Newspaper Page Text
GEORGIA COURIER.
J. G. MCWHORTER.
AND
HENRY MEALING,
PUBLISHERS.
Terms.-—Thii P&pnr ie published every Monday and
Thursday afternoon, at $5 UO per annum, payable in ad
vance, or *6 00 at the expiration of the year.
ItT Advertisements not exceeding a square, inserted the
fi^St time fur t>2 1-2 cents, and 43 3-4 cents for each con
tinuance.
'raising of a favorite individual fro office
may sometimes become a secondary con
cern. At the time of the last Presidential
campaign, we were the warm advocates
of Gen. Jackson, and should continue to
be so, were circumstances the same.—
We admired his brilliant military career,
his high and lofty spirit, and we were
satisfied with the soundness of his princi
ples. "But, while we advocate the claims
of Gen. Jackson for reasons which we al
Public Speaking.—That a man should,
in a government like this of the United
Sta.es, succeed in pleasing all parties, es
pecially if he should act in relation to
party matters, is not to be expected.—
Ther&are men who have the opportunity
of uttering their words, that will absurdly
find cause for abuse, or nauseous flattery,
lot what will be the subject or the manner
of a man's address, ptovided it militates
against, or works for the interest of their
party view’s.
Mr- Clay’s recent observations at a
dinner in Baltimore, found at once those
who could pronounce them the ebullition
of insanity, or who could trace neither
reason qpr fancy in his remarks; as from
Such persons little else could be expected,
no admiration should be excited at their
nnhappy out-breaking of spleen. Bui
dne or two instances of censure have
been noticed from persons who claim not
merely to be friends of the Administra
tion of the genera] government, but to be
possessed of enlarged views in politics,
and may, in some things, challenge res
pect for candor and disci imination.—
.These, generally satisfied with the catho
lic sentimeuts of Mr. Clay, affect to think
it derogatory to a high functionary of the
government to speak in his own behalf,
.or to utter sentiments of disrespect of the
person, whose views of office militate a-
gainst his own—we do not. hold these
opinions, and therefore, venture to offer
our reasons.
Mr. Clay’s acceptance of office under
Mr. Adams, does not, and should not sep
arate hinr from his connexion with his
fellow citizens ; and if ever he possessed
claims to the higher situation to which
his friends directed his attention at the
last election, or to the situation he now oc
cupies, it was from the well earned es
teem in which he was held by the citizens
of the United States. Ilis was no ficti
tious claim arising out of a single success
ful endeavour or risk in the cause of the
public ; he had by degrees acquired and
rewarded the confidence of the public.—
As a representative of the people, he
“tcod pre-eminent for integrity, talents
and application; and when exalted to
the situation of Speaker of the House of
Representatives, that exaltation but serv
ed the niore to exhibit his high deserts,
and while it elevated him in office, con
nected him more and more with the peo
ple whom he faithfully served—thoy felt
the advantages brnts services, ana he en
joyed the high gratification of their con
fidence.—He was emphatically, and in
the best sense of the word, a popular man
—a man whom the people delighted to
honour. What then must have been his
feelings when be found . the breath of de
traction blasting the dearest treasures of
his life, the high esteem of his fellow men
—impeaching his motives and slandering
his fame ? Was he to set quietly down,
and see life and reputation fade away and
not speak one word for himself, when he
had offered so many for others; a neigh
bouring nation had tendered to him the
homage of heartfelt gratitude, for his plea
in her behalf, and when he attempts a
vindication of his own fame, he must be
hushed by colcTcalculation of dignity and
place. What is the dignity of place
without the dignity of character ? who is
he that, sitting among his avowed friends,
with attention purposely directed towards
the subject, would not, if he could, have
showed himself worthy of the esteem they
preferred, in.-atiornpling to wipe away the
stain of an enemy’s reproach ?
If Mr. Clay was charged with incapa
city in the discharge of duties appertain
ing to his office, it would be his policy to
sit quiei beneath the censure, until time
should satisfy the public of his ability.—
But assailed vtith _tho charge of corruption
in attaining place, lie has a right, nay, he
appears bound to appeal to the public,
from the shameful;reproach : that is made
to meet him at every turn ; and if, in sha
king from'him the imputation, he carries
hack to it^framers tho , charge of slander
and falsehood,, who shall bhune his zeal ?
iig twi-^ony i*.c,..iKc
ther the abundant, charges made against
Mr. Clay be true, wc may be permitted to
say, that sitting among his friends in the
habits of social "converse, and with the
eminent powers of oratory that he posses
ses, and, moreover with the pointed ref
erence to.the subject which is so frequent
ly made* he could scarcely avoid an open
defence of his conduct, or a suspicion that
ho felt himself unable to the task. These
charges, it IS known, did not originate in
obscure corners ; they are not the off-,
spring of a brain labouring for a contemp
tible notoriety ; but they found their ori
gin on the floor of Congress, and may be
traced to a festive board, where at least,
the same causo for silence might be found
that is now urged towards Mr. Clay by
his cold friends. '
Wc see nothing derogatory to the dig
nity of a great man, in endeavouring to
sustain his lab; riously acquired rank with
the people, by freeing himself from impu
tations which, being admitted, must ren
der him unworthy their esteem.
