Imagini ale paginilor
PDF
ePub

ever long characterised as Masons, and received the initiatory grades of the order, except such as by a long series of trial, patience, endurance, and perseverance, accompanied with the most piercing scrutiny of their principles and conduct, have been found worthy to enter in and behold? Shall the mystery now dissolve, and this sublime order, at once be lost in the chaotic wreck of almost every other system?This will never; no, it never can be!

his Heavenly character, his exalted virtue, his unbounded benevolence, and compassionate sympathy: let our hearts be inflamed with a laudable emulation to imitate his life and follow his example. He styles himself “a brother and companion in tribulation;" not only as having shared the bitter draught of adversity himself, but also, as one who voluntarily claimed relationship with the numerous sons of sorrow. As a fait ful companion, he mingled his tears with the weeping child of misfortune and woe, and by the soothing sympathy of a kndred spirit, infuses life and vigour into the soul sinking under the accumulated pressure of wretchedness. While the resplendent glory of his character,

"It is impossible but that offences should come," and through the weakness and depravity of human nature, the best of institutions are frequently disreputed by the mal-conduct of their members. The keepers of the gates of the temple, arrogate not the pre-who was the faithful steward of the rogative of judging man by his heart.

manifold mysteries of wisdom and

Hence the address of many an Absa-godliness, bursts upon our slumbering lom, and a Judas prevails. Let the "woe" then fall upon him "by whom the offence cometh;" but let this excellent institution be screened from corrupt imputation: for the objection, if admitted, will, in due proportion, affect every system of virtue, propriety, and true religion among men.

Although for the present, as heretofore, the votaries of Masonry may expect to be made the objects of ridicule and persecution, yet the true and faithful brother is enabled to discover within the veil, the glowing spark of charity which shall flame in every heart, and the dawning light of that day which is at no distant period, shall illumine the world with its high meridian splendour, when the triumphant arch of universal benevolence shall sensibly include the whole human family, and when peace, eternal peace, shall spread wide its wings, and cover all the borders of the inhabited world.

Worshipful Masters, Wardens, and Brethren, permit me to congratulate you on the return of the anniversary of our beloved and long departed brother, whose virtues we this day commemorate, and while we reflect upon

memory, let us consider the importance of adapting this festive celebration to the principles and practice of him whom we commemorate. Brethren, a great and valuable deposit has been placed in our hands, and on the regularity and uprightness of your conduct and practice, much of the glory and renown of this institution depends. From the principles of the order, and especially on account of the declarations of its happy tendency, the world expects an abundant harvest of wholesome and delicious fruit. Let us then cautiously avoid those tempestuous blasts of passion, and dashing torrents of corruption, which devastate the mental cultivation, blight the sweet and fragrant flowers of virtue, and eclipse in despairing gloom the bright prospects of an abundant reward. As the further growth and additional glory of our sublime edifice depends much upon the rectitude and assiduous industry of the labourers employed, let us this day, while encircling the altar of virtue, "pass an irrevocable decree" of exclusion against every vice and impropriety that has ever intruded among us; raise the cautious hand of repulsion against the approach of

profligate infidelity, and with salutary discipline, terminate the evil use of "unte apered mortar.”

While I would invite you to rejoice with me on account of the vigilance and determined resolutions, which appear to exist in the breast of each member of the chapter lately established in this vicinity, against improper admissions to that exalted grade, let every companion renew his vows, and with unceasing anxiety, solemnly reflect upon the vital importance of a cautious selection, and tremble in view of the probability, if not certainty, that the admission of a single degenerate, unwholesome plant into "the garden of the lodge," will bring disease and ruin upon the healthy and vigorous in its vicinity. And let it not be considered presuming, to suggest to lodges of an inferior grade, the propriety of following the example, or at least, of pursuing, with increased energy, a similar course: "so that our good may not be evil spoken of, and that with well doing we may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. As free, and not using our liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as servants of God," and safe depositories of invaluable mystery.

As we commence and progress in Masonic science, it is our indispensable duty to look well to our steps, and by the help of the three great lights of our order, to preserve a distinct view of the straight and narrow path, lest. we err and grope in the dark. If the blindfolding influence of moral depravity, has ever been taken from the eyes of our understanding, if we have been truly brought to light, however mortified by the discovery of our impoverished and forlorn situation in ourselves, yet we rejoice in the light, because of the soul-ravishing charms, which by it we are enabled to behold and enjoy.

Faith is thereby created, and confidence infused; and by a proper atteation to the means of cultivation, in an acceptable division of our time, we

[ocr errors]

are rendered capable of keeping pure and unsullied, the prime characteristic of the order, and from a feeling sense of our own wants, the good seed of benevolence is sown in the heart.

By increased light we discover ourselves on the level of time, and that we must soon launch into the boundless ocean of eternity; yet if we walk uprightly, and form our actions by the square of virtue, we are furnished with the sure anchor of hope, which will eventually moor us in the haven of eternal repose.

Let us endeavour, with a cautious unerring hand, to spread the cement of brotherly love, that the noise of contention may never be heard, that

e incense of charity out of a pure heart may flame on the altar of fraternal affection, and that by happy experience we may find it to be "a good and a pleasant thing for brethren to dwell together in unity."

