Roman Catholic Intolerance.

similar to them , have been condemned by the Roman Pontiffs , our predecessors , and by ourself ; aud that even grave penalties have been inflicted on those belonging to them . These irnj ^ ious sects , which , though bearing different names , are

connected Avith one another by the complicity of the most criminal designs , and animated with the blackest hatred against our sacred religion and the Apostolic See , attempt , both by means of pestilental writings distributed far and wide , and

base manoeuvres and all kinds of diabolical artifices , to corrupt everywhere morals and minds , to circulate monstrous doctrines in all directions ; to breed and propagate abominable vices and unheardof infamies ; to shake the rule of all legitimate authority ; to overthrow , if it were possible , the Catholic Church and civil society , and to drive

God himself from heaven . " One would imagine that the " Holy Father " should understand both the sanctity of an oath and the sacredness of a promise . If the statements here made are true , then he is a

wilfully perjured individual in betraying the secrets of the Order . If , on the other hand , the facts are not as stated , he is guilty of disseminating wilful falsehoods and a base slander , as he must be Avell aware . Our brother Pio Nono ( once a

Freemason , always a Freemason ) must remember the peculiar moments when he was first admitted into Masonry ; and the recollection of those peculiar moments should teach him to mete out that Charity to his Masonic brethren which the teachings of Our Lord and Saviour have failed to induce him to extend to his Christian brethren .

What Masonry Gains By Being Based On Christianity,

WHAT MASONRY GAINS BY BEING BASED ON CHRISTIANITY ,

By Bro . J . E . JOHNSON . In the first place , what is Masonry ? As far as we can understand it , Ave believe it to be an institution organised for bringing out important truths , the effects of Avhich are felt in the increased

intelligence , a more liberal disposition , and a higher respect and reverence for the great Creator , on the part of those belonging to the organisation . This we believe to be true Masonry , both speculative and theoretical , and operative or

practical . Such being Masonry in its truest sense , and which would be acknowledged by outsiders to a far greater extent were we to live up to the tenets of our profession better .

What Masonry Gains By Being Based On Christianity,

Now , do these characteristics originate with Masonry ? We say . unequivocally , No ! Then Avhere did they come from ? Reverently , Ave say , they emanated first from God , the Supreme Architect , the author of the Bible , the compend

of Christianity . No one who reads the Bible thoroughly and thoughtfully but finds there the most sublime truths taught , and in a manner caculated to elevate and refine the mind from all that would debase . So inwrought are those

Godgiven truths into the Masonic institution , that it would tumble to atoms at once were we to separate them , Then we come necessarily to this conclusion , that a belief in the Bible and in the God of the

Bible , gives permanency to the Masonic institution . Again , by a constant study of the Bible , or investigation of Christianity , which is but the teachings of the Bible carried into daily practice ,,

we become strengthened in a right course ; we become stronger mentally , morally , and devotionally ; in other words , we are potential for good . Temptation becomes to a greater extent powerless , . the pure , spiritual atmosphere that we continually

inspire , wafted to us over the opened word , on the bended knee , coming from the God of power , must make us immeasurably strong . Now , we cannot thrive or grow in spiritual or moral size or stature ,. simply as a permanent institution , but add to it

the element of power or strength and how different we at once become as an organisation . Now thispoAver cannot come from earth , or anything connected Avith the earth ; it comes from the purer realms of Christianity . Therefore Ave affirm , as

the second conclusion arrived at , that the nearer the Mason comes to the source of power , and the deeper inspirations he inhales , the more potential , he becomes .

Power Ave have seen to be a main element of the original Christianity , therefore the more Masonry leans towards or becomes , so to speak ,, lost in Christianity , the more will she become a

gainer . Once more , a constant reader or student of Christianity has the warm rays of the sun of righteousness , in which lie concealed the fervid and ; affectionate element of love , that binding cord cementing permanency and power , and making

him who cherishes these elements the perfect man , The Christian cannot be perfect only as he bringsto their utmost capacity the three elements o £ Faith , Hope , and Charity .