DISCOURSE XII. On resigning the Office of Chaplain to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, December 27, 1799. As the time has now arrived, my brethren, when I am to retire from the office with which I have for several years been honoured, and shall not again address you in public; I am desirous of leaving with you, now, my last counsels and my best wishes. As Chaplain to the GRAND LODGE, I have been repeatedly called upon, both to lead the devotional exercises, and to perform the preceptive duties on public consecrations and festivals. During the course of this service I have endeavoured, to the best of my abilities, to illustrate the genius and to vindicate the principles of our institution; and while inculcating upon the members a regard to its duties, to impress the community at large with a favourable opinion of its design and tendency. And. you have not only listened to my instructions with attention, but have expressed, in the most flattering terms, your acknowledgment of my fidelity and your approbation of my zeal. To have acquitted myself, in any degree, to your satisfaction, in my addresses to you, and in my public vindication of the Fraternity, is a circumstance upon which I shall reflect with grateful sensibility so long as I live. DESIROUS of improving the interest I have obtained in your regards for the purpose of animating you to a spirit and conduct beco-. ming the ancient and honourable institution to which you belong, I beg your attention to a few parting counsels upon several topics of great importance to your credit and your happiness as MASONS.. WITH this view I have, according to clerical custom, selected a text for my discourse from the sacred scriptures. As pertinent to my situation and my design, I shall make use of that passage inserted in the 2 COR. XIII. 11. FINALLY, BRETHREN, FAREWELL. BE PERFECT. BE OF GOOD COMFORT. BE OF ONE MIND. LIVE IN PEACE; AND THE GOD OF LOVE AND PEACE SHALL BE WITH YOU. |