Freemasonry In France.

Freemasonry in France .

IX a recent issue of the " MASONIC ILLUSTKATKI > we expressed a desire , which we believe is shared by till thoughtful Masons , for more kindly relations with that section of the Craft in France which appears to be honourably striving to maintain the ancient landmarks , and to be earnestly seeking fo be admitted to the family circle of the

universal brotherhood . To the plea addressed by the authorities of the Grand Lodge of France which we then inserted , the contribution on the same subject which Bro . Jas . E . Mo ream be—than whom there is no better informed and able contributor to the Masonic press—makes to the September number of the American Tyler may fitly be

added . That brother , whose knowledge of Masonic matters generally , and of this particular question in particular , is varied and extensive , says : — " I am -asked , almost daily , to recur to this subject of French Masonry that further information may be gained , and

that the claims of our French brethren may be considered in ( he light of increased knowledge . " I am able to offer a further explanatory statement of position of the Grand Lodge of France . The paragraph occurs in a letter recently received from an officer of that body . ' We have undertaken , " says this keen-thinking brother , ' the task of redeeming French Masonry ; of leading it back to the sane traditions of the Fraternity . The

English-speaking Grand Lodges should assist us in this work . I do not exaggerate when I say that we understand and appreciate the spirit and purpose of Masonry as fully as they . We raise no objections to others' professions of faith , though we may sometimes think they are pushed too far for Masonic consistency . But we do ask , as a matter of

Masonic reciprocity , the liberty of a free conscience . We are accused of -atheism and other things of the same nature , as the early Christians were so accused , because they renounced the official gods of their times . W e are not judging the religious conceptions which obtain in other lands , but we do know that with us such conceptions as have

the stamp of dominant religious authority are altogether lacking in ethical quality , and have become monstrous idols , which the clergy exploit among us for their own gain . Yet , because we seek to present a higher and purer ideal of ( he Supreme Being , thev are ready to annihilate us and use

against us every weapon of slander and falsehood . ' . '' Our lamented brother , Jesse 13 . Anthony , of the committee on correspondence for the Grand Lodge of Xew York , in report made at hist session of that body , traversed the position of the Grand Lodge of France as to belief in Deity . Xo better informed Mason nor more

conscientious man ever held such position ( Alas , that his labours are ended—may the earth rest lightly on his grave !) , and I am ever inclined to give due weight and respect to his opinions . Brother Anthony found the Grand Lodge of France a sovereign body , and in so far meeting the requirements of recognition . But he held that belief in

Deity is with French Masons a ' symbol' rather than a 'dogma . ' Here again we are confronted with the necessity for accurate definition , lest we be led astray b y mere woids . A dogma , as I take it , is the formal expression of religions doctrine or intellectual concept , and as such , supposed to

have a certain authority . In other words , it is the subordination of individual conception to fixed formula . A symbol , let us say , is an object or concrete idea presented for that which is beyond material expression . Mackey gives it Masonic definition as ' a visible sign with which a spiritual

feeling , emotion or idea is connected . ' " Dogma is rigid , unyielding ; imposed upon the human mind by show of authority which , being human , can not be inerrant . The symbol shadows forth , however imperfectly , the ultimate idea , leaving to the individual mind the

concrete form it shall assume . I cannot but think that Brother Anthony was unfortunate in this choice of words to body his idea . I am willing to accept his conclusion , and to concede that with French Masons the idea and belief in Deity is symbolic rather than dogmatic . Further I would

hold that every possible conception of Deity , having appeal to the intellect—some such conception being a necessary concomitant to any form of belief—is essentially symbolic . Acknowledging its own limitations and inability to comprehend the Infinite , the human mind must set up the symbol ,, if only for its own convenience and peace . To assert the

dogma is , in fact , only to substitute , because of mental indolence or cowardice , a lixed , concurrent symbolry for that which is individual and fluidic . We must conclude , therefore , that if the symbol of belief has its place in French Masonry , it would be to insult the intelligence of a brilliant people if we assert that it has no connection with the

underlying and all-important idea . "' We have undertaken the task of redeeming French Masonry ; of leading it back to the sane traditions of the Fraternity . ' This is the sentiment inspiring the Grand Lodge of France . Because of this it seeks to ally itself

with the strength of Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry . Let it be remembered that these brethren are in a delicate and difficult position . ' If we can establish official relations , ' continues my correspondent , ' with the Grand Lodges of the United States it will give us the assurance of prestige in

our opposition to the Grand Orient . It will give impulse and right direction to our progress toward pure and traditional Masonry . If the Anglo-Saxon Craft persist in rejecting our advances , will it not discourage those who are

now struggling against so many disadvantages for the good cause ? Certainly such rejection will contribute to reinforce in France the unfortunate tendencies represented by the Grand Orient . ' " I make appeal to readers of The Tyler and to all American Masons to consider this appeal . Let whoever

will argue over technical points , the decision of which one way or another will have no bearing upon the greater issue , but let the great heart of our Craft go out in strength to support of these brethren . To you comes the cry that was heard of old from Macedonia , ' Come over and help us . '

For if Masonry is , as we believe , a real force and power in the world , the opportunity is given us for its exertion . Such movement will be for the larger brotherhood of man ; for the growth of peace and good will among nations ; for a nearer approach to the ultimate purpose and aim of all Masonic teaching and belief . Shall we be void of

responsibility if these , growing discouraged because unsupported , drop back again into the black atheistic pit from which they have escaped ? If you , my brother , consider your ideas , gained in Masonry or wherever else , as superior to those vouchsafed to these other Craftsmen , must you thereupon fold yourself in the robes of righteousness and pass by .

unheeding their appeal ? If Anglo-Saxon Masonry is better and purer than that of France , let it give first proof of its quality by acknowledging the bond of brotherhood .

" ' If any one says that France has lost her faith , that she makes an unexpected exhibition of herself to ( lie world bv the indifference with which she looks on at the incisures taken against priests and monks , tell them that the faith of France is not lost , but transformed . The eldest daughter of the church has grown up ; she has reached the age of

reason . She calls her mother to account in the name of the very principles her mother has taught her . ' * ' As the Grand Orient is , in Masonic development , representative of the older France—radical , intolerantl y atheistical -and perversely brilliant—so does the Grand Lod ge

of France stand for the new development of the nationfree from entangling alliances ; imbued with higher thoughts ; less impulsive , but having riper wisdom ; reaching , even beyond ourselves , to the higher sanities and moralities . Such is the organization which is asking recognition from American Masons . Its members command our respect

because they remain faithful to the ideals of their people . They essay to speak and act for themselves , but in no slavish imitation of others . They are a proud race , and have just cause for ( heir pride . What they ask is not as favour , but of right . The answer is with you , my brothers . "