A sermon delivered before the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts : at a public installation of officers of the Corinthian Lodge, at Concord, in Middlesex County, June 25, 1798

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SCO'

S E R M O *N^

DELIVERED BEFORE THE

OF

FREE & ACCEPTED MASONS

OF

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,

AT A PUBLIC

Inflallation of the Officers

of the

ComitljiaiT £oUge,

At CONCORD, in the County of MIDDLESEX,
JUNE 2$tb9 1798.

BY JEDEDIAH MORSE, D. D.

MINISTER OF THE CONGREGATION IN CFJAXIESTOTTN. -m^,

_ ■ _imm. ,, -. -^

LEOMINSTER, M/iSSACBOSEXTS,

'P.INTED BY CROTHkR CHARLES, $5* JOHN PKSiYT/SS,-— 1798.

TO
THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL

faster, WLmtns,

OTHER

©fficers & 3Sretfjren

OF

CORINTHIAN LODGE,

THE FOLLOWING

DISCOURSE,

PUBLISHED AT THEIR REQUEST,
JS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY

The AUTHOR.

SERMON.

HEBREWS xiii. 16.

jtVT fO DO COC,D jgND TO COMMUNICATE FOKGET NOT f FOR JF1TB SVCH
SACRIFICES GOD JS WELL PLEASED.

JL HE Chriftian religion is as remarkable for
the fimplicity, purity, and excellent tendency of its
moral precepts, as for the fublimity, fitne fs, and en-
nobling, irnpreffive and animating nature of its doc-
trines. All the requirements of God, in refpect. both
to what we are to believe and to do, are flric~lly juft,
reafonable and kind. They are intended and adapt-
ed to promote our own good. Our happinefs effen-
tially confifts in right affections and conduct towards
God and one another. Love and gratitude to God,
and good will and good works to men, cohftitute the
lum of our duty. The forme* are the foundation
and fpringof the latter; while Vhe latter are the fruit
and evidence, to ourfelves and others, of the ttuth
and fincerity of the former. They are, when gen-
£unes infeperable, and mutually prove each other,

DR. MORSE'S

and jointly contribute to the perfection of our nature

and happinefs.

' Conformable to the foregoing obfervations,
we find that our Lord has comprifed our duty in
two fhort commandments ; " Thou fhalt love the
Lord thy God with all thy heart,and with all thy foul,
and with all thy fhength, and with all thy mind, and
thy neighbor as thyfeif." The whole law is declar-
ed, by the Apoftje, to be fulfilled by love. " The
end of the commandment is charity, out of a pure
heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith un-
feigned." Oi the fame import is the exhortation in
our text and context; ''by him, (I. e. by Jesus the
Mediator, who, V that he might fan&ify the people
with his own blood, Differed without the gate,") "by hira
let us offer the facrifice of praife to God continually,
shat is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name.
But to do cood and to communicate forget not; for
with fuch iaciificcs God 15 well pleafed." The Apof-
t\e, in this pailage, reminds us of our duty to. God
&nd one another. While, infpired by fupreme love,
we ofFer to God thro' Christ, our unfeigned ac-
knowledgements, prayers and praifes, here called the
fruit of our lips, we are not to be unmindful of the
more laborious and expenhve fervices, which we owe
to our fellow men. " To do good and to communir
cate forget not."

It will comport with the fpirit of our text, and,

I conceive, with the defign of our affembling before

MASONIC SERMON7. 7

God this day, if, in the Firft place, we point out fome
of the various ways in which, as men, as citizens, and
as Chriftians, we may and ought to do good ; and Sec-
ondly, offer feveral reafons and motives adapted to
influence us to the practice of this branch of our du-
ty-

I. I shall point out fome of the various ways

in which, as men, as Citizens and as Chriftians we
may and ought to do good.

" God that made the world, hath made of one
blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of
the earth." We are, therefore, to confider all men,
of whatever nation, complexion, or religion, as form-
ing one great family, united by the indiftbluble ties
of nature, having a common intereft, which all are
concerned to fupport with their utmoft efforts. All
our views and purfuits mould confpire to promote
the general good. A narrow, felfifh, fordid fpirit is
no lefs baneful to fociety, than contrary to the genius
of our holy religion. No one ought to be fo intent
upon promoting his own advantage, as to neglect
that of others, but each fhould endeavor alfo to do
what may "pleafe his neighbor for his good to edi-
fication." Every man owes a debt of one kind or
another, to thofe around him. We difcharge this
debt when we diligently and faithfully employ all
our talents of nature, providence and grace, in cher-
ifhing harmony and brotherly love among men ; —
in communicating comfort and relief to the forrow-

DR. MORSE'S

ful, indigent and wretched ; — in cultivating in our-
felves and diffufmg among others a love of our coun-
try— and in promoting pare and undefiled relig«
ion.

