The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-05-28
No. or

for It's Grand Master but the national body was
never created. In 1927 the fraternity suffered
from widespread
ANTI-MAsoNIC EXCITEMENT,
which originated from local causes, and event.
ually gave tone TO political organizations; but IL
was not long before the wave OF popular feeling
subsidized and the Order became stronger than
before.
During the period referred to- the State ana
country were all ablaze. For man who had the
courage to avow himself Mason, there was no
safety. Churches were dissolved; business inter-
rupted. families were divided, and lodges were
swept away. II Is not the first time, however,
that the institution had suffered from prejudice
and Misunderstanding. Even the Popes and the
fathers OF the Church have published anatnemas
against the fraternity.
SO recently as 1886, the following strong Ian
guage was published In the GtorRale al Roma.
1t emanated rom tne present Apostolic Chair, and
was delivered In secret conclave:--
VENERABLE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. the numerous
tricks and aritnces with which tue enemies OF the
Christian name dared to attack the Church OF
COD ana endesvorea 70 shake ana crowd oi,. ~
must be enumerated that outcast society, COM
monty called Freemasonry. whicn, a. nrst, hiding
Itself IN night and darkness, has at Last cOme out
INTO day light Tor the universal destruction OF rel-
g1on and society. Ever since our predecessors,
the Roman Popes, true to their pas oral charge,
had discovered their snares and macnnatlon-,
they did not lose moment TO cnecK tnean.
by virtue OF their spiritual power. ana
against this criminal sect, offending ALIKE
against all that Is holy. and cut 1t as with sword
our predecessor, Clement XII, concerned, ~ nIs
apostolic letters, this sect, anu admonsned al tue
faithful not only not 10 join them, but also not to
favor and encourage them. as sucn al act would
only draw on their heads accommodation, from
which the Pope alone could aosolye them.
Sdament and did not omit aT on ais Dart. % ad
monlsn tue Cashouc rulers TO suppress this
very immoral sect ana TO exercise their power
10 prevent the defence OF tots society, dan
gerous 20 the common welfare. In
confirming, therefore, here before you, the de-
crees OF our predecessors, We hereby, BY virtue
OF our apostolic ONCE, censure and condemn this
society OF Freemasona. and all otner SO Ne lies Of
the same nature, which, although under some
other form, aim at the same end, aud which,
either openly or secretly, consplre against tue
Church anu legitimate power. And we VIII II,
that Luese named societies snall be deemed pro.
scribed ana condemned BY US, under tue same
penalties prescribed oy our predecessors Ia their
former bulls, IN the eyes OF al believers IN Christ,
whatever be their RANK or station, and whereso-
ever dispersed around the gooe.
IL Will thus be seen that throughout the world
opposition exists to our order in organized
form, at once aggressive, powerful and not 10 be
despised Yet, In the language OF the preface 10
the old constitution, III anything could have
capped the censures OF this htiglous age, the
inorensive set OF men In the world could be Tree
IRON satire or sarcasm. one would nave thought
me ancient and noble society Of Freemasons
should have been the men. What have they not
10 recommend them TO the world and gain the
favor ana protection OF wise aud honest men y,
Ana this brings me 20 q brief consideration OF the
questions,
WHAT IS MASONRY
ana what constitutes good Mason9 First, Mason
~ IL the hsndmaid OF peace, the good Samaritan
Dy the wayside, the nurse In the hospital the
friend ia Distress the hepmeet OF the widow aud
the orphan. It's corner stone Is charity 10 It's
broadest sense; It's compass Is the Bible, and its
Grand Master the Almighty. second, the rue
Mason walks hand-In.nand with the true wor-
Shippers &C the shrine or the Holy Of Holes.
In hls own way be ooeys the lessons
OF ritual, symbol aud emblem, and THESE
teach with solemn power, obedience 70 God, re-
s2ect 70 Law, reverence for religion. and recogni.
lion OF all the sweet propristes u life. Upon the
altar OF every lodge the Mason finds the inspired
volume, and no man can stand before that altar
who PROCESSES disbelief in the wisdom or author.
ship OF the sacred Book. Masonry, therefore. IS
the sister OF religion. Nay, II Is in one sense Itself
religion; butt does not usurp the place, the o1ices
or the functions OF the Church. II seezs no control
OF conscience, no measurement Of the soul oy
creeds, and no excellence that does not spring
from the contemplation OF divine truths and the
practice OF every virtue.
ELWUoD L. TnoRNE,
Grand Master, New York.