Herald Of The Times

Masonry.—The free-masons in Worcester county, Massachusetts, have come forward and voluntarily relinquished their lodges. A Convention, embracing all the leading members of the Fraternity in the county, was held in Worcester on Monday, of last week, at which resolutions were unanimously passed expressive of the sense of the meeting.—We select the following:

Resolved, That in the changes and improvements of society, we believe the Masonic Institution has now become unnecessary; and while social, charitable, and benevolent objects can be effectually accomplished in other modes more congenial with public sentiment, we consider it no longer useful nor expedient to sustain its organization, at the expense of the peace and harmony of society.

Resolved, That respectful regard to public opinion, to the sentiments of that great portion of the community unconnected with the Institution or with its assailants, to the spirit of recent legislative enactments, and to the tranquility of society, requires that the Institution should now be voluntarily dissolved by the members.

Resolved, That the Institution may now be relinquished by the free and voluntary act and common consent of its members without sacrifice of honor or integrity.

Resolved, That under the existing circumstances of the Masonic Institution, we deem it a civil duty, which we have always regarded as paramount to all masonic obligations, to endeavor to effect the entire extinction of that Institution by voluntary and general relinquishment.