Product Description
Contents: Apprentice; Fellow-craft; Master! Other volumes in this set are ISBN(s): 141791100X. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

gingeraz
This is an excellent book to understand the function of government and the peoples responsibility to themselves by being informed and responsible.

It goes further into Masonry and the laws that govern good government and
continues on to responsiblities to develope ourselves and be informed to sustain a good government.

This book exposes one to Masonic mysteries and moral development of the individual. ... Read more

Product Description
A Similar System Exists Among the Mohammedans; Freemasonry and the Ancient Gods of India; Symbolic Conception of FM and India; R.A. Proves the Truth of this Contention; Brief Summary of Hindoo and Other Eastern Doctrines Traceable in Freemasonry; Lost Sign in Masonry and the "Operative" Masons; Letter "G"; Mark Degree; Masonic Signs and Grips the World Over; Our Signs and Grips in Africa; America and Australasia; Ancient Europe; Origin of Freemasonry; Mythos; When Did the Purely Jewish Influence Enter? Brief Summary of the True Line of Descent of Modern Freemasonry; Comacines; Ancient Charges and What They Tell Us; Decline of the Guilds; Darkness Before the Dawn; Formation of Grand Lodge; Early History of Grand Lodge; So-Called Higher Degrees; Ancient and Accepted Rite; Remaining Degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Rite; Cross and the Vesica Piscis; Two Kinds of Cross; Crosses in the Craft; Vesica Piscis; Rose Croix and Kindred Degrees; So-Called "York Rite" and Allied Degrees; Knights Templars; What Were the Beliefs of the Templars? Are There Any Traces of the Old Templar Ceremonies in the Masonic Templar Ritual? Other Chivalric Degrees in Freemasonry; Iconoclasm in Freemasonry; Brief Summary of Evidence as to the Antiquity of our Signs; Grand Ideal; The First Steps; Ancient Wisdom and Modern Masonry; The Bora Ceremony. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Unique and Informative
This book traces the ancient roots of Freemasonry through the ages. It is awesome in it's depth. A truly fascinating history of Freemasonry from a very different perspective.

Insightful and thought provoking
This book demonstrates Bro. Ward's belief that the roots of Freemasonry are thousands of years old.In this book (which he never intended to be released to non-masons) he shows that many signs, symbols and rituals aresimilar through non-connected cultures around the globe over the ages. This is a book that all Freemasons should read and evaluate in their heartsand minds. There is much work to be done. ... Read more

Product Description
Long recognized as more than the writings of a dozen or so philosophes, the Enlightenment created a new secular culture populated by the literate and the affluent.Enamoured of British institutions, Continental Europeans turned to the imported masonic lodges and found in them a new forum that was constitutionally constructed and logically egalitarian. Originating in the Middle Ages, when stone-masons joined together to preserve their professional secrets and to protect their wages, the English and Scottish lodges had by the eighteenth century discarded their guild origins and become an international phenomenon that gave men and eventually some women a place to vote, speak, discuss and debate.Margaret Jacob argues that the hundreds of masonic lodges founded in eighteenth-century Europe were among the most important enclaves in which modern civil society was formed.In France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Britain men and women freemasons sought to create a moral and social order based upon reason and virtue, and dedicated to the principles of liberty and equality.A forum where philosophers met with men of commerce, government, and the professions, the masonic lodge created new forms of self-government in microcosm, complete with constitutions and laws, elections, and representatives. This is the first comprehensive history of Enlightenment freemasonry, from the roots of the society's political philosophy and evolution in seventeenth-century England and Scotland to the French Revolution. Based on never-before-used archival sources, it will appeal to anyone interested in the birth of modernity in Europe or in the cultural milieu of the European Enlightenment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An Important Scholarly Contribution to Freemasonry
This work is intellectually accessible to the educated, general reader who is willing to spend the time to read her notes and follow her arguments. She directs her scholarly attention to the charges against, or boasts of, some Freemasons, that the Craft was responsible for the French and American Revolutions. She answers both sides of the controversy with a qualified "yes", hastening to show that it was the already long-standing practice (in every sense) of self-government in masonic lodges that provided a blueprint for the rise of our respective constitutional governments, based on utopian ideas about the perfectability of man and society (at least as goals to strive toward). Any educated Freemason could have told Prof. Jacob that, but it is wonderful to have such distinguished academic testimony of this fact. On the other hand, a careful scrutiny of Benjamin Franklin's travels and contacts (even in Catholic Spain!) that led to foreign support of the Revolution might push her argument more in support of the commonly held belief.

I Disagree with the Prior Review
Ms. Jacob has done a wonderful job showing how the essentially non-mystic, scientific and artistic Enlightenment was "translated" into a political movement by the 18th century Masons. It is extremely well done.

The Mason's historic opposition to the Catholic Church - and to other authoritarian and non-democratic institutions of all kinds (including "Holy" Russia, as the prior reviewer chooses to call it) - political as well as religious, is well established historic fact and, as such, was critical to the development of modern western governments' tenants of religious toleration. THAT is history and THAT is Ms. Jacob's theme. Whether you approve of the Mason's or not, she clearly presents their critical role in history.

