OPINIONS
ON
SPECULATIVE MASONRY,
RELATIVE TO ITS
OIXZGZN3 NhTURU, AND TZNDBQ'Y.
A COMPILATION,
EMBRACING RECENT AND IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS ON
THE SUBJECT,
AND EXHIBITING THE iE*S,'OF THE MOST DISTIlNGUISHED WRITERS RESPECTING IT.
BY JAM1QES C. ODIORNE.
I spake openly to the world, and in secret have I said nothing.
Jxsus CHIazr.
BOSTON:
PERKINS & MARVIN, 114, WASHINGTON ST.
1830.








PREFACE.
THE several documents comprised in the following
work have been published at various times, and in
different sections of our country. They hlave'principally appeared in the pamphlet form; and wherever
circulated have been read with avidity, and have exerted a powerfdl influence. Those which have heen'
presented to the plUIi~c only through the medium'of
newspapers have not received that general circuhtio/i
and perusal which their value and importance;demand,
owing to the fact, that those organs of communication
are for the most part subjected to masonic influence,
and that but few papers are enlisted in the Antimasonic cause.
They are here republished, with the hope that they
may receive from the public that attention which they
merit; and that the influence which they are calculated
to exert may be felt, and be widely extended.
Collectively, they form a volume which may be of
some service to those who have given to the subject
on which they treat but little attention, and who have
not informed themselves in relation to the principles of
the Masonic Institption, as they have been developed
by recent investigations.




iv                  PREFACE.
The nature and tendency of the institution are here
clearly exhibited, and its principles and practices fully
illustrated and exposed.  From'the fact that most of
the writers of the pieces herein contained have been
members of the institution, and consequently acquainted'with its secret principles and designs; and also
from the uniformity of their testimony, we may rely
on' their statements as correct, and consider their
representation of its character as in accordance with
truth.'Pheiincreasing demands of the public for information'on the subject of Masonry, and the persuasion
that a work which should present at one view the
opinions of the most distinguished writers respecting
it, would be useful, and well adapted for distribution,
were the causes which led to ttle publication of the
present volume.  The compiler indulges the hope that
it may subserve the cause of truth, by diffusing light
on the subject of Masonry, and by exciting a more
general inquiry into the nature of its claims.
Boston, Feb. 22, 1830.




RECOMMENDATION.
THE State./nti-masonic Committee of MlassachuseUt.]a0v.examined the Piospectus, and a considerable potioqn of the Documents proposed to be published
by Mr. JAMEs  C. ODIORNE, in a distinct volume. The
work appears to Pe judiciously selected, well arranged,
and ably conducted. i  A great mass of information of
the most important kind, is brought together in R
manner deserving, lthe attention and patronage of ihe
public.
ABNER PHELPS,
Per Order.








CONTENTS.
Page.
EA  1iSr ftjO~  F'FREEMASONRY., By Henry Dana Ward, Esq.   1?'tS  1"RITEs2S~.iS OF FREEMASONRY TO AN ORIGIN IN THE
Si AYS 4' SOLOMON. Extracted from Letters of Rev. Henry;. nes,.......                                           12
THE,AAB#i   AND PERVERSION OF THE MASONIC INSTITUTION..Eitract of an Address delivered before Montgomery Lodge
in Medway, Mass. by Rev. Moses Thacher,...   18
CIVIL, SOCIAL, AND POLITICAL INFLUENCE OF MASONRftY. Ex-. tract of a Letter addressed to the Suffolk Committee in Boston.by C. P. Sumner, Esq...28.
FREEMASONRY PRODUCTIVYE OF NO PERMANEXT MORAL GOOD.
Extracted from writings of Rev. John G. Stearns,      33'PP\]EMASONRRY A SYSTEM  FRAUGHT WITH DECEPTION, AND
DETRIMENTAL TO HUMAN HAPPINESS. By Rev. Joshua
Bradley,..... 37
THE TENDENCY OF FREEMASONRY TO INFIDELITY. Extract from
Thacher's Letters to a brother in the Church,..  43
-ON THE OATHS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MASONRY. An Abridgment of Rev. Mr. Jones's Letters to Professing Christians,    58
AON THE VALIDITY OF MASONIC OATHS. By Myron Holley, Esq.  75
VINDICATION  OF FREEDOM  FROM  MASONIC OATHS.  From
Ward's Anti-masonic Review,                          79
ON THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF THE MASONIC INSTITUTION. Extract of a Letter addressed to the Committee of
the Worcester County Convention, by Pliny Merrick, Esq.  87
%OPINION OF HON. C. D. COLDEN, UPON THE CHARACTER AND
TENDENCY OF FREEMASONRY,.....    102
REMARHS ON THE CHARACTER OF FREEMASONRY. From the
Address of Rev. Moses Thacher to his Church, on the occasion of his seceding from the Masonic Institution,.  113
CORRESPONDENCE IN RELATION TO THE HISTORICAL EVIDENCE
OF THE EIXSTENCE OF FREEMASONRY PRIOR TO THE
LAST CENTURY.-Between the Suffolk Committee and the
Presidents and Professors of Andover Theological Seminary
and Harvard College,.                               121
ON THE LAWFULNESS OF FREEMASONRY AS A SECRET INSTITUTION. Extract from the Reply of the Genesee Consociation
to Rev. Mr. Emerson,                                128




Viii                    CONTENTS.
REMARKS ON SECRET SOCIETIES. Addressed to the Anti-maso0
Convention at Dedham, by Benjamin Waterhouse, M. D.'I:4
ADDRESS BEFORE THE ANTI-MASON1C MEETING IN FANEUIL
HALL, SEPT. 8,1829. By Rev. Moses Thacher,.   139
REASONS WHY THE CHURCH OF CHRIST SHOULD DISFELLOW.
SHIP FREEMASONRY. Extract of a Sermon by Rev. Henry
Jones,.147
ADDRESS OF THE WATERBURY ANTI-MASONIC MEETING,.   154
REPORT RESPECTING THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE MASONIC
DISCLosURES.-Made to the New York State Convention,  160
R;PORT OF THE GENERAL CENTRAL ANTI-MASONIC COMMITTEE UPON THE PROGRESS AND CONDITION OF THE
ANTI-MASONIC CAUSE.-Made to tile New York State
Convention,.                                    163',dgPORT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OF NEW YORKE, ON THE ABDUCTION AND
MURDER OF WILLIAM MORGAN,                      ~173
REPORT ON THE ABDUCTION AND MURDER OF WILLIAM MORGAN.-Made to the New York Senate,..       188
ADDRESS OF MYRON HOLLEY, Esq. —Delivered at Lyons,:J. X 4
Sept. 11, 1829,...           204
ADDRESS OF THE REPUBLICAdie ANTI-MASONIC MEMBERS OF
THE NEW YORK LEGISLATURE TO THEIR CONSTITU-.
ENTS,.... 217
ADDRESS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS ANTI-MASONIC CONVMWTION
TO THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMONWEALTH,..   28
RESOLVES OF THE MASSACHUSETTS ANTI-MASONIC CONEXNTION,.    ~.        24
APPENDIX.
RErNUNCIATIONS OF FRXEMASONS.... 
TRIAL 0p ELIHU MATHER,.   70




FREEMASONRY.
EARLY HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
THE early history of Freemasonry, like that of Rome,
is involved in obscurity. The conquerors of the world
were not satisfied with the plain truth of their national
origin. They taught that the " Eternal City" was founded and first ruled by the son of Mars, whose name was
Romulus; who was taken to the gods in a tempest of
lightning, and became QUIRINUs, the patron saint of the
city, and one of the chief gods of Rome. This was lofty
and sonorous, and unexceptionable, had it been true.
Our modern power, which seeks, with Roman ambition,
to lord it over the whole habitable earth, also styles itself
eternal, as did Rome; deduces its origin from Heaven;
claims the wisest man for its lawgiver; and some mighty
thing in the nature of the philosopher's stone for its secret-all which is equally credible and as well attested
as that Romulus was nursed by a wolf, or Jupiter was a
god that could save. And the masonic fables are told, to
cover the meanness of Freemasonry's origin; for she,
too, sprung fromn a confederacy of lawless plunderers:
and it mortifies the pride of the high priests, it tops the
vanity of the grand masters, and makes the puissant sovereigns of Freemasonry to tremble for the security of
their thrones, to be told that their boasted order, sprung
from the mire of the Rosicrusians, and spread abroad over
the face of the earth upon the licentious cupidity of its
speculative fathers; that it originated within the 18th!




2            OPINIONS' ON FREEMASONRY.
century, among men capable of the most atrocious falsehoods, and base enough to sell their reputation for money,
and to barter a good conscience for the delusion of a
lodge room; men who sold masonic charters for an appearance of mystery, but of a truth for gold.
Stone masons, in common with ninety-one other crafts
and trades in the city of London, have been in the habit
for centuries, of meeting in club, for the purpose of improvement in the elements of their business and craft.
Each craft has its public hall, its admission fee, its coat of
arms, and its charity fund. The companies are given by
name in the order of their rank, in Rees' Encyclopedia,
Art. Company; and out of only eighteen whose form of
government is particularly mentioned, sixteen are governed by a Mlaster, two Wardens, and a various number of
other assistants. So Freemasons' lodges are governed;
and the titles, Worshipfil and Mlost Worshipful, now
peculiar to masonic officers, were common to gentlemen
of the 16th and 17th centuries, as Esquire and Honorable
are common at the present day.
The Lord Mayor of London, at his election usually
makes himself free; i. e. becomes a member of one of the
twelve principal societies, if he were not a member of one
of them before: "for these twelve," says the Cyclopedia,
" are not only the oldest, but the richest; many of them
having had the honor of kings and princes to be their
members, and the apartments of their halls being fit to
entertain a monarch." But Masons are not among the
first twelve: their rank is 31, hall in Basing IHall-street,
charter Charles II., 1677. Some of these societies meet
by prescriptive right; the oldest charter is that of the
Parish Clerks, A. D. 1233, Henry III.; the Bakers, A. D.
1307, Edward II. Six were chartered in the 14th century, eighteen in the 15th century, twelve in the 16th century, forty, (and among them the Stone Masons,) in the
17th century, and some in the 18th century.
Handicraft Masonry is an ancient trade, and has ever
received the fostering attention of distinguished princes.
Both in France and in Scotland, the craft were allowed a
peculiar jurisdiction over all disputes growing out of the
exercise of their trade. (Lawrie's History of Maspnry, p.
110, and p. 297.) This was granted in France, A. D.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.              3
1645; and in Scotland, near two hundred years earlier,
to real builders.
In the rude times, when men, ignorant of chirography,
impressed the seal of their parchments with the tooth in
their head for their signature, it was usual for master
masons to give their apprentice a grip or sign, by which
he should make himself known to any mason as a regularly entered apprentice to the trade; and another when
he had completed his apprenticeship, and passed to the
rank of a journeyman or fellow-craft; and a third, when
by assiduity, experience, and skill, he had become himself
a master of work, took buildings to rear, hired fellowcrafts or journeymen, and received apprentices. The
word, the sign, and the grip, in those unlettered ages,
were the certificate of the craft to its regularly taught
members; and in Germany were common before Freemasonry was imported from England. (See Prof. Robison's Proofs, p. 54.)
Masonic historians claim  the men to be Freemasons
against whom the statute was passed in the 25th of Edward III., and again in the reign of Henry VI., forbidding them to assemble in lodges and chapters.  (See F.
M. Library, p. "25; Hardie's _Monitor, p. 20; Lawrie,p.
94; Encyclopedia Brittanica, Art. IMasons, Sec. 62.)
Now Edward III. dealt with Englishmen of that day, as
George III. would have dealt with Americans in his day;
as if they had been slaves. A plague had swept away a
fearful portion of the English population, and the scarcity
of laborers, caused all classes of mechanics to demand an
increase of wages. Edward had several castles and magnificent edifices in building, and to make his money hold
out, must compel the masons and mechanics to work at
the old rates.  He issued such an ordinance, and enforced
it by his sheriffs. Under that ordinance, masons were
returned from the several counties of England to work on
Windsor Castle, as jurors were returned to serve in the
king's courts. (See Hurne's History of England, reign of
Ed. III.) This was equally agreeable to the Lords of Parliament and to himself, and accordingly it was enacted
A. D. 1350, that " as servants, not willing after the pestilence, to serve without taking excessive wages, had been
required to serve in their accustomed places at the rate




4            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
they had received in the 20th year of Edward III.; and
as it is given the king to understand in this present Parliament, that the said servants have paid no regard to the,said ordinance, but to their ease do withdraw from the
service of great men and others, unless they have livery
and wages to the double or treble of that they were wont
to take in the said 20th year and before, to the great
damage of the great men, &c. be ordained and established
the things underwritten."
Chap. 1. Fixes the day and year wages of farm servants.
Chap.'2. The price of threshing all sorts of corn by the
quarter.
Chap. 3. Prescribes the wages of several sorts of artificers and laborers; among whom Carpenters and Masons
are particularly specified.
Chap. 4. Requires artificers to make oath that they will
use their crafts, as they did in the 20th year of the same
Edward III. (See Ruffhead's English Statutes, Vol. 1,
p. 251.)
Seventy-four years after the enactment of this statute,
which plainly is applicable only to handicrafts, Henry VI.,
in Parliament at Westminster, ordained that " no confederacies and congregations shall be made by masons in
their general chapters and assemblies, whereby the good
course and effects of the statute of laborers, (25th Ed.
III.,) are violated and broken, in subversion of law; and
if any be, they that cause such chapters and congregations to be assembled and holden, shall be adjudged
felons." Coke's 3d Ins. p. 99.
The common pretence of Freemasons, that these
statutes were levelled particularly against their mystic order, by the influence of bigoted priests, because the secret
was not betrayed in the office of auricular confession, is
too shallow, after once reading these statutes, to cover the
nakedness of the falsehood, or to conceal the evident duplicity of its first publishers. But one thing these statutes
conclusively show with the aid of masonic historians, viz.
that in the reign of Edward II. and HIenry VI., there were
no Freemasons in England, but stone masons; who met
in general chapters and assemblies, not to cultivate the
knowledge of a wonderful mystery, but to impede the exe



OPINIONS, ON FREEMASONRY.            5
cution of the laws, and to violate the statutes of their
country.
With this view faithful history fully concurs. That a
society claiming the glories of Freemasonry should have
existed for ages unnoticed by any writer, noble or contemptible, foolish or learned, is wholly incredible, and
unworthy of belief. The Puritans and the Presbyterians,
the Cabalists and the Rosicrusians, the Gypsies and the
Necromancers, the Alchymists and the Jesuists, are each
liberally noticed in the works of various authors during
the 16th and 17th centuries; but Freemasonry has not
so much as a name, until the 18th century. To any historical scholar, this alone is enough. We read of the
Fraternitas lathomorum, or company of bricklayers; but
it requires not a lawyer to discern, that these are the men
against whom the statute of laborers was directed, in the
25th year of Edward III., and are not the men who have
at this day in their lodges the language of Eden, and the
mysteries of the Antediluvian world.  * *    *
Of the same tenor is the fact, that Papacy and Freemasonry cannot dwell together in peace; but we hear not
a word of their disagreement, until the 18th century.
Certainly Papacy is older than 100 years; and if Freemasonry be much above that, how did it previously escape
a conflict which has never ceased since first it commenced, A. D. 1730 to'40? The canons of the church require full and free confession to the priests from all good
Catholics. The oaths of Freemasonry require absolute
secrecy upon the transactions of the brethren from every
good mason. Now, these canons and oaths nowhere
abide together without discord and a deprivation of church
privileges, and they never could harmonize for one moment. Therefore, the time when they first fell out and
contradicted each other, must have been near the beginning of one, or both of them. That time is determined
by the Bull of the Pope, 1738, 1739. Wring and twist
the brother mason may, but there is no escape; the date
is correctly stated, seventeen hundred thirty-eight, issued
by Clement XII. (See Lawrie's Hist. Mas. p. 122; Ency.
Brit. Art. Masonry, last edition.)
What has been said is proof, not only that the account
which Freemasonry gives of itself, is erroneous, but
1"'




6            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
grossly erroneous; not only that the order was not organized by Solomon and patronized by St. John, but that it
had no existence even in the days of Edward III., and of
Henry VI. of England. The question becomes interesting, whence did it originate? and who first promulgated
its falsehoods?
The Rosicrusian mania sprung up in Germany, A. D.
1610, nearly; and overspread Christendom. This puff of
indefinable extravagance originated from the writings of
John Valentine Andrea, a celebrated Theologian of Wirtembergr; (see London AClag. 1824, Vol.9, p. 143,)-who
amused himself with tales of spiritual wonder and mystical
glory, as a literary hoax, in the style of Munchausen's
wonderful adventures in his memoirs. The visionary
minds of that day took his work in earnest. They claimed,
in general, for the rosy cross philosophy, whatever is now
particularly claimed for Freemasonry, a heavenly origin,
a magic influence, a wonderful secret, and unbounded excellence. The universal medicine and the philosopher's
stone, were gravely professed for the glory of its mystical
laboratory; and to so great a pitch of extravagance did its
vain professors run, that modern Freemasons are sober
men in the comparison. This folly was greatly admired
in England by some men of a strange fancy, and of great
learning; and by others publicly professing the black art.
Among the former, the name of Elias Ashmole, the antiquary, stands conspicuous; and among the latter, Wm.
Lilly, the astrologer; and somewhere between them, is
Robert Fludd.
This Ashmole, is greatly accounted of as a brother by
masonic historians, and is the first accepted Freemason
claimed by professor Robison.  Ashmole says he was
" elected" in Mason's Hall, Basing Hall-street, A. D.
1646. (See Biog,. Brit.)  This is the Hall of the London
Company of Stone Alasons, chartered 1677, 31 years
after Ashmole's admission into its livery, and remaining
to this day, as it ever has been, in the possession of the
Stone Masons; a society distinct from, and independent
of the modern Freemasons. And it is evident that Ash.,
mole was only mnadefree of the Mason's Company as his
friend Lilly was madefree of the Salters Company, and as
the Lord Mayor is usually made free of some one of the




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.              7
12 principal Companies of tradesmen or mechanics in the
city of London; and that Ashmole was not initiated, passed, and raised to the Sublime degree of Master Mason, as
in a modern Lodge of Freemasons. Therefore we think
the record must be wrong, which makes Ashmole a Freemason of the modern type.
It is an undeniable fact that the conceited mystery of
the Rosicrusians, and their vainglorious pretences to every
thing good and great and magical, or holy, are united with
the emblems and working tools of a handicraft mason, the
compasses and level and square and leather apron, to form
that lying wonder of the 19th century which is commonly
called Freemasonry. This union did not take place in
one day; nor until the false philosophy of the Rosicrusians fell into merited disgrace, and the sect ran out.
Ashmole died A. D. 1692, and with him the last of the
rosy cross philosophers; but the spirit of this order, after
lingering a few years among men of less note, passed by a
species of metempsychosis, into a new body, the company
of masons, with whom it first appears in the early part of
the 18th century.
When Ashmole died, 1692, Sir Christopher. Wren was
at the head of the English architects, holding the office of
Deputy Surveyor of the king's buildings: in 1698 he
was made by William III. Surveyor General of the public
works; and in 1714 to 1718, for political considerations,
he was removed from office by George I. All masonic historians call Sir Christopher Wren Deputy Grand Master, at the time when he was Deputy Surveyor, and Grand
Master of the Freemasons, at the time when he was Surveyor General to the throne. But in doing this they
make a very short rope to hang themselves; for by their
own showing the first Grand Lodge was formed in 1717;*
then, how could Sir Christopher Wren be Grand Master
in 1698, nineteen years before there was a Grand Lodge?
During this period the Rosicrusian pretensions were
seeking, like a troubled spirit, for some resting place.The age is one of the most extravagant speculation: and
mnoved with a strange desire of fame and money and con~viviality, four companies of STONE MASONS, who were left
S ee any masonic history of that year: Preston, Dermott, Lawrie, et lias.




8          OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
of those that had been associated in building the proud
edifices of London after the fire of 1666, met, the lodge
that had worked on St. Paul's Church being at the head,
and formed the Grand Lodge of London, in February, and
elected their officers June 24th, A. D. 1717. With a
view to fill up their ranks, and to increase their consequence, they voted to accept men of other trades and professions, as members of the society. (Vide Preston,
Smith, Lawrjie, Hardie, Tannehill, et alias, particularly
the Ahiman Rezon of Lawrence Dermott, quoted in the
4th No. of the A. M. Review and Magazine.)  Three
years they struggled, accommodating the Rosicrusian
pretensions to the emblems of a handicraft mason; and
then, in 1720, burnt their papers for the benefit of the
mystery. (See all the above writers.) They gave out
that this bonfire was made " by some too scrupulous brethren," who feared that the secrets of masonry would be
exposed in the Book of Constitutions about to be published; but the smoke of that fire was not thick enough to
envelope the origin of their mystic order in impenetrable
obscurity. No doubt they hoped by burning their pretended parchments, to destroy all evidence disproving
their claim to immemorial customs and imprescriptible
rights, which claim was in a course of preparation for the
public in the dreaded Book of Constitutions. After three
years more, the volume came forth from the hands of Anderson and Desaguilliers, or Desaguliers, and blowed the
first strain of masonic vainglory and unearthly mystery,
which is heard from any book or printed treatise!
Anderson and Desaguilliers, a Scotchman  and a
Frenchman, in London, were the men who first published
to the world, the high pretensions of Freemasonry; men
of a low character, and of a base spirit, whose Book of
Constitutions of Miasonry, was ushered from the press, A.
D. 1723, and is hardly older than our grandfathers! (See
Robison's Proofs of a Conspiracy, p. 19, and p. 60;
Lawrie, p. 92.) This Volume of mock Constitutions, is
the basis of all masonic history, and its delusive statements have been servilely copied and greatly magnified,
until the mystic wonder has grown beyond the size and
power of the fabled monsters of antiquity.
Now the false spirit of the rosy cross philosophy was




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.              9
fairly embodied with the emblems of a mechanic's society; and was brought forth by the Book of Constitutions
in the form of Freemasonry. From the time of its birth
the lying wonder began to run to and fro in the earth,
wherever British commerce could convey it; and charters
for holding masonic lodges were everywhere sold at a
cash price, and an annual stipend, by the Grand Lodge of
London. To that Grand Lodge the inhabitants of most
parts of continental Europe, of the East and WTest Indies,
of Africa and of America, paid an annual tribute for the
right to confer the three degrees of Morgan's Freemasonry! The date, and Grand Master who issued the warrant,
are carefully recorded, in Preston, Smith, Tannehill, and
others, for holding lodges in all quarters of the earth. A.
D. 1729, Freemasonry was first introduced into the EastIndies; 1730 the Grand Lodge of Ireland was formed;
1731 a patent was sent from England to erect a lodge at
the Hague; 1733 Freemasonry established itself in North
America at Boston; 1736 at Cape Coast in Africa, and
at Geneva in Europe; in Scotland the same year the first
Grand Master was elected: and so the tripled-headed
monster, ENTERED  APPRENTICE, FELLOW  CRAFT, and
MASTER, went deceitfully round the earth while it was
yet in its teens.
* * * * * * * ~ * * * *
That masonry is as old as Babel, we do not refuse to
believe; it is Freemasonry, otherwise called Speculative
AMasonry, of which we treat, and of which we affirm that
its era is A. D. 1717; no man need mistake our meaning.
Neither do we pretend that the order was then made up
of new principles, or of a newly created race of men; but
certain men and certain principles, previously existing,
were then for the first time formally united and embodied
into that mystic order called Freemasonry; and a system
was formed, which did not exist before even by name,
which system we know by the name of Speculative Masonry. We do not even suppose that all the materials of
this coat of many colors came out of one fleece, or was
spun and wove by the same king Solomon. The aprons
and trowels and temple were taken from the masons; the
divine origin, mystic virtues and wonderful secrets of the
order came from the Rosicrusians; the magic and for



10           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
tunetelling from the Necromancers; the morals from the
Jesuits; and the horrid oaths of the order, from its own
bowels. But the time that all these were first publicly
stitched together to form Speculative Masonry, was when
the only four companies of Operative Masons in the south
of England, met at the Appletree tavern in London, Feb.
1717, and constituted themselves "the Grand Lodge"
of England pro tempore in due form.  Vide Preston p.
166. ANTHONY SAYER, Grand MTlaster.
The proof that it had no earlier existence is perfectly
conclusive. Speculative Masonry, or Freemasonry, is a
matter of great notoriety. Any question in a future age,
of its existence in the 18th or 19th centuries, could be
answered satisfactorily by pointing to splendid Masonic
Halls, to quarto volumes of constitutions, and octavo histories, to medals and monuments and deeds of parchment,
as well as deeds of wickedness. The literature of this
age abounds with it. Those who read the account of
laying the corner stone of the Bunker-hill Monument,
will point to that pillar of national glory, as a proof that
Freemasonry existed A. D. 1825; and, if that is not
enough, the foundation may be removed, and there a
medal be found with inscriptions of vanity, which in this
republic can only belong to Most Worshipful Freema.
sonry: unless an indignant people should justly tear the
disgraceful plate from its proud resting place.
In vain we search for any proof of this sort existing
earlier than the 18th century. We find constitutions of
Jesuits, Rosicrusians, and Alchymists. We find histories
of political parties, religious sects, and Bucaneers. We
find text books of Cabala, necromancy, astrology, magic,
fortunetelling, and various proofs of witchcraft; but not
a particle of evidence to show the existence of Freemasonry, or Speculative Masonry. It is not mentioned or
alluded to; it is not painted on canvass, or stamped on
paper, or indented on plate. That its universal language
must have been spoken; that its mystic characters were
certainly understood, and its omnific word even then possessed some share of omnipotence, no one who believes
in Freemasonry, can for a moment doubt. But all the
proof is found in pages and documents, in fraternities
and monuments of the 18th and 19th centuries; and this




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             11
in such abundance, as quite to supply the failure of five
Ihundred years preceding; although it admits of a doubt,
whether there is enough to supply the deficiency of the
other five thousand years from the year of light. Fifty
centuries are a long period for the active labors of a great
mystery spread over the face of the whole world, to pass
entirely unobserved: and there is no accounting for it,
only as a great mystery, and such, Freemasonry may undoubtedly be; for men do not well understand it, when
it is fully revealed.
We have read the volumes of Hume and Smollet and
Bisset with care. They give a connected history of England from the earliest dates to the 19th century, and no
mention is made of Freemasonry to our recollection.
Then we have run over Mosheim, who gives a faithful
history of the church, century by century, from the year
of our Lord, to the 18th century, and Freemasonry
entirely escapes either his notice or our memory. * *
We lay them away, and turn to honest Scotland.
Robertson tells its story in the most exquisite manner;
he spreads upon his page every fact of importance, and
Walter Scott fills the world with the poetry of its history.
But where is the mention of Freemasonry, or Speculative
Masonry, or the men of the cabletow?  In the lights and
shadows, in the tales and legends, in the songs and histories of Scotland, as well as of England, where is the
mentioh of Freemasonry prior to the 18th century?  We
know of none. * * *
It is too much after this to search Gibbon, Gillies,
Ferguson, and Rollin for Freemasonry; if we did, it
would be of no use; they take no notice of it. * *
Neither poet nor moralist, politician nor controversialist,
historian, biographer, antiquary, or novelist of continental
Europe, previous to the 18th century, can be named, who
mentions such a thing of oaths and degrees, as modern
speculative masonry; or who so much as writes the name' Freemasonry,' or any of its present modifications, in any
language of Europe. We do not pretend to have read
all, but we understand enough to challenge the most
learned professor of masonic lore, the very sublime, elect,
and perfect masons, to show any author with a title page
older than one hundred and six years, who mentions or




12           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
alludes to the mystery in any part of the earth; or to
produce any medal, or manuscript, or monument, or well
authenticated copy of any inscription upon any medal or
monument, naming, or having allusion to Speculative
Masonry, or Freemasonry, of a date earlier than the beginning of the 18th century, in any country on the face
of the earth.-Anti Masonic Review.
THE PRETENSIONS OF FREEMASONRY TO AN ORIGIN
IN THE DAYS OF SOLOMON.
Extract from Letters of Rev. Henry Jones.
At a time like the present, when the institution of
Freemasonry is undergoing the faithful scrutiny of the
public, it seems to be of very great importance, that the
question, so frequently asked, " What is the origin of
the Institution?" should receive the answer which it demands, in order that an impartial and correct judgment
may be more readily formed. If it originated with the
people of God; and was patronized as a good and useful
institution by many of the most eminent characters whose
names are recorded in holy writ; at a time too, when
they were enjoying the special guidance and approbation
of the Most High; a favorable judgment must be rendered of it, at least while in its native purity, though now so
degenerated and perverted:-But if, on the other hand,
this institution originated with men of corrupt principles,
who have falsely founded it, on pretended important facts,
which never existed; then of course, considering also,
its present deformed character, it must be condemned by
the public, as a base and wicked fabrication, an insult
upon community, and only worthy to be utterly expunged
from all ranks of society. Each of these suppositions, for
the origin of the institution, is considered correct, by the
Opposite parties who feel interested in the subject, and
are exhibited by them, respectively, as proof of its merits,
or demerits.
It is my design on this occasion to show, that its oven
claims to an origin at the building of the temple of Solo



OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            13
mon, among wise and holy men, are unfounded, and that
consequently, it must have had its origin since that time,
among false and wicked men, so that those wise and holy
menl had no part nor lot in the matter.
It is well known to all the fraternity who have become
somewhat familiar-with the lectures of the first three degrees, that they do teach us, that Speculative, or Freemasonry, originated at the building of Solomon's temple,
and that a large share of the mysteries of the institution
are established on certain events, which are said to have
transpired at.that time and place. I shall not consider
it necessary to repeat over those parts of the lectures to
which I allude; but for the benefit of some who may
still be unacquainted with the subject, I would concisely
bring into view some of the pretensions of masonry, as to
its having its origin at the building of the temple with
Solomon and others, which I am to endeavor to show, as
being false.
Passing by much in the first and second degrees, which
teaches the same, I shall confine my remarks to the third
degree; and would observe, First, that the lecture of this
"sublime" degree, teaches us that Freemasonry was
founded at the building of the temple, by these important
circumstances, which it professes to record, viz. that there
were employed in building it, three Grand Masters;
Solomon king of Israel, Hiram king of Tyre, and Hiram
"Abiff," as he is designated in masonry, but in the scripture, Hiram the son of a widow, &c. who alone constituted the Master's lodge at that time, and who alone possessed the Master's secrets or word, holding their secret
meetings in the sanctum sanctorum, or holy of holies of
the temple. They are represented also, in this degree,
as having agreed together, never to give the Master's
word to any other person, unless they all three -were together in doing it; so that, when Hiram  " Abiff" is represented in this degree, as being slain, before any of the
craftsmen had received this secret word of the Masters',
it could not afterwards be given, for want of the three
Grand Masters together, and was, in consequence of this,
for many years lost, having another word substituted in
its stead.
Having brought forward these things as the pretended
2




14            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
matters of fact, on which the institution of Freemasonry
professes to be founded; I would observe, that they bring
with themselves no proof that they are matters of fact in
reality, unless we are bound to consider them so proved
by the bare assertion of an individual, who says that he
was secretly told so, by a second person in the preceding
generation, who in like manner, received his information
from a third, and so on through fifty or an hundred generations, to go back to the days of Solomon: But no tribunal has ever been authorised to allow the least credit
to a witness like this, on any important question between
opposite parties.
Although it is often difficult to prove a negative in
such a case as this; I am prepared to prove, unless I
greatly mistake, that these masonic pretensions to the
origin of the institution at the building of the temple, are
false; by showing from scripture history, that Hiram
King of Tyre and Hiram " Abiff" never were associated
with Solomon as Grand Master in the building of the
temple, so that they three, never constituted a Master's
lodge there, assembling in the sanctum sanctorum for
their secret meetings. Every one must know, who is
acquainted with this history, I Kings, 2 Chron., that
Solomon was Master alone, over all the work of the buildling, that he was especially endowed with wisdom from
above to qualify him to form so great a work, and that
the Lord furnished him with particular directions, through
the agency of David his father,* which was equal to a
pattern of the building, and more than this, Hiram king
of Tyre, as it seems from  scripture and reason, never
left his kingdom to go and dwell at Jerusalem, while the
temple was building, as he only bartered with Solomon
in a friendly manner, by furnishing timber for the temple,
and sending his servants to cut and prepare it, &c. for
which Solomon made satisfaction in wheat, barley, wine
and oil; with twenty cities. It is evident, also, beyond
dispute, that Hiram " Abiff" was not a Grand Master
with Solomon in building the temple, and with him constituting a Master's lodge, meeting privately in the jancturnm sanctorum, as the third degree represents; because
* 1 Chron. xxviii. 11, 12, 19.




OP'NIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            1$
he was employed only as a very skilful workman in metals, and because, he labored not on, or about the temple,
but exclusively in casting the furniture, &c. for the temple, under the direction of Solomon, "In the plain of
Jordan-in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan," or " Zeredathlah."*
Again, the instructions of the third, or " sublime" degree, give us to understand that Freemasonry originated
with wise and good men, under the patrohage of God, at
the- building of the temple, by its establishing the principal part of the mysteries of that degree on the pretended
murder of Hiram " Abiff," with the various circumstances in its connexion, while he was in the temple, before
it was finished, at a time too, when he was daily employed in planning work for the craft, and overseeing them
on the building. All who have taken the third degree,
or have examined Morgan's book, may know, that there
is a long secret dialogue or tragedy, to be acted out, by
the members of the lodge whenever the degree is conferred, in imitation of the whole process, and all the circumstances, of the pretended murder of this Hiram, and that
the candidate who takes the degree, must always represent Hiram, and experience a mock murder, two burials,
&c.:  But of Hiram's being thus murdered in the temple, before its completion, masonry gives us no better
evidence than what has been noticed in case of the other
pretended facts, on which, not the least dependence can
be placed, even if there were nothing to disprove it.
If such a horrible assassination as this is represented
to be, of so important a character as Hiram was, had
taken place under those circumstances, it is unaccountably strange, that the sacred writer, in recording the remarkable events connected with that great work, should
pass over so important an event as this, in utter silence;
and strange too, that Josephus, who has given such a
particular account of the building, workmen and circumstances of the temple, in his 8th Book, 2d and 3d Chapters, should not intimate a word of any such important
transaction.
Although both Josephus and the scripture are entirely
* 1 Kings, vii. 46; and 2 Chron. iv. 17.




16            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
silent about any such murder of Hiram in the temple,
before its completion; the scripture on the other side of
the question, is not silent, but it speaks out, and gives us
to understand that he was not thus there murdered.
The first proof to be mentioned from scripture of this
fact, is what has already been noticed, viz., that he never
wrought as an overseer on the building of the temple, as
I think we must conclude, from the consideration, of his
being employed by Solomon only as a cunning workman,
in casting the metallic vessels, furniture, &c. of the temple, " in the plain of Jordan," at a place, not less than
thirty or forty miles from Jerusalem, where the temple
was built, as it appears by consulting sacred geography
on the subject.
Another scripture testimony which is positive, against
the pretended fact of Hiram's being murdered in the temple before its completion, and before he had finished the
work which had been assigned him, is that he was living
when the temple was completed, and that he lived tofinish all the work, which had lain upon his hands, for the
use of the temple. The first passage which declares this,
is I Kings, 7th Chap. 40th verse, And Hiram made the
lavers and the shovels and the basons; so Hiram MADE
AN END of doing all the work that he made for king
Solomon for the house of the Lord."
Then, lest this plain text should be perverted, the same
Chap. enumerates all the wonderful castings of Hiram,
and in the last verse, which is in the same connexion,
with Hiram's making an end of all his work for king
Solomon, it is said, " So was ENDED all the work, that
KING SOLOMON  made for the house of the Lord."
Then according to the sacred writer, the very next thing
was, the dedication of the temple by Solomon, as it is
particularized in the next Chapter.
To set the fact of Hiram's being alive, at the finishing
of the temple, still further beyond all doubt, the same
testimony of it, is recorded again, in 2 Chron. 4th Chap.
11th verse, " And Huram [or Hiram] made the pots,
and the shovels, and the basons. And Huram FINISHED the work that he was to make for king Solomon, for
the house of God:" So it is said again, in the same connexion of the subject, in the first verse of the next Chap.
" Thus all the work that Solomon made for the house of




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            17
tke Lord was FINISHED,"  &c. immediately  upon
which, as the history, informs us, the people of Israel
were assembled for the dedication of the building.
Having shown now, as I would hope, to the satisfaction of all who, rely upon scripture testimony, and the
exercise of reason, for evidence; that Solomon was alone,
under God, a' Grand Master,' or the builder of the temple; that Hiram king of Tyre, never left his kingdom to
go and dwell at Jerusalem, to be a Grand Master in the
building, forming a Master's lodge, &c; that Hiram
"'Abiff," was not a Grand Master-at Jerusalem with Solomon in erecting the temple, and that he was nevecr slain
there before the finishing of his appropriate work, having
lived to make an end of it, and see the temple completed;
What are we to think of the institution of Freemasonry?
the lectures of which tell us, that Hiram king of Tyre,
and Hiram " Abiff," were Grand Masters with Solomon
in building the temple; that they three constituted a
Master's lodge assembling in the sanctum sanctorum, &c.
and that Hiram " Abiff," was slain in the temple before
its' completion, while busily employed in the great work.
And what shall we think of it too, when it professes in its
lectures to have its origin in connexion with these reputed events, and to be founded upon them, while nearly
the whole substance of the mysteries of the third degree,
is a dialogue, in imitation of Hiram's assassination, &c.?
Considering that the first three degrees of Freemasonry
which were established, must be the corner stone, or
foundation, on which all the latter degrees are built, would
it be unreasonable for me now to ask; On what then
does the whole superstructure of Freemasonry rest but a
base fabrication of wicked men, who in some dark and
apostate age of the world, have risen up, united into a
secret society, and darkly handed down their inventions,
to flatter us to believe that their institution is good as
having originated among wise and good men; and being
ignorant of the manner in which their false pretensions
would be exposed; have told us, that it was established
on certain specified facts and events, which, by looking
at them carefully, and comparing them with our Bible,
we find, never had existence?   Was there ever an imposture of such magnitude as this, so generally palmed
2*




18              OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
upon mankind?   And yet, here is the origin of the
foundation of Speculative Freemasonry; and here is a
portrait of the character of its founders and first principles.
THE ABUSE AND PERVERSION OF THE MASONIC INSTITUTION.
Extractfrom Rev. AI. Thlacher's Address before Montgomery Lodge.
The original design* of this institution appears to have
been, to cherish the social virtues, enforce the principles
of moral rectitude and equity between man and man, and
to extend the hand of relief to indigence and distress.
Viewed in this light, and so far as it is calculated to
answer these designs, it may, and ought, to be considered
no more nor less than a moral and charitable institution.
So far as any society is combined to promote general
interest, merely, it should be regarded merely as an object
of utility; so far as it enforces moral virtue, or upright
external conduct, it may be considered as a moral society;
and so far as it extends relief to others, it may be considered as an  institution of charity.  We will take, for
example, a society for the promotion of useful knowledge
* It is. here taken for granted, that this was the primary intention
of the masonic society; because this is what masons have always
avowed. Query. Would any class of men have instituted a secret
society, to act merely as a moral and charitable institution? But,
suppose the original design of the masonic institution was merely
what masons have avowed; another important question arises, Is it
possible for a secret society to exist, without becoming corrupt, and
beingf turned into an engine of wickedness? Our Saviour declared
to the Jewish high priest, "I spoke openly to the world;-and in
secret have I said nothing."  What would now be thought of the
church, if she should close and " tyle " her doors, impose obligations
in secret, and place a perpetual seal upon the lips of her members?
Would it any longer be believed that her sole object is to promote
the religion of the gospel'? Now if the church, which is the purest
body on earth, could not and would not be trusted, as a secret society, who can blame conscientious and judicious men, for drawing the
conclusion, that any secret society, of whatever description, is altogether unnecessary, and cannot exist, without becoming an object of
suspicion, if not an engine of wickedness.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.                 19
in the Mechanic Arts. So far as this society tends to
facilitate the theory and practice of mechanism, it may
be valued for its utility.  If its members enter into an
agreement to shun certain known vices, and to practise
certain known virtues, it may be considered as a moral
society.  If they go farther, and engage to appropriate a
certain portion of their funds for the relief of indigent
widows and orphans, it may then be regarded both as a
moral and a charitable institution.
Considering Freemasonry, therefore, in its original
design, as a moral, as well as charitable institution, one
of the first abuses, of which we are called to take notice,
is, THE ADMISSION AND RETENTION OF UNPRINCIPLED
MEMBERS.*  It ip absurd to the last degree, not to say
ridiculous, to think of advancing the cause of morality by
immoral men.'o any man who professes to take the
Bible for his guide, to make himself an example to others,
and to enforce the first principles of moral virtue, and who
still appears to have no regard to his own moral conduct,
we may, with propriety, address the language of the great
apostle of the Gentiles: —" Thou, therefore, who teachest
another, teachest thou not thyself? Thou that preachest
a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest
a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit
adultery?  Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit
sacrilege?  Thou  that makest thy  boast of the law,
through breaking the law, dishonorest thou God?" There
cannot be a greater perversion of any moral institution,
than to admit and retain those members, who counteract
by their example what they profess to maintain by precept.
* Freemasons often say, " There are bad men in the Church, as
well as in our institution." This is true; but the cases are not parallel. All persons, whether in the church or out, have opportunity
to know on what principles members are received; and that these
principles do not justify the admission and retention of bad men.
But this cannot be known with respect to any secret society. Those,
who do not belong to the masonic institution, have no opportunity to
judge from principle, but merely from the declarations of its members; and nothing but such declarations can afford them any evidence, that the secret principles of Freemasonry do not justify the
admission and retention of just such men. The fact, therefore, that
there are bad men in the church of Christ, while it militates nothing
against the principles of the Christian religion, does and must, in regard to masonry, militate against the principles of the institution.




!20           OPINIONS ON PFREEMASONRY.
It cannot be denied however, nor ought it to be concealed,
if it could be, that the masonic fraternity have knowingly
admitted, and willingly harbored in their community,just
such members.  Such an abuse as this, has, in many
places, rendered the institution an anomaly and a caricature. There is no part of masonry more public, than
that masons profess to take the BIBLE as their guide in
moral conduct. This they have openly avowed, and
reiterated, time out of mind. What a burlesque, then,
must it be upon every principle of moral virtue, to see
men, and even those who stand high on the rolls of our
Lodges, Chapters, and Encampments, conducting like
libertines! When one of the primary precepts of DIVINE
TRUTH requires us to deal justly, love mercy, and walk
humbly with our God; what an incongruity for those, who
profess to be guided by this " great light," to set at defiance every principle of honor, honesty, and compassion, and act as if there were no God to call them  to
account! When the Bible enjoins that "golden rule,"
that summary of the law and the prophets, " All things
whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye
even so to them;" how inconsistent for those, who profess
to receive its precepts as the rule of their faith and practice, to discover that sordid selfishness, in their intercourse
with their fellow men, which characterizes not a few of
the masonic fraternity! But these are facts, which candor cannot conceal, and which it would be impious to
deny.  How many, who have voluntarily bound themselves to the " mystic order," and who are owned and
acknowledged as " free and accepted masons," are daily
sending up oaths and curses " into the ears of the Lord
of Sabaoth," in direct violation of that peremptory com-.nand., "' Siwear not at all!"  How many there are, also,,of the same class of men, who are among the first in profanation of holy time, in direct defiance of that perpetual
precept of the divine law, " Remember the Sabbath day to
keep it holy!"  It would, likewise, be the grossest selfadulation to evade, and the grossest imposition upon
others to dispute, the affecting truth, that the Holy Bible
has sometimes been borne in public by the hand already
palsied with intemperance, and its sacred truths proniounced by the tongue already stiffened with the poisoned




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            21
chalice. If masons are disposed to shut their eyes upon
such pn abuse of a professed moral institution, it is not
strange that others should be disposed to write upon the
walls, and pillars, and furniture of their "temple,"" MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN."
Another abuse of Freemasonry, which grows directly
out of the evil to which we have just attended, is, A PERVERSION OF THE INSTITUTION FROM ITS PRIMITIVE DESIGN.
When corrupt men are admitted and retained in any
society, especially in such numbers as to gain the ascendency, it is strange indeed if the original object of such
community is pursued for any length of time, and still
more strange if the institution is not rendered an engine
of wickedness.  What object can it be for immoral men
to promote morality?  Or who can depend upon those,
who are given to licentiousness, to relieve the distresses
of the widow and orphan?  They who pamper their own
lusts, and are determined to pursue a course of sensual
gratification, will generally make every thing bend, so far
as possible, to facilitate the execution of their own selfish
designs. This will account for many lodges, in different
parts of our country, becoming nurseries of conviviality,
and even of intemperance; instead of asylums for the
poor, the needy, and the afflicted. It has been said, with
sarcastic severity, but with too much truth, that " Freemasons boast of their moral and charitable institution; but
they expend more in pageantry and feasting, at one of
their anniversary celebrations, than in all their acts of
munificence during the year." Now it is easy to see, that
any thing like this, is a perversion of the original design
of the masonic association.  We have seen that this
design was, to foster the principles of moral virtue, and
afford relief to the indigent.  Every thing, therefore,
which tends to counteract this grand and primary object,
must necessarily tend to sap the whole foundation. It
must, too, be the grossest violation of every principle of
the masonic institution, to make it an instrument of political intrigue, or of sectarian influence. It is impossible
that this should be done, without removing the " ancient
landmarks," and disregarding the strongest obligation of
every member of the society. But, that such an unhallowed influence as this, has, from  time to time, been




22            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
exerted, in various branches of the masonic community,
its history fully demonstrates; and, although many such
charges against the institution in our own country I
must think are altogether without foundation; yet we
ought not, by any means, to consider ourselves beyond the
reach of corruption.  The example of the Illuminees,
who crept into the lodges of Europe, and converted masonry into an engine, which overturned the religion and
government of a whole hation, should surely prove a most
solemn admonition to all the members of the fraternity in
this infant Republic. A republican government, of all
others, affords the fairest opportunity for demagogues and,
men of corrupt minds, to execute their base designs. It
would not be strange, therefore, if such men, who had connected themselves with the masonic institution, should
make every possible attempt, by intrigue and deep laid
plots, to rob this people of their dearest rights, which our
fathers purchased with their blood.
In pursuing the chain of evils, by which the masonic
institution has been made a subject of abuse, it is not out
of place to take notice of FALSE PRETENSIONS. It is notorious to every judicious and candid member of the institution, that Freemasonry has often been made to rear
false beacons, and to hold out false colors. Many have
seemed to suppose, because they are not allowed to tell
what masonry is, so far as its " mysteries" are concerned
that they are authorized, and even obliged, to represent it
as being what it is not. In order to gratify the curious,
and raise their highest expectations, they have represented
the peculiarities of the institution to be something, which
would strike the peculiar fancies of individuals, or gratify
their ruling passions: and so have induced persons to
become members from mercenary motives, which has often
been the occasion of the greatest degree of disappointment and disgust.  Some for example, conversing with
an avaricious man, have led him to believe that masonry
affords peculiar facilities for the acquisition of wealth. In
conversing with an ambitious man, they have represented
the institution as pointing out a very safe and easy road
to honor and promotion. Men of studious habits have
been led to believe, by similar false'representations, that




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY,                23
it was one grand and principal object of masonry, to lay
open the' profoundest mysteries of science and the arts,
in the most direct, easy and lucid manner. In like manner have been treated men of different professions. The
attorney has been presented with the highest encouragemnent of aid in the mazes of the law; and the divine*
has been  told that masonry throws light upon differentt
incidents recorded in the Bible, and teaches to explain
different passages of scripture, which, otherwise, must
forever remain in obscurity. Now, to pursue such a,
course as this, with those who are ignorant of the mysteries of masonry, is not only to act a dishonest part, but
must be productive of the most serious and lasting evils,
It is easy to see, that when any person is initiated to the
order with high expectation of some peculiar advantage,
which has been held out to him by false and delusive
tepresentations, he must not only be disappointed, but
disgusted.  If so, his disappointment and disgust may not
only lead him  to overlook any real merit in the institution, though of a very different kind from what he expected,
but will probably drive him  to abandon the institution
altogether.  It ought ever, therefore, to be a maxim  with
all masons, whenever they say any thing respecting their
institution, to " speak the words of truth and soberness."
If they cannot converse with  others, without making
false impressions, and false representations, let them keep
silence. It may be presumed, that there is not one mason
in ten, if there is one in a hundred, who has not been in
some degree disappointed and disgusted in consequence
of false expectations, raised by the disingenuous allurements of imprudent members.
In connexion with the last mentioned abuse of the masonic institution, we may add, BOASTING OF Irs GREAT
* The writer here speaks from experience. He was repeatedly
told, perhaps sincerely, that the masonic society was not only a scientific institution, but that there were many incidents and passages
revealed in the Bible, which could be explained only by masonic
]ight. This representation he has since found to be altogether false.
Masonry, indeed, alludes to scripture; but I have nowhere found,
after the most diligent research, that scripture alludes to masonry;
unless (which is very probable) the sacred writers allude to it prophetically, in describing the scenes of the latter days.




24              OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
ANTIQUITY AND PRETENDED PATRONS.*  It seems to be a
natural and rather curious trait in the human character,
to value some things merely because they are old, and
others merely because they are new. It is always impolitic, however, to claim, for any institution, greater antiquity, than can be fairly made to appear by conclusive
evidence, in view of the public.'To prize, any thing,
either because of its real or pretended antiquity, when
others ard able to see neither internal nor external evidence of the fact, is rather to turn the subject into ridicule, and detract from its real merit, than to sanction its
utility by proper means, and give demonstration of its excellence.  When  masons, therefore, have boasted that
their institution is as old as the creation, and that all the
renowned men of antiquity have been its patrons, they
have betrayed a want of confidence in what ought to constitute its real worth, and which cannot in anywise depend upon its being either old or young. It matters not
to me, whether the institution was founded by Solomon,
or by John the Baptist, or, what is more probable, by certain mechanics in the sixteenth century; I consider the
main question to be, Whether the institution is good or
bad; and whether it has maintained or departed from its
original design?  I can, however, with what little know* "Enthusiastic friends of our institution have done it much injury,
and covered it with much ridicule, by stretching its origin beyond
the bounds of credibility. Some have given it an antediluvian origin,
while others have even represented it as coeval with creation; some
have traced it to the Egyptian priests, and others have discovered its
vestiges in the mystical societies of Greece and Rome. The erection
of Solomon's temple, the retreats of the Druids, and the crusades to
the holy land, have been at different times specified as the sources
of its existence. The order, harmony, and wonders of creation, the
principles of mathematical science, and the productions of architectural skill, have been confounded with Freemasonry. Whenever a
great philosopher has enlightened the ancient world, he has been resolved by a species of moral metempsychosis, or intellectual chemistry, into a Freemason; and in all the secret institutions of antiquity,
the footsteps of Lodges have been traced by the eye of credulity.
Archimides, Pythagoras, Euclid, and Vetruvius, were in all probability not Freemasons; and the love of order, the cultivation of science, the embellishments of taste, and the sublime and beautiful
works of art, have certainly existed in ancient, as they now do in
mo(dern times, without the agency of Freemasonry."-Extract from
the cMasonic.Address of Dewitt Clinton, delivered Sept. 29, 1825.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            25
ledge I have been able to acquire on the subject, see no
propriety in celebrating the birth of any ancient patron,
whether real or supposed; and, for my own part, I frankly
confess, that I have never yet seen one spark of substantial evidence, that either Solomon, or John the Baptist,
or John the Evangelist, was a Freemason. I make this
declaration as an honest man; and not, by any means, to
cast reflections upon those, whose judgment may differ
from nine. I am persuaded also, that the annual celebration of John Baptist's nativity has, for years past, been
productive of serious evils, by an example of conviviality,
not to say intemperance, and an inducement to extravagance, parade and idleness; vices which, more than
almost any thing else, have tended to blast the reputation
of the order, as a moral and charitable institution.  But,
supposing masonry can boast of great antiquity, and of
renowned patrons; what then? This simple fact can
render it, in its present state, and at the present day,
neither the better nor the worse. An institution cannot,
in reality, be any the more valuable for being old, nor any
the less valuable for being new. I cannot consider Louis
XVI. any the better for being able to " boast of a long
line of dead ancestors," who had reigned before him, and
his claiming the prerogative to wear the crown by "the
right of blood;" nor Napoleon Bonaparte any the worse,
for having placed himself at the head of an intended dynasty. If antiquity is necessary to prove the value of an
institution; then the government under which we live,
should be undervalued and cried down, merely because it
was founded in the close of the eighteenth century; while
we sing the praises of the British monarchy, because it
has existed for a thousand years. It is laboring in vain,
therefore, and spending strength for nought, to attempt
demonstrating the merits of Freemasonry, by proclaiming
its antiquity, and celebrating the nativity of a supposed
ancient patron. It is true, the pageantry of that day may
excite the curiosity of idle brains, and give them an itch
to become acquainted with the " mysteries" of the order;
but members, who become such from idle curiosity, can
afford neither honor nor profit to a charitable and moral
institution.
The greatest abuse of Freemasonry, which deserves
a




26             OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
notice on this occasion, is, the inclination of some TO
MOULD IT INTO A SYSTEM OF RELIGION.  All that can be
said of masonry, and all that ought to be said of it, in its
best and primitive state, is, that it was designed for a
moral and charitable institution.  Thus far it may go,
and no farther. To run it into a system of religion, is an
outrage upon the gospel of Christ. A man may as well
be a Mahomedan, or a heathen, as adopt any thing for a
system of religion, which does not recognize the atonement of Christ. This is the foundation of the Christian's
faith, the Christian's hope, and the Christian's salvation.
For, "there is none other name under heaven given
among men, whereby we can be saved, but -by Jesus
Christ."   Freemasons may be assured, therefore, that
they cannot do their institution a greater injury, nor more
effectually disgust and wound the feelings of a Christian
community, than to frame it into a system  of religion.
There is not a Chlristian on earth but must reject and
abandon masonry, so far as it sets itself up as a system of
religion, upon which its votaries may be induced to build
their hopes of forgiveness and acceptance with God.
For, there is not a Christian on earth, but must build his
hopes of salvation entirely upon the atonement of the
blessed Redeemer.  It would be just as consistent to
erect the constitution of an agricultural society into a system of religion, as to erect the institution of masonry into
a system of religion.  I should consider it just as proper
to give this sentimnent, "Religion and agriculture:-what
God hath joined together, let not man put asunder;" as
to give the sentiment which was given at a recent anniversary, "Religion and masonry:-what God hath joined
together, let not man iput asunder."*
Here then lies the true secret of that opposition to
Freemasonry, which is expressed by some of our most
serious and conscientious men in society. They have
considered masons as erecting a system  of religion, in
distinction friom, and in opposition to, the religion of the
gospel.  It must be confessed, also, that they have had
their reasors for so thinking.  They have heard the re* Given by Rev. George Taft, Rector of St. Paul's Church,
Pawtucket, R. I. —ED.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            27
peated declaration, "Every true mason is a Christian;
and every Christian is a mason at heart." They have
heard it said, in substance, that'religion is masonry, and
that masonry is religion.' They have seen, in Charts
and Monitors, prayers and other forms of religious service, in which neither the name, nor the atonement of
Christ, is recognized. They have heard the burial service, as now used, which virtually pronounces the deceased in heaven, let his moral character have been what
it might. They have seen " the sprig of evergreen," an
emblem of the immortality of the soul, cast into the grave
by the professed Deist, and even by those who profess to
believe that man dies like the beast.  They have seen
the Bible carried in solemn procession, by the same persons; and, considering their avowed principles and general conduct, have drawn the very natural inference, " This
is solemn mockery."  Now it must be admitted, that,
when serious and thinking men judge of masonry by
what they see in these authorized and sanctioned publications, and by the conduct of many masons, who are
known to be hostile to the religion of Christ and his apostles, it is not strange that they should fear a general combination to mould the masonic institution into a religious
system, opposed to the first principles of the oracles of
God. That this has been the design of some leading
masons, who have stood high as members of the fraternity, I have not the least reason to doubt.  It may be
presumed, however, that this is not the design of the majority of the "craft," and that they have received the
forms, to which I have alluded, without due consideration. But, so far as any have intended, that masonry
shall answer as a substitute for religion, it ought to be
considered as the grossest abuse and perversion of its
original design; and should, in every laudable way, be
reprobated by those who have pledged themselves to preserve " the ancient land-marks of the order.".01Q




28            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
CIVIL, SOCIAL, AND POLITICAL INFLUENCE OF MASONRY.
Extractfirom Charles P. Sumner's Letter to the Suffolk Committee.
MAsoNic engagements, whether they are called oaths,
obligations or promises, ought never to be made. They
are not sanctioned by law, and are not obligatory. They
make it a masonic crime to divulge that which the good
of the community requires should not be concealed. The
manner in which they are administered, and the matter
of them, can hardly fail to excite disrespect for the institution, in the mind of the person initiated; but their
effect is neutralized by some charge, or address, which
is immediately made by the master, inculcating charity,
benevolence and candor towards the whole family of mankind, and a cheerful obedience to the laws and magistrates
of the country in which we live.  Masonic obligations
have no dignity when compared with precepts like these.
It has been said that Washington in his early life was
a mason; but he never went further than the third degree: I believe that in his time, higher degrees were not
conferred. It is not possible, by reading any book, to
know what were the precise terms of Washington's masonic obligations: but any body may know that he never
agreed to kill or be killed for all the masonry in the
world. It is easy to divine the motives which probably
induced him to become a mason. The Old Charge used
in his day, when speaking of Civil Magistracy says, " a
mason is a peaceable subject to the civil rulers, wherever
he resides or works; and is never to be concerned in
plots, and conspiracies against the peace and welfare of
the nation; nor behave himself undutifully to inferior
magistrates." * * * " If a brother should be a rebel against
the States, he is not to be countenanced in his rebellion,
however he may be pitied as an unhappy man." * * * The
books abound with precepts of loyalty and benevolence.
It was sentiments like these which induced Washington
to become a mason; and a respect for these sentiments
would have induced him to withdraw his esteem for the
association, had he lived until the autumn of 1826, and




OPINION'S ON FREEMASONRY.           29
heard of that outrage which evinces that masonry, probably in some of its high and recently invented degrees,
can inspire some of its votaries with the grossest misconception of their duty to the magistracy and laws of their
country:-I say in some of its high degrees, for I am convinced that neither of the three lower degrees irresistibly
require that the receiver of them should become the perpetrator of a crime upon himself or upon any one else.
I say this from impressions received between twenty and
thirty years ago.
It is probable that Morgan has been murdered. If
there is any thing in masonic ties that could have induced
masons to do this, they ought to disregard such ties as a
lion would disregard a net of cobweb. It will be disgraceful to the institution, if its members do not all do
their utmost to bring all the abductors of Morgan to legal
light and legal punishment. In no better method can
they manifest the loyalty and benevolence which they yet
continue to declare to be their characteristics.
In our government " the whole people covenants with
each citizen and each citizen with the whole people that
all shall be governed by certain laws for the common
good." Whoever violates those laws cannot be a good
citizen-and can he be a good mason?
A masonic obligation, if it requires any breach of the
law, is what no man has a right to impose, even on a
willing receiver.  It is not binding on any one who may
be so indiscreet as to take it. It cannot come to good.
As it is imposed in some lodges it is illegal and wicked;
and in lodges, where it is the least reprehensible, it goes
to swell the amount of those idle words which we must
one day regret.
The influence of masonry is not favorable to domestic
happiness. It impairs a man's fondness for the pleasures,
which, if he does his duty, he may justly expect to find
at home. I once had occasion to see a man after ten
o'clock in the evening. I called at his house; upon
knocking at the door, I heard the words —walk in, uttered by a faint voice. I entered the room which served its
tenants for a parlor and a kitchen.  It was enlightened
by a glimmering lamp. His wife was sitting in a rocking
chair drawn to the hearth, on which was a small fire
3*




30             OPINIONS ON FREEMASNRY.
scarcely visible. One child was in her arms, and another
in a cradle, within her reach, which she occasionally
rocked. I asked her if I might at that late hour be permitted to see her husband. She replied, with a pale and
melancholy look, " Sir, my husband has yet not returned
from the Lodge." She then in a sitting posture, bent
forward over her child, and with a shawl that hung loosely
over her shoulders she absorbed a starting tear.  At that
very moment her husband was probably in the Lodge
joining his voice in the words of a favorite masonic song" We are true and sincere
"And just to the fair."
I withdrew from this mason's house.with pity for his
young wife and infant children, and with lessened respect
for an institution which could thus withhold a husband
and a father from the first of social duties.
Masonry alienates the minds of some men from the
common pursuits of life, and inclines its votaries to things,
immoderate, incredible, and out of their reach.  It styles
itself but another name for Charity, but it is not modest
like Charity; it vaunteth itself and is puffed up. n11 the
subordinate lodges it delights itself in those songs which
are denominated masonic, the burden of which is, that
masons are the greatest and the best of men, companions
of princes wherever they go; that they built all the superb temples and palaces in the world; that they are eminently benevolent, and the special favorites of the fair.
It flaunts in the robes and titles that might become the
high stations of piety or power in the Court of an eastern
prince.
In a country, like ours, where all men stand upon a
level, and where the fields of usefulness and honor are
open to all, it cannot be consistent with the wisdom of a
well regulated mind to cultivate those flowers that yield
no fruit; or to decorate one's self with the ornaments
that serve to mnake the wearer of them no more respectable than he would be in the plain garments suited to his
daily calling.
If a mason would qualify himself to become a master
of a lodge, he must load his memory with a mass of matter for which the understanding has but small affinity.




OPINIOiN  ON FREEMASONRY.           31
If young men would quit those scenes of almost profitless.amusement and attend with equal assiduity the lectures
on operative masonry and architecture; on chemistry,
astronomy, botany, anatomy, mineralogy, agriculture or
mechanics, which might at a small expense be heard in
every city, and in some villages; they would find more
satisfaction to their own inquisitive minds and lose none
of that respectable standing in the community which they
now enjoy. If some young lawyers would give that portion of their time to legal and historical studies, which
some few of them throw away in investigating the selfasserted antiquity and universality of Freemasonry, they
would find themselves in higher request in their profession, masters of the Civil Law, the Admiralty Law, and
Law of Nations; and possibly their chance would be fair
as diplomatists, to represent their country in the presence
of Kings.
Masonry is said to be a sort of accomnplishment suitable for a traveller; but a knowledge of the language of
the country he visits, and of the business he goes to
transact, will set him above the necessity of any aid or
pleasure to be derived from masonic knowledge or masonic acquaintances; and as to those who are content to
remain in their own country, if a man will mind his own
affairs, and abstain from those habits of moderate drinking,
at which the genius of masonry takes no offence, he will
seldom need any of the pecuniary aid that the funds of
masonry can bestow.
I have never considered masonry as having any distinct political influence in this Commonwealth. There
are some who seem  to think differently; and it is with
grief that I have seen in print any insinuation that the
administration of justice is under masonic influence. I
am convinced that this is unmerited here. My observation does not permit me to believe that such influence has
extended to any department of government. Let masonry
be gently divested of its borrowed plumes, but not loaded
~with that which it does not deserve to bear.
Every man who is a mason will be frank enough to
confess it, and until the question is proposed to him it
cannot be right that he should be charged with masonry
by those who consider it a cause of reproach. Such a




32            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
charge made against any public functionary, may do har1n
to the Commonwealth rather than to masonry.
I have recently seen a paragraph which is said to have
been printed in an oration delivered by Mr. Brainard, a
distinguished mason, at New London in Connecticut, on
the'24th June, 1825.  It is in these words:" What is masonry now? it is powerful: it comprises
men of rank, wealth, office, and talent, in power and out
of power, and that in almost every place where power is
of any importance; and it comprises among other classes
of the community, to the lowest, in large numbers, active
men united together and capable of being directed by the
efforts of others, so as to have the force of concert throughout the civilized world. They are distributed too with
the means of knowing one another, and the means of
keeping secret, and the means of co-operating in the desk,
in the legislative hall, on the bench, in every gathering
of business, in every party of pleasure, in every enterprize
of government, in every domestic circle, in peace and in
war, among enemies and friends, in one place as well as
another.  So powerful indeed is it at this time, that it
fears nothing from violence either public or private; for
it has every means to learn it in season, to counteract,
defeat, and punish it."
Having seen masonry only in its three incipient steps,
and but little or nothing of it for many years past, I am
not able to attribute to it any such mighty sagacity and
power as the author of that oration so boldly arrogates
for it. Every one however will judge of this, as his own
knowledge and good sense shall dictate.  If he has given
a true description of masonry, it ought to be dreaded as
a pestilence that walketh in darkness. We have no Police vigilant and strong enough to cope with it. It can,
if it pleases, throw a flood of light upon the last miserable
scene of Alorgan's life.  If any part of this mystery of
iniquity is to remain undeveloped, it must be because
masonic obligations, have an influence more powerful
than those of justice. If what Mr. Brainard has said be
not true, he has done wrong to the cause he advocates,
and must in the opinion of its friends deserve some punishment, perhaps almost as severe as that which awaits
a man in England who is an utterer of false news, or




OPINIO'NS ON FREEMASONRY.            33
false and pretended prophecies, calculated to give unfounded alarm to the people.*
The abduction of Morgan, which followed soon after
the publication of that remarkable paragraph, has excited
perhaps a just belief that the existence of masonry is incompatible with the personal security of those who reveal
its mysteries.  However well or ill founded this belief
may be, I hope no cause for it will long exist; but that
the subordinate Lodges will upon due consideration, surrender their charters to the Grand Lodge, and close this
great concern, which some pretend has been going on,
(quietly till now,) ever since the days of Adam. Masonry
will thus subside and come to a peaceful and honorable
death. In no better way can mnasons display the respect
and benevolence which they feel for their uninitiated
brethren of the human family, than by voluntarily walking with them on the common level of citizenship.
MASONRY PRODUCTIVE OF NO PERMANENT MORAL
GOOD.
Extractedfrom writings of Rev. John G. Slearns.t
IF masonry be what it professes, its direct tendency
must be to nourish the piety of the heart and the graces
of the divine Spirit. Does it have such a tendency?
Are those Christians who devote themselves to masonry,
and have made the greatest advances, and even searched
all its mysteries, any more wise, godly, and useful, than
many others who have no knowledge of masonry? I will
leave facts to speak for themselves, and my readers to
judge for themselves, and I presume they will agree, that
* 4 Vol. Blackstone's Commentaries, p. 149.
t Mr. Stearns's Volume, entitled " An Inquiry into the Nature
and Tendency of Speculative Freemasonry," is one of the ablest
productions which has appeared on the subject. Its service to the
cause of Anti-masonry, has probably been greater than that of any
work of the kind. Five editions have already been published.-ED.