United States Gazette.
MR. ADAMS.
The following sketch of V:r. Adams is given by
a letter writer in the Trenton True American :
Amongst the plainest aDd most unosten
tatious of the people to be seen in this ci
ty, are the President and heads of the de
partments. Mr. Adams, as usual^ takes
his morning walks at early day around
the capitol, and might from his unaffected
simplicity of appearance, and his repub
lican habits, be misteken for the plainest
leged. we were noi backward iu'declaring j f arm er of our state. Every morning be-
our confidence in the ability and integri- j f ore sunrise he issues forth from what with
ty of Mr. Adams, and our conviction that propriety might be called a palace, and
t lie interests of the country would be safe walks and rides with the plainest citizens
in liis keeping. Mr. Adams was elected, j 0 f t hc place. At my visit to his houst. I
and w<? signified our nssent in the deci- ; f oun( j that care and incessant labor, pad
sion of the American people. Neither j wrought sonic changes in his appearajee,
have we been disappointed in the admin- j CV en within the last year ; but he is itill
tration of Mr. Adams. With one or two j t | ie pl a j n social and unsophisticated re
exceptions, which we have heretofore no- publican, that he has ever been. Eviry
ticcd, his course has been such as to meet j thing around him bears evidence of cl<ise
our decided approbation. Such being the ' attention to business ; books, documents
facts, and the reasons which induced us ' an j papers, are piled high upon his tables ;
Avgusta.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 1828.
to take an active part in the last contest,
having ceased to exist, it cannot be expect
ed that we feel greatly anxious that Mr. A -
should be defeated at th’ approaching elec
tion ; more especially as the cabinet ofGen.
Jackson, remains yet to be formed, and
that the course which it will pursue, a mat
ter of uncertainty. Still, as the original
Vie\VS Which Wc CiitcrtoTncd «>f h»o own
character remain unchanged, and as the
choice of the people of this state is unal
terably fixed, we are not disposed, by a-
ny means, to become the partizans of Mr.
Adams. If, however, lie can derive any
advantage from our honest approval of
any of his salutary measures, or our sup
port of those leading principles with
which he has indeutified his administra
tion, he is heartily welcome to it. He is,
we have no doubt, an honest an able states ■
man, and if the American people will his
re-election, we shall not be among the
dissatisfied. If, on the other hand, it
should be the fortune of Gen. Jackson to
succeed him, we hope and trust that the
great interests of the country will be e-
qually safe. In connection with this sub
ject, we take occasion to make one fur
ther remark.- The charge of corrupt bar
gain, which some of our brother Editors
persist in bandying about against Mr.
Clay, we do not think entitled to the least
ciedit, and we deem it our duty honestly
and candidly to say so. If the circum
stance of Mr. Clay’s vote and succeeding
appointment, for one moment, threw a
shade of suspicion over the purity of his
motives, we think it has been entirely re
moved by the abundant testimony addu
ced. The fame and reputation of oui
distinguished and most celebrated men
ought to be dear to the American people.
It is intimately connected with the glory
of our whole country, - and should not be
wantonly assailed.”
“ Georgia Politics.—Some Editor of
this state has asserted, that there are but
two parties in the state : one in favor of
Gen. Jackson, and the other for old Hick
ory Wo asson* *■» fuel of their bo-*
ing bnt iwu parties. Though we should
have arranged them under different heads
—viz: T he In's, and the Out's. The
one party who got into office by abusing
Gen. Jackson, and uow endeavor to main
tain themselves there, by praising him.—
And the other party who lost their offices
by clinging to Jackson, before he became
popular, and now* wish to profit by the
eclat which they themselves assisted in
giviug him. Among the leaders of both
these parties, there are but few who care
much for the old general himself. Yet
they all find it mighty convenient to
mount the hobby-horse of the day. And
they who care the least, clamor the loud
est, that they may be considered in earn
est bv the people. Both these parties
have nominated Electoral Tickets and,
we .presume the contest will be carried on
with all the asperity which usually attends
an election, where parties arrange them
selves, not on the side of principles, but
merely under the respective heads of in's
or out's."
