The world's oldest known anti-masonic document

[yankeedoodle]

TO ALL GODLY PEOPLE IN THE CITIE OF LONDON
Having thought it needful to warn you of the Mischiefs and Evils practiced in the sight of God by those called Freed Masons, I say take care lest their Ceremonies and secret swearings take hold of you: and be wary that none cause you to err from Godliness. For this devlish Sect of Men are Meeters in Secret which swear against all without their following. They are the Anti-Christ which was to come leading Men from their Fear of God. For how should Men meet in Secret Places and with secret Signes taking Care that none observe them to do the Work of God: are not these the ways of Evildoers? Knowing how that God observest privilly them that sit in Darkness they shall be smitten, and the Secrets of their Hearts layed bare. Mingle not among this corrupt People lest you be found so at the World's Conflagration. 

Found here:  http://www.masonicinfo.com/objectors.htm

The only known copy of the above leaflet is in the possession of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) and its text appears in the book, "The History of English Freemasonry" by John Hamill (Revised Edition, published in 1994, page 42-43). Hamill was, at the time, the Librarian and Curator of the UGLE and is a recognized Masonic author/historian.

The Mason who called this to our attention wrote "What I find most interesting about the leaflet - aside from the period grammar and spelling - is that the nature of Anti-Masonry is the same today as it ever was: fear and hatred based on ignorance and intolerance with millennial and conspiracy paranoia."