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Article CONTENTS. Page 1 of 1 Article FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES. Page 1 of 1 Article FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN SPAIN. Page 1 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY IN SPAIN. Page 1 of 2 →
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Contents.
CONTENTS .
Fundamental Principles ' 43 Freemasonry in Spain M 3 Mark Alasonry in Malta 144 Roval Masonic Institution for Girls 144 liro . Vernon on Freemasonry , 144 Royal Masonic Institution for Girls 14 S French Scottish Masonrv ' 4 $ The Four Old Lodges MS
Notes and Queries 14 " RETORTS OK" MASONIC MEETINGSCraft Masonry . > 47 Mark Masonry 1-1 * 1 LEADERS 150 CORRESPONDENCEThe Royal Masonic Pupils' Assistance Fund 151 Canterbury Masonic Hall I S * Lodge Presidency 153 lxitlgcs of Instruction i 53 Swedenborg ' . 1 5 **
Masonic hmblcms and Cleopatra s Needle 152 Masonic Regalia IJ 3 Masonic Regalia—Apron 153 Was Swedenborg a Mason ? 153 Reviews 15-Literary and Antiquarian Notes 153 Obituary 153 Roval Arch 'S 3 North Africa iS 3 Masonic and General Tidings S 3 Lodge Meetings for Next Week 54 Advertisements I . to VIII .
Fundamental Principles.
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES .
COMMUNIQUE . Under this heading at page thirty-six of an official pamphlet put forth by the Grand Lodge of Quebec , under date January 31 st , 1 SS 0 , appears a very remarkable document . It purports to be a communication or deliverance of the Grand Alaster in 1 S 71 . One of the statements strikes us
as a very startling one , per se , not to say somewhat doubtful as to authority . "A convention of representatives of these lodges , duly authorized and regularly assembled , may , without let or hindrance , form a Grand Lodge in and for said territory , but it has become a very generally accepted rule that a majority of the private lodges situated therein should take
part in said convention , or acquiesce in its "action . " We note that just above the writer defines a " territory " to mean " a distinct territory , liaving a legislature of its own , " and as in the first paragraph these arc said to be among the "few fundamental principles of Alasonry , anent thc organized action of Grand Lodge , " they require most serious consideration and careful thought , as it appears to
us , before they are generally accepted or acceded to . We will notice later one or two more " fundamental principles , " laid down in these Alasonic "state papers , " before we leave the subject . Now we are anxious to know , In thc first place , where this great authority has obtained his law ? VVhere is it so laid down ? We have studied most Alasonic writers , and we
never remember it in any authoritative work or anything like it . For it must be remembered that much of what we now call "Alasonic law , " is newly coined law altogether , and mainly applicable to the American state Grand Lodges , their difficulties , needs , and requirements . We are cognizant of no English , or American , or Canadian writer whose "dicta" would be accepted as decisive on the subject .
And for this simple reason , that we know not whose Alasonic code of law , general , international , or of universal constitutional law , is to be met with , except , indeed , in those excellent "Constitutions , " whether of our own or kindred jurisdictions , which , however , are only binding on she members of their own jurisdictions . It is not too much to say that that there is no such
"code " in existence , and for the best of all causes , that there has been until late years no uniform practice of any kind even attempted on the subject . If we look back on the creation of Grand Lodges , we shall find many curious anomalies in their formation and no settled rule . The English Grand Lodge of 1717 , the mother of all European , and American , and Canadian Alasonry , indeed , of allworld-Alasonrv nearly to-day , was formed by the members of four
or six lodges meeting together , calling themselves a revived Grand Lodge or Grand Assembly , no doubt on the princi p le of aggregation , but not of delegation or representation simply on the plurality and agreement of recognised Alasons . 'This deserves to be noted . Dermott ' s schism was a pure schism , so we may pass over that , the York Grand I-odge revived itself under Drake , by plurality and agreements of the Alasons assembled .
Ihe Grand Lodge south of the 1 rent , created by the Grand Lodge of York , which was composed of the Lodge of Antiquity , was formed by warrant from the Grand Lodge of York . If we read the history of other national Grand Lodges , we find four characteristics by whicii all these formations are marked : 1 . The creation of Grand Lodge by delegation of lodges .
