Western Sun & General Advertiser, Volume 12, Number 28, Vincennes, Knox County, 11 August 1821 — Page 1

WESTERN SUN & GENERAL ADYEHTI3EIL

BY ELUIU STOUT. VINCENNES, (IND.) SATURDAY, AUGUST II, i82i. Vol. 12. No. 28. n iii r i r mii iif"

SI 1 I. 9. '

ADDlvKSS D:livrra c:i the anniversary cf St. JJin the Jiittit, June -ilh, .. A. obdl, b Jl-re the Vinanncs L'jdgc. Ao. 1. By Brother L.VWRtNXE S. SIIUIXK.

brothers,

of the Supreme Architect of Heaven being established in the human mind, by the exer

cise of our natural faculties, we can then arrive ;

at the full knowledge of our duty. God, the Creator, must delight in "the perfection of the work of his hands. That perfection consists in

the order and harmony of the Universe, and in

ONCL more we have assem bd m brother- ! thc hap.)incss of h,s cl.atcd beings. Observe, U- hue and affection, to celebrate our returning frail and shon s- htcd man the "intensity of anniversary; and once mere permit me to re- (; . , r m vnnr:.n .jrinationirive bounds

... .' n o

ancts that exist m yon starrv

number the twinkling Suns

thc numberless worlds tiiat ocJ s - 1 .

filial- thn vtLt mfituff nt tnnr I -ti UVU

continuance ot your approving voice, evinced the .. lkinuion t)f clL.nJlv know then, that

UIMI)im III MIIIL-dlMKinU-llllUlU, iwi mi- tO tllC 111 nihil Of pi

distuiguisheei Honor you nae done me, in again Teavcn (;m yolx

selecting me toaourcss you upon mc bc.p. that give life to

K I i V (III UU lU.il. 1 ' I V V A V. v " ' " - .

... our again i. iamg mc ui; ',.,u,lw.u thc (,rcat Alm5 .htv lki r who created, who rns ni. t) address you with mat treCwom and nil aml dhc vhok., before whom a candor, whKh is tne true characteristic ol ge- thousaml vcurs arc as onc day alul (me day as a aiuie L rec-M isonrv. .i. n;. , 1 :

. . , . . . , , . euousauei s, is coiHuacain i-uiwuhui in nuI am tally aware that this day, which ougtt mnt;mr v ' iiatm;nf.,s. :infi arliHns'in the- nor-

- o 1

t be solely devoted to sdi-ex aquation, testing fccti(-f that

Ought not vovir io e to be unbounded to that

Being, who, amidst the immensity of his works, still exercises a watchful care over us, insignificant and finite beings, & who is still mindful of the happiness of us, transitory creatures? Of yoirf, my Brothers, 1 need not ask an answer to this important question. But I may ask, how V.in vhfw tlii i1iski,vi.m:i i,f th'v lnvi nnr

tingle serious thought upon the canoes that h ue iMatc'r pir.ues his course' without vou : nvse!ii!lcd us together. Let it not do so I o be . ,t;)n,. nnt ,n n of Yon J1K.lst:inr. 'v,,,.

oar past conduct bv the principles we profess,

and to grateful nativity i r the benencial consequences resulting from the practice of these principles, is too often spent in bestowing the most fulsome cemmuidations upon our order : in arpcaring hc'i u e the world with a pedantic hTectation of mv:-lerv, in closing the dav with riotous mirth .nd k'.tnitv, witliout nendint: a

lasns, worthv t-f celebrating this dav, we

ought to be u-sttngiuhed for serious reflection ; for honesty I'.ud uprightness of conduct ; for an exemplary course ot life : in a word, we ought so to run oar race, th it all men would acknowledge u as the true followers of the principles we profess. 44 The tree is known by its Irait" No matter how impenetrable the sacred veil may be, that shrouds our hallowed mvsteries: no mat-

can neither add to, nor diminish his glory. I low then can you evince your love ? By bowing submissively to his mandates, and showing a willingness to assist in perfecting his work, viz. in promoting the happiness of your fellow man. In no other way can you evince your loe. Carefully, then, examine, and see whether you love all mankind ; observe whether you feel a strong desire to promote the welfare of your ffllnw KnJrmvrwt'K If vrm r! n tint ivtt ! wwi 1 ff -fl

ter how nearly we may sec the path that leads that V0UJ lack that unbounded love to your to the tabemaele. of eternid rest : no matter Grand hat Js llCCCSsarv to cnsure obc. h .w cennde.nt we may be m the gmoes that d,- j dknce U) commaild aad harmouv iu coin.

