The Meaning of Masonry

by W.L. Wilmshurst

Book Overview

Who are the Masons and what does their society believe in? Although there are over six million members of this fraternity worldwide, with some extremely famous past members including George... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0517331942
• Release Date: December 1995
• Publisher: Gramercy
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.7" x 6.2"

Customer Reviews

Most coherent spiritual discourse of Freemasonry available

One of the most coherent, spiritual discourses of Freemasonry available to the modern reader. This text is the emotional compliment to W. K. MacNulty's intellectual text "Freemasonry A Journey...".This is a timeless text for Freemasons and non-Masons alike. It is the most influential book on my shelf, no trivial statement given that I am a long-time collector and dealer in antiquarian texts.Too many Masons, and non-Masons for that matter, step through the rituals of their life and accept the symbols of their world without consciously reflecting on their purpose. This is not wrong by itself - the intent of Freemasonry is self-discovery by fraternity with other motivated good men.But Wilmshurst reminds us that conscious reflection means we discover and improve our physical selves faster. When we learn from mistakes, we avoid making them again. When we learn to pace ourselves, we make the world better for those around us. As men what we most owe to our families is a better man. In short God has charged us to rise to Him and Freemasonry can help us serve Him. If we choose to see.I recommend taking this book down at least once a month to read a random chapter. Remember our charge: learn to subdue our passions, learn to be better men.

Best book I have read in years

People are always saying that masons don't believe in God & Christ ... that it is a Pagan Group. This Book shows & tells how the masonic order & Christianty feed off each other. The search for "light" in masonry is nothing but the search for light in Christianty. He shows how the two are simular as in when Hiram Abiff died between two thieves as they beat him and afterwards the Temple he started was finished ... Christ died between two thieves & afterwards his Temple (or church) was finished. Also that the ritual of the 3rd degree is a reference to death & rebirth, just as christ died & was reborn. He makes many references like this. I always knew there had to be more to masonry than just a few stories/parables ... Mr. Wilmshurst being worried of what Masonry was turning into ( a social club), wrote this book for those of us who want to know the truth & not just to read another flashy opinion/interpation someone has. Most Masons can't tell you what Masonry really is! This is a book you will keep & read over and over and over. Did you know that the apron of an EA with it's 5 points represents the 5 wounds of Christ & the 5 points of fellowship? ... PLUS some other really interesting stuff. Again, best book I have read in years.

The Real Meaning of Masonry: Spirituality

No more veiled allusions to a Deeper Meaning of Masonry. No more Hints and Insinuations. No more references to obscure books, that can only be found through unfamiliar publishers. No more "I know more than you, but I cannot tell you about it." No more pre-1717 cover-up. Here it is: everything you ever wanted to know about Masonry, but were afraid to ask.... Or, wanted to ask--but, couldn't get anyone to talk about it. This is the book you have been Searching for & the book that will revitalize The Craft. Wilmshurst tells it like it is, after giving many Lectures amongst Masons of the world. He offers us some Gold, instead-of a Treasure Map. If all the other Masonic books left you feeling unsatiated and thirsty for more Knowledge, this book will quench your thirst and provide ample revitalization in the future. Wilmshurst believes a man should enter The Craft with no blinders or misgivings about his Work. He believes in offering the Truths he has discovered to all those seeking The Light. Anyone contemplating the idea of petitioning The Lodge should read this book...and, everyone within The Lodge should give Wilmshurst's message a respectful perusal during a quiet afternoon.

Masonry revealed

Wilmshurst writes far more than a thought provoking book on the subject of Masonry. This is a road map for our, the Masons, journey home. This book however, is not for the average Mason and it is not for the non-Mason at all. (The non-Mason would find it incomprehensible.) But, for any Mason who experiences that inner call, this book will provide welcome insight, and will let you know that you're on the right path. Read it, read it again, read it again, read it again; until it is written in your heart......

Essential for Freemasons with a mystical view of the Craft

Written in the 1920's, the writer interprets Masonic ritual and mythology in a deeply mystical light, positing the Craft as a spiritual system. Its style can appear dated and overly tinged with the theosophical influences of its era, but it rewards in the end. For those masons who prefer not to see the Craft in such a way, this book can be startling, but for those who are truly "speculative" it provides a sane and informed perspective. If you view Masonry simply as an ethical dining club, this is not for you! Otherwise, an important classic of its type.