i

your support powerful. It is needless
to recount them: in my preceding re-
marks, I endeavoured to do them all
the justice my feeble abilities would
permit. When I view you, clothed in
those garments which so peculiarly
distinguish us, and portray the purity
of our order, I feel a conscious glow
of satisfaction at my relation to you,
dart through every vein; but when I
perceive, in so many brethren, locks,
over which has hastened in hurried ||tion it, that too many embrace the

confusion, the blast of many a wintry
day, I feel a great degree of reluctance
and delicacy in addressing them. But
why? the duty which I am attempting
to discharge, was by the request of
many. Therefore, let me intreat you,
not to conceive it arrogance in me, if I
presume to trespass upon your pa-
tience, by attempting briefly to mark
out a course which every Mason ought
to pursue, while a resident in this sub-sonal feeling, and self-aggrandizement.

ing, every faithful follower in the wake || been spent in the exercises of a vocaof religion. Is there one present who|tion, which has tended to benefit a

purports to claim connection with our order, and who wears the sacred robe, that could view unmoved the tear of distress marking its furrowed course down the cheek of the disconsolate partner of a deceased brother? If there is, let him hide his head where the mortal eye cannot ken him, nor human discernment ascertain his place of concealment.

fellow-creature. He sinks into the arms of Morpheus, with sensations inexpressibly delightful, and retires to repose, with the conscious satisfaction of having devoted his last hour to the welfare, advantage, and relief, of at least one of the great human family. Oh delightful sensation! oh extatic feeling! how enviable is he who can thus close his earthly career, and reHe who connects himself with Ma- posing on the "bosom of his father, sonry, connects himself with all manand his God," exchange this transitokind. I mean thus far; that when he ry sphere of mortification and disapembraces, and practices the goldenpointment, for " another and a better world."

precepts of the order, he is recognized and known as such, at the eastern and the western, the northern and the southern boundaries of the world.-olate, those sacred principles and dicAnd when thus bound, and that too, by the strongest ties which can possibly bind man to man, he ought to imbibe such principles, maxims, and governing rules, as are well calculated, not only to promote his own interest, but to advance the interest of every brother.

It is our duty, also, as Masons, as members of society, to preserve invi

tates which ever govern the honest man, who is "the noblest work of God." Without we pursue a course rather enviable than otherwise, we are unworthy members of the community, and tend to degrade, and lessen ourselves in the estimation of our fellow men. Our actions, then, through life, should be such as are calculated to endear us to all, and entitle us to the admiration of every member of society. In our ordinary transactions and dealings, we should ever act upon the level, and square those actions according to the golden precepts of religion. Moral rectitude, correct deportment, a strict adherence to truth, and a proper regard for every thing calculated to advance the interest of mankind, in conjunction with a decent respect for the opinion of all religious denominations, will ever have the desired effect to promote the future prospects and welfare of every Mason.

It is your duty, then, my brethren, carefully to guard yourselves against any measure, having for its object the infliction of an injury upon a brother; it is your duty to watch over his welfare as over your own; to aid him in the hour of peril, and of danger; to alleviate his distresses wheresoever you may meet him; be a physician to him in sickness; a partner in care, a solace in adversity, and a comforter in the last expiring moments of agonizing woe, and his terrestrial residence; to strew his paths with the odoriferous flowers of consolation, and to extend and administer the balsam of eternal life, is an imperious duty incumbent upon every brother, who by the sacred principles we cherish, is taught to feel " another's woe." Re-all, relying on his mercy and goodflect, for a moment, my brethren, upon the pleasant sensations experienced by him, who when he retires to his pillow, is accompanied by the consoling hope, that the past day has

With these few and incomplete observations, my brethren, I commit you

to the care of Him who ruleth over

ness, to guide and direct your steps, and in the end, prepare you for an inheritance in the Grand Lodge above, "not made with hands, eternal in heaven!"

!

CHARITY THE FIRST OF MASONIC || ed by those inviolable secrets, which

DUTIES.

constitute, among Freemasons, a universal language. What has the world to do with private transactions; whether a widow, an orphan, or a pilgrim has obtained relief? If they were, then, as well might the mysteries of light be unfolded to them!

