The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1865-01-27
ST. Adams, VIZ FRIDAY, JANUARY e7, 1856;

rellct and truth. On tnlS DrOau plat
form it socks to bind men together
to do good within the sphere of its
influence, to promote order, harmony,
charity, and to give coherency to the
links Of the social chain In the Ian
guage Of the late Duke of Sussex, Grand
Master of tho Grand Lodge Of Eng
land-"F reemasonry furnishes n cen
ire of unanimity for all men who re-
cognize those fundamental principles,
and who will be true TO the tenets Of
brotherly love, relief and truth" 1t
NEEDLES with no existing good insti-
tuition, but takes place by itself, oc-
cupies a sphere Of its own, and in a
quiet, unobtrusive way cnltivates the
spirit of fraternity, union and peace
among men. In the language of the
late DC Witt Clinton, Grand Muster
OF tue Grand Lodge OF New York in
1906" Freemasonry inculcates the
natural equality of man; il declares
that all brethren are on a level; it
admits Of no rank except priority of
merit, and its only arstocracy is the
nobility Of nature III its more com
prehensive significance of beneyolence
in general and as school where all
the friendly affections Of the heart and
all delightful charities Of life are
taught and cherished, il is deseryedly
ranked among the most important
establishments
In faith and hope the worN will DISAGREE.
But all mankinds concern II charity;
Nj must be false that thwart this one great end,
And al of God that bless mankind or mend"
NOT A PoLrrIcL INSTITUTION.
Freemasonry has often been sus-
pected Of political designs inimical to
liberty and the public good; and with
in the memory Of some who hear me
an extensive and bitter crusade was
waged against it and storm of pop
ular reproach and obloquy arose
against all who adhered to it. But
the fury of the storm has passed, the
fanaticism of ani-masonly has spent
its force, and the institution is to day
stronger in numbers and stands high
or in public estimation than ever be-
fore.
If it be true, as Fielding says, that
a conquered rebellion strengthens a
government. that health is more per-
fectly established by recovery from
some diseases, ard that anger when
removed gives new life to affection,
SO the political crusade against Free
masonry has resulted in its stronger
establishment and greoter prosperity.
And to refute all charges OF its inter
ference with the civil duties of its
members to the State, it is enough 70
refer to the charge given to every
member on his first admission 10 the
order As a citizen he is snjoned to
be exemplary III the discharge Of his
civil duties, b. never proposing or
coi-4tenancing any act which may
nave tendency to subvert the good
order of Society, by paying due ODE
dience to the laws under whose juris-
diction he likes and by never violating
the allegiance due to his country. If
any other evidence or pledge of the
consistency of the Masonic tie with the
duties of citizenship aud the dictates
of an exalted patriotism were needed,
consider who have been members and
patrons of the order from the time of
John Locke and Isaac Newton, down
to that of Lafayette, Joseph Warren,
Washington, Franklin and Dewitt
Clinton-to name no others. Con-
slider who are now members of the
Order. Every profession and pursuit
III life is represented among us, men
ofthe most opposite political and re-
ligious creeds are found in our Lodges,
The Masonic tie is close and sacred,
but it impairs the force Of no obliga-
ton we are under to God, our coun-
try, or neighbors on friends. The
suspicion that the Freemason is under
an express or implied pledge to shield
brother in crime is as unjust as it
would be to suspect the members of a
christian church or christian house
hold of being under compact to OBJ
struct the execution Of the laws Of the
land OF to defraud Justice of its due.
Moreover, expulsion is The highest pen
atty known among us for violation of
Masonic vows.
In masonic experience of twenty
five years, / have never known of any
combination to protect member 0
the order at the expense OF public lib
erty on public justice, or in any way t
interfere with civil government, or t.
infringe on any other mans right fo
the sake Of fayoring Freemasons o.