| Response |
It is true that Joseph Smith was a Mason and it is also true that many of the Masonic rituals have some similarity to some
of the ordinances practiced in the temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But, beyond that, the
covenants and promises and blessings given
to those who attend the temple are not found in Masonry.
The question is often asked, "How can it be that there are these
similarities?" To that I would say, that the blessings and endowments of the temple have
been known since the beginning of man. They were given by Adam to his posterity and passed down to all of the prophets and
were shared with ancient Israel in righteousness. This temple endowment along with its covenants, promises and blessings
were taken away from the earth because of unrighteousness. Over the centuries, parts of this knowledge was traditionally
passed down from generation to generation.
How the Masons picked it up and began to use it in their fraternal order is not
completely known. It is possible to imagine that because these people were the constructors of the ancient temples, they
knew of these ordinances back then and passed them down over time. But it isn't surprising to think that many others are
also aware of these things since they have been passed down for centuries.
Sincerely,
Donny Osmond
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