0 Q O""

necess irv that our forks should show whom &

what we are. Nay, more ; our works will show us in our real character, whatever may be our professions, and notwithstanding w e may proudly be ranked ;is members of this our ancient and honorable institution. Let us then briefly consider, collectively and individually, whether our conduct has been such that wc can with propriety celebrate this day. I need not remind you, that as Masons it is our imperative duts , not only to preserve the ancient landmarks of our order, but likewise to j-up-port its character without a. spot or blemisa. Tliat it is oar duty not only to become thoroughly aepiainted with our sublime precept, but likewise so to practise them, that we may tr ins-

As this is the great bond of union, by which the benevolent good of all mankind are united, so our Divine Master has, m the plenitude of his love, given us his express command, with directions how we may obey that command. Wc are commanded to 44 love Ood with our whole heart, and i.-ul, and mind, and our neighbours as ourselves." Our love to God must be unbounded ; there is no limitation, no qualincat;oa ; but the love to our neighbours, is limited tithe love of ourselves: as we would have the;a 44 di unto as, so we must do u.uo iheni." Tirs is the true mirror by walch all men can see taeaiS' i t s. This is the lost by which tiie Mason can aseerta a wheiuer he is worthv to

nit to posterity the character ot our socetv, ! v v lt 4 !", v,lvl4-1 ' " " i",wi i. i examining our con i ;:r n this mescnnaUic ru.e

When wi' untold the gates of our Temple, v w hen wc raise the veil that has protected us in the exercise of our mystic rites, and march forth in solemn procession, clothed iu the sacred garb of Masonry, and publicly celebrate our festiJ vals, it is then wc invite the attention of the world: it is then we proclaim ourselves as Ma

sons, and it is then that the world wall pronounce

ot action, that we in i , discover oar title to

i niarc.il hi solemn luv. -..on, marshalled ny the J Grand Captain oi the iL.as, to the sanctuary of the Lord.

f jet us view ourselves in this mirror ; and in on.it r that we may examine witu mi ;..: vi- hi y, let us shut out every human passion ; 1: i pujudice and partiahtv !e hushed as death : lot '.;ii

fudirment unon our conduct, and that iudirnient. i tae iiiumtely varying rays of human mterest, be

too formed from the crv jirinciples e jirofess. j denied an entrance into our umaU : let us tor a Let us beware, then. Unit out of our own mouths i mameut sep irate ourseh es from tne frailties of v.-e aie not convicted. Unless we can stand j "ature, Iroui the hopes and tears of tins world, this scrutiny, and appear as a boar, proud of ""1 t in judgment upon our characters and

n:ii' tuiritv v rivtitiino 1ft ui rnnviin within thr t CvdlUUll.

I - y v..

"vulls of our temple, wan king under the observ

ing Lye of our Divine Master ; let us again pro-

Do you wish the possession of wealth, of ho

lier and influence ? Ask yourselves the question

ceed to our solemn retreat, and bv our united Do vou wish vou'- neighbour thc possession of and taithful exertions, purge the sanctuary of j the same. ? Or h.ive yoa neve, to accomplish all imclcanness. i thse objecis, s iev i;Ced your n ighbanrs projAsk yourselves the qucrtir.ns have you pro- ertv, detracted from ins nonor, cr ksened Ins moted any of the grand objects of Masonrv ? j influence ? D you .visa the poaset'sn-n of do1 las the chlhl of sorrow and mif a tune receiv- ; niostic. peace and iraiupjilit Haeyou proed from you comfort and protection ? Have the ! moted. the peace and tranquility of your n ;ghwidovv and the' orphan been recognised as oh- j boar? Do you nope to maintain a f.ar and anjects of your peculntr care and solicitude? Has! spotted reputation ? Have you been careful of the indigent Brother be, n succoured and sup- j the reputation of others ? Do you ah all men n r'.td? Have vou neglected none of the Divine . to lie merciful unto o i, audi to icon with .n eve precepts ot charity ? If those, questions can be i f c'n arity upon your faults II tve you done emswered in the uinrmulhe then let us assem j ven so uuo them ? Have you earnestly desired hie in festivity, and let us iajiiee, for we have I tiic possession of the great s. sum of human

