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

such claims to benevolence? We must regard the putting forth of such claims as
an insult to our common sense.
CHAPTER XV.
FREEMASONRY IS A FALSE
RELIGION.
Some Freemasons claim that Freemasonry is a saving institution, and that it is true
religion. Others hold a different opinion, claiming that it is the handmaid of
religion, a system of refined morality. Others still are free to admit that it is only a
mutual aid or mutual insurance society. This discrepancy of views among them is
very striking, as every one knows who has been in the habit of reading sermons,
lectures, and orations on Masonry published by themselves. in this article I
propose to inquire, first, Do their standard authorities claim that Masonry is
identical with true religion? secondly, Does Freemasonry itself claim to be true
religion? and, thirdly, Are these claims valid?
1. Do their standard authorities claim that Masonry is true religion?
I quote Salem Town. I read his work some forty years ago. The book professes on
its title-page to be "A System of Speculative Masonry, exhibited in a course of
lectures before the Grand Chapter of the State of New York, at their annual
meetings in the City of Albany." It was reduced to a regular system by their
special request, and recommended to the public by them as a system of
Freemasonry. It is also recommended by nine grand officers, in whose presence
the lectures were delivered; by another who had examined them; and by "the Hon.
DeWitt Clinton, General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of the
United States of America, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of New
York, etc., etc."
The book was extensively patronized and subscribed for by Freemasons
throughout the country, and has always been considered by the fraternity as a
standard authority. From this author I quote as follows:
"The principles of Freemasonry have the same coeternal and unshaken
foundations, contain and inculcate the same truths in substance, and propose the
same ultimate end, as the doctrines of Christianity."--P. 53. Again he says: "The
same system of faith and the same practical duties taught by revelation are
contained in and required by the Masonic institution."--P. 174. "Speculative
Masonry combines those great and fundamental principles which constitute the
very essence of the Christian system." --P. 37. "It is no secret that there is not a
duty enjoined nor a virtue required in the volume of inspiration but what is found
in and taught by Speculative Freemasonry." "The characteristic principles are
such as embrace the whole subject-matter of divine economy." --P. 31.
Again he says: "As the Word in the first verse of St. John constitutes both the