of Conventicles Lodge was organized in England in 1717. Twenty-one quarter of the eighteenth century. The first Grand
summarized as follows: years later Pope Clement XII issued a Bull of excom-
doxy and ecclesiastical authority. ating religious indifferentism and contempt for ortho- and fidelity to Masonry and Masonic work, cannot be cally it undermines the Christian faith, first in its uralistic character, by which theoretically and practi- masons." munication entitled "The Condemnation of the Society members and through them in the rest of society, cre-
cannot,- therefore, induce any obligation.
security and tranquillity of the state and for the spir-
justified in their scope, their object, or their form, and
itual health of souls.
demnation of Freemasonry for substantially the same
tiffs of the Catholic Church have repeated the con- reasons.
FREEMASONRY,
(1)
(2)
From the time of Clement XII seven Supreme Pon- (3) May Catholics Be Masons?
The inscrutable secrecy, and the oaths of secrecy
Freemasonry has a peculiar "unsectarian," nat-
Such societies involve a grave danger for the
2
By
1
The reasons for the condemnation may be
REV. JOSEPH
de Liberi Muratori,
as
we know it, began in the first
I. MALLOY
;
C.S.P.
or of the Free-
and by the writings of Masons who stand high in the the in high stand who Masons of writings the by and
of Pope Clement's condemnation), shows- this tend- this shows- condemnation), Clement's Pope of
difference what a man believes, why believe anything? anything? believe why believes, man a what difference only by its "Constitutions," by its official magazines. magazines. official its by "Constitutions," its by only
longs, why belong to any? any? to belong why longs,
ency. It states: "In ancient times the Christian Christian the times ancient "In states: It ency.
mony there can hardly be any doubt that Masonry Masonry that doubt any be hardly can there mony ranks of their brethren. On the evidence of this testi- this of evidence the On brethren. their of ranks promotes religious indifferentism. Now indifferentism indifferentism Now indifferentism. religious promotes
"lodge-members," especially in English-speaking coun- English-speaking in especially "lodge-members,"
Catholic Church and every other non-Masonic organ- non-Masonic other every and Church Catholic
is the greatest greatest the is
in the "Constitutions" (text of 1738,—the very year year very 1738,—the of (text "Constitutions" the in
indeed, of every Christian Church; for if it makes no no makes it if for Church; Christian every of indeed, ization or individual can fairly judge Freemasonry Freemasonry judge fairly can individual or ization
of prominent members of the fraternity who profess profess who fraternity the of members prominent of
of Masonry, and perhaps have never read the works works the read never have perhaps and Masonry, of
If it makes no difference to what Church a man be- man a Church what to difference no makes it If
to interpret true Masonic ideas and ideals. But the the But ideals. and ideas Masonic true interpret to
tries, have not the slightest interest in the philosophy philosophy the in interest slightest the not have tries,
The first article of the "Old Charges" incorporated incorporated Charges" "Old the of article first The
One should bear in mind that large numbers of of numbers large that mind in bear should One
MASONRY AND RELIGION RELIGION AND MASONRY
enemy enemy
of the Catholic Church, and, and, Church, Catholic the of
--3— --3—
I I
strong, not to say bitter, as represented, for instance, instance, for represented, as bitter, say to not strong,
aggressive Verein deutscher Freimauer." Freimauer." deutscher Verein aggressive
orthodox Lutheranism and the large rationalistic sec- rationalistic large the and Lutheranism orthodox
by the radical 'Humanitarian' Grand Lodges and the the and Lodges Grand 'Humanitarian' radical the by
also object to Masonry. In fact up to sixty years ago ago years sixty to up fact In Masonry. to object also
tion of Germanic Masonry the mutual antipathy is is antipathy mutual the Masonry Germanic of tion
most of them did. Even at the present day "between "between day present the at Even did. them of most
slightest feeling of bitterness or antagonism toward toward antagonism or bitterness of feeling slightest
ligion, and hence many find it hard to understand why why understand to hard it find many hence and ligion,
the Church forbids Catholics to become Masons. Masons. become to Catholics forbids Church the
Lodge against the Catholic religion or any other re- other any or religion Catholic the against Lodge
and Masonic Lodges have fraternized to' some extent. extent. some to' fraternized have Lodges Masonic and
the Catholic Church, and will assure you in all honesty honesty all in you assure will and Church, Catholic the
that they have never seen or heard anything in their their in anything heard or seen never have they that
It is also true that hundreds of Masons llave not the the not llave Masons of hundreds that true also is It
lic priests and laymen often number Freemasons among among Freemasons number often laymen and priests lic
our age. Nevertheless, in a country like the United United the like country a in Nevertheless, age. our States, and possibly in several other countries, Catho- countries, other several in possibly and States,
their friends, and in certain places Catholic societies societies Catholic places certain in and friends, their
even possible to allege additional reasons peculiar to to peculiar reasons additional allege to possible even
objections made to Freemasonry nearly 200 years ago ago years 200 nearly Freemasonry to made objections
munication to affiliate themselves with the Masonic Masonic the with themselves affiliate to munication
As Catholics were forbidden under pain of excom- of pain under forbidden were Catholics As
forbidden, and on practically the same grounds. It is is It grounds. same the practically on and forbidden,
by Pope Clement XII still hold at the present day. day. present the at hold still XII Clement Pope by fraternity in 1738 and thereafter, so they are still still are they so thereafter, and 1738 in fraternity
It is worth noting that other Christian churches churches Christian other that noting worth is It
It is the purpose of this pamphlet to show that the the that show to pamphlet this of purpose the is It
3 3