2 . I he declaration of Provincial Grand Lodges that they are Grand Lodges . 3 . The declaration of private lodges that they are Grand Lodges . 4 . 'The assertion of a number of recognized Alasons that they form themselves into a Grand Lodge . No doubt in America it has been laid down from the necessity of the case , that no new Grand Lodge can be formed without thc aggregation of three or more lodges , but such is more of an agreement of " comity " and convenience ban a law , and it could not be a law , for supposing there
Fundamental Principles.
are ten lodges in a state and only three concur in the formation of a Grand Lodge , what can be done with the recalcitrant seven ? Yet if the proposition be sound and the argument good for anything , and the law law , the three lodges can constitute a Grand Lodge , despite the opposition of thc seven . It then only becomes a question of acknowledgment , of convenience , of numerical consideration . This we say is all perfectly modern , and never has been
acknowledged as law in England . We have in England undoubtedly recognized the fait accompli , we have said fieri non debet , factum valet , inasmuch as the genuine interests of Freemasonry transcend minor questions of technicalities and red tape . But when the Canadian Grand Lodge separated from the English " and Scottish Grand Lodges , it was distinctly admitted , laid down , and agreed to , that such lodges as
thought fit to retain , the "old connection ' were at liberty to do so , alike as a matter of sentiment and a matter of Alasonic usage . So much is the Alasonic usage of a lodge adhering to its creating and warranting Grand Lodge , if it so thinks fit , a Alasonic usage , that in Germany this one fact has constitntcd the great difficulty in the way of one German Grand Lodge , with District or Provincial Grand Lodges , as in
England . Indeed , until the recent discussion , we never heard the " lodge right " questioned , and we are , we confess , startled beyond measure to note the facility and , we must say , unconcern with which American Grand I ^ odges have surrendered this , to us , indispensable right of private lodges . We never could understand how or why the Grand Lodge of Ouebec took it into its head to claim to ignore the
settlement made confessedly by the Grand Lodge of Canada . 'That the Grand Lodge of Scotland vvas full y justified in defending the rights of its lodges thus assailed , as we have previously expressed our opinion , and , as , indeed , the Grand Lodge of England has done ever since the recognition of the Grand Lodge of Canada . Indeed , the English Grand Lodge has done more , for it has retained a Provincial Grand Alaster there , though we arc not sure if the Prov .
Grand Lodge is in working order . We believe , also , that there were , when the controversy began , only four lodges at Alontreal which bad kept their old charters , —two Scottish , two English . A principle is a principle , whether it affects few or many , but we admit , as aiuici curiee , that probably a friendly transaction , would be the best ending of the affair . If the Grand Lodge of Ouebec wishes for peace it
has nothing to do but to appoint a deputation , at the head of which Bro . Graham , the G . AL , would be fitly placed , who has much experience , and by making a tubula rasa oi the past , the matter could , we feel sure , be adjusted for the welfare and dignity of all concerned . But if the Grand Lodge of Quebec will persist in ignoring the undoubted
legal and Alasonic position of the English and Scottish lodges , and will put forward claims that are , in our opinion , are untenable , and law that is unsound , the breach will , and can only , widen , as the Grand Lodges of England and Scotland are neither to be intimidated or cajoled , and they are bound by every principle of Alasonic chivalry , legalit y , and honour to uphold the rights of lodges whose only offence is unswerving loyalty to themselves .
Freemasonry In Spain.
FREEMASONRY IN SPAIN .
The past history and present and future prospects of Freemasonry in Spain must always be a matter of peculiar interest to every English brother . Spain , the land of the Cid , the land of romance , the chosen home of chivalry , was also the nursery of the grand Gothic school of architecture—the school , par excellence , of
English Alasonry . In no two countries in Europe has the operative Alaster AIason ' s art gone so emphatically hand in hand as in England and in Spain . It would be difficult to decide which of the two lands possess thc richest treasures of the builder's art , which must ever be considered as thc source from whicii springs the Antient Free and Accepted Rite . Our operative brethren of medi .-cval days , alike
British and Spanish , vied one with the other as to who could most fully dedicate every attribute with which the Great Master had gifted them , alike to His glory and for the benefit of their fellow men . Architect , Alaster Alason , and Craftsman gave the labour of a life-time to the work of love which they undertook . _ They sunk all individuality in a collective endeavour to raise temples in which the G . A . O . T . U .
