New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-07-25
THE POPE AND FREEMASONRf.

Tn rune 1884 Pope Leo XIII issued his encyclicai
letter or bull of communication, against the
Masonic fraternity. 1t was general confirmation
of the bulls Of his predecessors, which hau oee"
issued for similar purpose.
Our brethren in this and sister JurisdicuohS nave
borre this condemnation without a murmur.
The demeanor OF the craft under this ban mas
challenged the admiration OF the civilized world ana
sentiment OF the present day seems to demand that
the prejudices OF a past age shall yield TO proader
spirit of liberation and rational liberty
In September last, with the approval OF the rope
the American Centennial Catholic Congress con-
vened in the city of Baltimore. AT impression
seemed TO prevail in many quarters, AFTER the do-
iournment OF that body that some measures had
been taken toward revocation or MODIFICATION OF
the Papal bull regarding Freemasonry.
have received many letters and personal IN
ouires concerning the matter and make this gen.
eral answer that not advised of any change
in the situation, nor OF any recommendation MADE
FOR that purpose. therefore urge the brethren 10
maintain their attitude OF silence and c!rcumspec-
ton.
Freemasonry 10 longer needs defender; Its
teachings and its sublime principles are before the
world for inspection and criticism. 1t has survived
all persecution, because its foundation Is the sohd
rock of the Holy Bible. its superstructure living
stones" tried by love and loyalty to God, by love
and charity to man Our beautiful Masonic sd nee
beauty" throughout all time II We continue to live
,ry." 10 abide in faith hope and charity" to labor
with Temperance. fortitude, prudence and justice
and to practice pure religion and undetled
Against such an edifce built upon sucn a ioun ma,
ton. the winds of edicts and lnterdicts may dow
without harm; 1t viii not fall /; Is FOUNDED upon
We arraign man on account Of his p9litical
creed. To his country and himself we leave the
one; to his conscience and his God we commit the
other. -, 49,
Papal prescription, however, should not lead us
into dispute and dissension, into argument ana con,
OIfr iOsti
world the arber in this case. nothing more or bet
ter than controversy or denomination, tnen we
more, to be buried in oblivion.
before an intelligent unprejudiced public. We can
by countless acts and deeds Of our fraternity
and the good accomplished for the elevation and
happiness OF a common humanity: We can answer
by that freedom which gave birth TO the Declare;
equal" This immortal doctrine was the product OF
Masonic thought and teaching. because tifty-two OF
Masonic equality and manhood. They were equals,
free born, free men and free MasonS 1,s,,n,s
Governors Judges and others eminent In political;
and died active and respected members Of the Ma,
sonic fraternity. We can answer by the page of
aS d PW C Sh
shalt love the Lord thy God gt all IL, thy heart
a ad thy thy" ne a boy as thyself ~" at '
Finally, We answer by the record of 1903 or
of tho living God-who are to-day Free Masons and
devoted members OF lodges in the State of New
any particular church or sect. as the following Of.
fetal table. provided by the grand secretary. Will
indicate: Methodist, 2ss Episcopal. l46; Baptist. l2
Presbyterian, 80: unversast, 81; CongreSational.
q; Dutch Reformed, l2: Christian, 49,; Lutheran II:
Would these clergymen. now in active church
service labor with. give countenance 70, an in
stitution that not blessed by God and honored
by man?
May We live and labor in truly catholic spirit.
and reply TO misguided enemies. OF whatever
sect society in the noble sentiment of the great
Crusader: Let the future decide between you and
ranks OF the enemy the sword of the cross
NJ ". JOHN W. VROOMAN, 1891.