Date: 1747, 1811

"'Yes, if his soul to reason's rule resign'd, / 'And heaven's own views fair-opening on his mind,/ 'Caught from bright nature's flame the living ray, / 'Through passion's cloud pour'd in resistless day; / 'And taught mankind in reas'ning Pride's despite, / 'That God is wise, and all that is righ...

— Mason, William (1725-1797)

Date: 1772-1781

What availed the songs of a "mighty mind, / With inward light irradiate, mirror-like / Receiv'd, and to mankind with ray reflex / The sov'reign Planter's primal work display'd?"

— Mason, William (1725-1797)

Date: 1783

"When first the orient rays of beauty move / The conscious soul, they light the lamp of love"

— Mason, William (1725-1797)

Date: w. 1796, 1811

"Truths to describe, which clearly to explain / Reason's dim lamp has burnt for centuries in vain."

— Mason, William (1725-1797)