating, then, the noble
principles OF morality, neglect not the
sublime lessons of Christianity the
former may qualify for the discharge
OF the duties of life, but it is the latter
alone, that can prepare us for trium-
plant death, and glorious immortal
ity.
Repent We therefore, and be con-
verted, that your sins may he blotted
out when the times Of refreshing shall
come from the presence of the Lord"
mat IN lite as in death you may rejoice
IN linn, and being justified by faith,
nave peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ.
cannot conclude these remarks
without one word TO the fairer part of
my audience. How often, my sisters,
nave you thought that regulation Sc
we're, which excludes the female from
our Lodges Believe me when l as
sure you, that it is not sphere in
which Merciful Providence designs
you to act. The order involves duties
10 which the softncss of your nature,
not designed "to bear the worlds rude
contact" would render YOU inco,npe-
tent. While this Is the case, YOUR
happiness is not uncared for; it Gull
lvates principles that secure your
peaceful reign in the affections OF the
heart, and causes it to own its allie
GRANGE with feelings of the most sacred
veneration. To your defence and pro-
lection the Mason is most solemniy
pledged. The widow and orphan he
delights to watch over, and with all n
parents fondness minister to- their
wants. 10 your influence we look for
the formation of the character Of man.
AS Mothers, we venerate your care and
toll, that supplies the infants wants,
and forms the dawning mind with viz
tues Precepts. In manhood we own
your influence, and delight to wear the
rosy chains that bind US to you. In
sickness We hail you as ministering
angels; in sorrows gloomy night our
soiace and adviser. Often to man.
hoods shame be it confessed, we see
your noble and angelic affections, like
the IVY supporting the blasted hemlock,
twlnlng ITS freshness and beauty a
round rottenness and decay drawing
closer to sustain the worthless trunk
1T binds, when the storm beats hardest.
In all these relations we regard YOU as
Heavens last best gift to man." and
while we feel called to bear the bur-
den OF life labors ourselves, we would
desire only to share its joys with you.
Thus, my brethren, l conclude the
duty assigned me, and while rejoice
at being permitted on this occasion to
congratulate you on the stability and
Importance of our time>honored in
stitution, | would most afFectionately
urge upon your attention, your duties
as Masons. "Act Justly, love mercy,
and walk humbly with your God" In
this evil world thousand incidents
daily occur to lead your minds from
your duty to Heaven, and wreck YOUR
happiness on the breakers that lie un-
seen IN llfe's eventtul ocean! What
ever distinction you may win in time.
VIII not hush the storm that RACES in the
breast, or smooth the wrinkles
on the brow of care. Seek, then.
through the merits Of Judah Con-
querlng Lion, the sweet and peaceful
emotions of ga conscience void of Of |
fence to God and man, Thus shall |
you be prepared for an admission into
the Grand Lodge above, "where up |
on his rainbow-royal throne the Su-
preme Grand Master of the Universe
presides"
Whatever force n. boasiipr hsro play,,
Virtue alone has majesty in d.a,h."