The Web of Hiram

The Meaning of Masonry

W. L. Wilmshurst

Frontspiece

INTRODUCTION - The Possibilities of the Masonic Order

CHAPTER I - The Deeper Symbolism of Masonry

CHAPTER II - Masonry as a Philsophy

CHAPTER III - Further Notes on Craft Symbolism

CHAPTER IV - The Holy Royal Arch

CHAPTER V - The Relation of Masonry to the Ancient Mysteries

THE MEANING OF MASONRY

By W. L. WILMSHURST

P.M. 275; PAST PROVINCIAL GRAND REGISTRAR (WEST YORKS.)

1922

LONDON

WILLIAM RIDER & SON, 8, PATERNOSTER ROW & 

PERCY LUND, HUMPHRIES & CO., 3, AMEN CORNER

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION - The Position and Possibilities of the Masonic Order.

CHAPTER I. The Deeper Symbolism of Masonry.

CHAPTER II. Masonry as a Philosophy.

CHAPTER III. Further Notes on Craft Symbolism.

CHAPTER IV. The Holy Royal Arch

CHAPTER V. The Relation of Masonry to the Ancient Mysteries

“We must, then, demonstrate that ours is a Hierarchy of inspired, divine and deifying science, of efficacy and of consecration for those initiated with the initiation of the revelation derived from the hierarchical mysteries.

Head of this Hierarchy is the Fountain of Life, the Essence of Goodness, the one Triad, Cause of things that be, assimilation to and union with Whom, as far as attainable, is deification.

And this is the common goal of every Hierarchy, - persistent devotion towards God and divine things divinely and uniformly ministered ; prior to which there must be a complete and unswerving removal of things contrary; a knowledge of things as they are in themselves; the vision and science of sacred truth; the inspired communication of the uniform perfection of the One Itself, as far as attainable; the banquet of contemplation, nourishing intelligibly and deifying every man elevated towards it."

DIONYSIUS AREOPAGITICUS,

De Eccles. Hierarch., I, t-3.

First Edition printed May 1922

PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN
at
THE COUNTRY PRESS, BRADFORD

by Percy Lund, Humphries & Co. Ltd.