charged to comply with the Christian Portugal, for example, a republic was established in Masons were 1910 largely by Masons. Living under a successful usages of each country where they traveled or worked: but Masonry being found in all nations, even of di- republican form of government ourselves, we may con- sider that was a worthy and patriotic achievement. verse religions, they are now generally charged to ad- But note some of the articles in the Constitution here to that religion in which all men agree." Is there drawn up for the new republic under Masonic influ- any religion in which all men agree? In the same "Charge" the Brothers are urged "to ence as competent authorities both Masonic and non- Masonic agree.5 be good men and true, men of honor and honesty, by whatever names, religions, or persuasions they may "Ministers of religion shall have no part in the parochial lay corporations or associations in charge be distinguished, for they all agree in the three great articles of Noah, enough to preserve the cement of of temporal affairs. A minister of religion who criti- the lodge." The articles of Noah refer to a time not cizes or attacks any of the acts of a public authority or the form of government or the laws of the Re- only pre-Christian but pre-Mosaic, to that time in the history of the human race when it was undivided public or any of the provisions of the present law will either racially or religiously. The "three articles" may be punishable by law. Church property shall belong to the State, but shall be loaned to the Church. The mean "the duties toward God, the neighbor and him- wearing of the clerical habit outside of the churches self," or may refer to "brotherly love, relief, and and ceremonies is prohibited. It is also prohibited to truth." a Here is the very essence of indifference to revealed Christian dogmas. How can the Catholic publish in any way by word or deed, any boils, de- crees, or communications from the Roman Curia. or Church, teaching, as she does, that she is the "pillar prelates, or others, without explicit permission from and the ground of the truth" given to the world by the civil authorities. The State will have charge of Jesus Christ, permit her children to belong to a society whose official pronouncements undermine the very naming and approving the professors in ecclesiastical seminaries for the training of priests and will de- foundation of that truth? Moreover, it is unquestionable that in some parts termine the text-books and courses of study therein. of the world, Masonry has displayed a marked hos- No Jesuits or other monastic orders or religious con- tility to the Catholic Church. Here we must note a gregations shall be admitted into Portuguese territory. distinction between Latin countries and what, for con- All Jesuits, whether aliens, naturalized citizens, or venience, we may call .AngIo-Saxon countries. In natives, are expelled, and all their real or personal — 4 — — 5 —
Orient"; the evidence for all this has been published published been has this all for evidence the Orient";
over 18,000 officers were denounced by the "Grand "Grand the by denounced were officers 18,000 over
spiracy went on for four years, from 1901 to 1904; 1904; to 1901 from years, four for on went spiracy
European or Mexican Masons? Masons? Mexican or European England and in this country have repudiated the phi- the repudiated have country this in and England
organization. It is true that in the past, Lodges in in Lodges past, the in that true is It organization.
Masons responsible for what is said and done by by done and said is what for responsible Masons
"fiches' (index slips), passed over his head to higher higher to head his over passed slips), (index "fiches'
with photographed copies of the "charges.' "charges.' the of copies photographed with
decided drift the the drift decided "index slips" of the officers kept by the "Grand "Grand the by kept officers the of slips" "index
demned their atheism and irreligion. irreligion. and atheism their demned responsible. Nevertheless, they belong to the same same the to belong they Nevertheless, responsible.
the United States? Is it not unfair to hold American American hold to unfair not it Is States? United the
Lodge," in which a man's "qualifications" for advance- for "qualifications" man's a which in Lodge,"
losophy of their brethren in France, and have con- have and France, in brethren their of losophy to Latin countries, why object to Masonry here in in here Masonry to object why countries, Latin to
Central Africa; other officers, favorably listed in the the in listed favorably officers, other Africa; Central
covered early in the present century; the infamous infamous the century; present the in early covered of the the of
soldier, if he was guilty of these "crimes' he was was he "crimes' these of guilty was he if soldier, ment were listed. Did he go to Mass, or allow his his allow or Mass, to go he Did listed. were ment
wife and children to go? Did he send his children to to children his send he Did go? to children and wife
a Catholic school, or did he encourage his soldiers soldiers his encourage he did or school, Catholic a
kept in the least favorable quarters or dispatched to to dispatched or quarters favorable least the in kept
rank, but he could secure no promotion. This con- This promotion. no secure could he but rank,
to go to church? No matter what his merits as a a as merits his what matter No church? to go to
Of course it would be, but we do not hold then, then, hold not do we but be, would it course Of
But if this type of anti-Catholic bigotry is confined confined is bigotry anti-Catholic of type this if But
Scottish Scottish
Rite in this this in Rite
other way at least among the Masons Masons the among least at way other
—7— —7—
country.. In 4917 the the 4917 In country..
But there there But
is a a is
"In 1893 the Convention or general meeting declared declared meeting general or Convention the 1893 "In
orthodox believer, believer, orthodox lic religion. Witness the scandals in the army un- un- army the in scandals the Witness religion. lic peatedly asserted, as by Mayoux and others, others, and Mayoux by as asserted, peatedly
they strove to penalize those who practiced the Catho- the practiced who those penalize to strove they
pledged themselves to abstain from all religious rites. rites. religious all from abstain to themselves pledged content with ruling religion out of their own lives, lives, own their of out religion ruling with content be a sincere Freemason in France." g They were not not were They g France." in Freemason sincere a be
yond the provisions of the Constitution of 1917. 1917. of Constitution the of provisions the yond
sections almost identical with the Portuguese—only Portuguese—only the with identical almost sections
which serves as its Executive —unless they had had they —unless Executive its as serves which themselves and their dependents. And it has been re- been has it And dependents. their and themselves
that none were eligible for the Council of the Order— the of Council the for eligible were none that
proval and co-operation, is in its politico-religious politico-religious its in is co-operation, and proval
gated February 5, 1917, apparently with Masonic ap- Masonic with apparently 1917, 5, February gated
more so!" so!" more
Masons, while the more recent Constitution promul- Constitution recent more the while Masons,
can Constitution of 1857 was largely the work of of work the largely was 1857 of Constitution can
of the Portuguese Constitution of 1910. "The Mexi- "The 1910. of Constitution Portuguese the of
Mexico, seems to follow quite literally along the lines lines the along literally quite follow to seems Mexico,
zens, they are likewise to be expelled, and if they are are they if and expelled, be to likewise are they zens,
may not live in community, and shall not be allowed allowed be not shall and community, in live not may
property is confiscated. As for the members of other other of members the for As confiscated. is property
way in education." g g education." in way
natives, they must return to secular life, or at least least at or life, secular to return must they natives,
religious orders, if they are aliens or naturalized citi- naturalized or aliens are they if orders, religious
to exercise the teaching profession or intervene in any any in intervene or profession teaching the exercise to
-;..w45010,01P.,'.71SCONSMINielf,aiva-A*. -;..w45010,01P.,'.71SCONSMINielf,aiva-A*.
