ADDRESS
OP
M. W. CHAS.C. CLARK,
pRAND /A ASTER,
j3 E F O RJ2 THE GRAND j^ODGE OF j^ORTH pAROLI NA,
A. F. & A. M.
Annual. Communication, Peqembei^ 4x11. 1871.
R A L E I (1 H :
N TO HOLS & GORMAN; BOOK & JOB PRINTERS,
1 8 7 2.
AD DRESS
OF
M. W. CHAS.C. CLARK,
jjRAND JA ASTER,
j3EFOi\E THEjjRAND ^ODGE OF JTOF^TH j^AROLINA,
A. F. & A. M.
^NNUAL pOMMUNICATION, JDeCEMBEI^ 4TH, 1 87 1 .
RALEIGH:
mCHOLS & GORMAN, BOOK & JOB PRINTERS,
18 7 2.
ERRATA.
On page 6, last line, 6th word read its for it.
" "11, 26th " 8th " " intelligent.
" "12, 1st "1st " " bern for bern<?.
" "14, 8th " 4th " " occupant for occupants.
" " 14, 9th " 9tli " " their for the.
ADDRESS.
Brethren:—Let us, as Masons, who are taught to exercise "a faithful
reliance on Divine Providence," return thanks to Almighty God, for the
mercies of the past year, and invoke His co unsel and guidance in our pre-
sent deliberations, that our acts may tend to the promotion of His honor
and a thorough dissemination of the most excellent tenets of our Institu-
tion.
In assuming the duties and responsibilities of the exalted station to*
which your kindness and partiality had called me, I trust that I some-
what appreciated the truth, that the Institution of Masonry was not de-
signed solely to heighten the pleasures of social intercourse, or to con-
nect men together, by indissoluble ties, which would render them, in
certain selfish senses, stronger and more independent within themselves;
but that, far above and beyond these lesser things, the true mission of
Masonry was to elevate the thoughts, to cultivate the heart, to ennoble
the character, to beautify and adorn human nature to the fullest extent
of human capability—and thus, by interweaving and harmoniously blend-
ing her own moral teachings with the holy principles, which God has estab-
lished for the government of His intelligent creatures, to lead her vota-
ries "to pay that rational homage to the Deity, which at once constitutes,
their duty and their happiness."
It should be, and doubtless is, a cause for self-congratulation, that
the Grand Lodge of North Carolina has, at all times, and under all cir-
cumstances, recognized this mission of Masonry; and, by word and deed,
endeavored to constrain the individual Mason to be true and faithful^in
his allegiance, and " to live and act agreeably to his profession." No
corrupting habit, no debasing immorality, no polluting vice, has here
received aught but the severest condemnation—while Subordinate Lod-
ges have been exhorted and required to vindicate the character of
our moral institution, by a prompt and thorough expurgation of moral
offences, either by reforming the offender, through good counsel and
timely admonition, or by cutting him off, as a diseased limb, that would
destroy the vigor and ruin the health of the whole body. And hence it
is, that the arch enemies to all social peace and personal purity—Pro-
fanity and Drunkenness—have been boldly and determinedly assailed by
4
ADDRESS.
the resolutions of '68, which proclaim to the world the true spirit and
genius of Masonry, in the enactment—
1st. That profanity and drunkenness are among the highest Masonic
crimes.
2nd. That Subordinate Lodges in this jurisdiction, are directed to vin-
dicate the law in relation thereto.
