Freemasonry! Secret Societies! Baphomet! The Lodge! 33rd Degree!

I. NAME AND DEFINITION

Leaving aside various fanciful derivations we may trace the word mason to the French maon Latin matio or machio!" #a $uilder of walls# or #a stone%cutter# cf. &erman Steinmetz" from metzen" #to cut#' and Dutch vrijmetselaar!. The com(ound term Freemason occurs first in )*+, %% according to a recently found writing" even (rior to )),, -). %% and" contrary to &ould -/. means (rimarily a mason of su(erior s0ill" though later it also designated one who en1oyed the freedom" or the (rivilege" of a trade guild. -*. In the former sense it is commonly derived from freestone-mason" a mason hewing or $uilding in free ornamental! stone in o((osition to a rough stone! mason. -2. This derivation" though harmoni3ing with the meaning of the term" seemed unsatisfactory to some scholars. 4ence 5(eth (ro(osed to inter(ret the word freemasons as referring to those masons claiming e6em(tion from the control of local guilds of the towns" where they tem(orarily settled. -,. In accordance with this suggestion the #New English Dictionary of the 7hilological 5ociety# O6ford" )898! favours the inter(retation of freemasons as s0illed artisans" emanci(ated according to the medieval (ractice from the restrictions and control of local guilds in order that they might $e a$le to travel and render services" wherever any great $uilding cathedral" etc.! was in

(rocess of construction. These freemasons formed a universal craft for themselves" with a system of secret signs and (asswords $y which a craftsman" who had $een admitted on giving evidence of com(etent s0ill" could $e recogni3ed. On the decline of &othic architecture this craft coalesced with the mason guilds. -:. ;uite recently <. =egemann -+. com$ats the o(inion of 5(eth -8. as (urely hy(othetical" stating that the name freemason originally designated (articularly s0illed freestone%masons" needed at the time of the most magnificent evolution of &othic architecture" and nothing else. In English law the word freemason is first mentioned in )29," while frank-mason occurs already in an Act of )222%)22,. -9. Later" freemason and mason were used as converti$le terms. The modern signification of Freemasonry in which" since a$out )+,>" the word has $een universally and e6clusively understood" dates only from the constitution of the &rand Lodge of England" )+)+. In this acce(tation Freemasonry" according to the official English" 5cottish" American" etc." craft rituals" is most generally defined? #A (eculiar -some say #(articular# or #$eautiful#. system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated $y sym$ols.# Mac0ey -)>. declares the $est definition of Freemasonry to $e? #A science which is engaged in the search after the divine truth.# The &erman encyclo(edia of Freemasonry" #4and$uch# -)). defines Freemasonry as #the activity of closely united men who" em(loying sym$olical forms $orrowed (rinci(ally from the mason@s trade and from architecture" wor0 for the welfare of man0ind" striving morally to enno$le themselves and others and there$y to $ring a$out a universal league of man0ind -Menschheitsbund." which they as(ire to

e6hi$it even now on a small scale#. The three editions which this #4and$uch# Aniversal Manual of Freemasonry! has had since )8// are most valua$le" the wor0 having $een declared $y English%s(ea0ing Masonic critics $y far the $est Masonic Encyclo(edia ever (u$lished. -)/. II. OBI&IN AND EABLC 4I5TOBC =efore entering u(on this and the following divisions of our su$1ect it is necessary to (remise that the very nature of Freemasonry as a secret society ma0es it difficult to $e sure even of its re(uted documents and authorities" and therefore we have consulted only those which are ac0nowledged and recommended $y res(onsi$le mem$ers of the craft" as stated in the $i$liogra(hy a((ended to this article. #It is the o((ro$rium of Freemasonry#" says Mac0ey -)*. that its history has never yet been written in a spirit of critical truth; that credulity . . . has been the foundation on which all masonic historical investigations have been built, . . . that the missing links of a chain of evidence have been frequently supplied by gratuitous invention and that statements of vast importance have been carelessly sustained by the testimony of documents whose authenticity has not been proved. #The historical (ortion of old records#" he adds -)2. as written by Anderson, Preston, Smith, Calcott and other writers of that generation, was little more than a collection of fables, so absurd as to e cite the smile of every reader. The germs of nearly all these fantastic theories are contained in Anderson@s #The Donstitutions of Free Masons# )+/*" )+*8! which ma0es Freemasonry

coe6tensive with geometry and the arts $ased on it' insinuates that &od" the &reat Architect" founded Freemasonry" and that it had for (atrons" Adam" the 7atriarchs" the 0ings and (hiloso(hers of old. Even Eesus Dhrist is included in the list as &rand Master of the Dhristian Dhurch. Masonry is credited with the $uilding of Noah@s Ar0" the Tower of =a$el" the 7yramids" and 5olomon@s Tem(le. 5u$seFuent authors find the origin of Masonry in the Egy(tian" Dionysiac" Eleusinian" Mithraic" and Druidic mysteries' in sects and schools such as the 7ythagoreans" Essenes" Duldees" Goroastrians" and &nostics' in the Evangelical societies that (receded the Beformation' in the orders of 0nighthood Eohannites" Tem(lars!' among the alchemists" Bosicrucians" and Da$$alists' in Dhinese and Ara$ic secret societies. It is claimed also that 7ythagoras founded the Druidic institution and hence that Masonry (ro$a$ly e6isted in England ,>> years $efore the Dhristian Era. 5ome authors" considering geological finds as Masonic em$lems" trace Masonry to the Miocene H! 7eriod -),. while others (retend that Masonic science #e6isted $efore the creation of this glo$e" diffused amidst the numerous systems with which the grand em(yreum of universal s(ace is furnished#. -):. It is not then difficult to understand that the attem(t to (rove the antiFuity of Freemasonry with evidence su((lied $y such monuments of the (ast as the 7yramids and the O$elis0 removed to New Cor0 in )8+9! should have resulted in an e6tensive literature concerning these o$1ects. -)+. Though many intelligent Masons regard these claims as $aseless" the ma1ority of the craft -)8. still acce(t the statement contained in the #Dharge# after initiation? #Ancient no dou$t it is" having

su$sisted from time immemorial. In every age monarchs -American rituals? #the greatest and $est men of all ages#. have $een (romoters of the art" have not thought it derogatory to their dignity to e6change the sce(tre for the trowel" have (artici(ated in our mysteries and 1oined in our assem$lies#. -)9. It is true that in earlier times gentlemen who were neither o(erative masons nor architects" the so%called geomatic Masons -/>. 1oined with the o(erative" or dogmatic" Masons in their lodges" o$served ceremonies of admission" and had their signs of recognition. =ut this Masonry is $y no means the #s(eculative# Masonry of modern times" i.e." a systematic method of teaching morality $y means of such (rinci(les of sym$ols according to the (rinci(les of modern Freemasonry after )+/*. As the $est &erman authorities admit -/). s(eculative Masonry $egan with the foundation of the &rand Lodge of England" /2 Eune" )+)+" and its essential organi3ation was com(leted in )+// $y the ado(tion of the new #=oo0 of Donstitutions# and of the three degrees? a((rentice" fellow" master. All the a$lest and most conscientious investigations $y com(etent Masonic historians show" that in )+)+ the old lodges had almost ceased to e6ist. The new lodges $egan as convivial societies" and their characteristic Masonic s(irit develo(ed $ut slowly. This s(irit" finally" as e6hi$ited in the new constitutions was in contradiction to that which animated the earlier Masons. These facts (rove that modern Masonry is not" as &ould -//. 4ughan -/*. and Mac0ey -/2. contend" a revival of the older system" $ut rather that it is a new order of no greater antiFuity than the first Fuarter of the eighteenth century. III. FANDAMENTAL 7BINDI7LE5 AND 57IBIT

There have $een many controversies among Masons as to the essential (oints of Masonry. English%s(ea0ing Masons style them #landmar0s#" a term ta0en from Deuteronomy )9?)2" and signifying #the $oundaries of Masonic freedom#" or the unaltera$le limits within which all Masons have to confine themselves. Mac0ey -/,. s(ecifies no less than twenty%five landmar0s. The same num$er is ado(ted $y <hitehead -/:. #as the (ith of the researches of the a$lest masonic writers#. The (rinci(le of them are -/+.

the method of recognition $y secret signs" words" gri(s" ste(s" etc.' the three degrees including the Boyal Arch' the 4iram legend of the third degree' the (ro(er #tiling# of the lodge against #raining# and #snowing#" i.e." against male and female #cowans#" or eavesdro((ers" i.e." (rofane intruders' the right of every regular Mason to visit every regular lodge in the world' a $elief in the existence of God and in future life; the Volume of the Sacred Law; equality of Masons in the lodge; secrecy; symbolical method of teaching; inviolability of landmarks.

n truth there is no authority in !reemasonry to constitute such "unchangeable" landmarks or fundamental laws. Strictly #udicially$ even the "%ld &harges"$ which$ according to 'nderson(s "&onstitutions"$ contain the unchangeable laws$ have a legal obligatory character only as far as they are inserted in the ")ook of &onstitution" of each Grand Lodge. *+,- )ut .ractically there exist certain characteristics which are universally considered as essential. Such are the fundamental .rinci.les described in the first

and sixth articles of the "%ld &harges" concerning religion$ in the texts of the first two /nglish editions 012+3 and 123,4 of 'nderson(s "&onstitutions". 5hese texts$ though differing slightly$ are identical as to their essential tenor. 5hat of 12+3$ as the original text$ restored by the Grand Lodge of /ngland in the editions of the "&onstitutions"$ 126781,13$ and inserted later in the ")ooks of &onstitutions" of nearly all the other Grand Lodges$ is the most authoritative; but the text of 123,$ which was ado.ted and used for a long time by many Grand Lodges$ is also of great im.ortance in itself and as a further illustration of the text of 12+3. n the latter$ the first article of the "%ld &harges" containing the fundamental law and the essence of modern !reemasonry runs 0the text is given exactly as .rinted in the original$ 12+349 !. Concerning God and Religion. A Mason is obliged by his "enure, to obey the moral law# and if he rightly understands the Art, he will never be a stupid Atheist $%othic letters& nor an irreligious Libertine $%othic letters&. 'ut though in ancient times (asons were charged in every country to be of the religion of that country or nation, whatever it was, yet )tis now thought more e pedient only to oblige them to that religion in which all men agree, leaving their particular *pinions to themselves# that is, to be good men and true or (en of +onour and +onesty, by whatever ,enominations or Persuasions they may be distinguished; whereby (asonry becomes the entre o! "nion and the (eans of conciliating true -riendship among Persons that must have remained at a perpetual ,istance. Ander Article II" / Masons@ $ehaviour after the Lodge is closed and the =rethren not gone! is added? !n order to preserve peace and harmony no private piques or quarrels must be brought within the door of the .odge, far less any quarrels about /eligion or 0ations or State Policy, we being only, as (asons, of the Catholick /eligion, above

mentioned, we are also of all 0ations, "ongues, 1indreds and .anguages and are resolved against all Politicks $printed in the original in %othic letters& as what never yet conduced to the welfare of the .odge nor ever will. "his charge has been always strictly en2oin)d and observ)d; but especially ever since the /eformation in 'ritain or the dissent and secession of these 0ations !rom the communion o! Rome. In the te6t of )+*8 the same articles run variation from the edition of )+/* are given in italics!? !. Concerning %od and /eligion. A (ason is obliged by his "enure to observe the moral law as true #oahida 3sons of 0oah, the first name of -reemasons4 and if he rightly understands the craft, he will never be a stupid atheist or an irreligious libertine nor act against conscience. !n ancient times the hristian masons were charged to comply with the hristian usages of each country where they travelled or worked; but (asonry being found in all nations, e$en o! di$erse religions, they are now generally charged to adhere to that religion, in which all men agree, 3lea$ing each Brother his own particular opinion4, that is, to be good men and true, men of honour and honesty, by whatever names% religions or persuasions they may be distinguished; !or they all agree in the three great articles o! #oah% enough to preser$e the cement o! the lodge. "hus (asonry is the centre of their union and the happy means of conciliating true friendship among persons who other&ise must have remained at a perpetual distance. 5!. 6. 'ehaviour in the .odge before closing# . . . 0o private piques nor quarrels about nations, !amilies, religions or politics must by any means or under any colour or pretence &hatsoe$er be brought within the doors of the lodge; for as (asons we are of the most ancient catholic religion, above mentioned and o! all nations upon the s'uare% le$el and plumb( and li)e our

predecessors in all ages we are resolved against political disputes, as contrary to the peace and welfare of the .odge. In order to a((reciate rightly these te6ts characteri3ing modern #s(eculative# Freemasonry it is necessary to com(are them with the corres(onding in1unction of the #&othic# Dhristian! Donstitutions regulating the old lodges of #o(erative# Masonry till and after )+2+. These in1unctions are uniformly summed u( in the sim(le words? #The first charge is this that you $e true to &od and 4oly Dhurch and use no error or heresy#. -/9. The radical contrast $etween the two ty(es is o$vious. <hile a Mason according to the old Donstitution was a$ove all o$liged to $e true to &od and Dhurch" avoiding heresies" his #religious# duties" according to the new ty(e" are essentially reduced to the o$servation of the #moral law# (ractically summed u( in the rules of #honour and honesty# as to which #all men agree#. This #universal religion of 4umanity# which gradually removes the accidental divisions of man0ind due to (articular o(inions #or religious#" national" and social #(re1udices#" is to $e the $ond of union among men in the Masonic society" conceived as the model of human association in general. #4umanity# is the term used to designate the essential (rinci(le of Masonry. -*>. It occurs in a Masonic address of )+2+. -*). Other watchwords are #tolerance#" #unsectarian#" #cosmo(olitan#. The Dhristian character of the society under the o(erative rJgime of former centuries" says 4ughan -*/. #was e6changed for the unsectarian regulations which were to include under its wing the votaries of all sects" without res(ect to their differences of colour or clime" (rovided the sim(le conditions were o$served of morality" mature age and an a((roved $allot#. -**. In Dontinental Masonry the same notions

are e6(ressed $y the words #neutrality#" #laKcitJ#" #Donfessionslosig0eit#" etc. In the te6t of )+*8 (articular stress is laid on #freedom of conscience# and the universal" non%Dhristian character of Masonry is em(hasi3ed. The Mason is called a #true Noahida#" i.e. an adherent of the (re%Dhristian and (re%Mosaic system of undivided man0ind. The #* articles of Noah# are most (ro$a$ly #the duties towards &od" the neigh$our and himself# inculcated from older times in the #Dharge to a newly made =rother#. They might also refer to #$rotherly love" relief and truth#" generally with #religion# styled the #great cement# of the fraternity and called $y Mac0ey -*2. #the motto of our order and the characteristic of our (rofession#. Of the ancient Masons" it is no longer said that they were o$liged to #$e of the religion# $ut only #to com(ly with the Dhristian usages of each Dountry#. The designation of the said #unsectarian# religion as the #ancient catholic0# $etrays the attem(t to o((ose this religion of #4umanity# to the Boman Datholic as the only true" genuine" and originally Datholic. The unsectarian character of Masonry is also im(lied in the era chosen on the title (age? #In the year of Masonry ,+/*# and in the #4istory#. As to the #4istory# Anderson himself remar0s in the (reface )+*8!? *nly an e*pert Brother, by the true light, can readily !ind many use!ul hints in almost e$ery page o! this boo) which Cowans and others not initiated 3also among (asons4 cannot discern. 4ence" concludes Lrause -*,. Anderson@s #4istory# is allegorically written in #ci(her language#. A(art" then" from #mere childish allusions to the minor secrets#" the

general tendency of this #4istory# is to e6hi$it the #unsectarianism# of Masonry. Two (oints deserve s(ecial mention? the utterances on the #Augustan# and the #&othic# style of architecture and the identification of Masonry with geometry. The #Augustan# which is (raised a$ove all other styles alludes to #4umanism#" while the #&othic# which is charged with ignorance and narrow%mindedness" refers to Dhristian and (articularly Boman Datholic orthodo6y. The identification of Masonry with geometry $rings out the naturalistic character of the former. Li0e the Boyal 5ociety" of which a large and most influential (ro(ortion of the first Freemasons were mem$ers -*:. Masonry (rofesses the em(iric or #(ositivist# geometrical method of reason and deduction in the investigation of truth. -*+. In general it a((ears that the founders of Masonry intended to follow the same methods for their social (ur(oses which were chosen $y the Boyal 5ociety for its scientific researches. -*8. #&eometry as a method is (articularly recommended to the attention of Masons.# #In this light" &eometry may very (ro(erly $e considered as a natural logic' for as truth is ever consistent" invaria$le and uniform" all truths may $e investigated in the same manner. Moral and religious definitions" a6ioms and (ro(ositions have as regular and certain de(endence u(on each other as any in (hysics or mathematics.# #Let me recommend you to (ursue such 0nowledge and cultivate such dis(ositions as will secure you the =rotherly res(ect of this society and the honour of your further advancement in it#. -*9. It is merely through inconsistency that some &rand Lodges of North America insist on $elief in the Divine ins(iration of the =i$le as a necessary Fualification and that not a few Masons in America and &ermany declare

