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diff --git a/13759-h/13759-h.htm b/13759-h/13759-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d08f973 --- /dev/null +++ b/13759-h/13759-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1990 @@ + <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Secret Societies, by David MacDill, Jonathan Blanchard, and Edward Beecher</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + <!-- + body {font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em;} + blockquote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + + hr {color: #000000; } + ul {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%;} + +/* Pagebreak Indicators. */ +.pagenumber {display: none;} + +/* Types of Sections */ + .tableofcontents {} + .book {margin-top: 5em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + .titlepage {} + .chapter {} + .verse {} + +/* Headers */ + .contentsheader {font-weight: bold;} + +/* special formatting */ + .verselist {text-align: center;} + .chaplist {text-align: center; border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; padding-bottom: 1em;} + + .spacedlist {margin-bottom: 1em;margin-top: 0.5em} + .chaphead {text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-top:3em;} + .chapsubhead {text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-size: 1.2em;} + .versenum {font-weight: bold; position: absolute; left: 5%; right: 9%;} + .indentedlist {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + a:link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:red} + pre {font-size: 9pt;} + + --> + /*]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13759 ***</div> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Secret Societies, by David MacDill, Jonathan +Blanchard, and Edward Beecher</h1> +<hr /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<a class="pagenumber" name="page001" id="page001" title="001"></a> + <div id="titlepage"> + + <h1>SECRET SOCIETIES:</h1> + + <h2>A DISCUSSION OF THEIR CHARACTER AND CLAIMS,</h2> + + <h3>BY<br /> + REV. DAVID MACDILL,<br /> + JONATHAN BLANCHARD, D. D.,<br /> + AND<br /> + EDWARD BEECHER, D. D.</h3> + <blockquote> + 'Have no fellowship with the + unfruitful works of darkness, but + rather reprove them.' --EPH. v: 11. + </blockquote> + +<a class="pagenumber" name="page002" id="page002" title="002"></a> + </div> +<a class="pagenumber" name="page003" id="page003" title="003"></a> +<div id="toc" class="tableofcontents"> + <hr /> + <h2>CONTENTS.</h2> + <hr /> + <ul> + <li class="spacedlist"><span class="contentsheader"><a href="#b1">I. SECRET SOCIETIES: A TREATISE</a></span> by Rev. D. MacDill + <ul class="spacedlist"> + <li><a href="#b1_c1">CHAPTER I</a>. <span class="contentschapter">Their Antiquity.</span></li> + <li><a href="#b1_c2">CHAPTER II</a>. <span class="contentschapter">Their Secrecy.</span></li> + <li><a href="#b1_c3">CHAPTER III</a>. <span class="contentschapter">Oaths And Promises.</span></li> + <li><a href="#b1_c4">CHAPTER IV</a>.<span class="contentschapter">Profaneness.</span></li> + <li><a href="#b1_c5">CHAPTER V</a>. <span class="contentschapter">Their Exclusiveness.</span></li> + <li><a href="#b1_c6">CHAPTER VI</a>. <span class="contentschapter">False Claims.</span></li> + <li><a href="#b1_conclusion">CONCLUSION</a>.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class="spacedlist"><span class="contentsheader"><a href="#b2">II. SHALL CHRISTIANS JOIN SECRET SOCIETIES?</a></span> by Jonathan Blanchard, D. D. + <ul class="spacedlist"> + <li><a href="#b2_c1">Shall Christians Join Secret Societies?</a></li> + <li><a href="#b2_c2">Supposing it to be Innocent, Will It Pay?</a></li> + <li><a href="#b2_c3">Is it Obligatory?</a></li> + <li><a href="#b2_c4">Is it Right?</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class="spacedlist"><span class="contentsheader"><a href="#b3">III. REPORT TO CONGREGATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS</a></span>. by Edward Beecher, D. D. + <ul class="spacedlist"> + <li><a href="#b3_c1">CHAPTER I</a>. <span class="contentschapter">The moral character of secrecy.</span></li> + <li><a href="#b3_c2">CHAPTER II</a>. <span class="contentschapter">Associations or combinations involving secrecy.</span></li> + <li><a href="#b3_c3">CHAPTER III</a>. <span class="contentschapter">Religious rites and worship in societies or organizations, open or secret.</span></li> + </ul> + </li> + </ul> +</div> + +<a class="pagenumber" name="page004" id="page004" title="004"></a> +<a class="pagenumber" name="page005" id="page005" title="005"></a> +<div class="book" id="b1"> + <hr /> + + <h2>SECRET SOCIETIES.</h2> + + <div class="chaplist"> + <a href="#b1_c1">CHAPTER I</a> + <a href="#b1_c2">CHAPTER II</a> + <a href="#b1_c3">CHAPTER III</a> + <a href="#b1_c4">CHAPTER IV</a> + <a href="#b1_c5">CHAPTER V</a> + <a href="#b1_c6">CHAPTER VI</a> + <a href="#b1_conclusion">CONCLUSION</a>. + </div> + + <div class="chapter" id="b1_c1"> + <div class="chaphead">CHAPTER I.</div> + <div class="chapsubhead">Their Antiquity.</div> + <div class="verselist"><a href="#b1_c1_v1">1</a> <a href="#b1_c1_v2">2</a> <a href="#b1_c1_v3">3</a> <a href="#b1_c1_v4">4</a></div> + + <div id="b1_c1_v1" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">1.</span> Secret associations are of very ancient origin. They existed among + the ancient Egyptians, Hindoos, Grecians, Romans, and probably among + nearly all the pagan nations of antiquity. This fact, however is + neither proof of their utility nor of their harmlessness. Slavery, + despotism, cruelty, drunken falsehood, and all sorts of sins and + crimes have been practiced from time immemorial, but are none the less + to be reprobated on that account.</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c1_v2" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">2.</span> The facts that these associations had no existence among the + Israelites, who, alone of all the ancient nations, enjoyed the light of + Divine revelation, and that they originated and flourished among the + heathen, who were vain in their imaginations; whose foolish heart was + darkened, and whom God gave up to uncleanness through the lusts of + their own hearts (Rom. i: 21-24), is a presumptive proof <a class="pagenumber" name="page006" id="page006" title="006"></a>that their + nature and tendency are evil. We do not claim that all the + institutions among God's ancient people were right and good; nor that + every institution among the heathen was sinful and injurious; still, + that which was so popular among those whom the Bible declares to have + been filled with all unrighteousness; that which was so pleasing to + men whom God had given over to a reprobate mind and to vile affections + (Rom. i: 26-28); that which made a part of the worship which the + ignorant heathen offered up to their unclean gods, and which was + unknown among God's chosen people, is certainly a thing to be viewed + with suspicion. A thing of so bad origin and so bad accompaniments we + should be very slow to approve. The fact that many good men see no + evil in secret societies, and that many good men have been and are + members of them, is more than counterbalanced by the fact that many + good men very decidedly disapprove of them, and that, from time + immemorial, men of vile affections and reprobate minds, men whose + inclinations and consciences were perverted by heathenish ignorance + and error, and by a corrupt and abominable religion, have been very + fond of them.</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c1_v3" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">3.</span> Doubtless the authors and conductors of the ancient <i>mysteries</i> + made high pretensions, just as do <a class="pagenumber" name="page007" id="page007" title="007"></a>the modern advocates of secret + societies. Perhaps the original design of the ancient mysteries was to + civilize mankind and promote religion; that is, pagan superstition. + But whatever may have been the <i>design</i> of the authors of them, it is + certain that they became schools of superstition and vice. Their + pernicious character and influence were so manifest that the ancient + Christian writers almost universally exclaimed against them. (Leland's + Chr. Rev., p. 223.) Bishop Warburton, who, in his "Divine Legation," + maintains that the ancient mysteries were originally pure, declares + that they "became abominably abused, and that in Cicero's time the + terms mysteries and abominations were almost synonymous." The cause of + their corruption, this eminent writer declares to be the <i>secrecy</i> + with which they were performed. He says: "We can assign no surer cause + of the horrid abuses and corruptions of the mysteries than the + <i>season</i> in which they were represented, and the profound silence in + which they were buried. Night gave opportunity to wicked men to + attempt evil actions, and the secrecy encouragement to repeat them." + (Leland's Chr. Rev., p. 194.) It seems to have been of these ancient + secret associations that the inspired Apostle said, "<i>It is a shame + even to speak of those things which are done in secret</i>." (Eph. v: + 12.)</p> + </div> + <a class="pagenumber" name="page008" id="page008" title="008"></a> + + <div id="b1_c1_v4" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">4.</span> In view of these facts, the antiquity of secret societies is no + argument in their favor; yet it is no uncommon thing to find their + members tracing their origin back to the heathenish mysteries of the + ancient Egyptians, Hindoos, or Grecians. (See Webb's Freemason's + Monitor, p. 39.) Since the ancient mysteries were so impure and + abominable, those who boast of their affinity with them must be + classed with them of whom the Apostle says, "<i>Their glory is in their + shame</i>" (Phil, iii: 19.)</p> + </div> + </div> + + <a class="pagenumber" name="page009" id="page009" title="009"></a> + <div class="chapter" id="b1_c2"> + <div class="chaphead">CHAPTER II.</div> + <div class="chapsubhead">Their Secrecy.</div> + <div class="verselist"> + <a href="#b1_c2_v1">1</a> + <a href="#b1_c2_v2">2</a> + <a href="#b1_c2_v3">3</a> + <a href="#b1_c2_v4">4</a> + <a href="#b1_c2_v5">5</a> + </div> + + + <div id="b1_c2_v1" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">1.</span> One of the objectionable features of all the associations of which + we are writing is their secrecy. We do not say that secrecy is what is + called an <i>evil or sin in itself</i>. Secrecy may sometimes be right and + even necessary. There are family secrets and secrets of State. + Sometimes legislatures and church courts hold secret sessions. It is + admitted that secrecy in such cases may be right; but this does not + prove that secrecy is <i>always</i> right. The cases above-mentioned are + exceptional in their character. For instance, a family may very + properly keep some things secret; but were a family to act on the + principle of secrecy, they would justly be condemned, and would arouse + suspicions in the minds of all who know them. Were a family to + endeavor to conceal every thing that is said and done by the fireside; + were they to invent signs, and grips, and passwords for the purpose of + concealment; were they to admit no one under their roof without + exacting a solemn oath <a class="pagenumber" name="page010" id="page010" title="010"></a>or promise that nothing seen or heard shall be + made known, every one would say there is something wrong. So, too, if + a church court would always sit in secret; were none but members at + any time admitted; were all the members bound by solemn promises or + oaths to keep the proceedings secret, and were they to employ signs, + grips, and passwords, and to hold up horrid threats, in order to + secure concealment, such a church court would lose the confidence of + all men whose esteem is of any value. Such studious and habitual + concealment would damage the reputation of any family or church court + in the estimation of all sensible people. The same result would follow + in case a Legislature would endeavor, as a general thing, to conceal + its proceedings. As to State secrets, they generally pertain to what + is called diplomacy; and even in straightforward, manly diplomacy + there is generally no effort at concealment. In our own country, + Congress very often asks the President for information in regard to + the negotiations and correspondence of the Executive Department with + foreign governments, and almost always the whole correspondence asked + for is laid before Congress and published to the country. It is very + seldom that the President answers the call with a declaration that the + public welfare requires the correspondence <a class="pagenumber" name="page011" id="page011" title="011"></a>to be kept secret. Besides + this, the concealment is only temporary. It is never supposed that the + secrecy must be perpetual. It is true that many diplomatists--perhaps + nearly all the diplomatists of Europe--do endeavor to cover up their + doings from the light of day. It is also true that the secrecy and + deceit of diplomatists have made diplomacy a corrupt thing. Diplomacy + is regarded by many as but another name for duplicity. Talleyrand, the + prince of diplomatists, said "the design of language is to conceal + one's thoughts." This terse sentence gives a correct idea of the + practice of secret negotiators. With regard, then, to State secrets, + we remark that real statesmen do not endeavor to cover up their doings + in the dark, and that the practices of diplomatists, and the + reputation they have for duplicity, are not such as should encourage + individuals or associations to endeavor to conceal their proceedings. + We see nothing in the fact that there may be secrets of State to + justify studied and habitual secrecy either in individuals or + associations.</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c2_v2" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">2.</span> The impropriety of habitual concealment may be further illustrated. + An individual who endeavors to conceal the business in which he is + engaged, or the place and mode of carrying it on, exposes himself to + the suspicion of his fellow-men. People <a class="pagenumber" name="page012" id="page012" title="012"></a>lose confidence in him. They + feel that he is not a safe man. They at once suspect that there is + something wrong. They do not ask or expect him to make all his + business affairs public. They are willing that he should say nothing + about many of his business operations. But habitual secrecy, constant + concealment, unwillingness to tell either friend or foe what business + he follows, or to speak of his business operations, will cause any man + to be regarded as destitute of common honesty. This fact shows that, + in the common judgment of men, constant concealment is suspicious and + wrong. Wherever it is practiced, men expect the development of some + unworthy purpose.