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The topics committed to us involve the following points:

1. The moral character of secrecy. Is it an element of an invariable
moral character? and, if so, what? and, if not, what are the
decisive criteria of its character?

2. Associations or combinations involving secrecy. Are they of
necessity right or wrong? If not, what are the decisive criteria?

3. Religious rites and worship in societies or organizations, open
or secret. Are any kind allowable? and, if so, what?




I. Secrecy, Its character.


A presumption against secrecy arises from the known fact that
evil-doers of all kinds resort to secrecy. This is for two reasons:
(1.) To avoid opposition and retribution; and, (2,) to avoid exposure
to disgrace. The adulterer seeks secrecy; so do the thief and the
counterfeiter; so do conspirators for evil ends.