Masonry an essentially #Dhristian institution#. According to the &erman &rand Lodges" Dhrist is only #the wise and virtuous (ure man# par excellence" the (rinci(al model and teacher of #4umanity#. -2>. In the 5wedish system" (ractised $y the &erman Dountry &rand Lodge" Dhrist is said to have taught $esides the e6oteric Dhristian doctrine" destined for the (eo(le and the duller mass of his disci(les" an esoteric doctrine for his chosen disci(les" such as 5t. Eohn" in which 4e denied that 4e was &od. -2). Freemasonry" it is held" is the descendant of the Dhristian secret society" in which this esoteric doctrine was (ro(agated. It is evident" however" that even in this restricted sense of #unsectarian# Dhristianity" Freemasonry is not a Dhristian institution" as it ac0nowledges many (re% Dhristian models and teachers of #4umanity#. All instructed Masons agree in the o$1ective im(ort of this Masonic (rinci(le of #4umanity#" according to which $elief in dogmas is a matter of secondary im(ortance" or even (re1udicial to the law of universal love and tolerance. Freemasonry" therefore" is o((osed not only to Datholicism and Dhristianity" $ut also to the whole system of su(ernatural truth. The only serious discre(ancies among Masons regarding the inter(retation of the te6ts of )+/* and )+*8 refer to the words? #And if he rightly understands the Art" he will never be a stupid Atheist or an irreligious ibertine#. The controversy as to the meaning of these words has $een (articularly shar( since )* 5e(tem$er" )8++" when the &rand Orient of France erased the (aragra(h" introduced in )8,2 into its Donstitutions" $y which the e6istence of &od and the immortality of soul were declared the $asis of Freemasonry -2/. and gave to the first article of its new Donstitutions the following

tenor? #Freemasonry" an essentially (hilanthro(ic" philosophic naturalist" adogmatic! and progressive institution" has for its o$1ect the search after truth" the study of universal moralit!" of the sciences and arts and the (ractice of $eneficence. It has for its (rinci(les absolute libert! of conscience and human solidarit!. "t excludes none on account of his belief. Its device is Li$erty" EFuality" Fraternity.# On )> 5e(tem$er" )8+8" the &rand Orient" moreover" decreed to e6(unge from the Bituals and the lodge (roceedings all allusions to religious dogmas as the sym$ols of the &rand Architect" the =i$le" etc. These measures called out solemn (rotests from nearly all the Anglo%American and &erman organs and led to a ru(ture $etween the Anglo% American &rand Lodges and the &rand Orient of France. As many freethin0ing Masons $oth in America and in Euro(e sym(athi3e in this struggle with the French" a world%wide $reach resulted. ;uite recently many &rand Lodges of the Anited 5tates refused to recogni3e the &rand Lodge of 5wit3erland as a regular $ody" for the reason that it entertains friendly relations with the atheistical &rand Orient of France. -2*. This ru(ture might seem to show" that in the a$ove (aragra(h of the #Old Dharges# the $elief in a (ersonal &od is declared the most essential (rereFuisite and duty of a Mason and that Anglo%American Masonry" at least" is an uncom(romising cham(ion of this $elief against the im(iety of Latin Masonry. =ut in truth all Masonry is full of am$iguity. The te6ts of )+/* and )+*8 of the fundamental law concerning Atheism are (ur(osely am$iguous. Atheism is not (ositively condemned" $ut 1ust sufficiently disavowed to meet the e6igencies of the time" when an o(en admission of it would have $een fatal to Masonry. It is

not said that Atheists cannot $e admitted" or that no Mason can $e an Atheist" $ut merely that if he rightl! understands the Art" he will never $e a stupid Atheist" etc." i.e." he will not hold or (rofess Atheism in a stu(id way" $y statements" for instance that shoc0 religious feeling and $ring Masonry into $ad re(ute. And even such a stu(id Atheist incurs no stronger censure than the sim(le ascertaining of the fact that he does not rightly understand the art" a merely theoretical 1udgment without any (ractical sanction. 5uch a disavowal tends rather to encourage modern (ositivist or scientific Atheism. 5carcely more serious is the re1ection of Atheism $y the =ritish" American and some &erman &rand Lodges in their struggle with the &rand Orient of France. The English &rand Lodge" it is true" in its Fuarterly communication of : March" )8+8 -22. ado(ted four resolutions" in which $elief in the &reat Architect of the Aniverse is declared to $e the most im(ortant ancient landmar0 of the order" and an e6(licit (rofession of that $elief is reFuired of visiting $rethren $elonging to the &rand Orient of France" as a condition for entrance into the English lodges. 5imilar measures were ta0en $y the Irish" 5cottish" and North American &rand Lodges. =ut this $elief in a &reat Architect is so vague and sym$olical" that almost every 0ind of Atheism and even of #stu(id# Atheism may $e covered $y it. Moreover" =ritish and American &rand Lodges declare that they are fully satisfied with such a vague" in fact merely ver$al declaration" without further inFuiry into the nature of this $elief" and that they do not dream of claiming for Freemasonry that it is a #church#" a #council#" a #synod#. DonseFuently even those are ac0nowledged as Masons who with 5(encer and other Naturalist (hiloso(hers of the age call &od the hidden all%(owerful (rinci(le wor0ing in nature" or" li0e the followers of

#4and$uch# -2,. maintain as the two (illars of religion #the sentiment of man@s littleness in the immensity of s(ace and time#" and #the assurance that whatever is real has its origin from the good and whatever ha((ens must $e for the $est#. An American &rand Orator Ga$ris0ie Ari3ona! on )* Novem$er" )889" (roclaimed" that #individual mem$ers may $elieve in many gods" if their conscience and 1udgment so dictate#. -2:. Limousin -2+. a((roved $y &erman Masons -28. says? #The ma1ority of men conceive &od in the sense of e6oteric religions as an all% (owerful man' others conceive &od as the highest idea a man can form in the sense of esoteric religions.# The latter are called Atheists according to the e6oteric notion of &od re(udiated $y science" $ut they are not Atheists according to the esoteric and true notion of &od. On the contrary" add others -29. they are less Atheists than churchmen" from whom they differ only $y holding a higher idea of &od or the Divine. In this sense Thevenot" &rand 5ecretary of the &rand Orient of France" in an official letter to the &rand Lodge of 5cotland *> Eanuary" )8+8!" states? #French Masonry does not $elieve that there e6ist Atheists in the a$solute sense of the word# -,>. and 7i0e himself -,). avows? A man who has a higher conception of %od than those about him and who denies that their conception is %od, is very likely to be called an Atheist by men who are really far less believers in %od than he, etc. Thus the whole controversy turns out to $e merely nominal and formal. Moreover" it is to $e noticed that the clause declaring $elief in the great Architect a condition of admission" was introduced into the te6t of the

Donstitutions of the &rand Lodge of England" only in )8), and that the same te6t says? #A Mason therefore is particularl! $ound never to act against the dictates of his conscience#" where$y the &rand Lodge of England seems to ac0nowledge that li$erty of conscience is the sovereign (rinci(le of Freemasonry (revailing over all others when in conflict with them. The same su(remacy of the li$erty of conscience is im(lied also in the unsectarian character" which Anglo%American Masons recogni3e as the innermost essence of masonry. #Two (rinci(les#" said the &erman Em(eror Frederic0 III" in a solemn address to Masons at 5tras$urg on )/ 5e(tem$er" )88:" #characteri3e a$ove all our (ur(oses" vi3." li$erty of conscience and tolerance#' and the #4and$uch# -,/. 1ustly o$serves that li$erty of conscience and tolerance were there$y (roclaimed the foundation of Masonry $y the highest Masonic authority in &ermany. Thus the &rand Orient of France is right from the Masonic (oint of view as to the su$stance of the Fuestion' $ut it has deviated from tradition $y discarding sym$ols and sym$olical formulM" which" if rightly understood" in no way im(ly dogmatic assertions and which cannot $e re1ected without in1uring the wor0 of Masonry" since this has need of am$iguous religious formulM ada(ta$le to every sort of $elief and every (hase of moral develo(ment. From this (oint of view the sym$ol of the &rand Architect of the Aniverse and of the =i$le are indeed of the utmost im(ortance for Masonry. 4ence" several &rand Lodges which at first were su((osed to imitate the radicalism of the French" eventually retained these sym$ols. A re(resentative of the &rand Lodge of France writes in this sense to Findel? #<e entirely agree with you in considering all

dogmas" either (ositive or negative" as radically contradictory to Masonry" the teaching of which must only $e (ro(agated $y sym$ols. And the sym$ols may and must $e e6(lained $y each one according to his own understanding' there$y they serve to maintain concord. 4ence our &rand Lodge facultatively retains the 5ym$ol of the &rand Architect of the Aniverse" $ecause every one can conceive it in conformity with his (ersonal convictions. -Lodges are allowed to retain the sym$ols" $ut there is no o$ligation at all of doing so" and many do not.. To e6communicate each other on account of meta(hysical Fuestions" a((ears to us the most unworthy thing Masons can do#. -,*. The official organ of Italian Masonry even em(hasi3es? #The formula of the &rand Architect" which is re(roached to Masonry as am$iguous and a$surd" is the most large%minded and righteous affirmation of the immense (rinci(le of e6istence and may re(resent as well the revolutionary! &od of Ma33ini as the 5atan of &iosue Darducci in his cele$rated hymn to 5atan!' &od" as the fountain of love" not of hatred' 5atan" as the genius of the good" not of the $ad#. -,2. In $oth inter(retations it is in reality the (rinci(le of Bevolution that is adored $y Italian Masonry. II. 7BO7A&ATION AND EIOLATION OF MA5ONBC The mem$ers of the &rand Lodge formed in )+)+ $y the union of four old lodges" were till )+/) few in num$er and inferior in Fuality. The entrance of several mem$ers of the Boyal 5ociety and of the no$ility changed the situation. 5ince )+/) it has s(read over Euro(e. -,,. This ra(id (ro(agation was chiefly due to the s(irit of the age which" tiring of religious Fuarrels" restive under ecclesiastical authority and discontented with e6isting social conditions" turned for enlightenment

and relief to the ancient mysteries and sought" $y uniting men of 0indred tendencies" to reconstruct society on a (urely human $asis. In this situation Freemasonry with its vagueness and elasticity" seemed to many an e6cellent remedy. To meet the needs of different countries and classes of society" the original system )+)+%/*! underwent more or less (rofound modifications. In )+)+" contrary to &ould -,:. only one sim(le ceremony of admission or one degree seems to have $een in use -,+. in )+/* two a((ear as recogni3ed $y the &rand Lodge of England? #Entered A((rentice# and #Fellow Draft or Master#. The three degree system" first (ractised a$out )+/," $ecame universal and official only after )+*>. -,8. The sym$ols and ritualistic forms" as they were (ractised from )+)+ till the introduction of further degrees after )+*8" together with the #Old Dharges# of )+/* or )+*8" are considered as the original (ure Freemasonry. A fourth" the #Boyal Arch# degree -,9. in use at least since )+2>" is first mentioned in )+2*" and though e6traneous to the system of (ure and ancient Masonry -:>. is most characteristic of the later Anglo%5a6on Masonry. In )+,) a rival &rand Lodge of England #according to the Old Institutions# was esta$lished" and through the activity of its &rand 5ecretary" Lawrence Dermott" soon sur(assed the &rand Lodge of )+)+. The mem$ers of this &rand Lodge are 0nown $y the designation of #Ancient Masons#. They are also called #Cor0 Masons# with reference" not to the e(hemeral &rand Lodge of all England in Cor0" mentioned in )+/: and revived in )+:)" $ut to the (retended first &rand Lodge of England assem$led in 9/: at Cor0. -:). They finally o$tained control" the Anited &rand Lodge of England ado(ting in )8)* their ritualistic forms.

In its religious s(irit Anglo%5a6on Masonry after )+*> undou$tedly retrograded towards $i$lical Dhristian orthodo6y. -:/. This movement is attested $y the Dhristiani3ation of the rituals and $y the (o(ularity of the wor0s of 4utchinson" 7reston" and Oliver with Anglo%American Masons. It is (rinci(ally due to the conservatism of English%s(ea0ing society in religious matters" to the influence of ecclesiastical mem$ers and to the institution of #lodge cha(lains# mentioned in English records since )+**. -:*. The reform $rought $y the articles of union $etween the two &rand Lodges of England ) Decem$er" )8)*! consisted a$ove all in the restoration of the unsectarian character" in accordance with which all allusions to a (articular Dhristian! religion must $e omitted in lodge (roceedings. It was further decreed #there shall $e the most (erfect unity of o$ligation of disci(line" or wor0ing . . . according to the genuine landmar0s" laws and traditions . . . throughout the masonic world" from the day and date of the said union ) Decem$er" )8)*! until time shall $e no more#. -:2. In ta0ing this action the Anited &rand Lodge overrated its authority. Its decree was com(lied with" to a certain e6tent" in the Anited 5tates" where Masonry" first introduced a$out )+*>" followed in general the stages of Masonic evolution in the mother country. The title of Mother%&rand Lodge of the Anited 5tates was the o$1ect of a long and ardent controversy $etween the &rand Lodges of 7ennsylvania and Massachusetts. The (revailing o(inion at (resent is" that from time immemorial" i.e." (rior to &rand Lodge warrants -:,. there e6isted in 7hiladel(hia a regular lodge with records dating from )+*). -::. In )+*2 =en1amin Fran0lin (u$lished an edition of the English #=oo0 of Donstitutions#. The (rinci(al agents of the

modern &rand Lodge of England in the Anited 5tates were Do6e and 7rice. 5everal lodges were chartered $y the &rand Lodge of 5cotland. After )+,8" es(ecially during the <ar of Inde(endence" )++*%8*" most of the lodges (assed over to the #Ancients#. The union of the two systems in England )8)*! was followed $y a similar union in America. The actual form of the American rite since then (ractised is chiefly due to <e$$ )++)%)8)9!" and to Dross )+8*%)8:)!. In France and &ermany" at the $eginning Masonry was (ractised according to the English ritual -:+. $ut so% called #5cottish# Masonry soon arose. Only no$les $eing then re(uted admissi$le in good society as fully Fualified mem$ers" the Masonic gentlemen@s society was inter(reted as society of #entilshommes" i.e." of no$lemen or at least of men enno$led or 0nighted $y their very admission into the order" which according to the old English ritual still in use" is #more honoura$le than the &olden Fleece" or the 5tar or &arter or any other Order under the 5un#. The (retended association of Masonry with the orders of the warli0e 0nights and of the religious was far more acce(ta$le than the idea of develo(ment out of stone%cutters@ guilds. 4ence an oration delivered $y the 5cottish Dhevalier Bamsay $efore the &rand Lodge of France in )+*+ and inserted $y Tierce into his first French edition of the #=oo0 of Donstitutions# )+2*! as an #oration of the &rand Master#" was e(och%ma0ing. -:8. In this oration Masonry was dated from #the close association of the order with the Lnights of 5t. Eohn in Eerusalem# during the Drusades' and the #old lodges of 5cotland# were said to have (reserved this genuine Masonry" lost $y the English. 5oon after )+,>" however" as occult sciences were ascri$ed to the Tem(lars" their system was readily

ada(ta$le to all 0inds of Bosicrucian (ur(oses and to such (ractices as alchemy" magic" ca$$ala" s(iritism" and necromancy. The su((ression of the order with the story of the &rand Master Eames Molay and its (retended revival in Masonry" re(roduced in the 4iram legend" re(resenting the fall and the resurrection of the 1ust or the su((ression and the restoration of the natural rights of man" fitted in admira$ly with $oth Dhristian and revolutionary high grade systems. The (rinci(al Tem(lar systems of the eighteenth century were the system of the #5trict O$servance#" organi3ed $y the swindler Bosa and (ro(agated $y the enthusiast von 4undt' and the 5wedish system" made u( of French and 5cottish degrees in 5weden. In $oth systems o$edience to un0nown su(eriors was (romised. The su(reme head of these Tem(lar systems" which were rivals to each other" was falsely su((osed to $e the Eaco$ite 7retender" Dharles Edward" who himself declared in )+++" that he had never $een a Mason. -:9. Almost all the lodges of &ermany" Austria" 4ungary" 7oland" and Bussia were" in the second half of the eighteenth century" involved in the struggle $etween these two systems. In the lodges of France and other countries -+>. the admission of women to lodge meetings occasioned a scandalous immorality. -+). The revolutionary s(irit manifested itself early in French Masonry. Already in )+2: in the $oo0 #La Franc% MaNonnerie" JcrasJe#" an e6(erienced e6%Mason" who" when a Mason" had visited many lodges in France and England" and consulted high Masons in official (osition" descri$ed as the true Masonic (rogramme a (rogramme which" according to =oos" the historian of Freemasonry (. )9/!" in an astonishing degree coincides with the (rogramme of the great French Bevolution of )+89. In

)++: this revolutionary s(irit was $rought into &ermany $y <eisshau(t through a cons(iratory system" which soon s(read throughout the country. -+/. Dharles Augustus of 5a6e%<eimar" Du0e Ernest of &otha" Du0e Ferdinand of =runswic0" &oethe" 4erder" 7estalo33i" etc." are mentioned as mem$ers of this order of the Illuminati. Iery few of the mem$ers" however" were initiated into the higher degrees. The French Illuminati included Dondorcet" the Du0e of Orleans" Mira$eau" and 5ieyOs. -+*. After the Dongress of <ilhelms$ade )+8/! reforms were made $oth in &ermany and in France. The (rinci(al &erman reformers" L. 5chrPder 4am$urg! and I.A. Fessler" tried to restore the original sim(licity and (urity. The system of 5chrPder is actually (ractised $y the &rand Lodge of 4am$urg" and a modified system 5chrPder%Fessler! $y the &rand Lodge Boyal Cor0 =erlin! and most lodges of the &rand Lodge of =ayreuth and Dresden. The &rand Lodges of Fran0fort% on%the%Main and Darmstadt (ractice an eclectic system on the $asis of the English ritual. -+2. E6ce(t the &rand Lodge Boyal Cor0" which has 5cottish #Inner Orients# and an #Innermost Orient#" the others re(udiate high degrees. The largest &rand Lodge of &ermany" the National =erlin!" (ractises a rectified 5cottish 5trict O$servance! system of seven degrees and the #Landes &rossloge# and 5wedish system of nine degrees. The same system is (ractised $y the &rand Lodge of 5weden" Norway" and Denmar0. These two systems still declare Masonry a Dhristian institution and with the &rand Lodge Boyal Cor0 refuse to initiate Eews. Findel states that the (rinci(al reason is to (revent Masonry from $eing dominated $y a (eo(le whose strong racial attachments are incom(ati$le with the unsectarian character of the institution. -+,.

