W. GEORGE M'KINLEY, W. ZEBEDEE RING, 2nd class. 3d class. 4th class. The members of the first class constitute the Committee of Charity, from May to August. The second, from August to November. The third, from November to February. The fourth, from February to May. MASONIC DISCOURSE, Delivered at Columbus, Ohio, before OHIO LODGE, No. 30, at a recent anniversary of the festival of ST. JOHN, the Evangelist. By Brother JOSEPH S. HUGHES, of Delaware. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS. A rational, intelligent being, elevated to the observatory of scientific refinement, in viewing the grand machinery of nature, is, at once, overwhelmed with the god-like scenery which surrounds him. His mind hovering over the variegated harmony of the terrestrial creation, and expanding itself in view of the brilliant decorations of the heavens, lost in astonishment, he exclaims, "Great and manifold are thy works, O God! in wisdom hast thou made them all." is ushered into the immediate presence of the supreme Architect and governC He rent of infernal corruption. or of the universe; and in contempla- [ overwhelmed by the inundating tortion of his infinite wisdom, power, and benevolence, developed in his works, he adores the Great Supreme. O! unhappy subject of mortality! must you thus bid an eternal adieu to celestial enjoyment, and banish forever those endearing sentiments of uprightness and benevolence, in which consists the very essence of life: and receive those impressions of eternal infamy which never can be erased? Must the odoriferous flowers of friendship and social joy, be at once blasted by the prostrating tempest of conflicting passion, and the insufferable rancour of eternal remorse? How wretched is his condition, how gloomy his prospects! Behold him shivering on the barren shore of life, contemplating the unbounded ocean of desolating horror, and not a solitary ray of hope to dissolve the impenetrable cloud which gathers around him. A mind, thus exercised, is naturally induced to inquire, for what purpose is this wonderful display of divine glory? and why is there such an astonishing variety of objects, distinct in themselves, but harmoniously blended together, thus set forth to the view, embellished with the most attractive charms? No satisfactory solution to these involuntary queries can otherwise be given, than that this furniture of heaven was provided for the investigation, employment, and felicity of man, in due subordination to the glory of the Creator. And what is man? Yea; the enlightened mind will exclaim, What is man, that thou, O God, art mindful of him, or the son of man, that thou thus shroudest him in the effulgence of thy glory? The mental and corporeal properties of humanity give an increased display of the great first cause, endowed with all those powers and qualities, necessary for the most exalted service, and the most exquisite sensations of refined enjoyment; his mind is a paradise ofed abodes of man, bearing the olive From this dark prison no created arm can rescue. What radiant stream of etherial light is that which darts upon the soul, and disparts the successive shades of despairing gloom? Behold from Heaven, a celestial embassage! a dove-like seraph, gently descending on balmy wings to the wretch branch, the key of knowledge, and the word of life. "Receive," says the celestial visitant, "as Heaven's repository, this sacred treasure." Hear the glad tidings of great joy, confide in the promise, conform to those things joy, and such beings in social combination form a heaven of delight. Thus furnished, mankind are placed in a very important and eligible sphere in the scale of creation. And had that course of moral rectitude been pursued, to which his circum-which are true, venerable, just, lovely, stances directed, his interest invited, and his obligations urged, the dignity of his station would have remained unimpaired, and his felicity secure. But a deviation from this upright path, suddenly plunged him into dark confusion, and subverted the order and harmony of this beautiful creation. No longer capable of contemplating, and communing with the source of Innumerable and invaluable are the wisdom and purity, he is tossed on the gifts and provisions of Heaven, for the tumultuous wreck of primeval great-felicity of man, and the restoration of ness, and those sentiments of truth, beauty, order, and integrity, are, in this state of things, forever lost, and and of good report; receive the key of experiment, investigate the principles of rectitude, and set thy heart upon those virtuous, praise-worthy, and honourable pursuits of celestial purity, and then the branch of eternal peace and reconciliation shall secure a perfect restoration to perpetual and unalloyed bliss. moral rectitude, in the world. Various are the regulations of the Divine Being, relative to the cultivation of those principles of virtue and prosper- || beauty, which