GMRandall
Contents
GEORGE M. RANDALL
Deputy Grand Master, 1849-1851
Grand Master, 1852-1854.
TERM
MEMORIAL
December 30, 1873 (1873-163). Memorial
The committee appointed to prepare resolutions on the death of Past Grand Master, R.W. George M. Randall, would respectfully submit the following report: —
As the public journals, the ecclesiastical and Masonic publications, have paid their deserved tribute to his great worth, and our Grand Master has added, with great feeling, his appreciation of the eminent ability of our departed Brother, it only remains to the committee to propose suitable resolutions indicative of the love and respect entertained by this Grand Lodge, and their deep-felt regret at the departure of their Past Grand Master and loved Brother, the Rt. Rev. George M. Randall, D.D., Bishop of Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming; one who, having attained his high hierarchical dignity, still kept warm his attachment and devotion to our Institution; whose worth was appreciated by the Grand Lodge of Colorado, who tenderly watched his remains, and publicly expressed their sentiments of love and respect. We shall never forget his noble address, at the banquet of 1871, on the "immortality of Fremasonry."
Resolved, That the close of such a life is most deeply felt and deplored, particularly in this jurisdiction over which he had presided with such efficiency; yet, in our grief, there comes to our hearts a solemn joy that such an end has rounded and made perfect the story of such a life.
Resolved, That we bear our testimony to his faithfulness and great executive ability as our Grand Master, to his high characteristics as a man, a Brother, a Christian; and that there is nothing to mar the estimate or dim the lustre of his character.
Resolved, That he has left to us his bright name and fame to add to the galaxy of those stars which have irradiated our Masonic firmament.
Resolved, That we tender to the family our warmest, deepest sympathies in this bereavement. May they be sustained by the influences of the teachings of the departed, and by the assurance that a lasting reunion awaits them hereafter.
BIOGRAPHY
From Proceedings, Page 1873-340:
RT. REV. GEORGE MAXWELL RANDALL, D.D., BOSTON, Episcopalian. Grand Chaplain 1846, 1847.
REV. AND R.W. BRO. GEORGE M. RANDALL was born in the town of Warren, Rhode Island, on the 23d of November, 1810, and is a graduate of Brown University, of the class of 1835. He graduated at the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in New York city, in 1838, and during that year took charge of the Parish of the Church of the Ascension, Fall River, Mass. He removed to Boston in May, 1844, to take the rectorship of the Church of the Messiah, in which he has continued to the present time. He was made a Mason in Washington Lodge, No. 3, at Warren, R. I., in 1845, and received the Chapter Degrees in the same town the following year. He was Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in 1846; District Deputy Grand Master of the First District in 1848; Deputy Grand Master in 1849, 1850 and 1851; and Grand Master in 1852, 1853 and 1854. He was admitted a member of Columbian Lodge, and acted as their Junior Chaplain in 1852 and 1853. He has been their orator on several occasions. He is a ready and eloquent speaker, and his addresses before the Lodge, and also before the Grand Lodge, in his capacity of Grand Master, have commanded the undivided attention of all who heard them. His administration as Grand Master was highly successful.
— History of Columbian Lodge, 1855.
The following letter, written, by request, by Mrs. Morse, daughter of Bishop Randall, appears most appropriately in this connection, and will be read with great interest by Masons, as it shows the great attachment he had for their institution : —
BOSTON, Dec, 1873.
JOHN T. HEARD, ESQ. :—
MY DEAR SIR, — In compliance with your request, I very gladly furnish you with extracts from some of the many obituary notices of my dear father. I do not know that I was ever taught to respect Masonry, but I have always entertained the greatest reverence for the Order. Among my earliest recollections at home, and at the home of each grandfather, was the Free Mason's Magazine; to this book seemed to be attached a great dignity. The regard for it may have been in a measure inherited from my father, for I see in the letter written to Mr. Gregory, in acknowledgment of the invitation to attend the banquet given in honor of Mr. Moore, he writes, "In my boyhood, I read the Masonic Mirror, to which my father was a subscriber. My boyish curiosity was not a little exercised in endeavoring to decipher the hieroglyphical characters which ornamented the name of the paper. My father being a Mason, I early learned to respect those who occupied prominent positions in the Fraternity."
"My father must have been a good Mason before he joined the Craft. When he entered college, it was with the intention of following his father's profession, that of a lawyer. During his senior year came that political outbreak, in which, for a time, the Anti-Masons gained the ascendency. Grandfather Randall was then Judge in the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, and being a high and conscientious Mason, lost, for a while, his position. This injustice to so learned and honest a man caused my father to reflect, which reflection resulted in his studying for the ministry.The property belonging to the Warren Lodge was at this time placed in the hands of my maternal grandfather for safety. My father's affection for Masonry, and for his Masonic brethren, he showed in many ways. When to his care was entrusted the lock of General Washington's hair, he seemed to feel the greatest anxiety for its safety; and never for an hour, while it was under his roof, did he permit his house to be unoccupied. His orders were, in case of an emergency, to let that urn be the first care.
Although his duties were so multitudinous that he is said to have accomplished the work of three men, he always found time to attend the Lodge; and at the time of his death he was under an engagement to deliver a Masonic address. For several years past I think he has on St. John's Day (the Masonic holiday, or gala-day he used to call it) delivered an oration. I am under the impression that last year it was in New Mexico. His several Masonic addresses here I presume you are more familiar with than I am. Twenty-two years ago (May 10, 1852) he, being Grand Master, introduced Kossuth to the Grand Lodge. The address on that occasion is the oldest Masonic address of his I know of in print. Then follow many. Among them is an Address delivered on the celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of St. John's Lodge No. 2, in Providence, R. I., St. John's Day, 1857; an Address delivered before the DeMolay and Virginia Encampments, June 24, 1858; another at the Celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of St. John's Lodge No. 6, at Norfolk, Conn., etc.
Through the courtesy of Rev. Sydney Deane, Master of the Lodge in which my father took his first degrees, I have learned the following facts, which I will copy : —"Your honored father, George Maxwell Randall, was raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason in Washington Lodge, Warren, Rhode Island, Aug. 11, 1845. The usual fee was paid by him, and deposited with the Treasurer of the Lodge, after which it was unanimously voted, that a sum equal to the amount of the fee be presented to Bro. George M. Randall, 'he being the son of a Master Mason.' In 1850, Aug. 24th, 25th, and 31st, he received the Degrees of Chapter Masonry, being exalted to the Royal Arch on the latter named day. He retained his relation to both the Lodge and the Chapter until his death.
"On the 24th of April, 1866, being in town, he requested that he might meet his brethren in Lodge, and the record shows a large attendance. The scope and spirit of the address are fresh in the minds of the brethren who heard it, even to this day, such was its character.
"He commenced his address by expressing his deep attachment to the Lodge, and the love he had for its members. He spoke of the interest and pleasure he had experienced by the repeated examinations of the old record-books, and impressed upon them the importance of preserving them.
"The topic treated was the work which God had assigned them to do. The subject was divided into the following subdivisions : first, our duty as Christians; second, our duty as Masons; third, our duty as heads of families; and, fourth, our duty as citizens.
"This address was particularly affecting in some of its portions. He announced his determination to live and die connected with the Lodge, hallowed to him by so many associations, and said if a son of his lived to attain the age of twenty-one years, and was found worthy to be made a Mason, he hoped he would be made a Mason in this Lodge, because it was home. He wanted his son to read the old records, which had given him so much pleasure, and which contained so much of the active life of his family. He spoke of his going away, and his impression that he should not meet the assembled brethren again, desiring to impress them with the importance of fulfilling all the duties of life. This impression was prophetic, for he never met with them again. The address was impressive, and affected the members present profoundly. The records further show, that, Sept. 30, 1873, the Master announced the sorrowful tidings of the death of our worthy Brother, the late Bishop of Colorado, Bro. Geo. M. Randall, etc., etc.
"Nov. 4, 1873. A Special Communication of the Lodge was held for the purpose of holding a memorial service for our late Bro. M.W.G.M. Geo. M. Randall; all the officers of the Lodge and a large number of the Brethren were present. The Master announced the object of the Special Communication, pronounced a eulogy, and the impressive burial service of the Order was performed, and the sacred scroll deposited. It was a solemn and impressive service. This closes the record, with the addition of the fact, that the Brethren of the Lodge, with the officers, desired to bury their beloved Brother with the usual public rites of the Order, but learned that the Brethren in Boston and Colorado had performed the sad services."
If I have not trespassed already too much upon your time will you allow me, in behalf of my mother, to thank members of the Columbian Lodge for the beautiful tribute they paid to the memory of my sainted father. We have received many touching acknowledgments in various forms, but none do we prize more highly than the resolutions lately received from the Lodge of his adoption.
Respectfully yours,
SERAPHINE R. MORSE.
The Rt. Rev. George Maxwell Randall, D.D., whose death in the very height of his usefulness and success the Church mourns, was son of Judge Randall. He was born in Warren, R. I., in 1810, and graduated at Brown University in 1835. His first charge as a clergyman of the Church was that of the Ascension, Fall River. He afterwards removed to Boston, and became rector of the Church of the Messiah, then worshipping in Redman Hall. Here he remained for twenty-one years. He took a prominent part in the affairs of the Church in Massachusetts, and exerted a wide influence. He was for some time editor of the Christian Witness, and was several times chosen Deputy to the General Convention. In the years 1862 and 1865 he was elected Secretary of the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies. Several of the productions of his pen have become extensively known, while that one little Tract, Why I am a Churchman, has deservedly assumed a permanent place in our controversial literature. He was consecrated Missionary Bishop of Colorado, with jurisdiction in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, in Trinity Church, Boston, Dec. 28, 1865. In that field his labors were truly Herculean. He never shrank from a duty, and points the most distant and difficult of access were reached in the face of obstacles which would have appalled a less ardent Missionary of the Cross, while Jarvis Hall and Wolfe Hall will remain monuments of his industry and devotion.
The following tribute is from the pen of a prominent New England clergyman: —
"IN MEMORIAM. — He hath fought a good fight. He hath kept the faith.
"The Rt. Rev. George Maxwell Randall is to be counted henceforth among 'the glorious company of the apostles,' and few accomplish the work of an apostle better than he hath done. He magnified his office grandly; by a devotion to his ministry that never knew abatement; by a fearlessness that shunned no danger; by a steadfastness that never faltered; by a self-sacrifice that reckoned no cost; by indomitable energy; by singular wisdom, — and by a oneness of aim for Christ and Christ's Church and Christ's children that has not often been our privilege to witness. We have never known a clergyman that carried the Bible in his hand so constantly as Bishop Randall did — not ostentatiously, so much as that all his time should be profitably spent. His readiness, and clearness, and logicalness, and fervor, and efficiency in debate, were remarkable; and the attention of an audience never flagged when he was on the floor of the Convention, on the platform in a public meeting, or in the pulpit in God's house.
"The bishop's economy was remarkable, and yet he was no niggard in the household or the Church. As a pleader to elicit the charities of the Church, he was (may we say?) unequalled; but all that he obtained he used successfully for the enlargement and maintenance of the kingdom of our Lord. His tract on the Church has, probably, made thousands of good churchmen throughout all the United States. Exemplary as a father, loving as a husband, true as a friend, mighty in word and work as a bishop, and as a Christian devout, George M. Randall leaves behind him memories richer than rubies, memories fragrant with the atmosphere of Paradise. S. B. B."
The above article is from a Church newspaper, and was written by Rev. Samuel B. Babcock, D.D., of Dedham, who was a strong personal friend of the Bishop. Dr. Babcock deceased only a few weeks after this tribute to his friend.
At the communion service of the bishops, in Grace Church, New York, Oct. 24, 1873, Bishop Clarkson addressed the bishops as follows: —
"Our revered and beloved father, the venerable Presiding Bishop, has requested me to add to the solemn service of to-day, a few remarks concerning our dear departed brother, the late Missionary Bishop of Colorado.
"It was just eight years ago this very day, I believe, the 24th of October, that he was chosen by the General Convention, to the high office whose various, delicate, and arduous duties he discharged with so much wisdom, so much fidelity, and so much single-mindedness.
"I think we may safely say that the Church, in all her history since the days of St. Paul, can point to but few episcopates of eight years' length, in which so much was so thoroughly accomplished.
"By a fervency, earnestness and industry, rarely ever seen among men, Bishop Randall wrote, yea, engraved permanently, the splendid record of A full lifetime, in a little more than the space that men usually take to arrange and perfect their plans of work.
"When he took possession of his missionary jurisdiction, it was an entirely new, and, except to adventurous gold-hunters, an almost unknown country; but no gold-hunter ever went to Colorado with more faith and with more enthusiasm to gather precious ores, than did her first great-hearted bishop on his sublime mission, to scatter and deliver there the still more precious treasures of the Gospel and the Church.
"Those men, dreadfully in earnest in behalf of earthly riches, all on fire with the passion for sudden wealth, saw in him a man who was just as much in earnest after the better riches of the world to come — a man, all aflame 'with celestial fire,' and they yielded to him what Christian earnestness always oompels from men,— respect, admiration, confidence, and a following. And so the Churoh in the East saw in him a man who was thoroughly and intensely in earnest, and, therefore, means without stint poured itself out to aid him; and churches and institutions, and parishes and clergymen grew up around him, and gathered about him, as if by the operation of the fabled lamp of Oriental story.
