an oration OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF JOHN WARREN, M. D. Past Grand Master. \ DELIVERED IN THE GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS, AT A QUARTERLY MEETING, IN BOSTON, JUNE 12, 1815. IN PRESENCE OF The Supreme Executive of the Commonwealth, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Judges, the Corporation and Instructors of Harvafd University ; the Officers of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; of the Mass? thusetts Medical Society; and of the Humane Society; the Clergy, Selectmen, &e. BY JOSIAH BARTLETT. M. D. Past Grand Master. BOSTON: Printed by C Stebbins, for Ruuell, Cutler & Co. 1*15. GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS. Boston, June 12th, Jl. D. 1815. M. W. Benjamin Russell, Esq. in the chair, Voted, That the thanks of the Grand Lodge be tendered to the R. W. & Hon. Josiah Bartlett, Esq. for his Oration commemorative of the merits and services of the late R. W. John Warren, Esq. Past Grand Master, and that a copy be requested for publication. Attest, JOHN LORING, G'd. Sec'y, P. T. AN ORATION. MY BRETHREN AND FRIENDS, Contemplations on the virtues of the dead are instructive to the living; they animate us in our present pursuits, and enforce the necessity of all our efforts for more permanent felicity. Thirty nine years have elapsed, since this an- tient fraternity attended, with deep despondency, the obsequies of Doctor Joseph Warren.* He descended from respectable parents, but was elevat- ed by personal merit. His learning is discovered in the various productions of his pen; his elo- quence was celebrated among his cotemporaries ; his industry and humanity were proved by his professional distinction ; his good will to man, was manifested by an attachment to this benevolent in- stitution, in which he enjoyed its highest honours ; •He was slain on the heights of Charlestown, June 17, \77f, aged 35. Hit IC8wn« were re-interred, at Bpstw, April ?, 1776, 1 his patriotism was tested, in the cabinet, by delib- eration and firmness ; in the field, by valour, and a generous sacrifice of his life. But are these uncommon attainments, or the splendid delineation of his character, by the ora- tors of that interesting period, the only means of perpetuating his name ? No, my friends, a branch of the same vine has flourished with equal fra- grance ; and though this also is destroyed, we are favoured with another growth, to preserve the sa- lubrious fruit. The unfeigned grief of the citizens of this me- tropolis, and its vicinity, at the death of Doctor John Warren ; the respectful attention of the societies to which he belonged, and the kindred tears that are still flowing over his tomb, are con- clusive evidence of his worth; whilst the dignified eulogy at his interment,* by my respected friend • " On Saturday, April 8, 1815, the corpse of Dr Warren was conveyed to the Stone Chapel, where, after a dirge on the organ, prayers were offered by the Rev. J. T. Kirk- land, D. D. President of Harvard University. An anthem was performed by the choir of singers of Brattle-street society, and an eulogy delivered by James Jackson, M. D. Professor of the theory and practice of Pbysick. A hymn closed the services at the church; a pro- cession was then formed, and proceeded to the family vault. The corpse was preceded by the members of the Senior Class in Harvard University, Students in Medicine, resident Graduates at the University, Graduates and Licentiates in Medicine, the Fellows of the Massachusetts Medical Society, the immediate Government of Harvard University, and the Officers of the Medical Society The Pall was supported by His Honor William Phil. 5 Professor Jackson, and the pious discourses of the clergy, which have followed it, must render this performance but a feeble expression of your wish- es to illustrate his character. The town of Roxbury, in the County of Nor- folk, was the place of his nativity; his birth was on the twenty seventh of July, seventeen hundred fifty three. At the age of fourteen years he enter- ed the University in Cambridge, and by the exer- tions of his widowed mother, graduated at the usu al period; he then commenced the study of medi- cine with his brother, and, at the expiration of his pupilage, began his professional pursuits, with flat- tering prospects, at Salem, in the county of Essex. At the organization of the revolutionary army, he was commissioned an Hospital Surgeon, and con- tinued in the camp about two years, when he was appointed to superintend the department in Boston, where he united his publick duties with the most extensive private practice, and continued from the termination of the contest for independence, to the lips, Rev. J. T. Kirkland, D D. John Jeffries, M. D. Lemuel Haywood, M. D. Thomas Welsh, M. D. and Josiah Bartlett, M. D. The Hearse was followed by the Family, the Cor- poration and Overseers of Harvard University, the Members of the Academy of Arts and So ences, the Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, the M-irV- of the Humane Society, the Reverend Clergy, and numerous Ootott: •' b* end of his life, an ornament to the medical faculty, and an honour to his country. An investigation of the structure and functions of the human body was his delight, and he was well adapted to the office of a teacher. In seven- teen hundred eighty, he delivered