The (rinci(al system in the Anited 5tates Dharleston" 5outh Darolina! is the so%called Ancient and Acce(ted 5cottish Bite" organi3ed in )8>) on the $asis of the French 5cottish Bite of (erfection" which was esta$lished $y the Douncil of the Em(erors of the East and <est 7aris" )+,8!. This system" which was (ro(agated throughout the world" may $e considered as the revolutionary ty(e of the French Tem(lar Masonry" fighting for the natural rights of man against religious and (olitical des(otisms" sym$oli3ed $y the (a(al tiara and a royal crown. It strives to e6ert a (re(onderant influence on the other Masonic $odies" wherever it is esta$lished. This influence is insured to it in the &rand Orient systems of Latin countries' it is felt even in =ritain and Danada" where the su(reme chiefs of craft Masonry are also" as a rule" (rominent mem$ers of the 5u(reme Douncils of the 5cottish Bite. There are at the (resent time )9>8! twenty%si6 universally recogni3ed 5u(reme Douncils of the Ancient and Acce(ted 5cottish Bite? A.5. of America? 5outhern Eurisdiction <ashington!" esta$lished in )8>)' Northern Eurisdiction =oston!" )8)*' Argentine Be(u$lic =uenos Aires!" )8,8' =elgium =russels!" )8)+' =ra3il Bio de Eaneiro!" )8/9' Dhile 5antiago!" )8+>' Dolon" for <est India Islands 4avana!" )8+9' Dolum$ia Dartagena!' Dominican Be(u$lic 5. Domingo!' England London!" )82,' Egy(t Dairo!" )8+8' France 7aris!" )8>2' &reece Athens!" )8+/' &uatemala for Dentral American!" )8+>' Ireland Du$lin!" )8/:' Italy Florence!" )8,8' Me6ico )8:8!' 7araguay Asuncion!' 7eru Lima!" )8*>' 7ortugal Lis$on!" )8:9' 5cotland Edin$urgh!" )82:' 5(ain Madrid!" )8))' 5wit3erland Lausanne!" )8+*' Aruguay Montevideo!' Iene3uela Daracas!. 5u(reme Douncils not universally recogni3ed e6ist in 4ungary" Lu6em$urg" Na(les" 7alermo" Bome" Tur0ey. The

founders of the rite" to give it a great s(lendour" invented the fa$le that Frederic0 II" Ling of 7russia" was its true founder" and this fa$le u(on the authority of 7i0e and Mac0ey is still maintained as (ro$a$le in the last edition of Mac0ey@s #Encyclo(edia# )9>8!. -+:. I. OB&ANIGATION AND 5TATI5TID5 The characteristic feature of the organi3ation of s(eculative Masonry is the &rand Lodge system founded in )+)+. Every regular &rand Lodge or 5u(reme Douncil in the 5cottish" or &rand Orient in the mi6ed system" constitutes a su(reme inde(endent $ody with legislative" 1udicial" and e6ecutive (owers. It is com(osed of the lodges or inferior $odies of its 1urisdiction or of their re(resentatives regularly assem$led and the grand officers whom they elect. A duly constituted lodge e6ercises the same (owers" $ut in a more restricted s(here. The indis(ensa$le officers of a lodge are the <orshi(ful Master -++. the 5enior and Eunior <arden" and the Tiler. The master and the wardens are usually aided $y two deacons and two stewards for the ceremonial and convivial wor0 and $y a treasurer and a secretary. Many lodges have a Dha(lain for religious ceremonies and addresses. The same officers in large num$ers and with sounding titles Most <orshi(ful &rand Master" 5overeign &rand Dommander" etc.! e6ist in the &rand Lodges. As the e6(enses of the mem$ers are heavy" only wealthy (ersons can afford to 1oin the fraternity. The num$er of candidates is further restricted $y (rescri(tions regarding their moral" intellectual" social" and (hysical Fualifications" and $y a regulation which reFuires unanimity of votes in secret $alloting for their admission. Thus" contrary to its (retended universality" Freemasonry a((ears to $e a

most e6clusive society" the more so as it is a secret society" closed off from the (rofane world of common mortals. #Freemasonry#" says the #Leystone# of 7hiladel(hia -+8. 7has no right to be popular. !t is a secret society. !t is for the few, not the many, for the select, not for the masses.7 7ractically" it is true" the (rescri(tions concerning the intellectual and moral endowments are not rigourously o$eyed? 70umbers are being admitted . . . whose sole ob2ect is to make their membership a means for advancing their pecuniary interest7. $89& 7"here are a goodly number again, who value -reemasonry solely for the convivial meetings attached to it.7 7Again ! have heard men say openly, that they had 2oined to gain introduction to a certain class of individuals as a trading matter and that they were forced to do so because every one did so. "hen there is the great class who 2oin it out of curiosity or perhaps, because somebody in a position above them is a mason.7 70ear akin to this is that class of individuals who wish for congenial society7. $:;& 7!n (asonry they find the means of ready access to society, which is denied to them by social conventionalities. "hey have wealth but neither by birth nor education are they eligible for polite and fine intercourse.7 7"he shop is never absent from their words and deeds.7

7"he (asonic body includes a large number of publicans.7 $:6& Of the Masonic rule %% $rotherly love" relief" and truth %% certainly the two former" es(ecially as understood in the sense of mutual assistance in all the emergencies of life" is for most of the candidates the (rinci(al reason for 1oining. This mutual assistance" es(ecially sym$oli3ed $y the five (oints of fellowshi( and the #grand hailing sign of distress# in the third degree" is one of the most fundamental characteristics of Freemasonry. =y his oath the Master Mason is (ledged to maintain and u(hold the five (oints of fellowshi( in act as well as in words" i.e." to assist a Master Mason on every occasion according to his a$ility" and (articularly when he ma0es the sign of distress. In Duncan" #American Bitual# //9!" the Boyal Arch%Mason even swears? ! will assist a companion /oyal Arch<(ason, when ! see him engaged in any difficulty and will espouse his cause so as to e tricate him from the same whether he be right or wrong. It is a fact attested $y e6(erienced men of all countries that" wherever Masonry is influential" non% Masons have to suffer in their interests from the systematical (referment which Masons give each other in a((ointment to offices and em(loyment. Even =ismarc0 -8/. com(lained of the effects of such mutual Masonic assistance" which is detrimental ali0e to civic eFuality and to (u$lic interests. In Masonic $oo0s and maga3ines unlawful and treacherous acts" (erformed in rendering this mutual assistance" are recommended and (raised as a glory of Freemasonry.#The ine6ora$le laws of war themselves#" says the official orator of the &rand Orient de France" LefO$vre d@Aumale -8*. #had to $end

$efore Freemasonry" which is (erha(s the most stri0ing (roof of its (ower. A sign sufficed to sto( the slaughter' the com$atants threw away their arms" em$raced each other fraternally and at once $ecame friends and =rethren as their oaths (rescri$ed#" and the #4and$uch# -82. declares? #this sign has had $eneficial effect" (articularly in times of war" where it often disarms the $itterest enemies" so that they listen to the voice of humanity and give each other mutual assistance instead of 0illing each other#. -8,. Even the widely s(read sus(icion" that 1ustice is sometimes thwarted and Masonic criminals saved from due (unishment" cannot $e deemed groundless. The said (ractice of mutual assistance is so re(rehensi$le that Masonic authors themselves -8:. condemn it severely. #If#" says =ro. Mar$ach /*!" #Freemasonry really could $e an association and even a secret one of men of the most different ran0s of society" assisting and advancing each other" it would $e an iniFuitous association" and the (olice would have no more urgent duty than to e6terminate it.# Another characteristic of Masonic law is that #treason# and #re$ellion# against civil authority are declared only (olitical crimes" which affect the good standing of a =rother no more than heresy" and furnish no ground for a Masonic trial. -8+. The im(ortance which Masonry attaches to this (oint is manifest from the fact that it is set forth in the Article II of the #Old Dharges#" which defines the duties of a Freemason with res(ect to the 5tate and civil (owers. Dom(ared with the corres(onding in1unction of the #&othic# constitutions of o(erative masonry" it is no less am$iguous than Article I concerning &od and religion. The old &othic Donstitutions candidly en1oined? #Also you shall $e true

liegemen to the Ling without treason or falsehood and that you shall 0now no treason $ut you mend it" if you may" or else warn the Ling or his council thereof#. -88. The second article of modern s(eculative Freemasonry )+/*! runs? *f the civil magistrates, supreme and subordinate. A (ason is a peaceable sub2ect to the Civil Powers, wherever he resides or works, and is never to be concerned in Plots and Conspiracies against the peace and welfare of the 0ation, nor to behave himself undutifully to inferior (agistrates; for as (asonry hath always been in2ured by =ar, 'loodshed and Confusion so ancient 1ings and Princes have been much disposed to encourage the craftsmen, because of their Peaceableness and .oyalty, whereby they practically answer)d the Cavils of their adversaries and promoted the +onour of -raternity, who ever flourished in "imes of Peace. So that if a 'rother should be a /ebel against the State, he is not to be countenanc)d in his /ebellion, however he may be pitied as an unhappy man; and, if convicted of no other Crime, though the loyal 'rotherhood must and ought to disown his /ebellion, and give no >mbrage or %round of political ?ealousy to the %overnment for the time being; they cannot e pel him from the .odge and his /elation to it remains indefeasible. 4ence re$ellion $y modern s(eculative Masonry is only disa((roved when (lots are directed against the (eace and welfare of the nation. The $rotherhood ought to disown the re$ellion" $ut only in order to (reserve the fraternity from annoyance $y the civil authorities. A $rother" then" guilty of re$ellion cannot $e e6(elled from the lodge' on the contrary" his fellow Masons are (articularly o$liged to have (ity on his misfortune when he in (rison or $efore the courts! has to suffer from the conseFuences of his re$ellion" and give him $rotherly

assistance as far as they can. Freemasonry itself as a $ody is very (eacea$le and loyal" $ut it does not disa((rove' on the contrary" it commends those $rethren who through love of freedom and the national welfare successfully (lot against monarchs and other des(otic rulers" while as an association of (u$lic utility it claims (rivilege and (rotection through 0ings" (rinces" and other high dignitaries for the success of its (eaceful wor0. #Loyalty to freedom#" says #Freemason@s Dhronicle# -89. #overrides all other considerations#. The wisdom of this regulation" remar0s Mac0ey -9>. #will $e a((arent when we consider" that if treason or re$ellion were masonic crimes" almost every mason in the Anited Dolonies" in )++:" would have $een su$1ect to e6(ulsion and every Lodge to a forfeiture of its warrant $y the &rand Lodges of England and 5cotland" under whose 1urisdiction they were at the time#. A misleading adage is #once a Mason always a Mason#. This is often ta0en to mean that #the Masonic tie is indissolu$le" that there is no a$solution from its conseFuences# -9). or #O$ligations# -9/. that not even death can sever the connection of a Mason with Freemasonry. -9*. =ut certainly a Mason has the #right of demission# -92. and this right" whatever $e the o(inion of Masonic 1uris(rudence" according to the inaliena$le natural rights of man" e6tends to a com(lete withdrawal not only from the lodge $ut also from the $rotherhood. In the scale of Masonic (enalties" #e6(ulsion# is the most severe. -9,. =esides those who have $een e6(elled or who have resigned there are many #unaffiliated# Masons who have ceased to $e #active# mem$ers of a lodge" $ut" according to Masonic law" which" of course" can o$lige no more than is authori3ed $y the general rules of morality" they remain

su$1ect to the lodge within the 1urisdiction of which they reside. As to unity" Masonic authorities unanimously affirm that Freemasonry throughout the world is one" and that all Freemasons form in reality $ut one lodge' that distinct lodges e6ist only for the sa0e of convenience" and that conseFuently every regular Mason is entitled to $e received in every regular lodge of the world as a $rother" and" if in distress" to $e relieved. The good understanding among Masons of different countries is furthered $y (ersonal intercourse and $y corres(ondence" es(ecially $etween the grand secretary offices and international congresses -9:. which led to the esta$lishment" in )9>*" of a (ermanent international office at NeuchQtel" 5wit3erland. -9+. There is no general &rand Lodge or direction of Freemasonry" though various attem(ts have $een made in nearly every larger state or country to esta$lish one. Incessant dissensions $etween Masonic systems and $odies are characteristic of Freemasonry in all countries and times. =ut the federative unity of Freemasonry suffices to (rove a true solidarity among Masons and Masonic $odies throughout the world' hence the charge of com(licity in the machinations which some of them carry on. This solidarity is o(enly avowed $y Masonic authorities. 7i0e" for instance" writes -98. =hen the 2ournal in .ondon which speaks of the -reemasonry of the %rand .odge of @ngland, deprecatingly protested that the @nglish -reemasonry was innocent of the charges preferred by the Papal 'ull 3@ncycl. 6::A4 against -reemasonry, when it declared that @nglish -reemasonry had no opinions political or religious, and that it did not in the least degree sympathiBe with the loose opinions and e travagant

utterances of part of the Continental -reemasonry, it was very 2ustly and very conclusively checkmated by the /omish *rgans with the reply, )!t is idle for you to protest. Cou are -reemasons and you recogniBe them as -reemasons. Cou give them countenance, encouragement and support and you are 2ointly responsible with them and cannot shirk that responsibility). As accurate statistics are not always to $e had and the methods of enumeration differ in different countries" total num$ers can only $e a((ro6imated. Thus in most of the Lodges of the Anited 5tates only the Masters third degree! are counted" while in other countries the a((rentices and fellows are added. There are $esides many unaffiliated Masons having ceased to $e mem$ers of a lodge! who are not included. Their num$er may $e estimated at two%thirds of that of the active Masons. In England a Mason may act as mem$er of many lodges. Donfirming our statement as to the active mem$ers of the strictly Masonic $odies" which in calendars and year $oo0s are registered as such" we may" u(on recent and relia$le sources -99. estimate the actual state of Freemasonry as follows? &rand Orients" &rand Lodges" 5u(reme Douncils" and other 5cottish &. =odies" )8*' lodges /:",>>' Masons" a$out /">>>">>>' the num$er of the &rand Dha(ters of Boyal Arch is? in the Anited 5tates" /9:8 su$ordinate cha(ters" under one &eneral &rand Dha(ter' England" 2: &rand Dha(ters with )>), su$ordinate cha(ters' English colonies and foreign Masonic centres" )8 &rand Dha(ters with ),> su$ordinate cha(ters. The census of craft masonry is as follows? Great Britain and Colonies (excluding Canada): :$72; lodges; +7+$761 members

&anada9 2+2 lodges; 7;$2+, members <nited States 0=hite49 1+$>17 lodges; 1$+;3$16> members <nited States 0&olored49 1$3;; lodges; +,$;;; members Latin countries9 +$6;; lodges; 1+;$;;; members %ther /uro.ean countries9 221 lodges; >;$2;; members 'frica9 63 lodges; +$16; members 5otal9 ++$>32 lodges; 1$272$3,, members II. INNEB <OBL OF FBEEMA5ONBC? MA5ONID 5CM=OLI5M AND OAT45 #From first to last#" says 7i0e -)>>. #Masonry is wor0#. The Masonic #wor0#" (ro(erly so called" is the inner secret ritualistic wor0 $y which Masons are made and educated for the outer wor0" consisting in action for the welfare of man0ind according to Masonic (rinci(les. Masons are made $y the three ceremonies of initiation first degree!" (assing second degree!" and raising third degree!. The sym$ols dis(layed in these ceremonies and e6(lained according to the Masonic (rinci(les and to the ver$al hints given in the rituals and lectures of the third degrees" are the manual of Masonic instruction. The education thus $egun is com(leted $y the whole lodge life" in which every Mason is advised to ta0e an active (art" attending the lodge meetings regularly" (rofiting" according to his a$ility" $y the means which Masonry affords him" to (erfect himself in conformity with Masonic ideals" and contri$uting to the discussions of Masonic themes and to a good lodge government" which is re(resented as a model of the government of society at large. The lodge is to $e a ty(e of the world -)>). and Masons are intended to ta0e (art in the regeneration of the human race. -)>/. #The sym$olism of Freemasonry#" says 7i0e in a letter to &ould" / Decem$er" )888 -)>*. #is the very soul of

