Rating:  Summary: GREAT BOOK!! Review: I would strongly recommend this book for anyone joining the masons. This book goes into great detail about several aspects of masonry, and what it really means to be an "ancient and accepted freemason". Because of the time it was originally written, (1800's) it is not quite as easy to read as a readers digest short story. HOWEVER, that is what makes it all the more valuable in terms of insight and knowledge. This book has great detail of the many things that make up freemasonry, and as well it has a spiritual feeling to it that, unless you are joining or already are one, you may not respect or understand. A great book for you're library if you are planning on joining this great fraternity
Rating:  Summary: GREAT BOOK!! Review: I would strongly recommend this book for anyone joining the masons. This book goes into great detail about several aspects of masonry, and what it really means to be an "ancient and accepted freemason". Because of the time it was originally written, (1800's) it is not quite as easy to read as a readers digest short story. HOWEVER, that is what makes it all the more valuable in terms of insight and knowledge. This book has great detail of the many things that make up freemasonry, and as well it has a spiritual feeling to it that, unless you are joining or already are one, you may not respect or understand. A great book for you're library if you are planning on joining this great fraternity
Rating:  Summary: The Real Meaning of Masonry: Spirituality Review: 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.
Rating:  Summary: The Real Meaning of Masonry: Spirituality Review: 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.
Rating:  Summary: skip this badly written book Review: Nothing in the on-line description of the book nor on the flaps
can prepare the reader for this mishmash of 19th century prose and repetions in what is actually a series of lectures delivered
???
There are no dates, or explanations for the writing in these verbose, boring lessons.
Rating:  Summary: Most coherent spiritual discourse of Freemasonry available Review: 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.
Rating:  Summary: Most coherent spiritual discourse of Freemasonry available Review: 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.
Rating:  Summary: Best book I have read in years Review: 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.
Rating:  Summary: Don't read! Review: The prose is outdated and verbose, seemingly put together by a jobless college professor.
The information is not at all what I was looking for. The author discusses at length the religious/spiritual aspects of masonry.
I do not recommend and won't even resell my copy - straight to the trash can!
Rating:  Summary: From darkness to light once more Review: This awesome book is a must for all Master Mason's and those brethren currently on their journey! This book helps one realize that only with the full explanation of the symbols, allegories, and true meanings of the Craft revealed, will the Craft rise up to it's sublime greatness once more. The book also helps one to realize that the Craft is to mean more than ancient rituals and "secret" tokens and passes, it is a true spiritual journey and rebuilding of man whithin himself...in which good men are made better!
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