Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

FREE MASONRY A PIOUS FRAUD. 79
soimeme, car il parle contre sa conscience. 1 '*—Telemaque,
iiv. 3.
This subject is easy in itself, but exceedingly difficult in
tke opposition it meets. Having been induced to join the
fraternity, by the solemn and reiterated claims of Free Masonry
to peculiar excellence, and a most ancient origin, I
am compelled either to countenance its claims by silence,
while others proclaim them; or to reply with reason. To
countenance them, is to take a part of the responsibility for
their truth, and to reply is singular. Fen- their truth, I can
be in no degree responsible; and have no way left but to be
singular. Telemachus refused " sauver sa vie par un mensonge,"t
and many generations have applauded the Archbishop
Fenelon for this stern integrity of his hero. I will
not consent to uphold Free Masonry by means which an
honourable man scorns for the saving of his Ufe. Truth is
worth every thing besides; why sacrifice it upon the shrine
of Free Masonry ? That Free Masonry requires the sacrifice,
is proof enough that it is unworthy of the countenance
it receives.
While in the midst of these reflections, a Mason, of some
twenty degrees elevation, gathering from report the tenor
of the writer's views of the Most Ancient Institution, lays
upon the table the " American Masonic Record. Albany,
Oct 13,1827:" the first page covered with " Extracts of an
Oration, delivered before the Grand Lodge of the State of
Rhode Island, at Pawtucket, at the celebratioh of the nativity
of St John the Baptist, June 25,1827. By" [I pity the
name.] The object of my exalted brother, was to correct
mistaken impressions of the dignity and usefulness of Free
Masonry; saying, as he handed it, "I really wish you would
* It is enough that a lie is a lie, to make it unworthy of a man who
speaks in the presence of God, and who owes every thing to the truth. He
who wounds the truth, offends God, and wounds himself; for he speaks
against his conscience.
t To save his life hy a lie.