The story of Masonry in France is well known. known. well is France in Masonry of story The
What has been done during this year, 1926, in in 1926, year, this during done been has What
7 7
The laws of Calles in 1926, go even be- even go 1926, in Calles of laws The
Catholic, Catholic,
- 6 -- -- 6 -
Protestant, Protestant,
"
--tt --tt
or Jew, Jew, or
that no no that
could could
1
0 0
them and our own brethren. And, in this world crisis Grand Lodge of__California_ado ted resolutions on this that has come upon us, it seems to us that it be- point: "Whereas," they said, "it is pre-eminentlyde- hooves us all to forget our differences, so far, at --ikable that the 'Universality of Freemasonry,' no least, as to allow us to get the whole of Freemasonry less than the 'Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood . together and act together intelligently and harmoni- of Man,' shall be something more than an empty ously for the good of the whole world." 11 Incidentally phrase, . . . Now, therefore, he it resolved, that a the Grand Lodges of Tlassachusetts, and of Texas, special committee of five members of this Grand Lodge Icentucki-a-fid -Geo o end orsirthe Grand be appointed by the Grand Master to report at the Orient of France. It is constantly maintained by next annual communication some plan whereby, if Masonic authorities that Masonry is one, not in rite possible, the breach between French and Anglo-Saxon or in government, but ."the doctrine of Freemasonry Masonry may be healed without the sacrifice on either is everywhere the same: It is the body which is un- side of any essential principle or matter of conscience; changeable—remaining always the same. The science and be it further resolved, that any inhibition upon and philosophy, the symbolism and the religion of the right of visitation heretofore imposed by this Grand Lodge be, and the same hereby is, modified in Freemasonry continue,- and will 'COntinue;to -b-e— the so far as it may be same, wherever true Masonryis praEtiFid-." 12- necessary to allow and permit our brethren to hold Masonic intercourse with the that--even in the Unfortunately,it is likewise true— Masons of France, RTIgium and Italy, and to visit writings of American Masons, and in such Masonic any of the lodges." magazines as The New Age, referred to above, and The official magazine of the Thirty-third Degree, The American Freemason, for Blue Lodge members, Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, entitled The we find ample evidence of antagonism to Catholic New Age and published in Washington, D. C., com- Christianity. Particularly is this true of the Sottish menting on these resolutions in November, 1917, said: Rite. This branch of American Freemasonry admitted "We have never been able to get out of our mind responsibility for sponsoring the anti-parochial school the idea that Freemasonry in this country has been The NeW Age, con- bill in Oregon in 1922. Its paper, too quick to credit the assertions of the Jesuits( I). stantly publishes vicious diatribes against the Catho- and others of the Roman Hierarchy, and too slow to lic Church. listen to any explanations or reasons offered by Latin In 1881 appeared the well-known book of Albert Masons concerning the matters in dispute between -8-
as they are by representative Masons, it must also be be also must it Masons, representative by are they as
offensive to Catholicity in Masonry, they either do do either they Masonry, in Catholicity to offensive
clear to anyone that when men say there- is nothing nothing is there- say men when that anyone to clear
on this subject, "American Freemasonry," pages 45- pages Freemasonry," "American subject, this on
one usually assigned by Christian believers, but rather rather but believers, Christian by assigned usually one 52.) 52.) Christian religions. (See quotations given by Preuss Preuss by given quotations (See religions. Christian
the Gospels and the Divinity of Jesus Christ treated treated Christ Jesus of Divinity the and Gospels the
is to be found in the pagan mysteries, mysteries, pagan the in found be to is
shock the religious sensibilities of believing Chris- believing of sensibilities religious the shock
tians." tians."
like the Cross and the letters I. N. R. I. that must must that I. R. N. I. letters the and Cross the like
truth of the Sacred Scriptures, and of revered symbols symbols revered of and Scriptures, Sacred the of truth
"The Symbolism of Freemasonry: Illustrating and and Illustrating Freemasonry: of Symbolism "The
tain explanations of the Nature of God, the historic historic the God, of Nature the of explanations tain
Myths, and Symbols." All three of these books con- books these of three All Symbols." and Myths,
Explaining Its Science and Philosophy, Its Legends, Legends, Its Philosophy, and Science Its Explaining
Mackey, M.D. Dr. Mackey is also the author of of author the also is Mackey Dr. M.D. Mackey,
delphia in 1906, and was the work of Albert G. G. Albert of work the was and 1906, in delphia
Connected with the Institution," appeared in Phila- in appeared Institution," the with Connected
Whole Range of Arts, Sciences and Literature, as as Literature, and Sciences Arts, of Range Whole
Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, and Pub- and States, United the of Jurisdiction Southern
masonry and its Kindred Sciences: Comprising the the Comprising Sciences: Kindred its and masonry
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prepared for the Su- the for Prepared Freemasonry, of Rite Scottish
lished by its Authority." An Encyclopedia of Free- of Encyclopedia An Authority." its by lished
preme Council of the Third-third Degree for the the for Degree Third-third the of Council preme
Pike, "Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Accepted and Ancient the of Dogma and "Morals Pike,
The "true" meaning of Masonic symbols is not the the not is symbols Masonic of meaning "true" The
Furthermore, when we find the authenticity of of authenticity the find we when Furthermore,
10
- -
or in in or
pre-
stone of Orthodox Christianity, Catholic and Protes- and Catholic Christianity, Orthodox of stone
sonic interpretation), came to rend asunder the worn worn the asunder rend to came interpretation), sonic
extent of deeming Him divine." divine." Him deeming of extent
world had waited and pined so long; and every true true every and long; so pined and waited had world
its own most simple and sublime one taught by Nature Nature by taught one sublime and simple most own its
far above His own conceptions or belief, even to the the to even belief, or conceptions own His above far
elect, the same truths." truths." same the elect, Masonry. Albert Pike writes as follows: follows: as writes Pike Albert Masonry. we hold with those who look upon us "indulgently" "indulgently" us upon look who those with hold we
ends and symbols" cannot be perceived by the "pro- the by perceived be cannot symbols" and ends
conceals from the profane and ever preserves to the the to preserves ever and profane the from conceals for this belief which is an essential part of our Chris- our of part essential an is which belief this for
