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The Grand Orient Of France.
-el . The Assembly suppresses , as constituting a useless repetition with the 2 d paragraph modified , Paragraph 3 , thus expressed ; " Freemasonry regards liberty of conscience as a right belcng ing to every man , and excludes no person on account of his beliefs . " 4 th . The Assembly decides finally that Art . 1 of the
Constitution shall hereafter have the following tenor : " Freemasonry , an essentially philanthropies ! , philosophical , and progressive institution , has for its object the search after truth , the study of universal ethics , of the sciences and of arts , and the exercise of beneficence . " It holds as a principle absolute liberty of conscience ¦ uid human solielarity . It has for device : Liberty ,
Equality , Fraternity . " If these propositions are adopted by the Assembly , your Committee decides to propose to the Council of the Order to g ive the question to be studied relative to the revision of the rituals at present in use . This report , it must be acknowledged , is admirably
drawn up , and therefore it was often applauded by a large majority of the assembly . A great number of BB . in the Assembly demand that they should immediately proceed to the vote . The President , Bro . de Saint Jean , opposes this course ; he is desirous of submitting an observation . Silence is restored with difficulty . Bre > . de Saint Jean
has the floor . He would consider himself wanting in all his duties as a Mason , and not sufficiently to appreciate his respo . isibility as Presiding Officer of the Grand Orient , if he did not make known the agitation which filled him . Yes , he forsees mischief for our Institution in the immediate vote on the adoption of Proposition No . IX ., and he cannot , he
must not hide his opinion . It is this : The Assembly must weig h this reflection ; anel adopt the wisest expedient in the interest of the Institution . 'The clamour for the question is renewed with great vigour . Bro . Dalsace wishes to speak ; he obtains silence only with diriicuity . For four days , said he , I have served an actual
campaign in favour of postponement ,. but the report which we have just beard , and which has won us by its moderation , by its wiselom , by its forcible and irrefutable consideration in favour of an immediate vote , by its very Masonic and conciliatory resolutions , all make it my duty , my BB . to inform you , that I am no longer for postponement ; that I am for an immediate vote . And I am pleased to hope
hat all this Assembly will come rounel to tins opinion . It is necessary , in order that the results of our vote should be efficacious , that it should not meet with any opposing factions . Bie > . Aubert-Bouche : does not share the opinion ot Bro . Dalsace ; he deduces with rapidity the great cemsiderations of security which are inducements to ask the
postponement to another session . Often interrupted , he withstands energetically the interrupters who wish to impose silence on him . In Masonry , we must know how to listen to each other . Besides , my BB ., I am the representative here of 100 Masons , which is quite a number , and I only give expression to what is expected by these Masons of the
wiselom and foresight of the Assernbly . Bro . Ferdeuil thinks that we must put an end to this question , which , for too long a time , has been a source of agitation and trouble in Masonry . He embraces the proposition of the Committee un the vote , whose adoption will bring about pacification in our ranks , and will disengage us from a text of law which gives satisfaction
to no one . Again , the cries : "The closing ! the closing ! to the vote ! to the vote ! " come from all parts of the Temple . Unquestionably the majority is won over to the Proposition No . IX . Bro . Jabouille demands the floor . He is compelled to struggle quite a long lime to succeed in making
himself heard . Finally , he can proceed , although interrupted ; he then sets forth with much talent and appositeness the best of reasons for the Assembly to grant the postponement . He says with good reason that even while reading with the greatest care the report so well entitled to consideration of Bro . Desmons , it is evident from it that the question which is agitated is not a question of principle , but of
formula .... and again .... He shows that the Assembly is giving way to an impulse of sentiment and nothing more , and in this case the greatest victory would be that gained over itself . He skilfully makes it evident that the declaration which has been in the Constitution since 1849 has in no wise trammelled Masonry , at any period , at anv moment j what inconvenience then in
deferring it ? There is no inconvenience in that ; on the contrary , every advantage . The orator would have had still many more considerations to plead , but the Assembly is impatient , and on the Piesieling Officer himself insisting , Bro . jabouille curtails and breaks off his discourse . Bro . Jouault : The solution of the question exists . The declaration of the lodges rises imperiously before us . We
have an imperative mandate ; we have only to assent to the declaration of our lodges . To postpone would be pusillanimity . It is time to make an end of it . Bro . Du Hamcl explaining the Constitution , and stopping specially at Article 5 , demonstrates the unconstitutionality and the danger of the imperative mandate . This brother cannot get to the end of his argumentation , any more than the preceding ones .
