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Article MASONIC SAYINGS AND DOINGS ABROAD. ← Page 2 of 2
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Sayings And Doings Abroad.
which the Masons of Switzerland look upon the question which you have raised . It seems to us necessary to separate two things which you have united—the question of principle and the question of its application . Upon the question of principle , we do not hesitate
to declare ourselves fully in accord with you , not only in the name of the human and Masonic truths that you invoke , but in the name of the articles of the social compact which unite all the regular lodges in Switzerland . Like you , we do not admit that
difference of colour , of race , or of religion should close to any member of the great human family the portals of the Masonic Temple , and if an official declaration of this principle is required , we shall be ready to make it without reserve .
But the resolution that you have communicated is accompanied with a threat of rupture with lodges which refuse to adhere to this edict , and upon this point , with regret , we feel constrained to withhold our assent .
It seems to us , in fact , that you do not sufficiently take into account the historical circumstances which have caused or maintained in several portions of the Masonic Order the traditions or usages not in accord with the principle of absolute equality that , with you , we advocate . It is difficult , even for a Mason , to
overcome certain prejudices inculcated by his education in the outer world , and to wish , at any price , to force , by compulsory measures , that which should be the result of individual conviction , seems contrary to he faith of Masonry , and the liberal spirit of our
modern society . Moral conquests have never been the result of authoritative pressure , but rather by moral persuasion ancl the force of example .
It is because we are profoundly convinced of the wisdom of the point of view which we have taken that Ave have never wished to impose a line of conduct to those of our lodges who observed the custom of admitting to their lodges none but members of a Christian Church . Experince has proved to us that
we were right in depending upon the work—slow , but sure—of time ; and at the present day we do not believe that more than one of our lodges will close its doors against an Israelitish candidate . Our German brethren join in this view , and
consider , with ourselves , that it is baneful to the peace and harmony of Masonry , which would go in advance of the times , and retard , by unseasonable measures , the progress which time , unaided , would accomplish . To Prance properly belongs the duty of taking the
initiative in a vindication of the grand principle of equality . On Switzerland , perhaps , who has , during several generations , enjoyed liberty , devolves the defence from encroachment of the sacred domain of
individual liberty , and to recommend prudence and patience . We heartily accept the first part of your resolution of July 8 th , 1869—that is to say , that which lays down the principle of absolute equality without distinction of colour , race , or religion ; but we cannot
subscribe to the threatening terms of the second part , and thus associate ourselves with a measure which we should deplore , were it put into execution . Let us work to complete the triumph of the great principles of justice and tolerance , but let us not
anticipate the work of time . Truth is patient because it is eternal . Let us not hinder its onward march by our premature action , by a doubtful success , and a certain danger . Eegretting that we have been prevented from
replying at an earlier date to your circular , We beg to remain , & c , In the name and by order of the " Grand Haiti's Adjoint . " AlME HlJBEBT .
M . Jules Simon , member of the Corps Legislatif , has been initiated in Lodge La Eeveil Magonninque . A large number of W . Ms , and brethren of lodges in Paris and its environs were present . On the same occasion , Pung Ki , an attache of the Chinese embassy , was also to have been initiated , but unavoidable absence from Paris prevented his attendance .
Lodge L'Union Parfaite de la Perseverance celebrated , on the 18 th June , a grand / efe and banquet on the occasion of the visit from delegates of Lodge Les Trois Amis de 1 'IJnion et du Progres , of Brussels . More than 300 brethren were present . Twenty-five delegates attended from Brussels , and some excellent discourses were given .
The Masons of Colombo have dined together in commemoration of the day set apart to St . John , the patron of one of our lodges . In connection with this subject we may mention two occurrences which recently took place iu Colombo , illustrating most
appropriately the intolerable fanaticism of popish priestcraft . Signor Abecco , a Mason , gave a concert in the Masonic Hall , and was promised the loan of a harmonium , the property of a native , but in use in a catholic church . When the popish priests learnt its
intended destination , they refused to allow it to be removed ; more than this , they cancelled an agreement they had made with Siguor Abecco , who was to have sung at their cathedral , by Avhich he was defrauded of £ 10 . This is the conduct of priests who would
have us believe , if Ave were the fools they assume us to be , that their creed is less fanatical than it was in the good old days of the Spanish Inquisition . Happily the teeth of " the Beast" are being drawn .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Sayings And Doings Abroad.
which the Masons of Switzerland look upon the question which you have raised . It seems to us necessary to separate two things which you have united—the question of principle and the question of its application . Upon the question of principle , we do not hesitate
to declare ourselves fully in accord with you , not only in the name of the human and Masonic truths that you invoke , but in the name of the articles of the social compact which unite all the regular lodges in Switzerland . Like you , we do not admit that
difference of colour , of race , or of religion should close to any member of the great human family the portals of the Masonic Temple , and if an official declaration of this principle is required , we shall be ready to make it without reserve .