the Divine Being has manifested in his works of creation. The mysterious treasures of the sanctuary are furnished by Divine revelation. This important system opens an unbounded field for the expansive faculties of the immortal soul. In it, the mind discovers the simple existence, the combined dependence, and relation of the works of God. The obligations resulting from this dependence, the sweet lustre of truth and the reward of virtue, are clearly and impressively exhibited. But above all, the avenue of communication between the celes tial and moral world is pointed out, and the true disciple of this mysterial order is enabled, from the most inferior state of humility, to mount, by sensible degrees, and successive steps, up to the throne of God. And although, by the insinuating, decompos first temple was demolished, and its foundation totally razed; the grand master builder slain, the key of Divine mystery apparently forever lost; anarchy, jarring discord, and eternal remorse, as a despotic triumvirate. seated on a throne of perpetual dominion. Yet, herein do we behold these powers of darkness deposed, and by the consummate skill, astonishing condescension, and unmerited, but infinitely efficacious mediation of the Great Restorer, the second temple rising in unprecedented glory and magnificence. moral deformity, and the simplicitying influence of infernal stratagems, the Those social virtues, the exercise of which constitute the greatest quantum of temporal happiness, are here culti vated and enforced. Man is hereby taught that he is a dependent being, and that those benefits which in necesity he receives, must be reciprocated. The gloomy vale of indigence and misery, is opened to the view, and the strongest claims on the best feelings of the human heart, are made in a manner which ensures their successful discharge. Whatsoever things the attention of a Mason is invited to, have eternal truth for their foundation: the Ho ly Scriptures are given as the rule of moral government, and the truths revealed in them are impressed as the first and all important guide of faith and practice. Honesty, sincerity, justice, and purity, with all the lovely and reputable doctrines and practices of the most precise and beneficent deportment, are strenuously required.— If there be any virtue in the exercise of those principles, which have their unquestionable source in the pure and immaculate mind of the Almighty Architect, if there be any merit of praise in those practices which in multiplied instances have meliorated the ferocious passions of men, assuaged the horrors of war, rescued the devoted victims of savage barbarity from the horrid instruments of torture and death, in visiting the disconsolate mansions of poverty, misfortune, and disease, and soothing the oppressed heart with the endearing impressions of genuine sympathy, accompanied with those alleviating supplies which the warm hand of charity afford, then is the Masonic system entitled to that approbation and respect which the apostolic injunction requires. What among men can be more praise worthy than the persevering and extensive exertions required by the laws of Masonry, to deliver the human heart from those jarring, and contentious passions with which it is vitiated, and to unite the whole family of intelligent beings in one indissoluble bond of eternal friendship?This indestructible fabric of our order, has long survived the second glory of its appropriate emblem, and from its exalted turrets, the unassuming craftsman beholds, without a single fear, the tumbling columns of earthly greatness, and the Parian monuments of other times mouldering in the dust around him. The votaries of this august edifice are armed with those invincible weapons of defence, which are prevalent against the fell destroyer, to which other associations have fallen victims; and humbly rest satisfied with the conclusive evidence they possess, of the singular protection of their system by the guardianship of that Omniscient Providence without whose notice and Divine permission not even a sparrow falls! In these circumstances, it excites no surprise that the wondering world are inquisitive respecting the mysteries which the veil of secrecy enshrouds in the inmost recesses of the temple; or that many desire to be informed of that which arrested the attention, and excited the strongest approbation of a Locke, a Washington, a Franklin, and Warren: those men whom we delight to honour, and who were never dazzled with titles and distinctions, or *The following letter from our illustrious brother, GEORGE WASHINGTON, whose spirit has departed, but whose memory lives in every grateful heart, is in answer to an address from the grand lodge of Massachusetts, on their presenting him with their book of constitutions, which was dedicated to him, December 27, A. D. 1792. "To the grand lodge of free and accepted Masons, of the commonwealth of