The particular impressions which may be made on any of our hearts and consciences, we shall do well to cherish while we live, and avoid that vanity, and self-righteousness which will cause us to be offended at, and reject the tried corner stone, and with the infuriate mob of sanguinary Jews, accept of a thief and a malefactor in preference. But let us, rather, search after that without which all is confusion, and the grand system of salvation incomplete. Let us inquire into the mysterious excellencies and advantages of that new name which no man knoweth saving him that receiveth it ;" that we may be filled with that joy which the world can neither give nor take away, and with which the stranger intermeddleth not.

[ocr errors]

In whatever station we may be placed, order, and a strict adherence to the constitution of our system is indispensably necessary, remembering that

the fear of man bringeth a snare," thus by faithful perseverance we shall at length be enabled to finish the great and glorious performance of wisdom, strength, and beauty, and our work

be rendered complete in him who is "the chief corner stone," in whom all the building, fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord. Then may we sing the song of joy, and devoutly dedicate our work to him, in and by whom it is made acceptable.

Tedious, difficult, and dangerous is our pilgrimage in this vale of tears and darkness, yet by entering into the true spirit of all our duties, and relying on that faithful conductor who "leads the blind by a way they know not," we shall escape the snares of persecution, be freed from captivity, and find admission, through the fourfold veil of mystery, into the blissful region of perfect light, where we sha no more see through a glass darkly;" but in the full enjoyment of undisturbed repose, under the ever-living and highly exalted ARCH of the TRIUNE JEHOVAH,

66

"Then we shall see, and hear, and know,

All we desir'd, or wish'd below;
And ev'ry pow'r find sweet employ,
In that eternal world of joy.'
So mote it be.

FOR THE MASONIC REGISTER. COMPANION PRATT,

The author of the following original ode, is yet in his 'teens. He is a resident of the village of Hamilton, county of Cataraugus, state of New York. His conceptions of the order are sublime, although not a Mason; yet the son of a brother mark master, and bred in the genuine principles of the order. Although I think he has no reason to be ashamed of the production, his first essay on the subject, he wishes his name not made public. By giving it a place in the Register, you will please many of your subscribers, and particularly your friend and patron, S. . W...

Marietta, Ohio, 1820.

MASONIC ODE,

Sung at the festival of St. John the Evangelist, before Hamilton Lodge, No. 274, on Monday, December 27, A. L. 5819.

All hail the great mysterious art,
Grand offspring from above,

Which fondly twines each genial heart,
In harmony and love.

Come, Masons, join the festive board,
Awake the tuneful lay;
Unite in friendship, peace, and love,
'Tis Masons' holy day.

To him whose birth this day returns,
St. John, the great and good;
The patron of our glorious art,
Accepted child of God.

To him we'll join in solemn praise,

Our patron, and our friend;
And each his heart and voice will raise,
And grateful plaudits send.

With fervent zeal, and pure delight,
We'll wake the joyful strain;
"Till in the great Grand Lodge we meet,
Where joys immortal reign:

Come, bring the wreath, the trio bind,
Faith, charity, and love;

To great St. John, a splendid star
In the Grand Lodge above.

Now breathe our pray'rs from friendship's

[blocks in formation]

FOR THE MASONIC REGISTER.

TO THE GRAND ARCHITECT OF
THE UNIVERSE.

To the great Master of the skies,
Let every mortal bow;
From cheerful hearts let praises rise,
And grateful incense flow.

The arch of heaven proclaims his power,
And shows his wond'rous skill,
While nature, every passing hour,

Points out his goodness still.

Where yonder orbs unshaken move,

Or in the smiling green, 'Midst Afric's sands, or India's groves, The BUILDER's hand is seen.

The lightning's glance, the thunder's roar, And Etna's lurid flame,

Bear his dread frown from shore to shore,
And speak his awful name.

For though he's kind, he's also just,
Then, trembling, fear his rod,
When he proclaims to mortal dust,

Prepare to meet thy God."

Prepare, and square your lives while here,
Each angry passion bind,

Then meet the grave, nor let a fear
Disturb your peaceful mind.

What though the tott'ring fabric fall,
Which God to thee has given,
Death but o'erthrows thy cottage wall,
To build it up in Heaven.

When the grand master shall appear,
Your work will stand the test,
This welcome plaudit you shall hear,
"Come, enter into rest.”

GEOGRAPHICAL.

FROM AFRICA.

ty was equally surprised, the Africans came along side in canoes; they were no sooner on board, than they were surrounded by the colonists of both sexes. One African was completely clothed almost the moment he was on deck, by contributions from the colonists. His deception was however soon discovered, for he shortly went on shore, and after securing the clothing already bestowed, he again made his appearance, if possible more naked than at first, in hopes of obtaining another suit, from those who were in greater want of them than himself. The pity of our adventurers, for these naked men soon ceased, when they learned that the Crew men, as they are called, were well provided for, and could, at their pleasure, dress themselves with better suits, than many of our adventurers possessed.