Besides , he is told that he is outside of the question . This is not the opinion of Bro . de Saint-Jean , who , himself , thinks , on the contrary , that Bro . Du Hamel reasoneei justly . Bro . Dalsace returns to the charge , but such is the disposition of the Assembly that it does not listen , that it will not listen even to those who reflect its thought . At last Bro . Dalsace uses such energy and persistency , that finally he is able to emphasise in a . louder tone the
The Grand Orient Of France.
considerations which he developed in his first address . Acceding at the last moment to Proposition No . IX ., he could see a very great advantage in the Assembly ' s being unanimous in its vote . A brother whose name I regret not knowing , proceeded to explain what had already been said , that , ci-ncerning article 8 , the Assembly could not escape from the necessity
of a definitive solution of the question of Proposition No . IX . As the orator still kept on , although he was interrupted at every instant , the call for the closing became so urgent and general , that the Presiding Officer was obliged to put it to the vote : it was adopted almost unanimously . The President demands the conclusions of the Orator , Bro . Vie ' not , on the postponement .
The conclusions are against postponement . These conclusions are adopted by a large majority . The Presielent gives notice that he will put to the vote in succession the resolutions of the report of Bro Desmons . Bro . Minot and some other BB . demand a vote by call of the roll . His insistence on this demand produces some tumult ; finally the law prevails , and the vote is taken by rising or remaining seated .
No . r . —No . 2 . —No . 3 . 1 st . The Assembly , considering that Freemasonry is not a religion ; that , consequently , it is not called upon to assert in its Constitution doctrines or dogmas , Adopts Proposition No . IX . 2 d . The Assembly decides that the 2 d section of Article rst o £ . the Constitution shall have the following tenor :
It holds as pi inciplcs , absolute freedom of conscience and human solidarity , " 3 d . The Assembly suppresses , as constituting a useless repetition of the 2 d section as modified , section 3 , thus expressed : " It considers liberty of conscience as a right belonging to every man and excludes no one for hiscreeel . "
T he s-sction " . . . . and excludes no one for his creed . . . . " was introduceel into No . 3 by request of Bro . de Saint Jean . This amendment , at first rejected by the Committee , but defendeel by Bro . Cauzard , of the Lodge la Renaissance anel other BB ., was accepted by it ; which facilitated its adoption . Being accustomed to remain an exact and impartial
narrator , we have no difficulty in acknowledging that the minority against the adoption of the vote was feeble , and we acknowledge that we are of that minority and we persist in it ; we remain convinced that the vote of the Gr . Or . is a mistake , anel a very great mistake . We
shall never understand an Institution having morality fir its object , for its teaching , which commences by cutting off what is its law and sanction . The revision of the Statutes and Rituals was decided upon so as to place them in accortlance with the preceding vote .
Session of Friefay , 14 th September . Some explanations are exchanged 011 the subject of the number of the Majority and of the Minority , in the case of Proposition No . IX , adoption of the resolutions of the Committee nn this Proposition . The official report will state the fact that the adoption hael a large majority .
No one disputes the fact . Certainly the very great majority voted the aeloption of Proposition No . IX . Bro . Marchal , of Nancy , wishes to ask a question on this subject . " It remains , then , well establisheel that the Masonry of the Granel Oiient is disengaged from all religious principles ?" This is not disputed .
Our readers have before them the labuors of the Session of the Masonic year 5877 . It was feared that it would not take place . Let us acknowledge that these sessions have been dignified , and that the resolutions adopted have been so after serious study and thorough eliscussion . One vote has distressed us , this is the vote No . IX ; we believe it to be prejudicial to true Masonic interests , and we have
been anel glory in being in that minority which voted against this adoption . But our regr : t should not render us unjust ; if anything can afford any alleviation , any palliation of our grief on this point , it is the sentiment of moderation , the spirit of conciliation which are to be discerned in the report of Bro . Desmons . We have applauded this report , without having been willing to adopt its
conclusions , for it sanctioned a suppression in our Masonic law , which is , for me , with my full conviction , a derogation from one ot the fundamental principles of Freemasonry , such as it has been established from all time , such as it appears in the known Universe , because the report of Bro . Desmons is that of a loyal Mason , of a Mason who knows how to speak with a wholly fraternal heart .