Masonry.# And =oyd" the &rand Orator of Missouri" confirms? #It is from the $eginning to the end sym$ol" sym$ol" sym$ol#. -)>2. The (rinci(al advantages of this sym$olism" which is not (eculiar to Freemasonry $ut refers to the mysteries and doctrines of all ages and of all factors of civili3ation" are the following? )! As it is ada(ta$le to all (ossi$le o(inions" doctrines" and tastes" it attracts the candidate and fascinates the initiated. /! It (reserves the unsectarian unity of Freemasonry in s(ite of (rofound differences in religion" race" national feeling" and individual tendencies. *! It sums u( the theoretical and (ractical wisdom of all ages and nations in a universally intelligi$le language. 2! It trains the Mason to consider e6isting institutions" religious" (olitical" and social" as (assing (hases of human evolution and to discover $y his own study the reforms to $e reali3ed in $ehalf of Masonic (rogress" and the means to reali3e them. ,! It teaches him to see in (revailing doctrines and dogmas merely su$1ective conce(tions or changing sym$ols of a dee(er universal truth in the sense of Masonic ideals. :! It allows Freemasonry to conceal its real (ur(oses from the (rofane and even from those among the initiated" who are una$le to a((reciate those aims" as Masonry intends. #Masonry#" says 7i0e" #1ealously conceals its secrets and intentionally leads conceited inter(reters astray#. -)>,. #7art of the 5ym$ols are dis(layed . . . to the Initiated" $ut he is intentionally misled $y false inter(retations#. -)>:. #The initiated are few though many hear the Thyrsus#. -)>+. #The meaning of the 5ym$ols is not unfolded at once. <e give you hints only in general. Cou must study out the recondite and mysterious meaning for yourself#. -)>8. #It is for each individual Mason to discover the secret of Masonry $y

reflection on its sym$ols and a wise consideration of what is said and done in the wor0#. -)>9. #The universal cry throughout the Masonic world#" says Mac0ey -))>. #is for light' our lodges are henceforth to $e schools" our la$our is to $e study" our wages are to $e learning' the ty(es and sym$ols" the myths and allegories of the institution are only $eginning to $e investigated with reference to the ultimate meaning and Freemasons now thoroughly understand that often Fuoted definition" that Masonry is a science of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated $y sym$ols.# Masonic sym$ols can $e and are inter(reted in different senses. =y orthodo6 Anglican ecclesiastics the whole sym$olism of the Old and New Testament connected with the sym$olism of the Tem(le of 5olomon was treated as Masonic sym$olism and Masonry as the #handmaid of religion# -))). which" #in almost every (art of every degree refers distinctly and (lainly to a crucified 5aviour#. -))/. Many Masonic authors in the Latin countries -))*. and some of the (rinci(al Anglo%American authors -))2. declare" that Masonic sym$olism in its original and (ro(er meaning refers a$ove all to the solar and (hallic worshi( of the ancient mysteries" es(ecially the Egy(tian. -)),. #It is in the antiFue sym$ols and their occult meaning#" says 7i0e -)):. #that the true secrets of Freemasonry consist. These must reveal its nature and true (ur(oses.# In conformity with this rule of inter(retation" the letter & in the sym$ol of &lory =la3ing 5tar! or the &ree0 &amma sFuare!" summing u( all Masonry is very commonly e6(lained as meaning #generation#' the initial letter of the tetragrammaton $ahweh! and the whole name is e6(lained as male or male%female (rinci(le. -))+. In the same sense according to the ancient inter(retation are

e6(lained the two (illars =oa3 and Eachin' the Bosecroi6 a cross with a rose in the centre!' the (oint within the circle' the #vesica (iscis#" the well%0nown sign for the 5aviour' the tri(le Tau' 5un and Moon' 4iram and Dhrist Osiris!' the coffin' the Middle Dham$er and even the 5ancta 5anctorum" as adyta or most holy (arts of each tem(le" usually contained hideous o$1ects of (hallic worshi(. -))8. As Masons even in their official lectures and rituals" generally claim an Egy(tian origin for Masonic sym$olism and a close #affinity# of #masonic usages and customs with those of the Ancient Egy(tians# -))9. such inter(retations are to $e deemed officially authori3ed. 7i0e says" moreover" that #almost every one of the ancient Masonic sym$ols# has #four distinct meanings" one as it were within the other" the moral" (olitical" (hiloso(hical and s(iritual meaning#. -)/>. From the (olitical (oint of view 7i0e with many other Anglo%American 5cotch Masons inter(rets all Masonic sym$olism in the sense of a systematic struggle against every 0ind of (olitical and religious #des(otism#. 4iram" Dhrist" Molay are regarded only as re(resentatives of #4umanity# the #A(ostles of Li$erty" EFuality" Fraternity#. -)/). The Dross a dou$le or Fuadru(le sFuare! is #no s(ecific Dhristian sym$ol#" #to all of us it is an em$lem of Nature and of Eternal life' whether of them only let each say for himself#. -)//. The Dross R Dhrist! was the 5ign of the Dreative <isdom or Logos" the 5on of &od. Mithraism signed its soldiers on the forehead with a cross" etc. -)/*. I.N.B.I." the inscri(tion on the Dross is" Masonically read? #Igne Natura Benovatur Integra#. The regeneration of nature $y the influence of the sun sym$oli3es the s(iritual regeneration of man0ind $y the sacred fire truth and

love! of Masonry" as a (urely naturalistic institution. -)/2. #The first assassin of 4iram is %o!alt! as the common ty(e of tyranny#" stri0ing #with its rule of iron at the throat of 4iram and ma0ing freedom of s(eech treason.# The second assassin is the 7ontificate 7a(acy! #aiming the sFuare of steel at the heart of the victim#. -)/,. Dhrist dying on Dalvary is for Masonry #the greatest among the a(ostles of 4umanity" $raving Boman des(otism and the fanaticism and $igotry of the (riesthood#. -)/:. Ander the sym$ol of the Dross" #the legions of freedom shall march to victory#. -)/+. The Ladosh thirtieth degree!" tram(ling on the (a(al tiara and the royal crown" is destined to wrea0 a 1ust vengeance on these #high criminals# for the murder of Molay -)/8. and #as the a(ostle of truth and the rights of man# -)/9. to deliver man0ind #from the $ondage of Des(otism and the thraldom of s(iritual Tyranny#. -)*>. #In most rituals of this degree everything $reathes vengeance# against religious and (olitical #Des(otism#. -)*). Thus Masonic sym$ols are said to $e #radiant of ideas" which should (enetrate the soul of every Mason and $e clearly reflected in his character and conduct" till he $ecome a (illar of strength to the fraternity#. -)*/. #There is no iota of Masonic Bitual#" adds the #Ioice# of Dhicago" #which is void of significance#. -)**. These inter(retations" it is true" are not officially ado(ted in Anglo%American craft rituals' $ut they a((ear in fully authori3ed" though not the only ones authori3ed even $y its system and $y the first two articles of the #Old Dharge# )+/*!" which contains the fundamental law of Freemasonry. As to the unsectarian character of Masonry and its sym$olism" 7i0e 1ustly remar0s? #Masonry (ro(agates no creed" e6ce(t its own most sim(le and su$lime one taught $y Nature and Beason.

There has never $een a false Beligion on the world. The (ermanent one universal revelation is written in visi$le Nature and e6(lained $y the Beason and is com(leted $y the wise analogies of faith. There is $ut one true religion" one dogma" one legitimate $elief#. -)*2. DonseFuently" also" the =i$le as a Masonic sym$ol" is to $e inter(reted as a sym$ol of the =oo0 of Nature or of the Dode of human reason and conscience" while Dhristian and other dogmas have for Freemasonry $ut the im(ort of changing sym$ols veiling the one (ermanent truth" of which Masonic #5cience# and #Arts# are a #(rogressive revelation#" and a((lication. -)*,. It should $e noted" that the great ma1ority of Masons are far from $eing #initiated# and #are groveling in Egy(tian dar0ness#. -)*:. #The Masonry of the higher degrees#" says 7i0e -)*+. #teaches the great truths of intellectual science' $ut as to these" even as to the rudiments and first (rinci(les" =lue Masonry is a$solutely dum$. Its dramas seem intended to teach the resurrection of the $ody#. #The (retended (ossession of mysterious secrets" has ena$led =lue Masonry to num$er its initiates $y tens of thousands. Never were any (retences to the (ossession of mysterious 0nowledge so $aseless and so a$surd as those of the =lue and Boyal Arch Dha(ter Degrees#. -)*8. #The a(ing Dhristianity of =lue Masonry made it sim(ly an emasculated and im(otent society with large and sounding (retences and slender (erformances. And yet its multitudes adhere to it" $ecause initiation is a necessity for the 4uman 5oul' and $ecause it instinctively longs for a union of the many under the control of a single will" in things s(iritual as well as in things tem(oral" for a 4ierarchy and a Monarch#. -)*9. #It is for the Ade(t to understand the meaning of the

5ym$ols -)2>. and Oliver declares? #=rethren" high in ran0 and office" are often unacFuainted with the elementary (rinci(les of the science#. -)2). Masons #may $e fifty years Masters of the Dhair and yet not learn the secret of the =rotherhood. This secret is" in its own nature" invulnera$le' for the Mason" to whom it has $ecome 0nown" can only have guessed it and certainly not have received it from any one' he has discovered it" $ecause he has $een in the lodge" mar0ed" learned and inwardly digested. <hen he arrives at the discovery" he unFuestiona$ly 0ee(s it to himself" not communicating it even to his most intimate =rother" $ecause" should this (erson not have ca(a$ility to discover it of himself" he would li0ewise $e wanting in the ca(a$ility to use it" if he received it ver$ally. For this reason it will forever remain a secret#. -)2/. In view of the fact that the secrets of Masonry are un0nown to the $ul0 of Masons" the oaths of secrecy ta0en on the =i$le are all the more startling and un1ustifia$le. The oath" for instance" of the first degree is as follows? #I" in the (resence of the &reat Architect of the Aniverse" . . . do here$y and hereon solemnly and sincerely swear" that I will always hide" conceal and never reveal any (art or (arts" any (oint or (oints of the secrets or mysteries of or $elonging to Free and Acce(ted Masons in Masonry which may heretofore have $een 0nown $y" shall now or may at any future time $e communicated to me# etc. #These several (oints I solemnly swear to o$serve under no less penalt!" than to have m! throat cut across" my tongue torn out $y the root and my $ody $uried in the sands of the sea#" #or the more efficient (unishment of $eing $randed as a wilfully (er1ured individual" void of all moral worth#. #5o hel( me &od#" etc. 5imilar oaths" $ut with severer

(enalties attached" are ta0en in the advanced degrees. The (rinci(le contents of the (romises are according to 7i0e? eighteenth degree? #I o$ligate and (ledge myself always to sustain" that it $elongs to Masonry to teach the great unsectarian truths" that do not e6clusively $elong to any religion and ac0nowledge that I have no right whatever to e6act from others the acce(tation of any (articular inter(retation of masonic sym$ols" that I may attri$ute to them $y the virtue of my (ersonal $elief. I o$ligate and solemnly (ledge myself to res(ect and sustain $y all means and under any circumstances Li$erty of 5(eech" Li$erty of Thought and Li$erty of Donscience in religious and (olitical matters#. -)2*. Thirtieth Degree? A. %% #I solemnly and freely vow o$edience to all the laws and regulations of the Order" whose $elief will $e my $elief" I (romise o$edience to all my regular su(eriors. . . . I (ledge myself to $e devoted" soul and $ody" to the (rotection of innocence" the vindication of right" the crushing of o((ression and the (unishment of every infraction against the law of 4umanity and of Man@s rights . . . never" either $y interest or $y fear" or even to save my e6istence" to su$mit to nor suffer any material des(otism" that may enslave or o((ress humanity $y the usur(ation or a$use of (ower. I vow never to su$mit to or tolerate any intellectual Des(otism" that may (retend to chain or fetter free thought" etc.# =. #I solemnly vow to consecrate my life to the ends of the Order of Lnights of Ladosh" and to co%o(erate most efficaciously $y all means (rescri$ed $y the constituted authorities of the order to attain them. I solemnly vow and consecrate" to these ends" my words" my (ower" my strength" my influence" my intelligence and my life. I vow to consider myself henceforward and forever as the A(ostle of Truth and of the rights of man.# D. #I vow myself to the utmost

to $ring due (unishment u(on the o((ressors" the usur(ers and the wic0ed' I (ledge myself never to harm a Lnight Ladosh" either $y word or deed . . .' I vow that if I find him as a foe in the $attlefield" I will save his life" when he ma0es me the 5ign of Distress" and that I will free him from (rison and confinement u(on land or water" even to the ris0 of my own life or my own li$erty. I (ledge myself to vindicate right and truth even $y might and violence" if necessary and duly ordered $y my regular su(eriors.# D. #I (ledge myself to o$ey without hesitation any order whatever it may $e of my regular 5u(eriors in the Order#. -)22. III. OATEB <OBL OF FBEEMA5ONBC? IT5 AD4IEIEMENT5" 7AB7O5E5 AND MET4OD5 The outer wor0 of Freemasonry" though uniform in its fundamental character and its general lines" varies considera$ly in different countries and different Masonic sym$ols. #&haritable#or #philanthropic# (ur(oses are chiefly (ursued $y English" &erman" and American Masonry" while (ractically at least" they are neglected $y Masons in the Latin countries" who are a$sor$ed $y (olitical activity. =ut even in England" where relatively the largest sums are s(ent for charita$le (ur(oses" Masonic (hilanthro(y does not seem to $e ins(ired $y very high ideals of generosity and disinterestedness" at least with res(ect to the great mass of the $rethren' the (rinci(al contri$utions are made $y a few very wealthy $rethren and the rest $y such as are well%to%do. Moreover" in all countries it is almost e6clusively Masons and their families that (rofit $y Masonic charity. Masonic $eneficence towards the #(rofane# world is little more than figurative" consisting in the (ro(agation and a((lication of Masonic (rinci(les

$y which Masons (retend to (romote the welfare of man0ind' and if Masons" (articularly in Datholic countries" occasionally devote themselves to charita$le wor0s as ordinarily understood" their aim is to gain sym(athy and there$y further their real (ur(oses. In North America" es(ecially in the Anited 5tates" a characteristic feature of the outer wor0 is the tendency toward dis(lay in the construction of sum(tuous Masonic #tem(les#" in Masonic (rocessions" at the laying of cornerstones and the dedication of (u$lic $uildings and even of Dhristian churches. This tendency has freFuently $een re$u0ed $y Masonic writers. #The Masonry of this continent has gone mad after high degreeism and grand titleism. <e tell the $rethren" that if they do not (ay more attention to the (ure" sim(le" $eautiful sym$olism of the Lodge and less to the tinsel" fur$elow" fire and feathers of 5cotch Bitism and Tem(larism" the Draft will yet $e sha0en to its very foundationsS# #Let the tocsin $e sounded#. -)2,. #Many masons have (assed through the ceremony without any ins(iration' $ut" in (u$lic (arades of the Lodges also in England! they may generally $e found in the front ran0 and at the masonic $anFuets they can neither $e eFualled nor e6celled#. -)2:. =ut the real o$1ect of $oth inner and outer wor0 is the (ro(agation and a((lication of the Masonic (rinci(les. The truly Masonic method is" that the lodge is the common ground on which men of different religions and (olitical o(inions" (rovided they acce(t the general Masonic (rinci(les" can meet' hence" it does not directly and actively interfere with (arty (olitics" $ut e6cludes (olitical and religious discussions from the meetings" leaving each Mason to a((ly the (rinci(les to (ro$lems of the day. =ut this method is o(enly disowned $y

contem(oraneous Masonry in the Latin countries and $y many 5u(reme Douncils of the Ancient and Acce(ted 5cottish system" $y the &rand Lodge of 4ungary' the &rand Orient of =elgium" etc. It was and is (ractically re1ected also $y &erman and even $y American and English Masonry. Thus American Masonic lodges" at least so leading Masonic authors o(enly claim" had a (re(onderant (art in the movement for inde(endence" the lodges of the #Ancients# in general (romoting this movement and those of the #moderns# siding with &reat =ritain. -)2+. According to the #Masonic Beview# Freemasonry was instrumental in forming the American Anion )++:!" claiming fifty%two -)28. or even fifty%five -)29. out of the fifty%si6 of the #signers of the Declaration of Inde(endence as mem$ers of the Order#. Other Masonic (eriodicals" however" claim that only si6 of the signers -),>. and only nine of the (residents of the Anited 5tates were Freemasons. -),). In the French Bevolution )+89! and the later revolutionary movements in France" Italy" 5(ain" 7ortugal" Dentral and 5outh America" Masonic $odies" it is claimed" too0 a more or less active (art" as is stated $y (rominent re(resentatives of the &rand Lodges in the several countries and in many cases $y #(rofane# im(artial historians. -),/. In Bussia also Freemasonry finally turned out to $e a #(olitical cons(iracy# of Masonically organi3ed clu$s that covered the land. Even with regard to the most recent Tur0ish Bevolution" it seems certain that the Coung Tur0ish (arty" which made and directed the Bevolution" was guided $y Masons" and that Masonry" es(ecially the &rand Orients of Italy and France" had a (re(onderant rTle in this Bevolution. -),*. In conducting this wor0 Freemasonry (ro(agates (rinci(les which" logically

develo(ed" as shown a$ove" are essentially revolutionary and serve as a $asis for all 0inds of revolutionary movements. Directing Masons to find out for themselves (ractical reforms in conformity with Masonic ideals and to wor0 for their reali3ation" it fosters in its mem$ers and through them in society at large the s(irit of innovation. As an a((arently harmless and even $eneficent association" which in reality is" through its secrecy and am$iguous sym$olism" su$1ect to the most different influences" it furnishes in critical times a shelter for cons(iracy" and" even when its lodges themselves are not transformed into cons(iracy clu$s" Masons are trained and encouraged to found new associations for such (ur(oses or to ma0e use of e6isting associations. Thus" Freemasonry in the eighteenth century" as a (owerful ally of infidelity" (re(ared the French Bevolution. The alliance of Freemasonry with (hiloso(hy was (u$licly sealed $y the solemn initiation of Ioltaire" the chief of these (hiloso(hers" + Fe$ruary" )++8" and his rece(tion of the Masonic gar$ from the famous materialist =ro. 4elvetius. -),2. 7rior to the Bevolution various cons(iratory societies arose in connection with Freemasonry from which they $orrowed its forms and methods' Illuminati" clu$s of Eaco$ins" etc. A relatively large num$er of the leading revolutionists were mem$ers of Masonic lodges" trained $y lodge life for their (olitical career. Even the (rogramme of the Bevolution e6(ressed in the #rights of man# was" as shown a$ove" drawn from Masonic (rinci(les" and its device? #Li$erty" EFuality" Fraternity# is the very device of Freemasonry. 5imilarly" Freemasonry" together with the Dar$onari" coo(erated in the Italian revolutionary movement of the nineteenth century. Nearly all the (rominent leaders and among them Ma33ini and

&ari$aldi" are e6tolled $y Masonry as its most distinguished mem$ers. In &ermany and Austria" Freemasonry during the eighteenth century was a (owerful ally of the so%called (arty" of #Enlightenment# Aufklaerung!" and of Eose(hinism' in the nineteenth century of the (seudo%Li$eral and of the anti%clerical (arty. In order to a((reciate rightly the activity of Freemasonry in &ermany" 5weden" Denmar0 and England" and in France under the Na(oleonic regime" the s(ecial relations $etween Freemasonry and the reigning dynasties must not $e overloo0ed. In &ermany two%thirds of the Masons are mem$ers of the old 7russian &rand Lodges under the (rotectorshi( of a mem$er of the Boyal Dynasty" which im(lies a severe control of all lodge activity in conformity with the aims of the &overnment. 4ence &erman Freemasons are scarcely ca(a$le of inde(endent action. =ut they certainly furthered the movement $y which 7russia gradually $ecame the leading state of &ermany" considered $y them as the #re(resentative and the (rotector of modern evolution# against #Altramontanism#" #$igotry#" and #7a(al usur(ations#. They also instigated the #Lultur0am(f#. The cele$rated 1urisconsult and Mason" &randmaster =luntschli" was one of the foremost agitators in this conflict' he also stirred u( the 5wiss #Lultur0am(f#. At his instigation the assem$ly of the #Federation of the &erman &rand Lodges#" in order to increase lodge activity in the sense of the #Lultur0am(f#" declared" /2 May" )8+2? #It is a (rofessional duty for the lodges to see to it" that the $rethren $ecome fully conscious of the relations of Freemasonry to the s(here of ethical life and cultural (ur(oses. Freemasons are o$liged to (ut into effect the