tant, is the Divinity of Christ. What fellowship can can fellowship What Christ. of Divinity the is tant, by the consecrated star of Initiation (note the Ma- the (note Initiation of star consecrated the by propagates no creed," says the same author, "except "except author, same the says creed," no propagates not know the Catholic Church, or they do not know know not do they or Church, Catholic the know not
tian faith? But But faith? tian
Masons; the truth of the Gospels hidden in its "leg- its in hidden Gospels the of truth the Masons; fane," 1. 1. fane,"
to be "broad" in its religious philosophy. Masonry Masonry philosophy. religious its in "broad" be to Holy Word, when a Prophet, announced to the Magi Magi the to announced Prophet, a when Word, Holy new tissue of legends and symbols symbols and legends of tissue new
Knight of the Rose (the Rose Croix degree), will will degree), Croix Rose (the Rose the of Knight indulgently on those who assign to Him a character character a Him to assign who those on indulgently
revere the memory of Him Who taught it, and look look and it, taught Who Him of memory the revere
veil of the Temple, in order to give to the Church Church the to give to order in Temple, the of veil
"Jerusalem . . . had at length in its turn lost the the lost turn its in length at had . . . "Jerusalem
"This is the New Law, the Word for which the the which for Word the Law, New the is "This
e., e.,
those who are not Masons. Masons. not are who those
it it
is of the very nature of Freemasonry Freemasonry of nature very the of is
" "
The Elect, of course, are are course, of Elect, The
15 15
The very corner- very The
that still and ever ever and still that a a
seen at any rate, that Masonic literature has decided decided has literature Masonic that rate, any at seen
so: "Masonry is religion enough for us." us." for enough religion is "Masonry so:
elaborate ritual in large part couched in religious religious in couched part large in ritual elaborate
subject by a case brought before the Court of Appeals Appeals of Court the before brought case a by subject
appointed to do so. We believe that our Church has has Church our that believe We so. do to appointed
Surely no Catholic will have his religion interpreted interpreted religion his have will Catholic no Surely
accused the fraternity of having an unsectarian, nat- unsectarian, an having of fraternity the accused
of the Lodge of Strict Observance, No. 94, was ex- ex- was 94, No. Observance, Strict of Lodge the of
He delegated His teaching authority to a group of of group a to authority teaching His delegated He
of New York, in 1905. Robert Kopp, one time Master Master time one Kopp, Robert 1905. in York, New of
outward semblance of a religion; and that it has an an has it that and religion; a of semblance outward
terms. We know, too, that for hundreds of men, men, of hundreds for that too, know, We terms.
men who speak in His Name with infallible certainty. certainty. infallible with Name His in speak who men Masonry is the only religion they practice; they say say they practice; they religion only the is Masonry
or fifth century. A Protestant, if he is logical, should should logical, is he if Protestant, A century. fifth or
for him except by those whom he believes are divinely divinely are believes he whom those by except him for
uralistic character. A Catholic of the twentieth cen- twentieth the of Catholic A character. uralistic
been founded by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, that that God, of Son the Christ, Jesus by founded been
teriorated." teriorated."
truth of his religion became "obsolete" in the fourth fourth the in "obsolete" became religion his of truth
views on religion, and pretends to interpret religion. religion. interpret to pretends and religion, on views
tury cannot agree (and remain a Catholic), that the the that Catholic), a remain (and agree cannot tury
not remain a Protestant, if Protestantism has "de- has Protestantism if Protestant, a remain not is much disputed by Masons themselves. We have have We themselves. Masons by disputed much is
Perhaps we can see now why Pope Clement XII XII Clement Pope why now see can we Perhaps
This much we are sure of: that Masonry has the the has Masonry that of: sure are we much This
Some little light is thrown on this phase of the the of phase this on thrown is light little Some
The question whether or not Masonry is a religion religion a is Masonry not or whether question The
- 13 -- -- 13 -
"true," "true,"
"Masonry is THE TRUTH." You may be a Christian, Christian, a be may You TRUTH." THE is "Masonry
a Hindu, a Jew, a Mohammedan,—any religion is is religion Mohammedan,—any a Jew, a Hindu, a
a higher truth" — of course, this higher truth is is truth higher this course, of — truth" higher a
They are to be pitied for it and not persecuted."' not and it for pitied be to are They
ancient Persians were fitted to receive; those of Con- of those receive; to fitted were Persians ancient
Masonry—"it is their misfortune and not their fault. fault. their not and misfortune their is Masonry—"it
France and Mexico, but in these United States. States. United these in but Mexico, and France
remain content therewith, when others have have others when therewith, content remain
representative Masonic writers, not only in Italy, Italy, in only not writers, Masonic representative
former; and if any men are so little fortunate as to to as fortunate little so are men any if and former;
for the idolatrous Arabs of his age. age. his of Arabs idolatrous the for
world." "Catholicism," says Albert Pike, "was a vital vital a "was Pike, Albert says "Catholicism," world."
fucius were fitted for the Chinese; those of Mohammed Mohammed of those Chinese; the for fitted were fucius
doctrines of Zoroaster were the best which the the the the which best the were Zoroaster of doctrines
and is completed by the wise analogies of faith. There There faith. of analogies wise the by completed is and
the world. world. the
and Reason. Reason. and
Protestantism arose, flourished, and deteriorated. The The deteriorated. and flourished, arose, Protestantism
is a sort of commentary on this amazing statement statement amazing this on commentary of sort a is written in visible Nature and explained by the reason reason the by explained and Nature visible in written belief." is is belief."
for the time. time. the for
truth in its earliest ages, but it became obsolete, and and obsolete, became it but ages, earliest its in truth
that "there has never been a false religion in the the in religion false a been never has "there that
is but one true religion, one dogma, one legitimate legitimate one dogma, one religion, true one but is
This is the idea stated over and over again by by again over and over stated idea the is This
Another short paragraph from from paragraph short Another
when when
The permanent one universal revelation is is revelation universal one permanent The
There has never been a false religion in in religion false a been never has There
Each was a Gospel preacheg by a Re- a by preacheg Gospel a was Each
interpreted in terms of Freemasonry. Freemasonry. of terms in interpreted
- 12 - - 12 -
Morals and Dogma Dogma and Morals
Each was Truth Truth was Each
attained attained
7 7
sentative Masons. Masons. sentative
Church. This is clearly shown by the official declara- official the by shown clearly is This Church.
