THE ANTI-MASONIC REVIEW, AND MAGAZINE ; PUBLISHED MONTHLY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK. INTENDED TO TAKE NOTE OF THE ORIGIN AND HISTORY, OF THE OF Free Masonry. BY HENRY DANA WARD, A. M. A RENOUNCING MASON. MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.-The Prophet Daniel. New York. VANDERPOOL & COLE, PRINTERS, 104 Beekman street. 1828. gr. THE ANTI-MASONIC REVIEW, AND MAGAZINE. Benevolent societies. By concen In this day of benevolent enterprise, associations of individuals for the accomplishment of a specific object, are frequent. trating single efforts to one point, as the burning-glass brings the bright sunbeams to a focus, these associations easily effect important changes in the moral aspect and true happiness of the world. They rally the friends of a good cause around a common standard, and exercise that sway in the empire of opinion, which belongs to the nobility in a monarchical government. The cause they espouse assumes dignity; the end they seek swells in importance, and is almost sure to be attained. The ease with which they gather their treasures from ten thousand springs into one great stream, and apply their energies even to the remotest parts of the earth, is a matter of daily observation. Bible Societies, Missionary Societies, Sunday School Societies, Charitable Societies, Literary Societies, Agricultural Societies, and useful societies of every name and denomination, are the glory of our country, and among the highest hopes of the age. Our illustrious citizens preside over them, our enterprising citizens direct them, and the most industrious and valuable of our fellow citizens sustain them. 239973 Conspiracies. It is not necessary that the design be benevolent or holy, to test the importance of associated effort for its accomplishment. Conspiracy and treason draw their chief strength from a thousand secret channels, and effect their aim by bringing the energies of all, unexpectedly to burst upon a single point. They can show kindness and patriotism, when it is necessary for their better concealment; and oftentimes do much good with the sole purpose of getting a better opportunity to do evil. But these do not lightly admit or dismiss members. Those who have been once in their secrets, must be silent for ever after. They must have the consent of all to enter, and having entered, their allegiance ends only with life. The manner of benevolent societies. But every benevolent society has a specific object to attain, which distinguishes it from all the rest as the Bible Society, to circulate the scriptures; and the Missionary Society, to support teachers.. They all are by nature charitable societies, and seek to ameliorate the condition of sinful man. They hold membership to be an honour, and count it no disgrace to invite. the just and merciful to enrol their names in the register of the society. They agree, generally, in allowing an annual, or a life membership, at the option of the subscriber ; and in either case leave him free to attend the meetings or not, as he chooses. The benevolence of these societies beams in every direction from an open centre, as light from the unclouded sun; and leaves none to doubt their character, or to mistake their object. Contrasted with the man Masonry. Of all the great associations of the present ner of Free day, Free Masonry is peculiar and extraordinary. It claims with the others to be benevolent in its designs, while it hides itself like treason. It professes to ameliorate the condition of man, not by supporting teachers, or by rewarding agriculture, or by any other single operation; but altogether in a general way. While other benevolent societies uniformly agree to strengthen themselves in public esteem by the fullest display of their |