"Taught by the precepts of our Society; "that all its members _stand upon a level_, we "venture to assume this station & 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 cere- "monies of their institution, this Grand Lodge "have 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; "though they fervently wish the conduct of its; "Members may prove its higher commendation.
"Convinced of his attachment to its "cause, and readiness to encourage its bene- "volent 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 endear- "ing cordialities; and they humbly hope he will "pardon this freedom, and accept the tribute of "their esteem & homage.
"May the supreme architect of the uni- "verse protect & bless you, give you length of "days & increase of Felicity in this world, and then "receive you to the harmonious & exalted So- "ciety in Heaven.--
"JOHN CUTLER, _Grand Master_ "JOSIAH BARTLETT } "MUNGO MACHEY } _Grd Wardens_.
The following reply was sent by President WASHINGTON from Philadelphia to the Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. It will be noticed that there was no date or place mentioned upon the copy in the Letter Book, nor on the original letter, which at present is believed to be in the Library of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
"TO THE GRAND LODGE OF FREE & ACCEPTED MA- "SONS, FOR THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHU- "SETTS.
"Flattering as it may be to the human "mind, & truly honorable as it is to receive "from our fellow citizens testimonies of appro- "bation for exertions to promote the public wel- "fare, 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 happi- "ness is worthy the benevolent design of a ma- "sonic 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.