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INDEX OF PAPERS
PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS
HISTORY INDEX
ONE DEFINITION
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Freemasonry defined
Rev. William Dodd
"...a singularly amiable institution, which annihilates all parties, conciliates all private opinions, and renders those who, by their Almighty Father, were made of one blood, to be also of one heart and one mind; brethren bound, firmly bound together by that indissoluble tie—the love of their God and the love of their kind."1
Rev. Dr. George Oliver
"It is a mistake, however, to suppose that Freemasonry is a system of religion. It is no such thing. It is but the handmaiden to religion, although it largely and effectually illustrates one great branch of it, which is practice. It teaches our duty to God, our neighbour and ourselves...."2
Wellins Calcott
"Freemasonry is an establishment founded on the benevolent intention of extending and conferring mutual happiness; upon the best and truest principles of moral and social virtue."3
William Alexander Laurie
"...an institution whose object is not only to inform the minds of its members, by instructing them in the sciences and useful arts, but to better their dispositions by enforcing the precepts of religion and morality" 4

1."Oration at the dedication of Freemasons' Hall," William Dodd. The Golden Remains of the Early Masonic Writers; vol i, George Oliver. London : 1847. pp. 129-30.
2.Oliver. vol i pp. 128-29.
3.Spirit of Masonry, Wellins Calcott (1726-after 1779). New Edit., p. 52.
4. The Historical Landmarks of Freemasonry and other evidences of Freemasonry, explained; in a series of practical lectures, with copious notes... in two volumes. vol. ii, Richard Spencer. London : 1845. p. 131. Also see views expressed by representatives of the Anglican Church in sermons and articles available online at Anglicanism and Freemasonry.

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