34            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
such Christians often appear to possess the least of the
humble spirit of the Saviour.
If it be the tendency of masonry to gratify and comfort
the pious heart, and promote its spiritual growth, why do
so many godly members of the fraternity forsake it and
proclaim its leanness? The reason Mr. Bradley gives is,
other important callings occupy their attention and render it inconsistent fobr them to attend the meetings of the
lodges. This may be true in some cases, but not in all;
nor does it answer the objection he has anticipated. The
objection is, " Why do many good men who once attended the lodges, now neglect them?" Many good men do
forsake the lodges, not, however, because of other pressing calls, but because masonry does not satisfy them.
There are many devout, praying, living Christians, ornaments to the cause, and lights in the world, who have
utterly abandoned the pursuits of masonry, and on their
death beds, have refused its funeral honors.  M r. B.*
must have known this. Why has he passed it in silence?
If masonry possesses those excellences which masonic
writers ascribe to it, why do not those men, when they
forsake masonic lodges, forsake the church, the bible, and
the cause of Christ?  Why do they forsake masonry for
Christianity? If they forsook Christianity too, the thing
could be reconciled.  But that they should still manifest
a more devout attachment to it, and an increasing relish
for its requirements, while they lose their relish for masonry-and view it as wanting the one thing needful-as
possessing nothing which nourishes the piety of the heart,
and as inconsistent with the Christian profession; are
things altogether unaccountable on any other ground,
than that masonry is not of God, nor what it pretends to
be. This objection can never be raised against Christianity.  It never has been said, and never can be said, in
truth, that good men utterly forsake it for something else,
and remain good men, and even better than they were
before.
The man who forsakes Christianity, forsakes God, his
duty, and the path to heaven, or any thing else which
* Mr. B., since the publication of his work, has renounced masonry.-ED.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            35
rendered them more useful in the world. For men to
forsake masonry because they are disgusted with it, and
find something more excellent in the Bible, is very different from what it is to forsake it because they are crowded with other important callings.  The latter may sometimes be the case, the former is often the case; and is an
open avowal of the emptiness of masonry, and of its utter
insufficiency to satisfy a pious mind.
What support does masonry afford the people of God?
They are favored with divine support, but whence is it
derived? " I will pray the Father," said Jesus, " and
he shall give you another comforter, that he may abide
with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth."  This Spirit
is the only source of consolation to the afflicted people of
God. Take this away and there is nothing to sustain
them in the trials of life. Will any person say that this
Spirit, the comforter of saints, belongs to masonry?
What a poor system of religion is that which has in it no
Holy Spirit!  What is there here to encourage and support the children of the Saviour, as they pass through
great tribulation to the kingdom?
Masonry may afford momentary consolation to a pharisee, or hypocrite, who builds his hope on his own righteousness; but the man who rests his hopes on the merits
of Christ crucified, thirsts for something to sustain his
heart, far superior to a comfortless system, in which there
is no Holy Ghost. If there be something in masonry
which God has designed as a peculiar support for his people, masons will be found guilty for locking it up as a
secret. Wily may not all classes, and both sexes, be admitted to it on God's terms, " without money and without price?"  The fact is, there is nothing in masonry
which a suffering or a dying man needs; he may endure
afflictions, live to the glory of his Maker, and die in complete triumph, without the aid, and without the hopes of
masonry.
When a man is called to die, it is the most awful, the
most important period of his existence! Then he needs
consolation; then he needs something to sustain his sinking spirit, and to scatter light on his dark path.  What
will become of a poor deluded creature, when called to
die with no better hope than that which is inspired by a




36            OPINIONS ON FREEzMASONRY.
religion in which there is no sanctifying Spirit of God,
and which expunges from it the very name of " our Lord
Jesus Christ?" On what rock will he then stand? The
splendid edifice he has long labored to rear, will fall upon
his own head, and bury him beneath its ruins. I would
say to such an one, unless you possess a righteousness far
superior to that which is derived from masonry, you must
be damned.  You must be justified by the righteousness
of "our Lord Jesus Christ," or perish in your sins.
"Kiss the Son lest he be angry, and ye perish from the
way when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are
all they who put their trust in him."
According to masonic writers, if masonry were universally known, it would destroy the institution. "Were the
privileges of masonry to be indiscriminately bestowed, the
design of the institution would be subverted."  " Were
these secrets communicated, they would be of no material
service to mankind; their appropriate use is to distinguish our brethren of every nation, and kindred, and language."  Are there no other secrets in masonry, than
those particular signs, by which masons distinguish each
other?  What are the degrees and ceremonies in each?
They are as profoundly secret to the world as those
signs are. If these were communicated to the world, the
institution would be subverted, and mankind would receive no benefit from them.
What does Mr. Town say of the degrees, especially of
the sixth? " With these views the sixth degree is conferred, where the riches of divine grace are opened in
boundless prospect." The manner in which the riches
of divine grace are thus unfolded, is a secret to all but
masons, as much as any particular sign is. Would it be
of no particular service to mankind, were they permitted
to draw near and behold the riches of divine grace opened before them  in boundless prospect?  Is this of any
service to masons? Why not of equal service to others 7
According to Mr. Bradley, the secrets of masonry are
designed to prevent their bestowing charity on any but
masons. "The importance of secrecy with us is such,
that we may not be deceived in the dispensing of our
charities, that we may not be betrayed in the tenderness
of our benevolence, or that others usurp the portion which
is prepared for those of our family."  If a poor sufferer




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           37
makes application to masons, tells them he is a mason and
entitled to their charity, had he no token to give by which
theiy should recognize him, they might be deceived and
betrayed, and bestow their charity on one for whom it
was not designed. This shows that masonry is a system
of supreme selfishness, and its pretended benevolence the
bare love of party.
FREEMASONRY  A SYSTEM  FRAUGHT WITH DECEPTION AND DETRIMENTAL TO HUMAN HAPPINESS.
Extract from Letters of Retv. Joshua Bradley, a Seceding MSason.
THis will appear, without any veil to cover its enormity
of crime, if you will condescend to examine critically the
constitution, by-laws, amendments, resolutions, and transactions of the fraternity, since it was established in
America. Let antecedent ages roll, burdened with all
kinds of traditions, idolatry and superstition, from which
speculative masonic writers and the devotees of the craft
have picked here and there an atom, which being melted
in their flaming imaginations, and brought forth among
stonecutters; they have clothed it, and denominated this
mere creature of fancy, SPECULATIVE FREEMASONRY.
Under this name, many of the fraternity in Europe have
conjured up more than 50 degrees, and conferred titles
upon certain members, taken from all the crowned heads
amidst the vast kingdom that have flourished around the
globe since Japheth dwelt in the tents of Shem. Restless
as the ocean and proud as Lucifer, they have multiplied
degrees and flattered their brethren to obtain them.
When they had taken three degrees they were greeted as
having obtained great information in masonry, and were
told that " the ancient landmarks of the order were intrusted to their care."  They are now called Master
Masons. When individuals have passed the Arch, and
obtained the knowledge of a certain mysterious hug, and
have been intrusted how to open and close a chapter,
4




38            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
they are pronounced wise., virtuous and highly favored
among mortals. A few words of the charge given to a
companion, will confirm my assertion and show the imposition of masonry, for it abounds in every degree:
"Worthy companion, you are now exalted to the
sublime and honorable degree, of a Royal Arch mason.
Having attained this degree, you have arrived at the
summit and perfection of ancient masonry."
Is this true? Why then are the higher degrees called
ancient?  Why is the 14th degree called Perfection?
I beseech you candidly to examine into the nature and
existence of all their multiplied forms of deception, their
obscure interpretations, charters, diplomas, dues, continuance of membership, dresses and implements, &c.
&c., and seriously inquire what all these labors, consumption of time and property, have benefited millions who
have been connected with the order in all its mutations
and progress amid civilized nations? A few well organized churches of Christ have done more in instructing
the ignorant, in comforting the sick, in feeding the
hungry, in clothing the naked, and proclaiming glad
tidings to mankind, than the whole hosts of masons have
done around the globe, since the commencement of their
existence.
Masonry in every country has been changing its positions, constitutions, obligations and lectures, and muffling
itself in fine robes, smiling and courting certain virtuous
characters to form an affinity with it, that others might think
favorably of it, and in this way aid in opening wider its
jaws to the innocent, and proclaim abroad that the great,
the learned and the good were members of this " ancient
and honorable fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons."
Here permit me to say, without fear of contradiction, that
those great and good men, of whom masons are continually boasting, never concerned themselves about its
financial affairs and intriguing management. Those
great men occasionally visited a Grand Lodge or a Grand
Chapter, heard an oration on masonry, and then retired
and left the transactions of the fraternity to others.Why is this?  Because these gentlemen have other avocations, more honorable to themselves and more important
to their fellow men, than to spend their time or inter



OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           39
meddle any longer with the belittling system of masonry.
These gentlemen in their younger years may have been
masters of lodges, or high priests of chapters; but they
are no more fascinated with the low, foolish and degraded
work of bringing about of candidates, &c. &c. As many
may be offended at my renouncing masonry, and my
plainness in stating my conviction of its fallacy, I beg
leave to say, that the whole system, so far as I can trace
it back, is deceptive and its members who frequent lodges
and chapters become discordant and contentious-for
they find nothing in masonry to render them happy, and
they see many things wrong and find many individuals
with whom they cannot hold fellowship, or even walk in
procession at the solemnities of a funeral.
At present I will only glance at the fraternity in America. Enough has taken place in our own country, if
suitably laid before the public, that would make all men
gaze with astonishment, who were not twice dead and
buried beneath the lumber of traditions, gathered firom the
antediluvians and a thousand wayward transgressors of
God's holy law.
The first Grand Lodge in America was formed in
Boston in July, 1733, and received its charter from England. A war among these brothers in Boston and in
England soon commenced, and a second Grand Lodge
was formed in Boston in December, 1769, and received
its charters from Scotland.  Here contention reigned, and
calumny blowed loud her trumpet through every street.
In September, 1781, a Grand Lodge was formed in the
city of New-York, having received its warrant from the
Duke of Athol. Only six years after the date of their
warrant, the masters and wardens of the several lodges
met; having been duly notified, closed their lodge sine
die, and then formed a Grand Lodge, independent of the
Duke of Athol, and paid him no more tribute. Here all
their former obligations were considered void and new
ones formed to support the laws and the regulations of
the Grand Lodge of the state of New-York.  From those
days till the present, animosities, fraud, evil speaking,
conventions called, divisions made, and every kind of
malevolence and even the murder of Morgan justified,
and desperadoes supported from masonic funds to unite




40            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
and publish defamation against the rulers of our nation
and the ministers of Jesus, whose characters are fair
among the churches, and their preaching attended by
the influences of the Holy Spirit to the salvation of souls.
Now, my brethren, if you do not believe me, read for
yourselves.  Find, if you can, one single chapter or verse
in the sacred scriptures, where speculative masonry is
mentioned, or supported. All those passages which have
been published in their books, and their having the Bible
open in their lodges, is a piece of deception, and was
invented to obtain influence among the more serious parts
of community, that not only the men of the world, but
members of churches might be taken by the craft;
the fountains of justice defiled, the temple of the living
God filled with confusion, the pillars of government torn
away, and " the whole wheel of nature set in a blaze."
Every mason who has taken ten degrees or more, can
either recollect, or can turn to obligations published in
part belonging to those degrees, and can easily discern,
that those obligations have been formed by different men,
at different times; and by men extremely ignorant of the
obligations taken in the lower degrees and are wicked
beyond the power of language to describe. In these
obligations one destroys the other, and therefore it is very
clear to me, that no set of men in any age, or country in
one assembly at the same time ever formed these preposterous and ever varying obligations. And I know, and
so do many in the fraternity, that these obligations are
very much abridged in some States, and augmented in
others, even in our own country. In New-England,
where masonry has been in some degree systematized, a
general accordance prevails in administering the obligations; but pass those States, and a scene of confusion,
contradiction and discordant modes of work in lodges
and chapters abound from the lakes of Canada to the
gulf of Mexico. Yet all the candidates are told, through
this vast range of country, that no more is imposed upon
them, through all the humiliating conditions in which
they are placed, than was imposed upon our ancient and
honorable brethren'who were made masons before us.
HTere deception reigns, and the candidate is taught to
believe what he afterwards finds by travelling, or con



OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            41
versing with masons from other States and countries, a
falsehood.  If these assertions be  not credited, let a
Master Mason converse with a French Mason, or visit one
of their lodges and see them work; or a Royal Arch
Mason visit any city in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee or Missouri, and hear the obligations and see their
mode of work.  I could here show the vast difference
that exists, but I shall not at this time write on this point;
though I do not value those obligations that I have taken
of any efficacy to me, or that I ought to obey them; for I
am fully convinced that all masonic authorities are without any reasonable foundation.
In my first, or this communication, I have not sought
to argue upon the absurdity of secret societies; for this
has been ably enough done by Anti-masons in many
papers, and especially by the Elucidator of Utica, to convince any individual who is anxious to obtain satisfaction
upon this subject. My design has been to state fairly,
my connexions and conclusions about masonry. Far be
it from me, to wish to kindle up any indignant feelings
against an individual member of any Lodge, Chapter,
Encampment or any body called Masonic; but to let the
public know  my present views of those systems; "for
they are many," and invented at different periods, and
for various purposes, and so blinded that it is not a very
easy task to seize all their ramifications and hold them up
to wither under the. sunbeams of truth.  Neither do I
mean to cast any reflections upon those who conferred
degrees upon me, nor charge myself with sins unpardonable, in being instrumental in deceiving many; for I was
captivated with the same fascinating delusion, that those
were who brought me to their altars, &c. &c. If I were
now to ballot for candidates, and aid in conferring
degrees, as I formerly did, my criminality would be
great. In those labors I firmly believe I shall never
engage. And can you, my brethren, who enjoy the
humble and soul nourishing influences of the Spirit of
Christ? Can those lifeless ceremonies and repetitions
which we used in lodges and-chapters afford you any real
consolation?  Are you still tenaciously fond of masonry,
after all that has transpired, that has been said and
written upon this subject? What can you expect to ac4*




42            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
complish by continuing your membership? The alarm is
given, investigation has commenced, and more than five
millions have been roused from lethargy, who will not be
persuaded to lie down and sleep, while about two thousand
masonic halls enclose secret assemblies, (at least one per
month,) who dare not utter their transactions to their
most intimate companions and friends who belong not to
the fraternity?  Can you enjoy religion, and feel the
sanctifying influences of grace, while you are daily contending for the existence of an institution that has
received its death blow, and must inevitably expire?
Perhaps you fear the consequences, and are unwilling to
encounter the calumnies and falsehoods that masonic
presses pour out in torrents upon all who dare leave the
order? This you may expect, for none have escaped who
were influential among them.  Had I not been willing to
have my name cast out as evil and to have all kinds of
falsehoods published against me, and even expose myself
to frowns, jests, and as much contemptuous treatment as
these giants in infidelity can raise against me through all
the ranks o~ their beardless militia, I would have held my
peace.
But, my brethren, what have we professed and what
are our.bligations to God, his church, and the world of
mankind?  Is this vain world a friend to grace?  We
must pass through evil report and good report.  It is
through great tribulation that we enter the kingdom of
heaven.  Shall the righteous cower and forsake the cause
of God in an evil day? Is it not said in the book of
God, that they "look up and are as bold as a lion "?
" Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him."
Read the 8th chapter of Romans, and then ask yourselves
if you can fear the frowns, threats, and contempt of mor.
tals? A lying spirit is abroad, and speaks through all
masonic presses, and this spirit inflames all who hate the
truth, and will make them wax worse and worse, till
sudden destruction shall overwhelm these workers of
iniquity, to the astonishment of every beholder. Then
masonry will rise no more to trouble Zion, and spread
delusion and death amid civilized nations.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             43
THE TENDENCY OF FREEMASONRY TO INFIDELITY.
Extractfromn Thacher's Letters to a brother in the Church.
You inquire "what evidence I have, that masonry
leads directly to infidelity?" and, if " it is pretended that
masonry and the system of illuminism are mutually coupled together?"  If you had said systems of illuminism, I
think you would have given a more just representation of
the subject. Illuminism, I conceive to be one; but its
systems are many. Illuminism is a popular name for Infidel Philosophy, comprising all its doctrines, and shades
of doctrine, from Deism, to Atheism and complete skepticism. The systems of this philosophy are exceedingly
various, and so artfully either contrived or adopted, as to
"deceive, if it were possible, the very elect."  I speak
of systems belonging to illuminism, as either contrived or
adopted; because this infidel philosophy has indeed contrived some, and adopted others, already fitted for its reception. Of some of these systems you ha-'e given the
names; as, the " Society of Carbonari " in Germany, the
" United Irishmen," and the " Ribbon-men," in Ireland,
&c.  You justly observe, that "distinctions like these
are of little consequence, where one grand object is in
view." Yet, I think, you have fallen into a mistake, and
confounded the systems of illuminism with illuminism
itself. Illuminism, I grant, is the same, in every place,
and in every country; whether it is called "Philosophy,"
" Reason," "Liberty and Equality," or " Infidelity." Its
systems, however, are not only as various, but as distinct
as its names; and exactly adapted to answer its own purposes, though suited to the different temperaments, manners and habits of different nations.  By systems, I here
mean, those different combinations and societies, organized and governed in very different ways, professing to
promote entirely different objects; but whose grand and
ultimate design has always centred in. inJfidelity.  Now, I
ask, What system was adopted by the illuminees of
France, in order to " crush the Wretch," and to accomplish their designs against religion and government? To
trace all their plans, and develope all their schemes of




44             OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
wickedness, would require more time, talents and learning, than can be commanded by me, or perhaps by you.
The following, however, are among some of the measures
which they adopted: To hold secret correspondence, to
circulate infidel tracts, control and corrupt the press, and
to superintend the instruction of children and youth.
Some of their bolder steps, were, to publish their Encyclopedia, seize upon the Royal Academy, and bring it
entirely under their corrupting influence; and to instil
the poison' of infidelity into every primary and public
seminary of learning.  In addition to these measures,
they sought, and even obtained, the keys of the public
treasury; carried their intrigue into the court and council of the king, and contrived to fill the most important
offices with their own adepts.  Now, it could not be expected, that such men, capable of devising and pursuing
such measures, would suffer such an institution as the
masonic to escape either their notice or their influence.
Accordingly we are assured, by Professor Robison,* the
Abbe Barruel, and others, upon the best authority, that
the three degrees of masonry were no sooner transplanted
from England to France, than the institution was seized
upon both by the Jesuits and the Illurninees.  The first
soon relinquished their hold, and then endeavored to
crush the institution; the others held on, and mrnoulded
it into just such a shape as would best answer their designs.  They contrived additional degrees; such as have
since been adopted, and are now  in use in the United
States. They introduced new, and additional ornaments,
in dress and jewelry, to please thefancy, and to excite
the curiosity of " the profane."  In short, they found, in
Freemasonry, the very engine, which they had long desired; and it proved just such a system, as answered their
highest and most sanguine expectations.  It is true, they
eventually formed distinct, and what have been called,
"Illuminated Lodges;" but they still kept their hold
upon the mother institution.
* John Robison, LL,. D. Professor of Natural Philosophy in Etdtinurg University; member of the American Philosophical Society -
and, of the Royal Society at Manchester; and foreign member of the
Imperial academy of Sciences at St. Petersburg.-ED.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             45
Here then, it appears, that the illuminees* did not
"personate"' Freemasonry, but adopted it, as a system already fitted to their hand, which they could mould and
use at pleasure, to carry into execution their schemes of
infidelity. This view of the subject corresponds precisely
with Professor Robison's account of the institution, and
the manner in which it was moulded and adapted to the
designs of French infidelity.  The Professor shows, satisfactorily, that Freemasonry originated in England; that
it existed there, only in the three first degrees; and that
it was not considered of any serious importance, but
merely as a kind of diversion for young men, affording
them opportunity to pass away a leisure hour, or to indulge themselves in occasional convivial intercourse.That I have not mistaken the views of Dr. Robison, on
this subject, I think will clearly appear in the following
extracts:-" In my early life," says this learned and sagacious Professor, " I had taken some part in the occupations
(shall I call them) of Freemasonry; and having chiefly
frequented the lodges on the continent, I had learned
many doctrines, and seen many ceremonials, which had
no place in the simple Freemasonry which obtains in this
country."  [England.]  " I had also remarked, that the
whole was much more the object of reflection and thought
than I could remember it to have been among my acquaintances at home.  There I had seen a mason lodge
considered merely as a pretext for passing an hour or
two in a sort of decent conviviality, not altogether void
of some rational occupation." [Introduction to Proofs of
Conspiracy, p. 7.]
" I was importuned by persons of the first rank to pursue my masonic career through many degrees unknown
in this country. But all the splendor and elegance I
saw, could not conceal a frivolity in every part.  It appeared a baseless fabric." [Ibid, p. 8.]
Speaking of the attention with which he was treated,
at a certain festival, where "the simple system" of English Freemasonry prevailed, he says, " I do not suppose
* The Illuminees, as individuals, were very numerous, long before
the " ORDER OF ILLUMINATI," properly so called, had an existence.




46           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
that the Parisian Freemasonry of forty-Jive degrees could
give me more entertainment."  [Ibid, p. 10.]
Of the origin of this system of Freemasonry, the Professor remarks, " Some curiosity, however, remained, and
some wish to trace this plastic mystery to the pit from
which the clay had been dug, which had been moulded
into so many shapes,' some to honor, and some to dishonor.'' [Ibid, p. 10.]
"1 was friequently sent back into England, from whence
all agreed that Freemasonry had been imported into Germany. I was frequently led into France and into Italy.
There, and more remarkably in France, I found that the
lodges had been the haunts of many projectors and fanatics, both in science, in religion, and in politics, who
had availed themselves of the secrecy and the freedom of
speech maintained in these meetings, to broach their particular whims, or suspicious doctrines, which, if published
to the world in the usual manner, would have exposed the
authors to ridicule or to censure.;'  [Ibid, pp. 11, 12.]
"' In their hands, Freemasonry became a thing totally
unlike to the system (if it may get such a name) imported
from England; and some lodges had become schools of
irreligion and licentiousness."  [Ibid.]
" It [Freemasonry] seems indeed peculiarly suited to
the talents and taste of that vain and ardent people [the
French.]  Baseless andfrivolous, it admits of every form
that Gallic refinement can invent, to recommend it to the
young, the gay, the luxurious; that part of society which
alone deserves their care, because in one way or another
it leads all other classes of society." [Ibid, p. 13.]
" It has accordingly happened, that the homely Freemasonry imported from England has been totally changed
in every country of Europe, either by the imposing ascendency of French brethren, who are to be found every
where, ready to instruct the world; or by the importation
of the doctrines, and ceremonies, and ornaments of the
Parisian lodges. Even England, the birth-place of masonry, has experienced the French innovations; and all
the repeated injunctions, admonitions, and reproofs of the
old lodges, cannot prevent those in diflferent parts of the
kingdom from admitting the French novelties, full of tinsel and glitter, and high sounding titles." [Ibid.]




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            47
" The French innovations in Freemasonry were quickly
followed in all parts of Europe, by the admission of similar discussions, although in direct opposition to a standing
rule, and declaration made to every newly received Brother,' that nothing touching the religion or government shall
ever be spoken of in the lodge.' But the lodges in
other countries followed the example of France, and have
frequently become the rendezvous of innovators in religion
and politics, and other disturbers of the public peace.  In
short, I have found that the covert of a masonic lodge
had been employed in every country, for venting and propagating sentiments in religion and politics, that could
not have circulated in public without exposing the author
to great danger. I found that this impunity had gradually encouraged men of licentious principles to become more
bold, and to teach doctrines subversive of all our notions
of morality-of all our confidence in the moral government of the universe-of all our hopes of improvement in
a future state of existence-and of all satisfaction and contentment with our present life, so long as we live in a
state of subordination.  I have been able to trace these
attempts, made, through a course offifty years, under the
specious pretext of enlightening the world by the torch of
philosophy, and of dispelling the clouds of civil and religious superstition, which keep the nations of Europe in
darkness and slavery. I have observed these doctrines
gradually diffusing and mixing with all the different systems of Freemasonry; till, at last, AN ASSOCIATION HAS
BEEN FORMED* for the express purpose of ROOTING OUT ALL
THE RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS, AND OVERTURNING ALL
THu EXISTING GOVERNMENTS OF EUROPE." [Ibid,p. 14.]
"In short," says Professor Robison, " we may assert,
with confidence, that the mason lodges in France were
the hot-beds, where the seeds were sown, and tenderly
reared, of all the pernicious doctrines which soon after
choaked every moral and religious cultivation, and have
made the Society worse than a waste, have made it a noisome marsh of human corruption, filled with every rank
and poisonous weed." [Proofs of Conspiracy, p. 45.]
In allusion to Freemasonry having originated in Eng* "The ORDER OF ILLU4MINATI."




48            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
land, and the manner in which it was received in other
countries, he says, " Thus did the fraternity conduct
themselves, and thus were they considered by the public,
when it was carried over from England to the continent;
and here it is to be particularly remarked, that all -our
Brethren abroad profess to have received the Mystery of
Freemasonry from. Britain.  [Ibid, p. 26.]
Having spoken of the additional Degrees, contrived
and attached by the French, to the three first, which
originated in England, the Professor continues-" These
facts and observations fully account for the zeal with
which all this patch-work addition to the simple Freemasonry of England was prosecuted in France. It surprises
us, Britons, who are accustomed to consider the whole
as a matter of amusement for young men, who are glad of
any pretext for indulging in conviviality." [Ibid, p. 37.]
Of the German lodges, he says, " All of them received
their institution from England, and had patents from a
mother lodge in London.  All seem to have got the
mystery through the same channel, the banished friends
of the Stuart family."-" Freemasonry was then of the
simplest form, consisting of the three degrees of Apprentice, Fellow-craft, and Master."  [Ibid, p. 54.]
Again, he says, that the French, who undertook to
improve the Germans, declared "that the home-spun
Freemasonry, which had been imported from England,
was fit only for the unpolished minds of the British; but
that in France it had grown into an elegant system, fit for
the profession of gentlemen." [Ibid, p. 58.]  The Germans, however, not being altogether so credulous as the
French desired, stood in doubt of such innovations, and
thought " that the safest thing for them was an appeal to
the birth-place of masonry. They sent to London for
instructions. There they learned, that nothing was acknowledged for genuine unsophisticated masonry but
three decrees; and that the mother lodge of London alone
could, by her instructions, prevent the most dangerous
schisms and innovations." [Ibid, p. 59.]
In view of these copious extracts from Professor Robison, it is easy to see, that Great Britain was, indeed, " the
birth-place of Freemasonry;" that it existed there only in
the three first degrees; that it has been moulded into va



OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             49
rious shapes and systems; that it was exactly fitted for an
engine of infidel philosophy, particularly as new modelled
and ornamented by the French; and that it was used for
the very purpose of fostering infidelity, for at least "fifty
years" before the " Order of Illuminati" had an existence, and literally became the harbinger of this atheistical and revolutionizing association. It seems, theref6re,
that instead of this new system being disowned, and denied fellowship  by the masons, and the lodges being
"closed, as if to exclude the dangerous innovater;" the
system of Freemasonry became the real mother of Illuminism, and the "Order of Illuminati" was the legitimate child of the Freemason's lodge. It does seem " that
the mason lodges were the hot-beds, where the seeds were
sown and tenderly reared of all the pernicious doctrines
which soon after choaked every moral or religious cultivation, and have made the society worse than a waste, have
made it a noisome marsh of human corruption, filled with
every rank and poisonous weed."
Such, is some of the evidence, that Freemasonry has
led directly to infidelity in Europe; and I purpose now
to show, that it has an equally dangerous tendency in this
country.
We cannot suppose, that so large and fair a portion of
the earth as America, should be entirely free from the
machinations of infidelity; nor have we any reason to
believe, that such an extensive and opulent society as the
masonic fraternity have arisen to be in this country, would'
be overlooked by the eagle eyes of the Illuminati. There
is no society on earth, in which infidelity can remain
more effectually concealed, and more effectually carry on
its secret operations.  It is convenient for illuminism to
have its own societies, whose avowed object, every one
knows, is, to propagate its own doctrines. But, it is still
more convenient to employ societies, professedly devoted
to other objects; because, in these, it can more easily
" conceal the hand that gives the blow."  That societies
of the first kind, which I have mentioned, exist in this
country, there can be no reasonable doubt. The society
of " United Irishmen,"  was formed in the United States,
years ago. Beside this, there have existed lodges, in several sections of the country, which originated from the
5




50             OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
"Grand Orient of Paris."   We may doubtless add,
"The Society of Odd Fellows."
Now, if French infidelity has gained such a footing,
and been of so long standing, in this country; what evidence can we have, that our lodges, chapters and encampments are free from its influence? Tihlere are certainly very many leading masons, of high standing, in
this country, who are Deists; and I have personally
known several, who were not ashamed to avow their atheism. Besides, it is beyond all dispute, that many of the
higher degrees of masonry, as practised in this country,
were imported directly from  France.  Masons will not
admit that these degrees were manufactured in this country; and they certainly did not originate in England. In
1730, there were but three degrees of masonry known,
either in England or in America.  In 1799, the British
Parliament passed an act,* prohibiting any more than
three degrees being given in that kingdom. English gentlemen, who took any higher degrees than the three first,
received them  on the continent.  When, therefore, we
consider, that the masonic institution, in this country,
embraces from three to forty, forty five, or forty eight degrees, (some say more,) and that thie most of these degrees were imported from infidel France; we cannot rea-.onably doubt for a moment, that illuminism exists, to a
very great extent, in this institution, even in the United
States.  Accordingly, this fact was testified, on the best
authority, years ago.  " A letter from a man  of the first
respectability in New England, written in 1798, says,' lluminism  exists in this country.  And the impious
mnockery of the sacramental supper, as dlescribed by Mr.
PRobison, has been acted here.'  The writer proceeds to
state, that his informant, a respectable mason, and a principal officer of that brotherhood, declares, that among the
higher orders of masons in this country, this piece of
illuminism (thle mockery of the holy supper) is at times
practised." [See Smith on the Prophecies, 2d ed. p. 176.]
Since making the above extract, I have received a
letter from  the author of that celebrated dissertation,
which, being a little more circumstantial, and giving cer* George III. 1799.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.                            51
tain authorities which I do not find in the work, I here
insert in full.
HANOVER, AMASS. JUNE 29, 1829.
Rev. and Dear Sir,
Your letter is before ne; and I return an answer by transmitting
to you the following extracts fiomn the second edition of my Dissertation  on the  Prophecies, published  15  years ago.             President
Dwight, in 1793, wrote thus,'     lllumi n isrm exists in this country; and
the inlpious nmockery of the sacrament, described by Robison, has
been acted here.'  Again:' Under these circumstances, (;says Dr.
Dwight,) were founded the societies of Illurrinism.*  They of course
spread  with a rapidity which nothing but fact could have induced
any sober miind to believe.  Before the year 1786, they were established, in great numbers, through Germany, Sweden, Russia, Poland,
Austria, Holland, France, Switzerland, Italy, England, Scotland, a-nd
Ansmerica -n  all these places was taught the grand s.weepin, principle of corruption, that the goodness of the end sanctifies the
mneans!'  Dr. Dwight said, he received his information t'om a principal officer of the American masons.-A  mason of high stant(ing at
the southl, in a letter to Dr. Dwight, dated March 23, 18100), says,' the lodtge  in Portsmouth, (Va.) to  which  you allude, called  the
French lod(ge, was considered, by nie, as under the modern term  of
masonry (itluininism.)'  In another letter from  the sanme to President Dwight, he says,' That you had good reason to suspect the deM* r. Smith quotes from a Fast Discourse of Dr. Dwight's, delivered in
Yale Colle-fe.  lThe passage is as fillows:
"The serpentine system  of this order (Illuminism) Wcisiaupt perfectly
understood.  The great diesign of the Jesuits had always been to engross the
power aend influelce of Europe, and to regulate ail its iinmlolrtatll atfairs.
rhe system of mnesures,  wshich they had adopted for this end, xvas supetrior
to every precedling  scheinme of hullan policy.  To this (lesign \WXeishlaupt,
who was more abtsolutely an Atheist than Voltaire, aind as cordally wished
for the ruin cf Cl ristialty, superadded a geileral intention of destrox'iig lthe
lnoral character of' man.''ihe system  of policy, adopted by tle Jesuits,
was, thereftore, exactly tilted to his purpose: for the designi, wxit this superaddition, was exactly the samie.
" With these a(dvanltageous preparations, he boldly undertook this work
of destruction; aiid laid tile axe at lthe root of all mor'al principle, anid the
sense of all moral oblioatioi, by establislling a few fulndam-etaltl doctrinies,
which were amply suflUcieit tor this purpose.  These were, that God is
nothing; that governmienit is a (turseo anmid authority an usurpation; that civil
society is the only apostacv of man; that the possessioni of property is robbery  that chastity and nalural afilection are mere prejutlices;   and that
adultery, assassination, poisoning, and other crimes of a simil r nature are
lawful, and even virtuous.  A large iranch of the lMasonic Srci ries in Germany and France had alre ady adopted the same objects, as the great and
controlling oies of all their petrsonal and united labors.  Here secrecy furnished the most advantageou.; olpiortunities for thle formation of every desigin, ald tihe most advantaioeons contrivance for its suncessiiul execution.
iHere the spirit of hostility agraielst religion and governmenlllt was kiidled,
and blown Ltip into a flame.  Here, il a word, all that vice could wish, and
profligacy attempt, was proposed,  matured, and set forward for executioll.
Under these circumstances, were founded the societies of lllnminisl."




52               OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
signs of the French lodge, at Portsmouth, I have no reason, nor ever
had, to doubt. Their work was to effect the plans of France in our
country.'- A member of that lodge boasted that he belonged to a
lodge in Europe, in which the French revolution was planned.A gentleman of the first respectability informed me, (with leave to
publish it, if I pleased,) that while he was Grand,Master of all the
lodges of the State, in which he lived, a bundle of papers firom the
Eastern Continent came, by a natural mistake, into his hands, in
which were masonic language, anti emblems, altogether above his
comprehension. This was before he had heard of the existence of
Illuminism. The packet by some means went out of his hands.
After he heard of Illuminism, he said he was prepared to believe it,
and that it was established in this country!'-In a printed oration,
delivered before the grand royal arch chapter of New York, Feb. 2,
A. L. 5801, by Rev. John Ernst, Grand Chaplain, are the following
words: —' The deep designs of masons called the Illuminati, who
have almost inundated Europe, and are fast gaining ground in./lmerica, have clearly demonstrated the abuse which untiled mason
lodges have met with, and how they, when not guarded, can be revolutionized and moulded at pleasure!' An acquaintance of mine, a
man of name, who with his wife were professors of religion, both informed me, that their son had occasion to reside some years in
~-, the capital of a middle State. When he returned, they
found, to their great grief, that he had become a gross infidel. He
assured thenm,'he had learned this wisdom in a society there, instituted fiom France, with a view to propagate the sentiments he had
imbibed:-That such societies abounded in our land:-That soon
gospel ministers would not be supported; and if they existed, the
finger of scorn would be pointed at them:-That the Christian reli.
gioa was all an imposition, and would soon be abolished!  A letter was intercepted from a lodge of Illumninees in Virginia, to another
in New York, in which were emblems of carnage and death, and
things unknown to the lower grades of masonry in our States.-The
lodge Wisdom, in Portsmouth, (Vat.) was the 2260th descendant
from the Grand Orient of Paris. This great number were scattered
in twelve different nations, of which America was one. Girtonner,
in his Memoirs of the French Revolution, says,' The active members of the Propagandists (propagators of French masonry) were,
in 1791, fifty thousand, with funds then of six millions of dollars.
These men were sent over the civilized world. And it was a maxim
in their code, that' it was better to defer attempts fifty years, than
to fail of success by too great precipitancy!' Robespierre, in his
contention with the Brissotine faction, declared, that revolutionary
designs were the object of the diplomatic mission of Genet to this
country. Genet's haste and impertinences to effect this design soon,
by the wisdom of Washington, occasioned his recall. In an intercepted letter of his successor in this country, this object of French
Illuminees, in this nation, was ascertained;-and that the insurrection in the west of Pennsylvania, (to suppress which cost our nation
one million of dollars, and the raising of an army of 15,000 men,
with Washington at their head,) was the fruit of the secret machinations of these French Illuminees! Washington himself was denounced by this horrid agency, and was declared to be an enemy to




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.                  53
his country. And the people were called upon, when he left his
presidential office, to keep a jubilee on the occasion. Washington,
in a letter to a fiiend, spake of this abuse as being in' such indecent
terms as could scarcely be applied to a.Xero, or to a notorious defaulter!' In another letter he says,' That the self-created societies
that have spread themselves over this nation, have been laboring incessantly to sow the seeds of distrust, jealousy, and discontent,
hoping thereby to effect some revolution in the government, is not
unknown to you. That they have been the fomenters of the western insurrection, admits of no doubt.' He agaih says,' It is doubtful still, whether that part.y, which has been a curse to this country,
may not be able to continue their delusions!' No wonder, then,
that this Father of his nation should, in his farewell address, warn
his country to beware of all secret societies!  Even Bonaparte
boasted,' We well know our strength in America; and let us do
what we will, we can turn all the odium of it on those who favor not
our designs.' "
These eivw extracts I transmit. You may make what use of them
you please. I have long since given them to the public.
1 am, dear sir, affectionately yours,
ETHAN SMITH.
Now, dear brother, in view of these facts, it is more
than evident to my mind, that French Illuminism has
b)een incorporated with American Freemasonry. It does
appear, from  unquestionable authority, that, as long ago
as 1798, " the impious mockery of the sacramental supper had been  acted here,"  in the " higher degrees of
Freemasonry." This fact accords precisely with Webb's
account of the " Ineffable Degrees,"* in one of which
the " Most Perfect" is represented as saying to the novitiate, " Eat of this bread with me, and drink of the same
cup."  We have substantial evidence also, even from respectable masons, that many of the lower lodges had been
moulded to suit the designs of French infidelity, nearly
thirty  years ago; and that this corruption  was, at that
time, " fast gaining ground in this country."
Can we, then, foster Freemasonry, even in the three
lower degrees, without, either directly or indirectly, aiding the cause of infidelity?  Even admitting, that the
three lower degrees are as pure as you seem to imagine;
still, they are the portal to the labyrinth of Illuminism.
This is an avenue, which must be shut, or our country is
undone. The lower degrees are, and have been, con* Freemason's Monitor, 1816. p. 276.




54            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
strued into every thing, and any thing, which was calcu.
lated to promote the designs of infidels; and these designing men have repeatedly " laughed in their sleeve,"
in view of the farcical ceremonies of the third degree, as
cunningly devised, and directly calculated to bring the
scriptures into disrepute, and cast contempt upon the
death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even on the
supposition, therefore, that you and I may not have considered these pernicious doctrines as "taught in the
lodge-room;" yet the work is so constructed, that others
may, and do, construe it into whatever they please. I
must confess also, that though I did, for a time, argue
with myself, as you do, on this subject; and although I
endeavored to persuade myself into the settled conviction,
that this was pure morality; yet, after all, when I wit.
nessed the various ceremonies of the several degrees, my
conscience has secretly whispered,' this is no place for a
Christian, and especially for a Christian minister.' These
secret whispers, and a scrutinizing observation of the
effect, which those ceremonies have upon the fraternity,
have led me more critically to examine the subject; which
examination has led me to the present result. Reflecting
upon the snare, from which I have escaped, I would not
be placed back, where I was six months ago, for all the
honors and treasures of earth.  I have, dear brother, repeatedly seen the smile of mirth playing in the countenance of many a mason, during even, what are called, the
most sublime and solemn parts of the work. In reflecting upon past years, also, and the several revivals of religion, which I have had opportunity to witness, I can
now recollect but very few, comparatively, who havebecome hopefully pious, after joining the masonic institution. I understand that the same observation has been
made by a clergyman,* who has doubtless had more experience in revivals of religion, than any man now living in
our own country. Among professors of religion, too, I
think the observation will hold good, that the lodge-going
brethren are not generally among the most engaged and
active members of the church. I do not say this, by any
means, to make invidious comparisons; and I am willing
* Rev. Mr. Nettleton.




OPNIONS ON FREEMASONRY,             55
to admit that there are exceptions.  But I have never
known a church member, who gave decisive evidence of
piety, who would not spontaneously abandon the lodge,
during a revival of religion. Neither have I ever known
a professor of religion, however apparently engaged before, but what, in one way or another, gave decisive evidence of religious declension, immediately after joining
the masonic institution.  I can also recollect of several
instances, in which young men had appeared very seriously concerned for the soul and the things of eternity;
but who, on being initiated into the mysteries of masonry,
immediately banished all serious impressions, and, from
that day forward, appeared perfectly careless and secure.
I am also constrained to think, that no professor of religion ever found himself improved in moral feeling, in
consequence of attending a communication of the lodge;
or that he scarcely ever went away, in consequence, with
one profitable serious reflection, unless with this, that he
had worse than thrown away his precious time, and would
better stay away in future. Permit me, also, to ask you,
dear brother, (and I wish to do it most tenderly and affectionately,) if you have felt in your heart, generally, that
glow of religious warmth, since, as before you became a
member of the masonic institution? Have you been as
much disposed to attend religious meetings since, as before; or to take a part in those religious meetings, as you
frequently did, four or five years ago?  Permit me again
to ask, if you feel like going from your closet to the lodge,
or from the lodge to your closet? Or, if you do, is it
with that freedom and holy fervor, which you believe you
have felt in years past? These are plain and significant
questions; and I doubt not you will answer them to yourself, in the fear of God, and with a reference to the judgment day.
You add, "I am told that Royal Arch masonry has
much to do with a Saviour, while he is only darkly prefigured in the three first."  Here, I am sure, you are
laboring under a sad mistake. I wish to know wherein
the Saviour is even darkly prefigured, in any part of the
three first degrees. Is it in the mock representation of
death and the resurrection? It must be here, if any
where; but, for my own part, I should as soon and as




56             OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
seriously think of looking for the Saviour in one of Shakespear's tragedies.  It cannot be.  This ceremony is so
contrived, that it may be construed to please the Christian, Jew, Deist, Mahomedan, and Pagan  idolater./gWould these last think of looking for the Saviour here?
I have been informed, that a Jew was, for a considerable
time, Grand Mlaster of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island.
This same Jew, if I mistake not, was actively engaged
in forming the General Grand Chapter of the United
States. Now, would this Jew, do you imagine, consider
Royal Arch masonry as having much to do withl the
Saviour; or that Jesus of Nazareth was even " darkly
prefigured" in the third degree? But, supposing your
idea to be correct; what is the need of having the Saviour
"darkly prefigured," when " the true light" respecting
him, has now shone for more than eighteen hundred
years? Is there any need of going into the lodge-room to
observe what God, in his word and providence, has made
so plain? I deny, however, that Royal Arch masonry
has any thing to do with the Saviour, except to degrade
and rob him of his glory; and this would please the Jew,
as well as the Deist.  In the Mark Mlaster's degree, those
passages of scripture,* which, in the Bible are applied
exclusively to Christ, as the chief corner stone of his
church, masons apply exclusively to a literal stone, which
in this degree, is " rejected by the builders" and thrown
away among " the rubbish;" but in the Most Excellent
Master's degree, is found again, and becomes the key of
the arch, or " the head of the corner."  Now what does
this mean? Is it to exalt or to degrade, the Son of God?
Who shall tell us-the Jew, or the Deist?  Let the
* The passages of scripture here cited, are the following:-Ps.
cxviii. 22. The stone which the builders refused, is become the
head-stone of the corner.
Matth. xxi. 42.-Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone
which the builders rejected, is become the head of the corner.
Mark xii. 10.-And have ye not read this scripture, The stone
which the builders rejected, is become the head of the corner?
Luke xx. 17.-What is this, then, that is written, The stone
which the builders rejected, is become the head of the corner?
Acts iv. 11.-This is the stone which was set at nought of you
builders, which is become the head of the corner.-[See Webb's
Monitor, 1816, p. 78.]




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.              57
Christian speak, and his soul must recoil within him!
He will say, if he says the truth, " This is, indeed, my
God and my Saviour, degraded to a literal stone, mocked,
and cast away, despised and rejected of men!!"  "() my
soul, come thou, no more within their secrets; unto their
assembly, mine honor, be not thou united!"  In the
Royal Arch degree, the name of the Saviour is not mentioned; but the titles and attributes of the great and terrible GOD, are used with the most shocking familiarity;
and JEH()VA [I is literally personified, while the passage
relating to the "burning bush " is cited in full.*  In the
"Order of High Priest," which properly belongs to Royal
Arch masonry, Christ is again robbed of his honor; and
passages which apply to him, and to no other being in
the universe, are addressed to a mortal worm of the dust.
What is said of Melchisedec, in the New Testament, as
representing the eternal Priesthood of the Saviour, mason's address to the lHigh Priest of a Royal Arch Chapter! t This degree was doubtless contrived by Weishaupt, a most subtle adept, and was intended and calculated to deceive, " if it were possible, the very elect."
Of this, however, I shall say more hereafter. —ln like
manner, are the agonies of Christ in the garden turned
into mockery, in the order of Knights Templars.  Here,
the " bitter cup"+ is prepared for the candidate to drink,
when he receives his obligation.  Here is represented
" the place of a skull," literally indeed, because the skull
is the cup from which the novitiate receives his libation.
In allusion to the bitter cup, the scene of Christ's agony
in the garden is rehearseQd,~ (does not your soul recoil?)
particularly that passage, in which he repeatedly and
earnestly prays, " 0 my Father, if it be possible, let this
cup pass from  me."-" Father, if this cup may not pass
from  me, except I drink it, thy will be done."!!   In
allusion to the skull, it is read,~ "And when they were
come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place
of a SKULL, they gave himr vinegar to drink, MINGLED
WITH GALL: and when he had tasted thereof, he would
* Freemason's Monitor, 1816, p. 136.
t Freemason's Monitor, p. 15:3.
T Town's Speculative Freemasonry.
~ See Webb's Monitor, 1816, p. 232.




58             OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
not drink."!!!   Now, is it difficult here to see the haggard features of Illuminism? Professor Robison, who
had every facility to leain, declares,* that this degree Nwas
formed in an illuminated lodge at Lyons, which, at that
time, "stood at the head of French Freemasonry."  It
seems also, from other authentic accounts, which I have
seen of the history of this order, that those who contrived
it, to render the deception complete; seized, as a kind of
moodel, the chivalry of the dark ages, and pretended to
trace the decree back, as Webb does, to the eleventh
century.t   We may, then, consider it as established beyond a reasonable doubt, that the "Order of Knights
Templars " is the legitirnate offspring, of French illuminism.
ON THE OATHS AND OBLIGATIONS OF IMASONRY.
Ani abridgment of Rev. Air. Jones's Letters.
ql is my intention in the present letter, to notice some
things in the OATHS or OBLIGA'IrONS of masonry,
whicil are oijcctionaable, and, in my opinion, destiroying,
their bintrldiwg nature, as to perpetual secrecy.  Before I
proceed, however, it may be suitable to remark, it is my
purpose not to introduce any thing as belonging to these
obligrati:ons, except what was actually taught me as such
while a regular member of the institution.  If any individual shall (llestiorn my ability to present the very form
so far as I!nay need to do it, I would observe, for the
satisfaction of sucll, that I should hold myself in readiness, if required, to submit the question to disinterested'
judges, and to abide their decision.  It was not my intention, and I should not have thought it expedient now to
publis/d any part of these Oaths, in the precise wordls in
which they were taught to me, were it not for the fact,
* Proofs of Conspiracy, p. 44.
t See Webb's " Observations on the Orders of Knights Temnplars,
and Knights of Malta."-Freemnason's Monitor, 1816, p. 20).




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.              59
which has very much surprised me of late; that many of
the fraternity, as I am credibly informed, are positively
denying the substantial correctness of them, as they stand
in Morgan's Illustrations, thereby, as it nmust be considered, implicating me with the gross charge of falsehood.
The first thing to be noticed as objectionable in these
obligations, is the extraordinary mock solemnity, profanity, Arc. of their introduction, viz.: "I, A. B. o of my own
friee will and accord, in presence of Almirghty God, and
this Right Worshipful Lodge, erected to God and dedicated to the Order of the holy St. Johnt; do hereby, and
hereon, most solumninly and sincerely promise and swvear."
All three of the first obligations, have precisely this introduction, according to my earliest instructions; and what,
let me ask, is there in them, or in the other parts of
masonry, which can demand, or justify this pretended,
solemn  formality?  As I know of no necessity for this,
nor any thing which can be reasonably urged in its justification, 1 have no hesitation  in d(eclaring my opinion
fully, that it is an absolute violation of the third Commandment, in twice taking the name of the Lord in vain;
and what an unqualified violation it is, also, of the injunction of holy writ, to " swear not at all."  And what can
it be, but a most daring insult, in the face of the Most
Higth, for a body of men, who, with but very few if any
exceptions, generally, are not those, who fear God and
work righteousness, to set themselves up, as it were, by
his side, clothed with such extraordinary, self-created, selfexalted titles; and what is it but an impious mockery of
God, to declare such lodges, in his awful presence,
Erec red to Gtod, and dedicated to the order of the holy St.
John?"  Sure, if these lodges, generally, have been
erected to any god, and are acknowledged by him, as
such, it must have been to some other than the God of
heaven.  I wish to be understood, as speaking exclusively
of the wickledness of these oaths, in distinction fromn the
character of those who may be still unconsciously giving
their sanction to such wickedness.
Another clause which I shall notice at this time, is the
same in substance in both the second and third degrees
as follows: " I furthermore promise and swear, that I will
answer and obey, all due signs and summons, given, sent,




60            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
handed, or thrown to me, by the hand of a true and lawful
brotherfellozo craft, (or master ma.son,) or from the body of
a legally constituted lodge of fellow crafts, (or master masons,) so far as in me lies, if within the length of my
cable tow."  It is certainly difficult to find a happy construction of this clause, and I very much doubt, whether
it has been understood by masons themselves, generally.
Were it not for its peculiar phraseology, it might be understood to mean, that a person who takes this obligation
upon him, is to answer all signs, made to him personally,
by a brother of the same degree, by making corresponding
masonic signs in return, so as to inspire a masonic confidence in each other; and further that such a person.
should obey all summons or citations from the lodge to
attend its meetings; but as no distinction is made here;
between the prerogative of a lodge and a private brother,
to make such signs or summonses; it seems, that each
one is bound to yield implicit obedience, in case of the
signs and summons of an individual brother; as well as
in case of the calls of the lodge, in all cases without qualification, when possible, unless he should be called on to
travel further than the length of his cable tow; the length
of which imaginary line, I believe, is not uniformly considered alike among masons; though it has been called
three, four or five miles. It seems impossible to understand these "signs and summons," as signs of distress
and calls for charitable assistance, because a whole lodge,
as in this case could not be supposed to call on an individual member for such assistance.  If we may be allowed
to construe this clause of giving, answering, and obeying
" signs and summons," as would seem most rational and
easy from its expression; it binds a mason to be ready,
on the shortest notice, to leave his business and go, at
the sign of a lodge, private brother, to assist in doing
any thing which they might declare necessary to be done,
for the welfare and safety of the masonic institution, or
its members, as such, should evil be cloaked in the
design.
This suggestion, which is the only rational interpretation of the clause which I,am able to obtain, I acknowledge, might not have entered my mind, had it not been,
that there was such a full, and complete illustration of it,




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            61
in the circumstances attending the kidnapping and unquestionable murder of Morgan, by the Freemasons two
years ago, and in the masonic outrages which were committed with a view to destroy the disclosures of his, which
are now before the world in the three first degrees of
masonry.-Though the fraternity generally, may be yet
far from adopting this opinion, I do consider myself fully
authorized in the belief, that the original spirit and design
of this clause, was to warrant such proceedings as those
in the Morgan affair, when the life and honor of the
institution should seem to be thus in jeopardy.
The next clause which claims attention, is as follows,
in the oath of the third degree: " Ifurthermore promise
andsswear, that l will keep a brother's secrets, and all
others committed to me as such, MURDER AND TREASON ONLY EXCEPTED, and those at my own discretion," election, or choice.  Before proceeding to state
my particular objections to this clause, I would just remark, that I have no doubt, that, as it was taught me, it
contains an important mistake, as it seems to level down
the privileges of masons with those of other men, in
reference to the safety of their secrets with their brethren,
and it is presumed that these words, " and all others," in
the clause were added by some conscientious masonic
lecturer, who, at the time, thought it a necessary and
happy amendment, though usually, it is most probable,
they have not been admitted into the clause.
One objection to this clause is, that, if there were any
validity in such oath, it obliges masons in some particular
cases to become accomplices with a brother in his gross
violations of the laws of God and man, by concealing his
guilt, and thus screening him from the demands of public
justice. If a mason of the third degree shall be guilty of
counterfeiting, theft, forgery, or highway robbery, for
which he shall be about to be brought to justice, if he can
find a brother mason, who has taken this obligation, and
is able to afford him protection, provided he can be intrusted with all the secret circumstances in the case;
then, according to his oath, he is perfectly safe, to go
and relate to him the whole matter concerning his crime,
to be kept as his secrets, at all events, since they are not
the secrets of his murder nor treason, which he is here
6




62            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
not bound to keep, except when he may prefer keeping
them also.
Another objection to this clause, is, that it must sometimes expose those who take it, to the necessity of swearing falsely, without any possible way of escape. For
instance, in such a case as has already been supposed,
where one party is entirely innocent of the secret crime;
or, in such a case, as that of the Morgan affair, where
several may have been combined in the same dark and
evil designs, all of which was previously committed to
each other, as the secrets of a master mason:  Now, if a
part of these shall be detected, or shall recant from any
further share in such iniquity, and shall be duly summoned
as witnesses, and sworn to tell the whole truth in the
case, against the others, they cannot proceed to do it,
without violating their masonic obligation; then to be
silent, or keep sacred such an oath, there is no possible
alternative, but to violate their judicial oath, and thus betray their country; and those who have read the testimony
under oath, of masonic witnesses, who had been engaged
in the conspiracy against Morgan, have seen the dilemma
of masons, thus situated, and where there seemed to be
the most unequivocal presumption, that they considered it
a less evil to violate their judicial, rather than their masonic oath, when one only could be kept sacred.
But will some reply to these objections, that there is
no such meaning in the clause, and it was never expected,
from it, that a brother would be bound to keep wickedness
a secret, when the public good requires it to be exposed?
Then, what means this particular exception of only two
crimes, and these not excepted unless it be the choice of
the persons thus bound?  Were it not for this particular
exception of MURDER AND TREASON, only, it might
have been rational, according to the common usage of
language, to draw this inference from it that the secrets
of masons should be most sacredly kept, in all lawful
cases, only; but as the clause now stands, it is impossible
to draw from it so favorable an inference, without a gross
perversion of language.  Will it be said, again, that the
interpretation of this oath is always given to the candidate
before he receives it, so far as the assurance that it contains nothing which is repugnant to his duty, either to his




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            63
country or his God, and therefore, it cannot mean to bind
any one to keep secret, the crimes of wicked masons?
It is not pretended, but all well meaning masons have so
received and considered it: but, let it be remembered,
that the oath, itself; and the mistaken interpretation of it
by the master of the lodge, are no more necessarily connected together, than the Bible is, with the false interpretations which are many times given it.
Again, it might be said, that the Bible itself, in the
principles of masonry, is said to be the " rule and guide"
of the faith and practice of every mason, therefore, all
the other parts of masonic principles, must be interpreted
according to the principles of that sacred volume. This
is certainly plausible, were we to admit the antiquity and
divine origin of the institution, which have been confidently and boastingly pretended by many.  But let it be
remembered, that masonry was never founded on the
word of God; since it is so abundantly evident that, in a
gospel land, the Bible has rather been profanely taken and
placed upon masonry, as a cloak of hypocrisy, which
alone could sustain the institution, in such a land as this;
while the Koran, only, in a Mahometan land, could
answer the same purpose. Thus it may be seen, that the
Bible, and the oaths of masonry, have no connexion with
each other, and the latter are not, necessarily, explained
by the former. What impartial observer then, cannot see
the wickedness of such a clause, in the masonic oaths,
however innocently they may be explained, and however
innocent the intention of masons most generally, as I
cheerfully grant, in their unsuspectingly taking upon
themselves, so wicked an'obligation.
The next clause which remains to be examined in the
obligations of masonry belongs to that of the third degree,
and though it binds a master mason to be chaste in his
outward conduct, in some cases which are there specified,
it seems, by an irresistible inference, to allow uncha.stity
in all other cases, not particularly specified.  I shall be
excused from repeating this clause in the language in which
I learnt it, though I would say, there is scarcely the least
difference in the phraseology of it, from the manner in
which Morgan has expressed it in his disclosures.  The
substance of this clause is simply this; it binds those who




64            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
take it, to keep the seventh commandment inviolate, so far
as may relate to the female department of a brother master
mason's family; provided however, they shall know, at
the time, that such females do belong to such a family;
or sustain such a relation, to a master mason.
It is true, that the clause does not enjoin a violation of
the seventh commandment in other cases not specified,
but certainly it contains the allowance of it, or else there
is no meaning in the obligated restriction of chastity to a
few specified cases. What else can we infer from this
limiting of a master mason's chastity, to a few particular
cases, but that his masonic obligation is designed to leave
him the fullest liberty to trample on the seventh commandment in any other case, which it might be desirable?
And even if he shall set at nought this commandment, in
allny of the cases where he is required to keep it in the obligation, when he is not alware, that his unchastity or
lewdness is thus connected with a master mason's family,
his obligation in that respect is not to be considered
violated. It may give us a more clear and definite view
of what is enjoined, and what is allowed in the clause
here examined, if we bring forward some of the other
commandments, under the same restrictions and indulgences as parallel cases. How would obligations like the
following appear, if imposed upon members of the fraternity-that they will not take the name of the Lord in
vain, in presence of any of a brother master mason's
family, " knowing them to be such," or will not murder
one of them, nor steal from them, nor bear false witness
against them, &c., " knowing themn to be such? " What
masons of moral principles, let me ask, could endure
with obligations like these, which contain the allowance
of a violation of the several commandments named? And
yet, they are precisely like the one which I have been
reprobating, as still held in the fellowship of the lodges.
Another objection to the masonic obligations, is, that
they are frequently given to bind men to the performance
of things, of which, at the time, they are left in profound
ignorance.  It has been no uncommon thing with the
unskilful master of the lodge, not being able to repeat the
whole of the oath, when called to administer it to the candidate, to make up his deficiency with a concluding and all




OPIN-ION-S ON FREEMASONRY.           6$
comprehending clause, prepared for'such an emergency,
to- this amount; that if any part of such oath has been
omitted in the administration, the candidate must swear
that he will hold himself bound by it, as soon as he may
be informed what it is. Thus, if nine tenths of it are
omitted, he must swear to be bound by the whole, as soon
as he may hear it. Can such a manner of administering
and receiving oaths be justified?  Is it not literally, if I
might use the phrase, a swearing at random?  If such be
not a profane trifling with the solemnity of oaths, it seems
difficult to conceive, what would be called profanity.
The next and last part of the obligations, which I think
of noticing at present, is the penalties which are attached
to their violation. Though I recollect that the penalty of
the oath of the Royal Arch degree, is such as to forfeit
life, by having the upper part of the skull struck off, I
shall confine myself to those of the first three degrees,
because these are most familiar to me, and sufficient for
my purpose.  The first penalty is, having the "throat
cut fjom ear to ear," the " tongue torn out by the roots,"
&c.  The second, having the "left breast torn open,"
the " heart taken from thence and thrown over," the " left
shoulder, to become a prey to the beasts of the field, or the
vultures of the air;" and the third, I will write out in
full, as it was taught me, viz. " All this, I most solemnly
and sincerely promise and swear, with afized and steady
resolution to keep and perform  the same, without any
equivocation, mental reservation, or self evasion of mind
in me whatever; binding myself under the no less penalty,
than having my body severed in twain, my bowels torn
from thence, and burnt to ashes, those ashes scattered to
the four winds qf heaven; my body severed in quarters,
those quarters placed on the four cardinal points of the
compass, with my head in the centre, never again to be
reunited until the general resurrection or the judgment."
Passing by the gross and heathenish abominations
which are so abundant here: I shall attend in this discussion, to but one particular point, which is this; these
penalties are at variance with the sixth commandment of
the decalogue, " Thou shalt not kill."  None will presume to say, that either of those penalties could be
inflicted, without its producing instant death. So the
6*




66            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
candidate is made to pledge to, the lodge, or institution of
Freemasonry, as a surety, that he will safely keep its
secrets, not his money, nor his sacred honor; but his
very life; as though that was his own property, and he had
an undisputed right to give it into the hands of assassins
when he pleased.  This would be no less than suicide, or
a positive violation of the sixth commandment. Certainly,
a man has no Ilore right to forfeit his own life, as a penalty for the violation of his oath, than that of his wife,
child or friend.  Then is it not great wickedness to do it,
in violation of a plain command of God, as it is done in
each of the penalties which have been mentioned?
Should it be said, that in these penalties, it is only
meant that the candidate should express his strong determination not to suffer the secrets of masonry to be eztorted from him, even should ruffians put him to death in
any form whatever, it might be answered that the expression of these penalties, disproves such an explanation;
for the penalty of death, we see, is not attached to that
clause of keeping the secrets only, but to every clause,
thus, " All this, I most solemnly," &c. " binding myself
under the no less penalty," &c. so that it cannot mean,
that the penalty is only to be suffered from ruffians, when
the secrets would otherwise be extorted.
Although these penalties have so long been explained
as not allowing the craft to execute them, thereby murdering the mason who may knowingly and purposely
violate the obligation; and though it has been so common
for masons to believe, that no such wickedness was intended, or thought of, in the origin of these penalties, it
must certainly be doing violence to our language, so to
understand them, from the words in which they are expressed. It has been said, that masonry knows of "no
penalties worse than expulsion."  Then let me ask, why
are these horrid things, in every obligation, called penalties?  Are they to be understood as a mere, solemn, unmeaning exclamation, showing the strong determination
of the candidate to keep the obligation, like the profane
and thoughtless character, who sometimes says, he will
die, if his assertion be not true, or if he shall not fulfil his
word? Considering that the candidate at the time of
taking this oath and penalty upon him, is on his knees;




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            67
and also he is caused to say, " in the presence of Almighty God, and that" " Right Worshipful Lodge," it
will not be supposed, that the language of these penalties
was meant to be trifled with in such a manner. —f these
awful penalties have any meaning, what can they mean
less than death; to be inflicted on the candidate, in case
of a violation of his oath, in the very shape there represented?  Certainly, nothing less than this, for so it is
expressly declared, " Under the no less penalty than
having my body severed in twain," &c. And who then
are the persons authorized to inflict those penalties but
masons, themselves, who are the only persons aggrieved
or injured by such violations?  And if these penalties
are not to be so understood, what must we think of the
recent declaration of masons in a multitude of instances;
that if Morgan was murdered by the fraternity, as it is
generally allowed that he was, he was treated just as he
should have been; and if still liting, he ought to be disposed of in such a manner? And further, if these penalties were never intended to authorize the craft to inflict
any punishment on offenders worse than expulsion; how
is it to be explained to us, that a great number of masons should be engaged in the outrages against Morgan
and Miller, and though several of them have since been
convicted of their crime in the affair, and punished by
the civil authority, and others have absconded to evade
such punishment, while masonry, or all the lodges connected with those masons, stand mute, or look upon those
enormities with approbation?
If these penalties do not forfeit'the life into the hands
of the fraternity, and of course, masonry has no laws,
which authorize kidnapping and murder of its offenders,
why were not all those masons who were engaged in the
conspiracy and mob of forcibly seizing and carrying off a
free citizen to be murdered, as none can consistently
deny, expelled from the lodges to which they respectively
belonged?  Instead of this, not one of them, it appears,
has violated the laws of masonry in that matter, so far as
to procure his expulsion. Does not this declare, in language too plain to be misunderstood, that such is not
unmasonic conduct? Does it not seem to say to us, that
an offender like Morgan, according to the laws of ma



68            OPINIONTS ON FREEMASONRY.
sonry, hasforfeited his person and life, to be at the disposal of the brotherhood, so that such individuals have
only acted in behalf of the fraternity, and of course, are
not to be called to account for so doing? And does not
this prove, that masonry, so far does consider these penalties to mean precisely what they express? And that they
forfeit life, in violation of the sixth commandment?  To
show more particularly that these oaths are not binding,
will be my next object.
This is a point which I have endeavored to keep prominently in view from the beginning, and if not deceived,
all the arguments which have been adduced, are calculated, more or less, to establish the position: But now, I
have arrived at a place in the discussion, where it seems
to come in course, to take up this point by itself, an(d
bring forward arguments, with particular design to show
that these oaths are, in no sense binding upon masons;
although it is admitted that there are some things in
them, which according to the gospel all men are under
obligation to observe and do; still, no one is to be considered under any greater obligation for the same by
reason of these masonic oaths.
I First, I would say, that these oaths are not binding,
and masonry ought not to be kept a secret, because of
the wickedness which is inculcated in its principles, and
because of their dangerous and destructive tendency with
regard to human  happiness.  My premises here will
doubtless be sharply contested by sonle; but I appeal to
the candid and disinterested, who have carefully perused
my former numbers, to decide, whether I have not already
brought forward facts and arguments, abundantly sufficient to establish my position on a basis which cannot be
removed. Then taking it for granted that masonry is an
engine of evil, and calculated to diminish the sum of human happiness for time and eternity, and of course greatly
to displease and dishonor God, what can be plainer than
this, that every mason is at liberty to disclaim all further
allegiance to these oaths and this institution?  And is it
not his duty, at such a time as the present, to investigate
the subject faithfully and impartially, if he has not done
it before, and as soon as he may obtain a just and clear
view of the principles of this institution, to come out and




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            69
separate himself from her abominations, and bear testimony against them, to counteract, if possible, the unhappy
influence of his sanctioning and upholding them heretofore?  Still, some may be ready to say, though they are
convinced of the evils of masonry, they see no way to
break away from them, and condemn themn before the
world, without becoming guilty of perjury. As it might
be expected, under existing circumstances, there will be
some to contend, that these oaths are so sacred that no
man can possibly disengage himself from them, without
the grossest perjury, as though they were in fact, paramount to his obligation to his country and his God; yet
why should the conscientious any longer be guided by
this sentiment?  Surely, the pretended antiquity of masonry, nor the number and respectability of those who
tenaciously adhere to it, nor their unwillingness to have
its merits or demerits tried at the bar of public opinion,
can be any reason why human happiness should be
diminished and God dishonored, for the sake of keeping
sacred such wicked and abominable oaths. No reflecting
person can imagine, that Herod, in murdering a distinguished man of God, was more approved in the sight of
Heaven for the deed, though it was done to keep sacref
his rash oath, than had he repented of his heedless profanity, and set the good man at liberty.
It is believed to be universally agreed among the thinking part of community, that all other similar obligations
to that of Herod, found in the scripture and elsewhere,
should not be considered bindinog, until we come to those
of the masonic institution, where many are ready to make
exceptions. It will probably be said by some, that the
oaths of masonry are in no degree, parallel to the oath of
Herod; to which I would reply, by again appealing to
the candid and disinterested, to decide, if I have not sufficiently shown, that they are parallel; by showing that
they are rashly taken before their contents are known,
and that like Herod's oath, they require men, in some
particulars, to do evil.
Some may be ready to inquire and say: but why may
we not silently uwithdraw our conriexion from the institution, without coming out in hostile array against it, by
bearing testimony to the world against its internal abomi



70            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
nations, since there is at present, so much in the influence of the institution, which renders such a course, most
terribly forbidding? I answer, because in this way, you
would continue to show favor to the institution, and in a
great degree, would still be a partaker of its abominations.
You could not discover our country to be in danger from
any unsuspected source, though your own person and
property might be considered safe, without giving the
alarm, and using your influence ftr the safety of others.
Another argument which shows that these oaths are
not to be considered sacred and binding, is, that they are
unlawfully administered and taken, both as they relate to
laws human and divine.  Although oaths, as a general
thing, are most solemnly prohibited by the word of God,
it is believed, that there are some exceptions made, where
they are to he considered necessary and lawful; but the
lawfulness or expediency of such a common multiplicity
of them, as we have sometimes witnessed in civil affairs,
is to me more than doubtful.  And I am confident, that
the scripture, in its solemn prohibitions, makes no provision for the oaths of masonry, and more especially so,
since the proof is so abundant, that they are needed and
used there merely as a canopy of impenetrable darkness
to the secret abominations of that institution.  By what
authority then, shall the master of a lodge, in that capacity only, presume to administer these oaths? and how
can an individual receive them from him, without a violation of the divine command?
Shall it be said, that such oaths have so long been
locked up in secrecy, and out of the way of the world,
that they have not come in contact with the civil authority, and of course, are not to be judged, nor condemned
by human laws?  It is true that they have long been
shrouded in thick darkness, as to a view of the world;
yet no darkness could hide them  from the view of Him
who searches the hearts and tries the reins of the children
of men; and now the lock is broken, they may come in
contact with human laws, and their being so long hidden
from the world, instead of making them more tolerable,
only shows them to be so much the more among the unfruitful works of darkness, for which the people of God
are commanded to have no fellowship. Men may promise,




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             71
and make oath to their promise, to perform some lawful
things, and their promise, if lawfully made, would lay
them  under a corresponding obligation to fulfil; but an
unlawful oath, annexed to it, would add to it no further
obligation; and certainly so far as they may promise with
an oath to do things contrary to the will of God, as in
case of the masonic obligations, instead of keeping and
fulfilling them, they seem to be called upon by divine
authority, to withdraw from them and disown them. Seeing then, that these oaths are not administered or received
lawfully, but in direct violation of the divine law, I ask,
where is the sanction of God upon them, which alone
can give them the lawful validity of an oath? Certainly
such sanction is not to be found, but the contrary is clear.
These unlawful oaths then, do not, nor cannot, impose
the least obligation upon those who may take them.
It is now further to be shown, that the oaths of masonry are not to be considered binding upon its members,
because the condition on which they are taken is not ascertained to befound in truth. So far as I have been able
to learn, in all lodges, it has been the undeviating practice of the Master, or presiding officer, when about to
administer these oaths, in behalf of the institution, to
inform the candidate who is required to take them, in
substance as follows: that they "contain nothing contrary to his allegiance to his country, or to his God."
And sure, it is now too late for any to say, who have
attended candidly to this discussion, that such oaths
are free from every thing which is contrary to the religion of the Bible, when it has been shown so abundantly,
that they do contain much that is of an evil character,
and at variance with the duties required in the gospel,
Then how does it appear according to the previous agreement between the administrator and the receiver, that
such oath is binding.  The agreement made between
the two parties at the time, is like this: while the master
or officer acting for the institution, requires the candidate
to take the oath, only with this condition, his submitting,
and taking it under that condition, is no less than saying
though not spoken with words, that he will take it, and be
bound by it, provided the statement of the condition is
true, but not otherwise. Then so soon as he shall dis



72            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
covtr the contents of such oath, to be contrary to the
condition to repeat it after the master, why is he not just
as much at liberty to be disentangled from it as before.
We may be told, that such objections, if ever made,
should be made at the time; or before repeating the oath
from the lips of the master; and that, if on hearing the
oath it should be objectionable to the candidate, he need
not have taken it.  But let all fairly understand this matter, and that the candidate has no reasonable opportunity
to examine the oath before taken, for he is not permitted
to know one syllable of its contents, nor, that there is any
oath to be taken, on joining the institution, if possible to
keep him ignorant of it; until he is caused to kneel at
" the altar, neither naked nor clothed, barefoot nor shod,
hood-winked, with a cable tow," or rope, " about" his
" neck," and told that he is " now  about to take the
solemn oaths or obligation of an Entered Apprentice,"
&c. and then he can know nothing of it any faster, than
a few words of it are said over for him to repeat after the
Master, sentence after sentence, or half sentence, or word
at a time, until it is finished, like the stupid school boy,
who knows not one word of his lesson, but repeats it as
he is commanded, word for word, at the lips of the teacher.  How little then, could be learnt, or understood, of a
long oath taken in this manner, amid so much, at such a
season, that is calculated to distract the thoughts. If ever
it is to be fairly examined and tried by the scale of moral
rectitude, it must be done after it is taken, when a person
may see and examine it, as other things are tried, to be
approved or condemned. How unreasonable then, that
he should be required to judge of it, and condemn it at
such a critical and unexpected moment, or be forever debarred the privilege afterwards.  Besides considering the
incapacity of the candidate of judging of the moral charactel' of such oaths, at the time of taking them, his condition is such as every one may see, as will not allow of
his usurping authority, to judge, and condemn them, even
if his mind could be then sufficiently enlightened. Before the first step is taken towards the institution, he
must promise upon his honor, before a number of the fraternity, that he will conform to all their customs and requiremneuts in taking the degree, as all others have done,




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             73
on becoming masons. Then he hears and learns many
things, of the secret forms of initiation, before he comes
to the oath, when circumstanced as I have mentioned,
and knowing that there is no possible way of escape, if
he should protest against the oath, or any part of it, and
refuse to take it, he cannot feel, while taking it, as though
he was acting for himself, but that he has blindly and
voluntarily placed himself in a condition where he niust
inevitably comply with the usages of the lodges, and though
he should, at the time, before finishing the oath, perceive
that there was more matter proposed to him in it, which
appeared wrong to be taken, how can he do otherwise,
having gone so far, than finish it, hoping to make the
best of it afterwards.  Thus, when he shall have an opportunity to examine it for himself separate from the specious interpretations which are given it, by those who
have themselves taken it upon trust, and finds it contains
things contrary to the condition on which he took it,
what can be plainer, than that hefis not bound by it, according to the previous agreerent? If [ make a promise
to a stranger, that I will grant his request, before he
makes it known to me, provided,- that it is both lawful and
reasonable, shall I be holden to fulfil such a promise, and
grant the request, though when declared, I find it both
unlawful and unreasonable?
Though it appears, that none, having commenced
the taking of these oaths in this their blind and helpless
condition, make their escape without having the whole of
them  imposed upon them, it is confidently believed, that
no men of moral principles would have been caught there,
could they have known positively, before making up their
minds to unite with the fraternity, that in going forward,
they must take upon themselves oaths of precisely such a
moral character as those of masonry.
The last reason which I now think of assigning to
show that the masonic oaths are without validity, is, that
the word of God absolutely condemns them, and requires
them to be repented of, and put away.  Separate from the
general prohibitions concerning the taking of oaths in the
scriptures, some of which have already been briefly noticed, I shall now produce a passage, which if I mistake
not, seems given to settle this question beyond any further
7




74            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
dispute, in the minds of all who shall carefully and truly
compare it with the oaths of masonry. The passage is in
Leviticus, 5th chap. 4th and 5th verses.  " IJ a soul
swear, pronouncing with his lips, to do evil, or to do good,
whatever it be, that a man shall pronounce with an oath
and it be HID from him, when he knowecth of it, then shall
he be guilty in one of these.  And it shall be, when he
shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess,
that he hath sinned in that thing."  Surely nothing could
have been written on the subject of oaths, more appropriate to the oaths of masonry than this passage of scripture;
and nothing could more expressly condemn them, and
declare their invalidity.  And truly it seems as though
the passage could not be applied to any other kind of
oaths which are at present in use among men; and it is
believed, that the masonic, are the only oaths which are
taken, the contents of which are " hidfrom" the receiver,
and the only oaths, to my knowledge, except such as are
openly and grossly profane, which a man takes, "pronouncing with his lips," as mentioned in this passage.
Many men among us have been called, to take hundreds
of solemn oaths, but not one of them was pronounced at
the time by the receiver, with his lips, except in masonry.
Where else then could this passage be applied, but to the
oaths of this institution?  It certainly seems to set the
matter beyond all reasonable dispute between masons and
anti-masons, as it goes farther than any thing, for which
the latter have ever contended, since it does not condemn
the oath that is unwittingly taken, merely because of the
evil which it may contain, but condemns it because it is
so taken; whether it be evil or good; "whatever it be
that a man shall pronounce with an oath," in that manner. Is not the requisition in this scripture so plain that
a child might understand it, that when an individual has
thus sworn " to do evil or to do good," when it was thus
"hid from  him," as in the masonic oaths, he ought to
withdraw from them, as soon as he may know what he
has done, and " conjfess that he hath sinned in that thing!"
At present, I can see but one way by which they will be
likely to endeavor to evade the conclusion which is so
clear from this passage; which is: it may be said that
the passage stands connected with Jewish ceremonies,




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            75
which are now done away, and of course, that this passage must now be as much out of date as those ceremonies. But the thoughtful and candid will not be thus
easily convinced, that the moral law of God, or his law
respecting the wickedness of oaths, has been changed or
done away with the ceremonies of the Jewish Church.
ON THE VALIDITY OF MASONIC OATHS.
Extract from an Address delivered at Lyons, N. Y. by MIiron Holley, Esq.
FREEMASONRY administers oaths-are these oaths binding? Assuredly not. They are promissory. A promissory oath is the calling upon God to take notice of what
is promised, and of invoking his vengeance, by the promiser upon himself, if it is not performed.
Promissory oaths are not binding, where false or erroneous representations and inducements are held out to
those who take them. The representation made to the
brethren before admission, that "the oath will effect
neither their religion nor their politics," is of this character; and so are all the inducements arising from the unfounded pretensions of Freemasonry, heretofore examined
To take an oath is a solemn and deliberate act of the
mind. Understanding is essential to its obligation; on
which account oaths impose no obligation upon idiots,
lunatics, madmen, or young children; they not having
sufficient knowledge, either of the nature of the things
promised, or of the penalties of non-performance: and
both of these sorts of knowledge are requisite.  There
can be no moral obligation, in any case, without knowledge. The obligation of obedience to God himself, is
no more than co-extensive with our knowledge of his
laws;' and in respect to the nature of the promises and
penalties, in the oaths of Freemasonry, all the persons
before alluded to as being free from the obligation of
oaths, for the want of understanding, have as much knowledge, as the wisest of the brethren had, before the oaths
were taken.




