[http://www.utlm.org/onlineresources/mormonkingdomvol1ch13masonicinfluence.htm ]
From Chapter 13 of The Mormon Kingdom Vol. 1:
" The relationship between the Mormon Temple ritual and Masonry is too close to be called a coincidence. The fact that both Mormons and Masons have a temple in which they administer secret ceremonies is striking, but when we compare the ritual and learn that Joseph Smith was a Mason, we are forced to the conclusion that Joseph Smith borrowed from Masonry in establishing his Temple ceremony.See the source link for details regarding each of these 27 points.
In this study we have had access to two books which give the Masonic ritual. They were reprinted by Ezra A. Cook Publications, Inc., Chicago, Illinois. The first is Capt. William Morgan's Freemasonry Exposed which was first published in 1827. (It should be remembered that the author of this book disappeared and that this set off the great controversy concerning Masonry.) The second is Richardson's Monitor of Free-Masonry. This book was published some time after Morgan's expose, but it is important because it gives some of "the higher degrees" not mentioned by Morgan.
The following are some of the parallels between the ritual of the Masons and the Mormon Temple ceremony. Because some of the details of the Temple ceremony have been changed in recent years, we are using the pamphlet, Temple Mormonism—Its Evolution, Ritual and Meaning, New York, 1931, to make our comparison.
1. Both the Masons and the Mormons have what is called "the five points of fellowship."
2. When the candidate receives "The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood" he makes a promise similar to the oath taken in the "First Degree" of the Masonic ritual.
3. In both ceremonies the thumb is drawn across the throat to show the penalty.
4. Those who receive the "First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood" give a grip that is similar to that used by the Masons in the "First Degree" of their ritual.
5. Some of the wording concerning the "grip" is similar.
6. The oath of the "Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood" is similar to that taken in the second degree of Masonry.
7. Both have a similar sign.
8. Both have a similar grip.
9. In both cases a "name" is used.
10. The promise made when receiving the "First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood" resembles the oath given by the Masons in the third or "Master Mason's Degree."
11. The sign of the penalty is similar in both cases. (The description of this sign which appears in Temple Mormonism is not completely accurate; therefore, we are using the account that appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune. The reader can see that this is the way the sign is given today. See page 131 of The Mormon Kingdom Vol. 1.)
12. In both cases a "name" is used.
13. The conversation at the "veil" in the Temple ceremony is very similar to that of the "Fellow Craft Mason" when he is questioned concerning the "grip."
14. Both the Masons and the Mormons have a vow regarding "chastity."
15. The grip known as "The Sign of the Nail" seems to be similar to one given by Masons in one of their higher degrees.
16. The "Oath of Vengeance" which used to be used in the Mormon Temple ceremony resembles an oath in one of the higher degrees of Masonry.
17. Both Mormons and Masons change clothing before going through their rituals.
18. Both Mormons and Masons use an apron.
19. In one of the higher degrees the Masons anoint the candidate. This is somewhat similar to the anointing ceremony in the Mormon Temple ritual.
20. Both Mormons and Masons give what they call a "new name" to the candidate.
21. In the Mormon Temple ceremony the candidate cannot pass through the veil until he has as given certain signs and words. In the Royal Arch Degree the Masons use veils.
22. In the Mormon Temple ceremony a man represents Adam. The Masons also have a man who personates Adam in the degree of "Knight of the Sun."
23. In the Mormon Temple ceremony a man represents God. In the Mason's Royal Arch Degree a man "personates the Deity."
24. Both the Mormons and the Masons consider the square and the compass to be extremely important. The marks of the square and the compass appear on the Mormon Temple garments and on the veil.
25. In the Masonic ritual the point of the compass is pressed against the left breast of the candidate. The Mormon temple garment has the mark of the compass on the left breast.
26. The angle of the square is pressed against the right breast in the Masonic ritual. The mark of the square appears on the right breast of the Mormon Temple garment.
27. A mallet is used by both the Masons and the Mormons in their ceremonies.
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