</p> + + <p>We regard secrecy just like homicide and other actions that in general + are very criminal. To take human life, as a general thing, is a very + great crime; but it is right to kill a man in self-defense, and to + take the life of a murderer as a punishment for his crime. The + habitual concealment of one's actions is wrong, but it may be right at + particular times and for special reasons. It is not a dreadfully + wicked thing, like the causeless taking of human life, and may be + justifiable much oftener and for less weighty reasons. Still habitual + secrecy, or secrecy, except at particular times and for special + reasons, is, according to the common judgment of <a class="pagenumber" name="page013" id="page013" title="013"></a>men, suspicious and + unjustifiable. Now, with secret societies secrecy is the general rule. + They practice constant concealment. At all times and on all occasions + must the members keep their proceedings secret. If an individual would + thus studiously endeavor to conceal his actions; were he to throw the + veil of secrecy over his business operations, refusing to speak to any + of his fellow-men concerning them, he would justly expose himself to + suspicion. His fellow-men would lose all confidence in his integrity. + If habitual secrecy on the part of an individual, in regard to + business matters, is confessedly suspicious and wrong, it must be so, + also, on the part of associations of men. There is less excuse, + indeed, for concealment on the part of a number of men banded together + than on the part of an individual. An individual working in the dark + may do much mischief, but an association thus working can do much + more. All those considerations which forbid individuals to shroud + their actions in secrecy and darkness, and require them to be open, + frank, and straightforward in their course, apply with equal or + greater force to associations.</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c2_v3" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">3.</span> In the case of secret societies, the reasons for concealment set + the impropriety of it in a still stronger light. So far from there + being any necessity or special reason to justify habitual secrecy in + <a class="pagenumber" name="page014" id="page014" title="014"></a>their case, we believe the very <i>design</i> of their secrecy to be + improper and sinful. We present the following quotation from a book of + high authority among those for whose benefit it was specially + intended:</p> + + <p>"If the secrets of Masonry are replete with such advantages to + mankind, it may be asked, Why are they not divulged for the general + good of society? To which it may be answered, were the privileges of + Masonry to be indiscriminately bestowed, the design of the institution + would be subverted, and, being familiar, like many other important + matters, would soon lose their value and sink into + disregard."--<i>Webb's Freemason's Monitor, p. 21</i>.</p> + + <p>The same author intimates that the secrecy of Masonry is designed to + take advantage of "a weakness of human nature." He admits that Masonry + would soon sink into disregard if its affairs were generally known. + Although this remark is made with special reference to the giddy and + unthinking, yet it is certainly not the contempt of such persons which + Masons fear. They would not care for the contempt of the giddy and + unthinking, if they could retain the esteem of the thoughtful and + wise. The real reason, then, for concealing the doings of Masons in + their lodges, is to recommend things which, if generally known, would + be regarded with contempt. The design of concealment in the <a class="pagenumber" name="page015" id="page015" title="015"></a>case of + other secret associations, we understand to be the same. The following + is an extract from an address delivered at the national celebration of + the fortieth anniversary of Odd-fellowship, in New York, April 26, + 1859, and published by the Grand Lodge of the United States:</p> + + <p>"But even if we do resort to the aid of the mysterious, to render our + meetings attractive, or as a stimulant to applications for membership, + surely this results, in no injury to society or + individuals."--<i>Proceedings of Grand Lodge of United States</i>, 1859, + <i>Ap., p</i>. 10.</p> + + <p>Here, again, it is pretty plainly hinted that the design of secrecy in + the case of Odd-fellowship, is to invest it with unreal attractions, + or, at least, with attractions which it would not possess, were the + veil of concealment withdrawn. Here, again, as in Masonry, it is + virtually admitted that secrecy is designed to take advantage of "a + weakness in human nature," and to recommend things which, if not + invested with the attractions which secrecy throws around them, would + sink into contempt.</p> + + <p>Doubtless the design of concealment in the case of other secret + associations is the same. We are not aware that Good-fellows, Good + Templars, Sons of Temperance, and other similar associations, have any + better reason for working, like moles, in the <a class="pagenumber" name="page016" id="page016" title="016"></a>dark than Masons and + Odd-fellows. There is, then, as it respects secret societies, no + necessity for concealment--nothing to justify it. The real motive for + it is itself improper and sinful.</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c2_v4" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">4.</span> That the concealment of actions and principles, either by + individuals or associations, is inconsistent with the teachings of the + Bible, is, we think, easily shown. Thus our Savior, on his trial, + declared: "<i>I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the + synagogue, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said + nothing</i>." (John xviii: 20.) An association which claims to be + laboring in behalf of true principles, and for the moral and + intellectual improvement of men, and yet conceals its operations under + the impenetrable veil of secrecy, is certainly practicing in direct + opposition to the example and teaching of the Son of God.</p> + + <p>Again: The concealment of our actions is condemned in the words of the + Most High, as recorded by the prophet: "<i>Woe unto them that seek deep + to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark; + and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us</i>?" (Is. xxix: 15.) + Those on whom a divine curse is thus pronounced are described as + endeavoring to <i>hide their works in the dark</i>. This description + applies, most assuredly, to those associations which meet only at + night, and in rooms with <a class="pagenumber" name="page017" id="page017" title="017"></a>darkened windows, and which require their + members solemnly to promise or swear that they will never make known + their proceedings.</p> + + <p>Again: The inspired apostle incidentally condemns secret societies in + denouncing the sins prevalent in his own day: "<i>And have no fellowship + with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them; for it + is a shame to speak of those things that are done of them in secret</i>." + (Eph. v: 11, 12.) It is not without reason that commentators + understand the shameful things done in secret, of which the apostle + speaks, to be the "mysteries" of the "secret societies" which + prevailed among the ancient heathen. They maintained religious rites + and ceremonies in honor of their imaginary deities, just as most + modern "secret societies" make a profane use of the word and worship + of God in their parades and initiations. He says it would be a shame + to speak of the rites performed by the heathen in their secret + associations in honor of Bacchus and Venus, the god of wine and the + goddess of lust, and of their other abominable deities. But whether + the apostle refers to the Eleusinian, Samothracian, and other pagan + mysteries, or not, the <i>principle of secrecy</i> comes in for a share of + his condemnation.</p> + + <p>The concealment practiced by "secret societies" is <a class="pagenumber" name="page018" id="page018" title="018"></a>inconsistent, also, + with such declarations of the Bible as the following: "<i>For every one + that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest + his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the + light, that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in + God</i>."(John iii: 20, 21.) "<i>Let your light so shine before men that + they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in + heaven</i>." These are the words of our Savior, and they certainly + condemn the concealment practiced by secret associations, and all the + means employed for that purpose--their signs, grips, and passwords; + their shunning the light of day; their secret gatherings in the night, + and in rooms with darkened windows; the terrible oaths and solemn + promises with which they bind their members to perpetual secrecy; the + disgraceful punishments which they threaten to inflict on any member + who will expose their secret doings--all these things are inconsistent + with the spirit, if not the very letter, of the commands of our Savior + quoted above.</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c2_v5" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">5.</span> Besides, if the doings of these associations, in there secret + meetings, are <i>good</i>, then it is in the violation of the express + command of our Savior to keep them concealed; for he tells us to let + others see our good works. In case their doings are bad, <a class="pagenumber" name="page019" id="page019" title="019"></a>it is, + perhaps, no violation of Christ's command to keep them hid; but, most + certainly, such things ought not to be done at all. So far as the + moral character of secret societies is concerned, it matters not + whether the transactions which they so studiously conceal are good or + bad, sinless or wicked. If such transactions are good, the Savior + commands that they be made known; if they are improper and sinful, he + commands us to have no fellowship with them. In either case secret + associations are to be condemned as practicing contrary to the + teachings of the Bible.</p> + + <p>Hence, we conclude that the concealment so studiously maintained and + rigidly enforced by the associations whose moral character we are + considering is condemned both by the common judgment of men and by the + Word of God.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <a class="pagenumber" name="page020" id="page020" title="020"></a> + <div class="chapter" id="b1_c3"> + <div class="chaphead">CHAPTER III.</div> + <div class="chapsubhead">Their Oaths and Promises.</div> + <div class="verselist"><a href="#b1_c3_v1">1</a> <a href="#b1_c3_v2">2</a> <a href="#b1_c3_v3">3</a> <a href="#b1_c3_v4">4</a> <a href="#b1_c3_v5">5</a> <a href="#b1_c3_v6">6</a> <a href="#b1_c3_v7">7</a></div> + + <div id="b1_c3_v1" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">1.</span> Another serious objection to secret associations is the profanation + by them of the oath of God. We regard such profanation as the natural + result of their secrecy. When associations of men endeavor to keep + secret their operations from generation to generation, they will not + be willing to trust to the honor and honesty of their members. A + <a class="pagenumber" name="page021" id="page021" title="021"></a>simple promise of secrecy will not be deemed sufficient. Oaths or + promises, with dreadful penalties, will very likely be required of all + those who are admitted as members. Secret societies may, perhaps, + exist without such oaths and promises. If the members of an + association are few in number, or if the publication of its secrets + would not be regarded as very injurious to its interests, perhaps a + simple promise of secrecy will be regarded as sufficient; but whenever + an association endeavors to secure a numerous membership, and regards + a disclosure of its secrets as likely to damage its reputation or + hinder its success, something more than a simple promise of secrecy + will very likely be required at the initiation of members. + Accordingly, some secret associations, it is known, do employ awful + sanctions in order to secure concealment. Even when the members of a + secret order claim that they are not bound to secrecy by oath, but + only by a simple promise, it will, perhaps, be found on examination + that that promise is, in reality, an oath. An appeal to God or to + heaven, whether made expressly or impliedly, in attestation of the + truth of a promise or declaration, is an oath. Such an appeal may not + be regarded as an oath in our civil courts, the violator of which + would incur the pains and penalties of perjury; yet certainly it is an + oath according to the teachings of the Bible. Our Savior teaches that + to swear by the temple, is to swear by God who dwelleth therein; and + that to swear by heaven, is to swear by the throne of God, and by him + that sitteth thereon. (Matt. xx: 23.) We find, also, that the words, + "As the Lord liveth," is to be regarded as an oath. King David is + repeatedly said to have sworn, when he used this form of expression, + in attestation of his sincerity. (1 Sam. xx: 3; 1 Kings i: 29.) An + appeal to God, whether direct or indirect, in attestation of the truth + of a declaration or promise, is an oath. As we have already said, a + secret association may <a class="pagenumber" name="page022" id="page022" title="022"></a>exist without an oath. But we are not sure that + any does. Odd-fellows have declared that they have no initiatory oath. + In the address published by the Grand Lodge of the United States, + referred to before, the following declaration is made: "No oath, as + was once supposed, is administered to the candidate." (App. to + Proceedings of Grand Lodge, 1859, p. 10.) Yet Grosch, in his + Odd-fellows' Manual, speaks of an "appeal to heaven" in the + initiation, at least, into one of the degrees. (P. 306.) Perhaps the + contradiction arises from a difference of opinion in regard to what it + takes to constitute an oath, or, perhaps, from the fact that an oath + is required in initiations into some degrees, but not in others. + However this may be, we know that some secret societies have + initiatory oaths, and that nearly all administer what, in the sight of + God, is an oath, though they may not so view it themselves. Nor do we + see any reason to discredit the declaration of Grosch that the + candidate "appeals to heaven."</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c3_v2" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">2.