The Virginia Gazette

Williamsburg, April 15, 1751.

SIR,

You are desired by some of your Subscribers to insert the following in your Papers.

Fabricando, Fabri Sumus.

THE ancient and loyal Society of free and accepted Masons, made a Figure in this City some Time ago, like a Meteor, whose exquisite Brightnes portended a happy Influence; but, lavish of its Fires, was soon extinguished: So the Society was too soon dispersed, and no more Lodges held, of Gentlemen of the strictest Honour and Probity, who were initiated therein; whose Act of Benevolence, performed to a Person, (tho' not their Brother) shew'd their inimitable Goodness and Compassion to those in Distress. It is to be hoped, That Men of these Principles will not obliterate from their Minds the Practice of associating, in the most ancient Confraternity in the Universe, which has been traditionally handed down to Posterity these several thousand Years; and its Dignity is now supported by the greatest Monarchs on Earth, and was always observed as the most inviolable Secret ever introduced among Men.

I hope the following Ode will not be disagreeable to your Readers.

An ODE.

I.

EXALTED Muse, in mystic Lays,
Of ancient Masons, sing the Praise:
Where social Love, and Concord, join'd
To all the Virtues of the Mind,
Unite in mutual Secrecy,
To shew the Sweets of Masonry

II.

When fruitful Nature did produce
All Creatures, fit for human Use;
Then Man, the noblest Fabrick rais'd:
The Work th'Almighty Builder pleas'd
Five Orders in his Form agree,
To shew the Power of Masonry

III.

When Thoughts profound, of Wisdom's Light
Did our great Ancestors excite,
The glorious Temple first to frame,
To celebrate JEHOVAH's Name:
Then Heav'n inspired Men did agree
To join in Confraternity.

IV.

The ancient Secret silent rests
In the Recess of our Breasts:
Not Words, or Time, shall ever shew
What none but Heav'n, and Masons know.
Then Brothers, let our Harmony
Display the Sweets of Masonry.

I am, Sir,
Your humble Servant,
N. S.