The Comprehensiveness Of Freemasonry
By: The Freemason's Chronicle
We often hear maliciously-disposed people affirm that the equality on which we Freemasons so justly pride ourselves has no existence, except in our own perfervid imagination.
We are, it is true, all equally admitted into some of the minor and more harmless mysteries. So far the same degree of knowledge is vouchsafed to all, and so far, of course, we are all equally bound to observe the obligations imposed upon us at our admission into the Society.
But there is, say they, a Masonry within Freemasonry, into which only a very select few are admitted. It is these select few, we are told, who are the wire-pullers in every foul conspiracy that is hatched against society and religion.
These it is to whose machinations are due the overthrow of kings and emperors; the prevalence of atheism and materialism; the calm, indifference with which the behests of that sacrosanct personage the Pope are regarded by all but a few religious quacks; and that eternal perdition hereafter which is reserved for all mankind, or for so much of it at least as refuses to believe that the unholy fanaticism of Christianity is in any way representative of the true principles of religious faith.
We have no intention of discussing at this moment the charges raised against us by our fanatic assailants of the Romish Church. It does not require any very elaborate argument to demonstrate their worthlessness.
To begin with, there is absolutely not a tittle of evidence, either direct or circumstantial, that a single one of them is more than the mere assertion of persons interested in or anxious for our destruction. It is not necessary a man should be a Mason to have thus much knowledge. Our aims and purposes, our constitutions and laws, are published to all the world.
If there are those among us who do not abide by our laws, who deviate from the path of duty as prescribed by our Constitutions, that in no way destroys the purity of Freemasonry.
As well might it be said that because some Christians and some Jews have violated, the former the laws of Christianity, and the latter those of Judaism, that Christianity and Judaism are worthless as religions.
These so-called arguments must be applied generally or not at all. If we are to condemn utterly the whole Fraternity of Freemasons for the crimes of a few irreligious or political fanatics who happened to have been members of that body, then must we condemn utterly, the whole system of Christianity for the crimes of a Caesar Borgia, of Alexander VI., the Inquisition, and other Christian persons and societies too numerous to mention.
The truth is, we are becoming so influential a body in every country illumined by the sun of reason as well as by that glorious orb of day, which is the emblem, as it is the centre, of all life, both human and divine, that certain perverse-minded priests of the Church of Rome are becoming alarmed for the loss of their own power.
None know better than they do that the pretentious system of which they are the professors will be shattered, in fact, is being shattered to pieces,-the moment that freedom of conscience is accepted of all peoples. It is only by the most unholy terrorism this priesthood has been able to influence the minds of men ; but as the light of reason becomes brighter and still more bright, the system which formerly was so much feared will be laughed to scorn, and the whole fabric of this Pseudo-Christianity will come tumbling to the ground.
It is then, for the reason that we are daily increasing in numbers and in influence, that we are almost daily erecting new temples in countries where none previously existed; it is because all men acknowledge that our system is admirable, while even those who are careless in the matter are fain to admit that, in its general character as understood by most people, Free-masonry is perfectly innocuous as regards either religion or morals, that the bigoted section of Roman Catholicism assails us so bitterly. As we advance, so must they inevitably retire.
The day of our triumph will be the day of their destruction. We can understand fully the savage determination with which they seek to avoid their doom. We are ready to concede it is human-natural they should struggle fiercely to this end. Yet none the less will they fail in their efforts, and when we triumph, then whatever form or forms of religious worship may prevail throughout the world, they will have at least one element in common which in some is wanting now.
They will all be animated by the spirit of love—the love of God and of one’s neighbour. This will, at all events, be something for which the world will be indebted to Freemasonry. We commenced these remarks with a reference to the charge so frequently laid against us, that we are a society, into the innermost circle of which only a few choice spirits are admitted.
