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Story
February 18, 1831
Rhode Island American And Gazette
Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
A rhetorical argument questioning if Freemasonry is a secretive alliance of one class against others, justifying opposition if true, and urging disclosure of its terms to dispel fears of inequality and exclusion.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
A PLAIN STATEMENT.
Masonry is or is not a combination of one class of men, for their own especial advantage, against all other classes of men.
If Masonry be a combination against all other men, are not all other men justified in combining against Masonry?
If Masonry be not a combination against all other men, then why not show the terms of the compact, and convince those who are honestly alarmed for the equality of their rights in society, that there is nothing in that compact which by any fair interpretation can be construed into a selfish combination, to the exclusion and injury of all who have not signed it.
Masonry is or is not a combination of one class of men, for their own especial advantage, against all other classes of men.
If Masonry be a combination against all other men, are not all other men justified in combining against Masonry?
If Masonry be not a combination against all other men, then why not show the terms of the compact, and convince those who are honestly alarmed for the equality of their rights in society, that there is nothing in that compact which by any fair interpretation can be construed into a selfish combination, to the exclusion and injury of all who have not signed it.
What sub-type of article is it?
Opinion Piece
Rhetorical Argument
What themes does it cover?
Justice
Social Manners
What keywords are associated?
Freemasonry
Secret Combination
Social Equality
Transparency
Class Advantage
Story Details
Story Details
Poses a dilemma about Freemasonry as a potential class-based combination against others, arguing for reciprocal opposition if true, and advocating transparency to reassure on social equality and lack of selfish exclusion.