It would certainly be a work of supererogation to attempt to prove,
that these resolutions are in perfect accordance with every Masonic pre-
cept and doctrine. They do not make acts offences, which before were
not offences. They are simply declaratory of the law. The Mason is
taught, even at his Masonic birth, never to mention God's name, "but
with that reverential awe which is due from a creature to his Creator;"
and always to subject the appetites and passions to that due restraint,
'' which renders the body tame and governable, and frees the mind from
the allurements of vice." The fact is, the moral law is the Masonic law;
and he who violates the one, violates the other. Hence, the most emin-
ent masonic jurists, submitting themselves to the guidance of the Ma-
sonic ritual and charges, assert, without hesitation or compromise, that
every transgression of the moral law, is an offence against the masonic
law. And, therefore, the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, with a fidelity
to the laws and principles of the Institution which should provoke emu-
lation in all other jurisdictions, declares, that Profanity and Drunkenness,
being among the most flagrant violations of the moral law, are among the
highest masonic crimes. It would indeed be strange were it otherwise—
and who would have it otherwise, if they could!
Profanity and drunkenness should surely come within the prohibition
of masonic authority, since they offend against every rule of gentlemanly
propriety and decorum—and to be a mason certainly cannot mean not
to be a gentleman. Habits which deaden the moral sensibility, blunt
the" moral perception, and debauch all the moral faculties, should be
forced to yield unconditionally to the mandate of an Institution, which
teaches the Holy Bible to be the rule and guide of faith, and that all
actions should be squared by the " Square of Morality."
The only real power that Masonry has, is her grand moral power.
Take this from her and Masonry becomes a huge imposition—a sublime
fraud—a magnificent cheat—a splendid statue, cold and lifeless—a
galvanized corpse—in fine, Masonry ceases to be Masonry. Herein
lies the true secret of her success. It is this which has erected
ADDRESS.
5
around her altars a fortress of defence, that neither "the lapse of
time, the ruthless hand of ignorance, the devastations' of war, nor
the unsparing ravages of barbarous force," could capture and de-
stroy. Her triumphs and achievements are to-day, as they have
been from the "time immemorial" of her existence, commensurate
with the exercise of this mighty energy, which controls the will,
subdues the passions, and regulates the life. If we give up this,
we give up all. If this be preserved, the most excellent tenets of our
Institution which have been transmitted to us through the successive
ages of the past, will be transmitted through the succeeding ages of the
future, and "symbolic emblems, most expressive," will continue "to
imprint on the mind wise and serious truths," which shall be beautifully
exemplified in lives of moral greatness, of virtuous friendship, of true
heroism.
From information which I have obtained, by means of a circular letter,,
addressed to the Subordinate Lodges, early in my official term, I make
known to you the humiliating fact, that, within the jurisdiction of the
103 Lodges, which responded to my inquiries, about five hundred Masons
are addicted to habitual profanity, and about three hundred and twenty-
five to the excessive use of intoxicating drinks. There are in the State,
about two hundred and twenty-five working Lodges, and between ten
and eleven thousaud Masons. We may, therefore, fairly conclude, that
at least one thousand Masons in the State, daily profane God's name,
while seven hundred, at least, walk daily with their brains addled by the
intemperate use of alcoholic stimulants. What a foul blot upon Mason-
ry's escutcheon!
Brethren, I submit this mortifying statement to you with the earnest
recommendation, that you will take such steps, as to your wisdom may
seem meet and proper, to do away with this crying shame, this terrible
evil. As in operative masonry, ' 'the corners of rough stones are broken
off, the better to fit them for the builder's use;" so we, in speculative
masonry, profess to be engaged in the noble undertaking of '' divesting
the heart and conscience of all the vices and superfluities of life, thereby
fitting the mind as a living stone for that spiritual building, that house
not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." Let me conjure you to
be true to your profession. Let these offenders against the moral-masonic
law be reformed, if possible, by those gentle, persuasive means which
readily suggest themselves to the intelligent Mason: yet, if this cannot
6
ADDRESS.
be done, let them be thrown away as "rubbish," that the beauty of the
temple may not be marred, nor its strength diminished.
It would be well, brethren, to make it expressly obligatory on your
■Grand Master, to require Subordinate Lodges, under such penalties as
may receive your prior sanction, to inaugurate prompt and decisive
measures for the removal of these masonic stumbling-blocks, [which so
hinder and retard our pace to the full development of the higher and
nobler qualities of our nature. I make the suggestion, that the Grand
Master may, in the discharge of this imperative duty, be clearly and un-
mistakably supported by the authority of the Grand Lodge, which many
Masons—and some very prominent ones too—would hold in terrorem over
the Grand Master's head, when his acts do not conform to their precon-
ceived notions of what a Grand Master should, or should not do.
