Albert G. MacKey

A legend differs from an historical narrative only in this-that it is without documentary evidence of authenticity. It is the offspring solely of tradition. Its details may be true in part or in whole. There may be no internal evidence to the contrary, or there may be internal evidence that they are altogether false. But neither the possibility of truth in the one case, nor the certainty of falsehood in the other, can remove the traditional narrative from the class of legends. It is a legend simply because it rests on no written foundation. It is oral, and therefore legendary.

A legend differs from an historical narrative only in this-that it is without documentary evidence of authenticity. It is the offspring solely of tradition. Its details may be true in part or in whole. There may be no internal evidence to the contrary, or there may be internal evidence that they are altogether false. But neither the possibility of truth in the one case, nor the certainty of falsehood in the other, can remove the traditional narrative from the class of legends. It is a legend simply because it rests on no written foundation. It is oral, and therefore legendary.

A collection of four essays on the role of Ancient Egypt and the influence it brings to the modern institution of Freemasonry and other rites of initiation. Included here are: Egyptian Mysteries and Modern Freemasonry, Initiation of the Pyramid, Masonic Hieroglyphics and The Ancient Mysteries.

Albert G. Mackey, a well-known Freemason and expert on Masonic history and philosophy, wrote the book "The Symbolism of Freemasonry". The book explores the deeper meanings behind Freemasonry's symbols and rituals by delving into its symbolic vocabulary and practices. The goal of Mackey's book is to offer a thorough grasp of the symbols used by Freemasonry while illuminating its occult doctrines and philosophical ideas. He investigates the roots of Masonic symbolism, relying on historical precedents, scriptural allusions, and ancient sources. The vast variety of subjects covered in "The Symbolism of Freemasonry" include the symbolism of the lodge, the symbolism of the instruments and utensils used in Masonic rituals, and the symbolic significance of built environments. Additionally, Mackey explores the symbolic meaning of symbols used in Freemasonry, such as numerals, colors, and gestures. For Freemasons who want to learn more about the symbolic elements of their craft, the book is an invaluable resource. In order to assist Masons relate diverse symbols to their moral, ethical, and spiritual teachings, it offers interpretations and explanations of them.

As a contributor to the literature and science of Freemasonry, Albert Gallatin Mackey was rightly considered one of the greatest American Masonic historian. His works have been more extensive than those of any other in America or in Europe. He was widely respected by the Masonic world for his ripe scholarship, his profound knowledge of Masonic law and usage, his view of Masonic philosophy and for his invaluable, literary labourist in the service of the Order. Mackey's book on the topic deserves to be read since it is still used in most courses that discuss Freemasonry and still attracts contemporary spiritual seekers. In this work, he focuses, inter alia, on the Law of Grand Lodges, the Laws of Subordinate Lodges, the Law of Individuals and the Masonic Crimes and Punishments.This edition contains fourth book and complete footnotes (>100).Excerpt: "In presenting to the fraternity a work on the Principles of Masonic Law, it is due to those for whom it is intended, that something should be said of the design with which it has been written, and of the plan on which it has been composed. It is not pretended to present to the craft an encyclopedia of jurisprudence, in which every question that can possibly arise, in the transactions of a Lodge, is decided with an especial reference to its particular circumstances. Were the accomplishment of such an herculean task possible, except after years of intense and unremitting labor, the unwieldy size of the book produced, and the heterogeneous nature of its contents, so far from inviting, would rather tend to distract attention, and the object of communicating a knowledge of the Principles of Masonic Law, would be lost in the tedious collation of precedents, arranged without scientific system, and enunciated without explanation.When I first contemplated the composition of a work on this subject, a distinguished friend and Brother, whose opinion I much respect, and with whose advice I am always anxious to comply, unless for the most satisfactory reasons, suggested the expediency of collecting the decisions of all Grand Masters, Grand Lodges, and other masonic authorities upon every subject of Masonic Law, and of presenting them, without commentary, to the fraternity."

As a contributor to the literature and science of Freemasonry, Albert Gallatin Mackey was rightly considered one of the greatest American Masonic historian. His works have been more extensive than those of any other in America or in Europe. He was widely respected by the Masonic world for his ripe scholarship, his profound knowledge of Masonic law and usage, his view of Masonic philosophy and for his invaluable, literary labourist in the service of the Order. Mackey's book on the topic deserves to be read since it is still used in most courses that discuss Freemasonry and still attracts contemporary spiritual seekers. In this work, he focuses, inter alia, on the Law of Grand Lodges, the Laws of Subordinate Lodges, the Law of Individuals and the Masonic Crimes and Punishments.This edition contains fourth book and complete footnotes (>100).Excerpt: "In presenting to the fraternity a work on the Principles of Masonic Law, it is due to those for whom it is intended, that something should be said of the design with which it has been written, and of the plan on which it has been composed. It is not pretended to present to the craft an encyclopedia of jurisprudence, in which every question that can possibly arise, in the transactions of a Lodge, is decided with an especial reference to its particular circumstances. Were the accomplishment of such an herculean task possible, except after years of intense and unremitting labor, the unwieldy size of the book produced, and the heterogeneous nature of its contents, so far from inviting, would rather tend to distract attention, and the object of communicating a knowledge of the Principles of Masonic Law, would be lost in the tedious collation of precedents, arranged without scientific system, and enunciated without explanation.When I first contemplated the composition of a work on this subject, a distinguished friend and Brother, whose opinion I much respect, and with whose advice I am always anxious to comply, unless for the most satisfactory reasons, suggested the expediency of collecting the decisions of all Grand Masters, Grand Lodges, and other masonic authorities upon every subject of Masonic Law, and of presenting them, without commentary, to the fraternity."

This is a small collection of three pieces, exploring the impact and legacy that Pythagoras has left on both Freemasonry, as well as modern, esoteric and philosophical thought. Included here are: "The Influence of Pythagoras on Freemasonry" by Albert G. Mackey, "The Golden Verses of Pythagoras" which is traditionally attributed to Pythagoras himself and "The Life and Philosophy of Pythagoras" by Manly P. Hall. This is a nice primer for someone becoming interested in Pythagoras.

Timeless Masonic education by Albert Mackey. A Lexicon of Freemasonry contains a clear definition of all Freemasonry's communicable terms, history, traditions, and antiquities, as well as an account of all the Rites and mysteries of the ancient world. This is a necessary part of any lodge or individual Masonic education program. Photographic reproduction of the 1860 classic edition. Contemporary foreword by Michael R. Poll.

This book has been considered by academicians and scholars of great significance and value to literature. This forms a part of the knowledge base for future generations. So that the book is never forgotten we have represented this book in a print format as the same form as it was originally first published. Hence any marks or annotations seen are left intentionally to preserve its true nature.