(rinci(les of Freemasonry in (ractical life and to defend the ethical foundations of human society" whensoever these are assailed. The Federation of the &erman &rand Lodges will (rovide" that every year Fuestions of actuality $e (ro(osed to all lodges for discussion and uniform action#. -),,. &erman Freemasons (ut forth untiring efforts to e6ert a decisive influence on the whole life of the nation in 0ee(ing with Masonic (rinci(les" thus maintaining a (er(etual silent #Lultur0am(f#. The (rinci(al means which they em(loy are (o(ular li$raries" conferences" the affiliation of 0indred associations and institutions" the creation" where necessary" of new institutions" through which the Masonic s(irit (ermeates the nation. -),:. A similar activity is dis(layed $y the Austrian Freemasons. The chief organi3ation which in France secured the success of Freemasonry was the famous #League of instruction# founded in )8:+ $y =ro. F. MacJ" later a mem$er of the 5enate. This league affiliated and im(lied with its s(irit many other associations. French Masonry and a$ove all the &rand Orient of France has dis(layed the most systematic activity as the dominating (olitical element in the French #Lultur0am(f# since )8++. -),+. From the official documents of French Masonry contained (rinci(ally in the official #=ulletin# and #Dom(te%rendu# of the &rand Orient it has $een (roved that all the anti%clerical measures (assed in the French 7arliament were decreed $eforehand in the Masonic lodges and e6ecuted under the direction of the &rand Orient" whose avowed aim is to control everything and every$ody in France. -),8. #I said in the assem$ly of )898#" states the de(uty MassJ" the official orator of the Assem$ly of )9>*" #that it is the su(reme duty of Freemasonry to interfere each day more and more in

(olitical and (rofane struggles#. #5uccess in the anti% clerical com$at! is in a large measure due to Freemasonry' for it is its s(irit" its (rogramme" its methods" that have trium(hed.# #If the 'loc has $een esta$lished" this is owing to Freemasonry and to the disci(line learned in the lodges. The measures we have now to urge are the se(aration of Dhurch and 5tate and a law concerning instruction. Let us (ut our trust in the word of our =ro. Dom$es#. #For a long time Freemasonry has $een sim(ly the re(u$lic in disguise#" i.e." the secret (arliament and government of Freemasonry in reality rule France' the (rofane 5tate" 7arliament" and &overnment merely e6ecute its decrees. #<e are the conscience of the country#' #we are each year the funeral $ell announcing the death of a ca$inet that has not done its duty $ut has $etrayed the Be(u$lic' or we are its su((ort" encouraging it $y saying in a solemn hour? I (resent you the word of the country . . . its satisfecit which is wanted $y you" or its re(roach that to%morrow will $e sealed $y your fall#. #<e need vigilance and a$ove all mutual confidence" if we are to accom(lish our wor0" as yet unfinished. This wor0" you 0now . . . the anti%clerical com$at" is going on. The Be(u$lic must rid itself of the religious congregations" swee(ing them off $y a vigorous stro0e. The system of half measures is everywhere dangerous' the adversary must $e crushed with a single $low#. -),9. #It is $eyond dou$t#" declared the 7resident of the Assem$ly of )9>/" =ro. =latin" with res(ect to the French elections of )9>/" #that we would have $een defeated $y our well%organi3ed o((onents" if Freemasonry had not s(read over the whole country#. -):>.

Along with this (olitical activity Freemasonry em(loyed against its adversaries" whether real or su((osed" a system of s(ying and false accusation" the e6(osure of which $rought a$out the downfall of the masonic ca$inet of Dom$es. In truth all the #anti% clerical# Masonic reforms carried out in France since )8++" such as the seculari3ation of education" measures against (rivate Dhristian schools and charita$le esta$lishments" the su((ression of the religious orders and the s(oliation of the Dhurch" (rofessedly culminate in an anti%Dhristian and irreligious reorgani3ation of human society" not only in France $ut throughout the world. Thus French Freemasonry" as the standard% $earer of all Freemasonry" (retends to inaugurate the golden era of the Masonic universal re(u$lic" com(rising in Masonic $rotherhood all men and all nations. #The trium(h of the &alilean#" said the (resident of the &rand Orient" 5enator Del(ech" on /> 5e(tem$er" )9>/" #has lasted twenty centuries. =ut now he dies in his turn. The mysterious voice" announcing to Eulian the A(ostate! the death of 7an" to%day announces the death of the im(ostor &od who (romised an era of 1ustice and (eace to those who $elieve in him. The illusion has lasted a long time. The mendacious &od is now disa((earing in his turn' he (asses away to 1oin in the dust of ages the divinities of India" Egy(t" &reece" and Bome" who saw so many creatures (rostrate $efore their altars. =ro. Masons" we re1oice to state that we are not without our share in this overthrow of the false (ro(hets. The Bomish Dhurch" founded on the &alilean myth" $egan to decay ra(idly from the very day on which the Masonic Association was esta$lished#. -):).

The assertion of the French Masons? #<e are the conscience of the country#" was not true. =y the official statistics it was ascertained" that in all elections till )9>: the ma1ority of the votes were against the Masonic 'loc" and even the result in )9>: does not (rove that the 'loc" or Masonry" in its anti% clerical measures and (ur(oses re(resents the will of the nation" since the contrary is evident from many other facts. Much less does it re(resent the #conscience# of the nation. The fact is" that the 'loc in )9>: secured a ma1ority only $ecause the greater (art of this ma1ority voted against their #conscience#. No dou$t the claims of Freemasonry in France are highly e6aggerated" and such success as they have had is due chiefly to the lowering of the moral tone in (rivate and (u$lic life" facilitated $y the disunion e6isting among Datholics and $y the serious (olitical $lunders which they committed. ;uite similar is the outer wor0 of the &rand Orient of Italy which li0ewise (retends to $e the standard%$earer of Freemasonry in the secular struggle of Masonic light and freedom against the (owers of #s(iritual dar0ness and $ondage#" alluding of course to the (a(acy" and dreams of the esta$lishment of a new and universal re(u$lican em(ire with a Masonic Bome" su((lanting the (a(al and DMsarean as metro(olis. The &rand Orient of Italy has often declared that it is enthusiastically followed in this struggle $y the Freemasonry of the entire world and es(ecially $y the Masonic centres at 7aris" =erlin" London" Madrid" Dalcutta" <ashington. -):/. It has not $een contradicted $y a single &rand Lodge in any country" nor did the &erman and other &rand Lodges $rea0 off their relations with it on account of it shameful (olitical and anti%religious activity. =ut though the aims of Italian Masons are (erha(s more radical and their methods more cunning than those of the French" their

(olitical influence" owing to the difference of the surrounding social conditions" is less (owerful. The same is to $e said of the =elgian and the 4ungarian &rand Lodges" which also consider the &rand Orient of France as their (olitical model. 5ince )889" the date of the international Masonic congress" assem$led at 7aris" ): and )+ Euly" )889" $y the &rand Orient of France" systematic and incessant efforts have $een made to $ring a$out a closer union of universal Freemasonry in order to reali3e efficaciously and ra(idly the Masonic ideals. The s(ecial allies of the &rand Orient in this underta0ing are? the 5u(reme Douncil and the 5ym$olical &rand Lodge of France and the Masonic &rand Lodges of 5wit3erland" =elgium" Italy" 5(ain" 4ungary" 7ortugal" &reece' the &rand Lodges of Massachusetts and of =ra3il were also re(resented at the congress. The (rogramme (ursued $y the &rand Orient of France" in its main lines" runs thus? #Masonry" which (re(ared the Bevolution of )+89" has the duty to continue its wor0#. -):*. This tas0 is to $e accom(lished $y the thoroughly and rigidly consistent a((lication of the (rinci(les of the Bevolution to all the de(artments of the religious" moral" 1udicial" legal" (olitical" and social order. The necessary (olitical reforms $eing reali3ed in most of their essential (oints" henceforth the consistent a((lication of the revolutionary (rinci(les to the social conditions of man0ind is the main tas0 of Masonry. The universal social re(u$lic" in which" after the overthrow of every 0ind of s(iritual and (olitical tyranny#" of #theocratical# and dynastical (owers and class (rivileges" reigns the greatest (ossi$le individual li$erty and social and economical eFuality conforma$ly to French Masonic ideals" the real ultimate aims of this social wor0.

The following are deemed the (rinci(al means? )! To destroy radically $y o(en (ersecution of the Dhurch or $y a hy(ocritical fraudulent system of se(aration $etween 5tate and Dhurch" all social influence of the Dhurch and of religion" insidiously called #clericalism#" and" as far as (ossi$le" to destroy the Dhurch and all true" i.e." su(erhuman religion" which is more than a vague cult of fatherland and of humanity' /! To laici3e" or seculari3e" $y a li0ewise hy(ocritical fraudulent system of #unsectarianism#" all (u$lic and (rivate life and" a$ove all" (o(ular instruction and education. #Ansectarianism# as understood $y the &rand Orient (arty is anti%Datholic and even anti%Dhristian" atheistic" (ositivistic" or agnostic sectarianism in the gar$ of unsectarianism. Freedom of thought and conscience of the children has to $e develo(ed systematically in the child at school and (rotected" as far as (ossi$le" against all distur$ing influences" not only of the Dhurch and (riests" $ut also of the children@s own (arents" if necessary" even $y means of moral and (hysical com(ulsion. The &rand Orient (arty considers it indis(ensa$le and an infalli$ly sure way to the final esta$lishment of the universal social re(u$lic and of the (retended world (eace" as they fancy them" and of the glorious era of human solidarity and of unsur(assa$le human ha((iness in the reign of li$erty and 1ustice. -):2. The efforts to $ring a$out a closer union with Anglo% American and &erman Freemasonry were made (rinci(ally $y the 5ym$olical &rand Lodge of France and the #International Masonic Agency# at NeuchQtel directed $y the 5wiss 7ast &rand Master ;uartier%La Tente!" attached to the little &rand Lodge #Al(ina# of 5wit3erland. These two &rand Lodges" as disguised

agents of the &rand Orient of France" act as mediators $etween this and the Masonic $odies of English% s(ea0ing and &erman countries. <ith English and American &rand Lodges their efforts till now have had $ut little success. -):,. Only the &rand Lodge of Iowa seems to have recogni3ed the &rand Lodge of France. -)::. The English &rand Lodge not only declined the offers" $ut" on /* 5e(tem$er" )9>+" through its registrar even declared? #<e feel" that we in England are $etter a(art from such (eo(le. Indeed" Freemasonry is in such $ad odour on the Dontinent of Euro(e $y reason of its $eing e6(loited $y 5ocialists and Anarchists" that we may have to $rea0 off relations with more of the &rand =odies who have forsa0en our Landmar0s#. -):+. The American &rand Lodges Massachusetts" Missouri" etc.!" in general" seem to $e resolved to follow the e6am(le of the English &rand Lodges. The &erman &rand Lodges" on the contrary" at least most of them" yielded to the (ressure e6ercised on them $y a great many &erman $rothers. Da(tivated $y the &rand Orient (arty on * Eune" )9>:" the Federation of the eight &erman &rand Lodges" $y : votes to /" decreed to esta$lish official friendly relations with the &rand Lodge" and on /+ May" )9>9" $y , votes to *" to restore the same relations with the &rand Orient of France. This latter decree e6cited the greatest manifestations of 1oy" trium(h and 1u$ilation in the &rand Orient (arty" which considered it as an event of great historic im(ort. =ut in the meantime a (u$lic (ress discussion was $rought a$out $y some incisive articles of the #&ermania# -):8. with the result" that the three old 7russian &rand Lodges" com(rising *+")98 $rothers controlled $y the (rotectorate" a$andoned their am$iguous attitude and energetically condemned the

decree of /+ May" )9>9" and the attitude of the , other so%called #humanitarian# &erman &rand Lodges" which com(rise $ut ):"228 $rothers. It was ho(ed" that the =ritish and American &rand Lodges" enticed $y the e6am(le of the &erman &rand Lodges" would" in the face of the common secular enemy in the Iatican" 1oin the &rand Orient (arty $efore the great universal Masonic congress" to $e held in Bome in )9)). =ut instead of this closer union of universal Freemasonry dreamt of $y the &rand Orient (arty" the only result was a s(lit $etween the &erman &rand Lodges $y which their federation itself was momentarily sha0en to its foundation. =ut in s(ite of the failure of the official transactions" there are a great many &erman and not a few American Masons" who evidently favour at least the chief anti% clerical aims of the &rand Orient (arty. 5tartling evidence thereof was the recent violent world%wide agitation" which" on occasion of the e6ecution of the anarchist" =ro. Ferrer" *)" an active mem$er of the &rand Orient of France -):9. was set at wor0 $y the &rand Orient of France -)+>. and of Italy -)+). in order to (rovo0e the organi3ation of an international (ulturkampf after the French (attern. In nearly all the countries of Euro(e the se(aration $etween 5tate and Dhurch and the laici3ation or neutrali3ation of the (o(ular instruction and education" were and are still demanded $y all (arties of the Left with redou$led im(etuosity. The fact that there are also American Masons" who evidently advocate the (ulturkampf in America and stir u( the international (ulturkampf" is attested $y the e6am(le of =ros. E.D. =uc0" ** and A. 7i0e" **. =uc0

(u$lished a $oo0" #The &enius of Freemasonry#" in which he advocates most energetically a (ulturkampf for the Anited 5tates. This $oo0" which in )9>+" was in its *rd edition" is recommended ardently to all American Masons $y Masonic 1ournals. A. 7i0e" as the &rand Dommander of the Mother 5u(reme Douncil of the <orld Dharleston" 5outh Darolina! lost no o((ortunity in his letters to e6cite the anti%clerical s(irit of his colleagues. In a long letter of /8 Decem$er" )88:" for instance" he con1ures the Italian &rand Dommander" Timoteo Bi$oli" **" the intimate friend of &ari$aldi" to do all in his (ower" in order to unite Italian Masonry against the Iatican. 4e writes? "he Papacy . . . has been for a thousand years the torturer and curse of +umanity, the most shameless imposture, in its pretence to spiritual power of all ages. =ith its robes wet and reeking with the blood of half a million of human beings, with the grateful odour of roasted human flesh always in its nostrils, it is e ulting over the prospect of renewed dominion. !t has sent all over the world its anathemas against Constitutional government and the right of men to freedom of thought and conscience. Again" 7!n presence of this spiritual )Cobra di capello), this deadly, treacherous, murderous enemy, the most formidable power in the world, the unity of !talian (asonry is of absolute and supreme necessity; and to this paramount and omnipotent necessity all minor considerations ought to yield; dissensions and disunion, in presence of this enemy of the human race are criminal7. 7"here must be no unyielding, uncompromising insistence upon particular opinions, theories, pre2udices, professions# but,

on the contrary, mutual concessions and harmonious co< operation7. 7"he -reemasonry of the world will re2oice to see accomplished and consummated the >nity of the !talian -reemasonry7. $68D& Im(ortant Masonic 1ournals" for instance" #The American Tyler%Leystone# Ann Ar$or!" o(enly (atroni3e the efforts of the French &rand Orient 7arty. #The a$solute oneness of the Draft#" says the 7ast &rand Master Dlifford 7. MacDalla 7ennsylvania!" #is a glorious thought.# #Neither $oundaries of 5tates nor vast oceans se(arate the Masonic Fraternity. Everywhere it is one.# #There is no universal church" no universal $ody of (olitic' $ut there is an universal Fraternity" that Freemasonry' and every =rother who is a worthy mem$er" may feel (roud of it#. -)+*. Owing to the solidarity e6isting $etween all Masonic $odies and individual Masons" they are all 1ointly res(onsi$le for the evil doings of their fellow%mem$ers. Be(resentative Masons" however" e6tol the (retended salutary influence of their order on human culture and (rogress. #Masonry#" says Frater" &rand Orator" <ashington" #is the shrine of grand thoughts" of $eautiful sentiments" the seminary for the im(rovement of the moral and the mental standard of its mem$ers. As a storehouse of morality it rains $enign influence on the mind and heart#. -)+2. #Modern Freemasonry#" according to other Masons" #is a social and moral reformer#. -)+,. #No one#" says the #Leystone# of Dhicago" #has estimated or can estimate the far reaching character of the influence of Masonry in the world. It $y no means is limited the $odies of the Draft.