And now, brethren, before I pass on, let me earnestly beseech you to
put the inherent moral power of Masonry in the liveliest exercise. It is
the very soul of the Institution. Upon it depends everything—the sue-
cess of the present, the hopes of the future. A profane Mason is a pal-
pable contradiction. A drunken Mason is a vile slander upon our cher-
ished Institution. Let us see to it, that he, who wears the Lamb-skin, the
•emblem of innocence, shall not bedaub its spotless folds with the filth of
the mouth, or the mud of the gutter; but that he shall preserve it, pure
and without spot, the badge of a mason who reverences his God, and, un-
like the brute, gives not the loose reins to the low propensities of his
nature.
In 1862, the Grand Lodge adopted the following resolution:
Resolved, That every Mason ought to belong to some particular Lodge,
and comply with its By-Laws and the general regulations in relation to
the payment of dues and contributions to the Charity Funds. And any Ma-
son, who does not contribute to the funds, or belong to some Lodge, is
not entitled to visit a Lodge while he remains non-affiliated, or to join in
processions, or to relief, or masonic assistance, or burial.
A critical analysis of this resolution, will furnish two propositions:
1st. Every Mason ought to belong to a Lodge.
2d. Every Mason who does not belong to a Lodge, must be punished
—or, as the resolution itself has it, '' shall not be entitled to visit a Lodge
or to join in procession, or to relief, or masonic assistance, or burial.
In the judgment, therefore, of the Grand Lodge, anon-affiliated Mason
(I use this phrase in it common acceptation) lives in the continuous per-
ADDRESS.
T
pet rat ion of a crime against the Institution of which he is a dishonored
member. If this be untrue, whence does the Grand Lodge derive the
power to inflict upon him the severest penalties known to the law for his
non-affiliation ? It certainly cannot punish the innocent; and, with equal
certainty, can only punish the guilty. But guilt pre-supposes a violated
law. Therefore, the Grand Lodge admits, that a Mason, who puts him-
self in the condition styled, in modern phraseology, non-affiliated, vio-
lates a law. Or, to be a little more explicit, a Mason who applies to a
Lodge for a dimit, with the intent of becoming non-affiliated, proposes
to commit a crime against the Lodge to which he applies, as well as
against the institution, in general, of which that Lodge is a constituent
part. And the Lodge itself, if it grant the application, becomes parti-
ceps criminis; for how else can the criminal intent be coupled with the
overt act, unless the Lodge becomes an aider and abettor, by granting
the application ? Can it be possible that the ethical rules of masonry
are so unlike the recognized and well defined rules in all other systems
of ethics, that a Mason has the right to commit a crime ? Tea, that his
Lodge has the right to aid and abet him in its commission ? If a Mason,
then, has not the right to commit a crime, can he possibly have the right
to become non-affiliated, which the Grand Lodge declares to be a crime,
by inflicting upon the non-affiliate the severest penalties known to the
laws ? And can his lodge have the right to become his partner in crime,
by granting the dimit, which is the finishing stroke to the crime, and
without which the crime itself could not be committed ?
The "resolution" is unquestionably wrong. Thus: a Mason either
has the right to become non-affiliated, or he has not. If he has the
right, then the "Resolution" is wrong, for none can contend that the
Grand Lodge can punish a Mason for the exercise of a right which the
Grand Lodge itself recognizes. If he has not the right, then the "Res-
olution" is equally wrong. To illustrate: The General Assembly en-
acts the law following, with this preamble: Whereas, the General As-
sembly has no authority to enact that a man shall not kill:
Therefore the General Assembly doth enact, that a man who kills,
shall be hanged by the neck, until lie is dead.
