Difference between revisions of "Montgomery"

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	* William Green, M.		* William Green, M.
	* Joseph Rockwood Asst. M.		* Joseph Rockwood Asst. M.
		+
		+	==== ADDRESS AT INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1830 ====
		+
		+	''From Boston Masonic Mirror, New Series:'' <br>
		+	''Vol. 2, No. 31, January 29, 1831, Page 241;''<br>
		+	''Vol. 2, No. 32, February 5, 1831, Page 249;'' <br>
		+	''Vol. 2, No. 33, February 12, 1831, Page 258;''<br>
		+	''Vol. 2, No. 34, February 19, 1831, Page 266''
		+
		+	<p align=center>
		+	''AN ADDRESS, Delivered at the Installation of the Officers of Montgomery Lodge, Medway, Mass. Dec. 29, A. D. 1830.''<br>
		+	''By John G. Metcalf,''<br>
		+	''Master of said Lodge.''
		+	</p>
		+
		+	Respected Brethren,— By your suffrages yen have elected me to the responsible office of Master of this Lodge. And while I return you my acknowledgments for this mark of your confidence, and pledge you the best exertion of my abilities for the proper and faithful discharge of its duties, it will not, I trust, be considered inopportune, that I ask your attention, for a few moments, to the consideration of the peculiar situation in which, as Masons, we are placed.
		+
		+	As Freemasons we find ourselves beset by enemies.— Attempts have been made, and are making, to excite popular opinion against us. We are to be put under the ban of popular fury. The community are called upon to shut ns out from the enjoyment of our legal rights— from the interchange of those friendly civilities which give zest to social enjoyment, and which brighten the chain of social affection. We are to be thrust away from a participation in any of the ordinary business of society—to be debarred the privileges and immunities guarantied to us by the constitution—to be driven from the exercise of rights growing out of those privileges and immunities—to be held up to the world, as men dangerous to the well being and very existence of civil liberty. The Institution of Masonry has been defamed and slandered, by endeavors, unintermitted and untiring, to couple its principles with the infamous doctrines and practices of the French Revolution, and the still more abominable precepts of German Illuminism.— We have been held up as a society got up expressly, and purposely continued, for the propagation of Infidelity and Atheism. The community has been called upon with all the seeming energy and confidence of truth to believe that Freemasons are men, dangerous to the permanency of our free Republican Institutions: and as men opposed to the written revelations of Almighty God, and the golden precepts of the Redeemer.
		+
		+	And by whom is the community asked to believe all this? Let it be understood that I hold that the antimasonry of 1830 has nothing to do with the antimasonry of 1826; that the champions of that party now, are as different from those, who, in 1826, took up the cause of Wm. Morgan, as light is from darkness. The people of New York, in 1826, actuated by purposes honest and honorable, took up the cause of justice and humanity in that gross and unprecedented violation of the laws, the abduction of Morgan. They saw that the majesty of the Constitution had been violated — that a cruel and vicious crime had been perpetrated — that allowing such outrages to go unpunished would be sanctioning a precedent, which, would go at the foundation of all personal liberty and personal right. Under the influence of these motives, public meetings of the people were called — resolutions condemnatory of the deed, passed, and measures proposed and adopted, to bring the perpetrators of the deed to condign punishment. These meetings were called without respect to party, and Masons came forward and acted in them as well as others. All this was well and proper; but when designing knaves and bankrupt politicians undertook to raise the whirlwind and direct the storm, antimasonry became quite a different thing.  But a little while and we see its polluted stream directed, so as to carry a political engine, by which Masons were to be turned out of office and antimasons turned in. Within one short year in some districts, antimasonry was made the criterion of eligibility and the stepping stone to preferment. With such honest leaders the antimasonic party was soon transformed into a political party, and for the last three years has acted openly, and in some instances avowedly, as such. Who among the intelligent and informed yeomanry of New England does not consider Antimasonry political. Has it not in every instance, where it has succeeded in raising the wind, come forward with its candidates and with the help of Anderton murder stories, succeeded, in our own state, in electing the ''Honorable'' Moses Thacher to a seat in the Massachusetts Senate?
		+
		+	And it is by such a party that the community are asked again, been voted unworthy the confidence and support of to believe the thousand and one raw-head and bloody-bones stories that are circulated, with the intention of bringing down the Masonic Institution to the dead level of intimasonic purity, and principles. The public are asked to believe Freemasons guilty of all the crimes denounced in the decalogue, while they who urge this, notwithstanding their long and loud protestations of moral honesty— notwithstanding their long and loud protestations of moral honesty - notwithstanding they are continually pronouncing that there is no honesty, no purity, no health, no life, without the pale of their political church, are the very men, who, by their own confession and irrefragible proofs multiplied an hnndred fold, fabricate and publish to the world such documents as Anderton's Affidavit, and are ready to endorse with all the moral virtues, the character of any man who will bring destruction to his own soul, by the crime of perjury in their service. These are the men who abuse the public ear with their long, loud and interminable tirades against Masonic corruption and influence. The antimasonic party seemed to have adopted the old doctrine of the Pope, that ''the end justifies the means'', and consequently to attain their end, whether it be to mutilate the body of a Munroe, so as to  make a Morgan good enough for election purposes, or procure the election of a senatorial candidate, they do not shrink from becoming accessory to the crime of subornation of perjury. To them there is no acknowledgement of moral restraint - no regard for any of the principles of civil liberty or religious freedom. They openly  proclaim that the right of private opinion no longer exists - that he who will not think as they do, is an alien and an outcast from civil society.
		+
		+	Antimasonry has broached the question, whether the exercise of the right of private opinion, is compatible with the discharge of moral duty. It has proclaimed through her pensioned and poisoned presses, that no Freemason can discharge his duties to his God and his fellow-men. It hath called upon a whole people to rise and join in the ''anathema maranatha'' which has been rung in all its changes for the last three years.  Assuming the robes of an angel of light, antimasonry hath stolen into the watchtower of Zion and with her banner upon its outer wall hath fulminated her bulls of excommunication against all those who will not bow down and do obeisance at her feet.
		+
		+	Not satisfied with her wide sweeping denunciations and proscription of Masonry and Masons; she comes forward and as ''one clothed with authority,'' pronounces that there shall be no neutrals in this war. They who will not go all lengths with them are put down as Masons. Any who will not become thorough-going, 'whole hog' antimasons, are no longer under the protection of the laws, or entitled to the privileges of freemen. With the most consummate impudence and the most horrid blasphemy, the community are told that antimasonry sprung from the throne of God. The temples dedicated to his worship are profaned by the heralds of these political gladiators; and from that desk, upon which should be inscribed ''Holiness to the Lord'' and from which should issue the precept, ''peace on earth and good will to men'', nought is now heard but the wily sophisms of some political priest, or the senseless fanaticism of some antimasonic Rabbi.
		+
		+	Antimasonry hath poured her pollution into the pure fountain of Christianity. With Arabian magic, she hath reached ''The Ark, the Altar and the Priest.'' She hath breathed upon the sacramental cup and he, who drank of its poison, hath become the wild enthusiast and the persecuting bigot. She hath kindled ''strange fire'' upon the altar and they who knelt around that holy place have risen from the burning of its incense, to execute the commands of the angel who ministered at its shrine. She hath stricken the priest; and the messenger of grace and the legate of the skies, hath forgotten the errand of his Lord and Master; and, with the confession of his own moral treason upon his lips, breathes out his Pharisee's prayer to the only true and living God.
		+
		+	Is not all this trne ? Is there here anything but what is seen and felt every day ? I appeal to facts whether these things are not so? Have not Masons been voted from the jury-box? Have they not time after time, repeatedly and again, been voted unworthy the confidence and support of their fellow men ? Have they not been charged with holding and inculcating infidel and atheistical sentiments? Have they not been held up to their brethren and kindred as traitors to their country and heretics to the Christian Faith? Have not endeavors been made to fasten upon their characters the stamp of infamy and disgrace ? Have not Masons been driven from the communion-table of our common Lord and Master, Jesus Christ? Have not the time-honored relics of the dead been disinhumed, and they who died ''with the world and God, at peace,'' execrated as incarnate devils? Has not the sanctity of the domestic fireside been invaded, and the ''father set against the son and the son against the father''?
		+
		+	All this has been done and more too, to accomplish the ends of antimasonry. And after all this, after all the contumely and contempt that could be thrown upon Masonry. Masons are called upon to renounce and denounce the Institution. A very modest request is this, to be sure— to ask to commit the crime of perjury, for the distinguished honor of becoming tools in the hands of the leaders of antimasonry. True some of our former number, like they, who, ''when persecution cometh, endure for a little time and then fall away'', have deserted our ranks; and are now among the loudest and most devout in our condemnation and punishment. These are the men who have filled the world with their pretended revelations of Masonry, and out of which, with the aid of Morgan's abduction, they are endeavoring to raise a political party, upon whose banner is already inscribed the motto, ''rule or ruin''. With the ambition of the Ephesian Demetrius, there can now be little doubt, but that the object of their wishes will soon be accomplished. A few more efforts— ''the long pull, the strong pull and the pull altogether,'' and politico-antimasonry wili be immortalized; but whether for weal or woe history will determine.
		+
