Mystic masonry, or, The symbols of freemasonry and the greater ...

Foreword to the Third Edition. xiii
higher problems concealed in the profound symbolism
of Masonry. Modern Masonry is thus fast
becoming, like its ancient prototype, a School of
the Mysteries; the real Mystery being the origin
and nature of the human soul, and the transcendent
and immortal destiny of Man.
The Masonic organization is so large, so widespread,
so strong; its spirit so fraternal; its teaching
so helpful and inspiring, that it seems destined
to achieve the most glorious results in the encouragement
and uplifting of the whole human race.
The hard and fast lines that have heretofore segregated
mankind are rapidly disappearing. Creed
and dogma have lost their hold since the State no
longer protects them, and the anathemas of ecclesiastics
are no longer feared. Men and women of
all classes are coming into closer touch with the
avowed purpose of understanding, in order that
they may help each other. It is more and more
recognized that the good of one is the welfare of
all. The "sin of separateness" is thus slowly being
undermined. Hence the ethical, the religious, the
economic, and the political problems are seen to be
practically inseparable, and all definitely related in
the one problem of the higher evolution of man.
This recognized unity of knowledge and community