Roman Catholicism And Freemasonry.—The Chatham Outrage.

tility of Rome to Freemasonry . This is easily to be found in the freedom and equality which have always prevailed amongst Freemasons , in the tendency of Freemasonry to promote a love of liberty among men , in the

encouragement of a love of knowledge and a search for truth which have always been amongst its distinguishing and most admirable characteristics , in its great law of charity , and its seeking to associate together for good purposes

of their common humanity , men of different religious denominations . Romanists , in their attacks on Freemasonry , falsely assert that it is irreligious , and aims at the subversion of religion . On the contrary , Freemasonry

is essentially religious . It demands that every candidate , for admission into the brotherhood , shall profess his belief in the two great doctrines of the existence of God and a future state , the foundation of all religion . An Atheist , or one who does not believe in a judgment to come , is absolutely

incapable of admission . Moreover , itdemands that every Freemason , whatever his religious profession , shall truly maintain that profession . It utterly repudiates the idea of a hollow , heartless , and merely formal religion . It

aims at the promotion of a pure morality , or , in Masonic phrase , at the conversion of the rough ashlar into smooth ashlar , ever smoother and smoother still ; and it looks to religion as the very foundation of morality , the great

instrument by which the rough stone is to be polished , and the temple built up . But it is tolerant to the utmost degree that is consistent with these principles , and seeks to embrace within its bonds of brotherhood men of

different reli gious opinions . And thus it becomes the object of Rome ' s aversion , for Romanism is essentially intolerant , and seeks to compel all into uniformity of religion , whether their understandings are convinced or not , as persecutions

, massacres , and autos-da-fe too abundantly shew . Rome seeks to triumph by force and compulsion :

Freemasonry secures the utmost scope for increase of knowledge and the advancement of truth . Rome is -well contented with darkness , if her power can be promoted by keeping men in darkness ; Freemasonry aims at the diffusion of

light , Freemasonry takes the word of God for its great light , an open Bible is carried in every Masonic procession in this country , and in every other christian country the Bible is read in every Masonic meeting . Rome has never

shewn any love for an open Bible , and dislikes the association of Roman Catholics with Protestants in the

Masonic Lodge . The whole system of Freemasonry is one of equality among all Brethren , whilst it is one of due subordination to official authority , and of good government secured in the security of the rights of every

individual . Rome is despotic and . favours despotism as the mode of government most easily brought under priestly control . And , therefore , Rome dreads the influence of Freemasonry as likely to arouse men to a sense and assertion of

the rights inalienably belonging to them as men , an influence proceeding from the lodge into the various relations of social and political life . But it may safely be said that , whilst Freemasonry may make men averse to despotism and

unwilling to be the subjects of it , it never made any man a demagogue , nor fitted him for becoming the dupe and tool of a demagogue . It demands of all members of the Masonic Order , respect for the powers that be , and obedience of the laws of land .

How fully the best friends of established authority , and of the constitution and government of this country , in the end of last century , at a time when they were very apprehensive of secret societies of the nature of Jacobin

Clubs , appears from the exemption of Masonic Lodges from , the operation of parliament prohibiting secret societies , an exemption which subsists to this day . And the words of the late Earl of Derby , with reference to the Maz 2