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

in all the degrees conferred in Masonic Lodges, Chapters, Encampments, etc.,
explaining the signs, tokens and grips, and giving all the words, passwords, sacred
words, oaths, and hieroglyphics used by Masons. The ineffable and historical
degrees are also given in full. By Jabez Richardson, A.M. In this book are
published sixty-two Masonic degrees, with diagrams of lodges, and drawings
representing their signs and ceremonies. Brother Avery Allyn has also published a
large number of Masonic degrees. The question of the reliability of these works, I
have discussed in a previous number. I am a little more particular in naming them
in this place, for the information of those who have not seen the books. The
substantial accord of all these authors, and their reliability, seems to be
established beyond all reasonable question. Now, since these revelations are
made, and both the church and the world are aware of what Masonry really is,
God demands, and the world has a right to expect, that the church will take due
action and bear a truthful testimony in respect to this institution. She can not now
innocently hold her peace. The light has come. Fidelity to God, and to the souls of
men, require that the church, which is the light of the world, should speak out, and
should take such action as will plainly reveal her views of the compatibility or
incompatibility of Freemasonry with the Christian religion. As God's witnesses,
as the pillar and ground of the truth, the church is bound to give the trumpet no
uncertain sound, upon this question, that all men may know, whether, in her
judgment, an intelligent embracing and determinate adhering to Freemasonry are
compatible with a truthful profession of religion.
4th. The Church of Christ knows Masonry through these books. This is the best
and most reliable source of information that we can have, or can reasonably ask.
We have seen in a former number, that Freemasons do not pretend that
Freemasonry has been substantially altered since the publication of these books,
that we have the most satisfactory evidence that it has not been, and can not be
substantially changed. Let it therefore be distinctly understood, that the action and
testimony of the church respects Freemasonry as it is revealed in these books, and
not as individuals may affirm of it, pro or con. By these books we know it. By
these books we judge it, and let it be understood that whatever action we take
upon it, or whatever we say of it, we both act and speak of Masonry as it is here
revealed, and of no other Masonry or thing, whatever. To this course, neither
Masons nor any one else can justly take exceptions. From all the testimony in the
case, we are shut up to this course. Let not Freemasons complain of this. These
books certainly reveal Masonry as it was forty years ago. If it has been changed,
the burden of proof is on them, and inasmuch as they make no pretense that
Masonry has been reformed, and in view of the fact, that they still maintain that
they embrace all the principles and usages of ancient Freemasonry, we are bound
to speak our minds of Freemasonry as these books reveal
5th. Judging then, from these revelations, how can we fail to pronounce
Freemasonry an anti-Christian institution? For example, 1st. We have seen that its
morality is unchristian. 2d. Its oath-bound secrecy is unchristian. 3d. The
administration and taking of its oaths are unchristian, and a violation of a positive
command of Christ. 4th. Masonic oaths pledge its members to commit most
unlawful and unchristian deeds. a. To conceal each others crimes. b. To deliver