oeen laoounngto thspcl tne clonus ot sorrow,; h.ippinc-s? examine, tuoii,C see whether you

h iv e been e n-div earnest in your wishes tor

the hip; vines', of others, and have used your ht st excit.o-s to pr? duce that h.ippiness?

one-nt to no mmatul ot tae inoa is ov wnieti. v :n n. ir( -ti.ers. we c.e.i answer i.e so (oa stions

in their exercise, we liave been governed, ' m tae ai.ir'n.aiv e, U t us ,,ss. inble .md rer

eil ; k t us

er.pand with the sublimcst joy, for wc nia hopeto hear the divine expression, 44 well done, thou good and faithful, enter thou into the service of the Lord." If our general conduct has been such as to permit us freely to celebrate thi festival, dedicated to the splendid virtues of St. John the B iptist, let us examine whether our conduct, as a society, to thc individual members thereof, has been equally proper. II ive we been careful that none have been admitted within the walls of our temple without being found worthy, and well qualified to receive the sacred and solemn mysteries, known only to the faithful,

and who are not worthy to receive the signs and tokens that opens a way without interruption, to the Sanctum Sanctorum, or 1 lolv of Holies ; Have we given to none the incfThb'le word, that admits us into the presence of the High Priest of the tabernacle, who have not wrought on the Temple, and exhibited specimens of their work ? Have wc extended a watchful eve over the individual members cf our in.M'.tution, bringing them back from the paths of disobedience when they have gone astray, and admonishing them m thc true spirit of charity, to forsake thc ways or' imrighteousueks ? Have vou adjusted with sin e en balance, ihe scales of justice, when difficulties have arisen among vour members? Hiucyou been merciful to the" returning penitent, admitting him within v our bosom, and healing thc wounds of his alHiction i Ha-.eyou cast out the unworthy? Have you lopt oil the offending member? Iiearimrin miYul.

! that it is better to enter into life maimed, than

to have the whole body cast away. If you have done thus then I say, again, let us rejoice, for we are found worthy to sit down to the table of our Master ; we are entitled to the good things of life, for we have been faithful stewards thereof; we may feast, and enjoy thc fulness cf time, for we know how to dispense, and to husband its many blessings. Let us examine ourselves in another point of view. Are we diligent and expert workmen ?

j Do we understand the uses of the implements by which, we perform our labor? And do the jewels, by which we are adorned,, serve to re- , mind nsof the severe. 1 virtues of which they are , emblematical ? Have we to all our actions applied the vpiaiv of virtue, and the line of rea- ; son? Y!n n we have s.tui a Brother departing : from i!e. square of justice, diverging from the ; line of moral rectitude, have we endeavored to

bring io.i back to the rah- of duy, siio.vmghim the path th.ct leads to ins .Mortality, and teaching him the necessity of al ways keeping elernitv in view? Have we fix- d boeaids, to the "loose