1. We may and ought to do good by cberifli-
ing harmony and brotherly love among men. How
much of our happinefs depends on harmony and the
prevalence of the kind affe&ions in fociety, we
may learn from the de6r.rucr.ive and painful effects of
difcorcl, hatred and malice. Where thefe predomin-
ate in any community, be it frnali or great, the
fweets of focial intercourfe are changed into bitter-
nefs ; thebleflings of life are poifoned at the fountain,
and fociety becomes a curfe. A Peace Maker
among brethren, then, is a character of great worth.
By exerting his talents and influence in healing divi-
fions, and calming the evil and turbulent paflions by
a candid and clear exhibition of truth, by foft and
gentle perfuafion, and by feafonable, judicious and
friendly rebuke, he may do great good to rpankind.
Or luch characters our Lord manifefts his higheft
approbation : " Bleffed are the peace makers, fdr
they fhill be called the children of God." An in-
valuable reward is promifed to any one who Ihali
convert a fmner from the error of his way — fitch an
one (hall have the honor and fatisfa&ion of <£ faving
a foul from death, and mail hide a multitude of fins."

Im order to promote' harmony and goodwill
among men, we muft each take care that we omfelves-

MASONIC SERMON, 9

pofTefs the temper of the peace maker. How can
we expect to be isttrumental of reiloring peace and
brotherly love among the contentions and malicious,
if our own difpofitions and conduct juftly fubjecfc
us to the fevere retort, " Phyfician firft heal thy-
feif "? We muft fhow others by our example, ax
well as bv our words, what we would with them to
be and to do. Example gives a weight and efficacy
to innruclions and admonitions, without which they
are generally of little avail. Poffefifmg a peaceable
difpofition, we (hall of courfe fludy how we may,
in the mod effectual manner, excite and cherim the
fame temper in others. As an excellent mean to this
purpofe, we fhall cherilh in our own minds, and in
the minds of all thofe over whom we have any influ-
ence, a refpe£l for the character and reputation of
our fellow men,and a real concern to do them juflice
in this refpedh In no way is the harmony of foci-
ety fo frequently and calamitoufly difturbed, and the
kind affections compelled to yield to thofe of an op-
polite and malignant complexion, as by slander.
In proportion as this abominable vice prevails in
any community,union and love decay. This deltroy-
er of all focial enjoyment muft then, as we defire
to do good and promote peace and love among men,
be fteadily and refolutely refilled in all its forms.
We muft give it countenance neither in ourfelves
noY in others. We cannot innocently linen to, or

B

16 DR-JvICRSE'S

propagate, flanderous reports and mifreprefentatio«$
concerning others- It is then clearly our duty, as
lovers and promoters of peace and good will among
men, to man if ell our marked difpleafure againfl all
kinds of evil fpeaking, and to think and fpeakas well
of others as the truth will permit; not keeping out of
view their good qualities and actions, when we ar«
called in duty to mention thole of a contrary kind,
thus giving a partial and falfe view of their charac-
ters, and exciting unreasonable prejudices againfl
* them.

The indulgence of an uncharitable difpolition
towards one another, afcribing the woifl views to
thofe who happen to differ from us in opinion c i
conduct, has been a fource of great diforders. This
imputation of lelfilb and finifter defigns, produces
acrimony, begets hatred and divtfiens, and is follow-
ed by many ferious evils to community. From the
different organization of the human mind and the
ilruclure of civil fociety, it was doubtlefs intended
by the Creator and Governor of the world, that there
mould exifi a variety of opinions. " And when thefe
neither diftmb the pubiic order, nor endanger the
public welfare, caidor fhould give credit to others
for the fame purity of views which we are ccnfduus
of poiTeffing ourfeives." The laws of Chriftianity
have made it our duty fo ef'eem others better than.
ourfeives, and in honor to prefer gyp another ; to fup-
prefs all jealous and envious feelings at the prolpev-

MASONIC SERMON'. 11

ity of others ; and this even in cafes where., by their
advancement in honor, wealth or fame, our hopes are
cut off and we thrown into the (hade. We are bound
to do complete juftice, as far as poifible, to the mer-
its of every man, whether he be friend or enemy, and
to ufe all our endeavors to make " the bad good and
the good belter." Other means than thofe we have
fuggefied are to be ufed for the purpofe of cheriin-
ing harmony and brotherly love among men, the
mention of which our intended brevity obliges us to
omit.