the first course of lectures upon this subject, that was ever given in New England. These were succeeded by the establishment of a medical school at the universi- ty, of which he was senior professor. In seven- teen hundred eighty six, he received the degree of Doctor in Medicine, at that famous seminary, and I shall commit no error in asserting, that to his un- affected politeness, his talents, influence, and great industry, aided by the efforts of his respected col- leagues, may be attributed the present flourish- ing state of medical science in this section of our nation. Impressed with the advantages of regularity in every employment, and desirous to cultivate a ju- dicious intercourse with his fellows, he was among the applicants for incorporating the Massachusetts Medical Society. The advantages of that impor- tant institution, are experienced to the remotest parts of the Commonwealth. His assistance in its /.*•■ 7 organization, and in completing a uniform system of education, with his advancement, through vari- ous offices, to the presidency, which he sustained for eleven years, to the time of his death, discov- ers that his merits and assiduity were duly appre- cia ed by his cotemporaries. His dissertation on the use of mercury, read at the annual meeting in eighteen hundred five; his professional publica- tions in periodical works, and his, peculiar celebri- ty as a surgeon, will enrol his name with the im- provers of the healing art. Among his respected predecessors in office, the society has only been deprived of the usefulness of the late Doctor Kneeland, a valuable practition- er in Cambridge, who presided with great accep- tance, and died at an advanced age. But there are many of our departed associates, whose servi- ces were highly esteemed, and whose memories are justly venerated. Since the melancholy event, we now commemorate, Doctor Saltonstall, of Haver- hill, is added to the number ; and Doctor Ramsay, of a sister state, has fallen by the hands of a lu- natic. 'They were eminent in their profession, and descended to the grave, ripe in years and in hon our. 8 Doctor Warren was a member of the committee of the university, on the Boylston prize questions. from the time of its establishment, and he was a corresponding member of the London Medical So- ciety. Here it may be proper to remark, that he was sometimes considered as hasty in his visits and pre- scriptions, especially in ordinary cases; but this was the effect of a rapid and vigorous perception, which enabled him to perform so much. His opin- ions and conduct were highly approved in consulta- tions, and a series of successful practice, is suffi- cient proof of his attention. I cannot forbear to add, that he cautiously avoided an injudicious use of technical language to the sick and their at- tendants, or when called to testify in courts ; and he at all times, disdained the artful obsequiousness, whieh is often substituted for merit. As an advocate for the general diffusion of knowledge, he was a member, and a counsellor, of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His communications, in their memoirs, discover an appropriate attention to every establishment, which is encouraged by the wise and the virtuous. The only deceased President of this learned asso- 9 ciation, is the late Governour Bowdoin, whose character as a philosopher and statesman, is eulo- gised, by the late Judge Lowell, an able, candid counsellor, and a distinguished civilian. Of the Humane Society, Doctor Warren was one of the earliest members. The preparation of regulations for its government, and the best method of promoting its objects, were well adapted to his inquisitive mind. Having served several years, as one of the Vice Presidents, he was elected Presi- dent, and sustained that situation, until his numer- ous engagements, and an impaired state of health, induced him to resign it. In seventeen hundred ninety six, he delivered a handsome eulogy, on the character of the honour- able Mr. Russell, his predecessor in office, who was an eminent merchant, a member of our supreme Executive, and President of several societies, at whose request this service was performed. Doctor Warren, was a Vice President of the Massachusetts Society, for suppressing Intemper- ance, and its kindred vices ; the last publick act of his life, was to regulate the proceedings, in their board of counsel; and this valuable institution, can boast 10 of no associate, whose example was better adapted to promote its important designs. Those who, in a retrospect of forty years, review the wonderful scenes which have passed before them, may estimate their sufferings and their bless- ings. Amidst the calamities of war, the revolutions in government, and the dissensions of our citizens ; the streams of religion and learning, have flowed from Harvard's copious fountain, to the bounda- ries of the United States, and every village in Massachusetts, partakes of their refreshing influ- ence. Animosities have been softened by the ex- tension of commerce, agriculture, and the mechan- ick arts; the collisions of party, have been sup- pressed, by the exercise of beneficence, and these invaluable benefits, were ardently encouraged and supported by the energies of our departed friend. The political character of Doctor Warren, was remarkable for consistency and moderation. With an illustrious