76            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
To render a promissory oath obligatory, it is necessary,
that both the authority administering it, and the performance of the promise it contains, should be lawful; reference being had in this case, not merely to the enactments
of the civil government, but also to the law of a good
conscience.
The right to administer oaths, if not wholly denied by
religion, is one of the prerogatives of the sovereign power,
a right which cannot be enjoyed concurrently, by the
government and its subjects.  Every man would regard it
as both wrong and ridiculous for any individual to pretend to a natural right of administering oaths, in such
form, with such penalties, and for such purposes as he
might choose to dictate; and such pretension would not
be made valid by his finding any man or number of men,
who would consent to take them. Even if the form,
penalties, and purposes were all good, this would be incontrovertible.  The right of administering oaths, does
not exist anterior to the establishment of government, nor
independently of it.  Wherever it exists, it is a conventional right, of that description too, which may be denominated resulting; that is, a right, springing from the
necessities of government, after its organization, and
founded on the utility of its exercise.  It never exists, in
individuals or associations of men; except when conferred upon them  by government. There is no rightful
government, in this country, but religion, or the laws
regularly adopted under our established constitution.
But neither of these has conferred upon Freemasonry the
right to administer oaths. Would it not be a violation of
every good man's conscience, as well as a scandalous
breach of his allegiance to our government, for him to
administer an oath among us, under the pretence of authority conferred upon him by the Great Mogul?  It is
equally so, under the pretence of authority conferred by
Freemasonry —a government more foreign from ours, and
more barbarous than Turkey.  This is a kind of unlawfulness, which shows there is no obligation imposed upon
the conscience, by masonic oaths.
It is a gross immorality to administer such oaths on
other grounds, and therefore a man is not bound by them.
The master of a lodge, without any shadow of authority,




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             77
in the midst of the most degrading mummery, calls upon
a candidate, in a state of indecent nakedness, with a bandage round his eyes, in order that he may have no more
of natural, than he has of moral light,.solernrly and sincerely to promise and swear, as in the presence of Him,
in whose sight the angels are chargeable with folly, to do
-he knows not what-under penalties the most revolting
and inhuman.  Is riot such a scene calculated most injuriously to lessen the sanctity of all oaths?  Must riot
the frequent repetition of it, amnazingly diminish the value
of that solemn form of ascertaining truth, by our constituted authorities, in relation to all our dearest rights?
Recollect there are near 100),000 Freemasons in the United States, of whom many have taken more than forty
degrees, in each of which an oath has been administered.
Did not the Father of his country allude to these proceedings of Freemasonry, in his farewell address, when he
eniphatically asked, " Where is the security for property,
for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice?"
The performance of a promise to calumniate, to conceal a criminal action, or to assassinate, is always unlawful, and is therefore not binding; because the promiser
in these cases, is always under a prior obligation to the
contrary.  From  such prior obligatii)n what shall discharge him?  His promise?  His own act arid deed?
But an obligration from which a man can discharge himself, by his own act, is no obligation at all. The guilt of
such promises lies in making them, not in breaking them.
Whoever makes them  is already bound to break them.
The masonic oaths do not require all those unlawfiul acts,
except upon certain conditions.  Where the condition
exists, there the oaths are imperative.  But the acts are
unlawful under all possible conditions, and therefore the
oaths are not obligatory.
Besides, the penalty of every masonic oath, is the f-)rfeiture of life, to be taken in the most impious and bloody
manner.  No mtan has a right to subject hirmself to such
a penalty.  IHis prior obhigations to God and his coutntry
fi)rbid it.  Tshe penalty is unlawful, and therefore the
oath not obligatory.
7,




78            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
Herod's promissory oath to his daughter in-law, " that
he would give her whatsoever she asked, even to the half
of his kingdom," when she asked the head of John the
Baptist, imposed no obligation upon Herod to give it, because it was unlawful.
Christianity interposes other objections to the lawfulness of masonic oaths. "Thou shalt not take the name
of the Lord thy God in vain."  "1 say unto you, swear
not at all." On these authorities many Christians wholly
refuse to take judicial oaths. They have universally, and
always, condemned all others.  Whatever is against the
command of Christ is sinful. All sins must be renounced even the most favorite.
An oath can never bind a man to do what is morally
wrong. If it is a bond of duty, let us consider what is
the authority of duty. It is the command of God or general utility; opposition to which, is the very definition of
wrong. It would be both preposterous and impious, deliberately to call upon God to take notice of what was in
opposition to his command.  In such case, to take an
oath, would actually involve the guilt of perjury.
A good man always acts under a conviction of the
presence of God, and in the fullest expectation of his
righteous retributions; that is, under all the sanctions of
an oath.-And there could be no stronger attestation to
the excellence of Doctor Johnson's moral character than
that, which is involved in the declaration of one of his
associates, that in common conversation, he always talked
like a man under oath. What would such a man do,
supposing he had taken the oaths of Freemasonry?
Could he conceal what he knew to be criminal? Could
he derange the business, oppose the interests, or traduce
the character of a brother for any cause?  Ile plainly
could not; because, he would be under all the obligations
imposed by an oath, not to do so, prior to his taking the
masonic oaths; that is, all the obligations arising from
the command of God, or general utility.
In reality, the use of an oath is, to bring freshly to the
mind of him, who takes it, the obligations of duty, which
actually would rest upon him, without it. It does not
increase those obligations in the least degree.  Do not
the obligations of duty, thien, as with the force of an oath,
require all good men to renounce Freemasonry? If, in




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            79
the honest convictions of their minds, Freemasonry is
wrong, in its secrecy, in its oaths, in its injunctions, or in
its effects and consequences, they assuredly do.
VINDICATION OF FREEDOM FROM MASONIC OATHS.
Extractfriam the Anti-Masonic Review.
MTVhat sort of religion have you, thus to expose the mysteries of ancient Freemasonry, contrary to your solemn
oath? A fearful question, to which we solemnly reply.
We justify ourselves in three several positions, either
of them sufficient alone for our defence; and altogether
rendering our defence impregnable.
in the first position, we say, that ancient Freemasonry,
to which we have sworn fearful secresy, had never an existence. The word Freemasonry, and the thing signified
by that word, is not ancient, but modern; is not three
thousand years old, nor three hundred, nor the half of
three hundred.  We took the oath with assurances, and
with the belief, too, that ancient Freemasonry meant an
institution organized by Zerubbabel, and patronized by
St. John, and by the apostles of our Lord.  As such we
have sworn to it allegiance; and if ever we meet with
such an insitution, or any fraction of it, whether on the
plains of the Scioto, or of the Genesee, whether on the
Green, or the Alleghany mountains, we will hail its signs,
and conceal its mysteries, so far as they may be intrusted
to us, with the most praiseworthy fidelity.
But a certain institution pretending to come from under
the hand of Solomon in the land of Judea, we now know
to have come from worthless names in the island of Great
Britain; not three thousand years ago, but in the last
century. Its secrets and signs we do not feel bound to
hail, even in a lodge room. And the oath which we
honestly took in favor of king Solomon's institution, shall
not, with our consent, be converted into an obligation of
fidelity to any lie.
Is it not provoking beyond sufferance, that we should
be ensnared in early life, to take a secret oath of fidelity




80            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
to an institution patronized by the holy St. John, which
proves to be not one hundred and fifty years old? And,
when we would open our lips to expose the irnmposture,
that we should be checked with the remembrance of our
oath? As if, when deceived to swear fidelity to an impostor, we were bound for our oath's sake forever to
maintain that impostor, or at least, to take no important
step to exhibit his true character to the public.
Freemasonry comes to us sustained by the best names
of the age, and setting forth with great authority, that it
was the chosen friend of Enoch, and Noah, and Moses;
that it received an improved torm from the hands of the
wisest man, and additional glory from Joshua, Zerubbabel, and Haggai.  It oflers to those who will pay it fealty,
a rare and. rich reward.  Iu the simplicity of youth, we
have yielded our necks to its yoke, and sworn to it allegiance; but, in riper years, we find these chains to be
barefaced falsehood.
Now, shall the institution, which has thus insulted us
with falsehood, still hold us to our solemn obligation' to
keep it a secret? Shall it impose on us most egregiously,
and, when we would expose the imposition, thunder in
our ears; "' You have sworn to keep all my mysteries an
entire secret!" and, thus, compel us to give the countenance of our name, and the influence of our example and
character, to sustain the deceiver, and to perpetuate the
falsehood?  No; Freemasonry shall not hold our name,
by any obligation, responsible for its contempt of truth.
Indeed, Freemasonry, a*fire is kindled in the walls of
Damascus that will:onsutme the palaces of Benhadad.
What are the walls of Freemasonry butt her oathlls?
And these are like an oath of a faithfull sulbject,to one
whom he had reason to sulppose, and did suppose, was his
rightful sovereign; but who, in the event, proved to be a
barefaced impostor; which oath is rist bindling  at all.
And should such an impostor use Freemasonry's argument, and say, " your oath was to me; you took it voluntarily, and you are bound forever to be faithful to my
interests and commnands."'  What think you his sworn
subjects would reply?  They would hang him between
heaven and earth, as unworthy of either.
This, then, is our first position: that an oath to be




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             81
faithful to ancient Freemasonry is precisely like the oath
of a subject to an impostor prince, and is binding neither
in the sight of God nor man.
" Whose tongue soe'er speaks false,
Not truly speaks; who speaks not truly, lies."
Persuaded by the great names of the good men belonging to the institution, that Freemasonry was the truth and
no lie; that-it had a rightful claim to our attention as the
handy work of the wise Solomon; that it deserved our
reverence, as the glory of the first temple, and the joy of
Christian martyrs, and saints; we swore allegiance to it,
as to a rightful sovereign; we submitted to its teachings,
as to the teachings of men who had been employed by
divine inspiration in penning the holy oracles of truth.
But now assured that a more gross imposition was never
practised on a Christian people, we scorn Freemasonry
and its oaths; and, in the name of the just One, we
burst them asunder, as Samson burst the green withs
and hempen cords of the treacherous Delilah.
Our second position is like the first, viz. that an oath
like a promise, obtained by false pretences, is void from
the beginning.  Freemasonry pretends to the sanctity of
the patriarchs and prophets and apostles; it pretends to
confer a most illustrious and important secret, able to
make wise; it pretends to be founded on divine revelation, and to ennoble its faithful adepts with titles of Sir
Knight, Thrice Illustrious, and Most Worshipful; and to
decorate its followers with trappings, like a steed accoutred for a military review. It pretends to much more,
and in return for its honors, and its benefits, Freemasonry asks twenty dollars, anid some oaths. The money is
irrecoverable, and may well enough be the forfeit of our
folly. But oaths obtained on pretences entirely false,
which oaths serve only to enable the impostor to practise
his frauds upon other men, and other generations, are not
registered in HIeaven's high chancery, are not obligatory
upon the servant of the Most High.
It has been a question with moralists, whether oaths,
or promises, extorted by vin)lence, or fear, are binding;
but we are not aware, that any writer has maintained,
that men are morally obliged to perform an oath, or a




82             OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
promise procured by fraud.  Men are sometimes compelled( to perform such promises; but it is invariably done
with conviction of legal necessity prevailing against moral
right.
Suppose a spirited gentleman in gorgeous attire, goes
about proclaiming, that fbr a libleral fee he will confer the
gift of second sight.  One pays, and another and another.
The public eagerly inquire, " How does he do it?"
" That is a secret he Inade us solemnly swear not to
tell."
In the ardor of youth, we would learn something, if
not have second sight; and apply to the gentleman with
our fee advanced.  He tblinds us most satisfactorily, solemnly prays and adminlisters the oath, of absolute and profound secrecy, by the great God who will not hold him
guiltless that taketh his name in vain; then coolly removes
the bandage from our eyes, and congratulates us upon the
receipt of second sight! Now, is that oath binding upon
the deceived youth? Shall he patiently submit to this insult upon his understanding, lest he break his oath? Shall
he see the same trick playing, and to be played, upon
hundreds of others, and uponi generations to come, and
be restiained from warning them by a regard to his oath?
We say no.  The fine gentleman had no right to deman(l the oath.  The error was in submitting to take it,
profaning the name of the Holy One to cover an imposture; and no sooner do we become certain, that the oath
is used to cover deceit, than it becomes our duty to regard the glory of God in the breach, and not in the
observance of that oath.
Now this Is our second position, That Freemasonry is
the splendid gentlemanll, who sectures his fee beforehand,
and administers his oath to the hood-wvinked candidate;
and then, confers the promised gift by removing the hood
from his eyes! The novice is taught to enter the lodge
in pursuit of light.  Behold how  it is conferred upon
him.  Kneeling hoodwinked before the altar immediately
following the administration of the oath, the master of the
lodge asks him:
Alas.  " Brother, what do you most desire."
Novice.  " Light."  (By help of a prompter.)
Mas.  " Brethren, stretch forth your hands, and assist




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRr.                83
in bringingcthis new made brother from darkness to light."
(Members form  a circle around the novice with their hands
and right foot raised.)
IMas.  " And God said: let there be light, and there
was light."  At the same instant every brother claps his
hands, and stamps his Joot, r1nd the bandage is slipped
from  the novice's eyes; this brings him to light.
Thns'the sacred scripture  is abused, to hallow  the
barefaced deceit of Freemasonry.
The glory of God is a(lvanced, not by the observance
but by the breach of the oath, which covers this deceit;
and the sin of profanity lies in taking God's name to
sanction the deed of imposture: and it cannot lie in the
exposure of that imposture.
" O, let thy vow
First made to Heaven, first be to Heaven performed;
That is, to be the champion of the church!
What since thou sworest, is sworn against thyself,
And Inay not be performed by thyself.It is religion that doth mLake vows kept,
But thou hast sworn against religion;
Therefore, thy latter vows, against thy first,
Is in thyself, rebellion to thyself.'*
We confess we have been the dupes of this imposture,
to take the yoke of its obligations upon our necks; the
good Lord help us to break that yoke, "like an earthen
pitcher, that is broken in pieces; so that there shall not
be found in the bursting of it, a shred to take fire from the
hearth, or to take water out of the pool;" to rend it so
that no man may be able to gather up the fragments, or
to cement the broken pieces.
Our third position is diverse from the two former, and
yet equally sufficient for our defence in making all necessaTy use of the oaths and mysteries of' Freemasonry, to
enable the candid reader to acquire a just estimate of the
worth  and character of that institution.  The oath is
prefaced with words to this effect: " The obligation you
are about to take is not to interfere with your duty to
God, or to your country."
Now, we say it not lightly, but with a solemn view to
the day when the secrets of all hearts shall be revealed,
King John, Act 3d, Scene 1st.




84             OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
that any construction of our masonic obligations, which
prevents us from using publicly the mysteries of Freemasonry, sofar as is necessary to show the false and depraved nature of the institution, and its injurious tendency to
infidelity and crime, does interfere with our duty both to
God and our country; and, therefore, in animum jusjurandum imponentis, by the express understanding of him
who administered the oath, *we were made free in the night
of our initiation, from any such construction of its words,
as might ever interfere with our civil or religious duties.
Our duty to'promote the glory of God, and the welfare
of our country, bids us declare, that Freemasonry is an
impostor; a fraud upon its members, and upon the community; and, if in the further discharge of this duty, we
bring any part of the mysteries of the institution to support our declaration, we are not prevented by our oath;
for that is never' to interfere with the sacred discharge of
our civil and religious duty.
These, brethren, are our three positions, either of
which is alone sufficient to justify our public use of such
parts of the mysteries of Freemasonry as are necessary to
expose the dangerous nature of the institution, and which
positions altogether are impregnable.  We see no fault in
the reasoning, no mystery, or sophistry, or chicanery, in
the argument by which either of our positions is maintained: and either of them alone being sound, no brother
having our matured views of the history and character of
Freemasonry, is under the least obligation to the impostor, or to withhold one jot of the fraud from  the
abused public.      *        *            *   
If in this renunciation of Freemasonry there seem any
implication of the honor of the fraternity, it is not intended.  They  are imposed upon, or we are.  They
verily believe Freemasonry to be venerable for its antiquity, &c. &c.  But when they become satisfied, that
we have all been made the dupes of a shameless imposture, they, too, will feel resentment and indignation for
this abuse.  We think they, too, will forsake, or renounce
it with contempt, and with thankfuliness that they are at
length made free from its ruthless obligations, and trom
its impious oaths
In this vindication of our freedom from the oaths of




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           85
Freemasonry, we appeal neither to Paley nor Burlemaque,
to Vattel nor Puffendorf, but to the conscience of Christians, who fear God; to the hearts of freemen, who love
their country; and to the common sense of men, who
have understanding. We might lose the reader's attention in an argument drawn from the books of civilians
and moralists, books he may never have read. We prefer
to draw our argument from the common sense of mankind, that we may carry with us the convictions of every
heart, and stand in the conscience of every just man,
disenthralled from our obligations to Freemasonry, as we
are from that obligation to an impostor, which would interfere with bringing him to a righteous condemnation;
from that oath to a swindler, which would prevent our
warning the public against his practices; from that penalty to a traitor conspiring against the liberties of our
citizens, which would frighten us from sounding alarm,
and from proclaiming the danger to our countrymen.
" Is this Freemasonry! It cannot be."
We say, this is our vindication for the use of some
things with which we make free, and our reply upon the
adversary, who will attempt in his defence to plead what
any impostor would plead under like circumstances, viz.
"these men are solemnly sworn to me; they despise their
oath; their word is not to be taken."
And, now, the judgment of wise men confirnming our
own, and unanimously assenting to the soundness of the
argument, and to the righteousness of our conclusions, we
are ready to treat the oaths of Freemasonry, as a man has
a right, both by human and divine law, to treat the marriage oath in case of adultery. No man would hesitate
instantly to repudiate a wife, whose life was stained with
transgressions against purity. Because he took solemn
Vows of fidelity to her before tle throne of God, believing
her to be pure and chaste, is he held to his marriage vow,
after he knows that she is an adulteress? It is not possible. Freemasonry we wedded as the truth of God; we
repudiate it as the falsehood of the devil.
- -" Thou mayest hold a serpent by the tongue,
A caged lion by the mortal paw,
A fasting tiger safer by the tooth,
Than keep in peace the hand which thou dost hold."
S




86           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
We were taught to believe Freemasonry has virgin purity; but we find it is corrupt: we were taught to believe
thas it was founded and patronized at least three thousaiind
years ago, by men acknowledged to be of God in the holy
scriptures; but we find it was founded in the era of the
South Sea Company, by men whose names are no warrant
for truth or righteousness: we were taught to believe
that Freemasonry is the handmaid of religion; but we
find that it is very far from aiding the doctrines of the
cross of Christ; and, in an extensive and thorough, a
protracted and patient examination of the subject, we
have found Freemasonry, by its own showing, carefully
collated fiom its approved writers, and books of constitutions, to be the synagogue,of Satan.
We have sworn to it in the belief which was taught us;
we abjure it in the convictions which careful investigation has produced. We gave it the pledge of our right
hand, believing it to be a blessing from the Lord, fraught
with heavenly mercies; we withdraw that pledge, upon
finding Freemasonry to be the work of the father of lies,
fraught with hidden mischief. We received it as sanctioned by the best of names, both ancient and modern,
patriarchs and prophets, statesmen and divines; we renounce it as the angel of light, so cunningly attired that
he deceives even the elect.
As our forefathers broke the yoke of foreign bondage,
so we break the yoke of internal tyranny; as they performed their duty to God, to their posterity, and to their
country, by renouncing their allegiance to George III.
and to the British constitution; so we, in the fear of
God, in the service of our country, and posterity, and
with a view to a day of final retribution, renounce and
make void our allegiance to Freemasonry.
-.0



OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            87
ON THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF THE MASONIC
INSTITUTION.
Extract of a letter addressed to the Committee of the Worcester County Convention by Pliny MIerrick, Esq.
WHY it has been, that so many men of distinguished attainments, should, in different generations, have devoted
their time and lent their reputation in support of speculative Freemasonry, I cannot now comprehend.  The
sense of shame that they voluntarily submitted to the practices of masonic ceremonials, after they had been found
to be "trifles light as air," may have prevailed with
some; others may perhaps have been unwilling to destroy those anticipations, resulting from the mutual pledges of fraternal assistance which is one of the great characteristics of the craft, of personal advantage in the prosecution of their schemes of business or projects of ambition. Some may have felt themselves restrained by respect for the venerated  individuals whom  they have
known to have given the sanction of their membership
to the institution; others, influenced by a long line of
examples, may have tacitly yielded without a struggle to
its vaunted pretensions to great antiquity, and to a lofty
character for science, benevolence and morality. It is
probable that a still greater class has entertained a vague
and undefined, but gloomy and shuddering belief, that the
obligations of Freemasonry are binding upon the conscience-that its penalties have power over the body, and
its oaths over the soul; and have felt as if it would be
sacrilege, and known that it would be dangerous, to
break the seal of its profound and cherished mysteries.
Whatever may have been the cause, the fact is unquestionable, that multitudes have been subdued to a heavy
and lamentable thraldom. A wide and almost universal
despotism has prevailed; and while its dominion has constantly kept in view those appalling imprecations which
every mason has invoked upon his own disregard of the
" mystic tie," it is not strange that a corresponding feeling should have been infused into many minds, that punishment for its violation would be sure, and its infliction
meritorious-The better lights of our own times have
vastly weakened, and to a great extent overcome, those




E88            OPINTIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
debasing feelings. But there are still those who do not
hesitate to denounce a separation from Freemasonry as a
crime; and even since our late convention in Worcester,
it has been said, that it will not do for a seceder from
that Institution to brave the indignation of the two thousand active men, now its members in the County of Worcester.
It has been the custom of the fraternity to speak of the
venerable age of their Institution; and to boast that
through the long lapse of ages, it has sustained its character, its identity, and its principles, without change or
modification.  Rlecent investigations have denied  and
disproved its claims to antiquity; but without discussing
the question of its age, it may be remarked, that those
claims, if they could be substantiated, would afford no
proof of its fitness or of its adaptation to the present
times.  Whatever is the work of man is susceptible of
improvement. The mnarch of mind, like that of time, is
onward; and it would be as wise in the present generation to give up the steam  engine and the mariner's compass, by which the elements are conquered and oceans
traversed in safety, for the shore-boundl oar boats of the
ancients, as to adopt with thoughtless and debasing cre-,
dulity their formal and cumbrous institutions.
It is, however, altogether unnecessary to speak of the
age, or the origin, of Speculative Freemasonry.-For
whatever purpose it was contrived, or at whatever period
its cumbrous formalities were imposed on the\ world, it
ought to be enough to insure its rejection, that it possesses neither precept nor principles, peculiar to itself, which
are now either necessary or useful.-Whatever is valuable in any of the abstract truths which it has contrived to
incorporate with its system, and with which it has hitherto too successfully concealed the clumsy machinery of
its mysteries, is equally well known and much better
taught, without the pale of the institution.  Of itself,
strictly speaking, it possesses neither the means of affording gratification, or of imparting knowledge.
Of its sources of agreeable entertainment, itis perhaps
almost too trifling to speak.  It possesses indeed small
power in this particular. Of the hours which are spent
when, in its own technical language, the craft are called




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.'89
from labor to refreshment, there is nothing peculiarly inviting, unless it may be supposed, that the uncommon dulness
of the preceding work may have created an unusual zest
for the excitements of the flagon.  Social intercourse
surely cannot be the more agreeable, because the ligature
of companionship is an oath of fidelity, instead of that cordial sympathy which springs from common pursuits, and
kindred feelings, and refined sensibilities. The pageantry, which throws its attractive drapery around the proceedings of a lodge, is as idle, as it is fictitious; and its lofty
pretensions to grandeur, its gaudy display of rank and
titles, ought to afford but little satisfaction to the plain
simplicity of a republican people. Quite as little entitled to regard is there in the actual occupations of the
fraternity in their secret sessions. The unvaried and
unmeaning forms of opening and closing the lodge are
cold and heartless. Its initiations mingle the ridiculous
with the painful. A half dressed novitiate is led round
with mock solemnity, to exhibit his grotesque appearance
to those who have gone before him, sometimes the object
of their speculation, but oftener the sport of levity; and a
weak and vain and boisterous gratification is often extracted from the awkward surprise and miserable disappointment, which are I believe Uniformly exhibited by the
blindfolded candidate, when he is brought to light, and
discovers the matchless vanity of the bubble, to which so
much formidable preparation and pomp of ceremony has
introduced him.
But Freemasonry assumes higher claims; it arrogates
to itself extraordinary wisdom; and affirms that it is of
itself a science, and that its secret and inviolable signs
have become an universal language. No proposition can
be more utterly without foundation. The members of
the fraternity, who travel in our own couptry only, find
it difficult to make themselves intelligible to their brethren in its different parts on account of the variations in
the forms and ceremonies which different-lodges have
adopted. And it is worthy of remark, that itinerant lecturers have, at different times, been commissioned by the
several grand lodges to pass through the country, to give
such instructions as would enable the fraternity to observe something like uniformity in the practice of the
8*




90            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
rites, ceremonies, and secrets of an Institution, which
boasts that it has been immutable for ages.
All-other pretensions that this Institution is of itselfa
science, or that it is the depository of valuable information, are equally a mere gratuitous assumption.-Indeed
if Speculative Freemasonry were to perish to-day, and all
knowledge of its forms, rites, ceremonies, proceedings,
and secrets, were at once obliterated from the memory of
mankind, I know of no useful or desirable fact, or doctrine, or theory, which would be lost to the world. Its
fables are far less valuable than the ingenious tales with
which modern literature amuses the expanding minds of
infancy; and as for its scienfce, it is but a shadow and a
pretence. The operative mechanic never goes to its instructions or its archives for any assistance: the mathenmatician would seek there in vain for a solution of the
problems of geometry-the science on which it professes
to be founded. The historian cannot find among its idle
fictions the materials for the narrative of the manners and
actions, of men; and the speculations of philosophy
would be vain indeed, if they embraced nothing but the
knowledge'contained within its barren circle.  Some
simple truths, of which few men in any enlightened age
can be found ignorant, is the utmost reach of instruction,
to be deduced from the lectures of masonry. Those lectures, with which it has been the pride of many masons to
incumber the memory, give information only of such humble truths, as that the sun rules the day, and the moon
governs the night; that chalk is a convenient substance
with which to make marks on the wall; that ignited
charcoal creates a fervent heat; and that the earth brings
forth its fruits in due season-truths which, long before
they are unfolded to the Entered Apprentice in the lodge,
are learnt by lisping childhood from its own observation.
How idle to suppose, that the royal monarch of Israel,
whose chief glory was wisdom, could have invented and
transmitted to posterity a system so poor and barren as
this! If there were indeed sufficient evidence to prove
that he did so, the veneration which has been accorded
to his wisdom would dwindle into contempt, and his fame
would be tarnished forever.
Freemasonry has found, and still finds, many advocates




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.              91
for its cause on the ground that it is an association for
the purposes of benevolence and charity. It is not, however, to be forgotten, that its charities are mostly of a
narrow and selfish character; and that it pays little regard to that broad rule of Christian benevolence which
finds a neighbor in every victim of sorrow and distress.
There are, besides, difficulties in the very organization
and construction of this institution, which must necessarily greatly curtail its means of charitable assistance.  It
collects certainly great funds by means of its fees for initiation; but it has great expenses too.  It must have its
own appropriate temples; its decorations must be georgeous, to correspond with the high sounding titles of its
dignitaries.  Charity vaunteth not itself; but masonry is
every where puffed up.  If its theory is right, its com-.
plicated organization, its schemes of grandeur, and its
occasions of display, disarm it of its means; and accordingly, it has been the experience, I believe, of all our
lodges, that the donations for benevolent purposes have
been extremely limited.  Go where we may, to the city
or the village, and examine the records of the treasury,
and far less will be found to have been contributed to
suffering humanity from its resources, than from the
humble and unpretending associations of Samaritans by
its side. This is an evil necessarily resulting from. the
institution itself. The funds which are gathered, as it
affects, for the sacred purposes of charity, it compels its
members to waste in idle decorations and profitless baubles. The jewels which glitter on the bosoms of its
priests, and the diadem which sparkles on the brow of
its kings, are abstracted by its very organization fiom the
treasury of the poor; but they are far from  inspiring
apostolic disinterestedness in the one, or of inducing
royal munificence in the other.  Whenever Freemasonry
is thoroughly known and candidly considered, it will
never be pronounced a useful, philanthropic or charitable
institution.
Freemasonry claims also to be the handmaid of virtue; but it is a claim which its intrinsic merits cannot
sustain. Of instructions in morality, it may be safely affirmed, that its books and lectures and secrets afford but
a poor and scanty supply. Those books indeed which




92            OPINIONS ON FrEEMASONRY.,'are published by authority of the lodges, as an exposition
of its external characteristics, contain many valuable observations, though not so remarkable as ever to have attracted or deserved very high praise; and its lectures,
preserved heretofore, as is supposed, by tradition, occasionally indicate a moral. But miserable indeed would.be the condition of mankind, if their hopes of moral improvement, and their immortal desires of goodness, were
supplied only with the light which gleams from the faint
beams of Speculative Freemasonry. Mingled with its
mass of unmeaning form and unprofitable ceremony, a
few scattered passages selected from the scriptures, and a
few good thoughts collected chiefly from other writers,
are occasionally presented; but in the rubbish of its own
peculiar characteristics, they are little better than the
talent, which was wrapped in a napkin and hidden in the
earth.
But it is no longer to be disguised or concealed, that
this show of morality is but " the banner on its outward
wall." It has other and decided peculiarities, which
prove it is not a moral institution; and which leave it
an object of doubt and dread-if not of detestation. It
assumes, in the midst of society, and in the face of government, to impose oaths and obligations, which bind its
members to feelings narrow, selfish, and exclusive; more
than that-which bind them to that at which patriotism
ought to shudder, and  integrity start back abashed.
When it is considered, that this institution, of its own
power, assumes to administer oaths which are to be binding above all other obligations; that those oaths, administered to every man who becomes a member, are filled
with the most awful and appalling penalties; that under
those penalties the members are required and bound to
" conform to all the by-laws, rules and regulations of the
lodge," without any exception in favor of the laws of the
land; " to keep the secrets of a brother inviolable;" "to
espouse the cause of a companion so far as to extricate
him from difficulty, whether right or wrong;" to refrain
from the disclosure of his crimes whatever they may be,
and to extricate him from every difficulty, though he be
a' murderer or a traitor;' and to warn him of, and defend him against every danger —when all these things are




OPINIONS bN FREEMASONRY.             93
considered, it is vain, and worse than vain, to say, that
Freemasonry is a moral institution.  It strikes at the
root of every thing that is good; it breaks up the great
cause of country, and prostrates the still greater cause of
virtue. It bids its members unite in the defence of flagrant crime; and to forbear from exposing to violated
law, and injured humanity, the felon or the traitor, if
they too are but of the fellowship of the craft.  Surely its
pretensions to virtue, and its self praised morality is but
the song of the syren to allure; but when its victim is
once bound by its heart-rending oaths, and his mind is
shackled with apprehensions of its daring and awfil obligations, it then carries him to deeds of darkness-shows
him his brother and his companion in every act of baseness and treachery-bids him behold the assassins dagger, yet reeking in the blood of its violence, and watch
the foul conspiracy of his country's desolation-and the'n
stifles and overwhelmns his most anxious wish to speak
but a word for justice-for patriotism —for humanitywith menaces of the dreadful vengeance of masonic penalties.
I speak only of the institution and its principles, and
not of the meinmbers of the masonic fraternity. Wicked
as such oaths are, and corrupting as they inust be, it is
cause of most grateful reflection to believe, that they have
not frequently, in cases of flagrant criminality been ob-'
served.'T'here has been a practical disregard of them
every where within the circle of my own observation;
and I have never known a culprit escape, or a felon
saved, because he has given and taken the grip of a mason. But in rendering this ju'sticelto its members, I make
no Concession to Freemasonry.  Its requirements are as
positive, as its laws are arbitrary and its requirements
cruel. The savage warriors of the dark ages, whose
brutal violence may have been looked back to as a fit
example for the formation of this institution, might have
deemed it a virtue, to have followed with scrupulous exactness such requisitions as are demanded of the craft;
but they, only could bear such feelings in the bosom,
whose minds were ignorant, and whose moral sense was
never informed; or whose understandings were betrayed
by phrenzy and madness. Instances of extraordinary




94            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
perversion of the intellect, and of ruinous infatuation
wrought by the awful imprecations of masonic oaths,
have undoubtedly occurred.  To this cause is to be referred the abduction and the immolation of William
Morgan. That that man was torn from his family and
from society, and was finally sacrificed by infuriated and
desperate members of the fraternity, can no longer be
made a question.  The evidence is full-complete-irresistible. To nothing else can be referred that horrid
slaughter, but the baleful influence of masonic obligations.
Happily for us all, that deed, almost without a name,
stands a rare, as it is an appalling example. But may we
not justly fear, that the same cause, which has once deluded and overwhelmed so many minds, as were certainly
engaged in that nefarious transaction, may again produce
its effect, when the hour shall arrive that masonic vengeance shall again demand her blow?
There is probably little, if any evidence, that Freemasonry has essentially affected the political transactions, or
interfered in the adjudications of the bench or the jury in
the judicial tribunals, of our Commonwealth.  It may,
however, and it would be strange if it were otherwise,
have occasionally produced effects imperceptibly. In the
few years in which I have known it by experience, I
have seen nothing to justify an opinion, that its baleful
influence has Jbeen meddling with the politics, the religion, or the laws of the land. Others, in whose judgment I feel that it is safe to confide, have informed me that
their experience in this respect does not correspond with
mine; and from the nature of the obligations of the craft,
it seems not improbable in itself. While the character of
its obligations, and the nature of the bond which constitutes the association, render such interference probable
in itself, there is direct proof, than in other countries, it
has exercised a prevailing and powerful influence. Who
can doubt, that during the disastrous times of the French
revolution, Freemasonry was exerting its full share of
power amid the sanguinary scenes which stained the
whole face of Europe with blood. Later still, in the
convulsions with which Italy was torn, Freemasonry
lighted the torch, and the sword of the Red Cross Knight
leaped from its scabbard at the command of the encamp



OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           95
ment. And we know that now, the energies of a young
Republic in our own hemisphere, and on our own immediate borders, are wasted in civil discord under the banners of the craft. And nearer still, the ancient parties
of the great State, on the western limits of our own
Commonwealth, have been broken to atoms, by an event
produced by the unhallowed conspiracy of many masons
linked together by no other ties than their fraternal
obligations: and there, an excitement has been produced,
which they who among us adhere to the institution, abnd
they also who know little and have thought less of it. are
deploring as untimely and unnecessary. Let us not be
deceived-the like causes will produce the like effects.
The time may come, and perhaps is not now far distant,
when the same malignant influence which has blighted.
other hopes, and scattered elsewhere the seeds of conaf-usion and desolation, may be in the midst of us; corirbpt
ing the fountains of justice, and polluting the sources of
political power. Can it be, that the evils which others
have felt, shall speak no warning to us? or must it be,
that, deaf to the cries which are pouring in on every
side, and blind to the effects which have been elsewhere
wrought, we are to wait until desolation at home sha-l
arouse our vigilance and urge us to our duty?
You perceive, gentlemen, that I have spoken withl
great freedom of the institution of Freemasonry. I have
denied the pretensions to esteem which it assumes, and
dlenounced it as'unworthy of being permitted to remaik
as a rock of offence among us. And you must have
noticed, that it doing so, I have adverted to topics, whick
could have been discussed only after the secret recesses
of the institution had been laid bare. That has already
been fully done. It is vain —useless-false-to deny: it..
The publication prepared by William Morgan-the martyr whose life paid the forfeit of his broken obligations —
disclosed all that could be disclosed of the secrets of ihe
fraternity, as far as he wrote: and since his immolation,
the work has been pursued by pure and able and faithful
hands, until there remains little or nothinng to be told.
The testimony in proof of the truth of these disclosures
is as full as human testimony can be; and I add in my
owp language to our Convention, "that my own testi



R96            PrNTONS ON FrSEMASOoMY.
mony carnoti altei it. They who will not believe it after
a full, and candid examination, would and could not
believe me; neither, in my opinion, would they believe,
though one should rise from the dead."-But I seek not
to shrink from any responsibility in this high and solemn
cause: and at whatever hazard, and in defiance of every
consequence, I affirm, that having myself been admitted
to the degree of a Royal Arch Mason, and to the several
preceding degrees, as far as I have heretofore advanced in
the degrees of masonry, the disclosure of the secrets of
Freemasonry, as contained in the volume published by
David Bernard, a clergyman of the Baptist denomination,
entitled " LIGHT ON MASONRY," is true-that the forms,
ceremonies, lectures, and oaths contained in that book
are substantially as I myself received.them; and as I
have, again and again, seen and heard them, in the bodies
of regular lodges and chapters, communicated and administered to others.
I believe that the institution of Freemasonry ought no
longer to exist: lamenting, as I most sincerely do, that I
have ever been connected with it, and that a voluntary
assumption of its obligations has cleft me only the painful,alternative, of submitting to its slavery, or of bursting its
bonds, and thus exposing myself to the reproaches of
those who still adhere to it, and of those also who believe
that, if it be not as exalted and virtuous as it pretends, it
is at least harmless and innocent, I can find consola/tion
only in the hope, that I may be the humble instrumentff
attracting some portion of the public attention to the
great cause, which I trust will prosper till the final ovewtthrow and the utter extinction of Freemasonry shall be
accomplished. I come forward in no spirit of hostility
towards any of the members of the fraternity. I revere
the venerable men whose names are recorded on its rolls.
There are those also, in the circle of my own acquaintance, now members of this institution, towards whom I
have cherished, and still cherish, no other but sentiments
of respect, and feelings of affection. Whatever may be
the emotions of their minds, no animosity or ill will exists
in mine; and I ask only, that if our communion has ever
hitherto been grateful, they will do me the justice to
believe, that-I now speak with a sincerity, certainlyequal,




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.                 97
and with a degree of reflection and meditation far greater,
than I ever spoke to them  before.  Let them unite with
us; and let the people be all awakened to a sense of the
necessity of exertions for the removal of an evil, hitherto
little suspected, but which may in the end become an engine of destruction.
It is vain and idle to expect, that an institution which
has spread itself abroad into many lands, whose ramifications have reached the heart of almost every country, is to
be extinguished without many efforts. They who calculate that it will fall of itself and crumble to decay, reckon
not upon the interest which is enlisted in its support. It
will yet withstand many shocks; but if the people are
true to themselves, and to the  best interests of their
country, and of their posterity who are to inherit it, they
will unite in the common cause, and move forward
" through good report and through evil report," till the
great end of the extinction of Speculative Freemasonry is
fully, finally, and happily accomplished.
Since the publication of the foregoing letter, there has appeared in
the " Free Press," an interesting correspondence, on the nature of
the Royal Arch obligation, between the author and Mr. OLIVER, a
member of the Massachusetts Anti-Masonic Convention, from Lynn.
The letter having been read by Mr. Oliver, to a friend of his, who
was a Royal Arch mason, objection was made only to that part of it
which had reference to the Royal Arch obligation. [See page 92.]
On the reading of that passage, he unhesitatingly declared the statement therein contained a lie, and that the author, on writing it, knew
it to be so. A letter was accordingly addressed to the author, with
a " view of ascertaining whether the literal meaning of the Royal
Arch obligation, was capable of a construction that could justify such
a declaration, or whether it was of such doubtful import as to be
liable to ambiguous signification."
The following is Mr. MERRICK'S Reply:Worcester, January 8, 1830.
DEAR SIR,-Your letter of the 2d inst. was duly received; and I have availed myself of the earliest time I
could command to reply to its contents.
You inform me, that a " Freemason of sound judgment
9




98            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
and good understanding," declared to you, that that part
of my letter of the 17th Dec. to the Worcester Committee, relating to the Royal Arch obligation, was " a lie;"
and that if I was a Royal Arch Mason, I knew it was
"a lie."
I have certainly been a Royal Arch Mason; and I -as
certainly know that my statement relative to the oaths
taken by mnasons of that degree are true.  In reply to
your inquiry, if there be any " ambiguity" in the terms
of that oath, I cannot place the subject in a better light
before you, than to extract from the obligation the several
parts of it, in the very words in which it is administered.
The whole oath is quite long; but its several parts are
distinct passages and complete sentences of themselves;
and the sense of each of its clauses is in no way affected
by being separated from the rest of the obligation. The
extracts are as follows.
1. " Ifurthermore promise and swear, that I will support the constitution of the General Grand Royal Arch
Chapter of the United EStates of America, and also the
constitution of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State
under which this Chapter is held, and conform to all the
by-laws, rules and regulations of this, or any other Chapter of which I may hereafter become a member."
2. " I furthermore promise and swear, that I will aid
and assist a companion Royal Arch Mason, when engaged in any difficulty, and espouse his cause, so far as to
extricate him from the same, if in my power, whether he
be right or wrong."
3. " IfuIrthermore promise and swear, that a companion
Royal Arch Mllason's secrets, given to me in charge as
such, and I knowing them to be such, shall remain as secure and inviolable in my breast as in his own, murder
and treason not excepted."
To my mind, nothing can be more explicit, than the
several clauses of the Royal Arch Mason's oath, which I
have here extracted.  I cannot perceive the least ambiguity; nor how they can be " capable of a construction
that could possibly justify the declaration," that my statement to the Worcester Convention was " a lie."
The obligation is positive, "to conform to the bylaws, rules and regulations of the chapter;" and no men



OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            99
tion of the laws of the land. And for aught I can see, if
it shall ever so happen, that the laws of the State and the
by-laws of the chapter shall conflict with each other, a
Royal Arch mason is bound by the terms of the obligation
to disregard and disobey the laws of the government, in
order that he may "conform to the by-laws, rules and
regulations of the chapter."
The obligation of a Royal Arch mason is in its language
perfectly explicit; and the express provision, " murder
and treason not excepted," evinces too clearly, to admit
of misconstruction, the nature and character of those
secrets, which are to remain in the bosom of him to
whom they are communicated, as inviolable as they are
in his own. It necessarily comprehends his crimes,
whatever they may be.
The obligation to aid and assist a companion Royal
Arch mason is in the broadest terms.  That aid and
assistance is to be afforded to a companion when he is in
"ANY" difficulty; and his cause, whether "RIGHT OR
WRONG," is to be espoused, so far as that he may be extricated from that difficulty.  If this obligation does not,
in its own terms, require that in every difficulty a Royal
Arch mason shall be aided and assisted until he is effectually extricated, I confess I know of no language
which could express that intention.
In fine, I see nothing in the terms of the Royal Arch
mason's oath which is "of such doubtful import as to be
liable to ambiguous interpretation."
To the accuracy of the extracts which I have made, as
well as to the disclosures generally of the secrets of Freemasonry, my character for veracity is pledged.  Howv far
that evidence is sufficient., I leave to others to determinenot presuming myself to estimate its weight.  But whether
my testimony is of any avail or not, there is a mass of
evidence before the public, which is full and conclusive;
and I hesitate not to affirm, that if any fact was ever
satisfactorily proved by human testimony, the truth of the
disclosures of the oaths and obligations of Freemasonry
is completely established by evidence already in possession
of the public.
I cannot therefore but feel great surprise, when I learn
that any man, sustaining a reputable character in the




100          OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
community, denies that the oaths and obligations quoted
by me, in my letter of the 17th ult. from the work of Mr.
Bernard, entitled "Light on Masonry," are administered
in lodges and chapters of Freemasons. What those
oaths are, it is possible and probable, that many, who
have been initiated, never fuilly understood, or have
wholly or partially forgotten. But how, when they are
quoted, such men can deny their truth, I cannot pretend
to explain, nor am I able to perceive. It may be also
that, in some instances, the more obnoxious parts of these
oaths may have been omitted by the presiding officer in
admitting a candidate; and if so, such a person, if he has
ever otherwise been instructed, may fairly and honestly
make such a denial. Whether instances like these have
occurred or not, I am unable to determine; I can only
say, that wherever I have been, I believe that no such
omissions have occurred.
Without being influenced by animosity against any
member of the Fraternity, I feel at liberty to observe, that
while any man continues to be attached to the institution
of Freemasonry, and is influenced by the obligations of
secrecy which it confessedly imposes, he is not, and
cannot be, upon the subject of its oaths, a disinterested
or impartial witness; for if, in a discussion upon that
point upon which he voluntarily enters, he does not deny
the truth of the disclosures of seceding masons, his very
silence is, to some extent, an acknowledgement of their
correctness. What else then, in such a situation, can he
do, who has bound himself by obligations, which he still
deems binding and sacred, " forever to conceal and never
to reveal" the secrets of Freemasonry, but to hazard a
positive denial that those secrets are disclosed?
There is a topic, not adverted to in your letter, and
perhaps not altogether connected with it, to which I wish
briefly to advert, before I close. You have undoubtedly
observed, that the great stress of denial, when a denial of
the truth of the oaths required of initiates into the masonic
institution, as disclosed by seceding masons, is asserted,
rests mainly upon the obligation alleged to be taken by
Royal Arch masons. I have never yet heard any one
intimate a denial of that, which has been published as
the oath taken by a master mason upon his admission to




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            10t
the third degree. One of the clauses of that oath is in
the following words, to wit:" I furthermore promise and swear, that a master mason's secrets, given me in charge as such, and I knowing
them to be such, shall remain as secure and inviolable in
my breast as in his own, when communicated to me,
murder and treason only excepted, and they left to my
own election."
The addition to the words " murder and treason only
excepted" point out, too clearly to admit of any mistake,
the nature of the secrets which a master mason is to keep
inviolable. They must be his crimes as well as his other
concerns of a confidential character. This seems to me
to be the obvious, and necessary, and only reasonable
construction.  And may not this construction be held to
be certain, from the very nature of the penalty-the
penalty of death —which he who takes this obligation
imprecates upon himself in the event of the violation of
his oath?-For my own part, I see but a shade of difference, and that scarcely worthy of notice in a moral
point of view, whether a mason swears with him of the
third degree to keep all his secrets inviolable, "murder
and treason only excepted, and those left to his own election," or with him of the seventh, to keep all those secrets
"' murder and treason not excepted."
I am most respectfully,
With assurances of my esteem,
Yours, &c.
PLINY MERRICK.:STEPHEN OLIVER.
9*




102            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
OPINION OF HON. C. D. COLDEN,* UPON THE CHARAC_
TER AND TENDENCY OF FREEMASONRY.
A reply to the letter of Col. Richard Varick, Thomas Fessenden, Esq. and
Samuel St. John, Esq.; a Committee appointed at a meeting of citizens in
New York, to address him on the subject.
Gentlemen,-I do not think I ought to object to communicate in this manner, the sentiments I have long held,
and have frequently expressed, in relation to Freemasonry.
It is true that I have been a mason a great number of
years, and that I have held very high masonic offices and
honors.  It is equally true that I have for a long time
ceased to have any connexion with the institution, because,
I have believed, and do now believe, it is productive of
much more evil than good. It is also true that I have on
no fit occasion hesitated to express this sentiment.
I would not do any thing inconsistent with any obligation I may have, however inconsiderately, assumed. But
I know nothing of masonry to render it so horrible as it
would be in my estimation, if it obliged me to be silent
when I thought its influences were pernicious. It would
be detestable if it did not leave me at liberty to warn
others from following my example in becoming a member
of an institution, of which from its very nature, I must
have been ignorant until I was initiated, and of which, a
just estimate can only be formed from experience.
I shall disclose none of the secrets of masonry, (if it
now has any secrets,) nor shall I say any thing inconsistent with what is due to the eminent living, and illustrious
dead, whose names are recorded as members of the fraternity.  I have had a just pride in being associated with
many of these, and now feel that I make a sacrifice in
pursuing a course which may separate me from men, for
whose pure motives and righteous principles, I shall never
cease to entertain the most profound respect.
Discussions and expositions of the principles of masonry,
of its origin, its religion, its morals, and its science, have
not been considered as betraying any obligation; but on
Mr. Colden was formerly Mayor of the city of New York, and
also a member of Congress.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.              103
the contrary, have been sanctioned by the highest masonic
authority.  It is true that, till of late, masonry has always
been a theme of panegyric; but if the advocates of the
insitution are free to speak of its merits, it cannot be a
violation of duty in those who hold different opinions, to
express them with becoming respect and deference.
I desire that it should be understood, that the sentiments I now entertain on this subject, do not result from
the alleged murder of Morgan.  It is true this horrible
event has induced me to think more, and more seriously,
than I should otherwise have done, of the society; but I
have long entertained my present opinion, that a man who
2would eschew  all evil, should not be a Freemason.  Perhaps I cannot give a stronger evidence that this is not an
opinion recently formed than to mention that my son, by
my advice, has never joined the fraternity.
I cannot mention the deplorable event to which I have
referred, without exculpating, so far as any thing I can
say will do it, the masonic fraternity from any participation in that outrage. For a long time I did not believe
that Morgan had been put to death. But I find myself
obliged to yield to the force of evidence.  I yet entertain
the most entire confidence that the fraternity did not participate in this crime. On the contrary, I do not doubt
but that all the guilt of that transaction is confined to
those infatuated men who assailed and slew him. The
rest of the craft, I am entirely convinced, are as innocent
of the blood of Morgan as I am.  I fully believe that they'hold the perpetrators in just abhorrence; they would rejoice if the guilty were discovered, and would aid in
bringing the murderers to condign punishment.*
* We very much regret the mistake of Mr. Colden on this subject,
for a mistake it certainly is, although easily accounted for. Mr. C.
confesses frankly his dislike to the institution, and his disbelief for
some time of the murder of Morgan. Had Mr. C. perused the public documents, he could immediately have had no doubt. The same
cause, it seems, has produced a similar effect-that is, a mistake on
the part of Mr. C. touching the institution being not implicated in
the gross outrages committed. We will however no farther contradict Mr. C. nor anticipate the public opinion. We ask candid men
to examine the public trials; the convictions under them; to consider the perjuries committed by masons to screen the guilty; to reflect upon the numbers indicted, suspected, and called as evidence,



104             OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
I do not believe that those who committed this crime,
had any intention to take the man's life when they first
assailed him. Under the influence of an enthusiasm  which
the forms and mysteries of masonry are so likely to excite in weak minds, they thought it would be meritorious
to inflict some punishment for what they considered his
delinquency.  But they proceeded from step to step, until
they found they  had involved themselves in a responsibility that would be ruinous, if Morgan should  be left to
call them  to account.  A frantic interpretation of their
masonic obligations,  and their fears, assisted, probably,
by corporal stimulants, led themn to stain their hands with
the blood of their victimn.
If these conjectures be well founded, however little
they will extenuate the crime of the murderers, the proof
of such facts, would exonerate the great body of the craft
fron  any participation in the guilt.  But an institution,
the forms, or obligations, or mysteries of which, can be
so perverted, or so misunderstood, even  by the weakest
minds, as to induce a belief, that it may be meritorious
to murder an apostate brother, no good man, on due consideration and reflection, can think deserving of his countenance and support.
If it be asked, what are the advantages of masonry?
It seems to me the answer may be given in these very
few words; It often, by its charity, relieves the distressed.
But at what an enormous expense is this charity dispenaedl?   When  all the machinery of lodges, grand lodges,
chapters, encampments, councils, visiters, &c. &c. is taken into consideration, it must be obvious, that the charitable contributions of masons are but trifles in compariall masons, and all aiming at the acquittal of the party tried,-and
then say, if only a few were concerned(,-or rather to say, if the institution is not fairly implicated in the guilt of Morgan's abduction
and murder;-for if the crimes for which they were convicted had
not been approved by the institution, how comes it that all those
convicted and sentenced to imprisonmlent for their crimres, should
not have been expelled fiom lodges? that on the contrary, so far
from being expelled, they have been exalted in the lodges, nourished,
cherished,. and rewarded, and even with money, as brethren suffering in a righteous masonic cause, although gross violators of the laws
of their country? The suggestions we make and submiit them to the
judgment of an impartial public, as well as to Mr. Colden himself.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           10O
son with the sums devoted to these objects. It may be
doubted, whether all that has ever been applied to the
charitable funds of the institution, would equal a hundredth part, perhaps I might say a thousandth part, of what
has been expended by masons, for their temples and
their decorations, for personal trappings, for jewelry, for
funerals, for processions, for festivals and in the conviviality so inseparable from the meetings of the fraternity.
Let it be admitted, however, that the institution does
relieve the poor and distressed to the greatest extent.
Are the secrecy and the ceremonies of masonry necessary
for the exercise of any virtue?  Is it necessary that any
set of men to be charitable, should do their deeds by
night, in hidden places? That they should by lawful
ceremonies, establish a relationship among themselves,
which many of them believe imposes duties and obligations in reference to each other different from those by
which they are bound to the rest of mankind?  Many of
the fraternity feel thernselves obliged, in whatever situation they may be placed, to suffer an appeal from a brother mason to have an influence —Offenders have persuaded themselves they could claim an exemption from punishment as masons; and even at the bar of a court of justice, a criminal has thought he secured impunity by revealing to the judge, who was about to pronounce his
sentence, their masonic relationship.
If masonry separates the members of the craft from
their fellow citizens; if masons are led to believe that
their duty towards each other is different from what it is
to the members of the community not connected with
them; if a mason is bound to shield another from the
general operation of the laws, or if he be subjected to any
penalties beyond those denounced by the legislature;
nay, if even a feeble minded man is made to believe that
by becoming a Mason, he enlists in an isolated corps,
the members of which may claim privileges through their
brethren, and must perform duties which do not belong
to other citizens, it cannot be a fit institution in our
country, where no man in the discharge of his duties to
the community, should act from fear, favor, or affection.
It is often alleged that masonry engenders and cherishes the social affections, by bringing men together with




106           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
kindly feelings towards each other. It is not to be doubt.
ed but that a well regulated social intercourse has a
beneficial influence on the disposition and character of
mankind. But again, it must be asked, why is the secrecy, the parade, and the obligations of masonry necessary, if their objects be so virtuous?  It is to be feared,
however, that these meetings have not always a happy influence.  Admitting that the utmost decorum  and propriety are observed, while a lodge is open, yet the craft
seldom  separate without refreshment; and it oftens happens that more is taken than is necessary to repair the
exhaustion of their labors, and too frequently, more than
is consistent with temperance.
Attendance upon lo(dges sometimes leads to habits
which are inimical to the prosperity and happiness of the
I members arid their families.  Every meeting of a lodge
is attended by visitors, and as there are generally, even
in the country, several lodges within the compass of ten
or twenty miles, opportunities for these visitations frequently occur. Often the habit of' making them renders
a man, who would otherwise have been content with his
own fireside, impatient at home, and desirous to exchange
for the excitement of a masonic banquet, those enjoyiments of his domestic circle with which he would have
been perfectly content had it not been for the seductions
of the craft.
Did I know of any other advantage than these two,
charity and the cultivation of social dispositions, which
any rational man at this day, imputes to masonry, I would
not fail to mention it.
But it is to be objected to masonry, not only that no
good comes of it, but that it is productive of positive evils.
To some of these I hlave already adverted, and will notice others which have presented themselves very forcibly
to my mind, and I may say, to my conscience.
If masonry is arrogant and impious in her pretensions,
and delusive in her promises, surely she deserves to be
discountenanced.  If she claim  to be coeval with the
world, and to be of divine origin, when in truth she is
but as of yesterday, and springs from the dust of the
earth, what obligation can there be that should induce
any man to hesitate to speak of her according to her de-.
merits?




