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Address of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to their Brother George Washington.
Whilst the historian is describing the career of your glory, and the inhabitants of an extensive empire are made happy in your unexampled exertions; whilst some celebrate the Hero, so distinguished in liberating United America, and other the Patriot who presides over her councils; a band of brothers, having always joined the acclamations of their countrymen, now testify their respect for those milder virtues which have ever graced the man.
Taught by the precepts of our Society, that all its members stand upon a LEVEL, we venture to assume; this station, and to approach you with that freedom which diminishes our diffidence, without lessening our respect. Desirous to enlarge the boundaries of social happiness, and to vindicate the ceremonies of their Institution, this Grand Lodge has published "A Book of Constitutions," (and a copy for your acceptance accompanies this,) which, by discovering the principles that actuate, will speak the eulogy of the Society, thought they fervently wish the conduct of its members may prove its highest commendation.
Convinced of his attachment to its cause, and readiness to encourage its benevolent designs, they have taken the liberty to dedicate this work to one, the qualities of whose heart, and the actions of whose life, have contributed to improve personal virtue, and extend throughout the world the most endearing cordialities; and they humbly hope he will pardon this freedom, and accept the tribute of their esteem and homage.
May the Supreme Architect of the Universe protect and bless you, give you length of days and increase of felicity in this world, and then receive you the harmonious and exalted Society in Heaven
John Cutler, G.M. Josiah Bartlet, S. G. W. Mungo Mackay, J. G. W. Bolton, Dec 27, A. L. 5792
To this Address General Washington returned the following Answer.
Answer to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Massachusetts.
Flattering as it may be to the human mind, and truly honorable as it is, to receive from our fellow-citizens testimonies of approbation for exertions to promote the public welfare; it is not less pleasing to know, that the milder virtues of the heart are highly respected by a Society whose liberal principles are founded in the immediate laws of truth ad justice.
To enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy, the benevolent design of a Masonic Institution; and it is most fervently to be wished, that the conduct of every member of the fraternity, as well as those publications that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind, that the grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.
While I beg your acceptance of my thanks for "the Book of Constitutions" which you have sent me, and for the honor you have done me in the Dedication, permit me to assure you, that I feel all those emotions of gratitude which your affectionate Address and cordial wishes are calculated to inspire; and I sincerely pray hat the Great Architect of the Universe may bless you here, and receive you hereafter in his immortal temple.
Geo. Washington.
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