"It is remarkable how true is the measurement that the public takes of a man whose work is done, as it were, in its sight, and how easily and invariably it detects the sham from the real, and how readily it discriminates between the truehearted and the mere make-believe.
"And if ever there was a judgment that was universal of a man, when the grave had closed over him, and his work had ended, it is the judgment that is to-day everywhere rendered of Bishop Randall, to wit: 'Here was a man whose heart was in his work.' No life was ever a better illustration of St. Paul's fine sentence, 'And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as unto the Lord.'
"Whether he was preaching the Gospel of Christ in the wayside school-house, or talking to the Church's children in his diocesan schools, or pleading for his jurisdiction in some palatial eastern church, or explaining the Church's customs and her services to some stage-ride companion in his long and weary journeys, he was the same earnest, hearty, fervent, real man, 'and by this, he conquered' everywhere and always.
"We read about, and talk about, the martyrs of the Church in early days, and in Reformation times, and in heathen lands of our own age, and give them credit and glory, and canonize them; but here was a bishop who was as truly a martyr to work and to duty, for Christ's sake and the Church's as any holy man of the past ever was for truth and for the faith.
"Not Ignatius among the lions, nor Polycarp in the fires, nor Patteson amid the savages, yielded up their very lives with a sublimer heroism than did the noble souled bishop, whose translation to rest and peace we now commemorate. Yes, if it be true, that throughout eternity there shall glow upon the martyr's brow the most lustrous crown, then may we be sure that one who so untiringly labored for Christ, and who so evidently died for Christ's work, has, indeed, gone to an exceeding rich reward. And though we believe that it was the unremitting and the overwhelming work, and the necessity for it, that brought him to his grave, we do not, we dare not, speak of his death, as if it were, in any sense, a needless or an unnatural sacrifice. By no means. Why should not men die in and for the work of the Church?
"Is it not better, as a good bishop once said, 'to wear out, than to rust out,' in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ? Of what account, in the measurements of eternity, can be the few short years of a little lifetime, that men who are solemnly consecrated to God's work, may save and spare by lives of ease and care-taking? Humanly speaking, if he had not crowded the toils and the achievements and the anxieties that might fairly have covered and glorified an episcopate of a quarter of a century, into one of less than one-third that duration, Bishop Randall might have lived fifteen or twenty years longer; but Bishop Randall, in his grave to-day, is more to be envied, yea, a greater blessing to the Church, in his example, than if he had lived longer, and had been less devoted, less unselfish, and less laborious.
"What does the Church more need this day, to inspire with enthusiasm and to arouse with activity the young men who are putting on the armor of the Lord's anointed host, than the glorious record of just such a life and just such a death as this was, — the striking and splendid figure of one who absolutely was content 'to know nothing but Christ and him crucified,' — who, literally, was willing and able 'to spend and to be spent' for the glory of God and the souls of men?
"Nor was it merely for his earnestness and his industry that the memory of our beloved brother is to be revered. All the kindlier traits of our nature were beautifully exhibited in his cheerful, happy, and genial life. He was positive without being harsh, firm without being inconsiderate, and holy without the shadow of cant. Indeed, it is very seldom that a human life presents such a combination of excellent and admirable qualities. He was well-grounded and well-furnished as a theologian; effective as a preacher; wise as an administrator; and patient as a master-builder.
"And when to all these qualities there was added that indomitable energy, with that unwearied zeal of which we have spoken, it is no marvel that his short episcopate was so brilliant in its achievements, and so highly blessed to his diocese and to the Church.
"I remember very well how he himself felt, and what he said, for we were on terms of closest intimacy, when the announcement came to him, eight years ago to-day, that the bishops had chosen him to carry the Church's banner to the Rocky Mountains. I remember also what other good people said then, 'That he was too old to be transplanted,' that his life amid the culture and elegancies of Boston was no fit preparation for 'journeys in the wilderness, and for frontier fare and roughness.' But in this, as in a thousand instances like it, how does the whole after history show that it was indeed the work and the choice of the Holy Ghost, and not the work and choice of men like ourselves!
"For what man with the dew of his youth yet upon him, and with the warm blood of early maturity yet coursing through his veins, could have endured fatigue more bravely, or would have laid out, and carried out larger plans of travel and of toil? And what man, even to the manor born, could have fitted in more evenly and smoothly to the new life of the border land?
"It is a happy fact that the Church has need of all kinds of labor, and of all kinds of laborers; and it is a happy thought also, that when a man has really ' the root of the matter in him,' the entire consecration of his whole nature and being to the service of God, that he is hardly ever misplaced; and that whenever God calls him, he can find the ways and the means to glorify him, and to benefit his fellow-men.
"And so is it true that no man is ever necessary for the work of the church, that however great may be the gap made in the ranks by the fall of some brave and strong and great soldier of Christ, the Lord's reserve force is always sufficient for the needs of his Church.
"Let us not despair then, even of worthily filling, under the Spirit's guidance, the vacancy we now deplore. And let us all, dear fathers and brethren, pray to-day for a more complete consecration of ourselves to the blessed and awful work of rulership in God's house.
"The day for the rendering of our account cannot be far off; and must be very near to some of us. Bishop Randall was the fifth of our number that has been called away since we met in Baltimore two years ago; one-tenth of the whole stricken from the roll in this little while. May the Great Shepherd and Bishop of Souls fit and prepare us for the change that must soon come to us all, and happy shall we be, in that solemn hour, if it can be as truly said of us, as we can say to-day of dear Bishop Randall, 'He loved his work, and did it well, and was faithful to the end.'"
THE TRIUMPH OF FAITH.
A Sermon in Loving Memory of the Right Reverend Father in God, George Maxwell Randall, D.D., Bishop of Colorado, who entered into rest, September 28, 1873, the Eve of All Angels, preached in St. John's Church, Denver, Sunday morning, October 19, 1873, by the Rev. Walter H. Moore. IN PACE ET IN DEO.
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. — Ep. to the Hebrews, xi. 8.
To the long line of the Church's saints, apostles, confessors, martyrs, who have set bright examples of self-consecration, and illustrated in their lives the triumph of faith, the name of GEORGE MAXWELL RANDALL has been added. Our bishop has gone to join the glorious company of the apostles in paradise. He has finished his course, and now rests from his labors. In the rest which remaineth to the people of God he prays effectually and fervently for the work which he loved so well, and for which he gave his life.
The funeral train, which moved from these plains to his distant burial-place upon the Atlantic coast, seemed to be borne upon a wave of sorrow which swept over the church from the mountains to the sea. Yet, though hearts were heavy, and tears fell fast, and anxious forebodings overcast the future, that solemn pageant seemed a triumphal procession. We forgot, for the while, the sense of our own loss, as our souls swelled in thanksgiving to God for that bright example. We laid our warrior to rest with almost joyful pride, that, having proved himself a valiant soldier of the cross, he had fallen as his chivalric soul would wish to die,— at the front, with sword drawn, with harness on, and face to the foe. Well then do we take up the inspired chant and sing, in the face of death, "Though he were dead, yet shall he live." Where is thy sting, O death; where, O grave, thy victory? Thanks be to God which giveth us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Eight years ago the General Convention of the Church elected Dr. Randall to the Missionary Episcopate of Colorado. That call was to him a terrible voice summoning him to leave his home, his kindred, his father's house, to go to the distant West. This frontier was then an unknown land. The work of the Church was scarcely begun. It was uninviting, difficult and dangerous. At a time of life when most men begin to think of rest and retirement, when they look to feel the approach of age, and seek to make provision for declining years, he was called to a task from which a young man, in the flower and vigor of his strength, might well have shrunk. It seemed cruel to send him to such a distant and hard field. We could not believe that be would accept the burden. But the Church knew the man better than we thought. He had served her faithfully and effectually through many years of active and laborious work. She knew his vast executive ability, his indomitable strength of purpose, his unflagging zeal, his restless energy and seemingly exhaustless capacity for work. She singled him out for the heavy burden of a Missionary Episcopate, as the man of all others who could lay the foundations of Christ's kingdom broad and deep in this growing and mighty West. That call was to him as the call of God to Abraham. He suffered the same trial of his faith. He had lived his whole life in New England. Born and brought up in Rhode Island, his first parish was in the neighboring State, within eight miles of his native town. Soon he was summoned to a wider sphere in the City of Boston. There, in that city which he loved so well, he lived and labored as a parish priest for two and twenty years. His heart was knit to his people in those sacred ties of the pastoral relation. He was their father; they his children. He had baptized them and their children. He had been with them in joy, and shared in that grief in which a stranger may not intermeddle. His home was among them. His family was about him. The love of his people, the deep esteem of the community, the warm regard of his bishop and brethren in the priesthood, anchored him to that spot where the best and greater portion of his life had been spent. Suddenly, unexpectedly, he was called to leave all this, to uproot those firmly bound ties, and to exchange his peaceful, happy home-life for the trials, and harassing anxieties, and homeless wanderings, of a Missionary Bishop. Who can doubt that for the moment he was staggered and hesitating? He was a man. He could not easily sunder relations which were dear to him. He loved his dear ones with all the love of his great heart. He clung to them with all the fondness of his unselfish nature. His spirit quaked at the sacrifice which he must make. Yet, if it was clearly his duty, he could not hesitate. But let him be convinced that it was the voice of God calling him to this trial, and he would go forth to death if need be. It may not be that the workings of his heart should be rudely exposed to view. This great struggle was known only to himself and to God. We may not seek to know through what experiences of God's mercy and grace he came to see his duty. Still I may be pardoned if, with filial love and reverent heart, I lift the veil for a moment and show to you, his people, whom he bore in his heart before God, something of the trial which preceded that triumph of faith.
Thus he writes in his journal, a month after his election: "The great question of the acceptance of the Missionary Episcopate has borne heavily upon my mind — more and more heavily — from the moment of its first announcement. It has caused me to be deeply depressed. I have sought the divine direction. I have tried to look to God for the manifestation of his will, that the way of duty may be made plain to me. The feelings of my family, those who are nearest and dearest to me; the expressions of my parishioners; the manifestations made by my clerical brethren; the opinions and wishes expressed by persons within and without our communion, which need not be put upon record; the conflicting judgments of individuals; the representations of the greatness; the difficulties and dangers of the field; my physical condition; my age; the great change in life which it must involve; the state of things in my parish, never so promising; my situation in Boston, never so happy, — all these bear with a great weight upon me. Yet, in all the excuses which I attempt for declining this unanimous call of the Church, I find them centering at last in what is simply a matter of selfishness. This conflict has been severe. Shall I go? Is it a call of God? If it be, can I, dare I resist? The time draws near when I must decide. With my dear ones I kneeled down and prayed; and, when we rose from our knees, acting, as I trust under the impulse and direction of the Holy Ghost, I then and there decided to accept. May God bless that decision to his glory, and give me the help of his grace, that I may do the duty to his acceptance in extending his cause and kingdom for the salvation of souls in Christ."
And again, upon the day of his consecration, he writes: "The cross of the mitre seemed heavy indeed to-day. It was my weakness and selfishness that made it so. I thought too much of the sacrifice I was to make, and too little of the glory of doing God's will, by obeying his call. I was almost crushed by the act that translated me from a Presbyter to a bishop But God's grace is all sufficient for me. In him is my strength, in Christ is my trust. I can do all things, and endure all things, and accomplish all things, with his presence and blessing; and so I now take the staff and go forward in fear and faith." He felt the need of such master-building so pressingly that he gave freely of his love, his energies, his private means, his life itself. It was an entire self-abnegation. His unvarying reply to all entreaties to spare himself, was, "After I have done all that can be done, I shall be laying foundations only." We need not speak of the self-denial and economy which he used in order to spare the more of his own means to the Church's interests. He would not have it known. Suffer it to be in secret until the Lord shall declare it openly.
I cannot trust myself to speak of the strong love and kindly affections which characterized his private life. Men thought him cold, and unsympathizing; but how little they knew him. They knew nothing of that deep and strongly rushing tide of sympathizing and affectionate feeling which wore deep channels in his heart. He was not a man to wear his heart upon his sleeve; but they who were near enough to him to see the quivering lip and tear-stained eye knew that a great soul expanded itself in generous and kindly affection. We may know that this was so, by the constant affection which he bore to his distant friends and to the scenes of his boyhood. He seemed to live two lives. He was a thorough Western man. He loved the West. He was identified with its interests; he labored to build it up; he was enthusiastic in its praises; he revelled in the rejuvenation which his life in it had brought to him. Yet, deep down, under all that, was his love of his native hills and the sounding sea; of his kindred; of his father's home. He loved to revisit those scenes. He hastened in pious pilgrimage to stand in prayerful memory over the graves of his father and mother. He would say at times that, when he became too old and feeble for active work he would return to his native village, and end his days among his dear ones, in the house where his parents lived for sixty years of wedded happiness, and there be laid to rest in the sacred ground where slept his loved ones gone before.
