Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1838-01-25
NO. So.

down from generation 10 generation, u
has seemed indeed 20 approximate very
near 10 Immortality, having stood the
ties, Of ages, and oullived al human IN
s,itutions Of oo,emporary date and yet
the spotles' apron Of Free Masonry has
been worn 10y the vilest of0len. Then.
shall We be Judged by n few reckless
and immoral members who once bad
the privilege OF fellowship with us No,
The fate OF human affairs forbid ~,
The hottest things have been handled
by unclenn hands. and foulest lips have
polluted the treasures Of the sacred cha
lice.
( Curiosity, my friends. enters largely
into tho feelings OF US all when any
thing new is presented 90 US, and mote
especially when this novelty i cloaked
with secrecy. Many are no doubt rea-
DIV 10 inquire. Why this public eXhibI-
tion-why this dazzling show and pa
rade' Is there any meaning in those
different forms observed and emblems
worn Or IL II mere copying Of other
. societies, without bring able 10 assign
good aud sufficient reasons for tho
same | say, no doubt this question
has been started Americans are area
soning and scru'lniEing people. The
trainers OF our Government Judged well,
as experience has we'll proven " hen
they made choice OF and adopted pure
/ ~ republican principles for It's direc-
ton and control, prefcrring plainnesS
and simplicity TO all the nominal dis
/ tinciions pomp ana show OF the coun-
= try from which they had originated
We can, however, my friends. a4duce
the best at arguments IN favor ct all
that has to-day excited your curiosity
II Is true tina; these Arguments are not
made known 10 the world, IT is not ne
oessary that they should be-hut allow
me 10 assure YOU IN candour and SIN
cerity. that what may seem 20 you I'M
meaning show Is far different 10 us
not a ceremony that you have beheld,
/ form used, or emblem worn on this oc-
I ca,icn. but what to the mind Of every
ENDURING member Of our institution
B conveys the most useful and important
lessons. and that too IN language s'ron-
ger than words words fall on the eur
and are soon forgotten, no matter with
what 'olemni,y they may have been
said, or how impressive the circumstan-
ces with which they may have been
connected But otherwise with tho
usages aud emblems Of this order they
are constantly before w., and eontin-
ually remind US by the most impsssion-
ed, and thrilling, though speeches Ell
oquence. OF duties incumbent upon us
to our God, our country, aud our fell
low-men.
Other societies may haYe made use
Of ceremonies somewhat similar to our
OWE; and they no doubt have excel
lent reasons for adopting them. We
DO not pretend 10 understand the ma
ture Of these reasons, hut we are well
satisfied with the causes which have
prompted ~ 10 similar forms. II fell
low citizens are. then, pleased 20 think
this copying, am sure can answer
for my brethTRn % ths Order. in saw
ing that, as Wc love the enjoyment Of
our own opinions on this and other mat
tiers, we should 20 exceedingly iiiibe
raj, had we the slightest objection II
YOU enjoying yours. We only ask such
confidence ~ the truth Of what va
have said 10 you, a. our character a.
citizens and neighbours Justly demand.
I And you, my fair country women. will
you urge these and the additional ob-
lection 10 our society, that your sex ~
prohibited from joining IN as councils,
and adding your excellent and useful
aid 20 our efforts ~ relieving and ame-
lioratIng suffering humanity: oh, sure
b ~ not Woman kind heart needs no
incentive but its own dictates ana I'm
pulses 90 urge her 90 deeds II noble
ness and benevolCnce. Woman min
giles mostly in those circles peculiarly
congcnIal 90 those tender feelings which
add dignity o. we'll a. holy philsnihro.
{ ply 10 her character Bot no. 20 with
man bis intercourse Is so general and
diversified that almost every generous
feeling Of his breast " soon blunted. Ia
needs many and often incentives u
prompt bin to some uccc 1sary a. we'll
o. interesting duties. This alone,
think my lair and attentive friends,
should be- sulIicieni ~ disafm YOU II
every objection that 500 may have con-
ceiyrd sgatnyt soeiches Of our descnp-
iiun aud be assured that 10 good NJ
lvor. no .'iici member Of DOR society.
vii % can fa.l 60 perform every social
and friendly relation viih that Kind a..
iention hich should ever characteriss
fhe Hn.and or Percent.
Tine leilIW-ciii1ens that great sea
iu which 81 tbe actions a. men are
eventually reHecte5--will disclose The
irutl % ihe fai.rhD1d 81 what we have
'hi dlY declared % you This rsih,
chs solemn and selfesifant truth. has
governed ne "a 90 thst have spoken
On ihis occasion add we. ore uiihnR %
abide doe strict cruuBy Il hll-scarch
ing time Brethren. let Ne then 70 on
in the practice 81 those virtues which
oar noblc ins.Tabou teaches 81. and
future year, shaIl give us fame fame
7 500 by he holy an1 phlaB hfop.c pm.
Iripcs "a independent hlaclygnhop.--
I 60 or cod that supreme end eternal