This book. first published in 1948, has not been reprinted until now. This edition benefits from some updating of Wards expressions and also from the addition of multiple illustrations. It presents Wards interpretation of the symbols and emblems found in a Masonic Lodge room, such as: the apron, the collar, the officers jewels, the point within a circle, the letter G, and so on. His purpose was to interpret the inner meaning of these objects, which a Mason sees at every Lodge meeting but which, because they are silent, may easily be overlooked.

J. S. M. Ward looked upon Freemasonry as a spiritual quest. A Freemason, in his view, is on a quest for knowledge of God, and union with God; he comes to Freemasonry to try to comprehend, through the use of symbols, what God really is. His interpretations of Masonic rituals and ceremonies are intended to open the readers eyes to the fact that there really is a deeper meaning to Freemasonry.

In this book Ward touches on many religions, and other belief systems, but he was always looking for a Christian interpretation of Masonic rites. His aim is to persuade Freemasons to think more deeply about what they are doing in their Lodges. He was a great Masonic scholar, whose views remain both well-argued and entertaining.

Hardback

112 Printed Pages