But the resolution that you have communicated is accompanied with a threat of rupture with lodges which refuse to adhere to this edict , and upon this point , with regret , we feel constrained to withhold our assent .
It seems to us , in fact , that you do not sufficiently take into account the historical circumstances which have caused or maintained in several portions of the Masonic Order the traditions or usages not in accord with the principle of absolute equality that , with you , we advocate . It is difficult , even for a Mason , to
overcome certain prejudices inculcated by his education in the outer world , and to wish , at any price , to force , by compulsory measures , that which should be the result of individual conviction , seems contrary to he faith of Masonry , and the liberal spirit of our
modern society . Moral conquests have never been the result of authoritative pressure , but rather by moral persuasion ancl the force of example .
It is because we are profoundly convinced of the wisdom of the point of view which we have taken that Ave have never wished to impose a line of conduct to those of our lodges who observed the custom of admitting to their lodges none but members of a Christian Church . Experince has proved to us that
we were right in depending upon the work—slow , but sure—of time ; and at the present day we do not believe that more than one of our lodges will close its doors against an Israelitish candidate . Our German brethren join in this view , and
consider , with ourselves , that it is baneful to the peace and harmony of Masonry , which would go in advance of the times , and retard , by unseasonable measures , the progress which time , unaided , would accomplish . To Prance properly belongs the duty of taking the
initiative in a vindication of the grand principle of equality . On Switzerland , perhaps , who has , during several generations , enjoyed liberty , devolves the defence from encroachment of the sacred domain of
individual liberty , and to recommend prudence and patience . We heartily accept the first part of your resolution of July 8 th , 1869—that is to say , that which lays down the principle of absolute equality without distinction of colour , race , or religion ; but we cannot
subscribe to the threatening terms of the second part , and thus associate ourselves with a measure which we should deplore , were it put into execution . Let us work to complete the triumph of the great principles of justice and tolerance , but let us not
anticipate the work of time . Truth is patient because it is eternal . Let us not hinder its onward march by our premature action , by a doubtful success , and a certain danger . Eegretting that we have been prevented from
replying at an earlier date to your circular , We beg to remain , & c , In the name and by order of the " Grand Haiti's Adjoint . " AlME HlJBEBT .
M . Jules Simon , member of the Corps Legislatif , has been initiated in Lodge La Eeveil Magonninque . A large number of W . Ms , and brethren of lodges in Paris and its environs were present . On the same occasion , Pung Ki , an attache of the Chinese embassy , was also to have been initiated , but unavoidable absence from Paris prevented his attendance .
Lodge L'Union Parfaite de la Perseverance celebrated , on the 18 th June , a grand / efe and banquet on the occasion of the visit from delegates of Lodge Les Trois Amis de 1 'IJnion et du Progres , of Brussels . More than 300 brethren were present . Twenty-five delegates attended from Brussels , and some excellent discourses were given .
The Masons of Colombo have dined together in commemoration of the day set apart to St . John , the patron of one of our lodges . In connection with this subject we may mention two occurrences which recently took place iu Colombo , illustrating most
appropriately the intolerable fanaticism of popish priestcraft . Signor Abecco , a Mason , gave a concert in the Masonic Hall , and was promised the loan of a harmonium , the property of a native , but in use in a catholic church . When the popish priests learnt its
intended destination , they refused to allow it to be removed ; more than this , they cancelled an agreement they had made with Siguor Abecco , who was to have sung at their cathedral , by Avhich he was defrauded of £ 10 . This is the conduct of priests who would
have us believe , if Ave were the fools they assume us to be , that their creed is less fanatical than it was in the good old days of the Spanish Inquisition . Happily the teeth of " the Beast" are being drawn .