Joseph Fielding identifies Freemasonry as a stepping stone to higher understanding of priesthood.
Andrew F. Ehat, ed., “‘They Might Have Known That He Was Not a Fallen Prophet’: The Nauvoo Journal of Joseph Fielding,” BYU Studies 19 (Winter 1979): 145
Many have joined the Masonic institution. This seems to have been a stepping stone or preparation for something else, the true origin of Masonry. This I have also seen and rejoice in it.