But it was not for him to realize this fond anticipation. It was hardly possible to think of Bishop Randall as inactive and superannuated. Such restless, energetic natures wear out; they seldom rust out. And so it was with him. The heavy burden which the Church lays upon her Missionary Bishops broke him down. His powers, constantly strained to the utmost tension, snapped, and he fell. He was sent to build up waste places, to plant the Church, to preach the Gospel, to tell dying men the wondrous story of the cross, to show that the Church kept pace with the aggressive movements of civilization. . . . The varied interests of his diocese, his immense correspondence, the business perplexities incident to his office, the wants and sorrows and condition of his own parishioners, all received his prompt and intelligent attention. Quick in decision and resolute of purpose, he met them all with ready solution. It is wonderful to see the exactness of his accounts and records; how down to the day when he laid aside his pen forever, every letter is answered, every dollar received or expended recorded, and every act of his ministry registered. For years he seemed to have set his house in order at the close of each day, lest the angel of death should find him unprepared; and now that he has passed to his place in the church in paradise, his works shall follow him and proclaim with trumpet tongue the wisdom and devotion of his administration, and his children in the Lord shall rise up to calL him blessed. . . .
In the close of this good man's life, we caught the certainty of his everlasting glory in the radiance which streamed from his triumphant labors upon his dying head; and as with parting breath he gave his dear ones blessing, we felt that it was the earnest of that blessing which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall one day pronounce upon that faithful servant. He has entered into his rest. The wail of sorrow which burst from the whole church when these heavy tidings smote upon the bereaved hearts, was exchanged for the note of triumphant faith, as we bore him proudly to his grave. The Church which weeps for her own loss, rejoices for his gain, and sends up to the ear of her Divine Lord, the prayer of faith, "Lord Jesus, grant him rest, and let thy perpetual light shine upon him."
— Denver Press.
GEORGE M. RANDALL, D.D.
Death of the Protestant Episcopal Bishop of Colorado.
A great and good man has gone. A pure and noble spirit has departed to Him who gave it. Full of years and of honors; beloved by his people; respected by the world; in the midst of a successful Christian and educational work, there has fallen in this city one who has taken a leading part in moulding the culture and civilization of this whole Rocky Mountain region, and whose power and influence will leave an indelible imprint upon its immediate as well as its remotest future. Having been chosen Missionary Bishop to Colorado, Bishop Randall arrived in the territory in June, 1866; making the journey across the plains in a stage-coach. He came, as a pioneer, to lay the foundation of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Rocky Mountains, and to identify it with the growth and civilization of Colorado. . . .
The bishop's labors were unceasing; he travelled annually over his entire diocese; from Silver City, eight hundred miles to the southwest, on the farthest borders of New Mexico, to the outposts of the Wind River valley, five hundred miles northward, he journeyed each season, enduring hardships, encountering dangers, suffering deprivations, preaching the Gospel of Christ, establishing schools and churches, and performing the various sacred duties of his high office. Never was there a more faithful, untiring, devoted worker; seldom has such labor been more visibly or abundantly rewarded.
In the midst of this great work Bishop Randall has fallen. The Master, whom he loved so well, and in whose service he spent his life, has at last called him home to his house of many mansions. It became evident, some months ago, that he was giving way under his burden of duties. At the end of the last Lenten season, whose services he conducted as rector of this parish, he was much enfeebled. Easter was hardly past, however, when he started southward, going as far as Silver City, New Mexico, and performing an arduous journey of over fifteen hundred miles — mostly by stage-coach — in about seven weeks. Returning to Denver his physical health was evidently improved; but his vital energies had suffered from overwork and want of rest. The Commencement Exercises of Wolfe and Jarvis Halls immediately occupied his time; and were followed by a tiresome and exhaustive trip through Wyoming. Again returning to Denver, he resumed his many duties with that tireless energy for which he was so noted.
In summing up the life and character of Bishop Randall we may premise by saying that no estimate can be placed upon the value of his services in behalf of the Protestant Episcopal Church; of Christianity; of education, and of the wellbeing of society. He was a pioneer in the highest sense of the word, and possessed all the qualifications which fitted him for the task which was devolved upon him. He has laid in this Rocky-mountain country the broad foundations of the Church, upon which, with God's help, those who come after him must build. He was possessed of a liberal mind, which he had trained by years of close study and application. He was an excellent elocutionist, and had most of the qualities of a first-class orator. In his sermons he used the purest and choicest English, many of his productions being models of rhetorical finish. He was a close reasoner; and enjoyed in a high degree that quality which enabled him to place a proposition before his readers in the clearest possible manner. As an able, learned and eloquent divine, he had few equals. His sermons were always practical; and he could expound the Christian truth in a manner that at once won the heart and convinced the understanding. He presented Christianity, not as a complex and confusing series of theological dogmas, but as a system of truth a compliance with which made men happier, better, nobler, and gave assurance of a life hereafter. "Religion is a life," he was wont to say, to those who sought him for counsel and advice. Were there more who could preach and teach the truth as Bishop Randall did, there would be fewer unbelievers and less wickedness in the world. To these excellences of mind and method Bishop Randall added those of an exact and farseeing business man. Herein lay much of the success he achieved. In his social intercourse he was cordial and friendly. His conversation was always entertaining and instructive. His habits were strictly temperate in every particular. He indulged in but one excess — work.
Such is a brief and imperfect sketch of the life of Bishop Randall. It is not difficult to class him among those whose names live after them, and whose services exercise a never-failing influence upon human affairs. He was one of those efficient, quiet workers, who stamp their character upon their times, and become the sources from which flow those strong currents which direct the course of future events. With the growing civilization of the Rocky Mountains Bishop Randall has identified himself. He has aided in shaping our social, mental and Christian development. Others have built railways, developed mines, encouraged agriculture, created commerce, and given impetus to our material advancement. Bishop Randall has built churches, established schools, and set in progress those varied reforming and regenerating influences, without which society would become a wreck, and civilization a shame. We cannot judge of the greatness of his work by what we see about us. We must cast our eyes to the future, and estimate its far-reaching and broad-extending influence upon generations yet unborn. The West loves to honor its pioneers in every branch of the noble work which has fallen upon those who have settled upon its great plains and along its mountain slopes; and Colorado will always fondly remember those of her adopted sons whose services were spent in shaping her future, and in endowing her social and material life with those elements which give vigor and force and power to her civilization.
Among these there will be no name more distinguished, no memory more revered than that of George M. Randall, the first bishop of Colorado. — Denver News.
I pressed him to take that needful rest he so much required, as all those who dearly loved him could see that he was overtaxing his mental and bodily powers. "No, no," was his quick reply. "There is too much to do, and no one but myself to do it. If I die, as you say, in discharge of my duty — well,"— and he hesitated a moment and quietly added, " i" would rather wear out than rust out." — "But, bishop, would not a longer life be productive of greater usefulness?" He answered, "We do not know. It is enough that the labor is before me to do, and that God gives me strength to do it." No one, but those directly around him, could conceive of the continuous labor he was accustomed to perform daily; he never seemed to have an hour's cessation for rest. It was diocesan work. It was personal superintendence of the two large educational institutions founded and kept alive by him. It was extended parish and missionary work, and it was an extended correspondence seldom equalled in amount by any business man in the country.
Those who knew him have often heard him remark, "I never leave a letter unanswered." And yet he was flooded with inquiries from all parts of the country. There were inquiries from the clergy, from attorneys, physicians, mechanics and farmers. Questions asked by invalids by the hundreds, and by those who wished to invest money or change their location. There seemed no end of the letters, and all expected a personal reply — and all received a reply. Anyone acquainted with business can conceive of the infinite labor of such a correspondence, and of the hours it robbed the unselfish bishop of proper rest. Yet even here, crowded with work, which would drive to destruction an ordinary man, Bishop Randall would leave his desk and walk two miles to perform baptism for some poor woman's dying child, or attend the funeral of some nameless unfortunate who had come to the mountains in the vain hope of benefiting his health.
Every Sunday, for the last year of the bishop's rectorship in Denver, besides holding two full services in the parish of St. John's, he rode ten or twelve miles into the country, no matter what was the state of the weather, to hold missionary services at some station he had personally established. And yet for all this, though wearied and weak, as he naturally would be on Monday morning, he came into the dining-hall, at the first stroke of the bell, with that quick, elastic step so familiar to all who knew him, noticing every one, and with kindly words and glances sending life and vigor into the hearts of all assembled. His presence was always cheering, although sick and wearied, as he considered it his duty not to check the life of others by his sufferings, but to rouse cheerfulness and personal enjoyment, even if he himself were afflicted in body and mind. Bishop Randall thought not of self, but lived a bright example of the power of Christ's Gospel, showing the blessed spirit of charity in every act of his daily life. Thus endeared to all with whom he came in contact, by a gentle sympathy carried to a point which was very remarkable, his personal influence was greater than that of any other man in the territory of Colorado.
It has been truthfully said that no funeral procession ever passed through the city of Denver, which called forth so many tears and sad looks from the spectators who lined the streets.
A touching incident preceded his final loss of consciousness on the Friday before his death. As his faithful wife knelt at his bedside, offering up her silent, though earnest petitions for him she loved so dearly, he placed his hands upon her head and with eyes turned heavenward gave her the Apostolic benediction. It was the last act of his episcopal authority, and that act to call down blessings upon the head of her who was soon to be left a sorrowing widow. — Written by a clergyman of Colorado.
To the editors of the Standard of the Cross: —
In the sudden bereavement which has fallen upon the Church in the death of the Bishop of Colorado, the first thought of all interested in that field is, Where shall be found a worthy successor ? It is needless to eulogize our departed father in God. His works are a sufficient eulogy, and a fitting monument. "He being dead yet speaketh." To those who knew him in his Western work, there are many thoughts which can find for themselves no fitting utterance. And yet one can hardly forbear expressing, in fragmentary and disconnected form though it be, some reflections upon his more, distinguishable traits of character.
There is perhaps no phrase that expresses his character so well as that of St. Paul, "Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." He was not a man of extreme sensibilities, but perhaps the world never saw — certainly the American Church has never seen — a man of such intense fervency of spirit. He was literally consumed in the zeal of his heart, and of him we may echo the words of the Psalmist, "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me." It was perceptible in everything that he did. In his daily conversations, in his business, at his meals — everywhere, one could not but be impressed with the fact that he was completely absorbed in his work.
Such natures as his, when they are aroused, are the very hottest and full of spirit to the nature of the work before them.
He could tolerate in his clergy any fault but slothfulness. He was not given to interfere with their modes and customs of work so long as they worked with earnestness and zeal. And by his own example he inspired them with that enthusiasm which is so contagious in that country. It was impossible for any one of them to say or even to feel that he required too much of them; that they worked too hard or overtasked themselves, with his example before them. For no man could do more than he did. He was impatient even of the time necessary to go from one point to another.
But now that it has pleased the Great Bishop to call him to that rest prepared for the people of God, the Church may perceive what he in his life would never allow, that he was overworked. As I write I can see the quiet smile with which he would meet any question that he was doing too much; and we all remember in those accounts of his in the Church papers of his long journeys, the frequency of such words as "the bishop returned much refreshed by his journey of sixteen hundred miles." But we who saw him day by day could perceive the fact that he was overworked. His will would not allow him to give way, and there was no falling off from year to year in the amount of work done; there would have been a yearly increase if it had been possible to got more than twenty-fpur hours into each day. But all at once the machinery stopped, and the fervent spirit has entered into Paradise. Who can repress the pious aspiration that after such labor he may rest in peace?
Has not the Church a lesson to learn ? Has she not a lesson to learn from "unregenerate humanity ?" Do we not need a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Bishops? Rather, is not the Church forgetful that she is such a society? Let us hope that this immense tract, three hundred and thirty thousand square miles, may now be given in charge of at least two chief pastors. And let us not fear an inadequate support. The more numerous such demands become, the more freely are they met. And let there be no further occasion for the remark that the Church overworks her faithful servants. – S. J. F.
NOTES
SPEECHES
FEAST OF ST. JOHN, DECEMBER 1852
From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XII, No. 5, March 1853, p. 151:
[Business Address by the M. W. Geprge M. Randall, before the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, Dec. 27, 1852.]
A kind Providence has permitted us to assemble, once more, within the walls of this beautiful Temple, to enter anew upon the duties, which pertain to the Legislative and Executive authority of the Grand Lodge of this Commonwealth. In doing so, it will be well to pause, for a moment, and review the doings of the year, which has Just borne its final record to eternity.
The first emotion, which such a review should beget, is that of devout gratitude to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, who has blessed us in the continued enjoyment of those rich favors, wherby we have possessed the means of happiness in ourselves, and of promoting the happiness and usefulness of others.
In connection and in contrast with this manifestation of the kind regard of Heaven towards us, we are reminded of others, who have not been allowed to share with us in the enjoyment of these signal favors. As I look around this assemblage of our Fraternity, I behold seats, vacant, which, at our last annual communication were filled by Brethren, who, at that time, were in the full enjoyment of life, and participating with us in the labors and pleasures of out annual gathering. He who one year ago, presided in the West, with so much dignity and with so much acceptance; whose life and character, as a citizen, and whose experience and fidelity as a Mason, secured for him, the high regard of his Brethren, has been removed by death. The frost of age had begun to silver his locks, yet the summons came, at an unexpected hour; and though the call was sudden, we believe, that it did not find him unprepared.
