CHAPTER XV. Masonry as a Charitable Institution. THE state of human existence is such, that mankind are in some respects dependent on each other in nearly, if not all the relations in civilized life. As they have mutual wants, and stand in need of mutual assistance, no one can be placed in absolute independence of circumstan ces. Each individual, in the midst of all his affluence is still dependent. Hence arise those mutual obligations, by which, not only the members of a neighborhood or society, but the citizens of a nation and the inhabitants of the world are bound, mutually to subserve each other's interest, and promote each other's happiness. This obligation corresponds with the very nature and fitness of things, and is necessarily binding on all mankind. But, notwithstanding its nature, multitudes of the human family seldom feel its force, or comply with its requisitions. Hence, the unfortunate sufferer often wanders through the world unpitied and forlorn. There are unfortunate sufferers, and such there will be till the end of time. Notwithstanding all human foresight, prudence and provident care, individuals are exposed, in numerous ways, to be suddenly precipitated from a state of affluence to penury and want. Hence, the virtuous citizen may be thrown into circumstances, in which he shall have a just claim for charitable assistance. It is the glory of a nation or society, to have its citizens or members kindly disposed, mutually to rejoice or sympathize together. A charitable disposition in the view of the world, marks a character of true benevolence and worth, and draws kind benedictions on the memory. Charity is a shining virtue, adorns our nature, comports with the feelings of humanity, and is deeply characteristic of true benevolence of heart. Hence Masonry as a charitable Institution, aside from all other considerations, is justly entitled to the approbation of mankind. Individuals, in their private capacity, are never expected promptly to meet all the exigencies of innocent sufferers. Hence, the union of individuals will afford the more sure means of effecting this important object. Such, in a special manner, is our Institution. Here is a charitable society; here are funds expressly reserved for charitable purposes. Although indigent members, their widows and orphans are first to be considered, and first to be relieved, yet Masonic charity is not wholly confined to the cirele of brotherhood. Wherever suffering humanity is found, there is an object, which touches the Masonic heart with sympathy, excites his compassion, and is promptly relieved. Such has been the uniform practice of our society, time out of mind, and such, it is known to the world, is the liberality of individual members. The experience of ages can testify to this excellent practice in a manner never to be forgotten. No stinted pittance of cold hearted charity degrades the brother, who acts in character as a Mason ought. Ask those wretched mendicants of the eastern hemisphere, whose hand has contributed to their necessities? Ask the inhabitants of those cities, desolated by unpitying elements, whose bounty has afforded them timely aid? Ask the war-worn soldier, who from the fate of arms, has been dragged from the country he loved and the family he adored, whose interference has released him from captivity, whose charity, nou? ished his famishing life, and restored him to the dear objects of his affection? Much, very much has been done by this Institution to relieve the unfortunate, to supply the destitute and lessen the aggregate of human misery. In England special provision has in every age been made, since the first introduction of Masonry, or as early as any records have been preserved. On some of the first records of Masonry in that island, we find donations to individual objects of distress, from five to twenty pounds sterling. As early as the fifteenth century the whole attention of the brotherhood was engaged to improve the system of charity, so as to meet the exigences of every unfortunate member. In Germany were similar exertions and donations. In Switzerland, Italy, France and most European countries, very liberal assistance has been afforded to the indigent, not merely of the fraternity, but to many others without distinction of nation, colour, sect or country. In America we need only look into Masonic records to satisfy ourselves of the charities of the Institution. In no country has this society been more liberal, or more cheerfully and promptly administered to the relief of the unfortunate, than in our own. It is confidently believed not a Lodge or chapter is here to be found, whose organized state has been sufficiently long to acquire the means, but has wiped from the cheek of sorrow, at least one tear, or thrown a friendly mantle over one naked wanderer, or fed one famishing sufferer. But how many institutions, whose age is great, and whose means are ample, have contributed largely and repeatedly for the relief of suffering innocence! Such charitable acts however, are not openly proclaimed to the world. The person in distress, applies to his brethren; if his case is such as justly to demand attention, his wants are supplied, and the only remaining testimony, is the records of the lodge, and the grateful beart of the sufferer. Let every person who wishes further evidence of this fact, examine the records of the lodges and chapters in the cities of New-York, Albany, Hudson, and every other city or village in the state where a Masonic Institution is established. In the city of New-York, calls are numerous and thousands of dollars are annually appropriated to educate the or |