Possessing dispositions congenial with the genuine spirit of Freemasonry, he early became a member of the Society. Habitually desirous of enlarging the sphere of social happiness and of promoting the cause of philanthropy, he discovered in our Order means eminently conducive to these important purposes. It gave a nobler expansion to his charity, a wider range to his benevolence. Accordingly, he engaged in the plans and assisted the labors of the Lodge, with a high satisfaction which those only can feel whose hearts are warmed with the same disinterested love, and enlarged with the same good will. When harassed by the fatigues of war or the concerns of public life, he was fond of seeking the refreshment and enjoying the serenity always to be found within the peaceful walls of the Lodge. There every perplexing anxiety subsided, add every tumultuous thought was calmed. There he obtained relief from his cares, or strength to rise above them. There his spirit was enlivened and his joys restored; every cloud dispersed, and a bright sunshine illuminated his prospects. He passed the various grades and filled the several offices of the Lodge; and was tried, proved, and accepted in them all. And whether we contemplate him as exalted to the chair of Solomon, to instruct and govern; or returning to the level of his brethren, to partake their toils and share their duties; we have equal occasion to admire the dignity and humility of his character, the noble elevation and amiable condescension of his manners. So, when raised to the highest military and civil honors his grateful country could bestow, even when filling the rank of President of the United States, he deemed it no derogation of his distinguished eminence and station to be considered as a Mason.3 1 See this most beautifully alluded to, and most happily expressed, in his answer to the address of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, on their presenting him a copy of the Book of Constitutions. 2 In the course of the revolutionary war, this exalted hero frequently visited a Lodge where a Serjeant presided as Master. This is proved by his answers to the various complimentary addresses of most of the Grand Lodges in America. His reply to one from King David's Lodge in Newport (R. I.), contains this declaration: "Being persuaded that a just application of the principles on which the Masonic Fraternity is founded, must be promotive of In short, his love for the Order, his zeal in promoting its interests, and his testimonials in its favor, have not only revived its pristine credit, but given it new consequence and reputation in the world. The honor thus conferred upon us has been peculiarly serviceable at the present day, when the most unfounded prejudices have been harbored against Freemasonry, and the most calumnious impeachment brought forward to destroy it. But our opposers blushed for their censures when we reminded them that WASHINGTON loved and patronized the Institution. When the Order was persecuted by religious fanaticism and political jealousy, his unsullied virtue was its apology, and his irreproachable life its pledge. He advocated its principles, because he had found them to be pure; and commended its designs, because he knew them to be generous. What an irreparable loss, to be deprived of such a patron at such a time! Ages, perhaps, will pass away, before our Fraternity may boast at its head a character so great. Yet let not our enemies suppose they may triumph now that he lives not to confute their aspersions. The superior lustre of his name will out-shine the flashes of their resentment, and reflect a glory upon Masonry which can never fade. Happy in its original value and grateful for its augmented fame, let us resolve never to forfeit nor lessen the present high respectability of the Craft. Let our lives be adorned with those social and moral virtues which become us as the sons of light, and the brothers of WASHINGTON. We shall honor him by honoring the Institution of his early attachment, and latest veneration. His virtues illustrated its principles, and his benevolence explained its tendencies. O might our virtuous actions and benevolent purposes, formed by the same discipline and excited by the same motives, emulate his! And, though they fall, at last, far, far behind in merit and effect; it will be to their praise that they were modelled after those that were sublime and perfect. private virtue and public prosperity, I shall always be happy to ad vance the interests of the Society, and to be considered by them as a doserving brother." Illustrious WASHINGTON! We lament thee as mortal by nature, but we celebrate thee as immortal by virtue! We mourn thy departure from earth, but rejoice at thy arrival in heaven! Having been faithful in all thy course, thou art now raised to the sublime degree of light ineffable. Taught by thy example worthily to pass the probationary grades of time, we will hope to follow thee to the Grand Lodge of kindred spirits. Farewell, till the grand summons: then, brother, we will rise and meet thee! THE EXTEMPORANEOUS DIRGE WHICH WAS SUNG ON THE OCCASION. WHILE all our nation, whelm'd in grief, In mystic rites our Lodge displays And spreads fresh garlands round the tomb, Look to the East; its splendors fail! THE GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS. [Set to music by the R. W. Brother HOLDEN, and sung on the 11th of Feb., 5800, the day set apart by the Grand Lodge to pay their funeral honors to their Brother GEORGE WASHINGTON.] WHILE every Orator and Bard displays Come, then, the mystic rites no more delay; As Love. Fraternal, leads our footsteps there, Faith views the soul, releas'd from mortal care, A HYMN. Sung at the Consecration of UNION LODGE, in Dorchester, June 24, 1797. I. GREAT source of light and love, II. Shine on this festive day, III. May this fraternal band, IV. May all the sons of peace Their every grace improve; 'Till discord through the nations cease, And all the world be love! |