The Origin of Freemasonry and Knights Templar ... - Lodge Prudentia

PREFACEIn view of this fact, and a strong desire on mypart to acquire more light in Masonry,I was inducedsome twenty years ago to commence the compilationof this concise and interesting story ofFreemasonry and Knights Templar. The yearsof toil that I have devoted to it have been a work oflove, and in placing it before the Craft, it is withthe hope of the further enlightenment and bettermentof mankind.Masonry being so interwoven with the early historyof the world, I have added a Supplemental Encyclopedia,in which may be found brief accounts ofmany ancient countries and cities, together withshort sketches of the life of the early tribes and ofthe ancient characters connected with Masonic history.If the reader will carefully note all references, amuch better understanding of the general subjectswill be had.All Biblical chronological data will be found accordingto the computation of Archbishop Usher.The illustrations in this volume are taken fromRidpath's History of the World, and are used bycourtesy of the Jones Bros. Publishing Company,Cincinnati, Ohio.JOHN R. BENNETT.MUSKEGON, MICH., April 19, 1906.