System, is antagonistic to the first principles of the the of principles first the to antagonistic is System, tions of the Lodges, and the publications of repre- of publications the and Lodges, the of tions
of them, however friendly whole groups of them may may them of groups whole friendly however them, of
he to the Church, Freemasonry, as a Society, as a a as Society, a as Freemasonry, Church, the to he may be the views of individual Masons, even hundreds hundreds even Masons, individual of views the be may
quite justified on the religious issue alone. Whatever Whatever alone. issue religious the on justified quite
Catholic Church on the question of Freemasonry is is Freemasonry of question the on Church Catholic
It seems clear, therefore, that the position of the the of position the that therefore, clear, seems It
7- 7/ a a 7/ 7-
a denominational church," then there is precisely the the precisely is there then church," denominational a pared with the formally expressed doctrines of many many of doctrines expressed formally the with pared
same reason why a Catholic may not be a Mason, as as Mason, a be not may Catholic a why reason same
Baptist,—if he wishes to remain a Catholic. Catholic. a remain to wishes he Baptist,—if
oughly religious in character that it may well be com- be well may it that character in religious oughly
of the church, nor whether the excommunicated have have excommunicated the whether nor church, the of
been, justly or unjustly, cut off from the body of the the of body the from off cut unjustly, or justly been,
church." la la church."
there is that a Catholic may not be a Lutheran or a a or Lutheran a be not may Catholic a that is there
civil courts cannot decide who ought to be members members be to ought who decide cannot courts civil
membership is not a right of which a civil court will will court civil a which of right a not is membership
take cognizance has been frequently adjudicated. The The adjudicated. frequently been has cognizance take
many a denominational church. That the right of of right the That church. denominational a many
compared with the formally expressed doctrines of of doctrines expressed formally the with compared
ligious belief, as an essential prerequisite to member- to prerequisite essential an as belief, ligious
ship. The precepts contained in 'The Landmarks and and Landmarks 'The in contained precepts The ship.
membership in a church. Each requires a candidate candidate a requires Each church. a in membership
thoroughly religious in character., that it may well be be well may it that character., in religious thoroughly
the charges of a Freemason' formulate a creed so so creed a formulate Freemason' a of charges the
he fought to be reinstated, and finally the case came came case the finally and reinstated, be to fought he
pelled from the fraternity for an insulting letter he he letter insulting an for fraternity the from pelled the Masonic fraternity is very much like the right to to right the like much very is fraternity Masonic the
to interfere. He said: "The right to membership in in membership to right "The said: He interfere. to
to the Court of Appeals. Elburt Crandall, the lawyer lawyer the Crandall, Elburt Appeals. of Court the to for admission to subscribe to certain articles of re- of articles certain to subscribe to admission for
wrote to the Grand Master of the State. For six years years six For State. the of Master Grand the to wrote
for the Grand Lodge, protested the right of the court court the of right the protested Lodge, Grand the for
If it is true that Masonry has a creed "so thor- "so creed a has Masonry that true is it If
—14— —14— aTi aTi
out a sufficient reason is obviously a "vain" use of of use "vain" a obviously is reason sufficient a out
what we say; and, finally, if we promise something something promise we if finally, and, say; we what thing promised. promised. thing
are very simple. There is a Command of God that we we that God of Command a is There simple. very are
God's Name. Then we must be sure of the truth of of truth the of sure be must we Then Name. God's
be fulfilled before it is licit to take an oath. The first first The oath. an take to licit is it before fulfilled be
under oath, we must be sure we may lawfully do the the do lawfully may we sure be must we oath, under must not take His Holy Name in vain, and there- and vain, in Name Holy His take not must
as regards things not yet made known to him; (c) no no (c) him; to known made yet not things regards as
one has the lawful right to impose the sentence for for sentence the impose to right lawful the has one
is, that we must give careful consideration to the the to consideration careful give must we that is,
fore the Church insists that certain conditions must must conditions certain that insists Church the fore necessity and utility of the oath, for to swear with- swear to for oath, the of utility and necessity
breaking the oath. oath. the breaking
oath of this kind kind: (a) Masonry has no right to to right no has Masonry (a) kind: kind this of oath
impose it; (b) the candidate binds himself to secrecy secrecy to himself binds candidate the (b) it; impose
have my throat cuLacross, mytir cuLacross, throat my have a penalty, on the violation of any of them, than to to than them, of any of violation the on penalty, a
root. SO root.
secret), conceal, and never reveal any part or parts, parts, or part any reveal never and conceal, secret),
sincerely swear that I will always hale (i. (i. hale always will I that swear sincerely
may hereafter be communicated to me,—on no less less no me,—on to communicated be hereafter may
point or points, of the secrets and mysteries of or or of mysteries and secrets the of points, or point
belonging to Masons; what have been, shall now, or or now, shall been, have what Masons; to belonging
Univer e do hereby and hereon most solemnly and and solemnly most hereon and hereby do e Univer
(name), in the presence of the Great Architect of the the of Architect Great the of presence the in (name),
The Masonic oath violates all of these principles. principles. these of all violates oath Masonic The
The principles of Catholic teaching about oaths oaths about teaching Catholic of principles The
Three fundamental objections may be made to an an to made be may objections fundamental Three
- -
help me God!" " " God!" me help
- 17 - - 17 -
rue tornimit rue
i
g
e., e.,
-
b
—
y
—
keep keep
the_
. .
system of Freemasonry; indeed, it is renewed in vaty- in renewed is it indeed, Freemasonry; of system
oath of secrecy "still remains an integral part of the the of part integral an remains "still secrecy of oath
sanction, differing in that respect from the oath ex- oath the from respect that in differing sanction,
his condemnation of Masonry in the eighteenth cen- eighteenth the in Masonry of condemnation his
ing to this secrecy practiced in the Fraternity. The The Fraternity. the in practiced secrecy this to ing
acted, for example, by a magistrate, a judge, or an an or judge, a magistrate, a by example, for acted,
degree. Through Clement XII's Constitution and the the and Constitution XII's Clement Through degree.