We must likewise thank Brother de Saint-Jean for having proposed to add to the 3 d resolution of the Committee on Proposition No . IX , the paragraph : " Freemasonry cnnsielers liberty of conscience as a right belonging to every man , and it excludes no one on account ot his creed . " It is a real weighing and fortunate attenuation of the textual wording of the resolutions as they came
from the deliberations of the Committee on Proposition No . IX . Let us thank Bro . Cauzard , who , by his intervention in the debate , contributed powerfully to the adoption of the amendment of Bro . de Saint-Jean . I « an early number , we shall examine the report of Bro . Desmons ; we will point out the historical errors in
point of fact which are to be found therein . We must net do that through respect for the opinion which we have defended and which is still ours . H UBERT . The Members of the Grand Orient of France are entitled to the full benefit of their declaration , that the suppression of the declaration of belief in God and in the immortality of the Soul cannot without injustice be taken as a profession
The Grand Orient Of France.
of Materialism or Atheism . It is , no doubt , not so for most of them . It is so , no doubt for some . Anel on the other hand , they must all bear the full burthen of the declarations that it is a proclamation of entire liberty of conscience ; that one of the reasons for the suppression , has been , to relieve Masters of Lodges from embarrassment . and from the necessity which " in certain
circumstances , " constrained them either to elude or violate the law ; and another , to relieve profanes applying for initiation , who might find the clause suppressed a barrier which their conscience would not permit them , to surmount . For the meaning of all this is , that it shall be no obstacle in France to the admission of a profane into Masonry , that
he is a pronounced and avowed Atheist , who cannot declare that he puts his trust in God , because he believes that there is no God ; and the clause suppressed must no longer embarrass Masters and Lodges desirous to initiate Atheists , nor Atheists who desire initiation . It has always been a landmark of the genuine English and American Freemasonry , that no Atheist , equally with
no woman , can be admitted a Mason . That Order , in any country , into which avowed Atheists can be admitted , and the Members whereof need not believe that there is a God or that the Soul of man lives after his body , cannot be Freemasonry for us . Notwithstanding the disclaimer by the G . Orient of France , of Atheistical profession , it is not deniable that the
suppression of the declaration of faith in question is a concession to Atheism . It announces to the Masonic world , that in France it is , so far as the power of the Grand Orient extends , no longer necessary that a Mason should believe that there is a God , or that man is more than an animal . Nothing can be conceived of , more ridiculous than reading the lessons of our Rituals of the Ancient and
Accepted Scottish Rite would be , to an Atheist . The belief in a Supreme Intelligence , Creator and Preserver of the Universe , a Beneficent God , to whom it is no folly to pray for aid and comfort , a Father , who loves us as his children , is the basis upon which all oar ritualism , in all our degrees , rests . Take it away , and they become less than nought , the very babbling of incoherent and disjointed
folly . We put our trust in GOD ; and not in a " Supreme Force , " or " Greater-Principle ; " and cannot hold that to be Freemasonry which does not do the same . The Grand Orient of France claims to have in itsbosom a Supreme Council of the 33 d Degree . There is also a legitimate Supreme Council of France , distinct from the
Granel Orient , of which Mons Adolphe Cre ' mieux , ( whose predecessor was M . Viennet , and his the Due Decuzcs , ) is Grand Commander , and Mons . G . Guiffrey is Secretary General . We have not for several years had any relations of amity or correspondence with the Grand Orient of France , in consequence of its recognition of the so-called Supreme Council of Louisiana . We have suspended such
communication with the Supreme Council of France , for what we deemed just causes of complaint ; but the BB . - . of its obedience are nevertheless entitled to be welcomed as visitors in bodies under our jurisdiction . The recognition by the Grand Orient of the illegitimate body in Louisiana , excludes all who are of its obedience from our bodies , and forbids our BB . to visit bodies of any degree ,
any where , that are of obedience of the Grand Orient of France . It is not so as to those that are of the obedience of the Supreme Council of France . It has not allied itself with a spurious body within our jurisdiction . As each has symbolic lodges under it , and bodies of the higher elegrees , in France and elsewhere , you will be cateful to bear in mind the difference between them , since