We have been favoured with the perusal of the log-book kept on board the ship Elizabeth, on a voyage to Sherbro, on the west coast of Africa, with 81 free people of colour, for the purpose of establishing a colony on that coast. The ship sailed from New-York, on the 6th of February, and arrived at Sierra Leone, on the 9th day of March, 1820, all in good health and spirits, from whence she returned in safety, leaving the colonists at the island of Campelar. She performed the whole voyage in the space of 120 days, 50 of which she lay in port. This log-book, which was kept by Mr. Gray, mate of the ship, contains, besides a particular account of the voyage, many very interesting remarks, and geographical descriptions of various parts of Afri-West Indies, to Sierra Leone, appears

ca; together with a correct statement of the conduct and proceedings of the colonists during the time the writer was with them. The whole is short- || ly to be properly arranged, and published in a handsome volume, under the direction of Messrs. A. & J. W. Picket. We have been allowed to make the following extracts:

"On our first sight of land, the agents, as well as the coloured people, were quite overjoyed. The bustle and coufusion that ensued, and the variety of opinions that were already expressed, can be better conceived than described. At the time we took a pilot, we were boarded by a number of Africans naked, excepting a waist cloth round the middle. Each par

D

"The Crew nation, or tribe, from whence these men came, is situated near 200 miles south of Sierra Leone. It appears they are very useful in the settlement, being employed in the most laborious work, and in watering the ships of war. Their daily wages from the rising to the setting of the sun, is one shilling sterling.

"The trade from England and the

to be considerable. The imports are, hard and earthen wares, all kinds of dry goods and groceries, small stores, furniture, butter, cheese, &c. The exports are, camwood, bees-wax, palm oil, ivory, and gold dust; together with considerable quantities of excellent ship timber, which is taken on board, about thirty miles up the river from Sierra Leone, at Ben island, where the Crew men, who are generally industrious, are found very useful in loading ships, boating, rafting, &c. They perform the labours of the day with much cheerfulness, regardless of the burning rays of the tropical sun, which at noon day darts its beams upon their naked bodies, which to an American or European, would be almost insupportable.

[ocr errors]

"We had no sooner come to anchor at Sierra Leone, than two Spaniards came on board, and enquired particularly after the schooner Centinel, which they observed was fitting out at New-York, and on being informed she was detained on suspicion of fitting out for the slave trade, they appeared much surprised. There were then lying there, four slave vessels,|| under Spanish colours, which had been captured by the British, having every thing prepared, for taking on board 500 slaves; and, as stated by one of their crew, would have accomplished their object in 24 hours, had they not been taken.

being a branch of the church of England, besides several meeting houses, in one of which Mr. Coker preached to a very large congregation, the first Sunday after our arrival in Africa.

"At this place is a governor, deputy governor, and all other necessary civil officers. Their trials are by jury, which consists of twelve coloured men.

"The military strength, consists of a garrison, mounting from ten to twenty heavy cannon; and at this time, the force consists of but two companies of regular coloured soldiers, and part of a West India regiment. This fortress is built of stone, on an elevated situation, commanding the town and harbour.

"All the back country, which is very mountainous and woody, is interspersed with small settlements. The soil is of a reddish colour, and the stones which lie scattered about, resemble iron ore, but are not so heavy. The coloured inhabitants dress very gay on Sundays, and many them appear respectable. The i moderate use of ardent spirits is existing evil, which certainly great measure might be dispecc with, and whoever wishes to his good health in Africa, must rsy; from this practice altogether. e of

"All that part of Africa we had an opportunity of seeing, including a great part of the country opposite Sierra Leone, under the left bank of the river, is high and mountainous, rising gradually, in some places, from the shores bordering on the sea-side; and in other places, the land is very high within half a mile of the sea, particularly that part of the coast from cape Sierra Leone to cape Shilling, and from thence, in an easterly direction, as far as the eye can distinguish, the land is very high and mountainous, covered with small wood, interspersed with tall trees, among which is seen the cocoanut tree towering its leafless truuk, above ali the rest, the whole clothed with a beautiful green foilage, excepting the tree last mentioned, whose top puts forth a few slender branches, and these only cloth-ing all imported from England, or the ed with leaves. That the trees of Africa are immensely large, we could plainly discover, from the monstrous size of the canoes we saw at Sierra Leone, many of which are from 30 to 50 feet in length, and from 4 to 6 feet in breadth. The trees of which the largest of these canoes were made, must have been from 30 to 45 feet in circumference.

"The population of Sierra Leone, including Freetown and Crewtown, is about 15,000. In this settlement is a regular court house and jail, a church,

"Tobacco, sugar cane, and cdemight be cultivated in this vicinitygreat advantage; but their cultivati does not appear to be encouraged, be

British plantations in the West Indies, at a very advanced price, owing to the heavy duties imposed on all such goods.

"Freetown is built on the declivity of a mountain, commanding a fair prospect from the sea. Several considerable buildings were going on, and great advantages held out to mechan ics. Several of our colonists had of fers, which they of course declined. The governor's house is two stories high; the windows have green blinds on the outside, and it is surrounded by a number of outhouses, all of which

« ÎnapoiContinuă »