After reading and completely enjoying the book's scholarship and perspective, I wanted to let other readers know that, in my opinion, the prior review is simply a strong pro-Catholic and anti-Masonic view of history, and is not a review of the book, which is excellent.

Exalting the Evil
"Living The Enlightenment" is not an appropriate title for this absurd manuscript.Certainly, we cannot experience this period of European history by perusing this horribly written book.A better title would be, "Exalting the Evil".For that is, indeed, what Margaret C. Jacob does between the covers of this work.

The book stands as, more than anything else, a panegyric to the hideous legacy of freemasonic "Enlightenment" thought and political action that led to the bloody French Revolution, was ostensibly founded on the philosophy of the regicidal 17th Century English Revolution, and carried through to the even more horrible 20th Century Bolshevik Revolution.In the Bolshevik Revolution, its leaders, Trotsky and Lenin, both harkened back to their intellectual predecessors, the Jacobins who, were, of course, children of this "Enlightenment".

What did this movement, upon which Ms. Jacob casts such lavish encomiums in this ridiculous book, represent?The Masonic lodges of 18th century Europe, as recorded by Jacob and others were places of radical politics, anti-clericalism, elitism, and unspeakable sexual perversion.This is the essence of the evil that Ms. Jacob seeks to exalt.

As to style, the writing is terrible.We are reminded in suffering through Ms. Jacob's poor excuse for prose of Denis Fahey's description of another author curiously also surnamed Jacob, whom Fahey characterized, quite accurately, as employing a "studied vagueness of expression".For illustrative purposes, we will cite a couple of examples:

On page 113 of her text, occurs the following memorable sentence,

"The message in the preface is clear enough, if somewhat disguised."

In a similar vein, on page 198, Ms. Jacob regales us with the following:

"However much the Enlightenment's endorsement of human equality was tied inexorably to literate and polite culture and deeply distrustful of "the people", it was palpably different from the rationale that justified separate and privileged estates."

Perhaps there is an esoteric meaning to such gibberish.But on the face of it, it is, like the bulk of the corpus of this text, complete and utter nonsense.

Finishing this book was a release from darkness.We have read this book, so that others will not be so encumbered.To any university professors who may be considering using this book as an adjunct to their coursework, we would urge them to consider other alternatives.This is the type of writing that drives many sincere and motivated history undergraduates into other disciplines.
... Read more

Product Description
THIS 9 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Freemasonry and the Ancient Gods, by J. S. M. Ward. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1564591336. ... Read more

Product Description
For more than a century, Freemasons have held fast to the belief that Masons did not murder William Morgan; rather they deported him to Canada. In "Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry", author, journalist and Freemason Stephen Dafoe disassembles that myth while reassembling the trail of evidence that remains to uncover the facts behind this 183-year-old Masonic cold case. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The Morgan Affair
Dafoe has certainly tried to get to the bottom of this now very old cold-case file that continually still surfaces from time to time and presented one or two new ideas on the topic, which is alot better than others have tried to portray it.

Definitive work on the subject -- and a real page-turner to boot!
Brilliant! Stephen Dafoe presents a level-headed, thorough analysis of the evidence and legends surrounding one of the most controversial chapters in Masonic history. Dafoe, author of several definitive books on the Knights Templar (both medieval and Masonic) again shows his usual attention to detail and talent for sifting through the layers of stories to find the grains of truth. I expected the book to be interesting, but was pleasantly surprised by how EXCITING a read it is turned out to be. Using a narrative structure -- with "dialogue" pulled right out of existing documents -- Dafoe crafts a real page-turner of a suspense story. It's written in short chapters, so I kept telling myself, "Just one more before bedtime, just one one more before bedtime..." Before I knew it, I had finished all 400+ pages. While the book is a quick read, it is by no means a superficial experience. The huge number of primary documents sourced, scholarly footnotes, etc., reveal Dafoe's book to be the culmination of many year's work. Highly recommended for Masonic scholars and history buffs alike.

Hard, honest look at the Morgan affair
Stephen Dafoe produces an honest and engaging look at the disappearance of William Morgan, an event that haunted Freemasons for years to come and perhaps continues to do so today. His excellent narrative style offers a readable and intriguing mystery. The book is, however, not a work of fiction. It is backed profusely with factual documentation given in the book, yet in a fashion so as not to disrupt the enjoyment of the story. Dafoe's suppositions are rare and only created with solid documentation. His conclusions on what possibly occurred to Morgan are well-reasoned in light of the facts and face up to possibilities some may find uncomfortable. Truth is more important than comfort for Stephen, which makes this a very readable and enjoyable examination of the available facts. A great treatment of this controversial subject!

You are there
After years of careful study, Stephen Dafoe's recently released, "Morgan: the Scandal That Shook Freemasonry" offers one of the most provocative retellings available of an incident that changed the North American political landscape.