		+	But when the ebullition of the cauldron shall have ceased - when the fecula shall have settled to the bottom, seceders will be viewed in their proper light. They will then be seen as they are. There will then be no clouds and darkness to obscure the mental horizon — prejudice and passion will no longer darken Ihe mental vision. There will then be seen men, devoid of all principle - men whose moral perceptions are so dull and obtuse, as to believe it virtuous and meritorious to break through all obligations, no matter how solemnly imposed or how voluntarily assumed. The leaders of antimasonry may love the treason but they must necessarily, in the very constitution of things, despise the traitor. He who is untrue to one party, can give no pledge that lie will be true to another. — His character for truth and veracity can give him no recommendation to his new friends, for he comes to them, with the guilt of moral treason fastened upon his character. They may make him their pander in iniquity, and use him as the degraded tool of the their unhallowed ambition; but be will always be looked upon with distrust, and, at any time, when it may best suit the convenience of the party, he will be sacrificed as unceremoniously, and turned adrift with as little compunction, as though he had not made shipwreck of his hopes of Heaven, for their purposes.
		+
		+	Antimasonry has preferred her complaint to the bar of public opinion, and demands a verdict in her favor. We say we are not guilty and demand the proof. Let us be fairly tried, and we do not fear the result.  But we demand, and we have a right to demand, that something more shall be brought in proof, than the bare ''ipse dixit'' of those who direct the antimasonic whirlwind; or something more incontrovertible than their subsidized presses, whether edited by Samuel D. Greene, Moses Thacher or Pliny Merrick. As one of the Masonic family, I feel willing that the subject of Masonry should be as strictly scrutinized as any antimasonic madman could  wish. I have no fears that public opinion, with  a fair chance for a decision, would condemn us. Let us have fair play, and I am willing to abide the verdict — to stand or fall by the decision.
		+
		+	But the public are asked for a verdict, upon the vera cious evidence of such papers as the Boston ''Free'' Press, tho Antimasonic ''Christian'' Herald, and the Massachusetts Yeoman. Those are the affidavits, and the oral testimony comes from Pliny Merrick, Moses Thacher and Samuel D. Greene, together with the antimasonic crusaders from Michigan and New York, Judge Dexter and Henry D. Ward. We ask for more proof than these witnesses have yet brought to light. Let us have evidence from those who are not a party concerned in the verdict — and not from those, who, with half the inducement, have already published to the world the infamy of their own conduct, and demanded the ''thirty pieces of silver'' as the price of their moral degradation.
		+
		+	I am willing that the public gaze should be fixed upon Masonry as strongly and as intensely as vision will permit. I am willing that the subject of Masonry should be fairly, dispassionately and openly discussed. But I am not willing that the public should only be permitted to look at the subject through the clouds and darkness that antimasonry has endeavored to throw around it. I am not willing that the public should make up their verdict upon such questionable testimony as has yet been brought before them. I am not willing that their opinion should be fixed by such witnesses, as have yet been produced in the arena; by such witnesses as have averred, that the illustrious ''Clinton'' participated in the abduction of Morgan, and at last died the death of the suicide from the pangs of remorse; by such men as fabricated and published such falsehoods as Anderton's affidavit; by such men as prostituted themselves to support the character of such men as Anderton. I am not willing that evidence should bo thought sufficient when coming from such men as Moses Thacher or David Pease, although they may claim to belong to the only true church, and say they are the ministers of the Prince of Peace; or from such men as Pliny Merrick, although he confesses that, for years, he adhered to Masonry after he had become convinced that it was an ''unclean thing.'' Let the subject be calmly and fairly deliberated on, and I am willing to abide the issue. Let the writings of Masons be appealed to, and if there can be found one line that inculcates infidelity or atheism let them fall. But I ask oar accusers to put their fingers upon one single line, yea, upon one solitary word of such a character.
		+
		+	But some of the more moderate antimasons, say they have nothing to do with Masons, it is only Masonry that they would war with. This sophism is too plain to be tolerated. What! do they think that Masonry can exist without Masons! Would they have the world  believe that they curse Masonry and love those who adhere to its principles! And if Masonry is only the object of their hate, why have they declared a war of extermination against Masons? You cannot denounce the principles or practice of a man, unless you question his discernment or impeach his honesty. Then let us hear no more of this. If Masonry is denounced, so are those who uphold and support it.
		+
		+	But to particularize some of the charges that have been brought ''per order'' against the Masonic Institution, we have:
		+
		+	''Charge 1st.'' "The Masonic Fraternity have erected for themselves, a distinct and independent government, within the jurisdiction of the United States."
		+
		+	And how is this proved ? Why! by saying that Masonic law consists in the oaths or obligations to observe that law; that the penalty of Death is attached to the infringement thereof; that Masons must only deny what is I said against them ''per order''; and that in Johnson's Dictionary, penalty means punishment! From this argument, it is said, ''we must have the irresistable conviction, that the Masonic Fraternity have erected an independent government within the jurisdiction of the United States.' '— This, to be sure, is a very easy and summary way of disposing of the question, but with all meekness and all due deference to a person, who only decides after ''much fasting and prayer''; I ask the people, that people whom he would have us believe he has convinced, whether they are ready to take those lips for an oracle, which once told his congregation, the famous story about the Templar's Armory  at  Boston? which once said that the ''gospel ministry required all the time and all the talents of the most talented man'', and yet spends no inconsiderable part of that time, and those talents, in propagating the most envenomed sentiments among the community? which once said that he had come to the conclusion, after long nnd mature deliberation, and with much fasting and prayer, that it was his duty to request a dissolution of his pastoral connexion with his church and congregation, and, in just one week thereafterwards, withdrew that request?
		+
		+	But will not the people require more proof than such men show them, before they come to their conclusions? Will they not, in the beginning, acknowledge, that the Masonic as well as any other society has the right of making such rules and regulations for the government of its members as it sees fit, provided such laws are not opposed to, and do not contravene the laws of the United States and the several States? Have we not a right to demand of this public prosecutor that he put his finger upon the instance, the one solitary instance,  where Masonic bodies have acted in opposition to the laws of our common country? Have we not a right to demand of this second Solomon come to judgment, that he prove his assertion that Masonic bodies do not hold themselves amenable lo any tribunal in the country? Let him adduce in proof something beside mutilated extracts from Masonic books. Let him point out the law of the United States that Masonic legislation has abrogated? Let him tell what Lodge of Masons has ever committed the crime of premeditated murder? This dealing so much in wholesale generalities, may perhaps be in accordance with the spirit of antimasonry, but the time will come whan something more will be required; ay, the time will come when the people will demand proof before they acknowledge conviction.
		+
		+	Let the candid and considerate  reflect but one moment, and this charge and the pretended proofs of its establishment will fall to the ground. Will they not say it is incumbent upon the accuser to show some stronger reasons before they can admit, ''that all the talents, and all the learning, and all the moral worth  of our common country, are the perquisite of antimasonry; or that when it dies, wisdom and honesty will die with it?'' Will the people ''exceedingly fear and quake'' because of the wonderful exploits of antimasonry for four years past? Because William Morgan has been raised to the honors of politico-antimasonic apotheosis? Will they, the people, be awed into silence by loud denunciation, or made convert to antimasonry, because some of its headmen go up to the temple and very devoutly thank God that they are not as other men are?
		+
		+	''Charge 2nd.'' "Masonic funds are unlimited and unrestricted."
		+
		+	Well, what then ? suppose they are; but then it is said, ''they may be created for purposes of charity, and they may be created and managed to the subversion of every civil government on earth.'' Wondrous sagacity! How thankful must the people be, that antimasonry has in its loving mercy and tender kindness seen fit to enlighten the world by proclaiming that money is the root of all evil. It is also said, ''wealth is power.'' Granted; and will the question be answered, how much of this power was expended in procuring the affidavit of one Samuel G. Anderton? How much in circulating said affidavit in the County of Norfolk, just before a senatorial election that was holden there? and how much in paying the expences of a certain ''Honorable'' delegate who lately paid a visit to his friends in Philadelphia?
		+
		+	But with regard to this charge, why is it thought best to be so cautious? Why is the unanswerable argument finished by saying that Masonic funds may be perverted? I will ask if it is proper, or displays any part of the Christian spirit, to throw out such insinuations as these and adduce no manner of proof in their support? Or, is it thought, because some men call their author ''Reverend'', that his bare assertion will be taken for truth? Let us have the proof that the funds of Masonry hare ever been employed in treason or rebellion; or, that one single cent has ever been perverted, for the purpose of procuring a wretch to bear false witness against his neighbor.
		+
		+	''Charge 3d.''  "Masonry practices gross fraud and extortion."
		+
		+	To substantiate this charge, it is said, is a very easy thing; therefore, they who do not believe it can prove it for themselves if they do not see fit to be convinced without. Why deal so much in guess-work and generalities? Why not be a little more specific, and tell us how, and in what manner, Masonry practices this fraud and extortion? We say there is no such thing — that not one cent of Masonic funds was ever gained by fraud, or forced by extortion. To this charge we present an unqualified denial, and shall content ourselves for the present with asking the author of it ''(Rev. Moses Thacher)'' the simple question, how much the Institution of Masonry has ever extorted from him?
		+
		+	''Charge 4th.'' "Masonry is immoral."
		+
		+	As proof of this charge, we are told that the author of it feels convinced that it is true and therefore no one must be allowed to disbelieve it.    Here is a syllogism with a vengeance. Whatever I believe is true; I believe Masonry immoral, therefore it is true that it is immoral! But after repeating this idea in some  half a dozen different shapes; with  something of the supposed feeling of a man who is afraid his own word will not be quite convincing enough he refers ''unprejudiced minds'' to one Elder Bernard for confirmation. And who is this Elder Bernard? Why! he is one of the chiefest  Apostles and transcendant Luminaries of Antimasonry. But notwithstanding all this, he stands before the public by his own confession as a wretch, who has blasphemed the living God! What credit should be attached to the veracity of such a man? Would you trust him with your purse? What guaranty can he give you, that he will not embezzle its contents?  Is he to be trusted with your confidence?
