morals of others to an assimulation, but it also places religion in a very engaging light, and naturally begets an esteem, love, and choice of it in every observer.

With the utmost propriety, then, did our Lord recommend to his disciples an exemplary conduct, both as befitting the high and honorable office he had assigned them, and as eminently conducive to its success in the world.

What was their duty, as teachers, is becoming us, my hearers, as disciples; especially as we live at a period in which infidelity in opinion and profligacy in manners are very prevalent. It is, therefore, highly expedient, that we give to our religion all the authority of our acknowledgment, and all the recommendation of our example: That, by our conversation and conduct, we may exhibit lucid proof that we are honest in the sacred cause;" and that it may be apparent in our “good works," that Christianity produces the happiest effects, contributive to the improvement and felicity of man, and to the honor and glory of God.

Be ye, therefore, shining professors and bright examples of religion in a dark and misguided age! Thus adorn the doctrine of God your Saviour, making your lives a faithful commentary upon it, and a high recommendation of it! Thus win it admirers, and gain it proselytes!

Let it be remembered, that our good works may be conspicuous without being ostentatious. The genuine and unaffected appearances resulting from righteousness and piety, may be exhibited without the danger of being even suspected of hypocrisy. We need not speak great things, but live them. We should, however, manfully avow what we sincerely believe; and, by an open and visible attachment to duty, express our regard to the honor of God, and give resplendency to the Christian

name.

It is true, that many of the good effects of our religion are the private exercises and satisfactions of the heart, and known only to the Deity and our own souls: But yet there are many things which are made visible in the life; these our acquaintance will notice, and from them judge of our real character. These, therefore, should be such as will exemplify the excellent principles by which we are governed, such as men may behold with the

greatest pleasure, and follow with the greatest advantage; such as may render us friendly luminaries, serving at once both to enlighten the paths and kindle the emulation of all around us. And it may reasonably be expected, that such an experimental representation of goodness as this, will induce a great many to become proselytes to religion.

The natural tendency of a good example to induce those who observe it to an imitation; and the great probability there is that it will have this effect, upon some at least, if not upon all who see it, is a very powerfull inducement to the faithful discharge of the duty we are recommending. Because, if it have this effect, we shall do the greatest kindness to our neighbor, obtain the most ample satisfaction and reward for ourselves, and bring glory to God in the diffusion of his truth: Any of which considerations alone is, and therefore, much rather are they altogether, sufficient to stimulate all our endeavors, and to demand our best conduct. Let us not decline, then, giving sufficient outward proofs of being ourselves moved and actuated by a true spirit of godliness; and let us strive, by all practicable and prudent methods, to propagate the same in others. Let us impart freely our knowledge; and, like the glorious luminaries of heaven, reflect the light we receive; and not be like those opaque substances which absorb or intercept every ray of brightness, and even cast a shade on each surrounding body. Let us "shine as lights in the world;" guiding others by the resplendence of our wisdom, and winning them to virtue by the lustre of our example!

These observations and counsels, are equally applicable to us all, my respected hearers, both as Christians and as Masons: And I feel a peculiar pleasure in affirming the intimate connection between the two characters. We are alike "built upon the foundations of the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth into an holy temple in the Lord." Indulge me, however, while I apply the subject, as I proposed, in the second place, by recommending to my brethren of the Masonic Family, in addition to the general duty of exemplariness as Christians, the exhibi

tion of such a conduct as shall reflect lustre and honor upon their own institution; displaying its venerable character and illustrating its benevolent designs.

Since many of our forms and operations are necessarily secreted from common inspection, the generality of mankind will make up their opinion of the society from the deportment of its members. This ought to serve as a very powerful call to every one of us, uniformly and openly, to display those qualities and virtues so strongly inculcated and warmly recommended in the lodge. To little purpose shall we commend the institution and boast the excellence of its principles and purposes, if our lives give not corroborative evidence to our assertions, and prove not the propriety of our encomiums. If we appear neither wiser nor better than the uninitiated, the world will begin to suspect the efficacy of our tenets; and if no good effects are apparent, they will doubt whether any are produced. How necessary is it, therefore, my brethren, that ye "be blameless and harmless, the sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world!"