could be fitly worshipped , desiring for themselves neither wealth nor personal fame . Architect succeeded architect , taking up the square and the compass of him who had gone before , whom death had released from his labours ; and Craftsman followed Craftsman , as one generation of workers after another passed away from labour to reward , leaving the grand design of the first founder for others to
complete . And in no country in the world have brethren belonging to our Free and Accepted Rite remained more loyal to their Alasonic obligations than in Spain . Freemasonry in Spain , even at the present day , is no bed of roses ; anil the slight sketch which we are about to offer to our readers of the terrible persecutions to whicii our
Spanish brethren have been subjected during the last century-and-a-half will demonstrate their claim to the very foremost rank amongst the martyrs to our cause . 'The splendid heroism , the true loyalty—even unto death—which characterised the leaders during the last two or three generations of Freemasons in Spain entitle their Masonic descendents of the present day to our special sympathy and support . Spanish Freemasons look upon their Anglo-Saxon brethren with true Masonic regard ; they look upon thc
Freemasonry In Spain.
United Kingdom as ( in a Masonic sense ) their mother country , whose ancient Alasonic landmarks they are bound to respect . They owe to a brother hailing from the United Kingdom the introduction amongst them of the Scottish Rite . It is now a little more than one hundred and fifty years ago , or—speaking Alasonically—in the year of Light S 72 S , that Bro . Lord Coleraine personally assisted in the formation and solemn consecration of regularly constituted
lodges , which were placed under the banner of the Grand Lodge of London , who nominated Bro . Captain Cummerman , then resident in Spain , as Provincial Grand Alaster , with his head quarters in Andalucia . How short a period seems to have elapsed since the year of our Lord 172 S ! and yet it has sufficed for a long series of the most frightful persecutions , which entitle many of the victims to the martyr's crown .
The active assistance rendered by our worth y brethren , Lord Coleraine and Captain Cummerman , resulted in the formation of Alasonic lodges in many of the principal cities of the Peninsula , and for a period of ten years our beloved Order grew apace , and an era of remarkable prosperity for the Craft seemed to be secured , when suddenly the fair prospect changed . The Great Beast of Rome , vvho had previously almost exclusively directed its persecutions
against those suspected of Christian heresy , suddenly became aware that it also stood face to face with another power , that of Freemasonry , which equally demanded its attention and suppression , root and branch ; and it proceeded forthwith to try and strangle the Free and Accepted Rite at its very birth . On the 28 th of April , A . D . 1738 , Pope Clement XI 1 . issued his famous Bull against Freemasonry , such Bull being more particularly directed against
the brethren in Spain . The Holy Inquisition was then in thc plentitude of its power , and its devilish snake-like machinations were brought to bear against our Order with a concentrated soul-crushing force which not the greatest heroism could withstand—for in those days the Inquisidors did their deadly work too well . VVe in England , vvho were freed centuries ago from the political bondage of Rome ( through the grace of the G . A .
