American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1874-01-31
THE POPE VERSUS MASONRY.

ness. rope rus 1 ~ against Inc ia
stiturinn of Masonry, will, no d";ibr
be rolled as a '.Sw-et mur>el undrl
learned FOOLS who. some eighteen
months ago, eudeavored 10 array
the entire Methodist Church. North
in deadly antagouism to the iiinci
pies and practices OF the mysti,
brotherhood.
In every period of the worlds
history, from the days of King Sol
ONION down to the present tine, Ma
scnry has suffered persecution and
prescription but in the might and
majesty OF its own inherent power
II has trinmphed over all opposition
and babe defiance to the maligiiit,
OF its enemies. An Institution that
has stood the test of time. pas>e.
the Severest ordeal, aud survived
all contemporary associations, is no;
to be inj=ied by pricst!y manda rs,
even though Murdered from the
Vatican at Rome.
An institution founded on princi-
pies of revealed morality, and whose
leading object is the promotion OF
human happiness, has nothing To
fear from bigotry and prejudice.
Masonry is Il system having for its
principal design the cultivation OF
peace and good will among mrn-a
design that is closely con ected with
the exercise of ali those moral vir-
tues which expand the heart. refine
the feelings, and qualif, man to fill
the high and noble station to which
lie is appointed in the universe of
creatures.
The best and truest test of the
virtuOus tendency of any human
Institution, is its continuance among
men. Iu this respect, Masonry has
no cOmpeer, and claims an u1uues-
toned superiority over all other
institutions that have exis ted in any
age OF the world. For centuries It
has held on its way rejoicing, going
onward upmOved amidst the elemen-
tai war of cOntending factions. and
winning its way against all oppo>i-
tiOn and persecution. Even Time.
the great destroyer, whose ripacious
power dining beneath the stars has
ever resisted, and whose corrosive /
tooth eats through the hardest AHA
mant, has failed TO leave its impress
upon the immutable pillars Ut the |
Mystic Temple.
Masonry is, and ever has been,
a great mean 10 lessen the ills of
human existence, chase SORROW from
the abodes of wretchedness, and /
brighten up the gloom in the stan
gers heart. Standing proudly out
among the nations OF earth in the
light Of public ben-f;,c,iun, it
extends its fostering arms to en-
brace the unfortunate and covers
with its sheitering wings the help
less and forloru.
Let priests and bigots clamor for
its blood, aud employ their higi,
powers to crust, out Its existence:
Masonry asks no favor, neither does
it fear their power. In. Supreme
who laid the corner 81 one
Ut the Masonic Temple has given 10 ,
The Craftsmen the mean, ri effect i;
ing its completion. L.. every land D.;
where freedom and federation are |
there are those at work
N "the quarIies" who understand
he great ''desigu,' aud know what
s necessary for the completion of
he building. Their iaJors of love t
will not be in vain, nor will they be '
by pliestIy molestation or i
'ectarian persecution. There is ii
rearing ear and an All-seeing eye !;
o give timely notice OF approaching o
LANCER. There is an invisible arm t
hat yields ii sceptre more powerful Z
ban that of the Pope-mOre potent u
han all the powers of earth q
he work OF the Craft will continue q
D advance Til the cupe>stone shall "
e raised III Wisdom. Strength aud II
Beauty, to it's eternal resting place. u
18th shouts of triumph and songs OF
joy. d'
The Pope. and all others who u
link with him, had better direct III
leir assaults against the king 81
oms of daI knees" and let Masonry II.
one to accomplish the grand work 81
its Divine Master. The hi tory pc
the past should convince his III
holiness" OF the folly of his man IN
ite. All former attempts to sup %
'ess the Masonic virtues. and up tl'
ave the deep foundations uprn Wi
lIich they rest. have proved atpor- Sd
sc, and the old Temple still stands ,.i,
all It's native grandeur, uuhurt by
e demons OF i;uoraIice and dark W
50. M
Principles founded in the immu OF
bility of the human soul. and 60,