2. We may and ought to do good by communi-
catine to the comfort and relief of the forrowful. the
indigent and wretched. In a world like this,
overwhelmed with wretchednefs and farrow, the bit-
ter fruits of the apoftacy of man, much of our cv.uy
lies in administering, in various ways, to the relief of
our fellow men. The wants of the poor muft be
fupplied ; bread muft be given to the hungry ; drink
to the ihirfty ; clothing to the naked ; the ftranger
muft be kindly and hofpitably entertained; the lone-
ly prifoner muft be the object of our compaffion and
chanty ; the chambers of the fick muft be frequented
as often as prudence fhall diclati-, and their lorrows
foothed and alleviated ; nor muft we forget that we
owe frequent and friendly viiits and charitable iup-
plies, to widows and their fatherlefs children. So im-
portant and neceftary did our Lord confider thefe
duties that, in his account of the proceedings of the

us DR. MORSE'S

final judgment, he has made the performance of them
the ground of his awards to everlafting life, and the
neglecT: of them the reafon of his awards to everlaft-
ing punifhrnent. And he has encouraged us to the
practice of them by the ftrongeft poflible motive, by
affuring us that when we perform them to one of the
lead of his poor brethren in this world, he considers
them as done to himfelf. It is becaufe thefe duties
are fo effential to the Chriflian character, that they
are inculcated fo frequently and fo preflingly thro'-
out the holy feriptures. A regular and upright dis-
charge of them, we may therefore reafonably prefume,
wouid be productive of great good to mankind, as it
would enfure to us, in virtue of the divine promife
through Christ, an unfpeakable reward.

3. We may and ought to do good by cultiva-
ting in ourfelves and diffufing among others, as we
have means and opportunity, a fpirit of patriotifrn
or love of our country. Next to our religious du-
ties, this, at the prefent period, feems of all others
moft important. Our country is affailed both by
Internal and external enemies, who form and carry
on their wicked machinations in the dark, and by
the moft fubtle and insinuating artifice and intrigue.
In fuch a ftate of things our bofoms fhould glow
with the love of our country, and burn with fuch
ardency as to kindle the fame fpirit in the bofoms of
all thofe with whom we affociate. By fanning the
flame of patriotifrn, by waking up the people, as far

MASONIC SERMON. 13

as in us lies, to a fenfe of their dangers and their du-
ties, we miy do much good, and prevent the moil
aweful calamities.

But, in thefe revolutionary times, the word pa-
triotifm has been fo often perverted from its true
meaning by impofters,and claimed as exclulively be-
longing to thole who poffefs not a fpark of it, that it
is neceffary to difcriminate between genuine and
fpurious patriotifm : and this diftin£Hon is happily
drawn to my purpofe by an eloquent American pa-
tiiot,* in a ftyle of accuracy and elegance which cant
hardly be exceeded. " When I fpeak (fays my au-
thor) of this virtue (patriotifm) I mean not that
rnock patriotifm which, in all ages and in all free
countries has been feized on by ambitious dema-
gogues as a cloak to cover bafe and infidious deligns;
which, bedecked with the alluring garb of a tinfel
jargon, has been afiumed to conceal the fouleft pur-
pofes ; which, under the malk of hypocrify and the
parade of pompous language, has been ever found
fubfervient to the molt defpicable felfifh views ;
which, at one time has been employed as a flepladder
to office and power, and at another as an engine of
deftrucfion to rival popularity and obnoxious com-
petitors : I mean not that mock patriotifm which, to
the knaves has been the fyren fong of feduction to
cajole and enfnare the fools : I mean not that fatirc
On patriotifm which blazons its own merits in rant-
*Hoa. William Smith.

