of government, such discussions, sharpening the mind of man against his brother, might offend and disunite. A crisis, however, so unlooked for as the present, justifies to our judgment a relaxation of that rule; and, our first duty as Britons superseding all other considerations, we add, without further pause, our voice to that of our fellow-subjects, in declaring one common and fervent attachment to a government by King, Lords, and Commons, as established by the glorious Revolution of 1688. The excellence of all human institutions is comparative and fleeting; positive perfection, or unchanging aptitude to its object, we know, belongs not to the work of man; but, when we view the principles of government which have recently obtained in OTHER NATIONS, and then look upon OUR OWN, we exult in possessing, at this time, the wisest and best poised system the world has ever known: a system which affords EQUAL protection (the only EQUALITY we look for, or that indeed is practicable) and impartial justice to all. It may be thought, perhaps, being what we are, a private society of men-connected by invisible ties-professing secrecy-mysterious in our meetings,-stamped by no Act of Prerogative,— and acknowledged by no law, we assume a port and hold a language upon this occasion, to which we can urge no legal or admitted right. We are the free citizens, Sire, of a free state, and number many thousands of our body.-The Heir Apparent of the empire is our Chief. We fraternize for the purposes of social intercourse, of mutual assistance, of charity to the distressed, and goodwill to all: and fidelity to a trust, reverence to the magistrate, and obedience to the laws, are sculptured in capitals upon the pediment of our Institution. And let us add, that, pervading, as we do, every class of the community, and every walk of life, and disseminating our principles wherever we strike root, this Address may be considered as speaking, in epitome, the sentiments of a people. Having thus attested our principles, we have only to implore the Supreme Architect of the Universe, whose almighty hand hath laid in the deep the firm foundation of this country's greatness, and whose protecting shield hath covered her amidst the crash of nations, that he will continue to shelter and sustain her. May her sons be contented, and her daughters happy! and may your Majesty, the immediate instrument of her present prosperity and power, to whom unbiassed posterity shall thus inscribe the column: TO GEORGE, the Friend of the People, and Patron of the Arts, which brighten and embellish life, long, long continue to be the blessing and the boast of a grateful, happy, and united people! Given, unanimously, in Grand Lodge, at Freemasons'-Hall, For the Grand Master's attention to the interests of the Society, in presenting the above loyal and affectionate Address, the Grand Lodge unanimously voted the following Address to his Royal Highness: To his Royal Highness the PRINCE of WALES, Grand Master of the most Ancient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons. Most Worshipful and Royal Sir, Accustomed, as we have been, from the hour in which your name first adorned the roll of our Order, to the manly vigour of your mind, and the winning benignity of your manners, we did not look for any event which could raise you in our estimation, or draw you nearer to our affections. With you at our head, we have seen our reputation advanced in the opinion of our fellow-subjects, our system expand itself, and added honour and increasing prosperity lie in unclouded prospect before us. These things we ascribe to you, Sir, as to their proper source; and yet the silent homage of the heart has been hitherto the only return we have made you. Such, however, has been the generous alacrity with which your Royal Highness has offered to present to His Majesty the accompanying tribute of our fervent loyalty to him, and of our unshaken attachment to that Constitution, which (happily for these nations) at once confirms his possession and your inheritance, and all the rights of all the people; and such the sense we entertain of the proud distinction you have thus conferred upon our Body, that it were inconsistent with our honour, we think, as well as irksome to our feelings, to continue longer silent. Accept then, Royal Sir, our warmest and most dutiful acknowledgments for your gracious condescension upon this (to us) most momentous occasion. May He, by whom kings govern and empires prosper, shower upon your Royal Parent, yourself, and the whole of your illustrious line, his choicest blessings! May you all long exist in the hearts of a brave and generous people; and Britain triumphant, her enemies be abased! May her acknowledged superiority, returning peace, and the grateful reverence of rescued nations, perpetuate the fame of her virtues, the influence of her example, and the weight and authority of her dominion! By the unanimous order of the Grand Lodge, (Countersigned) WILLIAM WHITE, G. S. (Signed) RAWDON, A. G. M. While these proofs of the prosperity