the Granel Orient has now made it impossible for us to recognise it as a Masonic Power , or the bodies of its obceiience as Masonic bodies . We cannot recognise an atheist as a Mason , permit him to visit as such , or sit in a Masonic Body with him j and but for the existence in France of a lawful Power of the Scottish Freemasonry , the Supreme Council o ! France , which has not yet declared the belief
in a God and in the immortality of the soul unnecessary for one seeking initiation , the Masonic Powers of the world might justly proclaim Franco to be unoccupied Masonic teiritory , and grant charters for Masonic bodies to work therein , composed of Masons obligated not to receive into the brotherhood any " old man in his dotage , or young man in his nonage , an atheist or irreligious libertine , a
Jesuit , a madman , or a fool . " The Supreme Council of France , has , it is true , taken a step in the same direction with the Grand Orient of France . It has , as a concession to Atheism , substituted the phrases , " Force Supe ' rieure" and " Principe Cre ' ateur , " for the name of God , in a declaration of principles concurred in by other Powers ; but it has retained the phrase , " known
Dy the name of Great Architect of the Universe ; " and has not avowed that its Lodges are at liberty to initiate avowed Atheists , nor found it necessary , as yet , to change its Rituals , in order that nothing in them may offend the teneler consciences of those whom what they call " reason " compels to believe that there is no God . If it should imitate the Grand Orient , there will be no Freemasonry in France .
You will therefore henceforth admit as visitors of your bodies none who are of the obetlunce of the Grand Orient of France j nor sit with any sucli in the blue lodges ; nor will you , in any country , visit symbolic lodges or other I odies of its obedience , until further order of the Supreme Cojnci ] , And may our Father which is in Heaven have you always in His holy keeping 1 ALBERT PIKE , Sov . G . Com .
Mr . Frederick Stokes has been appointed Admiralty Proctor in succession to his father , Mr . Heiiry Graham Stokes , deceased .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Grand Orient Of France.
-el . The Assembly suppresses , as constituting a useless repetition with the 2 d paragraph modified , Paragraph 3 , thus expressed ; " Freemasonry regards liberty of conscience as a right belcng ing to every man , and excludes no person on account of his beliefs . " 4 th . The Assembly decides finally that Art . 1 of the
Constitution shall hereafter have the following tenor : " Freemasonry , an essentially philanthropies ! , philosophical , and progressive institution , has for its object the search after truth , the study of universal ethics , of the sciences and of arts , and the exercise of beneficence . " It holds as a principle absolute liberty of conscience ¦ uid human solielarity . It has for device : Liberty ,
Equality , Fraternity . " If these propositions are adopted by the Assembly , your Committee decides to propose to the Council of the Order to g ive the question to be studied relative to the revision of the rituals at present in use . This report , it must be acknowledged , is admirably
drawn up , and therefore it was often applauded by a large majority of the assembly . A great number of BB . in the Assembly demand that they should immediately proceed to the vote . The President , Bro . de Saint Jean , opposes this course ; he is desirous of submitting an observation . Silence is restored with difficulty . Bre > . de Saint Jean
has the floor . He would consider himself wanting in all his duties as a Mason , and not sufficiently to appreciate his respo . isibility as Presiding Officer of the Grand Orient , if he did not make known the agitation which filled him . Yes , he forsees mischief for our Institution in the immediate vote on the adoption of Proposition No . IX ., and he cannot , he
must not hide his opinion . It is this : The Assembly must weig h this reflection ; anel adopt the wisest expedient in the interest of the Institution . 'The clamour for the question is renewed with great vigour . Bro . Dalsace wishes to speak ; he obtains silence only with diriicuity . For four days , said he , I have served an actual
campaign in favour of postponement ,. but the report which we have just beard , and which has won us by its moderation , by its wiselom , by its forcible and irrefutable consideration in favour of an immediate vote , by its very Masonic and conciliatory resolutions , all make it my duty , my BB . to inform you , that I am no longer for postponement ; that I am for an immediate vote . And I am pleased to hope