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            107
That operative or practical masonry was one of the
earliest arts practised by mankind, is very probable.  We
may suppose that masons, as well as other trades, very
soon formed themselves into separate societies, and adopted regulations, the better to establish and secure their
interests.  The employment of masons naturally brought
them, as builders and architects, more than the members
of any other trade, in contact with the wealthier and
higher orders of society.  Men, as distinguished for their
science as for their rank, were placed at the head of congregations of operative masons.  It then became an hon-.r to be an associate of these bodies.  Members were adnitted who were not operatives.  These soon changed the
nature of the institution by which they had been adopted,
)r as their term is, accepted; and, instead of the objects,f the assemblies of masoris being operative masonry,
hey were converted to lodges of speculative masons, in
which the tools and instruments of the former humble
trade were retained to be transmuted into symbols of all
the virtues and duties of nmankind.
No man, at this day, who has taken the least pains to
examine the subject, can doubt that this is the origin of
Freemasonry, or that the change from operative to speculative masonry took place in very modern times.  The
masonic society has no more pretence to a divine origin,
than the societies of stationers, butchers, bakers, carpenters, or any other trade.  These, for ages, have had, like
operative masons, their assemblies, in which their worshipful masters and wardens have presided; but they have
been left in obscurity because their occupations did not
bring them in familiar intercourse with mnen of wealth and
power.
The first three degrees of masonry, when traced back
to the actual labors of the craft, may claim some sort of
antiquity; but as to all the nutmerous grades above these,
(I think to the number of fifty,) they are of very modern
invention, and are mbut the contrivances of ambitious or
artful men to gratify their own vanity, or to obtain money
from the vanity and folly of others. They have raked
from the bigotry and chivalry of the dark ages of the old
world, the names of certain orders, which never had any
connexion with ancient masonry.  These modern institu



108          OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
tions are no more branches of the masonic system, than
they are of the orders, whose titles they assume.
The pretence that masons are possessed of any peculiar
knowledge, is as fallacious as their claim to a supernatural and antediluvian origin.  But if they possess all that
they pretend to have, of what advantage is it to themselves
or to mankind? Suppose some cabalistic words have
been preserved and transmitted by masons through ages,
and that the fables they recite were true histories, how
would it benefit themselves or their fellow men? The
world must again be covered with that darkness which
excluded all moral and scientific light, before such knowledge can be of any use even to the possessors.
But it is pretended that lodges are schools of the moral
and physical sciences, and instruction in these is promised
to those who join the fraternity.  I have never heard of
any attempt to impart any other moral instruction than
that which could be conveyed by precepts like these:
That masons must live within the compass; walk upright
as the plumb; must deal on the square, and other such
mystical advice. As to the sciences, the whole scope of
instruction goes no further than frequently to remind the
brethren than the sun rises in the east and sets in the
west, and rules the day, and that the moon rules the
night.
That we may be in no danger of violating the secrets of
masonry, of having our judgments biassed by the antiquity
it claims, or by respect for the many great and good men
whose names are on the list of its votaries, let us for a
moment put it out of view, and suppose that it were now
proposed to establish a society, which, with awful solemnities, and dreadful denunciations, should impose secrecy
on its members; that they should separate themselves
from the rest of mankind, and establish an intelligence
by which they could, under any circumstances, make
themselves known to each other; that the duties of the.members, in regard to themselves, should be incompatible
with the general order of society; that when a member of
the association should make himself known to another, he
might look to that other for special favor, whether it was
to be dispensed at the polls of an election, from the jury,box, or from the bench.  Suppose that the members of




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             109
this association were bound to screen each other, as far as
in their power, from all evil, by concealment; or by more
active exertions, to relieve them from all dangers and difficulties, however they might arise from  demerit.  Let us
suppose that all these obligations were to be imposed with
awful religious ceremonies, and  with sanguinary  and
horrible penalties, of which each member should consider
himself pledged to be the executor. We may suppose
this institution to have many grades, and that, at every
advance, there are new ceremonies, new oaths, and new
penalties, the higher differing from the lowest, only in
grossness of absurdity, and impiety of imprecations. That
the members of this new institution decorated themselves
with the trappings of royalty, and bestowed on each other
sacerdotal, aristocratic, anid even royal titles.  If such a
society were now to be proposed, who would hesitate to
say that it would be profane, and inconsistent with our
religious, moral, social, and political institutions.  ()ne of
the most serious objections which might be urged to such
an  institution, would be its frequent administration of
oaths.  T'here would be danger that even these obligations, however solemnly imposed, would become so fanliiar as to be little regarded; and the simple adjurations
of a court of justice, administered with the least possible
ceremony, would appear, when compared with the awful
ceremonies of the society, to deserve but slight consi(eration.  If the supposed oath imposed obligations which
could not be fulfilled without a violation oftthe duties of a
citizen, and indeed  without crime, every honest man
would slrink from  the literal interpretation of it, and
wvuld find a refuge in construing it so as to reconcile it to
his conscience; rejecting such parts as he did not find acceptahle. Oaths, with which there must be so much
tamp)eritig, could not but have a perniciouls effect on
society.  But these effects would be still more deplorable,
were the oaths to be observe d according to their letter.
Masonry disclaims all interference in political matters.
If, in this country, she has taken any part in the contentions of politicians, it has only been of late.  While I was
connected with the society, I had every reason to believe
that she observed the forbearance she avows.  But it
must be obvious, that the whole machinery of the institu10




1 10           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
tion is peculiarly adapted to political intrigue; and though,
in our country, its influence may not have been perceived
by any party, yet we see that in a sister Republic, so far
from its being cornsidered the duty of the fraternity to
keep apart fronm  politics, the parties whose dissensions
distract the Commonwealth, are arranged under different
masonic denominations.  Scotch masons, and York masons, in that country, no less designate masons of different
sects, than they (ldo partisans of different politics. If
lodges may be converted into secret political clubs, they
ought to be feared in a free country.
It has often occurred to me as a little extraordinary,
that in this republican country of ours, where we claim to
be such pure democrats, there should be manifested in
those who become rmasons, such a passion for finery, pageantry, dignities, and titles. One who affects to despise
the blue or red ritband, the star and garter of an English
lord, or the coronet of a foreign prince, clothes himself
with the utmost complacency, in all the colors of the rainbow, and decorates hinmself with as many jewels and
medals, as are worn by an Iildian chief.  He expects
from the fellows of his commurnunity, to be addressed by the
titles of Worshipfuil, Mist Worshipful, Excellent, Most
Excellent, Illustrious, and Most Illustrious, with as much
certainty as the greatest despot in the world requires from
his slaves a recognition of the rank he assumes. We see
from the masonic notices daily published in our papers,
that Knight, Prince, aind even Kings, are familiar titles,
by which those to whom they belong are always addressed
by their brethren in their assemblies.  "T''o his Most
illustrious Hightness, Prince of the Royal Secret of the
thirty-third degree," is a title which emblazons the name
of many a good republican in this community. Foreigners
must think we are not less fond of the show, and trappings, and titles of aristocracy and royalty, than any other
people, when they see that we are so eager to adopt
them, in the only way tolerated by our political constitutionis.
It is true there is something of equality in this, inasmuch as every man, of every grade, and every complexion,
may be invested with all the finery, and the magnificent;titles of the order. All others, however, are rivalled by




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           111
the splendor of the Black Lodges of this city, headed by
their Respectable and Worshipful Masters.
I have known many persons whose brains have been
turned by their elevation from humble occupations to
royal titles and imaginary thrones. Indeed, I have never
known a very great mason, who was not a very great fool.
I beg to be und(erstood.  I do not mean by very great
masons, those who have stood highest in the estimation of
the craft, and who have attained the highest masonic
honors.  I do not forget that the names of Washington,
Clinton, Warren, La Fayette, Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, Jackson, and Marshall, are justly the boast of
the fraternity; nor is it possible that I should ever forget
that I have seen many venerated clergymen, sanctifying
by their presence and their prayers the labors, as well as
the refreshments of a lodge.  Biit I mean by great masons, those who are proud of their pompous titles; who
are fqnd of decorations; who persuade themselves that
the affairs of the world turn upon masonry; that without
it, society could hardly exist, or if it did, would be deprived of its fairest ornament, and most beneficial arrangement.
It may be asked, how it happens that I should have been
so long a mason andl not until this time expressed my disapprobation of the institution.  It is true, it is nearly
forty years since I became a member of the masonic
fraternity, but I began to question its utility long ago. It
must be fifteen or twenty years since I belonged to any
lodge, and somne eight or ten years that I have not been
within the walls of a lodge room. During this time, I
have not hesitated to express opinions in accordance with
what I have now written.
When I was hardly twenty-one years of age, I was
initiated in a lodge in New-York, which was distinguished
for the respectability of its members.  All of these I
knew must have submitted to whatever would be required
of me. My confidence, that they would not have done
any thing wrong, induced me to pass through the required
forms with very little-too little consideration.  A like
deference for the example of others, led me from step to
step, with the same inconsiderateness. It was not till the
broyaocy of youth had passed, that I began to see the




112           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
vanity and folly, and, as I thought, the evil tendency of
masonry. Morgan's fate has, I acknowledge, strengthened
the unfavorable impressions I entertained previously to
his murder.  Since that event, I have thought the institution not only idle and useless, hut this horrible catastrophe has evinced that its mysteries may engender
infatuation that will stop at no crime.  Since that event,
I have believed it would be a relinquishment of a duty I
owed to society, if I suffered my respect for those venerated rmen who have left the world to believe that masonry
was approved by them, prevent me from expressing the
convictions of my own mind of its merits. The example
of the many who have stood as high in the ranks of
masonry as in the estimation of the world, would have
induced me to have buried my own thoughts in silence.
I should have been awed by their opinions could I be
sure that these patrons, of whom masonry so justly boasts,
deliberately examined the merits of the institution; but
when I reflect how many years of my life were passed
before I gave the subject due consideration, I cannot but
suppose that they, like myself, for a long timTe, may have
been content to rest on the example of their predecessors,
and that they have left their successors free to express
their opinions.  If these are unfavorable to masonry, no
one can say that they are in opposition to what would
have been the deliberate judgment of the persons whose
great examples are considered of such authority.
I am happy that the letter I have had the honor to receive from you, affords me an opportunity to express, in
such a manner as I presume will give them publicity, my
sentiments on this subject.  I have reason to believe
they are in accordance with those of many good and
respectable men who are masons; and who, I hope, will
not by their silence, suffer their example in becoming
masons to have an undue influence.  I come forward the
more readily at this moment, when I think no party or
unworthy motive can be imputed to me; when the excitement occasioned by the murder of Morgan, has subsided into a just abhorrence of the guilty; and when the
question is not whether every mason is not a bad man,
but whether masonry is not a bad institution.  I believe
that it does no good that might not be accomplished by




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.              113
far better means. Its secrecy and extensive combinations
are dangerous.  Its titles and trappings are vain, foolish,
and inconsistent with  our republican institutions.  Its
pretensionls are absurd, fallacious and impious; and its
ceremonies and mysteries are profane, and lead many to
believe that they impose obligations paramount to the
laws.  However limited  the influence of mny opinions
might be, I should be sorry to end my life, leaving it to
be believed that I had lived and died the advocate of an
institution of which I entertain such views.
REMARKS ON THE CHARACTER OF FREEMASONRY.
Extractfrom an Address by Rer. Moses Thacher, of Wrentham, Mass. on
the occasion of hzs secedigfg /om the Masonic Institution.
THE sub)ject to which I desire to c;all your attention,
is, the stan(ding  which I have retained for some time
past, in relation to the masonic institution.  Although
I am a minister of the gospel, set apart to take the oversight of this church anl people; yet, far be it from me
to feel myself abIove making concessions arid retractions,
wherein I have (lone wrong.  r'h;t I have done wrong in
uniting myself to thle masonic society, and given just occasion of offence to some of my Christian friends, I am
now  fily convinced.  I am satisfied, by a knowledge of
facts, which have recently been presented to my mind,
and which have placed me Ibeyond a reasonable doubt,
that thle instittution is very differert, in nature and utility,
from what I anticipated when I first became a member.
I then joined upon the assurance of others of its great
antiquity, of the purity of its p)rinciples, and the many
advantages which it would present to me as a minister of
the gospel.  Notwithstanding  I verily thought, that I
could depend upon those assurances; I have since found,
to my sorrow anld!isgust, that I have been deceived and
disappointed. By these remarkis, I do not mean to cast
reflections upon those who gave me such assurances.
They were doubtless deceived; and I feel much more disposed to apply to myself the denunciation, ", Cursed is the
10'




114             OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
man that trusteth in man;" than harshly to censure those,
who were, perhaps, the innocent occasion of my folly.
With regard to the antiquity of the institution, I have
found, by well authenticated t~'cts, that it cannot be traced
farther back than to the sixteenth century.  I find that
the first lodge of' Freemasons ever instituted, was founded
in London, and that the first, which emanated from this
original stock, was as late as A. D. 1717.  These facts
are so authentic, that I feel myself warranted to say,
beyond a reasonable doubt, that the institution is, comparatively, of recent origin. When theretfore it professes
to teach dloctrines and facts by tradition, from before the
flood, from the days of Solonon, or even from the commencement of the Christian era; it is evident that the
institution is made to speak a lie; a lie too, which, more
than almost ally thing else, has been the means of intolding in the bosom of the society, the vast mnultitudes, who
have dlevoterd themselves to its interests.
In respect to the principles of' the institution, it may be
remiarlied, that this society, different from any other, holds
two classes.  The once class of principles, is, its costume,
or dress, in which it appears betore the public.  Tthese
principles are, charity,* njoral virtue, social intercourse,
&c. all good in the abstract.  The other class of principles consists in secrecy, secret si.gs and obligations, and
secret doctrines.  Upon these latter principles the whole
institution is erected.  This circurnstance has doubtless
deceived  many.  It deceived -me.  For a considerable
time, I thought the institution was built upon those principles, which I now find to be merely external, designed
for profession  and show.  The  institution, instead  of'
being built upon charity, and moral virtue, is built upon
the secret principles, which I have mentioned; and these
are principles by which genuine masons must be guided,
however they may clash with other rules.
* It is not here admitted, that this is the charity which "' seeketh not her own."  All that masons, as such, ever bestowed, in
what they call " charity," is bestowed precisely on the same
principle that a mutual fire insurance company assist one of their
own members in making' up the loss which he has sustained by the
devouring elemnent.'his is a " charity," which the sufferer has
a right, in equity, to demand, in consideration of what he has already thrown into the common stock.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.              115
That the masonic institution has its obligations, no
mason will deny.  The great and important question,
which nowv agitates the public mind, is, What is the nature of these obligations?  Do tlhose who take masonic
obligations resign their lives to the disposal ofthe society;
or does the society hold itself authorized to take the life
of any individual or itndividuals, who may he considered
as having violated its secret laws?  As it respects my)self
I have told masons repeatedly, that the moment I became
convinced, that there was any thing in masonic oblligations which either authorized or sanctioned the infliction
of death, as a penalty, in case of violation, I would renounce masonry immediately.  But I have now to confess, with pain and sorrow, that a knowledge of facts has
place( it beyond a doubt in my own mind, that the masonic fraternity, as a body, (o meatln to hold the lives of
individual members at their d(isposal.  It does aplpear by
numerous facts, substantiated bty plenary evidence, that a
free citizen of these Unsited States has not only been kidnapped and murdered by masons, but that this awful
transaction was clntrived and executed by masonic bodies.
It does appear, that m;asonic bodies, such as lodges,
Chapters, and Encampments, have secreted and facilitated
the escape of the murderers; and that they did se~nd the
one, who executed the fatail teed, out of the country as
soon as posqible.*  Were it proper, at this time, I thiink
I could furnish sufficient evi(lence of what I have stated,
to satisfy any candlid mind.  But such conduct as this, I
must consider a fair comment upon the secret principles
of the institution.
Besides, it appears to have been a faict, that the General Grand Chapter of the United States was in session, in
the city of New York, at the titne William lMorgan) was
taken from Batavia, and tha;t an express was despatched
immediately to intorm the Grand Chlapter what had taken
place, and what was (lone withl the ih;appy victim. From
the silence of the General Grand Chapter on the subject,
we must draw the natural inference, that it did, virtually,
* See the Affidavit of Avery Allyn, before Horace Holden, Esq.
of the city of New York, March 28, 1829; also of John Mann, before Judge Tisdale, of Genesee.




116            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
to say the least, sanction the outrage.  The question also
may be asked, Has any Grand Lodge in the United States,
or any Grand Chapter, or Granid Erncampment, or the
General Grand Chapter, or General Grand Encampment,
ever disavowed that the secret principles of' the institution
do authorize and sanction the infliction of' death as a
penalty?  Not to my knowledge; and it may be presumed they never have.  But until these general bodlies
do this, it matters not what indlividual masons, or individual lodges, may say on the subject; because they all
act in subordination.  Unless the Graiml Lod(e of  Massac;hsetts, for example, disavow  thle prerogative to inflict
death as a penalty, it is vain tbr any individual lodge, or
lod!ges, in the Commonwealth to (lisavow it; t;,r alil the
lolges in the Commonwealth are in subordination to the
Grand Lodge.  Of what avail woul(l it be for thlis town
to say, that the law of this Commonwealth does not denounce the penalty of' death against the murderer, unless
the governirent of the State come out anti say so too?
But I have evidence, that William Morgan is niot the first,
who has tlilen a victim  to masonic vengeance.  I have
been informed by as many as three (ifferent persons, (all
ma;so1ns,) that a man was " put out ot the way," that is,
secretly murdered, a ftew years ago, by the Grand Lodge
of' a neighboring State.*  In conversing also, with masons of high standing, I have never heard any of them,
of a certain character, express the least regret that M1organ was put to dleath; but only that he was not put to
death mnore secretly.  A  High Priest of' the order, some
time since, told one ot' my brethren in the ministry, that
he had no doubt that Morgan was put to dealh,and that he
ought to be put to death on -masonic principles.  With these
*'The circumstances, as related to me by a mason of high standing. and who still retains such standing with the fraternity, were
sulstantially these: —A member of the masonic instiutiotn, whom
I will call A. B. an(l who lived in one ofthe back towns of tl****
*****#, took C. I)., and made him a mason, as the masons would
say,' illegalll;" giving him such instructions that he " worked
himself into a lodge."  C. D. retaintd this illegal standing for
some time, and rendered hinmself so familiar with the t" work,'
that he obtained an office, I think that ofjunior or senior warden.
B1y and by ihowever, "t it leaked out," that C. D. had been made
a mason illegally, and by whom; when the lodge' "made him




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.                  117
facts in view, is it possible to get rid of the impression,
that the ma-onic institution is a blood-stained institution?
I am, moreover, satisfied, from %, hat I have lately seen
of thte thistory of the institution, and the history of its (legrees, that it lead(s on step by step into infidlelity.  1 he
distinction between  ancient and lmodern  Freemasonry  is
altogether without fountdation.  It is all rtodern.  It is
all directly calculated to pronmote the designs of' infidelity.
The three first deorves, it Is true, are not so exceptionable
as the higher; but still they are exceptionable, especia;lly
as they pertain to a imodern institution.  EIven in tlhese
deg-rees, the Master, if' lie proceeds accor(linf to rule,
personifies, and places hinmself instead ot; the Deity, in a
kind of mock imitiation of' the most augutst scene which
was ever witnesse(  eithler by men or angels;; and which
God permitted to be witne-se(t only by the latter.  It is
here, (and masons will well understand me,) the Al;ister
of the Lodge, in representation of what he is about to do
himselt, cites tlhat most sublime pa;ssage of Holy W\rit,
6".Lnd God said, Let there be light, and there was light."'
It is here, also, lhe stands, and p)rotfesses to imitate the infinite and eternal God, who spake light into existence!
If' the institution were of divine origin, as masons have
pretended(, andl ttis work were never performed except
by those who have a becoming reverence for the Deity,
it would alter the case materially.  But, beingr a mere human contrivance, fostered too, in an age of infidelity, and
managed, as it frequently is, by men, who have the highest contempt for serious things; tile institution must le
directly calculated, even  in the three lower degrees, to
harden the heart, an(d Ibanish ftom  the mind the fear of
Gotd.  What then shouldl be thorught of the higher degrees, in which the infinite God is still more strikingly
ovter again, T and he was suffered to retain his standing with the
fraternity.  Soon after this, A. B., who had thus violated his masonic obligations, happene d to be in 1'***~*~*.  at the time the
Grand Lod,ge was in session, which surlmoned him to appear before them.  C. D. obeyed the summons, and was, by the Grand
Lodge, " put out of the way," so secretly, that his friends thonlght
he had absconded, and this was the general report. —T'he same
mason, who related to me these circumstanccs, expressed his regret that the " Morgan affair" had not been conducted as secrelly,
and thereby prevented all this noise and commotion.




118             OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
personified by mortal worms; where his sacred names and
attributes are used as pass-words, and mock miracles are
wrought as signs; as every mason knows, who has taken
these degrees?   Here too, is another cause of delusion;
that is, the pretence,that what pertains to the Royal Arch,
and its preparatory degrees, is ancient masonry.  It is
capable of' the most satisfactory prooft 4hat noticing was
known of what is called i; Royal Arch Masonry," even
as e:arly as 1730.  It cantnot be traced even to English
origin.  It has not been tolerated in England.  In 1799
any thing higher than the three first degrees of masonry,
was l)roiib)ited by law.*  Upon the samre stock has been
graffed tile Knights' degrees, which  masons profess to
trace to Jerusalem.  B3ut Protessor Robisont speaking of
a certain lodge, situate at Lyons, in France, says, LL We
know that this lodge stood, as it wvere, at the hlead of
French Freemasonry, and that the fictitious order of Jlasonic Kna.ights Teemplars was formned in this lodge, and
-was considered as the model of all the rest of this mimic
chivarlry."   Here, then, it is evident, that the Knights'
degrees originatedt in infidel France, at a time when infideli:y generally prevailed in tihat nation, and when infidels
had tile control of almost all the lodges on the continent
of Europe.  This will account for their horrid oaths, and
for some of their ceremonies, too shocking to be namned
on this occasion.t  Connected in the same chain, are the
* See the work on Freemasonry, by "' A Master Mason."
t Plroofs of Conspiracy.
t I have it on the best authority, that a part of one obligation,
administered to an Illustrions Knight, runs in the following manner: —" You further swe-ar that should you ever know a compasnion violate any essential part of this obligation, you will use your
most dec ded endeavors. by the blessing of (God, to bring such person to the strictest and most condiln punishment, agreeably to the
rules and usages of our ancient fraternity; and this by pointing him
out to the world as an unworthy and vicious vagabond, by opposing his interest, by deranging his business, by transferring his
character after him wherever he may go, by exposing him to the
contempt of the whole fraternity and of the world, but of our Ilustrious order more especially, during his whole natural life."
In what is called the " Seal d Obligation," the novitiate "drinks
wine firom a human skull," and swvears,-" A s the sins ofthe whole
world were laid upon the head.of the Saviour, so may all the sins
committed by the person whose skull this was, be heaped uPpo




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.                 119
t" Ineffable Degrees," in which, among other ceremonies,
there is a mock celelration oft hb, Lord's Supper!  That
these degrees are in the samrre systemn of Freemasonry with
the preceding, is evidlent, because the Freemason's Mlnitoor pre-cribes the  riule for this shocking service, when
"c the Alost Perfcct presents the candidate with brea(l and
wine, saying, eat o' this bread with nme, and drink of the
same cup."*   Such is the siociking nalure of these degrees, that it is pertictly natural to paqs on, tromr  step) to
step, until the Knight adep)t of' the Eagle or Sun sayQ to
the novitiate-"; Behol(l this monster which you must conquer-a serpent which  WE  detest as an idol that is
adored by the idiot and vulgar under the name of RELlGION!!"t  Suchl also has been the artftl managemeat
in some of these legtrees, that certain things^, most exceptiona;ble, have  been  withholdlen from  serious, conscientious men, while they have been exhilited to others of a
different character; which has tended very much to dleceive, and keep in ignorance, those, who would otherwise have protestedl, and exposed the wickedness.  I have
satisfactory evidence, that sonmething was withholden from
me, even  in the  Hoyal Arch  Degree, which  has been
communicated to others.+
_,
my head, in addition to lmy ownr, should I ever knowingly or wilfully violate or transgrtess any oiligati on, that I have heretotfore
taken, take at this time, or shall at aoy future period takt, in relation to any degree of niasonrry or order of Knighthood. So he 1) me
God." —Conwversing with a minister of the goFpel, of good standing, who had take:' this d(egree, concerning the ceremony to,which
I here allude, he replied,' I can sincert-ly say, that I nlever drank
wine out f a huiman skull; hut we have our alter,atitres;" at
the same titne giving  me to uniderstandrl, that although this was
the legal ceremony. ye.t, when it was too abhorrent to the novitiate, he was permitted to nse a subsitfute, which was intenDded
to represent the same thing.  The same clergyman told me, that
one of the oaths was so abhorrent, that lie refused to subscribe to
it, without inclndin, a (co:dltion, which lie considered as destroying the force of the otbligation.
* Freemason's Monitor, ICO-2, p. 2fi3.
t See Barruel's History of Jacobinism, and Professor Robison's
Proofs of a Conspiracy.
i A minister of the gospel informed me, not long since, that he
took this degree, Iefore he became a preacher; when an obligation
was adlministered to him altogether as except ionable as the one pertaining to this degree, revealed by the Le Roy Convention. This




120              OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
Now, Christian  brethlren and friends, as I am in possession of these tfacts, and many more, which time would
fail to mention, and convinced, as I am, that the institution of Freemasonry is Anti-Christian, is it not my duty,
as a Christian and a minister of the gospel, to come out
andl leave it?  Can  tlasons blame me for corinig out and
leaving the institution?  But, it will be said, r Why (lid
you not come out t)efoire?"   I answer; I was not in possession of these tfcts before, by which I might l)e convincel.  It is not long since some of' these  fhcts first
canrme before the public.  For a very considerable time, I
was so blinded, as sincerely to believe, and say, that the
commotion in thie western part of our country, was merely
a political excitement.  Others, perhaps, thlink so still.
But, being urldeceived with respect to these faicts, I haive
very naturally heen led to look at others; to examine,
coolly and delilerately, the history of the institution, the
history and nature of its degrees, and the tature oft its
secret prilicilles.'I'his (leliberate exi;minltion has tbroulcght
my minl,, irresistibly, to the result, which I present before
you this day.
But, -'Why (lid you not withdraw secretly, and silently,
from  the institution, say nothing, either for or agr:linst it,
and save the excitemreCit, whict rmust result from  an open
renunciation?w   Answer.  Such a. course, I once thol(rht
and said, was the  most juldicious.  I did not thinik it
necessary, that any person should come out in this open
nmanner, on the supposition that it was hest to leave thle
institution.  But, I rIave becorne convinced, that I could
not pursue this courise conscientiously.  Believirr, as I
firmlv and sincerely (lo, that thle rmasonic institntion is
Anti-Christian, I colll  not dlisch;arre rrmy duty by withdrawing in silence.  Now, I;ask, Christirn bretihren  and
friends, on  the  ground  that the institution  is what I
have stated, andl its secret principle- of such a nature as
have  been  pointed  out, whether you can dlesire me to
clergyman further stated, that in the obligation administered to
him, the clalse roats inclutled, "nmurder anld treas.on NOT exce/-,ltd.d?
He recollected this, from the followinr  circormstance; a laptist
brother, who was "S exalted"  at the same tim;e with hirmself,
stopped, when the High Priest came to this clause, and asked
"If it was so?"




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             121
leave to your sons my name and influence, as a minister
of the gospel, in favor of' the institution? On the ground
that the institution is what has been represented, do you
desire, tlhat your children may have to plead an excuse
for becoming Freernmason, wht thousands have done with
respect to other ministers of the gospel, that L: youtr r.linlister was a Freem;ason?"  But this must certainly be the
case, were I to withdlraw from  the institution in silenzce.
Should I do this, I m'ust necessarily leave the weight of
my name, example and influence, however light they
mnight appear, in ft;vor of' the institution.  But this I cannot do.  In justice to my own conscienlce, in justice to the
young and rising generation, anid in justice to the cause of
Christ, I must come out, openly and honestly, and declare
my connexion with the masonic institution dissolved.
CORRESPONDENCE IN RELATION TO THE HISTORICAL
EVIDENCE OF THE EXISTENCE OF FREEMASONRY
PRIOR TO THE LAST CENTURY.
BosToN, Nov. 11, 15829.
To the President and Professors of the Theological Seminary, Andover, AMass.
GENTLEMEN,-In order to the acquisition anld diffusion
of light on the subject of Freemasonry-a subject deeply
affecting the welfare of our country, the citizens of Boston, at a great public meeting, appointed the undersigned
a committee to promote inquiries into the nature of its
claims.
Ill pursuance of this duty the Committee found it to
be expedient, in order to arrest the attention, and satisfy
the diversity of opinions on the subject, to have recourse
to different sources of information, because the testimony
that would influence the opinions of some, would have little or no effect upon those of others.
The views the Committee have, gentlemen, in addressing you upon this subject, are not to elicit masonic signs,
pass-words, or grips-for these are all known; but their
11




122           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
object is simply to ask your opinions upon a historical
fact, believing that yotur faimiliar acquaintance withl oriental literature mnust [have tfurnished you with the mneans of
a reply without muchl furthler research.  The question is
the following, viz;-' Is there any known history to justify
the belief tllat Speculative or Freemasonry had existence
prior to the last century?'  It claims an origin coeval
with time, and many believe it-some however doubt.
The expression of youlr seititnetnts npon the foregoing
question, in writig, will very much oblige your respectful and obedient servants.
GEORGE ODIORNE,
JOHN  I). WILLIAMS,
ABNEIR  PIIELPS,
lPENJ. W. IA1MB,
WIILLIAM MARsTON,
HE\RY GASSE"TT,
JONATHi.tAN  FRENCU[,
TIIO.'IAS WALI.EY,
)ANIEL WELl.),
EBENEZER  WITIIINGTON,
IENi. V. FRENCH,
JOHN  P. WHIT''WEL,L,
Suffolk Comnmittee.
DR. WOODS' REPLY.
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, ANnovIJR, 
December 7th, 1629.
To the Suffolk Committee.
GENTLEMEN,-'I'he question which you have proposed
to me and my collealgues respecting the origin of Freemasonry, I shall answer very briefly.  l'he question I
understand as relatiiig to what is essential to Freemnasonry at the present tinie,-to what is peculiar to the
system.
The antiquity of Freemasonry must be determined in
the same way as the antiquity of any thing else. Suppose
we are asked, whether there is reason to believe that war




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.               123
existed in the time of David? We answer in the affirmative, and refer immediately to the historical evidence.
We have a history which has every mark of genuineness
and truth, which expressly informs us that there was war
in his days; and that he was actively engaged in it.
And this fact agrees with the known character of David,
and with the circumstances of the Israelitish nation in
his days; and it is referred to in many of his Psalms, and
in sulbsequent Jewish writing-s.  This is proof sufficient.
Rational belief rests on evidence, anld this evidence we
have.  But sutppose any  man sl!hould assert that David
understood the principles of Electlicity as they are laid
down by modern Phlilosophers, an(d that he wrote a book
containling those principles: We ask  him for his proof.
Is there any thing in David's writirlgs, or in any other
ancient wvritinrs, whlich shows this?  No.  Is it prob)able
that lie understood  Electricity, fromn the general state of
philosophical science iii ancientt tiles?''tihe probability
is on the other sidle, especially as wve are able to trace the
history of E'lectricity to its origrin inl,od)(lern times.
Again, let a maii assert that Slollnn  na(de a balloon,
and that he frequently rode ill it from Jerusalem  to'L'yre,
and sometimles took i i Hiram with him.  We shotuld put
the same question: What evitdence is there of this'? I)oes
any authentic history assert it; or does the sulpl)osition
agree with otur ideas of S0lomorln's character, or with the
known circumstances of his timnes?  All men will say,
there is no proot of the thilng asserted: of course it cannot be believed.  Tile above remarks sl;ow  how I snppose the question respectingo the high antiquity of Freemasonry oiight to be answered.  If men assert that it
existed in Solomon's days, an(l that he an(r  Hiram, Kilng
of'Pyre, were  Freemasons, we inquire  for proof.- Is
there any historical evidence of the fact? —Where is that
evidence found?  Is it in any ancient hook?  Let the
book be produced.  Is it derived( froin trad(ition?  Iet it
be shown where that tradition existed, and how it is traced back to the time of Solomon, or to any period near
that.  Is it derived  from a newa rrtldftion?  Iet it be
shown to whom  the revelation was mnade, and what credentials he had of his bein,r authorized to teach it to others. If there is any evidence whatever, let it be made to




124            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
appear. No reasonable man will ever assert an important fact, with an expectation or desire of having it believed, without producing evidence to prove it.  Now I
have never seen or heard of any evidence, of any kind or
degree, in sul)port of the pretended antiquity of Freemasonry; and I suppose the same is true of all others.
What then can we do, consistently with reason and common sense, but to withhold our belief.
As to probable evidence; it would be very proper to
inquire, whether it can be reconciled to the acknowledged character of Solomon, and of the twelve Apostles
to suppose, that they belonged to a society, established
on the pridcip/les and practising the rites of Freemnasonry.
If these principles anti rites are what the community at
large understand them to be, and what  7r'ccmcasons themselves understand themn to be, an answer to this inquiry
would be no very difficult thinr.
I am, Gentlemen, with the greatest respect,
Yours, &c
LEONARD WOODS.
PROFESSOR STUART'S REPLY.
ANDOVER, DEC. 22, 1829.
To the Suffolk Committee in Boston, appointed to inquire into the nature, principles and tendency of Freemasonry.
GENTLIN1.-N,-In answer to your inquiries, respecting
any traces of the history of Freenasonry, in ancient tines,
I reply, that it has not been my lot to find any thing of
this nature, in any book that I have ever perused, either
in any of the Asiatic or European languages.  I take it
to be a point concede(l by all literary men, that no such
traces exist, in any ancient record whatever.
The pretence that Freemasonry was known in the time
of Solomon, is refiuted by the internal evidence which
masonic books themselves contain.  For example, they
tell us that IHiram Abiff, the Grand Master Mason, was
killed by Jubela, Jubelo, and Jubelum.  It happens, unfortunately, however, that these names are formed, (and
that by no very skilJul master,) from the Latin language,




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.                125
tnd not from the Hebrew, to which they bear not the
slightest resemblance.  All flebrew  names  are significant and have a Hebrew shape; and  it requires but a
moderate share of skill, to detect gross imposture in this
pretended history of Hiram  Abiff.
The same is nlanitaistly the case, in regard to a large
class of names, which are given out by rrasonic books as
very ancient; e. g. Buhl, Giblinites, Toullnmith,   Lisha,
Jaobert, Trito, Ilarroudim, Julia, (Aniimani, wllich tlhe
books say means, I ae~i that I (am,) Jubilurn, Akirop, Sidach, Solo, and manly others.  If the rlealnin!  of miasonic
books be, vllat it see;ris to be, that these have come down
fromi the days aid tlle langluage,of Solomon, it is gross
impostllre.  These names vwoutlld for the most part, be as
good Hebrew, (is Abit caba is Enilish.
if vwhat tile ~books state, also, about the use of such,
names as Jabl, Jevah, Jovall, Shiaddai, Adonai, be true,
(names of tile adorable Godliead, inl the  ilebrew languacre, and iltrodulc(d it wovuld s'ene, by some masons
who had a smiatterin, of the Hebrew lalgulage;) if it be
true that these nalnes are iused in thle conrnexion anld
manner in whlich thte books of mnasons declare theim to be,
then it is certainl that thle naie of God is profanely useld.
And what can I say of the Anilmanli,  whlich is preterlnded
to mean, I (anm ftht I tari?  I cornfes, that I cannot help
shuddering  at the matiner in  whi(;h this is statedl to be
used, in books plublished by nletmbers of the masonlic fiaternity.  Whether the accounts, however, from which I
take this, are true, is of course more than I am able to
vouch for.  It is only on the supposition that they are so,
that my remarks can have any bearing on the subject of
masonry.
If these accounts are true, then it is time that erery
man in outr community should know  it.  That any class
of men arrtone us slhoold be encouraged to expect protection in all cases, " rmurder and treason not excepted," is
what institutions like outrs can never sanction; andl the
eyes of all shouild  be opened  wide in relation to this
matter.
If these accounts are not true, the masons owe it to
themselves, and to the world, to vindicate thenmselves
from such charges.  Especially is this the case, inasmuch
11*




126           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
as these charges are made by men of good standing, of
unimpeachable integrity and veracity, and who have a
persoaal acquaintance with all the secrets of masonry.
For my part, I shall be exceedingly glad to see these
charges refuted; as it would greatly relieve my mind in
regard to many estimable men, belonging to the masonic
order. But I see no way to get rid of the force of the
testimony in question, until a counter-statement is made,
which is worthy of credibility.
For a long time, I neither knew nor cared much about
this subject.  But recent attention to it, has filled me
with astonishment; and as to some things contained in
it, with horror.  The trifling with oaths, and with the
awfuil names of the ever blessed God, is a feature I cannot contelnmpale but, with deep distress.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your friend and obedient servant,
MOSES STUART.
BosTON, Nov. 4, 1829.
To the President and Professors of Harvard University.
GE NTLEM EN,-At a numerous meeting of the citizens
of Boston and vicinity, the undersigned were appointed a
committee to iliqiuire into the origin, nature, and principles of Freemasonry.
In performing the duties assigned them, they find the
Masonic Institution to claim an origin of much greater
antiquity than is supported by any well authenticated history that the undersigned have yet been able to meet
with.  They have discovered no book on Freemasonry
written prior to i72:3.  Since that period to the present,
the fuiture historian will have ample materials to prove the
existence of the institution.  The masonic writers, which
the committee have yet seen on the antiquity of Freemasonry, appear to rely on tradition.  But tradition is not
asked for.  It would seem  natural to expect, that a
society, claiming for its members, the worthy, the learned,
and the great, in all ages and countries, should have, at
least, something more to be relied on, to prove its very
existence, than vague tradition.
The disclosures which have been made, and the con



OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.               127
sequent growing excitement, that has arisen in our
country on this subject, appear to justify a fearless and
thorough investigation.  Truth and ilipartiality are alone
sought for.  It has occurred to the undersigned, that the
course most likely to give satisfaction to the public, in
the present inquiry, was to presenlt tile historical question,
as to the origin of Freemasonry, to the decision of high
minded and honorable gentlemen of profound learning
and research.  Men above suspicion, and in possession of
the most ancient and extensive libraries in this counltry.
The special object of this application is, respectfully
to request an answer to the following historical question,
viz.
Is there any known  history, to justify the belief, that
Speculative, or Freemasonry, had existence prior to the
last. century?
The expression of your sentiments, in writing, on the
foregoing question, will be gratethilly acknowledgaed by
Your ilost obedient servants,
THE COMMITTEE.
MR. QUINCY'S REPLY.
HARVARD UNIVERSITY,
CAMBRIDGE, DEC. 5, 1S29.
To the Gentlemen of the Suffolk Committee.
GENTLEMEN,-I have received  and laid  before the
Faculty of Harvard University, your letter, requiesting an
expression of their sentitmenets 0on the questionl -- " Is tibere
any known history to justify the belief, that Sp)eculative,
or Freemasolnry, had existence prior to the last century."
In reply, I have the holnor, by request of the F'aciulty,
to state that they have no knowledgfe of any siuch history.
On inquiry of the Librarian of the University, and on examining the catalogue of books, no such has been fioind.
The subject is one, however, on which the members of
the Faculty profess to have no precise information, it
having never before been presented to theni as an object
of interest and inquiry.
Should any books in the College Library be found to




128             OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
be important, for your purposes, in the course of your
investigation, they will, without doubt, on application, be
placed  at the command of any  person engaged  under
your authority in the research you have instituted.
Very respectfully, Gentlemen,
I am  your obedient servant,
JOSIAH QUINCY,
President of Harvard University.
THEE LAWFULNESS OF FRPEEM XSONRY AS A,SELCRET
INSTITUTiON.
Extractfi'om "1A RepIly of th;e GCneee Conrs.ocrtion to the leVer ofthe Rev,
AI;. Emrersonr of V1cillfe, o teielt, (;l. I essed to to them on lth j s,r/ect of
tileie resobltiorr rclative to rrasonric nainisteus, anrl adlmasonic ca:Ldidctes fbr
tile  ntinistryj."';
WE  feel prepared to take  what some  may consider
idg/h ground, that secret societies are unlatfull.  W e d&
not mean to assert it as a f:act, that we hlave any special
statutes which prohibit then —but we mean that such an
institution as yours is highly  danrerous in  its tendency
to the best interests of society.  What we have to state
here  may be offensive to some of your brethren, but we
hope not to yourself.  We say therefore  that, towards
masons we iItlultre no hostile feelinys.  If we. give of.
fence to any, it is from an imperious sense of duty-not
from personal reselntment.
We here remark  a(gain that we are unable to perceive
how we  can discuss this question with you and come to
the prinlt in hand, which is to vindicate the propriety of
our resolution, without freely examliting the nature  of
youlr institution, which now stands all unlguarded by the
Tyler's sword.
We do not regard your institution  with any friendly
* Their reqolution was as followvs,-1" Resoiv1ed, That the Consociation will neither license, ordlain, or install, those who sustain any
connexion with the institution of masonryv, or who will net disap,prove and renounce it; nor will we give letters of recormnlrendation
in favor of such persons to preach in any of the churches in our
connexion."




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             129
feeling. We wish it prostrated to the ground, never
to rise again.  We are not in  favor, as you are, of
having its " implements," &c. laid up in the choicest of
cabinets, —nor of having the least vestige of it left to her
"vigorous successors," —but we wish it to come to a
complete and everlasting end.  You have sornmething to
say in favor of the lawfulness of secret societies.-In page
9tlh, you say, that "' of their intriinsic lawfulness, I ihave
no doubt," and that " for any governmrent to forbid them,
would in my view, be rank tyranny.'
1. We oppose this opinion, first, by a view of some
circumstances of the case.  In this country, the people,
who are always the best judges of their own interest, govern-and if they are disposed to prohibit by law, the existence of secret soceties, there is no tyrann y ill the
case; for it is alsird to suppose that the people, in the
free exercise,of their prerogatives,  will oppress themselves.  Therefore should it ever becoine the popular
opiznion, that secret societies oight not to exist, the oinission to prohibit them b\ law would be " rank tyranny,"
because this omission would give indlulgence to theJew
without an express right, to tralliple on the privileges of
the many.  As the case now is, and has been, for many
years in our counltry, the masonic institution is an " imnperium in imperio."'IThe prerogatives which it has assumned are unchartered  It has grown tup by mere indulgence.
Society at large should never be exposed, to be practised
upon by a few " sons of light."  Masonry has been the
instrument in the hands of bad men, of  piratical depredations on the people.  If the p)eople have foes, it is right
that they should see them and their weapons, and utinderstand their plans-that they may have an equal chance
for their lives.  Masonry is such an instrument as we
have, in part, described it; andr there are many in whose
hands it has been intrusted, who were not dull in apprehendingfor what purpose the instrument is made.
2. Another argument against the "intrinsic lawfulness" of this secret society is the great facility which it
affl)rds for secret transactions of an immoral character.
This forms a solid obljection to it which can never be passed over.  These transactions which are to be kept secret under the sanction of the severest penalties, are a




130             OPINIONS ON FREEMTASONRY.
temptation to the greatest enormities, and afford precisely
such securities against detection and punishment, as the
vilest of men desire.  The good  can niever need  such
securities, arid the bad do not deserve them, nor is it safe
for society, that they  should have thlem.  If a man is always obliged to act openly, ihe is strongly induced to act
honestly.  But give himn an opportunity  to act secretly,
and  tile  security against  punishment, which  masonry
guarantees, with great stre        anrtlh ad a;l eadtul energy,
and lie will act more aoreeably to the selfish propensities
of a sinful heart. Conltillnue in existence your society,
and tlaray will be disp,)sedl to cultivate the bad p)rinrciples
of their nature; albolish it, and they will be disposed to
cultivate the better principlies.   Tihieves, robbers, and
counterfeiters, do not miatute and( discuss th!eir plans in
open assemblies, but in srcret,' neither come they to the
ligllt,,because their deeds are evil."  They may cilltivate
the'' frie.ndships and honor" peculiar to themllselves, as
masons may cultivate tle (lispositions peculiar to their
unlawfuill conmpact, tu)t on tie whlole, tile character is generally ilunpaired, and society is ilnjured.
3. Inl maintainiing your views, you hypocritically  say,
page 9, " it' these secrets iniljre no one fiom their very
nature, thley must be referred to the (day when all secrets
will be disclosed."   Butt we reply, that such is the nature
of yoiir secrets, when joined with the selfish  nature of
man, that they will be injmllious to society.  To this rule
there may be exceptions, htult the rule itself is foulded
upon the broad andt ptilosophllical view of the htman character.  A  1da.ger, from its rlery natutre, injures no one;
but plut (lagters into the hands of such nien as those with
whom you ilave conifided your secrets, and  they are dangerous instruments.  We (lo not approve of thleir being
worn, for the purpose of practisinglr upon others who wyear
them rnot.  tHarmless as the inlstrutment of masonry is in
itself, grood men oullht not to) wish fir it-and bad men
do not deserve it.  Our safety  in lives, character and
property, in our prosperous ap)plication to business, and
in our various privileges, guaranteed to us by the government under which we repose, req(iires that this instrurnent be wrested from  the hands of bad  men -and
consequently  from  all —because in constitutional provi*




OPINIONS ON FREEMIASONRY.             131
ions, distinctions are impracticable.  As the case now is,
with masonic ragistrates, jurors, &c. &c. if we Illust appeal to such a court, with a nlmutn tor an antagonist, we
go not with equal hopes or privileges for success. WVe nmay
be wrong in such a mnanner as to obtain no redress by
legal process; because perhlaps, we cannot show that tihese
masonic officers hlave, in a tangible mlanner, violated the
letter of the law, altilough its spirit has been corruptly
disregarded.
We fhave another rernark to make on the manner in
which you are disposed to express yourself, concerning
these secrets-that " tthey nmust be referred to the (lay
when all secrets will be disclosed."  lWhat is your m.canin~  lhere'!  Is it, tlhat your secrets cannot be knlowni?
Deceive not yoursell; nor vainly attempt to deceive others
— fbr thley arce kiiowll.  ()r, d(1 yo(u Ilean, that it' they are
known, the public cannot touch them now —that they are
not to enjoy the liberty of' exanlining tile nature of this
extraordinary code, tlhus thiown out before their gazeT
And it so, by what legitirmate authority is thils liberty
abridged, aiid this silel;ce of' the tongue imposed?  In
our view, thlese revelatiolis are things of this world, and
mein will judige theml according to the light which God
hath given tihe-n.
But you proceed page 9, and Inake the following declaration, il ltavor ot' the ltajtUttc.ms of your society,' that
I know no,thing ini our secrets which appears to one contrary to the word of God or the rights of men —and that I
never thad tIhe least suspicion that there was anly nmasonic
pemnalty worse tliami expulmion.'"
Witlh respect to thiis first clause, we have already re-marked in substanice, uwhat we deem  sufficient —oi the
last clause, we say, that such assertions are by nio means
new thlilugs to us, —we have, long since, understood them.
We kinow what is I)ledged to tlhose who are about to be
initiated, whent in tire plreparatloin room, that nothing is
to be imp)osed whlich will incjure their " religion or their
politics."   We also uniderstand how  masonry is "explaimmed" to some calldidates, who are horror struck at
the oaths; we granit that there is a favorable comtnentary
on such passages-yet we also understand the cominentary on those sanme oaths, whenever there is an intended
revelation of your seciets —we have the commentary in




132            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
the murder of Morgan-it is written in blood.  Perhaps
you atnd your conscience rest easy under the one commenrt, but we cannot under the otlher.  But on this point,
there is a wide difference of opinion in the interpretation
of those trernendous oaths, amon(r your own brethren; the
most of them  understandirng the penalties according to
the legiti'mate constructioni of lalrtluage   While therefore
there is the difference of opirnion on this fuindamental article, among your brethren, and while you are still disposed to dlefend masonry in tile gross, yout cannot expect to
feel satisfied with the continue(d existence of an institutioun which conitainls such p)rovisions;  for whenever  a
great occasion aiises, the penalties are inflicted by some
of your brethsren, (the rest standing by,) and if the deed
comes to light, nothing is more convenient than for youi to
say, that those executioners did not properly interpr, t their
obli,gations, and still youi go on and support the institution!  An institution frorm  which such outrages will proceed more or less frequently, as naturally as water runs
down hIill.  Where are the men to be found who will
support your institttitin?  We reply, tlhat they must never be found an{mong the nunmber of tlhose whom  we may
in fiture ordaiii to the work of the ministry.  Now, sir,
with all these facts aind considerationis before you, can
you not possibly see any thing against the " intrinsic
lawfullness" of such secret societies?  But such is the
strange infatuation of men on soilie questions and on particular occasions that possil)ly you will come out again
and attemp)t to say some plauisiblle things in favor of masonry in the 4rross-that the conduct o)f a great number
of your brethren has fallen below their " avowed principles" and that we here only discover the abused principles of masonry, as in many instances we may notice the
abused priiciples of Christianity-all this may pass off
with the negligent antd superficial as being very fine;
though  in outr estimation,, it is nteither s lid nor safe.
For oull may grace the hilt of the.lri,-ger with as mnany
sparkling diamonds as you please, but they do not blunt
the poinit.
But masonry, like the responses of the heathen oracles,
is on some points exceedingly indefinite and flexiblewith some it is a very mysterious thing indeed, and with




OYINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             133
those who look upon it with a stupid and unsuspecting
wonder, there is nothing which takes so happily as your
fine eulogiums coming from  "a full heart."  It is so
ancient, so venerable, such great names on the list of
membership-so much like Christianity!! But when we
ask, what man has it made wise? what is the answer, but
silent confusion?  The general rule is this, that could
the nature of this mysterious thing be known before hand,
wise and good men would not have been juggled into it.
On the unsuspecting, it has played off more tricks, and
practised more impostures than any thing else excepting
the church of Rome. See the simple, the wise and great
ones of this world in their passage from one degree to
another, hoping to catch something by and by, and sometimes thinking they were close to it-one more stepand then! and what then? why then, all this reminds
us of the ludicrous chase of our childhood to catch the
rain bow.
We have only to add here to the preceding remarks,
on the "intrinsic lawfulness" of your institution, that if
you permit the question to be decided by scriptural maxims, the decision will be against you. Every thing which
is thus secret, does not meet with the approbation of the
New Testament. The principle which induces any company to perpetual secrecy, must be selfish and corruptor it would not have received the direct denunciation of
our Lord, who knew what was in man-and therefore
renders the true reason for secrecy, when he said " neither come they to the light, because their deeds are evil."
By order of the Consociation,*
JOHN  TAYL,OR, Moderator.
SILAS PRATT, Clerk.
* Names of members of the Consocia'ion.
Rev. John Taylor, Mendon; Rev. Mr. Jones, Mendon; James
Saxton, Mendon; Rev. W7in,. P. IKenldrick, Shelby, Orleans Co.;
Rev. Milton Haxly, Stafford, Genesee, Co.; Rev. Jabez Spicer,
N. Penfield, Monroe Co.; Abel C. Ward, Bergen, Genesee Co.;
Ezra Coon, Byron, Genosee Co.; Rev. Elihu MJason, Bergen,
Genesee Co.; Rev. Herman Halsey, Bergen, Genesee Co.; Dea.
Joseph Bloss, Brighton, Monroe Co.; dtbijah Gould, Henrietta,.Monroe Co.; Theodore Ingersoll, Ogden, Monroe Co.; Rev. E
Raymond, N. Bristol, Ontario Co.; Rev. Julius Steel, East Bloom
field, Ontario Co.; Rev. John F. Bliss, Gainesville, Genesee Co.
12




134            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
REMARKS ON SECRET SOCIETIES.
Add,'essed to the Anti-masonic Convention, held at DedhamJ, Mass. January 1,
1828. By BenjarninL Waterhouse, 1M. D1.*
BEING called to the unusual station of presiding over a
large, deliberative assembly, the novelty of the situation
calls, of course, for your indulgence.
As a retired man, I may not be exactly acquainted
with the precise views, and predominant feelings of the
numerous delegation here convened. I know, generally,
that it has been occasioned by certain alarming events,
which have roused the universal attention of one of the
largest States in the Union; and that this agitation was
excited by deeds of cruelty and bloodshed, instigated, it is
said and believed, by a very numerous and growing secret
society of active and aspiring men, knit together by
solemn vows, and unusual OATHS, with shocking penalties
annexed, unknown to our laws, and repugnant to our
feelings as men and Christians; and that this serious state
of things has called us together, to look into the disorder;
and if we cannot at once, devise and apply the remedy,
to prevent, at least, its spreading.  Let me promise, however, that the task is not an easy one, from the very
nature of the disease; it being " a pestilence that WALEETH IN DAR. KNESS..
My observations, at this time, must be of a general
complexion, and not of a particular nature.  It appears,
Iroln the earliest records of mankind, that there has existed in almost every country, little combinations of
restless men, like what is now  called masonry.  In the
EuIGHT'r  chapter of the book of Ezekiel, (who lived 590
years before Christ,) you will find mentioned " about five
and twenty men," in a secret recess, " with their backs
towards the temple of the Lord, and their faces towards
the east, worshippinlg the sun."
There was a combination of great influence and celebrity in Greece, that generally met at Athens, denominated
* B. Waterhouse, M. D. formerly Professor of the Theory and
Practice of Physic in Harvard University; and Professor of Natural
History in Brovwn University.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           135
the Eleusinian Mystery, conducted with deep solemnity
and secrecy.  If any of the initiated revealed the secrets
of it, it was thought unsafe to live in the same house with
him, lest it should, by the wrath of the gods, be struck
with lightning, and the wretch was put to death.  Yet
the sagacious Socrates, that wonder of his age, that light
shining in a dark place, denounced that secret masonry
of the Grecians, as impious towards Heaven, and mischievous towards the community at large, and it is well
known that for this attack on their secret society, he was
condemned to drink the fatal hemlock.
Men of a certain cast of mind are prone to wrap themselves up in a cloud of mystery, that they may more easily
govern their fellow  creatures: a striking instance of
which may be seen in the history of the first Popes of
Rome, who, during several hundred years, bound in
chains the human understanding, till MIartin Luther, and
other reformers broke the spell, and freed the human
mind from a degree of slavery and thraldom that is scarcely credible. Reason was confiounded by mystery, image
worship, awe, dread and ignorance; while the most degrading superstition, and priestly violence upheld, for
ages, a debasing system of mental oppression.
If we recur to the oldest book we have, the BIBLE, we
shall find that the Jewish system was made up chiefly of
ceremonies, types, and figures, denoting intellectual
things, and moral duties. This mode of teaching morality was, at that early period of the world, necessary-absolutely necessary-and why? because then, not one
person in ten thousand, beside the priesthood, could read.
The people were not then able to exhibit thoughlts to the
eye by means of writing, hence the necessity arose of
teaching by signs and symbols, that when these struck the
eye, they should raise corresponding ideas in the mind,
and thus convey moral truths and duties by the sight and
by the operation of tools, and mechanic instruments.
This is the fulcrum on which rests and turns the first,
and most fascinating part of masonic instruction, which,
from its simplicity, and manifest adaptation, delights a
young and uninformed mind, predisposed to wonder.
The pleasing analogy between things material and in.
tellectual, strikes with admiration the imperfectly educat



136           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
ed mind; and MosEs was permitted, if not enjoined to
use it, in governing the six hundred thousand Jews
whom he led out of Egypt: and modern masons have imitated the lighter parts of it. I say the lighter parts of it,
for the Persian, if not tile Egyptian mode of teaching the
most weighty and important truths, was of a higher
standard, and of a more sublime nature. This was the
secret literature of the ancient kings, taught them in
strict confidence by the J'agi, or " wise men of the east,"
who were the GRAND-MASTERS of the symbolical school.
While modern masons make a structure or temple, the
symbol or emblem of society, the MIagi made the order,
and government of the material world, a mirror or lookingglass for the political government of a state. In the
highest grades, they took their emblems from what
they knew of the solar system,-the sun, moon, and
stars-the succession of day and night-the beautiful
variation of the seasons, and their delightful consequences; in which the SUN, the eye and soul of this lower
world, afforded them a glorious, and exhaustless emblem! It is worthy of notice that the Peruvians and
Mexicans on this continent, have the same ideas interwoven with their religion.
But all this typical, or mechanical morality was swept
away by CHRISTIANITY, which substituted intellect in its
place.  Instead of tangible and visible things, it made the
Christian's heaven, not a material structure, the work of
a slowly progressive architect, laying one hewn-stone upon
another, (which the Bible forbids,*) but a " temple not
made with hands," and therefore " eternal."
We neither censure, nor deride those who are enraptured with a system that addresses itself, like the worship
of images, to the eyesight. Yet we may, I hope, be
allowed to express surprise and wonder, and even astonishment, that clergymen-ministers of the Christian protestant religion, should be so attached, as some are, to a
system of ceremonies-forms-types-figures and instrumerits, and be aiding in getting up a sudden, theatrical
contrivance, to effect amazement instead of exhibiting
the inward man of the  heart!-We lament that any
* Exodus, ch. xx. 25.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRPY.          137
teacher of a spiritual religion should take up with the
husk and shell instead of the meat; or that he should ever
Mix the words of Christian worship with the jargon of
masonry, since it is forbidden in the Bible to mix linen
with?woollen, or to plough with an ox and an ass! *
But I forbear, lest we should be thought to tread on
forbidden ground, and intermeddle with any one's religion,
which is, with every individual, a sacred thing, while
that of FREEMASONRY is, and ought to be open to the
decent examination of any man, at this time of apprehension, and well grounded alarm for the safety of the citizen,
and the free and righteous course of justice in judges and
in jurymen.
Your aim, if I rightly comprehend it, is to induce each
member of the mystical society in question, to think, so
as to satisfy himself whether he has built his house on a
sandy foundation, or upon a rock; and whether, in selecting his mental food, he has been sufficiently careful
to strip off the husk, retaining only that part which constitutes solid and wholesome nutriment; and this sort of
food is to be found in Christianity —a system purely intellectual, that has no need to have recourse to firight or to
shocking OATHS, which the New Testament positively
forbids, and strictly enjoins to " do violence to no man."
There are mysteries enough in the creation around us,
without presumptuous, short-sighted men getting together,
in the night, to contrive new ones, the tendency of which
is to make straight things crooked, instead of making the
crooked path of life straight.
The human faculties cannot comprehend many things
in creation.  In the vast frame of nature, some of its
parts are placed so high up, that we cannot examine them,
and must remain ignorant this side the eternal world.
But it is not so with the affairs of men.  In human society nothing ought to be mysterious to a wise man, seeing,
by due care, pains and industry, he can understand every
thing. Hence, every mystery between man and man, is
" a mystery oq iniquity," whether it be in government,
in the arts and sciences, or in teaching morality, or in
illustrating religion.
* Deuter. ch. xxii. 10.
Iowa




138           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
What then are we to think of a very widely spread
association, planted, and watered by ample funds, in every village, town, city, and district of the United States,
marshalled by numerous grades of officers, bearing royal,
military, and hierophantical titles, the very cement and
essence of which is secrecy? —whose meetings are never
held until the sun has sunk beneath the horizon, and the
curtain of darkness shrouds the earth; and whose door is
guarded by a drawn sword? —a system whose soul and
substance is close concealments; a scheme, which, at
every ascending round of the ladder, covers the aspirant
with a thicker and darker veil of ambiguity, surrounding
every thing with a fearful'halo of mystery, generating
solemn doubt, or imperfect satisfaction —just sufficient to
create a thirst for more light and information; and yet
the encouragers of these gropers in the dark call this
anxious progression-" going from west to east in search
of light!
I conceive the object of this Convention to be, to discourage the growth and continuance of ALL secret societies whatever, without casting harsh reflections on any
man, or holding up individuals to public odium. Your
wish, I presume, is to entreat the fraternity of masons not
to be led away by dark and delusive tradition; but to
view the thing as it really is, by the steady light of philosophy and the Christian religion, and in a spirit worthy
the present day, and the country we live in; and not
inistake mystery for wisdom, and solemn professions for
morality, or, in other words, darkness for light.  Our ardent wish is to aid the hasty and unthinking in divesting
their partial system of those enticing ceremonies, those
fascinating figures, and captivating metaphors, " which
give to airy nothing a local habitation and a name."
To a moral people, situated and circumstanced as we
are in these United States, all partial illuminations are
injurious  The thing to be desired is —TlE BRIGHT AND
SHINING LIGH1T O[" TRUTH, which may illuminate  all
things around it, and put an end to our conflict with
shadows.
Let the lights of masonry continue burning, unmolested. But let the people outside their lodges be so informed
and instructed, that the boasted lights of the fraternity




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            139
shall appear like candles in the day time. The period in
which we live, the government we enjoy, and the country
we inhabit, demand this homage to the human understanding.
One word more, and I am done. —We are all citizens
of free States, in which every man has a right to think
and to act without hindrance; and we are all disposed to
guaranty to him this privilege, provided he do not stand
an armed man in the avenue to Justice; and provided he
attempt not to shelter himself behind OATHS and strange
obligations, unknown to our laws: and, above all, provided he do not contaminate the sanctity of a verdict,the vERUAI DICTUM of conscientious men.
ADDRESS OF REV. MOSES THACHER,
Before the Anti-masonic Meeting, in Faneuil alull, on the etenirng of September 8, 1829.
MR. CIIAIRMAN,-It has been stated, that the object of
this meeting is, " To investigate the secret principles of
1Freemasonry." The first question therefore, which demands our attention, appears to be this: AnE THE
SECRET PRINCiPLES OF FREEMASONRY BEFORE THIE PUBuIC?  If the secret principles of Freemasonry are not
before the public; then the interest, which has been excited in the public mind, relative to this subject, is without
foundation, the object of our meeting is chimerical, and
we have no subject before us, either worthy, or capable
of investigation.
The issue of the question, which I have stated, must
turn upon these THREE POSITIONS: First, Can the secret
principles of Freemrnasonry be communicated?-Secondly, Is the evidence plenary?- Thirdly, Are the witnesses competent?
In the first place, then, Can the secrets of Freemasonry
be communicated? That the secrets of Freemasonry call
be communicated, is evident fiom the very fact that there
are secrets.  A secret always consists in something.  To
say that a secret consists in nothing which can be comtLa



140           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
nicated, is a contradiction in terms.  If I impart anything
to another with the injunction of secrecy, it necessarily
implies, that what I have committed to him as a secret,
can be revealed to a third person. Otherwise, why the
injunction of secrecy? No man ever commits nothing to
another, with the charge of secrecy. If then we admit, that
there are secret principles belonging to the masonic institution, we must admit that those principles can be revealed.
But, that there have been secret principles belonging to
the masonic institution, has always been avowed by masons themselves; and they have professed to be under
obligation to withhold those principles from all persons
who are not received as members of the masonic society.
This fact is also confirmed by the highest masonic authority. "The Book of Constitutions" for Massachusetts,
compiled by Rev. Thaddeus MIason Harris, D. D., says,
(p. 37,) " The virtue indispensably necessary in masons,
is SECRECY. This is the ground of their confidence, and
the security of their trust.  So great stress is laid upon it,
that it is enforced under the STRONGEST PENALTIES ANDI
OBLIGATIONS!" Now it would be absurd in the extreme, to
communicate anything to another as a secret, " UNDE
THE STRONGEST PENALTIES AND OBLIGATIONS,' when, at
the same time, that thing could not be revealed to a third
person.  It is indisputable, then, that there are secret principles belonging to the masonic institution, and that those
principles can be communicated.
In the second place, Is the evidence PLENARY, that the
secret principles of Freemasonry are now before the public?  If the fulness of evidence, is depending upon the
number of witnesses, there can be no doubt that the
evidence in their case is PLENARY. What evidence, then,
have we, that the secret principles of the order have been
divulged?
1. We have Prichard's " Masonry Dissected," first
published as early as 1730; and which professes to be a
full and fair disclosure of the first three degrees, which
were the whole of Freemasonry in existence at that time.
2.  We have the disclosures contained in the publication entitled, "Jachin and Boaz," which testifies substantially to the same things, with this difference, that the
institution has become more complicated in its ceremonies, with additional clauses to its several obligations.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           141
3. " Illustrations of Masonry," by William  Morgan.
This publication, in diction, differs sufficiently from
" Jachin and Boaz," to show that it is the genuine work of
its reputed author; and yet confirms the testimony of the
preceding, in such a manner that masons have said, " It
is nothing b)ut the old story' newly vamped.'
4. We have the explicit testimony of THIRTY-EIGHT
SECEDING MASONS, at the first Le Roy Convention, who
have averred, that Morgan's " Illustrations " are substantially correct, and have also given a revelation of succeeding degrees, if I mistake not, up to fifteen.
a. We have the testimony of ONE HUNDRED  AND
TWENTY-NINE, some of whom had received at least twenty
degrees, who signed the Anti-masonic Declaration of Independence, certified to the correctness of Morgan, and
who also confirmed the revelation made by the Le Roy
Convention.
6. We have the evidence of FIFTEEN of different degrees, in Genesee county, New-York, who have given
their affidavits before the civil magistrate, that the " Illustrations of Masonry," made by William Morgan, are substantially true.
7. The public have, by estimation, at least FIVE HUNDRED seceding masons of different degrees, and in different
parts of our country, wvho have not only certified the same
thing in respect to Morgan, but have also confirmed the
disclosures made at Le Roy. In addition to these, they
have perhaps not less than TWO THOUSAND, who have
virtually testified the same thing, by withdrawing from
the institution.
More than all this, we have THE KIDNAPPING
AND MURDER OF WILLIAM MORGAN!! Here,
the evidence is written in BLOOD.  It is " marked, cut,
carved, stained and engraven,"  by masons themselves, in
crimson lines, too legibly to be obliterated; and too deeply
impressed upon the mind of everyfree American citizen,
ever to be forgotten.  If Morgan has made no disclosures
in the opinion of masons, detrimental to their institution,
why was the village of Batavia filled with strangers, afterwards found to be Freemasons, passing and repassing,
from " high twelve at noon, till low twelve at night," assembling in conclave, and concerting measures for his




142            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
destruction? Why were six Royal Arch Chapters, and
every lodge in that vicinity, engaged, either directly or
indirectly, in that horrid conspiracy?  Why was Miller's
office enveloped in flames, and its unfortunate occupant
taken, and retaken, and taken again; before sufficient
strength could be mustered effectually to rescue him from
the hands of this lawless banditti?  Why was Morgan
transported from Batavia to Canandaigua, and from Canandaigua to Niagara, there to be first imprisoned, and
then butchered? These questions, and ten thousand
more of the same nature, are unanswerable, except on the
ground, that, in the opinion of masons, Morgan  had
violated his obligations, and made disclosures, which they
considered masonically illegal.
Again; The conduct of Freemasons themselves, affords
unequivocal testimony that the secret principles of their
institution are before the public.  What is it that has
shaken, to its very centre and foundation, every Lodge,
and every Chapter, and every Encampment, from Maine
to the Mississippi, and from the Lakes to the Atlantic; if
Torg(an and other seceders have not made a full and fair
disclosure of what have been called masonic secrets!
We may indeed, well ask, partly in masonic language,
not, "what occasions the alarm " without? but " what
occasions the alarm" within?  Why have Freemasons
used every possible exertion to defame and destroy the reputation of seceders; if the " secret mysteries " of their
institution have not been developed?
But the strongest argument, that has yet been presented
to prove the affirmative of our main question, is, what we
have seen and heard in this Hall, this evening!! *  I
hope it will not be considered that I intend to cast reflections; for I am certainly surprised as well as gratified,
that Freemasons themselves, on this occasion, should, so
* The speaker here alludes to the hissing of the fraternity. So
soon as he touched "the Morgan affair," the Freemasons, throughout the hall, raised such a clamor and hissing, that his voice was
drowned for some minutes, and he was obliged to stop, until the
Chairman, who presided with great decision and dignity, succeeded
in restoring order. The hissing, however, instead of disconcerting
the speaker, as was intended, afforded the most favorable opportunity
possible to illustrate what he had at first stated.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            143
unexpectedly, put into my mouth an irresistible argument
in favor of my position. It cannot be denied, then, that
the evidence is plenary that the secret principles of Free.
masonry are before the public.  The only remaining
question, is,
Are the witnesses competent? That they were Freemasons, there can be no dispute. This, Freemasons themselves do not pretend to deny. They must, therefore,
have known whether or not they were telling the truth.
They must have known whether or not they had passed
through these ceremonies, which they describe as the secrets of masonry.  For, they were men of common sense.
Otherwise it can argue nothing in favor of the institution
to have received them as members.
Many of these witnesses are known to the public, as
men of sterling talents, and strict integrity. They were
certainly acknowledged as such, by Freemasons themselves, until the moment they left the institution.  If
then these witnesses were ever worthy to be believed,
they were worthy of credence when they dissolved their
connexion with the masonic institution. A man's character does not change in a minute.  It always takes time
for any person to become "a drunken, worthless, miserable vagabond;" as masons have represented some, if not
the most of their seceding brethren, who were in acknowledged good fellowship with them, until the moment of
their secession.
Nor do these witnesses come forward under the crime
of acknowledged perjury, and then, as has been alleged
by masons, ask you to place confidence in their integrity.
How  have they perjured themselves?  Not, certainly,
against the laws of our country. No person will presume to
say, that there is any thing in any of our civil institutions
to sanction masonic oaths; but, on the contrary, many of
these oaths, as they have been divulged, are in direct opposition to our civil rights.  It is equally evident that
they have not perjured themselves against the law of God.
That perfect rule of moral conduct, which allows no man
toforswear himself, and which is recognised and sanctioned by I-Jim, who said, " Swear not at all," must
certainly condemn such oaths, as masons are said to take
upon themselves.  There is nothing in the whole Word