Every initiate is a light $earer" a center of light#. -)+:. #In &ermany as in the Anited 5tates and &reat =ritain those who have $een leaders of men in intellectual" moral and social life" have $een Freemasons. Eminent e6am(les in the (ast are the =rothers Fichte" 4erder" <ieland" Lessing" &oethe. &reatest of them all was I.<. von &oethe. <ell may we $e (roud of such a man# -)++. etc. &erman Masons -)+8. claim for Freemasonry a considera$le (art in the s(lendid develo(ment of &erman literature in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. These claims" however" when critically e6amined" (rove to $e either groundless or e6aggerated. English Freemasonry" $eing then at a low intellectual and moral level and retrograding towards orthodo6y" was not Fualified to $e the originator or a leading factor in the freethin0ing #Dulture of Enlightenment.# &erman Masonry" then dominated $y the 5wedish system and the 5trict O$servance and intellectually and morally degenerated" as Masonic historians themselves avow" was in no $etter (light. In truth the leading literary men of the e(och" Lessing" &oethe" 4erder" etc. were cruelly disa$used and disa((ointed $y what they saw and e6(erienced in their lodge life. -)+9. Lessing s(o0e with contem(t of the lodge life' &oethe characteri3ed the Masonic associations and doings as #fools and rogues#' 4erder wrote" 9 Eanuary" )+8:" to the cele$rated (hilologist =ro. 4eyne' #I $ear a deadly hatred to all secret societies and" as a result of my e6(erience" $oth within their innermost circles and outside" I wish them all to the devil. For (ersistent domineering intrigues and the s(irit of ca$al cree( $eneath the cover#. -)8>. Freemasonry" far from contri$uting to the literary greatness of these or other leading men" (rofited $y the e6ternal s(lendour which their mem$ershi( reflected on

it. =ut the advantage was $y no means deserved" for even at the height of their literary fame" not they" $ut common swindlers" li0e Eohnson" Dagliostro" etc." were the centres round which the Masonic world gravitated. All the su(erior men $elonging to Freemasonry? Fichte" Fessler" Lrause" 5chrPder" Mossdorf" 5chiffman" Findel" etc." so far as they strove to (urge lodge life from hum$ug" were treated ignominiously $y the $ul0 of the average Masons and even $y lodge authorities. Men of similar turn of mind are stigmati3ed $y English and American Masonic devotees as #materialists# and #iconoclasts#. -)8). =ut true it is that the lodges wor0 silently and effectually for the (ro(agation and a((lication of #unsectarian# Masonic (rinci(les in human society and life. The Masonic maga3ines a$ound in (assages to this effect. Thus =ro. Bichardson of Tennessee avers? #Freemasonry does its wor0 silently" $ut it is the wor0 of a dee( river" that silently (ushes on towards the ocean" etc.# -)8/. #The a$andonment of old themes and the formation of new ones#" e6(lained &rand 4igh 7riest" E.<. Taylor &eorgia!" #do not always arise from the immediately (erce(ti$le cause which the world assigns" $ut are the culmination of (rinci(les which have $een wor0ing in the minds of men for many years" until at last the (ro(er time and (ro(itious surroundings 0indle the latent truth into life" and" as the light of reason flows from mind to mind and the unity of (ur(ose from heart to heart" enthusing all with a mighty common cause and moving nations as one man to the accom(lishment of great ends. On this (rinci(le does the Institution of Freemasonry diffuse its influence to the world of man0ind. It wor0s Fuietly and secretly" $ut (enetrates through all the interstices of society in its many relations" and the reci(ients of its many favors are awed $y its grand achievements" $ut cannot tell whence

it came#. -)8*. The #Ioice# Dhicago! writes? #Never $efore in the history of ages has Freemasonry occu(ied so im(ortant a (osition" as at the (resent time. Never was its influence so mar0ed" its mem$ershi( so e6tensive" its teaching so revered.# #There are more Masons outside the great =rotherhood than within it.# Through its #(ure morality# with which (ure Freemasonry is synonomous" it #influences society" and" un(erceived" sows the seed that $rings forth fruit in wholesome laws and righteous enactments. It u(holds the right" relieves the distressed" defends the wea0 and raises the fallen of course" all understood in the masonic sense a$ove e6(lained!. 5o" silently $ut surely and continually" it $uilds into the great fa$ric of human society#. -)82. The real force of Freemasonry in its outer wor0 is indeed" that there are more Masons and oftentimes $etter Fualified for the (erformance of Masonic wor0" outside the $rotherhood than within it. Freemasonry itself in Euro(e and in America founds societies and institutions of similar form and sco(e for all classes of society and infuses into them its s(irit. Thus according to &ould -)8,. Freemasonry since a$out )+,> #has e6ercised a remar0a$le influence over all other oath% $ound societies#. The same is stated $y =ro. L. =lanc" Descham(s" etc. for &ermany and other countries. In the Anited 5tates" according to the #Dyclo(edia of Fraternities#" there e6ist more than :>> secret societies" wor0ing more or less under the veil of forms (atterned on Masonic sym$olism and for the larger (art nota$ly influenced $y Freemasonry" so that every third male adult in the Anited 5tates is a mem$er of one or more of such secret societies. #Freemasonry#" says the #Dyclo(edia#" (.v." #of course" is shown to $e the

mother%Fraternity in fact as well as in name.# #Few who are well informed on the su$1ect" will deny that the masonic Fraternity is directly or indirectly the (arent organi3ation of all modern secret societies" good" $ad and indifferent#. -)8:. Many Anglo%American Freemasons are wont to (rotest strongly against all charges accusing Freemasonry of interfering with (olitical or religious affairs or of hostility to the Dhurch or disloyalty to the (u$lic authorities. They even (raise Freemasonry as #one of the strongest $ulwar0s of religions# -)8+. #the handmaid of religion# -)88. and the #handmaid of the church#. -)89. #There is nothing in the nature of the 5ociety#" says the #Boyal Draftsman#" New Cor0" #that necessitates the renunciation of a single sentence of any creed" the discontinuance of any religious customs or the o$literation of a dogma of $elief. No one is as0ed to deny the =i$le" to change his Dhurch relations or to $e less attentive to the teaching of his s(iritual instructors and counsellors#. -)9>. #Masonry indeed contains the (ith of Dhristianity#. -)9). #It is a great mista0e to su((ose it an enemy of the Dhurch.# #It does not offer itself as a su$stitute of that divinely ordained institution.# #It offers itself as an ad1unct" as an ally" as a hel(er in the great wor0 of the regeneration of the race" of the u(lifting of man#. -)9/. 4ence" #we deny the right of the Bomish Dhurch to e6clude from its communion those of its floc0 who have assumed the res(onsi$ility of the Order of Freemasonry#. -)9*. Though such (rotestations seem to $e sincere and to reveal even a (raiseworthy desire in their authors not to conflict with religion and the Dhurch" they are contradicted $y notorious facts. Dertainly Freemasonry and #Dhristian# or #Datholic# religion are not o((osed to each other"

when Masons" some erroneously and others hy(ocritically understand #Dhristian# or #Datholic# in the a$ove descri$ed Masonic sense" or when Masonry itself is mista0enly conceived as an orthodo6 Dhristian institution. =ut $etween #Masonry# and #Dhristian# or #Datholic# religion" conceived as they really are? $etween #unsectarian# Freemasonry and #dogmatic" orthodo6# Dhristianity or Datholicism" there is a radical o((osition. It is vain to say? though Masonry is officially #unsectarian#" it does not (revent individual Masons from $eing #sectarian# in their non%Masonic relations' for in its official #unsectarianism# Freemasonry necessarily com$ats all that Dhristianity contains $eyond the #universal religion in which all men agree#" conseFuently all that is characteristic of the Dhristian and Datholic religion. These characteristic features Freemasonry com$ats not only as su(erfluous and merely su$1ective" $ut also as s(urious additions disfiguring the o$1ective universal truth" which it (rofesses. To ignore Dhrist and Dhristianity" is (ractically to re1ect them as unessential framewor0. =ut Freemasonry goes farther and attac0s Datholicism o(enly. The #Ioice# Dhicago!" for instance" in an article which $egins? #There is nothing in the Datholic religion which is adverse to Masonry#" continues" for the truth is, that masonry embodies that religion in which all men agree. "his is as true as that all veritable religion, wherever found, is in substance the same. 0either is it in the power of any man or body of men to make it otherwise. ,octrines and forms of observance conformable to piety, imposed by spiritual overseers, may be as various as the courses of wind; and like the latter may war with each other

upon the face of the whole earth, but they are not religion. 'igotry and Beal, the assumptions of the priestcraft, with all its countless inventions to magnify and impress the world . . . are ever the mainsprings of strife, hatred and revenge, which defame and banish religion and its inseparable virtues, and work unspeakable mischief, wherever mankind are found upon the earth. Popery and priestcraft are so allied, that they may be called the same; the truth being, that the former is nothing more nor less than a special case of the latter, being a particular form of a vicious principle, which itself is but the offspring of the conceit of self<sufficiency and the lust of dominion. 0othing which can be named, is more repugnant to the spirit of masonry, nothing to be more carefully guarded against, and this has been always well understood by all skillful masters, and it must in truth be said, that such is the wisdom of the lessons, i.e. of masonic instruction in .odges, etc. $69A& In similar discussions" containing in almost every word a hidden or o(en attac0 on Dhristianity" the truly Masonic maga3ines and $oo0s of all countries a$ound. 7ast &rand Deacon E.D. 7ar0inson" an illustrious English Mason" fran0ly avows? #The two systems of Bomanism and Freemasonry are not only incom(ati$le" $ut they are radically o((osed to each other# -)9,. and American Masons say? #<e won@t ma0e a man a Freemason" until we 0now that he isn@t a Datholic.# -)9:. <ith res(ect to loyalty towards #lawful government# American Masons (retend that #everywhere Freemasons" individually and collectively" are loyal and active su((orters of re(u$lican or constitutional governments#. -)9+. #Our (rinci(les are all re(u$lican#. -)98. #Fidelity and Loyalty" and (eace and order" and su$ordination to lawful authorities are household gods of Freemasonry# -)99. and English Freemasons declare"

that" #the loyalty of English Masons is (rover$ial#. -/>>. These (rotestations of English and American Freemasons in general may $e deemed sincere" as far as their own countries and actual governments are concerned. Not even the revolutionary &rand Orient of France thin0s of overthrowing the actual (olitical order in France" which is in entire conformity with its wishes. The Fuestion is" whether Freemasons res(ect a lawful &overnment in their own and other countries" when it is not ins(ired $y Masonic (rinci(les. In this res(ect $oth English and American Freemasons" $y their (rinci(les and conduct" (rovo0e the condemnatory verdict of enlightened and im(artial (u$lic o(inion. <e have already a$ove hinted at the whimsical Article II of the #Old Dharges#" calculated to encourage re$ellion against &overnments which are not according to the wishes of Freemasonry. The #Freemason@s Dhronicle# $ut faithfully e6(resses the sentiments of Anglo% American Freemasonry" when it writes? !f we were to assert that under no circumstances had a (ason been found willing to take arms against a bad government, we should only be declaring that, in trying moments, when duty, in the masonic sense, to state means antagonism to the %overnment, they had failed in the highest and most sacred duty of a citiBen. /ebellion in some cases is a sacred duty, and none, but a bigot or a fool, will say, that our countrymen were in the wrong, when they took arms against 1ing ?ames !!. .oyalty to freedom in a case of this kind overrides all other considerations, and when to rebel means to be free or to perish, it would be idle to urge that a man must remember obligations which were never intended to rob him of his status of a human being and a citiBen. $D;6&

5uch language would eFually suit every anarchistic movement. The utterances Fuoted were made in defence of (lotting 5(anish Masons. Only a (age further the same English Masonic maga3ine writes? #Assuredly Italian Masonry" which has rendered such invalua$le service in the regeneration of that magnificent country#" #is worthy of the highest (raise#. -/>/. #A Freemason" moved $y lofty (rinci(les#" says the #Ioice# Dhicago!" #may rightly stri0e a $low at tyranny and may consort with others to $ring a$out needed relief" in ways that are not ordinarily 1ustifia$le. 4istory affords numerous instances of acts which have $een 1ustified $y su$seFuent events" and none of us" whether Masons or not" are inclined to condemn the (lots hatched $etween 7aul Bevere" Dr. E. <arren and others" in the old &reen Dragon Tavern" the headFuarters of Dolonial Freemasonry in New England" $ecause these (lots were ins(ired $y lofty (ur(ose and the result not only 1ustified them" $ut crowned these heroes with glory#. -/>*. #No Freemason# said Bight Bev. 4.D. 7otter on the centenary of the &rand Dha(ter of Boyal Arch" New Cor0" #may honoura$ly $end the 0nee to any foreign (otentate not even to Ling Edward III of England! civil or ecclesiastical the 7o(e! or yield allegiance to any alien sovereignty" tem(oral or s(iritual#. -/>2. From this utterance it is evident that according to 7otter no Datholic can $e a Mason. In conformity with these (rinci(les American and English Freemasons su((orted the leaders of the revolutionary movement on the Euro(ean continent. Lossuth" who #had $een leader in the re$ellion against Austrian tyranny#" was enthusiastically received $y American Masons" solemnly initiated into Freemasonry at Dincinnati" /) A(ril" )8,/" and (resented with a generous gift as a (roof #that on the altar of 5t. Eohn@s Lodge the fire of

love $urnt so $rightly" as to flash its light even into the dee( recesses and mountain fastnesses of 4ungary#. -/>,. &ari$aldi" #the greatest freemason of Italy# -/>:. and Ma33ini were also encouraged $y Anglo%American Freemasons in their revolutionary enter(rises. -/>+. #The consistent Mason#" says the #Ioice# Dhicago!" #will never $e found engaged in cons(iracies or (lots for the (ur(ose of overturning and su$verting a government" $ased u(on the masonic (rinci(les of li$erty and eFual rights#. -/>8. #=ut# declares 7i0e" #with tongue and (en" with all our o(en and secret influences" with the (urse" and if need $e" with the sword" we will advance the cause of human (rogress and la$our to enfranchise human thought" to give freedom to the human conscience a$ove all from (a(al @usur(ations@! and eFual rights to the (eo(le everywhere. <herever a nation struggles to gain or regain its freedom" wherever the human mind asserts its inde(endence and the (eo(le demand their inaliena$le rights" there shall go our warmest sym(athies#. -/>9. IIII. ADTION OF 5TATE AND D4ABD4 AAT4OBITIE5 Duriously enough" the first sovereign to 1oin and (rotect Freemasonry was the Datholic &erman Em(eror Francis I" the founder of the actually reigning line of Austria" while the first measures against Freemasonry were ta0en $y 7rotestant &overnments? 4olland" )+*,' 5weden and &eneva" )+*8' Gurich" )+2>' =erne" )+2,. In 5(ain" 7ortugal and Italy" measures against Masonry were ta0en after )+*8. In =avaria Freemasonry was (rohi$ited )+82 and )+8,' in Austria" )+9,' in =aden )8)*' in Bussia" )8//. 5ince )82+ it has $een tolerated in =aden" since )8,> in =avaria" since )8:8 in 4ungary and 5(ain. In Austria Freemasonry is still (rohi$ited

$ecause as the 5u(erior Dourt of Administration" /* Eanuary" )9>," rightly declared" a Masonic association" even though esta$lished in accordance with law" #would $e a mem$er of a large international! organi3ation in reality ruled $y the @Old Dharges@" etc. according to general Masonic (rinci(les and aims!" the true regulations of which would $e 0e(t secret from the civil authorities" so that the activity of the mem$ers could not $e controlled#. -/)>. It is indeed to $e (resumed that Austro%4ungarian Masons" whatever statutes they might (resent to the Austrian &overnment in order to secure their authori3ation would in fact continue to regard the French &rand Orient as their true (attern" and the =rothers Lossuth" &ari$aldi" and Ma33ini as the heroes" whom they would strive to imitate. The 7russian edict of )+98 interdicted Freemasonry in general" e6ce(ting the three old 7russian &rand Lodges which the (rotectorate su$1ected to severe control $y the &overnment. This edict" though 1uridically a$rogated $y the edict of : A(ril" )828" (ractically" according to a decision of the 5u(reme Dourt of // A(ril" )89*" $y an erroneous inter(retation of the organs of administration" remained in force till )89*. 5imilarly" in England an Act of 7arliament was (assed on )/ Euly" )+98 for the #more effectual su((ression of societies esta$lished for seditions and treasona$le (ur(oses and for (reventing treasona$le and seditious (ractices#. =y this Act Masonic associations and meetings in general were interdicted" and only the lodges e6isting on )/ Euly" )+98" and ruled according to the old regulations of the Masonry of the 0ingdom were tolerated" on condition that two re(resentatives of the lodge should ma0e oath $efore the magistrates" that the lodge e6isted and was ruled as the Act en1oined. -/)). During the (eriod )8/+%*2" measures were ta0en against Freemasonry in

some of the Anited 5tates of America. As to Euro(ean countries it may $e stated" that all those &overnments" which had not originated in the revolutionary movement" strove to (rotect themselves against Masonic secret societies. The action of the Dhurch is summed u( in the (a(al (ronouncements against Freemasonry since )+*8" the most im(ortant of which are?

&lement ? $ &onst. " n /minenti"$ +, '.ril$ 123,; )enedict ? V$ "@rovidas"$ 1, May$ 1261; @ius V $ "/cclesiam"$ 13 Se.tember$ 1,+1; Leo ? $ "Auo graviora"$ 13 March$ 1,+6; @ius V $ /ncycl. "5raditi"$ +1 May$ 1,+>; Gregory ?V $ "Mirari"$ 16 'ugust$ 1,3+; @ius ?$ /ncycl. "Aui .luribus"$ > Bovember$ 1,:7; @ius ?$ 'lloc. "Auibus quantisque malis"$ +; '.ril$ 1,:>; @ius ?$ /ncycl. "Auanta cura"$ , Cecember$ 1,7:; @ius ?$ 'lloc. "Multi.lices inter"$ +6 Se.tember$ 1,76; @ius ?$ &onst. "'.ostolicD Sedis"$ 1+ %ctober$ 1,7>; @ius ?$ /ncycl. "/tsi multa"$ +1 Bovember$ 1,23; Leo ? $ /ncycl. "Eumanum genus"$ +; '.ril$ 1,,:; Leo ? $ "@rDclara"$ +; Fune$ 1,>:; Leo ? $ "'nnum ingressi"$ 1, March$ 1>;+ 0against talian !reemasonry4; Leo ? $ /ncycl. "/tsG nos"$ 16 !ebruary$ 1,,+; Leo ? $ "'b '.ostolici"$ 16 %ctober$ 1,>;.

5hese .ontifical utterances from first to last are in com.lete accord$ the latter reiterating the earlier with such develo.ments as were called for by the growth of !reemasonry and other secret societies. Dlement RII accurately indicates the (rinci(al reasons why Masonic associations from the Datholic" Dhristian"

moral" (olitical" and social (oints of view" should $e condemned. These reasons are?

The (eculiar" #unsectarian# in truth" anti%Datholic and anti%Dhristian! naturalistic character of !reemasonry$ by which theoretically and .ractically it undermines the &atholic and &hristian faith$ first in its members and through them in the rest of society$ creating religious indifferentism and contem.t for orthodoxy and ecclesiastical authority. 5he inscrutable secrecy and fallacious ever8changing disguise of the Masonic association and of its "work"$ by which "men of this sort break as thieves into the house and like foxes endeavour to root u. the vineyard"$ ".erverting the hearts of the sim.le"$ ruining their s.iritual and tem.oral welfare. 5he oaths of secrecy and of fidelity to Masonry and Masonic work$ which cannot be #ustified in their sco.e$ their ob#ect$ or their form$ and cannot$ therefore$ induce any obligation. 5he oaths are condemnable$ because the sco.e and ob#ect of Masonry are "wicked" and condemnable$ and the candidate in most cases is ignorant of the im.ort or extent of the obligation which he takes u.on himself. Moreover the ritualistic and doctrinal "secrets" which are the .rinci.al ob#ect of the obligation$ according to the highest Masonic authorities$ are either trifles or no longer exist. *+1+- n either case the oath is a condemnable abuse. /ven the Masonic modes of recognition$ which are re.resented as the .rinci.al and only essential "secret" of Masonry$ are .ublished in many .rinted books. Eence the real "secrets" of Masonry$ if such there be$ could only be .olitical or anti8religious cons.iracies like the .lots of the Grand Lodges in Latin countries. )ut such secrets$ condemned$ at least theoretically$ by 'nglo8'merican Masons themselves$ would render the oath or obligation only the more immoral and therefore null and void. 5hus in every res.ect the Masonic oaths are not

only sacrilegious but also an abuse contrary to .ublic order which requires that solemn oaths and obligations as the .rinci.al means to maintain veracity and faithfulness in the State and in human society$ should not be vilified or caricatured. n Masonry the oath is further degraded by its form which includes the most atrocious .enalties$ for the "violation of obligations" which do not even exist; a "violation" which$ in truth may be and in many cases is an im.erative duty. 5he danger which such societies involve for the security and "tranquility of the State" and for "the s.iritual health of souls"$ and consequently their incom.atibility with civil and canonical law. !or even admitting that some Masonic associations .ursued for themselves no .ur.oses contrary to religion and to .ublic order$ they would be nevertheless contrary to .ublic order$ because by their very existence as secret societies based on the Masonic .rinci.les$ they encourage and .romote the foundation of other really dangerous secret societies and render difficult$ if not im.ossible$ efficacious action of the civil and ecclesiastical authorities against them.