Bulls of many subsequent Pontiffs the Church pro- Church the Pontiffs subsequent many of Bulls
secrets. It is the nature of the oath of secrecy and and secrecy of oath the of nature the is It secrets.
tury was the inscrutable secrecy and the oaths bind- oaths the and secrecy inscrutable the was tury
ecclesiastical superior who are in their varying degrees degrees varying their in are who superior ecclesiastical ing forms in the in forms ing
which the Church does not condemn. College fraterni- College condemn. not does Church the which is imposed by an authority which has no adequate adequate no has which authority an by imposed is
the representatives of the commonwealth or of God." God." of or commonwealth the of representatives the
nounces such an oath to be immoral in principle. It It principle. in immoral be to oath an such nounces
ties have secrets. The Knights of Columbus have have Columbus of Knights The secrets. have ties
the Masonic oath objectionable. The following oath oath following The objectionable. oath Masonic the
the claim that it admits of no exception which make make which exception no of admits it that claim the
is taken from the manual of the English lodges: "I "I lodges: English the of manual the from taken is
Tim second reason given by Pope Clement XII for for XII Clement Pope by given reason second Tim
There are many societies which have secrets, and and secrets, have which societies many are There
THE MASONIC OATH OATH MASONIC THE
- -
initiation ceremony of each successi've each of ceremony initiation
- 16 - - 16 -
II II
. .
outer court or portico of the Temple. Part of the Princes of Masonry. The whole body of the Royal intentionally misled by false interpretations. It is not symbols are displayed there to the Initiate, but he is
tain. It is well enough for the mass of those called possible to solve many of the enigmas which they con- and Sacerdotal Art was hidden so carefully. centuries "The Blue Degrees, says Albert Pike, "are but the mitted to the higher degrees, if he ever is. It is main- Their true explication is reserved for the Adepts, the intended that he shall understand them; but it is in- principles, Blue Masonry is absolutely dumb." gree Masons in this twentieth century. It is ridiculous unethical and immoral to deceive candidates as to
science" are certainly not confined to Thirty-third de-
since, in the High Degrees, as that it is even yet im- tended that he shall imagine he understands them.
terrible oath to keep secret what shall be revealed to them in higher degrees. degrees of Masonry. "The great truths of intellectual degrees teaches the great truths of intellectual science;
these supposed "great truths" when they are under a can be no secrets of any importance in any of the
but as to these, even as to the rudiments and first
to make any such claim. But at the same time it is fained by Albert Pike that "the Masonry of the higher
things? He has no means of knowing until he is ad-
That this is done we know from the same author:
It
is true, of course, as Dr. Cooper says, that there
-19-
22
of importance, after all, could (high degree) Masonry There is no necessity for the oath, for, "to look at
losophy or of science could easily be persuaded of this. possess in this day of education and culture? Philo- the matter sensibly," says Dr. Cooper, "what secrets
sophical or scientific secrets? No historian of phi-
clear, these aims are an open book to anyone with sufficient library facilities who cares to take the time Secret practical aims? But, as I shall try to make Is it merely play-actipg when he generously offers to conceal it? Is the whole thing merely a grotesque jest
execute the self-imposed sentence? Has Masonry
have his throat cut and his tongue torn out if he
to impress the candidate with an empty solemnity? breaks the oath? Suppose he does break it who is to
Masonry is clearly usurping an essential prerogative power of life and death over its members? If it has
not, then what do the words mean? If they mean
to investigate."
nothing, then it is wrong to use God's Name as a seal
of the State. for such an oath. If they are to be taken literally then of Masonic teaching, he cannot be sure he will be
able to fulfill Masonic obligations, when he does not
hereafter be communicated" to him. What are those
oath expressly states that the candidate binds him- self to absolute secrecy even as to things which "may yet know that teaching or those obligations. The
Furthermore, a man cannot be sure of the truth
21
If there is nothing
-18-
-
to conceal, why
If ra
I quote him exactly,—"gave me quite a shock, for I had not dreamed that any Mason or body of Masons, Masons to imagine that all is contained in the Blue or any publication concerning Masonry in the United Degrees; and who so attempts to undeceive them will States of America had ever been guilty of the senti- labor in vain, and without any true reward violate his ments mentioned." He had been of the opinion, as obligations as an Adept. Masonry is the veritable so many others are, that the Catholic Church was Sphinx, buried to the head in the sands heaped round narrow because she woud not permit her members it by the ages." 22 to became Masons, and that the Church entirely mis- Here are some illuminating statements truly. "The understood Masonry. The fact is that it is Masons, mass of those called Masons are the thousands of many hundreds of them, who misunderstand Masonry. lodge members in the lower degrees who have no in- One other statement in the last quotation from terest in going higher; they art content that they Albert Pike's book calls for a word of comment. He have been admitted to the Fraternity and are en- intimates that Freemasonry is very, ancient; its titled to call themselves Masons. But "they are in- secrets were hidden "centuries since, in the High tentionally misled by false interpretations,' and there- Degrees." That is pure legend without a shred of fore know not what their brother Masons in higher history to support it. Most preposterous and extrava- degrees know, and these latter violate their oath if gant claims have been advanced for the antiquity of they try to enlighten them. Masons are very apt to the Fraternity. "We may trace this vei,y institution," become indignant if we tell them they do not know says Albert G. Mackey, "with an older but not dis- what Masonry means. The greatest Masonic author- similar form, in the Masonic guilds of Europe; in ity that ever lived in the.United States says this is so, the corporations of the Stone-masons of Germany; in and we believe he knows what Masonry means. the traveling Freemasons of the Middle Ages, and con- A personal experience may give point to this state- nect it with the Colleges of Architects of Rome." 24 ment. In a friendly discussion with a man who was It is a slight strain on one's credulity to be asked .1 past master of a Lodge in New York and who had to believe that the Builders' Guilds of the Middle been a member of the Grand Lodge of the State, I Ages, which erected the magnificent Gothic Cathe- called attention to some particularly violent attacks drals of Europe, that produced the Mystery and on the Catholic Church and on Religion in general. Morality Plays to give expression to faith in God's that had appeared in The New Age and in other Ma• ' Revelation and their love for Jesus Christ and the sonic publications. He was fair enough to say when -21-- he had verified my quotations, that what he read,— - 20 - -
quillity of the state. The Pope was by no means which such societies involve for the security and tran- alone in seeing this danger. Before he took any action of Holland (1735), Sweden, and Geneva (1738), had all taken measures to prohibit Masonry. These were against the organization the Protestant Governments his Condemnation of Freemasonry was the danger
have proved conclusively that much mischief has been against the established governments. "It was in the done in the various countries of Europe to say noth- followed by Zurich (1740), and Berne (1745). Events great _meeting of the Freemasons
ing of Mexico and South America by Masonic plots
of Sweden was first planned." began, that- the Main, three ary movemenfihi
even as recently as the Young
Lodges took an active part, as their prove. testified and as non-Masonic historians were able to
THE
29
last reason given by Pope Clement XII for
MASONRY AND THE STATE
years before
death
-
Trance, Italy, Spam, Portugal,_and
of Louis X
—13--
III
u_
the (Fren.hrrte
2-8
_
In lat
VI ;ri
Turkish
-
in Frankfurt-on-
-
d
----
—
own members
er
GlistAVus
revolt, the -
reyolution-
-
i
-
rolution
--
tii
Saints, that these same Catholics practiced symbolic
authentic interpretation in the ancient Pagan Mys-
rites which we are told have their truest and most
teries. writers claim King Solomon as their "first Most Excel-
lent Grand Master!"