Why, the plainest mind can see, that the General Assembly substan-
tially contradicts itself, by asserting its authority to punish for the com-
mission of an act, which, it asserts, it has no authority to declare to bo
an offence—when, as we have seen, no punishment can be inflicted, ex-
8
ADDRESS.
cept for an offence, and an offence necessarily pre-supposes a violated
law. So in the case in hand, the Grand Lodge asserts, impliedly at least,,,
that it has no authority to forbid a Mason to become non-affiliated; and
yet enacts, that, if he does, he shall forfeit, to all intents and purposes,
his Masonic life. I most respectfully submit, that neither the laws, nor
the regulations, nor the Constitution, of Masonry, tolerate any such palpa-
ble inconsistency, or contradiction, as that. Common sense cries out—
" an ounce of preventive is worth a pound of cure."
The truth is, brethren, an innovation is here showing itself, pursuant
to the wishes and designs of ''backsliding" Masons, if you will allowr
the expression. Let us see.
Anderson's Constitutions—Art. 6, of the duty of members—declare
"that no set or number of brethren shall withdraw, or separate them-
selves from the Lodge in which they were made, or were afterward ad-
mitted members, unless the Lodge become too numerous ; nor even then j
without a dispensation from the Grand Master, or Deputy; and when
thus separated, they must either immediately join themselves to such
other Lodges, that they shall like best, or else obtain the Grand Master's
warrant to join in forming a new Lodge, to be regularly constituted in
good time."
Dr. Mitchell, that most eminent masonic author, whose profound
learning, unvarying accuracy, and discriminating judgment,have won the
unbounded confidence and respect of this Grand Lodge, in his "Masonic
History and Digest," Yol. 2, p. 437, says: "In modern times, a great
and radical error has crept into our Lodges, and been so generally prac-
ticed, as to cause all the difficulties, now experienced on the subject of
non-affiliated Masons. We allude to the custom of permitting members
to dimit at will from their Lodges. The oldest regulation on the subject
of which we have an account, permitted Masons to dimit but for two
causes: first, in order to travel beyond the jurisdiction of the Lodge; and
secondly, for the purpose of forming a new Lodge."
And again, Yol. 2, p. 603: "We have again and again stated * *
that a brother Mason could only dimit or withdraw from his Lodge, for
three reasons. First, when he was about to travel in foreign countries;
second, when about to remove beyond the jurisdiction of his Lodge; and
lastly, when his Lodge had become too numerous, and it became necessary
to join in forming a new Lodge."
And again, same Yol., p. 604: " It follows, - then, that the By-Laws
ADDEESS.
9»
of Lodges, granting members the privilege of dimitting, when and for
what cause, they please, are in direct violation of the paramount law of
Masonry, and, therefore, a nullity. * * Once a Mason, always a Ma-
son, and once a member, always a member, is the doctrine of the ancient
law."
And again, same Vol. and p: " * * it will be seen that a brother
can only dimit, with the distinct understanding, that he will speedily
re-connect himself with another Lodge," &c.
These authorities establish three propositions:
1. Every Mason must be a member of a Lodge.
2. A Mason can dimit for three reasons only: 1st. When he is about
to travel in foreign countries; 2nd. When about to remove beyond the
jurisdiction of his Lodge; and 3rd, when his Lodge becomes too numer-
ous, and it is necessary to join in forming a new Lodge.
3. When a Mason dimits for the above reasons, he does so with the dis-
tinct understanding that he will speedily re-connect himself with another
Lodge.
Occupying then, brethren, the impregnable position here given to me,
I earnestly recommend, that for all time to come, Subordinate Lodges be
forbidden to grant a dimit, unless the application therefor, be based on,
at least one of the reasons above enumerated. And seeing that all non-
affiliated Masons have been permitted to withdraw from their Lodges, on
the " distinct understanding," in legal contemplation, that they would
speedily re-connect themselves with other Lodges. I also recommend,
t hat they be allowed a limited time to carry out the understanding on
their part, and if they do not, that they be expelled from all the rights
and privileges of Masonry. And let the rule, brethren, have an univer-
sal, prospective operation. An innovation is a traitor in the camp, beget-
ting traitors, and its expulsion is the first duty of him, who bears a faith-
ful allegiance.
