What About Anti-Masons?

In the previous issue I exposed some information from The Entered Apprentice Handbook By J.S.M. Ward. Forward by: The Honorable Sir John A. Cockburn. It is written for men entering the first level of the Blue Lodge of the Freemasons. There are many Masonic websites that speak openly about their intentions, goals and philosophy. Here is some additional interesting information taken directly from Masonic literature and the sites where you can read it yourself. The reason I am placing the websites where you can read it yourself comes from the encouragement of James T. Tresner, II; Master Mason.

In his introduction to the book, “Is It True What They Say About Freemasonry? The Methods of Anti-Masons,” written by Art deHoyos and Brent Morris, Mr. Tresner encourages criticism and accuses “anti-masons” of misquoting their sources. That is the reason I include the website address where you can read them yourself. These quotes from http://www.srmason-sj.org/web/SRpublications/#i2 are of Mr. Tresner.

Because of space restrictions I can not quote his entire forward. I will not, as he claims, misrepresent what he or other masons teach. I have placed his quotes in red.

“It is a sense of betrayal which makes me so personally angry with some of these individuals. I came of age in a time when policemen were your friends, your father knew best, and ministers lived by high moral codes. And I still believe that. But it's getting harder. St. Luke says (16:10) "Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much." As you will see in this book, anti-Masons are often dishonest in both little and much. That's the betrayal! I don't expect a banker to steal my money, I don't expect a physician to prescribe poison, and I don't expect a minister to lie to me. And these men do lie. They are not innocently mistaken; they are not led into error; they are not merely confused. They lie.”

Suppose Brent Morris writes a letter to me, and he writes, "I don't think Art deHoyos is stupid." And, later in the letter, he writes, "I was watching one of our local politicians on television last night, and I was strongly reminded of the line by the ancient poet-philosopher, Sadi, 'Verily, he is like a jack-ass among men, a calf, a body which is bleating.'" Then I sit down and write a letter to Art deHoyos, with Brent's letter in front of me, and I write, "Dear Brother deHoyos, I got a letter today in which Brent Morris wrote, 'I . . . think Art is stupid.' 'He is like a jack-ass among men.'"

If I do that, I have told deliberate, malicious lies. And if I add to my letter, "so you can see what Brent really thinks about you," I have lied again. Bear that in mind as you read the examples of what anti-Masons do when "quoting" Masonic writers. Dishonest in little-dishonest in much.”

If Mr. Tresner is speaking of me, he is dishonest. He continues to claim the reason “anti-masons” attack masons is for profit. He claims it is good business to attack Freemasons because it sells well. He continues:

“Freemasonry, therefore, is a profitable target.
It is not that Freemasonry considers itself above criticism. It is a human institution and, like all such institutions, imperfect and open to improvement. Criticize us if you wish--most Masons do. Examine us in depth--we have nothing to hide. But do not lie about us. And, especially, do not lie about us and then dare to claim you are doing the work of God.” James T. Tresner, II, Master Mason.

I would like to say to Mr. Tresner and to any other mason reading this information, I have not lied to you. If I have misquoted or lied as Mr. Tresner claims please show me where my information is inaccurate. I am quoting valid Masonic sources and I give their web address so anyone may access their information and read it. It is sad when people misquote Masonic sources because it is not necessary. There are enough credible authentic Masonic sources that make fabrication pointless and destructive.

Mr. Tresner says, “Examine us in depth--we have nothing to hide.” I would like to remind Mr. Tresner the Masons have much to hide. It is Mr. Tresner, as do all Master Masons, who swears, “that I will always hail, ever conceal, and never reveal any of the secrets, arts, parts, point or points, of the Master Masons' Degree, to any person or persons whomsoever, except it be to a true and lawful brother of this Degree…” http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/duncans_ritual/table_of_contents.htm

For having nothing to hide Mr. Tresner sure took an oath to hide it. Freemasonry is a religion. It has it’s own plan of salvation and religious doctrines that stand against the Bible. If you are a mason – get out. Leave the Lodge! There should be no masons permitted to hold office in any Southern Baptist Church – From the Pastor to the Sunday School Teacher (this includes Deacons and Trustees).