Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-01-06

was no reason why an institution should
be devised as a means of attaining whar
they already enjoyed. Besides, the Mo
sale account Of the matter does not au
'horlze the belief, that Masonry, even in
lis rudest form, (the construction of gar
menls from fig leaves could have been al
all necessary 10 their comfort and hap.
plness, until after their violation of the
Creators commandment, and their con,
sequent subsection TO Heavens everlast
ing curse. 1t was 10 such wild notions as
these, as TO the origin of Masonry, thai
the ludicious and gifted DE Witt Clinton
alluded, perhaps. when he sad "Enthu.
slastlc friends Of our institution have
done it much injury, and covered it with
much rdicule, by stretching its origin
beyond the bounds of credbility."
That the principles of Masonry, and
lis distinctive features, were systematic
ed at The building of Solomon's Temple.
those who are we'll informed do not doubt.
That some of its features existed before
that epoch is, also, believed; yet, at what
precise period they originated, is beyond
the reach of history or tradition.
But suppose we admit that Free Ma
sorry was unknown to Solomon; that it
originated from the corporations OF ar
tifcers, established by Numa, which be-
decked the face OF Europe with those
Gothic structures that we're regarded as
proud monuments Of their mechanical
skill and industry: and does such an ad-
mission detract at all from the merits of
the institution Does such an admis.
sion prove that It's tendencies are not to
promote the virtue. and secure The hap
piness Of mankind? As we'll might it be
urged, as an objection to the Bible itself,
that III. kingdom of David was. after the
advent Of The SAVIOUR, changed INTO spI
ritual kingdom, as to object to Masonry,
because it was converted into a moral
art or science. after its uses as an ope-
ratve institution had ceased.
But let US turn our attention from the
interesting. but fruitIess, inquiry as to the
origin of Masonry, to the more import.
ant conside grafton of its character and
practical utility. As far back in the
annals Of the world as history or tradi-
ton extends, we are informed that man.
kind have been prone 10 error-prone
to violate the moral law ordained b,
God Tor their government, and to bring
upon themselves consequent misery
And history and tradition are strength
ened and confirmed, in this respect, by
the page Of Sacred Wril; for the latter
informs US that from the time of the first
transgression, which drought death into
the world and all our VICE." the human
heart has been corrupt and sinful. To
devise means, therefore, by which each
vicious propensity might be restrained,
and each viriuous inclination, at the
same time, encouraged and cherished, as
lending to human happiness, has been.
ever since thai fatal period, the nobest
employment and the highest duty oil
man.
Point me, if you can, to an institution,
Of mere human origin, within the range
Of human knowledge, better calculated
than Masonry is, to check vice, and to
dvance the interests Of virtue. It tea
ches US our duty to the great Ruler of
the Universe, TO our neighbors and to
ourselves. 1t teaches us 10 open our
ears to the cries Of the unfortunate, and
to offer unto them the cup Of consolation
to soothe the sorrows Of the distressed
wido~ and orphan; TO practice the du-
ties of benevolence and paternal afec
tion; and to act out the principles OF
charity, The greatest Of Masonic, as it
is OF Christian, virtues. All these are
most strikingly and powerfully impress.
sed upon the mind Of every individual,
who is initiated into the mysteries Of our
order. Who, that has ever entered
Masonic Lodge. without being impressed
with the most solemn emotions. Every
object that meets the eye seems preg-
nant with meaning - every emblem
seems Personifed. The AIl-seeing Ely
causes the soul to shrink within itself