		+
		+	By his confession before hand, he tells you, he will publish it to the four winds of heaven. And yet the community are called upon to  receive his sayings upon Masonry as though he still held communion with Angels. They are called upon to believe his  charges and denunciations as earnestly as though their temporal and eternal salvation depended upon the result. But is it not strange? passing strange? that such a man should be one of the acknowledged heads of a party who arrogate to themselves  all the moral worth of the country; — who, in the language of the self-righteous Pharisee, say to all those who  will not descend with them into the polluted and polluting  stream of antimasonry: ''Stand off: for I am holier than thou.'' But as if this charge of immorality was not abusive enough, Masonry is said to lead to ''blank Atheism.'' If this be true, by what metaphysical subtilty was it reserved to this age and generation to discover it? But it is untrue, and he who made the charge knew it to be so when the sentiment was written. He knew that no Atheist could be made a Mason. He knew that Masons, as well  as the church over which he is still suffered to preside, are taught that they must look for salvation in Heaven through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. He  knew that Masons are often reminded that purity of heart and conduct is essentially necessary for admission into the gates of the Celestial Paradise. He knew that Masonry teaches and often enforces the maxim upon its followers that the name of God is never to be mentioned but with that reverential awe which is due from a creature to his Creator. He knew that Masons are taught never to engage in any important undertaking without first invoking a blessing from Deity; — and yet, with the most unblushing impudence, he charges Masonry with being made up of Atheism. If this be true how comes it that  we find Masons who have joined themselves to the visible church of God, and who are often heard in the exercise of prayer and adoration to that Being whom, our accuser says, they believe has no existence. How comes it that Masons are found who believe the Bible to be the word of God, and who notwithstanding the contemptible system of antimasonic espionage are found to be obedient to its precepts and walk in its ordinances blamelessly?
		+
		+	If Masonry is but a synonym for Atheism how comes it that Masons are found, whose lives and conversations show that they are governed with a reference to the existence of a God, and obedience to his commandments? But, thank God! This accusation is untrue. What a fearful responsibility must rest upon those, who are continually endeavoring to instill the slanderous imputation into the minds of the community? They virtually say to the son, despise thy father for he is an  Atheist: — to the father cast off thy son, for he believes there is no God. — To the widowed mother, who has taught her infant children to raise their little hands in prayer to the God; of the widow and fatherless, they say, widow, mourn not for him, who was the partner of thy joys, and the companion of thy sorrows; — he was  a Freemason — he scoffed at the very existence of that Being to whom thou prayest, and is now, without doubt, suffering the unutterable torments of the damned in hell! And can it be, that a being bearing the impress of Divinity, and made alive with his spirit, thus sits in judgment and deals out damnation to his brother men? For the credit of humanity, I wish it was not so.
		+
		+	But, alas! the confession must be made, it is solemn reality. Not all the wealth of the Indies, ten thousand times ten thousand told, vile as I am, and so little deserving the manifold mercies I am continually receiving from the hand of our Father in Heaven, would tempt me thus to usurp and sport with the attributes of Jehovah. — I would not assume the responsibility of that man for all that earth can give, though all her powers and all her dominions should yield up to the  utmost farthing. What must be the reflections, if any he have, of such a man?— Perchance, in the silent watches  of the night, the still, small voice may yet be heard. But how dreadful must be the intonations of its awful interrogatories?    Would it not require at his hands the peace he had destroyed ? — The friendships he had broken ? The angry dissensions he had sown? The church he had hindered in her journey Zion-ward?  And the souls that had perished for lack of living waters, and of the bread of life? Its dreadful questioning would sound in his ears, like the long, loud death-wail of a drowning world — It would ask him of his plighted faith, broken — of his solemn vows, unperformed — of his friends, betrayed — of their characters destroyed. — And, think you, could such questions be answered ? On one day, they must all, all be answered: — and may Heaven, in its mercies, grant long time of preparation for the important event.
		+
		+	''Charge 5th.'' "Masonry subverts the administration of justice."
		+
		+	How is this charge proved?  Why by asserting for fact that which our accusers are bound, and which they are now called upon to prove: or suffer themselves to stand before the public as convicted calumniators. From what are called Masonic obligations, antimasonic inferences are drawn and delivered as though the public were bound to swallow the responses of the oracle, ''nolens volens.'' Here again, the abduction of Morgan, like the creation of a hero in a play or the introduction of a demigod in an epic to work wonders and impossibilities is hrought upon the stage, and offered for our acceptance as proof positive to this weighty charge. Allowing that circumstance to be received, what does it prove? Why, the simple fact that Masonry has received into her bosom some men beside the author of this charge which it would have been much more to her credit and honor, had she rejected. It is but repeating the old truism that there are bad men in ail societies.
		+
		+	And with what earnestness and infatuation is this circumstance urged and insisted on?  Ask an antimason what his proofs are and he tells you  Masons carried  off Morgan. Ask him whether his Masonic neighbor is a bad man?  "O! I don't know," he says, "but the Masons carried off Morgan, and therefore I am bound to defame and injure the whole brotherhood - our head men say, there is no other way to get along with the matter." Admit for the sake of argument that Morgan was taken and carried off (abducted if you please) by Masons, — but that Masonry taught them it was right, and enforced it upon them as a duty, is untrue and libellous. Masonry can no more be said to inculcate such wickedness than Religion, because some men, even with the robes of priesthood upon them, have been detected in the commission of crime. — And what kind of justice is that which makes no distinction between the guilty and the innocent? By this rule, there are men, who died in all the odour of sanctity, and dragged from the silence of the grave and held up to one universal burst of execration.
		+
		+	History has made us familiar with the unspeakable enormities that have been perpetrated in the name of the Christian Religion, yet we have faith; as well in its threatnings of wrath as its promises of mercy. Crime, with the hands of sacrilege, hath opened the Volume of Inspiration and pointed with her crimsoned finger to the text — and fanaticism hath said, "here is my warrant": — yet we still take the Bible .as the guide of our faith and the rule of our life. Reasoning from the perversion of an Institution, we should condemn every Society on earth; for what one does not receive into its communion some unworthy member? What society on earth, whose principles have not been perverted by unworthy members, either into a cloak for hypocrisy or a warrant for crime?
		+
		+	Under this charge it is said that Lodges and Chapters in a neighboring state have prostituted their funds to paralyze the efforts of civil power; — but where are the proofs of this? We are not told; — but the public are asked to believe it upon the hypocritical cantings of an interested witness. Rest the proofs of it on other or better grounds, than did the Templar's Armory Story? The people will require more proof than that. But this is the way of antimasonry — it brings fsrward charges, and leaves the burden of proof on those who cannot believe them without.
		+
		+	''Charge 6th.''  "Masonic Influence upon the Press."
		+
		+	This is a grievous complaint with the antimasons, and they deal out their denunciations in measure as they consider the subject important. With the utmost complacency they use these words, "Masonic bribery had almost effectually poisoned all our streams of public information." And if it had, pray tell us how much more light has been diffused from the Antimasonic Press? Pray tell us how much wiser the people are for the publication of such things as the ''Antimasonic Christian Herald'' or the ''Boston Free Press''? How much of knowledge has been added to the wisdom of this age, by the arrant falsehoods and ribald pasquinades of the herd of antimasonic editors, from Solomon Southwick downwards? How many statues of brass shall be raised to the great antimasonic luminaries of the world, from Thurlow Weed down to the itinerant mountebank, Jacob Allen? When antimasonry dies will not wisdom die with it? Alas! what will become of us, when she shall have ceased from her labors of love, in enlightening this heathen world? Verily! shall we not all be dead men?
		+
		+	But we are told that some antimasonic stars ''glitter on the mantle of night,'' and so would a farthing candle — the darker the night the better. And but for these stars — what? why! our ''political horizon'' would be as dark as Egypt. Political horizon! what does that mean? Antimasonry meddle with politics? No! It cannot be — here is some sad mistake, for have they not cried aloud, day and night, without ceasing, that their ''sacred cause'' had nothing to do with politics! Antimasonry too ''sprung from the throne of God,'' and we are pretty sure that politics had their origin at some distance from that place. No! it cannot be! this must have been some blunder of the devil (printer's devil, we mean) for politics never entered the mind of an antimason! What! Antimasonic newspapers illuminate the political horizon? How bright that horizon must be then! And if this illumination is to be continued, pray let us know, how long it will be, before the darkness will not only be visible, bnt tangible also?
		+
		+	But, to be serious, this charge of bribing the press is a most atrocious calumny, not only upon the Masonic Fraternity but upon the whole editorial corps of the country. With but one Masonic Press in New England, the charge is brought forward that every newspaper was bribed into silence by Masonic influence. This charge is untrue and has no foundation in fact. They arrive at what they call the proof of it, by this rule: any paper that refuses to admit into its columns the astonishing productions of every antimasonic wiseacre who may make the demand, is put down as under Masonic influence. If an editor does not promptly acknowledge that antimasonry has engrossed all the talents, all the wisdom and all the moral worth of the country, he is set down in their black book as having been bribed by Masonry. A most logical conclusion truly! That every man must be bribed who does not think antimasonry the salt of the earth and that they who stir up its mire and dirt are the lineal descendants of the seven wise men of antiquity.
		+