From the imperfect data at our command, we can only approximate the
number of non-affiliated Masons in this jurisdiction. It may be reasona-
bly estimated, however, that about 500 of these domestic foes, are con-
tinually shooting us in the back, from their skulking places, as we are
struggling to move onward to the achievement of renewed victories.
Brethren, my voice is for a short, sharp, decisive campaign against these
troublesome deserters. Let us capture them, and compel them to renew
their allegiance, or subject them to the penalty, which their treachery
10
ADDRESS.
so richly deserves—death, masonic death. Let us have no foes in the
rear; no more expostulation; no more parleying; no more fruitless at-
tempts to stop a morbid growth, by lopping off the branches; but let
the axe be applied to the root of this baneful tree, that its poisonous in-
fluence may no longer be felt in our midst. Thus we shall free ourselves
from many vexatious difficulties. All discontent, all insubordination,
all dronishness will disappear, and we shall go forth to still nobler deeds,
with the law vindicated, and our fame untarnished.
Masons, everywhere, have been persistent in their efforts, to preserve
the exact phraseology of the Masonic Ritual: because, any change of
words tends directly to produce a corresponding change of sense. The
sense, without ambiguity, or incertitude, must be preserved; and the
best way to preserve the sense, is always to use the same words in giving
it expression. On the Ritual, depend to no inconsiderable extent, the
laws and regulations, the usages and customs of the Fraternity. If the
Ritual undergo any change, no matter how slight, that effects its con-
struction and alters the sense, or leaves it in doubt, gross inconsistencies,
great disorder, and probably, palpable absurdities will be the result.
I am well aware that no rule can be devised, and no means employed,
to determine, with unerring certainty and exactness, the precise language
that was used by the Fraternity, in olden times, to narrate certain events,
or express certain ideas. We are dependent upon tradition, and tradi-
tion upon memory, and memory is defective. Yet, if an easy and natural ■
construction of the Ritual of to-day, necessitates conclusions which are
not at variance with any of the ancient characteristics of the Institution,
we may congratulate ourselves, that the geAius of masonry still presides
among us, and sheds the same light upon her altars, which illumined the
minds and hearts of our brethren, lo! these many centuries ago.
Masons will differ about the ritual, as men differ upon all other sub-
jects. Masons will conclude that the work, which they first received,
and which is inseparably connected with many early and precious associa-
tions, must be the work which King Solomon himself dispensed, when
he presided over the craft, amid the gorgeous drapery of oriental splen-
don All work must be brought to their touchstone, and its excellency
must be proportionate to the similitude which it bears to their supposed
relic of ancient days. No phraseology will do but theirs; and although
the discordant sounds of grammatical blunders may sometimes grate
harshly on the ear, yet the solemn protestation comes quickly to the res-
ADDRESS.
11
■cue, that our ancient brethren understood, not the art of speaking and
writing the English language with propriety, and that quaintness is an
indubitable sign of age. Hence we may readily perceive, that to give
universal satisfaction, each Lodge would have to be licensed to dispense
that work best suited to its peculiar notions and idiosyncrasies. Such a
course it is needless to remark, would end in illimitable confusion. It
only remains for the Grand Lodge, in its superior wisdom, to decide be-
tween these conflicting elements, and authoritatively declare what is the
work. This it has wisely done. And although, objections, founded
probably on mere prejudices and predilections, may be strenuously urg-
ed against the action of the Grand Lodge; yet, it is humbly conceived
that the phraseology of the work, at present dispensed, is free from any
serious defect, while the "kernel'' is in a perfectly sound and healthy
condition. The work teaches what it should teach as to principle and
doctrine, while its historical narratives and traditions give no uncertain
sound, and lead to no uncertain conclusion. I recommend, therefore,
that no change shall nowbe made; and that the Grand Lodge shall give to
the Subordinate Lodges the unqualified assurance, that no change shall
hereafter be made. The frequent changes, which have heretofore been
made, have been invariably succeeded by injurious consequences. They
have discouraged the Fraternity from accquiring the work, because they
were justified in the apprehension, that, sooner or later, a change would,
be promulgated, and all their labor and application, thus expended, be
rendered fruitless and unavailing. What we most need is a changeless work.
