This little book has been written in answer to the often repeated question — “Has any brother anything to offer for the good of Masonry?”
The following pages are the author’s answer to that question. He can hardly hope that every brother Mason will agree with his views of either Free-masonry or Clericalism.
All he asks is that they read and consider the facts here-in set forth and their logical bearing on the signs of the times and the living issues of the day.
While he has endeavored to make the matters herein discussed exceedingly plain, and has re-stated the same problems in various forms (sometimes, perhaps, at the expense of mere literary form in composition) he feels that failure at that point is of little consequence compared with clearness as to principles involved.
He feels that no intelligent brother need be in any doubt as to what the author is driving at, how he regards it, or what — for one — he proposes to do about it.
The issues involved are so momentous, striking as they do at the very foundations of our whole civilization, that to evade, obscure, or ignore them entirely, as many do, seems to the author little short of criminal.
The earnestness he feels regarding these issues and their present immanence, must account for the emphasis employed in handling them.
Jirah Dewey Buck, M. D. (1838-1916) from ‘Mystic Masonry’,
IMAGE CREDIT: The Genius Of Freemasonry
Good men may indeed differ as to dogma and individual opinions regarding matters of philosophy or theology.
But when men differ as to Freedom or Despotism; the rights of conscience or the enslavement of the human soul, when the issues are clearly defined and well understood, and the decision is deliberately made and we have taken sides; then, indeed, there can be no compromise, no quarter shown.
Then it is war, uncompromising, and must be fought to victory, defeat, or destruction.
Clericalism has been made herein to tell its own story and define its own claims.
Hence it stands, as three men once stood near the coast of Joppa, convicted by the imprecations of their own mouths.
In its efforts to destroy Liberty in Russia and southern Europe, Clericalism has impoverished and embittered the people, converted Catholics into atheists — according to their own accounts — and virtually has destroyed itself.
It is now inaugurating in America the same crusade in which it has met defeat everywhere else.
If these things are so — and no honest or well posted individual can deny them — nothing on earth or amongst men can transcend them in importance.
The reader who goes carefully over the following pages is left free to form his own conclusions and determine his own line of action.
The author regards the view of Freemasonry herein set forth as equally true, and equally important.
Frontispiece to ‘Mystic Masonry’, 1911,
IMAGE CREDIT: The Mystic Masonry
Liberty and Light, 1914,
IMAGE CREDIT: The Genius of Freemasonry
In a former work, “Mystic Masonry”, published nearly ten years ago [1911], very similar views of Masonry were set forth.
These views, while appealing to the more studious and thoughtful among the Craft, have received commendation from Masons in nearly every quarter of the globe, no less than from Fraters in the United States.
The basis for the concepts therein given was first, the most ancient philosophy of old India, known in many ages and under many names, but more recently as “Theosophy”, as this is taught in the “Secret Doctrine”.
Logical analogy and the philosophical sequence of the law of Evolution were held as justifying the view of true Masonry therein set forth.
Beyond this, the author’s own intuitions, the conception that beneath the verbiage and whole ritual of Masonry and the dramatic ceremonies of initiation there must lie concealed far more than the surface reveals.
The author was, moreover, somewhat familiar with the Kaballah [sic], particularly as set forth by his friend, the late [James] Ralston Skinner (author of “The Source of Measures,” and of other unpublished MSS, copies of which are in the author’s present possession).
The clues to the secret vault were thus by no means meagre nor obscure.
The seal of the Theosophical Society with French motto By Frater5 – This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this file: Theosophicalseal.svg.,
IMAGE LINKED: wikimedia Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
Since the publication of “Mystic Masonry”, however, the author has had the good fortune to become intimately acquainted with the author of “The Great Work”, who is not only a Brother Mason, but a real Master as the term is defined in “Mystic Masonry”.
He has, therefore, been able to verify most of the statements and inferences made in his previous book, and to justify the statements herein contained, so far as Masonry and the Great School are concerned.
This book is, therefore, addressed to Brother Masons, particularly in America, or the express purpose and with the strong hope of inducing them to awaken, take notice, and act as seemeth to them all just and upright men and Masons ought.
The Genius Of Freemasonry and 20th Century Crusade
J. D. Buck, M. D.
SUPPLEMENTAL HARMONIC SERIES VOLUME I
FOURTH EDITION
CHICAGO
INDO-AMERICAN BOOK CO. 1914
DR Buck – a militant mason
“To be a good man and true” is the first great lesson a man should learn, and over 40 years of being just that in example, Dr Buck won the right to lay down the precept.
more….
The Genius Of Freemasonry
By: Jirah D. Buck (Author)
This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original.
Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages.
Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.
