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Reprint of the original, first published in 1860.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1877 edition. Excerpt: ... TO THE CRAFT UNIVERSAL. This Book is written in the interest of pure, legitimate, Ancient Masonry, and not as a remunerative effort. Its aim is to give direction to Masonic thought in the elimination and expression of the great fundamental principles of the Institution, pure Universal, Cosmopolitan Masonry and Charity. To the Freemasons of the Old School this Book will be most welcome, in view of the innovating tendencies changing the character and design of the Institution from its original aims. To these, and all right-thinking Masons, whose minds are imbued with a sense of the responsibilities resting upon them, as children of the Universal Father, to seek truth, and to appropriate it, no apology is needed for this production. This Book is not written in the view of what Masonry is, as expressed in these days, but what it should be, and its design in the fulfilment of solemn covenants assumed by every Freemason. The necessity for its writing will appear in the wide departures from original fundamental principles. It is not written in the popular Masonic style, to allure the ignorant and unthinking masses, within and outside of the Institution, with the belief that Masonry is a great reformatory school; neither as a propaganda effort, by specious or seeming sentimental laudation, to induce the outside masses to seek admission into the fraternity. We have a higher aim, and eschew, as a Mason, all efforts at popularizing Masonry outside of the exemplification of its principles in the upright and useful lives of its members, their efforts to improve and benefit their fellow-beings, and exemplifying the great' principles of Charity, divinely illustrated in relief of poor needy Masons, their widows and orphans. The popular Masonic