Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1832-10-11
DANGERS OF ANTI-MASONRY.
E. Hinslow 10 M. .Siandish,
MOUNT VERNON, Sept. 1892.

MOUNT VERNON, Sept. 1882.
Dear Sir:-I admit that you had a
right to ask why have neglected to join
with you and others, in the attempt to
elect MIR Writ to the Presidency Of the
United States. In reply may say with
truth, that have not been influenced to
this course from disahection to anti-ma-
sons, nor from any disi aspect to Mr. Writ.
l regard him as a man well qualified for
the Presidency; but under existing cir
cumstanccs, can see no prospect of his
election,-and should be unwilling to
adopt measure which must increase an
imosity, without the prospect of real bene-
it Besides, however confident might
be that masonry eDdangers public well
fare, l ought not to consent to me asure
for remedy, which, in my opinion, will
more endanger the public peace than dis
ease itself
l abhor the forms of oaths which have
been published as masonic; and can
easily conceive it to be possible that ma
sonic Societies may be converted into
engines of mischief; but | apprehcnd no
immediate danger from that source
Such societies have existed for long
period in our country; and am not u
ware that any Of them, or their members
as such, were guilty Of any outrages a.
gainst the laws Of the land, prior to the
atrocities in relation to Morgan. The
influence Of those atrocities has been SO
strong against masonry, that the proba-
bllity is--if only prudent and benevolent
measures should be pursued, the insttu-
ton will gradually decline, till il shall be
abandoned as unpopular aud useless
The plan, however, which has been pro-
posed appears to me adopted to produce
more evil than good.
The masons of our country are nume-
rOns. They are not confined to any one,
two or ii hIee denominations of Christians.
They are found in all the learned pro-
fessions, and in almost every rank or class
Of people-fcmales, children and slaves
excepted. Many ofthem have been en-
inent for talents, learning and influence,
and have extensive circles of relatives,
friends and adherents. Can such body
of men be thrown into the back ground,
disfranchiscd of their right Of eligibility
to office, without endangering the peace
Of society? 1t is not only admitted that
many Of the masons are eminent for tai
ents, learning and influence, but that a.
mons these are many very good men, in
whom great confidence is place., as
magistrates, ministers Of the
gospel, members of churches, and active
agents in promoting benevolent objects.
Can it then be wise to deprive the COM
munity ofthe benefit OF their services?
Besides, think it will not be denied
that our country is as much indebted to
masons for the Liberties and privileges it
now enjoys, as to any other class of men,
according to their numbers. Can it then
be Just 10 disfranchise these men as a
body, Of right which they and their
predecessors have been instrumental in
for us as well as for them
selves?
What, sir, would be thought of pro-
Iect for so altering the Federal Constitu-
ton, and the Constitutions of the several
States, as to render all masOns inelig ible
70 Office! II this would be unwise and
hazardous, can it be less so, for us to act
rs though such change had already
been made in the several Constitutions?
1t has been said, am aware, that il is
The masonic "Insiitution" which is to be
he object of attack, and not the masonic
brethren, But the masonic institution is
not candidate for the Presidency, nor
or any other Office. Neither is it the
institution which you propose to exhibit
IS unworthy Of public confidence. The
masonic brethren are obviously the des-
ined victims. Though have no respect
or masonry, ! have respect for many Of
he masonic brethren; and ! am unwil-
ing to adopt any measure to recover
hem from supposed error, which can
lot reconcile to the Golden Rule.
In regard to the Hnstitution," this
doctrine has been inculcated-"t that
'ublic opinion should be directed against
t, and brought TO bear upon it, in every
,eaceable and constitutional form, until il
hall cease 10 exist"
The same may be said Of every per-
llcious error, institution or custom, whc-
her political or religious. But who is to
e the judge Of what is pernicious' Are
gc not all on level as to the right Of
Judging? Or may one sect or dcnomi-
ation Of men, not only Judge for them
elves but judge for othcrsi Have not
eligious sects great occasion to exercise
orbearance towards each otherI The
'rotestants oc our country regard some
fthe institutions Of Popery as pernicious,
nd wish their abolition; and il is very
bvious that the Catholics have similar
Jews of many Of the Protestant opinions,
N efp m I'll s.of. Il l.