The princes and nobles who are received into Freemasonry are said to be admitted only to a limited know-ledge of our system. What is vouchsafed to them is perfectly harmless. They live, therefore, in the belief that the Fraternity of which they are proud to be members is likewise harmless.
Moreover, these princes and nobles are inveigled into our ranks for the express purpose of giving an appearance of respectability to a Society whose real aim is the destruction of religion and morality. Nothing more clearly exhibits the woeful ignorance of our enemies than the seassertions.
There is no inner circle in Freemasonry. Craft Masonry is the basis of the superstructure, and most intimately associated with this is what is known as Royal Arch Masonry. In addition, are Templarism and a large number of high and side degrees, all more or less respectable. But these are not recognised in this country as part and parcel of Freemasonry.
On the other hand, most of our distinguished Craft Masons are members of these grades. Everyone, indeed, who is so minded and is thought worthy may receive them. It is clear, then, that so far from the greater number of our mysteries being restricted only to a few, they are open to as many as desire initiation, there being only one degree to which a numerical limit is imposed.
But this is of far less importance than the comprehensiveness which is the most striking characteristic of Freemasonry pure and simple. Within its fold are admissible men of all gradations of rank in society, the one condition being that they must be free men, of reputable character.
But as one tittle of evidence is worth more thana whole bundle of statements, how authentic soever these may be, we will just mention the names and status of the candidates for admission to the various grades who presented themselves on the 13th instant in one of our Craft Lodges, to wit, the Wanderer’s Lodge No. 1604, which meets at Freemasons’ Hall.
On this occasion there were elected as joining members of this Lodge the following, namely, Bros. Will. Francis Mimms, Visitor L.S.B., late Troop Serjeant Major Sth (King’s Roval Irish) Hussars, Richard Philips, Pioneer Serjeant Scots Fusilier Guards, and Capt. the Hon. Richard S. G. Stapleton Cotton, a near relative of Viscount Combermere.
The following were passed to the second degree, namely, Bros. Capt. Ralph Vivian, Capt. W. S. Montgomery, Captain Lord Francis C. Gordon Lennox, a son of the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, Lord President of the Council, and Capt. Fred. Lorn Campbell. The following were initiated, namely, Messrs. Richard Bryant, late Regimental Clerk Coldstream Guards, John Holloway, Quartermaster Sergeant of the same regiment, and George Hendry, late Regimental Clerk, and Henry R. Filcher, late Quarter-master Sergeant, both of the Grenadier Guards.
Who will deny that Freemasonry comprehends men of every rank in society, when we find members of the nobility, gentry, and commonalty elected members of one and the same Lodge on one and the same occasion ?
The select body of conspirators against religion and morality must be very dull fellows indeed if they accord to men of high as well as men of modest birth exactly the same privileges and knowledge of our Masonic rites.
The Freemasons Chronicle, a weekly record of masonic intelligence, was first published 2nd January 1875 London, England as an independent weekly journal of masonic interest and continued for 27 years.
It should be the business of a journal devoted to the interests of the Order to attempt the removal of prejudices such as these, which, though they may have little perceptible influence upon the prosperity of the Fraternity, yet have the effect of preventing timid or ill-informed persons from enlisting under its banner.
It will not only attempt to keep pace with the growing literary requirements of the day, but it will seek to exhibit the Order to the non-Masonic world divested of its technical details, and clothed in the garb of Charity and Brotherly Love.
The questions of the hour, which exercise the minds of thoughtful men, will be handled freely and broadly, without any tinge of political or sectarian bias.
The memoranda of Masonic gatherings which will appear from week to week, will be full and accurate; and as free interchange of opinion is one of the best signs of life and vigour in any society, ample scope will be given for Correspondence on topics of interest to the Order.
If we may venture upon a new rendering of words which recent events have made memorable, we will say here, once and for all, that we will be keen men of business, and will spare no effort, consistent with honour, to achieve commercial success; but first, and before all things, we will prove to our brethren and the world that we are FREEMASONS.
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