This is absolutely indispensable to its thorough dissemination; and its
thorough dissemination must necessarily precede a general inteligent re-
ception of the sublime moral truths of the Institution, and a correct
apprehension of its usages and customs, its maxims and laws.
Permit me, then, to urge upon you, the vital importance of devising
the cheapest and the most expeditious plan for thoroughly instructing
the Lodges throughout the entire jurisdiction—taking care in perfecting
your plan to make it obligatory upon there, to yield to at a prompt and
universal obedience. Not until this is done, and the Lodges be made
proficient in the Masonic Ritual, can we reasonably hope to witness any
gratifying amount of zeal manifested in acquiring valuable masonic in-
formation, or in exemplifying those great moral truths, which masonry
.aims to impress on the minds and hearts of all, who kneel at her shrine.
Early in my official term, I convened the Lecturers in the city of New-
12
ADDRESS.
berne, when the work was reviewed, and the differences existing between
the Lecturers were, I trust, properly reconciled, after careful considera-
tion, and a full interchange of opinions and recollections.
It was deemed advisable, the better to accomplish the purpose we had
in view, to divide the State into Districts, and assign a Lecturer to each
District. A central point, in each District, was then selected, where-
each Lodge, in that District, instead of pursuing the usual plan, might,
if preferred, meet the Lecturer, through representatives appointed for
the purpose, and obtain requisite instruction, at greatly reduced
prices. In pursuance of this plan, the Lecturers went forth to the
discharge of their duty, with authority from me to address the various
Lodges, informing them of the plan, and that they were expected and
required to obtain the work before the end of the masonic year. The
success which crowned our efforts is truly gratifying; and it is believed,
an unusual amount of instruction has been imparted during the year.
I beg leave, however, for more detailed information, to refer to the re-
ports of the Lecturers, whom I take occasion to commend for the in-
telligence and fidelity with which they have discharged the duties of
their station.
I will also state, that, being convinced that some of the Lecturers dis-
carded the work of the Grand Lodge, as a gross innovation, I took oc-
casion, directly after the close of the meeting of Lecturers referred to,
to address a letter to each Lecturer, in which I stated, that if he was not
proficient in the work, and did not intend shortly to becume so, he
would return his commission to my office; whereupon, one returned his
commission, and another announced his resignation of his office.
The Lecturers, who were appointed and retained their commissions,,
are, R. W. Best, S. PI. Rountree, H. S. Lee, W. L. Love, W. P. Wil-
liams, B. Walker, B. W. Hatcher.
For the purpose of stimulating effort to acquire the work, and to pro-
voke a generous emulation among the Subordinate Lodges, I appointed,
upon the certificate of a District Lecturer, a number of brethren Lectu-
rers for their respective Lodges.
On suitable recommendation, our distinguished brother, E. E. Thorne,.
was appointed our Representative near the Grand Lodge of N. Y.
My official intercourse with the various Lodges, throughout the State,
constrains me to press upon the Grand Lodge, the importance of concise-
ly, yet comprehensively, defining the power and authority of the Grand
ADDRESS.
13
Master, in his relation to the Craft generally throughout his jurisdiction.
