Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1852-09-23
ADDR ESS.

LADIES, uENTLEMEN AND DRETHREN.
In all public addresses, i; is expected that
the speaker will confine himself to the SUBJ
jec, that called together the assemblage
he addresses. -
shall therefore conine myself in my
remarks a, this hour, to the subject Of
"Ancien, Free Masonry" An ancient
moral anc benevolent. association of
men; it claims no higher Paternity than
human origin; it is not therefore Religi.
Gus institution. Neither is it political in
its character, for with the sects in Relig
ion, and parties in politics, il claims no
affinity; but unites men of all countries,
and of every cline, of every sect, and
every party. Nor is it dependent on
either, for its existence and support; but
standing on its own foundation. the prin-
ciples of Eternal truth, as contained in
its acknowledged great lights: is votaries
have their rule to guide their faith and
practice, as well as the means to circum-
scribe their desires, and square their ac-
tons: X ..-..-..s. :
am fully aware that some persons,
who wish TO have the reputation of being
of the "knowing ones;" deny the Ancient
origin of Masonry: this however with the
informed, amounts TO proof positive OF
their want of iIformation; and can only
expose the objector TO the contempt OF
those who have investigated the subject,
however well it may please the funny
and flatter the fOllies OF the ignorant
How long Masonry existed, previously
to the building of the Temple by Solo
mon at Jerusalem; or what its precise Or
ganization during the numbered years OF
time, before that period, | shall not now
enquire: but that il had existed in some
form for centuries before, is an admitted
fact by those capable of judging correct
ly.
And that Masonry assumed something
like its present form, at and during the
time of the building of the Temple, is
proved beyond the possibility of doubt,
from the fact Of its general diffusion a.
mong the Nations of the Earth; its ident-
ity in every cline where it exists, and
each people and every nation, tracing its
origin among them back to the Land OF
Palestine or Tyre: and some of them, (as
the Abysinians and others) to the days
of King Solomon. Also from the simI-
lariiy in several respects between Ma
sorry and the Jewish Priesthood. OF
the Priesthood there were three orders,
to each of which belonged appropriate
initiatory ceremonies. Ancient Graft
Masonry consists of, or is divided into
three degrees. And as the Jewish Priests
were all under The control of the High
Priest; so all Masons are governed by
the Grand Master. But we need moi
pursue The parallel farther, as the well in
formed Mason will readily perceive the
points OF similarity.
It's morality has been denied, and the
immoral conduct of the few scattering
immoral Masons; is referred TO as being
sufficient in the opinion of the objeciers
to condemn the entire association. They
seem however to forget that the same
process of reasoning. would undermine
and destroy every institution. association
and profession. Because there is quacks
in medicine, should we condemn the med
ical proiessionf Because some Law
yers are knaves, should we sweepingly
denounce the entire bart Because there
is counterfeit money, shall we discard all
money! Or shall we condemn the var
ious church organizations, because there
are q few hyrocrits scattered among them!
No, no man in his senses, would think
of such thing; yet the reason is just as
good, and the objection as valid in one
case as in the other. Such reasoning is
wrong, the exceptions to the general rule,
can not destroy the rule, and should not
be taken for the rule. The constitutions
of Masonry declare, thal"whoever from
aloye acknowledge, interest or curiosity.
. H- !