Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

220 FREE MA&0NRY AND NATURAL RELIGION.
wounded in his feelings, or be tainted in his principles.
Besides, " as Masons, we belong to the oldest Catholic religion
:" {Ahiman Rezon, p. 30.) and as this is more ancient
than the Christian era, there is a natural propriety in
preserving independence. " Ours is the true religion," says
a Mahommedan, " and Abraham was a true believer; he
was neither Jew, Christian, nor Idolator. But what renders
our religion more especially holy and admirable, is its
being the only one which makes alms-giving an essential
duty." This is also the boast of Free Masonry.
" The dunce, he imagines that science and art
« Depend on some compact or magical part;
u Thus men are so stupid, to think that the cause
" Of our constitution's against divine laws.
" Each profession and class of mankind must agree,
" That Masons are jovial, religious, and free,
" Religions and free*
Ahiman Rezon.
" The Chinese, the Algerine, the Persian, the native of
Indostan, the Turk, and the Jew, may, under the masonic
banner, associate in love with their Christian brethren, and
participate of all the benefits of the institution." (Mas.
Mir. and M. L p. 273.) They could not associate in love,
if the Lord Jesus were named by any in adoration; so,
for the sake of peace, this name is altogether omitted.
Truly "mutual toleration in religious opinions, is one
of the most distinguishing and valuable characteristics of
the craft;" (Preston, 29.) and Mr. Town has erred in saying,
" if we would add universal celebrity to our institution,
the world must be convinced, that the foundation is laid in
evangelical truth." (Town, 14.) That would be the very
way to shut the Turks and Arabs out; to confine the glorious
craft to the narrow limits of Christian nations.
u I honestly recommend," says Ahiman Rezon, (p. 22.)
" regular lodges, as the only seminaries, where men, in the
most pleasant and clearest manner, may hepr, understand,