</span> Now, the taking of an initiatory oath is, to say the very least of + it, of doubtful propriety. Every one who does so swears by the living + God that he will forever keep secret things about which he knows + nothing. The secrets of the association are not imparted to him until + after he has sworn that he will not reveal them. He is kept ignorant + of <a class="pagenumber" name="page023" id="page023" title="023"></a>them until the "brethren" are assured by his appeal to heaven that + they can trust him. Now, the inspired apostle lays down the principle + that a man sins when he does any thing about the propriety of which he + is in doubt. He declares that the eating of meats was in itself a + matter of indifference, but that if any man esteem any thing unclean, + to him it is unclean. He then makes the following declaration: "But he + that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith; for + whatsoever is not of faith is sin." (Rom. xiv: 22, 23.) According to + this most emphatic declaration, we must have faith and confidence that + what we do is right, else we are blameworthy. We sin whenever we do + any thing which is, according to our own judgment, of doubtful + propriety. The man who is initiated into an oath-bound society, swears + that he will keep secret things about which he knows nothing--things + which, for aught he knows, ought not to be kept secret. If the apostle + condemned, in most emphatic language, the man who would do so trivial + a thing as eat meat without assuring himself of the lawfulness of his + doing so, what would he have said had the practice existed in his day + of swearing by the God of heaven in regard to matters that are + altogether unknown? To say the very least, such swearing is altogether + inconsistent with <a class="pagenumber" name="page024" id="page024" title="024"></a>that caution and conscientiousness which the + Scriptures enjoin. The apostle also condemns the conduct of those who + "<i>understand neither what they say nor whereof they affirm</i>" (1 Tim. + i: 7.) Does not his condemnation fall on those who know not about what + they swear, nor whereof they appeal to heaven?</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c3_v3" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">3.</span> There is another objection to taking an initiatory oath. We are + expressly forbidden to take God's name in vain. To pronounce God's + name without a good reason for doing so is to take it in vain. + Certainly, to swear by the name of the living God demands an important + occasion. To make an appeal to the God of heaven on some trifling + occasion is a profanation of his oath and name. If the secrets of + Masonry, Odd-fellowship, Good Templars, and similar associations, are + unimportant, their oaths, appeals to heaven, and solemn promises made + in the presence of God are profane and sinful. Perhaps their boasted + secrets are only signs, grips, pass-words, and absurd rites of + initiation. To swear by the name of the Lord about things of this kind + is certainly a violation of the third commandment. The candidate does + not <i>know</i> that the secrets about to be disclosed to him are of any + importance, and he runs the risk of using God's name and oath about + light and trivial things. He must be <a class="pagenumber" name="page025" id="page025" title="025"></a>uncertain whether there is any + thing of importance in hand at the time of swearing, and how can he + escape the disapproval of God, since the inspired Paul declares that + the doubtful eater of meat is damned? (Rom. xiv: 23.)</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c3_v4" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">4.</span> We have already adverted to the fact that concealment is resorted + to in order to take advantage of "a weakness in human nature," and to + recommend things which, if known generally, would be disregarded. Is + it right to use the name and oath of God for the accomplishment of + such purposes? Is it right to use the name and oath of God in order to + take advantage of "a weakness in human nature," and to invest with + fictitious charms things which, if seen in the clear light of day, + would be regarded with indifference or contempt? The taking of oaths + for such purposes, and under such circumstances will generally be + avoided by those who give good heed to the command, "Thou shalt not + take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold + him guiltless that taketh his name in vain."</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c3_v5" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">5.</span> While we do not claim that there is any passage of Scripture which + expressly declares the initiatory oaths under consideration to be + profane and sinful, at the same time there are many passages which + require us to beware how and when we swear:</p> + + <a class="pagenumber" name="page026" id="page026" title="026"></a> + <p>"<i>But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, + neither by the earth, neither by any other oath; but let your yea be + yea, and your nay, nay, lest ye fall into condemnation</i>." (James v: + 12.) Does not this command condemn those who swear to keep secret they + know not what, and to fulfill obligations which devolve upon them as + members of an association, before they know fully what that + association is, or what those obligations are? Should not every one + consider himself admonished not to swear such an oath lest he fall + into condemnation? Again: Our Savior says, "Swear not at all; neither + by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is his + footstool; neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king. + Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one + hair white or black; but let your communication be yea, yea, nay, nay; + for whatsoever is more than these, cometh of evil." These words were + spoken in condemnation of those who employed oaths frequently and on + improper occasions. They should make every one hesitate in regard to + swearing, in any form, on his initiation into an order the obligations + and operations of which have not yet been revealed to him. Once more: + "<i>Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to + utter any thing before God, for God is in heaven and thou <a class="pagenumber" name="page027" id="page027" title="027"></a>upon earth; + therefore, let thy words be few</i>." (Eccl. v: 2.) Is it not a rash + thing to bind one's self by the oath of God to keep secret things as + yet unknown, or to bind one's self to conform to unknown regulations + and usages? In view of these declarations of the Word of God, it + certainly would be well to avoid taking such oaths as generally are + required of the members of secret associations at their initiation.</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c3_v6" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">6.</span> The <i>promise</i> required of candidates at their initiation, whether + there be an oath or not, is also, at least in many cases, improper and + sinful. For instance, the "candidate for the mysteries of Masonry," + previous to initiation, must make the declaration that he "will + cheerfully conform to all the ancient established usages and customs + of the fraternity." (Webb's Freemason's Monitor, p. 34.) Grosch, in + his Odd-fellows' Manual, directs the candidate at his initiation as + follows: "Give yourself passively to your guides, to lead you + whithersoever they will." (P. 91.) Again, in regard to initiation into + a certain degree, he says: "The candidate for this degree should be + firm and decided in his answers to all questions asked him, and + patient in all required of him," etc. (P. 279.) In the form of + application for membership, as laid down by Grosch, the applicant + promises as follows:</p> + + <a class="pagenumber" name="page028" id="page028" title="028"></a> + <p>"If admitted, I promise obedience to the usages and laws of the Order + and of the Lodge." (P. 378.)</p> + + <p>These declarations, by reliable authors, plainly show that both in + Masonry and Odd-fellowship obligations are laid on members of which, + at the time, they are ignorant. Candidates for Masonry must promise to + conform, yes, "cheerfully conform to all the ancient established + usages and customs of the fraternity." The application for membership + in the association of Odd-fellows must be accompanied by a promise of + obedience to the usages and laws both of the whole Order and of the + lodge in which membership is sought. No man has a right to make such a + promise until he has carefully examined the usages, and customs, and + laws referred to. While he is ignorant of them, he does not know but + some of them or all of them may be morally wrong. Before the candidate + has been initiated, he has not had an opportunity of acquainting + himself with all the laws, usages, and customs which he promises to + obey. Is not such a promise condemned by the divine injunction, "Be + not rash with thy mouth?" Is not the man who promises to obey + regulations, customs, and usages before he knows fully what they are + as blameworthy as the doubtful eater of meats, who, the inspired + apostle tells us, is damned for doing what he is not confident <a class="pagenumber" name="page029" id="page029" title="029"></a>is + right? The candidate for initiation into Odd-fellowship must "give + himself passively to his guides." Such demands indicate the spirit + which secret associations require of their members. They must + surrender the exercise of their own judgment, and permit themselves to + be blindly led by others. No man has a right thus to surrender himself + passively to the guidance of others. Every man is bound to act + according to his own judgment and conscience. Before a man promises to + obey any human regulations, or to conform to any usage or custom, he + is bound to know what that regulation, usage, or custom is, and to see + that it is morally right. To do otherwise is to sin against conscience + and the law of God.</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c3_v7" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">7.</span> Besides this, the promise to "preserve mysteries inviolate," made + before they have been made known to the promiser, is condemned by + sound morality. He may have heard the declaration of others that there + is nothing wrong in "the mysteries," but this is not sufficient to + justify him. A man is bound to exercise his own reason and conscience + in regard to all questions of morality.</p> + + <p>No man has a right, at any time, to lay aside his reason and + conscience and allow himself to be "guided passively" by others. Every + man is bound to see and decide for himself in every case <a class="pagenumber" name="page030" id="page030" title="030"></a>of duty and + morals. We should not let the church of Christ even decide for us in + such matters, much less some association, composed, it may be, of + infidels, Mormons, Jews, Mohammedans, and all sorts of men except + atheists. (See pages 37, 31.) A band of such men may have secrets very + immoral in character, and which it would be a violation of God's law + to preserve inviolate. To promise beforehand that any "mysteries" + which they may see fit to enact and practice shall be forever + concealed, is to trifle with conscience and morality. It is useless to + plead that a member can withdraw as soon as he discovers any thing + wrong in the regulations and usages which he is required to obey. + Every one who joins such an association as those under consideration + must make up his mind to do so before he knows what "the mysteries" + are, and he must promise (either with or without an oath) that he will + preserve them inviolate before "the brethren" will intrust them to + him. The possibility of dissolving his connection with the association + afterward does not exonerate him of promising to do he knows not + what--of laying aside his own conscience and reason, and yielding + himself "passively" to others. The promise of secrecy and of obedience + to unknown regulations and customs, required at the initiation of + candidates into such <a class="pagenumber" name="page031" id="page031" title="031"></a>associations as we are considering, is, + therefore, a step in the dark. It involves the assuming of an + obligation to do what <i>may be</i> morally wrong, and is, therefore, + inconsistent with the teachings of the Word of God and the principles + of sound morality.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <a class="pagenumber" name="page032" id="page032" title="032"></a> + <div class="chapter" id="b1_c4"> + <div class="chaphead">CHAPTER IV.</div> + <div class="chapsubhead">Their Profaneness.</div> + <div class="verselist"><a href="#b1_c4_v1">1</a> <a href="#b1_c4_v2">2</a> <a href="#b1_c4_v3">3</a></div> + + <div id="b1_c4_v1" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">1.</span> Another evil connected with secrecy, as maintained by the + associations the character of which is now under consideration, is the + profane use of sacred things in ceremonies, celebrations, and + processions. This evil has, perhaps, no <i>necessary</i> connection with + secrecy, but has generally in <i>fact</i>. The "secret societies" of + antiquity dealt largely in religious ceremonies. It is the frequent + boast of Masons, Odd-fellows, and others, that their associations + correspond to those of ancient times. There is, indeed, a + correspondence between them in the use of religious rites. Those of + ancient times employed the rites of heathenish superstition; those of + modern times are, perhaps, as objectionable on account of their + prostituting the religion of Christ. The holy Bible, the word of the + living God, is used by Masons as a mere emblem, like the square and + compass. The pot of incense, the holy tabernacle, the ark of the + covenant, the holy miter, and the holy breastplate are also <a class="pagenumber" name="page033" id="page033" title="033"></a>employed + as emblems, along with the lambskin and the sword pointing to a naked + heart. At the opening of lodges and during initiations, passages of + Scripture are read as a mere ceremony, or as a charge to the members + in regard to their duty as Masons. Thus a perverse use of holy + Scripture is made in the application of it to matters to which it has + no reference whatever. (Freemason's Monitor, pp. 92, 19-181). Even the + great Jehovah is represented in some of their ceremonies by symbols. + His all-seeing eye is represented by the image of a human eye. + (Freemason's Monitor, pp. 85, 290.) Masonry also profanes the name and + titles of God. God alone is to be worshiped; he alone should be + addressed as the <i>Most Worshipful Being</i>. But Masonry requires the use + of such language as follows: "The Most Worshipful Grand Master," and + "The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge." God alone is Almighty, but Masons + have their "Thrice Illustrious and Grand Puissant," and their "Thrice + Potent Grand Master." God alone is perfect, but Masons have a "Grand + Lodge of Perfection" and a "Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Mason." + (Monitor, pp. 187, 219; Monitor of Free and Accepted Rite, pp. 52.) + Christ is the great High Priest, and Aaron and his successors were his + representatives, but Masons have a "High Priest," a "<i>Grand</i> High + <a class="pagenumber" name="page034" id="page034" title="034"></a>Priest," yea, a "<i>Most Excellent</i> Grand High Priest." At the + installation of this so-called High Priest, various passages of + Scripture treating of the priesthood of Melchisedec and of Christ are + used. (Webb's Monitor, pp. 178-181, 187.)