MANUAL OF FREEMASONRY

If we make ourselves acquainted with all that Masons know of their freemasonry, we shall find a blank, and that, in fact, they know nothing worthy of being called a secret. I am of opinion, that nothing useful to be known should be made a secret, and that there is nothing of the kind a secret among mankind. I hold, that the mere profession of having such a secret is a vice. The question reasonably arises, why should it be a secret? Of Freemasons, I boldly say, that they have no secret; but there is a secret connected with their association, and they have not known it. The late Godfrey Higgins once observed to me, without explanation, that there were but two Masons in England -himself and the Duke of Sussex. I put in a claim to be a third. He asked me to explain, on the condition that he was not to commit himself by any observation. I did so, as here set forth. He smiled and withdrew. The secret is now out. I will clear up the doubt and difficulty and teach Masonry to Masons.