[.ca] Meaning of Masonry [Value Priced] (ISBN 0517331942)

The Meaning of Masonry:
A fine book that avoids the often sought route of showing the mason's history and what we have done. This book focuses on what masonry is and tries to offer a deeper understanding of what masonry is. An excellent way of learning more about the craft

Good Intro to the Fraternity:
As stated on page 47, "The very essence of the Masonic doctrine is that all men in this world are in search of something in their own nature which they have lost, but that with proper instruction and by their own patience and industry they may hope to find." Ironically, this was my intent behind buying this book. I read it cover to cover and all it did was whet my appetite to delve further into the craft to discover more insight and gain more understanding of what the fraternity represents. Good read, but takes a while to get through the historical hum-drum. Do not read while laying down. :-)

Excellent Interpretation For Limited Readership:
Despite the drab editorial review, Wilmshurst's book is an excellent interpretation of Freemasonic philosophy. Unfortunately, it will have little to offer for those who are not Freemasons. Perhaps, sadly, it will also have little to offer to those who ARE Freemasons. With the rise of the so-called "Realistic" school of Freemasonry, the spiritual heritage and import of the Craft has been dilluted and, in some cases, despised. I have written in the past that Freemasonry exists and has exited for one reason, i.e., to provide the phenomenological proof of a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul. The "Realistic" school would have us believe that Freemasonry is no more than an agrandized Optomists Club. Wilmshurst provides a clear insight into WHY the Craft has endured and why many thoughtful men have been drawn to its door.

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.

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.