nobling subject than the dispensation of charity? Can the imagination, dilating beyond the bounds of ordinary excursions, pause to contemplate a more resplendent duty? Can the eye in its wanderings through the fields of creation, be engaged in surveying a more magnificent object than the hand of charity extended for the relief of a fellow being? Can human nature, while in the performance of a sublu through the enchantment of a world, delight to engage in services more here man was taught duly to appre-nary pilgrimage, and while careering ciate those qualifications of the heart, that make us ready participants in the adversities of the human family.-gratifying and beatific, than assuaging The analogy of our order with the progressive state of society, while it establishes its antiquity, discloses its usefulness, and must at once convince the ignorant in our principles, that they stand arrayed in transcendant splendour, shedding a vivifying ray alike to all. From the remote origin of our institution, which we now perceive may be dated from the Ancient of Days; we cannot be at a loss to conceive the wide range and multifarious pursuits, embraced in the duties of a Mason. The particular objects that claim the serious consideration of every brother, and that unfold the importance of his relative duties, we shall now consider with peculiar concern. the turmoils incidental to an earthly abode? Who is so hardy, so insensible to the finer feelings of our nature, as to place in competition any occupation that can arrest the attention and rouse our keenest sensibilities? Such indeed are the tendencies, and such the engagements of the Masonic character. I know nothing more magnanimous, nothing to throw a glitter over the actions of mankind, amidst the conflicts of this world, than the magic influence of benevolence. sheds lustre in the darkest hour of adversity; it elevates man above all other beings and approximates him to divinity. I know nothing of such overwhelming influence, as the commiserating smile-the soothing ex It Unconnected with operative Mason-pression-the melting tones of dulcet ry as an art, speculative Masonry in contra distinction with the former, embraces the pursuit of all laudable occupations, that can in the least exalt man, and render him worthy his noble destinies. Charity, benevolence, and humanity, constitute the most prominent characteristics of a Free Mason, and under this denomination, points out the observance of those transcendant qualities of our species, that must at once excite respect and veneration and as these principles are inseparable with the duties of a Mason, they disclose the magnitude of our ancient and honourable fraternity. Can the mind conceive, or the tongue delight to dwell on a more en alleviation. I know nothing of such heavenly interposition as the outstretched arm of fostering care. It robs pain of its annoying sting, and fixes joy where it was unknown before. It invests with the majesty of divinity, and discloses the most prominent virtues. I know nothing more alluring to refinement, than the exercise of the finer feelings of the heart, that include in its dictates, universal charity. But, my auditors, the excellence of Masonic duties, is not solely comprised in contributing to the wants and necessities of a brother; they extend beyond this, and are frequently engaged in acts of more permanent advantage. It is not the mere sustenance afforded by the hand of charity, that we alone regard no, it is that charity. which gleams with enraptured efful not whether friend or foe, are involved in the shackles of misfortune.— Such charities are substantial, and such duties inestimable. This is indeed gence, which is exercised in conceal-"doing unto others, as we would they ing, rather than disclosing the foibles and vices, the errors and inconsistencies, that man'incautiously encounters. It is that charity, which actuates to the support of a Brother Mason's character; to remove the stains that darken his reputation; and to support him, in every acceptation of the terin, by supporting him in his absence, amidst the load of opprobium that shall be heaped upon him, to debase and degrade.. It is that charity, which in the most friendly and affectionate manner, points out improprieties and reclaims from offences. It is that charity, which is prompt in giving salutary advice, to save from crimes and their attendant calamities. It is that charity, which prompts to the information of impending danger, and that rescues from wretchedness, misery and destruction. It is that charity, which leads the indiscreet brother from the path of immorality, and that presents to his view, the beauties of a blessed immortality, for virtuous deeds. It is that charity, which is ever ready in softening savage anger, and that melts into composure the angry elements of wild and infuriated passions, that too often cause us to run counter our sober judgments, and heedlessly to commit indiscretions, when it is too late to repent. It is that charity, which excites the utmost energy of soul, in kind admonitions, faithfully administered with that Brotherly love, which cannot fail of restoring to the world a valued citizen, to the Lodge a useful brother, and to an affectionate family its prop and stay. It is that charity, which, disregarding selfish views, knows no fear, but the fear of lacking power in the deficiency of means to gratify the impulsive feelings of a philanthropic heart. Nay, it is that charity, which pauses not to