</p> + + <p>We regard these high-sounding titles as ridiculous, and as well + calculated to excite derision and scorn; but we do not now treat of + them in that regard. We call attention, at present, to the emblems and + titles used by Masons as profane. God did not intend his holy Word, + and the Tabernacle, and the Ark of the Covenant, and the Breastplate, + to be used as the symbols of Masonry. These and other holy things were + intended only for holy purposes. To use them as the Masons do is to + pervert and profane them. The visible representation of the all-seeing + eye of God is certainly a species of idolatry, and is forbidden by the + second commandment. Such, also, are the triangles, declared to be "a + beautiful emblem of the eternal Jehovah." (Monitor, p. 290.) The + Israelites, of course, did not understand that the Divine Being was + really like their golden calf; they considered it a symbol of Deity. + How much better is it to assimilate God to a <i>triangle</i> than to a + calf? The difference is just this: the latter idea is more gross than + the former. The sin of idolatry--that is, of representing <a class="pagenumber" name="page035" id="page035" title="035"></a>God under a + visible figure--is involved in both cases. The profaneness of the + titles mentioned above must at once be evident to every reverent, + considerate mind. They are such as in the Bible are ascribed only to + God and to Christ. Indeed, Masons give more exalted titles to their + sham priest than the Scriptures employ to describe the character and + office of the great High Priest who is "made higher than the heavens." + If this is not profane, we are at a loss to know what can be profane.</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c4_v2" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">2.</span> The Odd-fellows in profanation of holy things go about as far as + the Masons. They employ "the brazen serpent," "the budded rod of + Aaron," "the Ark of the Covenant," "the breastplate for the high + priest," and other holy things as emblems of their order, along with, + "the shining sun," "the half moon," etc. They have their "Most Worthy + Grand Master," and their "Most Excellent Grand High Priest," and other + officers designated by titles which should be given to God and Christ + alone. Indeed, as it respects emblems and titles, Masonry seems to be + the example which other secret associations have followed. In regard + to the profanation of holy things, the difference between most of the + secret associations in our land is one merely of degree. This + profanation of the word, name, and titles of God is certainly sinful + in itself, <a class="pagenumber" name="page036" id="page036" title="036"></a>and very injurious in its effects. What kind of ideas of + God, and Christ, and heaven must persons have who conceive and think + of God under the figure of three triangles; of Christ and his + priesthood as symbolized by "the Most Excellent Grand High Priest," + officiating amid the tomfooleries of Masonry and Odd-fellowship; and + of heaven as a Grand Lodge-room. What ideas of the Divine Majesty and + Glory must they have who are accustomed to give to the officers of a + secret association, and to men who are, perhaps, destitute of faith + and holiness, and who may be Jews, Turks, or infidels, as grand titles + as the Scriptures give to the God of heaven and the Savior of the + world. Besides it is very improper and sinful to give to mere men the + titles and glory which are due to God alone. We learn that it was + precisely for this sin that the Divine displeasure was visited upon + king Herod. On a certain occasion having put on his royal apparel, he + sat on his throne and made a public oration. The people who heard him + shouted and said, "<i>It is the voice of a God and not of a man; and + immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God + the glory; and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost</i>." (Acts + xii: 23.) It was for the same spirit of self-glorification that the + king of Babylon was punished with madness <a class="pagenumber" name="page037" id="page037" title="037"></a>and disgrace. Nebuchadnezzar + walked in his palace, and said: "Is not this great Babylon, which I + have built for the house of my kingdom by the might of my power, and + for the honor of my majesty?" The same hour he was driven from men, + and did eat grass as oxen; and his body was wet with the dew of + heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails + like birds' claws. (Dan. iv: 30-33.)</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c4_v3" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">2.<br /> [sic]</span>Another objectionable feature of many secret societies is, + that they profane the <i>worship</i> of God. They claim (at least those + which seem to embrace the most numerous membership) to be, in some + sense, religious associations. They maintain forms of worship; their + rituals contain prayers to be used at initiations, installations, + funerals, consecrations, etc. They receive into membership, as we + shall afterward see, almost all sorts of men except atheists. Being + composed of Jews, Turks, Mohammedans, Mormons, and infidels, as well + as of believers in Christianity, they endeavor to establish such forms + as will be acceptable to their mongrel and motley membership. Hence + their prayers and other forms of worship are such as may be + consistently used by the irreligious and by infidels, and only by + them. We do not say that no Christian prayers are offered up in + Masonic lodges. <a class="pagenumber" name="page038" id="page038" title="038"></a>No doubt some godly men, as chaplains, offer up + extempore prayers in the name of Christ; but such prayers are not + Masonic. They are not authorized by the Masonic ritual; they are + contrary to the spirit if not to the express regulations of Masonry. + Any member would have a right to object to them, and his objections + would have to be sustained. The only prayers which Masonry does + authorize, and can consistently authorize, are Christless--infidel + prayers and services. The proof of this declaration can be found in + every Masonic manual. (See Webb's Monitor, pp. 36, 80, 189, and + Carson's Monitor, of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, pp. 47, 61, 95, + 99.) In all the prayers thus presented, the name of Christ is + excluded; it is excluded even from the prayers to be offered at the + installation of the "Most Excellent Grand High Priest." (Webb's Mon., + pp. 183, 189.) The idea of human guilt is, also, almost entirely + excluded from these prayers; the idea of pardon through the atonement + of Christ is never once presented in them. In the prayer to be used at + the funeral of a "Past Master," it is declared that admission unto + God's "everlasting kingdom is the just reward of a pious and virtuous + life." Every true Christian, on reflection, must see that such prayers + are an insult to the Almighty. They are <a class="pagenumber" name="page039" id="page039" title="039"></a>just such as infidels and all + objectors of Christ may offer.</p> + + <p>The prayers of the society of Odd-fellows are equally objectionable. + In respect to the character of their religious services, they are to + be classed with the Masons. Odd-fellowship knows no God but the god of + the infidel; it recognizes the Creator of the Universe and the Father + of men, but not the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The + name of Christ has no more a place in the religion of Odd-fellowship, + according to its principles and regulations, than in a heathen temple + or an infidel club-room. It is quite likely that sometimes chaplains, + officiating in the lodge-room, pray in the name of Christ; but a Turk, + according to the principles and regulations of Odd-fellowship, would + have just as much right to pray in the name of Mohammed, or a Mormon + in the name of Joe Smith. These are facts which, we presume, all + acquainted with the forms and ceremonies in use among Odd-fellows will + admit. Grosch, in his Manual, makes the following declaration: "The + descendants of Abraham, the divers followers of Jesus, the Pariahs of + the stricter sects, here gather round the same altar as one family, + manifesting no differences of creed or worship; and discord and + contention are forgotten in works of humanity and <a class="pagenumber" name="page040" id="page040" title="040"></a>peace." (Pp. 285, + 286.) This declaration has reference, of course, to <i>all</i> the members + of the associations--believers in Christianity, Jews, Mohammedans, + Indians, Hindoos, and infidels. How do they manage to worship so + lovingly together in the lodge-room? Our author asserts that they + "leave their prejudices at the door." Of course their forms of worship + embody no "prejudices." The thing is managed in this way: Whatever is + peculiar to Judaism is excluded from the ritual and worship of + Odd-fellows; whatever is peculiar to Hindooism is excluded; whatever + is peculiar to Mohammedanism is excluded; whatever is peculiar to + Christianity is excluded; whatever is peculiar to any form of religion + is excluded. Only so much as is held in common by Jews, Hindoos, + Mohammedans, and Christians is allowed a place in the ritual and + worship of Odd-fellows. But how much is held in common by these + various classes? After every thing peculiar to each class has been + thrown overboard, how much is left? Nothing but <i>deism</i> or + <i>infidelity</i>. The only views held in common by the Jew, Mohammedan, + Christian, and others are just those held by infidels. The religion of + Odd-fellowship is <i>infidelity</i>, and its prayers are <i>infidel</i> prayers.</p> + + <p>Not only such are the prayers and religion of <a class="pagenumber" name="page041" id="page041" title="041"></a>Masonry and + Odd-fellowship, but such <i>must</i> be the religion and prayers of all + associations organized on their principles. The only way to welcome + all of every creed, Jew, Mohammedan, Hindoo, etc., and make them feel + at home in an association, is to exclude every thing offensive to the + conscience or prejudices of any one of them. And when every thing of + that sort has been excluded, the residuum, in every case, as every one + must see, will be deism or infidelity. This is a serious matter. + Christians are not free from guilt in countenancing such prayers and + services. The tendency of such religious performances must be very + injurious. Whoever adopts the religious, or rather irreligious, spirit + and principles of Masonry, Odd-fellowship, and other similar + associations must discard Christianity and the Bible. No doubt there + are <i>some</i>, perhaps there are <i>many</i> Christians in connection with + such associations, but they certainly do not and can not approve the + Christless prayers of the lodge-room, much less join in them. Is it + right for the disciples of Jesus, or even for believers in + Christianity, as the great majority of people in this country are, to + sustain any association which puts Christianity on a level with pagan + superstition, which treats Jesus Christ with no more regard and + veneration than it does Mohammed, Confucius, or Joe <a class="pagenumber" name="page042" id="page042" title="042"></a>Smith, and whose + only religion is the religion of infidels?</p> + + <p>If secret associations did not pretend to have <i>any</i> religion or <i>any</i> + religious services, but would, like bank and railroad companies, + conduct their affairs without religious forms, it would be infinitely + better.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <a class="pagenumber" name="page043" id="page043" title="043"></a> + <div class="chapter" id="b1_c5"> + <div class="chaphead">CHAPTER V.</div> + <div class="chapsubhead">Their Exclusiveness.</div> + <div class="verselist"><a href="#b1_c5_v1">1</a> <a href="#b1_c5_v2">2</a> <a href="#b1_c5_v3">3</a> <a href="#b1_c5_v4">4</a></div> + + <div id="b1_c5_v1" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">1.</span> Another objection which may be urged against secret societies in + general, is their selfish exclusiveness.</p> + + <p>It is well known that the Christian religion has often been subjected + to reproach by the bigotry and sectarianism of its professors. If the + <i>Bible</i> inculcated bigotry and sectarianism, it would be a + well-founded objection to Christianity itself; but Christianity is + eminently catholic and democratic, and is diametrically opposed to an + exclusive and partisan spirit. The command of Christ to his church is + to make no distinction on account of class or condition, but to + receive all, and especially to care for the poor, the unfortunate, the + oppressed, the blind, the lame, the maimed, and the diseased. + Sometimes men calling themselves Christians act so directly contrary + to the impartial, catholic spirit and teachings of Christ as to render + themselves unworthy of all sympathy and encouragement; but the + exclusiveness of secret societies is, we think, <a class="pagenumber" name="page044" id="page044" title="044"></a>unparalleled in our + day for its selfishness and meanness. They claim to be charitable and + benevolent institutions; they assert that membership in them confers + great honors and advantages; they profess (at least many of them) to + act on the principle of the universal brotherhood of men and + fatherhood of God. (Moore's Con. of Freemasonry, p. 125; Webb's + Monitor, pp. 21, 51; Proceedings of Odd-fellows' Grand Lodge of United + States, 1859, App., p. 6.) We say nothing now about the falsity of + these claims and professions; but we assert that, even admitting the + boasted honors and advantages enjoyed by members of secret + associations, such associations are eminently exclusive and selfish. + Of this proposition there is abundant proof.</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c5_v2" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">2.</span> The Masons utterly refuse to admit as members women, slaves, + persons not free-born, and persons having any maim, defect, or + imperfection in their bodies; or, at least, the principles of Masonry + forbid the admission of all such persons. (Masonic Constitutions, + published by authority of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, Art. 3 and 4.) + Moore, editor of the Masonic Review, in his Ancient Charges and + Regulations of Freemasonry, in commenting on the articles above + referred to, makes the following declarations: "The rituals and + ceremonies <a class="pagenumber" name="page045" id="page045" title="045"></a>of the order forbid the presence of women;" and "the law + proclaiming her exclusion is as unrepealable as that of the Medes and + Persians." (P. 145.) Again: "Masonry requires candidates for its + honors to have been free by birth; no taint of slavery or dishonor + must rest upon their origin." (P. 143.) Once more this author remarks: + "A candidate for Masonry must be physically perfect. As under the + Jewish economy no person who was maimed or defective in his physical + organism, though of the tribe of Aaron, could enter upon the office of + a priest, nor a physically defective animal be offered in sacrifice, + so no man who is not 'perfect' in his bodily organization can legally + be made a Mason. We have occasionally met with men having but one arm + or one leg, who in that condition had been made Masons; and on one or + two occasions we have found those who were <i>totally blind</i> who had + been admitted! This is so entirely illegal, so utterly at variance + with a law which every Mason is bound to obey, that it seems almost + incredible, yet it is true." (P. 152.) It is, hence, seen that Masonry + is very exclusive. No woman can be a member. This regulation excludes + at once one half of mankind from its boasted advantages. The oppressed + slave is excluded; the man born in slavery, though now free, is + excluded; the <a class="pagenumber" name="page046" id="page046" title="046"></a>lame man is excluded; the man who has lost an eye is + excluded; the man who has lost a hand is excluded; the man who has + lost a foot is excluded; the man on whose birth any taint of dishonor + rests is excluded; the man who is imperfect in body is excluded. No + matter how good, patriotic, and wise such persons are, still they are + excluded; no matter how needy such persons are, still they are + excluded; no matter though a man have lost a hand, or foot, or eye in + defense of his country and liberty, still he is excluded; no matter + though a freedman, exhibiting bravery, and piety, and every virtue, + still the "taint of slavery rests on his birth," he is excluded. + Widows and orphans are excluded.