144           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
of God, which warrants the administration and observance
of such oaths, any more than that of Herod, to kill John,
or than the curse that the Jews imprecated upon themselves, " that they would neither eat nor drink until they
had killed Paul." On this subject, I fear not to appeal
to the common sense of any enlightened, intelligent and
impartial citizen. Indeed, there has been but one opinion,
with jurists, divines and laymen, who have attended to
the subject, and who are not biassed in favor of Freemasonry, that what seceders have alleged to be masonic
oaths, are neither morally nor legally binding.  But, if
seceders have perjured themselves against the masonic
institution, and not against the laws of God and our country; why, then, the masonic institution is in opposition to
the laws of God and of our country.
You, fellow citizen, are a Freemason, and you say,
These individuals are perjured, and, therefore, not to be
believed.  Why? Because they have violated their masonic obligations, and have divulged something that is
unlawful.  This you admit; and, in admitting this, you
virtually say, that the secrets of masonry are before the
public, and hence, you are perjured, ipso facto, as much
as they, and that on your own confession.
The secrets of Freemasonry, then, are before the public.  Freemasons know that they are before the public;
and every intelligent citizen, who has attended to facts,
has just as good evidence, that he is in possession of what
were the secrets of masonry, as that there is such a place
as London, or that there was such a man as Alexander
the Great.  It is, Mr. Chairman, an insult to your understanding, for Freemasons to assert, that you know nothing
about their secret mysteries.  It is a species of falsehood
for any one to attempt to evade the subject, and the grossest imposition upon the public, for any Freemason to say,
that the witnesses who have testified, are either incompetent, or that they have not told the truth.
Now, if the secret principles of Freemasonry are before
the public; then the public have a rilghit to examine them.
The free citizens of this country have the same right to
examine this subject, that they have to examine any other,
which affects our religious and political interests.  The
clamor, raised by Freemasons, in order to suppress free




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           145
inquiry, or to check the freedom of the press, or to silence
the warning voice, is altogether unreasonable, and an
infringement of the rights of every free citizen.
We may as well submit reason and conscience to the
decisions of an ecclesiastical hierarchy, or be under the
domination of Cxsar, as be denied the right and the
privilege of investigating any subject which affects the
public mind. This is a right, indeed, which freemen
cannot relinquish.  The moment they  relinquish this
right, they are no longer freemen,, but slaves.  Masons
might first bind, and then gag, William  Morgan; but
they must first gag, before they can bind a free people.They may continue to raise the cry, and to sing the song,
"Political A nti-masonry,-Anti-masonry and Orthodoxy,
— Anti-masonry and Unitarianism,-Anti-masonry  and
Priestcraft, — Anti-masonry and Federalism, —Anti-masonry and Democracy;" but they need not think to close
the eyes, nor the ears, nor the mouths of an intelligent
community, any more than the lullaby of the nurse can
sooth to rest the motion of the elements. Those who
watch over the religious and political interests of our
country, and with untiring zeal and vigilance seek the
general good of the great whole, cannot be satisfied with
the mere outcry of Demetrius and his " fellow craftsman,"
-" Great is Diana of the Ephesians." They must have
strong reasons and conclusive argtumecnts, that their "image
which fell down from Jupiter" is of real, intrinsic value;
or they will never consent to let it remain in the temple
of their liberty.
The citizens of this community not only have the right
to examine the principles of the masonic institution; but
they are under obligation to examine those principles.
Who, in this country, can secure the rights of the people,
but the people themselves? Every free citizen ought to
feel himself highly responsible for the public welfare. It
is the duty of every free citizen, therefore, to examine
every subject which affects the public weal. But who
can suppose that the masonic institution has no bearing
of any importance upon the general interests of our country! Who can suppose that a society of three hundred
thousand members, in the very heart of our country, with
13




146           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
a fund, unlimited and unrestricted, at their control, can be
capable of doing neither good nor hurt.
If the secret principles of the masonic institution are
before the public; then the public can judge of their nature and tendency.  The time was, perhaps, Mr. Chairinan, when you might be disposed to inquire of masons,
respecting the political and moral tendency of their institution. But this inquiry of them, is now no longer necessary. Every intelligent citizen can examine for himself,
and form an opinion for himself.  An enlightened community will not now be satisfied with the bare assertion of
Freemasons, that theirs " is a noble, scientific, moral and
charitable institution;" because every citizen must feel
competent to examine and determine for himself.
The public can judge of the morality of the masonic
institution. They can judge, for example, whether the
following clause in the Master Mason's oath, is founded
upon the broad basis of Christian purity, or, is the legitimate offspring of licentiousness, checked only by selfinterest. " Furthermore do I promise and swear, that I
will not violate the chastity of a master mason's wife,
mother, sister, or daughter, I knowing them to be such,
nor suffer it to be done by others, if in my power to prevent it."-Now, if a Congregationalist should enter into
such a covenant respecting the wives, mothers, sisters and
daughters, of his own particular communion, would not
the Episcopalian, and the Catholic, and the Baptist, and
the Methodist, and the Friends, have just reason to be
jealous?  Would they not draw the natural inference,
that the Congregationalist intended to restrain his passions only so far as his own denomination was concerned,
and to make common game of the wives, daughters,
mothers and sisters, of all others? Would it not be an
insult to common sense to say, that such a covenant as
this maintained the principles of sound morality?  It is,
also, easy to determine whether an institution, in which
the sacred names, titles and attributes of Jehovah, are
used as pass-words, and mock miracles are wrought as
signs; and in which the Word of God is used with the
most shocking familiarity, does tend to cherish that veneration for the Supreme Being, which becomes rational,
moral, and accountable creatures.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           147
Having the principles of the masonic institution before
them, the people can determine whether those principles
are dangerous or salutary to a republican government.
They can also judge, whether or not extra-judical oaths
have a tendency to bind mankind to regard the oath of
God, which is necessarily imposed by civil authority.
It must be acknowledged, that these are subjects of
vital importance to this community; and it cannot be,
that the people of these United States will pass them
over, without a critical, thorough, and impartial examination. It cannot be, that the citizens of Boston, whose
fathers were among the first to throw the gauntlet, and to
"bid defiance to the gigantic greatness of the British
power," can be indifferent to the welfare of our country.
It cannot be, that the citizens of BOSTON, who have been
nursed in the lap, and rocked in the " CRADLE," of the
American revolution, will refuse to investigate first principles, the suppression or prevalence of which may prove
the salvation or destruction of our civil and religious liberties.
REASONS WHY THE CHURCH OF CHRIST SHOULD
DISFELLOWSHIP FREEMASONRY.
Extract of a Sermon by Rev. Henry Jones, of Cabot, V1erront.
"AND I heard another voice from heaven, saying, come
out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her
sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."
It will not be expedient for me to say, that this voice
from heaven must be considered, as uttered with special
reference to the connexion of the church with the masonic institution as it now exists in this country, but
rather it becomes me to fall in with the prevailing opinion of our commentators, that it was in view of another
abomination, which has long had its principal seat in
Italy, rather than in this part of the Zion of God. Still
it is not the manner of the Divine Spirit, in his warnings
to the people of God, to have exclusive reference to one
evil, when there are others of a similar nature which




148           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
might be included in one, as well as to have separate
warnings given against each of them. Therefore if the
masonic institution, in its obligations and principles, be
of that wicked and anti-christian character, which has
now, for some time, been considered in fact the case, by
many who have given the subject the most impartial investigation, the correctness of whose decision we are
not prepared to disprove; most certainly, that Being who
spake from heaven, sayirng, " Come out of her my people,"
having the same view of this institution from  eternity,
which he has at present, must have had allusion to this,
as well as other evils and abominations, in which his
people are ever entangled.  On the present occasion,
then, we may feel authorized to lay aside every other
interpretation of this command, and treat upon it, as
though it were spoken with exclusive reference to the
present connexion of the church with the institution of
Freemasonry.  Taking this view of the subject, which I
must feel authorized to do, the people of God, or church
of Christ, as a body are called upon, as by a voice from
heaven, to come out of this institution, in order to escape
her sins and her plagues.
To illustrate this command I propose to show that the
Church is at present so entangled, or in fellowship with
this institution, as to render the command in the text to
come out of it, suitable.
On this point, but little need be said; and it will not
be necessary to show, that there has ever been any such
thing as a formal act of the Church or any branch of it,
acknowledging a communion or fellowship with Freemasonry. The connexion which exists at present, between
the two institutions, has been accomplished by slow and
imperceptible degrees, by the uniting of the members,
each with the other, while the Church has continued till
of late, to tolerate these connexions, with scarcely the
least suspicion of treachery on the part of her pretended
and accomplished friend, Freemasonry.
Although I have no knowledge but that ever since
masonry has existed, it has been common for those connexions, more or less, to take place, I believe it to be
quite a late thing, according to the recollection of the
most aged, for any very large number of church members




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.          149
to be connected with that institution, and more especially
are we to consider it a late thing for any considerable
number of the clergy to be connected with it. But during a few years past, in the growth of our Churches and
increase of ministers, it seems that a large proportion,
particularly of the clergy, by the remittance of the initiation fees generally, have been induced to join, so that, in
New-England, I should not think it strange if among the
various denominations, one fourth, or one third of their
number have been drawn into the institution, while it is
presumed, there is scarcely a Church to be found, if we
except those of a very few denominations more careful
than others in this thing, which has not in its connexion
more or less of that fraternity, and perhaps, scarcely a
lodge to be found without more or less of the members of
the Church in its connexion. Whether the godly are
willing or not, to acknowledge this relation, or fellowship
for the masonic institution, there is certainly no way, at
present, to evade the fact. Masonry has frequently displayed her banners, her splendid array, and glittering ornaments in the house of God, and many times she has
claimed the holy Sabbath for this purpose on funeral occasions, while the Church has not only yielded up her
rights to her demands, but has seemed to manifest unqualified approbation and complacency; in addition to
which, many of the Church have put on the masonic badge
and walked in the procession. More than this, many of
our clergy have officiated and taken the lead in these
masonic exhibitions, as it were, and in eulogizing the institution, thus manifesting, in the strongest and most
public manner, their fellowship for its laws and principles. Then while so large a portion of Christian ministers and members of Churches, are thus fellowshipping
that institution, and the Church knowingly fellowships
them in doing it, is it not, on the part of the Church,
a practical acknowledgment that the two institutions can
walk in harmony and fellowship with each other? And
how can this practical fellowship for the institution be
separated from its corruptions and wickedness, which are
now known to be attached to its character? Then is
not the Church in a dreadfiJl bondage and entanglement,
so connected with that institution, while her blessed laws
13*




150           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
of discipline must be trodden under foot, to make way
for the execution of masonic laws?
Many of the members of our Churches, who have
recently become acquainted with these facts, are looking
on, with the most bitter grief, because their brethren
generally seem so backward to suspect any mischief from
this source, that they cannot be persuaded to behold and
turn away from such a deadly evil, justly feeling that, so
long as the Church continue to fellowship Freemasonry,
they must themselves be implicated in the anti-christian
character of that institution.  Can any one show, how
this melancholy inference can justly be avoided?'! while
now there is quite a threatening aspect upon the face of'
this institution, speaking a language not difficult to be
understood, that if the Church will not peaceably retain
her in fellowship, she will array all her forces against the
Church for its overthrow. This threatening aspect of
the institution, from which I would exonerate the character of our masonic Christian brethren, seems to be,
perhaps, the most important reason, why there is such an
apparent trembling and reluctance to come forward, with
many of our bretllren in important stations, who appear
to see the danger of the Church, and yet stand looking
on, as though they were disinterested spectators; or waiting for a general alarm to be given, that all may act
in concert, and with the greater safety. This being the
situation of the Church, in regard to the masonic institution, how reasonable the command from heaven, " Come
out of her my people."-I pass now to urge some reasons
for a compliance, on the part of the Church, with this important command of heaven.
The first reason which I shall notice, for the separation'of the Church from the masonic institution, in addition to what may be considered as implied under ny fornier proposition, is that which is first mentioned in the
text, " T'hat?ye partake not of her sins," that is, that the
Church, and its members may not be looked upon, and
dealt with from heaven, as participating in the present
manifested guilt of Freenmasonry.  We have already taken something of a view of the evil (leeds of this institution as they have, of late, been exhibited, since its veil of
darkness and secrecy have been so entirely removed,




OPINIONS ON FREErASOM/RY.         151
Although there have been no small number of men, of
moral and religious principles, who have been deceived
by the alluring pretensions of that institution to become
its members, who, by their goodly lives, have seemed to
enstamp upon it outwardly, the appearance of a humane,
moral, and almost a religious institution, yet, from  its
true character as it has exhibited itself of late, separate
from  what it has borrowed from the Church, and the
character of good men who have been drawn into it, I
should think we are safe in considering some of its legitimate fruits to be, falsehood, deception, pride, office,
power, profanity, perjury, deism, defamation, murder and
treason. Carl the Church, living in fellowship with this
institution, while such of its characteristics are exhibited
to public view, prosper any better than Israel could, when
defeated and slain before the inhabitants of Ai, merely
because one of their number, Achan, had pilfered a wedge
of gold and hid it, while this, no doubt, was a secret to
Israel generally?  Although it is often said, that the
Church has never flourished more than within thirty
years past, which is during the very period of the principal growth of Freemasonry in this couutry, as an argument to convince us, that they ought not now to be separated; the argument appears to me unsound, though it is,,
perhaps, as good as any other which could be produced
for the same purpose. —The argument is evidently unsound, because, until a very short time past, the evil or
anti-christian character of Freemasonry has been concealed, like a serpent in the grass, so that the Church
has not had occasion to suspect but that its professions of
humanity and benevolence, were hearty and sincere.
Thus it appears, that " God winked at" her "ignorance,"
in her continuing so long to walk hand in hand with that
institution, but now, since her true character is exposed,
should the Church continue this fellowship, she must inevitably be a voluntary partaker in all the guilt which is
proved against that institution.
A second reason which I would now iirge for a compliance on the part of the Church, with the command to
come out of the masonic institution, is that which is also
contained in the text, " Thlat ye receive not of her plagues."
Nothing, perhaps, is more sure, than that plagues sent




152           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
from God, are the just and natural consequences of unrepented iniquity. Such plagues have sometimes been
experienced in this world, rather as a premonition of that
"fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation
which shall devour the adversaries."  Though we are not
to suppose, that God will so abandon his real children,
even in their wanderings from him, as finally to give them
over to the kingdom of Satan, they may be called to experience very severe sufferings in consequence of their
wicked conduct, and feel as though they were actually
forsaken of God forever;-and by their examples of wickedness, may be the means of bringing plagues upon their
companions and posterity, which shall include the dreadful judgments of the eternal world.
Were I to speak of the temporal plagues of the masonic institution as being alluded to, in the text, I should
say, from present appearances, that in connexion with its
sins, some of which have been mentioned, as having appeared to public view, they appear to be, alienation, contention, division among the members, or a house most strikingly divided against itself, and an inevitable falling.
It is devoutly to be hoped, that the Church may not be
called to experience things like these, but I confess, that
however some may differ from me in judgment, who are
much wiser than myself, I am unable to see, from a long
and close examination of the subject, any way by which,
these very plagues can be averted from the Church only
by her unreserved coming out from that institution according to a command from heaven. I know that this
represents the Church and its members as being in a peculiar and trying situation; but certainly, not so apparently beyond remedy, and dangerous to individuals, as in
the reformation, when it became necessary for it, to escape the plagues of heaven, to come out from the Romish
Church.
In further urging reasons for a compliance with this
command, on the part of the Church, I will here notice
one fact, which must appear obvious to all who have examined this subject and its bearing upon the Church,
and that is, such a general cessation of revivals of religion in our land, since the disclosures of the secrets anrd
character of masonry. Though there may be a few ex



OPINIONS ON FRPEEMASONrY.          153
ceptions, I think it will be admitted generally, by those
who are familiar with these things, that in all our Churches where Freemasonry exists, and her character is examined by the brethren, they have seemed at once disqualified for any further special manifestation of the Divine
Spirit, in the awakening and conversion of the impenitent among them.  And is it not apparent, that the
Church must sink, and continue to sink, until there shall
be a deliverance effected from  this melancholy evil?  I
am well aware of the responses of thousands of voices,
where such a question as this may be asked, from those
who yet think favorably of Freemasonry; and I shall not
question but that multitudes of well meaning persons,
who acknowledge and deplore the evil now before us, as
much as ourselves, (lo honestly believe at the same time,
that it is not masonry, but anti-masonry, which is the
guilty cause. But certainly, if this must be taken for
good logic, though revivals in many cases have been observed to be checked, so soon as the masonic question
began to be examined, or anti-masonry appeared there, so
to speak; then surely it must be equally good reasoning,
if there should be some of the most scandalous wickedness, secretly introduced into a Church, perhaps, ignorantly at first, by some of its well meaning members, and
should for some time lie concealed, from the Church and
the world, while the place might be experiencing a refreshing from the presence of the Lord, to say as before,
after this wickedness and scandal shall be uncovered to
all the people, if any of the Church shall protest against
it, and refuse any fellowship for it, then these are the
guilty individuals who have put a stop to the revival, if it
shall cease, rather than others who might have introduced
the scandal at first, and still persist in retaining and justifying it in the Church.
Must it not be agreed by all, that the Churches of our
land, which have began to experience trouble from the
subject of Freemasonry, cannot expect to enjoy the smiles
of heaven again, until it can somehow be disposed of
among them?  Then how shall it be disposed of; but by
a general withdrawing from the fellowship of the institution? Sure, it can no more be hushed up and forgotten,
where it is, and the Churches thus be restored to peace,




1.54           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
than the earth can be stopped in her revolutions and the
sun prohibited his shining. But a separation from the
masonic institution, is practicable, and expedient, and
in my opinion the only way which can be devised,
whereby the church can here rest and be built up.
Again, shall not the express commands of heaven be
regarded?  " WHhat concord hath Christ with Belial? or
what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? and what
agreement hath the temple of God with idols? Wherefore
come out from among them, and be ye separate saith the
Lord."  So in our text, "And I heard another voice
from  heaven, saying, come out of her, my people."
ADDRESS OF THE WATERBURY  ANTI-MASONIC
MEETING.
At a numerous meeting of Freemen opposed to the principles of Speculative
Masonry, holden at the Meetin7l-house in Waterbury, Washington county,
Vt. on the 27th of October, 1829, the Hon. EZRA BUTLER, Ex-Governor
of Vermont, was chosen President, and CHARLES CALKINS and ELYMUS
S. NEWCOMB, Secretaries. The following Address was submitted to the
meeting;, and adopted.
FELLOW  CITIZENS,-In addressing you, we  would
freely and fearlessly express our'views concerning Freemasonry-not for the purpose of creating prejudices in
your minds against Freemasons, but to show you the nature and tendency of their institution.  Our objections to
Freemasonry are founded principally on the masonic
oaths, such as have been revealed, and are not now denied
by masons who adhere to the institution. On a fair
construction of these oaths, the following conclusions are
deducible:" It exercises jurisdiction over the persons and lives of
its members.
"It arrogates to itself the right of punishing its members
for offences unknown to the laws of this or any other
nation.
" It requires the concealment of crime, and protects
the guilty fromn punishment.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           155
"It encourages the commission of crime, by affording
the guilty facilities of escape.
" It affords opportunities for the corrupt and designing
to form plans against the government, and the lives and
characters of individuals.
" It destroys all principles of equity by bestowing its
favors on its own members, to the exclusion of all others
equally meritorious and deserving.
" It creates odious aristocracies, by its obligations to
support the interests of its members, in preference to others
of equal qualifications."
It requires a spirit of malevolence in its members, contrary to the precepts of the gospel.
An institution fraught with such principles as we find
in Freemasonry, we cannot view  with complacency.When all its doings are secret, it must excite the jealousy
of a free people. Its members may resolve no evil, or it
may resolve the overthrow of our liberties. Abroad, revolutions have been effected by Freemasonry, and they may
be effected by it here as well as there; for it is admitted
that the principles of Freemasonry are the same the
world over. Then ought we not to be jealous of this institution, and more especially now, than formerly, as its
shocking principles are fully revealed? It is a knowledge
of these principles that is calling forth the energies of the
people in opposition to Freemasonry. In these principles the people can see nothing to approve, but much to
censure. It is these principles which give an odious
character to the institution.
Because Washington, Franklin, and other worthies
have been members of it, it by no means follows that the
institution is not corrupt: bad men have been members of
a good institution-and good men have been drawn in to
become members of a bad institution.  While we venerate
good men who have been, or are, nominally, Freemasons,
we would fearlessly oppose the institution, and tile doings
of those men who are governed by its pernicious principles. Not that we expect by our exertions, suddenly to
overthrow Freemasonry, which is so deeply rooted in our
soil; but we hope to check its growth by exposing its
deformities.
Very lately our attention has been called to an APPEAL




156           OPiNIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
to the people, issued from the Girand Lodge of Vermont,
and signed by 168 masons. In this appeal they say" TWere we to remain silent, we should be guilty of inflicting no less an injury upon you than upon ourselves;
for were we quietly to submit to the dispensation and dissemination of error, and suffer a political party to be built
up on it, destructive of the liberties of the people, when
we possess the power to expose the falsity of the representations, we should, to say the least, display an unwarrantable and reprehensible disregard for the safety of the free
institutions under which we live."
Here the appellants declare, that they have not only
tihe pozwer, b1tt the disposition, to disclose the error, upon
which anti-masons would build up a political patty. Now
what have they disclosed? They have told the people
that they " are guiltlcss in any manner of shedding human blood — uiltless in any manner of conspiring against
the liberties or privileges of the people, or endeavorinog to
monopolize an unequal portion of those privileges to ourselves, or to abridge the rights of others-guiltless in any
manner of impeding, retarding, or diverting the course of
justice —guiltless in any manner of an intrusion into the
three great departments of our government-g-uiltless in
any manner of attempting to identify the subject with
politics, or making the latter a subject of discussion or
remark-goitltless in any manner of performing any act,
immoral or irreligious-and guiltless in any manner of
entertainitnr the remotest suspicion, that the life of a fellow bein!4' was subject to our control."  This appeal is
signed by some of our most worthy citizens, and we never
entertained the least suspicion, that they had been personally guilty of what they say they are guiltless. They
are honorable men, and their word is to be taken, where
there is no proof to the contrary.  If they have been personally charged with committing the aforesaid crimes, we
can view  it in no other light than gross slander.  We
know that they have been charged with takin a the masonic
oaths, such as have been revealed to the public.  To this
charge they have not plead guiltless.  From their silence
on this subject, we have a right to infer, and do infer, that
every mason has taken one or more of these oaths, accord.
ing to the number of degrees to which he has advanced.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           157
If the appellants could truly make the declaration, and
would make it, that they are guiltless of having taken
these oaths, it would go far to show a fundamental error
in the reasoning of anti-masons. It would be a denial of
the premises from which they draw their conclusions.
But so long as their premises are not denied, their reasoning must have weight with the people.
If the appellants have not done these things which the
principles of masonry would warrant, it does not prove
that masonry is any better than it is represented by antimasons. It does not prove that among 150,000 masons
in the United States, there are not 100,000 who are political, and would vote for a brother mason before another
person of equal qualifications; and it does not prove that
there are not 50,000 masons, who would take the life of a
brother for disclosing the fundamental secrets of the
order.
What else, but the fear of death, prevented the disclosures of these secrets from a thousand tongues, before
Morgan disclosed them? And wha. has been the fate of
Morgan for making the disclosures?  We attribute his
abduction and death to masonry. But no mason, who
participated in the abduction, has been expelled the
lodge. Many masons have, by the laws of the land, been
convicted and imprisoned for the crime; but the laws of
masonry have not been violated, and the convicts remain
worthy members of the lodges! We say these things to
show the principles of masonry, and not to accuse the
appellants of shedding human blood.
Fellow Citizens:-Political masonry should cease from
among us, or political anti-masonry should be tolerated.
We hear masons declare that there is no such thinog as
political masonry. Let us see what facts prove. One
masonic obligation requires, that a mason shall vote for a
brother in preference to any other person of equal qualifcations. Is not this political masonry? The masons in
Vermont are about one twentieth part of the freemen, and
they hold about three-fourths of all the important offices
in the State. Is this owing to their superior fitness, or to
political masonry?
This state of things is produced by political masonry.
There are no masons in the State so well qualified for any
14




15S            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
office, but that there are other freemen to be found, who
are not masons, as well qualified for the same office; yet
the mason must always obtain the office.  ~W~e would not
recommend the adoption of any rule to prevent masons
obtaining office, but the freeman's oath.  WMe will, lhowever, act accordin':r to this oath, in resisting their shaniefUl mnonopoly of offices, whenever and wiherever called to
give our sufli-raes.
In the fifth Congressional district, in this State,political
masonry, for twelve months past, has effected wonders:
masons have combined, in so many different shapes, to
secure the election of a mason, to represent us in Congress, that their zeal and shame are now without a cover.
They hlave presented to us four masons in succession for
the office, and spared no pains to slander the patriot and
statesman, WILLIAM   CAIHOON; but the  freemen
have done nobly; they  have, thus far, sustained him for
their Representative through seven successive trials.
And do we not see political masonry in the appeals to
the pedple, one after another, issued fiom the lodge-room
in Montpelier?  Were not these appeals designed to have
a political efl:ct! If masons in their lodge, can unite to
make an appeal to put down anti-masonry, we see no reason whly they might not unite on sonme other political subject as well; for instance, to siand by, and assist each
other to tof ce.
There is notlirn  in their obligrations that restrains masons fiorom  acting on political subjects.  In their lodges
they have matured political plans which have made kings
tremble on their thrones.  rhey always have been, and
alwavs will be political, wlien circumstances require it,
for their own security or aggrandizement.  Not that we
believe that masons would introduce party politics into a
lodge; for this might occasion contention in the body.
A  union in thought, and in action, is a principle of
political masonry; therefore, party politics are excluded.
Political masonry, in and out of the lodge, cries aloud
that anti-mnasonry is political, because she peaceably, and
wvithout previous concert, goes to the polls, and has the
audacity to vote down political masonry.  It is submitted
to the people to say, whether this be a crime.
Political masonry says, anti-masons proscribe masons.




OPINIONS ON FREEIASONSY.             1o9
It is true, anti-masons resist masons, when they attempt
to monopolize offices.  And is this a fault? Anti-masons
have, and will ol)pose ARISo'0CRcACY', in whatever form or
shape it presents itself.  They  call no mnan in these
United States, King, I,ordl, or Most Worshipful-they disclaim all titles of nobility.  They are free citizens, and
clainm equal rights and privileges.
Fellow Citizens:-We look with astonishiment, when we
behold the rule in Freemasonry that requires its members
to point a masonic brother out to the world as an unworthy and vicious vagabond; to oppose his int rest, to derange his business, to transfer his character after him
wherever he may go, to expose him  to coIntellint during
his whole natural life.  This rule is wholly opposed to the
gospel, which teaches us not to render evil for evil, k, it
good for evil; to love our enemies, and do goodl to these
who injure us.  But why does the masonic rule require
these things?  Because the brother has offiended.  IIe
has offended, perhaps, by withdrawing from Freemasonry.
We fear that the principles of this rule are applied by
some professing Christians, who are masons, to pious
clergymen, who have honestly seceded from  the lodge.
And other clergymen, who have had the boldness to raise
their voices against Freemasonry, we believe, have been
dismissed, or threatened with a dismission, or to have
their living taken from  them  on that account.  The
preachers of the gospel are to be arwed into silence, and
the truth is not to be told about the anti-christian principles of Freeniasonry, althourgh these principles, at this
day, are as well understood by others, as by masons themselves.  Is iniquity to be covered over?  Does riot the
prosperity of the churches require plain preaching on this
subject? We would give thanks to the Lord that so many
pious persons have shaken off the shackles of Freemasonry, and it is our heart's desire, that a great multitude
may'soon follow their exampltes.  We are religiously opposed to  many things in  Freemasonry; and  wholly
condemn the application of the principles of the above
masonic rule to any offendingr brother, by an offended
brother in the church.  We consider the gospel rule in
Matthew altogether preferable.  Is it not decreed in high
heaven, that Freemasonry shall soon cease to be revered




160           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
by all the saints on earth? She has already fallen, with her
robes stained in human blood.  Many of her sons are
astonished, and are exclaiming, " It is not I; it is not I,
who have done this wicked deed." If you are guiltless
in this matter; if you have not done any thing " immoral
or irreligious," then no longer advocate Freemasonry,
but be ye separate from her.
EZRA  BUTLER, President.
C. CALKINS,        Secretaries
E. S. NEWCOMB, 
REPORT
Respecting the Authenticity of the Masonic Disclosures.-Made to the New
York State Convention, Feb. 21, 1829.
The committee appointed to inquire whether the ceremonials, obligations and secrets of the masonic order, as
disclosed by the late William Morgan, before his abduction and murder, and the convention of seceding masons
at Le Roy, on the 4th and 5th July last, are substantially
correct and true, &c. respectfully Report:
That the subject of inquiry allotted to your committee,
has received that mature deliberation, which its importance seemed to demand. Your committee are of opinion,
that in the exercise of their legitimate powers, it does
not appear proper to introduce in their report animadversions upon masonry, and they therefore confine the report strictly to the evidences, in relation to the disclosures,
reference to which has been had.
In regard to the correctness and truth of the three first
degrees as disclosed by the late William Morgan before
his abduction and murder, your committee deem it unnecessary to multiply proofs-no further evidence would
seemingly be necessary on that point, than what has
been heretofore laid before the public. The murder of
the author has effectually and conclusively impressed the
seal of authenticity upon his revelations.  But, if further
proof be required by any, it may be found in the clearly




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             161
expressed concurring testimony borne by some hundreds
of seceding masons-and also, by the ready admission of
many of the order, who still adhere to the precepts and
principles of masonry, and who not only admit the truth
of the degrees published, but likewise the murder of the
author for a violation of his obligations in writing those
degrees.
In relation to the truth of the disclosures made at Le
Roy, at the period stated in the resolution, your committee have been enabled to receive from thle lips of three
persons of high reputation, who have taken all the degrees, such a statement of attendant facts and  circumstances, as that none can doubt the general correctness and truth of the disclosures.  Your committee, in
preparing their report, have studied to make it as brief
as the nature of the subject, and the mass of information
obtained would admit.  They respectfully submit the
following as a statement of facts authenticated to the entire satisfaction of your committee.  The Royal Arch
Degree as published, was obtained through an authentic
source, directly from  Jeremy L. Cross, Grand Lecturer
of the United States. That differences in the manner of
work, and in the lectures had sprung up among the lodges
and chapters, to check which, and produce uniformity,
this Mr. Cross was appointed to the office lie now holdsthat in administering the obligation of the Royal Arch
Degree, as he instructs, the words "murder and treason
not excepted," are expressly used, while some chapters
before had only required a companion's secret to be kept
"in all cases without exception"-that instances have
often occurred where the recipients of the Royal Arch
obligation have refused to attest to certain parts of it, and
that such parts, after fruitless and artful attempts to explain them to the satisfaction of the candidate, have been
omitted. That on the trial of S. D. Green, of Batavia,
before an ecclesiastical tribunal, three witnesses on oath,
stated that the degrees as disclosed by the Le Roy Convention of the 4th and 5th. July last, were substantially
true-that affidavits of some ten or twelve persons to the
same effect, were made and attested to, for the purpose
of being used at a meeting of the Presbyterian order held
in Bergen, Genesee county, in December last-five of
14'




162           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
which deponents had received all the degrees-that
on numerous occasions during the pendency of trials in
courts of justice, some of the seceding Masons at Le
Roy were subpoenaed to attend such trials as witnesses,
to sustain objections against masonic jurors, when called
in a cause where a brother or companion was a partythat they did attend, that objections were interposed on
the ground of the existing obligation between the juror
and the party, and that the objected jurors have uniformly
been dispensed with, rather than submit to a trial of the
objection.
With respect to the correctness and truth of the degrees of Knights of the Red Cross-Knights Ternplars,
and Knights of Malta-Knights of the Christian Markand Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, the evidence is written, and a reasonable doubt cannot be entertained-a
ritual of the degrees in manuscript was left with those
who made the disclosure by a high masonic officer, known
to have been authorised to confer those degrees.
This ritual formed the basis on which the publication
was made, and still remains in their possession. There has
also been a ritual in manuscript, left by a high and authorised mason, who came among them to establish a council,
called " The Holy and Thrice Illustrious Order of the
Cross," and grant diplomas, headed " The Ancient Ccuncil of the Trinity, by their successors in the United States
of America"-from  the rituals, were the degrees of
Knighthood taken and published. Your committee therefore are of opinion, that the evidence in relation to these
latter degrees is conclusive.
The progress in masonry, of one of the informants,
was thus given masonically.
Regularly initiated into the degree of entered apprentice mason.
Passed to the degree of fellow Craft.
Raised to the sublime degree of Master.
Advanced to the honorary degree of Mark Master.
Presided in the chair.
Acknowledged and received as Most Excellent Master,
and exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch.
Degrees in the Encarnpment.
Knight of the Red Cross.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            163
Knight Templar, and Knight of Malta.
Knight of the Christian Mark, and
Knight of the Holy Sepulchre.
In the Council he received the degree of Illustrious,
Most Illustrious, and Thrice Illustrious Order of the
Cross.
The offices he held were, Worshipful Master.
Secretary of the Chapter, and Generalissimo of the
Genesee Encampment.
That in addition to the three degrees of masonry revealed by William  Morgan, and the twelve degrees disclosed by the convention of seceding masons at Le Roy,
on the 4th and 5th of July last, your committee would
beg leave to state that ELDER DAVID BERNARD, late Intimate Secretary of the Lodge of Perfection, and one of
the seceding masons at ILe Roy, is about to publish the
" Eleven Ineitble Degrees" conferred in the Lodge of
Perfection, and also, Seven French Degrees of a still
higher order of masonry; the authenticity of which your
committee think cannot reasonably be doubted; that in
one of these degrees now revealed, namely, the " Knights
Adepts of the Eagle, or Sun!" DEISM is plainly avowed, and a dagger aimed at the Christian Religion.
BATES COOKE, Chairman.:Resolved, That in the opinion of this convention, the
authenticity of the thirty-three degrees of masonry revealed, is satisfactorily established.
REPORT
Of the General Central Anti-Masonic Comnmitfee upon the progress and condition of the Anti-Maisonic cause. —Made to the New Yorki State Convention, holden at Albany.
IN rendering our grateful acknowledgements to the
Dispenser of all good, and congratulating our fellow citizens upon " the signs of the times" which indicate a
great moral and political revolution in the coining overthrow of Freemasonry, it may not be unprofitable to




164          OPINIONS ON FREEMIASONRY.
glance backwards over the relationship which that institution bore to the people and the country, at the period
when the overt acts were committed, which are leading
the American Republic to re-assert and confirm  its Independence.
The masonic society by its arrogation of all the science, wvisdom, patriotism, and virtues, which illumine the
age, endowv and sustain the institutions of the country,
and adorn the human character, had conciliated the esteem and won the confidence of public opinion. It had
grown under these general influences, unsuspected of
other motives than those which it professed, into enormous wealth and gigantic power.  Professing strict obedience to the laws, and a wedded affinity to the religion
of the country, it had implanted its roots, extended its
arms, and established its laws all over the land.  The
suspicions and apprehensions that had watched and overcome all other secret associations, by the soothing pretensions and specious bearings of Freemasonry were quieted
and disarmed.
At this crisis of popular credulity, the masonic conspiracies and outrages which have aroused the moral
energies of this State, and promise to interest the whole
nation, were matured and perpetrated.-Voluntary investigations were speedily undertaken: but the people were
slow to entertain evil thoughts of an ancient and honorable institution.-The great, the wise and the good, of
every age and country, were claimed to be among its
votaries and patrons.  Investigations, embarrassed and
crippled by the influence and stratagems of the fraternity,
proceeded with slow and uncertain steps. The laws were
relaxed and the ministers of justice lingered in their
course.  The constitutional reliances of the people, for
protection and safety, were soon found too weak to discharge their functions; and the public press, which, on
all other occasions of existing evil or approaching danger
had asserted its high prerogative, was now awed into
silence.
A general alarm spread through the western counties.
The people met and appointed committees of investigation.  It was soon discovered that the outrages had nlot
been unadvisably perpetrated by irresponsible members




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            165
of the fraternity, but authorised by the institution and impelled by its principles.  The conspiracy, from  its origin
to its conclusion, embraced a period of more than four
months, and the knowledge of it extended from  the immediate actors in it, to the highest authorities pertaining
to the Order.
The results of the first six months' investigation, are
embodied in a narrative, and published by the Lewiston
committee. The facts and developements therein set forth,
have withstood the " test of truth, and thle scruztiny of
tinme."  With a view to possess the people of information
which so deeply concerned their individual rights and the
public safety, the committee caused five thousand copies
of this narrative to be gratuitously circulated through this
and adjoining States.
Findinog the ordinary tribunals of justice, in some instances disinclined to discharge their duties, and in all
cases too feeble to resist the mysteriously poweri'ul influence of Freemasonry, the people memorialized their Representatives for relief. Their petition respectfully detailed the alarming facts now so well known to all, and
earnestly praying that the arm  of the law  might be
strengthened, scarcely received the decent forms of legislative interment.  The same irresistible power which had
misruled our public officers, sealed the lips of witnesses,
tampered with the consciences of jurors, and suspended
the sword of justice, now closed the halls of legislation
upon the people.
Turned out of Court and repulsed by their Representatives, the people of the western counties appealed, not
to the weapons which God and nature had p)ut into their
hand, as would have been the case in a less enlightened
country, but to public opinion, lawfully and understandingly expressed, through the BALLOT Boxes, for protection and redress.  Every other avenue Nwas closed.  This
was the only constitutional last resort.  Truly auspicious
results, and salutary influences, are vindicating tile wisdom of' this appeal, and all coming experience will sanction its justice.
Meantime the public eye, and the committee, more especially, turned inquiringly  from  individual offeinders,
towards the institution itself.  A keen desire was mani



166           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
fest to know the real character of Freemasonry, and the
true tendency of its principles.  Morgan had made a full
revelation of the three first degrees, the truth of which
was attested by his abduction and sealed with his blood.
Masonry, however, professed to be a "progressice science," and further developements were necessary to the
formation of a correct estimate of its character.  These
were not longr withheld.  An encampment of Knights
Templars at Le Roy, after a violent and protracted struggle with that portion of their companions which approved
of the outrages, resolved to restore themselves to society
and their country, by renouncing the principles and exposing the secrets of the institution.  This solemn duty
was discharged, in convention, at Le Roy, on the 9th of
Febrtary, 182S.- The horrid oaths, unearthly penalties,
profane orgies, and blasphemous rites, of the higher degrees, were made public. Freemasonry, stripped of her
seeming vestal garments and gorgeous attire, now stood
bald naked, exposed to the scorn and abhorrence of a
long deluded, but finally disabused people.
The committee continued their investigations, and were
in constant attendance upon the several courts, where
indictments were pending, vainly endeavoring to accelerate the tardy and fettered footsteps of justice.
Near the close of the winter session of IS28, the executive and legislative departments of the Government
became sulddenly impressed with the propriety and necessity of affording the relief which was so promptly denied
the preceding session. An act was passed, authorising
the appointment of special counsel, to prosecute the investigration of the masonic outrages.  The then acting
Governor appointed Daniel Moseley, Esq. to discharge
this responsible duty.
That gentleman entered immediately into the investigation, which he continued to prosecute, diligently, until called from the discharge of the duties, to a seat upon
the bench, in the 7th Judicial District.
Mr. Moseley has collected and arranged an important
mass of complicated testimony, evidencing a wide spread
of conspiracy, and an accumulation of crime, fearful, dark
and atrocious.  This fulfilling measure of guilt grows
out of the necessity, from which the institution cannot




OPrINONS ON FREEMASONRY.            167
escape, of protecting those who, in obeying its mandates,
violated the laws of the land.  The masonic conspirators
acted under the advice of their chapters, the principles of
which, in letter and spirit, cover the whole ground. Even
the murderers of Morgan, can open their Freemason's
MIonitor, and demand their relwardfor executing the traitor.
If any thing wvere wanting to prove that these outrages
were the natural offspring of masonic PRINCIPLES, we
would refer to the fact, that the persons notoriously concerned in them, not merely stand fair with their lodges
and chapters, but have been elevated to their highest honors and offices!  Those too who fled from justice, have
been protected and supported by the fraternity.  And we
have strong reasons to believe, though unsupported by
positive testimony, that mopies have been furnished by
the grand chapter for the relief and defence of the conspirators, who are distinguished by the mystic brotherhood, as the " WIestern Sufferers." @
The time and manner of Morgan's murder has been
ascertained, by those who were immediately connected
with the investigations.-Most if not all the persons by
whom the foul deed was perpetrated, are satisfactorily
known-but when, and by whose agency, their guilt will
be juriciously established, remains with the great disposer of all human events.
Edward Giddins, whose testimony would go very far
in developing the finale of this extended conspiracy and
foul murder, has been rejected as a witness, in the Ontario court of Common Pleas, by a rule, in relation to the
soundness of which the most distinguished jurists entertain conflicting opinions. Had the objection went to Mr.
Giddins' credibility, he would have been fully sustained
-for few men have passed through life with a more
blameless reputation.
Elisha Adams, into whose hands Morgan passed from
Mr. Giddins, and who continued to feed and guard him
until the night of the murder, was sent by its confederates to Vermont, from whence he was demanded as a fugitive from justice.  Adams was a reluctant agent of the
* This fact has since been directly established by the declaration
of Mr. Yates; who gives names and sums.




168           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
c nspirators, and durinfg his seclusion, had determined if
brought to the bar as a witness, as he himself repeatedly
averred, to " make a clean breast of it" by telling the
truth. He continued in this wholesome frame of mind,
until he found himself surrounded by his guilty Royal
Arch Companions, who soon succeeded ill re-establishing
their mysterious influence over his conscience; and subjecting him to that obligation of their peculiar code,
which, under the most fearful penalties, enjoins the keeping of a companion's secrets, in all cases, " murder and
treason not excepted." William King, who professed to
have returned to Niagara county, for the purpose of confronting his accusers, swore off his trial, and has retraced
his steps to Arkansas. Howard, of Buffalo, who applied
the torch to Miller's office, fled to Europe, and has not
since been heard of. John Whitney, of Rochester, who
following the councils of more wary conspirators, went
fearful lengths, after hiding in distant States for nearly
two years, has returned and awaits his trial. Loton Lawson, who pleaded gMilty to the conspiracy indictments, to
prevent the production of testimony, that would inculpate
him for a higher offence, has completed his two years
imprisonment, and taken up his abode in the State of
Pennsylvania. It is known that a masonic friend of
Lawson's preceded him on his route from Canandaigua
to his destined residence, summoning the chapters to
meet-but for what purpose we are left to conjecture.
The case of Eli Bruce, late sheriff of Niagara county,
who was convicted in Ontario of receiving and confining
Morgan in Fort Niagara, was referred, on a question of
form, to the supreme court. Eighteen other persons concerned in the outrages have been indicted, but the public
prosecutor has not been able to bring on their trials.
Nothing but the intelligence and virtue of a great proportion of its members had so long restrained Freemasonry from open misrule and violence. Its signs, grips and
obligations, afford every facility for the protection and escape of masonic offenders. And these facilities are far
from having been unimproved. Depredations to a greater amount and conspiracies of a more formidable character, have been committed and concealed under the ripening influence of Freemasonry, than the public, aided by




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.              169
recent developements, would be willing to believe. —The
institution exerts a mysterious and pernicious influence
over all the relations of life. The obligation which binds
masons to warn their brethren of all approaching danger,
and to keep inviolable their guilty secrets, is a direct
bribe to the vicious propensities of our nature.-And that
obligation which compels a mason to assist a mystic
brother out of difficulty, " right or wrong," furnishes the
widest latitude to crime. It is not unknown to those who
have given the subject their attention that the numerous
gangs of counterfeiters who have so friequently flooded the
State with spurious notes and base coin, were almost wholly composed of Freemasons. With this knowledge, it is
no longer a mystery how they so frequently eluded the ministers of justice, or escaped through the meshes of the law.
But there is an evil of a more alarming nature to which
we feel constrained to draw the public attention.  Freemasonry has cast her broadest mantle over legislative corruption and bribery.-The attempt of John Anderson to
bribe the Hon. Lewis Williams, chairman of the committee of claims, in the House of Representatives, has led to
a brief examination of transactions of a similar character
in our State  legislature.  Col. Anderson  attempted to
bribe Mr. Williams as a " man and mason," but being no
mason, Mr. W. was at liberty, not only to reject the bribe
but to expose the culprit.* This incident is full of in* COL. ANDERSON'S LETTER.
The Hon. Lewis Williams.
Honored Sir: I return you thanks for the attention I received to
rny claims to pass so soon. Mr. Lee will hand you some claims
from the River Raisin, which will pass through your Honorable
Committee; and I have a wish that the conduct of the British in
that country may be related in full, on the floor of Congress; which
will give you some trouble in making out the Report and supporting
the same. I have now to request that you will accept of the small
sum of FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS as part pay for the extra
trouble I give you; I will present it to you as soon as I receive
some from Government (!) This is CONFIDENTIAL, that only.you and me may know any thing about it; or, in OTHER WORDS,
I give it to you as a man and a MASON; and hope you belong to
that society. Sir, should it happen that you will not accept of this
small sum, I request that you will excuse me; if you do not accept,
I wish you to drop me a few lines; if you accept, I wish no answer.
I hope you will see my view on the subject, that it is for extra
trouble. [!!!!!!!!!!!        JOHN ANDERSON.
Washington, Jan. 6, 1818.
15




170           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
struction. Had Mr. Williams been a mason, though
promptly rejecting the bribe, he was not at liberty to expose
a mystic brother to shame and punishment. A Freemason approaches his legislative brother, with the wages of
iniquity in hand, in the full assurance that if his bribe is
rejected, his guilty secrets will be inviolably kept. This
reason is fortified by an extended train of facts. The history of all the known corruption practised in our legislature, from the briberies committed with the Merchant's
Bank in 1804, to those of the Fulton and Chemical Charters in 1824, is pregnant with testimony against Freemasonry. The fact that almost every man known to have
been disreputably concerned in those transactions, was a
Freemason, admonishes the people to guard these avenues
against the corrupting influence of that institution. And
that ancient, if not honorable fraternity, the Lobby, which
still infests the seat of government, and beleaguers the capitol, stands conspicuous in the lists of Freemasonry. Of
all the horde of mercenaries who hang year after year upon
the legislature, let even one be named who is not a bright
Freemason.  These assertions are not brought upon
slight or insufficient testimony. The evidence of their
entire truth may be obtained by all who make proper inquiries.
But the institution puts forth on all occasions, as a
shield and defence against her, the names of eminently
virtuous men, who in their youth, misled by her false pretensions to science and wisdom, " took her for better or
for uworse." The sainted name of WASHINGTON, though
his recorded admonitions to " beware of all secret self
created associations, under what specious garb soever they
appeared," forbids the profanation, is imprudently used
to patch up the tattered vestments with which a detected
imposter still seeks to cover her deformities. The stainless reputation of a contemporary,* whose charities have
engraved his name upon the hearts of thousands, and
whose munificence is even now unfolding the treasures
of knowledge to the humblest citizen, and extending the
boundaries of science to the remotest section of the State,
is daily pressed into the service of Freemasonry, to give
false lustre to its character, and posthumous currency to
* Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.          171
its principles. It is due to this distinguished gentleman
to state, that although the swelling titles and empty honors
of the fraternity have been continuously lavished upon
him, he never could be pressed beyond the third degree
of Speculative Freemasonry. And a confiding hope is
entertained, based upon our knowledge of his virtues and
patriotism, that ere long he will feel constrained to inhibit the use of his right name in beguiling the footsteps
of our youth into the dark and devious recesses of the
lodge room. More than four hundred initiates, within
our own State, including members of every Degree, from
an Entered Apprentice to the Thrice Illustrious Knights
of the Holy Trinity, have publicly renounced the institution. Thousands have silently withdrawn, and it cannot
be presumed that any good man who received it upon
trust, will continue his connexion with the fraternity after
he has thoroughly examined the tendency of its principles.
Freemasonry is deeply anxious to conceal the truth in
relation to herself and her steadfast votaries. It will require much zeal and labor to expose and dissipate the
falsehoods and delusions which the fraternity have so industriously spread abroad.  Time and truth, however,
will ultimately encompass these ends. All there is of
Freemasonry, pertaining to the lodges, chapters, and encampments, may be gathered from Morgan's Illustrations,
and the Le Roy revelations.  But the inquirer for real
Freemasonry, divested of its gaudy trappings, and its traditionary fable, must seek out other sources of information. The work of Abbe Barruel, and Professor Robison's Proofs of a Conspiracy to overthrow all Religion
and Government, present a faithful and alarming picture
of Freemasonry, and commend themselves to the deliberate consideration of the American people. Of the various writers who are now developing, with fearless pens,
and surpassing powers, the legitimate tendency and aims
of Freemasonry, Henry Dana Ward, of New York, and
Elder John G. Stearns, of Oneida county, have attained a
proud eminence, from which they are dispensing floods of
light and knowledge. These gifted and enlightened men
were members of the masonic fraternity.  They had,
however, sifted its pretensions, and eschewed its principles, previous to the murder of Morgan. The writings of




17-2          OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
these gentlemen ought to be speedily procured and extensively circulated through every town in the State. We
hazard nothing in saying, that no intelligent man or mason can read Mr. Ward's volume, entitled, Freemasonry,
without being convinced that the institution is a rank imposture and dangerous cheat.  *    *    *    *    *
Entirely erroneous opinions have been propagated, far
and wide, in relation to the views and conduct of antimasons. We are represented as persecuting and oppressing all the members of the masonic society, thereby confounding the innocent with the guilty.  Nothing but
Freemasonry itself, is more fallacious than this accusation. Freemasons have violated the laws of the State and
taken the life of an unoffending citizen. The influence
of the fraternity has impeded, and continues to impede,
the course of justice, and the offenders stalk abroad in the
community, cherished and supported by the institution,
unmolested and unpunished. The secrets and principles
of the institution, which have been fully exposed, are
positively and undeniably bad and dangerous. We therefore ask Freemasons to renounce them. If they refuse
to accede to a request so reasonable, are we made obnoxious to the charge of persecution for withholding
our support from them? How are the people to redeem
their halls of legislation, to purify their temples of justice,
or to re-establish the ascendency of their laws, if the
supporters of Freemasonry are not dispossessed of place
and power.
The progress of truth, and the developements of
time, have refuted many of the fictions, and turned
back some of the calumnies with which the fraternity
so long held public opinion in suspense.-It is no longer
gravely asserted that Morgan is selling his books, that
he has retired beyond the Rocky mountains, or that
he has joined the standard of the false prophet, at Smyrna. All who do not egregiously undervalue the intelligence of the people, are constrained to admit that
this citizen, blameless of all offence to the laws of the
land, after five days confinement, was deliberately murdered at Ftort Niagara, and cast into Lake Ontario.  The
same calumny which represented the just indignation of
freemen, as an excitement got up for the temporary purpose of aiding a party, has spent its malice, and passes,




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.          173
with the mass of falsehoods which that fruitful occasion
for private and public defamation provoked.-The deep
sensibility and awakened interest which ten free States
are manifesting, by unequivocal demonstrations of hostility to the masonic institution, repels the accusation of the
fraternity which confined their belligerents to an infected
district of madmen and fanatics in the western part of the
State of New York.
But we turn from the past to contemplate the futurewhere hope is unfolding her bright visions to the eye of
patriotism, and promising her treasured rewards to the aspirations of piety. The quiet, but resistless power of public opinion, is accomplishing a great moral and political
revolution. This work, which moved forward with cautious and faltering steps, through its incipient stages, is
now rapidly spreading all over this and the neighboring
States. We cannot yet fix its boundaries, or estimate the
time that it will require to accomplish its high purposes.
But one thing is certain. The fire will burn while the
fuel lasts; and the disenthralled spirit which has gone
abroad, will not return until the Republic is effectually
redeemed from the unhallowed grasp of Speculative Freemasonry.
SAMUEL WORKS,
HARVEY ELY,
F. F. BACKUS,
F. WHITTLESEY,
THURLOW WEED.
Rochester, Feb. 15, 1829.
REPORT
Of the Select Committee of the House of Assembly of New- York, on the Abduction and Murder of William Morgan.-Made Feb. 16, 1829.
THE select committee to whom was referred so much
of the message of his excellency the governor, as relates
to the abduction of William Morgan, and the proceedings
under the act passed the 15th day of April, 1828, respectfully report, in part;
That they have endeavored to give the subject that at15*




174           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
tention which its importance demands, and to pursue their
investigations in that spirit of candor that should characterize an inquiry into matters of so much delicacy; and
respecting which, there exists great public excitement.
They cannot flatter themselves, however, that they have
carried nothing of feeling with them into the investigation
of the subject; for, coming, as most of them do, from
what has been sometimes termed the " infected district,"
it is hardly to be supposed, that they should be indifferent,
in the midst of a community greatly agitated. Still, they
trust, that they have so far succeeded in discussing it dispassionately, as to lay before you no facts, except such as
have the impress of authenticity, and to draw no inferences
which are not fairly deducible from established premises.
The message of his excellency the governor treats the
subject as one which may require the interposition of the
legislature, and to your committee has been assigned the
task of ascertaining what legislation is necessary. It
being highly important that the legislature should be in
possession of the facts in every case, respecting which
they may be called to legislate, your committee believed it
to be their duty to collect and spread before this house a
statement of the circumstances of this extraordinary affair,
together with the causes which produced them, so far as
the same have been ascertained.  For this purpose, they
directed their chairman to address letters to the Hon.
Daniel Moseley, special counsel, appointed by the executive of this State, under the act passed April 15, 1828,
and to Bowen Whiting, Esq. district attorney for the
county of Ontario, requesting from them a statement in
detail of such particulars of the transaction as may have
come to their knowledge, in the discharge of their official
duties.
Your committee were aware, that the circumstances relating to the Morgan outrages, had been collected and published in a pamphlet form, and in some public newspapers,
by a number of respectable gentlemen, selected for that
purpose by their fellow citizens in public meetings; and
that notwithstanding these gentlemen, some of whom have
seats in this house, affixed their own signatures to these
publications, no attempt had been made to disprove their
statements.  Still, as there exists a disposition in our




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           175
country to discredit statements which are made through
the organ of the periodical press, and it being desirable to
lay before this house such data as might with proper
safety be relied upon, by those who may be called to act
in this grave matter, your committee thought it better to
refer you to statements emanating from those whose official
duties have made them acquainted with these singular
transactions.  It has too long been the opinion of many,
that the "western excitement" belonged more properly
to our newspaper, than to our judicial history; and events
more alarming in their character, when viewed in all their
bearings, than any that have transpired in the course of
many years, have been regarded rather as a romance than
as solemn matters of fact. In making this statement,
your committee mean no reflection upon the intelligence
of this house or this community. The state of feeling
and the incredulity that have existed in many places with
regard to this matter, have proceeded from an honorable
confidence in our free institutions, and in the integrity of
our fellow citizens, which bespeak great elevation of sentiment and nobleness of spirit; but which at the same
time show with what ease our good nature may be practised upon by the artful and designing.
The call for information made upon Mr. Whiting, was
answered. And your committee would take the liberty
ofexpressing their acknowledgements to this gentleman for
his promptitude and frankness in preparing for them, in
the midst of pressing professional engagements, a statement so full and satisfactory.
From this statement it appears that in the summer of
1826, a notice was inserted in the Ontario Messenger, a
newspaper published at Canandaigua, by the procurement
of those who were afterwards concerned in the outrages,
representing Morgan to be guilty of bad conduct, and that
particular information might be had respecting him, on
application to the lodge in that village. During the summer of that year, it was reported that Morgan was writing
a book on Freemasonry, to be published by David C.
Miller, of Batavia, and this report was confirmed by subsequent events. Much feeling was excited amongst many
members of the masonic fraternity, in consequence of this
report; and meetings were held in many places, to con



176          OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
sider of measures, by which the publication of the book
might be prevented. A Canadian whose name is Johns,
and who is said to have belonged to the British fur company, was introduced to Miller, under pretence of assisting
him in the publication, butin reality for the purpose of
acquiring information where Morgan's writings were to
be found. Through his aid, the conslirators were enabled
to obtain the possession of a part, at least, of Morgan's
manuscripts.
On the 11th of September, persons from Lockport, in
the county of Niagara, 90 miles distant from Canandaigua,
applied at Fort Niagara for a place of confinement for
Morgan, because he was about " to reveal the secrets of
masonry." The day before, Ebenezer C. Kingsley of
Canandaigua, by the persuasion of Nicholas G. Cheesebro
and others of that place, made a complaint against Morgan, before a magistrate, for stealing a shirt and cravat,
the property of Kingsley. A warrant was issued on this
complaint by the magistrate, directed to Cheesebro, as
one of the coroners of Ontario county, or to any constable
of that county, for Morgan's arrest. It was delivered to
Cheesebro, who hired a post-coach and procured EIallaway Hayward, a constable, and three or four others, to
accompany him to Batavia, where Morgan resided. The
party arrived at Batavia the same day, and the next morning the warrant was served by Hayward, it having been
first endorsed by a magistrate of Genesee county. Immediately after the arrest, the same party returned to Canandaigua, and arrived in the evening. Morgan was taken
before the magistrate, examined and discharged from the
arrest, the charge of larceny appearing to be unfounded,
the shirt and cravat having been borrowed from Kingsley.
Immediately on his being discharged, a demand of two
dollars was presented to the justice against him in favor
of Cheesebro, as assignee of one Ackley. Morgan confessed a judgment, and an execution was forthwith
issued. He took off his coat and offered it to satisfy the
execution, but it was refused, and he was arrested and
locked up in prison.
Information that Morgan was in custody, was immediately sent to Rochester to certain persons there, or to
use the language of Cheesebro, to Morgan's friends in




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.          177
that place, some of whom came to Canandaigua the next
day, for the purpose of carrying him off. A carriage was
stationed a few rods from the gaol, where it might be
ready to start at a given signal.  Previous to this, Loton
Lawson had been at the gaol, had seen Morgan, and proposed to Mrs. Hall, the wife of the gaoler, (he being absent,)
to pay the debt out of friendship to Morgan, and release him
from prison.  Mrs. Hall at first refused to comply, but on
Cheesebro and Sawyer's recommending it, she consented
to release Morgan. As she went towards the prison,
Lawson went to the street door and made a signal. She
turned, and saw a man come up the steps. She released
Morgan, and on going to the door, saw him between
Lawson and the man who came up the steps, struggling
and crying murder.  His mouth was stopped, and he was
forced off down the street.  In the struggle, Morgan lost
his hat. One of the party made a signal by rapping on
a well curb, when the carriage started after them, took
them in, and went towards Rochester.
The carriage was driven by Hiram Hubbard, who has
testified, that he drove the party a little beyond Hanford's
landing, near the east end of the ridge road, where he
arrived about sunrise; and that they got out at a place,
distant from any house. On his return, and a short distance from the place where he left the party, he met a
carriage with a pair of horses. The same day, a carriage
was procured from Ezra Platt, of Rochester, under pretence of going to Lewiston to the installation of a lodge.
Mr. Platt has been examined as a witness, and denies
recollecting who hired the carriage.  He says that it was
applied for before daylight, and that the driver has left
the country, but that lie does not now recollect his name.
On that day, a carriage passed along the ridge road to
Lewiston, under peculiar and extraordinary circumstances,
not stopping at public houses, drawn by horses belonging
to persons living on the road, which were changed in bye
places, and driven by men who would not ordinarily be
engaged in that business. This carriage stopped in a
back street at Lewiston; and on the morning of the 14th,
at a very early hour, another carriage was procured to go
to Fort Niagara. The latter carriage was driven by
Corydon Fox, a stage driver, who was directed to go to




178           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
the one standing in the back street for his passengers.
Fox states that he did so; that four or five men left that
carriage and got into the one driven by him. One of the
men had no hat, and appeared to be helpless. He then
drove towards the Fort, called by the way at Col. King's,
took him in, and when near the Fort, left the whole party
in the road, and returned to Lewiston. It is proved, that
on that day, a man was in confinement in the magazine,
attached to the Fort. Mr. Whiting adds, that it can now
be proved that Morgan was in the carriage that passed
along the ridge road on the 13th of September, 1826.
He also subjoins a statement of the testimony of Edward Giddins before the grand jury of Ontario county,
and which said Giddins has published. Mr. Giddins, on
the trial of Eli Bruce, Esq. late sheriff of Niagara, was
offered as a witness, and rejected, on the ground of religious belief. Mr. Whiting, however, seems to credit his
statements, which, he says, are corroborated, in some important particulars, by other witnesses. From his statement we learn that Morgan was confined in the magazine
at Fort Niagara, and if we give his statement credence,
we must come to the conclusion that he was finally murdered. Mr. Whiting comes to that conclusion, independent of the testimony of Giddins; and your committee
believe that he is fully warranted in so doing, by the
facts and circumstances which he has detailed. Mr.
Moseley, in his communication to your committee, states,
that he has ascertained material testimony, in relation to
the abduction, since the making of this report to the
executive, and adds, that he has been put in possession of
some information of a graver character, from a source
entitled to credit. Your committee, therefore, feel justified in saying, that there is very little reason to doubt,
but that a free citizen of this State has been deliberately
put to death by highly respectable individuals, and that
many men in high standing were privy to the designs
against him, and assisted in the preliminary measures,
although, perhaps, but few directly participated in the
final catastrophe.
It may be proper to mention in this connexion, that at
a trial at Batavia, nqt particularly referred to by Mr.
Whiting, three men were convicted of a daring outrage




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           179
upon the person and liberty of Col. Miller, who was associated with Morgan in the publication of the book on
masonry. This outrage was committed on the same day
that Morgan was forcibly carried away from the gaol at
Canandaigua. A principal actor in this affair was the
Canadian, Johns, who, eight days before, had suddenly
disappeared from Batavia. But your committee will not
tax the patience of this house, by a recital of the particulars of this outrage, and of several others committed or
attempted against the persons and property of Miller and
Morgan, and in which many persons are known to have
participated.
Although the special council, appointed by the executive, has interposed a caution against speaking of" societies and denominations of men" in relation to the subject
of these inquiries, your committee feel bound to state, that
in their opinion, if the abduction of Morgan is chargeable
upon individuals, acting " as such," it is likewise chargeable upon them, as members of a powerful society, existing in our State, claiming a high character, on which has
been bestowed many marks of public favor, and whose
annual convocations and dazzling honors have been regarded with great interest, and sought for with much
avidity. Your committee are not insensible, that they
are preferring a grave charge against an institution which
has many bright and honorable names enrolled among its
votaries. Still they conceive, that the true character of
-the transaction, and its relative importance are to be ascertained by adverting to the cause which produced it,
and the motives which actuated the perpetrators.
The active and persevering district attorney of the
canty of Ontario, who has carefully investigated the
ole matter, states it as proved, " that the motives which
actuated those who conspired against Morgan, were to
prevent the publication of his book on Freemasonry.
The same objects were avowed in the meetings in Genesee county, by those who visited Fort Niagara, by those
who acted in Canandaigua, and by those who came to
Canandaigua, in consequence of the information sent to
Rochester. So far, therefore, as their motives were then
avowed, the suppression of Morgan's publication was the




180           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
object to be effected, and the abduction of the man was
the means by which that object was to be accomplished."
" The abduction of Morgan," says Mr. Whiting, " is a.
singular and striking event in our history; and as in case
of other irretrievable evils, it is easier to lament it, than to
find a remedy. I have no hesitation in saying, that it has
resulted from the confidence which members of the masonic society have felt in its power and influence; from
a false estimate of the value of that institution, and fromn
an opinion, that they were bound to preserve it from: violation and injury." And he adds in conclusion, " It is.
worthy of remark, that it has been proved or conceded-,
that all those who have engaged in these outrages were
members of the masonic fraternity; a fact not without
meaning in reference to the subjects of the conspiracy."
A proper consideration of these facts, fully established
by solemn judicial investigation, will lead to a due estimate of the subject referred to by your committee. Some
have wondered why the abduction, or even the murder,
of a comparatively obscure individual, should be considered of so much importance.  Had he fallen in deadly
strife with his fellow, or had a single assassin planted a
dagger in his heart, the event and its circumstances would
long since have ceased to interest the public. It is the
offence against the dignity of this State, and the just
grounds of alarm, indicated by the character of the transaction, which gives it its relative importance. Many
cases of personal suffering may be pointed out in our history, which, if the individuals only are to be taken into
consideration, must be regarded as much more afflictive,.
than the case of the American seaman who was shot by
British authority in the harbor of New-York, and whose
death caused such great sensation. Still, his death ias
justly considered a matter of national concern, whilst
others, who fell by private assassins, were soon forgotten.
A wound was inflicted upon our national honor, which
awakened the sensibilities of this whole nation. We felt,
that such aggressions on our sovereignty should be repelled, and that the permanence and stability of our
institutions could only be secured, by showing our neighbors that such acts could not be committed with impunity.
If the spirit and feelings that were then excited were just




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           181
and proper; if that event was considered an alarming outrage, principally in consequence of the source from which
it proceeded, does it not follow that the offence committed
against the majesty of the people, in the case of William
Morgan, should excite general interest. The members
of a wide spread association, whose principles and operations are studiously concealed from the public view; who
claim for their body high antiquity and distinguished renown; who assume imposing titles, and display the badges
of royalty, feeling themselves bound to preserve their own
institution from violation, have violated the majesty of the
laws, and trampled upon those fundamental principles, on
which are based our free institutions.
Your committee believe, that such an act, from such a
quarter, is to be regarded as more alarming in its character than a simple outrage, committed by the agents of a
foreign government.  It is much more easy to repel the
assaults of a foreign enemy, than to counteract the wiles
and machinations of a domestic foe. The security of our
free institutions, in a great measure, depends upon their
due estimation by those who enjoy their benefits. If our
honorable, learned, and influential citizens consider themselves bound to an invisible power, existing amongst us,
by stronger ties than their allegiance to that country
which so amply protects them  in the enjoyment of life
and liberty, and in the prosecution of those pursuits which
they deem essential to their happiness; if reckoning upon
the strength and influence of that power, and with a direct
view to its preservation, they venture upon the exercise
of the highest acts of sovereignty, thus contemning the
sovereign authority of this State, have we no just ground
for alarm?
Your committee are sensible that they have stated a
strong case, but have they stated a stronger one than is
detailed by Mr. Whiting, if we allow that he has not mistaken the true character of the transaction, and the motives of the actors in that sad tragedy?  What have they
alleged, that is not fully said by a faithful public officer,
who has had every opportunity to judge in this matter,
and whose relation to those concerned, precludes the idea
that he has misconstrued their motives? Well might the
16




