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. The increasing 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 the 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. 1 RECOMMENDATION. THE State Anti-masonic Committee of Massachusetts have examined the Prospectus, and a considerable portion of the Documents proposed to be published by Mr. JAMES C. ODIORNE, in a distinct volume. The work appears to be judiciously selected, well arranged, and ably conducted. A great mass of information, of the most important kind, is brought together in a manner deserving the attention and patronage of the public. ABNER PHELPS, CONTENTS. EARLY HISTORY of FreemasonRY. By Henry Dana Ward, Esq. THE PRETENSIONS OF FREEMASONRY TO AN ORIGIN IN THE DAYS OF SOLOMON. Extracted from Letters of Rev. Henry THE ABUSE AND PERVERSION OF THE MASONIC INSTITUTION. CIVIL, SOCIAL, AND POLITICAL INFLUENCE OF MASONRY. EX- THE TENDENCY OF FREEMASONRY TO INFIDELITY. Extract from Thacher's Letters to a brother in the Church, ON THE OATHS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MASONRY. An Abridg ON THE VALIDITY OF MASONIC OATHS. By Myron Holley, Esq. 15 ON THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF THE MASONIC INSTITU TION. Extract of a Letter addressed to the Committee of the Worcester County Convention, by Pliny Merrick, Esq. 87 REMARKS ON THE CHARACTER OF FREEMASONRY. From the CORRESPONDENCE IN RELATION TO THE HISTORICAL EVIDENCE OF THE EXISTENCE OF FREEMASONRY PRIOR TO THE LAST CENTURY.-Between the Suffolk Committee and the REMARKS ON SECRET SOCIETIES. Addressed to the Anti-masonic Convention at Dedham, by Benjamin Waterhouse, M. D. ADDRESS BEFORE THE ANTI-MASONIC MEETING IN FANEUIL REASONS WHY THE CHURCH OF CHRIST SHOULD DISFELLOW- SHIP FREEMASONRY. Extract of a Sermon by Rev. Henry ADDRESS OF THE WATERBURY ANTI-MASONIC MEETING, REPORT RESPECTING THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE MASONIC DISCLOSURES.-Made to the New York State Convention, REPORT OF THE GENERAL CENTRAL ANTI-MASONIC COMMIT- TEE UPON THE PROGRESS AND CONDITION OF THE REPORT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF AS- SEMBLY OF NEW YORK, ON THE ABDUCTION AND REPORT ON THE ABDUCTION AND MURDER OF WILLIAM MOR- ADDRESS OF MYRON HOLLEY, Esq.-Delivered at Lyons, N. Y. ADDRESS OF THE REPUBLICAN ANTI-MASONIC MEMBERS OF |