i4 DR. MORSE'S

ing declamation and frothy profelfions ; which draws,
from time to time, out of non exiftence, little ephem-
ero'us infe&s which glitter for a moment in the glare
of their own creation, and then dhTolve and fink in~
fo their original nonentity : I mean not that profa-
nation of patriotifm, which, while it utters from, the
lips the moft fpecious and devout ejaculations for the
public weal, impioufly bears in the heart the molt
atrocious defigns againft public order, public tran-
quility and national independence : — But I mean that
heaven born patriotifm which announces itfelf in
deeds of public utility ; which delights in the main-
tenance of law, in the fupport of order, in refpett
to the magiflracy, in enforcing by precept and exam-
ple every moral and religious duty; which difplays
itfelf in habits of induftry, fobriety and frugality, in
the virtuous education of one's family, and in the
faithful performance of all the relative duties of a
man and a citizen." Such a patriot is an honor,
an ornament and a blefling to his country. Were
all mock patriots among us converted or excluded
from this land which they have too long defiled
withtheir mummeries and their vices; could that
poifon and thofe prejudices,which they have had the
addrefs to infmuate into many honed minds, be erad-
icated ; and every American citizen fired with genu-
ine patriotifm, we might, under protection of the
God of Armies, bid defiance to all the attacks,
whether fecret or open,by land or fea,of our infiduoua

MASONIC SERMOM. 15

i?.nd unprincipled enemies. . As we value our inde-
pendence- and our civil and religious rights and
privileges, let us aipire after the poCfeflion of a lar^e
portion of this patriotism Let us do what wt can
to eradicate that peflilential influence which has
found its way among us, and which is preying upon
the vitals of our freedom and happinefs. Let us
• with noble intrepidity and firmnefs defend and tranf-
imt to pofteiity unimpaired, that liberty and inde-
pendence which God hath given us as a rich inheri-
tance, by means of the wifdom, the treat!: re, the
toils and the blood of our fathers and brethren. Thus
ihali we do good and ft: cure invaluable bleflings for
ourfelves, our country, poflerity, and perhaps ulti-
mately for the whole family of mankind. But

4. In order to effect the higheft, moil; valuable
and lading good, we muft afliduoufly cheriih in our
own hearts, and by all rrJearns irf our power; infpire
and promote in others, a Ipirit'cf true and undented
^eligion. The Chriltian religion, were it not fane—
tioned by divine authority, would recommeud itfelf
^o all liberal and enlightened men, bv the excel-
lence of its doftrines and the purity of its precepts.
Wherever it is cordially embraced and practiced — in
all over whom it fheds rts benign influence, it foft-
ens and humanizes the mind, fubdues the unruly
paifions, ameliorates the exterior deportment and
manners, and unites its difciples in the bonds of
brotherly love. IJiftory furnilhes abundant proof,

16 DR. MORSE'S

and a great nation exhibits before us a Handing and
aweful example, that whenever a people recede
from and reject religion, and lofe thofe habits and
reftraints which they had formed and felt under the
influence of religious principles, they have rapidly
degenerated into all manner of licentioufnefs m
fentiment and conduct, and in the mofl abominable
wickednefs, till they have funk into a Rate of the
mod ferocious barbarifm. On the other harrd,
pafl experience proves it to be a truth that in pro-
portion as true religion fheds its kindly influence
over any community, truth, juftice, order, peace and
public and private happinefs prevail. Great indeed,
then is the importance of religion as it refpec"is the
prefent life j but its value is unfpeakably enhanced
when we carry our views into futurity, and contem-
plate what is to be our condition after death. The
Chriftian religion alone can reconcile us to death on
rational and folid grounds, and fill us with joy at the
profpeft of immortal life and happinefs. Confider-
ing the infinite importance of religion to our prefent
and future well being, we cannot in any way exert
cmr&Ives with a fairer profpecl of doing good, than
hy refolving, each for himfelf, that we and our fam-
ilies will Icrvethe Lord ; and that we willufe our en-
deavors and influence with others to do the fame.
Were the American nation, as one man, folemnly to
make, and religioufly to adhere to, fuch a refolution,
what a glorious revolution would it produce ? What

MASONIC SERMON. * 17

a fifrn bafu would it eftablilh for our liberties and
bur happinefs ? It would remove from among us
every root of bitternefs, every feed of rebellion and
diforganization, and draw around us the protection
of the Almighty Lord of Hosts, as an impenetra-
ble defence againft all foreign enemies. Do we love
our country and defire (till to enjoy our lingular na-
tional bleffings, and will we neglect thefe ^ure, thefe
only means of effectual defence ? God forbid. My
brethren, whatever others do, let us refolve that by our
prayers, exhortations, admonitions and good exam-
ple, we will do all we can for the good and fafcty of
our threatened country, Patriotifm unites her voice
with that of Chrillianity, in urging us to the practice
of thefe duties. Ke who nedects them at a crifis fo

o

interesting, neglects, under aggravating circumftances,
to do good, and acts a part mod unfriendly to his
own happinefs, to his country and to his God.

