Mormonism and Masonry

This is not an expose of Masonry or Mormonism. The author is not a Mason, but has made a careful study of the subject, having read more than one hundred books written by orthodox and reputable historians of the Masonic fraternity, with the desire of knowing the points of similarity that may exist in the two rituals and seeking an explanation of that coincidence. Not a paragraph in this volume is taken form anti-Masonic writers, only the reputable historians of the order being consulted. The purpose of this work is to call attention to the complaints and charges made about the Mormon Temple ceremony by the Masons and others, and give the Mormon answer to these unkind and erroneous ascertains. In the spirit of Christian brotherhood, with a desire to promote friendship and understanding, these chapters have been prepared. The public is entitled to hear the Mormon answer and learn the facts on the other side of this moot question. We frankly admit that there are enough points of similarity to arouse one's suspicion. These will be carefully weighed and answered. It is a fact that Joseph Smith had in his possession the manuscript of the Book of Abraham for seven years before any of it appeared in print, yet the section that has most to say about this subject was not printed until the very day he was admitted to the Masonic Fraternity...