Alabama state intelligencer., 1831-06-01

harch 0t Libcratity dRd 10leration I've have heard it mentioned that the society of Baptiss, com posing the Mulberry Association, in the eastern part of Perry county have come to the determination oi accommodating at their next meeting, such oftheir brethren belong to the masonic fraternity unless they renounce their allegiance to the order. We regret ths not that apprehend any bad results to the institution of masonry, but because it will call into question the purity of the motives which dcta- ted this determination.
 At the present time, after taking retrospect of the progress of anmasonry-the dissentons it has created in communities the bitter and unforgiving feelings it has engendered, the prescribing spirit which has governed its movemcnts-none we think who have weighed the subject well, can be igno- rant or stubborn to deny that, however pure and unexceptionable were its first objects it has ao,c sumed almost aeholiy political aspect. And it is ,ccH knorn that its introduction into own State was for the purpose of bosteriug up the waning popularity of certain political aspiranis.
 Christians are the last body of people in the coun- try whom we could have supposed willing toengage in this work of prescription and intolerance. How can they expect to continue the spread of their works when they themselves are found arrayed against the vital and fundamental principles fcrs- tianty Does not religion teach charity and good 'oU to all mankind Does it not inculcate precepts of mutual forbearance and forgiveness in the various relations between the human family Where can a precedent be found in the christian ordinances 10 justify persecution fora difference of opinion Chris tians should ever bear in mind the divine injunction of iudge not, lest ye be judged"
 If, as has often been urged masonry is an irreli- gious institution, would it not be more commenda- be for this Association rather persuade their breth rcn to attend Lodges regularly in order to christian ige inc fraternity and draw them by the tender cords of love from their evil dongs, than to prohibit all intercourse Are to infer from this want of phi lanhr0py that masons are considered by this very orthodox association, as belonging to the lost flock and that christian labor among them would be use less waste of time? Or, they fearful their breth- ren may be contaminated and therefore undoue If we were permitted to counsel this Association, we would say the legitimate duties of a christian present field large enough to employ his precious time. without meddling in matters of which he is ignorant and which he can never comprehend.
 In viewing the present exalted condition of man. kind, when a continued blaze of light and know ledge is pouring in upon us and at every turn to and feel its benign influence we really feel our pride humbLed by such proceedings those which have called forth this article. Are all cur advances in civilization and knowledge to take retrogrado move ment and place us back to the dark period in which bigoty superstition, intolerance and bloody perse- cuon marked the track of religion? Are we now to have the broad sunshine of liberty equality and religious toeraton obscured by fanatics and bigots who instead of advancing the cause ofreligion, are drawing around t the mystery, distrust and appre- hension which characterized it in ages past? We hope not. But in this age of restless innovation, at times possessed of fearful misgvings.