PROM THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.
his moments are occupied with the great
affairs of the state, an unremitted attention
to the national concerns marks every act
of the great and enlightened man, who
rules the destinies of the American peo
ple. He received us with the utmost cor
diality, and manifested the most polite at
tention while we rein.tinea, which was but
a shun time, as we feared 'o interrupt the
regular arrangement of his business, which
is a perfect system. As we went out
nearly a dozen gentlemen of a highly re
spectable appearance • were waiting their
turn to enter. I thought as I gazed on,
and conversed with this great and good
man, what but the spirit of a demon,
could assail his highly excellent reputa
tion.
MR. CLAY.
The same writer thus speaks of Me. Clay.
“ This day, alone, I paid a visit to the
Secretary of State, Mr. Clay, til his office.
He bears marks of impaired health, owing
to his excessive attention to the public bu
siness with which iie is intrusted. He is
truly one of the most interesting men in
the world. His manners are plain and
polite. He is free and unreserved in con
versation ; completely republican in his
manners, as ne has always been in princi
ple, alive to the glojy and honor of his
country, and devoted to all its best inter
ests. His enemies knowing his well earn
ed popularity and his transcendent talents,
have long since marked him out as their
victim ; but they cannot prevail. Tal
ents and virtues like his will live down
the slanders of the day, and his whole fife
has been a series of acts showing his re
publican character, and his ..zeal fur tire
people’s rights. He is truly one of na
ture’s noblemen, whom Heaven and his
own exertions have made great.
S*JE**«H f»oro the first number of the Savannah
’ " Mercury.
,. .j" regard to the claims of different in-
dmduals to distinguished offices, we will
ES ® ccas ‘° n seems to require, with
usual candour, freedom and honesty. As
2® P r ' nc, P al object in selecting'candi-
SdJoriS the support, of measures,
C t0 « ,ve currp ncy to principles, so the
Gentlemen : I had a moment’s conver
sation, this morning, with a gentleman
who is distinguished as well for his wis
dom, as his virtues ; and who is .an orna
ment to science and to society. I chan
ced to refer to the bitterness of spirit
which characterizes the political parties
of the day, and lamented its existence.—
He replied, in substance, “ It has been
“ so always. The Greeks and the Ro-
“ mans acted in the same spirit. And a
“ mp«!«oiicer was sont to the Treasury, du-
" ring the Administration of Washington,
“ to ascertain if he he had not overdraicn
“ his salary ! Every little village is di-
“ vided, and its inhabitants, where peace
“ might be supposed to dwell, are split
" intofanctions.” He further said, “These
“ parties are useful.” They are checks
“upon one another, and pieserve the
“ State.” I replied, my exception is, to
the abuse and the condemning, and censur
ing and slandering practice of the times,
and applied to that spirit that would col
lect the elements over a man, and rive,
and ruin him, when he was innocent.—
And all this to carry personal or politi
cal ends. “ The best way,” replied this
gentleman, “ is, to take it all camly. I
was forcibly struck with the philosophy of
the closing remark, and could not do else
than admire the feelings which prompted
and the heart that cherished the senti
ment. I concluded to learn wisdom from
it. I hope-to profit by the interview., .
No wonder, man being as he is, (and
that is, as he has been always, .save 'hat
early hour of his freshness and prime
when he was in Paradise,) that suspicion
should be cherished towards the purest of
mortals, and General Washington him-
s fVfollowed, to see if he was not finger
ings quarter’s pay 400 much of the pub
lic money ! After that, let no man mur
mur at the slang-whang of the present
hour, but console himself in the conscious-
noss of his own rectitude, and “ take it
aii calmly. PLATO.
X, ft test from, England.
' NEW-YOP.K, MAY 26.
The packet shin C.-inf.
Smith, arrived yesterday from Liverpool,
bringing our files of London paper to the
24th of April, the day previous to her
sailing, and Lloyd’s Lists of the 23d —
They contain little intelligence of impor
tance respecting the affairs of Europe, the
political relations between the allies and
the east appearing to havo undergone no
change since the last advices.
A letter of the 24ih, states, that about
2500 bales "f Cotton were sold (hat day
at former prices—and about 10,000 bales
arrived that day.
The British Stocks had risen to 85, in
consequence, it was said, of reports that
the passage of the Pruth by the Russian
army, was deferred to the middie of May.
