I rate the overall experience a 55 because of the information presented. Walter leslie wilmshurst 22 june 1867 10 july 1939 was an english author and freemason. I recommend this book to all who have not read it and are seriously interested in masonry. Fabio venzi and reproduced here with his permission. Wilmshursts meaning of masonry provides deeper insight into the meaning of freemasonrys degrees. Buy a cheap copy of the meaning of masonry book by w.
Again masonry is often supposed, even by its own members, to be a system of extreme antiquity, that was practiced and that has come down in wellnigh its present form from egyptian or at least from early hebrew sources a view which again possesses the merest modicum of truth. It indicates whence we are come and whither we may return. The italian text in blue is this webmasters italian. The meaning of masonry english edition ebooks em ingles. Writing in his book the meaning of masonry, wilmshurst described the centre in the following terms. The papers here collected have been written with a view to promoting the deeper understanding of the meaning of masonry. Mar 07, 2007 buy the meaning of masonry by wilmshurst, w. Masonry, then, is a system of religious philosophy in that it provides us with a doctrine of the universe and of our place in it. Thus in the five papers i have sought to provide a survey of the whole masonic subject as. The ideals of the masonic fraternity have a wide appeal to the best instincts of men, and the craft has become one of the greatest social institutions in the world. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer no kindle device required. The meaning of masonry stresses the original purpose of freemasonry as a spiritual science, a specialised form of mysticism designed to answer the timeless questions of those who seek selfknowledge.
A fantastic book written more than 100 years ago but still relevant today. This book is a lesson in self reflection that brings meaning to what has become wrote ritual. Wilmshurst was an initiate of huddersfield masonic lodge in england and became a prominent author of books and articles on. Mar 01, 2007 the papers here collected are written solely for members of the masonic order, constituted under the united grand lodge of england. The meaning of masonry was his first book, published in 1922. The meaning of masonry, however, is a subject usually left entirely unexpounded and that. This book implores the reader to learn to see in freemasonry something more than a parochial system enjoining elementary morality, performing perfunctory and. The author, walter leslie wilmshurst 18671939, shows the deeper meaning in his discussion of the orders of freemasonry, the rites, ceremonies, and institutions of the ancients, the nature and furniture of the lodge, the apparel, jewels, and occupations, and the temple of jerusalem. The meaning of masonry by walter leslie wilmshurst. Wilmshurst was an initiate of huddersfield masonic lodge in england and became a prominent author of books and articles on masonry that bespoke a deep knowledge of the mystical side of an organisation little known to the outside world. This site uses cookies to deliver our services, improve performance, for analytics, and if not signed in for advertising. It was signed by wilmshurst and is a symbolical summary of his thoughts on the significance of the masonic symbol of the centre. Its present form is the wand carried by the deacon accompanying the candidate.
That book, the meaning of masonry, was 58,000 words trying to explain the inexplicable. Look a little deeper, vol 4 suffolk masonic district. He fits his understanding of the degrees offered in modern freemasonry into the context of what ancient mystery religions revealed. Although the freemasons number over six million members worldwide, they are a very secretive organization. This is a road map for our, the masons, journey home.
I highly recommend this book for any new brother, and i wish i had read it earlier in my masonic career. The author attempts to demonstrate that masonry has a deeper meaning, specifically the striving for human perfection, and is firmly in the mainstream of traditional mystery teachings. The meaning of masonry by wilmshurst, walter leslie and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. Wilmshurst states the essence of freemasonry is not the repetition of the ritual nor the safeguarding of secrets, but the regeneration of the brethren. The meaning of masonry by walter leslie wilmshurst 1867. The meaning of masonry chapter 1 the deeper symbolism of masonry a candidate proposing to enter freemasonry has seldom formed any definite idea of the nature of what he is engaging in. A fine book, theme, and call for masons to dig deeper. Considering it is only about 91 pages long, its a good masonic discussion piece to bring to a study group or to discuss wilmhursts ideas in your lodge.
This book is the eye opening book about masonry you have been looking for, while not a mason myself this book in my research answered so many questions and put many historical timelines into context. Wilmshursts discussion of masonrys relationship to the ancient mystery schools was very thoughtprovoking. He knew there was something deep at the centre of masonic ritual which. The papers here collected are written solely for members of the masonic order. This is true, but in two senses, one only of which is usually thought. Wilmshurst writes far more than a thought provoking book on the subject of masonry. Available on kindle ebook and can be read on any device with the free kindle app. The meaning of masonry and millions of other books are available for amazon kindle. The meaning of masonry was written with a view toward promoting a deeper understanding of the fraternity, and this goal has been achieved. Wilmshurst digs into the deeper meaning of freemasonry in an easy to read volume. This book discloses the real purpose of modern masonry, and clearly states the true body of teaching and practice concerning the esoteric meaning of masonic ritual.
