Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

ANSWER, To the Members of the Grand Lodge of Free Masons in Vermont assembled in ample form composed of its officers, and a representation from thirteen secular lodges.

GENTLEMEN,

I thank you for this obliging address which has been transmitted to me as you desired by his excellency the Governor of the state of Vermont. I have ever esteemed the societies of Free Masons in this country, not only as innocent, but useful. The principle, not to introduce politics in your private assemblies, and the other principle, to be willing subjects to the government, would if observed, preserve such societies from suspicion. But it seems to me to be agreed. that the society of Masons have discovered a science of government, or an art of ruling society, peculiar to themselves, and unknown to all the other legislators and philosophers of the world I mean not only the skill to know each other by marks or signs, - that no other persons can divine ; but the wonderful power of enabling and compelling all men and I suppose all women, at all hours, to keep a secret. If this art can be applied, -to set aside the ordinary maxims of the society, and introduce politics and disobedience to government, and still keep the secret, it must be obvious, that such science and such societies may be perverted to all the ill purposes which have been suspected. The characters which compose the lodges in America are such, as forbid every apprehension from them, and they will best know whether any dangers are possible in other countries as well as this. The approbation you so obligingly express of my official conduct, since called to the chair of state, and your opinion, that it has strengthened the affection of my friends are highly esteemed. I say cordially with you, let not the tongue of slander say, that Masons in America are capable of faction. I am very confident it cannot be said by any one with truth of the Masons of Vermont. You have said enough and the characteristics of candor, which accompany your words, leave no room to doubt of your sincerity, that you will risk all, in support of your government. And in these pious and virtuous resolutions may the Architect Eternal and Almighty have you always in his holy keeping.

JOHN ADAMS.

November