A Curious Pamphlet.

unanimous , and universal observance of the real duties of masonry . To describe tho attributes of masonic excellence , 1 have chosen a passage from the late Mr . Justice Blaekstone , it is what I call an elevated and refined opinion of

the English laws , and perhaps not improperly applied to the subject in its purity . —To masonry it is particularly applicable , if by degeneracy and negligence it is not too soon rendered rather a compliment than a tribute of justice : " It is the

science AAdiich employs in its theory the noblest faculties of the soul , and exerts in its praotiso the cardinal virtues of the heart . " It was hi this language the author thought proper to address tho vice

chancellor and gentlemen of tho university , of Avbich . he had tho honour of being a member , to impress them with a becoming opinion of the dignity of the study , upon which they were about to enter ; from such an example I Avish to impressnot only on

, the students , but the professors of the masonic art , " with a proper idea of the importance of their trusi—Interest ! sordid interest ! and the base pervertion of

itg purposes , have sufficiently lessened the dignity of the former ; the latter Avill be poisoned by tho same destructive weed , if it is suffered to take root . The earth is continually labouring for our support , but according to thehusbandiy

so will be its produce ; to it Ave shall in due time be consigned , leaving only of our freedom traces in remembrance of our conduct , and the brighter they appear the more illustrious Avillbe our memory . If Ave do that Avbich is laAvful and right ,

it will requiro a minuter attention than we usually pay in matters of much less moment than masonry , and if this attontion is required from us as men , in our common and less important concerns , masonry requires still farther of us ; by the former

Ave are at liberty to oxercise our free will , and for our errors ansAverable to Providence ; by the latter we take upon us a profession , the derivating from , or trilling with which , renders us in a more serious degree , accountable for our actions . We ought

therefore to consider , that no motive of policy AviU excuse us in the application of divine precepts to sordid purposes , when so many subjects of diversion may be found , without poisoning divinity and morality with

subtle arts , to evade ' our own [ institutions . We shall never by such conduct be brought to those etherial mansions , which were not formed by hands , nor must Ave seek thus to trifle Avith that eternal truth , by Avliich we shall never be deceived .

In the conduct of this subject , I use every freedom that my feelings teach \ mo becomes a mason ; I Avould , hoAvever , keep myself so circumscribed Avithin the CIECLE of propriety , as to avoid any error hy whidi offence might be taken .

I am not in the habit of giving cause of displeasure to men , however 1 differ from them in opinion , ancl am too sincerely attached to masons to have such an intent ; here my purpose carries Avith it its motive , and I hope by the friendly reception of the

brethren , their application -will render it fit to strengthen the interest , and cement the friendship of an institution Avbich has every qualification regularity can boast for its support , and only stands in need of real prudence and circumspection for its conductors .

Thus far I have eudoavoured to treat the subject in a stile as explanatory as the nature of it will permit me , and I trust it will be as perfectly understood by the fraternity , to whom alone it is addressed : my inducement to the act was the very

shameful negligences I have seen in lodges , but I do not feel myself Avarranted in relating any particular case to illustrate my observation . In every lodge I have been admitted to , I consider myself the confident of its conduct , hoAvever I might

have been inclmed to condemn it , I must not violate my OAVII sincerity to expose the Aveakness of others ; it is my Avish to support a goodly fabric , to Avhicb should I be in any sort instrumental , my reAvard Avould result from niy OAVU feelings .

The many excellent qualities that unite informing tlieaccomplished mason , on some occasions , insensibly draws us into a system of politeness , rather than strict propriety , and hence it may be inferred arises a conduct which is very incautious , and

sometimes extremely indiscreet , with respect to visitors ; vouchers that they are masons are oftener received , than proofs arising from their abilities , that they are deserving such a rank , and infamous apostacy has attempted to qualify a stranger to pass upon an ungarded lodge .