		+	It is well, I think, that the author of this charge said nothing about lighting up the moral horizon: — and what could he? For what has antimasonry done in this respect? What of moral truth have these self-created conservators of the public morals elicited? What of moral light are we to expect or look for from such vehicles of truth and honesty as have published the sayings of Edward Giddings for the truth: a man whose infamy and want of veracity has long since become the ''subject of judicial record?'' How much of illumination could we hope for the moral horizon from such newspapers as have published Anderton's Murder Story since it was proved to be a falsehood? If the antimasonic press is as free as its supporters say it is, and if they have not too great a disrelish for the truth, will they be so good as to publish the Affidavits from Belfast, in Ireland, proving beyond a doubt that Anderton's Affidavit is false and himself a perjured miscreant?
		+
		+	''Charge 7th.'' — "The artful and insidious measures with which Masons have been thrust into offices of power and trust."
		+
		+	We are charged with holding seven-eighths of the offices of the country. How do antimasons know this? — Perhaps the people would like to see some proof of the fact before they believe it — at any rate it might be as well to have something ready in case proof should be called for.  And allowing that Masons do hold the offices, what does it prove? Certainly not much for antimasonic capability. If Masons are found in office, the antimasons must go to the people and ask them the reason of it - they put them there, and no doubt have some good reason for it. But if we are no better off in New England than our brethren are in Pennsylvania, we do not hold on twentieth part of the offices in the gift of the people. What has become of the boasted promise of the antimasons of this I state, to ascertain the number of offices holden by Masons? On inquiry do they find that the facts in the case, do not exactly tally with their round assertions before hand?— We should like to bear the report of their committee on I the subject.
		+
		+	But we are not only charged with holding all the offices : worth having; we are also charged with getting into them in some clandestine manner. How is this? Getting into office clandestinely! What new definition of terms have they got hold of now ? Will they be so good as to tell us how an open town meeting can be called a clandestine one?
		+
		+	It is charged also that artful and insidious measures are resorted to by Masons to place their friends in office. — To prove this, nothing is offered but the surmises and insinuations of the accuser. We say it is a foul slander and claim to be innocent until proved guilty. Let it be proved if it can be, that Masons ever made use of such means as were resorted to, to procure the election of Moses Thacher to the Senate, and I shall be willing to plead guilty. - When Masons publish and circulate such papers as Anderton's Affidavit to procure the election of their candidates, then we are villing to be branded in set terms by the whole antimasonic herd.  It has been said that only two or three days before the election of Thacher, some hundred copies of Anderton's affidavits were distributed in one single town in the county of Norfolk, and that too  before it was published in Boston. If this is not using insidious nnd artful measures to control the freedom of elections, we humbly ask what is?  This noted paper that has since been proved a whole-cloth falsehood and sworn to by a wretch who was intoxicated at the time it was taken down, was circulated far and wide upon  the eve of an election, after it was too late to be disproved or contradicted.  And now the very party whose kennel agents did this, come forward, and through the mouth of their servant and a minister of the Gospel too tell the public that Masonry interferes with the purity and freedom of the elective franchise.
		+
		+	But this charge hypocritically concedes to Masons that as men, they may enjoy their rights and prerogatives like other citizens, — and goes on and says the ''commonwealth is in danger'' unless Masons are thrust out of its government and their places filled by their own honorable selves. But why do they not come out plainly and openly — and say to the people, ''give us the reins of your government, for there is none like us in tho whole world for holding them.'' This would have one recommendation — it would be plain and honest, and there could bo no mistake as to the meaning of the words. And if they do not soon come out with the acknowledgment, it will come too late for their credit; as a few more National Conventions will open the eyes of those who are still blinded and deluded by their chicanery and cunning. Look at the elements of the National Convention, lately defunct at Philadelphia. Was it not made up of broken down politicians and inflammatory demagogues?    Men who ''cry aloud and spare not'', and who will continue to  ''cry aloud and spare not'', until their mouthing patriotism becomes hopeless or their disinterested benevolence is satiated with the fat salaries of office.
		+
		+	''Charge 8th.''— "The Imprecations of Freemasonry."
		+
		+	The wickedness of these are established by a quotation from elder Bernard; upon which, by the gracious permission of our accuser, every citizen is granted the liberty of making his own comments. To this we say, amen, having no doubt but that the public will grant elder Bernard all the credit, to which his weight of testimony in the case, justly entitles him.
		+
		+	''Charge 9th and last.'' — "Masonry inculcates a malignant and persecuting spirit."
		+
		+	This charge, it is averred, is brought forward with ''great reluctance.''  Great reluctance! what does this mean? Is there some misgivings of conscience, or is it sheer, hypocritical cant? What! After Masonry and Masons are denounced, the one as inculcating and the other as executing the most horrid precepts, need there be any great reluctance in calling them by any other name.' What! does it stick in the throat, to say that Masons are persecutors, after (and without any reluctance too) they are denounced as Atheists? After the whole vocabulary of Billingsgate and blackguard had been exhausted, we should think it would be altogether gratuitous and uncalled for to express any sort of unwillingness to charge Masons with any other crime, either to suit the fancy — add another item to the sum of disapprobation, or eke out the slanderous pages of an Address.
		+
		+	But, without being supposed to possess any very great degree of malignity, one might draw the inference that this charge was introduced for the purpose of exciting public sympathy in favor of its author; as it is said, ''by this we account for the scandal and reproach that has been heaped upon Seceding Masons.'' Now, why was not short work made of this? Why was it not said plainly: — ''Masons persecute us, because they will not trust as with their confidence — because they will not acknowledge our claim upon their gratitude for our labors of love in denouncing them as heretics and traitors? We are persecuted! Because some men esteem them little else thin apocryphal, our long and unceasing protestations, that we are the salt of the earth, and that there is none good beside us. We are persecuted! Because we cannot persuade people that we shall be heard for our much speaking, or esteemed for our long prayers. We are persecuted! Because the charge is laid at our door, and we cannot remove it, that we do not care so much about the wickedness of Freemasonry as we do about the salaries of office. We are persecuted! And let us once make the people believe it, and we shall soon get what we want,— the political control of the country.
		+
		+	But when did Masonry or Masons ever evince the persecuting spirit that has marked the ferocity of antimasonry? When did Masons ever make the attempt to drive antimasons from the jury-box or the communion-table? Have not antimasons done this? Has it not been proved true, time and again? It has, and it cannot be denied. The spirit of persecution is the same in all ages and upon all subjects. This spirit of persecution and intolerance now exercised with such unrelenting severity, and urged with so much zeal against the Institution of Masonry, is the same spirit that has filled the earth with lamentation and mourning in every retrogade age and generation. It is the same spirit that cried out in vengeance against the Saviour of the world, ''crucify him, crncify him.'' It is the same spirit that drove the primitive Christians to death in its most horrid forms.— The same spirit that has murdered her thousands in the dungeon or the Inquisition for doubling the omnipotence of the Pope. The same that brought about tho unspeakable horrors of a Saint Bartholomew Massacre. The same that kindled the fires of Smithfield and hunted the Scotch Covenanters from the face of the earth, like the wild beasts of the forests. And I ask, in candor and sober earnestness, where would be the security of liberty or life now if this modern spirit had the power of the ancient? Who would give us guaranty had the spirit her band of Jewish Centurions, that we should not in our day hear the cry, ''crucify him, crucify him''? Who would assure us, had she her hosts of familiars, that we should not now hear of her ''auto de fé'' and behold her victims led out in savage triumph to all the horrors of the stake? Had she the swords of the bloody Charles IX who would dare to promise us immunity from their fury, when wielded by such merciless hands?
		+
		+	And what shall be our course, considering the present novel situation in which we are placed? What shall be the course of our conduct, persecuted as we are for opinion's sake by a party who acknowledge no moral restraint themselves and make the demand that no one else shall? The answer is short. In the language of a man and a Mason too, against whom antimasonic persecution dare not lift her voice I say, ''Live down the calumny and reproach that is heaped upon us.'' Show to the world, by our lives and conversations, that the principles of Freemasonry are good. Let us live as becomes those who are practical believers in the precepts and commands of the great Architect of the Universe as made known to us by the written revelations of his will.  Let our whole lives be ordered with a reference to a day of resurrection, the final judgment and a punishment for crime in another world.
		+
		+	Let us so live and we shall survive the day and generation of antimasonry. Live as Freemasonry teaches us and our efforts will always be found on the side of virtue and religion. Walk in accordance with the precepts we have so often heard inculcated and we shall have nothing to fear. Although we are not operative Masons as were our ancient brethren let us never forget that we should be practical Freemasons. Let Masonic principles operate upon us and we shall live in the constant practice of morality and virtue.
		+
		+	In view of these considerations I would recommend, a firm, temperate and constant support of our principles upon all proper occasions. That on all proper occasions, by word and deed, we should use our endeavors to disabuse the public ear of the malicious falsehoods, that are so industriously circulated against us. I would recommend a punctual and frequent attendance upon our stated meetings; remembering however the Masonic  injunction that  they are not to be attended to the neglect of our necessary and useful avocations. I would recommend that we should be watchful of our rights and immunities as freeman, and resist in all lawful ways the least infringement of them.
		+
		+	Finally, Brethren, living so far as we ought with reference to this world, let us never forget that we should also live with reference to another. Let us so live that it may be soon, we have it remembrance, that time is rapidly passing away and that we are as rapidly passing away with it: that in a few days we must bid farewell to earth and all its vanities and enter upon the untried scenes of a life to come where weal or woe will attach to us as wel have lived virtuous or vicious here.
	<hr>		<hr>