But the shafts of the destroyer strike not alone those who have reached the appropriate age of man. Another of our number, in the years of early manhood, who sustained with great credit the office of Junior Grand Lecturer, has been called, by the Master above, away from the scenes of this lower life. Few members of the Fraternity have been distinguished by a more accurate) and ready knowledge of the lectures. Our late Brother has left to his friends and Brethren, the reputation of an upright man and an accomplished Mason.
When I turn from these posts of active duty, to the East, I am reminded of one, who was with us] at the installation of the officers of this Grand Lodge a year ago. Those who were present on that occasion, well remember the stirring tones of his eloquence, as he spoke of the days when he bore the banner of our Order, in the face of the foe that threatened to desecrate and destroy all that pertained to the distinctive principles of this ancient Fraternity. He held the responsible office of District Deputy Grand Master when the violent storm of persecution burst forth, and raged with terriffic fury. Undaunted, he did hie duty, and he did it well. He too has finished his labors. His body has been committed to the dust as it was, and his soul hath gone to God who gave it.
Within a few weeks, another who, though not a member of this Grand Lodge, was once elected its Grand Master, which office he declined, has been summoned into eternity. By his talents and position he rendered essential service to our Order in the dark days of trial. He stood forth manfully in the Legislature of this State, when our Institution was assaulted, and nobly defended its rights. His memory will be held in grateful remembrance, by his Brethren. During the past year, a Past Warden, and permanent member of this Grand Lodge, has also gone the way of all the earth; to whose memory the Grand Lodge bore honorable testimony, in the resolutions, which were unanimously passed at its last meeting.
Surely, facts like these, should admonish us, to diligently improve that brief period which yet remains of our alloted sojourn on earth, in discharging, with conscientious fidelity, the duties that devolve upon us; that we may answer the great purposes of our existence, by honoring our Creator and Redeemer, in striving to promote the welfare of our fellow-men, and in preparing for a blessed immortality, beyond the grave.
The Masonic year which has just expired, has been marked by a degree of prosperity, which should inspire us with encouragement, though it be not unmixed with some measure of anxiety. When you were pleased to call me to preside over the interests of the Fraternity in this Commonwealth, it was at a propitious period in its history. An administration had just closed, in whose measures it had been my happiness, in some degree, to participate, and in all of which I most cordially concurred. On no important matter was there any essential difference of opinion among those who were officially associated in the administration of the affairs of the Fraternity. It affords me pleasure to say, that so far as I know, the same fraternal feeling still exists, and the same degree of zeal characterizes the labors of the Brotherhood.
NEW LODGES.
During the past year, I have granted Dispensations for new Lodges, in East Boston and Lowell. Baalbec Lodge, in East Boston, is now in successful operation. This is the second Lodge in that flourishing section of our city, and the amount of business which it is now doing, is indicative of a very favorable state of public feeling towards our institution. Ancient York Lodge, in Lowell, is now working under a Dispensation. Charters have been granted to Franklin Lodge, Grafton, and to Ashler Lodge, Rockport. Charters have been returned to Merrimac Lodge, Haverhill, and to Plymouth Lodge, Plymouth. Meridian Lodge has been removed from Newton to Natick, under very favorable auspices. Republican Lodge has been removed from Gill to Greenfield, where a new and beautiful Hall has been fitted up, and dedicated to the purposes of the Craft.
OUR PROSPERITY.
The returns from the several Masonic Districts, exhibit a degree of prosperity, which, if not altogether unprecedented, yet is sufficiently great, to indicate that a wholesome change in public opinion has been wrought, and that our Institution has regained, in no inconsiderable degree, the confidence of the intelligent. It appears by the returns that three hundred and thirty persons have been initiated, during the past year.
OUR DANGER.
The fact that all men in this evil world speak well of us, is no very promising omen. Success sometimes produces an intoxicating effect The rapid increase of numbers, not unfrequently begets a morbid desire for still larger accessions, and when such a passion becomes fixed, the most disastrous effects are sure to follow. Some of the Lodges have been, during the past year, pressed with work; having six and eight candidates before them at one time. I must repeat the caution, which I took occasion to give, at our last annual meeting, touching the duty of investigating, thoroughly, the moral qualifications of candidates and of exercising with fearless fidelity, the right which belongs to the humblest member of the Fraternity, of preventing, by his ballot, the admission of an unworthy candidate,
REPORTS OP DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
The Constitution of the Grand Lodge requires, that the District Deputy Grand Masters shall make annual returns of the number of initiations, &c. together with the names of the members of the Lodges, in their several jurisdictions. While this may be sufficient for all general purposes of statistical information, yet, it is very desirable that each District Deputy should make a report, in writing, independently of his ' Annual Return,' giving an account of the general state of the Lodges in his District One such report was made this year, and it is to be hoped this example will be followed.
AUTHORITY OF DISTRICT DEPUTIES.
For reasons, which it is not necessary for me to advert to, at this time, it may not be improper for me to say, that the District Deputy represents the Grand Master and is to be received and accepted as such, whenever he makes an official visitation. His commission is his authority. When he visits a subordinate Lodge, and exhibits this commission, the authority of the Grand Lodge is represented by him, and the dignity of the Grand Lodge is to be respected in the reception given to its duly authorized representative.
GRAND LECTURERS.
The vote of the Grand Lodge, authorizing and directing the appointment of a District Grand Lecturer, for each Masonic District, has been carried into execution during the past year. These Lecturers are required to meet, once a year is this Temple, for the purpose of instruction in the work and lectures under the direction of the two Grand Lecturers. The measure is a good one, and the experiment has been, in some degree, successful. But unless this duty be strictly attended to, the benefits which were anticipated from this new measure, will fail to be realized. There must be frequent instruction, and careful comparison of work, in order to ensure correct knowledge and perfect uniformity.
STANDARD Of WORK.
I take this occasion, to remind the Brethren, that their Work is in all respects to conform to that of the Grand Lodge, as exemplified and taught by tht Grand Lecturers. There must be uniformity, and there can be but one standard. The Grand Lodge alone, has authority, in this matter. By the Constitution, the Grand Master is empowered and required to appoint, annually, two Grand Lecturers, whose duty it is to exhibit and teach the work of the Order. If any material difference should arise between any of the subordinate Lodges, their officers or members, and the Grand Lecturers on these points, the teaching of the Grand Lecturers is to be followed, until the question of difference be decided, by the Grand Master or by reference to the Grand Lodge. Lodges of Instruction should exercise the utmost care in the matter of giving the Lectures and exemplifying the 'Work' correctly. They must follow the instructions of the Grand Lecturers, and in case of disagreement, they will appeal to the Grand Master, who will either determine the point, or refer it to the Grand Lodge.
Itinerant Lecturers from other States are not to be encouraged, and where their Lectures differ, in any essential degree from that of this Grand Lodge, they are to be discountenanced. On this point I would call your attention to the regulations of this Grand Lodge, oontained in her Book of Constitutions.
Sec. 5. "No Lodge shall encourage, promote, or permit, the delivery of any Masonuc lectures, which have not been sanctioned and authorised by the Grand Lodge. Nor shall any Mason be permitted to deliver such lectures under this jurisdiction."
Every member of the Fraternity, in this Commonwealth, is bound to abide by the edicts of this Grand Lodge, and to work according to its Lectures, or not work at all. Every Mason who comes from other States to reside here, as well as he who connects himself with any subordinate Lodge here, places himself within this jurisdiction, and is bound to conform to all the principles and usages of the Institution, as received and enjoined by the Grand Lodge.
GRANTING DISPENSATIONS.
The power of granting Dispensations has been committed to the Grand Master, and his Deputies, for purposes connected with the welfare of the Fraternity. All to whom this power has been entrusted, should ever bear in mind, that the exercise of it, is the exception and not the rule. Such a prerogative, though necessary to the interests of the Order, may, nevertheless, be so exercised as to be productive of much mischief. Dispensations should be granted only for good and sufficient reasons. No specific rule ean be laid down for the exercise of this power; and its proper use, must therefore, be regulated by a careful coneideration of the circumstances of each oase. The officer who grands a Dispensation should be aware that this act, on his part, is a virtual declaration by his* that the circumstances of this particular case warrant a departure from the rule laid down by the Grand Lodge.
MASONIC QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES.
Connected with the matter of granting Dispensations, is the proper qualification of candidates; I speak now of their Masonic fitness. There is a wise reason for requiring a fixed interval, between the time of receiving the several degrees. The design of this regulation is, to enable the candidate to make suitable proficiency in one degree before he enters upon another. It was a custom in former times, to examine candidates in open Lodge, as to their proficiency, in the preceding degree. There is too much reason to believe, that due carets not always takenjo instruct candidates thoroughly, in what has preceded, be
fore they are advanced. Certain it is, that this cannot be done, unless sufficient time be allowed to elapse, between the conferring of the several degrees.
MASONIC LIBRARY.
The Grand Lodge, more than a year ago, appropriated one hundred dollars for the purchase of books, as a nucleus of a Masonic library. By a regulation, adopted about the same time, the Grand Master is directed to appoint annually, a Library Committee. The appropriation has been expended and the books are now here, and are ready to be delivered to the care of the Committee. I need not say, that one hundred dollars, will do but little, towards purchasing such a library of Masonic Books as we need. I would respectfully recommend, that appropriations be made from time to time,, fox this purpose, as the state of the treasury will warrant. The oldest Grand Lodge in this country should have a Masonic Library, second to nose in point of the number and character of its standard works.
LODGE MEETINGS.
Every thing connected with the ceremonies of our Institution, should be conducted with the utmost order and solemnity. The principles, we profess and teach are founded upon the great truths of the Bible. The Holy Book lies always open upon our altar. It is the light in which we profess to walk. The blessing of God is involved in our labors. We recognize His being and presence, and we implore His direction and aid. A Masonic Lodge is, therefore, no place for irreverence or frivolity. Order, sobriety and solemnity should mark all our proceedings, especially in the business of conferring the degrees, To this end it is very desirable, that the services of Chaplains where they can be had, should be secured, by every subordinate Lodge.
It should be the endeavor of all to cultivate that fraternal feeling, which we profess to entertain, and which, as true Masons, we are bound to illustrate in om intercourse with each other, and especially in all the doings of the Lodge room. In this connection, and as in some measure conducive to the promotion of fraternal feeling, I would commend to your attention the importance of cultivating the practice of suitable music in our Masonic meetings. We have excellent melodies, which when properly performed, increase the interest of our assemblies, making them more attractive, while they add materially to the impressiveness of our ceremonies.
FINANCES.
The receipts of the G. Lodge the last year, were $1793.08 — making an increase of $264.08 over those of the previous year. Of this sum the Lodges, in the first District, contributed $648.00. From this gross income about $400 have been paid into the Grand Charity Fund. This fund was incorporated in 1816. The Grand Lodge laid a tax of one dollar on each initiate, for the increase of this fund, and fixed the minimum fee for initiation at $19.00. At this period the annual fee from a subordinate Lodge to the Grand Lodge was $8.00 —and for each candidate $3.00 — which included the tax of $1.00 for the Grand Charity Fund.
In antimasonic times the Grand Lodge reduced the annual fee to $4.00. In 1843, the fee for each candidate was raised to $3.50. Since that time, the annual fee has been raised to $6.00, and the fee for each oandidate to $5.00. Of this sum of five dollars, one is a tax upon the candidate and not upon the Lodge. The Grand Lodge grant a diploma and certificate, free of expense, for which the subordinate Lodges usually charge $1.75, making $2.75 — leaving only $2.25 as a tax to the Grand Lodge, on each candidate.
In addition to the $400 paid from the revenue of last year to the Grand Charity Fund, about five hundred dollars have been appropriated to objects of charity, and in answer to applications from abroad. After defraying the ordinary expenses of the Grand Lodge a large portion of the balance was appropriated, at the last meeting, to the payment, in part, of the debt which the Grand Lodge owes to the Grand Charity Fund for monies received in those trying times, when the income of the Grand Lodge fell far short of meeting its necessary expenses. Its chief reliance at this period was upon the Grand Charity Fund, which loaned for this purpose (in addition to its previous loans,) at one time, the sum of fifteen hundred dollars. This indebtedness we are in honor bound to discharge. It is to be borne in mind that applications for charity are made to the Grand Lodge from all parts of the State, and it is important that we should have the means of meeting these applications' with a degree of liberality that shall promptly relieve the distressed and demonstrate to the world, that our professions of charity are something more than a pretence.
In connection with the matter of finances, it is proper to state that our Temple is still encumbered with a heavy mortgage. I need not say that it is for the interest of the Institution in this Commonwealth, to remove this encumbrance as soon as practicable. The income from the rent of the several apartments last year was only sufficient to pay its expenses and the interest on the moitgage. There has been a very considerable falling off in the rent of the large lecture room, owing to the increase of commodious public halls in the city. The several Masonic Institutions pay for the use of the Masonic apartments one thousand dollars a ytar ; this is exclusive of gas and fuel. It is evident that no reliance can be placed upon the income arising from rents, to discharge this indebtedness. This subject commends itself to the consideration of all who feel an interest in the prosperity of the Fraternity. If the income of the Grand Lodge can be maintained at the present point, we shall be enabled to do something towards the consummation of this object. It should be understood that this Temple is the property of the Grand Lodge, and not the property of the Lodges in this city. They meet here only because it is convenient for them to do so, for which they pay an annual rent They are at liberty to remove at any time when it may suit their convenience. When our Brethren come up from the different parts of the Commonwealth to attend the meetings of the Grand Lodge, they should feel that here, within these walls, they are not visitors, but are at home in their own Temple.