%f the other .a.al edicts only some characteristic utterances need be mentioned. =enedict RII a((eals more urgently to Datholic (rinces and civil (owers to o$tain their assistance in the struggle against Freemasonry. 7ius III condemns the secret society of the Dar$onari which" if not an offshoot" is #certainly an imitation of the Masonic society# and" as such" already com(rised in the condemnation issued against it. Leo RII de(lores the fact" that the civil (owers had not heeded the earlier (a(al decrees" and in conseFuence out of the old Masonic societies even more dangerous sects had s(rung. Among them the #Aniversitarian# is mentioned as most (ernicious. #It is to $e deemed certain#" says

the (o(e" #that these secret societies are lin0ed together $y the $ond of the same criminal (ur(oses.# &regory RII similarly declares that the calamities of the age were due (rinci(ally to the cons(iracy of secret societies" and li0e Leo RII" de(lores the religious indifferentism and the false ideas of tolerance (ro(agated $y secret societies. 7ius IR -/)*. characteri3es Freemasonry as an insidious" fraudulent and (erverse organi3ation in1urious $oth to religion and to society' and condemns anew #this Masonic and other similar societies" which differing only in a((earance coalesce constantly and o(enly or secretly (lot against the Dhurch or lawful authority#. Leo RIII )882! says? #There are various sects" which although differing in name" rite" form" and origin" are nevertheless so united $y community of (ur(oses and $y similarity of their main (rinci(les as to $e really one with the Masonic sect" which is a 0ind of centre" whence they all (roceed and whither they all return.# The ultimate (ur(ose of Freemasonry is #the overthrow of the whole religious" (olitical" and social order $ased on Dhristian institutions and the esta$lishment of a new state of things according to their own ideas and $ased in its (rinci(les and laws on (ure Naturalism.# In view of these several reasons Datholics since )+*8 are" under (enalty of e6communication" incurred ipso facto" and reserved to the (o(e" strictly for$idden to enter or (romote in any way Masonic societies. The law now in force -/)2. (ronounces e6communication u(on #those who enter Masonic or Dar$onarian or other sects of the same 0ind" which" o(enly or secretly" (lot against the Dhurch or lawful authority and those who in any way favour these sects or do not denounce their leaders and (rinci(al mem$ers.# Ander this head mention must also $e made of the #7ractical Instruction of the

Dongregation of the InFuisition" + May" )882 -/),. and of the decrees of the 7rovincial Douncils of =altimore" )82>' New Orleans" )8,:' ;ue$ec" )8,)" )8:8' of the first Douncil of the English Dolonies" )8,2' and (articularly of the 7lenary Douncils of =altimore" )8:: and )882. -/):. These documents refer mainly to the a((lication of the (a(al decrees according to the (eculiar condition of the res(ective ecclesiastical (rovinces. The Third Douncil of =altimore" n. /,2 sF." states the method of ascertaining whether or not a society is to $e regarded as com(rised in the (a(al condemnation of Freemasonry. It reserves the final decision thereon to a commission consisting of all the arch$isho(s of the ecclesiastical (rovinces re(resented in the council" and" if they cannot reach a unanimous conclusion" refers to the 4oly 5ee. These (a(al edicts and censures against Freemasonry have often $een the occasion of erroneous and un1ust charges. The e6communication was inter(reted as an #im(recation# that cursed all Freemasons and doomed them to (erdition. In truth an e6communication is sim(ly an ecclesiastical (enalty" $y which mem$ers of the Dhurch should $e deterred from acts that are criminal according to ecclesiastical law. The (o(e and the $isho(s" therefore" as faithful (astors of Dhrist@s floc0" cannot $ut condemn Freemasonry. They would $etray" as Dlement RII stated" their most sacred duties" if they did not o((ose with all their (ower the insidious (ro(agation and activity of such societies in Datholic countries or with res(ect to Datholics in mi6ed and 7rotestant countries. Freemasonry systematically (romotes religious indifferentism and undermines true" i.e." orthodo6 Dhristian and Datholic Faith and life. Freemasonry is essentially Naturalism

and hence o((osed to all su(ernaturalism. As to some (articular charges of Leo RIII )882! challenged $y Freemasons" e.g." the atheistical character of Freemasonry" it must $e remar0ed" that the (o(e considers the activity of Masonic and similar societies as a whole" a((lying to it the term which designates the most of these societies and among the Masonic grou(s those" which (ush the so%called #anti%clerical#" in reality irreligious and revolutionary" (rinci(les of Freemasonry logically to their ultimate conseFuences and thus" in truth" are" as it were" the advanced out(osts and standard%$earers of the whole immense anti%Datholic and anti%(a(al army in the world%wide s(iritual warfare of our age. In this sense also the (o(e" in accordance with a fundamental $i$lical and evangelical view develo(ed $y 5t. Augustine in his #De civitate Dei#" li0e the Masonic (oet Darducci in his #4ymn to 5atan#" considers 5atan as the su(reme s(iritual chief of this hostile army. Thus Leo RIII )882! e6(ressly states? =hat we say, must be understood of the (asonic sect in the universal acceptation of the term, as it comprises all kindred and associated societies, but not of their single members. "here may be persons amongst these, and not a few, who, although not free from the guilt of having entangled themselves in such associations, yet are neither themselves partners in their criminal acts nor aware of the ultimate ob2ect which these associations are endeavouring to attain. Similarly some of the several bodies of the association may perhaps by no means approve of certain e treme conclusions, which they would consistently accept as necessarily following from the general principles common to all, were they not deterred by the vicious character of the conclusions.

#The Masonic federation is to $e 1udged not so much $y the acts and things it has accom(lished" as $y the whole of its (rinci(les and (ur(oses.# FOOTNOTE5. -). The Freemason@s Dhronicle" )9>8" I" /8*" freFuently referred to in this article as Dhr. -/. Doncise 4ist." )>9" )//. -*. &ould" #4ist.#" I" *+8" *+9" 2)>' II" ),* sFF. -2. A. ;. D." IIII" *," ),, sF.' =oos" )>2 sFF. -,. A. ;. D." R" )>%*>' IR" ):+. -:. A. ;. D." RI" )::%):8. -+. Iorgeschichte" I" )9>9" 2/%,8. -8. A. ;. D." R" />%//. -9. &ould" #Doncise 4istory#" ):: sF. -)>. 5ym$olism of Freemasonry" )8:9" *>*. -)). )9>>" I" */> sF. -)/. #Transactions of the Lodge Ars ;uatuor Doronatorum#" RI London" )898!" :2. -)*. Encyclo(edia" /9:. -)2. Dhr." )89>" II" )2,. -),. Donnelly" #Atlantis the Antediluvian <orld#. -):. Oliver" I" />" sF. -)+. Dhr." )88>" I" )28' II" )*9' )882" II" )*>' &ru$er" ," )//%)/8. -)8. 5ee" for instance" #The Ioice# of Dhicago" Dhr." )88," I" //:. -)9. English ritual" )9>8" almost identical with other English" Irish" 5cottish" and American rituals. -/>. 5ee &ould" #4ist.#" I" 2>8" 2+*" etc. -/). #4and$uch#" *rd ed." I" */)' =egemann" #Iorgeschichte" etc.#" )9>9" I" ) sFF. -//. 4istory" II" /" )/). -/*. A. ;. D." R" )/8.

-/2. Encyclo(edia" /9: sF. -/,. *" )+%*9. -/:. Dhr." )8+8" I" )8+" )92 sFF. -/+. Mac0ey" #Euris(rudence#" )+%*9' Dhr." )8+8" I" )92 sFF.' )888" I" ))!. -/8. Fischer" I" )2 sF.' &roddec0" ) sFF." 9) sFF.' #4and$uch#" *rd ed." II" ),2. -/9. &rand Lodge Ms. No. )" &ould" #Doncise 4istory#" /*:' Thor(" Ms. ):/9" A. ;. D." RI" /)>' Bawlinson Ms. )+/9%*9 A. ;. D." RI" //' 4ughan" #Old Dharges#. -*>. &roddec0' #4and$uch#" *rd ed." I" 2:: sFF. -*). Oliver" #Bemains#" I" 9:' **/. -*/. Dhr." )8+:" I" ))*. -**. see also Dhr." )8+8" I" )8>' )882" II" *8' etc." &ould" #Donc. 4ist.#" /89 sF. -*2. Le6icon" 2/. -*,. Lunstur0unden" )8)>" I" ,/,. -*:. =egemann" #Iorgeschichte"# II" )9)>" )/+ sF." )*+ sF. -*+. Dalcott" #A Dandid DisFuisition" etc.#" )+:9' Oliver" #Bemains#" II" *>). -*8. &ould" #4istory#" II" 2>>. -*9. Dalcott' Oliver" i$id." II" *>)%*>*. -2>. #5ign.#" )9>2" 2, sF." ,2' &ru$er ,!" 29 sFF.' Idem 2!" /* sF. -2). Findel" #Die 5chule der 4ierarchie" etc.#" )8+>" ), sFF.' 5chiffmann" #Die Entstehung der Bittergrade#" )88/" 8," 9/" 9, sF. -2/. =ulletin du &rand Orient de France" )8++" /*:%,>. -2*. #Intern. =ull.#" =erne" )9>8" No. /. -22. Dhr." )8+8" I" ):). -2,. *rd ed." II" /*). -2:. Dhr." )89>" I" /2*. -2+. Acacia" )9>+" I" 28. -28. 5ign." )9>+" )** sF.

-29. 5ign." )9>," ,2. -,>. Dhr." )8+8" I" )*2. -,). Morals and Dogma" :2* sFF. -,/. *rd ed." II" />>. -,*. 5ign." )9>," /+. -,2. Bivista" )9>9" 22. -,,. &ould" #4istory#" II" /82 sF. -,:. Doncise 4istory" *>9. -,+. A. ;. D." R" )/+ sFF.' RI" 2+ sFF.' RII" /+ sFF. -,8. &ould" #Donc. 4ist." /+/' *)>% )+. -,9. I$id." /8>. -:>. I$id." *)8. -:). 4and$uch" *rd ed." I" /2 sFF.' II" ,,9 sFF. -:/. Dhr." )9>:" II" )9 sF.' )882" II" *>:. -:*. A. ;. D." RI" 2*. -:2. 7reston" #Illustrations#" /9: seF. -:,. Dhr." )88+" II" *)*. -::. Drummond." #Dhr.#" )882" II" //+' )88+" I" ):*' II" )+8' &ould" #Doncise 4istory#" 2)*. -:+. 7richard" #Masonry Dissected#" )+*>. -:8. &ould" #Doncise 4istory#" /+2 sF." *,+ sF.' =oos" )+2 sF. -:9. 4and$uch" /nd ed." II" )>>. -+>. A$afi" I" )*/. -+). =oos" )+>" )8* sFF." )9). -+/. 5ee ILLAMINATI" and =oos" *>*. -+*. Bo$ertson" #Dhr.#" )9>+" II" 9,' see also Engel" #&esch. des Illuminatenordens#" )9>:. -+2. =auhUtte" )9>8" **+ sFF. -+,. 5ign." )898" )>>' )9>)" :* sFF.' )9>/" *9' )9>," :. -+:. " /9/ sF. -++. French )*n*rable' &erman Meister von Stuhl. -+8. Dhr." )88," I" /,9. -+9. Dhr." )88)" I" ::. -8>. Dhr." )882" II" )9:.

-8). Dhr." )88," I" /,9!" etc." etc. -8/. &edan0en und Erinnerungen" )898" I" *>/ sF. -8*. 5olstice" /2 Eune" )82)" 7rocOs%ver$." :/. -82. *rd ed." II" )>9. -8,. 5ee also Freemason" Lond." )9>)" )8)' Dlavel" /88 sFF.' Bagon" #Dours#" ):2' 4erold" )9)" no. )>' #4and$uch#" /nd ed." II" 2,) sFF. -8:. E.g." Lrause" i$id." /nd ed." I" /" 2/9' Mar$ach" #Freimaurer%&elU$de#" //%*,. -8+. Mac0ey" #Euris(rudence#" ,>9. -88. Thor(" Ms." ):/9" A. ;. D." RI" /)>' Bawlinson" Ms. )9>>" A. ;. D." RI" //' 4ughan" #Old Dharges#. -89. Dhr." )8+," I" 8). -9>. Euris(rudence" ,)>" note ). -9). Dhr." )88," I" ):). -9/. Dhr." )889" II" ,8. -9*. Dhr." )88*" II" **). -92. Mac0ey" #Euris(rudence#" /*/ sF. -9,. Mac0ey" o(. cit." ,)2 sFF. -9:. 7aris" )889' Antwer(" )892' 4ague" )89:' 7aris" )9>>' &eneva" )9>/' =russells" )9>2' Bome" intended for Oct." )9)). -9+. Dhr." )9>+" II" ))9. -98. Off. =ull." )88," III" /9. -99. Mac0ey" #Encyclo(edia#" )9>8" )>>+ sF.? #Annual of Aniversal Masonry#" =erne" )9>9' #Mas. Cear%=oo0 )9>9#" London' #Lalendar fUr Freimaurer#" Lei(3ig" )9>9. -)>>. I" *2>. -)>). Dhr." )89>" I" 99. -)>/. Dhr." )9>>" II" *. -)>*. A. ;. D." RII" /8. -)>2. Dhr." )9>/" I" ):+. -)>,. )!" )>,. -)>:. )!" 8)9.

-)>+. )!" *,,. -)>8. *!" )/8. -)>9. )!" /)8. -))>. Inner 5anctuary I" *)). -))). Oliver" 4ist. Landmar0s" I" )/8. -))/. Oliver" i$id." I" )2:" :,' II" + sF. -))*. Dlavel" Bagnon" etc. -))2. 7i0e" Mac0ey" etc. -)),. 7i0e )!" ++) sF. -)):. 2!" *9+. -))+. 7i0e )!" :98 sF." +,)" 829' 2!" II" *2/ sF.' Mac0ey" #5ym$olism#" ))/ sFF." )8: sFF.' see also 7reuss" #American Freemasonry#" )+, sFF. -))8. Mac0ey" #Dictionary#" s. v. +hallus' Oliver" #5igns#" />:%)+' I. Longo" La Mass. 5(ecul. -))9. Bitual" I first! degree. -)/>. 7i0e *!" )/8. -)/). 7i0e 2!" )2). -)//. 7i0e" i$id." )>> sF. -)/*. )!" /9) sF. -)/2. 7i0e 2!" III" 8)' )!" /9)' Bagon" l. c." +:%8:. -)/,. 2!" I" /88 sF. -)/:. I$id." III" )2/ sF. -)/+. I$id." III" )2:. -)/8. I$id." II" 2+2 sF. -)/9. I$id." II" 2+8. -)*>. I$id." II" 2+:. -)*). I$id." II" ,2+. -)*/. #Masonic Advocate# of Indiana(olis" Dhr." )9>>" I" /9:. -)**. Dhr." )89+" II" 8*. -)*2. 2!" I" /+). -)*,. I$id." I" /8>' )!" ,): sF. -)*:. Dhr." )8+8" II" /8. -)*+. 2!" I" *)).

-)*8. I$id." II" *88 sF. -)*9. I$id" II" *89 sF. -)2>. )!" 829. -)2). Oliver" #Theocratic 7hiloso(hy#" *,,. -)2/. Oliver" 4ist. Landmar0s" I" ))" /)' #Freemasons@ ;uarterly Bev.#" I" *)' Dasanova in Bagon" #Bit. *rd Degree#" *,. -)2*. 7i0e 2!" III" :8. -)22. I$id." II" 2+>" 2+9" 288" ,/>. -)2,. Dhr." )88>" II" )+9. -)2:. I$id." )89/" I" /2:. For similar criticism see Dhr." )88>" II" )9,' )8+," I" *92. -)2+. &ould" #Doncise 4istory# 2)9. -)28. Dhr." )89*" I" )2+. -)29. Dhr." )9>:" I" />/. -),>. #New Age#" May" )9)>" 2:2. -),). #Acacia#" II" 2>9. -),/. 5ee DongrJs Intern. of 7aris" )889" in #Dom(te rendu du &rand Orient de France#" )889' =rowers" #L@action" etc.#' =rUc0" #&eh. &esellsch. in 5(anien#' #4and$uch#' articles on the different countries" etc. -),*. 5ee #Bivista#" )9>9" +: sFF.' )9>8" *92' #Acacia"# )9>8" II" *:' #=auhUtte#" )9>9" )2*' #La Franc% MaNonnerie dJmasFuJe " )9>9" 9*%9:' #Dom(te rendu du Donvent. Du &r. Or. de France#" /)%/: 5e(t." )9>8" *2%*8. -),2. 4and$uch" *rd ed." II" ,)+. -),,. &ru$er ,!" :' Ewald" #Loge und Lultur0am(f#. -),:. 5ee 4erold" No. *+ and ** sFF. -),+. 5ee also Dhr." )889" I" 8) sF. -),8. #;ue (ersonne ne $ougera (lus en France en dehors de nous#" #=ull. &r. Or.#" )89>" ,>> sF. -),9. Dom(terendu &r. Or." )9>*" Nourrisson" #Les Eaco$ins#" /::%/+). -):>. Dom(te%rendu" )9>/" ),*.