182           OPINIONS ON FR-EEMASONRY.
distinguished public officer,* who now presides over the
other branch of the legislature, say, that those who perpetrated this outrage,' have disturbed the public peace,
have dared to raise their parricidal arms against the laws
and constitution of our government, and assumed a power
which is incompatible with a due subordination to the laws
and public authority of this State.'  Following up the
idea of the same distinguished individual, your committee
add that such attacks upon the sovereign power, of which
every citizen is a constituent member, should be resented
and guarded against.
Your committee believe that an idea has too long prevailed, that this is a trivial affair; and therefore they
have dwelt longer upon this branch of the subject tllhan
would otherwise have been necessary.  They forbear to
descant upon the reasons that have given currency to this
idea, and the cold indifference with which it has been regarded by a body of men whose members, for a series of
years, have filled a great proportion of the responsible stations in every department of the government.  The citizens of those counties where these outrages were perpetrated, when they discovered the intimate connexion between them and Freemasonry, expected that the members
and officers of that institution would have been foremost
in ferreting out the guilty individuals, and unwearied in
their exertions to wipe from its escutcheon so foul a stain.
It was certainly reasonable to suppose that an institution
laying claim to the greatest purity of principle, would l;ave
made liberal contributions of its funds and exertions, in
bringing to light this (lark, nefarious and alarming transaction; that at least they would have affixed some mark
of disapprobation upon those whose conduct was so criminal, and so directly calculated to bring their fraternity
into disrepute.  Your committee cannot learn, however,
that any such measures were deemed necessary by the
institution.  They cannot but think that this apparent
apathy solemnly admonishes us, as a people, to inquire
into its causes; and why is it that when members of this
society are frequently debarred from its privileges, for
offences which are not cognizable before our courts, the
perpetrators of these flagrant enormities should not be
* Judge Throop.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            183
considered guilty of "unmasonic conduct," and treated
accordingly. The inquiry naturally suggests itself, was
that confidence in the power and influence of their society
which led these men to the commission of such crimes,
such as the principles of that society warranted them in
entertaining; and was their construction of their miasonic
obligations that which is fairly inferable from the tenor of
those obligations?  The standing of these men in society
and with the craft; their numbers; their avowed motives,
with reference to this affair; and the treatment they have
received from their brethren, certainly justifies the presumption that they were not mistaken; and would, if we
had no other evidence, afford the strongest grounds for
suspicion.  But on this subject we are not left to conjecture. The principles and obligations of masonry are well
known to at least one member of your committee' and
they afford a complete solution to this inquiry.  Several
of the obligations, taken by members of this society, as
published by a convention of seceding masons, who were
led to an examination of the principles of the institution,
in consequence of the outrages conimitted in their neighborhood, were laid before t}he legislature at their last session, for the consideration of this house. These obligations
taken in connexion with those published by Morgan, (for
the authenticity of which we have evidence of the most
conclusive, as well as of the most painful kind,) too plainly
show the truly appalling fact, that those deluded men
whose hands are probably stained with a brother's blood,
though politically and morally wrong, were masonically
right.  This, in the view of your committee, is the most
distressing and alarming feature in the whole transaction.
To the sincere patriot, to every citizen, it affords matter
for grave reflection, that those men, some of whom have
seats in this house, and hold high and responsible stations,
should have calculated with so much confidence on being
shielded from public vengeance, although guilty of high
enormities, by the power and influence of a secret society.
Whether they supposed that this society afforded facilities
for the commission of crimes without the possibility of
detection, or whether they calculated on corrupting the
fountains of justice, the fact is equally interesting to eve



184           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONPRY.
ry lover of his country. Did these men suppose that masons in high stations would interpose the broad shield of
their authority to protect them in their high handed villany,
in their " preconicerted and deliberate " attack upon the
laws and constitution of their country? Did they suppose,
that witnesses and jurors, feeling themselves bound by
masonic obligations, would lose sight of their duty to their
country and their God? Your committee take no
pleasure in dwelling upon this subject; still it is one
which requires a thorough investigation.  A society of
men who meet in secret, embracing all ranks of life, comprising many men of talents, and a very large proportion
of those who hold high and responsible stations, is looked
up to with confidence by its intelligent and respectable
members, as affording a sure protection from the consequences of the most infamous and dangerous crimes.
Yet this society boasts of her charities, professes to teach
the most expansive benevolence, and carries in her public
processions the volume of inspiration. Why this confidence? How do they expect protection in such cases,
except by trampling under foot all that is dear to us as
freemen?
Whether the existence of such a society, holding her
meetings in secret places, guarding the entrance to her
conclaves with the instruments of death, binding her
votaries with such ties, affording them protection when in
difficulty, " right or wrong," regarding her own laws as
paramount to the laws of the land, is compatible with our
free institutions, should be taken into serious consideration. The subject addresses itself to our love of country
in the most imposing form; and however disagreeable it
may be, we should not shrink from the examination.
Your committee are aware, that any measures which
may be taken, with the view of removing this evil, will be
called intolerant. It will be said, that the society or sect
of Freemasons, are entitled to the same protection as
other associations for charitable purposes and mutual improvement. There can be no question but that Freernasons have a right to assemble and transact their business
in their own way, so long as their business is lawful, and
they in no way injure others, or endanger the State.
But that men may meet for any purpose, and form asso



OPIN\IO'S ON FRF,EMASONR.Y.        1 8
ciations whose tendency is to screen the guilty and sap
the foundations of civil liberty, is inconsistent with the
genius of our government.  Every government has the
right to provide for its own safety, and to prohibit any
thing that tends to its own subversion.  A government
without such right could be of no value to the community
that adopted it.
If Freemasonry has dangerous features, there can certainly be no doubt of the right of the legislature to require
those features to be expunged.  If it is, as its friends contend, merely an association to promote charity and social
intercourse, it has no occasion for such obnoxious oaths,
of a character so different from the real objects of the
institution.  Why such horrid penalties to enforce the
practice of such duties, and to eftect such objects?
Your committee cannot believe that the rights of any
citizen would be abridged by forbidding him to put himself under such obligations, or to partake in rites directly
calculated to corrupt the public morals. We have not
only a right to prohibit crime, but to prevent men from
binding themselves to its commission.
Your committee believe, that the institution of Freemasonry owes its dangerous character to its obligations
which are imposed as they are informed, upon noviciates,
without making known to them  their nature.  Destitute
of their sanctions, and the bond of union they produce,
(the sure consequence of the barbarous penalties that are
interwoven into their texture,) it would lose its mischierous tendency, and be completely shorn of its locks.  Its
boasted cement, which owes its influence to one of the
strongest, though not the noblest, passions of the human
heart, would lose its power; and the mighty edifice that
affects to defy the " world in arms " would fall by its own
weight. If Freemasons are tenacious of their ornaments,
badges, and vestments, let them continue to use them,
and to display them in public, if it will afford them any
amusement or pleasure.  But certainly it is asking too
much of this community to require us to tolerate them in
the use of oaths which tend directly to sap the foundations
of our free institutions, and to subvert the citadel of
liberty.
Your committee believe that the passage of a law, pro16*




186           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
hibiting the administration of extra judicial oaths, would
produce many salutary results, disconnected with the
masonic institution.  The committee, who, at the last
session, reported the bill to prevent the administration of
such oaths, say, with great force and justice, that " the frequent unauthorized and irreverent administration of oaths
has a powerful influence to destroy that religious sensibility to their nature, and that scrupulous and conscientious
regard to all their requirements, which alone entitle them
to confidence. Great and enlightened men have, with
one accord, condemned the multiplication of oaths, with
or without the sanction of law, as immoral and impolitic."
If such remarks are correct with respect to oaths administered in the usual form, what shall we say of those presented to the consideration of the house, and which are
said to be taken under circumstances of peculiar degradation'! It must be perfectly obvious to every one, who
will make himself acquainted with their nature and provisions, that they must frequently put it in the power of
men, desperate in principle and depraved in morals, to
exercise a commanding influence over men of pure principles and upright intentions; that not unfrequently the
virtuous citizen finds his known duties clashing with his
masonic obligations. Cases must frequently occur which
require a conscientious individual, either to disregard an
oath imposed by the authority of his country, or one he
has taken in a masonic assembly. Cases so distressing
and embarrassing should always be prevented if practicable, as they serve to ensnare the conscience, to blunt the
moral sense, and weaken the security which is sought to
be obtained by requiring the confirmation of an oath.
Your committee forbear to enlarge upon the case with
which an institution, constituted as Freemasonry is,
might aftect our elections and keep its influence out of
sight.  The citizens of the western counties, when their
attention was called to the subject, by the strange transactions which took place amongst them, were surprised
to find that nearly every high judicial and ministerial station, in that section of the State, was filled by members of
the order.  In fact they almost literally filled "every
department of the government."  It should also be remembered, that one of its votaries has asserted, when




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           187
speaking in the name of his brethren, on a public anniversary, (and whose boastings, not altogether idle, perhaps,
have been extensively circulated in masonic newspapers
and publications,) that "masonry has the power of cooperating in the desk, in the legislative hall, on the bench,
in every gathering of men of business, in every party of
pleasure, in every enterprise of government, in every domestic circle, in peace and in war, among its enemies
and friends, and in one place as well as another." This
idea of masonic influence, it will be seen, accords with
that " confidence," to which an able and faithful officer
of the government ascribes the untimely fate of the unhappy Morgan.
In directing their inquiries towards that part of the
subject which has relation to the legislation that may be
necessary in reference to this subject, your committee
have deemed two things important: first, to provide for
the detection and punishment of those who committed the
outrage, and then to guard against similar offences.
Taking into consideration the circumstances of the case,
your committee are persuaded that the act of April 15th,
1828, should be continued in force. The reasons given
by Mr. Whiting for the adoption of such a course are,
with them, conclusive.
In order that the subject may be fully investigated, it
may be necessary to make some provision for those witnesses who are required to attend the courts in distant
counties. The frequent delays that have occurred, in the
legal proceedings that have been had, have rendered it
extremely burdensome on those witnesses who have been
called to a considerable distance from their homes. Mr.
Moseley recommends that provision should be made for
their relief, and your committee, believing that it would
promote the ends of justice, by preventing the difficulty
of procuring testimony, have incorporated a provision to
that effect, into a bill which they ask leave to introduce,
to continue in force the act entitled " An act to provide
for the employment of counsel for the purposes therein
mentioned."
They also ask leave to introduce a bill to prevent the
administration of extra judicial oaths.
lfThe subject referred to your committee, being one of




183           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
first impression and of vast importance, they do not feel
fully prepared, at present, to say what legislation may be
necessary, in relation to its full developement, and the
furtherance of justice.  They do not, therefore, ask to be
discharged from the further consideration of the subject,
but wish to be indulged with further time for reflection,
on the measures which should be devised for the more
effectual investigation of the outrages committed on the
person of Morgan, and to provide against the recurrence
of events, so alarming in their character, so destructive of
the peace of society, and the safety of its members.
A. HAZELTINE, Chairman.
REPORT
On the AbdzwLtion of William llIorsan.-Made to the Senate, (New York,)
Feb. 14. 1829.
THE select committee, to whom was referred so much
of the governor's message as relates to the abduction of
William Morgan, and the proceedings under the law of
the last session upon that subject, beg leave respectfully
to report in part:
That they have attentively examined the message of
the Executive, of March 18, 1828, and the law appointing a commissioner, which was thereupon enacted; as
also the recent message of the present governor referring
to the same subject.  They have also perused with espe..
cial care, the report of the commissioner, which is to be
presumed a fair and correct statement of what has -been
transacted by him, during the laborious duties of the last
ten months; they cannot nevertheless abstain from expressing their surprise at the meagre character of the
commissioners' report, when they call to mind that the
first duty specified in the law creating that office was
"to institute inquiries concerning William  Morgan and
his fate subsequently, and all the incidents connected
therewith."  That the report, coming as it does from a
man of reputation, and high official standing, should be




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.          189
thus jejune and bare of incident, confirms an opinion
long entertained by individuals composing the committee,
that all those criminal transactions, whenever an attempt
should be officially made to bring them to light, would
fiom causes of a peculiar character, be shrouded in a veil
of impenetrable darkness.
Your committee have come to the deliberate conclusion, that the evils intended to be remedied by the legislation of 1828, were not at that period fully understood;
that their character was misconceived, and their importance underrated. That legislation seems to have been
based upon the supposition, that the administration of
justice was feebly dispensed, in the western section of
the State, and that the deputation of a special counsellor
or attorney, to give it tone and energy, was alone sufficient to remedy the evils complained of by the people.
However much the appointment of such a commissioner
might in different ways expedite and facilitate the trials
growing out of the fate of Morgan, still such commissioner
has been, and will hereafter be powerless, in bringing to
merited justice the guilty individuals, who have been
chiefly concerned in the transactions, that have so much
disturbed and afflicted the community. In the judgment
of the committee, the past evils cannot now be reached by
any legislation within the range of our constitutional
powers, and it is their opinion that remedial enactments
having regard to the recurrence of similar evils, ought
chiefly at this time to attract the attention of the Senate.
To entitle this opinion to its just weight, some of the
reasons which have led to its adoption will be briefly stated.
At no period since the revolution, has the public mind
been so severely agitated as by the abduction and subsequent unhappy fate of William Morgan. The great moral
shock has been felt with few exceptions, by people of
every age, sex and condition. The high-handed violation of law, the great number concerned, the cheerless
and desolate condition of his bereaved wife and children,
the uncertainty that for a while attended the whole affair,
were all calculated to arouse the public mind to an unexampled state of sympathy, indignation and abhorrence.
But these passions, although intense at that period, are




190           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
in their nature evanescent, and before this time, would
have spent their force, had not the attempt to bring the
offenders to the bar of justice, produced a developement
of facts, circumstances and principles as lasting in their
effects as the love of liberty in man.
The committee think it proper to observe that a just
regard for the wishes and feelings of their constituents,
and the other requirements which grow out of the occasion, will compel them to lay aside all that delicacy in
treating this subject, which is incompatible with a just
and manly discharge of their duty-and reluctant as they
are to give just cause of offence to any man, they feel
themselves compelled to designate classes of men by the
names they have seen fit to adopt, and to animadvert
freely upon their conduct, when such animadversion
comes within the legitimate scope of their duties.
The people of this State are distinguished by their attachment to a pure administration of justice as connected
with the trial by jury-by their love of self-government,
and by their aversion to every thing which directly or indirectly tends to thwart the operation of the democratic
principles, which are the basis of our political compact.
They are distinguished by their jealousy of powerful and
talented men, and especially of the combinations of such
men for purposes either unknown, or known to affect improperly, the even and healthful current of our political
affairs.  They have learned that concentration of feeling,
of interest and of effort, are to the moral and political,
what the lever and the screw are, to the mechanical powers, and they dread their operation.
The order of the Jesuits, whose discipline secured
unity of design and secrecy in action-which used the
solemn sanctions of the most high God, to subserve purposes the most selfish and profane, presented to the 16th
century a moral power greater than the world had ever
known.  It penetrated with the silence and certainty of
fate, the secrets of every Court in Europe, and subjugated, without the force of arms, one half the continent of
America to the dominion of the Pope. This order has
been crushed, but within the last 120 years another has
arisen-the society of free and accepted masons.
This institution, professing to be of ancient and even




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            191
of divine origin, adopting sanctions similar to those of the
order of the Jesuits, and commanding a secrecy still more
profound, have recently made demonstrations of a power,
astonishing in its effects upon the social and political
compact, and of a character such as the friends of free
institutions cannot fail to deplore.
The powers manifested by the masonic institution which
may have been exercised in its unlawful restraints of human liberty, or pretended jurisdiction over human life,
are not now so much the occasion of alarm, as its fearful
moral influence, exerted upon the public press, and its
facility in controling results in the tribunals of justice.
The public feeling at the West, which has borne the ridicule and sarcasm of those interested in quelling it, is not,
as they would have it believed, the mere animal sensation
indicated by brutes, whose bellowing marks the spot where
some victim has been slaughtered;-but is the result of
sober, calculating reflection, looking to causes and their
consequences; to existing evils and the remedies to be
applied; to posterity, and not the present generation
alone. The life of one man, or even a thousand, in a
republic consisting of 12,000,000 of inhabitants, politically considered, is of but little moment.  But that the
streams of justice should flow pure and uncontaminated,
is matter of infinite concern not only to the people of the
West, but to the whole State; not only to the State, but
the Union.
But they have lost the confidence they formerly repos-~
ed, in the tribunals of justice. They believe that masonry
exerts its influence, in civil, as well as criminal cases; in
arbitrations, references, and in trials by jury, before justices of the peace, as well as in the higher courts.  Formerly from one half to two thirds of their justices belonged to the fraternity of masons-now not one in twenty
are initiated; and this change has been chiefly produced
by their entire conviction of the fact that masonry pervades and influences the courts of justice.
During what have been called the Morgan trials, and
other civil cases which owe their origin to his abduction
and subsequent fate, the people have crowded the courts
of justice to overflowing. They have watched the deportment of masonic witnesses upon the stand; some of




192           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
whom, of good repute in society, have sworn to facts,
which in the opinion of by-standers, were not credited
by a single one of the hundreds of persons who were present. It is believed that grand juries, a majority of whom
were masons, have omitted to find bills of indictment
when there was proof before them of outrages, not surpassed in grossness and indecency, by any committed in
the country since its first settlement.  Those outrages
were committed upon a mason, who had been in the daily
habit of exposing in lectures, what were once called the
secrets of masonry. Grand jurymen have said while assembled for the discharge of their duties, and when it
was apprehended their masonic brethren would be implicated, " we must not let our brethren suffer."  In a case
of recent occurrence, a defendant who had been sued by
a mason, not willing to have his case tried by masonic
jurymen, challenged them; stating to the court his readiness to prove the character of the masonic oaths, and to
show that the obligations assumed by them were of a description, unfitting them to sit in judgment between the
parties; and of such a nature as to disqualify them in
point of law. With the assent of the circuit judge, the
masonic jurymen left the box, and the trial proceeded.
The counsel for the defendant, entertained no doubt, upon the law and the facts lie could prove, that the challanges were well taken.
The committee might multiply cases of this description, but they are omitted for others of more public notoriety, and tending to the same point.-The case of Col.
King, is one fully known to the public, and partly from
information contained in his newspaper communications.
The committee therefore recur to it, the more readily,
but without any intention of expressing an opinion of his
innocence or guilt.  He had been suspected of having
had a concern in some of the transactions affecting William  Morgan.  He went to Washington in the fall or
winter of 19S26-7; applied for public employment, and
obtained, with the assistance of some of his masonic
friends, the place of Sutler to the United States' troops in
the territory of Arkansas. The suspicions resting upon
the public mind in regard to him increased: and Messrs.
Garlinghouse and Bates were despatched by the Gover



OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.              193
nor of this State for the purpose of arresting him, and perhaps some others who were supposed to be fugitives friom-n
justice.  They ascertained that King was at cantonment
Towson, and procured an order from the Secretary of
WVar, to the commander to surrender him forthw:ith!.
The fruit of this sovereign exercise of tlhe State and
United States power, in procuring thle return of this hunible sutler to answer in the courts of thlis State ifr the
misdemeanors charged upon him, wa's I)reeisy suc         s
mighlt have been anticipated upon the suipp3pit:llo that
the obligations of masons to each other, are Sticl as thiey
undoubtedly must be, upon the proof that has been presented to the public.  Boulnd to protect each othler by
the tenor of obligations in their view  of hi:nrlher import
than those they ow.re to the Ststc or country wiicll gives
them protectior, —tLhe officer of0 thle 1For t, instead of l obeying the order of the Secretary of War, notified Kiimnr of Iis
danger; and Garlinulghouse andt Bates soon found by the
escape of Kinf, that thleir labors, arduous as they had
been, were defeated by the machlinations of I snlso! l'y.
The annals of criminal jurisprudence furnisl no parallel in many respects to the case of WVilliaim T1lorgan.
The majesty of the laws and the povwers of miasonry hlave
been brought into conflict.  Wihat mnay be tile result of
the mighty struggle none can tell.  But thle events of the
two last years during which tihe cofiict has been maintained, induce the belief that -masonry xwill be victo rious.
The history of Morgan's fate is short and sinpile: On the
11th day of September, It%, lie  vas taken by several
masons in broad day, by force, fron the vildae of Bato -
via to Canandaigiua, a distance ofj 59 miles, andk there upon a process originated for the occasion, confined ill jail.
While on his way fromn  Batavia, one of his kidnappers
who had him in charge, said wvith an oath, Mortanl should
not be taken from him alive.  After a short confinement
in the prison at Canandaigua, lie was taken out on Sunday the l2th, at evening, and amidst his distressing   cries
of murder, was forced into a post coach.  I-e was then
driven through a densely populated country, 110 miles to
the United States Fort, on the Niagara river, and tlere
confined.  The horses and coaches used in conveying
him from  Canandaigua, were owned or procured by ma17




194           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
sons. And the owner of a livery stable kept at Rochester, who at that time and now is a royal arch mason, actually charged the Grand Chapter for the use of his
coaches and horses to Lewiston. Pains were taken to
obtain masonic drivers. The last driver, however, accidentally was not a mason. It was Corydon Fox. He
drove the prisoner, attended by three masons to the graveyard, about 80 rods distant from the Fort, and was directed to halt. The party dismounted, and Fox was told
to return to Lewiston.  This was in the night time.
Shortly after Fox made some observations about his trip
to the Fort, which excited fears in the minds of the
brotherhood, and within a short period, a special lodge
was called, and Fox was initiated as a member of it. An
unusual number of masons were at Lewiston, and in the
vicinity of the Fort, during the three or four days of Morgan's confinement there, and nightly visited the Fort.
The sufferings of Morgan were probably terminated on
the night of the 18th of September, 1S26.
Morgan was fifty years old; in point of talents and
manners was above mediocrity —had fought in the defence
his country at the battle of New-Orleans, and immediately preceding his abduction from Batavia had unfortunately for himself and family been concerned in writing
a book upon masonry, disclosing its usages, oaths and
obligations.
It has been fully established by the testimony in the
various trials that have been had, that a great number of
masons have been directly or indirectly concerned in the
abduction and subsequent fate of Morgan. But notwithstanding the publicity of this transaction arising from the
great number necessarily concerned in it-notwithstanding the thousands of dollars offered as rewards by the executive of this State, as well as the governor of Canada,
to those who would give information of his fate, and the
thousands contributed and expended by humane and patriotic citizens to ferret out the iniquity; and notwithstanding too, a commissioner has been sent by the legislature, to add his talents and industry to that of the courts
in the country, still no record tells us whose hands have
been stained with the blood of this masonic victim.
The committee assume the fact, that the life of Mor



OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           195
gan has been destroyed; they are compelled to do so,
from the irresistible weight of circumstances tending to
fortify that conviction. The love of gold, incited by the
great rewards which have been offered; the love of character stimulating individuals implicated, and indeed the
fair fame of whole classes of men reproachfully assailed;
the fear of punishment operating on the agents more immediately concerned; and in fact every consideration,
that should influence men, pressed them to a re-deliverance of MIorgan to his friends and to society, if it had
been possible for them to do so. The people of the western counties, fully aware of the leading circumstances of
this transaction, and having had more than two years for
inquiry and reflection, have arrived to the decision with
unexampled unanimity, that this man has become a victim and a sacrifice.
It is conceded that the facts herein detailed to show
the interference of masonry in the administration of justice, come chiefly under the head of circumstantial evidence-of its weight and conclusiveness, the Senate will
judge; but it is entirely certain that it fully justifies the
opinion of the commissioner, Daniel Moseley, Esq., expressed in a paragraph of his report to the Senate, in
which he states that, "as to his fate subsequently thereto,
it is not yet developed, nor can it be anticipated with
much confidence, to be judicially determined by any tribunal over which men have control."
The committee will now proceed to remark upon other
evidence which has come to their knowledge, in reference
to the subject before them, of a different but highly alarming character, and calculated more directly to impress
upon the Senate the necessity of ulterior legislation.
Many masons at the west, whose feelings had been aroused by the enormities of the institution committed in that
quarter, learned from witnessing the temper of the people,
that they should be protected in any infractions of its
laws. They were satisfied beyond controversy, that the
strange oaths of an institution, governed by iniquitous
principles, and used for evil, and sometimes for murderous
purposes, ought in no respect to bind the consciences or
conduct of those, who had imprudently taken them.
They saw the absurdity of supposing that any human




193             OPINIIONS ON FREEMlASONRY.
besing could be bound by an oath appealing to the Suiren'.le Rin r, wlhen that very oath enjoined an obligation
to e(o tia't, wliici is i opposition to the laws of both God
ald:nan.'['lhy Inualy assembled at Le'Roy in conventionu, ol th1e'lVIih of February, 1 S2"S, and frankly and
truiy state(l to the world, the substance of the imiasonic
oat l, and o'!,li a totio'.l
vJe-eral ofi tlose r;asons who have seceded firom  the
ilstitutnion, are personally known to a majority of the
co 0lnnit ee, a;d(l tty deeom it proper to ass;ire the Senate,
t}lht t]iey arm men of stiadi;zilc, in tthe comm-lunity, wvhose
cila *ct ser   r veaciity aie beyond the reach of calumnily.;,:           5
In the remars  wxic ll Htis Excellency has been pleased
to -'ale,  ill is neSa- Zre to the  legislature, in regar' l  to
t!ie aluducti  nl of tWillialmn'lorgan, andi the excited state
of puvli i r f'elinnq consequent upon it, the committee have
o.serveOd,  not vitihout sensibility, tlhat just appreciation of'
tie purity andl intelligence of the western population of
tle State, which (distinctly commands our acknowledgelents.  This merited euioium  from so hicgh a source, is'oulily wvelcome at t a period when the opposers of masonry
at te'ie vest have been nearly overwhelmed by the torrent
of nmlsJrel)resentatio:a,, reproach, and ridicule, heaped upon
tlenit  without Dmeasure, by the friends of that institution,
i all  patrts of the State and country.  In this condition
tt;ey'have su1stained tlhemselves, and triumphantly too, by
tlhe force of tleir own moral feeling, arid without the
ordinary means of defence.'rTe  public press, that
mighty enine for ~rood or for evil, has been, with a few
amost honorable excepticns, as silent as the grave.  This
self proclai-led sentinel of freedom, has felt the force of
mnasonic intluence, or has been smitten with the rod of its
power.  His Excellency fuirther observes in that part of
the message referred to the committee, and in relation to
the public feeling aroused at the west, that " it would not
be extraordinary if attempts should be made to pervert
this honest indignation of the people to selfish and sinister purposes.  But the character of those who really feel
what they profess upon this subject, affords the best security that the success of such unworthy schemes, cannot
be great, or of long duration."




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            197
In ascertaining the meaning of this paragraph, the
committee have not deemed it proper or expedient to go
beyond the plain and obvious import of its terms.  Any
different sense, arising from a different sort of construction, would be gladly avoided, inasmuch as its adoption
by the committee, would at once put them in the attitude
of entire disagreement with His Excellency, and render
it doubtfuil whether the message in this part of it, manifested that high regard for dignity of station, which is
due from every officer of the government.
Nothing is more proper than that all republican legislation should be characterized by the highest degree of
frankness and simplicity; and under the guidance of this
spirit, we take the liberty to re-assure the Senate, that
the committee entirely concur in the opinion expressed
by His Excellency, in the paragraph quoted above. The
political movements at the west, to which His Excellency
no doubt alludes, have been characterized thus far, and
we trust that they will be hereafter, by a great devotion
to principle, and activity and firmness in the pursuit of
the objects they have proposed. They have proceeded so
immediately from the bosom of the people, that the ordinary restraints of parties and their discipline, together
with the efforts of those politicians, who have heretofore
influenced public opinion, have been laid aside and regarded with utter indifference. Satisfied beyond all question, that the evils inflicted on the State and country, by
secret, self created societies, were a thousand fold greater
than any that for many years past had been conjured up
by the devices of cunning politicians, the people have
sought with wonderful unity of design, of principle, and
of effort, to destroy, by the peaceful exercise of their
rights at the polls, the existence of the masonic, as well
as all other secret associations.
The wisest and best men among them, who have
neither held nor desired office, have not been able to discover any better, or indeed any other, mode of effecting
this most interesting object. This peaceful mode of overthrowing an institution of such amazing power, by withholding political support from all its members indiscriminately, until they shall sunder their obligations to that institution, and to each other, and return with us upon
17*




198            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.equal footing into the social compact, furnishes, perh.aps,
one of the highest illustrations of the inherent energy and
excellence of our republican form  of government, that
has ever been presented.  The Autocrat of all the RusSias has exerted the force of his edicts against masonry,
but without having been able to extirpate it from his dominions.  Its existence is suffered in Great Britain, but a
memlber of the Royal family is always at the head of' the
institution, ready to repress any attempt affectingo the
governmient.  In France,  no lodges are allowed to sit,
without an agent of the government to watch their proceedings; and in Spain, the meeting of the members of
a lodge to admit, and actually admitting a new member,
is imadle felony of death.  But in this free country, to
effect similar objects, no cruel punishments, no governmental force, no state surveillance, is at all necessary.
HIere, every citizen exercises a portion of the state and
national sovereiglnty,  and if this is done with a faithful
regard to his own initerest and that of his posterity, by
witlhhioldtirl   ttiat, wvich no one has a rirlht to demand,.
the great object will be effected.  Legislation therefore,
brougilt to bear inimediately and directly upon the existence of tihe institution, if such could be exerted in confoimity withl tie spirit 1of tl:e constitution, as expounded
by a majority, nil,;ht, nevertheless,   be considered as a
measure of dout tful expediency;  but that legislative
enactments, of' soImewhat diffirent character, and more
prospective in tieir operatiol, oughlt to be adopted, seems
evident from the fearful relation in wvhich the masonic institution stands, in reference to the rest of the community.
Th'liere are inow in this State, as appears by a late, and
it is believed accurate, enumeration, more than 500t
lodges of Freemasons, and about one hundred chapters.
These lodges and cliapters have a probable average of 6(
members.  The wxhole numsber of masons then, cannot
be less than 30,000; and these are scattered, in pretty
nearly equal portions, throughout the whole population of
the State.
The efficiency of such a body, and so located, none
will doubt.  Controlling as it does common funds, and
possessing the advantages of secrecy and activity almost
unexampled; using the language of signs, and a charac



OPINIONS ON FREEIMASONRY.            199
ter for a written language; its members bound by the
most solemn obligations to God and their brethren, they
can surmount all difficulties.   These men can effect
every thing within the compass of human effort.  If the
order were to exert itself in aid of charitable objects, not
an individual in the State could be either hungry or
naked; want would be a stranger in our borders; and
vast funds would still remain unexpended.  If their zeal
and industry were turned to the occult sciences, to which
theyhave professed a devotion, the driest and most abstruse problelns of the geometricians, the algebraists and
the astronomers, would, long before this, have been as
familiar to us all, as the road to market.  But if unmindful of charitable objects, and neglecting the pursuit of
the arts and sciences, which they have professed as their
leading measures, they should like the rest of mankind,
be tempted by the allurements of povw er, to make an effort
to acquire it; all will confess, they must be irresistible,
so long as the people remained ignorant of their secret
designs.  Nothinig but a belief or klnowledge of those
design1s, and public opinion brought to bear upon them at
the ballot boxes, in countervailing measures, would at all
check this otherwvise resistless power.
The opposers of masonry at the west, entertain no
doubt that this institution was originally intended, and is
now kept up, for the sole purpose of securing to its members, unjust advantages over their fellow citizens, in the
various concerns of' life, but chiefly with the view of facilitating their acquisition of political power.  To change
this opinion of our western population, is utterly impossible.  It is fortified by their own observation.  Their masonic neighbors confirm  it, by talking with freedom  of
their principles an(l practices, until they become as familiar to them, as the highway act, or the act regulating
common schools.  But if they still doubted, they have
only to call to mind that when they undertook the great
work of reform, three-fourths of all the offices in the
country, were filled with members of that institution.
The operating causes, in producing the success or defeat
of a particular candidate, are not always of easy discovery.  But when for a long series of years a large proportion of political and public employment, is in the hands




200            OPINION-S ON FREEMASON-RY.
Of any given order of men, it is natural that suspicions
should be entertained, that every thing is not right; and
when the disproportion of offices held by the members of
that order, becomes extravagant and enormous, and continued through a long period of time, notwithstanding the
revolutions of political power, then suspicion yields to
the moral certainty, that there is a principle of evil in
operation of fearful and dangerous import.
At the annual election last fall, 270,000 votes were
given in this State.  If the computation that we have
30,000 masons is correct, they will amount to one-ninth
part of our voting population, and are of course entitled
upon the principle of numbers, to one-ninth part of all
offices.  If it should be granted, that the members of the
order, have double the talent, and fitness, in proportion to
their numbers, they even then, would not be entitled to
one-fourth of the power of the State, and yet they have
held for years, three-fourths, or very near it.  Supposing
them to possess on the average no higher qualifications
than the rest of the community, which is presumed to be
correct, with the exception of that practised talent and
facility in business, arising from the actual possession of
so great a share of official power, it then becomes a
mathematical certainty, that if they hold only two-thirds
of all places of power and trust, in the State, their proportion is precisely six times greater than it ought to be,
upon the just principle of equality. The state of things
here presented, astonishing, and conclusive, as it may appear to some, is, after all, not surprising when the obligation of the higher order of masons to each other is properly considered and understood. One of their oaths explains the whole matter, and renders the existence of masonic political action, not only certain, but proves beyond
the shadow of a doubt, that such action is obligatory on
all those masons, who give to the oath a binding force.
To all these high charges, tending so strongly to inculpate and disgrace the masonic institution, no defence has
been offered, at all satisfactory to the undertaking.  It is
true the question is sometimes asked, and with much
plausibility, is it possible, if the institution is as corrupt
and wicked as has been represented, that distinguished
and meritorious men, and many such are admitted to be




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            201
members, would continue parties to such a nefarious compact?  To this it is answered, that masonry, in the day
of its power, allowed none of its members to recede and
express their opinlion of its principles and practices, without exposin(g themselves to punishment, more horrid and
inhuman, than anv known to the criminal codes of the
civilized world.  That there are virtuous and excellent
men who belong to the institution, can be doubted by
none of us, who looli around unon the circle of our relatives, friends andl acquaintances.  How this fact is compatible wvith the opinion we maintain, of the character of
the institution, neither time, nor the occasion, will permit
us to explain.  But now when masonry totters in doubtful
empire; wvhen her countenance is blanched with fear;
when the rod of her power is broken, and she no longer
dares inflict the punishments of her inhuman code, it is
believed those tmen vwill feel that they have a duty to perform, of great moment  to themselves, to posterity, and
their country.
The committee hlave now laid before the Senate, in a
plain and simple manner, some of the principal reasons
which have produced a conviction upon the minds of the
western population, that masonry meddles in the administration of justice, and is subversive of the republican
equality, guaranteed by the constitutions of the State and
Union.  in doing this, they trust they have not been led
beyond the limits of parliamentary usage, by discussing
subjects not referred to thnem, or others not german to
those topics, which it became their duty to consider.
They have carefully abstained from examining the influence of masonry, whether it be deleterious or otherwise to those social and moral relations, which so vitally
affect the prosperity and happiness of mankind.  They
have avoided also, any inquiry into the nature and amount
of its influence, over the religious feelings and propensities of the members of that institution.  These matters,
however intensely they may interest the moralist and
theologian, are beyond the reach of legislation, and therefore, are not, in the opinion of the committee, proper topics for their discussion.
The committee are sanguine in their hopes that the
Senate will think it expedient, from the views of the sub



202           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
ject herewith presented, to adopt farther legislative measures for the special protection of the rights and liberties
of the citizens of this State, against the secret and insiduous encroachments of a selficreated society, to which
they have had occasion so often to allude.  A declaratory
and remedial law, by its terms preventing a reputed mason officiating as juryman, in any case where either party
belongs to the fraternity, while the other is not a member,
might do much in quieting the apprehensions of those opposed to secret societies.  And although no doubt is entertained, that the principles of common law, would without alteration, exclude a mason, in such circumstances
from acting as juryman, yet the difficulty of procuring,
upon the urgency of the occasion, the full legal proof that
the juryman proposed is actually a mason, when such is
the fact; together with the further difficulty of proving, at
all times, the nature and character of the masonic obligations, is so great, that the lasw as it now stands, affords
but little relief against the evil it is intended to remedy.
That the oaths are of such a character and tendency
as to require the interposition of penal laws, to prevent
their future administration, is obvious from every consideration that should influence a republican legislature.
The English Stat. 37, George III., Chap. 123, contains some provisions in regard to oaths of this description and tendency, which might perhaps with great propriety be engrafied into our statute book. The 1st section, among other things provides, " that any person who
administers or causes to be administered any oath, whereby another becomes obliged to obey any orders or commands of any committee or body of men, not lawfully
constituted, or of any leader or commander, or other person, not having authority by law for that purpose; or not
to inform or give evidence against any such associate,
confederate or other person, or not to reveal or discover
any unlawful combination, or not to reveal or discover
any illegal oath or other engagement which may have
been administered or tendered to, or taken by such person, or by any other person, or the import of any such an
oath or engagement, shall on conviction be adjudged




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            203
guilty of felony, and may be transported for not exceeding seven years."
While the committee observe in this otherwise wholesome statute, some of those severities which mark the
character of British penal legislation, and which ought
always to be avoided, they cannot abstain from expressing their entire conviction, that if like so many other
British statutes, which we have adopted as our law, it had
been re-enacted in this State ten years since, the immolation of Morgan, with all its afflicting incidents, would
never have happened, to arouse the sensibility and indignation of the people of this State.
But the committee have abstained from reporting, at
this time, any bills embracing either of the objects to
which they have alluded. They cannot now be apprised,
from the recently deran(ed and morbid condition of the
public press, and other causes, what is the state of information, and of opinion of gentlemen of the Senate, upon
this new presentment of an unusual subject of legislation.
They are not aware how the whole subject matter of the
report, they have now the honor to submit, will be appreciated. They are duly sensible of the importance of the
subject, and that it is one of new impression, and are
therefore inclined, in this stage of their labors, to ask
respectfully, the further direction of the Senate.  With
this view, they submit the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the select committee to whom was referred so much of the governor's message, as relates to
the abduction of William Morgan, and the proceedings
under the law of last session upon that subject, be instructed to report a detailed statement of the evidence
they may now  possess, or may hereafter obtain, confirming the leading opinions, and principal facts, contained in
their report presented the 14th day of February instant.
Resolved, That said committee be provisionally instructed to report to the Senate, a bill or bills to carry into effect the objects specified in said report of the 14th
day of February instant, to be acted upon, in case the
facts to be reported shall, in the opinion of the Senate,
be sufficiently confirmed.
M. HAYDEN, Chairman.




204             OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
AN ADDRESS
Delivered at Lyons, N. Y. Sept.  lthl, 1329, in commemoration of the outragcs
colmmitted on that clay, and subsequently, on IVilliam _IorcOal,% aLnd other
citizens, by Freeimasons, exhibitiono tChe criminal conduct of the fraternity;
and containing- Cat expositioTn of the true principles of A~nti-Lmasonry. By
Myron HIolley.
FELLOW  CI'rIZENS:-We are now assembled, to"'consider and commemorate facts and principles which we
deem vitally hostile to the great interests of our country.
These facts are of recent occurrence, and the principles have beeni gradually disclosed  by examining into
thle nature, tendency, and oririn of the facts.  Together,
they constitute an unparalleled  emergcenmcy  in our national experience; and while they challenge our best
faculties of reflection and judgment, they should be canvassed in the spirit of' universal good  will, and  with
becoming  moderation.  In  proportion to the weight of
responsibility cast upon us, in every case, should be the
impartiality and completeness of our deliberation, the
singlenesss of our motive, the firmness of our decision,
and the perseverance of our resolution.
In the summer and fall of ISGt, a train of events transpired, in  this  community, oppressive, criminal, and
alarming-involving the most atrocious violation of private
and public right.  Of these events it is impossible to give
a minute detail in this address.  That can never be done
fully  and  adequately, till a festering consciousness of
grievous wrong, and- a brave devotion to truth, shall untie
the tongue of Freemasonry.  The events alluded to are
known to have included successful abuse of the forms of
law, treachery to earnest professions of friendship, cruel
slander, conspiracy, robbery, arson, kidnapping and murder.  And, shocking as these outrages were, to the moral
sense of an enlightened  people, they would, probably,
have been punished, lamented, and forgotten, like many
other enormous offences, had it not been for the very extraordinary  circumstances  following their commission,
and attending all attempts lawfully to investigate thern.
No sooner had the feeble cry of those, who suffered
from them and yet lived, begun to reach the general ear,
than intelligent and respected men, were found adroitly




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             205
engaged in practising the arts best calculated to disguise
their character, and, as far as possible, to conceal them.
The victims were represented as infaimous, and unworthy
of sympathy, if they did suffer.  But their sufferings were
denied, and the rumors of crime, which it was found impossible to hush, were imputed to them  as fraudulent
inventions which they had originated and imposed upon
the public, for pecuniary objects.
These arts were partially successful.  The whole community, for awhllile, yielded to them. Many ind(ividuals are
still under the delusions, which they produced.  But all
are not.  The sagacity  and habitual inquisitiveness of
some of our fellow citizens soon enabled theim to discover
irresistible evidence, that foul deeds liad been committed.
And entertaining the generous symr)athies of freemen, with
an enliIghtened conviction, that the safety of all depends
upon tile protection of each, they called public meetings,
in several places, at which commrrittees of inquiry were
raised to aid the operation of our legal authorities, in detecting the criminals.
With the exertions of these committees, patriotic and
public spirited as they were, commenced those disclosures,
which have justly filled our country with alarm.  The
crimes had been committed by Freemasons.  Freemasons
were endleavoring to conceal them.  Forgetting all the
obligations of self respect, of civil duty, of social benevolence, of morality, of religion,  Freemasons of extensive
information, wealth, and reputation-men, who had possessed largely the honors and confidence of their unsuspecting country, were found to have been consulted on the
subject of these crimes before they were committed, and
individually and collectively to have sanctioned  them;
and this, not casually, ignorantly, or inadvertently, but
after months of deliberation and frequent counsel.  Considering the nature of these enormities, the means employed, and the restraints which were broken through, in
their perpetration, such dangerous outrages upon the principles of liberty, were never attempted before, since the
commencement of regulated associations. No human ingenuity could array before you all their evil consequences.
We have a government to which we cannot be too
strongly attached. The privilege of establishing it was
18




206           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
obtained through trials, sufferings and achievements,
which have secured to our sage and heroic fathers, imperishable renown.  Its principles have been combined with
the mrost considerate wisdom.  And if its administration
has not been perfect, it has been conducted with unequalled virtue and success.  Under its benignant influence,
religious and civil freedom, were multiplying, extending,
and securing all their benefits.  Its power to withstand
the seduction and defeat the assaults of foreign governmnents, has been severely, but triumphantly exemplified.
Its reputation abroad is honorable; and its example every
year becoming more attractive.  It is rapidly preparing
the public opinion of the world, for the general introduction and enjoyment of freedom.
Why is our government so effective for good?  Why
does it attract the grateful regard of all our enlightened
fellow citizens, and the admiration of every independent
mind? Because it was instituted by the whole people,
and not by a part of them only; for the protection of the
rights of all, and not for the protection of the rights of a
part merely. Because, while it presents no impediment
to the useful exertions of aniy, it encourages the honest
and strenuous efforts of all, by offering its rewards to
merit an(d to merit onlit.  Because it intends to secure the
safety of all, by enforcing, universally, and without partiality, its penalties, upon all offenders-and because its
agents are responsible, its proceedings are public, and it
is friee. Religion, knowledge, charity, are its open friends,
the pillars of its strength, the objects of its veneration.
It delights in every exercise of benevolence, in every discovery of science, in all the advances of piety. It is irnpossible to name any attainable good, the pursuit of which,
it would not cherish and honor.  But this government is
eminently a government of law.  All its benefits result
from the adoption, administration and enforcement of its
laws.  Humility before God, and before the laws of such
a government, are kindred and exalted virtues. With
what a proud homage should the laws be obeyed! Where
their dominion is universal and supreme, what a cheap
defence do they set up, around the great treasiire.house
of hunian rights! And how detestable is rebellion against
thenm!




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            207
Yet such a rebellion Freemasonry has raised. It has
violated the dearest rights of nature, and the most sacred
enactments of our laws, and this, in a spirit manifestly
treasonable, for it has done this, in pursuance of solemn,
deliberate, and voluntary obligations to a foreign government,-I mean its own, —a government more alien to
that which claims our allegiance, than any that has ever
afflicted mankind.  Fellow citizens, let me beseech you
to look into the government of Freemnasonry.  Examine it
fully. You can easily comprehend it. You will have to
encounter no arduous labor-you will involve yourselves
in no perplexing inquiries; and you will arrive at no
doubtful conclusion.  You will find it a monstrous compound of monarchy and hierarchy, pursuing its objects
with all the badges of fraud and guilt.  Its power you
will justly dread, but that is not invincible.  Its distinguishing characteristics, you will certainly abhor, but
these you can abolish.
To faithful citizens, all that belongs to Freemasonry
must be odious.  Its pompous titles, they will scorn; its
ceremonies, indecent, profane or fantastic, they will contemn; its habiliments, they will deride, as the harlequin
frippery of a barbarous antiquity; its emblems and tokens,
innocent when innocently used, they will regard with
compassion, as very imperfect means of conmmunication,
to which honest ignorance may sometimes justifiably resort; its cipher, they will deem evidence of knavery; its
pretensions, its secrecy, its oaths, its principles, and its
power, they will reprobate and oppose.   *    *    *
From  the first machination of the recent outrages,
through every stage of their criminal progress, to their
murderous consummation, the proceedings of Freemasonry have afforded a practical exposition of the principles
deduced from their oaths.  And the distinct and full
operation of every one of them may be obviously traced,
by those who have been attentive to these fatal transactions. Even to this day, Freemasonry conspires against
the laws, and defies their authority, in the very presence
of our courts of justice.  Individual members, by advisement with others, spirit away witnesses fiom the trial of
indicted brethren,-refuse to testify because by so doing
they must criminate thernselves,-conceal the crirnes of




208           OPINIONS ON FREE3MASONPY.
their masonic coadjutcls, by perjury,-supply delinquents
of their order with information of their being in danger of
persecution, and with counsel and pecuniary aid to escape
from the penalties of law,-rnaliciously slander and persecute those, who in obedience to the most sacred injunctions of truth and honor, oppose them,-and prefer the
interests of the fraternity to those of their country.
Notwithstanding   these foul exertions and the extensive
prevalence of the nefarious principles, on which they are
founded, that justice, which was well nigh suffocated, has
overtaken a few of the felons, and consigned them to the
awards of law, and the detestation, which high crimes
unrepented of, should always find. But the guilt of these
convicts, the infamous punishments, to which they have
been justly doomed, and the execration of honest men,
which they must encounter, seem only the more strongly
to have secured to them, the fellow-feeling and attachment of their unconvicted brethren.
Why is this, my countrymen? Why have not these
convicts been discarded from the sympathetic favor of the
titular kings and priests of the order?  I will tell you.
The reason is obvious as the sun at noonday. It is not in
thewit of man, to assign but one reason for such conduct.
The convicts had violated no law of Freemasonry. They
are the victims of unflinching adherence to its requirements.  They were unhappily sustained, in all the dark
and loathsome steps of their iniquity, by an assured confidence, that they would be protected, upheld and justified, by the society. Nothing but the firmest conviction
of this could have induced men of previous good standing
in the community, industrious, wealthy, intelligent and
influential, to violate the binding ties of domestic life, and
the consecrated securities of civil blessings.  This is the
reason, which has effectually prevented the dignitaries of
Freemasonry from expelling, or even censuring, a single
individual of these convicts. It has not been because
they were fearful of exercising their authority to expel or
censure; for the men who have bravely and worthily revealed their crimes and secrets, for the common good,
they have expelled, they have censured, they have slandered, and persecuted with a malice peculiar to their order.
What is the power of Freemasonry? One of its most




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            209
eloquent orators, in Connecticut, in the year I'25), represented it as follows: " It is powerful. It comprises men
of rank, wealth, office, and talent, in power and out of
power, and that, in almost every place, where power is
of any importance.  And  it comprises, among other
classes of the community to the lowest, in large numbers,
active men united together, and capable of being directed
by the efforts of others, so as to have the force of concert
throughout the civilized world. They are distributed too
with the means of knowing one another, and the means
of co-operating, in the desk, in the legislative hall, on the
bench, in every gathering of business, in every party of
pleasure, in every domestic circle, in peace and in war,
among enemies and friends, in one place as wvell as in
another! So powerful indeed is it, at this time, it fears
nothing from violence, public or private; for it has every
means to learn it in season, to counteract, defeat, and
punish it.  It is too late to talk of the propriety of continuing or suppressing masonry, after the time to do so
has gone by.  So, good or bad, the world must take it as
it is.  Think of it, laugh at it, hate it, or despise it; still
it is not only what I have told you, but it will continue to
be; and the world in arms cannot stop it."
Such are the claims of a permanent self-created society,
which connects the aristocratic part of this community
into a brotherhood, with the Princes, and Nobles, and
Priests, and Generals, of every region of the globe, by
cords, which no power of man, in the proud opinion of
such as are encircled by them, is sufficient to sunder.
And to sanction the existence and pursuits, in our country, of a power so expansive and redoubtable, and yet,
though political, unknown to the government, the well
meaning part of the fraternity have fondly believed, the
illustrious names of Warren, Franklin, and Washington,
could be adduced.
" To err is human."  There has been but one name
given undler heaven, in which no indiscretion, or stain of
sin, could be found.  Many of the patriots of the revolution, especially among the officers of the army, did join
the masonic society.  In the number of such, were the
exalted benefactors of mankind before alluded to.  But
little advantage can the society, in our times, derive from
18'




210(           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY,
this fact. Their great authority, will in no way serve to
cover the accumulated folly and guilt of the higher degrees
of the fraternity, nor indeed of any degree at this day.
And the attempt to use it for such a purpose, it can be
shown, wvithout drawing upon them  the imputation of'
crime against their country and the rights of' man, will
only serve more strikingly to illustrate the dangerous designs of the institution.  For hear it, ye friends of equal
rights, and of the government established by your renowne(d forefathers, these patriarchs of civil liberty, when
they entered the fraternity, had cast off the oaths of allegiance to the tyranny under which they wvere born, and
were battling for the great privileges of self-government.
Under no bonds of established authority, in a crisis most
momentous to all the cherished  interests of life, and
threatened  with all the calamities of anarchy at home,
and of the most formidable aind vindictive power from
abroad, an institution offering social ties, of which they
were destitute,-(Treat means of' secret communication,
which they nleeded,-and many subduing motives to obedience, indispensable to their objects, was adopted, by
them, and made successfully instrumrnental to the overthrow
of the government, against which they used it.
If such men, un(ler such circumstances, in such a
cause, used Freernasonry, not yet clothed with its most
alarming principles  and  most censurable obligations,
against a kingly and tyrannical government, shall their
example be cited, to authorize its use against a governmrent of their own establishment,-a government which
they and their associates contrived, anr( set up, as the
perpetual storehouse, and sanctuary of all the principles
of f'reedom'?
Fellow citizens, you will not allow such an abuse of the
inestimable inheritance of their immortal names.  In
your offices, in your shops, in your fields, in all your resorts of business or amusement, you have thought too
reverently of the blessinigs of equal laws, and the rich enjoymeiit which their universal anrid unobstructed adminlistration secures, for this.  Participating all the fruits of your
honest andl protected iiidustry, in the bosom of thriving and
cheerful fami'lies, you llave felt your hearts burni witi1in
you as you reflected upon the great founders of your na



OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             211
tional family, and these reflections have turned the gentle
currents of your domestic affection into the broad and
swelling tide of patriotism; but patriotism cannot rebel
against freedom.
Long association in toils and dangers, produces lasting
friendships.  Washington found it difficult, altogether to
withdraw himself fromn Freemasonry, at the close of the
war.  It was natural for him  to recollect, with complacency, many of the events which it had been made to
assist.  Arind its claims were frequently pressed upon him,
by old compantions.  Ee did not, therefore, wholly renounce it.  It had been used by him  only for good, and
courtesy and consistency required him, not violently and
suddenly to cast it off. He (lid not patronize it after the
objects of the war had been obtained.  It fell into neglect
upon the restoration of peace, and remained so until his
death.  He was undoubtedly opposed to its renewal.  Iln
1794, he said to several of his confidential friiends  " The
real people occasionally assembled in order to express
their sentimen.ts, on political subjects, ought never to be
confounded  with ptermanent, self-appointed  societies,
usurpilg' the right to control the constituted  authorities,
and to dictate to public opinion.  While the former was
entitled to respect, the latter was incompatibtle with all
government, and must either sink into general disesteem,
or finally overturn the established order of things."
The greatest masonic authority" in this State, with all
the honors of the institution thick upon him, about four
years ago publicly declared, that masonry was sometilnes
abused to political objects.  In our own village, before
one of its most respectable magistrates, when in the exercise of his official duty, we have seen a bold attempt to
use it for the purpose of procuring impunity from all the
legal consequences of imputed crime.  In forty counties
of this State, being all from which authentic information
could be obtained, it was ascertained, by the anti-masonic
convention assembled last winter in Albany, that, in the
year when Morgan was martyred, there wvere in office
thlirty-tliree masomlic Sheriffs.  More than half of the important public offices in the Union are filled by Freema* De Witt Clinton.




212            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
sons, though they do not count one in four of the whole
number of persons equally well qualified and eligible to
fill them.  Inquire for yourselves as to the number of
masons, who have filled the town, county  and state
offices, within your knowledge; and you will not fail to
discern a striking effect of the inequality produced, by the
obligations of Freemasonry.
Iftyou have read the statements of respectable men,
who have renounced it, you have learnt, that in ordinary
times and in many cases, it has successfully assailed the
great duties, upon which all our social advantages depend.  Its obligations are utterly  destructive of that
equality of right, which our constitutions and laws are
intended to maintain.  They are inconsistent with the
oaths of legislators, judges, grand jurors, petit jurors,
sheriffs, and every other public functionary, because they
enjoin illegal and unrighteous favor to brethren, and unjust and oppressive op)position to the uninitiate(l, in a vast
variety of' the most important exigencies of life.  They
are now, and have long been fatal to that political equality, whicll every freeman should most highly prize, because
it is the only efficient means of suppressing all wrongful
inequality.
2N-o manl would dare to take upon himself the obligations
of rE'ceasoatry is n publiC.  Or if he did, no man would
expect public favor afterwards.  And shall we permit
their existence, because they are taken secretly?  Shall
we yield up all our rights as a boon to Freemasons, for
the favor they have conferred upon us, by fraudulently
usurping most of them, through the fatal effiicacy of their
secrecy, their tokens, their cipher, and their oaths? Have
we free hearts, free minds, self-respect, social love, intellicence to look before and after us, and shall we be hewers
of wood, and drawers of water, for an institution rotten to
the core?-of which the principles and deeds have covered all over with blisters, the fairest body politic that ever
was presented to the admiration of the world? —of which
the only practical use is to for ge, in its gloormy fires, and
fasten upon us, and all the unitiated forever, the chains
of a degrading servitude?  Will you subnlit to this'!  I
know you will not submit to it.  I know the hour draws
nigh, when the whole country will be arrayed ill oppoti



OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           213
tion to it,-when the Dagon of these Philistines, who
have come upon us,-when the kings and priests of Freemasonry, with all their courts, their altars, and their
gods, shall sink together into everlasting oblivion, and the
gavel of masonic vengeance, shall be the weapon of official oppression no more forever.
To abolish the evils of Freemasonry, open and concealed, is the object of anti-masonry-and what considerate citizen will not approve it? If masonry be the
Pandora's box from which all possible evils to ourselves
and country, are to be feared, let us shut it up. If it be
a noisome seed bed of the most pernicious weeds, let us
eradicate the weeds, remove its smothering enclosure, introduce the cheerful light and the wholesome air-dig it
over, through all its compartments, and sow it with healthy
and nutritious wheat.  Whatever it may be likened to,
let us take effectual measures to exclude its evils.
How can this be done?  By resorting to the ballotbox, and by that alone. And shall we be slanderously
and maliciously assailed with insinuations of sinister purposes, and with opprobrious epithets, for betaking ourselves to this resort?  Is it not peaceable?  Is it not
honest?  Is it not lawful? Is it not consistent with all
the rights of others?  If it is not, then their rights are
wrongs to us, of which we must take the redress into our
own hands.
The right of election is the paramount right of all freemen.  And the place where it is exercised is the holiest,
in the temple of liberty.  Shall we not be permitted to go
up, and offer pure homage there? There can be no acceptable homage, but what is pure. Purity of election
consists in exercising the unmolested right of voting for
the men, whom  we think wise to know, and faithful to
pursue, the best interests of the community.  The best
interests of the community in which our lot is cast, are
the constitutional and equal rights of the citizens. These
are invaded by Freemasonry.  Shall not those who are
opposed to Freemasonry, repel the invasion? Yes. We
will repel it; and that in the most majestic court, that
has ever been known among the sons of men,-in the
groat court of the whole people, which announces its
sentences from the ballot-box.




214            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
Why should we not go into this court for the decision
of our cause? Shall we not find it as respectable as any
other court? Shall we not find it as honest as any other
court?  Shall we not find it as much under a sense of the
necessity of upholding the essential rights of the people,
as atly other court?  Shall we not find it as inaccessible
to all the biasses of partial influence, as any other court?
We sllall.  And the interests of this court, which may
God in his goodness perpetuate, are our interests.  Truly
we might go into the subordinate courts, established in
our land.  But we have a right to choose; and we choose
the court of the people.  Is this disreputable?  Or shall
we be held to trial, in those courts only, where a large
proportion of the officers have taken oaths against us?where we have found it impossible to proceed to a righteous result, of the whole matter, though such a result has
been sedulously pursued, for years? —and where we now
krnow jurisdiction of the whole case does not exist.
You may repel the invasion upon your rights, (we are
told, by a small number of our fellow citizens, running all
over with candor and liberality;) but take care not to
avail yourselves of political means, in doing it! You
may repel it, by expressing gentle opinions against it!
You are not obliged professedly and directly to aid the
invasion.  Only hold your necks still till the foot of the
invader presses them to the earth, and fair opposition, by
courteous words, may be permitted!   lMen there are,
who hold this doctrine; and they go in and out among
us, without the marks of conscio)us shame, or undisguised
fatuity, upon them!  Of what race are they?  They
come not from the true-hearted, investigating, devoted
stock of the asserters of our freedom.  They have no
alliance with that class of men into whose bosoms, all the
oppressions of tyranny serve only to burn their abhorrence
of it,-and all the gladdening results of liberty, to hallow
their love of it.
It is merely hypocrisy, and shallow hypocrisy too, for
men of common sense t.o pretend opposition to the existence of any thing, which they would not take the most
effectual honest means to destroy. The reproach cast
upon anti-masonry, for its being political, springs from
attachment or subserviency to masonry; and can spring




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             215
from nothing else.  And its taking a political character,
would not be objected to, by those who cast upon it this
reproach, only because, by being political, it will be successful.  Political character, in the sense of adherence to
the just policy of our government, which is the sense we
entertain of it, is the highest character, which can be acquired by man, i-n reference to things terminating with
life.  And I glory in political anti-masonry.  Anti-masonry is political; it must be political, or all is lost.
As citizens, our liberties are political, our rights are
political, our duties are political.  Let us all perform our
duties, in accordance with our rights, and the rights of
others, for the advancement of the just policy of our
government.
But it is said that anti-masonry is bigoted, and persecuting.  Bigotry is an obstinate and blind attachment to
a tenet, ceremony, creed, or party.  Anti-masonry is opposed, and wvill forever be opplosed, to every tenet, ceremony, creed, or party, which infringes upon the universal
rights of man.  It is the real democracy of our country,
embracing in its good will, as objects of its protecting
care, every interest, right, duty and enjoymenet, of' every
individual in the nation.  Persecution means withholding
rights, or inflicting  injuries, unjustly.  Such persecution
is precisely what has called anti-masonry into existence;
and this name of democratic freedom, will cease to exist,
as soon as it has made adequate provision to secure the
rights unjustly withheld, and to redress the injuries unjustly inflicted, by Freemasonry.  Shall anti-nmasonry be
accused of bigotry and persecution, then, by those too,
who have invoked, upon thenmselves, all the wrath of the
Almighty if they cease to exercise an obstinate and blind
attachment to the tenets, ceremonies, creed, and party of
Freemasonry, or cease to withhold rights, and inflict injuries, u]njlstly, upon  their renouncing  brethren  and
countrymen?
Wanting  nothing, expecting nothing, and  fearing
nothing, from the public, but what pertains equally to the
rights and securities of every citizen, I have come b,efore
you as the representative of freemen.  With no bonds
upon  my soul, but those of obedience to my Maker,
(would that they were always felt with greater i!nternsity,)




216           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
and with a yet unfettered body, I have spoken to you
freely and indignantly of an institution, which I deem
desperately wicked.  But Ientertain no hostility to its
members. I have spoken from  a regard to interests,
from which I would by no means shut them out. Among
them are numbered some, who partake of the same lifestream with myself, and who are as dear to my heart, as
the ties of nature, early affection, and enduring sympathy,
can make them. There are others to whom I owe all
that can be required or given, in honor. And I should
consider it as a stigma upon my character to cherish
malice towards any human being.
But ours is a cause of comprehensive benevolence. It
includes the interests of Freemasons as well as our own.
And the most reflecting among them, are already with
us, in their secret convictions. Nothing but a pride, reluctant to acknowledge error, and some fear of the vindictive hostility of the fraternity, prevents them from
openly avowing it. They should avow it. Washington
would pursue that course.  In the path of renunciation,
you follow his example, my countrymen.  With him no
private feelings or interests could supersede the public
good.  Even to what appeared to be envious clamor,
injustice, and persecution to all but the high sighted eye,
and all encircling hearts of patriotism, he, and the great
men of the revolution, gave up the society of the Cincinnati, to which they were fastened, by all the strong links
struck out in the welding fires of a glorious warfare.
Follow their example. Do yourselves the great justice to
discard Freemasonry. By all the unutterable privileges
of life and immortality, by your most precious connexions
and attachments here, and hereafter, by your undying
thoughts, by your unfading hopes, renounce it.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            217
ADDRESS
Of the Republican Anti-masonic -Menmbers of tle Legislature of Nlew  ork, to
their Constituents.
FELLOW CITIZENS,
IT is the proud boast and consoling reflection of Americans, that the free institutions of their country have
triumphed over all the dangers that have beset them.
Whatever have been the perils that have threatened their
existence, the virtue and inherent energy of the people
have been adequate to every exigency.
Recently the people have been awakened to an alarming internal danger, of the existence of which they were
unconscious. The abduction and murder of a free citizen, without crime, with the attrocities that attended and
followed it, have excited their inquiries, and revealed the
fearful fact that there is in the midst of a confidingg community an institution, the existence of which is incompatible with liberty.  When the outrage first became
public, the efforts of the neighboring inhabitants were
directed to the enforcement of the laws, the detection
and punishment of the guilty offenders.  In the simplicity
of their hearts, they expected universal co-operation.  In
the prosecution of objects so just and patriotic, for purposes so high, holy, and humane, they, with entire confidence, expected the powerful aid of the Press, and the
united exertions of their fellow citizens.  Far from them
was the thought of arrayinj a party  for any purpose
whatever.  Their astonishmeAt was greater even than at
the perpetration of the outrage, when they discovered the
appalling truth, that it was the work of a conspiracy, embracing large numbers of conspicuous citizens; that the
PREss was silent as the house of death, or spoke only to
defame and mislead; that a whole fraternity, claiming
irresistible power, regarded the outrage with cold indifference, or engaged in active efforts to screen from punishment the guilty perpetrators.
When they met opposition at every step of their progress; when they found their objects belied, and their
motives impeached; all their acts subjected to misrepresentation, and their characters consigned to obloquy and
19




213           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
vituperation; when they perceived that the perpetrators
of the outrange and their abettors were men of peaceful
lives, elevated and unsuspected characters, bound to the
perlormance of their social duties by all the ties that exist
in civil society, the unwelconme conclusion was forced
upon them  that the deeds they had done were not perpetrated as the acts of individuals, but as members of their
fraternity; and that it was the institution that had sinned
through their instrumentality.  Whlen the people, excited
by the,Morgan outrage, perceived that all efibforts to vindicate the tnmajesty of the laws, by the punishment of the
atrocious violators, were resisted and rendered abortive;
when they saw that the fraternity possessed the power to
silence or pervert the Press; to stop the mouths, destroy
the memories, or extract tile consciences of witnesses; to
extend its baneful influence into courts, and poison the
fountains of justice; UNION became indispensable to the
further prosecution of their righteous objects.'I'he Republican Anti-masonic patty arose from necessity, and
not from  design.  Opposition caused its formation, and
opposition by assisting to develope the true character of
the masonic institution, is constantly increasing its numbers, and will finally insure its triumph.  Believing it to
be in accordance with your wishes, we have acted together as a party, upon every befiting occasion.
The attention of the legislature was called, by the executive, to the Morgan outrage, as a subject of legislative
inquiry.  The reports made to the senate and assembly,
contain the material facts comprising the history of that
transaction.  Other " matters" " embracing" information
of a graver character, " exist, which could not in the
opinion of a high judicial officer, with propriety be made
public," as they would tend very much " to prejudge the
guilt of persons indicted."  After the reports were made,
additional evidence of the extent of the conspiracy was
obtainied, but it was deemed unnecessary to make a furthler report, as no attempt was made to controvert the
stateiments of those presented to the legislature, and as
the whole subject is in a train of thorough judicial investigation. A' gentleman was then appointed to conduct
the prosecutions, at our unanimous recommendation,




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.              219
and we look with anxiety and confidence to the result of
his indefatigable and able exertions.
Although the excitement caused by the Morgan outrage is ulliversally applauded, with sincerity or affectation,
the objects of thoses  who obey its impulse are opposed
and  misrepresented.   The objects of' tlhe Republican
anti-masollic party are plaini andl fieely  avowed.  They
are to bring to merited punishment, the perpetrators of
an outrage which has no parallel in a civilized(l community; to anniil-late the institution that has filled the land
with crifne, and thus to vindicate the laws, purify the
fountains of justice, and rescue liberty from the dangers
that beset it.  The people, constrained by unwonted opposition, rushed togetlher by a spontaneous impulse, to
give concert andtI strengtlh to their efforts.  This party,
thus obviously andl necessarily formed, seems recently to
have excited  fearful alarm.   Conspicuous individuals,
"in power and out of power," have labored " in season
and out of season," to defa-ne its character, and impede
its rapid progress.  It is manifest that political men have
taken advanta-ge of the existence of this party to impress
upon honest and unsusl)icious repl)blicans, an apprehension of danger; and that designs are in a train of' execution to render the " excitement justly  caused" by the
Morgan outrage, " subservient to political and party purposes," by Iaking it contribute to the sustentation of an
existing political party, the leaders of which have never
manifested any peculiar abhorrence of the Alorgan outrage.   A  COALI'ITION   is formed, emnbraciiig  many
members of the masonic fraternity and those. who have
been separated by inveterate political host!i//t, to resist
the efforts of the people ill the work of reforlmation.  However revoltinig this unholy alliance may be to the democracy of the State, it is not of a nature to excite surprise.
It displays the characteristics of the masonic institution.
It illustrates the allegation that the order does possess
a power by which it can bring political antipodes together, and  iunite them  in efforts for the common fraternal
object of mutual protection and preservation.  It is natural that the order should extend its influence over those
who are elevated to places of authority.  It is lavish in
its promises of " all-powerful" support.