Allow me in conclusion, to call your attention to the importance of carrying out more fully the practical charities of our Institution. Let us show to the world, by our doings, that our professions are founded in true principles. Let us so live in this world, that we fail not to hear from Him, who shall judge us according to our deeds, the welcome words: Well done good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful in a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
FEAST OF ST. JOHN, DECEMBER 1853
From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIII, No. 5, February 1854, p. 106:
In conformity with long established usage, as well as in compliance with the provisions of its Constitution, the Grand Lodge of this Commonwealth held a stated communication on the evening of the 27th of December last, being the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist, for the In stallation of its officers. The meeting, as is usual on that day, was well attended by the Brethren; and the ceremonies, which are always ob served with the solemnity due to them and the occasion, were of a highly interesting and impressive character. The officers having been duly installed, the M. W. Grand Master, the Rev. George M. Randall, of Boston, delivered, in his usual clear and distinct manner, the following interesting and appropriate Address.
Brethren of the Grand Lodge:—
It once more becomes my duty to address you on the return of this Anni versary, which, for so many years, has been observed, as a proper occasion for the ceremonies of installing the officers elected and appointed, into their respective offices. That duty has now been performed, and the usual proclamation has been made. The Grand Lodge is therefore fully organized and duly qualified to enter upon the duties which inherently belong to a Grand Lodge, and which constitutionally pertain to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
A gracious Providence has permitted us again to assemble within these walls. But all are not here, who were of our number, one year ego. Since our last annual meeting, it has pleased the All-wise Ruler of the Universe to remove by death several of our Brethren, who have been associated in the Councils of this Grand Lodge.
Early in January last, our Brother Ferdinand E. White, who, for several years, was Deputy Grand Master, finished his course on earth. Honored and beloved by his Brethren, for the sterling virtues which distinguished his char acter as a man and a Mason, his death was a great loss to the Fraternity, in whose prosperity he took a deep and abiding interest.
Soon after the death of Br. White, another Brother, venerable and beloved, James A. Dickson, so long and so well known as one of the firmest friends of this Institution, and one of the most faithful of the Brotherhood, ceased his labors here. He was a permanent member of this Grand Lodge, and manifested up to the end of his life, a most lively interest in all things which pertained to the welfare of our Order.
Within a few weeks, another permament member of this Grand Lodge, has been numbered with the dead; I refer to our late Brother William Ferson, of Gloucester, who two years ago, was elected Senior Grand Warden. Highly respected in the community, where he resided, he has been "gathered to his fathers" in a good old age. He was an, upright man, a consistent Mason, and a firm friend to this Institution, when friends were needed. He was spared to see the society, which he so mnch loved, relieved from its trials and restored once more to the confidence of the community. His memory will be fondly cherished by all his Brethren who knew him.
Early in the month of October I received the painful intelligence, that our B. W. Br. Prentice Cushing, the District Deputy Grand Master for the third District, was very sick, and that no hope was entertained of his recovery, ren dering it necessary to appoint another in his place, in order that the visitations of the Lodges in that district might be completed, before the meeting of the Grand Lodge. I accordingly appointed R. W. Peter Lawson, of Lowell, District Deputy for the remainder of the Masonic year. In the course of a few weeks, our Brother Cushing was removed by the hand of death. He had filled the office of District Deputy for several years, and always with great acceptance. He has finished his labors on earth, and his soul, I trust, has entered upon the rewards of a better world.
Robert G. Shaw, a distinguished merchant of this city, and a member of our Fraternity, departed this life during the past year. He was formerly an officer of the Grand Lodge, and at the time of his death was one of the Trustees of the Grand Charity Fund. He was a firm friend of this Institution and stood by it manfully, in the dark and dreary days of trial. Such was his regard for the Or der, and such the confidence of the Brethren, in his integrity, that when it was apprehended, that the civil Charter of the Grand Lodge might be taken away by an act of the Legislature, this Temple, where we are now assembled, was placed in. his hands; and he firmly aqd faithfully held it, until the hur ricane of persecution had spent its violence, and quietness was once more re stored, when he transferred the property to a Board, known as the "Trustees of the Masonic Temple." The last lime that he was present at a meeting of the Grand Lodge, was on the occasion of the Centennial Celebration of the initiation of George Washington, on the 22d day of February last. It was his last visit to this place. I shall not soon forget, as he stood here, casting his eye over the adorned walls of this spacious apartment, with what evident satisfaction he re ferred to the time, when he served the Grand Lodge in the capacity to which I have already alluded. But he has gone hence. His loss will be felt by a large circle of friends both within and without the pale of our Fraternity.
Still another, within a few weeks, has been called, with scarcely a moments warning, to exchange the active duties of this world for the realities of the next. I refer to our late Brother Jonas Chickering, who, though not a member of this Grand Lodge, was a firm friend of Freemasonry,—whose character reflected honor upon our Institution, and whose virtues as a man and a Mason, were such as to make him an ornament to any society. His kindness of heart,—modesty of manner,—liberal charities,—and unswerving integrity, so happily illustrating the principles of our Order, together with a strong attachment to the several Masonic Institutions to which he belonged, entitle his memory to honorable mention in this place.
These departed Brethren will join our assemblies no more on earth ;—a solemn thought, full of profitable admonition.
CONDITION OF THE FRATERNITY.
I congratulate you my Brethren, on the present state of the Fraternity in this Commonwealth. The year just closed, has been one of almost unprecedented prosperity. According to the returns made by the District Deputy Grand Masters, it appears, that three hundred and seventy have been initiated, during the past year in eight Districts; no returns having been received from the 9ih District. Of which number, one hundred and eighty were in the first District. These simple statistics express more forcibly than any words of mine can do, the gratifying fact, that our Ancient Fraternity has secured a high place in the estimation and confidence of the community.
The general condition of the Lodges, in the several districts, so for as I have the means of knowing, is, with few exceptions, highly prosperous.
NEW LODGES.
On the 17th of August last, I granted a Dispensation to certain Brethren, to open a Lodge in Valparaiso, S. America. It is an interesting fact, that from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, were issued the first Charters, for the organization of Lodges, not only in what is now the United States but in the British Provinces, and in the West India Islands. It was therefore not inappropriate, that our Brethren in other parts of this continent, living under another government, and speaking another language, should receive their authority to work, from that Grand Lodge, which, without any spirit of arrogancy, may justly claim to be the parent of Freemasonry in this Western world!
A Charter has been granted to Baalbec Lodge, East Boston, and to Ancient York Lodge, Lowell, both of which Lodges were spoken of in my last annual address, as working under Dispensations. On the evening of the 28th of April last, assisted by several members of the Grand Lodge, I constituted Baalbec Lodge, and on the 7th day of July, I constituted Ancient York Lodge, in Lowell, on which occasion I was assisted by several of our Brethren from Boston. I am hap py to say, that both these new Lodges afford satisfactory evidence that they are under excellent discipline, and so far as I am able to judge, bid fair to be second to none within this jurisdiction, in point of true Masonic success.
At the last meeting of the Grand Lodge, a petition was presented from certain Brethren in Newburyport, asking for the return of the Charter of St. John's Lodge, Which was surrendered some years since, in consequence of the violence of the Antimasonic warfare. By a vote of the Grand Lodge, the Charter has been restored, and we may expect, soon to see two thriving Lodges in this an cient town, which at a former period, ranked next to Boston, as the chief seat of Freemasonry, in this Commonwealth; having at that time, three Lodges, a Royal Arch Chapter, and an Encampment of Knights Templars.
MASONIC DISTRICT
Acting by authority of a vote of the Grand Lodge, passed at its last meeting, empowering me to revise the Masonic Districts, I have made such a revision as the interests of the Fraternity seem to call for. I have divided the Ninth District, which contained thirteen Lodges, several of which were located at remote points, into two districts, making Harmony, Northfield, Jerusalem, Northampton, Thomas, Monson, Republican, Greenfield, Mount Vernon, Belchertown, Humanity, Brimfield, Mount Tom, Holyoke, a new District, to be numbered Ten. The remaining six Lodges to constitute District number Nine.
I have also transferred Merrimack Lodge, Haverhill, and St. Matthew's, Andover, from the Second to the Third District.
DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND LECTURERS.
In accordance with the vote of the Grand Lodge authorizing and directing the appointment of a District Deputy Grand Lecturer for each District, I appointed at the commencement of the last year the District Deputy Grand Masters, as Lecturers in all the Districts, excepting the first and second, which were filled by the Grand Lecturers, who resided respectively in these Districts. From the experience of the last two years I am constrained to say, that the benefits anti cipated from the appointment of District Deputy Grand Lecturers have not been realized.
The regulation adopted by the Grand Lodge required the District Lecturers, to meet in Convention once a year, for the purpose of instruction in the Work and Lectures, under the immediate direction of the Grand Lecturers. But one such Convention has been holden. According to the regulation adopted by the Grand Lodge, no District Grand Lecturer is permttted to act in this capacity who hss not been approved by the Grand Lecturers; correctness and uniformi ty, in respect to the Work and Lectures, being essential qualifications for this office. This could not be secured, without, at least, one meeting in the course of the year, in connection with the instructions of the Grand Lecturers.
As the Grand Lodge devotes one entire day, annually, to the Lectures and Work, when all who desire information may be present and secure the benefits of that instruction, which is the standard authority ;—and as the services of the Grand Lecturers can, at any time be secured, at a moderate cost ;—and as the District Lecturers neglect to qualify themselves for their office, it may admit of serious question, whether it would not be judicious to repeal the measure alto gether.
DISPENSATIONS.
I must again call your attention to the matter of granting dispensations touch ing the time required for the initiation, passing and rawing of candidates. I observed in my last annual address that the power of granting such dispensations had been conferred upon the Grand Master and his Deputies, for purposes con nected with the welfare of the Fraternity, and that the exercise of this authority was the exception and not the rule. I am fully aware that, in some of the maritime districts of the State, cases frequently occur, for the legitimate exercise of this authority. But I have reason to believe, that dispensations are, not unfre- quently, asked for, and obtained, where no such urgent necessity exists, as would justify a suspension of the regulations of the Grand Lodge.
I notice in the returns of one of the Lodges, that during the past year, there were seventeen Initiations, twelve of which were by dispensation; and that too, in a part of this jurisdiction, where no special occasion existed, for the exercise of such a power, in consequence of the predominance of a seafaring population.
The manner in which these dispensations are sometimes requested, seeraa to imply, that but little more is required, than to ask as a privilege, what will be granted as a matter of right. There seems to be a misapprehension upon this subject, which the good of Freemasonry requires to be corrected. I must here take occasion to call the attention of the Subordinate Lodges, to the law relating to the granting of dispensations. This power belongs alone to the Grand Master. His Deputy and the District Deputies act for him, in his absence. The Constitution provides for the appointment of Deputies, purely as a matter of convenience. They are authorized to grant dispensations, solely on the ground of being his Deputies. No other person therefore, has an inherent or constitutional power, to dispense with the full requirements of the laws and regulations of the Grand Lodge. I regret to learn that in several instances this power has been exercised without proper authority. In one instance, where the District Deputy, for satisfactory reasons, had refused to grant a dispensation, application was made to another person, residing nearly an hundred miles distant, and a dispensation was obtained. The District Deputy, is presumed, to be the best qualified to judge of the merits of an application. If any appeal be taken, it must be to the Grand Master himself, with whom alone resides the constitutional authority to allow a suspension of the rules of the Grand Lodge, in respect to such cases; the authority of the deputies, being only a delegated authority, revocable at the will oi the Grand Master. It must be evident, that the exercise of the power of granting dispensation, by any other than the Deputy of the District, would be productive of serious mischief, as well as irregular and unwarrantable, and I take this occasion to say, that such a practice will not be allowed.
MORAL QUALIFICATION Of CANDIDATES.
As I have already stated, nearly four hundred persons have been made Masons within this jurisdiction, during the last year. Whether this fact be a ground of congratulation or of regret remains to be seen. If all these initiates prove to be " good men and true," we may well rejoice in our prosperity;—but if they do not come up to the standard of our principles, then we have good cause to remember that such apparent prosperity is but the antecedent of another day of trial and darkness. I feel it to be incumbent upon me to reiterate the caution contained in my last annual address, touching the care which should be exerci sed, in thoroughly investigating the moral character of ail applications for the degrees. I do this, because facts have come to my knowledge, which warrant the opinion, that such oare is not always taken. The foot, that so many have received the degrees, the last year, is of itself sufficient to awaken suspicion, that some may have entered the pale of our Fraternity without that thorough scrutiny, which both the principles and the purity of our Institution demand. I have been informed that no less than three persons who have recently applied for Chapter degrees, in this city, have been rejected solely for moral causes. And yet, these three persons had been accepted and made Master Masons, in this jurisdiction,—two of them, I understand in one Lodge. Such a fact is humiliating, bnt instructive and admonitory.
