Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-01-14
POLITICAL.
TO THE PUBLIC.

Wm'e the public mind remained in the high state of
excitement TO which it had been carried by the offences
committed by few misguided members of the Masonic
institution in sister State; il seemed 10 the
RESIDENTS of Boston and vcinyl to be expedient TO re-
ram from public declaration of their principles or en-
gagements But believing the time now 10 Inc
iuy come, when their fellow citizens will receive with
Saor II not with satisfaction, solemn and unequvoca
uoa o ue allegations, which during the last years in
consequence of their connexion with the Masonic Fraer
MY, nave been reiterated against Them they respectfully
ASK PERMISSION 10 invite attention TO the subioincd
49,, t DECLARATION.
whereas 1t has been frequently asserted and published
TO the world that in the several degrees of
us ey are conferred iii the United States the
on his initiation and subsequent advancement binds him
oy oah TO sustain his masonic brethren acts which
are at variance with the fundamental principles of morale
~, and incompatible with his duty as good and faithful
ciuzcn IN justice therefore TO themselves and with view
10 establish TRUTH and expose IMPOSITION the under
recipients Oh every degree of Freemasonry known
and acknowledged in this country do most sole1ni do
ny me existence oil any such obligations the Masonic
institutions so lar as our knowledge respectively extends
And we soemnly that no person is admitted to the
Institution without first being made acquainted with the
nature oil the Obligations, which he will be required to in
| cur and assume.
Freemasonry secures its members in the freedom of
ana oil speech and permits each and every one to
ACT according TO the dictates of his conscience i'm mat
tiers OF religion, and OF his personal preferences in matters
oil politics. 1t neither knows, does assume to nfic
upon erng members, however wide may be their alb
errauo;.s from Duty any penalties punscnts other
man an those OF admonon, suspension, and expulsion
The obligations OF the Institution require OF its members
sIie. ooeIence TO the laws of God and Man. So far
from being bound by any engagements inconsistent with
he happiness and prosperity OF the Nation every citizen
VINO becomes mason is doubly bound be true TO his
uop TO his Country and TO his Jellotc men, In the Ian
guaSe olhe ancient Constitutions OF the Order which
are printed and open for public inspection, and which are
used as text books i'm ell the Lodges she is required IN
keep and obey the MORAL LAW; TO be quiet and moral
cnLen: true to his government and just his countrv'
masonry dlsdains the making of proselyes She opens
e portals oil her asylum TO those only who admis-
SON. WIN inc recommendation of character unpoted by
immortality and vice. She simply requires of the candi-
cate ms assent to one great fundamental religious truth
he existence and providence of God and practical ac-
encouragement oil those nalbc doctrines for the govern
heht oil me- which are written by the finger of God on
the heart of Man. wv "
Entertaining such sentiments as masons rs citizens No
christians, and moral men, and deeply Impressed viii;
the conviction that the Masonic Institution has been and
may continue TO be productive of great good 10 their fell
low men, and having receivcd the laws of the society
ana It's accumulated funds, in sacred for charitable
USE the undersigned neither rcnounce or abandon
l''We most cordially unite with brethren of Salem
anu iciy IN the declaration and hope that shoud the
people oil inns country become infatuated as TO deprive
Mason OF their civil rights in violation of their written
constitutions, and the wholesome spirit of lust laws
ana Tree governments, vast maioy,o the fraternity win
sun remain rm conding God and the rectlude OF their
intentions, Tor consolation under the trials to which they
may be exposed ~ 0S
Here follow the of over eleven hundred Nor .
sons. ~ ''u per
Among the Boston,signers we notice. SAYS the Boston
me names OF gentlemen who have long been dis
SulShed Tor their piey and intelligence wealth homes
~, public spirit, and all the virtues which adorn tn
chahcs who have much at stake in the community and
who' 1t Is not too much 10 say would never lend their
names 10 sustain an institution, the influence of which
was oil a mschievous character.