</p> + + <p>"If a brother should be a rebel against the state, the loyal + brotherhood can not expel him from the lodge, and his relation to it + remains indefeasible." (Moore's Constitutions, Art. 2.) A Mason may be + engaged in a wicked rebellion, and may stain his soul and hands with + innocent blood, and still he must be recognized as "a brother" and + must continue to enjoy all the boasted rights and advantages of the + order; but the patriot soldier who has been disabled for life in + defense of his country and liberty is excluded. The widows and orphans + of rebel Masons slain in battle, or righteously executed <a class="pagenumber" name="page047" id="page047" title="047"></a>on the + scaffold, must receive "the benefits;" but the widows and orphans of + patriot soldiers who did not choose to join the Masons, or were + excluded by some bodily imperfection, or by wounds received in battle, + are left to the charities of "the ignorant and prejudiced." The Jew, + the Turk, the Hindoo, the American savage, and the infidel (provided + they are not atheists), are eligible to the boasted honors and + advantages of Masonry. (Moore's Constitutions, pp. 119, 123.) But if a + man have every intellectual gift and every moral virtue, and have some + bodily imperfection, he is excluded. A man may be as gifted and as + learned as Milton, as incorruptible and patriotic as Washington, and + as benevolent as Howard, but if he is physically imperfect he is + excluded from this association, which claims to be no respecter of + persons, but to be the patron of merit, and which professes to act on + the principle of the universal brotherhood of men.</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c5_v3" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">3.</span> Exclusiveness in about the same degree characterizes other secret + societies. The Constitution of the Odd-fellows' Grand Lodge of Ohio + provides that the candidate for membership must be "a free white + person possessed of some known means of support and free from all + infirmity or disease." (Art. 6, Sec. 1.) Substantially the same + qualifications for membership are required by the constitutions <a class="pagenumber" name="page048" id="page048" title="048"></a>and + laws of other secret associations. (Constitution of Ancient Order of + Good-fellows, Art. 6, Sec. 1; Constitution of Improved Order of Red + Men, Art. 5, Sec. 1; Constitution of United Ancient Order of Druids, + Art. 8, Sec. 1.)</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c5_v4" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">4.</span> Not only are these associations exclusive and selfish in regard to + receiving members; not only do they utterly refuse to admit a man, + however good, and wise, and patriotic he may be, in case he is + diseased or infirm, or is disabled by wounds in the service of his + country, and is too poor and feeble to maintain himself and his + family; not only do they exclude all such persons from membership and + from the boasted privileges, and honors, and pecuniary benefits + pertaining thereto, but also their regulations in regard to their + internal affairs manifest an unchristian, anti-republican, exclusive, + selfish spirit. For instance, Masons will not, and, indeed, according + to their regulations, can not, bestow funeral honors upon deceased + members who had not advanced to the third degree. Those of the first + and second degree can not thus be honored. They are not entitled to + funeral obsequies, nor are they allowed to attend a Masonic funeral + procession. (Webb's Monitor, pp. 132-133.)</p> + + <p>Again: Though Masonry makes professions of universal benevolence on + the ground "that the radiant <a class="pagenumber" name="page049" id="page049" title="049"></a>arch of Masonry spans the whole habitable + globe;" though it declares that every true and worthy brother of the + order, no matter what be his language, country, religion, creed, + opinions, politics, or condition, is a legitimate object for the + exercise of benevolence, (Masonic Constitutions, by Grand Lodge of + Ohio, p. 80); still it is declared that "Master Masons only are + entitled to Masonic burial or relief from the charity fund." (Masonic + Constitutions by Grand Lodge of Ohio, p. 39.) The rulers of Masons can + not be chosen from the members of the first or second degree. It is + thus seen that the first two degrees serve as a sort of substratum on + which the other degrees rest, and the "honors and benefits" are not + intended for persons of the former.</p> + + <p>The exclusiveness and selfishness of other secret associations are + also apparent from their regulations. As shown above, they exclude all + diseased and infirm persons from membership, and of course from all + the "benefits." They generally provide that, in case of sickness or + disability, a member shall receive three dollars per week, and in case + of the death of a member, the sum of thirty dollars shall be + contributed toward defraying his funeral expenses. But all the + associations making such regulations also provide that a member who is + in <a class="pagenumber" name="page050" id="page050" title="050"></a>"arrears for dues" shall receive no aid in case of sickness or + disability; and in case of the death of a member who is "in arrears + for dues" nothing shall be contributed to defray his funeral expenses, + and his wife and children, however destitute they may be, can receive + no aid. In such cases, the destitute widow and orphans must not look + to "the <i>charitable</i> association" of which the departed husband and + father was a member, but to outsiders--yes, to "prejudiced and + ignorant" outsiders--for aid to bury his dead body with decency. + Grosch says, "The philosopher's stone is found by the Odd-fellow in + three words, <i>Pay in advance</i>. There are few old members of the order + who can not relate some case of peculiar hardship caused by + non-payment of dues. Some good but careless brother, who neglected + this small item of duty until he was suddenly called out of this life, + was found to be not beneficial, and his widow and orphans, when <i>most</i> + in need, were left destitute of all <i>legal</i> claims on the funds he had + for years been aiding to accumulate." (Monitor, p. 198, 199.) Such + facts as these prove secret associations to be exclusive, heartless, + selfish concerns. (See Constitution of Druids, Art. 2, Sec. 1, and + By-laws, Art. 11, Sec. 1; Constitution of Good-fellows, Art. 16, Sec. + 1; Constitution of Amer. Prot. Asso., Art. 9, Sec. 1-5.)</p> + </div> + </div> + + <a class="pagenumber" name="page051" id="page051" title="051"></a> + <div class="chapter" id="b1_c6"> + <div class="chaphead">CHAPTER VI.</div> + <div class="chapsubhead">False Claims.</div> + <div class="verselist"><a href="#b1_c6_v1">1</a> <a href="#b1_c6_v2">2</a> <a href="#b1_c6_v3">3</a> <a href="#b1_c6_v4">4</a> <a href="#b1_c6_v5">5</a></div> + + <div id="b1_c6_v1" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">1.</span> Another very serious objection to secret societies is that they set + up false claims. No doubt a secret association may exist without doing + so, but the setting up of false claims is the legitimate result and + the usual accompaniment of secrecy. The object of secrecy is + deception. When a man endeavors to conceal his business affairs, it is + with the design of taking advantage of the ignorance of others. + Napoleon once remarked, "The secret of majesty is mystery." This keen + observer knew that the false claims of royalty would become + contemptible but for the deception which kings and queens practice on + mankind. We have quoted above from a book, the reliability of which + will not be called in question, to show that the design of secrecy, on + the part of Masons, is to take advantage of "a weakness in human + nature," and to invest with a charm things which, if generally known, + "would sink into disregard." So, also, "the aid of the mysterious" is + resorted to by Odd-fellows to <a class="pagenumber" name="page052" id="page052" title="052"></a>render their "meetings attractive," and + to "stimulate applications for membership." (Proceedings of Grand + Lodge, 1859, App., p. 10.) It will scarcely be disputed that such is + the design of the concealment practiced by secret associations in + general. It is thus shown that secrecy is the result of an + unwillingness to rely upon real merit and the sober judgment of + mankind for success, and of a desire, on the part of associations + practicing it, to pass for what they are not. Hence, the design of + secrecy involves hypocrisy, or something very much like it.</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c6_v2" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">2.</span> But, whatever may be the <i>design</i> of secrecy, secret associations + do set up false claims. They all, or almost all, claim to be + charitable institutions. This is the frequent boast of Masons and + Odd-fellows. Moore, in his "Constitutions," declares that "charity and + hospitality are the distinguishing characteristics" of Masonry. (P. + 71.) In the charge to a "Master Mason," at his initiation, it is + declared that "Masonic charity is as broad as the mantle of heaven and + co-extensive with the boundaries of the world." (Masonic + Constitutions, published by the Grand Lodge of Ohio, p. 80.) "The + Right Worthy Grand Representative," Boylston, in his oration delivered + in New York, April 26, 1859, declared that Odd-fellowship is "most + generally known and commended by its <a class="pagenumber" name="page053" id="page053" title="053"></a>charities." (Proceedings of Grand + Lodge, 1859, App., p. 6.) Such is the style in which secret + associations glorify themselves. Such boasting, however, is not good. + It is contrary to the command of our Savior: "Therefore, when thou + doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the + hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have + glory of men." The boasting of secret associations about their + charities is precisely what our Savior not only forbids, but also + declares to be characteristic of hypocrites. And such boasting is, + indeed, generally vain. When a man boasts of any thing, whether of his + wealth, pedigree, bravery, wisdom, or honesty, there is good reason to + suspect that his claims are not well founded. Hence, the very boasting + of secret associations about their benevolence and charities is + presumptive evidence that their claims to the reputation of being + charitable institutions are hypocritical and false.</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c6_v3" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">3.</span> In the first place, "the benefits" are confined to their own + members. The excuse for secrecy, in some instances, is that it is + necessary in order that aid may not be obtained by persons who are not + members. In the "charge" delivered to a Master Mason at his + initiation, he is enjoined to exercise benevolence toward "every true + and worthy brother of <a class="pagenumber" name="page054" id="page054" title="054"></a>the Order." In Boylston's address which we have + already quoted from several times, "the well-earned glory of + Odd-fellows" is declared to consist in this: that "no <i>worthy + Odd-fellow</i> has ever sought aid and been refused." (Proceedings of + Grand Lodge, 1859, App., p. 9.) It is provided in the Constitution of + Odd-fellows, Good-fellows, etc., that aid shall be given to members + under certain circumstances; but it will be in vain to search in them + for any regulation providing for relief to any but members and their + families. The provision found in the constitution or by-laws of almost + every secret association that members "in arrears for dues" shall not + be entitled to "benefits," plainly shows that their vaunted "charity" + is restricted to their own members. This would not be so bad were it + not for the fact that they carefully exclude from membership all who + need aid or are likely to need aid. The Masons, according to their + Constitutions, must not receive as a member any man who is not + "physically perfect." The constitutions of other secret orders exclude + all who are diseased or infirm in body, or who have no means of + support. They exclude the blind, the lame, the maimed, the diseased, + the destitute, the widow and the orphan, and all who are wretchedly + poor or can not support themselves, and they cut off all such persons, + together <a class="pagenumber" name="page055" id="page055" title="055"></a>with their own members who "are in arrears," from the + "benefits." Yet they talk about the universal brotherhood of men, and + claim for themselves the possession of universal benevolence!</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c6_v4" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">4.