Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-11-16

pair has woman entered, the UNCONSCIOUS minister
Of Masonic charty-many neglected outcast
has she restored TO happiness and home--inany an
unfriended orphan has she raised an ornament 10
! society and a blessing to its friends, all uncon-
scious that the unknown hand which supplied tho
means of such active benevolence, was the agent
Of our glorious institution. And we are not un-
mindful of her claims upon us-for when was the
Mason's widow forsaken in her Affections, or who
has seen his seed begging breads Many an I'M
worthy brother has brought the flush OF shame to
our cheeks-we have been called to mourn over
many a direlicon from the paths of recttude and
honor-but never. oh /! never have we felt the de-
graduation caused by an injury or insult offered to
IA weak and unprotected female. by any, even the
most unworthy Mason. But it is in the quiet
sanctuary of home where al! the kindly feelings
of the heart constantly eXercisedfthat wo-
mans influence is most deeply felt, most CRATE
fully acknowledged. ''Fis there that in the va
rious relations of wife, sister and mother, she
lays tue foundations of usefulness to the world
but not to the fiee,ing things of time are the ct
iects Of her good works confined, they will con-
tinue to be felt
g" When cloud-oapt towers, and gorgeous palaces
And solemn temples The great G. lobe itself
And all that it inherit slssfi Dissolve
Worshipful Master, Brethren and Companions
However inellicen.ly have discharged the duty
winch your kindness and confidence assigned me,
that duty is performed. And now, allow me to
add an earnest word Of cxhora,ion, particularly
TO you. The eyes of this whole community arc
upon you: II is natural, it is right that it should
be so. Ours is mean profession, and mon
would fain see low our conduct squares with thar
profession. To each craftsman let me eay:-
upon your conduct, far as il is known, depends
In great measure the prosperity of our order.
DO you regard our forms and ceremonies only as
the means of introducing you to pleasant society
or OF enabling you 10 amuse an idle hour! Do
you look upon her solemn admonitons to purity
OF life and conduct, holiday phrases, to be re-
peated on stated occasions, and forgotten during
your intercourse with the world! If so, let me
tell you that you have sadly mistaken your
cation.
'By that hicroglphic bright
Which none but craftsmen ever saw''
letme entreat you to amend your life, or presums
not further
6 To lay your hands upon the Ark
OF her magnificent awful Cause
DO you look upon that blessed volume as part of
an idle pageant! Do you listen its precepts
as matter of form, whilst you are ready to
speak sghtingly of its contents Or to profane the
name OF its Divine Author!
within that awful volume lies
IS The my stcry of mysteries;
" And better had they necr been born
" Who read TO doubt read TO scorn.''
Does any man seek admission to your household:
Is he regardless of any of those duties which
strict morality requires of all Be his wealth.
his honors, his influence what they may, avoid
him as the pestilence Spurn him as you would
spurn the serpent from your path. Is he honest,
faithful TO his trust uneXceptonable in all the
relations of lille, however poor and humble his
lot may be, receive him in your midst, antlrche-
rish him as the apple of your eye.
And low, brerhren bid you God speed. Be
strong in good works, feed the hungry, colhe the
naked, comfort the atiiicted-keep .unsuifsd The
JPhite MOne-dispense the hidden Mamma. Thus
may you be useful in this world, till after having
served your apprenticeship here, and passed
through the valley and shadow of death, you are
raised by the merits of The Lion of he tribe Of
Jud0h, to that Grand Lodge above, where in the
presence of the Grand Master of the Universe,
- Tire Grand I'ass shall co,ne up right.''