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. This book however, is not for the average mason and it is not for the nonmason at all. The meaning of masonry explores the beliefs behind the order, its cryptic rites and symbols, and uncovers its ultimate purpose. This set of essays discusses the esoteric side of freemasonry. This book is meant to be a sequel to, and an amplification of, my previous volume, the meaning of masonry, first published in 1922a collection of papers issued diffidently and tentatively on the chance that they might interest some few members of the craft in the deeper and philosophic aspect of freemasonry. The meaning of masonry the papers here collected are written solely for members of the masonic order. But of this more will be said in the final section of this book. Wilmshursts the meaning of masonry cornerstone book. Quite scarce and collectable amongst the masonic, freemasonry, lodge historianscollectors etc. First published in 1922, the meaning of masonry has challenged and encouraged masons for nearly a century to look beyond the exoteric explanations and meanings assigned to the symbols and lectures of the craft.
The meaning of masonry ebook by walter leslie wilmshurst. Wilmshurst gives us a clear understanding of these and other aspects of the masonic spiritual path of initiation. The real meanings of masonry as a fraternity are developed and explained. Masonry as a philosophy the meaning of masonry walter.
Tremendous information for the entered apprentice and the master mason. To all such they are offered in the best spirit of fraternity and goodwill and with the wish to render to the order some small return for the profit the author has received from his association with it extending over thirtytwo years. It at once met, however, with a surprisingly warm welcome from all parts of the. To this question you will find no satisfying answer in ordinary masonic books. Giovanni lombardo da messina and reproduced here with his permission. Wilmshurst is a dyedinthewool pun intended enghlishman who writes from his unshaken belief in masonry. The meaning of masonry by walter leslie wilmshurst 18671939. The meaning of masonry kindle edition by wilmshurst, w. Wilmshurst was an english solicitor and a member of huddersfield masonic lodge whose books and articles on masonry bespoke a deep knowledge of the mystical side of an organisation little known to the outside world. Traces the history of the order from the medieval building guilds. The papers here collected are written solely for members of the masonic order, constituted under the united grand lodge of england. The meaning of masonry paperback march 7, 2007 by w.
The book is written for freemasons so some of it would be easier to understand to those more versed in the craft. The meaning of masonry by walter leslie wilmshurst 18671939 past provincial grand registrar in west yorkshire, ugle a philosophical exposition of the character of the craft 1920. Introduction the position and possibilities of the masonic order. The italian text in blue is the italian translation of the. For more than two centuries, the spirit of masonry has been. Buy the meaning of masonry by w l wilmshurst online at alibris. The thyrsus or caduceus was an elaborate wand borne by the candidate, to the symbolism of which deep meaning attached. Wilmshurst, including the meaning of masonry, and the deeper symbolism of masonry, and more on. Masonry and religion introduction this book is meant to be a sequel to, and an amplification of, my previous volume, the meaning of masonry, first published in 1922a collection of papers issued diffidently and tentatively on the chance that they might interest some few members of the craft in the deeper and philosophic aspect of freemasonry. Wilmshurst is a collection of papers rather than a book and the online pdf is available for free. The meaning of masonry index internet sacred text archive. Publication date 1932 topics salar collection digitallibraryindia.
Enter your mobile number or email address below and well send you a link to download the free kindle app. Wilmshursts the meaning of masonry cornerstone book publishers. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Global grey free pdf, epub, kindle ebook pages pdf. The meaning of masonry discloses the real purpose of modern freemasonry and clearly states the true body of teaching and practice concerning the esoteric meanings of masonic ritual. The official description of masonry is that it is a system of morality. For masonry means this or it means nothing worth the serious pursuit of thoughtful men. Wilmshurst relationship of modern masonry to the ancient mysteries, from which it is the direct, though greatly attenuated, spiritual descendant.
The position and possibilities of the masonic order. Tremendous information for the entered apprentice and the master. Why do we have degrees and what is this path masons are supposed to be on. This is a set of essays which discuss the esoteric side of masonry. Written by a great mystic to promote a deeper understanding of the fraternity. The meaning of masonry, however, is a subject usually left entirely unexpounded and that accordingly remains largely unrealized by its members save such few as make it their private study.
The meaning of masonry, free pdf, ebook, epub global grey. Wilmshurst tells it like it is, after giving many lectures amongst masons of the world. Masonry and religion masonic initiation walter leslie. Therein, i believe, is the real key to masonic light. The book itself is in good clean condition the dust cloth is a bit tatty but has done a good job of preserving the cloth bound hardback blue cover which has gold coloured gilt lettering to spine and front board. Walter leslie wilmshurst 18671939 was a mystic with a practical knowledge and profound understanding of the religions of the world. Facsimile of the 5th edition published march 1927 in london.