of the Society in England were universally spread throughout the kingdom, accounts were daily transmitted of the rapid progress of the Institution in different parts of the world. Many respectable and dignified characters had enrolled their names among the Fraternity; and it is with some degree of satisfaction, that among them we have to record the name of the King of Sweden, who was initiated into the Order at the Grand Lodge of Stockholm, on the 22d of March, 1793, under the auspices of Charles Duke of Sudermania, regent of the kingdom, who presided as Grand Master on the occasion. The Brethren in America at this period also seem to have been no less zealous in expressing a dutiful attachment to their patrons and protectors; for the Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in North America, having nearly arranged their Constitutions, transmitted a copy of them to General Washington with the following Address: Address of the Grand Lodge of Free and accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in North America, to their Brother GEORGE WASHINGTON. Whilst the historian is describing the career of your glory, and the inhabitants of an extensive empire are made happy in your unexampled exertions; whilst some celebrate the Hero, so distinguished in liberating United America, and others the Patriot who presides over her councils; a band of brothers, having always joined the acclamations of their countrymen, now testify their respect for those milder virtues which have ever graced the man. Taught by the precepts of our Society, that all its members stand upon a LEVEL, we venture to assume this station, and to approach you with that freedom which diminishes our diffidence, without lessening our respect. Desirous to enlarge the boundaries of social happiness, and to vindicate the ceremonies of their Institution, this Grand Lodge has published "A Book of Constitutions," (and a copy for your acceptance accompanies this,) which, by discovering the principles that actuate, will speak the eulogy of the Society, though they fervently wish the conduct of its members may prove its higher commendation. Convinced of his attachment to its cause, and readiness to encourage its benevolent designs, they have taken the liberty to dedicate this work to one, the qualities of whose heart, and the actions of whose life, have contributed to improve personal virtue, and extend throughout the world the most endearing cordialities: and they humbly hope he will pardon this freedom, and accept the tribute of their esteem and homage. 1』 ༞』༞I May the Supreme Architect of the Universe protect and bless you length of days and increase of felicity in this world, you, receive you to the harmonious and exalted Society in and Heaven! Boston, Dec. 27, A. L. 5792. To this address General Washington returned the following Answer : Answer to the GRAND LODGE of Free and Accepted Masons 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 in the immutable laws of truth and justice. To enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy the benevolent design of a 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! GEO. WASHINGTON. From this time we perceive that the Society of Freemasons in America continued to flourish under the auspices of General Washington, who continued his patronage to the Lodges till his death. This great man, who displayed in his own person the rare combination of military and pacific talents, of general and statesman, and evinced in private life the most endearing manners and unblemished probity, died at his seat at Mount Vernon, in Virginia, of an inflammation in his throat, on the 14th of December 1799. On the 18th, his remains were consigned to the tomb with the most solemn funeral pomp. The procession from Mount Vernon was formed about three o'clock in the afternoon, and moved to the place of his interment in the following order: Minute guns from a vessel in the river announced the commencement of the ceremony. Cavalry, Infantry, and Guards, marched with arms reversed. Music-Clergy. The General's borse, with his saddle, holsters, and pistols. At the head of the coffin was inscribed, Surge ad judicium; And an the silver plate, “ General GEORGE WASHINGTON departed Having arrived at the bottom of the elevated lawn on the banks of the Potomak, where the family vault is placed, the cavalry halted, and the infantry marched towards the Mount and formed their lines. The clergy, Masonic Brethren, and citizens, then descended into the vault; when the funeral service was performed. After which three general discharges were given by the infantry; while the cavalry, and eleven pieces of artillery, which lined the banks of the Potomak at the back of the vault, paid the last tribute of respect to their venerable departed hero, and the firing was repeated from the vessel in the river. At a meeting of the house of representatives at Philadelphia on the day following this ceremony, it was voted that a committee should be appointed, in conjunction with one from the senate, to con |