hat all this Assembly will come rounel to tins opinion . It is necessary , in order that the results of our vote should be efficacious , that it should not meet with any opposing factions . Bie > . Aubert-Bouche : does not share the opinion ot Bro . Dalsace ; he deduces with rapidity the great cemsiderations of security which are inducements to ask the
postponement to another session . Often interrupted , he withstands energetically the interrupters who wish to impose silence on him . In Masonry , we must know how to listen to each other . Besides , my BB ., I am the representative here of 100 Masons , which is quite a number , and I only give expression to what is expected by these Masons of the
wiselom and foresight of the Assernbly . Bro . Ferdeuil thinks that we must put an end to this question , which , for too long a time , has been a source of agitation and trouble in Masonry . He embraces the proposition of the Committee un the vote , whose adoption will bring about pacification in our ranks , and will disengage us from a text of law which gives satisfaction
to no one . Again , the cries : "The closing ! the closing ! to the vote ! to the vote ! " come from all parts of the Temple . Unquestionably the majority is won over to the Proposition No . IX . Bro . Jabouille demands the floor . He is compelled to struggle quite a long lime to succeed in making
himself heard . Finally , he can proceed , although interrupted ; he then sets forth with much talent and appositeness the best of reasons for the Assembly to grant the postponement . He says with good reason that even while reading with the greatest care the report so well entitled to consideration of Bro . Desmons , it is evident from it that the question which is agitated is not a question of principle , but of
formula .... and again .... He shows that the Assembly is giving way to an impulse of sentiment and nothing more , and in this case the greatest victory would be that gained over itself . He skilfully makes it evident that the declaration which has been in the Constitution since 1849 has in no wise trammelled Masonry , at any period , at anv moment j what inconvenience then in
deferring it ? There is no inconvenience in that ; on the contrary , every advantage . The orator would have had still many more considerations to plead , but the Assembly is impatient , and on the Piesieling Officer himself insisting , Bro . jabouille curtails and breaks off his discourse . Bro . Jouault : The solution of the question exists . The declaration of the lodges rises imperiously before us . We
have an imperative mandate ; we have only to assent to the declaration of our lodges . To postpone would be pusillanimity . It is time to make an end of it . Bro . Du Hamcl explaining the Constitution , and stopping specially at Article 5 , demonstrates the unconstitutionality and the danger of the imperative mandate . This brother cannot get to the end of his argumentation , any more than the preceding ones .
Besides , he is told that he is outside of the question . This is not the opinion of Bro . de Saint-Jean , who , himself , thinks , on the contrary , that Bro . Du Hamel reasoneei justly . Bro . Dalsace returns to the charge , but such is the disposition of the Assembly that it does not listen , that it will not listen even to those who reflect its thought . At last Bro . Dalsace uses such energy and persistency , that finally he is able to emphasise in a . louder tone the
The Grand Orient Of France.
considerations which he developed in his first address . Acceding at the last moment to Proposition No . IX ., he could see a very great advantage in the Assembly ' s being unanimous in its vote . A brother whose name I regret not knowing , proceeded to explain what had already been said , that , ci-ncerning article 8 , the Assembly could not escape from the necessity
of a definitive solution of the question of Proposition No . IX . As the orator still kept on , although he was interrupted at every instant , the call for the closing became so urgent and general , that the Presiding Officer was obliged to put it to the vote : it was adopted almost unanimously . The President demands the conclusions of the Orator , Bro . Vie ' not , on the postponement .
The conclusions are against postponement . These conclusions are adopted by a large majority . The Presielent gives notice that he will put to the vote in succession the resolutions of the report of Bro Desmons . Bro . Minot and some other BB . demand a vote by call of the roll . His insistence on this demand produces some tumult ; finally the law prevails , and the vote is taken by rising or remaining seated .