J and irregular pas tons ? Have we applied the

! compass to the mord.aatc desires of nature, and

hive we elrava tuecin leof o ir dat, from which we are determined n-e; cr to d. i;.ivt ? Do we apply the common g-ivcl to break off the rough corners of uupolisucd and refractory nature ? Do you, wueu you bohald a Brodicr unimpr vcd, possessing all the properties of the r "ugh ashler from the quarry, tii:!e.a nar to

i mvug hen iorui as the perfect nsaiior trom tne ! hands of tin- workman ? Do vou, when vou be- ! hold a Brother giving reins to the earn d passi- ! ons, prostrating before the iilthy nitar of obscene ; desire, ev crv n ine that serves to embellish and

make life desirable, do yen warn him of tiie sword of justice ; do you bare has bar-oin to the pointed pe.ign,.rd, and '. waken his conscience to his perilous situation? lit niern'oer that those are some of the m.mv and important uses to which tiie working implements of Free-Masonry must be applied. But we have not yet done. Are there no drones in the hive of nature? Do you ail go up to the house of your Master, and are you dcily labourers in the temple ? Do you even enter in at the eleventh hour, or arc you idle while the lamp of life is burning, and excusing yourself from performing the work of your Master ? Beware tint you are not thrown oat as usi k ss t: society, and beware that your

i Divine Master does not meek, when your fear ! cometh.

Finally, Brethren do we work recording to

you stand indebted, through your Divine Mister, for the many blessings you enjoy, an 1 for every thing that is uluable in life. I)"you want a proof of this fact ? Where but in the arciiiv os of our institution, has this sacred volume of truth, this grcal guide of our actions, been preserved from the rude and indisci imiuate destruction cf barbarian desolation. To what ether source can you lo k for the mild and equitable? principles, that are continually pn gna-Vnig aniong the sons of man, and which, by their congenial influence, gives us security in" the prosecution of our labours ; and what other institution, while it adaysthe natural spirit of discord, forbids the propagation of its principles, by hi izoning forth its particular tenets, thereby setting the sons of man at variance, still surrounds you with every object that can serve tJ make life comfortable here, and to prepare veil for the enjoyment of an hereafter. The eiy implements of our labor are turned into monitors for our instruction, and every step we take reminds us of the high duties we are calh . 10 perform. Hence, for the enjoyment of those many blessings, let us cultivate a spirit of gratitude to the great author of our existence, i 1 let us show that gratitude, by actsol love to cur fellow beings : let u vie with each ether in do-

1 m , ...

gooti; let us show tne world that Mir tree

in

Do we ir o on in harmon

that havar over the sons of man,

Notwithstanding we may rejoice in the exerise of those iadi'. i- uul Iruies, vet, as .Masons,

net motive must be the love of our Grand ; jojcc, f r we

.i.

soj.s lOC.v

Master, ocmplhicd and made manifest by our J surround the fe.-tive r a f r we are entitled condoct to his creatures. This is the ( to the u f. e snna t pi t k, cd f .r th laborer ; geeat charm th.ct unites us together as a baud j we have d en a. tin sr i e or env I). vine Mas-

thc grand desh a ?

; erecting the spiritual buiidli.g? And do we r d-

! low the directions laid down on the tiWde b ai d i of the Supreme Aiohaect of the universt ? Or t does confasi n prevail is our Master nnssi; or? Is the temple in ruuis? Dees uouht bat de.ith j aial desolation reign nere? Are we bound c :ptivesio'die inammon of unri'ibteousniiii? Ho. e lorbid it I Fi ee -?.e om v , proiea t u . 'ldoa

, look down upon tiie pecan : tuou :i;e.t nev er e

the

tn oduces good fruit, untl that oar institution is

deserving of respect. Re cted . ' .f 'i?-.s, Permit me to p n.'er-you our since re thanks, for vour polite attendance to dav. and vour at-

tentionto our public worshin and c lvu.oidek :

