The Mysteries of Free Masonry Containing All the Degrees of the Order Conferred in a Master's Lodge

by William Morgan

Revised and Corrected to Correspond with the Most Approved Forms and Ceremonies in the Various Lodges of Free-Masons Throughout the United States. By GEORGE R. CRAFTS

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, Philosophy

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

William Morgan (1774 – c. 1826) was a resident of Batavia, New York, whose disappearance and presumed murder in 1826 ignited a powerful movement against the Freemasons, a fraternal society that had become influential in the United States. After Morgan announced his intention to publish a book exposing Freemasonry's secrets, he was arrested on trumped-up charges. He disappeared soon after, and was believed to have been kidnapped and killed by Masons from western New York.

The allegations surrounding Morgan's disappearance and presumed death sparked a public outcry and inspired Thurlow Weed and others to harness the discontent by founding the new Anti-Masonic Party in opposition to President Andrew Jackson's Democrats. It ran a presidential candidate in 1832 but was nearly defunct by 1835.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I am not a Mason, I can't speak to the truth of this book. What I can say is that this book appears to be a comprehensive study guide to the levels and tests of Masonry. It is a very interesting read if you are interested in the history of the Masons. There isn't much more that I can say. I enjoyed the book very much.

[Doreen Petersen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Huge mistake reading this book. Not worth anyone's time.

[D Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting and solves quite a few misconceptions.

[Shannon Daniel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not even sure now what possessed me to read this.

[Nigel]

I never really finished this book. But this video showed in an algorithm after I said I finished the book.
https://youtu.be/3SPaDhw4PIQ

[Kristin]

DNF at 23 pages. It would be more useful to read a book about the masons rather than this, which seems to be their procedures.

[Jeff Stockett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel bad marking this book so low. I read it because i have been interested in freemasonry for a long time. Many of the founding fathers of our nation were free masons. In addition, many of the founders of my particular faith were free masons as well. I was interested in finding out more about the degrees and order conferred in a masonic lodge.

This book contained lots of information. But the reason I marked it so low was that it was a horrible presentation. There was little to no background information given with each degree. There are also lots of symbolic ceremonies, but some of them seemed like they were literal. There was no explanation or distinction to help the reader understand when things were literal and when they were symbolic.

So, while there is plenty of information for those seeking this particular knowledge, I really can't recommend this book. I would seek out a different source for the information. (Which is something I still may do, to help me better understand what I read since I skimmed a lot to try and wade through the presentation.)

All that being said, I did learn some interesting things.

The motto of the order: "Magna est veritas et prevalebit." [Great is truth, and will prevail.]

The three great lights of masonry: "The Holy Bible, Square and Compass. Q. How are they explained? A. The Holy Bible is given to us as a guide for our faith and practice; the Square, to square our actions; and the Compass to keep us in due bounds with all mankind, but more especially with the brethren. "

Masonic distress call: "O Lord, my God, is there no help for the widow's son?"

Covenant given concerning the distress call: "and should I ever see that sign given, or the word accompanying it, and the person who gave it appearing to be in distress, I will fly to his relief at the risk of my life, should there be a greater probability of saving his life than of losing my own. "

[John Doe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reveals the truth about free masons and gives you information on how to find them.
:)

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating exposé (hopefully accurate) of Masons. I was interested in the subject be cause my great grandfather was a 32nd degree Mason.

[Austin Archibald · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few interesting gems relevant to Temple worship, but this is an otherwise boring book.

[Juliettereiss · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mind-numbingly dull. A lot of ceremony and symbolism. One can derive much of what is important to the doctrine and practice of Free Masons but it’s not an enjoyable read.