The conduct of those on whom so many eyes are fixed, must insensibly have a very considerable influence. As it is justly required that they should live up to the high character they assume, so their defects and ill conduct will disappoint the expectations they have excited, and eventually bring discredit upon their Order. "If the light that is in them be darkness, how great is that darkness!"5

At the same time there is no propriety in taxing us with every unreasonable prejudice, or making us accountable for every unfounded suspicion. If people will condemn our principles without examination, and decide upon our deeds without candor or justice; we have no resource but in the inward consciousness of integrity and good intentions, and the outward display of such conduct as shall prove their censures unjust. And we will hope "by well doing to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men." Yes, my brethren, be it your care to confute all such illiberal censures as modern alarmists

• Philip. ii., 15.

3 Matth. vi., 23

have belched out against Freemasonry, by shewing the good influence of the institution upon your tempers and lives. In spite of all their sneers, and all their invectives, it will still infallibly secure public approbation and private esteem, if your conduct elucidate its principles, and is modelled by its precepts.

As light is not held forth merely to manifest itself, but to show some other useful thing which, without it, might have remained in obscurity; so your conspicuous worth will not only shew the brightness of your own characters, but lend a lustre to your society whereby it may be better understood and its nature more advantageously displayed.

Whilst unitedly disposed to defend your Order, be unitedly determined to preserve it worthy of defence. Carefully guard against all innovations. "Remove not

the old landmarks which your fathers have set." They are rendered venerable by antiquity, and sacred by religion. Preserve unaltered the dignity of its ancient constitutions, and unadulterated the primitive simplicity and pure morality of its laws; and Masonry will flourish it its pristine honors.

May the lodge this day consecrated, be beautiful as the Sun in its brightness, cheering and enlivening as its kindliest influences, clear and glorious as its noon-tide beams! May the officers fill their spheres with light, and the members be radiant orbs around their centre! May the brethren be gladdened by their enlightened course. and reflect and diffuse on all around, their splendor!

Long, bright, and prosperous, be the fair and hopeful day which now shines upon you! May no mists of prejudice obscure, no envious disk eclipse its glory.

Finally, Let us all, my hearers, be actively and eminently good. May our example and conduct in life prove a high recommendation and à fair illustration of our principles, and reflect the brightest honor upon our profession and character. May our "light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father who is in heaven;" and may we (having been wise, and happily instrumental in turning many to righteousness) hereafter "shine as the brightness of the firmament and as the stars forever and ever!"

DISCOURSE VIII.

"Let not then your good be evil spoken of."-Rom. xiv., 16.

THE Apostle had been suggesting some advice to the brethren with regard to their behavior in matters of indifference. He asserted the full extent of Christian liberty; but at the same time cautioned them not to abuse this liberty so as to give offence or occasion of stumbling to any man. In the words selected as our text, he enjoins it upon them so to order their conduct that their profession might never be reproached as countenancing improper freedoms. He advises them, therefore, to abstain altogether from things, which, if not unlawful, were nevertheless inexpedient; and that what was too good to be given up, in condescension to popular opinion or prejudice, they must vindicate from misrepresentation and guard from abuse.

You perceive, my-hearers, that the precept respects all ages of the world; and will, unquestionably, be wise counsel, so long as misapprehensions and mistakes, want of candor and want of caution, remain amongst men.

To wish to be well spoken of for what we do well, is natural and reasonable. Merit should obtain this reward. Exertion needs this encouragement. Nevertheless, "if doing well, we yet suffer reproach, to endure it patiently is acceptable before God." At the same time it is possible that something in the manner or circumstances of our conduct may take off from its beauty or lessen its credit. Against this it becomes us to guard.

I will mention a few instances.

1. We expose our good to being evil spoken of, if we are too fond of displaying it; and it may suffer from too

Delivered at the consecration of Hiram Lodge, in Lexington October 17, 1798.

1 Pet. ii., 20.