The true Democrat., 1854-07-19
T H E TRUE EM0CRAT.

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 vicious. If all men were made Masons, the institution would come to an end, the responsi- blllty of each member to promote the cause of morality and virtue would dwindle to nothing. The loftly eminence on which we stand would sink into dust. That manly pride which fills the heart of every true Mason would be turned into disgust; and an institution which has sub- sisted for ages; which boasts of Solomon, a St. John, Washington and various others; when every incorporate and vicious knave could claim it's privileges would fall into con- tempt. But based as it is upon the immutable principles of truth and justice, it calls upon all men to shape their thoughts words and acts by these divine attributes It has constant refer ence to the improvement of those faculties that must expand forever
 Masonry opens her portals only to those whose characters are free from vice and immortality, she simply requires the candi- date to assent to the one great fundamental re- ligious truth, the existence of God, while he is taught to practice brotherly love- charity, vir- tue, friendship, fidelity, and jutice and is point ed to the wise plans and works which the Grand Architect has drawn upon the treste board of the universe, which inspires him with reverence and love, and a desire to prepare for initiation into the Grand Lodge above. High and honorable are the aims of Free Masonry, her living land marks, mark we'll the distinc- tion between virtue and vice; her march is onward, and she exerts high moral influence, supported by wisdom, strength and beauty; and the tongue of islander in vain assails her bull warks.
 Often have met the social band, often have 1 enjoyed the delights of the social circle in our sacred retreats of friendship and virtue, l look back to my days of darkness, when Ma sons took me by the hand as brother led me in paths l had not known, gave me Masonic light, and enrolled my name among the craft. Brethren letus guard we'll the sacred trust con- mltted to us; become living stones in the build ing; strive to improve ourselves in the mystery of the art, support with dignity the honor of Free and Accepted Masons, never let the hOnors of the world cause us to forget the respect due to our brother; never let our voices be heard answering the opposers of Masonry, being con- scious of the validity of our claims to the ho- nor we enjoy, let us abide the test of time and truth be quiet and calm, being admonished by the plum to walk uprightly in our several sta- tons before God and man, squaring our actions by the square of virtue, and remembering that wa are travelling upon the level of time to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no tra- veler ever returns" Brethren let us strive to improve in the mystery of our order for 1t has moved with giant form among the nations of the earth. The princes and powers of the earth have sought her mysteries. She has crossed the father of waters and ascended the mountains beyond. She has gone down the western slope of the continent, and is now look ing out upon the great monarch of waters whose proud waves roll away to the setting of the sun.
 Ladies, although you are absent on many Mosonlc occasions, in consequence of the an- clent land marks laid down by our forefathers; yet we are truly grati6ed to see so many of you present at this time, the welfare and happiness of woman are strictly guarded by our order; and our Masonic obligations make you legiti- mate objects of our protection at all times. The honorary degrees which Master Mason's wives and daug ghters are entitled to-, are truly inte- resting as we'll as beautifully instructive they first teach the beauties of fidelity which is the great lever power of friendship while itinspires you with full confidence in the craft, and places you in possession of such knowledge that you can call to your aid all the craft present should you be in distress, and teaches you to strew the flowers of virtue and benevolence with that caution which So highly adorns the female sex. Masonry in connection with her twin sister re- ligion have placed woman in the elevated posi- ton which she now occupies in society, and which she so justly merits, and so long as the true principles of these societies are properly regarded, she will continue to hold that station in society, which the Supreme Grand Master | ot the Universe intended for her. Masonry Is in the very nature of gentle woman. There fore the associations of Masonry were formed by our forefathers, inspired by Deity, to modify the vices of mans heart and to cultivate vir- tue, affection and love and make them suita- ble companions for woman, whose smiles are the lingering beams of Eden; which remind us of that fairer world, where kindred angels dwell.
 1 1t will no doubt excite surprise with some of this respected audience to hear these last re- marks from man occupying the situation in life that do. Judge English remarked in his address at Batesville on an occasion like this, that all Masters were expected to be men of families and if they were not they ought to be; and if they had any bachelors in the craft he moved that they be suspended on charge of bad taste, unless they give evidence that they had wooed and sighed at the shrine of beauty un- til the last lingering ray of hope had taken the wings of the morning and flown to the remote corner of the earth" It may be possible that this craft is on the eve of bringing a charge of bad taste against me. If so I cannot give the evidence which brother English has required, which is good evidence, but will confess that for frivolous occurrences which no other man probably but myself would have noticed, in connection with my peculiar circumstances, 1 have remained out on the cold beaky deserts of bacheorlsm until the present time
 cannot set down until I acknow ledge the repeated honor brethren you have conferred on me. As Mason and as a man, I most cordi- ally thank you for the respect you have shown me, and greet you my brethren ladies, and friends, with the heartiest salutations of the season.
 [Allpapers in the State are requested to copy.] Bold and Ingenious Frauds Upon