It would not be.extraordinary if the spirit of rivalry, amid sojmuch success, should steal its way into some of our subordinate Lodges, and the desire to outdo each other in the amount of business done, should lie at the foundation of this hasty and incomplete investigation into the moral character of candidates. There is another point on which I feel called upon to speak a word of caution. I fear, that among some, perhaps of the more inexperienced Brethren, the very unmasonic course may sometimes be pursued of inviting young men to become members of our Order. This is wrong. Great care should be taken not to be forward even in recommending the Institution to those, who are not members. When called upon, we may on suitable occasions, express our opinion of its principles, and when requested to propose the name of a freind for initiation, we should cheerfully do this office; but beyond this, we should be careful not to go, in the way of offering inducements to the uninitiated to seek admission. There is one practice which now obtains, that may in some measure conduce not a little, to a state of things that all must deplore. It is this:—a Lodge feels at liberty to initiate without limit, but at the same time it most carefully restricts the number of its members. While the vote to give the degrees to certain candi dates is decided without hesitation in the affirmative, the question on admitting these same persons to membership would be decided as promptly in the negative. A safe rule for all to adopt would be not to give the degrees to any candidate, with whom they are not willing to associate, as a member of the same Lodge. The distinction now so common between being made a Mason in a certain Lodge, and being a member of that Lodge, tends to promote the evil which it becomes us to avoid.
PROXIES.
It is sometimes inconvenient for the officers of Lodges in distant parts of the jurisdiction, to attend the quarterly and other communications of the 'Grand Lodge, while it is very desirable that all the Lodges should be represented. To meet such cases the Grand Lodge has provided that a subordinate Lodge may be represented by a Proxy. I take this opportunity of reminding my Brethren of the law upon this subject. All Proxies expire on the 27th day of December, and must be renewed, if the Lodges granting these Proxies desire to be represented.
A few years ago a committee of the Grand Lodge made a report, recommend ing a Jewel to be worn by Proxies of Lodges, which report was accepted, but the recommendation has never been carried into operation. I would suggest the propriety of establishing that or some other as a Jewel to be worn at all meetings of the Grand Lodge, by those who appear as Proxies of Lodges. Our regulations will not allow a Master or Warden of a Lodge to vote in Grand Lodge who appears without his Jewel, except by special vote. Such are not allowed to be present at the opening of the Grand Lodge, and yet Proxies are allowed a seat and to vote, without any Jewel whatever.
LIBRARY.
By the report of the Library committee, it appears that a number of volumes of Masonic works have been purchased, and it is hoped, that before another annual meeting, such arrangements will have been completed, as will render these volumes accessible to all who may desire to consult them.
FINANCES.
The amount of work which has been done during the last year, has supplied our Treasury with funds sufficient to meet all the expences of the Grand Lodge, and to do something towards discharging its indebtedness.
The Trustees of the Temple entered into an arrangement a few months since with our late Br. Chickering, by which all the building, with the exception of the Masonic apartments, was leased to him for a term of years, on conditions believed to be mutually advantageous. This agreement relieves the Trustees of the perplexity and expense of renting the several parts of the Temple for various purposes, and secures a certain revenue, which may at once be applied, in extinguishing the debt of the Grand Lodge, and removing the mortgage which now lies upon the building.
In this connection, however, I take occasion to say, that profiting from the experience of other Grand Lodges, and the history of many moral and benevolent societies, who have been burdened with large endowments; I confess to some degree of indifference in the matter of hastening the time, when this Grand Lodge shall find itself in the possession of very considerable funds, any further than by the payment of the ordinary and extraordinary expenses of the Grand Lodge, the feebler Lodges may be relieved in a measure from the tax which they are now required to pay into our treasury. Funds in the form of rich endowments, while a matter of convenience, and sometimes the means of good, are frequently prolific sources of bitter altercation and disastrous divisions.
OTHER GRAND LODGES.
I am happy to say that the serious difficulties which existed in the Grand Lodge of California, at our last annual meeting, of which this Grand Lodge took notice in a report which they adopted at the March communication, have been adjusted, and so for as I am informed the interests of the Fraternity in that new State, are now in a flourishing condition.
The state of things in New York has been such as to warrant this Grand Lodge in adopting stringent and energetic measures, trusting that other Grand Lodges throughout the Union will pursue a similar course, with a view to the resolute maintenance of the true principles of our time honored Institution. As the Report, together with the Resolutions adopted by this Grand Lodge, have been printed and sent to the Subordinate Lodges within this jurisdiction, and also forwarded to the several Grand Lodges throughout the Union, I shall not detain you with any remarks of my own upon a subject so fully and so ably treated in the report, and so thoroughly discussed at our last meeting, any further than to say, that both the Report and the Resolutions meet my most hearty approval, and shall receive my strongest official support; and I hereby direct all Lodges owing allegiance to this Grand Lodge, to use all due diligence in carrying out Ibis measure, according to its true spirit,—and I enjoin upon all our Brethren vis iting New York, not to sit in Lodges which by these Resolutions, are cut off from all Masonic communication with the Lodges in this State.
While we seek to promote unity and harmony abroad among sister Grand Lodges, it becomes us to be assiduously careful to cultivate the same virtues among ourselves. To this end, let us strive to avoid whatever may lead to sec tional jealousies and to the fostering of that spirit whioh separates Brethren and sows the seed of distrust and discord in the Masonic family. The true interets of this Fraternity are one: we have one purpose,—we are bound by one obligation,—and we should have but one aim, in our relations as Masons, and therefore should unitedly and harmoniously prosecute the labors of our calling in a manner that shall be an honor to our Institution and a blessing to mankind. Whether our abode be in the city or in the country, let us remember, that we are always at home, in this Temple ;—and here and everywhere, let us eek to manifest and maintain the principles of truth, brotherly love and charity, whioh we profess.
May the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, whom we adore, "direct us in all our doings with His gracious favor, and further us with His continual help, that in all things we may glorify His Holy name," and finally at the close of a well spent life, when our labors on earth are over, may we pass to the rest and the rewards found and enjoyed in "that Temple above, that House not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens."
AT THE FUNERAL OF BROTHER HARRINGTON, MARCH 1854
Given at the funeral for Brother Jonathan Harrington of Lexington, March 30, 1854; from Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIII, No. 7, p. 208; he "spoke without the aid of notes":
In consequence of the lateness of the hour, the remarks which I have been requested to make on this solemn and deeply interesting occasion, most necessarily be brief.
I have said this is a solemn and deeply interesting occasion. Death has a solemnity which is its own and which attaches to nothing else. We instinctively tread lightly as we pass the bier that holds the dead. Nature thus makes the children of men reverence the decrees of Heaven. She compels the tongue of blasphemy to keep silence—the voice of revelry to be still, and the thoughtless to be sober. All classes and all conditions render this homage. It is the spontaneous tribute, which the living pay to the departed.
A body bereft of its living, spiritual tenant, becomes a mute messenger, from whose cold countenance there is an appeal to the heart of tbe living, to behold in this marble-mirror its own instructive image.
But death is not only shrouded in solemnity ;—it is invested with an interest which its commonness never impairs. It is interesting as the end of all men, the closing up of all mortal career, the dissolution of all the relations of life, the annihilation of all human distinctions. At the door of the tomb the learned are divested of their wisdom, the rich are stripped of their wealth, the honored are despoiled of their titles. Here, Royalty casts aside her purple robes, and Poverty is dismantled of ber tattered garments, and all the sons of men, reduced to a common level, repose in undistinguished dost.
Such is the destiny of a common humanity,—a destiny of solemn and absorbing interest to each individual.
The interest that attaches to death is not limited to the mere cessation of the life of the body. If, at death, both soul and body sank into the sepulchre of annihilation, then this event would not be otherwise important, than as an eternal close of human existence, involving, in most instances, the happiness of the living, rather than the welfare of the dying; and death would become a matter of comparatively little consequence. It would, indeed, sometimes cut short our plans, abruptly terminate our pursuits, and thus bring upon its victims disappointment and regret; which would, perhaps, be more than compensated by the release which it would always be sure to bring, from the perplexing cares and sorrowful toils, that attach to the earthly career of every child of Adam.
But Death is something more than this. While it is the end of man's course on earth, it is the beginning of bis existence in eternity. This sublunary world loses one of its inhabitants and the spirit world gains one. Death is then but a change of relations. Tbe soul still lives. The mode of existence has only changed. The fact of existence,—the being itself,—is unchanged, for it is unchangeable. The body only dies, and, by this death, it returns to the earth as it was, silently and gradually dissolving its form, and mingling with that dust out of which it was created. Its relations are changed—it no longer moves, amid the busy scenes of this stirring world. It is still, and cold and senseless. It neither acts aor is acted upon. It is as insensible to all that is said or done around it, or over it, as the cold marble which marks the spot where it reposes in tbe unbroken stillness of tbe grave. It is unmoved, alike by the melody of the softest music and the terrific explosion of the heaviest artillery of the warring elements;—alike insensible to the accents of a love bereaved, and the impassioned exultation of a revenge gratified. It is dead.
But that immortal part—that living soul that never dies and never can die— that within us which thinks, and wills, and loves, and hates; which is capable of sending its thoughts through the cycle of human life, bringing all its periods in review, before its eye;—which can hear a message from eternity, and comprehend it;—which can be influenced by motives, and can entertain hope;-— a soul that can commune with the uncreated God, and that can wed itself into companionship with devils;—that can soar forever or sink forever;—can be an angel or a demon, a son of God or a child of woe—this living spirit has changed its relations. The blow of the destroyer that laid the body in the dust, burst open the doors of its tabernacle and let the imprisoned immortality free, to soar away to the God who gave it,—to dwell in its own place in another world. Thus its relations are changed.
Such a change of relations imparts to every instance of mortality both solemnity and interest. Circumstances connected with the departed, touching their character, their social, civil or domestic relations—the time or the mode of their death, serve to increase the breadth or depth of this interest, or to cast over the occurrence a profounder shade of solemnity.
No death is devoid of some measure of this interest and this solemnity. The infant that lives long enough to cast a smile into its mother's tearful eye, and then from that mother's throbbing heart wings its happy flight to the bosom of its Saviour, leaves, it may be, scarcely more than one household to weep over its early exit; while another dies, and a whole nation of mourners lament that the "Father of his country" is no more.
Others meet their earthly end in terrific forms. Accidents on the land or casualties upon the sea awaken a deep sympathy for the friends of those, whose bodies, in passing through the gate of death, have beeu crushed by violence, or wrapped in the flame, or buried in the deep.
Another dies at home, on his bed, in the stillness of his chamber, surrounded by loved ones, who have done all that human skill can suggest and human affection can prompt. The report that he is dead! borne on the wings of lightning, reaches the distant parts of the land, before the going down of the sun. All hearts are filled with grief, and all countenances are shaded by sadness, and a whole people, in a patriotic forgetfulness of all their political differences, bow down together, as one family of mourners, under the rod of that Providence, which removes, without violence and amid the sublime repose of Christian faith, one of the most gifted minds which has adorned the human race in modern times. Thus is this interest and solemnity increased or modified, by the circumstances of the person, or the time or manner of his death. But this interest is by no means limited to the classes which I have indicated.
There is another class, whose departure hence, though in tbe natural order of events, and therefore always to be expected, and which, consequently, rarely takes surviving friends by surprize, draws to itself an interest which nothing but extraordinary length of days can impart. The death of one who has outlived all his generation—who has overlived the appointed age of man, for a period almost equal to one generation—whose sun, lingering long in a calm and cloudless sky, sinks gently to its rest beneath that horizon which separatee two worlds, where the twilight of the one becomes the day light of the other;—such a death has an interest that belongs not to the earthly exit of tbe larger portion of the human family.
Such was tbe death of bim, whose lifeless body lies before us, awaiting to receive from fraternal hands the last kind offices which those hands can perform ;— the last tokens of profound respect which this vast assemblage of friends and Brethren can offer to the memory of the departed.
I have said this is a solemn and an interesting occasion. It is solemn because it is the occasion of death. It is made specially interesting by the long and the eventful life of him who has now finished his course, at the unusual age of more than nineti[five years. But it is not the length of days, merely, that has imparled to this event a character, which has drawn so many to his burial. The circumstances connected with the history of our departed Brother, make his funeral an extraordinary occasion, which, from the very nature of things, never can recur.
He was the last of that band of patriotic men, who fired those signal guns, which, while they proclaimed to the colonies the commencement of the Revolutionary struggle, announced to the World the dawn of that day of civil liberty, whose light is pervading every part of the earth, and whose sun is now rapidly rising toward its zenith, in the firmament of tbe nations.
His soul was the living link which bound that generation to this. It was no common privilege, which many here have enjoyed, to see the living hands that aided in lighting those beacon fires of freedom which cheered the hearts of the noble defenders of human rights in times that " tried men's souls."
Mr. Harrington was born in this town in 1758, when the clouds had already began to gather blackness in the political horizon, foreboding that terrific storm which soon swept through the colonies.