Having pointed out feveral ways iri which we
may and ought to do good, I proceed

II. To offer, in a fummarv manner, feveral rea-
fons and motives, adapted to influence us to the prac-
tice of this branch of our duty. To this amiable and
Godlike practice of doing good, one would hope, for
the honor of human nature, we mould need but little
perfuafion.

1. By doing good in the feveral ways we have
defcribed, we (hall do our part towards harmonizing

G

18 DR. MORSE'S

a jarring world, calming and fubduing the disorderly
and malignant paflions of men, and cherifhing that
brotherly affection which ought to glow in every
bread, and cement the whole human race.

2. By doing good and communicating to the
comfort and relief of the needy and difconfolate, we
gratify the noblefl inclinations of our nature. The
calamities and forrows of our fellow men, when they
fall under our own eye, or within our knowledge,
naturally excite in all, whofe minds are not callous
to the feelings of humanity, fuch emotions as cannot
be fatisfied or foothed without cheerfully fttetching
forth the hand of charity ; or, if they need not this
kind of aid, or we are unable to give it, we cannot
withhold the melting look and tender tear of commif*
eration, or the kind word of comfort. This difpofi-
tion to fympathife in the diftrefTes cf ethers, to "weep
with them that weep,*' is a wife provifion which God
hath made in behalf of the afflicled and neceflitous
in this life. To prevent their being forgotten or
Sighted, the wife and merciful Creator hath implant-
ed in men a quick and tender fenfe of companion,
which ever ftands ready to be their friend and to
plead their caufe, and which conftrains us, according
to our ability, and fometimes, where the feelings are
ftrong, even beyond it, to fuccour and relieve
them.

3. Bv doing good in the manner we have men-
tioned under the third head of difcourfe, we (hall

MASONIC SERMO\T.

*9

ferve. in the mod effe&ual manner in our power, the
intereus of our country. And who is there that does
not feel the perfuaflve force of this motive, at this pe-
riod of danger and anxious expectation ? If there be
any fo deluded or degrcded as to prefer a foreign gov-
ernment to our own, as to advocate and cherifh a
philofophy and influence of exotic origin, in their
nature atheiflical and lincentious, which are fecretly
Undermining and proftratiug every thing that is ex-
cellent in our government, religion and morals — with
fuch perfons the motive we have fuggefled can have
no influence. But I will not fufpeel: any individual
in this numerous Aflembly capable of fo much prof-
ligacy and bafenefs, I feel a confidence that we all
love our country and prize our privileges, and that
we ftand ready to defend them in our feveral fixa-
tions, with our talents our fortunes and our blood.

4. Another motive to the duty we are recom-
mending is, that by doing good and communicating
to the relief of our diftreffed brethren, we do, in the
higheft degree we are capable of,refemble God, in that
attribute which he efteems his greatefr glory. "Cod
is good and doeth good, and his tender mercies are
over all his works/' We alio imitate the fpotlefs
and divine Savior, who "went about doing good,"
and ^herein "has fet us an example that we fhould
follow his fleps." 1

Finally, doing good is the moft fubftantial
part of four holy religion ; and when it is the fruit of a

20 DR. MORSE'S

renewed and holy heart,is the mod acceptable facri&ca
we can offer to God. " With fuch Sacrifices, God is
well pk-afed." " He hath (hewed thee, oh man (faid
the prophet] what is good, and what doth the Lord
thy God require of thee but to do ju lily and to love
mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God ?" More
than bare jultice is required of us j we muft be merci-
ful. It has been aflerted that "he who is rigidly juft
in all cafes, has no religion at all." Let the few mo-
tives we have briefly fuggefted perfuade and animate
us to a diligent and faithful performance of the high-
ly important and ufeful branch of duty inculcated in
the text.