It is said that a declaration of neutrality
from the Courts of London, Paris, Vien
na, and Berlin, is expected to be publish
ed as soon as war breaks out between
Russia and the Porte.
Advices from Lisbon to April 9ih,
state that although Don Miguel exercised
all the potvei of an absolute Monarch, he
had not yet proceeded to the length of
declaring himself King.
London, April 21.—We have received
the Courier Francais, dated Saturday.—
It is stated, in the “ Gazette de France,”
that the French will decidedly evacuate
Spain, with the exception of Cadiz, the
Seu d’Urgel, and Jacca.
In the British House of Commons, on
the 21st of April Mr. Stuart Woriley, af
ter speaking of the able correspondence,
on the subject of commercial regulations
and other matters of moment, between
Mr. Canning and Mr. Gallatin,..copies of
which up to Januaty, 1827, had been laid
ViM iirv tLul It n I.ukj be
highly satisfactory to the country at large
to receive an assurance that the friendly
relations between the two nations remain
ed unchanged. He also suggested the
propriety of laying on the table thc com*
tinuation of the correspondence.
Mr. Huskisson said, in answer, that he
had no difficulty in submitting the romam-
der of the correspondence, except such
as related to thc negociations still pending
till the negociation to which it related had
an end. The documents referred to had
been laid on the table of the House onlv
because they had been published in the
United States. As to the amicable feel
ing which had hitherto prevailed during
the negociation, he observed that nothing
had occurred to interupt it; which he was
the more happy to state, as these negocia
tions related to the subjects of great im
portance—the commercial treaty of 1818,
and the northwestern boundary of the U.
States.
“ The heart,” says Chestejfield, “ never” (ne-
vtr ?) ‘-grows better by age; 1 fear rather worse ;
always harder: A young liar will be an old one;
and a young knave will only be a greater knave
as he grows older.” ~
Of ail our infirmities vanity is-the dear
est; a man will starve his other vices to
keep that alive. Vanity is so insepara
ble from our nature that it even survives
our ashes, and takes care of oor epitaphs
and tombstones before we die..
Col. Gamble and Henry G. Lamar have been
withdrawn from the list of candidates for Con
gress for some time past. The last Georgian
says, it is authorised to erase also the name of
E ward F. Tatnall.
Capt. Warrenton Hainey was on Saturday last
elected to command the Seventy Sixth Batallion
of the 10th Regiment, Georgia Militia, in place of
Major Skinner, resigned.
The Bowery Theatre N. Y. was consumed by
fire on the Evening of the 26th, with many build
ings in the vicinity. All the property of thc
Tiieatre, with the private wardrobe of the ac
tors, was destroyed. The Theatre was ful
ly insured. The fire originated in a Livery Sta
ble.
General Porter stood high in thc Congress of
1812, and was Chairman of the Committee of
i foreign Relations, which made the celebrated
! War Report. His talents and military experi
ence, eminently qualify him for the Department
| of War, to which he has been appointed.
; The Packet Ship Napoleon, with London dates
to the 24th of April and Liverpool to the 25th.
brings no intelligence different from our former
information.
We have received the first numbers of two
new papers issued in Georgia, 011c at Warren-
ton, by P. L. Robinson Esq., by the name of the
“Rural Cabinet,” and the other at the new Town
of Columbus by Mirabeau B. Lamar, Esq. called
the “ Columbus Enquirer.” Tbe first is a small
but neatlv printed paper, and the last is of the
ordinary size of the other papers of this state,
and inferior to none of them in its app arance.
In our last we noticed the Mercury just publish
ed in Savannah, and within a few days we expect
to see the 11 Olive Branch,” to he printed at Mil-
ledgeville.
We have been polite'y furnished by the Ma
sonic Committee with the following account of
the proceeding* which took place on laying the
Corner Stone of the Masonic Hall, in this City
on the 2nd. iust.
The Corner Stone of thc New Masonic Hall,
to be erected in this City, was laid on Monday,
the 2d instant, by thc Grand Lodge of the State
of Gei rgia with the ai propriate-ceremonies.
At 10 o’clock. A. M. the Brethren formed a
procession at the Lodge Room, and proceeded to
i the City Hall, where they were joined by the
Civil Authority, the St. Cecilia Society, and dis-
distinguished strangers then visiting the city, and
moved in the following order, through Green,,e
I Centre and Broad streets, to the site of the in
tended Hall, passing through a Triumphal Arch
erected for the occasion.
ORDER OF PROCESSION.
Citizens.
Members and Officers of Council.
St. Cecilia Society-
Webb’s Lodge No. 19.
