intended to illustrate the doctrine of the immortality of the soul, he is
content with that interpretation, and he does not deem it necessary,
except as a matter of curious or antiquarian inquiry, to investigate its
historical accuracy, or to reconcile any of its apparent contradictions.
So of the lost keystone; so of the second temple; so of the hidden ark:
these are to him legendary narratives, which, like the casket, would be of
no value were it not for the precious jewel contained within. Each of
these legends is the expression of a philosophical idea.

But there is another method of masonic instruction, and that is by
symbols. No science is more ancient than that of symbolism. At one time,
nearly all the learning of the world was conveyed in symbols. And although
modern philosophy now deals only in abstract propositions, Freemasonry
still cleaves to the ancient method, and has preserved it in its
primitive importance as a means of communicating knowledge.

According to the derivation of the word from the Greek, "to symbolize"
signifies "to compare one thing with another." Hence a symbol is the
expression of an idea that has been derived from the comparison or
contrast of some object with a moral conception or attribute. Thus we say
that the plumb is a symbol of rectitude of conduct. The physical qualities
of the plumb are here compared or contrasted with the moral conception of
virtue, or rectitude. Then to the Speculative Mason it becomes, after he
has been taught its symbolic meaning, the visible expression of the idea
of moral uprightness.

But although there are these two modes of instruction in Freemasonry,--by
legends and by symbols,--there really is no radical difference between the
two methods. The symbol is a visible, and the legend an audible
representation of some contrasted idea--of some moral conception produced
from a comparison. Both the legend and the symbol relate to dogmas of a
deep religious character; both of them convey moral sentiments in the same
peculiar method, and both of them are designed by this method to
illustrate the philosophy of Speculative Masonry.

To investigate the recondite meaning of these legends and symbols, and to
elicit from them the moral and philosophical lessons which they were
intended to teach, is to withdraw the veil with which ignorance and
indifference seek to conceal the true philosophy of Freemasonry.

To study the symbolism of Masonry is the only way to investigate its
philosophy. This is the portal of its temple, through which alone we can
gain access to the sacellum where its aporrheta are concealed.

Its philosophy is engaged in the consideration of propositions relating to
God and man, to the present and the future life. Its science is the
symbolism by which these propositions are presented to the mind.

The work now offered to the public is an effort to develop and explain
this philosophy and science. It will show that there are in Freemasonry
the germs of profound speculation. If it does not interest the learned, it
may instruct the ignorant. If so, I shall not regret the labor and
research that have been bestowed upon its composition.

ALBERT G. MACKEY, M.D.

CHARLESTON, S.C., Feb. 22, 1869.




Contents.



     I. Preliminary.
    II. The Noachidae.
   III. The Primitive Freemasonry of Antiquity.
    IV. The Spurious Freemasonry of Antiquity.
     V. The Ancient Mysteries.
    VI. The Dionysiac Artificers.
   VII. The Union of Speculative and Operative Masonry at the Temple of
        Solomon.
  VIII. The Travelling Freemasons of the Middle Ages.
    IX. Disseverance of the Operative Element.
     X. The System of Symbolic Instruction.
    XI. The Speculative Science and the Operative Art.
   XII. The Symbolism of Solomon's Temple.
  XIII. The Form of the Lodge.
   XIV. The Officers of a Lodge.
    XV. The Point within a Circle.
   XVI. The Covering of the Lodge.
  XVII. Ritualistic Symbolism.
 XVIII. The Rite of Discalceation.
   XIX. The Rite of Investiture.
    XX. The Symbolism of the Gloves.
   XXI. The Rite of Circumambulation.
  XXII. The Rite of Intrusting, and the Symbolism of Light.
 XXIII. Symbolism of the Corner-stone.
  XXIV. The Ineffable Name.
   XXV. The Legends of Freemasonry.
  XXVI. The Legend of the Winding Stairs.
 XXVII. The Legend of the Third Degree.
XXVIII. The Sprig of Acacia.
  XXIX. The Symbolism of Labor.
   XXX. The Stone of Foundation.
  XXXI. The Lost Word.

Synoptical Index.