I shall conclude f his difcourfe v.-itha fhort ad-
' drefs to the refpecfable Society of >/lafonic brethren,
by whofe invitation I am prefent on this occafion.

BRETHREN AND FRIENDS.

Ycu are this day to be conftituted, agreeably to
Mafomc forms, a Society of brother?.. May brother-
ly iove cement your union, and difFufe its fweet favor
through all your deportment. The principles of
Mafonry, and the rules by which the members of this
ancient and honorable Fraternity profc'ifed)}' regulate
their conduct, fo far as they appear in their prime 1
works, are calculated, if duly regarded, to make good
citizens and good men.

With the fecrets of your Order, not being my-
felf a Mafon, I am of coutfe ignorant. It is hoped
that, however unprofitable they are to thofe xuithoi:l.

MASONIC SERMON. 21

they are innocent and ufeful to thofe within. We
pre fume they are thought tobefo by every true Ma-
fun, or they would in c/iarity, which is a high Ma-
Tonic duty be divulged for the benefit of others.
Secret tranfa&ions, fuch is the conftitution of the?
human mind, always excite curiofdy and frequently
Jitfpicion in the uninitiated. It is for you, rny friends,
by your good works, to allay a\\fufpicions,if you can-
not gratify our curiofdy. The fccret fprings and
movements of your inftitution being kept out of
fight, we have no other criteria by which we may
judge of the nature and value of your inftitution,
than, hy your fruits. According as thefe (hail, in
general, be good or bad, the world will, and have a
right to, think well or ill of Free Masonry. By
thete criteria we do, and mull, judge of ail inftitu-
tions, the Cbriftian Church not excepted. The
pureft aud mof: ufeful inflations are Iiable,in times
of great and general depravity, to become corrupt
and have been grofsly corrupted, and its members
have depar'ec* effentially from original principle >
*n fuch cafes all innovations will be disavowed by
the true and pure members, fo that the corruptions,
and not the pure principles of the original inftitu.
tfdri, will be the objefts of cenfure.

From the many refoeaable and diflinguiilicd-
characters who have been, and ftiU are, members o|
:±iis fraternity, and from its fnms in this free mi -•-

22 DR. MORSE'S

lighted country, we have reafon to judge favorably of
the institution, as it exifts among us. It is in your
power, my brethren, as Chriftians, as Men and as
Mafons, to do much good in the feveral ways men-
tioned in the foregoing difcourfe. The peculiar con-
ftru£tion| and regulations of your Society, and the
intimate connexion and intercourfe of its branches.,
enable you to be of great advantage to one another,
mid to the community, in cherilhing the friendly,
benevolent and focial feelings ; in communicating to
the relief of the needy and diftreffed; in promoting
civil order and due fubordination to lawful author-
ity j in {lengthening the hands of good rulers ; in
checking the growth and fpread of diforganizing
principles ; in diffufing a patriotic fpirit; in fupport-
ing all wife and ufeful institutions, whether of a reh\
gious, focial or literary kind ; in countenancing and
encouraging among your members, induflry, econo-
my and temperance, and in difcouraging the oppo-
site vices of idlenels, intemperance, gaming, profan-
ity, andlicentioufnefso

From the charge you receive at your initiation,
it appears that you hold yourfelves " bound to a
ftrict obfervance of the moral law as contained in the
T:oly writings ; — to confider thefe writings as the un-
erring (landard of truth andjuftice;" and that you
come under obligations to " regulate your lives and
aflions by their divine precepts, and to be cjuiet and

MASONIC SERMON. 2.3

peaceable fubje&s, true to your government and juH
to your country." You are fblemnly cautioned
againft every thing which tends to the "corruption
of good manners." You are exhorted " on every
occafion to beware of thofe who may artfully endeav-
or to infmuate therofelves into your eileenf, with a
view to betray your virtuous refolutions, or make
you fvverve from the honorable principles of your
inflitution ; — not to furTerintereft, favor or prejudic-
es to bias your integrity, or to influence you to be
guilty of a wicked or dilhonorable action, and that
the whole feries of your conduct be regular and uni-
form, and your deportment fuitable to the dignity of
your laudable profeffion." Adhere ftricily to thefe
principles ; fulfil with fidelity thefe obligations ; re-
gard attentively thefe cautions, and you will aiTuredly
be good Mafons, good Men and good Christians.

