by Ed Decker

"We may not call in question the propriety of this organization; if we would be Masons we must yield private judgment. ‘To the law and to the testimony—if any man walk not by this rule it is because there is no light in him."’—Pierson’s Traditions of Freemasonry, p. 30.

"That this surrender of free-will to Masonic authority is absolute (within the scope of the landmarks of the order) and perpetual, may be inferred from an examination of the emblem (the shoe or sandal) which is used to enforce this lesson of resignation. The esotery of the Masonic rituals gives the fullest assurance of this: "once a Mason always a Mason" is an aphorism in our literature conveying an undeniable truth."—Morris’ Dictionary of Freemasonry, p. 29.

"A Mason should know how to obey those who are set over him, however inferior they may be in worldly rank; or condition." —Macoy’s Masonic Monitor, p. 14.

"Disobedience and want of respect to Masonic superiors is an offense for which the transgressor subjects himself to punishment."—Mackey’s Masonic Jurisprudence, p. 511.

"Under the head of Discipline is given a catalogue of fifteen prime classes of un-Masonic acts, of which this is one. It is so subversive of the groundwork of Masonry, in which obedience is most strongly inculcated, that the Mason who disobeys subjects himself to severe penalties."— Morris’ Dictionary, pp. 91,92

"As a presiding officer the Master is possessed or extraordinary powers which belong to the presiding officer of no other association" Mackey's Masonic Jurisprudence, p. 344.

"The powers and privileges of the Master of a lodge are by no means limited in extent."-Chase's Digest of Masonic Law, page 380.

"An affirmation is not equivalent to an oath in Masonry however it may be in common and is not legitimate in the working of the lodge."-Ibid. p.13.

"The Covenant is irrevocable. Even though a person may be suspended or expelled; though he may withdraw from the Lodge, journey into countries where Masons cannot be found, or become a subject of despotic governments that persecute, or a communicant of bigoted churches that denounce Masonry, he cannot cast off or nullify his Masonic covenant; No law of the land can affect it-no anathema of the church weaken it. It is irrevocable." -Webb's Freemasons' Monitor, p. 240.

This accounts for many strange and mysterious proceedings in our would-be courts of justice and in the churches. NO law of the land (that is, civil law,) can even affect this lodge oath or covenant. No anathema of the church (that is, divine law), can weaken it.

Is it any wonder that criminals go scot-free when the sheriff that impanels the jury, enough of the jurors impaneled to bring in a divided verdict, enough witnesses drummed up to make the evidence appear contradictory, the attorneys of the prosecution and of the defense, and the judge on the bench, are irrevocably bound to the prisoner at the bar as sworn brethren, by an obligation considered paramount to all others, civil or divine?

Is it anything strange that there is trouble in the church when the members are bound up, by this strong covenant, with saloon-keepers, irreverent scoffers, and other evil-minded men, in sworn brotherhood?

Is there no escape from Masonry is the now all important question. The answer is Yes, absolutely Yes! The Word of God tells us that we can confess our sins (this oath bound bondage is sin) and He is faithful and has mercy upon us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (KJV,I John 1:9)

What a promise of deliverance. No blood oath can stand against the Word of God!

(c) copyright 2004, Ed Decker

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