O . I . U ., by His instrument , King Henry VIIL ) , can form but a faint idea of the dread reality which stared our Spanish Alasonic brethren in the face when this Bull vvas thrown , as a vcry thunderbolt from hell , into their midst . 'They were immediately confronted with death in its most awful form—death on the rack or at the stake , or by the no less dreadful fate of a life-long imprisonment in one of the foul dungeons of the Inquisition , where the light of day
would never again penetrate , nor the voice of human sympathy again reach the ear . But our brethren remained true to the Craft . They worked on , secretl y , it is true , but still most loyally and heroically , in thc faithful discharge of their self-imposed obligations . All honour to the noble band ! Despite the Bull new lodges continued to be founded , whose Worshipful Masters ( carrying their lives in their hands ) continued to initiate those who , having sought admission to our Order
were found worthy . Candidates for admission presented themselves in every part of the country ; not only scions of noble houses and men of high intellectual culture and attainments , but also men of acknowledged political standing , sought , and obtained , admission , and . for the sake of light , faced the terrible fate most certainl y in store for them if they fell into the hands of the cruel Inquisition . 'Time went on . Despite the wholesale imprisonment and
the execution of those suspected of being Freemasons , thc Inquisition made but little progress in its work of suppression until the Grand Inquisitors bethought themselves of a notable device b y which to discover the leading members of the Order . [ 1 hey deputed one of their most trusted members , the Friar Jose Torribia , belonging to the Society of Jesus , to assume a feigned name , andprofess great zeal for the cause of Freemasonry , thus ingratiating himself
into the confidence of some of the community , and securing his admittance within the mystic circle . He vvas proposed and accepted , and duly initiated , taking all the solemn obligations of the Order . It is worthy of remark that Pope Clement XII . deliberately countenanced this act of treachery , and in fact granted a special dispensation authorising this miscreant friar to perjure himself in the interests of the Holy Inquisition . After taking several
Degrees this traitor travelled through the length and breadth of the Peninsula , visiting Alasonic lodges on his way , and thus making himself thoroughly acquainted with the names of the brethren . Finally he threw off his disguise , and , presenting himself openly before the Supreme Tribunal of the Inquisition , he denounced the whole of those vvho belonged to the Craft . The brethren belonging to no less than ninety-seven regularly constituted lodges were thus
denounced and placed at the mercy of the executioner . 'Torribia declared that Freemasonry was an institution of the most depraved anil immoral kind , and that its members were debauchees and criminals guilty of every species of iniquity . 'Thereupon Pope Benedict XIV . ( on thc iSth of Alay , 1751 ) issued another Bull against the Order , and King Ferdinand VI ., pretending to believe all that was charged
against Freemasons , promulgated his Royal decree , dated the 2 nd of July , 1751 , in which sentence of death was pronounced against every one belonging to the Craft . So ruthlessly was this decree carried out , and so terribly complete was the subsequent process of repression , that more than fifty years elapsed before any notable revival of
Alasonic activity took place ; nor , in fact , are any further records of the existence of lodges in Srjain to be met with until the commencement of the 19 th century . The next chapter in the eventful history of Spanish Freemasonry opens with the French invasion . In the year 1807 several new lodges were dedicated , and candidates
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
Fundamental Principles ' 43 Freemasonry in Spain M 3 Mark Alasonry in Malta 144 Roval Masonic Institution for Girls 144 liro . Vernon on Freemasonry , 144 Royal Masonic Institution for Girls 14 S French Scottish Masonrv ' 4 $ The Four Old Lodges MS
Notes and Queries 14 " RETORTS OK" MASONIC MEETINGSCraft Masonry . > 47 Mark Masonry 1-1 * 1 LEADERS 150 CORRESPONDENCEThe Royal Masonic Pupils' Assistance Fund 151 Canterbury Masonic Hall I S * Lodge Presidency 153 lxitlgcs of Instruction i 53 Swedenborg ' . 1 5 **
Masonic hmblcms and Cleopatra s Needle 152 Masonic Regalia IJ 3 Masonic Regalia—Apron 153 Was Swedenborg a Mason ? 153 Reviews 15-Literary and Antiquarian Notes 153 Obituary 153 Roval Arch 'S 3 North Africa iS 3 Masonic and General Tidings S 3 Lodge Meetings for Next Week 54 Advertisements I . to VIII .
Fundamental Principles.
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES .
COMMUNIQUE . Under this heading at page thirty-six of an official pamphlet put forth by the Grand Lodge of Quebec , under date January 31 st , 1 SS 0 , appears a very remarkable document . It purports to be a communication or deliverance of the Grand Alaster in 1 S 71 . One of the statements strikes us
as a very startling one , per se , not to say somewhat doubtful as to authority . "A convention of representatives of these lodges , duly authorized and regularly assembled , may , without let or hindrance , form a Grand Lodge in and for said territory , but it has become a very generally accepted rule that a majority of the private lodges situated therein should take
part in said convention , or acquiesce in its "action . " We note that just above the writer defines a " territory " to mean " a distinct territory , liaving a legislature of its own , " and as in the first paragraph these arc said to be among the "few fundamental principles of Alasonry , anent thc organized action of Grand Lodge , " they require most serious consideration and careful thought , as it appears to
us , before they are generally accepted or acceded to . We will notice later one or two more " fundamental principles , " laid down in these Alasonic "state papers , " before we leave the subject . Now we are anxious to know , In thc first place , where this great authority has obtained his law ? VVhere is it so laid down ? We have studied most Alasonic writers , and we
never remember it in any authoritative work or anything like it . For it must be remembered that much of what we now call "Alasonic law , " is newly coined law altogether , and mainly applicable to the American state Grand Lodges , their difficulties , needs , and requirements . We are cognizant of no English , or American , or Canadian writer whose "dicta" would be accepted as decisive on the subject .