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Revision as of 14:46, 17 May 2013

MONTGOMERY LODGE

Location: Franklin; Medway (1808); Milford (1852)

Chartered By: Paul Revere

Charter Date: 09/16/1797 II-108

Precedence Date: 09/16/1797

Current Status: Active

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NOTES

Blackstone River Lodge merged here, 06/12/1997.

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PAST MASTERS

need correct list of living PMs

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YEARS

1797 1808

V-121: Montgomery Lodge distributed part of their funds in 1829 among members, but most money was "lost through mismanagement." Sought for restoration of charter in December 1846.

1846

Charter restored 07/06/1847.

1847 1852 1855 1875 1879 1881 1884 1889 1897 1904 1908 1910 1912 1921 1922 1927 1931 1932 1937 1945 1947 1950 1957 1963 1966 1970 1971 1972 1974 1978 1979 1986 1987 1989 1990 1994 1997 1998 1999 2001 2004 2005 2008 2009

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EVENTS

ELECTION OF OFFICERS, DECEMBER 1830

From Boston Masonic Mirror, New Series, Vol. 2, No. 28, January 8, 1831, Page 218:

Officers of Montgomery Lodge, Medway, Mass., chosen Dec. 29, 1830.

• John G. Metcalf, M.
• Warren Lovering, S. W.
• Pliny Holbrook, J. W.
• John C. Scammell, T.
• Isaac Kebbe, Jr., S.
• Samuel Payson S. D
• Cephas Bullard, J. D.
• Samuel Haskell, S. S.
• Timothy L. Pond, J. S.
• James H. King, T.
• William Green, M.
• Joseph Rockwood Asst. M.

ADDRESS AT INSTALLATION, DECEMBER 1830

From Boston Masonic Mirror, New Series:
Vol. 2, No. 31, January 29, 1831, Page 241;
Vol. 2, No. 32, February 5, 1831, Page 249;
Vol. 2, No. 33, February 12, 1831, Page 258;
Vol. 2, No. 34, February 19, 1831, Page 266

AN ADDRESS, Delivered at the Installation of the Officers of Montgomery Lodge, Medway, Mass. Dec. 29, A. D. 1830.
By John G. Metcalf,
Master of said Lodge.

Respected Brethren,— By your suffrages yen have elected me to the responsible office of Master of this Lodge. And while I return you my acknowledgments for this mark of your confidence, and pledge you the best exertion of my abilities for the proper and faithful discharge of its duties, it will not, I trust, be considered inopportune, that I ask your attention, for a few moments, to the consideration of the peculiar situation in which, as Masons, we are placed.

As Freemasons we find ourselves beset by enemies.— Attempts have been made, and are making, to excite popular opinion against us. We are to be put under the ban of popular fury. The community are called upon to shut ns out from the enjoyment of our legal rights— from the interchange of those friendly civilities which give zest to social enjoyment, and which brighten the chain of social affection. We are to be thrust away from a participation in any of the ordinary business of society—to be debarred the privileges and immunities guarantied to us by the constitution—to be driven from the exercise of rights growing out of those privileges and immunities—to be held up to the world, as men dangerous to the well being and very existence of civil liberty. The Institution of Masonry has been defamed and slandered, by endeavors, unintermitted and untiring, to couple its principles with the infamous doctrines and practices of the French Revolution, and the still more abominable precepts of German Illuminism.— We have been held up as a society got up expressly, and purposely continued, for the propagation of Infidelity and Atheism. The community has been called upon with all the seeming energy and confidence of truth to believe that Freemasons are men, dangerous to the permanency of our free Republican Institutions: and as men opposed to the written revelations of Almighty God, and the golden precepts of the Redeemer.

And by whom is the community asked to believe all this? Let it be understood that I hold that the antimasonry of 1830 has nothing to do with the antimasonry of 1826; that the champions of that party now, are as different from those, who, in 1826, took up the cause of Wm. Morgan, as light is from darkness. The people of New York, in 1826, actuated by purposes honest and honorable, took up the cause of justice and humanity in that gross and unprecedented violation of the laws, the abduction of Morgan. They saw that the majesty of the Constitution had been violated — that a cruel and vicious crime had been perpetrated — that allowing such outrages to go unpunished would be sanctioning a precedent, which, would go at the foundation of all personal liberty and personal right. Under the influence of these motives, public meetings of the people were called — resolutions condemnatory of the deed, passed, and measures proposed and adopted, to bring the perpetrators of the deed to condign punishment. These meetings were called without respect to party, and Masons came forward and acted in them as well as others. All this was well and proper; but when designing knaves and bankrupt politicians undertook to raise the whirlwind and direct the storm, antimasonry became quite a different thing. But a little while and we see its polluted stream directed, so as to carry a political engine, by which Masons were to be turned out of office and antimasons turned in. Within one short year in some districts, antimasonry was made the criterion of eligibility and the stepping stone to preferment. With such honest leaders the antimasonic party was soon transformed into a political party, and for the last three years has acted openly, and in some instances avowedly, as such. Who among the intelligent and informed yeomanry of New England does not consider Antimasonry political. Has it not in every instance, where it has succeeded in raising the wind, come forward with its candidates and with the help of Anderton murder stories, succeeded, in our own state, in electing the Honorable Moses Thacher to a seat in the Massachusetts Senate?

And it is by such a party that the community are asked again, been voted unworthy the confidence and support of to believe the thousand and one raw-head and bloody-bones stories that are circulated, with the intention of bringing down the Masonic Institution to the dead level of intimasonic purity, and principles. The public are asked to believe Freemasons guilty of all the crimes denounced in the decalogue, while they who urge this, notwithstanding their long and loud protestations of moral honesty— notwithstanding their long and loud protestations of moral honesty - notwithstanding they are continually pronouncing that there is no honesty, no purity, no health, no life, without the pale of their political church, are the very men, who, by their own confession and irrefragible proofs multiplied an hnndred fold, fabricate and publish to the world such documents as Anderton's Affidavit, and are ready to endorse with all the moral virtues, the character of any man who will bring destruction to his own soul, by the crime of perjury in their service. These are the men who abuse the public ear with their long, loud and interminable tirades against Masonic corruption and influence. The antimasonic party seemed to have adopted the old doctrine of the Pope, that the end justifies the means, and consequently to attain their end, whether it be to mutilate the body of a Munroe, so as to make a Morgan good enough for election purposes, or procure the election of a senatorial candidate, they do not shrink from becoming accessory to the crime of subornation of perjury. To them there is no acknowledgement of moral restraint - no regard for any of the principles of civil liberty or religious freedom. They openly proclaim that the right of private opinion no longer exists - that he who will not think as they do, is an alien and an outcast from civil society.

Antimasonry has broached the question, whether the exercise of the right of private opinion, is compatible with the discharge of moral duty. It has proclaimed through her pensioned and poisoned presses, that no Freemason can discharge his duties to his God and his fellow-men. It hath called upon a whole people to rise and join in the anathema maranatha which has been rung in all its changes for the last three years. Assuming the robes of an angel of light, antimasonry hath stolen into the watchtower of Zion and with her banner upon its outer wall hath fulminated her bulls of excommunication against all those who will not bow down and do obeisance at her feet.

Not satisfied with her wide sweeping denunciations and proscription of Masonry and Masons; she comes forward and as one clothed with authority, pronounces that there shall be no neutrals in this war. They who will not go all lengths with them are put down as Masons. Any who will not become thorough-going, 'whole hog' antimasons, are no longer under the protection of the laws, or entitled to the privileges of freemen. With the most consummate impudence and the most horrid blasphemy, the community are told that antimasonry sprung from the throne of God. The temples dedicated to his worship are profaned by the heralds of these political gladiators; and from that desk, upon which should be inscribed Holiness to the Lord and from which should issue the precept, peace on earth and good will to men, nought is now heard but the wily sophisms of some political priest, or the senseless fanaticism of some antimasonic Rabbi.

Antimasonry hath poured her pollution into the pure fountain of Christianity. With Arabian magic, she hath reached The Ark, the Altar and the Priest. She hath breathed upon the sacramental cup and he, who drank of its poison, hath become the wild enthusiast and the persecuting bigot. She hath kindled strange fire upon the altar and they who knelt around that holy place have risen from the burning of its incense, to execute the commands of the angel who ministered at its shrine. She hath stricken the priest; and the messenger of grace and the legate of the skies, hath forgotten the errand of his Lord and Master; and, with the confession of his own moral treason upon his lips, breathes out his Pharisee's prayer to the only true and living God.

Is not all this trne ? Is there here anything but what is seen and felt every day ? I appeal to facts whether these
 things are not so? Have not Masons been voted from the
 jury-box? Have they not time after time, repeatedly and again, been voted unworthy the confidence and support of their fellow men ? Have they not been charged with holding and inculcating infidel and atheistical sentiments? Have they not been held up to their brethren and kindred as traitors to their country and heretics to the Christian Faith? Have not endeavors been made to fasten upon their characters the stamp of infamy and disgrace ? Have not Masons been driven from the communion-table of our common Lord and Master, Jesus Christ? Have not the time-honored relics of the dead been disinhumed, and they who died with the world and God, at peace, execrated as incarnate devils? Has not the sanctity of the domestic fireside been invaded, and the father set against the son and the son against the father?

All this has been done and more too, to accomplish the ends of antimasonry. And after all this, after all the contumely and contempt that could be thrown upon Masonry. Masons are called upon to renounce and denounce the Institution. A very modest request is this, to be sure— to ask to commit the crime of perjury, for the distinguished honor of becoming tools in the hands of the leaders of antimasonry. True some of our former number, like they, who, when persecution cometh, endure for a little time and then fall away, have deserted our ranks; and are now among the loudest and most devout in our condemnation and punishment. These are the men who have filled the world with their pretended revelations of Masonry, and out of which, with the aid of Morgan's abduction, they are endeavoring to raise a political party, upon whose banner is already inscribed the motto, rule or ruin. With the ambition of the Ephesian Demetrius, there can now be little doubt, but that the object of their wishes will soon be accomplished. A few more efforts— the long pull, the strong pull and the pull altogether, and politico-antimasonry wili be immortalized; but whether for weal or woe history will determine.

