The authority on Masonry is “Morals and Dogma of the Ancient And Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry,” by Albert Pike. Another principle source for study is “Masonry Defined,” by Albert G. Mackey. Quotes from these books are not quotes by any of the “enemies” of Masonry, but their own words from respected authorities among Masons themselves. I want to share a few quotes from these authoritative works, and then draw some conclusions.
In referring to the Masonic altar, Mackey wrote: “It is a sacred utensil of religion, intended, like the altars of the ancient temples, for religious uses, and thus identifying Masonry, by its necessary existence in our lodges, as a religious institution. Its presence should also lead the contemplative Mason to view the ceremonies in which it is employed with solemn reverence, as being a part of a really religious worship” (page 65). In that same book, Mackey advocates that Masonry gets “its religion from the ancient priesthood” (page 333). And again: “When Masonry established its system partly on the ancient rites and partly on the Jewish ceremonies, it founded its third degree as the Adytum (forbidden place) or holy of holies of all its mysteries, the exclusive place into which none but the most worthy – the priesthood of Masonry – the masters in Israel – were permitted to enter” (page 156). Let us ask our queerest, can a faithful child of God be a participant or supporter of any religious organization other than the church for which our Lord shed His precious blood? To ask is to answer! There is only ONE body of Christ (Eph. 4:4), and it is in THAT body that salvation will be attained (Eph. 5:23). To join ourselves to another religious organization constitutes spiritual adultery. Our Lord said, “Every plant which my heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted up” (Matthew 15:13).
Second, Masonry claims that true knowledge comes through their secret organization rather than the Bible and Christ our Lord. This secret fraternal organization claims that “all the true ideas of Deity” come through their system of religion. Mackey averred that “of all human societies, Freemasonry is undoubtedly, under all circumstances, the fittest to form the truly good man” (page 208), and that in following Masonry, you would thereby “be faithful to yourself, to your fellows, and to God” (Morals and Dogmas, page 113). If you think Masons consider the Bible as the superior revelation, then consider the following: “To the Christian Mason the Book of the Law is the Old and New Testament; to the Jew, the Old Testament, to the Muslim, the Koran; to the Brahman, the Vedas; and to the Parsee, the Zendavesta” (page 78-79, Mackey). Pike averred, “the doctrines of the Bible are often not clothed in the language of strict truth” (page 224, Morals and Dogma). God’s inspired spokesman, Paul, told us that “very scripture is inspired of God, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every god work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Peter told us that “his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3). Masonry would supplant the life giving word with soul damning human doctrine and philosophy!
Third, the Masons have a mock “communion” service called the “fraternal supper.” Listen to Pike’s description of this blasphemous memorial: “The fraternal supper, of bread which nourishes, and of wine which refreshes and exhilarates, symbolic of the time which is to come, when all mankind shall be one great harmonious brotherhood” (page 538-539, Morals and Dogma). This fraternal supper is referred to as “the chief symbol of man’s ultimate redemption and regeneration” (page 538-539).
Well, we could go on and speak of their “baptism,” anointing with oil, and white robes. Brethren, the child of God cannot partake in these things and be pleasing to God. Let us examine all things in the light of God’s word, hold to that which is good, and cast off all that is out of harmony with God’s word.
–Tom Wacaster