Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

The Gazette.
PHILADELPHIA, FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 7.

ADDRESS, TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

SIR,

A fundamental principle among Masons, in their private assemblies, is, not to introduce the subject of politics; lest, from a difference of sentiment, the harmony of the Lodge might be disturbed. But, a maxim of equal importance is constantly inculcated by the brethren of the craft—to be willing and obedient subjects to the government under which they live.

Impressed with these sentiments, at a time when jealousy is industriously propagated against our fraternity; the members of the Grand Lodge of Vermont, assembled in ample form, composed of its officers, and a representation from thirteen secular lodges, under its jurisdiction, with that promptitude which becomes true American citizens, beg leave to express to you their most entire and unequivocal approbation of your official conduct since called to fill the chair of state.

We rejoice, that, although your situation has been delicate, and your public conduct viewed with the jaundiced eye of distrust and envy; yet that your wisdom, firmness and decision, have strengthened the affection of your friends, and defeated the seditious machinations of your enemies.

It is unnecessary, and may even be deemed unbecoming men professing universal philanthropy, to enter into a detail of the unjust aggressions of a foreign nation, upon our country, uniformly disposed to peace, but ever alive to unprovoked injuries.

Permit us, Sir, to say—that we glory in our country—that we glory in being Americans—that we feel an inviolable attachment to that country which gave us birth—that we feel an attachment to our constituted authorities and, especially, that we feel an attachment, an inviolable attachment, to our Chief Magistrate.

Let not the tongue of slander say, that Masons are capable of faction! Although some among us, as in all societies, may sell their birth-right for a mess of pottage; or betray their country for paltry pelf, yet, be assured, Sir, that as a body, we are determined to support our country's rights. We are determined to support our government. And, are determined, upon a thorough conviction of the purity of the motives which have invariably dictated its administration, to risk our lives in its support and defence.

Can we say more? Give us leave, Sir, to close this short address, with the warmest assurances of our personal respect; and to join, in one general supplication to the great architect, the grand Master above to give you wisdom, to direct—strength to endure and virtue to support you, in the various dignified spheres of life, through which, by your country, you may be called to move; and, at last, introduce you to that temple above, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

City of Vergennes, Oct. 23, 1798. A. L. 5798.

Signed on behalf, and at the request of the officers and brethren of the Grand Lodge.

JOHN CHIPMAN, Grand Master.
SAMUEL HITCHCOCK, D. Grand Master.
STEPHEN JACOB, G. S. Warden.
WILLIAM COOLEY, G. J. Warden.

Attest, Roswell Hopkins, G. Secretary.