On the ever memorable 19th of April, 1775, when young Harrington was bnt 17 years of age, on the altar of whose young heart the fires of a true patriotism were already kindled, he went forth to aid in striking the first blow in that great struggle, which, under God, resulted in establishing the principles of civil liberty in this new world and secured for a free people the unmolested enjoyment of their rights.
Before the rising of the sun on that memorable morning, this boy was called from his bed by his mother, whose heart beat in unison with his own with the impulses of a true spirit of patriotism, who told him that "the Regulars were coming, and something must be done." Is it asked what this mere stripling could do in the face of such a foe? I answer, he could do what he did do: He struck the key note of the Revolution, and with his shrill fife sounded the first martial music that stirred the hearts of the sons of liberty and rallied patriots to the conflict.
A mere lad as he was, yet he was not too young to be a patriot,—nor so much a child that he could not do the duty of a man, in times which put to the test the principles, the courage and the constancy of older heads and hearts.
Of all that noble band of forty minute-men, who drew themselves up in front of a whole regiment of British soldiers on Lexington Common, on that eventful day, our departed Brother was, at the time of his death, the only survivor. All had been gathered to their fathers. For nearly eighty years after this battle, a kind Providence had watched over him and preserved him to be a living representative of that period, so eventful in the history of this country and in the history of the progress of civil liberty in the world. He was spared to behold the fruits of that great struggle as they are now to be seen, after the lapse of four score years, in a Republic which numbers upwards of twenty three millions of inhabitants, and whose territory now reaches from ocean to ocean. What a change for one man to see! What other human eyes ever looked upon the like? For some time he had been the only living link that bound the ante-revolutionary epoch to the present age.
It was the purpose of Mr. Harrington's father to give his son a liberal education, and he was pursuing his studies at home to that end. But the ruthless hand of a hired soldiery sacked his father's house, and among other things, destroyed the books of the student The inconvenience of procuring others, and the distractions consequent upon the Revolution, led to a change in his plans, and he delermined to follow the vocation of a farmer. He has consequently for this k»g period resided in the immediate neighborhood of these early scenes. As he began, so did he continue: a firm friend of his country—an intelligent, Consistent and useful citizen—always maintaining the reputation of an honest, industrious and upright man. For more than a quarter of a century he has been looked upon by his fellow-citizens as a patriarchal patriot. The young and the old have alike paid him tho homage due from children to a father. Of late years, as the number of the worthies of Revolutionary times diminished, the attention of the public has been turned more exclusively towards him.
But this old man,—this venerable Patriot,—this Hero of the Revolution,—this last survivor of the battle of Lexington, is now no more. His spirit has returned to the God who gave it. His body now lies here before us, awaiting to be committed to the earth, " dust to dust,—ashes to ashes," and we are here assembled to do this office and to give the last earthly honors to all that remains of our late friend and fellow-citrxen.
This is an extraordinary occasion. It is an event in our own history which will be long remembered. It is fitting that such an occasion should be noticed in no common manner. We but yield to the promptings of a sense of propriety and duty, when we leave, for a while our ordinary vocations, to pay by our presence here, a profound respect to the memory of such a man.
It is seemly that his friends and neighbors, among whom he has so long and so happily lived, should come up hither, in so large numbers, to follow his body to its last resting place. It is well that the neighboring towns should be here, by their delegates, to pay that respeet to the dead, which they have so long entertained for the living. It is but the expression of the honor which is justly due to the memory of tbe last survivor of that company of patriotic volunteers, wbo, eighty years ago, marched through these streets; that the volunteer militia of this State should be here, to do their duty as soldiers, capable of appreciating the worth of those who fought for that liberty which has become the birthright of every American. It is fitting that on such an occasion the State should be here, in the person of her honored Executive, and of those who represent her is both branches of the Legislature, to honor tbe memory of the last survivor of that band, who fought the first battle for freedom on her soil.
It is meet that the Masonic Fraternity should come up hither, to carry the body of their departed Brother to its burial. For about seventy years he has beens member of this Fraternity. As early as the year 1797, he petitioned for a charter for Hiram Lodge; and from that time to this, a period of nearly sixty years, he has been a member of this Lodge, and was for many years its Secretary. He was strongly attached to the Order ;—»he loved its principles and honored them in bis life. He was its fast friend, as well in the darker days of trial, as in its brighter periods of prosperity. He stood by it when friends forsook it; when enemies assailed it He lived to see the triumph of truth in the revival of this cherished Institution.
Of late years he had repeatedly expressed the wish that his body should be buried by his Masonic Brethren.
It is an unusual thing for the Grand Lodge of this State to attend, as such, the funeral of one who bad never been a member of it. When we recall the fact that in a few weeks after the battle of Lexington, the then Grand Master of tbe Grand Lodge of Massachusetts went forth, at the call of his country, and lost bis life on Bunker Hill, it is fitting that that Grand Lodge over which Warren presided, should bury a Brother, the last of those who were among the first to light the fires of the Revolution.
We have come to do a solemn duty. We shall commit the body to tbe ground; but the Spirit has gone to another world. We trust that it is at rest We shall plant the sprig of Acacia, that symbol of immortality with which he was familiar, at the head of his grave, in token of our belief that his soul still lives aid that his body will rise again at the last day.
This is full of consolation, instruction and admonition.
The friends of our departed Brother have the satisfaction of looking back upon the long and useful and eventful life of him, whom they have so long and so well loved and whom this country have so long honored; and of believing that bis soul is now enjoying that "rest that remaineth for tbe people of God." All classes are instructed by the doings of this day, that it is not always extraordinary talents or high station or great learning or immense wealth that will secure the universal respect of the wise and the good. Let the young especially learn what they bear and sse on this extraordinary occasion, is the spontaneous tribute, paid by an intelligent people, to that moral worth which no honors can confer, and which belongs to the reputation of a patriotic citizen, and alone to the unblemished character of a Christian man.
We are admonished that death is the end of all men—that soon our friends will follow our bodies to the house appointed for all the living. Let us then rightly improve this dispensation of Divine Providence, by making that preparation to meet God in peace, which can only be done by repentance of sin, faith in Christ, and a holy life. Let us aim so to live that "we may die the death of the righteous, and our last end may be like his." Thus living and thus dying, we shall "fall asleep in Jesus," with the blessed hope that when the trumpet of the Archangel shall break the slumbers of death, we shall awake in the Divine likeness, and arise in the morning of the Resurrection, to meet our Judge and Saviour, and hear from His lips the welcome words; "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; tbou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things : enter thou into the joy of tby Lord."
FEAST OF ST. JOHN, DECEMBER 1854
Valedictory Address, at the end of his term as Grand Master, December 27, 1854; Page V-555:
It has been my lot to address this Grand Lodge, on very many occasions, and sometimes with scarcely any preparation, but never with the embarrassment which I feel at this time. It is M. W. Sir, with no ordinary emotion that I attempt to respond, to your words of kindness, in language which may be suitable to this occasion, and which shall fully express the feelings of my heart, I most sincerely thank you, M, W, Gd, Master for the very flattering manner in which you have been pleased to speak of my past services. And allow me, through you to express my most grateful acknowledgements to my Brethren for this highly gratifying expression of their affectionate regard, this testimonial of their appreciation of my my humble endeavors to discharge the duties of Grand Master, I entered upon this office with scarcely any experience as the presiding officer of a deliberative body, and with none at all, as the Master of a Lodge. If I have succeeded in performing my duties successfully and satisfactorily, it is to be attributed, in no small measure, to the fact that I took the Chair in a time of peace and prosperity, — that I have ever received the cordial cooperation of my Brethren, — and have always sought on all important questions, the counsel of older and wiser Masons than myself. I take this opportunity to express my obligations for important assistance which I have frequently received from my immediate predecessor and also from the Recording Secy, to whose Masonic learning and authority you have already alluded, during the service of this evening.
I again thank my Brethren for this token of their esteem, — and you, M.W. Sir, for the happy manner in which you have spoken for them. While I feel a just pride in having that portrait suspended among those worthies who already adorn the walls of this Temple, my fervent prayer is, that by the blessing of God, we may all so fulfill the duties of life, that we may find a place in "that Temple of the Redeemer, above, that house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens."
Address before the Fraternity in Colorado, June 24, 1867; from M.F.M., XXVI:11, September, 1867, Page 327ff.; excerpts.
THE SOCIAL PRINCIPLE OF MASONRY.
Amid the confusion and strife of this noisy and selfish world, there is one sound which ever falls upon the human ear as if it were a harmony wafted from the music of the spheres: the salutation Brother. With a power more than magic, it annihilates the distance which strangeness, coldness, jealousy, and enmity make between man and his fellow man. It thrills the soul and lifts its love into the ennobling plane of a new relationship. No wonder, then, that lsrael's Royal Psalmist, whose mind was all aglow with the Spirit of God, could have sung: "Behold how good and how pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard., even Aaron's beard, that descended to the skirts of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon and the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion, for there the Lord commanded his blessing even life forevermore." Thus blessed, even in the sight of the Eternal Immaculate, is the dwelling-place of fraternal unity.
Such a salutation recalls to the mind of a world of aliens, the fact of the Brotherhood of the race :tbat the great I AM "made of one blood all the nations of the earth;" it quickens the conviction, that the primal law of life was a Fraternal bond which bound all to each other in unity of spirit, and as one, so their Father in heaven, in a brotherhood of love. lt recalls the terrible fact that sin broke this celestial chord, and the centrifugal force of an innate depravity, with a demon-like power, drove the children of earth asunder, and turned the heart of man away from his Maker, and his hand against his fellow.
From the great apostacy until now, there has been a struggle among the fallen to gain sorne of the social blessings which belong to brotherhood. For their recovery by human agency, many experiments have been made, which have been more or less successful accordingly as these plans have been pervaded by principles which are divine.
THE EQUALITY OF MASONRY.
The present occasion finds its chief interest, not in the greatness of the gathering, nor in the splendor of its pageantry, but in the fact that it is an assemblage of brethren, who are here to meet each other, with fraternal greeting, in the public celebration of the festivities of their ancient Order. From various and distant points they have come, representing almost every calling in life; and however diverse their pursuits, or unequal their condition, the humblest can look upon the highest as his peer, and each can claim all the rest as his brethren. In this relation, at least, all are on the level of a fraternal equality. But this is no distinction peculiar to this society. There are other associations who have a like fraternal element in their organization, so that no extraordinary interest can attach to this occasion, simply by virtue of its being a brotherhood. Some of this audience may have been attracted thither by the novelty of the sight of so large a body of Masons in public, clothed in the richness of the regalia of their various Orders. But other societies have, or mar have, the accessories of display; with waving banners and martial music. Yet there is belonging to this occasion, that which constitutes an interest, which is peculiarly and transcendently its own, The eye of this audience rests within these walls upon an organized part of the largest, and oldest, human association in the world: a fraternity which has its members in every quarter of the globe, and in every rank of life from prince to pea,sant; speaking one language; bound together by a tie too sacred to be wilfully broken, and too strong to be sundered by the arm of persecution, even unto death; casting its shieid of protection over the humblest of its members, to the utmost ends of the earth. With such claims to antiquity and universality and charity, any meetings of such an Order commands an interest which it shares with no other human institution.
FESTIVAL DAYS.
These brethren have come together to celebrate a time-honored festival. From a remote age, Masons have regarded John the Baptist as a sort of patron saint, whose feast-day they have kept as their own annual festival. It is the gala day of Masonry throughout the world.
Festivals are the products of civilization. They are a necessity of our nature in the higher order of its development. Wherever there has been a historical progress of the race, there have been festivals in every age - Incidents in the life of a nation, - the birth-day of great principles, the advent of mighty deliverers, the triumph of the spirit of a pure liberty, - mark epochs which are commemorated from age to age by festivities, which, while they have made a holiday for the people, have kindled afresh the fires of patriotism and confirmed an intelligent appreciation of tbe blessings of a progressive civilization. It was thus in the ancient Church of God; its year was made joyous br festivals. It is so now in the Christian Church. Every nation old enough to have a history bas its holiday. It is to be regretted that our own has found but one in a century. Festivals, when properly observed, are a blessing to a people in their influence upon social life. The philosophy of festivals is to be found in the necessity of human nature, created by the advancement of the race, in all that contributes to the higher form of civilization.
Masonry has her festivals. In this, she is not singular. She has much to commemorate. Such is the social character of this institution that in former times all her meetings partook of the nature of a feast; until the abuses of later years rendered. the call "from labor to refreshment" only a matter of form. As for all communities, so for the masonic scattered brethren, young and old, and of all Orders, who come together and mingle fraternal counsels and affections.
VITALITY OF MASONRY.
How many empires have risen and fallen, how many dynasties have passed away, how many associations have come into existence and passed out of existence since this society had a being, -yet it survives, greener in its old age than in its youth. No earthly power has yet been found strong enough to destroy it. What is the philosophy of such unconquerable vitality? I think it is to be found in the immutability and immortality of its principles. It is based on faith in the existence of God; on the Bible as His Holy Word and its Great Light,- on a scriptural mortality; of the heavenly virtue of charity as the law of its life. Such a society may be false to its principles; but, so long as it is true to them, no power of man can destroy it. This is the secret of its invincible vitality.
ITS MISSION.
