The Grand Orient of France.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2962, 13 August 1878, Page 3

The Grand Orient of France.

But one conclusion can be arrived at by all true Masons as to the recent action of the Grand Orient of France, in altering Article I. of their Constitutions, and that is the decision of the Grand Lodge of Ireland—" That Representatives be withdrawn, and the so-called French Masons denied admission to all lodges under its jurisdiction." To act otherwise would be impossible. As we have often said in these columns, " Belief in God," is the foundation of Masonry, the common bond that unites brethren of so many different sects, beliefs, and religions. Do away with this "landmark," and Masonry would become a hollow mockery,, and its symbols and ceremonies would be without form or meaning. As Ireland is circumstanced its Grand Lodge was compelled to speak out boldly and decisively. .The Grand Lodge of England and Scotland can, and will, act more deliberately, not that there is a shadow of a doubt as to what their sentence will be. The sentence, however, will gain weight by their deliberation, and an opportunity will be given to the seventy-six true and faithful French lodges to set about establishing a new governing body that can be accepted by all Anglo - Saxon Grand Lodges. But is theireYatxy hope that the Grand Orient wiU'reconsider and amend its objectionable vote ? We fear not. , All our deliberation, then,- and all our sympathies must be devoted to these seventy-six lodges. It may be said by some that we are here preaching a Masonic schism, but we are not. By its own vote the Grand Orient placed itself "outside the pale" of Masonry; -therefore its adherents can no- longer receive or expect to receive recdgnition as Masons, or partake of its benefits, We sincerely trust that delegates from these faithful French Lodges will assemble and frame a Grand Lodge with Constitutions based on-the same principles as those of the rest of the craft throughout the world. Masonry is not dead in France, as is evidenced by these same lodges, and it may be that a more glorious future is in store for them, now that " the sheep are separated from the goats." But they must act, and that immediately, or the Grand Lodges will have to record their sentence against all having the name of Masons in France. Nothing would cause us deeper sorrow than this. We wish to see Masonry flourish in France, and we are certain that in saying so, we are uttering the wish of every brother throughout the world; but it must be the genuine article. Its first and greatest " landmark " must be " Belief in God." A new Grand Body, guided by these principles, would be universally recognised and supported, while the present. Grand Orient, deserted by all true Masons, would quickly dissolve, uricared for and unnoticed.—Scottish Freemason.