Wilmington expositor. (Wilmington, Del.) 1831-18??, 1832-07-06
Friday, July 6, AsS2
Democratic Anti-masonic Candidate
ron PRESIDENT,
WILLIAM WRIT,
of Maryland.
ron Woe PRESIDENT
AMOS EsELG.A KER,
of Pennsylvania.

al
in the d. f. p over the signature of common sense .
then fully intended to drop the subject; but our oppo-
nent not manifesting similar disposition has written
Sd article, in reply to which we will make few re-
marks. I;
Passing Mr. BIS complimentary prelude, Qhe friend n
Nv disposition of which recprocate) we will first no.
tcc his comment upon the first Article of Amendment
to the Constitution of the United States, the object OF
which u.s. to extend to all persons, freedom of express
sion upon all religious topics. Admitting the Justice
of the literal application Of this tolerant principle, we
still contend for the constitutonaty Of our former po-
ston; That in Democracy, the People constitute the
legitimate Tribunal to whom must be submitted the
question, whether certain principles (regios moral
or political injurious beneficial in their tenden-
cy, and prescribed tolerated accordingly We con-
slider that this position not only phosophcay tena-
be but that it is perfectly consistent with the funda-
mental principles Of Democracy, or Republican
form of Government,
The prescription of which speak, is ret to be eff
fected by any physical force 1t is merely express
sion of public dsapprobationa majority Of the peo-
ple frowning upon, rejccting opposing that, which
they deem incompatible with the public wealth. fine,
It may be considered species Of political Ostracism
Do not see this mode of prescription almost daily
practised by every class of politicians! How many
principles and schemes Of national policy & economy,
together with their projectors have been marked with
the seal of public condemnation since the origin of our
Republic! Many of those individuals were, no doubt,
sincere and honest in tile exercise of their constitute
onal privileges but the interest of the Unon in the
timaton of the Sovereign Peope) demanded the hro-
Scripture use OF the Elective Franchise. Any indiyd-
strike the basis of Social System, but he will and
must abide the decision of injured and indignant
community. This is the most distinguished privilege,
the most nestimable and glorious characteristic OF
Republic that its inhabitants are the guardians OF their
own morals, their own laws, their own character and
welfare in a Rational point of view
1t will at Once be conceded by every intelligent man,
that are as deeply interested in our moral, as in
political well-beng, and ustifable in resoting
10 the same means to promote it.
We would remind our readers, that we are now con-
tending for the consttutionaty cxpedicncy and JUS
tice of prescribing any and every principle which
majority fthe people shall deem hostile to the interest
Of society arges Even when the character and
dency ofccrtain doctrines become matter OF opinion
reasonable person could object to this mode Of test
and decision
The great object Of ali government is, should be-
TO the greatest amount OF happiness to its sub
ects TO the promotion Of this important object,
cry individual should manifest Willingness to sacrifice
all preudccs and predictions which are not eSsttia
to his happiness. The question is here forcbly pre-
scented the mind, whether not, there is any thing
essential to mans happiness in time, but the ehoynen
of the present--a consciousness that he does eX
list and is surrounded by realities? Has man wish
or hope sh 0e ys me bai o.
objects in the present world, worthy of the desires
affections Of an immortal mind. Hope forces vistt
into futurity, points tile Christian beyond the grave
to All existence Of supreme happiness and Of eelna
Duration. The doctrines and PFcceptG Of Christianity
alone give the object on this pleasing hope that def
mite character that elicit the confidence excite thu
Materais enjoy his visionary theories, his cold qnC
heartess speculations Let him believe that becaus
he cannot destroy an atom of matter BY anT chemica
process, matter never was created. OF tins havt
never complained. The protested object of f. rhomp
was, to destroy the validity of the Christian Rel
gon, by this means attempting todisconpose the aitl
and confidence gifts professors. We deem this inter
ference impertncnt and unwarrantable, especially a
j.. Thompson was [protessedy] as ignorant of exper
mental Christianity, his Lectures were destitute
philosophy. This obtrusive Sceptic, like many 9th
oF hnet hath IL
believe, b, not what he dd-what was false, but no
what was true.
Mr. b. speaks much of Common Sensc;'' will h
please give definition OF this pretty, comprehen
sive familiar but Oft abused tcrm There is seIIse
very Common, species exhibited in some Of hisargu
ments and deductions; quite Ordinary indeed. We ar
not disposed to crCise bnt must also ask friend
for definition Of tho phrase ''Natura Rights" Thi
sounds very much like The Book Of Nature & ma
ny other vague, but popular terms of the day. The
serve very well to express a something of which tn
sauthor has no definite idea--to I'll mp a sentence O
paragraph; but the propriey Of their application is
many instances, very doubtful.
We presume, that man rcnquishes no 'Natura
Rights, by complying with the laws and regulations
Republican Compact which secures to him life, lib
crty, and the pursuit. Of happiness Mr. BIS languag
therefore, concerning democratic form Of govern
ent requiring the REIMBURSEMENT of any natural right
s to us, quite unntelligble Nature has conferred II
rights privileges upon man. incompatible with jus
tee; and justice demands OF every man obedienc
TO, and support Of that government by which he
protected
In reply to BIS first communication, we plainly an
eonciusvely exhibited the dissmiiarity between Free
masonry and Christianity, BY an impartial compariso
of their respective principles and preccpts. Those
institutionsin their every feature, widely differ
cnt as virtue and vice make them, Every attemI
to unite or assmilate them is not only dsingenuou.
but Intellectual MIR b. says, sit is the abuses of Ma
sonryroh dear! and Christiany their power to do G
viii hat induces him to watch their movements mar
rowly" The only evil of the former. consists in adhe
ring to- and practising its preceps: the only abuses
the latter is in its empty profession, But who has ev
or attempted to justify those abusesf D. says he love
genuine Christianity. Is not this, and this alone,
that we have been contending fors by thus conound
ing shadows and substances B. clearly manfess, eth
~ want of candour, or Of discrimination, He nigh