Finally, brethren, let me exhort you, as be-
cometh Christians, to exercife yourfelves to " have
always a conference vcid of offence towards God and
towards men." " By patient continuance in well
doing, feek for glory and honor and immortality.**
So will you befl honor your inititution, in the view
of the world ; vindicate it againit fufpicious and evil
reports j promote your own individual comfort and
happinefs in this life; be moll ufeful to your friends,
your country, and mankind ; and what is more than
all, in humble reliance on the merits of the divine

$4 PR, MO^$g^J^(Wir JSERNJONT.

Saviour, be fair candidates for admiflion into thai!
beautiful and glorious city above, •' whofe ftreetsare
gold, whofe gates are pearl, and whofe foundations
are precious flones."

AMEN.

REV. BROTHER RIPLEY'*

PRAYER

AT THE FOREGOING

INSTALLATION.

TO Tilt

Etg|>t Worshipful

MASTER, WARDENS,

OTHER

OFFICERS & BRETHREN

OF

Corintinau SoUjj^

BRETHREN,

THE approbation, which you have exprefed, of
my publk performance, on the day of Inf dilation, far ex-
ceeds my expectation. I confent to its publication in com.'
pany with Doctor Morse's excellent difcourfe, in deference
to the opinion and polite attention of the Lodge, to whom
I am an obliged brother,
and very humble Servant,

EZRA RIPLEY.

PRAYER.

\J^ THOU fupreme Architect and Lord of the
univerfe, we adore thee, as infinitely great and good :
And while thy greatnefs impreiTes us with the pro-
founded reverence and awe, thy goodnefs infpires us
with ardent hope and love towards thee, our God.
Thou art the eternal Source of light and wifdom, of
truth and love : Thou didft, at firft, command light
toftiine out of darknefs ; thou giveft man underftand-
ing; thou required of him truth in heart and life;
and by the unparalleled difplay of thy love, thou haft
indiffolubly obligated and powerfully conftrained him
to love his Maker and his fellow-men. Under an im-
pieflive fenfe of divine love, we would now. by the
aid of the eternal Spirit, as men, as Mafons, and as
Chriftians, follow up its delightful dreams, through
thy holy Son jelus, to thyfelf, the inexhauilable
Fountain, with the pureft fentiments of devotion and
praife, of which we are capable.

4 ^ BR. RIPLEY'S

Almighty Makes, of heaven and earth, wifdorh,
Jlrengtd and beauty characterize ail thy works, and by
thcfe immutable pillars the vaft temple of nature is
fuppoited. All thy works praife thee, and thy faints
blcfsthee! Thou haft ftretched out the canopy of
the heavens, as a curtain j thou haft ine*fured the
earth, and bounded the feas. With pleafing won-:
cier and devout admiration, we contemplate the or-
der and harmony, grandeur and utility of thy works,
and celebrate the praifes of the great Creator for his,
niatchlefs {kill and immenfe benevolence. We offer
thankf^-ving to God for our rational exigence and
Jocial faculties j that we are deftmed for ufeful and
i ■eligious cxercife and fublime enjoyment ; and that
thou haft made our duty and our happinefs toconfif^
< -Lentially in love to thee and love to men. \Ve are
ibankful for the evidences of thy being and perfec-
tions, which are im.prefied on aj.1 the works and ope?
rations of thy hands, and that by thefe we are daiiy
inltructed, apd inceifantly recalled from the creature
to the Creator. We thank thee, that in our moral
nature we feel fentiments of Deity, «« a peculiar ref?
ervation lor God," and difpoiition to devotion..
Our immortality and mortality, the weaknefles and
the energies of our nature, unite to direct our fouls to
the Author of our exiltence, as cur pre fen t help and
future falvation. We admire and rejoice in thofe
divine eftablifhrnents in the natural and moral world^
••hich attach man to Deity, and man to man, ancj

MASONIC PRAYER. 5

which teach us in language the moll perfpicuous and
fimple, thatfincere piety and a&ive benevolence con-
du€t to happineis, to heaven and to God.

