THE ARCANE SCHOOLS - Fort Myers Beach Masonic Lodge No. 362

eligion of the Gospel, I do, therefore, absolve myself from all its obligations
whatever. CALVIN HATCH.
"FARMINGTON, December 25, 1830."
RENUNCIATION.
"Having been initiated some years since in the mysteries of Freemasonry, but
without finding any of those advantages which were so bountifully promised by
the Fraternity, and now being fully convinced that the Institution is corrupt to the
very core, and used to promote ends tending to subvert our free institutions, we
deem it our duty publicly to renounce all obligations to the 'Craft,' believing
ourselves to be freed from its oaths, inasmuch as no man can bind himself to do
anything contrary to the allegiance he owes to his country, or the duties he owes
to his Maker.
"HENRY FISH, Salisbury, Master Mason.
"EDWIN CHAPMAN, Windsor, M. Mason.
"BLISS WELCH, Chatham, Royal Arch.
"Dated at HARTFORD, Feb. 4 1830."
CHAPTER V
EXAMINATION OF THE BOOKS
REVEALING FREEMASONRY
HAVING established the fact that Bernard in his "Light on Masonry," William
Morgan, Allyn, Richardson, and others, all of whom substantially agree, have
truly revealed Freemasonry as it was at that time, I will now enter upon an
examination of some of these books, assuming as I must, or abandon all idea that
any thing can ever be proved by human testimony, that they contain a veritable
revelation of Freemasonry.
After I have examined these books, and learned and shown what Freemasonry
was at their date, I shall consider the question of its having undergone any
material change since that date, and also whether it can be so changed as to be an
innocent institution and still retain the distinguishing characteristics of
Freemasonry.
That I may do no injustice to any one, I shall not hold Masons responsible for
oaths and degrees which are above and beyond them and which they have not
taken and of which they have no knowledge. The question of their moral and
responsible relation to the institution, as a whole, will receive notice in another
place. At present I shall hold Masons responsible for those oaths, principles,
teachings and degrees of which they have knowledge.
In these numbers I need only to notice a few points in the oaths of Masons, and I