S and lot me assure you, that although the tha k clt.ud of impenetrable r.iystery, iu some measure hangs over our proceedings, and that although we prosecute our labors in secret, yet we are not insensible to public attention, and public honor. We would, hovvi v er, disclaim e try idea of inviting your attention, through mire i die show, or vain curiosity ; it is only to the principles we profess, and our conduct as Masons, that we ask your candid attention, and impartial judgment. It is only by our works that you have a right to judge uk ; therefore it can he of no o.,k. quence to the world, that we lay the foundation of our works in secret, or that we inculcate the broad principles of universal benevolence and unbounded charity, within the recesses of oar temples. Neither can wc conceiv e, that an enlightened and impartial community, w.vak! erasure us, from the single circumstance, lu.i a' rites and ceremonies are performed in scent It true, it i.s only from our conduct as Mas.;.s, .and our ass- rtions is men, that j-ou can form .m idea, that our secret labors arc cievuted to iae good of in an kind ; bat are not these sources .-t iniormatlon ,f the highest and most respect . hie authority ? Oar institution bus indisputable tistx d from the remotest ages ; and we defy tiie breath of calumny to say, witu the least shadow of proof, ihat the Masonic society ever was- -gaged in any work, winch h .d not for its ohj.-ct the beneiit of m u.kind. Is it possible tiiat d mii objects were improper, if our secret principles were at war with our pub.ic p.dV.s:'.us, that we could have existed thus long as a society, and our conduct not Petray us. The principles of philosophy the sacred axioms cf region, equally forbid such an idea. 44 The tree is known by its fruit" and if v.n r.re judged by this rule, we defy an unfavorable opinion to be formed of us. Ve hav e , :n deed, had our share of proscription ; we hao been jeered and scoiTed at ; we have been broken upon the wheel of persecution ; wc have been crucified in every kingdom, and in every country ; cv like the true followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, v. e have suilered sorro.v ud tribulation. The strong arm of power has been exerted against us ; tiie He rods of the eartn u .ve, attempted to destroy us, but we have sutf red without murmuring, we hav e forgiven cur enemies, for, literally, thru ktuzv n-A v::iat t.iry vrrr We 'nave rendtreil u.ito Cic -ar. ; the thing that were Cesar's, and to God, v, : render ourselves. Wc pretend not to perfection ; we acknowledge the fallen est ite of man, , and that he is a probationary creature. ' If, then, ui.fartunutf ly, you discove-- th' -e a-

extvia: oui

u.u.utioii a "i.ttle

f Brothers : tiiis is t!ie oidy !v ud that can pro- ter, a el as Ld aveis, we an woriiiy of our aire

ne'e universal union sv gooel tellovv!iq ana r.g the sons of man ; :ud this is the great secret t'uat has coutiuc.ed in existence from the len.otvst ages nay, frt ni the very humdutiens of tae world, our beautiful and unrivalled institute.;;. Let us examine this Masonic magnet : let us understand the nature cd its operations, w that vve may clearly practise its dictates that our order mav continue to increase in strength and beauty, until it. overshadows the earth, and until time V.i.di be no more. Oar Di'me Master, when he cro id man at'er his o''-u 'uo:a,e, stamped pon that image t lie knovrk-dg s of its Creator, and endowed it with thc poer of recognizing the Great Architect of the Universe, and the neceity of acnowlcdging His supremacy. Hence, no man Vasev er an Atheist, or had it in his powe-r. when speaking the dictates of truth, to deny thoex;tance efa(ireat Firt Cause. This holds equally true id man, w hether he is the most enlightened philosopher, or the most ignorant barbaliau ; whether vve find him clotued m the purple of state, or a solitary being in the wilderness ; all must acknowledge a great ruling power, that governs in thc afihirsof me::. The poUr -tar of human reason, a knowledge

But lei

farther ; i t .s (r.iv e oar sP 'ps to tiie Masonic lYmple : hu us ser.ita.ise oui e nduct in tiie tabern.ade f the L ; .. li ive ue net converted his house a -.o a .: de fa j.-rgo.a and caaifu.sien ? Have we no; p-diuti i. by the oorrupticns cf t!ie world, die suend rctrc.t of virtue, iiarna ny, and tr.euds'nip? 1 1 ev o we, when surrounding tiie altar f pea.ee, been 1. d;.us to pre mrte the oe ;ucy audi a .rmony of our a sihuthu:, and anxious t )rea nt il.sCv rd un.oag the workmen ? Have we elide ;v trend to w j ,n- ourselves f, r the Grand' L g- t -ads 1 .rawa,' wiiere all are un ted in promotieg the gr md design? Hive we met, greeting aca otln l upon the loei cf time, and sep .r d d. upon w square of virtue ? Have o lr ae at ts n sp mded to th- oja nlng saiut it;on " lVehoid. h .v g od. and how leaisatit it is for Brethren to ' ed te.ge titer m unity ?" H tve wo curried wit i us to our srvcral rdaro