Social Lodge No. 5.
Augusta Chapter No. 2.
Geo. Encampment No. 1, of Knights Templars.
Grand Lodge in the following or tr:
Gr uifcF ‘Stewards.
A Past Master carrying a Cornucopia containing
Corn.
Principal Architect, with Square, L- vel Sf Plumb.
Two Past Musters, with Vases containing Wiue
and Oil.
Grand Secretary and Treasurer.
A Banner, with the five orders of Architecture,
borne by a member
A lighted Candle borne by a Past Master.
The lioly Bible, Square and Compass, borne by
a Past Master, supported by two Stewards.
Two large lights borne by Past Masters.
Clergy and Orator.
Grand Wardens.
Deputy Grend Master.
Grand Deacons, w ith black rods.
Grand Master.
Two Stewards, with white rods.
Giaud Sword Bearer.
On arriving at the site of the Building, the fol
lowing Ode was performed by the St. Cecilia So
ciety, in a most animating strain, and was fol
lowed by an appropriate and impressive prayer,
by the iiev’d Mr. Moderwel.
“ Strike the cymbal,
Roll the tymbal!”
Swell the note of grateful love;
Heav’n rejoices!
Lend your voices!
Praise the ARCHITECT above.
God of glory!
The song of vict’ry,
Peansloud are ever thine—
Cherubs singing,
Glad are bringing
OfPringS to JEHOVAH’S shrine!
Lo ! in grandeur,
Bedeck’d in splendour,
See the Temple proudly rises !
Masonry triumphant gazes!
Where, red gleaming,
Ruin beaming,
Late was midnight terror spread !
Art combining,
Grace entwining,
CHARITY thc cornerstone:
Discord never
Fabrics rear’d on God alone !
FAITH and HOPE our chosen stay,
Love illumes wiili mystic ray;
Truth and reason still combine,
Still adorn the hallow’d shrine.
Praise, praise the Architect! O praise!
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!
The Most Worshipful Grand Master (Hon
Wm. Schley) then directed thc Graad Treasurer
pro tem. (Bro. J. S. Beers) todeposite within a
cavity prepared in the Corner Stone for that pur
pose, various Coins, and other memorials o< the
present period, properly enclosed and sealed in
a glass bottle, together with a copperplate con
taining the following inscription:
THIS CORNER STONE,
of a Masonic Hall, erected under the direction
of
Samuel Hale,
Augustin Slaughter. Thomas I. Wray,
Birkett D. Thompson, John W. Wilde, Robert R.
Reid, WilliamT. Gould, AlexanderM’Kenzie,
James C. Morgan, Jonathan S, Beers,
Francis Ganahl k Peter Bennoch,
Trustees of the Masonic Hall in the City of Au
gusta ;
Was laid on the 2d of June, in the year of our
Lord 1828,
and of the Era of Masonry 5828,
By Willias Schley, Grand Master,
Assisted by Birkett B. Thompson, Deputy
Grand Mast< r,
of the Grand Lodge of the State of Georgia;
In the presence of the Grand Lodge, convened
for that purpose, and the subordinate
Lodges, and other Masonic Insti
tutions of tha Chy.
ALSO,
The Mayor and Members of the City Council,
and a large concourse of tbe Brethren
and other Citizens.
And on the reverse, the fallowing:— J-
THIS BUILDING,
Ejected to God and Dedicated to the Holy
St. Johns,
Is intended by the Masonic Societies of Augusta,
to subserve the cause of
CHARITY, FRIENDSHIP, and UNIVER-
SAL BENEVOLENCE.
The Corner Stone was then lowered to its pro
per station in due Masonic form, while the fol
lowing Ode was performed by a full choir:
Hail, Masosry divine!
Glory of ages shine,
Long may’st thou reign !
Where'er thy Lodges stand,
May they have great command.
And always grace the land;
Thou Art divine!
Great Fabrics still arise.
And grace the azure skier.
Great are thy schemes !
Thy noble Orders are
Matchless beyond compare:
No Art with thee can share.
Thou Art divine!
Hiram, the architect,
Did all the Craft direct
How they should build;
Pol’inon. great(Isr’el’s king, 1
Did mighty blessings bring > Chorus 3 times.