whose theory it is "that the principles of the Pure or
Seth!" Primitive Freemasonry were preserved in the race of Masonry in the eighteenth century" is really the society, that we are familiar with in our day. Its own
beginning
was born when the Grand Lodge was established in better historians of the last fifty years admit Masonry
England, June 24, 1717.
But why stop at the Middle Ages? Other Masonic
29
What is termed by some "the revival of
of speculative Masonry, the international
r
r
25
21
and there are still others
-22-
5
75
.
7
4 :1 :1 4
• •
(to the Universal Republic of tomorrow the daughter daughter the tomorrow of Republic Universal the (to
so wise a diplomat as Pope Leo XIII in his condem- his in XIII Leo Pope as diplomat a wise so
a specious one and the danger cannot be ignored." ignored." be cannot danger the and one specious a
of a godless universal republic; though, so_ far,_they far,_they so_ though, republic; universal godless a of
stronghold in Switzerland, have strained every nerve nerve every strained have Switzerland, in stronghold
designs.. Still designs..
of France, Belgium, Italy, etc., with those of Central Central of those with etc., Italy, Belgium, France, of have happiliThiet with scant success in any of these these of any in success scant with happiliThiet have
nation of Masonry said of it, that "it has succeeded succeeded has "it that it, of said Masonry of nation
League of Nations their tool in realizing the project project the realizing in tool their Nations of League
ren of English speech. They would fain make the the make fain would They speech. English of ren ban decreed against the Grand Orient by their breth- their by Orient Grand the against decreed ban
of of
sembly of the Grand Orient proposed a toast which which toast a proposed Orient Grand the of sembly
to bring about the cordial co-operation of the Masons Masons the of co-operation cordial the about bring to
Europe, and more especially to break through the the through break to especially more and Europe,
the leading spirits of the Craft, finding a convenient convenient a finding Craft, the of spirits leading the
was received with enthusiastic applause: 'To the the 'To applause: enthusiastic with received was
corded in Masonic journals and the published pro- published the and journals Masonic in corded
French Republic, the daughter of French Masonry; Masonry; French of daughter the Republic, French
ceedings of Conventions, etc., the fact at once becomes becomes once at fact the etc., Conventions, of ceedings
down national barriers, entirely in the interest of a a of interest the in entirely barriers, national down
vention.,of 1923, the President of the General As- General the of President the 1923, vention.,of
plain that an immense effort is being made to break break to made being is effort immense an that plain
future Univers future
the banquet celebrated in connection with the Con- the with connection in celebrated banquet the follow in the footsteps of the French Revolution.k Revolution.k French the of footsteps the in follow tinental Masonry, even only so far as they are re- are they as far so only even Masonry, tinental
Perhaps, after all, the Popes have been right. Even Even right. been have Popes the all, after Perhaps,
Universal MasOary.1 In view of view In MasOary.1 Universal
-
the cry ofthe brotherhoods of many is is many of brotherhoods ofthe cry the
-
al Republic of Masonry,)which is to to is Masonry,)which of Republic al
—25-- —25--
-
this
-
coniiimmation coniiimmation
32 32
. .
-
a recent article, Rev. Herbert Thurston, whom we we whom Thurston, Herbert Rev. article, recent a
the trouble to investigate the recent activities of con- con- of activities recent the investigate to trouble the
again: "In every quarter of Europe where Free- where Europe of quarter every "In again:
have quoted above, says: "To_ anyone who will take take will who anyone "To_ says: above, quoted have ity of European nations and international peace. In In peace. international and nations European of ity
are secret so secret are
hotbeds of public mischief." mischief." public of hotbeds Masons indicate a spirit that is a menace a is that spirit a indicate Masons
masonry has been established the Lodges have become become have Lodges the established been has masonry
did not in time become a public nuisance." And And nuisance." public a become time in not did
a proof of this position. In no age or country has has country or age no In position. this of proof a
object is mysterious. The whole history of man is is man of history whole The mysterious. is object
there ever appeared a mysterious association which which association mysterious a appeared ever there
Governments of Europe, Europe, of Governments
ests of their of ests
he had seen and heard in Continental Masonic Lodges Lodges Masonic Continental in heard and seen had he
securing positions of command and authority simply simply authority and command of positions securing
selves to plotting, especially when they have a definite definite a have they when especially plotting, to selves
that he wrote a book condemning them, entitled. entitled. them, condemning book a wrote he that Proofs of a Conspiracy Against All the Religions and and Religions the All Against Conspiracy a of Proofs
moderate English type, was so scandalize by what what by scandalize so was type, English moderate
0
to the scandalous injustice perpetrated injustice scandalous the to
Was thafpairiiitis Was
because they were not Masons?" Masons?" not were they because
-
fiilosophy fiilosophy
- -
Right in our own _day the activities of Continental Continental of activities the _day own our in Right
Professor John Robison, a Mason of the more more the of Mason a Robison, John Professor
By By
their very nature, secret societies societies secret nature, very their
- -
as as
Cieties dangerous, but all societies whose whose societies all but dangerous, Cieties
- -
country to prevent capable soldiers from from soldiers capable prevent to country
Masonry has. We have already referred referred already have We has. Masonry
Cab
-
m
- -
-
Oa
t
o o
- 24 - - 24 -
- -
offices in the French Army._ Army._ French the in offices
in which he says: "Not only only "Not says: he which in
- -
it seeking the best inter- inter- best the seeking it
81 81
-
e
tilfed
-
b3ithe Grand b3ithe
-
to
lend lend
-
the stabil- the
•
them- - -
"Freemasons in France," July, 1905. 1905. July, France," in "Freemasons
Morals and Dogma, Dogma, and Morals
July, 1917, pp. 43, 49, by Rev. John M. Cooper. Cooper. M. John Rev. by 49, 43, pp. 1917, July,
patio, patio,
view. view.