i

is caarge ;n clo-

tu OUL'il

o be-.ind tin e festivals . f paiaake m:h

t L,

:j. 'a

ot aoode our s. aemc. and f r

sr.gr D wc re i.euuer " t protect, t indicate, and to relieve each otner ?" Are vve characterize-! " by hber A bene, o'ence ana diffusive chanty ?" If we c ui gn e f .v uable answers to tlir;.e puspon,, th o let us march hath to the souuus of itmvity and inuaic ; let our hearts

hr-gut urge, oi u cuiiar ciuidreii sorted us : th- e. !. tnorny paths of ! passing cloud : . our ancient ca e.er : hearts cf ch' ai h i

gratitude prcsu.e a.- ihe gvaciau Au oenies oi tne liay. Tlien may we v. ear thc lambskin oi innocence ; then v. ill we Walk ur.iiglalv bv the plumbiine of Masonry, not rirgciting that time lev els us all to the same grade, icav lag no distinction but that of merit. Brothers, I trust you will pardon me for dwelling so large!) up a the subject of our common data s; it is a thtn.e which can neve r be exhatisted, and which cannot be too well understood; not that it is difficult of comprehension, but that we are wilfully blind, cur natural perverse:. ess , shuts out the truth. Altho' I know that those - subjects are familiar to you all, yet they are no less important; and although e may acknowledge their correctness, yet, unfortunately 1t t human nature, our practices do not always eor- , respond with our pre fessious. My objett is to remind you i f the imperativ e obligations v ou are ' under as Masons, to observ e the law cf love, to ' practise it in all its healing'., and that if you ihnot, vou arw not Musr-ns ; y ou Indo; g ni i to the household of the- f diVfui; you elo mi suppoit the character eare :.er. An institution to -i i li

... I. i

wnose COUaUCl tines mt Co

our jjrinciples, blit-ne :a t tur :i,stituti..; :du .t

; our jui.gmeni r ui upon tne vnoie ) ;.. . .ve are i)-it the :-ons of eorrupiiou. " he w .h, t i; a, j as we reali;. ar. , a baud of Brothers, ex. -d .g ( to tiie reinotrsi con is ol the c .rth, v. r.. .;g i by .ui invisible-, sreret, and uniform p-uwt r r:t eei i great ca .t eot hum .n a mdaivdiou ; mddiv ui 1 gr.aiu.diy accouquisiu. g our o :j o,b; iU" still ' small voice cf reason, without tne aiu ft . r i-

j (Jii, Viking the ad a.hage f ev trv i.ap n n.t e-

vent to ri-o upon the wn.g.s oi time, u..t:i ..u thing.- , ; a 11 be UCCL t;i o;., ; v d. A: d you, my fa.r audit rs, pardon tne we.iL- I bricuiy observe, tliat aitho-jgh the oojects i-..r institution denv vou an enir.oce into oir to npies, v et that very proiub.t.ou is the strong t evidence vve have to i ff r i cur lo e and aspect. Life is a course of labour, d.suagu shcl bv i.v roar triads and hardships: to soften th .t Uboar. f ii i "'gate those trials and hardships, is the grind .o'-. of Masonry. Ami las men, but more purd.cud.xi.y as .Masons, we teel it an incumbent duty to exeroj t th- fairest peniou of creation from a share of th:oe burthens. To vou we look for thc br.5nti .-1 reward that ran .be hertowed in this wcrlu, upon cour.ve of g Oel actifr.k. In your smiles we f..-t ev.r t i- - ; from vour anprobatiou wc receive .he t: or -est encoure.gemtnt to prosecute; o".r lab -ais. i.speritnce has jiroved. Hint in all ages and in a!! countries, female approbation ami encouregemctit h ave stimulated to tne highest exertion,, and been productive of the noblest actions; o il i't-iice, while vve are conscious t f vour v.iuah.

1

"vhuo l!i o'.'r ,4o'JVs w Kwl c -o. to ! -'