The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1860-1863, 1861-10-24

crTY Or LANCASTER:

closed their annual session in Columbus
s The N. w. Grand Master, Bro. Geo
Rex, thus pr-faced his annual COmmuni-
ton to the Grand Lodge;
Since last we met in Annual Grand
Communication. events have trauspired,
of such character as to cast gloom oy-
er our beloved country, and to excite in
the heart ef every patriot. sentiments el
the, deepest anxiety sud sorrow. One
year ago, all was peace and harmouviani
he who addressed you from this chair,
congratulated you upon the favorable cir
cumstaBces under which you we're then
assembled But. alasl how changed war
has raised its horrid front, and on all sides
is heard the din Of preparation for the
conflict. A portion Of our misguded
couutrymen--son OF the same great Fatb
erlani--sharers Of the same priceless
heritage of freedom won for us by the
struggles. the sulIerings and the blood o.
our common Fathers, without any real or
Just cause, are ruthlessly endeayoring TO
destroy this, the fairest fabric Of human
government ever reared by the hand OF
man.
+. In this plorable crisis in our affairs,
il becomes US, IS Masous, to determine
what is our duty to our country, our
Bre's:en and ourselves. In addition to
fealty. the loyalty and the attachment
which every citizen owes TO his country.
il is enjoined upon every Mason, as bis
first and highest duty, to he true to his
country and just to his Government.
We may not. as Masons. enter into any
political controversy as to the cause of
the presen; lamen,abe condition ofaffairs;
but we may. nay, it is our duty, not ouly
as Masons. but as citizens. 10 remember,
that our country and its Constitution are
in imminent danger, aud that we are
bound by every tie Of honor, love and
duty TO defend them, and to maintain in
violate their safety and the honors Of our
Flag, ~ 4 @ . = tfa
Our duty to our brethren, which is
second onIysto our duty and devotion TO
God and our country,is the duty OIL love
which bids us in the hour of triumph re,
member mercy, and amid the strife, the
tumult of and thu roar Of battle. o be
ever.ready to extend the helping and pro.
tecting hand 10 fallen foe.
Brother VIM. B. Hubbard: NJ W. P.
Grand Master, Chairman Of select Com
miltce to which the above was referred,
made report as follows;
We have carefully rea !. and attentvrly
considered the language of our M. W
Grand Master, and most heartily approve
the patriotic and Masonic views Expressed
by bin. He briefly, but forcihly brings
to our view the fact, that portion OF the
citizens Of the United States have arrayed
themselves 10 rebellion against the Gov.
arnnont.and its constituted sulhorilies
We are Las citizens apd Masons, cogni.
zant Of the fact; aud history has already
recorded that this rebrlien. this vide
spread treas on is the result Of a conspi'
arcy, planned and organized for the over.
throw aud destruction Of our common
Government and its lawfully constituted
authorities. In this most extraordinary
crisis; the question presents itself with
force. What is the duty of Freomasons
not in one locality ouly but Throughout
the whole extent Of oni common country
Tas answer is plain and imperative, an;
is to be found not only in the most ancien
charge, but in all the subsequen. teachin
of Freemasonry. "a Mason is peaceful
subject Of the civil power" and sis necs
TO be concerned ia plots or conspiracie
against the peace and welfare of the ma
tion." say these "ancient charges"
Aud again,"ii brother shoulj be
rebel against the State. he is not to b
countenanced in his rebellion. however h
may be pitied as an unhappy man. Thi
language, like all the landmarks and teT
nhings Of the fundamental principles {
Masonry, iS universal among Mason'
and obligatory upoo each and all alike
Loyalty to the Government, then. ne,
to their duty to God, has ever been r.
garded as the distinguishing charac,eri
tic of Free aud Accepted Masons. Az
the faithful, unyislding practice Of tho
virtues is enjoiaed in every lesson incu
cated, in the ethica, or at the ALTAR, Of OF
beloved order. And when engaged
the discharge Of our sacred duties, Al
in maintaining the trust reposed in us.v
are enjoned ID the most emphatic ma
ner, o1ay down cvr life, il necessary,
the defense Of our Integrity.
Your Committee, then: are Of the OPT
ion that all worthy Masons will be fou,
acting as a unit in accordance with the
teachings and professions. That in ooI
mon with thsir fellow citizens not Of the
order, they have a common soverOmer
and liberties in common. now imperille
to be defended, supported, msin.ain'
and perpOtuatsd; and that thsy, indlvd
ally, or as a whole, will DO found like the
fathers OF old, arrayed against plots, co
spiracies aud r,belhoN, aud ready with !
tho means witch msroilul God has e
dowsd them to do or dis in just caus
And that as in olden tims, in England,
the continent aud in this country. Nms'
tho most ardent defenders of good COVE
ment and liberty were brothers Of .
order. To their dSSosndanAS our rotbp
OF this day will bI found using their b'
tie cry Of Pro Dec ct Patria. until I
present wicked rebellion is overthrow
and peace and ia wal sa,bohty shall on
more, and We trust forever reign over o
then.as heretofore happy land.
In conclusion, your Committee rcspe'
fully offer for adoption. the folio wing r.