Literary cadet, and Saturday evening bulletin. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1826-1827, 1827-02-24

nanus was piaceu the manuscrlpt OI the perform
snce was assaied by a band of Masonic fanatics
for such they have been denominated by the more
discreet and prudent portion of the order-the
types were destroyed, the building was mutated.
the proprietor severely ca.tgated and the luckles.
author compiler was seized. taken to parts un-
known, and there in cold blood inhumanly murder
ed. so says report, aud thousand corrobatng
circum,ances go far to confirm the belief, that the
horril deed Of cold bloodeI assassination, was actu
ally perpetrated.
But il seems, that those who We're concerned in
this tragics affair did not fully succeed in executing
thor designs part of AIorgan's manuscript es-
capped their hands-and recently has been publish
ed and placed before the public, in the form Of
book comprising one hundred aud fifty pages oc-
tavo.
We have read the work in desultory manner.
and although we are not acquainted with the mys-
teres Of ofmasonry, from what we have read, we must
confess that clearly of an opinion that il is
what It processes to be, fair, candid and correct
illustration oi the science Of Masonry. In saying
this, we hope we shall not incur the displeasure u
those Of our friends who are attached TO that an
cient and honorable order--a Society which prob
ably has done more to promote the welfare of the
world than auy other that has been established since
tbs day that Adam fell from Paradise. II Is So
ciety # we may be Ill ,wed oJudge from Mr.. Nor.
gans book, that IS quite compatible with all the
ordinances OF fChristianity-that it was founded by
good aud wise men for benevolent aud haiiowed
purposes, aud that it is entitled to the veneration
aud respect Of all wise and upright members of the
human family.
Common opinion, and common acceptance, have
forced upon the world an almo-t irresistible belief
that there is some great and una thomabe secret
attached to masonry, aud that that once divulged
the order sinks to the ground and riots amid 1t.
ruins. This belief, however, the more enlightened
art Of the world have never entertained, and have
on the contrary, looked upon masonry as a minor
science, only to be revealed by study, communica-
ton and practice. Such is what Morgan's hook
makes it, and as suoh in our opinion, it should be
received by the public.
The ordinance of initiation to lodge and to a
place among the fraternity, is one of the most sol
emn, imposing and impressive, we ever he@rl of;
and the oath administered and received by The in.
tiated pary,is one of tho most sacred and rrevoca
BILE that the ingenuity Of man could invent and
if Morgan violated it, as he certainly did, We may
lament his hard fate, whist we reflect, tina, it was
courted and produced by hi, own infiety and cor
rupt and wilul perjury.
As to the book ITSELF we cannot think that its
publication and general circulation throughout the
world, will have tendency to injure the masonic
order, but strongly incline to the opinion, that il
will havca favorable operation, rs il cannot fail
hold the order up TO the world it its most alluring
and fascinating aspect. The whole work will, be-
yond doubt have such tendency upon every can
did mind, AMI Instead OF driving members from
the Lodge, will hasten thousands to form an ac.
quaintsnce with art which of all Others appears
TO us to possess the nobiest and most permanent |
foundation. |
We are little prepared to vindicate the con-
duct Of those who tore Morgan from his wife and
family, and certainly would be the las, to advo
cate the bloody murderer, but it does appear to
u.s. thai something be plead in palliaton Of the
fanatics who disposed of an nidel Mason, who IN
defiance of his oath, and all the principles recoS
nized by Of honour, went ieaIlessly TO work to
sap the foundation of that noble institution, the
pcrstructure of which he had solemny plighted
himself 10 support. The law of the land afforded
the fraternity remedy. and although tie missuid-
ed Morgan was guilty of open and corrupt perjury,
II his crime be morally considered, the law did
not view the violation IL. SUCH and he was left to
run at large, unpunished and uncontemned.
lie had undertaken to reveal the mysteries of an
order, which the world, almost from its foundation
has strugS ed to solve, and he found hundreds and
thousands ready to support him in his Infamous ca.
reer. Hence he was comparatively sheltered from
the punishment no nerited, aid the only remedy
left to the fraternity, to take the law into their
own hands, and hold themselves responsible for all
the consequences attending an usurpaton. II they
had seized upon the manuscript, destroyed it, and
even severely soourged the offender, they would
have done That which the world would not have CEN
sured. Put when we look upon the cold b!ooded
murder Of Morgan, and picture to our imagination,
the awful state Of suspense in which for weeks
he was held when our sympathies are awakened,
and we behold his disconso!ate wife and offspring,
shedding their tears, and mourning over the mur-