It may be very properly asked, What mission has such an ancient institution here in the middle of the nineteenth century? Its very principles suggest its office. In an age of irreverence and unbelief, no association can be out of place which demands faith in God as a first condition of membership; which makes His Holy Word its own Great Light, without which it can have no organic existence, - which teaches a scriptural moraiity, and recognizes the soul's immortality, and which, in precept and practice, regards charity as the great law of social life, - which affords to its members an asylum from the distractions of the world, where all classes, of all creeds in religion and politics, may meet on a fraternal equality, undisturbed by the tumult of the strifes which so mark and mar the diferences that obtain among men. Such a society surely cannot be out of its proper sphere in this age and in this country.
ITS RELIGION AND POLITICS.
While it teaches and practices religious duties witbout being itself religious, so also it inculcates political principles without being itself political. During the brief presidency of Louis Napoleon, the most popular political maxim was everywhere inscribed in the public places of Paris, as if it were a principle which had just been born, and was now heralded to the world by the infant republic; a sentiment read and cheered with the wildest enthusiasm of the French democracy: "liberty, equality, fraternity." Yet these principles had been taught as primary truths {or hundreds of years in the lessons of Masonic learning. Hence despots have ever been afraid of its influence. It has struggled for life in countries where civil and religious liberty are unknown, and has endured its severest persecutions from the hands of the most intolerant bigotry. On the other hand, it. has flourished most in the most enlightened age and under the most liberal government. In England and the United States, the two freest governments on earth, it has been strongest. It inculcates loyalty to the government; to the powers that be. as ordained of God. It teaches by its own internal polity the necessity of authority in government, the duty of strict subordination on the part of the governed, and maintains more strictly and uniformly, perhaps, than any earthly institution, the supremacy of law and order. Such principles silently and constantly inculcated and illustrated, uncontaminated by the poison of party, must ever exert a salutary influence upon a public, which holds in its own hands its own political destiny.
ITS USEFULNESS AMONG STRANGERS.
This ancient fraternity has its field of usefulness, not only in this age, but especially in this Republic, which is becoming the great asylum for the oppressed of all nations. In no country on the face of the earth can there be found so many who are literally strangers; who have left their homes for the new world, in search of that which they failed to find in the "old." But to the young men of our country, the discovery of great mineral wealth in the heart of the continent, affords attractions which stimulate their ambition to such a degree, that it bursts the bands of home, and by thousands they flock to the wilder and newer portions, where they may find fortune and fame. This class is among the most intelligent, energetic, and enterprising of her population. They are the most valuable contribution which the East makes to the West. They are the hope of the land. But they are away from the loving guardianship of home and all its restraining, refining, and elevating influences. They miss the associations of cultivated society. Many of them are not connected with any religious body. They are in peril as never before. A social nature craves society. In their new homes are attractions which lure only to destroy. To yield is to die. Where is the good Samaritan, whose hand of love shall lead the unwary into an asylum of safety, - where his acquaintances shall be friends, that are brethren, - who will warn him of danger, afford him a safe retreat at the close of the day, where what he shall see and hear will aid him in his efforts to attain the full stature of a true manhood, - this ancient fraternity is here to do this office. But it goes further and does more. It protects him when assailed, it relieves him in distress, it ministers to him in sickness, and when be dies, the hands of brethren carry his body to the tomb, and bear to bereaved friends afar the tidings of his departure, and. his last messages of love.
FEAST OF ST. JOHN, DECEMBER 1871
From Proceedings, Page 1871-463:
I am truly obliged to you, Sir, for the sentiment which you have offered, and to the Brethren, for the manner in which they have received it. This is the first time, for many years, that I have enjoyed the pleasure of meeting with the Grand Lodge at their Annual Communication. "The years of our age" are rapidly passing away, and with them many of our Brethren, beloved, and "the places which once knew them know them no more." I was not a little surprised to hear my name called on the evening of the annual election, first on the list of permanent members of the Grand Lodge, as the oldest Past Grand Master living. I could hardly persuade myself, that one who felt himself to be yet young should sustain this relative position in this venerable Body. But so it is. These annual gatherings, while they exhibit the rapid growth of the Brotherhood, remind us of the Fathers who have gone before; and while we rejoice in the progressive activities which indicate increasing prosperity, we dwell with saddened love upon the memory of those who "rest from their labors."
We have been reminded that this Festival commemorates the fortieth year since the famous Declaration was signed and published by the Freemasons of Boston, and its vicinity, in vindication of the Institution against the assaults which the frenzied spirit of anti-Masonry made upon it in 1831. I was a boy in those dark days, but I remember them well. My father was a Mason, firm and unflinching. I was early interested in an Institution, of which I knew nothing except what I saw reflected in the life and character of those whom I revered. But I was old enough to know something of this senseless crusade, and to appreciate the motives of many who were engaged in it, in my native State. I saw its political workings, and in them read the heartless hypocrisy of those who were leaders of the movement.
So dismal was the day, that many true Masons verily thought that the end had come. I remember to have heard a very intelligent gentleman, a member of the Fraternity, remark that this Institution had probably accomplished its mission, and there was no more work for it to do, and so, like other associations, it would now pass away. That person did not understand the philosophy of Freemasonry; he did not fully comprehend the nature of its constitution, nor the character of its great office in the world.
This Fraternity was primarily organized for the mutual improvement and protection of its members in the building of King Solomon's Temple. But when that structure was completed this Society did not cease to exist because it had answered the end of its organization. There was for it other work to do. Other generations were to be benefited. And so it continued and reappeared in Christendom. The monuments of its skill and labor are now seen throughout Europe. When the great cathedrals were completed, and the Pope of Rome had availed himself of the skill and labors of Freemasons to make these grand contributions to the church, and he had no further use for their services in the work of promoting the aggrandizement of the Papal hierarchy, he ceased to be a liberal patron and became a violent persecutor.
In 1717, the operative labor of this society ceased altogether, but yet their work was not finished. The world had need of just such an Institution for the amelioration of some of the ills of mankind, and for the improvement of the mind and morals of men, and so the light of Masonry followed the Star of Empire, when "westward it took its course," and early shone upon this continent. We have to-night listened to the just and eloquent eulogy of its First Grand Master in this Western hemisphere. Masonry found its proper place and office in the war of the Revolution, and thenceforth multiplying its members and its charities, it contributed to the welfare of the world. It was in the midst of its work when in 1831 that tornado burst upon it, whose maddened violence threatened its destruction. Then it was that the more timid ventured the prediction, that good as it was and ever had been, it had-outlived its usefulness, and must now be numbered among the institutions which have been.
Out of this fiery furnace Freemasonry came forth purified of much of its dross, demonstrating to the world that its work was not yet finished; it yet had a mission among men, and so long as there was a work for it to do, no power of its enemies could destroy its existence or hinder its ultimate progress.
This terrible trial proved that there is in the constitution of this Ancient Fraternity a vitality which renders impotent the assaults of its enemies. The intelligent man knows that this indestructible life springs out of the fact that this Society, in distinction from all other human institutions, requires faith in God as a prerequisite of admission to its pale, — makes His Holy Word its own Great Light, without which it cannot work, — teaches a morality drawn from that Word, and enjoins that charity which comes of the Divine Law of love. These constitute the immortality of Freemasonry. No wonder, then, that it still lives; that the fires of anti-Masonry did not consume it, and the follies of its members have not rent it in sunder. Based on such principles, and designed for such purposes, it has not outlived its usefulness, and is not likely to for many generations to come.
Never in its history has this Brotherhood of olden time had before it a nobler work than it has to-day. The tendencies of the age, the signs of the times, the condition of society, all indicate its work. Who that has an observing eye does not see that irreverence is becoming more and more an evident feature of the common mind, as manifested towards God and man? Now a Society that recognizes the existence of God, and makes His Word the rule of life, and teaches the great doctrines of the immortality of the soul and the resurrection of the body, may do much in arresting this increasing tendency, and saving society from the infinite mischiefs which are sure to swarm from this popular evil.
Skepticism and a miscalled liberalism, which is only another term for an ill-disguised infidelity, are doing much to lessen the sanctity of the Bible in the eyes of the people. Contests are now going on, as reported in the public prints, involving the question of casting the Holy Writings out of the public schools. This is a dark omen. On the mid-tide of such influences stands this Fraternity, which claims Solomon as its first Grand Master, which keeps this Inspired Book open on its altars, a part of its constitution, and so necessary to its very existence that a Lodge cannot be held without it. Who will say what shall be the measure of the influence of Freemasonry in resisting these tendencies, and in promoting that profound reverence from man to the revelation of his Creator ? Then, who that reads the newspaper does not see what is the political drift of the world on both sides of the great water; that the tendencies are everywhere, at home and abroad, towards, that extreme of liberty which runs into licentiousness, to the utter destruction of all regard for lawful authority or rightful possessions? The spirit of agrarianism is abroad, and doing fearful harm in the excitement of the worst passions, creating false expectations, which, rising into demands, prompt to violence and blood, thereby sapping the foundations on which rest the fabric of well-ordered society, and all true liberty. Growing disrespect for all authority, disregard of ancient usage, contempt of forms, are some of the minor manifestations of this tendency to a levelling individualism, which is showing itself in old lands and in new. Will any man pretend to say, that a Society, which has come down from a remote antiquity, far away beyond the record of any other human institution, which symbolizes the authority of government in its order, to a degree that a single blow of the Master's gavel instantly brings order out of confusion ; where SUBORDINATION is not only symbolized, but taught and rigidly practised, as of the very essence of its first principles; where liberty, equality and fraternity are not only recognized, but illustrated and realized; where loyalty to the country and obedience to its rightful government are duties enjoined, — that such a Fraternity, in such an age as this, has not a mission among men?
The star of Freemasonry rose in the East; its course has always been towards the West. It is so to-day. Civilization is making its way across this great continent. Its swiftly flowing tides are bearing forward multitudes, who are to people plains which have been known only as the great American desert. Freemasonry has followed the adventuring emigrant, going from his eastern home. In this new condition of things, this ancient Institution finds a fresh field for the exercise of its moral teachings and its active charities. You can scarcely conceive of the vast extent of this newer portion of our country. I have lately come from the frontier, and expect soon to return to it. It is a long distance there, and it is a long distance after you get there. My residence is in Colorado. This one territory is sixteen thousand square miles larger than all England, Scotland and Wales. Its population is rapidly increasing, and its prospects are brightening in every quarter. Large numbers of enterprising young men are drawn thither from their distant homes, in search of employment. Many of them are thus suddenly thrown into the whirlpool of frontier life, not only thousands of miles from home, but without a single relative or friend in the land, exposed to dangers and temptations and misfortunes.
He can claim neither the protection nor the counsel nor the aid of any man among the multitudes wrhom he meets in the crowded thoroughfares of his new home, and is constantly exposed to cruel imposition. Now, in the absence of those who are to him of blood-akin, it is surety a very great thing to have a Brotherhood which will receive him into its pale, warn him of danger, befriend him in trouble, keep him from the society of the evil, supply his wants when he is destitute, visit him when he is sick, and should he die, will bury his body and send his dying message to bereaved friends far away. This is the mission of this Fraternity, along the frontier of our country. But it does something more than this. Its Lodge-room becomes an asylum, a retreat in the hours of leisure and darkness, where the stranger may find trustworthy companions, and listen to moral teachings, and so cultivate a taste for what is elevating, while he is, in a measure at least, saved from the snares of the destroyer, who walks in darkness, and through the fascination of companionship effects the ruin of the unwary. There are many Lodges scattered through that country. Their influence will have much to do with the character of the civilization that is to shape the destiny of great States which are now in embryo; a character which is to be potential for good or for evil in the future of this mighty Republic.
I am glad to know that the Lodges, some of them at least, are careful in the admission of candidates. I was informed that one Lodge in that region rejected nearly one-half of the applications for the degrees ; and this, not because the community were very immoral, but because the Fraternity were very particular. I beg you to remember that the men whom you here make Masons go there, and so give color and character to the Institution there, and they directly contribute to the woe or the welfare of a coming people. Remember, then, when you are casting the ball that makes a Mason in Massachusetts, you may be doing that which when done will be irreparable in effecting a civilization in an infant empire, whose giant powers in the prime of its manhood may elevate or depress the civilization of the world.
Christianity is yet to make these almost boundless "deserts rejoice and blossom as the rose." Human societies can do much in removing the obstacles to the advance of the Redeemer's kingdom. Their contribution in this direction is a noble one. May this Fraternity never fail to fulfil its mission here and everywhere.
Allow me, Most Worshipful, to propose a sentiment: The unbroken succession of Grand Masters; may every future link in this chain be as pure and as bright as that which has been made to-night.
CHARTERS GRANTED
- 03/10/1852 Ashler, Rockport
- 06/12/1852 Franklin, Grafton
- 03/09/1853 Baalbec, East Boston
- 06/08/1853 Ancient York, Lowell
- 12/13/1854 Germania, Boston
- 12/13/1854 Bethesda, Valparaiso, Chile
CHARTERS RESTORED
- 09/14/1853 Rural, Quincy
- 12/13/1854 Norfolk Union, Randolph
- 12/13/1854 Bristol, Attleboro
- 12/14/1853 St. John's, Newburyport
