Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-01-15

OF consideration OF the question,
and in case the assembly negatived the ad-
journment, then it would im1nc diately demand
the discussion Of the resolution.
Bro. Desmons then, from the committee read
the following report:
This question has been discussed for the last
year in all the lodges and districts.
The committee have heard the delegates of
nine CD committees which by voice OF six to
three have pronounced in the affirmative. Each
member of the committee has collected the diff
ferent objections which has been presented in
his district, as follows
A. Beware. they tell us if you suppress
this article OF the constitution, you will sepa-
rate the grand orient of France from all the
Masonic powers of the world"
B. IF you suppress this article, they add,
you will produce grievous agitation in our
lodges and Hprovoke in the grand orient of
France q regretable schism.''
=. IF you suppress this article, do you not
fear that the declared enemies of our order
will profit by our decision to spread forth the
Islander on all Masons in denouncing him to
the profane world as materialists or atheists p
And in present circumstances will not that
decunciation be pernicious to Masonry itself,
and to all the noble and generous ideas which
it is its mission to defend and propagate?
Such are the principal objections which the
partisans of the adjournment of the discussion
have addressed to us. These objections hav-
ing been conscientiously considered by your
committee, they nevertheless make the follow
ing reply:
As regards to this article of the constitution
Is it not the same argument that was brought
up hardly seven years ago against the suppress
sion of the Grand (Matrise) Mastership? which
they but lately made against the admis.
sion into our lodge of men of color
and against the representation of the high de-
grees IN our annual convention? have shown
that this did not affect our cardial relations
with other Masonic powers.
1t states further, as known fact, that the
grand orient is not the first to adopt this limo
walton. 1t has been made in the grand lodge
of Buenos Ayres, and in Hungary. Which last
grand lodge is in process of formation, and the
grand orient OF Italy has taken similar resolu-
tlens. These having advanced before u.s. many
more will initiate us. Contrary to the belief
of many, the clause referred to, is of quite re
cent date.
Was introduced in 1S49 into our constitution
consequently it is no Innovation but only
return to the original situation.
In reference to this subject, this question
has been thoroughly discussed for the pas
twelve years, and during the past year eacl
one of our lodges has been invited specially tx
study this question, and of the 210 lodge
which have transmitted to the grand orient thu
result of their deliberations, more than two
thirds have been favorable to the adoption Of
this resolution. The fear seems to be not 81
much from seeing the old formula suppressed
as to see it replaced by one that seems mate
realistic or atheistic. No one intends to maxi
a profession of materialism or atheism.
The only intention is to declare absolute lib
erty of conscience. AS to the enemies of on
order, we can take care of that, calumny can
not be escaped by delay. The clericalsts viii
only accuse us of joining fear and hypocrisy t.
impiety. We have no fear Of conflicting will
civ fho rtrorx ob,n 70
and remain above all creeds and all religions.
Against the adjournment reference is mad
to the constitution, title 9Th, as follows
every demand for modification of the con
stitution taken into consideration by the gen
eral assembly of the grand orient Of France
shall be discussed in the assembly of the fol
lowing year, the lodges having been first con
suited"
For above reasons the committee by ma
jority of eight to one decide for immediat
discussion.
We demand the suppression of article frs
Of our constitution for the following reasons
First-Because it appears to us plain con
tradiction of the second paragraph of the sam
article. And because it appears, that oftel
creates trouble to some venerables and to som
lodges, who in certain circumstances are con
strained, either sometimes to elude the law, o
sometimes to violate it. Masonry should AWAY
observe the law.
Second-Because many who are not Masons
but who are animated by sincere desire t
become so, regarding it as an institution broa
and progressive. see themselves arrested by til
dogmatic barrier which their conscience vii
not permit them to overlook.
Third-Because useless and foreign to tn
aim of Masonry.
Fourth-As scientific society would not pu
for its foundation stone any theological fol
mula so should not Masonry, having field S
vast, put its foot on any ground which doe
not belong to it. Let Masonry eschew religion
dogmas which from their natures, because bt
ing dogmas, are essentially inquisatorial an
intolerant.
Masonry should be above all questions 9
churches or sects, and should tower in all ii
grandeur above all their discussions.
1t shoald remain great refuge always ope,
to all generous and valiant spirits, to all con
scientious and disinterested seekers of til
truth-and to all the victims of despotisr an
intolerance.
The committee in discussing the reasonable
! ness OF the resolution, stood eight to one, bu
are unanimous in adopting the following reso
luton which we propose:
First-The assembly considering that Free
| masonry is not religion. and that it is nc
consequently to affirm in it's constitution an
| doctrines or dogmas, adopts resolution No. 8.
Second-The assembly decide that secon
paragraph of article first of the constitution
shall have the following tenor:
Freemasonry has for it's principles the al
solute liberty of conscience and human solida,
ity" Responsibility.
Third-The assembly suppress, as being
repetition of the second article as modified, th
paragraph thus expressed:
"Freemasonry regards the liberty of con
science as right belonging to each man, an
excludes no man for his beliefs
Fourth. The assembly finally decides tia
article first of the constitution shall hencefort
have the following tenor:
'Freemasonry, an institution essential
philanthrop1c, philosphic and progressive, ha
for its object the search after truth, the stud
of universal morality, science and arts, and tn
exercise of benevolence.
1T has for its principles, the absolute Liz
erty of conscience and human solidarity.
1t has for its motto, Liberty, Equality an
Fraternity"
Should these resolutions pass, the committe
recommend the revision of the ritual now i
use.
The reading of the above report was receive
with applause. The president stated that h
thought it his duty to state to the assembly tn
opinion he had expressed in committee whic
was, that he feared that although the PROPOSE
ton did not contemplate any negation of tn
principles written in the constitution (the ex
istence of God and the immortality of the soul,
yet it would be source of danger to tn
order because outside he feared tina
this vote would be evilly interpreted, and tina
they would accuse us of intentions which wer
not in the mind of any member of the assem-
bly,. Intentions which the last assembly pro
tected, in adopting the declaration which wa
submitted to it by the council of the order
Immediately after taking into consideration
resolution No. 0.
Foot notes here add that this declaration wa.
made in the convention of 1861
The council Of the order desires it to be vel
understood that this vote does not imply tn,
negation of the pri, ciples written in the. con
stitution, viz: the existence of God and the i'm
mortality of the soul.
The speakers were especially careful to state
they wished only to preserve fully, liberty u1
conscience. They did not by a reversing of the
situation wish to impress on our constitution s
character Of negation which would present 8
dancer not less great to Ehert,, Of oonsa;a...