"This book is the story of William Morgan, his associates and the book they proposed to publish," Dafoe explains in his Introduction to "Morgan". "It is the story of how a handful of young, impetuous members of the Masonic fraternity took matters into their own hands to prevent its publication and how their plans took a deadly fork in the road, nearly exterminating the very organization they sought to protect."

For anyone who doesn't know already, what became known as "the William Morgan affair" was the September 1826 disappearance of Morgan because he'd authored a detailed expose of Freemasonry. All agree he was abducted by Freemasons and was never heard from again. This spawned nationwide outrage, a backlash against the Craft and a political movement, all of which are still studied today.

It's a story Dafoe told in the 2007 Heredom, Volume 15 of the Scottish Rite Research Society's annual transactions. There, Dafoe gave us "Batavia to Baltimore & Beyond: A Re-examination of the William Morgan Story and It's Effect on Freemasonry."

Prior to that, Dafoe wrote a four-part series on the Morgan affair for quarterly Masonic Magazine, fall 2005 thru summer 2006, "using as many primary sources as I couls lay my hands on."

Those primary sources are key. Contemporary and afterward documentation on the Morgan affair is HUGE in quantity and impressive in its conflicts. It takes a serious scholar to plow thru it all and come up with a well studied, readable tome.

Which is part of what makes "Morgan" quite unique among the histories written of the period. Dafoe clearly did his homework but he didn't just dump his notebook into the pages of this book. In "Morgan", the reader gets more than names, dates and locals. In "Morgan", the reader gets to be "there".

To do this, Dafoe skillfully wields the narrative form. This mode of writing, attempted by only a few historians and poorly handled by most who do try, offers the sort of continuity more common histories cannot approach. The reader receives the story as it happens, complete with thoughts and dialogue - culled from contemporary documents - and, for a time, can suspend whatever prior knowledge they may have had.

In this way, even the most knowledgeable student of the antiMasonic period gets to be something many long to be: a fly on the wall.

The reader is there:

-to share the grief between Morgan and his wife, Lucinda, at the lost of their child and the comfort he derives among his Brethren during his salad days in Freemasonry.

-recognize and empathize with those same Brethren who rejected him and yet still sympathize with Morgan for his anguish, which leads to his fatal decision to expose the Secrets of the fraternity.

-in lodge when the state's governor's letter is read out, calling upon the Brethren to "suppress the secrets of Masonry at the expense of blood and treasure"; and promising "if you are detected, you shall be protected. If you are convicted, you shall be pardoned, for I have the pardoning power."

-reading the appeal for moderation in Henry Brown's letter to the editor in Republican Advocate and watching, helplessly, as it is ignored.

-observing Morgan's initial arrest for stealing clothing he'd actually borrowed, cleared of that and then immediately arrested again on a debt of less than $3

-gazing out the second-floor window with Susan Green as the "armed mob of Masons" march up the street to the office of Morgan's publisher, David Miller, and abducts him in broad daylight.

- is with Miller's equally passionate mob of friends who rescue him from the Masons and, thus, unsilences his pen to shout murder to all the world.

-blinded with Morgan, his eyes too-tightly bound with his own handkerchief, as he's rowed in a boat across the Niagara to Canada; and hears his appeal to his Brothers turned captors: "Gentleman, I am your prisoner, use me with magnanimity"; only to feel a pistol in his chest and a promise "You say one more word, Morgan, and I'll shoot you."

-huddles with Morgan the last hours locked in an unlit, windowless cell in the powder magazine of a fort on the US side of the border with Canada. And then . . .

How does Dafoe handle the conflicting stories of Morgan's death or exile? That much I will not give away.

I will say Dafoe's "Morgan" leaves the reader with a gut wrenching helplessness that the majority of those who lived thru it must have felt at the time. Being there means the reader observes, but cannot change, the events as they unfold. And so watches as the Craft in the United States, by the rash and passionate actions of the Masons who claim to be saving Her, is almost snuffed out in the US.

What is more, Dafoe drives home a powerful lesson here, that there are no real villains or "good guys" in this story. Other historians too often portray the tragedy of Morgan's disappearance and the period that follows as a saga with heroes and villains. Dafoe's "Morgan" tells it as it is and was. There is no one good here who is completely good; and no one bad who is completely bad.

The message is clear: sometimes good people, with all the best of intentions, do the worst of things. For which all are made to suffer. ... Read more

Product Description
With their origins and rituals shrouded in mystery, many people believe Freemasons are an all-powerful secret sect, covertly manipulating the world. Others simply think Freemasons are a benevolent fraternal society with a penchant for wearing funny hats and indulging in odd initiation ceremonies. Freemasonry: A History examines this fascinating organization throughout history, shedding new light on old myths like their relation to the Knights Templar and their involvement in the American Revolution. Filled with illustrations, photographs and insightful details, this comprehensive book digs deep into this mysterious international brotherhood that includes Sir Isaac Newton, Winston Churchill, George Washington, Buzz Aldrin and Count Basie as members. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Free Masonry A History
A great pleasure to receive this book a neighbour and fellow Mason bought this book secondhand and paid over $90 for his copy. Your service was excellent and I feel that the book was well worth it Thank you for your excellent service

History Lesson
An illuminating look at Freemasonry from it's inception through modern times.De-bunks the myths and legends that have painted this group as an "evil empire" surreptitiously pulling the world's strings, but also lets us know that they are not "your lovable grandpa wearing a funny hat". I found the book to be very informative historically and was amazed to learn how many of our founding fathers were associated with or influenced by this group as well as their impact on our countries wars i.e., The American Revolution, Civil War, etc.Not only is this book an informative look at Freemasonry, it is contains a valuable look at U.S. history.