But when the ebullition of the cauldron shall have ceased - when the fecula shall have settled to the bottom, seceders will be viewed in their proper light. They will then be seen as they are. There will then be no clouds and darkness to obscure the mental horizon — prejudice and passion will no longer darken Ihe mental vision. There will then be seen men, devoid of all principle - men whose moral perceptions are so dull and obtuse, as to believe it virtuous and meritorious to break through all obligations, no matter how solemnly imposed or how voluntarily assumed. The leaders of antimasonry may love the treason but they must necessarily, in the very constitution of things, despise the traitor. He who is untrue to one party, can give no pledge that lie will be true to another. — His character for truth and veracity can give him no recommendation to his new friends, for he comes to them, with the guilt of moral treason fastened upon his character. They may make him their pander in iniquity, and use him as the degraded tool of the their unhallowed ambition; but be will always be looked upon with distrust, and, at any time, when it may best suit the convenience of the party, he will be sacrificed as unceremoniously, and turned adrift with as little compunction, as though he had not made shipwreck of his hopes of Heaven, for their purposes.

Antimasonry has preferred her complaint to the bar of public opinion, and demands a verdict in her favor. We say we are not guilty and demand the proof. Let us be fairly tried, and we do not fear the result. But we demand, and we have a right to demand, that something more shall be brought in proof, than the bare ipse dixit of those who direct the antimasonic whirlwind; or something more incontrovertible than their subsidized presses, whether edited by Samuel D. Greene, Moses Thacher or Pliny Merrick. As one of the Masonic family, I feel willing that the subject of Masonry should be as strictly scrutinized as any antimasonic madman could wish. I have no fears that public opinion, with a fair chance for a decision, would condemn us. Let us have fair play, and I am willing to abide the verdict — to stand or fall by the decision.

But the public are asked for a verdict, upon the vera cious evidence of such papers as the Boston Free Press, tho Antimasonic Christian Herald, and the Massachusetts Yeoman. Those are the affidavits, and the oral testimony comes from Pliny Merrick, Moses Thacher and Samuel D. Greene, together with the antimasonic crusaders from Michigan and New York, Judge Dexter and Henry D. Ward. We ask for more proof than these witnesses have yet brought to light. Let us have evidence from those who are not a party concerned in the verdict — and not from those, who, with half the inducement, have already published to the world the infamy of their own conduct, and demanded the thirty pieces of silver as the price of their moral degradation.

I am willing that the public gaze should be fixed upon Masonry as strongly and as intensely as vision will permit. I am willing that the subject of Masonry should be fairly, dispassionately and openly discussed. But I am not willing that the public should only be permitted to look at the subject through the clouds and darkness that antimasonry has endeavored to throw around it. I am not willing that the public should make up their verdict upon such questionable testimony as has yet been brought before them. I am not willing that their opinion should be fixed by such witnesses, as have yet been produced in the arena; by such witnesses as have averred, that the illustrious Clinton participated in the abduction of Morgan, and at last died the death of the suicide from the pangs of remorse; by such men as fabricated and published such falsehoods as Anderton's affidavit; by such men as prostituted themselves to support the character of such men as Anderton. I am not willing that evidence should bo thought sufficient when coming from such men as Moses Thacher or David Pease, although they may claim to belong to the only true church, and say they are the ministers of the Prince of Peace; or from such men as Pliny Merrick, although he confesses that, for years, he adhered to Masonry after he had become convinced that it was an unclean thing. Let the subject be calmly and fairly deliberated on, and I am willing to abide the issue. Let the writings of Masons be appealed to, and if there can be found one line that inculcates infidelity or atheism let them fall. But I ask oar accusers to put their fingers upon one single line, yea, upon one solitary word of such a character.

But some of the more moderate antimasons, say they have nothing to do with Masons, it is only Masonry that they would war with. This sophism is too plain to be tolerated. What! do they think that Masonry can exist without Masons! Would they have the world believe that they curse Masonry and love those who adhere to its principles! And if Masonry is only the object of their hate, why have they declared a war of extermination against Masons? You cannot denounce the principles or practice of a man, unless you question his discernment or impeach his honesty. Then let us hear no more of this. If Masonry is denounced, so are those who uphold and support it.

But to particularize some of the charges that have been 
brought per order against the Masonic Institution, we
 have:

Charge 1st. "The Masonic Fraternity have erected for themselves, a distinct and independent government, within the jurisdiction of the United States."

And how is this proved ? Why! by saying that Masonic law consists in the oaths or obligations to observe that law; that the penalty of Death is attached to the infringement thereof; that Masons must only deny what is I said against them per order; and that in Johnson's Dictionary, penalty means punishment! From this argument, it is said, we must have the irresistable conviction, that the Masonic Fraternity have erected an independent government within the jurisdiction of the United States.' '— This, to be sure, is a very easy and summary way of disposing of the question, but with all meekness and all due deference to a person, who only decides after much fasting and prayer; I ask the people, that people whom he would have us believe he has convinced, whether they are ready to take those lips for an oracle, which once told his congregation, the famous story about the Templar's Armory at Boston? which once said that the gospel ministry required all the time and all the talents of the most talented man, and yet spends no inconsiderable part of that time, and those talents, in propagating the most envenomed sentiments among the community? which once said that he had come to the conclusion, after long nnd mature deliberation, and with much fasting and prayer, that it was his duty to request a dissolution of his pastoral connexion with his church and congregation, and, in just one week thereafterwards, withdrew that request?

But will not the people require more proof than such men show them, before they come to their conclusions? Will they not, in the beginning, acknowledge, that the Masonic as well as any other society has the right of making such rules and regulations for the government of its members as it sees fit, provided such laws are not opposed to, and do not contravene the laws of the United States and the several States? Have we not a right to demand of this public prosecutor that he put his finger upon the instance, the one solitary instance, where Masonic bodies have acted in opposition to the laws of our common country? Have we not a right to demand of this second Solomon come to judgment, that he prove his assertion that Masonic bodies do not hold themselves amenable lo any tribunal in the country? Let him adduce in proof something beside mutilated extracts from Masonic books. Let him point out the law of the United States that Masonic legislation has abrogated? Let him tell what Lodge of Masons has ever committed the crime of premeditated murder? This dealing so much in wholesale generalities, may perhaps be in accordance with the spirit of antimasonry, but the time will come whan something more will be required; ay, the time will come when the people will demand proof before they acknowledge conviction.

Let the candid and considerate reflect but one moment, and this charge and the pretended proofs of its establishment will fall to the ground. Will they not say it is incumbent upon the accuser to show some stronger reasons before they can admit, that all the talents, and all the learning, and all the moral worth of our common country, are the perquisite of antimasonry; or that when it dies, wisdom and honesty will die with it? Will the people exceedingly fear and quake because of the wonderful exploits of antimasonry for four years past? Because William Morgan has been raised to the honors of politico-antimasonic apotheosis? Will they, the people, be awed into silence by loud denunciation, or made convert to antimasonry, because some of its headmen go up to the temple and very devoutly thank God that they are not as other men are?

Charge 2nd. "Masonic funds are unlimited and unrestricted."

Well, what then ? suppose they are; but then it is said, they may be created for purposes of charity, and they may be created and managed to the subversion of every civil government on earth. Wondrous sagacity! How thankful must the people be, that antimasonry has in its loving mercy and tender kindness seen fit to enlighten the world by proclaiming that money is the root of all evil. It is also said, wealth is power. Granted; and will the question be answered, how much of this power was expended in procuring the affidavit of one Samuel G. Anderton? How much in circulating said affidavit in the County of Norfolk, just before a senatorial election that was holden there? and how much in paying the expences of a certain Honorable delegate who lately paid a visit to his friends in Philadelphia?

But with regard to this charge, why is it thought best to be so cautious? Why is the unanswerable argument finished by saying that Masonic funds may be perverted? I will ask if it is proper, or displays any part of the Christian spirit, to throw out such insinuations as these and adduce no manner of proof in their support? Or, is it thought, because some men call their author Reverend, that his bare assertion will be taken for truth? Let us have the proof that the funds of Masonry hare ever been employed in treason or rebellion; or, that one single cent has ever been perverted, for the purpose of procuring a wretch to bear false witness against his neighbor.

Charge 3d. "Masonry practices gross fraud and extortion."

To substantiate this charge, it is said, is a very easy thing; therefore, they who do not believe it can prove it for themselves if they do not see fit to be convinced without. Why deal so much in guess-work and generalities? Why not be a little more specific, and tell us how, and in what manner, Masonry practices this fraud and extortion? We say there is no such thing — that not one cent of Masonic funds was ever gained by fraud, or forced by extortion. To this charge we present an unqualified denial, and shall content ourselves for the present with asking the author of it (Rev. Moses Thacher) the simple question, how much the Institution of Masonry has ever extorted from him?

Charge 4th. "Masonry is immoral."

As proof of this charge, we are told that the author of it feels convinced that it is true and therefore no one must be allowed to disbelieve it. Here is a syllogism with a vengeance. Whatever I believe is true; I believe Masonry immoral, therefore it is true that it is immoral! But after repeating this idea in some half a dozen different shapes; with something of the supposed feeling of a man who is afraid his own word will not be quite convincing enough he refers unprejudiced minds to one Elder Bernard for confirmation. And who is this Elder Bernard? Why! he is one of the chiefest Apostles and transcendant Luminaries of Antimasonry. But notwithstanding all this, he stands before the public by his own confession as a wretch, who has blasphemed the living God! What credit should be attached to the veracity of such a man? Would you trust him with your purse? What guaranty can he give you, that he will not embezzle its contents? Is he to be trusted with your confidence?

