Masonic Persecution.—Iii.

MASONIC PERSECUTION . —III .

The year 1735 is celebrated as beginning that series of persecutions against Freemasonry , throughout nearly the whole of Europe , during the last century . The unnecessary and uncalled for jealousy of despotic rulers , and the deep rooted

superstition of the catholic priests , alarmed at the rapid increase of the Order , could not be satisfied with the information that Architecture and brotherly love were the only objects of the fraternity . The States General of Holland in the

year 1735 , had the discredit of commencing these proceedings ; and pretending terror for the safety of the country from the increasing additions daily made to the ranks of Freemasonry , who held meetings in every town , under their Government , resolved to discountenance their

proceedings-In consequence of this determination , au edict was issued by the Government , which stated , that although nothing had been discovered in the practices of the fraternity either injurious to the interests of the Republic , or contrary to the

character of good citizens , yet , in order , to prevent any bad consequences which might ensue from such associations , tbey deemed it prudent to pass an act abolishing the assemblies . Notwithstanding this prohibition , a , lodge , co mposed

of several citizens of rank and position continued to meet at Amsterdam . This becoming known , on the 16 th October 1735 , a crowd of ignorant fanatics , whose zeal had been enkindled by the denunciations of some of the clergy , broke into

the house where the lodge was accustomed to be held , aud destroyed all the furniture and ornaments . The States General asrain denounced the

assemblies , but still they continued to meet , ancl the brethren of one of these were seized , while celebrating the ceremonies , and were dragged before the Bar of Justice . Before this tribunal , and in presence of the

magistrates and principal men of the city , the Master and Wardens , boldly defended themselves , and declared upou oath that they were loyal subjects , faithful to their religion , and zealous for the interests of their country . They furthermore

insisted that Freemasonry was an institution venerable in itself , and useful to society , and that although they could not reveal its secrets and ceremonies , they could assure them that they were contrary neither to the laws of God or man , that they would willingly admit into the Order any

Masonic Persecution.—Iii.

one of the magistrates , or other person , from whom the bench might receive such information as would satisfy any reasonable mind . This proposal met with the approbation of the magistrates , the brethren were honourably

dismissed , and the town clerk instructed to hold himself in readiness to be initiated . Upon this being done , he returned to the Court of Justice , and g-ave such a favourable account of the principles and practice of the society that all the magistrates became candidates for Freemasonry aud Patrons of the Order

. After triumphing thus honourably over her persecutors in Holland , Freemasonry had to contend in France , with prejudices equally inveterate , though less impregnable . The fear of the authorities that the brethren—although many

persons of distinction defended the principles of the Order , and expostulated with the court upon the impropriety of severe measures being adoptedconcealed within the recesses of their lodges , designs hostile to the Government , the Police in

1737 attempted to abolish the lodge meetings . This course of proceeding however , was of brief duration , aud the last attack was made in 1745 , when a lodge held at the Hotel de Soissons was broken up , the jewels and furniture seized , and the landlord mulct in a fine of three thousand Iivres .

The Knights Templars.

THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS .

By ANTHONY ONEAL HAYE . ( Continued from page 148 . ) BOOK IV . —CHAPTER XIL—Contd . The Grand Master a third time appeared before the Commissioners . " We again demand of you , "

they said , " if you will defend the Order ? " Tie Molai replied— '" jfhe Pope has reserved to himself , m Y judgment . Conduct me to his presence , and I will say that which is proper . " The Commissioners answered— " We do not proceed against you individually . We have neither the riht nor

g the inclination . "We are charged to proceed against the entire Order . " " Write , then , to the Pope . " said De Molai , " to summon me and the other Grand Officers before him . " This the Commissioners promised to do . The question arises—Did they fulfil this promise ? It is doubtfulmore

, especially as the King was so anxious to prevent the Grand Master having an interview with the Pope ; and although the Commissioners' conduct was marked with great humanity , they had , doubtless , a wholesome dread of Philip .