consider who is the object of relief that enquires should do unto us." The duties of a Mason, are only limited by those boundaries, which are fixed for the expansion of all the bright qualities that adorn and dignify our nature. They are not even circumscribed by time, by circumstance, or by death. Our affectionate duties extend to the grave. They call into action the keenest emotions, and draw forth the latent tear, to bedew the cheek of fraternal love. They are as essential to a deceased brother, as during his existence. The performance of the funeral rites, not only remind us of the present, but of the future. They not only evince our attachment to each other in life, but in death; and afford consolation to the bereaved relatives, that none are carried to their grave, unattended and unlamented; or that a sigh should be wanting to add solemnity to the closing scene. This, is considered among us, an imperious duty, that none should be tardy in observing. Does it not bespeak affections of the most endearing cast?— does it not excite sensations that no language can sufficiently express.— Need I repeat, what a Mason experiences on such occasions? Have we not felt! Oh, sadly felt! the anguish and lacerations of the finest feelings, while performing the last melancholy duties, and while pronouncing the requiem over the remains of many much valued friends and brothers? Have we not with alacrity displayed our brotherly love, in accompanying to the silent tomb, many worthy and bright Masons, who have been cut down by the fell-destroyer, during our late afflictive and calamitous season? Can I look round and not discover the absence of some of our brightest ornaments? Is not the chasm produced, very perceptible? Shall I in vain enquire, where is our esteemed brother, conspicuous for his Masonic || the furrowed cheek, and above all calm. the tumultuous bosom heaving with sorrow and the pangs of destitution. These are indeed the noblest attributes of a good Mason. These are indeed, inseparable with his moral and social qualities. These are indeed, the links in that chain of imperious obligations, that bind him to the fraternity, and that make him distinguished not only in the estimation of his fellow man, but in the approbatory countenance of his Maker. Widows of deceased brothers-while the heart bleeds, and all the emotions of the soul are roused by thy rended wailings, that assail the very battlements of the stoughtest feelings; while thy lamentations, the spontaneous result of overflowing grief, and that sadly convey the anguish that the pains of bereavement have excited, let not desperation rest on the mind, yield not to the vacant gaze of hopeless, hapless relief. Turn, to the fraternity, expect to find in the Masonic brother of your lost partner, a friend, a virtues? Where is our valued bro- counsellor, a ready and willing stay and support to all thy cares, to all thy turmoils. It is his duty to administer to thy wants, and to raise thy drooping spirits, worn down by affliction. Orphans of deceased brothers!-thy swelling bosoms unaccustomed to harrassing misery-thy tender minds, estranged to affliction, render thee particular objects of sympathy. Arrest the tear that dims the sight, and look to the Masonic Brother of thy lamented parent. It is his duty to receive and protect thy infant frame from the trammels of destitution, and the entailment of penury and want. It is his special trust to clothe thy nakedness, appease thy hunger, still thy lamentations, and rear thee to maturity by his fostering hand; to instil those principles which his order enjoins, and be rigidly observant of all that can exalt the man and dignify the Mason. Sires, hurled in the vortex of misfortune, encircled by large and youthful families, whose infirmities have entailed the utmost indigence, suffer not the vi to move within compass of propriety, and on the square of probity. He who rules his conduct by equity, need fear no danger, for the Almighty goeth with him, who is attentive to these divine precepts; all moral obligations being essential duties, that come under the denomination of Masonic. per despondence to knaw on thy vitals; think not that you see in prospective, your helpless family a prey to starvation, and wanting the small pittance that can hold life from death; consider not, that when the lamp of life shall be extinguished, and exhausted nature shall return to whence it sprang; that abjectness and the cravings of hunger will be their lot. Enquire of thy Brother, if he indeed be a true Mason, when he was poor and pennyless, and unable to assist himself, if he asked and received no relief? he will require no stronger incentive-he will surely arrest the pro-scale of Masonic consideration, should gress of the tear, and while it rolls down thy venerable face, ornaments that countenance over-shadowed with gloom-he will minister to thy distresses, and cause thy winter sun whose meridian height was obscured by the mist of adversity, to shine forth with mild and cheering rays, and at last decline in a serene sky. From such resplendent qualificacations, that elevate the character, and stamp the conduct of every Mason, who can for a moment think with levity on his duties? This is but a faint sketch of the true distribution of Masonic employment; and in this outline, I call to memory what must strike the mind with peculiar pleasure. While surveying the precious ornaments, that adorn the republic of human nature, and that give stability and worth to the