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. Here deception reigns, and the candidate is taught to believe what he afterwards finds by travelling, or con

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.

"for

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; 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 ac

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 of their beardless militia, I would have heid my peace.

But, my brethren, what have we professed and what are our obligations 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 mortals? 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.

THE TENDENCY OF FREEMASONRY TO INFIDELITY.

Extract from 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 hate 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 infidelity. 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

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 Illuminees. The first soon relinquished their hold, and then endeavored to crush the institution; the others held on, and moulded 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 the fancy, 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 EdInburg 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.