The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1861-10-30
w. H. ilCol
Hospital Ste ward, Parkersburg, Va
The Voice OF thc Free MasOms of
Ohio.

Ohio.
At the recent Session Of the Grand Lodge o
Free Masons, at Columbus, the M. w. Grand
Master, George Rex, made patriotic address,
which was referred to Select Committee.
Brother VIM. B. Hubbard, NJ. W. p. CIR.
Master, Chairman Of a Select Committee to
which the above was referred, made report as
follows:
We have carefully read, and attentiyely con-
sidered, the language OF our M. w. Grand Mas
ter, and most heartily approve the patriotic and
Masonic vIews expressed by him. lie briefly,
but forcibly brings to our view the fact, that a
portion OF the citizens of The United States
have arrayed themselves in rebellion against the
Government and its constitution authorities
We are all, as citizens and Masons, cognzant Of
the fact; and history has already recorded that
this rebellion, this wide, spread treason, Is the
result OF a conspiracy, planned aud organized
Tor the overthrow OF our common government
and its lawfully constituted authorities. In this
most extraordinary crisis, the question presents
itself with force: What is the duly of Free
Masons, not 10 one locality only, but throug hout
the whole extent of our common country"-
The answer is plain and imperative, aud is to be
iound, not only in the most ancient charge, but
in all the subsequent teachings Of Free Mason
ry. "a Mason is peaceful subject Of the civil
power" and "is Rerer to be concerned in plots
or conspiracies against the peace and welfare of
the nation,' say these ancient charges"
And again, ''if brother should be rebel
against the State, he is not to be countenanced
in his rebellion, however he may he pitisd as
an unhappy man" This language, like all the
landmarks and teachings oil the fundamental
prlnciI les of Masonry, Is universal among Ma
sons, and obligatory upon each and all alike.
| Loyalty to The Government, then, next to
their duty to God, has ever been regarded as
the Distinguishing Characteristic OF Free and
Accepted Masons. Aud the faithful, unyeld
ing practice of those virtues, is enjoy ned in ev
cry lesson nculcated, in the ethics or at the
altar of our beloved Order And when engag-
ed in the discharge of our sacred duties, and
maintaining the trust rcposed in us, we are
enjoined in the most emphatic manner, to lay
down our life, if necessary. in the defence Of
our integrity.
! Your committee, then, are Of the opinion
that all worthy Masons will bs found ac,ing
as unit in accordance with their teachings and
! professions. That in common with their lell
ow. citizens not in their order, they have COM
mon government, and liberties in common now
limperilled, to be defended, supported, main
tanned and perpetuated; and that they, indiyld-
ually, or as a whole, will be found like their
fathers OF old, arrayed against plots conspira;
cies and rebellion, aud ready with all the means
with which merciul God has endowed them
to do or die in just cause And that as in olden
time, in England, on the continent and in this
country, aneng the most ardent defenders OF
good government and liberty, were brothers OF
our order. 10 their descendants, our brothers
OF thi day will be found using their battle cry
of Pro Dec ct Patria, until the present wicked
rebellion is overthrown, aud peace and LAWFUL
authority shall once more, and We trust nrever,
reign over our then, as heretofore happy land.
| In conclusion, your Committee respectfully
offer, Tor adoption, the following resolutions;
l. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge Of Free
and Accepted Mssons regards the doctrines OF