No . r . —No . 2 . —No . 3 . 1 st . The Assembly , considering that Freemasonry is not a religion ; that , consequently , it is not called upon to assert in its Constitution doctrines or dogmas , Adopts Proposition No . IX . 2 d . The Assembly decides that the 2 d section of Article rst o £ . the Constitution shall have the following tenor :
It holds as pi inciplcs , absolute freedom of conscience and human solidarity , " 3 d . The Assembly suppresses , as constituting a useless repetition of the 2 d section as modified , section 3 , thus expressed : " It considers liberty of conscience as a right belonging to every man and excludes no one for hiscreeel . "
T he s-sction " . . . . and excludes no one for his creed . . . . " was introduceel into No . 3 by request of Bro . de Saint Jean . This amendment , at first rejected by the Committee , but defendeel by Bro . Cauzard , of the Lodge la Renaissance anel other BB ., was accepted by it ; which facilitated its adoption . Being accustomed to remain an exact and impartial
narrator , we have no difficulty in acknowledging that the minority against the adoption of the vote was feeble , and we acknowledge that we are of that minority and we persist in it ; we remain convinced that the vote of the Gr . Or . is a mistake , anel a very great mistake . We
shall never understand an Institution having morality fir its object , for its teaching , which commences by cutting off what is its law and sanction . The revision of the Statutes and Rituals was decided upon so as to place them in accortlance with the preceding vote .
Session of Friefay , 14 th September . Some explanations are exchanged 011 the subject of the number of the Majority and of the Minority , in the case of Proposition No . IX , adoption of the resolutions of the Committee nn this Proposition . The official report will state the fact that the adoption hael a large majority .
No one disputes the fact . Certainly the very great majority voted the aeloption of Proposition No . IX . Bro . Marchal , of Nancy , wishes to ask a question on this subject . " It remains , then , well establisheel that the Masonry of the Granel Oiient is disengaged from all religious principles ?" This is not disputed .
Our readers have before them the labuors of the Session of the Masonic year 5877 . It was feared that it would not take place . Let us acknowledge that these sessions have been dignified , and that the resolutions adopted have been so after serious study and thorough eliscussion . One vote has distressed us , this is the vote No . IX ; we believe it to be prejudicial to true Masonic interests , and we have
been anel glory in being in that minority which voted against this adoption . But our regr : t should not render us unjust ; if anything can afford any alleviation , any palliation of our grief on this point , it is the sentiment of moderation , the spirit of conciliation which are to be discerned in the report of Bro . Desmons . We have applauded this report , without having been willing to adopt its
conclusions , for it sanctioned a suppression in our Masonic law , which is , for me , with my full conviction , a derogation from one ot the fundamental principles of Freemasonry , such as it has been established from all time , such as it appears in the known Universe , because the report of Bro . Desmons is that of a loyal Mason , of a Mason who knows how to speak with a wholly fraternal heart .
We must likewise thank Brother de Saint-Jean for having proposed to add to the 3 d resolution of the Committee on Proposition No . IX , the paragraph : " Freemasonry cnnsielers liberty of conscience as a right belonging to every man , and it excludes no one on account ot his creed . " It is a real weighing and fortunate attenuation of the textual wording of the resolutions as they came
from the deliberations of the Committee on Proposition No . IX . Let us thank Bro . Cauzard , who , by his intervention in the debate , contributed powerfully to the adoption of the amendment of Bro . de Saint-Jean . I « an early number , we shall examine the report of Bro . Desmons ; we will point out the historical errors in
point of fact which are to be found therein . We must net do that through respect for the opinion which we have defended and which is still ours . H UBERT . The Members of the Grand Orient of France are entitled to the full benefit of their declaration , that the suppression of the declaration of belief in God and in the immortality of the Soul cannot without injustice be taken as a profession
The Grand Orient Of France.