Many valuable and important papers have been written on the subject of Freemasonry, which, in a word, serve to illustrate the principles of the institution. It would be unnecessary to offer any remarks on this head. It is my intention to show, that charity does, and always did, form a particular ingredient in the character of a free and accepted Mason. Although || jewels which adorn the Mason; nor

the charity of a Mason extends to the
whole human family, of which each
individual is a child, yet, a certain
class of men having inlisted under the
banners of the order, to partake of the
several benefits and privileges, it is
but reasonable to suppose, that they
should, individually and collectively,
come under our particular notice. Is
it not the fact in all societies designed
for charitable purposes? Do not the
individuals composing such an insti-
tution unite together, in order to as-
sist their fellow members in the hour

of distress and trial? Are they not, in
a particular manner, subservient to
other ends: for the relief of widows,
orphans, &c.?

The peculiar excellency of the institution does not rest in the display of virtues merely civil, nor in the

in a word, in external show or grandeur. Though these have their several ends, some of which are absolutely essential to the appropriate clothing of a Mason, yet, charity, benevolence, and love, constitute the basis of the temple. Thousands, and I may add tens of thousands, have witnessed the kindly offices of Masons: the widow and the orphan, whose petitions have never been rejected, can also witness, not only in this, but in every quarter of the globe, the charity of a Mason.

Charity! thou heavenborn virtue! long mayest thou preside as the guardian genius of Masonry: and may wisdom, strength and beauty, remain the three great pillars.

C.

GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF
NEW-YORK.

The following is the address, delivered by his excellency Daniel D. Tompkins, grand master of Masons in the State of New-York, and vice president of the United States, on the fifth of July last; on his taking the chair, the first time after his installa

All these institutions, which are nu-
merous, and generally well conducted,
have at all times received the patron-
age of the liberal and enlightened.
But my reader, in the order of Free-
masonry, the instances are numerous
and beyond calculation, where the be-
nefits of the society have extended to
the relief of distressed brethren, wi-
dows, and orphans. It is sometimes
said, by those who have not been ini-
tiated into the society, "I have never
seen any good arising from it," nor,
indeed, will they, until they are regu-
larly initiated. As well might they
endeavour to obtain the secrets of a
Mason, which we all know have ex-
isted from time immemorial, as to be-
come acquainted with the charitable
transactions of a lodge; or to know
when an individual stretches out his
hand to serve a distressed brother,
with whom he is often made acquaint-grand

tion.

GRAND LODGE.

NEW-YORK, 6th Sept. A. L. 5820.

RESOLVED, That a committee be appointed to wait on his excellency the most worshipful grand master, and respectfully request of him, for publication, a copy of his address, delivered on 5th July, before the lodge.

RESOLVED, That the W. Br. Lott, of No. 16.
The W. Br. Lyons, of No 9.
And Br. Ducachet, J. W. of No. 2,

constitute the Committee,

Extract from the minutes.

A. LOTT,
Assistant Grand Secretary.

NEW-YORK, 7TH SEPT. 1820.

Most Worshipful Sir,

In conformity with the above resolution, we were appointed a committee to carry its object into effect.

We most earnestly hope you will gratify the expectation of the grand lodge, by a compliance with their request, and furnish us with a copy of your address of 5th July,

for publication.

We are, with great respect,
And fraternal regard,

Your obedient servants,

A. LOTT,

JAMES LYONS,

HENRY W. DUCACHET.

To his excellency DANIEL D. TOMP-
of Masons in and

KINS, grand master
grand
for the state of New-York

NEW-YORK SEРТ. 26ти, 1820.

Worshipful Brothers,

In compliance with your communication of the 7th instant, transmitting olution of the grand lodge, and requesting a copy of the address of the 5th of July last,

pursuant thereto; I have the honour to present to you the enclosed copy.

I am,

Worshipful Brothers,

Your Friend and Brother,

DANIEL D. TOMPKINS.

W. ABRM. LOTT,
W.JAMES LYONS,

Br. H. W. DUCACHET,

No. 16.

9

2

appreciate this instance of your confidence with the most friendly and lively recollection, not only as an honour of the highest nature, but as a gratifying testimonial of the respect and esteem of men whom it will always be my greatest pleasure to claim as brothers.

Although it belongs to more proficient brethren than myself to develope the origin and history of Masonry, and to pronounce its encomium; yet it will not, I hope, be deemed irrelevant, on the present occasion, concisely to review the lofty and noble character which has hitherto distinguished our fraternity, and to indulge in a perspective view of our future destinies, and of the benefits that may result from our future operations.

