Mystic masonry, or, The symbols of freemasonry and the greater ...

The Secret Doctrine. 141
The real Masters in all ages, knowing this from
the lessons taught in the mysteries of initiation, have
ever been the foes of Autocrats, Oligarchies, and
Oppression in every form, v^^hether Ecclesiastical
or Political. Masons are taught to obey the laws
of the country in which they reside.
They are not
agents of Revolution, but of Evolution. By enlightenment
and persuasion they may strive to reform
a nation or a church. The true Republic is the outgrowth
of Brotherhood, and a jealous monarch in
Church or State will naturally oppose the diffusion
of doctrines that tend to the liberation and the enlightenment
of the people.
It is true, however, that all the Masters or Adepts
may not be equally enlightened or equally prudent.
Mystics like Jacob Boehmen, or Adepts like St.
Germain, or Masons like de Molai, or Philosophers
like Bruno, or other Agents of the Great Lodge
sought only to instruct and enlighten mankind.
The rabble were deaf to their doctrines and appeals,
and turned like ravenous wolves upon them.
"Because true Masonry unemasculated, bore the
banners of Freedom and Equal Right, and was in
rebellion against spiritual tyranny, its Lodges were
proscribed in 1738 by an edict of the States of Holland.
In 1737 Louis XV. forbade them in France.