Book Review

This book was purchased on a whim, together with others, through a mail order catalogue. It was laid aside until time could be found to read it and there was nothing else to do. For the serious Masonic thinker, which I do not pretend to be, that is a mistake. Once the book was picked up and opened to the first page, I had trouble putting it down. It seems to provide the gist of what could well be the solution to some of our "participation problems". W. Bro. Wilmshurst takes us away from the bolts and nuts of "we've always done it this way" to a higher thought train where there is more meaning to our very existance.

He does not speak of leadership or followership but of what the individual needs to find in oneself to understand the true meaning of our order. Sometimes his associations are hard to put, but most are readily understood. There are obvious differences in his lodge than todays lodge in America, but these differences can easily be reconciled or overlooked.

I found the book very enjoyable and thought provoking.

I would recommend it to the enquiring Mason. An example of the writer's prose and poetry, which piqued my interest, is a section in Chapter III, Further notes on Craft Symbolism. He writes . . .

"The "secrets" of Freemasonry and of initiation are largely connected with this process of introversion of the soul to its own Centre, and beyond this brief reference to the subject it is inexpedient here to say more. But in confirmation of what has been indicated it may be useful to refer to the 23rd Psalm, in which the Hebrew Initiates speak of both the supreme experience of being passed through "the valley of the shadow of death" and the preliminary phases of mental preparation for that ordeal. Stripping that familiar psalm of the gorgeous metaphor given it in the beautiful Biblical translation, its real meaning may be paraphased and explained to Masonic students as follows :--

(the author's quotes)

"The Vital Immortal Principle within me is my Initiator; and is all-sufficient to lead me to God.

It has made me lie down (in self-discipline and humiliation) in "green pastures" of meditation and mental sustenance.

It has led me beside "still waters" of contemplation (as distinct from the "rough sea of passion" of my natural self).

It is restoring my soul (reintegrating it out of chaos and disorder).

Even when I come to pass though the valley of deadly gloom (my own interior veils of darkness) I will fear no evil; for It is with me (as a guiding star); Its directions and disciplines will safeguard me.

It provides me with the means of overcoming my inner enemies and weaknesses; It anoints my intelligence with the oil of wisdom; the cup of my mind brims over with new light and consciousness.

The Divine Love and Truth, which I shall find face to face at my centre, will be a conscious presence in me all the days of my temporal life; and thereafter I shall dwell in a "house of the Lord" (a glorified spiritual body) for ever."