And for this simple reason , that we know not whose Alasonic code of law , general , international , or of universal constitutional law , is to be met with , except , indeed , in those excellent "Constitutions , " whether of our own or kindred jurisdictions , which , however , are only binding on she members of their own jurisdictions . It is not too much to say that that there is no such
"code " in existence , and for the best of all causes , that there has been until late years no uniform practice of any kind even attempted on the subject . If we look back on the creation of Grand Lodges , we shall find many curious anomalies in their formation and no settled rule . The English Grand Lodge of 1717 , the mother of all European , and American , and Canadian Alasonry , indeed , of allworld-Alasonrv nearly to-day , was formed by the members of four
or six lodges meeting together , calling themselves a revived Grand Lodge or Grand Assembly , no doubt on the princi p le of aggregation , but not of delegation or representation simply on the plurality and agreement of recognised Alasons . 'This deserves to be noted . Dermott ' s schism was a pure schism , so we may pass over that , the York Grand I-odge revived itself under Drake , by plurality and agreements of the Alasons assembled .
Ihe Grand Lodge south of the 1 rent , created by the Grand Lodge of York , which was composed of the Lodge of Antiquity , was formed by warrant from the Grand Lodge of York . If we read the history of other national Grand Lodges , we find four characteristics by whicii all these formations are marked : 1 . The creation of Grand Lodge by delegation of lodges .
2 . I he declaration of Provincial Grand Lodges that they are Grand Lodges . 3 . The declaration of private lodges that they are Grand Lodges . 4 . 'The assertion of a number of recognized Alasons that they form themselves into a Grand Lodge . No doubt in America it has been laid down from the necessity of the case , that no new Grand Lodge can be formed without thc aggregation of three or more lodges , but such is more of an agreement of " comity " and convenience ban a law , and it could not be a law , for supposing there
Fundamental Principles.
are ten lodges in a state and only three concur in the formation of a Grand Lodge , what can be done with the recalcitrant seven ? Yet if the proposition be sound and the argument good for anything , and the law law , the three lodges can constitute a Grand Lodge , despite the opposition of thc seven . It then only becomes a question of acknowledgment , of convenience , of numerical consideration . This we say is all perfectly modern , and never has been
acknowledged as law in England . We have in England undoubtedly recognized the fait accompli , we have said fieri non debet , factum valet , inasmuch as the genuine interests of Freemasonry transcend minor questions of technicalities and red tape . But when the Canadian Grand Lodge separated from the English " and Scottish Grand Lodges , it was distinctly admitted , laid down , and agreed to , that such lodges as
thought fit to retain , the "old connection ' were at liberty to do so , alike as a matter of sentiment and a matter of Alasonic usage . So much is the Alasonic usage of a lodge adhering to its creating and warranting Grand Lodge , if it so thinks fit , a Alasonic usage , that in Germany this one fact has constitntcd the great difficulty in the way of one German Grand Lodge , with District or Provincial Grand Lodges , as in
England . Indeed , until the recent discussion , we never heard the " lodge right " questioned , and we are , we confess , startled beyond measure to note the facility and , we must say , unconcern with which American Grand I ^ odges have surrendered this , to us , indispensable right of private lodges . We never could understand how or why the Grand Lodge of Ouebec took it into its head to claim to ignore the
settlement made confessedly by the Grand Lodge of Canada . 'That the Grand Lodge of Scotland vvas full y justified in defending the rights of its lodges thus assailed , as we have previously expressed our opinion , and , as , indeed , the Grand Lodge of England has done ever since the recognition of the Grand Lodge of Canada . Indeed , the English Grand Lodge has done more , for it has retained a Provincial Grand Alaster there , though we arc not sure if the Prov .