An illuminating, objective, and beautiful work of scholarship.
`Freemasonry: A History' covers the development
of Freemasonry from the rituals and mythology of the
stonemasons of the medieval period, through the
creation of the Masonic Ritual of three degrees, the
formation of grand Lodges, and the early Masonic
personalities, to the explosion of mystical Masonic
rituals and societies that appeared on the European
continent during the eighteenth century. Carefully guiding
the reader through Freemasonry's history, and with
over 150 photographs of Masonic
artifacts, many of them rarely seen, this book gives both the general reader and the specialist access to a world that has remained enshrouded in myth and misunderstanding.

Author Angel Millar also explores many
fascinating and rarely discussed subjects, such as
the self-proclaimed `Masonic' society of the Strict
Observance (claiming to descend from the Knights
Templar), as well the Golden Rosicrucians (a now
extinct society once exclusive to Freemasons), both of
which held sway on the European continent in the
eighteenth century. There are two chapters dedicated
to the `higher degrees', one focusing on those obscure
Masonic societies already mentioned, and the other on
the adoption of rituals such as the Rose Croix
degree into the still existent York and Scottish Rites. In the last chapter Millar discusses other mystical societies related in one way or another to Freemasonry, ranging from the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and the Theosophical Society to the
Shriners.

`Freemasonry: A History' carefully studies the
development of the most important Masonic rituals
(e.g., the three degrees up to Master Mason, the Royal
Arch, etc.). Millar quotes not only from old
manuscripts, seventeenth and eighteenth century
newspaper reports, the diary of the first English
Freemason, Elias Ashmole, and statements of the United
Grand Lodge of England, but also from the Masonic
Ritual itself, specially as he discusses the
philosophy and symbolism of the society. Notable also,
Millar discusses the theories of Masonic historians
regarding, for example, the possibility of influences from Cabala, English mystic Robert Fludd, the Knights Templar, alchemy, etc., one the one hand, and geometry, astronomy, and Isaac Newton on the other.

There is also a section dedicated to the
growth of Freemasonry in America, and its influence on
such notable figures as Benjamin Franklin and George Washington.

The chapters (with a brief description of each)
are:

Introduction:

An overview of Masonic history. Millar also explains
some of the vocabulary peculiar to Freemasonry, such
as `token,' which originally meant `symbol'.

1. The Legend of The Craft:
This section looks at the mythology of the medieval
builders and how and why it was adoptedby
Freemasonry, quoting from manuscripts dating from the
late 14th century.Also discussed is the use of
rituals by trade guilds such as the French Companions,
often regarded as related to Freemasonry.

2: An Exchange of Secrets:
A discussion of the intellectual background to
Freemasonry - the publication in England of Euclid's `Elements'
with its preface by astrologer, John Dee; the first
appearance of the (later Masonic symbol of) the Square
and Compasses, etc.

3: Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism:
A discussion of the original Rosicrucian group in
Germany and its possible link with, or influence on, the
nascent Freemasonry. There are numerous quotes from
seventeenth century reports of the supposed connection
of the two societies.

4: The Three Degrees:
The founding of the first Grand Lodge and the
official establishment of Freemasonry. A discussion of
the symbolism of the first three degrees of
Freemasonry.

5: Drafting the Foundation:
A discussion of the symbolism of Solomon's Temple in both Freemasonry and in the work of scientists who may
have influenced Freemasonry, such as Newton and
Bacon. An exploration of the symbolism of geometry in
Masonry, especially regarding the early practice of
drawing a plan of the Lodge on the floor.

6: The Royal Art:
An exploration of the Royal Arch degree, as well as
the possible influences of the English mystic, Robert
Fludd and the German astronomer, Johannes Kepler. A
discussion of the Masonic symbol of the beehive and
esoteric Masonry.

7: The Golden Fleecing:
An examination of mystical Masonic societies in
eighteenth century Europe, such as the Golden
Rosicrucians, Memphis and Mizraim, etc. Particular
attention is paid to the Masonic symbol of the Golden
Fleece.

8: The Higher Degrees Established:
An explanation of why Freemasonry today has many
various rituals, degrees, and `Rites'. An examination
of the history and symbolism of the most important of
the higher degrees, such as the Rose Croix and the
Knights Templar Degree.

9: Pledging Allegiance:
Freemasonry in America. Its influence on Franklin and Washington, the Civil War, etc.

10: Last Rites:
The creation of mystical societies by Freemasons, such
as the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia, and the
Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The relationship of
theearly Theosophical Society to Freemasonry. Other
societies discussed are the Shriners and the Grotto.
In particular this section explores the various,
though almost unknown, myths of the Shriners' origins
in the Far East, and the possibility that the society
was originally intended as a highly mystical fraternity.

