magnificence of the setting sun, to view the tempered radiance of the starry sky. . WITHOUT dwelling upon particulars, it will be sufficient here to enumerate some of those qualities ascribable to the dove proper for our imitation. At the head of these are HARMLESSNESS, MILDNESS, and INNOCENCE. The bird has always been the emblem of these. Indeed it is so remarkable for being placid and gentle that the antients supposed it had no gall.* Doves are, also, FAMILIAR, FRIENDLY, and PEACEABLE. They take injuries rather than offer them. They are likewise signalized for being PURE and CHASTE, very LOVING and very CONSTANT in affection. They seem to have a SOCIAL DISPOSITION, and go in flocks. And they are said to be PITIFUL and COMPASSIONATE.† Such lovely qualities have always insured them the protection and endeared them to the partiality of man. Lodges are erected for them near our houses; and refreshment furnished them from our own supplies. And with such pleasing monitors, my friends, before our *PLIN. nat. hist. 1. 10. c. 34. OVID metamorp. 1.7. v. 369. CLEMENS ALEX. pædag. 1. 1. c. 5. TERTUL. de baptismo, c. 8. ISIODOR. orig. 1. 12. CÆSARIUS, dial. 4. ap. 191. HORAPOLLINIS. hierogl. 1. 2. c. 48. †These qualities are alluded to in Isaiah xxxviii. 14. lix. 11. Nah. ii. 7. eyes, shall we not be prompted and allured to every thing amiable, endearing, and kind? Shall we not soar above each low and sordid scene of vice and wanton folly, and stretch our eager pinions towards the sky? And, tired with earth and vanity, take to ourselves wings as a dove, and fly away and be at rest! THUS, my hearers, have I endeavoured to convey to you some of the ideas which presented themselves in contemplating our text. hope the lessons of WISDOM and INNOCENCE, will be allowed a general application, although the enumerated qualities of the one and the other are purely Masonic. Not that they are the prevailing features in every Mason's character; for there are bad men among us, as well as amongst christians, and other associations for virtue. These are spots in our, and in their, feasts of charity. But the moralities pointed out are the acknowledged, appropriate, articles of every Mason's creed. In our lodges they are illustrated by the most expressive symbols, recommended by the most engaging examples, and enforced by the most pathetic lectures; while the signet of heavenly TRUTH stamps them, on every yielding receptive heart, in characters indelible. This solemn declaration I make in the fear of GOD, as well as love of the brethren. "Let us, therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded; and, if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, GoD shall reveal even this unto you."* In conclusion, allow me to observe to you that though you should understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and have not CHARITY, it will profit you nothing. In vain is it, my brethren, that you have been illuminated by a sun more glorious than that which rules the day, if its kindly beams have not warmed and melted your heart to softenings of love and generosity. "To do good, then, and to communicate forget not, for with such sacrifices GoD is well pleased."An opportunity is now offered for that liberal bestowment of alms so grateful to the indigent receiver, so honourable to the generous bestower, and so acceptable to the Lord of mercy who acknowledges the smallest instance of relief done for one of the least of these his brethren as bestowed on himself. In pleading for the poor of this town I can use all the emphasis which confraternity in alliance and affection excites. Here are my dearest kindred and friends. Here first I drew the vital air; and with it inhaled a sentiment of partiality for my native place * Philippians iii. 15. which has blended itself with all the affections of my heart, and breathed in all my prayers to heaven. Having, with my beloved parents, shared deeply in the distresses and desolations which war occasioned here, most sensibly can I feel for those who yet sink under the accumulated pressure of disappointed expectations and penurious circumstances. And devoutly do I hope that those who share a kindlier fate will now be excited tenderly to commiserate and bountifully to relieve their unfortunate brethren. PERMIT me, my fellow townsmen, on this day consecrated to the memory of worth departed, to tender you the condolences of my sympathy upon the recent death of two most valued members of our community. A RUSSELL and a GORHAM are lost indeed to earth, though gained to heaven. To the circle of private relations and extensive friendship they were deservedly and invaluably dear: their removal from these is felt with all the poignancy of remediless grief. To the interests of their country, of humanity, and of virtue, they were patrons whose loss is irreparable. But they have left us the bright legacy of their example. Let us all strive to emulate their never to be forgotten excellences; and our names shall be recorded with theirs in the registry of immortal glory. |