And lei . us ground to sing )
Hail, royal Art!
that spiritual building, that house cot made Wltr
hands, eternal in the heavens. w
It is not my intention on this occasion to e m »r
into a detailed explanation of these ceremoni°
I have said enough to convey to every intelliJ*.
mind a conviction of their propriety, ofthe bca
tiful allegories they contaiu, and of their spirits
al allusion tothe great Captain of our salvation
“ He that hath an eat to hear,let him hear " r?„
3. 13. ' icr
Masonry has ever had to encounter hostile a nr t
inveterate prejudices; and even in this enlight
ened day, we find them existing among thos
from whom wc had a right to expect better th me '
and from whom I know Wc should receive a vr -
different consideration, if they would p. ri ^.
themselves to understand tbe subject: but it '
said Morgan rexc-led vour secrets, you hare
stroyed or conveyed him from his home and bit
country ; you are bad men, teaching corrupt
doctrines, and there is no good in vou. Xhesc
i are serious charges, and well calcul .ted to have
: an influence on weak and uninformed mind;
J but, for the sake of the argument, wc will adtni-
i them to be true, so far as they apply to tbe i n( j,]
| viduals concerned in that transaction Some
j young Masons who had zeal not accordir."- t
knowledge, did thus act; and wha does 'this
I prove ? Certainly nolhing against Masonry or it;
! princip'es. The errors of a few misguided f,i n
j atics in masonry, should no more condemn t!ic
! principles of masonry, than the errors of a few 0 f
i those who profess to be thc followers of the Lamb
should condemn the benign principles ofthe re-
. tr- 1 • r t r- , , Ii-ion of Jesus. I once heard a minuter of t .
The most Worshipful Grand Master then de 5 ... , , , , 1 ’
.. . * . , . .. , . 1 gospel declare to his people from tile sacred 1. .1
scended, and was presented bv the principal Ar, * . . , . . r \ •
. */V> t v r- \ -,r\i , • . 1 that tbev might do what pleased them; ‘- V nr
ehitect (Mr. John Crane) with the working tools- „ -... ’ v , , . ’ ■
, , ... , . „> , c . ?, ,1 may, said he, “commit murder, thctl adulter-.
& having applied the Plumb, Square and Level, ... ’
S’ . rr , . ’ , ,, , vou may do all these things, and yet vour He .
J° andfrSw f ° ’ veaU ’ ^ a,her Wi, ‘ “‘last; but t
" Tb^Gold and Silver Vessels. w W «b.«deBv- | '” Y.'
ered to the Grand Master, and he, according to I • . . • . ’ ,e '
j '. r x £. Master, and Peter denied his Lord. Will a .* r
ancient ceremony poured the Corn, the \V,nc | man st ’ am , inthli c011?rcga t, 0 n and have f I
and the Oil winch they contained, on the Stone, : h>rd j hood t0 declare, that these facts ^evidfor,
saying '' to prove that the Christian religion inculcates . U( “
May the a! -bounteous Author of Nature, bless ( ,J !riu „ an(1 lead , f0 tlie commission of 'see
the inhabitants of this place. with all the »«ce*-| crimes ? God forbid ! No. mv friends: they -
John Crane and \ .
William Thompson, J Architects.
sarics. conveniences and comforts of life—assist
in thc erection and completion of this building—
protect the workmen against every accident,and
long preserve the structure from decay, anil
grant to us all, a supply of the corn of nourish
ment, the wine of refreshment, and the oil of joy.
So mote it be—Amen.
The Grand Master then struck the Stone three
times with the mallet, and the public grand hon
ors of Masonry were given. He then delivered
over to the Architect, the various implements of
his profession and addressed him thus:
Brother Architect:
Toyou I deliver thc implements of archi
tecture, and intrust the erection of this edifice,
and the superintence of the workmen employed
in it. Skill and fidelity are essential to the dis
charge of those duties, and I hope you will never
permit the workmen to be in confusion for want
of designs upon the tressel board. None but
good work is to be received, and that which is un
fit for the building, you are to reject. And let
your conduct among the workmen be such as
will stand thc,test of the Grand Overseer’s Square;
that you may not, like the unfinished and imper
fect work of the negligent and unfaithful of for
mer days, be rejected and thrown aside as unfit
for that spiritual building, that house not made
with hands eternal in the heavens.