Grand Lodge is in working order . We believe , also , that there were , when the controversy began , only four lodges at Alontreal which bad kept their old charters , —two Scottish , two English . A principle is a principle , whether it affects few or many , but we admit , as aiuici curiee , that probably a friendly transaction , would be the best ending of the affair . If the Grand Lodge of Ouebec wishes for peace it
has nothing to do but to appoint a deputation , at the head of which Bro . Graham , the G . AL , would be fitly placed , who has much experience , and by making a tubula rasa oi the past , the matter could , we feel sure , be adjusted for the welfare and dignity of all concerned . But if the Grand Lodge of Quebec will persist in ignoring the undoubted
legal and Alasonic position of the English and Scottish lodges , and will put forward claims that are , in our opinion , are untenable , and law that is unsound , the breach will , and can only , widen , as the Grand Lodges of England and Scotland are neither to be intimidated or cajoled , and they are bound by every principle of Alasonic chivalry , legalit y , and honour to uphold the rights of lodges whose only offence is unswerving loyalty to themselves .
Freemasonry In Spain.
FREEMASONRY IN SPAIN .
The past history and present and future prospects of Freemasonry in Spain must always be a matter of peculiar interest to every English brother . Spain , the land of the Cid , the land of romance , the chosen home of chivalry , was also the nursery of the grand Gothic school of architecture—the school , par excellence , of
English Alasonry . In no two countries in Europe has the operative Alaster AIason ' s art gone so emphatically hand in hand as in England and in Spain . It would be difficult to decide which of the two lands possess thc richest treasures of the builder's art , which must ever be considered as thc source from whicii springs the Antient Free and Accepted Rite . Our operative brethren of medi .-cval days , alike
British and Spanish , vied one with the other as to who could most fully dedicate every attribute with which the Great Master had gifted them , alike to His glory and for the benefit of their fellow men . Architect , Alaster Alason , and Craftsman gave the labour of a life-time to the work of love which they undertook . _ They sunk all individuality in a collective endeavour to raise temples in which the G . A . O . T . U .
could be fitly worshipped , desiring for themselves neither wealth nor personal fame . Architect succeeded architect , taking up the square and the compass of him who had gone before , whom death had released from his labours ; and Craftsman followed Craftsman , as one generation of workers after another passed away from labour to reward , leaving the grand design of the first founder for others to
complete . And in no country in the world have brethren belonging to our Free and Accepted Rite remained more loyal to their Alasonic obligations than in Spain . Freemasonry in Spain , even at the present day , is no bed of roses ; anil the slight sketch which we are about to offer to our readers of the terrible persecutions to whicii our
Spanish brethren have been subjected during the last century-and-a-half will demonstrate their claim to the very foremost rank amongst the martyrs to our cause . 'The splendid heroism , the true loyalty—even unto death—which characterised the leaders during the last two or three generations of Freemasons in Spain entitle their Masonic descendents of the present day to our special sympathy and support . Spanish Freemasons look upon their Anglo-Saxon brethren with true Masonic regard ; they look upon thc
Freemasonry In Spain.
United Kingdom as ( in a Masonic sense ) their mother country , whose ancient Alasonic landmarks they are bound to respect . They owe to a brother hailing from the United Kingdom the introduction amongst them of the Scottish Rite . It is now a little more than one hundred and fifty years ago , or—speaking Alasonically—in the year of Light S 72 S , that Bro . Lord Coleraine personally assisted in the formation and solemn consecration of regularly constituted
lodges , which were placed under the banner of the Grand Lodge of London , who nominated Bro . Captain Cummerman , then resident in Spain , as Provincial Grand Alaster , with his head quarters in Andalucia . How short a period seems to have elapsed since the year of our Lord 172 S ! and yet it has sufficed for a long series of the most frightful persecutions , which entitle many of the victims to the martyr's crown .
