IS FREEMASONRY COMPATIBLE WITH PRESENT TRUTH?
By J. H. W.
If we say aught against masonry they say we are prejudiced, speaking against that of which we can know nothing. But this is an error. We have no prejudice in the case. We only speak of what we do know. In addition to what has been heretofore published I would offer the following thoughts. The first quotation may have been published in the Review before. It is said on funeral occasions, on throwing evergreens into the grave. "This evergreen is an emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul. By this we are reminded of our high and glorious destiny 'beyond the world of shadows,' and that there dwells within our tabernacle of clay an imperishable immortal spirit, over which the grave has no dominion and death no power."—Craftsman, p. 208. The next is more practical, and may possibly account for the slowness of some to obey the truth when convinced. "All masons shall work honestly on working days, that they may live peaceably on holy days; and the time appointed by the law of the land, OR CONFIRMED BY CUSTOM, shall be observed."—Craftsman. Ancient Constitutions, § 5. Many affirm that masonry is a christian institution, but others confess the absurdity of this. But all affirm that a belief in the Bible is necessary to being a mason. Masonry is professedly founded on certain facts in the Old Testament, but that a belief in the New Testament is not necessary is evident from the well-known fact that many (or most) of the Jews are masons. It is the boast of masonry that it is universal, and has members of all nations and religions. Of course their forms and modes of working must not interfere with the religious views of any. This is their profession, but it is impossible to carry it out in practice without discarding every form of worship whatever. The first recognized and most common act of worship is prayer; this is practised in the lodges, and forms of prayer are given in their books of instruction. Now suppose that Jews and Christians are met together in lodge. It is opened with prayer. But Christians can only pray in the name of Christ, while the Jew would be highly offended at a prayer so offered. How shall these brothers pray together? It has been answered that it is not necessary that the name of Christ should be mentioned in every prayer : it may be understood. Very true. So Paul taught in regard to meats offered to idols. If nothing is said, ask no questions. But if it is said, This is offered in sacrifice to idols; then eat not. So if I kneel with others with the understanding that Christ is recognized as the medium of prayer, I can say, Amen, though the name of Jesus be not mentioned. But if it be understood that this prayer is offered without reference to Christ, it is anti-christian, for Jesus says, "No man cometh to the Father but by me." The boasted universality of masonry makes it necessary to exclude the name of Christ from prayers, otherwise they would be fitted only for a class, and hence be local and not general. He who joins in a prayer where the name of Christ is intentionally omitted to gratify another who denies Christ, certainly compromises his Christianity, and "has denied the faith." This should lead every Christian to avoid such a connection.