of Materialism or Atheism . It is , no doubt , not so for most of them . It is so , no doubt for some . Anel on the other hand , they must all bear the full burthen of the declarations that it is a proclamation of entire liberty of conscience ; that one of the reasons for the suppression , has been , to relieve Masters of Lodges from embarrassment . and from the necessity which " in certain
circumstances , " constrained them either to elude or violate the law ; and another , to relieve profanes applying for initiation , who might find the clause suppressed a barrier which their conscience would not permit them , to surmount . For the meaning of all this is , that it shall be no obstacle in France to the admission of a profane into Masonry , that
he is a pronounced and avowed Atheist , who cannot declare that he puts his trust in God , because he believes that there is no God ; and the clause suppressed must no longer embarrass Masters and Lodges desirous to initiate Atheists , nor Atheists who desire initiation . It has always been a landmark of the genuine English and American Freemasonry , that no Atheist , equally with
no woman , can be admitted a Mason . That Order , in any country , into which avowed Atheists can be admitted , and the Members whereof need not believe that there is a God or that the Soul of man lives after his body , cannot be Freemasonry for us . Notwithstanding the disclaimer by the G . Orient of France , of Atheistical profession , it is not deniable that the
suppression of the declaration of faith in question is a concession to Atheism . It announces to the Masonic world , that in France it is , so far as the power of the Grand Orient extends , no longer necessary that a Mason should believe that there is a God , or that man is more than an animal . Nothing can be conceived of , more ridiculous than reading the lessons of our Rituals of the Ancient and
Accepted Scottish Rite would be , to an Atheist . The belief in a Supreme Intelligence , Creator and Preserver of the Universe , a Beneficent God , to whom it is no folly to pray for aid and comfort , a Father , who loves us as his children , is the basis upon which all oar ritualism , in all our degrees , rests . Take it away , and they become less than nought , the very babbling of incoherent and disjointed
folly . We put our trust in GOD ; and not in a " Supreme Force , " or " Greater-Principle ; " and cannot hold that to be Freemasonry which does not do the same . The Grand Orient of France claims to have in itsbosom a Supreme Council of the 33 d Degree . There is also a legitimate Supreme Council of France , distinct from the
Granel Orient , of which Mons Adolphe Cre ' mieux , ( whose predecessor was M . Viennet , and his the Due Decuzcs , ) is Grand Commander , and Mons . G . Guiffrey is Secretary General . We have not for several years had any relations of amity or correspondence with the Grand Orient of France , in consequence of its recognition of the so-called Supreme Council of Louisiana . We have suspended such
communication with the Supreme Council of France , for what we deemed just causes of complaint ; but the BB . - . of its obedience are nevertheless entitled to be welcomed as visitors in bodies under our jurisdiction . The recognition by the Grand Orient of the illegitimate body in Louisiana , excludes all who are of its obedience from our bodies , and forbids our BB . to visit bodies of any degree ,
any where , that are of obedience of the Grand Orient of France . It is not so as to those that are of the obedience of the Supreme Council of France . It has not allied itself with a spurious body within our jurisdiction . As each has symbolic lodges under it , and bodies of the higher elegrees , in France and elsewhere , you will be cateful to bear in mind the difference between them , since
the Granel Orient has now made it impossible for us to recognise it as a Masonic Power , or the bodies of its obceiience as Masonic bodies . We cannot recognise an atheist as a Mason , permit him to visit as such , or sit in a Masonic Body with him j and but for the existence in France of a lawful Power of the Scottish Freemasonry , the Supreme Council o ! France , which has not yet declared the belief
in a God and in the immortality of the soul unnecessary for one seeking initiation , the Masonic Powers of the world might justly proclaim Franco to be unoccupied Masonic teiritory , and grant charters for Masonic bodies to work therein , composed of Masons obligated not to receive into the brotherhood any " old man in his dotage , or young man in his nonage , an atheist or irreligious libertine , a
Jesuit , a madman , or a fool . " The Supreme Council of France , has , it is true , taken a step in the same direction with the Grand Orient of France . It has , as a concession to Atheism , substituted the phrases , " Force Supe ' rieure" and " Principe Cre ' ateur , " for the name of God , in a declaration of principles concurred in by other Powers ; but it has retained the phrase , " known
Dy the name of Great Architect of the Universe ; " and has not avowed that its Lodges are at liberty to initiate avowed Atheists , nor found it necessary , as yet , to change its Rituals , in order that nothing in them may offend the teneler consciences of those whom what they call " reason " compels to believe that there is no God . If it should imitate the Grand Orient , there will be no Freemasonry in France .
You will therefore henceforth admit as visitors of your bodies none who are of the obetlunce of the Grand Orient of France j nor sit with any sucli in the blue lodges ; nor will you , in any country , visit symbolic lodges or other I odies of its obedience , until further order of the Supreme Cojnci ] , And may our Father which is in Heaven have you always in His holy keeping 1 ALBERT PIKE , Sov . G . Com .
Mr . Frederick Stokes has been appointed Admiralty Proctor in succession to his father , Mr . Heiiry Graham Stokes , deceased .