Massachusetts. "Flattering as it may be to the human mind, and truly honourable as it is to receive, from our fellow citizens, testimonies of approbation for exertions to promote the public welfare, it is not less pleasing to know that the milder virtues of the heart, are highly respected by a society, whose liberal principles are founded on the immutable laws of truth and justice. "To enlarge the sphere of social happi ness, is worthy of the benevolent design of the Masonic institution; and it is most fervently to be wished, that the conduct of every member of the fraternity, as well as those publications that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind, that the grand object of Masonry, is to promote the happiness of the human race. "While I beg your acceptance of my thanks for the book of constitutions which you have sent me, and for the honour you have done me in the dedication, permit me to assure you, that I feel all those emotions of gratitude, which your affectionate address and cordial wishes are calculated to inspire; and I sincerely pray, that the Great Architect of the universe may bless you here, and receive you hereafter into his immortal temple. GEORGE WASHINGTON." Influenced by empty parade, or unmeaning ceremony. These, with the wise, the mighty, and the good of ancient periods, and of sainted memory, officiated at the sacred altar, and evinced that Masonry had charms to captivate the most exalted intellect. But notwithstanding the worthy characters who have mingled the rays of their mental illumination with the great lights of Masonry, and although the principles of the order, which have been freely published to the world, are acknowledged unexceptionable by its most virulent opponents, yet numerous are the cavils, and objections made by the superstitious bigot, and suspicious infidel, who judge without investigation, reflect at random, condemn at a venture, and "speak evil of the things which they know not." Šo frequently have the popular objections against the order been conclusively answered, by a host of mighty champions for the cause, that I do not conceive it expedient or necessary, to detain you with an attempt of this kind. And indeed, it is generally most advisable to treat with silence, the calumnious invective, and smile at the convulsive struggles of inveterate malice. Purity of motive and conscientious integrity, eventually triumph victoriously, and cause the sun of prosperity to beam on the soul. So numerous, exalted and captivating are the subjects which engage the attention and enrapture the heart of the Mason, that he is neither disposed nor at leisure, to combat his enemies, and when assaulted by the innoxious shafts of his adversary, that charity which perfumes the sanctuary of his devotion, excites in him the fer- || vent ejaculation, accompanied with the bursting tear of compassion, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." And from the strongest motives is this petition preferred, for so completely incorporated is this system with the holy reli gion of the triune Jehovah, that an invective against it, is an incautious slander on that religion. Nor can we be chargeable with the crime of placing a stumbling block in the way of those who are in the dark on this subject. The principles of the order are published at large, the great Lights of Masonry afford ample vision by their own illuminations, to discover what they are, and the reiterated, solemn declarations of unquestionable veracity, leave ungovernable preju dice without the cloak of palliation; and if this combined evidence will not enforce conviction, the testimony of the departed shade of Washington, or the martyr, St. Alban,* would prove unavailing. Permit the declaration of our Rev. brother Inwood, of St. Paul's in England, "believe me, (says he,) all ye who are not Masons, believe me as one who dare not speak falsely before the awful presence of Almighty God, the Grand Architect of the heavens and the earth; believe me, that the royal order of Masonry, however secret from its most early initiation to the present moment, has nothing belonging to it but what is so far from giving birth or growth to the commission of any thing inconsistent with the strictest parts of our holy religion, whether it respects our duty to God or man; yea so far from any thing of this, that every part of it, if duly followed, has a direct tendency to enforce the performance of every one of its most holy precepts." And now my hearers, what remains to satisfy curiosity and prejudice? Shall we, at this time, rend the veil of the temple, strip away the curtains of the sanctnary, and expose to the unfeeling gaze of common view, the del icate charms and enchanting lustre of solemn mystery! that which none have been suffered to behold, how martyr in England, and the first grand marter in that country, suffered A, D. 303. * St. Alban, who was the first Christian |