Madison Whig advocate. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1839-1841, 1839-07-06

ahu on the other hand, that individual.
who IS known to be master of his own
secrets, and to keep his own counscls; if
ne possesses honesty and integrity, will
not fail to secure the confidence and high
estimation of the community through
the whole circle of his acquaintance.
And in this opinion, am quite confident
that shall have the concurrence and APP
probation of that much respected por-
ton of my auditory-tAe Fair Ser.
Now, Masonry requires that every mem
Der OF the Fraternity, should keep his
own secrets, and having SO received it,
he cannot otherwise impart it, without
making himself perlured wretch; and
selling for naught, ali the claims which
he holds on the confidence and good
opinion not only of the Fraternity, but
also, of the whole community.
And where is the individual to be
| found SO lost to a sense of honor, who
will thus make shipwreck of his reputa-
ton, and stand before the community in
this unenviable position? Might | not
suppose that his name in all future time
would be little less notorious than that
of Judas among the Apostles, or that Of
Arnold among the Patriots of the Revo-
luton.
A religious observance of our pledges
! is one of the brightest ornaments of
moral character.
| The next remark that shall make
upon Speculative Masonry is, that it
cherishes and improves the virtue of
benevolence.
'.Benevolence is the desire of doing
good. 1t is the love of mankind in
general, accompanied with the desire to
promote their happiness" '.The desire
of doing good unconnected with any idea
of advantage to ourselves is called dis
interested benerolence; though some have
doubted whether, strictly speaking, there
be any such thing; as benevoence is al
ways attended with 4 pleasure 10 our
selves, which forms a kind of mental
interest,"
Speculative Masonry teaches its MEM
bers the doctrine TO seek out objects
worthy to receive it's charity; and to
hold q listening ear to the cry of the
needy, and to extend an open hand to
relieve their wants. Masonry makes
} no vain boast or destinations parade of
its benevolent deeds. Its generous acts
are frequently put forth in secret, and SO
much SO, that the recipient is often ignor-
ant from what source the relief comes.
In this way the sense of debt or obliga-
ton is entirely removed; and the indi-
vidual is left TO indulge in the unobstruct-
cd flow Of heartfelt gratitude, that there
that it can only be known by being felt.
The next remark | have to make on
Speculative Masonry as, that it teaches
{ "a perfect equality AMONG brethren
) 1t receives all its members on terms oil
r effect equality. The terms, high and
!. low-rich and poor-noble and ignoble
g are not found in It's vocabulary. i
; shows no respect to persons-and i
+ knows none. Its only enquiry is, is he
d ,corthy and well qualified. And it make;
o no distinction afterwards, only that which
;, is founded on merit.
l. ANY individual seeking the honour:
# and benefits of Masonry, appearing a
the door of the Lodge, and bearing un
: doubted testimony that he Is worthy anC
= we'll qualified, will find a1mittance.
leave it for you, my Brethren, to draw
: the analogy, and make the comparison
l. between the principles Of Masonry thu
l. put forth, and the principles of the Cos
IF pei The Gospel says, seek and W
shall find, knock and it shall be opened
e unto you.'' And if the void shall com
Of plain that Masonry bestow: its benefits
,e and honors, in all their fulIess upon thu
at members Of the fraternity, and does no
ct scatter them abroad with iidiscriminat'
r. profusion. and invite the unnitiated to al
in equal participation, the same may be san
H. of the Gospel. The Gospel too confer
its honours and its benefits IN all thei
ne fuIness upon the Brotherhood. 1t NJ;
oil sonry has its secrets, and the sublin
il degrees have their mysteries-so Tx
III wise has the Gospel And while It WI
~ the business of the Apostle TO expia
in and set forth some things which hi
been KEEP, secret from the foundation
M the world, it was also his Business to
,st clare that the Gospel plan Of Salvatio
en- la so...o Of its parts was a myster
wn Now a mystery may be deelared to I
ar world-but it cannot be understood
red the world. And to those w,o undo
stand and comprehend fully the rayste
&c declared to them the declaration is