Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

From the Village Record.

MASONRY AND CHRISTIANITY,

Are not incompatible in word or deed;— much less directly opposite, as malice or ignorance has affirmed: for although we have excluded the sound of the axe, the hammer and every iron tool of bigotted feeling or political passion; though we meet with the child of Zoroaster, and the son of Confucius, on the level of equality, and partaking equally peace with the disciples of Moses, and the follower of the Lamb, while both stand plumb on the square of virtue; yet the man who enters as a Christian, never passes into Deism nor is he raised by infidelity: but being taught by the first great light of the Holy Bible as the most precious of gifts, he finds himself strengthened in faith, more than assured in hope, and divinely impelled to abound in works of charity.

In a word, the Christian Mason is taught to esteem the first great light in the golden candlestick, as infinitely superior to the light of nature, reason and philosophy, united in triple rank; superior to the son of genius or the morning star of science. This light of Heaven itself, his raptured spirit hails; and faithful as the star which led the adoring Magi to Bethlehem's vale, this light in death shall lead the sons of amity and peace, the friends of virtue and man, to the Eternal fountain of light itself, who alone is worthy of the morning song, the noontide shouting, and the ceaseless anthems of praise from all his works.