</span> Still further: The relief afforded to members is not to be regarded + as a charity. The amount granted in all cases is the same. The + constitutions of most secret associations that give aid to members + provide that three dollars a week shall be given in case of sickness, + and thirty dollars in case of death. The amount given does not + correspond to the condition of the recipient. The rich and the poor + fare alike. The member "in arrears" is not entitled to any aid. It is + only the <i>worthy brother</i> who is entitled to aid, and in order to be a + worthy brother a member must punctually pay his "dues." Hence, the + amount bestowed in case of the sickness or death of a member is to be + regarded as a debt. The "Druids," in their Constitution, expressly + declare that the aid given to sick members is not to be regarded in + any other light than as the payment of a <i>debt</i>. "All money paid by + the grove for the relief of sick members shall not be considered as + charity, but as the just due of the sick." (Art. 2, Sec. 7.) Boylston, + in his oration, though boasting of the "charities" of Odd-fellowship, + declares that they do not wound or insult the <a class="pagenumber" name="page056" id="page056" title="056"></a>pride of the receiver, + for the reason "that the relief extended is not of grace, but of + right." (Proceedings of Grand Lodge, 1859, Appendix, p. 6.) Grosch, in + his Odd-fellows' Manual, in justifying equality in dues and in + benefits, says: "He who did not pay an equivalent would feel degraded + at receiving benefits--would feel that they were not his just due, but + alms." (P. 66.) It is, hence, seen that the aid bestowed by secret + societies is no more a gift of charity than the dividends of a bank or + of a railroad company. The stockholders are entitled to their share of + the profits; so members of secret societies are entitled to a certain + share of the funds to which they have contributed. We say nothing for + or against the propriety of this arrangement, in itself considered. + Persons have, perhaps, a right to form themselves into a mutual + insurance company, to bargain with one another that they will aid each + other in case of sickness or want; that in case of the death of any of + the members, their families shall be provided for by the surviving + members; that only the members who continue to pay into the common + fund a certain sum monthly or quarterly shall receive such aid; that + no money shall be paid out of the common fund for the benefit of any + who are not members, or of their families; and that all diseased and + infirm persons, and <a class="pagenumber" name="page057" id="page057" title="057"></a>very poor people, such as "have no visible means + of support," and are likely to need pecuniary aid, shall be excluded + from the company and from its benefits. Perhaps men have a right to + form themselves into an association with such regulations; perhaps + they have a right to leave "an unworthy brother" (a member who fails + to pay his "quarterly dues") and his family to the charities of + "ignorant and prejudiced" people who will not join secret societies; + and in case of the death of such a member, to leave his poor + heart-broken widow to beg of the same "ignorant and prejudiced" + outsiders enough of money to bury his dead body decently; <i>but they + have no right to call themselves a charitable association</i>. It is + probable that many Masons, Odd-fellows, Good-fellows, etc., are kind + to "unworthy brethren," and to the poor in general; but if so, they + are better than the associations of which they are members. Bankers + and money-brokers, no doubt, sometimes show kindness to the poor, but + it does not hence follow that banks and money-shaving establishments + are charitable institutions. Neither does it follow that secret + societies are charitable because their members, in case of sickness or + death, are entitled to a certain portion of the funds which they + themselves have contributed as initiation fees and quarterly dues, + while those who are in real <a class="pagenumber" name="page058" id="page058" title="058"></a>want can not even become members. What + charity is there in persons pledging themselves to aid each other in + sickness or other misfortune, and to let widows and orphans, the lame + and the diseased, and the wretchedly poor, perish with hunger and + cold? It may not be improper for A, B, and C to promise that they will + take care of each other in sickness, and that in case of the death of + one of them his dead body shall be buried by the survivors. It may, + also, not be improper for a man to get his life or his property + insured. Insurance companies have done much good. Many a man has been + saved from pecuniary ruin by getting his property insured, and many a + man has secured a competence for his wife and children by getting his + life insured. Individuals and families have probably been oftener + saved from worldly ruin by insurance companies than by secret + societies. The association of A, B, and C may do some good. They have + a right to agree to aid one another. They may, perhaps, have a right + to say that D, E, and F, who are very poor, or are enfeebled by + disease, shall not join them, and shall not be aided by them; but they + have no right to represent their exclusive, selfish association as a + charitable one. Such a representation would be false, and the + wickedness of making it wholly inexcusable. We do <a class="pagenumber" name="page059" id="page059" title="059"></a>not blame + Odd-fellows, Good-fellows, Druids, or any other association for acting + as mutual insurance companies. We do not blame them for agreeing that + they will take care of each other or of each other's families. We are + not now blaming them for excluding from their associations and from + "the benefits" disbursed by them, the blind, the lame, the diseased, + and the very poor who have no means of support, though this feature of + such associations does seem very repulsive. We are not now condemning + them for casting off all those who do not pay their "dues," those who + become very poor and can not as well as the rich who will not, and for + cutting off all such persons from all "benefits of whatsoever kind," + though such treatment does seem to us selfish, cruel, and mean; we do + not now arraign them for any of these things, however ungenerous, + exclusive, and selfish they appear to us, but we do say that any + association which thus practices, and professes, and calls itself a + charitable one is a cheat and a sham. Those secret societies which + glorify themselves on account of their charities and universal + brotherhood and benevolence, can be acquitted of willful deceit and + falsehood only on the ground that they are blinded by prejudice or + ignorance, or both.</p> + + <p>The pretentious character of secret associations <a class="pagenumber" name="page060" id="page060" title="060"></a>appears, also, in + their claims to be the possessors and disseminators of knowledge and + morality. Their members seem to think a man can scarcely be good and + intelligent without being "initiated." Webb delares [sic] "Masonry is a + progressive science. * * Masonry includes within its circle almost + every branch of polite learning." (Monitor, p. 53.) "Masonry is not + only the most ancient, but the most moral institution that ever + subsisted." (Monitor, p. 39.) Grosch, in his Manual, speaking of the + shining sun as an emblem, says: "So Odd-fellowship is dispersing the + mists from the advancing member's mind, and revealing things as they + are; so, also, it is enlightening the world," etc. (Manual, p. 120.) + The extravagance find absurdity of these claims must be evident to + every prejudicial mind. It may be said, indeed, the above declarations + express the opinions only of individuals, and that associations can + not justly be charged with the errors of their members. We maintain, + however, that secret societies are responsible for the vain boasting + of their members. They claim that their members are a chosen board, a + select few, who, by virtue of their association, are superior to the + rest of mankind. Their processions and parades, their regalia and + emblems, and their high-sounding titles are evidently designed to + impress the minds of their own members and of outsiders <a class="pagenumber" name="page061" id="page061" title="061"></a>with ideas of + their excellence and grandeur. Their high-sounding titles have already + been adverted to as involving the sin of profaneness; but they serve + equally well to illustrate the pretentious character of the + associations which employ them. Almost every officer among the Masons + has some great title. There is the Grand Tyler, Grand Steward, Grand + Treasurer, Grand Secretary, Grand Chaplain, and Grand Master. The + Lodge itself is <i>grand</i>, and, of course, every thing and every body + connected with it are <i>grand</i>. The treasurer, though his duty be + merely to count and hold a little vile trash called money, is grand; + almost every officer is a grand man.</p> + + <p>These titles, however, do not give an adequate idea of the <i>grandeur</i> + to which "sublime" Masonry ascends. They have their Right Worshipful + Deputy Grand Master, their Right Worshipful Grand Treaurer [sic], Most + Worshipful Grand Master, Most Eminent Grand Commander, Thrice + Illustrious Grand Puissant, Most Excellent Grand High Priest, etc. + (Constitution [sic] of Grand Lodge of Ohio, Art. 5., Webb's Monitor, + pp. 187, 219, 284.) Other associations employ similar titles; indeed, + Masonry, as the oldest association, seems to have been copied after by + the rest. The Odd-fellows have almost the same parades, shows, and + titles as the Masons. <a class="pagenumber" name="page062" id="page062" title="062"></a>They have their aprons, ribbons, rosettes, and + drawn swords; and they endeavor, by these and other clap-trap means, + to recommend their association as a grand affair. They, too, have + their Right Worthy Grand Lodge, Most Worthy Grand Master, Right Worthy + Grand Secretary, Right Worthy Grand Treasurer, Right Worthy Grand + Chaplain, etc.</p> + + <p>We think it strange that men of sense should employ such titles. They + would be ridiculous even applied to the greatest and best man that + ever lived. They are more ridiculous than the bombastic titles given + to civil officers in barbarous countries. The Sublime Porte of Turkey + is outdone in this respect by secret associations in the United + States.</p> + </div> + + <div id="b1_c6_v5" class="verse"> + <p><span class="versenum">6.<br /> [sic]</span>The absurdity of these high-sounding titles and other puerilities + is further seen from the character of those who compose the + associations which employ them. They boast that they receive as + members almost all sorts of men except atheists; that men of every + religious sect and every nation meet in their lodges as loving + brethren, and on a perfect equality; that they welcome the Jew, the + Arab, the Chinaman, the American savage, the infidel, and the + Christian, provided they be sound in body and be able to support + themselves; yet the <a class="pagenumber" name="page063" id="page063" title="063"></a>officers elected by the lodges or squads of such + persons, Jews, Arabs, Chinamen, savages, infidels and Christians, + become Most Eminent Grand Commanders, Thrice Illustrious Puissants, + etc. Yea, since brotherhood and <i>equality</i> characterize these + associations, the Jew, the Arab, the Chinaman, and the infidel are + eligible to any office, and may become Most Worshipful Grand + Commanders and Most Excellent Grand High Priests.</p> + + <p>All this is calculated to produce laughter and contempt; but such is + not the design. The design of those who make use of these grand titles + and other clap-trap things is to recommend their associations as an + excellent and grand affair. The design itself, and the means employed + for its accomplishment, must, certainly, be condemned by every + unprejudiced Christian [sic] mind.</p> + </div> + </div> + + +<div class="chapter" id="b1_conclusion"> + <div class="chaphead">CONCLUSION.</div> + <div id="b1_conclusion_v1" class="verse"> + <p>We have thus briefly stated the objectionable features of what are + generally called secret societies. It is mainly to their secrecy, + oaths, and promises, their profanation of holy things, their + exclusiveness and their setting up of false claims, to which we + object. These are the things objected to in the foregoing treatise. We + have written without any feeling of unkindness, and we trust, also, + <a class="pagenumber" name="page064" id="page064" title="064"></a>without prejudice. We had intended to urge additional considerations + to show the evil nature and tendency of secret societies; but we have + been restrained by the fear of swelling our treatise beyond a proper + size.</p> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<a class="pagenumber" name="page065" id="page065" title="065"></a> +<a class="pagenumber" name="page066" id="page066" title="066"></a> +<a class="pagenumber" name="page067" id="page067" title="067"></a> +<div class="book" id="b2"> +</div> <hr /> + <h2>SHALL CHRISTIANS JOIN SECRET SOCIETIES?</h2> + + <div class="chaplist"><a href="#b2_c1">Shall Christians Join Secret Societies?</a> <a href="#b2_c2">Supposing it to be Innocent, Will It Pay?</a> <a href="#b2_c3">Is it Obligatory?</a> <a href="#b2_c4">Is it Right?</a></div> + + <div class="chapter" id="b2_c1"> + <div class="chaphead">SHALL CHRISTIANS JOIN SECRET SOCIETIES?</div> + <div class="verse" id="b2_c1_v1"> + <p>"With charity for all and with malice toward none," we bring this + question to all those who would serve Christ. We mean by "secret + societies" not literary, scientific, or college associations, which + merely use privacy as a screen against intrusion, but those affiliated + and centralized "orders" spreading over the land, professing + mysteries, practicing secret rites, binding by oaths, admitting by + signs and pass-words, solemnly pledging their members to mutual + protection, and commonly constructed in "degrees," each higher one + imposing fresh fees, oaths, and obligations, and swearing the + initiated to secrecy even from lower "degrees" in the same Order.</p> + + <p>Shall Christians join societies of this kind?</p> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="chapter" id="b2_c2"> + <div class="chaphead">SUPPOSING IT TO BE INNOCENT, WILL IT PAY?</div> + + <div class="verse" id="b2_c2_v1"> + <p><i>First</i>. They consume time and money. Have you considered how much? + How many evenings, and whole nights, and parts of days? How many + <a class="pagenumber" name="page068" id="page068" title="068"></a>dollars in fees, dues, fines, expenses, and diminished proceeds from + broken days? Will it pay? Can you not lay out this amount of time and + money more profitably?--a plain man's question. They propose helping + you to "friends," "business," in "moral reform," in "sickness, death, + and bereavement;" but can you not get as much of such good in ways + pointed out to you by Christ, your best and wisest friend?--ways which + will yield you more of personal cultivation, spiritual good, earthly + profit, social and domestic happiness, and openings for usefulness. If + so, these orders are unprofitable, and <i>will not pay</i>.</p> + + <p><i>Secondly</i>. They furnish inferior security for investments. As <i>mutual + insurance societies</i>, they are irresponsible, and more liable to + corruption, <i>just because they are secret</i>. Do they make "reports" to + the public or the Legislature? Do they make any adequate "report" to + the mass even of their own members? Millions and millions are known to + have gone into the treasury of a single one of these organizations. No + dividends are declared, no expenditures published. <i>Where</i> is the + money? Were it not safer to invest the same amount in companies where + every proceeding is open to public eye and public judgment? Would you + not, then, be safer? If so, <i>it will not pay</i> to join these orders.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="chapter" id="b2_c3"> + <a class="pagenumber" name="page069" id="page069" title="069"></a> + <div class="chaphead">IS IT OBLIGATORY?