summary of the reasons. reasons. the of summary
called front the "bulls" or seal affixed thereto. thereto. affixed seal or "bulls" the front called
for names of these rums, names and dates of the condemnations, and and condemnations, the of dates and names rums, these of names for
13 13
14 14
17 Page 38, quoted by PITUISA, PITUISA, by quoted 38, Page 17
12 Mackey, Mackey, 12
11 11
19 Pike, Pike, 19
9 Barry, Barry, 9
13 13
9 Very Rev. Canon William Barry, 0.1)., 0.1)., Barry, William Canon Rev. Very 9
7 7
3 Cooper, Cooper, 3
Ill Quoted in in Quoted Ill
0 0
4 4
3 Cooper, "Freemasonry, Site and Church," Church," and Site "Freemasonry, Cooper, 3
2 2
1 "Bull" is the name of a particular kind of Papal document, so- document, Papal of kind particular a of name the is "Bull" 1
The :"‘-cleziastical Review. Review. :"‘-cleziastical The
Catholic Encyclopedia, Encyclopedia, Catholic
Cooper, Cooper,
See Catholic Encyclopedia. Encyclopedia. Catholic See
Ibid. Ibid.
Morals Morals
Mackey, "Symbolism." pp. 187-189; 187-189; pp. "Symbolism." Mackey,
Mid. Mid.
July, 1917, p. 60. 60. p. 1917, July,
is.. 779, 780. 780. 779, is..
p. 310. 310. p.
op. cll. cll. op.
The Inner Sanctuary. Sanctuary. Inner The
op. .it., .it., op.
op. cit. cit. op.
and Dogma, Dogma, and
Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Freemasonry, of Encyclopedia
Our Sunday Visitor, Visitor, Sunday Our
pp. 574, 757, 771; on the nature of God. God. of nature the on 771; 757, 574, pp.
pp. 63, 64. 64. 63, pp.
p. 208. 208. p.
ix., p. 773. 773. p. ix.,
FOOTNOTES FOOTNOTES
—21-- —21--
art. "Freemasonry, State, and Church," Church," and State, "Freemasonry, art.
art. "Masonry," vol. is., pp. 786, 787. 787. 786, pp. is., vol. "Masonry," art.
op. cit., cit., op.
i., 271: quoted quoted 271: i.,
April 29, 1923. 1923. 29, April
p. 249. 249. p.
Encyclopedia, Encyclopedia,
National Review Review National
p. 650. 650. p.
The Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical The
in in
Catholic Encyclo Encyclo Catholic
p. 390; Pike. Pike. 390; p.
(English), (English),
Re-
1
61 61
the two reasons already explained, namely, that that namely, explained, already reasons two the
a Mason. Mason. a
ligious philosophy, thus inducing religious indifferent- religious inducing thus philosophy, ligious
Masonry is unsectarian and naturalistic in its re- its in naturalistic and unsectarian is Masonry
ism; and because its oath is objectionable from the the from objectionable is oath its because and ism;
in entering all classes of society, and forms an an forms and society, of classes all entering in
viewpoint of Catholic teaching, no Catholic may be be may Catholic no teaching, Catholic of viewpoint
legit andifrespo state," state," For this reason; then, asviell then, reason; this For - risible state existing within the the within existing state risible -ab - - - a - - s s ror ror in- in- 18 Kopp vs. While, 30 Civil Procedure Reports, 352. _ ID Rev. Herbert Thurston, S.J., Freemasonry, p. 7, C. T. S. Publication. 20 Quoted by Rev. C. Coppens, S.J., 'The Laws of the Church with Regard to Secret Societies," in American Catholic Quarterly Review, C. S. P. v., 245. 21 The Ecclesiastical Review, June, 1911, p. 598; "Masonry's Two Have you ever wondered what these letters Hundredth Birthday," On this same page Dr. Cooper states that be meant after a priest's name? has had access "to several thousand volumes of Masonic literature. the majority of them representing Anglo-Saxon Masonry. This and the They are the first three letters of three succeeding articles (July and August) are based on a study of a selected Latin words, "Congregatio Sancti Pauli"— list of about two hundred of the more important works and articles." "The Congregation of Saint Paul", better April 29, 1923. 22 Quoted In Our Sunday Visitor, known as the Paulist Fathers. Saint Paul, a 23 Morals and Dogma, p. $19, quoted by Preuss, pp. 12, 13. convert himself and one of the great con- 24 Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 297, quoted by Preuss. p. 347 vert-makers in the history of the Church, is the principal patron of the Paulist Fathers. Ritualist, p. 61, quoted by Preuss, p. 135. 26 Encyclopedia, p. 208, quoted by Preuss, p. 330. The Paulist Fathers are a society of Amer- ican missionary priests founded nearly one 27 Cooper, op. cit., June, 1917, p. 591. hundred years ago in New York City by op. cit.. 28 Webster, The French Revolution, quoted by Thurston, Father Isaac Hecker. His fondest hope was p. 9. that one day our country would be a Cath- 29 Catholic Encyclopedia, ix., 731. olic nation. Since 1858 the Paulist Fathers 30 Supra, pp. 6, 7. have taken a leading role in bringing their Quoted by Thurston, pp. 8, 9. fellow-Americans to the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. They have used every means The Month 32 Thurston, "The Church's International Enemy," In available and have even pioneered in many November, 3926, p, 394. slew methods of spreading the faith and win- ning souls to Christ. To think of convert work in America is to think of the Paulist Fathers. — 28 — ....**00$0...* • . "''"144t'i'Oxe" R hl tr 1,51 4:7: ' lk 7 . . . 6- a ,4 , . . . . ,9 E r • : : ! • r_.... Pe gr. 61 •' - S. LI' co P - • ' -4* w 0 rt _ I'll ". ix' 5 ). r-, tl a ' .. .• C I.. _ 6 x0 . -.. 0 w -4 ... ---?, 1. 1. ..__.= Al6 g ' R. 1 rila-. o M w . a: ft li ut .,,0.,2. "1,- In 0' .4% .... ..., • " a- 0 -L.:. 1 , 1‘-. 2%4, 2Ur 'd- 73 o< l . .t. TI .1 .-, . 1.1 ". • = 0 ' t •