220            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
The possessors of power are usually eager for its contiuued enjoyment, and readily welcome the aid of adversaries to secure it.  They are invariably the foes of reform.  They always find it " difficult to believe" that
abuses do exist, that corruption triumphs, or that there
can be danger to liberty or tile peace of society, unless it
threatens their own security.
History abounds with illustrious though mournful examples of men, out of power, the bold and ardent advocates of popular rights, having the clearest visions of
existing evils, and impen(ling ruin, in possession of power,
the blind and " inflexible" adherents of the systemn they
had denounced as full of vice and danger.  Democracy,
in our country, has been compelled to engage in desperate struttles with the possessors of power.  All its past
experienice banishes apprehension for the result of another
conflict.  If its energies must be put to new trials, certainty of victory invites to the combat.  We have been
reminded of the far gone days of intellectual darkness and
mental perversion, when professing Christians, Catholic
and Protestant and unpretending Quakers were consigned to barbarous and ignominious executions for imputed
errors in religion.  This has been done with the obvious
intent to induce the inference that the spirit which caused suich abominations was kindred to the hostility now
manifested against the institution of Freemasonry.  Casuists must determine whether weakness of intellect, obliquity of head, or depravity of heart, is chiefly required to
trace a parallel between the relentless sacrifice of Christian Martyrs, for speculative opinions, and the infliction
of legal punishllmet upon kidnappers, incendiaries, and
murderers.  It manifests a morbid sensibility for crimes,
a sickly sympathy for atrocious offenders, to attempt to
repress the honest efforts of patriotic zeal, for their conviction, by the hypocritical cry of persecution, and the
hollow  pretence, that the innocent may be confounded
with the guilty.  Religious persecution has affixed a deplorable stigma upon the human character and marked
the ages in which it occurred for lamentation and abhorrence.  It is an imperious duty upon this more enlightened.generation not to tolerate an order that attempts
a persecution more inexcusable, atrocious and vengeful.




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             221
Religious persecution was perpetrated by the sovereign
authority of communities.  It was in accordance with
the spirit of the times, and was the act of the nation.
The victims were sul)jected to trials according to established jurisprudence, and condetmrned to sulicbr penalties
prescribed for violations of laws intended fir universal
operation.  We have witnessed an institution possessing
the power and arrogating the right to inflict tile penalty
of death upon a delinquent member, for the violation of
no law binding upon the whole community or consistent
with its safety.  If former ages are doonied to reproach
for persecutions according to law, more ineffable must be
the disgrace to that generation thlat permits or tolerates a
persecution more horrid an(d aficting to humanity without law and in deJiance of its authority.  Since the storm
of public indignation has threatened destruction to the
arrogant Order, it pretends that the Morgan outrage was
not demanded by its requirements or in accordance with
its principles.  It was long before its proud spirit would
subinit to the condescension of offering to an alarmed
community, even that equivocal vindication which terror
has finally extorted.  Ift' the allegation be true, the attemnpted defence is condemning; for it proves that the
institution is susceptible of monstrous and dangerous perversion.  It is in vain to tell of the original worthiness of
object and purity of principle of the institution and of the
many good men who are members of it, and of the more
illustrious characters who have been, if the influence of
all these combined considerations is insufficient to restrain the vengeance of whole bodies of the fraternity,
and prevent extensive and powerful combinations for the
violation of the laws and the frusration of the purposes of
justice. But the evidence froml various sources is overwhelmina to establish the fact that the outrage with all
its attendant enormities was in strict conformity with the
obligations anid requirements of the institution.  That
such is the truth, is proved by the testimony of a multitude of witnesses from  the fraternity, embracing many
"distinguished for their piety, purity of lives and devotion to their country," and corroborated by the acts of
multitudes more who still adhere to the institution.  The
republican anti-masonic party has been accused of perse.
19*




222           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
cution and proscription.  It cannot fail to excite surprise
and astonishment that this charge should be preferred by
those who, at the same time, boldly proclaim a political
proscription of all those who do not belong to their own
fellowship, although they  constitnte a majority of the
whole collrnunity.  If the charge were true, ample justitication would be furnished by the declared principles
and unvarying practice of those who make it.  But it is
not true.  Anti-masons proscribe and persecute no man.
The charge is founded upon. the fact that anti-masons
resolve not to elevate to cffice those who ADhERE to the
masonic fraternity.  This is neither proscription nor persecution.  No in(lividual has a right to demand the suffrage of another.  The bestowment of it is exclusively
the right of him who possesses it.  To withhold friom an
individual what he has no right to demand and no claim
to possess until it is freely given, is no persecuti,,n.  To
annihilate the institution of Freemasonry, or render it
harmless, anti-masons have formed the resolution to withhold t}ieir suffrages frorn those who adhere to the order.
It is no grateful task to make this discrimination.  Patriotism  enloins the unwvelcome duty.  The community
have a riTht to demand, as justice and safety require,
that its officers shall be EQUAL and IMPARTIAL as between
their fellow citizens.  Freemasons have rendered this
impossible.  They have placed them  under obligations
which create secret. and indissoluble ties, between them
and their masonic brethren, which do not exist in relation
to the larger portion of the community.  Under tremendons penalties they have suworn allegiance to an alien
powler.  They have voluntarily imposed upon themselves
a positive DISQUALIFICATION.  Anti-masons, by their resolves, do nothing inore than declare the fact and determine to give it eifect.  By ascribing superior force anid
sanctity to their masonic obligations, the members of the
fraternity declare that they will not be bound by oaths of
office in case of conflict.  The community can never
have full assurance of their fidelity.  Unknown instancesof conflict between masonic obligations and official duty
may occur, and unaccountable results prodtlced.  The
disability can exist no longer than they choose to retain
the disqualification.  Whenever they renounce their par



OPINICONS ON FREEMASONRY.            223
tial and secret obligations and mingle with their fellow
citizens on terms of equality, their eligibility to every
official station is admitted.  It is a matter left to their
ownfi)ee choice, and if they will continue the disqualification and consequent exclusion, they are their own persecutors.
The objects of anti-masons is the annihilation of the
masonic institution, not the disfranchisement of its members.  The method they have adopted is peaceful, lawful
and will prove effectual.  It is the only way in which the
people can exercise that sovereign and controlling power
with which they are intrusted for the preservation of
freedom and all the blessings it confers.  The responsibilities of the people are tremendous.  The protection of
liberty is comnmitted to their charge.  In attempting the
annilhilation of Freemasonry, which threatens its destruction, anti-masons obey the most imperative injunction of
patriotism.  It is matter of astonishtment that any should
be found to blame their determination.  Freemasonry has
now no defenders.  When it is alleged that under despotic governments and in barbarous times it may have
been useful, a draft is made upon human credulity, for no
evidence is furnished of its meritorious performances. But
whatever its character, its principles or its deeds may
have been, multitudes oftthe most worthy menmbers who
have not renounced the order, admit that it has lagged
behind the advancement of the age and outlived the period
of its usefulness.  It is admitted to be unpromising, unnecessary and worthless: while the great and increasing
number whom its atrocities have driven from it, declare
the institution to be corrupt in principle, vicious in character and dangerous in all its tendencies.  With this
mass of continually accumulating testimony of the worthless or awfully vicious character of the Institution,
will any lover of his country hesitate to attempt its
destruction?  Upon republicans the duty is imperious.
If Freemasonry could be tolerated  any where, it is
only in attributing governments, where secret associations may be necessary for the preservation of personal
safety.  Even there it would be a powerful instrument of
revolution and of destruction to existing establishments.
But in a FREE REPUBLIC, it is unnecessary and abhorrent.
Democracy asserts the EQUALITY OF ALL MEN; on equality




O2W24          OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
in their claim to the enjoyment of social, civil and political
rights and to the protection of the laws.  It abhors and
forbids all artificial distinctions, ranks and orders,' stars
and garters and titles of' nobility," those " gewgaws that
amuse so many children in the shape of men."  Freemasonry contravenes the spirit of Democracy.  It is monarchical in all its structure; anti-republican in its government, purposes, and all its exhibitions.  If republicans
wish to prepare for the overthrow of their government, no
measure could be more effectual than the toleration of
the institution of Freemasonry, which inculcates principles of arbitrary power and slavish obedience the most
abhorrent to freedom.  Which familiarizes their countrymen to the exclusive pretensions of disgusting aristocracy
and the vainglorious distinctions of an arrogant nobility.
Democracy cannot exist with Freemasonry. One will
inevitably destroy the other.  The struggle for supremacy
has commenced.  It is a struggle not merely for victory,
but existence; and the world is interested in the issue of
of the contest.  The dangers of Freemasonry  are enhanced by itsforeign connelcions.  It is wholly of FOREIGN
ORIGIN.  All its new degrees, with their impious obligations and revolting penalties so prodigally multiplied, are
wholly of foreign invention.
T'he institution in this country receives with passive
obedience, whatever is transmitted from  the foreign seat
of its empire.  Here it has formed a confederacy embracing the whole extent of our republic. All our territory
is parcelled out, arnd a branch of the institution established
in every section.  It has its meetings in the darkness of
night and security of secrecy, for towns, counties, states,
and the whole Union.  The institution is prepared to act
throughout the land, with concert, energy and decision,
and to receive its impulse from foreign command.  Its immense resources enable it to attempt the greatest objects.
Nothing is too lofty for its ambition or beyond its means
of accomplishment.  In Europe the institution has been
mnade the cloak of innumerable crimes.  In its dark conclaves plots, stratagems, and treason have been designed
against government and religion, and the institutions of
civil society, and put in a train of successful execution,
while its infatuated votaries were unconscious of the ob



OPINIONS ON FIREEMASONRY.            02 5
ject of the master spirits that impelled them to action.
What has been attempted in other countries may be expected in our own.  The organization of the institution
here, fits it for the purposes of treason.  Its extended
confederacy furnishes the opportunity for the widest communication.  The masonic cipher gives the instrument
of safe correspondence, and its secrecy enforced by horrid
obligations, and appalling penalties, affords the assurance
of security.'rle  question  then is presented  to the
American people whether they will sacrifice DrEMocRACY
or annihilate the institution of Freectasonry, which thlreatens its existence.  It is a question interesting to every
inhabitant of this land.  It sunmmonses him  to exertions
for the preservation of freedom arnd its countless blessings.
It stimulates hiimn to display the spirit and emulate the
patriotic devotion of the revolution who put all that is dear
to man in peril to preserve their liberties from  foreign
encroachment.  A FOREIGN  DOMlINION  incompatible with those liberties, exists and exerts its malignant
influence for their destruction.  The crisis calls for the
energies and virtues inspired by reverence for ancestral
exanple.  Those manly qualities wvill ensure to the principles of l)emocracy, a NEw, a GLORIOUS and ENDURING
triumph.
The republican anti-rmasonic party has the most animating prospect of speedy and complete success.  It has
experienced great impediments from  the silence or misrepresentations of the Press, enslaved  by masonic influence.  Numnerouis free presses are now  established, and
liberally  patronized, and greatly increased.  Notwithstandin~g the recent and unfounded statements of THE
COALITION, the cause is every where advancing.  It
is the assurance of this fact that causes such fearful
alarm.  Republicans are awakening to the fact, that an
effort is making to render their honest attachment to principle and to party, subservient to the defence and sustentation of Freemasonry. They are incapable of submitting
to such humiliation.  The moment the masonic fraternity
shall be arrayed in one political party for murtual protection and preferment, universal conviction will be produced,
of the nature and power of their obligations, and vill be
quickly and inevitably followed by the accomplishment of




226             OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
the object of the republican anti-masonic party-the annihilation of the dangerous institution.
To tlhe mind of the humble believer in the Christian
religion, Freemasonry presents characteristics tlhat dernand his most solemn meditation.  Its religious creed is
not the creed of any people on earth, whlo profess adoration for a Supreme Beinzg.  It is neither Catholic nor
Protestant Chlristianity, nor Islamisil, Jutlaism, n'or Paganisrl, and yet equaolly tadlapted to all!  Instead of being
religion, or the handmaid of it, the masonic creed is a
mock resemblance or impious substitute.  It teaches its
votaries to blaspheme their IMaker, baniishes all jtust ideas
of the atonement made by the Saviour, and preplares the
chambers of the mind for the lodgement of infidel principles.
Those who first engaged in the righteous cause of vindicating the laws and rescuingr flom dis, race tlhe character of thle State, have felt the force of masonic powver, and
experienced tile unmeasured  eff:icts of' its vew.eance.
While they have been accused of persecution, tlhey have
experienccd andl witnessed its relentless rage.  They have
persevered amidst innumerable difficulties and appalling
perils, and have individually seen andl felt too much of
the peculiar characteristics of Freemasonry to be insensible of the necessity of exerting all their energies until
the overthrow of the institution  is acco-mplishled.  Foul
calumnies have been uttered, and unfiounded charges in
profusion preferred against them.  Thley have been accused of seekinr office and power as though such objects
were criminal.  And?who are the accusers?'hose who
already  possess lpower, (or are grieed?, Joi' its eqjoyllent.
T'tose wh/o make politics a triade, chalge t/hei wi'th having
political (designs.  As though it were a heinous offence in
one clacs of citizens to strive for objects to the pursuit of
which it is commendable virtue in  otlhers to dedicate
their lives.  Anti-masonry seeks no CONCEALAMENT,
nor shrouds its operations or designs, inl the  mantle of
darkness or SECRECY.  Its objects are proclaimed,
and if it desires power, it is because the possession is indispensable to their accomplishment.  The sin of antimasonry, in the eyes of the fraternity, is not solely or
chiefly that it attacks the mystic order, but that it




OPIN-IONS ON FREEMASONRY.           227
threatens to disturb its members in the nearly exclusive
enjoyment of office, influence, emolument and power.
Time, that never fails to test the merit of things, will
furnish the refutation of the charges liberally preferred
against those who are engaged in the anti-masonic cause.
To the clharge of insincerity, they oppose an inflexible
perseverance in the attainment of their avowed objects.
To that of persecution, an invariable ablstinence from all
displays of malevolence and perpetration of acts of outrage and violence.  Let them prove themselves, according to their profession, the friends of peace, morality, religion and law.  Against the malevolent accusation of
being factionists, let them  exhibit a uniform  and unswerving adherence to the principles and the usages of
democracy  And to refute the charge of being without
a plan or worthy object, let them  continue the stead(fast
and ardent advocates of a liberal, enlightened and judicious policy, calculated to extend and diffuse the blessings
of a free government, promote the interests and advance
the glory of the State.  Public opinion governs the world.
The institution of Freemasonry is now subjected to its
scrutiny, and its decision will bring to it exaltation or overthrow.  The PEOPLE have undertaken the work of investigation, and to them exclusively belong and may safely
be intrusted the task of its prosecution.  Full confidence
may be indulged that they will conduct it in a manner to
commend, without apprehension, their acts, their motives
and their objects, to the just discrimination and enlightened judgment of a judging world.
Albany, Mlay 5th, 1829.
Ml. HAYDEN, Ch'n.
ABNER HAZELTINE, Sec'y.




2'28          OPINIONS ON FREEMASONBRY.
ADDRESS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS ANTI-MASONIC
CONVENTION TO THE CITIZENS OF THE
COMMON WEALTH.
FELLOW CITIZENS,
" WE hold these truths to be self-evident, That all men
are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable righllts; that among these are
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."  On these
fundamental principles of civil and religious right, the
people of these United States not only cast off the yoke of
foreign domination, but "the whole people covenants
with each citizen, and each citizen with the whole people, that all shall be governed by certain laws for the
common good."  We consider it therefore, the duty of
every citizen to watch for the public welfare; to sound
the alarm  in view of public danger; and to encourage
laudable measures, which may be devised for the safety
and interest of the whole.' Although false alarms are
never to be created, and existing maladies are to be
cured by the best possible remedies; yet, when public
evils do exist, free men should never suffer themselves
to rest until those evils are eradicated.  The common
cause of our common country, demands the utmost vigilance of an intelligent community.  In order that this
vigilance may be maintained, it is necessary that corresponding exertions be used to scatter light upon every
subject which has an important political bearing.  Light
being diffused upon such subjects, and the attention of
the people being directed to those things which are either
salutary or prejudicial to the public good; it argues
either a want of moral principle, or a criminal degree of
apathy, not to feel interested; and those who feel deeply
interested, must act. But men of intelligence and integrity, will act openly, honestly, consistently, understandingly, and perseveringly.  They will not shrink from
the scrutiny of their fellow citizens, nor seek to hide
themselves from  the public eye; and while they adopt
and pursue, with a steady, undeviating course, those
measures, which they deem for the general interest, they
will frankly and ingenuously give the reasons of their




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             229
conduct, that the public may approve or condemn, as
occasion may require.
On1 this ground, we consider it not only the 2right, but
the obligation, of citizens of this Commonwealth, in concert with others of our sister States, to assemble for the
express purpose of investigating the nature, tendency,
and political bearing of Freemasonry.
We are aware that this sulbject is one of great interest,
and, in its own nature, exceedingly delicate; inasmuch
as it relates to the opinions and practice of many, who,
for talents, learning and inte(grity, are ranked anmong the
first men in our country.  We are, likewise, by no means
insensible, that a thoroughl investigation of this subject
must bring us in unpleasant collision xwith men whom we
highly regard for their moral worth, and with many to
whom  we are bound by tlhe stirogrest ties of social and
relative friendship.  We would, therefore, have it distinctly understood, that we have neither collision  nor
controversy with masons as men, but only with men as
masons.
AWhile however, we are willing to concede to masons,
as men, all that is just, honorable, virtuous and paiseworthy, on their part; we are not willing to admit, that all
the talents, and all the learning, and all the moral worth,
of our common country, are the perquisite of the masonic
fraternity.  We are not willing to admit that they "are
the people," and that " wisdom  will die with them."
Itowever highly we may respect masons as mnenl; we cannot concede, that aprons, sashes, jewels, rmitres, secret
rites and obligations, or princely titles, can justlyq secure
to them prerogatives of honor, profit and trust; or that
they are more deserving of public confid(ence, than any
other class of citizens.  We cannot stand afar off, and
" exceedingly fear and quake," because of the " awful
mystery," which, for a century past, has hung over this
institution; nor can the venerable locks of some of its
members, its pretended claims to sanctity and " holiness
to the Lord," nor even the sword of the " tyler," awe us
into silence; or hinder our drawing near to scrutinize
the foundation, materials, and " cap-stone" of this mystical building.
These things premised, the delegates from several
20




230           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
counties in this Commonwealth, convened for the purpose
of investigating the principles of Speculative masonry,
now beg leave to place before their constituents, and fellow citizens in general, certain reasons, why they consider the masonic institution as dangerous to our civil and
religious liberties.
The first reason which we would offer, relative to this
subject, and which demands our serious consideration, is
this:
TIE, MASONIC FRATERNITY HAVE ERECTED FOR THEMSELVES A DISTINCT, AND  INDEPENDENT GOVERNMENT,
WVITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF TlE UNITED STATES.
It cannot be denied, that any community, arrogating
to itself the right of punishing offenders, not recognized
by the laws of the land; and, especially, holding in its
own power, the lives of its members; must, so far, be
considered as claiming independence, and refusing, in
these respects, to hold itself amenable to any higher authority. But, that the masonic fraternity have done this,
and still persist in their claim to independence, has been
made to appear by the most satisfactory evidence. The
testimony of their own members has abundantly shown,
that they have instituted a code of laws, not subject to
the supervision of any civil power; and this code is sanguinary.  The code of laws in this institution, consists
in the several "oaths or obligations" of its several degrees, to every one of which a penalty is annexed; and
that penalty is death. Every Freemason, in every degree
by which he may advance, is made to swear, that he will
forever conceal the secret rites and principles of the institution; his acting himself " under no less penalty,"
than to die a most horrid and barbarous death, if he
should ever knowingly or wilfillly violate any essential
part of his obligation.  In order to have a fair view of the
barbarous and sanguinary nature of this code, it may not
be improper to recapitulate the penalties of the first. seven
degrees.  The Enitered Apprentice' binds himself under
no less penalty than to have his throat cut across, his
tongue torn out by the roots, and his body buried in the
rough sands of the sea.' The penalty of the Fellow
Craft, is,' to have his left breast torn open, and his heart
and vitals taken from thence, to be thrown over his left




OPINIONS ON FREEMtIASONRY.         231
shoulder, and carried into the valley of Jehoshaphat.'
The Master Mason swears under the penalty of having
his body severed in two, his bowels burntt to ashes, and
the ashes scattered to' the four winds of heaven.' The
candidate for the fourth degree,' binds himself under no
less penalty, than to have his right ear smote off, and his
right hand chopped off as the penalty of an imposter.'
The Past Master swears under the penalty of having his
"tongue split from tip to root."  The Most Excellent
Master binds himself under the penalty of having his
" breast torn open, and his heart and vitals taken from
thence, and exposed to rot on tile dung hill." The Royal
Arch Mason imprecates the penalty of lhaving his "skull
smote off, and his brains exposed to the scorching rays
of the sun."
Such, fellow citizens, are the sanguinary penalties, by
which the masonic code is sanctioned, up to the seventh
degree. Those of the higher degrees, are of the same
nature, except, that if possible, they increase in barbarism.
Now it is vain for masons any longer to deny, that
these are the penalties by which the laws of their institution are enforced; because those obligations have already
become the subject of judicial record, as developed, under oath, in courts of justice.
It is equally vain for them to pretend, that these penalties have received only a passive signification.  The
obligations speak for themselves. No person can read
them, with an unprejudiced mind, without receiving the
strong, immediate and horrid impression, that they were
intended to be put in execution.  Some of us, likewise,
know, from our own observation, that these obligations have
been uniformly administered in lodges and chapters, and
suffered to stand, as literally expressed, without note or
comment.  The candidate is made to bind himself " under no less penalty," than to suffer thus and so, if he
" should prove wAilfully guilty of violating any part of his
obligation."  But what is a penalty?  Johnson says, it is
a "punishment;" "judicial infliction," "forfeiture upon
non performance."  It is a contradiction in terms, then,
to say, that a penalty is merely passive.  The delinquent
also, in the terms expressed, is supposed to prove "wil



232             OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRIY.
fully guilty"  of violating some part of his obligation;
which could not be the case, if the secrets of masonry
were extortefl from  him by persecution.  The very terms
therefore, "' wilf/llq geilty," as expressed in the oath,
are a fair exposition of tile penalty, and show  at once,
that it was interled to be put in executiotn, in case of
delinquelncy.''lhe candidate also, is mlade to swear, that
he " will obey all regular signTs, summonses,     or tokens,
given, handed, sent, or thlrown,'' to him, from a brother,
or companion of the sanie derree, or firom   " the body of
a lawfully  constituted lodTe" or  " chapter of such."
This part of the oath too, is left without note or comment.
The candidate is to " obey all regular si'ns, surminonses,
or tokens," whether to be tried and condemned himself,
or to try and execute a  rotlher, who nmay have violated
his masonic engagements.  This precisely accords with
the charge given to the Fellow  Craft, as expressed in
Webb's Monitor:  "our 1laws and regrilations you are
strenuously to support; and be always ready to assist in
seeing thiem t dtly e.rclt(d."
But, if we had any doubt respecting the design, nature
and tendency of masonic laws; we have a fair and direct
exposition irn the higher degrees.  The " Thrice Iliustrious Knight" is sworn in the following words  " You
further swear, that should you know another violate any
essential part of this oblig(ation, you will use your most
decided endeavors, by the blessing of God, to brin  sucA7
person  to the strictest andl mo~st condign ptrnishment,
agreeably to the rules and usages of our ancient firaternity."  The  Elected  Kilight of I\Tine swears, that he
" will revenglre the assassination of oilr worthy Master, Hliram AbifT, not only on the murderers, but also on all, who
may betra?/ the secrets of this degrec."  He also consents,
in case of his own delinquency, " to be strutck with the
dreardfuil poniard riof vengecancc.  The " Illustrious Elector of Fifteen" binds himself under the penalty of having
his " body opened perl)endicularly and horizontally, and
exposed to the air for eight hours, that the flies may prey
on the entrails;" and swears " to be ready to inflict the
same penalty on all who may disclose the secrets of this
degree."  The Knight of the East and West binds himself " under the penalty of not only being dishonored, but




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.          233
to consider his life as the immediate forfeiture, and that
to be taken from him with all the tortures and pains to
be inflicted in manner as he had consented to in his preceding degrees."  The " Knight of the Eagle, and Sovereign Prince of Rose Croix De Heroden," is shown a
symbolic representation of Ilell, and then addressed in
the following language:" The horrors which you have
just now seen, are but a faint representation of those you
shall suffer, if you break through our laws, or infringe the
obligation you have taken." To the " Knight of the Eagle
or Sun," is explained the following emblem: " By the
man you saw peeping, and who was discovered, seized,
and conducted to death, is an emblem of those who came
to be initiated into our secret mysteries through a motive
of curiosity, and, if so indiscreet as to divulge our obligations, we are bound to cause their death, and take vengeance on the treason, by the destruction of the traitor."
In accordance with this sentiment, the Knight of Kadosh
swears " to take revenge on the traitors of masonry," and
"to yield submission and obedience, on all occasions, without any restrictions, to the orders of the Illustrious
Knights and Grand Commander."
Now, if we can attach any meaning whatever to masonic language, or understand the genius of any humanri
government; we must have the irresistible conviction,
that the masonic fraternity have intended to assume the
power of life and death over their own members. If so,
they must be considered as establishing an independent
government, within the jurisdiction of the United States.
If they are governed by the spirit and letter of their legal
code, they must assume the right to punish with DEATH,
independently of any other power, offences which are
neither known nor recognized by the law of the land.
This sentiment corresponds with language used by the
grand lodge, in the State of New York; and the same
diction, with little variation, is used by the grand lodge
of this Commonwealth. " Every grand lodge," says this
first mentioned body, " has an inherent power and authority, to make local ordinances and new regulations, as
well as to amend and explain the old, for their own particular benefit, and the good of masonry in general, provided always, that the ancient land-marks are preserved,
20*




234            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
and that such regulations be duly prepared in writing for
the consideration of the members.  This has never been
disputed; for the mnembers of every grand lodge are the
true rep)resentatives of the fraternity in communication;
and are an absolute and i/zlepndent body, with legislative
authority-provided as aforesaid, that the grand masonic
constitution  be never violated, nor any of the old landmarks removed."
" Hee," in the language of one who has written on
this subject, " without any reference to the government
of the United States, or to any other government, every
grand lodge claims to be an' absolute and independent
body, witlh legislative authority and inherent power' to
make what laws they please for their own particular
benefit and for the good of masonry, (not for the good of
mankind,) ilI general."
Masonic language and masonic legislation, then, assume as high1 )rerogatives, and as independent authority,
as any government on earth; and will cope with the
spirit and diction of the United Colonies, when they declared themselves " free and independent States."  But,
the good judgment of every intelligent citizen must teach
him, that it can be neither for the interest nor the safety
of this republic, to have an indlepenlelent and increasing
power, springing up within our oxvn territories; making
laws for itself; assuming the prerogative to punish with
death, or otherwise, offences of its own creating; and
holding itself amenable to no legislature or executive in
the United States.  It is on this very principle, that the
Executive of the United States has refused to protect
some of our Indian tribes.  But if the Indians, in a small
local territory, are not to be countenanced in " creating
an independent government;" how  can it be consistent
to connive at the existence and g(rowthl of a power which
has defied " the world in ca'rms," in the very heart of our
country, and whose members are scattered over the whole
land'?
Another evil of which we complain, relative to the masonic institution, is, its unlimitedl awnd unrestricted funds.
Our legislatures, in framing the charters of corporate
bodies, have wisely provided, that the funds of such bodies
fhall be devoted to specific objects, and shall never ex



OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.             235
teed a certain amount.  They have done this, on the
principle, that unlimited and unrestricted funds, in the
hands of any class of people, are  always dangerous.
WHealth is power.  It is of vast importance therefore, that
funds, in the hands of corporate bodies, be limited and
restricted by civil law.  Otherwise they may, at the control of ambitious and unprincipled men, prove a most
powerful engine against the State, or be devoted to purposes subversive of the p1)ullic good. But, to what limnitation or restriction are the funds of the masonic fraternity
subjected? or what support do they lend to civil governnment? The members of this society may accumulate hundreds of thousands, in secret, slbjected to no tax, and
responsible to no civil power.  Who knows also, the real,
secret object, for which those funds are created?  They
may be created for purposes of mnasonic clarity; and
they may,be created and managed to the subversion of
every civil government oC, earth.
It is no less obvious to us, that the masonic institution
practises thefoulest iq)position.  It pro(lfesses, indeed, to
be an institution of science, charity, and moral virtue.
But, examining the first principles of the institution, as
they have been developed in hundreds of instances, we
cannot but be surprised and shocked, at the gross fraud
and extortion which it has practised unpon our young men.
It would be easy to adduce examples in demonstration of'
this truth; but as the secret rites of Freemasonry have all
been laid before the public, we would urge every citizen
to examine for himself.
The immorality of Freemasonry, is another thing, to
which we would invite the attention of the public. Every
man of principle, intelligence and reflection, must admit,
that the stability of our government, and the security of.our rights and privileges, must, in a great measure, despend upon the prevalence of sound morality.  But, we,cannot think, that the secret rites and obligations of Freemasonry, are, in any degree, calculated to enforce the
principles of moral virtue. On the contrary, we have the
strongest conviction, that they tend to harden the heart,
stupify the conscience, and to eradicate every degree of
moral sensibility.  The frequency  and  barbarous language, with which oaths are administered, in this institu



236           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY,
tion, and the inhuman penalties, with which they are
sanctioned, must naturally lead moral beings to trifle with
the oath ot' God, imposed by civil authority. The indecent and ridiculous ceremonies of initiation, intermingled
with prayer and reading the scriptures, must tend directly
to turn sacred things into contempt. The awful familiarity with which the name, titles, attributes, and word, of
the Deity, are used, as " pass words;" the profane and
farcical representation of "the burning bush," the ark
of God, the pot of manna, and the rod of Aaron; we
think can amount to nothing less than blasphem,. In
short, all the ceremonies and appendages of the masonic
institution, from the first to the forty-third degree, we
consider directly calculated, and most artfully contrived,
to lead on, step by step, into blank Atheism.  We fear
not to appeal to any unprejudiced minds who will examine
these degrees, as they have been disclosed by Bernard
and others; and to affirm, without the least apprehension
of being contradicted, that the whole system is directly
calculated to overturn every religion, and every civil government on earth.  This object is fully disclosed by the
"Knight Adept of the Eagle or Sun."  After explaining
masonic symbols, in the preceding degrees, as secretly,
though really, levelled against the first principles of every
existing religion and government, the " Grand Master, or
Thrice Puissant," addresses the candidate in the following
words: " Behold, my dear brother, what you must fight
against and destroy, before you can come to the knowledge of the true good and sovereign happiness! Behold
this monster which you must conquer —a serpent which
we detest as an idol that is adored by the idiot and vulgar
under the name of religion."
In looking at the principles of Freemasonry, we are
constrained to believe, that it subverts the administration
of justice. This is the natural tendency of masonic
oaths; as will appear from  the following extracts.  To
aid a brother, and keep his secrets, the master mason
binds himself explicitly. " Furthermore, do I promise
and swear, that I will not give the grand hailing sign of
distress, except I am in real distress, or for the benefit of
the craft, when at work; and should I ever see that sign
given, or the word accompanying it, and the person who




OPINIO(?NS ON FREEMkSONRY.               237
gave it appearing to be in distress, I will fly to his relief
at the risk of my life, should  there be a greater probability of savilng  is life thanl of losing my o wn."      Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that a master mason's
secrets, giveIn to  nce in cliarge as such, and I knowingr
them  to ble such, shall rerrlain as secure and invitolable ind
my  breast as in  his  o;wn, Nwhen commtunicated  to me,
murder and treasoll exceptedl; and tlhey left to my own
election."   Now who wouldt expect, that a nmaster mnason,
feeli'ng hii self' bound by h'is niasonic oath,  woultd  isclose
Cthe truthl, thle wl',le truth, and nothlinr but the trilth,'
when called to testify against a brother in a court of iustice, especially xvxhe,  lie saw  fronm  that brother  "the
grand  llailingr sirn of tistress?"    But, let us hear the
Royal Arch  mnasil.   Furtlhermorc, do I promrise and
swear, that I xxill aid and assist a coniOI)anion Rtoyal Airclh
mason, when enlrxaid in any difficult; and eslouse Ihis
cause so far as to extricate  him  fromn the same, if in my
power, whether lie )be right or'wrong.  Furthermore, do
I promise and sxwear, tllat a companion Royal Arch mnason's secrets,  iven nme in charTe as such, and I knoxving
thern to be suc!i, shall renmain as secure and inviolaable inimy breast as in!is own, murder andl treason nett cxceir:tfed';"
or, as it is adm i'listred(l in some Chapters, " ii ca(l cases
without exccpi)toli."'   We now ask any citizen, who is not
a masoin, if, en'raned in litigationi with one of the fiaternity, he is williilgr blis cause should  be submnitted to a
jury, bound under nio less penalty, than to hlave each his' skull smiote off;" that they xwill aid and assist their " companion, ulwhen enaraged in a?/y dificUitty, and espouse his
cause, so fir as to extricate  him from  thle same, whether
he be right or'1c 2,?"  If the jurors hLave any regard to
the masoimic  oath,  x ill they  niot feel bound to reilder a
verdict in favoi of their brother or comnlanion, xvhether
just or unjust?  This is no more tthan a fair and literal
expression of the  Royal Arch obligation; and we have
the testimony of tnen, who have been familiar wxith masonic usages, and lwhose integrity has long been establishin view of the public, that the cause of justice has been
thwarted repeatedly  through the influence  of masonic
oaths.
Freemasonlry tends to defeat the desigrn of tthe ci-vil laie',




238            OPINIONS ON FREEtASONRY.
and to paralize the arm of justice in the punishment of
crime.
Freemasons are not only sworn to keep their brother's
secrets, anid to defend and espouse his cause, whether
right or wrong, but to warn him  of approaching danger,
and, if possible, effect his escape.  The force of such obligations, regarded by the brotherhood, must afford a
broad covering for the blackest crimes, and lay the foundation for many a villain to elude the stroke of justice.
In demonstration of this fact, we appeal to the MORGAN
conspirazsy.  The success and facility, with which many,
engaged in that barbarous transaction, have insulted and
set at defiance the majesty of the civil law, afford inelancholy proof, that masonic obligations are but too well
observed.  It affords an affecting illustration of those
unhallowed words, to keep a companion's secrets, in all
cases whatsoever, and to espouse his cause, and grant him
aid " in any difficulty so far as to extricate hinm from the
same, whether he be right or wrong."  It cannot be denied, nor ought to be concealed, that whole lodges, chapters and encampments, and even the Grand Lodge and
Grand Chapter of one of the States, have been prompt to
relieve their criminal brethren and companions in distress; and have not hesitated to bestow of their fiunds, to
thwart the exertions, and paralize the effects of the civil
power. Even those Freemasons, who have been convicted of the foulest crimes against the laws of their
country, have had their prisons turned to palaces, their
hearts cheered with every desirable luxury, and are still
owned by the fraternity, as trusty companions and worthy
brothers.  It is indeed, mockery, and adding insult to
injury, for any to pretend, in the face of these " stubborn
facts," that Freemasons do not mean to shield one another
from the arm of the civil law.
It is an alarming consideration that the public press has
been so much under the control of masonic influence.  A
free press may be considered the very bulwark of our
civil and religious liberties. Who are our sentinels and
watchmen, but those who manage the public press?  But
our editors, with a fewv honorable exceptions, relative to
this subject, have been, as it appears to us, unreasonably
reserved. Bating a few, who have been continually




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.            239
chanting the praises of Freemasonry, and pouring forth
abuse and Billingsgate on all who dare oppose; and here
and there a champion for the truth, who had the temerity,
in opposition to masonic threats and masonic corruption,
to sound the alarm, and tell aloud the tale of wo, which
had yet scarce been whispered to the western zephyr;
almost the whole corps seemed to be mute with astonishment.  Masonic bribery had almost effectually poisoned
all our streams of public information.  No one could
know the truth; no one could tell what to believe. Were
it not for the anti-masonic presses, which have sprung up,
almost simultaneously, like here and there a star to "glitter upon the mantle of night;" our political horizon
would still have been left in worse than Egyptian darkness. But from the demonstration we have had of
masonic control over the public press, a free people have
reason to be jealous, and take the alarm.  If the fountains
of intelligence must either be stopped, or corrupted, by a
powerful, secret combination, we may as well. barter away
our birthright for a mess of pottage, or sell our liberties
at auction, like the Roman empire, despoiled of its
strength, opulence and glory.
We cannot but learn, with serious apprehenrsions for
our dearest rights, the artful and insidious measures, with
which Freemasons have been thrust into offices of power
and trust. In looking at these offices, in places where,
perhaps, one eighth of the freeholders are ma~sns, we shall
find more than seven eighths of the offices in possession
of the brotherhood.  Where, fellow  citizens, will you
find a public key, of any considerable importance, that is
not in the hands of a mason?  Where will you find an
important public office, of any considerable lucrative encouragement, that is not filled by a mason?  We are
sure, that the disparity in official appointments, as divided
between Freemasonis and other classes of our fellow citizens, is so great, that it could not have been -the result of
accident.  Whoever will examine this part of the subject,
will find that facts speak for themselves, and that their
testimony is irresistible.
Now, although we would not deny to Freemasons, as
men, in common with others, any right, prerogative or
perquisite, of civil community, to which tal,ents and in



a240            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
tegrity may justly entitle them; yet we are constrained
to consider any secret or clandestine measures, which
they take to thrust their own mermbers into office, as
altogether a usurpation; and such an one as is directly
calculated to subvert the very first principles of our confederate republic.
We do n.ot feel ourselves at liberty to conclude this
documnent, without urging our fellow  citizens to reflect
upon the awfal iiniprccations of Freenmasonry.  These are
so numerous, that we could not give a full view of their
horrid atndl blasphelnous import, without trallscribing a
aery con siderable part of every masonic  " obliration."
We wdill select, as an exalmple only tile following, from
one of the Knlioglt's degrees.  In receiving his libation
fri'om  a ]tunian skull, the candidate swears, "  lay this
libation appear as a witness against me, both here and
hereafter, —  nd as thle sins of thle Nworld were laid upon
hile head of lhe Saviour, so may all the sills committed by
the person whlose skull this was, be lheaped upon my
head, in addition to my ownl, should I ever knowingly
or xwilfillly violate or transgress any obligation that I
have heretofore taken, take at this time, or shall, at any
future period, talie in relation to any degree of masonry,
or order of lkniglhthood."   Upon  such imnprecations as
these, let every citizen make his own comment.
Wae also feel it our duty, though with great reluctance,.to advert to the maligntant and p rsecCuti   spirit,  incul-'cated in some of' the first principles of Freemasonry, and'which has been too faithfully carried into effect against
all those, who have had the temerity to transgress her.ecret and mysterious laws.  Take, as an example, an
~extract forom an obligation administered to the Thrice IIlustrious Knigh!t of the Red Cross.  " You further swear,
that should you know  another to violate any essential
point of this obligation, you will use your most decided
endeavors, by the blessing of God, to brine such person
to the strictest and most condign punishment, agreeably
to the rules and usages of our most ancient fraternity;
and this by pointing him out to the world as an unworthy
vagabond; by opposing his interest, by deranging his
business, by transferring his character after him wherever
lhe may go, and exposing him to the contempt of the




OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.           241
whole fraternity and the world, but of our illustrious order more especially, during his whole natural life." Here
too, let our fellow citizens judge, whether such a spirit
as this, enforced by a sangeuinary law, becomes a " handInaid of religion," or of an institution professing to inculcate the first principles of " charity," " universal philanthropy," and sound " morality."  As it respects ourselves,
we are fully satisfied, that such obligations as the above
will account for the scandal and reproach, which, without
discrimination, have been heaped upon all those who have
burst the bonds of the masonic institution, and borne testimony against its secret principles of iniquity.
There are several other topics, relative to this subject,
which we think deserve the serious consideration of our
fellow citizens; but this protracted address must come to
a close, and leave much unsaid, which we could wish to
have discussed. We cannot, however, sum up what we
have already suggested, and what wve might still desire to
lay before the citizens of this Commonwealth, in more
appropriate language, than that of the Le Roy Convention,
in their anti-masonic declaration of independence.
" That it (the masonic institution) is opposed to the
genius and design of this government, the spirit and
precepts of our holy religion, and the welfare of society
generally, will appear from the following considerations:
" It exercises jurisdiction over the persons and lives of
citizens of the republic.
" It arrogates to itself the right of punishing its members for offences unknown to the laws of this or any other
nation.
" It requires the concealment of crime, and protects
the guilty from punishment.
" It encourages the commission of crime, by affording
to the guilty facilities of escape.
" It affords opportunities for the corrupt and designing
to form plans against government, and the lives and characters of individuals.
" It assumes titles and dignities incompatible with a
republican form of government, and enjoins an obedience
to them derogatory to republican principles.
"It destroys all principles of equality, by bestowing
21




242            OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
favors on its own members, to the exclusion of others
equally meritorious and deserving.
" It creates odious aristocracies, by its obligations to
support the interests of its members, in preference to others
of equal qualifications.
" It blasphemes the name, and attempts a personification of the great Jehovah.
" It prostitutes the sacred scriptures to unholy purposes, to subserve its own secular and trifling concerns.
" It weakens the sanctions of morality and religion, by
the multiplication of profane oaths, and an immoral familiarity with religious foirms and ceremonies.
" It destroys a veneration for religion and religious
ordinances, by the profane use of religious forms.
" It substitutes the self-righteousness and ceremonies
of masonry for the vital religion and ordinances of the
gospel.
" It promotes habits of idleness and intemperance, by
its members neglecting their business to attend its meetings and drink its libations.
" It accumulates funds at the expense of indigent persons, and to the distress of their families, too often to be
dissipated in rioting and pleasure, and its senseless ceremonies and exhibitions.
" It contracts the sympathies of the human heart for
all the unfortunate, by confining its charities to its own
members; and promotes the interests of a few at the expense of the many.
" An institution thus fraught with so many and great
evils, is dangerous to our government and the safety of
our citizens, and is unfit to exist among a free people:
We, therefore, believing it a duty we owe to God, our
country, and to posterity, resolve to expose its mystery,
wickedness and tendency, to public view-and we exhort
all citizens, who have a love of country and a veneration
for its laws, a spirit of our holy religion, and a regard for
the welfare of mankind, to aid us in the cause which we
have espoused."
All of which is respectfully submitted.
MOSES THACHER, Per Order.




OPINIONS ON' FREEMASONRY,           243
RESOLUTIONS
Adopted by the MIassachusetts Anti-masonic Convention.
Resolved, That all Societies should be open and amenable to the public, and that the existence of any Association whose objects, principles and measures are secret
and concealed, is hostile'to the spirit of our free institutions.
Resolved, That the disclosures of Freemasonry made
by Win. Morgan, by the Le Roy Convention, and by Elder Bernard and others, show the system  to be selfish,
revengeful and impious, and its oaths to be dangerous to
our private rights and our public interests.
Resolved, That there is evidence before this Convention that Royal Arch  Freemasons, impelled by a sense
of their masonic obligations, have robbed their country
of the services of a free citizen, that the institution retains within its bosom the men who have done this violence, and that the grand lodge of New York has contributed of its funds to pay the expenses of the same,
and that chapters and subordinate lodges have also appropriated liberally of their goods to support the perpetrators of kidnalcping and allegeed murder.
Resolved, That the  system  is one  and indivisible,
whether consisting of three degrees or fifty; that it is
erected on the same foundation, constructed in the same
form, inhabited by the same spirit, and governed by the
same laws; that the acts of exalted Freemasons, and of
lodges and chapters in one State, are the responsible acts
of the whole system in the United States, and that it is
proper to make Freemasonry answer for the conduct of
its constituted authorities wherever they are situated.
Resolved, That in view of the premises we respectfully
request the grand fraternities of Freemasons in the State
of Massachusetts, to disfellolrship the grand lodge, the
grand chapter, and the grand encampment of the State of
New York, which hold in their masonic embrace the perpetrators of the violence upon William  Morgan, and
either to deny the truth of the above named disclosures,
or to renounce the system, and the oaths of Freemasonry,
which have been palmed upon the honest Freemasons of




244           OPINIONS ON FREEMASONRY.
the present generation as the favorite work of the wise
king Solomon, and of their tutelar, St. John.
Resolved, That the Anti-masonic State C6mnmittee be
directed to furnish each one of the grand officers of the
grand lodge, and the grand chapter, and the grand encampment, and the grand council of the Freemasons in
this State with a copy of these Resolutions, particularly
urging this our earnest request, and that when this Convention adjourns, it be to some day convenient to receive
their answer, in tile hope that the wisdom of their reply
will relieve the public mind of any anxiety respecting the'institution of Speculative Freemasonry.
Resolved, That in the opinion of this Convention the
oaths imposed by Freemasonry are in a very high deguree
profane, and entirely destitute of any moral obligation,
or legal binding force.
Resolvedl, That therec is evidcnce of an intimate connexion between the higher orders of Freemasonry and
French Illuminism.




APPENDIX.
-_1
rtntunfiatfonws of ffre mas ono.
Extract friom  the Renunciation of the Rev. David Bernard, of 1Warsaw, Genesee Co. N. Y.
IT is with much reluctance I appear before the public in defence
of that which is dearer to me than life. Though I value my good
name thus highly, I should not attempt a refutation of the foul charges which have been with much pains circulated against me, and appear in the public journals in vindication of my character, were it
not for the duty I owe to nmy famlily and fiiends, and above all, to the
Church of the living God, of which I have the honor (though unworthy) to be a member and minister. And it is not because I was
unable to make every thing appear " clear as the sun," as respects
the course I have pursued in forever leaving and renouncing Freemasonry, that I have not done it before. But it is because my brethren and fiiends advised mne to hold still, and because I determined to
show my enemies, that all their slander, and hellish machinations,
could not overthrow  me, though I remained silent: And thanks be
to the name of my Master, I have been enabled to pursue such a
course as has received the approbation and fellowship of the churches, the answer of a good conscience, and the approving smiles of my
God.
It may not be amiss here to observe, that I have taken ten degrees in Speculative Freemasonry, and was the first Royal Arch
Jiason, with the exception of Win. Morgan, that ever denounced
the institution as corrupt, to my knowledge. This is one reason, no
doubt, why the fraternity have been so inveterate against me.
Now to the point, respecting my leaving the institution. Five
weeks before the abduction of Morgan, I heard that he was writing
masonry. My informant was a Baptist minister of high standing,
21*




246                      APPENDIX.
and a high mason. He declared to me, that a greater piece of depravity he had never heard of; and furthermore, said repeatedly,
that " he was willing to be one to put Morgan out of the way." He
said that "God looked upon the institution with such complacency,
he would never bring the perpetrators to light," and attempted to
justifjy the deed from the scriptures. He also informed me, that
there had been a meeting of the masons at Batavia and Stafford.
The above expressions I highly disapproved of at the time, and told
him that if Morgan had done wrong, we should not. The above I
feel willing to be qualified to, if called upon in any proper manner.
From what I learned fiom the above gentleman, and others, I had
no doubt some measures would be taken to stop the printing of masonry, but did not believe the masons would be so abominably wicked and daring as to put Morgan to death.
When I was at the east, 250 miles from Batavia, I heard masons of
high standing converse upon the subject of his abduction, which was
several weeks before he was taken off. On my way home, I saw
Elder John G. Stearns, and he presented me one of his books on
masonry, just published. When I reached home I read the work
and could find no fault in it. I showed the book to a mason, who
immediately purchased it. I learned also, that Morgan was taken
off and probably put to death. I began conversing with the masons
upon the subject, and they almost universally justified it. I then
began not only to give the subject due reflection, and investigation;
but to express my abhorrence and utter detestation of the foul and
most awful deed. I began also to converse freely on the principles
of the institution with masons, and others. About this time a special
meeting of the lodge was called in Covington, which I attended, and
after the meeting was duly opened and the subject of the abduction
brought up, I arose and decidedly disapprobated it, and advised the
lodge to do the same. But instead of attending to my advice, they
began to question me about what I had said of masonry, and relative
to my bringing Stearn's book into town; all of which to the worthy
body, appeared criminal. During this meeting, if I may judge, I
saw what I call a manifest approbation of the Morgan outrage, in
most of the members, and it was a full meeting. At this meeting
there were a number of Reverend gentlemen, one of whom said, as
nearly as I can recollect: " Cities have their laws, Churches have
their laws, masons have their laws, and here is the proper place to
try a mason. If Morgan has had his throat cut from ear to ear, and
his body buried in the rough sands of the sea, where the tide ebbs
and flows once in 24 hours, he cannot complain of not having justice
done him."  Here he closed, and it was echoed with an Amen!
Amen! Amen! One of the members of the church in Covington,
said about this time at a private house, that the worst death inflicted
on Morgan, would have been no more than just.
The next regular meeting of the lodge I attended; being requested
by the Master, at the above named special meeting, and here a scene
passed which I shall never forget. If ever a poor mortal was abused,
I was. Dr. Daniel White was one of the foremost, in treating me
shamefully. Here I did not know what to do; I rather thought
there would be warm work, I therefore kept perfectly cool, as I can
abundantly prove, and nothing passed my lips but what I am willing




APPENDIX.                        247
should be repeated a thousand times. I then and there declared
some of my then principal objections to Freemasonry. They were
not removed. I finally told them to take their own course, such
were my views, and if they chose they could expel me. It has been
said that I begged them not to do it, but this is false, and I can prove
it. I told them I did not ask them to expel me, but they could take
their own course. I finally left them, hoping and praying that they
would forever disown me, as I did them.
When I left the Church in Covington, they gave me a good letter
of recommendation. I also received letters from the 2d Le Roy, 1st
York, 1st Middlebury, 2d Elba and Warsaw  churches, all of which.
justified and approved the course I have taken; and I hope I may
ever conduct so as to merit their confidence and that of the public.
I have ever been ready, and am still, to meet my accusers or any
body else, before the churches with which I am connected. I preach
to the first church in Middlebury and the church in Warsaw. I
hold my standing in the second church in Le Roy, where I united
last winter. My reason for uniting with that church is, it was the
first in the country that came out from Freemasonry, and as I could
not conscientiously walk with those who practised it, I became one
of them. I wish to injure no man. I trust I am a friend to all men.
But I am a decided enemy to Freemasonry; and it is because, from a
thorough investigation of its principles before and since I left it, I
fully believe that it is not only the most abominable but also the most
dangerous institution that ever was imposed upon man; it is anti-republican and anti-christian. It is somewhat imposing, owing to its
borrowed garments, but this renders it more dangerous, for like the
wily serpent, it lures but to destroy. Man never invented, hell
never devised, wicked men and devils never palmed upon the public
a more foolish, corrupt, awful, soul destroying and Heaven daring
institution, than Speculative lF'reenmasonry! It may truly be said
to be HELL'S MASTER PIECE.
Having thoroughly investigated its ceremonies, its oaths, and its
principles, as ill the light of eternity, I feel fully warranted in making
these statements. The condition on which the oaths are taken, and
their evil tendency, being opposed to the glory of God and the best
interests of man, render them fair from being binding.
I solemnly renounce all fealty to masonry, and do most earnestly
beseech my brethren in Christ Jesus, of every name, to come out
and bear unequivocal testimony against it. Think, 0 think, dear
Christians, that hundreds and thousands of precious and immortal
souls will be lost forever, unless they return and repent, but that the
name of the precious Jesus is rejected, your Saviour, your precious
and adorable Saviour taken away-the cause of your bleeding Redeemer injured-the hands of the wicked strengthened, and the Almighty God dishonored! And 0, let me entreat you in the mercy
and bowels of Jesus Christ, to reflect that you have to answer for
the blood of those who shall find also, when it shall be forever too
late, that masonry is not a Saviour! And while I entreat you, let me
warn the wicked. 0 wicked man, thou shalt surely die-your house
is built on the sand-the winds, rains, and floods of Jehovah's wrath
will soon beat upon your naked soul in one eternal storm! Though
you may expect to mount up as the eagle on your boasted god, you




248                         APPENDIX.
will find that the Almighty will dash you to pieces like a potter's vessel. Be warned then, be wise and flee from masonry-flee from the
wrath to come-flee to the gushing side of Jesus, whose blood you
are ever trampling under your feet. He can save you, for he is inerciful-he can save you, for he is Almighty. Farewell, dear sinner;
if you choose, you can still slander nme, still calumniate my character.
Recollect when I pray to my Lord I always remermber you; though
you hate me, I love you; though you blast my reputation, though
you kill my body, you cannot kill my soul.  This is secure from all
your machinations, and will in the blood of Christ triumph forever.
Farewell, dear sinners: But we shall nieet again, when the last
trump shall sound we shall meet.  At the retribution of the great
day, we shall meet and hear our final (loom, we shall receive our
everlasting reward —masonry then, and its adherents will eternally
perish, while Christ and his people will reign forever.
DAVID BERNARD.
Renunciation  of  Ret.  Joshua  Bradley, Principal of
Rock Spring Seminary, Illinois.
In a letter to a firiend in New-York.
I was brouTht into existence and edlucated in a region where masonry was cherished and respected, and where I never heard any
cogent arguments offered against it; I therefore was early inclined to
thirnk it an institution worthy of irmy attention.  After I left college in
1799, I became acquainted with many masons, who were armiable,
benevolent, influential in society and government;  also, somne    inisters whom I hi-hly esteenetl, were memlbers and zealously engaged
in recomnmending its metrality, virtues and utility to nlmnrind.  All I
read, heard, or saw of the progress of thlis denomination, hl d a tendeney to incline me to join their.  In 1814, I visited Newpio.t, R. I.,
where I was first settle(l in the rministry.  An opportunity was then
presented to accomplish my wishes and gratify mley curiosity.  There
I took all the degrees that I ever considered imnportant to inoself and
others.  Somie tcrlls in the obligationjs and the titles of their officers,
I never liked, but these were so explained by th'oe who plesided,
that I finally passed onward, as all ihad done who had gone this way
before Ine, without imuch dlificulty.
I then considered, and have ever since, that the Knighthood has
no affinity to masonry.  I never had a thought that masonry was religion; for God in his infinite mercy had brought me by his Holy
Spirit to believe in Christ, at the age of about 17 years.  That pure
religion which I then experienced, has been replete with every thing
that I or a world needs in time or eternity. But masonry is a human,
and cunningly formed system of deception. Is it not rightly named,
"Speculative Freemasonry?"  Millions have.been drawn within its
veil, and led away captive lay its false pretensions and exhibitions of




APPENDIX.                          249
morality, charity and brotherly love. And many may still rejoice for
a season in their delusions, despise reproof, and perish without
remedv.
Whiie I lived in New England, I saw nothing very alarming in the
transactions of masons; but in 1817 1 settled in Albany, N. Y.,
where I formed an extensive acquaintance with the firaternity from
all parts of that State, and began to take an active part in their lodges
and chapters, till 5May, 1826. During this period I tried in all laudable ways to enflighten and tirn the attention of thousands, to found
academies rand educate in all the useful arts, the children of poor
masons and their orlhans-to expel unworthy Ilembers, to lay out
their large and acculllatinog funds for the benefit of those to whom
they were obligate(l, and to save themselves firom  fi-aud and every
species of deceltion.  I was wtell aware firom  documients obtained,
and firoke ordl infllrmation, that the craft were in ilnlinent danger of
overivherlming theiselves in a sea of difficulties, which would rise
and sweep tdliroun il that State, if not over the Union-bearing on its
waves the iniqtities of many of the order that Inight be seen and
known by evcey individual of discernment.  I was no hprophet,
neither the son of a prophet, nor- did I need a messenger fiorii the
skies to inifrmn rme of the future destiny of the fraternity in NewYork, olr a.v other part of the globe, when I knew from  history and
the revela:ioni rilin heaven, that the destruction of every society
slunibered not, which would foster within its embraces, members,
who wo!ld spend their ftn(ts in riotous courses and every scene of
abomination.  Alany have done this in every country where masonry
has been permitted to erect her edifice, and entice to her dark recesses all whom she may devour. Should any consider me advancing upon ground doubtful, and altogether beyond the regions ofpossibility, I wou!d only ask masons to open their archives and read for
themselves.  WVhat occasioned the existence of the Lodge of Reconciliation in England? Was it not to bring into union the terrible
parties of masons who arrayed themselves against each other, and
were trampling upon every particle of reason, and setting at naught
every thing worthy of our existence? Who robbed No. 31 of their
jewels, implenents, charter and every book? Their Deputy Grand
Master.  What did that lodge write to their Grand 7Master, who is
the king of Great Britain?  How did he treat that lodge? English
masons know, and some of us in this country have read the letters
that were written upon those base transactions.  But I will put a few
questions that can easily be answered by masons in the State of NewYork. —What treasurer of T. Chapter in Albany, squandered $1450
away in a manner too ilnjurious to hiniself to be described by me?
How  many hundreds did the same individual receive fiom country
brethren, for charters, which he did not return, nor refund their
money?  What treasurer of the Grand Chapter put all his property
out of his hands, anti kept back $5000, which he had received while
in office? Who were the representatives of about thirty lodges in
and about the city of New-York, who tried all possible arts of deception upon the representatives firom the country in Tammany Hall, till
midnight, and then seized all the ftnds, clothing, papers and implements, and retired to St. John's Hall, and there elected officers, contrary to the laws of the Grand Lodge and all usages among masons, or any




250                         APPENDIX.
class of mankind under the influence of reason? About $ 20,000 were
held by thel, and about three hundred country lodges treated contemptuously.  Who received fromin June, 1S24, to June, 1825, more
than $900 for charters, and kept the whole from the treasurer? These
fraudulent transactions were pIractised upon the fiaternity from  1818
to 1825, and none of the violators of their solemln obligations coul(t
we get expelled: And as to Itnflicting any other penalty upon them,
never entered my lillnd, or was everI hinted by alny one with wvhom I
associated; neither (io I believe that any good man could be so
blinded as to consider the firatenity possessing plower to destroy a
member who had violated theirI lawas.  When a certain master mason
a few years sinece. publiihed all tile lectIres in a very singulalt  way,
that was supposedl by himn and someG others inlpossille to be read
without hi; key; bhlt fila;lly thle wvhole was folund out by somle who
were not lmasons; wihWIt was, thl  erntlalty iniicte(l iupon himr in 1826?
Nothing but expulsion fllol tle (;;1a0l: d Clhaptel (f NXv-York.
I cannlot adm(liit ttiat' WlVdlilSton, Fraklin, De \Xitt Clinton,
and(l  aryv other1 virtuouls and ll isce'rinvr  st atesienll in  Alerica, and
mere 11hal two Ilindrlled learned anl( p1ious ministers of tile'()!,el,
ever believed that tile obtliaition0  i1)0posedl on theil  at their initiation
and advancelment in the order, eitltc I nll(le them guilmly of blasphemy
or laid themi under any necessity of reinlovilln  any violter fIoin  his
family, coluntry, or il lictingl  any corporcal Ipunish!ment uplon hlim.
Therefore, I have not receivetd llly conviction fi'omll the expositions
that anti-mlasons have given upon the oathls or obligations taken by
masons.  NMy conviction comlln:enced fiom lily preparations to answer
soine recent anti-masonic writers.  Ever since thie excitement began, I felt a strong inclination to defend the system.
Tlhe inldescribable wickedness of somlie masons in the Morgan
affair, had waked up) a host of new, learned and scrutinizing enemies,
who were penetr'ating every re gion around them, andl seizing every
weapon to destroy thec wllole fabric.  In surveying the vast field of
their occlupancy, I found only two positions of strength  and importance, viz. 1st, that secret societies ought not to exist; 2d, that
obligations taken by their mrembers are not binding.  Could these
two be fairly iemoved, every other might, and masonry again rise
and gain a tlriumplh.  In 1827 I was solicited to deliver an address in
St. Louis on the 24th Junee; I accepted, and then briefly exhibitedl
my sentiments on nrasonry, to a large congregation, in which were a
number of the order fromn different parts of the Union, of respectable
stanrling and holding offices of great responsibility in our national
governimient.  This discourse was approved and published.  Some of
my remarks against anti-masonic performanlces and exertions, put
forth against this mystic society, I now tietest.  For some mionths I
stood preplared to meet their advance upon the fiaternity, spreading
over the vast valley of the Mississippi.  I almost came to a determination to send some of my views to be published in your region; but
my distance fiom the seat of opposition, andl my knowledge of men
in the order of greater ability and erludition than myself, who resided
in the midst of the contest, prevented me.  I fondly hoped that
some would enter the field anil come off triumphant.  None have
yet appeared sufficiently clothed in truth, to overthrow the two positions above mentioned, and I am now fully persuaded that they are




APPENDIX.                           251
founded in righteousness and cannot be derrlolished. That lively
confidence, which once appeared to glow amlong masons, now withers and must finally vanish away.
The commotions in the east have awakened me to consider anxiously what I must do as an individual.  I have tried to persuade
myself to hold a netutral position for some months past, on account
of the afflicting hand of Providence upon mry wife, that o4ust soon
lodge her in the grave, if not removed, and my presenit reiiden ce in
a city where Inasonry is respected and inoves onw;ard witliout any
annoyance.  Neutrality, in this dlay of prevalent divisions, is unpleasant and unreasonable, in  my estimation.  Therefore, I  amn
willing it shoulld be known with whom  I can associate, for the
happiness of mankind, and the glory of CGod-" J.igsna est veritas,
et prevalebit."
Should my fiie.nlds in your vicinity leemn this communication of any
importance to the public, for the plromiotion of anti-masonry, it is at
their service.. MIy next will be an address to professors of religion
who are still in the fiaternity, and others whom I mayl have grieved
with my former publications on masonry, and my zeal anal labors
among theim.
JOSHUA BRADLEY.
Jlay 9, 1829.
Renunlciaiion of Rcv. Mr. Maniin, of Surfeicl, (oi.
THE following renunciation will bh read with interest and pleasure
throughout the counlry.  The author ef it is extensi ely kirown irn
Connecticut, Rhode Island, Ma(sa-elluiseotts, aTid New   lampl)shire.
No man's character stands fairer thian his does, as a man; a gentle-,,man, a Christian, and a Christian minisier.s....A/ Intelliaeoner.
MR. EDITon,-The subject of FIcreemasonry,. affectitS, as it does
the reputation of individuals, the welfare of the chlrclhes, and the
peace of the commrunity, i a subllject of great irrlort'ancee.  Lvery
moverrent inl regard to it, wvlether on the pa.t of its fi'ien:os or of its
enenmies, should be Ialade with due consideration.  In deciding on
the:Imerits of an institution which has a miixfture of good arid evil in
its composition, and against which popular opinion has arrayed itself,
"nd that too, with uncolammon energy, we are liable to misjudge.
Realizing the truth of this, I have endeavored for soene timre past to
examine seriously and candidly the nature and tendency of Freemasonry.  The result of this examination, I now communicate under a
sense of the duty I owe to my friends, to nmy country, and to the
church of the Redeemer.
I became a member of this institution in my native town, and was
raised to the degree of Master mason within a year after completing
my course of education at College; and some time previous to my
settlement in the ministry I was advanced to the degree of Mark




252                        APPENDIX.
Master mason.  Subsequently to this, in compliance with the wishes
of particular friends, I proceeded to the Royal Arch degree. My
attendance on the meetings of the F'raternity have been discontinued
for the few last years, and always have been limited prizncipally to
public or special occasions. The reason of this has been that I have
not been fully satisfied with the institution, and have feared that all
was not right concerning it.
It is not my design in this communication to rail against an institution with which I have longr been connected, nor to divulge its
secrets, nor to criminate any of its members.  Alany of theni I esteem and love as good citizens, and good Christians.  Nor amn I sensible that by doing this. I am actuate(l by any selfish mnotives.  I am
aware that by taking this step, I shall wound the feelings of some,
and, perhaps, excite the ill will and severe reproaches of others.
The latter I shall endeavor to forgive, and by the former I shall hope
to be forgiven.
Having examined with some degree of attention the nature of
Freemasonry, and having considered the extraordinary occuirrences
which have recently marked its history and furnished to the world a
fearful conmment on its principles; I can no longer, with a clear conscience, retain any connexion with the institution, and do hereby
declare my secession fromr it. The reasons which influence me to
this step, are the saine which have been announced by others who
have taken the same course.  I have long feared that'Freemasonry
had a strong tendency to Deismn.  Even in the prescribed forms of
prayer, we rarely find any recognition of the Sayviour.  It is not an
answer to this objection to say, that this institution existed before
the manifestation of Christ in human nature.  It is as vain to challenge for masonry a great antiquity, as it is impious to claim for it an
equality in point of excellence, with Christianity itself.  It does not
admit of a doubt that its origin is to be placed in modern times.  Although portions of the gospel are interwoven with its forms, I conceive that masonry presents false grounds of hope.; leads men to depend on their own defective righteousness;-to exp)ect the favor of
God without the inte rposition of a Redeemer, and even without repentance; and thus has a most injurious influence on their eternal interests. Under the r most faivorable circumstances, which, in any place,
have attended masonly, it has occasioned a great waste of time and
money, which might andt ought to have been employed for better
purposes. And fuitheriinore, it interferes materially with domestic
religious duties.
Without declaring  the institution a downright imposition in all its
parts, I confess, that I was greatly disappointed at every step of advancement through its degrees, as to the benefit to be derived from
it.  I doubt not, that many a man has felt ashamed and consciencesmitten when he has appeared to be satisfied with a thing of such
inanity. The moral precepts which are to be found among its instructions, may be much better learned from the gospel itself.  As to
the union which it is said to form among men, it may be observed,
that the religion of Jesus effects the most important and lasting union
among good men which can be formed on earth; and, as to bad men.
to bind them together by solemn oaths in secret societies to stand




APPENDIX.                        253
by, and defend, and promote each other, must be regarded as a dangerous procedure, both in relation to church and state.
The recent disclosure of facts made to the legislature of New
York, and in numerous other ways, has shown clearly that, in regard to our political interests, the institution of masonry is to be
greatly dreaded. It is a powerful engine, which may be wielded
with tremendous and destructive force against the liberties of our
beloved country.
But, Sir, permit me to add an objection, which, a little while ago,
I could not have supposed would ever exist against an institution
which professes to be founded in pure morality and benevolence. It
is stained with the blood of the innocent. It has perpetrated murder in the most outrageous and horrid manner. It has trampled thus
on the laws of God and man. It has set at defiance all authority,
and even every principle of humanity. The evidence is overwhelming, that these shocking barbarities, at which the inquisition itself
might blush, have been committed by masons; and they have been
justified by n-asons, as being in accordance with the obligations of
the institution; and the wretched perpetrators have been screened
from justice and protected by masons! Sir, I can no longer regard
such an institution as a moral one, much less as a religious one. If
this is a practical exposition of its laws, it ought not to be tolerated
by any firiend of our species.
I feel, that I cannot fiee my garments from the blood of the murdered, if I countenance or uphold an institution which has committed such deeds. Does not the blood of the martyr of Batavia cry
to heaven for the vengeance of Him  who hath said, Vengeance
is mine, I will repay? Do not the cries of the widow and the orphan ascend to the ear oft' Him who styles himself, the Judge of the
fatherless and the widow? Against whom is this cry uttered? Not
merely against those whose hands have laid hold on violence; but,
against those, also, who continue to sustain a society which is guilty
of such atrocities.
It does not satisfy my conscience to say as many of my brethren
do, that we disapproved of the violent measures which have been
pursued. The question I have to ask is this;-were the proceedings against Morgan in accordance with masonry or not? If they
were, how can any of the fraternity be free from the implication of
murder, in a moral sense, who continue to uphold and favor such an
institution? Under such circumstances, is not the maintenance of
masonry a virtual justification of the whole procedure?
If the mem-bers of Congress were to make laws, encouraging piracy and murder, would not they, and all who should approve of such
enactments, and maintain them, be implicated in all the crimes which
should be committed in consequence of them?
Will it be said at this late (Jay, that perhaps Morgan is not dead?
Then let him be produced. Let us see him;-let us embrace him;
let us give him back to the bosom of his broken-hearted wife and
his mourning children. Let us restore him to our country, and thus
wipe away the foul stigma which has been brought upon it by the
outrage committed against its laws, and the setting at defiance of its
justice.
Does it not become professing Christians and ministers of the
22




254                        APPENDIX.
meek and benevolent Redeemer to consider whether they can consistently retain their cennexion with the institution?  With all the
liaht which is now poured upon this subject, does it not admiit of the
clearest proof, that its obligations and practices are irreconcilable
with the gospel! Are we not taught such precepts as these;Avoid the very appearance of evil. Thou shalt do no murder.  Be
ye not called Master, for one is your master in heaven. Thou shalt
not take the naine of the Lord thy God in vain. The wisdom which
is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without
hypocrisy.  By the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified.  By
grace are ye saved, throughifaihth, and that not of yourselves, it is
the gift of God. No man can come unto the Father but by Jesus
Christ.-Let masonry be thorougihly tried by the word of God, and
by its actual effects on morals and religion; arid, then, let the decision on its merits be given in view of the transactions of that day,
when God shall bring every secret thing into judgment whether it
be good or whether it be evil.
JOEL MANN.
Slffield, Oct. 9, 1829.
Renunciation of John R1   l i73 ford.
In making the following statement of my views and disclosures on
the subject of Speculative Freemasonry, I am not conscious of being
governed by any motives except a desire to discharge mly duty as a
member of civil society, and of the church of Jesus Christ, and also
to promote the cause of truth and justice in our social relations; but
above all, the cause of a pure and undefiled religion, as it is taught in
the living oracles of God, without the corrupt mixtures of human
invention.
I joined Whippany lodge, in this county, about thirteen years ago,
ond took the first three degrees of masonry, and continued to visit
th-e lodge about five years —then I silently withdrew, anrd have since
had no fellowship with masonry.
My reasons for thus forsaking the lodge, and why I feel it my duty
publicly, and forever to renounce the order of Freemasonry, are as
follows, viz:
That the principles of masonry inculcate neither religion, morality,
truth, nor justice, but the contrary of all these, which 1 have both
experienced and witnessed(.  While I continued a lodge-going member, a mason told ne lie (lid not believe there was any better religion
than masolnry. This alarliied me; and I began to look at the institution with a more  jealous eye.  Since that time, I have seen and felt
its pernicious influence in many ways, someic of which I will mtention.
I have seen a grand jury selected by a masonic sheriff, with an
express view to prevent an indictment against a brother mason,
and was told by the foreman of that jury, that had it not been the
case of a brother that was comning before them, he should not have




APPENDIX.'.55
been there.  I have also seen a mason brought up to be tried on an
indictmnent, and observed him  make the masonic signal of' distress,
and another sign to the jury, which latter sign of tile hand (diawn
across the throat, two of the jurors answered; and these same jurors
when out, refused to convict on a clear case of guilt.  I have also
seen masonic signs exchanged between tlhe bar anid bench.  I have
also seen its influence in the choice of public officers, having heard
it Imentioned in the lodge that such a brother was to be run for
assembly mian, by which I understood that we (the brethren) were
to support hinm, arid he was run and elected.  I have seen three
editions of XMorgan's Illustrations of TMasonry; and to guard the public
against deception in so impor tant a matter, I feel it nvy duty to state
that the first one is a true and genuine exposition of nasonry as I
was taught it in the lodge; vwheres. the two last lhave been altered;
the one in riany   particulars, anri te other' in pass words and in
changing the signs, no doubt to (deceive the people.  For these
reasons, andi many nmore that I could naile, I considerl  masonry as a
corrupt and awlully wicked systenm, and unfit for the society of
Christians or honest men;  and condiidorin' the pretenisions it nlakes
of republicanism, charitr, the handmnaid of reliaion, &c. I view it
as one of the greatest i!npositions ever practised upon mankind, that
of Maholnet not excepted.  I aim  pertectly satisfied frlom  what I
have seen, that had the masons the reins of power in their hands, or
in the hands of men whoom they coil,, as they say, " aArNACE," we
should soon be reduced to a state of'; hewers of wood and dlrawers
of water," they our " Grand Master., Most Worshipfill's," &c. and
we the people their SLAVES.  I wotuld here forewarn all persons,
especially the youth, fi'on entering the lodgre to find the secrets of
mlasonry, or any thing  good: they will only find a scene of folly and
wickedness, and purchase this at the exlpense of both money and
credit.
Of this latter class, I have known individuals to enter the lodge
with correct rorals and steady habits; and in a few year's become
dissipated and worthless members of society.  Such is its corrupt
and corrupting influence.
If such persons wish to know the true secrets of masonry, and will
take the trouble to call on me, I will communicate to them as far as I
have gone in this' nmystery of iniquity," "' without money and without price."
As a member, therefore, of the church of Christ, and of civil society, I do hereby publicly, " solemnly, aind sincerely," renloulnce Freeumasonry forever, arid can, and will holl myself no longer bound by
its horrible and bloody oaths.
JOHN R. MULFORD.
Genun, touwn, Chathami Township, };]lorris Co. X. J. J.uly 31, 182S.