</div> + <div class="verse" id="b2_c3_v1"> + <p><i>First. Charity</i> has no need of them. They are not truly charitable + institutions. "Mutual insurance societies" they may be, though of an + inferior sort, as we have seen; but that does not elevate them into + <i>charitable</i> institutions. To bestow on your widow and orphans, your + sickness, and funeral some pittance, or the whole of what you paid + during health and life, is not <i>benevolence</i>.</p> + + <p>But, further, it is well to ask, in determining how greatly <i>charity</i> + depends on them, how broadly they go forth among the poor outside + their membership. During the anti-masonic excitement of 1826-1830 some + two thousand lodges suspended. The resultant suffering was less, + perhaps, than what would follow the suspension of a single soup + association, any winter, in some city. Blot out the whole, and how + small the injury to the charities of the country!</p> + + <p>The Church of Christ is commanded to "do good unto <i>all</i> men"--"to + remember the poor." It is engaged in this work. It blows no + trumpet--it does not parade its charities; but it shrinks from + comparison with no one of these orders, nor with all of them combined. + <i>Christians</i> need not to go into them to preserve <i>charity</i> alive, or + to find the best ways of exercising their own.</p> + + <p><i>Secondly. Morality</i> does not depend on them. <a class="pagenumber" name="page070" id="page070" title="070"></a>We need say nothing of + "what is done of them in secret." But, looking at what is open to all, + we ask, What <i>work</i> are they doing worthy of so much organization, and + expense, and time to reclaim the fallen, to banish vice, and to save + its victim? We have heard them refusing him admission or cutting him + off, but we have not heard of any considerable aid which they have + given to public or private morality. And, further, do we not find them + narrowing the circle of obligation, substituting attachment and duty + to an order for love and obligations to mankind? <i>Membership</i> in a + lodge, <i>not character</i>, is held to make one "worthy," opening the way + to favor and society. But can all this be done without sensibly + weakening the fundamental supports of morality, without lessening its + broad requirements?</p> + + <p><i>Thirdly. Patriotism</i> has no need of them. They tend to destroy + citizenship, to exalt love of an order above the love of country. The + boast during the late rebellion was sometimes heard that their + members, owing to the oaths of mutual protection, were safer among the + rebels than other captives. Was the converse true? Were rebels, being + Freemasons, safe or safer against restraint and due punishment when, + falling captive to those of their order? How far does all this extend? + To courts and suits at law? Are criminals as safe or safer before + judge and <a class="pagenumber" name="page071" id="page071" title="071"></a>jury of their order? Have rebellion and vice found greater + security here? This boast is confession--confession that the ties of + an order are stronger and more felt than is consistent with a proper + love of country. Is justice thus to be imperiled? Are securities of + property and rights thus to be imperiled? Must we beggar ourselves by + paying fees and dues to one another of these orders, now becoming more + plentiful every decade, to make sure of standing on equal footing and + impartiality with others, in the courts and elsewhere, and imagine + that all this is helpful to patriotism or even consistent with it?</p> + + <p><i>Fourthly. Religion</i> has no need of them. "The church is the pillar + and ground of the truth." "The gates of hell shall not prevail against + it." The preaching of Christ and him crucified is and must continue to + be the wisdom of God and the power of God unto salvation. <i>Religion</i>, + then, has no need of these secret orders.</p> + + <p>We come now to this: Neither charity, morality, patriotism, nor + religion imposes obligations on us to join them. <i>It will not pay</i> was + our first fact. We have now reached this other, that <i>no consideration + of duty</i> requires it. But,</p> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="chapter" id="b2_c4"> + <div class="chaphead">IS IT RIGHT?</div> + <div class="verse" id="b2_c4_v1"> + <p><i>First. Christ, our Master, neither instituted nor countenanced these + orders</i>. <a class="pagenumber" name="page072" id="page072" title="072"></a>Reviewing his whole earthly ministry, he said (John xviii: + 20): "I spake openly to the world;" and "in secret have I said + nothing." By this double affirmation he strongly suggested his + preference for <i>open, unsecret</i> ways and proceedings.</p> + + <p><i>Secondly. In those rites, proceedings, and regalia which do appear, + these orders are frivolous</i>, belittling, and unworthy of respect. If + the revealed are such, what must the unrevealed be?</p> + + <p><i>Thirdly. These orders stand convicted of deceit and falsehood</i>. They + profess secrets and mysteries worth buying. Hundreds of high-minded + men, of irreproachable character and integrity, who have, therefore, + "renounced these hidden things of dishonesty," testify over their own + signatures, that their secrets are but signs, pass-words, ceremonies, + etc., covering nothing but emptiness and vanity.</p> + + <p><i>Fourthly. These orders are unfriendly to domestic happiness and + well-being</i>, breaking in upon the sacred confidence and unity of + husband and wife, pledging him to conceal from her the proceedings of + perhaps fifty nights yearly, thus often sowing seeds of distrust, + filling his breast with what must not be divulged to her, involving + him in affairs and habits not unfrequently injurious to the best + interests and state of the family.</p> + + <p><i>Fifthly. These orders are hostile to the heavenly-mindedness, <a class="pagenumber" name="page073" id="page073" title="073"></a>the + spirituality of those who join them</i>. We speak from much testimony. + "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed." The prudent man + foreseeth the evil, but the foolish pass on and are punished. This + voice of one is that of many concurring wise, faithful, and godly men, + viz.: "I am afraid of these secret societies; they have sucked the + spirituality out of all the members in our church who have joined + them." Young, promising Christians have often been blighted by them. + The fervor of piety, interest in the church and its work, interest in + Christ and his people, interest in God's Word and Spirit, all the + various elements of an earnest life of faith and heavenly-mindedness + have been blighted in these lodges. And in urging this, we appeal to + so many witnesses, and cover so wide a field of observation, as to + make it certain that this is not the exceptional but the ordinary + result.</p> + + <p><i>Sixthly. These orders tend to destroy Christian fellowship</i>. Let them + grow until a given church is broken into squads, each pledged to + secrets from the other, but bound within itself by special ties; give + to each its own weekly meeting, mysteries, rites, signs, grips, + pass-words; let each be sworn to provide for, protect, shield, and + love its own adherents above others, and is not "<i>church fellowship</i>" + annihilated? Can the Spirit of Christ flow freely <a class="pagenumber" name="page074" id="page074" title="074"></a> from member to + member through such partitions? Is this "one body in Christ, and every + one members one of another?"</p> + + <p><i>Seventhly. These orders tend to subject the church to "the world" in + some of its dearest interests</i>. For example: When a few leading + members join a neighboring lodge, and make vows to the "strange" + brotherhood, how easy for that lodge to interfere secretly but + controllingly in its discipline of members, or in its selection or + dismission of a pastor! These suggestions are not merely imaginary. + Subjection of the church, in this way, to the cunning craftiness of + evil and designing men is no mere dream.</p> + + <p><i>Eighthly. These orders dishonor Christ</i>. Those claims which he makes + for himself are disallowed. He is required to disappear or find a + place amidst other objects for worship. There is a <i>necessity</i>, + because these orders are designed for adherents of all religions. Were + they on the footing of an insurance company or a merchants' exchange, + or any similar body, this fact would not be so. But they profess to + include religion among their elements, and its services, in whole or + in part, among their ceremonies. They have prayers and solemn + religious rites. And in these <i>Christ is dishonored</i>. His exclusive + claims are disallowed or ignored, and this not by accident, but of set + purpose. Out of twenty-three <a class="pagenumber" name="page075" id="page075" title="075"></a>forms of prayer in the "New Masonic + Trestle-Board," (Boston edition, 1850,) only one even alludes to him, + and that one in a non-committal way. These secret orders are under + bonds not to honor Christ as he claims, lest the Jew, or the Deist, or + the Mohammedan, all of whom they seek to enroll in equal membership, + should be offended. When the higher "degrees" of Masonry allude to + Christ and Christianity, it is but as one amidst many equals. We + repeat it: Did these orders stand on the same footing with mercantile + or other bodies in this matter, this objection might go for nothing; + but they do not. Unlike them, they profess to have religious services. + Indeed, they often boast of their religiousness, and avow their full + equality in this with the church of God itself! Yet, if you join them, + their "constitutions" prohibit you acknowledging, in their boasted + religious services, what Christ, your Lord, not only claims for + himself, but commands you to give unto him: that glory which is due to + his holy name. Are they, then, not <i>Anti-christ</i> in this thing? And + can you, without sin, consent to it, or uphold institutions which + forbid you and others, in religious services, to honor him as your God + and Savior, and which thus place him on the same level with Zoroaster, + Confucius, or Mohammed?</p> + + <a class="pagenumber" name="page076" id="page076" title="076"></a> + <p><i>Ninthly. These orders--the things now alleged being true--impede the + cause and kingdom of God, and are, therefore, hostile to the largest, + best, and deepest interests of mankind</i>. Recognizing this, churches, + conferences, associations, synods, and many eminently godly men, + living and dead, have put forth their solemn testimony against them. + Great lawyers, like Samuel Dexter; great patriots and statesmen, like + Adams, and Webster, and Everett; great communities, like the American + people from 1826 to 1830, have united to declare them not only "wrong + in their very principles," but "noxious to mankind." But many + Christians, rising higher and standing on "a more sure word of + prophecy," have discovered in them the enemies of the Gospel and of + the cross of Christ. Following him, their great exemplar in + philanthropy as in godliness, who did nothing in secret, they refuse + to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, choosing + rather to reprove them.</p> + + <p>Shall Christians join secret societies?</p> + + <p>Will it pay? Are they under obligation to do so? Fellow-disciple, + brother man, have you doubt on these questions? If it will not pay; if + you are under no obligation to do it; if you have any doubt of its + rightfulness, it is most assuredly your duty to refuse any connection + with them.</p> + + <a class="pagenumber" name="page077" id="page077" title="077"></a><p>We have no wish to press our reasoning beyond just limits. We have + sought to avoid extreme statements. We now ask you whether, in the + light of what has been brought to view, the weight of argument is not + against your joining these orders and lending them aid? Even should + you be able to stand up against their tendency to lower your personal + piety and injure your Christian character, have we not here one of + those cases where many brothers are offended or made weak? The Lord + Jesus has said, "Whoso offends one of these little [or weak] ones, it + were better for him that a mill-stone were hanged about his neck and + he were drowned in the depths of the sea." Will you, then, however + safe yourself, be the means, by your example, of bringing weaker + brethren into such dangers? "We, then, that are strong ought to bear + the burdens of the weak, and not please ourselves." "It is good + neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do any thing whereby + thy brother stumbleth or is offended [caused to sin] or is made weak." + These words are not ours; they are God's.</p> + + <p>Christian disciple, decide this question of secret societies with + candor, with solemn prayer, and with a purpose to please God.</p> + </div> + </div> + + +<a class="pagenumber" name="page078" id="page078" title="078"></a> +<a class="pagenumber" name="page079" id="page079" title="079"></a> +<a class="pagenumber" name="page080" id="page080" title="080"></a> +<a class="pagenumber" name="page081" id="page081" title="081"></a> +<div class="book" id="b3"> + <hr /> + <h2>A PAPER ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS OF + THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES, AT THEIR MEETING IN OTTAWA, 1866.</h2> + + <div class="chaplist"><a href="#b3_c1">CHAPTER I</a> <a href="#b3_c2">CHAPTER II</a> <a href="#b3_c3">CHAPTER III</a></div> + + <div class="chapter" id="b3_intro"> + <div class="verse" id="b3_intro_v1"> + <p>The topics committed to us involve the following points:</p> + <div class="indentedlist"> + + <p><a href="#b3_c1">1. The moral character of secrecy</a>. Is it an element of an invariable + moral character? and, if so, what? and, if not, what are the + decisive criteria of its character?</p> + + <p><a href="#b3_c2">2. Associations or combinations involving secrecy</a>. Are they of + necessity right or wrong? If not, what are the decisive criteria?</p> + + <p><a href="#b3_c3">3. Religious rites and worship in societies or organizations, open + or secret</a>. Are any kind allowable? and, if so, what?</p> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="chapter" id="b3_c1"> + <div class="chaphead">I. Secrecy, Its character.</div> + <div class="verse" id="b3_c1_v1"> + <p>A presumption against secrecy arises from the known fact that + evil-doers of all kinds resort to secrecy. This is for two reasons: + (1.) To avoid opposition and retribution; and, (2,) to avoid exposure + <a class="pagenumber" name="page082" id="page082" title="082"></a>to disgrace. The adulterer seeks secrecy; so do the thief and the + counterfeiter; so do conspirators for evil ends.</p> + + <p>Secrecy, whenever resorted to for evil ends, is wrong. But may it not + be resorted to for good ends? and is it not recognized as often wise + and right in the Word of God? We answer in the affirmative. There is a + certain degree of reserve, or secrecy, that should invest every + individual. Our whole range of thought and feeling ought not to be + promiscuously made known. There is a degree of secrecy necessary in + the order, social intercourse, and discipline of the family. There is + secrecy needed in dealing with faults and sins. Christ adopts this + principle in his discipline. He says, "Tell him his fault between him + and thee alone. If he repents, conceal it." There are confidential + communications for important ends, or for council.