We rejoice in thy benignity, O God, in that
thou haft difpofed men to combine and afibciate, the
more effectually to fecure individual and focial en-
joyment, to fupply the wants of the neceffitous, and
to erect barriers againft the corrupt lufts and paffions
of the wicked. With gratitude we acknowledge the
fmiies of Heaven on the fociety of Free and Ac-
cepted Masons from the morning of time to the
prefent day. With facred joy we behold the prin-
ciples of Masonry emanating from Deity, and un-
folded in his works and communications; at a view
of which, in the firfl dawn of light and time, the
morning flars fang together, and the fons of God
fhouted for joy.

We praife the Lord for ail the benefits, that
hath refuked to individuals and to mankind from
this ancient and benevolent inftitution : And at the
fame time, we lament before thee every defec-
tion of Mafons from their noble principles and
proper charader. O our God, infpire the Fraternity
through the world, individually and colleS] vely,
with the genuine fpirit of piety and charity, truth
and righteoufnefs, that others.feeing their good works,
may glorify God, and may have no juft occafion to
fpeak evil of them, or of thofe myfteries, which they
4o not underlland. Let a continual exhibition of

f

BR. RIPLEY'S

1g£ univerfal piety- and' philanthropy fecure the approba-
lion of the wife and good, fijence the tongue of flan-
der, and foften the mind of prejudice.

Most . gracious God, we befeech thee to grant
thy benediction to all Mafons good and true, particu-
larly to the Lodges in this country, and in an efpecial
manner, to the ont in this place. Gracioufly {mile
on its infant date, and by thy light, truth and grace,
guide us in the peaceful and ufeful paths of wifdoin
rmd honor, of reafon and religion, until we fhall be
qualified for, and admitted into the Grand Celes^
n al Lodge above, where perfect love cafteth out
fear, unclouded truth forbids error, confummate wif-
Jora banilhes ignorance, and eternal day difpels dark-
.nefs ; where there is no need of the light of the fun,
nor moon, for the glory of God doth lighten it, and
the Lamb is the light thereof.

Supreme Lord of providence, be propitious to
this affembly, Sc grant divine aid and approbation to
the iolemn and joyful tranfattions of this day. May
our work be done with order, our rejoicing with rea-
fon, and our teltivity with temperance. May we
live in an mfluencial belief of thine All-feeing Eye,
and with a wife reference to a future flate.

Ever bleffed God, afford thy prefence and
grace to thy fervant, who is to inftru£fc us from that
great light of the moral world, thy holy word ; and
to j^im, who is to lead in the confecrating and clofing
prayers, and to thofe, who are to give charges of ft«

I

MASONIC PRAYER,

delity to their brethren. Difpofe us all to receive
and obey the truth, and ever to take thy word for
a light to our feet, a lamp to our path, a pcifect rule
of faith and practice : and when thou (halt make ap
thy jewels, may we be found among them clothed in
the robes of righteoufnefs and glory.

Our heavenly Father, blefs, we pray thee, thy
church and people in this place, Blefs, we beieech
thee, the land in which we live. O thou guardian
God of America, we pray thee to take thefe States
United and individual under thy holy protection.
Save us from foreign influence and invafion. and
from domeftic diffenftons. Preferve to us our na-
tional independence and privileges civil and facreu\
Great fource of wifdom and power, continue, we
humbly pray thee, to enlighten and ttrengthen our

TT

n-

Prefident : direct and blefs the councils of the
ion, and of the States. Unite, profper and blefs the
people of all ranks ; incline their hearts to ierve t\
and make things go well in all our land.

Father of lights, fend forth thy light and truth.
to heal and fave the nations of the world. Lfet the
fwori of war no longer drink the blood of men ; but
may fmiling peace, with her joyful train of ineftima-
blebleflings, vifjt every country : let knowledge be
univerfally diftufed, " liberty with order/' and
pure religon be every where enjoyed, and the whole
world be filled with tyuman happinefs and divine
glory.

8 BR. RIPLEY'S MASONIC PRAYER.

Most merciful God, we implore the forgiveneij
of our manifold offences, and complete redemption
thro the blood of Jesus Christ ; and wherein wc
have done iniquity, let us do fo no more. Enable
us to walk before thee in love, and in all goodnefs,
until we (ball attain that chriftian perfection, which
is enjoined on us by divine authority, and be actually
prepared for thy blifsful prefence in endlefs glory.

Now unto the GRAND MASTER BUILDER
of the univerfe, to the only wife GOD our SAVIOR,
be glory and majefty, dominion and power, both
now and ever.

AMEN.