An Old Masonic Address.

Now , in order to cherish and promote this harmony within doors and without , let us first lay hold on the surest means to stop the mouth of detraction , by endeavouring to lead a pure and unblemished life . Let us consider , my brethren , that not the reputation of one only but that of the whole Society is affected by a brother ' s misbehaviour . Invested as we are with that distinguishing Badgewhich at this day is the glory of the greatest potentates

, upon earth , we should scorn to act beneath the dignity of our profession . Let us then walk worthy of our vocation , and do honour to our profession . Let us rejoice in every opportunity of serving and obliging each other , for then , and only then , are we answering the great end of our institution , brotherly love , relief and truth , oblige us not onl y to be compassionate and benevolent , but to administer that relief and comfort , which the condition of

any member requires , aud we can bestow without mainifest inconvenience to ourselves . No artful dissimulation of affection can ever be allowed among those , who are upon a level , nor can persons , who live within compass , act otherwise than upon the square , consistently with the golden rule , of doing as they would be done by . For among us , every one is , or should be another self : So that he that hates another should necessarily abhor himself also : He that prejudices another , injures his own nature ; and he that doth not relieve

a distressed brother starves a member of his own body ; but then this relief is not to be bestowed upon the idle , indolent and extravagant ; but upon the unfortunate , industrious , successless brother . Let us next remember the regulations of this Society are calculated not only for the prevention of enmity , wrath , and dissension ; but for the promotion of love , peace and friendship ; then here surely conversation must be attended with mutual confidence , freedomand complacency . He who neither

, contrives mischief against others , nor suspects any against himself , has his mind always serene , and his affections composed . All the human faculties rejoice in order , harmony , and proportion ; by this our Society subsists , and upon this "depends its wisdom , strength ancl beauty . Let therefore no narrow distinctions discompose this goodly frame , or disturb its Symmetry . But when good and worthy men offer themselves , let them ever have the first place

in our esteem . But as for the abettors of atheism , irreligion , libertinism , infidelity , let us in the words of the prophet shake our hands from them , just as a person would do , who happens to have burning coals or some venemous creature fastening upon his flesh . In such a case none would stand a moment to consider ; none would debate with himself the expediency o £ the thing ; but instantly fling off the pernicious incumbrance ; instantly endeavour to disengage himself from the clinging mischief : So should every upright mason from such perilous false brethren .

There is one essential property which belongs to our craft , which had liked to have slipped me , and which , however condemned , is highly worthy of all applause ; and that is secrecy . All that should be disclosed of a lodge is this , that in our meetings , we are all good-natured , loving and cheerful one with another . But what are these secrets ? Why , if a brother in necessity seeks relief , it is an inviolable secret , because true charity vaunteth not relief . If an overtaken brother be admonishedit is in secret ; because charity is kind .

, If possibly little differences , feuds , or animosities should invade our peaceful walls , they are still kept secret , for charity suffereth long , is not easily provoked , thinketh no evil—These and many more , ( would time permit ) which I could name , are the embellishments that emblazon the mason ' s escutcheon . And as a further ornament , let us add that aromatic sprig of cassia , of letting our light so shine before men , that they may see our good works ; and that

whereas they speak against us as evil doers , they may by our good works , which they shall behold , glorify God . 2 K 2