Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1842-03-12

Lodge, Tor when we are ihueoieo % III 1ecleta-
~, Indicate tina, our worthy brethren at that place
are determined TO carry into practice the cardinal
virtues Of our order:
CIRCULAR.
Ala meeting Of LANCASTER LopGE No. 81. es-
pccially convened, on the evening of the 18Th oil
January. A.. l.. 5s42, the Most WorshiyfuL Bro
,be,. WILLIAM j. REESE introduced the following
Preamble and Resolutions, which were unanimous
" adopted-,o wit:
Whereas, The history of all past time has de-
moos,rateL the depiorable consequences growing
~, of The u.e Of Intoxicating drinks, and csiab-
llshed by bi,ser experience, that II has been the
nroliic paren, of every species of crime-ihat II
has DESTROYED the happiness OF thousands OF tam
lies and laid waste the social comfort Of coEnmu-
,,,ies.-ihat il has stuitiiied the brightest intel
ec,s-in,roduced squaltdness and penury and
wan, uros,ra,ing individual health, and running
individual character.
And whereas, the opinion Of mankind is begin
Ming to be efiec.ually aroused Tor the suppression
OF the fatal influence Of the DEVIL OF iNrEMPER
AscE: and societies have sprung up IN e'ery part
~ our land, 10 resist his tyranny and weaken his
power: -,
And whereas, the Masonic INSTITUTION is OF
the essence of Temperance, and enginerates II,
~ a chief, or cardinal virtue, The badge Of the
nrofessron Of its members; and having sustained
n DAYS past more lasting injury from the decay OF
this virtue man from all btfeT causes Destufs, TIT
"signs Of the times" would seem 10 indicate that
the period has fully arrived, for the Institution to
assume its proper moral responsibilities and from
motives OF self protection AMI self preservation,
10 exercise its legitimate authority in the putting
down of error and the correction OF abuse.
And whereas, according ,o the structure Of our
social compact. each member of the order is un-
der an imperative obligation To employ his tnd,-
vidual influence aud example to further every
measure that is promotive Of the Public Good
Therefore,,
Resolred, As the deliberate opinion of Larcas-
ter Lodge, that the Masonic Institution fails TO
subserve one of the grea, ends Of lis organization,
when il fails 10 put forth the weight OF its inilu.
ence 10 elevate the standard of the public NOR
ais, and thereby increase the means of public hap
piness
Resolped. That the cause Of TEMPERANCE, Is
tho cause Of enlightened reason and sound pht-
lanthropy; and as such addresses itself with dis-
,ipctive interest, 10 the oxcrtions of every mem
Der Of tho Masonic Family.
Resolred. That for the purpose of promoting
The welfare of this Lodge of Master Masons. for
the advancement Of our individual happiness IN
al! the relations of life; and particularly tor the
influence to be exerted upon oar Masonic Breth-
rem: that it is expedient to establish III connex'on
with this Lodge, IA Society which shall have tor
lis object, the promotion OF the habits and primer
pies of Temperance.
Resoirei, That the Secretary cause TO be en-
tered upon the records of this Lodg the follow
ing Pledge, or Manifesto OF our opinion, to be
signed by the members thereof; VIZ:
We do hereby s~oIcmnly pledge ourselves rs
Master Masons, members of Lancaster Lodge,
that we will no, f.om hencoforth. use any ardent,
spirits, 10 any shape or form as a drink-that We
will not keep any such IN our private houses, or
offer it TO others, aud that we will employ our
best endeavors to promote the entire dlsuse among
our Masonic Brethren. our Friends, Nelghoors,
and Fellow Townsuen.
In testimony of this, our declaration and pledge.
re hereunto otfr our Signs manual
Resolred, That hereafter no person shall be
initiated into the mysteries of Masonry in this
Lodge, or be received into fellowship with the
same, who shall not previous thereunto, express
his willingness to subscribe The above pledge.
On motion II was ordered--That the Secreta.
~ cause the above Preamble and Resolutions TO
be printed. and tha, he forward one copy thereof
70 each Lodge in the State.
IcertIfy the above to be a correct abstract from
the Minutes Of Lancaster Lodge, held as before
stated.
P. CARPENTER, See, pro tenn.