_A._ The mystery of the Holy Trinity is neither maintained nor combated in the masonic lodges; neither is the religious system of the natural philosophers approved or rejected. God is designated as the Great Architect of the Universe, according to the allegories of the freemasons, which relate to architecture. In order to fulfil my promise of speaking truth, I must repeat, that in masonic lodges, nothing takes place which concerns any religious system, and that the subjects treated of are foreign to religion, under the allegories of architectural works. _Q._ Do you believe as a Catholic, that it is a sin of superstition to mingle holy and religious things with profane things? _A._ I am not sufficiently acquainted with the particular things which are prohibited as contrary to the purity of the Christian religion. But I have believed till now, that those who confound the one with the other, either by mistake, or a vain belief, are guilty of the sin of superstition. _Q._ Is it true, that in the ceremonies which accompany the reception of a mason, the crucified image of our Saviour, the corpse of a man, and a skull, and other objects of a profane nature, are made use of? _A._ The general statutes of freemasonry do not ordain these things; if they are made use of, it must arise from a particular custom, or from the arbitrary regulations of the members of the body, who are commissioned to prepare for the reception of candidates; for each lodge has particular customs and ceremonies. _Q._ That is not the question; say if it is true, that these ceremonies are observed in masonic lodges? _A._ Yes, or no, according to the regulations of those who are charged with the ceremonies of the institution. _Q._ Were they observed when you were initiated? _A._ No. _Q._ What oath is it necessary to take, on being received a freemason? _A._ We swear to observe secresy. _Q._ On what? _A._ On things which it may be inconvenient to publish. _Q._ Is this oath accompanied by execrations? _A._ Yes. _Q._ What are they? _A._ We consent to suffer all the evils which can afflict the body and soul, if we violate the oath. _Q._ Of what importance is this oath, since it is believed that such formidable execrations may be used without indecency? _A._ That of good order in the society. _Q._ What passes in these lodges which it might be inconvenient to publish? _A._ Nothing, if it is looked upon without prejudice; but, as people are generally mistaken in this matter, it is necessary to avoid giving cause of malicious interpretations; and this would take place, if what passes when the brethren assemble, were made public. _Q._ Of what use is the crucifix, if the reception of a freemason is not considered as a religious act? _A._ It is present, to penetrate the soul with the most profound respect, at the moment that the novice takes the oath. It is not used in every lodge, and only when particular grades are conferred. _Q._ Why is the skull used?