example, in his early guardian and preceptor, who in the morning presided in council, and at evening was prostrate in battle; he advo- cated the freedom of his country. On relinquishing his settlement at Salem, I recollect him in the camp, accoutered as a private soldier, and ready at that 11 eventful crisis, to add another victim to the fame of his family, or to engage in any duties, to meliorate the condition of an infant army, ignorant of the va- rious exposures, incident to a military life, and thence peculiarly liable to sickness and mortality. From his residence in Boston, in seventeen hundred seventy seven, his opinion and judgment were re- sorted to, on the most important publick occurrences. His connection with the university, was a constitu- tional impediment to his advancement as an active statesmen, but he always advocated the strong principles of integrity. His addresses to his fel- low citizens, on various occasions, and his oration at the celebration of Independence, in seventeen hundred eighty three, discover his feelings as a man, his qualifications as a scholar, and his merits as a patriot. In private life, he was happy in the most en- dearing connections. At the age of twenty four years, he married Abigail, daughter of the late Governour Collins, of Rhode Island. He was provident in the education of his children, of whom five sons and four daughters have survived him. One of the daughters is married to Doctor Gorham, Adjunct Professor of Chemistry in the University; IS and another to Doctor Brown, both of whom are practitioners in Boston. He was cautious in the selection of his intimates, faithful to his friends, courteous to his domestics, an advocate of Christi- anity, and ready, on all suitable occasions, to con- tribute from his affluence for the relief of the neces- sitous. To several gentlemen his professional in- struction was gratuitous, and he witnessed in his own household, a successor in the school of med- icine. His eldest son, Doctor John C.Warren, gradu- ated at Cambridge, in seventeen hundred ninety seven. After the customary studies with his father, his medical education was completed in Europe, and he is now settled in Boston. In eighteen hun- dred nine, when Professor Warren had lectured without assistance, for more than a quarter of a ceisury, and was desirous to resign, his son was appointed Adjunct Professor of Anatomy and Sur- eery ; and he now sustains the important office, so ably filled by his honoured parent, whose principles and conduct, we believe, he will sedulously imitate. By a connection with the Military Hospitals, it was my happiness, in early life, to enjoy the friend- ship of the deceased; his candid attentions were 13 continued in my riper years, and his kindness, in periods of domestic sickness and adversity, I re- joice publickly to acknowledge with unfeigned gratitude. With the qualities I have honestly, but so im- perfectly sketched, you will readily believe that he was an early friend and patron of the Masonick Institution. Antient as civilization, unlimited by ter- ritory, unshaken by political broils, and exempt from religious controversies, its benevolent princi- ples have been amply tested ; and though we have much reason to lament the apostacy of its members, they were honourably exemplified, in Washington and Franklin, who were Masters of Lodges; in Price, Tomlinson, Oxnard, Gridley, Rowe, the Warrens, Webb, Hays and Cutler, our deceased Past Grand Masters ; and a host of other worthies who are inheriting the reward of merit. The same Influence will characterize, and the same result will await the virtuous, in the successive ages of the world. Our departed friend was initiated in this metrop- olis ; he passed the different grades in regular suc- cession, and in seventeen hundred eighty two, de- livered a celebrated publick charge. On the fol- 14 lowing festival of saint John,* he was installed Grand Master, and officiated several years. Such of us, my respected hearers, as attended on that auspicious occasion, never can forget the pathetick oration by the honourable Mr. Gore, our late Gov- ernour, and the impressive charge, by the late Rev. Doctor Eliot, of whom I need only to remark, that he was just, and his memory is blessed. From the entrance of the Grand Master on the duties of his responsible station, he discovered an ardent zeal for the prosperity of the fraternity, and was deeply impressed with the necessity of cir- cumspection and care, in the management of its concerns. His accurate knowledge of the masonick history and ceremonies, from the most remote an- tiquity ; his strict observance of the constitution and regulations of the Grand Lodge ; his punctuali- ty at the quarterly communications, and at the vis- itations of the subordinate lodges, are well known to his associates in office; and his eloquent ad- dresses, whilst they wonderfully charmed the ear, were highly instructive to the mind. It is eighty four years, since a provincial Grand Lodge was constituted in Boston, by a commis- *June 24,J783- 15 sion from the Grand Master of England, and forty six years, since a similar establishment was formed by the Grand Master of Scotland. Various at- tempts were made for a union of these bodies, which, after repeated conferences, distinguished by a spirit of conciliation, was happily effected. In seventeen hundred ninety