Appendix: Women and Freemasonry:
An exploration of women Freemasons, as well as the
Order of the Eastern Star.

Glossary of Terms.

Notes.

Bibliography.

Index.

Outstanding
Thoroughly researched, well written, an abundance of high quality images.This volume is a "must-have" for anyone interested in Masonic history and culture.Well done! ... Read more

Product Description
The Freemasons have changed the history of the world.Their belief in liberty and equality for all people profoundly affected both the French Revolution and the founding of the United States, as evidenced in part by the symbols on our currency.In The Arcana of Freemasonry, first published in 1915, symbol expert and renowned author Albert Churchward traces and reveals the history of this very secret order.Churchward weaves a tale of Masonry's origins in ancient Egypt and its continuance through history--all told via Masonic symbols and symbolism.

From Egyptian history and Mayan belief work through Greek mathematicians, philosophers, and metaphysicians, Churchward traces the development of the most basic symbols of Freemasonry.He also reveals the hidden symbolism found in signs and tools of modern Freemasonry and helps readers find hidden meanings in all areas of life--from art and architecture to geometry and poetry.With current novels and movies leaning heavily on Masonic mysteries as plot devices, readers will be especially interested in the more arcane symbols and the stories they tell. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

"The Cloudy Mists of Antiquity" may no longer remain...
Albert Churchward deciphers and reads the ancient writings on the walls of ruined temples and in the cities in Africa, Asia, and North, Central, and South America and had discovered (not alone) how to decipher and read ancient papyri. He continually gives us the keys to unlock the mysteries of the past and reveals the origins of the Signs, Symbols and Rituals of FreeMasonry. A well written history, I found this book to be a very good read...enlightening...

Masonry in Ancient Egypt!
I have not read this book yet, but I read Signs and Symbols of Primordial Man. This is a very important book in revealing the ancient origins of the Masonic Order in Africa/Egypt. I also suggest African Origins of Freemasonry by Zachary P. Gremillion which is an illuminating book for Black and White Freemasons.

Masonic History from an EnglishViewpoint
R. A. Gilbert's introduction to this book is quite interesting, and well worth reading by itself. The present book reflects the viewpoint of a man who was interested in the 'lost continents' of Atlantis and Lemuria.
It was said that pursuing an original printing of this book was what brought forth Mark Twain's famous comment concerning the rapid aging of the Masonic Fraternity, 'From both directions.'
That being said, for someone interested in the history of Freemasonry, this book is a worthwhile addition to their library.It is particualrly beneficial that it is now available in an inexpensive edition. The older editions are too costly to be worth purchasing. While it should not be the first Masonic history purchased, it certianly may be used to provide some interesting background material to the Masonic scholar.
... Read more

Product Description
Mustafa El-Amin, author of bestseller Al-Islam, Christianity, and Freemasonry, now examines what it is about Freemasonry that made most of the founding fathers of America feel the need to embrace it; why is it that so many people of influence (members of Congress, the Supreme Court, judges, politicians)--past and present--have joined and studied the teachings of Freemasonry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent book... Must read for Prince Hall Masons
Hotep Everyone,

This is a excellent book. I read this when I joined a prince hall freemasonry. Also I was to know that majority of Elijah Muhammad teachings is closely related to masonary and our ancient ancestors. I also suggest African Origins of Freemasonry by Zachary Gremillion, Huevolution Sacred Muur Science by Timothy Myers El, and Moorish Circle Seven by Keith Moore, Nile Valley Contributions to Civilizations by Anthony Browder, Also Dr Ben, GM jamse, C Williams Destruction of Black Civilizations.

[...]

Also Check out Dr Delbert Blair at[...]

You check these brother on youtube too....

Maat Hotep,

Kemetwarrior

Interesting information
This is a good book. I read it years ago it helped spark my interest in Fremasonry when I was studying Elijah Muhammad information.I also suggest African Origins of Freemasonry by Zachary Gremillion,Huevolution Sacred Muur Science by Timothy Myers El,and Moorish Circle Seven by Keith Moore.

The Enlightenment
This book is very powerful reading. Every African-American should read this very informative bit of information. It will cause you to ponder what has been going on for years. ... Read more

Product Description
Free from Freemasonry avoids the verbal attacks and hones in on the troubling spiritual roots, shoots and fruits of the spirit behind the freemasonry movement. Author Ron Campbell, well-known speaker and writer on the subject , reveals the relationship between freemasonry, spiritual warfare and evangelism. He gives a layman's explanation of the counterfeit spirit operating behind the scenes of freemasonry, and how friends and family members can give a biblically based, sensitive response to masons they know. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Balanced treatment
Ron Campbell presents a balanced treatment of the subject from an evangelical Christian perspective with critical thinking, careful courtesy, and forthrightness. His long discourse on Egyptian links to freemasonry are insightful to understand the spiritual realities behind the organization. He lovingly presents a case to help a friend or relative help a loved one or even a Master Mason himself find their way out of the lodge.

