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their centre! May the BRETHREN be gladdened by their enlightened course, and reflect and diffuse on all around, their fplendor!

LONG, bright, and profperous, be the fair and hopeful day which now fhines upon you! May no mifts of prejudice obfcure, no envious disk eclipfe its glory.

FINALLY. Let us all my hearers, be actively and eminently good. May our example and conduct in life prove a high recommendation and a fair illustration of our principles, and reflect the brightest honor upon our profeffion and character. May our

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light fo fhine before men, that they may fee our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven ;" and may we, (having been wife, and happily inftrumental in turning many to righteoufnefs) hereafter "fhine as the brightness of the firmament and as the ftars forever and ever!"

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DISCOURSE VIII.

ON PRESERVING THE CREDIT OF THE

INSTITUTION.

DISCOURSE VIII.

DELIVERED AT THE CONSECRATION OF HIRAM LODGE, IN LEXINGTON, OCTOBER 17, 1798.

ROMANS XIV. 16.

LET NOT THEN YOUR GOOD BE EVIL SPOKEN OF.

THE Apostle had been suggesting some advice to the brethren with regard to their behavior in matters of indifference. He af ferted the full extent of chriftian liberty; but at the fame time cautioned them not to abuse this liberty fo as to give offence or occafion of ftumbling to any man. In the words felected as our text, he enjoins it upon them fo to order their conduct that their profeffion might never be reproached as countenancing improper freedoms. He advises them, therefore, to abstain altogether from things, which, if not unlawful, were never

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