The active assistance rendered by our worth y brethren , Lord Coleraine and Captain Cummerman , resulted in the formation of Alasonic lodges in many of the principal cities of the Peninsula , and for a period of ten years our beloved Order grew apace , and an era of remarkable prosperity for the Craft seemed to be secured , when suddenly the fair prospect changed . The Great Beast of Rome , vvho had previously almost exclusively directed its persecutions
against those suspected of Christian heresy , suddenly became aware that it also stood face to face with another power , that of Freemasonry , which equally demanded its attention and suppression , root and branch ; and it proceeded forthwith to try and strangle the Free and Accepted Rite at its very birth . On the 28 th of April , A . D . 1738 , Pope Clement XI 1 . issued his famous Bull against Freemasonry , such Bull being more particularly directed against
the brethren in Spain . The Holy Inquisition was then in thc plentitude of its power , and its devilish snake-like machinations were brought to bear against our Order with a concentrated soul-crushing force which not the greatest heroism could withstand—for in those days the Inquisidors did their deadly work too well . VVe in England , vvho were freed centuries ago from the political bondage of Rome ( through the grace of the G . A .
O . I . U ., by His instrument , King Henry VIIL ) , can form but a faint idea of the dread reality which stared our Spanish Alasonic brethren in the face when this Bull vvas thrown , as a vcry thunderbolt from hell , into their midst . 'They were immediately confronted with death in its most awful form—death on the rack or at the stake , or by the no less dreadful fate of a life-long imprisonment in one of the foul dungeons of the Inquisition , where the light of day
would never again penetrate , nor the voice of human sympathy again reach the ear . But our brethren remained true to the Craft . They worked on , secretl y , it is true , but still most loyally and heroically , in thc faithful discharge of their self-imposed obligations . All honour to the noble band ! Despite the Bull new lodges continued to be founded , whose Worshipful Masters ( carrying their lives in their hands ) continued to initiate those who , having sought admission to our Order
were found worthy . Candidates for admission presented themselves in every part of the country ; not only scions of noble houses and men of high intellectual culture and attainments , but also men of acknowledged political standing , sought , and obtained , admission , and . for the sake of light , faced the terrible fate most certainl y in store for them if they fell into the hands of the cruel Inquisition . 'Time went on . Despite the wholesale imprisonment and
the execution of those suspected of being Freemasons , thc Inquisition made but little progress in its work of suppression until the Grand Inquisitors bethought themselves of a notable device b y which to discover the leading members of the Order . [ 1 hey deputed one of their most trusted members , the Friar Jose Torribia , belonging to the Society of Jesus , to assume a feigned name , andprofess great zeal for the cause of Freemasonry , thus ingratiating himself
into the confidence of some of the community , and securing his admittance within the mystic circle . He vvas proposed and accepted , and duly initiated , taking all the solemn obligations of the Order . It is worthy of remark that Pope Clement XII . deliberately countenanced this act of treachery , and in fact granted a special dispensation authorising this miscreant friar to perjure himself in the interests of the Holy Inquisition . After taking several
Degrees this traitor travelled through the length and breadth of the Peninsula , visiting Alasonic lodges on his way , and thus making himself thoroughly acquainted with the names of the brethren . Finally he threw off his disguise , and , presenting himself openly before the Supreme Tribunal of the Inquisition , he denounced the whole of those vvho belonged to the Craft . The brethren belonging to no less than ninety-seven regularly constituted lodges were thus
denounced and placed at the mercy of the executioner . 'Torribia declared that Freemasonry was an institution of the most depraved anil immoral kind , and that its members were debauchees and criminals guilty of every species of iniquity . 'Thereupon Pope Benedict XIV . ( on thc iSth of Alay , 1751 ) issued another Bull against the Order , and King Ferdinand VI ., pretending to believe all that was charged
against Freemasons , promulgated his Royal decree , dated the 2 nd of July , 1751 , in which sentence of death was pronounced against every one belonging to the Craft . So ruthlessly was this decree carried out , and so terribly complete was the subsequent process of repression , that more than fifty years elapsed before any notable revival of
Alasonic activity took place ; nor , in fact , are any further records of the existence of lodges in Srjain to be met with until the commencement of the 19 th century . The next chapter in the eventful history of Spanish Freemasonry opens with the French invasion . In the year 1807 several new lodges were dedicated , and candidates