two, the present Grand Lodge was created, by a mutual selection of officers from the two societies, which were then dissolved. On this important occasion, the prudence and ac- commodating disposition of our deceased benefactor were conspicuous. As senior Past Grand Master in the Commonwealth, he presided at its organiza- tion. His exemplary attention to the solemn invo- cation, by the late Rev. Doctor Walter, who offi- ciated as chaplain, and whose memory is justly honoured ; his elevated deportment, when, on this very spot, he installed the venerable Cutler,* and his animated exhortation to the brethren, at that joyous event, were a true specimen of his feelings, on a new era in our affairs. He anticipated incal- culable benefits to the institution, and he lived to witness and enjoy them. He was repeatedly invited to resume the chab * March 2,1792. 16 of the Grand Lodge, but though his necessary avo cations prevented an acceptance, he always afford- ed his services on interesting occasions. He as- sisted in arranging the unexampled funeral hon- ours in memory of our political father, of whom he was a faithful disciple ; for he always followed, and he never denied him. That memorable transaction* was honourable to the fraternity. The record of so splendid a so- lemnity ; which like the present, was heightened by the delicate sympathy of female condolence,! the elegant eulogy by the honourable Past Grand Master Bigelow, and the golden Urn, containing the relickj of Washington, which is now before * Feb. 11,1800- t Two hundred ladies attended on this occasion, among whom was the family of the deceased. Boston, January 11,1800. } MADAM, "The Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have deeply participated i n the general grief of their fellow-citizens, on the melancholy occasion of the death of their beloved Washington- " As Americans, they have lamented the loss of the Chief, who had led their armies to victory, and their country to glory ; but as Masons, they have wept the dissolution of that endearing relation, by which they were enabled to call him their Friend and their Brother. They presume not to offer you those consolations which might alleviate the weight qf com- mon sorrows, for they are themselves inconsolable. The object of this address is, not tn interrupt the sacred offices of grief like youi's; but, whilst they are mingling tears with 17 us, will continue through future generations, as tokens of our veneration, for the most distinguished Mason of the age, and the ablest asserter of civil and religious freedom. ©ach other on the common calamity, to condole with you on the irreparable misfortune which you have individually experienced- " To their expressions of sympathy on this solemn dispensation, the Grand Lodge have subjoined an order, that a golden Um be prepared as a deposit for a lock of hair, an inval- uable relick of the Hero and the Patriot, whom their wishes would immortalize; and that it be preserved with the jewels and regalia of the Society. u Should this favour be granted, Madam, it will be cherished as the most precious jew- el in the cabinet of the Lodge, as the memory of his virtues will forever be in the hearts of its members. We have the honour to be, With the highest respect, Tour most obedient Servants, JOHN WARREN, PAUL REVERE, JOSIAH BARTLETT. Mrs. MARTHA WASHINGTON." "Mount Vernon, January 27,1800. "GENTLEMEN, ■ Mrs. Washington has received with sensibility your letter of the 11th inst. encloaing a vote of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, requesting a lock of her deceased husband's hair, to be preserved in a golden Urn, with the jewels and regalia of the Grand Lodge. - In complying with this request, by sending the lock of hair, which you will find en< closed, Mrs. Washington begs me to assure you, that she views with gratitude the tributes of respect and affection, paid to the memory of her dear deceased husband; and receives, with a feeling heart, the expressions of sympathy contained in your letter. With great respect and esteem, I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient Servant, TOBIAS iEAR, JOHN WARREN, ") PAUL REVERE, > Past Grand Masters." JOSIAH BARTLETT.J 18 Doctor Warren, at the time of his death, was a trustee of our permanent charity fund, which is raised by regular assessments on the several lodg- es, and voluntary contributions of the wealthy. It is solely appropriated to soften the bed of sickness, to lessen the cares of the widow, to assist the fa- therless, and mitigate the sufferings of the prison- er. It is worthy of remembrance, that our lamented friend never spake of Freemasonry, but with great discretion and propriety. He knew, from our re- cords and traditions, that the ceremonies of the lodges commenced, when symbols and hierogly- phicks were the means of communicating instruc- tion; that the implements of operative masons were rendered subservient to moral improvement; and that the badges of our order were imitated, from the changes of raiment, and the purple ornaments and jewels, which are mentioned in scripture, in the patriarchal ages ; but he never excited the amaze- ment of the curious, or aided the wishes of the ma- levolent, by unintelligible suggestions, or mysteri- ous insinuations. He discouraged all innovations, and was a vigilant observer of the antient land- marks ; but he uniformly