Informative
I thought Ron Campbell did a thorough job describing the degrees of Freemasonry and the Egyptian roots associated with this organization.

The information is a little "dry" when he is describing the different "degrees" that Masons go through, however the details were needed.

I think it is well worth your time to read.

An OK book, but unfortunately a very shallow book.
I was disappointed with this book.It seems to scratch the surface ofmany facets of Freemasonry without going into depth in any one of them. The author spent much of the book discussing Egyptian symbols and ritualswithout adequately linking them to current-day practice of Freemasonry orexplaining why they were important to an understanding ofFreemasonry.

The book is split into ten chapters.The first seven are anintroduction to Freemasonry, its history, and many of its symbols andrituals.Of these, Chapter 2 is far and away the best.It talks about whymen join the lodge.

This section is but an introduction to the last threechapters, which the author claims are written to help men get out ofFreemasonry.Of these three, the last one should have been the realpurpose for the book, helping other men to leave the lodge.Unfortunately,the author commits precious few words to this task.

All in all, I feelthe author presented a very shallow look into Freemasonry and did little toreally explain it or provide direction on how to lead men out of it. ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishings Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the worlds literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Handy Book
This is a very handy book for a MM, line officer, or Mason needing to refresh (Reminder that all States are not the same so this doesn't fit 100% but is close enough no matter where you serve!) per my husband. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

THE BOOK OF BOOKS
This is one heavy brick of a book! From page one Albert Pike leads us through the 33 degrees of The Ancient and Scottish Rite, theoretically. The rituals themselves are not described, the book functions as a sort of theory injection to the rituals. "Morals and Dogma" is the Magnum Opus of Albert Pike, written exclusively for Scottish Rite masons, but other mason will enjoy this book too, I would say that anyone with any interest in history, philosophy, ethics and esotericism will find this extremely helpful.
Albert Pike shows through this book how Freemasonry consists of several religions, not only one. He takes us through the similiarities in all religions, and tries to find the true essence in all of them. This will be helpful for christian masons who think that Freemasonry only is about Jesus and Hiram Abiff. Pike shows us that the Order has a lot of its history and symbolism from Zoroaster and the Indo Aryans, worshippers of Fire and Light.
From the ethical, simple working tools of the Blue Lodge, to the christian ethics and mysticism of the Chapter of Rosy Cross, to the Aryan and Parsee worshipping of Light, which the Templars continued from the essenees and the Zoroastrians, this books leads the reader through darkness and light, laughter and bafflement, to education and deep thought, dicipline.
A non-mason will also enjoy this book, filled with speculations and facts about the religions that affect the world so much. I recommend this book so much and whole heartedly that I am out of words now. Enjoy .:.

K ... Read more

Product Description
For as long as there have been Freemasons, there has been a calculated effort to disparage and their practices. In this insightful text, Masons de Hoyos and Morris explore the origins of the anti-Masonic mindset and delve into the falsehoods on which critics have based these perennial sentiments. Confronting opponents one at a time, the authors methodically debunk the myths that have surrounded Freemasonry since its establishment, investigating the motives and misconceptions that derive antagonists to spread deceit about Masonic traditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Let There Be *MORE* Light !
Is Freemasonry a religion? Do Freemasons worship Lucifer? Do they have "blood oaths?" Is Freemasonry a tool of capitalists or communists? Is it a haven for the "Illuminati?" What power does Freemasonry exert in the world today?

Freemasonry (also "Masonry") is the world's oldest and largest fraternity. Although it claims to be founded upon principles of ethical and moral philosophy, it has long been accused of sinister and wicked practices which it supposedly conceals from both the public and its lower-level members.

In this book my co-author and I investigate the claims and allegations of prominent anti-Masons, and discover a foundation built on deceptions, misrepresentations and tricks. By providing the reader with authentic texts and reproductions of original documents, the truth is discovered as lies are exposed.

Chapters include:

* Masonry and Anti-Masonry: A Look at the Problem
* Themes of Anti-Masonry
* Leo Taxil: The Hoax of "Luciferian Masonry"
* Rev. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon: The Secret Teachings of the Masonic Lodge
* Pastor Ron Carlson: Christian Ministries International
* Paster David S. Janssen: "A Sermon on the Rituals of Freemasonry"
* Enchanter! A Virtual Anti-Mason
* Ron Campbell and Charisma & Christian Life Magazine: "Unearthing the Mysteries of Freemasonry"
* Rev. James Dayton Shaw: The Deadly Deception
* T.N. Sampson: Defending the Deception
* Falsus in Multis, Falsus in Omnibus
* The Confession of Leo Taxil
* The Fruits of Anti-Masonry
* Please Look a Little Closer


This fourth enlarged edition contains all the material of the 2004 edition, plus an additional chapter and enlarged chapters which demonstrate the outrageous lengths to which unscrupulous persons will go to discredit the fraternity. If you've encountered troublesome claims about Freemasonry, you owe it to yourself to learn the truth. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's preservation reformatting program. The Library seeks to preserve the intellectual content of items in a manner that facilitates and promotes a variety of uses. The digital reformatting process results in an electronic version of the text that can both be accessed online and used to create new print copies. This book and thousands of others can be found in the digital collections of the University of Michigan Library. The University Library also understands and values the utility of print, and makes reprints available through its Scholarly Publishing Office. ... Read more