duties of a Mason; how natural is it for the mind to rest on such models of superior admiration. Female pre-eminence, in the ever preponderate; and at no time are the duties of a Mason more conspicuously great, than in encouraging the production of those splendid corruscations of tenderness and affection, that illumine the dejected hopes of the children of misfortune. Inseparable then with the duties of the fraternity, is an unremitted and unlimited regard for the softer sex, who, although not admitted to the benefits and mysteries of our order, are not the less entitled to its dispensations. They should at all times claim the protection of every brother, because in them we perceive essential objects for furthering the grand design of Masonic principles, and of keeping in remembrance the performance of all those kind offices that establish the Masonic character. In them are discovered the unexampled beamings of true commiseration. In their association may be found those unrestrained, unmanacled precepts that The virtues of the heart, are inseparably embraced in the duties of a Mason. Brotherly love comprises all that can enlighten and exalt. In the catalogue of superior acquirements it stands in very legible characters. Included in this, is undisguised friend-strongly enforce this truth, that no ship; I mean not that friendship which station or employment can equal the owes its birth to interested views, and Masonic, when engaged in contributhat sacrifices int egrity and honour ting to the alleviation of human misefor its support and strength. No:ry; for which purpose none are so efMasonic friendship spurns the act that does not emanate from the heart, and is carried by the crimson stream, through every vein and fibre. With After this brief survey of those duthis is also connected, faith, hope, ties which must be discharged with truth, justice, mercy, and temperance. that sincerity of heart, which, in comThese make the Mason truly estima-porting with the moral fitness of things, ble. It is the excellence of the order, stamp the intrinsic worth of the Mason; ficient as woman; and it is from this consideration, they merit the attention of every Mason. after this imperfect declination, that no adventitious tints of art can portray or embellish; who can for a moment consider such a system, and such attainments with indifference and contempt? who can now contemplate our order as a mere specious form, a hypocritical sanctity for the concealment of fraud and dissipation-of base duplicity and odious deception? Are the duties of a Mason nothing but naked ceremonies, mantled under professions of charity to allure and deceive? Is this a semblance without the reality a shadow without the substance-empty words, used to prostitute the fairest intentions under plausible pretexts? Confidently may I hope, none within the sound of my voice, can disbelieve the verity of our declaration, or frown indignantly on our institution. Brethren and Companions: I cannot descend from the station assigned me, without expressing my satisfaction in observing the present celebrity and weight of character our order has acquired, in being countenanced by the great and good, and the rapid dispersion of that prejudice and opposition which have been manifested by the ignorant and unenlightened. The extension of our attributes; the dissemination of our principles; the promotion of human happiness, and the interest evinced for the fraternity; all conspire to cement us more firmly in the great work we are bound to pursue. Notwithstanding our imperious observance of those secret principles, we are solemnly pledged to keep and treasure in our bosoms; notwithstand-. ing the imposing measures and coersive means used for the violation of our sacred trust, we still remain emblems of unshaken fidelity, presenting are not only engaged in rendering our selves happy, but in bestowing happiness on others: and amidst all the splendour that vaulting ambitiou can obtain; the virtuous actions of a Mason, appear peculiarly conspicuous, and are achievements of renown of more than adamantine durability, that sheds around a halo of glory, that nothing can obscure or remove. The universal prevalence of your relative duties; your ready co-operation in the grand work, which, in maintaining the rights and privileges guaranteed to us under all forms of governments, and even in times of bigotry and oppression, which secures the perpetuation of our noble institution-and the boundless expansion of our order, which continues in operation with zeal and undeviating energy; are harbingers of that accordance with divine pleasure, that must make you rise superior in the estimation of the world; and under the munificence of the Supreme Architect of the Universe, secure for you the rewards due to genuine charity and meritorious actions. So shall you, while gliding down the stream of life, meet in death, the commendations of thousands; and in the world to come, life eternal. 17, 1821. OBITUARY. to the world the brilliant example of From the Washington City Gazette of Feb. inflexible adherence to those intrinsic and exalted virtues, that are not to be obtained but by those of proper qualifications and of good report. The beauties of the Masonic character must daily appear to you with increasing lustre, because our duties DIED, on Friday afternoon, at four o'clock, ALEXANDER M'CORMICK, Esq. of this city, aged about 47 years. Those who knew him will bear testimony to his benevolent disposition, and his use |