Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-06-08
From the Providence Journal of MAY 2lst.
MIR. IsUSII'S LETTER.

ARD KUsH 10 the Anu Masonic Committee Oi
Correspondence for York county. Mr.. Rush is a
distinguished individual, and we deem it a duty to
give his views in his own language, on the subject
of masonry, 10 our readers. His letter is very
able one, full of passion and defamation, and is
calculated 10 add greatly to the excitement against
nasons and masonry. Many Of the objections
urged by the distinguished writer against the ma
sonic institution may, with equal propriciy be
brought against most Of the valuable institutions Of
the country. The Senate Of the United States
the House Of Representatives, our grand jures &
all our political, not to say religious institutions,
are obnoxious to the same objections. We allude
to the subject of secrcsy Masonry is in its nature
secret, and therefore it is condemned by Mr.. Rush.
The secrets of masonry extend no further than the
recognition Of its members The acts ola Lodge
can, at any time, by legal process, be ascertained
by lis records. Every thing done in Lodge room
is matter of record. The books Of our Lodges
are open at all times, TO Inspection. 1t is great
mistake, that the objects Of masonry are envclop-
ed III secresy. The great object is charity. The
United States have both their secret sessions; all
the instructions to public ministers are secret; !;
Grand Jurors are sworn TO preserve inviolably the
secrets communicated TO them by the government
or by their fellows. There are secrets belonging
to every society, to every family to every indi-
vldual and therefore it is hardly fair to condemn
Lodge because it has secrets.
In the view Of Mr.. Rush the atrocity ofthe Nor
gan murder, with the subsequent circumstances,
are sufficient to condemn masonry. Taking it for
granted, which is by means proved, that Nor
gan was murdered by masons, in consequence Of
his disclosures, we ask any christian or candid
if that fact should, of ITSELF blast with infamy
the whole Institution? In every community bgots
may be found possessing zeal without knowledge,
and ii would have been glorious trait in the sub
lime character of our holy religion, had such en-
thusiasts never been found enrolled under the
christian banner Look at the martyrs that have
suffered persecution, even unto death, from mis-
taken zeal in the cause Of religion Not one, but
hundreds of instances may be adduced yet, who, ),
in his senses, christianity, in consequence
Of the fury and madness Of few of its votaries;
Morgan may have been murdered by masons 1--WE
have no doubt of this fact and have frequently
expressed that opinlonD bat that ought not to con-
demn the whole institution.
We are told by Mr.. Rush that masons and
Lodges stepped forward in vindcation of those
who were accused of the murder. If they did so,
it was because they believed them innocent of the
charge. Masons knew full well that there is moth
ing in masonry that could impel men to commit
so flagrant an outrage the rights Of a citizen in
violation Of the law, human and divine. Who.
will censure a mason for defending mason ac-I
cused of SO atrocous and detestabc an offence,
when he believes the accused innocent Suppose
a political friend, Mr.. Rush. for instance, should
DO accused Of intrigue and corruption, and we
should sincerely believe him innocent, ought we
10 be censured for defending him, until his guilt
was proved? Thus far have masons gone
we hope no farther. Too much care in passing
judgment, in cases Of great excitement, cannot
be exercised and Mr.. Rush, with all his talents
learning and experience, must admit that IL is dan
gerous for the public press to condemn an accused
individual, whom jury of his country could not
on their oatbs, find guilty
The most serious part of the letter Of Mr. Rush.
is his unqualified condemnation of the public
press. As Infamous as he considers the murder
ers Of Morgan, and the masons generally, he is
nevertheless disposed to attach greater iniamy, If.
A. e., oc, ia IIa
should have known before he made the accusation
that at the first mysterious disappearance of Nor
ran, the fact Of his abduction was generally de-
MED. The opinion then was, that his disappear
ance was but a fnesse to add to the sale Of his
book At that time, anti masonic party was
organized, anti masonic papers were established
TO investigate the iact to expose the Transaction,
and if possible, to bring to light the neiarious ac-
tors in the bloody drama. An excitement was soon
got up. but all the transactions remained mys-
tery. Was that the time for the public press to
come forward in opposition to masonry II Mr.
Rush was himself then convinced that Morgan
had been abducted and murdered, why did he not
then send forth his eloquent voice as he has now:
Why did he wal, until the 4th Of May, 1881, be-
fore he gave public expression OF lbs "p'non'
And having omitted his duty so long, how can he
in conscience, censurc the press for doing exactly
q. he did up to the 4th of May In our opinion
the press conducted with prudence aud discretion,
and the charge made by Mr.. Rush is lberaI and
unjust. The State Of New-lork Immediately IN
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