An Old Masonic Address.

the strictest obligation to be a good man , a true christian , and to act with honour and honesty , however distinguished by different opinions in the circumstantials of reli gion . Upon which account Masonry is become the centre of , union , and the means of conciliating friendship among men that might have otherwise remained at perpetual distance ; causing them to love as brethren , as heirs of the same hopepartakers of the same promises

_ , , children of the same God , and candidates for the same heaven . We read that when Tertullus pleaded against St . Paul , that the chief accusation whereon he founded his plea , was , his being ringleader of the sect of the naztfrenes—ancl this sect ( said the jews ) we know that every where it is spoken against . Ancl wherefore was this sect so spoken against ? Was it from

any evil they knew of its professors ? Or from mere ignorance or blind prejudice ? _ We find nothing of the former , but undoubted proof of the latter . And this I take to be pretty much our case , in respect to masonry—as flowing from the same corrupted princ _ 2-les . I have had the honour of being a member of this ancient and honourable Society many years , have sustained many of its officesand can and do averin this sacred ' laceand before the grand

, , p , Architect of the world , that I never could observe ought therein , but what was justifiable and commendable according to the strictest rules of society . This being founded on the rules of the gospel , the doing the will of God , and the subduing our passions , ancl highly conducing to every sacred and social virtue . But not to insist on my own experiences , the very antiquity of our constitution furnishes a sufficient argument to confute all gainsayers . For

no combination of wicked men , for a " wicked purpose ever lasted long . The want of virtue , on which mutual trust and confidence is founded , soon divides and breaks them to pieces . Nor would men of unquestionable wisdom , known integrity , strict honour , undoubted veracity , and good sense ( though they might be trapaned into a foolish or ridiculous Society , which could pretend to nothing valuable ) ever Continue in it , ( as all the world may see they have done , ancl now do ) or contribute towards supporting and propagating it to posterity .

As to any objections that have been raised against this Society , they are as ridiculous as they are groundless : —For what can discover more egregious folly in any man , than to attempt to villifie what he knows nothing of ? At that rate , he may with equal justice abuse or calumniate anything else that he is unacquainted with—But there are some peculiar customs among us ; surel y these can be liable to no censure : Hath not every Society some peculiarities , which are not to he revealed to men of different communities ?—But some

among us behave not so well as mi ght be expected : We fear this is too true , and are heartily sorry for it , let us therefore every one try to mend one : But even this objection is of no wei ght with a man of ingenuity and candour . For if the unworthiness of a professor , cast a reflection upon the profession , it may be inferred by parity of reason , that the misconduct of a christian , is an argument against Christianity . But this is conclusion which I presume no man will allow , and yet it is no more than what he must subscribe to , who is so unreasonable as to insist on the other .

Upon the whole then , it appears that the rules of the Societ y have a direct tendency to render conversation agreeable , as well as innocent ; and so to influence our practice , as to be useful to others , and profitable to ourselves ; for to continue in amity , and maintain a fair correspondence , to be disposed reciprocally to all offices of humanity , and to act upon mutual terms of Benevolencewhich are the characteristicks of Christianityare likewise the

, , cement of this Society . And how good it is to assist , comfort , and relieve the oppressed , I need not observe . Nor is it less obvious , how pleasant it is to contribute to the innocent deli ght , and promote the lawful advantage of one another ; and always to converse with security without any the least suspicion of fraudulent , injurious , or malicious practices .