Product Description
1884. This book contains instructions in all the Degrees from the third to the thirty-third, and last Degree of the Rite, together with ceremonies of inauguration, institution, installation, grand visitations, reflections, lodges of sorrow, adoption, constitutions, general regulations, calendar, etc. Fully illustrated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent!
I was very pleased with the overall content in this book.. I was looking for a book that came close in comparison to, the Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide (2nd Edition) by Arturo de Hoyos.. this book by Charles T McClenachan does just that.. I did recommend to all of my classmates.. Thanks again.. Leroy D ... Read more

Product Description
An investigation of the records of the organizations of the fraternity in England, Scotland, Ireland, British Colonies, France, Germany, and the United States.Derived from official sources.Grandly illustrated.Contents of this volume: Ancient mysteries - the Essenes - Roman Collegia - the Culdees; Old charges of British Freemasons; Stonemasons (Steinmetzen) of Germany; Craft guilds (Corps d'Etat) of France; Companionage, or Les Compagnons du Tour de France; Mediaeval operative Masonry; Statutes relating to the Freemasons; Early British Freemasonry (Scotland); Masons' marks; Quatuor Coronati (Four Crowned or Four Holy Martyrs); Apocryphal manuscripts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

If you're a freemason, this book is for you...
For a factual history of freemasonry, written by a true historian and freemason, this book is probably the most complete and factual. And it was written more than one hundred years ago.

While author Robert Gould, a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, relies on proven historical method in trying to determine the origins of Free and Accepted masonry (unlike almost every other author of masonic history), he does examine all of the most common theories.

Beware, however, that this book was written in the day when writing was an educated art, and have your Complete Oxford English Dictionary close at hand. ... Read more

Product Description
Handy guide for Masons everywhere.This complete reference gives a concise history of Freemasonry plus its rules, regulations, ceremonies, rituals, duties, etc. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

More education and knowledge for Freemasons!
This book is an excellent tool to help in your lodge work.Of course take some of it with a grain of salt just because we all know that there are some lodges with some masons who may do things a tad different, though not off center by any means.

This book differs from other instruction because it not only has the "how" but explains in detail the "why" behind it.I found it very useful for my library of masonic reading and turn to it often if I have a question on something.

The overall use of it is necessary if becoming a mason, or already one, for the fact it has definitions and terms that will help you no matter what lodge or branch of the fraternity you may be affiliated with.

Fraternally yours.. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
This book has a controversial backstory which is part of the mythology of anti-Freemasonry. 'Captain' William Morgan, the author, was a disappointed Freemason in Batavia, New York. Rejected by the local lodge, he announced that he was going to publish a work exposing Masonic rituals and secrets. Shortly before publication in 1826, he disappeared, and three Masons were later convicted of kidnapping him. Although claims were made that Morgan had been murdered, some say that he was forced to leave the US. Either way, it was good publicity for this book, which was published in 1827, but bad for the Masons. The incident led to widespread protests against Freemasons in the US, and eventually an anti-Masonic Party, which at its height in 1832 got seven electoral votes for William Wirt for President.

So why read this book? Stripped of the fevered historical background, and ignoring the publisher's antimasonic introduction, this becomes simply one of the first published accounts of US Freemasonry in the early 19th century. It seems accurate, based on other published Monitors, such as Ducan's. At this perspective, Illustrations is no more offensive than Robert's Rules of Order, although it makes more interesting reading. --J.B. Hare ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

No Illistrations
As a Mason of 36 years and always reading I thought I would add this to my collection.On receiving it I was dissapointed to see that all the pictorial illistrations were not included in the book, only the text!The net version does have the pictures/illistrations and would be better included in the text!
... Read more

Product Description
This is the Mason's response to the misinformation about their brotherhood that exists today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A Christian and a Mason II
This is a well though out and very well documented book. Mr. de Hoyos and Mr. Morris have done an outstanding job in putting together information that takes the myths, lies and misinformation over the last few hundred years and clears the air.

For too many years the writers of anti-Masonry "propagada" have written about their lack of understanding or ignorance of what Freemasonry is all about. They try to present Freemasonry as a dark and evil secret. Again,I say, Hooey! Read this book.

There are too many people in the world today who have a lack of understanding about Freemasonry. The reason, the negative about a subject is always the easiest to find. Trying to find the positive is a bit more difficult as one has to weed out all the other stuff.

Too many writers are writing about Freemasonry for the purpose of profit and personal gain and in which they themselves have NO experience in the matter which they are writing. They refer to and rely on someone else's information on the subject only to find out that writer has no "first hand" experience either, just what they read from someone else. This has become a danger in our society.

Mr. de Hoyos and Mr. Morris both have many years of first hand knowledge and experience in Freemasonry and have done an excellent job in de-bunking all the misinformation about Freemasonry. Their sources are well documented and listed for your own inspection.