Recent Articles: in this series
 Unravel the secrets of the ancient Egyptian wisdom with our comprehensive guide to the Kybalion, by Three Initiates. Discover its influence on modern thought, the controversies surrounding it, and its seven profound Hermetic principles. Unlock the power of these timeless teachings to transform your understanding of life's mysteries. |
 Book Intro - The Working Tools of an Old York Master by Wilmshurst Unlock the Secrets of Freemasonry! Dive into the profound symbolism of 'The Working Tools of an Old York Master.' Discover the hidden meanings behind the square, compass, plumb line, and more. Embark on a transformative journey of personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. Uncover the ancient wisdom that has shaped generations of Masons. |
 Book Intro - The Masonic Ladder by J Sherer Unlock the mysteries of Freemasonry with "The Masonic Ladder" by J. Sherer - - 1876. This 19th-century guidebook takes readers on a journey through the steps of the Masonic ladder, from the basic principles of the Entered Apprentice to the highest degree of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General. Discover the symbolism, allegory, and values of Freemasonry in this timeless classic. |
 Book Intro - The London mason in the seventeenth century The London Mason in the Seventeenth Century by Douglas Knoop offers a comprehensive examination of the lives and work of masons in the bustling city of London during the seventeenth century. The book delves into the intricacies of their craft, the socioeconomic and political forces that influenced their profession, and the role they played in shaping the architectural landscape of London. |
 Book Intro - History of Freemasonry, Gould, Robert Freke The History of Freemasonry is a comprehensive overview of the origins, development, and evolution of Freemasonry from its ancient roots to the modern era. The book explores the fascinating history of one of the oldest and most mysterious organisations in the world, which has been the subject of much speculation and curiosity over the centuries. - by Robert Freke Gould |
 Book Intro - Daniel Beresniak Symbols Of Freemasonry This book is a collection of the symbolic images which Freemasons encounter on their journeys of transformation.' The texts and illustrations form an intimate dialogue whose subject is Freemasonry, and which casts light on the relationship between dreams and reality, reason, intuition and imagination. |
 Book Intro - The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P Hall The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P Hall is a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the various esoteric and occult traditions that have shaped human history. The book covers a wide range of subjects including alchemy, astrology, mysticism, and secret societies, and provides detailed explanations of the underlying principles and concepts. |
 Book Intro - Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor is an impression of the Old York Rite published in New York in 1866. |
 Book Intro - Jachin and Boaz (1762) Thirty two years after Samuel Prichard's Masonry Dissected (1730) a second detailed exposure was published Jachin and Boaz (1762) attributed to the same author, and met with equal distain by Freemasons of the time. However, these exposures offer the masonic historian an invaluable view in to how freemasonry was conducted during its early formation |
 Book Intro - Three Distinct Knocks (c.1760) Giving an exact account of all their proceedings in making a brother, with the three obligations or oaths belonging to the first second, and third degrees of masonry, viz. The entered apprentice, fellow-craft, and master-mason: with the obligating on belonging to the chair, and the grip and word. |
 Book Intro - A Text Book of Masonic Jurisprudence An introduction to Albert Mackey's seminal work on Masonic Jurisprudence – the theory or philosophy of Masonic law. The Foundations of Masonic Law are to be found in the Landmarks, or Unwritten Law, and in the Ancient Constitutions, or the Written Law. These constitute the subject matter of the book. |
 Book Intro - The Perfect Ceremonies Of Craft Masonry 1871 A beautiful example of a the rituals, produced in a Medieval illuminated script style. Facsimiles still exist of this illustrated ritual book, of which the most authentically produced version is that available from the Scottish Rite Masonic Book Club. |
 Book Intro – Freemasonry; when, where, how? Introduction to Freemasonry; when, where, how? By George Thornburgh |
 Book Intro - Origin Of The Royal Arch An introduction to the Origin of the Royal Arch, through the eyes of the English nineteenth century masonic author Dr G Oliver (1782–1867) |
 Book Intro – Symbolical Masonry Symbolical Masonry is a treasure-house of Masonic lore, including discussions of key concepts of the first three degrees, along with an extensive study guide. |
 This month we look at – 'A portrait gallery, with biographical sketches of prominent freemasons throughout the United States' |
 Extracted and abridged from The Mystic Tie: Or, Facts and Opinions, Illustrative of the Character and Tendency of Freemasonry By Albert Mackey, |
 Book intro - Constructive Psychology The introduction to Constructive Psychology or The Building Of Character By Personal Effort by J D Buck a masonic author |
 book intro - Cagliostro: the splendour and misery of a master of magic Preface to the book by William Rutherford Hayes; Cagliostro: the splendour and misery of a master of magic |
 book intro - Origin of the Rosicrucians and the Free-Masons Historico-Critical Inquiry into the Origin of the Rosicrucians and the Free-Masons – Thomas De Quincey |
 Book Intro - The Genius of Freemasonry The Genius of Freemasonry: “Has any brother anything to offer for the good of Masonry?” The following pages are the author’s answer to that question. |
 Book Intro - The Spirit of Masonry An essential source for anyone interested in exploring the inner mysteries of the Masonic Fraternity. |
 Book intro - History of Freemasonry Introduction to a classic masonic book by J. G. Findel, History of Freemasonry published 1866 |
 The Book of Constitutions for the Ancient Grand Lodge or Ahiman Rezon |
 A short introduction to The Men's House, a collection of masonic papers and addresses |
 This is a general survey of Masonic origins, history and philosophy. It was at one time given to every new Mason in Iowa. |
 Book Intro - The Discrepancies of Freemasonry Written almost 150 years ago, this book contains wisdom still relevant today. |
 Book Intro - The Principles of Masonic Law "The first great duty, not only of every lodge, but of every Mason, is to see that the landmarks of the Order shall never be impaired". |
 Published in 1911, this fascinating book is equally relevant for the 21st century Mason with an interest in the more mystical side of Freemasonry. |
 Book Intro - Hidden Life of Freemasonry Introduction to The Hidden Life in Freemasonry (1926) by Charles Webster Leadbeater |
 Book Intro - The Symbolism of Freemasonry Introduction to a classic masonic book; The Symbolism of Freemasonry: Illustrating and Explaining Its Science and Philosophy, its Legends, Myths and Symbols. |
 Book Intro - The Meaning of Masonry This is the Introduction to The Meaning of Masonry, a set of essays which discuss the esoteric side of Masonry |
 Book Intro - Illustrations of Masonry Introduction to Illustrations Of Masonry by William Preston (1742-1818) |
masonic knowledge
to be a better citizen of the world
share the square with two brothers
click image to open email app on mobile device