* To which the principal Architect replied :—
I accept, wj{h pleasure, the trust 1 eposetUo me,
and shall endeavour, to the best of my abilities,
lo discharge the duties assigned me; hoping that
my exertions may be crowned with approbation,
and that this edifice may continue a lastiug mon
ument of the tast , spirit and liberality of its
founders
The M. W Grand Master then delivered tin-
following Address, which rivetted the attention
of a very numerous and respectable assem
blage :—
Mv Fr^M^tfoen^
lias just been deposi
ted, we hope, by the permission and assistance of
Divine Providence, to rear an edifice contrived by
wisdom, suppoited by strength, and adorned by-
beauty ; which, when completed,will be dedica
ted to God, to Masonry, aim to Universal Benev
olence
To . .od, the great Architect ofthe universe,—
the bountiful dispenser of all good, and the in
dulgent parent of f.ail, we,.k, wicked ' humanity
—to that God in whom all masons on their first
initiation into our order, voluntarily profess to
believe, and without which, no man can be ad
mitted amongst us—and to that God whom all
good masons obc , serve and,id ore. To Mason
ry, thc moral hand-maid of religion and the
great and efficient means of alleviating human
distress—of disseminatin the moral precepts of
the religion ofthe Prince of Peace—and a type
of the advent of the Messiah and the resurrection
of the body, as clearly manifested i-i the ceremo
nies of the order. i o Universal Benevolence, be
cause Masonry is not confined in her charities to
her own votaiies, but is co-extensive with hu
man misery : and although masons are in a pe
culiar manner bound to relieve each other in
distress, yet thc obligations under which they arc
placed tothe rest of mankind are in no wise
changed or impaired, but in a peculiar manner
strengthened and enforced by the superadded
obligations of Masonry; and hence our lodges
arc dedicated to Universal Benevolence.
The ceremonies which you have just witness
ed, may, to some, appear foolish and unmeaning.
If there beany such in this assembly, the most es
sential service I can render them is, to advise
them to join the Lodge and search the Scriptures
which are thc great light of Masonry. There
they will find that God kimse'f, the essence of
wisdom, did not deem it foolish to lay corner
stones, or rather, thus metaphorically <0 allude
to the Advent of the Saviour : “ Behold [ lay in
Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a
precious corner stone, a sure foundation ; he
that beleiveth shall not make haste to pass it
over.” Isaiah xxviii, 16 And as regards the
ceremonies themselves they all have a sensible
meaning in a spiritual point of view. When I
applied the square, plumb and level to the stone
;* vtv'll f.irm'cl. true and trustv
I stated what is true—that the stone is properly-
made, that it is square, plumb and level, and well
fitted to sustain the superstructure to be erected
on it.
But my friends, this is not all. This annuncia
tion conveys to the mind of every well informed
mason, ideas of a nobler fc a brighter character,
and calls t. his memory truths of a spiritual na
ture, the application of which tend to reform the
heart and enlighten the understanding. In the
Master’s Degree we have a beautiful allusion to
the resurrection ofthe body, and in thc Mark
Degree, to the rejection of the Saviour by those
to whom he was sent, and of his finally becoming
the head of the corner, notwithstanding such re
jection.
The stone which the builders refused, is be
come the head stone of the corner
cxviii, 22.
to establi-h thc authenticity and the putity of cur
religion upon thc firmest foundation ; the weak
ness and frailty of our nature. They prove
that, without the supporting grace of God, w e ran
do nothing; and point us to Him who once bnie
■our humanity, knows our weakness, and is now
imploring the Father to have merry upon us, tc
have mercy upon us
Why then I ask, should the errors or crimes of
a.few ignorant and corrupt masons, be brought
up in judgment against thc principles of mason
ry 7 Are they not to be judged by the same rule
which is applied to religion ? Shall they not t-e
judged by their fruits ? You do not condemn thc
religion ofthe Sa-viour because some of of its Vo
taries commit crimes, and blaspheme the name
they once professed to adore : and, wliv should
you condemn thc principles of masonry, be ause
a few bad men have gained admission Into tl.i
lodge, and committe.d crimes jf-xprc-sly f ibid
den by the principles we taught them 7 YcuI-.-ivt
no answer to this quest! 11 that can satisfy en
quiring mind. You are forced to resort to ir
prejudices in order to withstand tlie force and- if
power of truth, and charity, that gonlikr virtu-
which wc profess, tells me to pity and forgive
“ Lord forgive them, for they know not what
they do.”
I u ouid invite any intelligent virtuous man.
who harbours these prejudices, to jointhrLodgr
Study our principles, and judge fur hiinaslf. li
he will do so, and at the end of twelve months
tell me that our institution is not contrived by
wisdom, suppoited by strength, and adorned by
beauty—that our principles aro not based on the
firmest foundations of morality, and suppo ted
by the doctrines contained in the Sermon on the
.Mount, then I will cease to advocate masonry -
A vulgar opinion has long prevailed, that we ar.
bound to sing the prais-s of masonry, though i
our hearts we dis tpprove some of. her principles
This is not true: if it were, the argument would
be at an end, and our corruption would sta::-l
confessed. No! my na,..Ha : every unison is at
perfect liberty to expryss before the world hi;
real opinions of masonry, and to approve or dis
approve, as his judgement may dictate, or l.i
conscience prompt. I am acquainted with a good
man, of high standing in the community, w;-
to ok thc several degrees of masonry in rapid se
cession ; who has never since attended the I.odgr
or endeavoured to understand the principles and
tenets of the order, and who says that he cat.
see no beauty in masonry, and that the whob
appears to him a foolish and unmeaning ceremo
ny. But is this an argument against us 7 Cat
a blind man distinguish the colors ofthe rainbow,
or a deaf man enjoy the luxury of that music ?