</p> + + <p>Concealment may be used as a defense against enemies, as in the case + of the spies of Joshua, or the messengers of David, or when Elisha hid + himself by the brook Oherith, by God's order. So God hides the good in + his secret place and under his wings.</p> + + <p>Secrecy is opposed to ostentation and love of human applause. Hence, + alms and prayer are to be in secret. God also resorts to secrecy in an + eminent <a class="pagenumber" name="page083" id="page083" title="083"></a>degree. He hides himself. He dwells in thick darkness. It is + his glory to conceal his designs. In part, this is inevitable by + reason of his greatness; in part, he resorts to it of set purpose.</p> + + <p>It is a special honor and blessing of the good that he discloses his + secrets to them.</p> + + <p>Secrecy, then, is not of necessity wrong. Its character depends upon + the ends for which it is used, and the circumstances and spirit in + which it is used. There is a secrecy of wisdom, love, and justice, as + well as a secrecy of selfish, malevolent, and evil deeds.</p> + </div> + </div> + + + <div class="chapter" id="b3_c2"> + <div class="chaphead">II. Secret societies.</div> + <div class="verse" id="b3_c2_v1"> + + <p>Of these there may be two degrees.</p> + + <div class="indentedlist"> + + <p>1. Where not only the proceedings of the society are secret, but even + the existence of such a society is concealed.</p> + + <p>2. Where the existence is avowed, and the signs and proceedings only + are secret.</p> + </div> + + <p>In associations, secrecy may be resorted to in both these ways for + evil ends. Men may combine in associated societies to prey on the + community, and the existence of such societies be hidden. + Counterfeiters, horse-thieves, burglars, may thus associate for wrong, + in the deepest secrecy.</p> + + <p>So, too, secret associations whose existence is avowed may combine for + selfish ends, and in derogation <a class="pagenumber" name="page084" id="page084" title="084"></a>of the common rights of the social + system. They may defend their members, to the injury of justice, in + our courts. They may interfere with the management of churches and + societies. They may bring an influence of intimidation to bear on + public men. They may disseminate false principles of religion and + morals. They may co-operate for political ends, and to effect + revolutions.</p> + + <p>And yet it is no less true that, in certain circumstances, secret + societies of both kinds may be resorted to for good ends.</p> + + <p>Secret societies may be rightfully resorted to for common council and + united action, in the fear of God and with prayer, in a very dangerous + state of the body politic, to resist incumbent evils, and the + existence of such societies not be disclosed, if the state of the case + would thus give them greater power for good. So, as a defense against + known disloyal secret organizations, secret loyal leagues were + rightfully resorted to as a means of united and concentrated action + against organized disloyalty. And if, in resisting moral evils, + secrecy gives power and advantage in devising measures to resist vice + and crime, it is not sinful to resort to it.</p> + + <p>All boards of trust generally have secret sessions, and legislative + bodies resort to secret sessions rightfully, if the state of affairs + demands it. <a class="pagenumber" name="page085" id="page085" title="085"></a>It will be seen that secrecy is justified and demanded by + peculiar circumstances or obvious ends to be gained. The reason of the + case, therefore, is against secrecy, and in favor of open action, + where no such justification can be made out. It is the nature of truth + and right to be open. All things tend to it. There is nothing covered + or concealed that shall not finally be proclaimed.</p> + + <p>On the other hand, if secrecy is resorted to without reason; if it is + made the basis of false pretences; if it assumes the existence of + something that is not, then it is not defensible. If it involves a + profession of information to be communicated, and influences for good + to be exerted, that do not exist, then it is a species of intellectual + swindling which admits of no defense. The sciences and arts, the Bible + and nature, are open to all. So is the book of history. What new + science, or art, or history, or religion is there for secret societies + to disclose?</p> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="chapter" id="b3_c3"> + + <div class="chaphead">III. Religious rites or worship in societies, open or secret--are any + allowable? and, if so, what?</div> + <div class="verse" id="b3_c3_v1"> + + <p>In order to answer this question, we need to consider certain + fundamental and vital principles of Christianity.</p> + + <div class="indentedlist"> + + <p>1. All men, as depraved and guilty, need regeneration and pardon + through the intervention of Christ.</p> + + <a class="pagenumber" name="page086" id="page086" title="086"></a> + <p>2. There is access to the true God only through Christ: "I am the + way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but + through me."</p> + + <p>3. "Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father; but he + that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also."</p> + </div> + + <p>All Christian churches are based on these truths, and the center and + culmination of their worship is this recognition of Christ in the + Sacrament as the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. + Christ, too, is the center of the worship of heaven.</p> + + <p>Hence, if Christians associate with others in worship, it can rightly + be only on the ground that the worship centers in Christ, and + acknowledges him as Lord, to the glory of the Father.</p> + + <p>Hence, if, for the sake of extending an organization, men are admitted + of all religions--Pagans, Mohammedans, Deists, Jews--and if, for the + sake of accommodating them with a common ground of union, Christ is + ignored, and the God of nature or of creation is professedly + worshiped, and morality inculcated solely on natural grounds, then + such worship is not accepted by the real God and Father of the + universe, for he looks on it as involving the rejection and dishonor, + nay, the renewed crucifixion of his Son. As to Christ, he tolerates no + neutrality. He <a class="pagenumber" name="page087" id="page087" title="087"></a>who is not for him is against him. These principles do + not involve the question of secrecy. They hold true of all societies, + open or secret.</p> + + <p>If, on such anti-Christian grounds, prayers are framed, rites + established, and chaplains appointed, ignoring Christ and his + intercession, God regards it as a mockery and an insult to himself and + his church. In it is revealed the hatred of Satan to Christ. By it + Christ is dethroned and Satan exalted.</p> + + <p>These principles do not exclude worship and prayer from societies. In + any societies, true worship in the name of Christ will be accepted.</p> + + <p>Let us now apply these principles to the societies of Free Masonry, + the modern mother of secret societies. Concerning these we hold it to + be plain:</p> + + <p>That they have neither science nor art to impart as a reward of + membership. The time was when there was a society, or societies, of + working masons, coming down from the old Roman empire, and extending + through the middle ages. These were societies of great power, and + wrought great works. The cathedrals of the middle ages were each + erected by such a corporation, and attest their skill and energy.</p> + + <p>But these corporations of working masons have passed away, and Masonry + is now, even in profession, only theoretical, and in fact, so far as + this art <a class="pagenumber" name="page088" id="page088" title="088"></a>is concerned, is not even this. It does not teach the theory + of architecture. The transition took place in 1717, after a period of + decline in the lodges of working masons. All pretences to a history + back of this, or to any connection with Solomon or Hiram, are mere + false pretences and delusion for effect. No art is taught and no + science is communicated by the system.</p> + + <p>Practical ends, then, alone remain; and, in fact, the founders of the + system avowed "brotherly love, relief, and truth" as these ends. The + cultivation of social intercourse is also avowed as an end by + defenders of the system. But such ends as these furnish no good + reasons for secrecy; nor is secrecy favorable to a wise and economical + use of the income of such bodies for purposes of benevolence. An open + and public acknowledgment of receipts and expenditures is needed as a + safeguard against a dishonest and wasteful expenditure of funds.</p> + + <p>Nor is this all. The secrecy of the order, taken in connection with + the principle of hierarchal concentration, and with the administration + of extra-judicial oaths of obedience and secrecy, renders it, as a + system, liable to great abuses in the perversion of justice, in the + overriding of national law, and the claims of patriotism.</p> + + <p>But the most serious view of the case lies in the <a class="pagenumber" name="page089" id="page089" title="089"></a>fact that it + professes to rest on a religious basis, and to have religious temples, + yet is avowedly based on a platform that ignores Christ and + Christianity as supreme and essential to true allegiance to the real + God of the universe. Its worship, therefore, taken as a system, is in + rivalry to and in derogation of Christ and Christianity.</p> + + <p>And, as a matter of fact, this and similar systems are by many + regarded as a substitute for the church, or as superior to it. + Moreover, devotion to them absorbs time and interest due to the + church, and paralyzes Christians by association with worldly men, and + by the malignant power of the spirit of the world.</p> + + <p>This system, and those who imitate its hierarchal and centralizing + organization, also give power to those hierarchal principles and + systems against which Congregationalism has ever protested as + corrupting and enslaving the church.</p> + + <p>The system also cultivates a love of swelling titles, and of gaudy + decorations and display in dress, that are hostile to the genius of + our Constitution, and to true republican and Christian dignity and + simplicity.</p> + + <p>From this system other organizations have borrowed much, and some do + not essentially differ from it in practical working.</p> + + <a class="pagenumber" name="page090" id="page090" title="090"></a> + <p>Other organizations, however, for the ends of temperance reform, have + adopted modes of organization, display in dress, and secret signs for + the purposes of recognition and defense. The ends and proceedings of + these temperance societies are so well known that it is often denied + that they are secret societies; yet they do, avowedly for purposes of + defense, resort to secrecy, and have imitated modes of dress and + organization found in Masonry. And members of Masonic lodges declare + that they involve, in fact, all the principles of Masonic + organizations, and rely on them ultimately leading to their own order.</p> + + <p>While we recognize the true devotion of the members of these societies + to the cause of temperance, and acknowledge and commend their active + efforts to resist the progress of one of the greatest evils of the + age, we yet can not concede the wisdom or desirableness of a resort to + principles and modes of action which tend to create a current toward + other secret organizations not aiming at their ends, nor actuated by + their spirit of temperance reform.</p> + + <p>In conclusion, we respectfully present the Association the following + principles foradoption [sic]:</p> + + <div class="indentedlist"> + + <p><i>Resolved</i>, 1. That in dealing with secret organizations, this + Association recognizes the need of a <a class="pagenumber" name="page091" id="page091" title="091"></a>careful statement of principles + and a wise discrimination of things that differ.</p> + + <p> 2. That there are some legitimate concealments of an organized + character--such as the privacies of the family and business firms, + the temporary concealment of public negotiations at critical stages, + the occasional withdrawal of scandals which could only disturb and + demoralize communities, and the secrecy of military combinations; + nor are we prepared totally to condemn all private plans and + arrangements between good and true citizens, in great emergencies, + to resist the machinations of the wicked.</p> + + <p> 3. That organizations whose whole object and general method are well + understood, and are known to be laudable and moral--such as + associations for purely literary or reformatory purposes--are not to + be sweepingly condemned by reason of a thin veil of secrecy covering + their precise methods of procedure; yet we deem that outer veil of + secrecy to be unwise and undesirable, inasmuch as it holds out + needless temptations to deeds of darkness, and gives unnecessary + countenance to other and unlawful combinations; and, whenever the + act of membership involves an <i>unconditional</i> oath or promise of + submission, adhesion, and concealment, under all circumstnces [sic], + that compact is a grave moral wrong.</p> + + <a class="pagenumber" name="page092" id="page092" title="092"></a> + <p> 4. That there are certain other wide-spread organizations--such as + Freemasonry--which, we suppose, are in their nature hostile to good + citizenship and true religion, because they exact initiatory oaths + of blind compliance and concealment incompatible with the claims of + equal justice toward man and a good conscience toward God; because + they may easily, and sometimes have actually, become combinations + against the due process of law and government; because, while + claiming a religious character, they, in their rituals, deliberately + withhold all recognition of Christ as their only Savior, and of + Christianity as the only true religion; because, while they are, in + fact, nothing but restricted partnerships or companies for mutual + insurance and protection, they ostentatiously parade this + characterless engagement as a substitute for brotherly love and true + benevolence; because they bring good men in confidential relations + to bad men; and because, while in theory, they supplant the church + of Christ, they do also, in fact, largely tend to withdraw the + sympathy and active zeal of professing Christians from their + respective churches. Against all connections with such associations + we earnestly advise the members of our churches, and exhort them, + "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers."</p> + </div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<br /> +<br /> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13759 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |