We have no power either to create it or to destroy.

We recognise the great fact, and we do not call ourselves the Universal Brotherhood, but only a nucleus in it--a very different thing; the Brotherhood is as universal as humanity, that is our fundamental doctrine, and it implies that Brotherhood is as universal as Life.

So also with Masonry, where it is rightly seen and understood--no barriers of creed, all men equally welcome within the Masonic Lodge.

I say "where rightly understood," for there are lands where Masonry has spread, where the Lodge has become exclusive as the creed has become exclusive; and among American Masons, I believe, the negro, as negro, is not admitted into the Masonic Lodge.

But that is the denial of Masonry, a disgrace to it, and not a triumph.