By his confession before hand, he tells you, he will publish it to the four winds of heaven. And yet the community are called upon to receive his sayings upon Masonry as though he still held communion with Angels. They are called upon to believe his charges and denunciations as earnestly as though their temporal and eternal salvation depended upon the result. But is it not strange? passing strange? that such a man should be one of the acknowledged heads of a party who arrogate to themselves all the moral worth of the country; — who, in the language of the self-righteous Pharisee, say to all those who will not descend with them into the polluted and polluting stream of antimasonry: Stand off: for I am holier than thou. But as if this charge of immorality was not abusive enough, Masonry is said to lead to blank Atheism. If this be true, by what metaphysical subtilty was it reserved to this age and generation to discover it? But it is untrue, and he who made the charge knew it to be so when the sentiment was written. He knew that no Atheist could be made a Mason. He knew that Masons, as well as the church over which he is still suffered to preside, are taught that they must look for salvation in Heaven through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. He knew that Masons are often reminded that purity of heart and conduct is essentially necessary for admission into the gates of the Celestial Paradise. He knew that Masonry teaches and often enforces the maxim upon its followers that the name of God is never to be mentioned but with that reverential awe which is due from a creature to his Creator. He knew that Masons are taught never to engage in any important undertaking without first invoking a blessing from Deity; — and yet, with the most unblushing impudence, he charges Masonry with being made up of Atheism. If this be true how comes it that we find Masons who have joined themselves to the visible church of God, and who are often heard in the exercise of prayer and adoration to that Being whom, our accuser says, they believe has no existence. How comes it that Masons are found who believe the Bible to be the word of God, and who notwithstanding the contemptible system of antimasonic espionage are found to be obedient to its precepts and walk in its ordinances blamelessly?

If Masonry is but a synonym for Atheism how comes it that Masons are found, whose lives and conversations show that they are governed with a reference to the existence of a God, and obedience to his commandments? But, thank God! This accusation is untrue. What a fearful responsibility must rest upon those, who are continually endeavoring to instill the slanderous imputation into the minds of the community? They virtually say to the son, despise thy father for he is an Atheist: — to the father cast off thy son, for he believes there is no God. — To the widowed mother, who has taught her infant children to raise their little hands in prayer to the God; of the widow and fatherless, they say, widow, mourn not for him, who was the partner of thy joys, and the companion of thy sorrows; — he was a Freemason — he scoffed at the very existence of that Being to whom thou prayest, and is now, without doubt, suffering the unutterable torments of the damned in hell! And can it be, that a being bearing the impress of Divinity, and made alive with his spirit, thus sits in judgment and deals out damnation to his brother men? For the credit of humanity, I wish it was not so.

But, alas! the confession must be made, it is solemn reality. Not all the wealth of the Indies, ten thousand times ten thousand told, vile as I am, and so little deserving the manifold mercies I am continually receiving from the hand of our Father in Heaven, would tempt me thus to usurp and sport with the attributes of Jehovah. — I would not assume the responsibility of that man for all that earth can give, though all her powers and all her dominions should yield up to the utmost farthing. What must be the reflections, if any he have, of such a man?— Perchance, in the silent watches of the night, the still, small voice may yet be heard. But how dreadful must be the intonations of its awful interrogatories? Would it not require at his hands the peace he had destroyed ? — The friendships he had broken ? The angry dissensions he had sown? The church he had hindered in her journey Zion-ward? And the souls that had perished for lack of living waters, and of the bread of life? Its dreadful questioning would sound in his ears, like the long, loud death-wail of a drowning world — It would ask him of his plighted faith, broken — of his solemn vows, unperformed — of his friends, betrayed — of their characters destroyed. — And, think you, could such questions be answered ? On one day, they must all, all be answered: — and may Heaven, in its mercies, grant long time of preparation for the important event.

Charge 5th. "Masonry subverts the administration of justice."

How is this charge proved? Why by asserting for fact that which our accusers are bound, and which they are now called upon to prove: or suffer themselves to stand before the public as convicted calumniators. From what are called Masonic obligations, antimasonic inferences are drawn and delivered as though the public were bound to swallow the responses of the oracle, nolens volens. Here again, the abduction of Morgan, like the creation of a hero in a play or the introduction of a demigod in an epic to work wonders and impossibilities is hrought upon the stage, and offered for our acceptance as proof positive to this weighty charge. Allowing that circumstance to be received, what does it prove? Why, the simple fact that Masonry has received into her bosom some men beside the author of this charge which it would have been much more to her credit and honor, had she rejected. It is but repeating the old truism that there are bad men in ail societies.

And with what earnestness and infatuation is this circumstance urged and insisted on? Ask an antimason what his proofs are and he tells you Masons carried off Morgan. Ask him whether his Masonic neighbor is a bad man? "O! I don't know," he says, "but the Masons carried off Morgan, and therefore I am bound to defame and injure the whole brotherhood - our head men say, there is no other way to get along with the matter." Admit for the sake of argument that Morgan was taken and carried off (abducted if you please) by Masons, — but that Masonry taught them it was right, and enforced it upon them as a duty, is untrue and libellous. Masonry can no more be said to inculcate such wickedness than Religion, because some men, even with the robes of priesthood upon them, have been detected in the commission of crime. — And what kind of justice is that which makes no distinction between the guilty and the innocent? By this rule, there are men, who died in all the odour of sanctity, and dragged from the silence of the grave and held up to one universal burst of execration.

History has made us familiar with the unspeakable enormities that have been perpetrated in the name of the Christian Religion, yet we have faith; as well in its threatnings of wrath as its promises of mercy. Crime, with the hands of sacrilege, hath opened the Volume of Inspiration and pointed with her crimsoned finger to the text — and fanaticism hath said, "here is my warrant": — yet we still take the Bible .as the guide of our faith and the rule of our life. Reasoning from the perversion of an Institution, we should condemn every Society on earth; for what one does not receive into its communion some unworthy member? What society on earth, whose principles have not been perverted by unworthy members, either into a cloak for hypocrisy or a warrant for crime?

Under this charge it is said that Lodges and Chapters in a neighboring state have prostituted their funds to paralyze the efforts of civil power; — but where are the proofs of this? We are not told; — but the public are asked to believe it upon the hypocritical cantings of an interested witness. Rest the proofs of it on other or better grounds, than did the Templar's Armory Story? The people will require more proof than that. But this is the way of antimasonry — it brings fsrward charges, and leaves the burden of proof on those who cannot believe them without.

Charge 6th. "Masonic Influence upon the Press."

This is a grievous complaint with the antimasons, and they deal out their denunciations in measure as they consider the subject important. With the utmost complacency they use these words, "Masonic bribery had almost effectually poisoned all our streams of public information." And if it had, pray tell us how much more light has been diffused from the Antimasonic Press? Pray tell us how much wiser the people are for the publication of such things as the Antimasonic Christian Herald or the Boston Free Press? How much of knowledge has been added to the wisdom of this age, by the arrant falsehoods and ribald pasquinades of the herd of antimasonic editors, from Solomon Southwick downwards? How many statues of brass shall be raised to the great antimasonic luminaries of the world, from Thurlow Weed down to the itinerant mountebank, Jacob Allen? When antimasonry dies will not wisdom die with it? Alas! what will become of us, when she shall have ceased from her labors of love, in enlightening this heathen world? Verily! shall we not all be dead men?

But we are told that some antimasonic stars glitter on the mantle of night, and so would a farthing candle — the darker the night the better. And but for these stars — what? why! our political horizon would be as dark as Egypt. Political horizon! what does that mean? Antimasonry meddle with politics? No! It cannot be — here is some sad mistake, for have they not cried aloud, day and night, without ceasing, that their sacred cause had nothing to do with politics! Antimasonry too sprung from the throne of God, and we are pretty sure that politics had their origin at some distance from that place. No! it cannot be! this must have been some blunder of the devil (printer's devil, we mean) for politics never entered the mind of an antimason! What! Antimasonic newspapers illuminate the political horizon? How bright that horizon must be then! And if this illumination is to be continued, pray let us know, how long it will be, before the darkness will not only be visible, bnt tangible also?

But, to be serious, this charge of bribing the press is a most atrocious calumny, not only upon the Masonic Fraternity but upon the whole editorial corps of the country. With but one Masonic Press in New England, the charge is brought forward that every newspaper was bribed into silence by Masonic influence. This charge is untrue and has no foundation in fact. They arrive at what they call the proof of it, by this rule: any paper that refuses to admit into its columns the astonishing productions of every antimasonic wiseacre who may make the demand, is put down as under Masonic influence. If an editor does not promptly acknowledge that antimasonry has engrossed all the talents, all the wisdom and all the moral worth of the country, he is set down in their black book as having been bribed by Masonry. A most logical conclusion truly! That every man must be bribed who does not think antimasonry the salt of the earth and that they who stir up its mire and dirt are the lineal descendants of the seven wise men of antiquity.

It is well, I think, that the author of this charge said nothing about lighting up the moral horizon: — and what could he? For what has antimasonry done in this respect? What of moral truth have these self-created conservators of the public morals elicited? What of moral light are we to expect or look for from such vehicles of truth and honesty as have published the sayings of Edward Giddings for the truth: a man whose infamy and want of veracity has long since become the subject of judicial record? How much of illumination could we hope for the moral horizon from such newspapers as have published Anderton's Murder Story since it was proved to be a falsehood? If the antimasonic press is as free as its supporters say it is, and if they have not too great a disrelish
 for the truth, will they be so good as to publish the Affidavits from Belfast, in Ireland, proving beyond a doubt 
that Anderton's Affidavit is false and himself a perjured
miscreant?

Charge 7th. — "The artful and insidious measures with which Masons have been thrust into offices of power and trust."

We are charged with holding seven-eighths of the offices of the country. How do antimasons know this? — Perhaps the people would like to see some proof of the fact before they believe it — at any rate it might be as well to have something ready in case proof should be called for. And allowing that Masons do hold the offices, what does it prove? Certainly not much for antimasonic capability. If Masons are found in office, the antimasons must go to the people and ask them the reason of it - they put them there, and no doubt have some good reason for it. But if we are no better off in New England than our brethren are in Pennsylvania, we do not hold on twentieth part of the offices in the gift of the people. What has become of the boasted promise of the antimasons of this I state, to ascertain the number of offices holden by Masons? On inquiry do they find that the facts in the case, do not exactly tally with their round assertions before hand?— We should like to bear the report of their committee on I the subject.

