The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

PART V.] ADDRESSES. 201
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 must
be founded in the immutable laws of truth and justice.
To enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy
of 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 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, that the Great Architect of the Universe may
bless you here, and receive you hereafter into his
immortal temple.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW CHURCH
IN BALTIMORE.
JANUARY, 1793.
GENTLEMEN,
It has ever been my pride to merit the approbation
of my fellow-citizens, by a faithful and honest discharge of the duties annexed to those stations, in
which they have been pleased to place me; and the
dearest rewards of my services have been those tesVOL. XII. 26