Wilmington expositor. (Wilmington, Del.) 1831-18??, 1832-03-02
ANTI MASONIC.
REPORT
REPORT
OF A MINORITY OF THE COMMITTEE,
TO INVESTIGATE,
CHARGES AGAINST FREE MASONRY
(Eonchdea.

In particular, Barney Merry, Esq. Past
Grand master, after declaring that he would
obey his civil OATH in preference 10 his masonic
oath, Automatically declined explaining an all
lusion in Lecture which had been read from
Webb's monitor, as a proof of the correct prin-
ciples inculcated by masonry. That allusion
was known by the undersigned to be the cere-
mony of Killing Hiram Abif, in the master
mason's degree: ceremony that directly iu-
culcates the sacrifice Of life, as the penalty for
violating masonic obligations. Mr.. merry s
masonic oath, bound to conceal that ceremo-
ny. He was called on, under his civil oath to
reveal it, and declined entirely. Upon being
asked by MI. Halle whether he declined. be-
cause he did not consider it material to the
public, witness replied, that he did. But if the
witness was to be judge of the propriety of an
swering this question, why should he notjudge
rhe same of all other questions1
The same witness admitted that the signs
and secrets, in the hands of bad men, might
be used for improper purposes. and that they
afforded means of communication, not known
to the rest of the community. When asked
whether mason on trial would not have secre
and safe means of communication with ma
sonic Judge or Juror, which one, not masor
could not have, he at frs, declined answer
ing, but afterwards explained that he NEvEF
knew any such case, or, it would not be likel,
to occur-thus entirely evading the question
These facts and others developed in the ties
timony, convinced the undersigned, that ma
sonic oaths in many respects, do have a con
trolling influence good men, and in tn
hands of bad men, they are fatally dangerou
to the equal rights of society and the suprsm
acy of the laws.
The undersigned has no hesitation in exon
L. l. Il
committee. from any imputation of crime up
on them, or any evidence that their masoni
obligations have been permitted to interfer
with their moral and civil obligations. furthe
than the bias they unavoidably give to the mind
and the control they exercise in impressing ur
right men with belief, that they ought rathe
submit to fine. imprisonment and death,
keeping their masonic oatrs, than to viola,
them under civil oath in Court of Law.
this principle is sustained, does it not subject
entirely to the construction each individual M
son may put upon his oaths, which are literal
in direct violation to his duties as citizen?
he chooses to construe literally, what is to pr
vent it? And ifhe is protected in conceamer
how are we to know whether he CONSTITUTES the
as they read, or, explains them so as not
come in contact with his duties to all mankir
as good citizen?
So impressed was.the Chairman of this Cor
mittec, with the improper tendency of the
oaths, that when VIM. Wilkinson, Esq'r. w
under examination and attempted to expla
part of the Masters oath, which binds him
keep the secrets OF a Brother, murder and tire
son excepted, the Chairman observed to Il
witness. at is very clear thot you ought not
have taken this oath. tbs in direct Violate
of your duty to your country"
4. The fourth allegation. that the principl
and obligations of masonry, are incompatih
with the Constitution and Laws of the Unit
States. and of this State, is believed to be
ready established by the facts above submitre
and by reference to the oaths of masons in II
State, as proved by themselves. Those oat
sanction cruel and usual punishments or pen:
ties, which is the same thing, and which 4
Constitution Of the United States prohibit
and they enjoin the concealment of offenc
less than murder and treason, which the la,
of the land make it binding on every good q
izen, when legally required. to disclose. IT
specifications alone, it is believed, would 4
sufficient to establish shat charge