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

Preface to the Second Edition.
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.
That a second edition of this little book should
be called for within six weeks of the date of issue
is, perhaps, the best answer to the inquiry in the
mind of its author as to what kind of a reception so
serious a view of modern Freemasonry, and so high
an estimate of Ancient Mysteries as is herein set
forth, might receive. It has not only attracted attention
and excited inquiry, but met the unqualified
approval of certain high Masons. Sir Albert Pike's
greatest work, restricted to the members of the
craft, obtained but one hundred and fifty subscribers.
If Mystic Masonry quadrupled this subscription
list before the date of publication, the
reason is to be sought, not in the superior quality
of the book, but in the more popular form in which
the subject is handled, in the removal of all restrictions
as to subscribers, and still more, from the fact
that a widespread interest has of late arisen in regard
to these subjects; offering, as the author believes,
the grandest opportunity presented to real