The idea prevails, practically at least, to a very great extent, that each
Subordinate Lodge is a sort of little independent sovereignty •within
itself, and that the Grand Master is nothing but a general advisory
officer, or a specially authorized agent to grant dispensations, upon cer-
tain conditions, and in certain emergencies,—or, at best, a kind of umpire,
to decide controverted points of jurisprudence, arising between contend-
ing parties. The consequence is, that the Grand Master is constantly
thwarted in his efforts to enforce, as it is his duty to do, the laws and
resolutions of the Grand Lodge, and in his endeavors to obtain such in-
formation of the condition of the Lodges, as will materially aid in legis-
lating for their better government, and more enlarged usefulness. The
truth is, his orders are obeyed or not-, as may be considered best by the
Lodges themselves.
It is respectfully submitted, that even a hasty review of his unlimited
power, before, as well as of his comparatively restricted power since, the
establishment of Grand Lodges will render it an easy task, to place the
Grand Master before the Fraternity in his true position, so that his use-
fulness may not be crippled, or his authority set at defiance. And espe-
cially is it of the first importance to declare to what extent the edicts of
the Grand Master are to be obeyed, until reversed by the decision of the
Grand Lodge. It may be said that the Grand Master should, by the
exercise of his own prerogative, enforce obedience to his own behests.
That might do very well under ordinary circumstances; but when a
majority of the Lodges in the jurisdiction fail to give even a passing
notice to the requisitions of the Grand Master, it is confidently submitted,
that such a course on his part would be, for reasons too apparent to
mention, both impolitic and unwise, and that the Grand Lodge should
end all controversy, as far as possible, by a declaration of its undisputed
authority.
As an index to the general condition of the craft throughout the juris-
diction, I invite your attention to the tabular statement which I have
placed upon the table of your Secretary, made up from reports received
from one hundred and three Lodges, and showing to what extent pro-
fanity and drunkenness, evil speaking and backbiting, prevail, how
much is received for charitable uses, how the discipline of the Lodges
is enforced, how proficient the Lodges are in the work, &c., &c., all
of which, I hope, will be used by you in furtherance of the purposes for
which the Grand Lodge meets in annual communication.
14
ADDRESS.
It is to be regretted that so much of the funds of the Lodges is ex-
pended in the adornment and construction of Halls. Masonry is par excel-
lence, a Charitable Institution. Masonry had rather dwell in an humble-
cot, and partake of its rude shelter and accommodations, with the latch
string hanging on the outside of the door, inviting the welcome entrance
of the poor distressed brother, his widow and orphans, than be locked
up in some stately edifice whose marble exterior bespeaks the chilling-
selfishness of the occupants within. Let us caution the Lodges against,
a too lavish expenditure of their funds for the own comfort and conven-
ience, or for purposes of useless display.
And now, brethren, I have discharged my duty—feebly aad imper-
fectly it is true, yet with an earnest desire to advance your interests, and
promote the growth of our Institution. We are, indeed, members of a
noble Institution. Let us cherish it—let us venerate it—let us be zeal-
ous in our attachment to its benign principles. I have not chosen to-
eulogize Masonry's exalted character, nor to recount the many, many
noble deeds of real beneficence, which have ever marked her glorious,
pathway. I feel, in common with you, that with her brilliant history of
centuries upon centuries, it is enough to point to her and exclaim, there
she is, she can speak for herself!
In announcing my determination not to be considered an applicant for
your renewed confidence and partiality, permit me to bid you an affec-
tionate adieu. May our meeting together in friendly and fraternal in-
tercourse, after another year has been numbered with the past, redound,
to our individual benefit, and the glory of our Institution! May we ex-
emplify the masonic virtues in our daily walk and conversation! May
we be true and faithful, and live and act agreeably to our profession 1
May we, through the exercise of a living faith, an inspiring hope, and a
fervent charity, be at last translated from the imperfecct Lodge below,
to that all-perfect, glorious, and celestial Lodge above, where the Su-
preme Architect of the Universe presides! And, finally, brethren, may the
blessings of Heaven rest upon us, and all regular Masons, may brotherly
love prevail, and every moral and social viitue cement us. Amen.