"256                       APPENDIX.
Renunciation of Benjamin W. Weeden.
From the Vermont Luminary.
MR. EDITOR,-Permit me, through the medium  of your useful
paper, to state to the world, that I heieby renounce all connexion
with the institution of Speculative Freemasonry.  Believing it to be
an institution fraught with wickedness, and dangerous to the liberty
of our country.
I would further state, that the book called Morgan's Illustrations
of Masonry, and the disclosures of the Le Roy Convention, as far as
the seventh degree of masonry, are as near correct as any mason
could write them.                BENJAMIN  V.,EEIDEN,
Once a Royal drch JMason.
Hartland, Vt. 3.larch 18, 1829.
Renunciation of Rev. Levi Chase, of Fall River, Mass.
I have belonged to the institution of Freemasonry since the year
1815.  Having been at first intfatuated with its formal parade of
sanctity and alluring show, I proceeded fiom step to step until I had
taken the three first degrees, under the false impression that its pre-.
posterous claim to divine origin was well founded.  But the conduct
in the lodge to which I belonged, convinced me that its ceremonies
were but solemn mockery and contelmptible trifling-which induced
me to desert the cause, and for seven years I did not attend a lodge.
I was then informed by members of' the fiaternity, that there was not
that light in the lower degrees which was naturally expected; but in
the higher degrees my expectations would be fiully realized. Placing
entire confidence in their persuasive words, I then united with Freemasons in Warren, R. I. where I took the degree of AJiarlk Al'aster,
together with the honorary degrees of Past Master and iMost Excellent JAloster,-an(l I do now say and affirm, that the secrets and
oaths of the first three degrees, as pubtlished by Capt. William  Morgan, in his " Illustrations of Masonry," are true,-and I believe that
his life has been taken by masons for thus developing their secrets;
and as this outrage upon humanity as well as law, flowed necessarily
from the obligations and principles of the institution, every genuine
mason must approve of it and use his influence to screen the perpetrators fiom offended justice.  I have likewise examined the decrees
of Mark Master, Past Master, and Most Excellent Master, as published to the world by a Convention of seceding masons held at Le
Roy, Genesee county, N. Y. and find themn to be correct-the same
as were conferred on me. I now  offer the following reasons for
seceding from masons:
1st. 1 consider the institution of Freemasonry, by claiming to be
divinely instituted, places itself in direct hostility to the Church of
Christ, inasmuch as the name of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
is not named in the first six degrees;-and the apostle Paul says,




APPENDIX.                        257
" that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in
heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that
every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father."
2d. That the institution of Freemasonry, in requiring members at
their admission to the several degrees to take an oath, requires therm
to swear prolanely; and all who take these oaths are guilty of profane swearing, inasmuch as the masonic fraternity have no right
whatever to administer an oath, according to the laws of God or
man, to a candidate at his admission to the different degrees of masonry.
The question has been asked by masons, who wish to asperse the
characters of those who have renounced masonry, " Why did not
they renounce it before?"  For one, I will give them the reason
why I did not. The masonic oaths locked my tongue in silencedeath, in all its horrid shapes and frightful forms, stared me in the
face-I considered the oaths binding. But the scene has changeda new era has commenced-the masonic spell is broken-the mystic
tie is dissolved, and many who have long groaned under the pressure
of masonic oaths and anathemas, have emerged fiom  their prison.
Yes, dear Christian brethren, the fatal blow that took the life of
Capt. William Morgan, has rent the masonic veil fiorm top to bottom,
and now, I believe that God, in His providence, is opening the way
for an entire separation between His church and the masonic institution.
I have not written the above on account of any ill will against the
masonic fiaternity, but from pure motives, with a desire it might be
to the declarative glory of God and the good of mankind.
LEVI CHASE.
Fall River, Jan. 23, 1829.
Letter addressed to  the Editor of the Free Press, Boston, by JohLn WTiittlesey, of lvew-Salenm, Conn.
MR. EDITOR,-Sir, The philanthropic spirit which impels you forward, in the sacred cause in which you are enagaed, carries its own
reward with it, viz. that of an approving conscience. The astonishing spread of light, (emanating fiom GoD,!hrough the medium of the
free presses of our country,) among the inhabtitants of Massachusetts
and the adjoining States, and( the effect produced thereby, sounds an
alarm among the brothers of the craft not to be mrisunderstood; and
although they, in their agitation, may cry out with as mluch vehemence as the men of Ephesus did at the preachirn of Paul, when
they thought their craft in danger, arind raise as great an outcry against
every editor of a fiee press, and honest seceding masons, as was done
against the good apostle, be assured that the savme power that rescued
him is now  exerted for their deliverance, and the downfall of this
22*




258                        APPENDIX.
modern goddess Diana, whom all the craft worship. Yes, Mr. Editor, the hand of God is visible in all this, and ere long the mighty
edifice, professedly erected by GOD hirnself, and patronized by the
holy St. John, will crumble to the dust, and in the language of the
Revelator, 11 The voice of harpers, and musicians, anld of pipes,
and trumpets, shall be heard no more at all in thee, and no craftsman of whatsoever craft he be, shall be Jbund any more in thee,
and the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee,for by
thy SORCERIES were all nations deceived,"-for in thee is found
the BLOOD of MORGAN-and although its votaries nmay cast dust
on their heads in their phrenzy, and weep and wail, and cry, alas!
alas! at the downfall of their pretended ancient and honorable institution, it will appear in all its naked deformity; (lisniantled of its tinselled trappings; and instead of " loliness to the Lord" being
written on the breast plate, MYSTERY, BABYLON, will be visible; and I would, in the languaae of inspiration, call upon all good
men, and especially all ministers of the gospel, and say,  "1 come out
of her my people that ye be not partakers of her plagues."  Such men
can have no excuse for adhering to the " order" at the present
time; it is too late to pretend that all the secrets and ceremonies of
masonry are not before the world, as disclosed by William  Morgan,
and the Le Roy Convention.  No good man can consistently deny,
but that they are essentially correct, and it' so, the oath makes life the
forfeit for the least transgression, when nothing is more clear than
that no man has a right thus to barter away the life given to him of
GOD; we are to preserve our own lives, and those of others.  The
candidate before receivinlg his oath is assured, that it shall not infi-inge on his civil or religious liberty: but how manifest it is that such
an oath does infi'inge on both; hence it is not binding, nor will it
answer for Christians, and especially for Christian ministers, barely
to omit attending the lodg3es, while they rermain silent on this interesting subject, and lend their namnes to the firaternity as rrelnbers in
regular standing, without a renunciationl; this is the very ground
which masons and Satan would have them  take, and while they pretend to be neutral, they secretly support the mnasonic cause.  But, if
the institution be good, why refuse to talk about it, or to attend the
lodges?  If wicked, why not renounce it?  Are they afriaid of'sufifring and of having the dislleasure of the fraterniity let loose upon
them?-of having  their character traduced, their business deranged, &c.  Well, he that will seek to save his life, Iimay be sure
to lose it, agreeable to scripture-all who will live godly in Christ
Jesus miay expect to suffer persecution-and, I thlink, Mr. Editor,
the time is not far distant, when this mighty evil, this foe to God andl
man, will be removed from the church, and she will come up fronl
the wilderiess leaningr on her beloved; an;d a virtuous people will
drive this would-be tyrant from this soil of liberty.  May your efforts,
niy dear sir, for the good  of Iaiiikind, be blest; and your truly
valutable paper lonri  continue with asr extensive patronage, whern
those opposed to liberty shall be lost in forgetfulness.
I remain, dear silr,
Y ours very respectfully,
JOHIN WHITTLESEY.




APPENDIX.                            259
Renunciation of Gen. Henry Sewall,* communicated in  a
letter to  a  Clergyman  of his acquaintance  in  NewHIampshire.
AUGUSTA, ME. JAN. 7, 1830.
REV. AND DEAR SrR,-In  compliance with your reasonable request, by letter of the 11th ult. I transmit you a sketch of my former
career in masonry, with my   present views of its moral and religious
character, and legitirmate bearing on civil and religious institutions,"
together with my abdication of the order. Its disposal is confided to
the exercise of your' discretion.
Yours in the bonds of Christian affection,            H. S.
I was initiated an entered apprentice to the masonic rites in October, 1777, at Albany, soon after the capture of Burgoyne, being
then an officer in the Amlerican army.  I was induced to this measure
by the belief that I should flare better in case I should be made a
prisoner, and by the advice and recommendation of a number of masonic comrades in arms, who assured me that it was a valuable andc
scientific institution.  That part of the alrmry to which I belonged
being speedily ordered to join Gen. Washing'ton in the neighborhood
of Philadelphia, I of course passed the wiliter at Valley Forge, and
the following surmmner with the main army then concentrated in the
State of New York, and which in the succeeding autumn hovered
round West Point for winter quarters in the Highlands, awaiting  the.movements of the enemy until the opening of the campaign in 1779.
During all this period the fluctuating state of the army afforded me no
leisure or facilities for mnaking any advance. in masonry.  In August,
1779, after carrying the hod nearly two years, I was passed to the
degree of fellow craft at West Point in a lodfge which I understood
then existed in the Connecticut line of the armny.  In September following I was raised in tile same lodge to the sublime degree, as it is
pompously called, of master nmason.  None of the mystic ceremonies
unveiled in the previous degrees affordled nie much satisfaction,t but
* The gentleman to whom lie communicated his renunciation writes as
follows: —' Gen. f-. Sewall was an early companion of Washington, and continued with tile arimy until the war was closed. He has been much in public
life, and is knoMwn extensively. Hle is a man of superior talents, a consistent
Christian and deacon in the church. Arid he is now ready to leave the beloved country for which he foughlt, and as we trust, to enter into the joy of
his Lord. His views of speculative masonry have not been tbrined unider
the excitement of the moment; but appear to have been producedl by the
Spirit of God, when operating powerfully upon his mind, to have been
strengthened by long observation, and colfirmed by recent disclosures.
Such a man's views ouglit to have weight; anid they will have weight,
where prejudice does niot triumlph over reason. The testimnolly of suc h a
man must be conclusive; and those, that will not believe it, would not be
persuadled though one rose front the dead.
It t is worth notice, that although the first degree is professedly fotunded
on facts gleaned from the building' of Solonmon's temple; the second degree
derives its pass-t1ord from a fact vwhich occurred i.l the days of the Judges
[ch. xii. 6.] more thian 100 years before. Perhaps the Craft may attempt
to reconcile this anachronism by telling us that Jephthah was a mnasoun.




260                        APPENDIX.
those pertaining to this sublime degree, and particularly the stale, in,
consistent tradition of the murder of master Hiram  Abiff and its
attendant peculiarities, were too fabulous to obtain my credence. Indeed tile personation of Hiram in the circumstances of his burial, and
the fictitious search for his grave and for the murderers, actually had
the appearance of solemn farce.  Arnd on the next day after my
sublime eltvation, I told rmy brethren that I had been disappointed.
I did not find that scientific intelligence which they had encouraged
me to anticipate.  They were somewhat alarmed at my remarks, and
endeavored to quiet me by assurances that I should be more reconciled by attending the meetings and lectures of the lodge.  By their
persuasions, admonitions and promises, they quieted me so far that I
accepted an appointiment of Secretary in the Washington Travelling
Lodge, which was constituted in the army about this time, and continued imy connexion with it until the peace took place in 1783. The
fiequetnt ineetings of the lodge which I attended during this period,
were merely convivial, serving no other purpose than to miitigate in
some degree the privations, and beguile the cares and fatigules of the
soldier's life.  I had seen among the hieroglyphics of the lodge, the
figure of the 47th pioblerm in Euclid, but I never heard it referred
to; nor did I hear it taulght in any lesson or lecture, that " the suni
of the squares of the legs of this triangle was equal to the square of'
the h?ypotenuse;"  or indeed  the solution of any other problem
whatever.  The third degree of masonry was at that time considered
its ne plus ultra.  Of the higher dlegrees I have no knowledge except fri'm the late printed disclosures, the authenticity of which I
have no reason to doubt. Among them every degree, like the dark
"6 chambers ofjimagery" revealed to Ezekiel, contains " greater and
greater abom-inations"!
On retiring from the army I settled on the Kennebec, which was
then a new country, and of course I was out of the sphere of masonry, and fo)r a timhe thought little more of the subject. It was not long
however, before my mind was powerfully drawn to the subject of'
religion; and by a studious and prayertul examination of the' more
sure word of prophecy," that true " light which shines in a dark
place," I trust I was led by the influence of this perfect rule of faith
and practice, during the year 1784, to view speculative masonry in a
shape still more deformed.  I now considered it widely variant ft'onm
the principles and radically hostile to the nature of the gospel. Its
charity appeared to be selfish7ess, because restricted to its own.
nmembers.  Its religion DeisnL, because enltirely devoid of the gospel.
its bold assumption of the holy Bible, unnatural and preposterous.
Its application of selected texts, irreverent an(l profane.  Its terms of
acceptance with Cod, a due performance of masonic duties.  Its
heaven, a celestial grand lodge of worthy masons!  Its history appeared fabulous-its claims to antiquity unsustainable-its titles fillsorme-its  rites barbarous  and  absurd-its  oaths extra-judicial,
unlawfully imposed and blindly taken-repugnant to the prior andt
paramount obligations resting on all members of the civil comnpact,
but especially as subjects of the divine government; and the penal
sanctions annexed, horrid and impious! These my sober views of
mnasonry have been strengthened by an extended course of observation, mnatured by hoary age, and satisfactorily illustrated by the re



APPENDIX.                        26l
markable developements of the day. From the time last mentioned,
a period of nearly half a century, I have scrupulously avoided all connexion and withheld all fellowship with that institution, and have
actually withdrawn fiom all lodge meetings, though fiequently and
pressingly invited to attend. Antd in accordance with my avowed
belief, as above expressed, I now publicly and deliberately declare
myself free f;om  all masonic obligatirons, which I verily believe
never had or could have arty binding force. I consider all secret
societies in a free governmlent, of dangerous tendency, their very
structure endowing theln with a capacity for doing more evil than
good. But the vail which covered the mystic rites of masonry is
lifted. The grand secrets are out; and all the brotherhood, if united,
would find it a difficult task to put them in again.  Speculative masonry must become extinct; and I care not how soon. It has never
been of any real benefit to civil society. It secures nothing to benevolent objects, or any other good purpose, which Christian obligations do not secure fiom higher motives. Religion needs not for
its support, " the staff of this bruised reed," which will only pierce
its hand.
HENRY SEWALL.
Renunciation of Col. John HIoar.
COLONEL HOAR, author of the following renunciation, is well
known to be a gentleman of good report, and he stands fair before
the ptlublic. He long ago expressed to some of his fiiends the trouble
and trials Freemasonry had brought upon his mnind. Uniting with
Freemasons he considers one of the greatest errors of his life. The
institution he considers a high-handed piece of wickedness and
abomination before Heaven, affording  no peace, safety or security to
those who labor to support it. He has no desire to hurt the feelings
of any of his masonic brethren; he would rather Ihonor and respect
them, but the institution which they labor to support he believes to
be a useless, worthless, wicked thing, (it is so to them,) a device of
wicked men, inconsistent with the Christian religion, and of immloral
and irreligious tendency.-Free Press.
TO THE PUBLIC.
The time is come when a strict inquiry into the principles and
practices of Freemasonry is instituted, and many of the brotherhood
who heretofore thought but little of either, are beginning to examine
the subject in the light of Divine Truth, and the more they examine
the more are they dissatisfied with the institution.
This in a good tlneasure is the case with myself; and I feel a sacred obligation resting upon me as accountable to that Being, who
sways the sceptre of Universal Dominion, and whose omniscient eye
penetrates the abodes of darkness, and takes cognizance of the most




262                        APPENDIX.
hidden transactions, to renounce my standing in the masonicfiraternity. My eyes have been opened to see tile labyrinth of folly and
guilt into which the institution is decoying men.  My better judgment has been shocked, and my feelings greatly excited while hearing men of abilities, men on whom  nature had lavished her richest
gifts, express a belief that masonry would carry them to HEAVEN.
To assist in riveting still closer the chains of a most awful delusion,
by encouraging and supporting the institution, or to remain silent as
the grave on the subject, will, I am persuaded, call down the displeasure of Heaven upon me; the blood of souils will be required at my
hanld.  Therefore I consider it an imperious duty to withdraw illmediately and entirely from  the institution, and to exhort all:my
Christian brethren who belong to the fraternity, to examine the subject candidly and prayerfully, and if they find they are wronging
their fellow  men by encouraging them in delusion, and their own
souls by feeding on husks; if they find they are wounding the feelings of their Christian brethren by their wallk and conversation, to
come out firom masonry, without delay, and be separate.  What concord hath Christ with Belial?  What cominmunion hath light with
darkness, and what part hath he that believeth, with an infidel?
To masons at large I would say, if you d!raw firom the fountain of
masonry your greatest hope and consolation, it will certainly fail
you at the giving up of the ghost.  Therefore flee to the ark of
aflety and take refuge in the blood of tile everlasting covenant.
JOHN HOAR,.,iember of the Chutrch in.Monson.
Extract front the Renunciation of Col. IIC.C.  "iVAlerill,
of Hfartford..Masons say in defence of their institution, that it is a good one,
but like all others, it has been disgraced by bad imembers, and that
if all would live rtp to their obli,rations it would be an honorable
and useful institution.  Biut nothing cae  be mnore erroneous than
this assertion.  Conmsmunity has been saved jromn the worst of
evils, FROM TlHE VERY FACT, that masons do not at all timnes live
2ip to their obligations; iJ they should, the islstitution would be
STILL MORE DANGEROUS than it actually is-a volume could not
contain all the evils wlich it would produce;,-our prisons would
be liable at all times to be beset by mobs, and the guilty felon would
be set at liberty-prisoners at the bar would have a right to look to
Jurors for relief-spirates on the high seas would claim their life and
liberty; andl the midnight robber and inurdalrer would fly to Inasonry as to to the horns of an altar for protection.
- op



APPENDIX.                        263
Renunciation of Lieutenant Governor Leland.
From the Anti-Masonic Christian Herald.
The Rev. Aaron Leland, late Lt. Governor of Vermont, and formerly Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of that State,
recently renounced masonry before the Baptist Holland Purchase
Association, New York.
In a report of the committee on the subject, of which he was a
member, he remarked, that he had been le(l by a vain curiosity to
unite with the lodge, and had been led on from step to step to the
Royal Arch degree-had been master of a lodge for flive years-had
been Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of
Vermont, and had left the institution about nine or ten years ago.
He stated that the first objection which presented itself to his mind,
was the practice of praying for the soul of a brother nmason after
he had been dead two, three, and somnsetimses foeur days —that he
persisted in the practice for a short season to the injury of his conscience-that it was a Romish custom, and he never would preach
at the burial of a mason when masonic forms andi customs were attended to-that he never would preach to a lodge of masons as such,
and that he was ashamed that he had ever participated in the principles and practices of the institution.
Important Renunciations.
WE: the undersigned, having formerly associated with Freemasoonts
deem it our duty, without intending to increase excitement, or to
wound the feelings of our masonic brethren, pubicly to declare, that
the system of Freemasonry is, in our judgnent, of a tenaency on
the whole pernicious to the moral habits, and dangerous to titz civil
and religious institutions of our country.
LEONARD BLEECKER, At'ew York.
LEWIS TAPPAN,    "
REV. MATTHEW  L. R. PERRINE, D. D..Auburn Thieological Semninary.
REV. JOEL PARKER, Rochester, Ar, Y.
REV. CHAUNCEY  EDDY, Penn 1Yann, X. Ye
HENRY  BRADLEY, Esq.   "'
LEANDER REDDY,                    "
SAM.NUEL BUCKINGHAM,              "
THOMAS MARBLE,.drcadia, JV. Y.
WILLIANI WINDFIELD,"
FRANCIS BATES,            "
REV. JARED REID, Reading, M'Lass.
REv. LYMAN CASE, Coventry, Vt.




264                       APPENDIX.
Renunciation  of Rev. Henry  G. Ludlow, Pastor  of
Spring street Presbyterian Church, New  York.
To the Editor of the Anti-masonic Beacon.
MIR. EDITOR,-YOU may add my name to those of Mr. Bleecker,
and others, which appeared in your paper of the 24th January. My
reasons for subscribing this formula, are1. A full conviction of its truth.
2. As we ought to love our neighbors as ourselves, we ought not
to be silent, when by speaking we may prevent their injury. I can
hardly think that any candid and intelligent master mason can seriously assert that masonry should be kept up. For my own part I
have ever been disgusted with its nonsensical ceremonies, and
ashamed of myself for submitting to them. Besides this, it is throwing away money-and time, which is more valuable than money.
As speaking may prevent such a sacrifice, I think it my duty to
speak.
3. I do not wish my name used to promote the interests of an institution, the character of which I think justly described in the formula. I have not entered a lodge these eight years to my knowledge.
Yours, &c.
HI. G. LUDLOW.
January 31, 1S29.
Renunciation of Erastus Bates.
From the Free Press.
MR. EDITOR,-Understanding you are ready to publish any thing
you may judge proper to expose and destroy the great and dangerous
evil of Speculative Freemasonry, I beg you would help me to unburden my conscience, which has for a long time goaded me on the
subject, antI destroyed my comfort and peace of mind. I am unaccustomed to write for the public eye; but I hope to tell my story in
a way that you can understand me.
I am a professed, and, I hope, a real follower of the Lord Jesus
Christ. I have a good and regular standing in his church, and so
far as I know, am kindly regarded by my Christian brethren. But in
an evil and unguarded hour, and through a vain curiosit~y -nd the
flattering persuasions of masons, who HIGHLY EXTOLLED THE
INSTITUTION, and held up to my view the prospect of GREAT
ADVANTAGES to be derived from it, I was induced to offer myself
as a candidate for admission to the Olive Branch lodge in Sutton,
where, about four years ago, I was initiated as an entered apprentice,
passed to the degree of a fellow craft, and soon after raised to what




APPENDIX.                        265
isfoolishly called' the sublime degree of a master mason.' Upon
my first entering a lodge-room I was sorely disappointed: instead of
finding something worthy the dignity of a rational and( immortal
being, I found myself degraded and debased in the extreme, and reduced to a condition, which it seems no person would choose to be
in. I was stripped of my common apparel, blindfolded, and with a
rope, masonically called a cable-tow, about my neck, was led about
the room, as a blind animal, to be gazed and laughed at by all present.
This I was told was what all the ancient and honorable before me
had submitted to, and was necessary to enter the sublime temple of
masonry, erected by Solomon, and cdedicated to the holy order of
St. John. Thought I to myself, if Solomon and John had any thing
to do with such business, their character for wisdom and goodness
must greatly suffer! But what was the most impious and abominable part of the whole transaction, I consented to take an oath or
obligation, with the holy name of God annexed, and that before I
knew  any thing what it contained; which, in its plain, commonsense meaning, deprived me of my freedom and made me the slave
of the whole fraternity, and bound me to commit any crime, however
heinous, if only commanded by a brother or superior. I was, indeed, previously told by the most worshipful master that the oath
would contain nothing which should interfere with my religion or
politics. But in this I was most grossly deceived; for no sooner
had I time for reflection than I perceived that it interfered with both,
and bound me under the most horrid penalty of having my throat
cut from ear to ear and my tongue torn out by the roots, to violate
all my obligations to my God and my country, ift' it were the will of
a brother or a lodge I should do so, and even to conceal the crimes of a
brother mason, whatever they might be. I may not exactly remember all the parts and points of the obligation imposed upon me, but I
do distinctly remember that I was sworn to the most profound
secrecy respecting masonry-that I would conform to all the by-laws
of the lodge without knowing what those laws were-that I would
obey all signs, summonses and tokens, ianded, sent, or thrown to
me by a brother mason, or by a lodge —that I would keep a brother's
secrets when given to me as such, as closely in my breast as in his
own, murder and treason excepted, and these left to my own discretion-that I would go on a brother's errand, when required, barefoot and bareheaded, if within the length of my cable-tow-that I
would apprise him of all approaching danger, if in my power, and
relieve him if possible of all his distresses, upon seeing the grand
hailing sign, or hearing the word —that I would not violate the
chastity of a brother nmason's female relations, KNOWING them to
be such, &c. &c. A greater mass of absurdity and wickedness I
never heard put together. Yet being then very ignorant of the
nature and obligation of oaths, I felt myself bound to keep them,
though they were galling, and a snare to my conscience. At length
it pleased God to open my eyes to see their abominable nature, and
to set me free from this iron yoke of bondage-this worse than
Egyptian slavery. And I now bless his name, that he has enabled
me to break those wicked bonds asunder, and to breathe the pure air of
civil and religious freedom. I now consider those horrid oaths of
no force neither in honor, morality, nor religion, and that they had'23




266                      APPENDIX.
infinitely better be broken than kept. They are required of no law
of God or man, and of course it can be no man's duty to take them.
They are unlawfully administered and taken. They are deceptive
in their nature, and awfully dangerous to the community; and if
observed in their true letter and spirit, without any equivocation or
evasion of mind, they expose a person to the commission and concealment of the most abominable crimes, perjury, REBELLION, and
even MURDER, when required by a brother. If regarded as binding, they must of necessity clash with every civil and religious obligation, and destroy truth and confidence among men. I rejoice
exceedingly that I am delivered from among them. They have been
an iron yoke upon my conscience and conduct, and I pray God to
pardon my rashness and folly in ever submitting to take them upon
me. The sin lies in taking such oaths, and not in breaking them;
and I am persuaded that no rational man would ever take them upon
him, if he knew  beforehand what they were, and to what they
would lead him.
It is not my wish to injure the feelings of any of my former brethren by any thing I have said or done, nor do I think I have given
them any just occasion of offence. It is not masons but masonry to
which I am opposed, and while I highly respect many of the fraternity as honorable and good men, and with charitable feelings would
leave them all, it is the deceitful and dangerous system of masonry I
abhor, and hereby FOREVER RENOUNCE. In doing this I expect to meet the reproaches and slanders of my former brethren, it
being in full accordance with their obligations: and had I not been
restrained byfear of personal injury, I should have renounced my
connexion with them long ago. If masonic oaths are binding on the
conscience, I am fully convinced, that every seceder has good reason
to fear for his safety. I do not wonder at the rising spirit of the
community against this dark and dangerous institution; their dearest
rights and interests are in jeopardy: but I do wonder, and am truly
astonished why Christian brethren, and especially Christian ministers
do not open their eyes to the light which now shines into the caverns
of that secret abomination, and renounce all connexion and fellowship with it; and while I would adopt the language of the good old
patriarch, and say,' O my soul, come not thou into their secret;
unto their assembly, mine honor, be not thou united!' I would affectionately warn all my uninitiated Christian brethren, and all YOUNG
MEN, as they value the favor of God, and peace in their own minds, to
keep themselves aloof from all masonic lodges, and not enter into
those midnight assemblies, where nothing but darkness reigns; but
avoid them, pass not by them, turn fiom  them  and pass away.' Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the
scornful.'
ERASTUS BATES..Millbury, JMass. Dec. 1829.




APPENDIX.                        267
Renunciations at the Connecticut State Convention.
In the discharge of what we conceive to be a pressing duty, we shall
not attempt to offer any speculations respecting the origin or early
design of the institution of Freemasonry, of which we have long been
members. Nor would we indulge in any anirnadversions against the
order to wound the feelings of any man. But we have a duty to
perform respecting it, which we cannot neglect. For, in it, we do
now most sincerely believe, the safety and future weal of our country are deeply concerned. By doing this duty we may incur, and
perhaps we ought, all things considered, to expect to incur, the displeasure and reproach of some, and we may also wound the feelings
of others. If we do, the fault, we are confident, will not be ours.
We are prepared most seriously and honestly to say that, firom what
we know of the principles, ceremonies, and obligations of masonry,
or in other words, its mysteries, we believe it calculated to do no
good, and capable of doing great mischief. There is nothing in it to
interest men of sense, when such men look at it, without bias, just
as it is.
As a secret society, we think it should no longer be sustained in
this republic, but should be discountenanced by every man who is a
friend to equal rights, and an impartial administration of justice, as
well as to sound morals and pure religion. We therefore, with a
sincere wish to promote the best interests of our country, and of
mankind generally, do in this public manner, make these our declarations respecting the masonic institution, affirming that the grand
secrets of the order are no longer secrets, and withdrawing ourselves
forever fiom all connexion and fellowship with it.
JASPER  BIDWELL,  3 degrees.'
ELISHA  SUJGDEN,   3  do.
NORMAN BIDWELL, 3  do.    Canton.
WM. H. HALLOCK,  3  do.
RUFUS TULLER,    2  do.  J
WILLIAM  TAYLOR, 3  do. Barkhamsted.
CALVIN BARBER,   4  do. Simsbury.
Renunciation of Jesse Smith.
To all Freemen, and especially those whom Christ hath made Free.
Some years since I joined Speculative Freemasonry, and have
taken four degrees. The abduction of Capt. William Morgan induced
me to attempt an investigation of the oaths and ceremonies and compare them with the word of God-and in obedience to his command,
I do believe the whole to be a device of Satan-conceived, born,
and nursed in darkness-and in obedience to God's command, I do




268                      APPENDIX.
hereby separate myself and renounce all connexion with said institution, and beseech the followers of the blessed Lamb, to come out of
her, that they receive not of her plagues.
JESSE SMITH,
A seceding Mark Master Mason../ddison, County of vddison, State of Vt. Feb. 2, 1829.
The Spirit of Masonry.
Extract from a Sermon preached at Sherburne, N. Y. by Rev. David Kendall.
It is easy to see that the spirit of the masonic institution is such,
and its plans so extensive, that the kingdom of Prince Immanuel, and
the kingdom of prince Hiram Abiff cannot be erected and stand together on the earth. Each of these claim the whole earth for a possession. The King of Zion says, " the meek shall inherit the earth,
and delight themselves in the abundance of peace; and the wicked
shall be cut off. Those mine enemies that would not that I should
rule over them, bring hither, and slay them before me."  But prince
Abiff, on the contrary, claims the whole earth for his " worthy and
well qualified" subjects; and requires them  to avenge his death
on all enemies, traitors and cowans, when the time is fulfilled.
Neither can the religion of both these High Priests stand together
on the earth, any more than their kingly reign. For what is light to
the one, is darknzess to the other; what is duty in one, is crime
in the other; what is holy truth to the one, is falsehood and lies
to the other; what is sanctum  sanctorum  to the one, is abomination and desolation to the other: inasmuch as whichever of
these shall attain to its meridian glory and splendor, it will
throw the other into the total darkness of midnight. And whichever
of these shall rise and spread to the extent of its intended sublime
and sovereign dominion, it will crush the other and grind it to powder, and scatter it like chaff driven before the winds, that no place
may be found for it any more forever.
Our subject shows, that now it is high time for all, and for every
one, to choose decidedly whom they will serve. If the Lord is God,
serve him; but if Baal be God, then serve him.
The two-Prince Immanuel and prince Abiff, or Christianity and
hlasonry-we have found, on scripture trial, to be so totally different, and their claims and requirements so entirely opposite the one
to the other, that it is impossible to be a true and faithful servant to
both. Either you must love the one and hate the other; or cleave
to one and despise the other. For what concord hath Christ with
Belial, or what fellowship hath light with darkness, or what agreement hath the temple of God with idols! Nay, ye cannot serve God
and Mamnmon.
As for myself, I have already made up my choice, and now declare, publicly and solemnly, for Prince Immanuel and his cause: and'
renounce all allegiance and fellowship with prince Hiram Abiffand
the masonic institution. Once indeed, by fair words and smooth
speeches, I was caught in his snare, and led cable-towed and blind



APPENDIX.                         269
fold in his path of freedom, till I had got a triple yoke of bondage
upon my neck. This proving too heavy to bear, I retraced my
steps silently, before any alarm was given or any cry of bondage, or
of immolated victims, had sounded in our borders.
And now as a warning to others to flee out of Babylon, and escape
for their lives to the mountain of Zion, I publish my full conviction,
that there can be no fellowship between the kingdom of Christ and
the kingdom of masonry.-Consequently that no one can be a worthy
and well qualified subject of both these kingdoms at the sanme time.
Let every one therefore be fully persuaded in his own mind which he
will serve. And when he has made up his choice for either, let him
renounce all connexion and fellowship with the other; because it is
impossible in this case for any man to serve two masters.  From the
best authority we learn that the mixed system  of iron and clay shall
be ground to powder, when the mighty mystical image of the beast is
broken in pieces, and swept away with the besom of destruction.
Extract from  thle Renunciation of Arteenas Kennedy,
of MIilton, Mass.
I am impelled on examination, to acknowledge that Freemasonry,
in its nature and tendency, is hostile not only to our religion, but to
the civil institutions of our country-to the regular and equitable administrations of justice, and to the general diffusion of social happiness.
I solemnly declare the oaths, obligations and principles of masonry, to the tenth degree, to be all faithfully anid truly delineated by
MIorgan and the Le Roy Convention, on which account I now consider myself as breaking no masonic obligation, and only assenting to
a truth already told and openly plublished to the world by a thousand
witnesses. Any greatest astonishment, at present, is, that so many of
the order expose their veracity to such strong suspicion, in denying
the truth of those late' disclosures, and the probable murder of Morgan.  His imurder is in such strict accordance with masonic principies, that I have been lately told by a member of Christ's church, in
this county, that he hoped Tl)orlga  was murdered, and that if he
was, he was rightlly served.  Not being able to subscribe to, or approve of such )principles myself, I have suffered lately, injury and
persecution, and have been threatened this day, by a Royal Arch
nmason, fiomi a great distance, and whom I never before saw, that he
vwould be one of Jbur to despatch eae. Thlus convinced and thus
instigated, I feel it a conscientious duty, to disown all future connexion with such society and such p)riiciples. The call to this duty
is so loud, that it breaks the slumbers of the night; it visits me at the
table; it arrests the progress of my daily employment; and will, if
not duly regarded, pursue me to the Pdark recesses of my tomb! I
obey the call, break the bond, and declare niyself free of masonic
thraldonm, and in so doing, I feel nobler fieedom, I behoid: a more
serene and purer light, than ever the?nystle order presented to omy
unblinded eyes.                     ART'EMAS KENNEDY.
23*




270                       APPENDIX.
MASONIC OBLIGATIONS UNLAWFUL,
As proved in a Court of Justice on Empannelling the Jury at the Trial of
Eli/au MIather for a Conlspiracy to Kidnap William Morgan, at the
Orleans County Court, Nov. 11, 1829.
His Honor Judge GARDINER presiding.
fTednesday, JV'ov. 11, 1829.-The Hon. John C. Spencer, Special
Counsel for the people, called on the trial of ELIHU  MATHER,
who stood indicted for a conspiracy to kidnap WILLIAM MORGAN.
Gen. V. Mathews, Winm. H. Adams, Esq. and Daniel D. Barnard,
Esq. were counsel for the defendant.
Mr. Spencer was assisted by J. B. Coles, Esq. in behalf of the
people.
Upon calling the jurors, some conversation took place between the
respective counsel upon the manner of ascertaining whether the
jurors were unbiassed. The counsel for the defendant proposed to
put questions to jurors as they were drawn, and if the answers were
not satisfactory, then reserve their right to challenge. To this Mr.
Spencer objected, and offered to refer the examination of the jurors
to the court. Judge Gardiner remarked, that questions would probably arise of considerable importance, and suggested the propriety of
pursuing the legal course, which was adopted.
The clerk then proceeded to draw the jury.  William Loomis
and Sisneonz Gilding, were drawn from the panel of petit jurors,
and being found acceptable to both parties, were appointed Triers,
by the court.
Jonathan French was challenged by the defendant's counsel, and
upon being sworn, said he hadl formed no opinion upon the question
at issue. He had, he said, no bias against the defendant. Triers
decided that Mr. F. was impartial, and he was sworn as a juror.
iAmos Cliff was drawn and challenged by the defendant's counsel.
Upon being sworn, said he had formed an opinion. He was rejected.
John Follett was challenged by defendant's counsel. Upon being
sworn, he said he did not know that he had formed or expressed an
opinion. Had heard something about the Morgan business, but had
read very little upon the subject. Had no bias or prejudice. The
challenge was withdrawn.
Charles Kelly challenged by the defendant's counsel, and sworn.
Has not heard much said about Mather, and has formed no opinion
against him. Thinks he has not said that the whole fraternity were
guilty of the murder of Morgan. The challenge was waived.
Samuel Church was challenged. Seymour Murdock was sworn
as a witness. He said he had heard Church say that Mather ought
to be punished for the Morgan business. He said that those who
drove the carriage ought to be punished. He had heard Mr. Church
say this several times. Mr. C. was then sworn. He said he had
often said that the guilty ought to be punished, but don't recollect of
having named Mather. The triers, after a short consultation, rejected
Mr. Church.
Chauncey Hood was challenged by the defendant's counsel. El



APPENDIX.                        271
bridge Farewell testified that he had heard Mr. Hood say, that Elihu
Mather had a hand in it. Hood was rejected.
Epaphras Pennel challenged. Zimri Perrigo testified, that he
had heard Pennel say that he thought Mather was concerned in
carrying off Morgan. Mr. P. sworn; testified that he had no recollection of saying that Mather was positively guilty. Had said that if
the circumstances related about M. were true, he must be guilty.
lead not made up a positive opinion. Was rejected.
Luther St. John challenged and sworn. Had formed a qualified
opinion. If reports were true, he considered Mather guilty-if not
true, not guilty. His opinion would be governed entirely by the
testimony. Had no bias or prejudice against the accused. Had
heard and read much about the abduction of Morgan.
Mr. Spencer contended that Mr. St. John was, in the eye of the
law, a competent juror. It would be impossible, he said, to find, in
the county of Orleans, an intelligent man who did not believe Mather
guilty, if the circumstances alleged against him should be proved to
be true. Mr. Adams insisted that Mr. St. John, having formed a
qualified opinion, could not be impartial, and therefore urged his rejection. The triers, after a short consultation, decided that Mr. St.
John "is indifferent."
D. Reed challenged and sworn.  Thinks he has expressed an
opinion that Mather was concerned in the Morgan business. Rejected.
Winm. Bullard, upon being drawn, said he had formed an opinion,
and was excused.
Robert Anderson, next drawn. Mr. Spencer challenged this juror
on the ground that he was a member of the society of Freemasons,
and of the degree of Royal Arch. Gen. Mathews demanded that
the cause of challenge should be reduced to writing, which having
been done, Gen. Mathews and Mr. Barnard denied that the cause
stated was a legal ground of challenge. Mr. Spencer then produced
his authorities. It was laid down in Archbold, among other causes
for principal challenge, that where a juror 1" belonged to the samei
Society or Corporatiom" with a party, he was an incompetent juror.
The court remarked that the term society, in the sense which it was
used by Archbold, had reference to societies recognized by law.
Mr. Spencer said lie -was prepared to prove that the Grand Royal
Arch Chapter, of which the juror and defendant were members, was
made a body corporate by an act of our State legislature. After
hearing the arguments of counsel, the court overruled the challenge
for principal cause. Mr. Spencer then challenged the juror " to the
favor."
Mr. Spencer here stated that the juror, Judge Anderson, was an
important witness in behalf of the people, and ought not to act in
the capacity of juror anid witness. The defendant's counsel urged
that Mr. Anderson's being a witness, did not disqualify him as a juror,
and that they could not consent to excuse him for that cause.
The same triers were again sworn, and Mr. Spencer called
Dr. Joseph K. Brown.  Witness is a Royal Arch mason. Knows
Robert Anderson and Elihu Mather as masons of the same degree.
He and they are members of the Gaines chapter. Freemasons are
not all of the Royal Arch degree. Lodges are below, and encamp.




272                         APPENDIX.
ments are above the chapter. Witness has met with Anderson and
Mather in the Gaines chapter. The avowed objects of Freemasonry
are to favor morality and benevolence. Their charity is confined to
their own members. Witness does not recollect a quarter of the
Royal Arch obligation, about helping a companion out of difficulty.
The words are —" That I will aid and assist a Companion Royal.drch mason, wherever I shall see him engaged in ANY DIFFICULTY, SO far as to extricate him from the same, whether RIGHT ox
WRONG." There is a sign by which a mason can communicate his
distress to a brother mason. This is a secret sign in the master's
degree. This sign binds a mason to go to the relief of a brother.
Thinks this obligation is IMPERATIVE, if the person to whom the
sign is given has the power to extend the relief.
Crass-exaltmined by defendant's counsel.-Was first initiated at
Ridgeway, in 1820. Was made a Royal Arch mason at Gaines, in
1827. The obligation which he then took, was administered verbally.
Recollects the striking parts of it, and that part which he had related,
in particular. There was no qualification or explanation of the obligation, at the time it was administered. A part of the oath related
to keeping the secrets. The candidate swears that he would sooner
have his head smote off than reveal any part of the obligation. He
was requested to attend afterwards, and receive instructions and
learn the lectures. Masons told him that they would instruct him, if
he attended the meetings of the chapter. He attended once, but no
explanation of the oath was then given. They met in the lodge
room, but the chapter was not opened. They sat round the stove,
and rehearsed their obligations. He had never heard the nature of
the Royal Arch obligation before he took it. There was nothin, in
the Royal Arch obligation which bound hire to respect and obey the
LAWS OF THE COuNTRY. Don't recollect that the candidate swears
to support the laws of the country, in any masonic obligation which
lie had taken.
[To a question from the defendant's counsel, whether there was
any thing in the masonic obligations which justified him in VIOLATxING the laws of the country, the witness replied that there was one
part of the obligation which MIGHT bear that construction, and
which he could repeat, if required to do so. The counsel, however,
waived the question, and the answer was not given.]
Daniel Pratt.-Witness was a neighbor of Mather and Anderson.
He considered them  good friends;  more intimate with each other
than they were with some, but not more than they were with other
of their neighbors..Archibald L. Daniels.-Witness lives two miles and a half from
where Capt. Mather lived. Ile considered Mather and Judge Anderson good friends-perhaps they were more intimate than they
were with their neighbors generally.
Here Mr. Spencer rested, and Robert Jdnderson HIMSELF was
now called by the defendant's counsel, and sworn.
Witness says there is a clause in the Royal Arch obligation, which,
without being qualified, is of the same import as testified to by Dr.
Brown. With the qualification, that clause means that when a Royal
Arch mason sees a companion engaged in a quarrel, he is bound to
get him away. This is the only obligation of such a nature, that




APPENDIX.                          273
witness ever took. The obligation requires me, when I see a companion engaged in a quarrel, to give him a particular sign to come
away. I think this qualification forms a part of the obligation. There
is nothing in any obligation of masonry which requires me to give a
verdict contrary to law. All the charges and lectures in masonry
enjoin respect and obedience to the laws. Witness thinks that some
of the obligations require him to support and obey the laws and constitution of the country.  Witness was in the chapter when Dr.
Brown was made a Royal Arch mason, and is confident that the oath
administered to him was qualified in the manner before stated. Dr.
Brown was the only person raised to the Royal Arch, in Gaines,
since the abduction of Morgan.  Witness thinks there is no bias on
his mind-his intimacy with Capt. Mather commenced about politics.
They were old bucktails together.
Cross-examined by JRir. Spencer.-Witness has said in the fore
part of the excitement, that Morgan was not carried off. He thought,
at first, that it was a trick of Miller and Morgan, to speculate. Has
said considerable about the Morgan business. May have said that
Morgan was not in the carriage which Mather drove. Had formed
an opinion, at first, that Mather did not know Morgan was in the
carriage. Has been pretty warm, frequently, upon this subject, and
has participated in the feelings of the masons. The clause quoted by
Dr. Brown, may be substantially correct, with the qualification in
the oath. Thinks the oath contains the words " dispute or quarrel."
It is possible this qualification is in the charge which follows immediately after the oath, but he thinks it is in the oath itself. Is not
sure that the obligation requires obedience to the laws, but the lectures do. The obligations require members to support the constitu.tion of the State chapter, and the by-laws of the chapter to which he
belongs. Has not paid much attention to masonry for two or three
years, and is not very bright. There is an obligation about obeying
regular signs and summons, but witness does not recollect the language of it. He has taken seven different obligations.
By defendant's counsel.-Witness now thinks that Morgan was
carried off.
AMr. Spencer.-Thinks that if Mather knew that Morgan was in
the carriage, he must be guilty.  Has not made up an opinion
whether Mather did or did not know that Morgan was in the carriage.
Isaac W. dveril.-Witness was a member of Gaines Royal Arch
chapter. The Royal Arch oath requires us to " EXTRICATE a companion out of any quarrel or dflficulty, whether he is RIGHT or
WRONG."  Masons swear to obey regular signs and summons,
when sent, handed, or thrown.  This is in the master's degree.
Witness has forgotten most of the obligations.
Cross-examined by defendant's counsel.-The qualification about
helping a companion out of a quarrel, is not in the oath, but is repeated immediately after it. The explanation given to witness, was,
that if he saw a companion engaged in any quarrel in the street, or
elsewhere, he was to go and extricate him without inquiring whether
he was right or wrong. Never understood that his obligations required him to assist a companion out of the hands of the law..Milton W. Hopklns.-Witness has been a Freemason-recollects




274                         APPENDIX.
the obligations. One part of the oath in the master's degree, is, " I
furthermore promise and swear, that I will obey all regular signs and
summons, given, handed, sent, or thrown from a brother master mason, or a regular constituted lodge of the same." There is no qualification to this. There is another obligation in these words-" I
furthermore promise and swear, that I will fly to the relief of a
brother master mason whenever I shall see the grand hailing sign
of distress given, or hear the words annexed thereto, if there is a
greater probability of saving his lifr, than of losing my own."  In
another obligation, masons swear to apprise their brethren "of all
approaching danger as far as is in mny power."
There is no qualification or explanation to the oath relative to the
sign of distress, or that about apprising a brother of approaching
danger. These oaths are not explained to mean any thing different
from what their tenor imports. The charges and lectures, witness
thinks, are calculated to disguise the real character and tendency of
the oaths. Witness has only taken three regular degrees in masonry.
He has taken what was called the Secret Monitor's degree, in addition. Witness has seen these obligations imposed in many instances,
and in different lodges-has heard them given by the Grand Visitor.
The hailing sign may be given by words or by motions.
Cross-examined by defendalt's counsel.-Witness was made a
mason in Jefferson county, in 1817-he seceded in 1826. He had
studied masonry a good deal-when Morgan's book was first published, he could have rehearsed two-thirds of it. Candidates take
the oath naked and blindfolded-the charge is not given until they
get their clothes on and can see-the charge inculcates virtue and
benevolence.  Witness thinks the obligations of masonry DO require
the concealment of crime. The obligation to which he refers, is
this —"Furthermore do I promise and swear, that a master mason's secrets, given to me in charge as such, and I knowing them
to be such, shall remain as secure and inviolable in my breast as in
his own, MURDER and TREASON excepted-and that left at my own
discretion."
Witness knows that this obligation is administered in the lodge in
this town, (Barre,) and is quite sure he has seen it administered in
the Gaines lodge. Candidates, just before the oath is administered,
are told by the master, that there is nothing in masonry to affect
their religion or their politics. Witness has himself administered
these obligations.
Dr. 0. JVichoson-Says he is a mason-was admitted as such in
the Gaines lodge-that the testimony given by Mr. Hopkins respect.
ing the obligations of masonry is correct, so far as he can recollectrecollects no qualifications in the oaths-that the charges are separate and distinct therefrom. Did not suppose when he took the
obligations, that they required him to secrete crime; but latterly, on
a further examination of the oaths, that by a literal reading, they did
require it.
The counsel for the defendant, Col. Barnard, occupied about three
hours in an able and ingenious argument, in favor of admitting Mr.
Anderson as a juror. He contended, to exclude him, on the ground
of his belonging to the society of Freemasons, would be a violation
of his rights as a fellow citizen, and establishing a precedent terribly




APPENDIX.                          275
alarming in its consequences. He asked whether Gen. Washington,
whom' he said was a mason, and a Royal Arch mason, at the day of
his death, or Hamilton, or Gen. Jackson, who were all Freemasons,
were ever rejected as jurors because they belonged to that society,
embracing most of the great men of our nation? Would you reject
these men, appealing to the triers, were they now in the place of
Mr. Anderson? He said he had lately had occasion to visit the eastern part of the State, and that he found the most respectable portion
of the community there, treated the anti-masonic excitement at the
west with contempt: that this excitement did not extend to remote
parts of our country; and that although the state of feeling among
those opposed to Freemasonry here, might call for such a step as
the one now pending, yet, if it were taken, it would, it must lead to
the most fearful consequences. And to conclude, he said he did not
envy that man, the degree nor amount of contempt that must fall
upon him, who should be the means of rejecting a man from sitting
on a jury, on the ground of his being a Freemason.
In reply to Col. Barnard, the Special Counsel most clearly showed
by the law and the testimony, that Mr. Anderson ought to be rejected
from sitting on this jury, not because he was a Freemason, but because Robert Anderson and Elihu Mather were both Freemasons,
and that the former was bound to the latter in such strong ties as
necessarily to produce a bias in his feelings towards him, which
would render him in the eye of the law, an incompetent juror. He
contended, that he ought to be rejected not only on the ground of
the bias, which belonging to the same society of the defendant, must
create, but because it had been proved that he was bound by oath
upon oath, sufficiently awful to make one's hair stand on end, to
protect and fly to his relief, whether right or wrong.
In answering Col. Barnard's allusion to Washington, Hamilton,
and Gen. Jackson, he very pertinently asked the triers whether they
would shrink from duty, even if Gen. Jackson were now presented
for their decision, instead of Mr. Anderson? And has it come to
this, he said, that we must be told that the excitement created by
the abduction of a firee citizen-the depriving our country of a patriot
-a wife of a husband, and children of a father, is looked upon with
contempt, and that those engaged in vindicating our laws must be
sneered at, must be libelled, villified, and slandered by masons,-men
wrapped up in mystery and bound with oaths the most horrible?
No doubt, he said, the opposite counsel was told' these things, and
also, that there never was any such man in existence as William
Morgan; that the excitement is all a speculation, got up for political
purposes, for demagogues to ride into office on. But shall this deter
us, he asked, from doing our duty, fiom avenging crime? God forbid! Our fathers purchased our liberties at too dear a rate thus to
act. He utterly denied that Gen. Washington was ever a Royal
Arch mason, and he said that he had not attended a lodge for twenty
years previous to his death, and that he virtually renounced the institution in his farewell address to his countrymen. Mr. S. contended, that the exigencies of the times never rendered it necessary
to object to any man from sitting on the jury, on account of his
being a mason, till now. And even now, it was when a brother mason was to be tried. But Mr. S. said, that as to the amount of con



276                          APPENDIX.
tempt which the opposite counsel supposed must be visited upon
those who should decide that a mason was incompetent to sit as a
juror in such a case, he would cheerfully share whatever it might
be, with the triers, as he considered it a duty, from the performance
of which nothing ought to deter them.
After the counsel had closed their arguments, the Court charged
the triers in a clear, able, and pertinent manner.  He urged the importance of the question they were to decide, and gave it as his
opinion, that if they were satisfied that Anderson had taken such
oaths as testified to by Dr. Brown, and acknowled0ged by himself to
have taken as a Royal Arch mason, they WOULD  REJECT him;
but if they were satisfied that he was under no improper bias in favor
of the defendant, then they would not reject him. The triers decided
that Robert Anderson was NOT IMPARTIAL.
John Dolly was called and challenged to the favor of the Special
Counsel, on the same ground as Mr. Anderson.
Dr. J. K. Brown-Testified that Dolly was a mason; that he had
set with him in the Gaines lodge.
John Dolly sworn-Says he is a Royal Arch mason.
Brown again called-Says, that in the Royal Arch obligation there
is one point which says, " I furthermore promise and swear, that I
WILL ESPOUSE THE CAUSE of a companion Royal Arch mason whenever I see him engaged in any quarrel or DIFFICULTY, SO
far as to extricate him from the sarme, whether he be right or
WRONG. That he had recognised Royal Arch masons in other
counties by the same means as he was taught in the Gaines chapter
to use to make himself known as such; that if he should ask the
said John Dolly the question there taught to be asked, and he should
give the answer there taught to be given, to recofnise a companion
Royal Arch mason, they would know each other as such. Says
there are signs in the lower degrees whereby masons can make
known to each other that they are in distress or difficulty.  By an
express point in said obligation, they are never to be committed to
writing. The sign of distress in the NMaster's degree, is never to be
given by a mason of that degree, except in cases of real distress, and
that, in such case, the brother who sees it is OBLIGED to fly to his
relief. This sign is never to be given except in the bodly of a lodge,
or in some bye, secure place, for the benefit of the craft. Says a
man may be led, by considering his obligation sacred, to PROTECT
CRIME.
John Dolly? again called-On being questioned by the Special
Counsel, said he had met the defendant as a master mason in Gaines
lodge; that he had sat in said lodge with Dr. Nichoson.
Dr...Jichoson called-Took the obligation of a master mason
in the Gaines lodge; had met with Dolly there. Says that it is a fundamental principle of the masonic institution, that no man can enter
a lodge without having gone through certain forms and ceremonies,
and that among them are certain obligations taken, a part of one of
which says, " I furthermore promise and swear, that I WILL OBEY
all regular signs and summonses handed, sent, or thrown to me from
a brother mason, or from a regularly constituted lodge of the same."
Says there is a sign in one of said obligations, called the grand hailing sign of distress, consisting of words and signs, which is imparted
to all members of the lodge of which he is a member, which, in




APPENDIX.                        277
pursuance to the fundamental principle above named, this sign came
among the ceremonies-that the obligations BIND the mason to appraise his brother of approaching danger; also to keep his secrets
as inviolably in his breast as in his own, when communicated to him
as such, murder and treason excepted; and that left to his own firee
will and accord. Says he has frequently met in a lodge with Dolly;
thinks that he was in the lodge when he was made a mason; does
not recollect any obligation in Freemasonry to obey the laws of his
courntry; has heard them often repeated; does not recollect any
explanation having been given after taking the oaths. One strong
feature in the charges given, he thinks, after the first degree, is the
injunction of secrecy-to be a good and loyal subject. Says the
candidate is told befobre he takes the first obligation, that it is not to
affect his religion or politics; that all masons have gone that way
before him; that there are lectures given as explanatory of certain
signs and tokens.
In answer to questions by defendant's counsel, said he had testified
according to his recollections, as he became acquainted with the
obligations and ceremonies in the lodge.
In answer to the Special Counsel, he said the lodge rmust be satisfied that the applicant from another lodge is a Freemason, before he
can be admitted-that he makes himself known by certain signs and
tokens, and by answering certain interrogatories; and these signs,
tokens, and words are required to be the same as those delivered to
him, and that they were satisfactory evidence to the lodge that he
who gave them was a Freemason, and that without being a Freemason, and taking the oath, he could not thus gain admittance to the
lodge in Gaines.
Dr. Brown again called-Says the association of masons is an intimate and fiiendly association; that they address each other by the
epithets companion and brother; that they have a common fund
arising from initiation fees, in which he judged they have a coMMON
and MUTUAL INTEREST. Says that certain passages of scrip t0are
recited during the taking of the 7th degree. Says that when the entered apprentice is brought to light, he is presented with the Holy
Bible, square and compass, when the master tells him that the Bible
is given him as a rule of his faith and practice; the square to square
his actions, and the compass to keep him within due bounds with all
men, especially the brotherhood.  Says it is not requir&l to know
the religious sentiments of the candidate; that the question to be
asked and the answer to be given, whereby one Royal Arch mason
may know another, is, " d.re you a Royal.Irch mason?"-" I AM
THAT I AM!"  Thinks the Gaines Chapter recognises a higher tribulnal, called the Grand Lodge of the State. That one prinlcipal
object of the funds of this lodge is to relieve brethren in distress;
that so long as a mason continues a member of the institution, he
is considered a WORTHY member.*
* This is an important disclosure. It shows that "' WORTHY " among
masons, does not mean an excellent moral character, but simply, that the
mason retains his connexion with the lodge; consequently those only who
secede are considered out of the pale of masonic protection; and not entitlled
~to masonic good offices; whilst those that RE.MAIN, be their moral charace
terever so infamous, are considered " 1WORTHY," and masons are swora
to sustain and protect them even in their iniquities.
24




278                       APPENDIX.
Dolly cross ex. —Said that at an election in Gaines, he was asked
by one Sprague, without any reference to any thing else, " Dont you
think that Mather ought to be punished?" that he answered in the
negative, and was going to add, that he once told him that he had
nothing to do with the Morgan affair, and that he had no prloof to the
contrary then, but he supposed Sprague to he intoxicated and did not
say further than to give the above answer. Now thought that
3Mather might be guilty or not, had formed no decided opinion.
What Gates told him had but little impression upon his mind, as he
was determined not to hear or inquire any thing about it: that the
conversation with Sprague was after he was summoned as a juror.
tWin. W. Ruggles, sworn-is a member of Gaines Lodge, has
been an officer therein; says there is a charge that follows the entered apprentice's OBLIGArION; the charge, as he has given it in
the Gaines Lodge was, " You now take your place in the lodge as
an entered apprentice mason, your duty is to obey the laws of the
government under which you live."  The Bible is given to him as a
guide to his faith and practice. Gave the following points in the
obligations both as he received them and had given them  to others.
"Furthermore do I promise and swear that I will keep the secrets
of a brother master mason, whenever given to me in charge, and I
receiving it as such, as inviolable in my breast as it would be in his
own, murder and treason excepted." Says there is nothing given,
during the ceremony, explanatory of the obligations. " Furthermore
do I promise and swear, that I will not give the grand hailing sign of
distress, unless I am in real distress, or my life is in imminent danger, or in the body of a just and legally constituted lodge, or in a bye
and secure place, for the benefit of the institution.  Furthermore do
I promise and swear, whenever I see the grand hailing sign of distress, or hear the words accompanying the same, I will fly to his
relief, if there is greater probability of saving his life than losing my
own."  Says examples are given in illustration of these two points;
forr  lance, if one mason sees another exposed to accident, or two
were  ghting together, he must fly to their relief; when those signs
are given they must be obeyed. Says the master gives the illustrations in his own language, as he may think proper at the time; that
there is nothing said in the Gaines Lodge about signs given by an
unworthy brother. The cable tow means a certain distance: three
miles.  Ss hie is a member of Gaines chapter; that the Royal Arch
obligation is, " Furthermore do Ipromise and swear, that I will
espouse the cause of a WORTHY conmpanion Royal ilrch nmason,
whenever I shall see him engaged in any quarrel or difficultty, so
far as to extricate hint fromn the same, whether he be right.or
WRONG." Says there is an explanation given of this part ol the
obligation before the candidate is removed from the place where taken, which is the suppression of bad conduct.
Cross exanminedc-Does not recollect that obedience to the law is
inculcated at all in the chapter, or in anyr except the fis-t dearee.
Savs he was exalted in 1828; if there are any laws on the subjlect,
they are in writing; knows it has by-laws; knows of no limitation
how the funds of the chapter are to be applied; the lodge i. the legal
owner of its funds; are for an express purllose; has been W'arden and
Mhaster of Gaines lodge; was there received as a mason; made him



APPENDIX.                        279
self known as such by language and signs peculiar to masons, whereby
they know whether a man is a mason or not, without understanding
which, he cannot make himself known to the Gaines lodge as a mason, and that the same rules and regulations extend to the chapter
as far as his knowledge extends.
The testimony being closed in this case, Mr. Adams, one of the
counsel for defendant, addressed the triers in an argument of more
than four hours, in which he urged that it must be shown by the
juror himself, that he had a strong bias in his mind, in favor of defendant. Said that he could show as conclusively that there was
blasphemy in the articles and creed of the Episcopal church as in the
masonic obligations, taking both unexplained. He contended that
there was nothing wrong in the the obligation to keep the secrets of
a master mason, murder and treason excepted-that any gentleman
was in duty bound to keep secrets committed in confidence: that
this obligation did not require a mason to conceal crime. Declared
that he was not the friend nor the apologist of the thing called masonry.  He did not believe that an institution which has embraced
the greatest men of the age was instituted for the purposes of crimesaid it was asking too much to suppose that such men as Washington, La Fayette, &c. were blackhearted hypocrites-could not believe that men belonging to this asosciation were bound to protect
crime: but this, he said, the opposite counsel must make out in order
to reject Mr. Dolly from sitting on the jury.
The special counsel, in addressing the triers, said that Elihu Mather
stood indicted for carrying off William Morgan, and that John Dolly,
it had been proven, belonged to the same society with him, and that
he stood challenged for favor, as biassed in his favor, and that he could
not stand indifferent towards him, as required to be by law. He
produced authorities to show that the most distant relative could not
be permitted to sit on a jury, because the laws suspect his mind is
prejudiced; that men's minds, who are constantly at the same table,
would be prejudiced in favor of each other, so as to struggle against
testimony. He contended that in consequence of his being admitted
into the lodge at Gaines, that it was evidence to that lodge, that he
had taken the obligations there administered. As to the word worthy in the obligation, he contended that it meant nothing, as it had
been proven that a mason was considered worthy while a member of
the institution. He alluded to the case that had been so often
cited to show the value of the institution, where the lives
of individuals had been preserved in war. He said the interposition of the sigrn of distress, where two men were contending for
their respective governments, whereby the arm of the one was stayed
from  doing what his country demanded at his hands, might prove
highly injurious to that government, and was a base sacrifice of its
interests to the most selfish purposes. He said the sign of distress
was the most dangerous trait in the institution, as, taken in connexion with the obligations, all masons were bound to obey it. He
alluded to Mr. Dolly's stating that he had withdrawn from the institution; that he did not intend to have any thing more to do with it,
except he should be summoned, as showing the binding nature of the
obligations. The exception of murder and treason in the master's
obli-gation, he said, proved conclusively that every other crime is




280                      APPENDIX.
meant to be concealed. As to obeying the laws, so much insisted on
by the opposite counsel, when they were to conceal every crime but
murder and treason, he could not see how it'could be done. It is
enough to know, he said, that the person on whom these obligations
rest, has to struggle between his duty to his country and those which
he feels they impose upon him to his brethren. He said that in rejecting a member of the Presbyterian church from the jury in a case
between a brother and a stranger, there would be no treason when
proven that he was bound to prefer that brother to a stranger, but
that the law would sanction it; and he was not to be charged with
attacking religion by challenging such a man, as having an improper
bias on his mind in favor of his brother; neither was he to be told in
this case, by challenging Mr. Dolly on account of his being a Freemason, that he was doing violence to any man's privileges as a free
citizen. If, said  Mr. Spencer, the example of Washington in his
youth, must be quoted to prove that masonry is right, let us not be
denied the example of this great and good man in his riper years to
despise it-and to which he referred when he said —" beware of secret societies."
The court stated its views of the law as applicable to the present
case.
The triers decided that Mr. Dolly was not impartial.
Grinnel Davis was called and rejected.
Samuel Clark was called and rejected.
Jonathan Whitney, was called and admitted.
Three others were called and rejected. The panel having been
gone through with, the Sheriff was ordered to summon five talismen.
A. L. Owen was called and empanelled.
Rufus Ingersoll, Carlos C. Ashley, Thomas Roberts, and Alderman
Butts, were next sworn, and the panel completed.