New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-08-16

bility" to the Pope as His representative upon
earth; that is. absolute power in matters OF relig-
ION and morals But what has the Church as well
as the State effected the basis Of this principle
Whittier has led this doctrine of absolute authori-
~? The hierarchy lays down rules OF conduct and
precepts OF morality to maintain and fortify its
authority Whether these rules and precepts are
always moral immoral is for it "A matter Of
secondary consideration Hence the orders given
at the time OF the Inqusiton for the treatment Of
horetcs: hence the auto-da-fes the burning at the
stake Of Giordano Bruno: hence the condemnation
Of Calico. the arrangement Of Copornicus for
TEACHING astronomicaly what is contrary to the
word of God. etc lmpossiby can a moral prlnc-
and Greatest rover De uefN s ron 'ne most eminent
and strength without the light OF wisdom and
freedom OF intelligence and conscience?
Because Free Masons value more highly freedom
OF intelligence and conscience than any other pco-
PIE. because in all things we search for wisdom
iignt and truth this ecGlesiastical power of au-
we are in search OF. much as Of the true com
prehension Of the divine omnipotence. scorns such
The'third form Of authority the power of public
opinion as an authoritative expression by the ma
Public opinion. this many headed monster ac-
is so often no-servng and corrupt that irnpossibl
me eternal principle of the moral law can flow
ron ron, ms source. And thus vanishes also the
political authority Of the majority so much wor-
shipped Hippo /, by many az the presen, day.
free, free Masons with John the Baptist, Socrates and
christ bend their knees before 10 outward au-
thorty be II civil or ecclcsiastic. ard also in the
hent OF wisdom they reject the popular idol. the
authority of the ma jority
mus We see That no true moral principle can be
uerIVeu from any outward authority power do
minion and guardianship. neither for State people
or church. We, therefore. adopt the ideas OF Less
ing ana Kant for our guides According TO them
rue goodness love, duty and morality have their
source IN the inward eternal life of wisdom, and
not merely In an outward authoritative power and
strength OF State and people. In other words. the
true moral principle and with Il the highest au-
.hOrlly, mas It's only source and origin in the au-
tonomy OF inherent reason.
But II everybody is guided by his own convic-
science will not the axiom be verified: Many
heads. many minds? II everybody on the princi-
pie OF autonomy establishes HIS own authority will
not the result he utter confusion?
II IN practice We intend TO avoid this confusion
nobody can be allowed 10 follow the arbitrary and
power Of conscience within us which alone ought
10 be our true authority. commands US 10 unite
win our felloW-hengs in love and harmony for the
fulhlinent Of our noble mission.
IL Is therefore necessary to have authorized
leader for concerted action, and in this sense II be-
comes requisite to add also TO the inner and outer
authority For this purpose have our Masters
and Grand Masters. But their authority IS totally
direrent from that welded by the Church and
State. ~
sceptre, nor the ecclesiastical crook but the ban
ner of morality and truth. The sound Of the gavel
Is 10 the Masons the moral call for the per-
formance Of their duties but no command, no dog
ma or dogmatically given order. Free Masons look
for all authority In the works Of charity and love
them in the image Of an absolute ruler Of State
much less In the supernatural position OF an infal,
hble highest priest Of the Catholic Church but
rather in the situation of an amiable patriarch.