How can this man comprehend doctrines he ne
ver heard, or be pleased with principles he <’oi *
not understand ? As well might you introduce
forthe first time into one of your Churches, nr.a-
ive savage ofthe forest, pass him through all the
ceremonies of your devotion, and then expect
him to comprehend the mystery of godliness —
That savage would see no beauty in your reli
gion, and would have no idea of your priucip’ri
or the God you worship.
But Morgan has given yon the scircts of Ma
sonry. Do you believe it ? For the sake of the
argument I will admit nil he lias published to be
true, although by the universal consent of'num-
kind, a perjured man is not entitled to credit,
and according to his own account lie has perjur
ed himself; and what have you ? You have cer
tain signs, words and grips, and the ceremonies
of initiation into the several degrees. Do tbesc-
make you a masoiv?—Do they convey to your
mind any truths or principles worthy to be trea
sured up in the heart, and practised in the life *
If this be masonry, do you believe that *0 many
great, pious and worthy men, in every age end
country, would be its votaries—contribute t’ e’t
money to its support, and their time and talents
in the study and dissemination of its rinciptcs
Answer for yourselves—I answer 110 !
But the way to test this matter is this :—Let
s -mo man commit Morgan’s bo k to memory,
anil present himself at the door of any Lc.dje m
the woi Id, end claim admission. My word for
it he will never pass the inner doo . Masonry is
founded on the oracles oftruth and professesfaini
ir. r:..,i ; m —.,rtality, and charity to ail
mankind. It professes to know and account for
the manner in which the Pentateuch was preser
ved at thc destruction of the first temple, and re
claimed at the buiiding of the second ; and to
know the original and appropriate name of the
word which was in the beginning, which was
with God, and which was God. But let masonry
be tested by .the rule prescribed by Gamaliel to
the persecutors of the Apostles. “ Ifthis counsel
or this work be of men, if, will come to nought,
but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest
haplv ve be found even to fight against God."—
ActsV.—38,39.
And now Brethren, lay aside all malice, and
guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil
speakings.”
“If so be ye have tasted that thc^Lord is gracious.
Psalm to whom coming as unto a living stone, disallow
ed in deed of men, but chosen of God, and pre-
1 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of j cious: ye also, as living stones, be ye built up
the hidden manna, and will give him a while stone, ! a spiritual house, an holy priest-hood, to offer up
and in the stone a new name written, which no i sacrifices acceptable to God ?”
man knoweth saving him thai receiveth it.” Rev. ; Brethren, this is the will of God, that with well
St. John xi, 17. ; doingye put to silence the ignorance of foolish
These, and many other passages of scripture to i men. As free, and not using your liberty f« r a
which I could refer, have particular relation to ! cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of Goff
incidents which occurred during the erection of j Honorall men, love the brotherhood, fear God.
the first temple, pointing to that great event
which the Jews looked for and still expect, and
which we say has long since come to pass. The
stone which the builders refused possessed mer
its to them unknown, and it was therefore re
jected, but this same stone was indispensable to
complete the building, and it was brought forth
with shouting and praise.
The Great Redeemer was sent.to his own, and.
his own received bimnot. He possessed merits
to them unknown, and they rejected him ; but as
the stone, whicb the builders refused, was brought
forth with shouting and praise, and became the
head stone of the corner of that splendid earthly
house; so, as we are instructed in tbe scriptures,
Jesus Christ, although rejected by those to whom
he was sent, is the headstone of the corner of
The following Anthem concluded the ceremo
ny
Almighty Sire! our heavenly king,
Before whose sacred Name we bend.
Accept the praises which we sing,
And to our humble prayer attend!
All hail, great architect divine!
This universal frame is thine.
Thst sacred place where three in one.
Compris’d thy comprehensive Name:
And where the bright meridian sun
Was soon thy glory to proclaim.
^ All hail, fee.
On thy omnipotence we rest.
Secure of thy protection here ; '