-):). Dom(te%rendu &r. Or. de France" )9>/" *8). -):/. #Biv.#" )89/" /)9' &ru$er" #Ma33ini#" /), sFF. and passim. -):*. Dircular of the &rand Orient of France" / A(ril" )889. -):2. 5ee #DhaVne d@Anion"# )889" )*2" /)/ sFF." /28 sFF." /9) sFF.' the official com(tes rendus of the International Masonic Dongress of 7aris" ):%)+ Euly" )889" and *) August" ) and / 5e(tem$er" )9>>" (u$lished $y the &rand Orient of France" and the regular official #Dom(tes rendus des travau6# of this &rand Orient" )89:%)9)>" and the #Bivista massonica#" )88>%)9)>. -):,. 5ee Internat. =ulletin" )9>8" ))9" )/+" )**" )29" ),:' )9>9" )8:. -)::. Dhr. )9>," II" ,8" )>8" /*,. -):+. From a letter of the Begistrator E. 5trahan" in London" to the &rand Lodge of Massachusetts' see #The New Age#" New Cor0" )9>9" I" )++. -):8. =erlin" )> May" )9>8' 9 Eune" )/ Novem$er" )9>9' ," )9 Fe$ruary" )9)>. -):9. =arcelona" )* Octo$er" )9>9. -)+>. Dircular of )2 Octo$er" )9>9' #Franc%MaN. dJm.#" )9>:" /*> sFF.' )9>+" 2/" )+:' )9>9" *)>" **+ sFF.' )9)>" an #International Masonic =ulletin#" =erne" )9>9" />2 sF. -)+). Bivista massonica" )9>9" **+ sFF." 2/*. -)+/. Official =ulletin" 5e(tem$er" )88+" )+* sFF. -)+*. Dhr." )9>:" II" )*/. -)+2. Dhr." )89+" II" )28. -)+,. Dhr." )888" II" 99. -)+:. Dhr." )889" II" )2:. -)++. #Leystone#" Fuoted in Dhr." )88+" II" *,,. -)+8. 5ee =oos" *>2%:*. -)+9. &ru$er :!" )2)%/*:.

-)8>. =oos" */:. -)8). Dhr." )88," I" 8," )9>>" II" +). -)8/. Dhr." )889" I" *>8. -)8*. Dhr." )89+" II" *>*. -)82. Dhr. )889" II" /,+ sF. -)8,. Doncise 4istory" /. -)8:. I$id." (. 6v. -)8+. Dhr." )88+" II" *2>. -)88. Dhr." )88+" I" ))9. -)89. Dhr." )88," II" *,,. -)9>. Dhr." )88+" II" 29. -)9). Dhr." )8+," I " ))*. -)9/. Dhr." )89>" II" )>). -)9*. Dhr." )8+," I" ))*. -)92. Dhr." )88+" I" *,. -)9,. Dhr. )882" II" )+. -)9:. Dhr." )89>" II" *2+? see also )898" I" 8*. -)9+. #Ioice# Fuoted in Dhr." )89>" I" 98. -)98. #Ioice# in Dhr." )89*" I" )*>. -)99. #Ioice# in Dhr." )89>" I" 98. -/>>. Dhr." )899" I" *>). -/>). Dhr." )8+," I" 8). -/>/. Dhr." )8+," I" 8/. -/>*. Dhr." )889" I" )+8. -/>2. Dhr." )889" II" 92. -/>,. #Leystone# of 7hiladel(hia Fuoted $y Dhr." )88)" I" 2)2' the #Ioice# of Dhicago" i$id." /++. -/>:. #Intern. =ull.#" =erne" )9>+" 98. -/>+. Dhr." )88/" I" 2)>' )89*" I" )8,' )899" II" *2. -/>8. Dhr." )89/" I" /,9. -/>9. 7i0e 2!" II" ,2+. -/)>. =auhUtte" )9>," :>. -/)). 7reston" #Illustrations of Masonry#" /,) sFF. -/)/. 4and$uch" *rd ed." I" /)9. -/)*. Allocution" )8:,.

-/)2. Donst. #A(ostolicM 5edis#" )8:9" Da(. ii" n. /2. -/),. #De 5ecta Massonum# Acta 5anctM 5edis" RIIII" 2*%2+. -/):. 5ee #Dollect. Lacensis#" III" )8+, and #Acta et decr. Doncil. (len. =alt. III#" )882. OT4EB NOTE5. The following are the a$$reviations of masonic terms used in this article? L." Ls." &L" &Ls" &O" &Os" 5u(r. Dounc." &=s W Lodge" Lodges" &rand Lodge" &r. Orient" 5u(reme Douncil" &r. =odies" etc. A$$reviations of more freFuently Fuoted $oo0s and maga3ines? L.WLeystone 7hiladel(hia!. IW#Ioice of Masonry#" later on? #Masonic Ioice and Beview# Dhicago!. Dhr.W#Freemason@s Dhronicle# London!' A. ;. D.W#Ars ;uatuor Doronatorum#. Transactions London!" the $est scientific masonic maga3ine' =auh.W=auhUtte' 5ign.W#5ignale fUr die deutsche Maurerwelt# Lei(3ig!' Enc." Dycl." 4and$.WEncyclo(edia" #Allgemeines 4and$uch der Freimaurerei# Aniversal Manual of Freemasonry! Lei(3ig. This latter &erman encyclo(edia" in its three editions" Fuite different from each other" $ut all of them containing valua$le and accurate information" is considered even $y English and American masonic criticism A. ;. D." RI" )898" :2! as far and away the $est masonic encyclo(edia ever (u$lished. Ley to num$ers? In the article a$ove" an Ara$ic num$er after the name of an author of several wor0s indicates the wor0 mar0ed with the same num$er in the following $i$liogra(hy. Other num$ers are to $e 1udged according to the general rules maintained throughout the ENDCDLO7EDIA.

=I=LIO&BA74C. ,he Freemason-s &hronicle Dhr.!" of which two volumes have $een (u$lished every year in London since )8+," re(roducing on a large scale also the (rinci(le articles (u$lished $y the $est American Masonic 1ournals" offers the $est and most authori3ed general survey of Anglo%American Freemasonry. B. FB. &OALD styles it? #A first class Masonic news(a(er# &hr." )89*" I" **9!. The (rinci(le Masonic author Fuoted $y us is the late AL=EBT 7ILE" &rand Dommander of the Mother% 5u(reme Douncil Dharleston" 5outh Darolina %% <ashington!" ac0nowledged as the greatest authority in all Masonic matters. According to NOBTON #the world%renowned =BO. 7ILE &hr." )888" II" )+9! is generally admitted as the $est authority on Masonic 1uris(rudence in America# &hr." )8+:" II" /2*!. According to the &rand Orator BO=EBT Indian Territory! he #was the greatest Masonic scholar and writer of this )9th! century" whose name has $een a household word wherever Masonry is 0nown# &hr." )89*" I" /,!. According to the .ew Age" New Cor0" he was #regarded as the foremost figure in the Freemasonry of the world# )9>9" II" 2,:!" #the greatest Freemason of the Nineteenth Dentury#" #the 7ro(het of Freemasonry# )9)>" I" ,/!. #4is great wor0 %% his Magnum O(us %% as he called it#" says the .ew Age )9)>" I" ,2!" #was ,he Scottish %ite %ituals" as they were revised and s(irituali3ed $y him.# And his $oo0 Morals and /ogma" currently Fuoted $y us" is highly recommended to all Masons searching for serious and sure information" $y the cele$rated Masonic scholars TEM7LE =russels! and 57ET4" the late secretary of the learned ;uatuor%Doronati Lodge at London &hr." )888" I" *89!. The circulars letters! of 7ILE" according to the 'ulletin of the Supreme &ouncil of 'elgium )888" /))! were #true codes of Masonic <idsom#. The well%0nown

English =BO. CABLEB" **" says? #The late A. 7i0e . . . was undou$tedly a masonic 7o(e" who 0e(t in leading strings all the 5u(reme Douncils of the world" including the 5u(reme Douncils of England" Ireland" and 5cotland" the first of which includes the 7rince of <ales now Ling Edward III! Lord Lathom and other 7eers" who were in alliance with him and in actual su$mission# A. E. <AITE" /evil-0orship in France" )89:" /),!. #The &erman 1andbuch /nd ed." )8+9" II" )*8! calls 7i0e? #The su(reme &eneral of the Order#" and T.&. Findel" the &erman historian of Masonry? #the uncrowned 0ing of the 4igh Degrees# 'auh2tte" )89)" )/:!. Masonic 7u$lications. Encyclo(edias? MADLEC" )! 3nc!clopedia of Freemasonr! London" )9>8!" even this recent edition" according to American authorities" is thoroughly antiFuated and scarcely an im(rovement on that of )8:>' IDEM" /! exicon of Freemasonr! London" )882!' OLIIEB" /ict4 of S!mbolic Freemasonr! London" )8,*!' MADLENGIE" ,he %o!al Masonic &!cl4 )8+,%+!' <OODFOBD" (enning-s &!cl4 )8+8!' LENNIN&" 3nc!cl4 der Freimaurerei )8//% )8/8!' IDEM AND 4ENNE AM B4CN" Allgemeines 1andbuch der Fr4" /nd ed. )8:*%+9!' FI5D4EB" Allg4 1andb4 d4 Fr4" *rd ed. )9>>!' these editions contain valua$le information and answer scientific reFuirements far more than all the other Masonic cyclo(edias A. ;. D." RI" :2!' 5TEIEN5" &!clopedia of Fraternities New Cor0" )9>+!. Masonic Law and Euris(rudence? ,he &onstitutions of the Freemasons" )+/*" )+*8' .eues &onstitutionen 'uch" etc. )+2)!' DE LA TIEBDE" 1istoire5 6bligations5 et4 Statuts" etc. Fran0fort" )+2/!' OLIIEB" Masonic 7urisprudence )8,9" )8+2!' D4A5E" /igest of Masonic aw )8::!' MADLEC" ,ext 'ook of Mason4

7urisprudence )889!' IAN &BODDEDL" etc." )ersuch einer /arstellung des positiven innern Freimaurer4 %echts )8++!" the $est general survey of Masonic laws of all countries. 4istorical? ANDEB5ON" 1ist4 of Freemasonr! in the first edition and translations of the 'ook of &onstitutions most unrelia$le" even after )+)+!' 7BE5TON" "llustrations of Masonr! )++/!" ed. OLIIEB )8,:!" though not relia$le in some historical (articulars" contains much valua$le information of historical and ritualistic character' FOBT" 3arl! 1ist4 and Anti8uities of Freemasonr! 7hiladel(hia" )8+,!' BO<=OTTOM" 6rigin of Freemasonr! as manifested b! the #reat +!ramid )88>!' 4OLLAND" Freemasonr! from the #reat +!ramid historicall! illustrated )88,!' D4A7MAN" ,he #reat +!ramid5 etc4 )88:!' <EI55E" ,he 6belisk and Freemasonr!5 according to the discoveries of 'elzoni and #orringe New Cor0" )88>!' LAT5D4" /ie 3ntstehung und wahre 3ndzweck der Freimaurerei )89+!' FINDEL" 1istor! of Freemasonr! )8:)%/' )9>,!" translated and revised $y LCON" )8:9' influential in s(reading more accurate historical notions among Masons' &OALD" 1ist4 of Freemasonr! * vols." )88*%)88+!" now re(uted the $est historical wor0 on Freemasonry' D4ET<ODE DBA<LEC" &9mentaria 1ibernica )89,%)9>>!' 4A&4AN" 6rigin of the 3nglish %ite of Freemasonr! )882!' ,he 6ld &harges of 'ritish Freemasons London" )8+/' )89,!' LLO55" #esch4 der Fr4 in 3ngl45 "rland und Schottland :;<=-:><? )82+!' =OO5" #esch4 der Freimaurerei )89:!' 4A5DALL" 1ist4 of Freemasonr! )89)!' 3arl 1ist4 and ,ransactions of Masons of .ew $ork )8+:!' McDLENAD4AN" 1ist4 of the Frat4 in .ew $ork )888%92!' BO55 BO=EBT5ON" 1ist4 of Freemasonr! in &anada )899!' DBAMMOND"

1ist4 and 'ibliogr4 Memoranda and 1ist4 of S!mb4 and %o!al Arch Masonr! in the @4 S4A Supplement to &OALD" 1ist4 )889!' T4OBC" Annales5 etc45 du #rand 6rient de France )8)/!' LLO55" #esch4 der Freimaurerei in Frankr4 )8,/%*!' EOAA5T" 1ist4 du #rand 6rient Fr4 )8:,!' LE<I5" #esch4 d4 Freimaurerei i4 6esterreich )8:)!' A=AFI" #esch4 d4 Freimaurerei in 6esterreich@ngarn )89> sFF.!" +rinciples5 Spirit5 S!mbolism of Freemasonr!. Dhief 5ources?%% ,he &onstitutions of the Freemasons" )+/* and )+*8' 4ATD4IN5ON" Spirit of Freemasonr! )++,!' TO<N" S!stem of Spec4 Masonr! )8//" New Cor0!' OLIIEB" Anti8uities of Freemasonr! )8/*!' ,he Star in the 3ast )8/+!' Signs and S!mbols )8*>" )8,+!' 7ILE" )! Morals and /ogma of the A4 A4 Scot4 %ite of Freemasonr! =;BC )88/!' IDEM" /! ,he 'ook of the 0ords =;B< )8+8!' IDEM" *! ,he +orch and the Middle &hamber. 'ook of the odge =;BC )8+/!' IDEM" 2! ,he "nner Sanctuar! )8+>%+9!' LBAA5E" /ie drei Dltesten (unsturkunden der Frmrei )8)>!" still much esteemed" in s(ite of historical errors" as a critical a((reciation of Freemasonry' FINDEL $est &erman authority!" #eist und Form der Fr4 )8+2" )898!' IDEM" /ie #rundsEtze der Fr4 im )olkerleben )89/!' IDEM" /ie moderne 0eltanschauung und die Fr4 )88,!' IDEM" /er frmische #edanke )898!' 'auh2tte )8,8%)89)! and Signale )89,%)9>,!. Anti%masonic (u$lications? From )+/*%)+2*" English Freemasonry and ANDEB5ON" 1istor!" were derided in many (u$lications &OALD" /" /92" */+!' against French Freemasonry a((eared? -6rdre des Freemasons trahi :>B< A. ;. D." IR" 8,! and e Secret des Mopses r*v*l* )+2,!' Sceau romptu )+2,!' on the occasion of the French Bevolution? LEFBAND" e voile lev* )+9/!. In the Anited 5tates the anti%Masonic movement $egan

)+8*? DBEI&4" Masonr! and Antimasonr! )8,2!' 5TONE" etters on Masonr! and Antimasonr! )8*/!' 7ENLIN" /ownfall of Masonr! )8*8! &atalogue of antiMasonic books =oston" )8:/!' Sechs StFmmen 2ber geheime #esellschaften und Frmrei )8/2!' EDLEBT" /er Frmrorden in seiner wahren 'edeutung )8,/!' 4EN&5TEN=EB&" /ie Frmrei und das evang4 +farramt )8,2%,:!' &iviltG &attolica since )8::' NE&BONI" Storia passata e presente della setta anticristiana ed antisociale )8+:!' MENDADDI" Memorie documentate della rivoluzione italiana )88/!' BINIEBI" Do3etti Masonici )9>>%>)!' ENI&MA" a setta verde )9>:%+!' &BA=EB" MazziniA Massoneria e %ivoluzione )9>)!" traces the revolutionary wor0 of Italian Masonry from )8+> till )9>>' &AATBELET" a Franc-maonnerie et la %*volution )8+/!' EANET" es soci*t*s secrHtes et la soci*t* *rd ed." )88>%8*!" $est general survey of the revolutionary wor0 of secret societies in all countries' =BO<EB5" -Action de la Franc-m4 dans l-hist4 moderne )89/!' LEBOA5E" a Franc-m4 sous la Be %*publi8ue )88:!' DO7IN%AL=ANDELLI" a Franc-m4 )89/!' &OCAA" a Franc-m4 en France )899!' NOABBI55ON" e club des 7acobins )9>>!' IDEM" es 7acobins au pouvoir )9>2!' =IDE&AIN" e #rand 6rient de France )9>,!' NEAT" a F4-m4 soumise au grand jour de la publicit* )8::!" contains valua$le documents on French" =elgian" and &erman Masonry' MALLIE" a Maonnerie 'elge )9>:!" documents on the most recent (olitical activity of =elgian Masonry' DE LA FAEBTE" 1istoria de las Sociedades secretas anti8uas ! modernas en 3spaIa" etc. )8+>%+)!' =BXDL" /ie geheimen #esellschaften in Spanien )88)!' TIBADO C BOCA5" a MasonerJa en 3spaIa )89/% *!' DE BAFAEL" a MasonerJa pintada por si misma )88*!' 7AD4TLEB" /er stille (rieg gegen ,hron und Altar )8+:!' =EABEN

M. BAID4!" /ie innere @nwahrheit der Frmrei )882!' &BA=EB" 2! /ie Frmrei und die Effent4 6rdnung )89*!' IDEM" ,! 3inigungsbestrebungen" etc. )898!' IDEM" :! /er Kgiftige (ernK" etc. )899!' IDEM" +! Frmrei und @msturzbewegung )9>)!' Streifz2ge durch das %eich der Frmrei )89+!' E<ALD" oge und (ulturkampf )899!' O55E&" /er 1ammer d4 Frmrei" etc. )8+,!' <. =." 'eitrDge zur #eschichte der F4 "n 6esterreich )8:8!' /ie Frmrei in 6esterreich @ngarn )89+!. In 7oland? MID4ALO<" /ie geh4 0erkstDtte der +oln4 3rhebung )8*>' )8++!' GALE5LI" 6 Masonii w +olsce :>B<-:<CL Dracow" )9>8!' for Anglo%5a6on and French Masonry see 7BEA55" A Stud! in American Freemasonr! 5t. Louis" )9>8!" a careful discussion on the $asis of the standard wor0s of Mac0ey and 7i0e.