I am an Evangelical Christian Pastor and excited to be a Christian first and a Mason second. Being a Mason has helped me be better at both.

I have enjoyed reading "Is It True What They Say About Freamasonry" a second time and will continue to endorse it and recommend it to anyone who has 'serious' questions about Freemasonry.

Is It True What They Say About Freemasonry?
Very good book. Well planned and carefully written. It answers a lot of false tales told by people who are afraid of Masonry because they don't know anything about Masonry. Gives good references to prove their point.
Lyn Emfinger, Montevallo, Alabama

Excellent Defense of the Craft
I read this book about a year ago and i have been meaning to re-read it. It is an excellent and well-documented book defending Freemasonry. Anyone looking to better their understanding of Freemasonry (in a balanced way) should read this book.

Tarikh Bandele

A Well-reasoned Reply To Those Who Calumniate Freemasonry
Throughout history there have been those who calumniate the Craft of Freemasonry.Some of the claims made by anti-Masons are simply misguided, but more often the claims against Freemasonry are made by those who have a personal and often mercenary motive in spreading these falsehoods.

In "Is It True What They Say About Freemasonry?" Arturo de Hoyos, 33� and S. Brent Morris, Ph.D., 33� look at many of the charges leveled against Freemasonry and offer thoughtful, detailed and referenced responses to these accusations.

We learn of Leo Taxil's "Luciferian Masonry" hoax; and although the hoax has been completely disproved, even to the point of Taxil admitting his deception, there are still anti-Masons writers who fall for the hoax and write as if it were true.

We read the anti-Masonic claims of Pastor Ron Carlson of the `Christian Ministries International'.Carlson's misquotes of Albert Pike are exposed by showing what Pike really wrote.When the actual words of Albert Pike are read in the light of Carlson's anti-Masonic claims, Carlson appears almost nonsensical.

The anti-Masonic claims of former Freemason, the Rev. James Shaw, author of the book "The Deadly Deception" are disproved beginning with Shaw's claims on the cover of his book that he was a 33-degree Mason, the Past Master of a Blue Lodge, and the Past Master of all Scottish Rite ~ none of which are true!

In "Is It True What They Say About Freemasonry" we read a number of letters exchanged between anti-Mason T.N. Sampson and the book's co-author S. Brent Morris.In these letters Morris replies to questions posed by Sampson and disproves many of Sampson's anti-Masonic claims.

We also read responses to the claims made by Pastor David S. Janssen in "A Sermon on the Rituals of Freemasonry", Ron Campbell and `Charisma Magazine' and someone calling himself "Enchanter" who posted numerous anti-Masonic rants to the Internet.

This book will perhaps not change the mind of the ardent anti-Mason, nor will it be of much value to one who has only a passing interest in Freemasonry.But, for the Mason and for the man of reason who wonders if it's true what some have said about Freemasonry, this book is a "Must Read".A thoughtful reading will add to your knowledge, it will serve as a basis for further research should you choose to do it, and more importantly it will add to your estate of wisdom when it comes to understanding the teachings and meanings of Freemasonry!

Freemasons On Trial.
Only recently while riding public transit, I heard two bus drivers discussing the 'fact' that Masons are devil worshipers.
This was my first encounter with that type of prejudiceand innocently spoke up to say "it is a secret society but in no way do they worship the devil."I talked about seeing them in the movie, 'National Treasure' (the treasure was found under a large New York church -- way in the dungeons -- which I found strange, and a graveyard did figure into the puzzle).

The freemasons organization was formed in London in 1717.In America, it has had a rocky past because of miscreants who some way managed to infiltrate and give them a bad name.A member of my extended family was a Mason.He was not an ethical person, and a confirmed alcoholic, and I always wondered how he had pulled that coup to get into a prestigious group.But, you can't blame a whole society which incoporates foreign countries on one individual.I said to the drivers, "Many important people and United States Presidents have been known as Masons."

Little did I know about all the controversy as expressed in this book from many sources and Baptists who have spread the rumor in print and on the Internet.It's sad when superstition and immoral people bring about such potentially slanderous assertions.The Southern Baptists will believe anything; they even use their preachers to tell from the pulpit who the congregation should vote for in national elections.That is the opposite of 'separation of church and state.'I said, "No one tells me how to vote."

The Masons universal message is of brotherhood, relief, and truth.It does not include religious beliefs.The person I know who was iniated into that group was Methodist.Reputations are tarnished by some unruly church activities and false rumors.Until you know for sure you are hearing the truth and nothing but the truth, "consider the source."

The Masonic Information Center is in Silver Springs, Maryland.This book was written by two former Master Masons.Art deHoyos, a technical writer of the Latter Day Saints persuation, attended Brigham Young University.S. Brent Morris, a math teacher, attended Duke University and Johns Hopkins University.They have included a concise indexof research materials used in the second volume.DeHoyos has written THE CLOUD OF PREJUDICE and Morris, MASONIC PHILANTHROPIES; both have contributed articles to the cause. ... Read more