represented the institu- 19 tion as exclusively designed to amend the heart, and extend the cause of philanthropy. In concluding this humble tribute of your re- spect, methinks I hear his well known voice, speaking from the realms of bliss, in these consol- atory strains ! Thou beloved companion of my youth, and ye affectionate pledges of our sincere attachment, with- hold your grief; sixty-two years of prosperity were sufficient for my earthly pilgrimage; diffuse the blessings bestowed by an indulgent Providence, and prepare to join me, in ceaseless praises to the author of all your enjoyments. Ye respected guardians of the publick safety, review the characters of your predecessors, in their respective offices, and imitate their virtues; but whilst the welfare of so many thousands depends on your wisdom, fidelity and patriotism, you will consider, that you are still destined for higher and more noble employments. My late associates in the fields of science, in- struction and humanity, by the exertions of our ancestors, the solitary wilderness is converted to a pleasant garden; piety, literature, and the arts are progressing by your fostering care; the 20 ravages of disease are assuaged by your investi- gations ; the shipwrecked mariner is cheered by your kindness; suspended animation is restored by your assiduity, and the votaries of ebriety are reclaimed by your vigilance. Continue your lau- dable pursuits, and you will receive an abundant reward. My surviving brethren of the Masonick family, . remember your mutual engagements, and discharge them with fidelity. At the altar from whence you are now addressed, I have inculcated those doc- trines and precepts, the benefits of which are free- ly enjoyed by many, who have gone before you. Let it be your care to protect the fair inheritance, and transmit it inviolate to your successors, with united aspirations, that their posterity may preserve it, in usefulness and honour, to the latest period of time. [The Solemnities in the Grand Lodge commenced with the funeral service of the church, read by the Rev. Jlsa Ea- ton, and the following were the other performances.^ * MASONICK DIRGE. TO THE MEMORY OF DR. JOHN WARREN, Past Grand Master of Massachusetts. WRITTEN BY REV. T. M. HARRIS, D. D. Begin we now the song of woe, Whose strains in mournful numbers flow; Sad are the rites funereal paid, Solemn the requiem for the dead. Brethren, we all remember well, On glory's mount, how Warren fell 3 And we, with thoughtful, duteous care, Raised and inscribed a column there. Another, and like honour'd name, Allied by birth, and worth, and fame, Now claims that tribute of our praise, Which here our band fraternal pays. Alike by wise and good rever'd, Alike to Masonry endear'd, A Master once our Lodge to guide, Its light, and ornament, and pride. Skili'd in the healing art to ease The wretched victim of disease. 82 And by his kindness to impart A balsam to the wounded heart. Those who confided in that skill, Now sink despondent o'er their ill, And oh ! what now the hearts shall cheer His presence once enliven'd here ? Others regret a. friend remov'd, We mourn a brother most belov'd : They plant the cypress near his shrine, Around it we the cassia twine. Brother! while here we shall remain, We will thy memory retain; And closing then our Lodge, we'll rise To meet in that above the skies. ODE. TO THE MEMORY OF JOHN WARREN, M. D. Professor of Anatomy of Harvard University, &c. &c. WRITTEN BY MRS. ROWSON, At the request of the Grand Lodge ot Massachusetts. RECITATIVE. Be wreaths of glory for the hero's name, August his deeds, and sacred be his fame; But flow'rs of rich perfume shall deck the grave Of him, who lived to succour and to save, And Cassia's blossoms twine with Sharon's rose, Where our dear brother's relicky now repose. 23 AIR. Thy memory oh Warren ! will ever be dear, Whilst any the sense of thy virtue retains, Fraternal affection, with Gratitude's tear, Shall blend on the marble that shrouds thy remains, For bright as the arch, that through Heaven extends, Was the genius that flash'd from thy luminous mind; And soft as the dew on the dry earth descends, Was the pity that led thee to succour mankind. How sweet was the voice, that instructed our youth, What wisdom, what science, that voice could impart; How bright was that face, wh»re the radiance of truth. Beam'd over each feature direct from the heart. Let sorrow each ensign of glory enshroud, (When Sol is eclipsed we his absence deplore) For sad is the hour, dark and sombre the cloud ; Warren's voice will be heard, and his face seen no more. Then build the fair cenotaph, true be each block. That raises the column his fame to record; And oh ! may that column, of time, bear the shock : Upright as his actions, and firm as his word. But where is the man on this sublunar ball, The jewels of honour so worthy to wear ? Since our Brother obeyed the Great Architect's call. And the bright gem of hope is bedim'd with a tear. CHORUS. Who shall, sweet Hope, on thee rely, Who lift the full confiding eye, 24 Who resting on thy promise die, If not the just? Freed from a world of care and pain, His body shall in rest remain, Till the Great Master's voice again, Shall animate his dust. FULL CHORUS. See Religion's sacred ray, Chase the cloud of grief away, While welcomed by th? Eternal Eye, Our Warren's spirit mounts the sky.