But we are not only charged with holding all the offices : worth having; we are also charged with getting into them in some clandestine manner. How is this? Getting into office clandestinely! What new definition of terms have they got hold of now ? Will they be so good as to tell us how an open town meeting can be called a clandestine one?

It is charged also that artful and insidious measures are resorted to by Masons to place their friends in office. — To prove this, nothing is offered but the surmises and insinuations of the accuser. We say it is a foul slander and claim to be innocent until proved guilty. Let it be proved if it can be, that Masons ever made use of such means as were resorted to, to procure the election of Moses Thacher to the Senate, and I shall be willing to plead guilty. - When Masons publish and circulate such papers as Anderton's Affidavit to procure the election of their candidates, then we are villing to be branded in set terms by the whole antimasonic herd. It has been said that only two or three days before the election of Thacher, some hundred copies of Anderton's affidavits were distributed in one single town in the county of Norfolk, and that too before it was published in Boston. If this is not using insidious nnd artful measures to control the freedom of elections, we humbly ask what is? This noted paper that has since been proved a whole-cloth falsehood and sworn to by a wretch who was intoxicated at the time it was taken down, was circulated far and wide upon the eve of an election, after it was too late to be disproved or contradicted. And now the very party whose kennel agents did this, come forward, and through the mouth of their servant and a minister of the Gospel too tell the public that Masonry interferes with the purity and freedom of the elective franchise.

But this charge hypocritically concedes to Masons that as men, they may enjoy their rights and prerogatives like other citizens, — and goes on and says the commonwealth is in danger unless Masons are thrust out of its government and their places filled by their own honorable selves. But why do they not come out plainly and openly — and say to the people, give us the reins of your government, for there is none like us in tho whole world for holding them. This would have one recommendation — it would be plain and honest, and there could bo no mistake as to the meaning of the words. And if they do not soon come out with the acknowledgment, it will come too late for their credit; as a few more National Conventions will open the eyes of those who are still blinded and deluded by their chicanery and cunning. Look at the elements of the National Convention, lately defunct at Philadelphia. Was it not made up of broken down politicians and inflammatory demagogues? Men who cry aloud and spare not, and who will continue to cry aloud and spare not, until their mouthing patriotism becomes hopeless or their disinterested benevolence is satiated with the fat salaries of office.

Charge 8th.— "The Imprecations of Freemasonry."

The wickedness of these are established by a quotation from elder Bernard; upon which, by the gracious permission of our accuser, every citizen is granted the liberty of making his own comments. To this we say, amen, having no doubt but that the public will grant elder Bernard all the credit, to which his weight of testimony in the case, justly entitles him.

Charge 9th and last. — "Masonry inculcates a malignant and persecuting spirit."

This charge, it is averred, is brought forward with great reluctance. Great reluctance! what does this mean? Is there some misgivings of conscience, or is it sheer, hypocritical cant? What! After Masonry and Masons are denounced, the one as inculcating and the other as executing the most horrid precepts, need there be any great reluctance in calling them by any other name.' What! does it stick in the throat, to say that Masons are persecutors, after (and without any reluctance too) they are denounced as Atheists? After the whole vocabulary of Billingsgate and blackguard had been exhausted, we should think it would be altogether gratuitous and uncalled for to express any sort of unwillingness to charge Masons with any other crime, either to suit the fancy — add another item to the sum of disapprobation, or eke out the slanderous pages of an Address.

But, without being supposed to possess any very great degree of malignity, one might draw the inference that this charge was introduced for the purpose of exciting public sympathy in favor of its author; as it is said, by this we account for the scandal and reproach that has been heaped upon Seceding Masons. Now, why was not short work made of this? Why was it not said plainly: — Masons persecute us, because they will not trust as with their confidence — because they will not acknowledge our claim upon their gratitude for our labors of love in denouncing them as heretics and traitors? We are persecuted! Because some men esteem them little else thin apocryphal, our long and unceasing protestations, that we are the salt of the earth, and that there is none good beside us. We are persecuted! Because we cannot persuade people that we shall be heard for our much speaking, or esteemed for our long prayers. We are persecuted! Because the charge is laid at our door, and we cannot remove it, that we do not care so much about the wickedness of Freemasonry as we do about the salaries of office. We are persecuted! And let us once make the people believe it, and we shall soon get what we want,— the political control of the country.

But when did Masonry or Masons ever evince the persecuting spirit that has marked the ferocity of antimasonry? When did Masons ever make the attempt to drive antimasons from the jury-box or the communion-table? Have not antimasons done this? Has it not been proved true, time and again? It has, and it cannot be denied. The spirit of persecution is the same in all ages and upon all subjects. This spirit of persecution and intolerance now exercised with such unrelenting severity, and urged with so much zeal against the Institution of Masonry, is the same spirit that has filled the earth with lamentation and mourning in every retrogade age and generation. It is the same spirit that cried out in vengeance against the Saviour of the world, crucify him, crncify him. It is the same spirit that drove the primitive Christians to death in its most horrid forms.— The same spirit that has murdered her thousands in the dungeon or the Inquisition for doubling the omnipotence of the Pope. The same that brought about tho unspeakable horrors of a Saint Bartholomew Massacre. The same that kindled the fires of Smithfield and hunted the Scotch Covenanters from the face of the earth, like the wild beasts of the forests. And I ask, in candor and sober earnestness, where would be the security of liberty or life now if this modern spirit had the power of the ancient? Who would give us guaranty had the spirit her band of Jewish Centurions, that we should not in our day hear the cry, crucify him, crucify him? Who would assure us, had she her hosts of familiars, that we should not now hear of her auto de fé and behold her victims led out in savage triumph to all the horrors of the stake? Had she the swords of the bloody Charles IX who would dare to promise us immunity from their fury, when wielded by such merciless hands?

And what shall be our course, considering the present novel situation in which we are placed? What shall be the course of our conduct, persecuted as we are for opinion's sake by a party who acknowledge no moral restraint themselves and make the demand that no one else shall? The answer is short. In the language of a man and a Mason too, against whom antimasonic persecution dare not lift her voice I say, Live down the calumny and reproach that is heaped upon us. Show to the world, by our lives and conversations, that the principles of Freemasonry are good. Let us live as becomes those who are practical believers in the precepts and commands of the great Architect of the Universe as made known to us by the written revelations of his will. Let our whole lives be ordered with a reference to a day of resurrection, the final judgment and a punishment for crime in another world.

Let us so live and we shall survive the day and generation of antimasonry. Live as Freemasonry teaches us and our efforts will always be found on the side of virtue and religion. Walk in accordance with the precepts we have so often heard inculcated and we shall have nothing to fear. Although we are not operative Masons as were our ancient brethren let us never forget that we should be practical Freemasons. Let Masonic principles operate upon us and we shall live in the constant practice of morality and virtue.

In view of these considerations I would recommend, a firm, temperate and constant support of our principles upon all proper occasions. That on all proper occasions, by word and deed, we should use our endeavors to disabuse the public ear of the malicious falsehoods, that are so industriously circulated against us. I would recommend a punctual and frequent attendance upon our stated meetings; remembering however the Masonic injunction that they are not to be attended to the neglect of our necessary and useful avocations. I would recommend that we should be watchful of our rights and immunities as freeman, and resist in all lawful ways the least infringement of them.

Finally, Brethren, living so far as we ought with reference to this world, let us never forget that we should also live with reference to another. Let us so live that it may be soon, we have it remembrance, that time is rapidly passing away and that we are as rapidly passing away with it: that in a few days we must bid farewell to earth and all its vanities and enter upon the untried scenes of a life to come where weal or woe will attach to us as wel have lived virtuous or vicious here.

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GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

• Albert H. Andrew, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1972, 1973; N
• H. A. Billings, DDGM, District 23 (Milford), 1920, 1921; N
• Robert M. Booth, DDGM, District 15 South, 2009, 2010
• Chester L. Chamberlain, DDGM, District 4, 1862-1864; SN
• Leslie C. Childs, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1956, 1957; N
• Clifford A. Cook, DDGM, District 20 (Milford), 1895, 1896; SN
• Herbert S. Eldredge, DDGM, District 20 (Milford), 1901, 1902, 1903; Memorial
• William S. Elliott, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1980, 1981; N
• William Ferguson, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1940, 1941; Memorial
• Truman G. Hix, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 2002; District 15, 2003, 2004
• Frank Roy Hixon, DDGM, District 22 (Milford), 1930; N
• Stewart R. Holbrook, DDGM, District 20 (Blackstone), 1987, 1988
• Edward M. Iacovelli, DDGM, District 15 South, 2013
• Herbert W. Lull, DDGM, District 20 (Milford), 1889, 1890; SN
• Thomas S. Mann, DDGM, District 4, 1828, 1829, 1830; SN
• Abner Morse, DDGM, District 4 (Southeast), 1813, 1814, 1815, SN
• Henry C. Skinner, DDGM, District 4, 1865-1866; District 12 (Milford), 1867, 1868; SN
• George E. Stacy, DDGM, District 12 (Milford), 1869-1874; SN
• Robert P. Winterhalter, DDGM, District 23 (Natick), 1986, 1987; N

DISTRICTS

1803: District 4 (Southeast)

1821: District 4

1847: District 4

1849: District 4

1867: District 12 (Milford)

1883: District 20 (Milford)

1911: District 23 (Milford)

1927: District 22 (Milford)

1931: District 23 (Natick)

2003: District 15

2009: District 15 South

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LINKS

Lodge web site

Massachusetts Lodges