The reflection that this institution is the most ancient of all moral, social, political, literary, and benevolent societies, is just cause of pride and satisfaction to every enlightened and candid member. History produces no parallel of its duration.

Whatever may be the diversity of opinion as to the precise period of its commencement, it seems to be conceded by all, that it is at least coeval with the building of Solomon's temple.

With great fraternal regard and affection, What thrones have not been shaken within that space of time! What empires have not forever disappeared from the political horizon! What moral, literary or religious tribunals, formed within that interval, have not been broken into fragments, or totally annihilated! Governments, civil and religious, have been instituted and destroyed. Powers and dominions innumerable have arisen and passed away, without leaving a trace behind. Every thing but Masonry, seems to have been constantly changing, from the remotest periods of history.About the date of the departure of the Romans from Britain, and for a lapse

ADDRESS.

Worshipful Brothers,

Aware of my inexperience, of late years, in the transactions of the fraternity, nothing but a confidence that the same courtesy and liberality which induced you to confer on me the office of grand master, would be extended to the performance of its du ties, could have justified my acceptance of that honour. I shall ever

of time afterwards, during the sanguinary conflicts that ensued, Masonry suffered a decline, and then had its only interval of depression. But it

1

!

was only in the dark age, which pre-
ceded the introduction of Christianity,
that this noble institution drooped for
a time. When the light of religion
had dissipated the prevailing dark-
ness, Masonry was again revived, by
the countenance and patronage of the
great and learned men of the age, and
has ever since maintained its pristine
vigour and lustre.

ishes us to anticipate additional calls on the charitable fund, both of the grand lodge, and of the lodges under its jurisdiction, at the same time that the means of the brethren at large to contribute to that fund are proportionably diminished. It is our duty therefore to economise the resources of the institution, and to diminish its expenditures, so that these accumulated demands may be met with that promptitude, and character for benevolence, which has heretofore so justly and so pre-eminently distinguished this grand lodge.

To preserve friendship, harmony, and social intercourse in the bosom of a lodge, it is desirable, if not indispensable, that mutual respect and esteem sho uldbe cherished members; and therefore the greatest ed amongst its

It is equally a source of pleasing reflection, in the review of our past operations, that our institution is known and embraced throughout the whole habitable globe; and that its votaries find brethren and friends, of the same family, wherever choice or destiny may convey them. Among the innumerable characteristics of the craft, it is not the least grateful, that besides the promotion of philanthropy, morality, friendship, benevolence, civ-circumspection ought to be exercised ilization and religion, it has always been made subservient to the advancement of literature, and the promotion of the fine arts. It is our boast too, that for ages past, the most illustrious sovereigns, statesmen, divines, and philosophers of every age and country, have been proud to enrol themselves as brethren of the most benevolent and distinguished association that

in relation to the moral and charitable character and disposition of candidates for the mysteries and benefits of the craft. But above all, we should scrupulously examine and guard ourselves against the indulgence of sectarian or political feelings within these sacred walls. These have been the bane of all moral, charitable, and literary societies, that ever were formed;

man ever formed, and that, notwith-and it is in vain to hope, that the pilstanding the wide diffusion of its mys-lars of our fabric, though of long du

teries to brethren of all politics, climes,
and religions, they have been inviola-
bly withheld from the rest of the
world.

These considerations, with others, which the heart and imagination of every member of this worshipful grand lodge will easily supply, ought to impress us deeply with the propriety and necessity of devoting ourselves to the preservation of its character and usefulness. To accomplish this desirable object, I shall feel myself authorized to put in requisition the united experience and wisdom of the brethren of this worshipful fraternity.

The existing state of pecuniary distress throughout the country, admon

ration, and firmly established now, will be exempt from the downfall, which the same causes have invariably accomplished in other institutions. Here we are brethren of the same family, endeared by ties that ought never to be broken. Here the lion and the lamb truly lie down together. The objects we have in view are the same, and concerning them there can be no diversity of opinion or sentiment. Let us then cordially unite our hearts, in the accomplishment of the grand work and duty before us, with a single eye to their honourable and full performance; and thereby we shall preserve and perpetuate the character and blessings of this venerable and exalted association.