RARE 1850 ANTIQUE MASONIC Book FREEMASONRY Occult FREEMASON Knight Templar Illus

Here is the original 1850 Edition of "THE NEW MASONIC TRESTLE-BOARD, adapted to the work and lectures of lodges, as practised in the United States of America," by Charles W. Moore.  Published by Charles W. Moore, Boston. Stereotype Edition.

Condition is overall FAIR+ to GOOD-.  Binding is tight with all pages firmly intact. There is a slight lean to the right.   Hinges are solid and strong.  Covers are in fair condition only with corner bumping and edgewear through to the boards.  Also some loss of cloth at the spine.  Covers are lightly soiled and have some of the gilt rubbed off in places.  Pages are lightly soiled with some toning, foxing and a few pencil notations.  Page 61 has the remnants of a sticker at the top, but this doesn't interfere with text.  See pics.  Previous owner's name and stamp inside book.  No smoky or musty smells.  No dampstains.  Overall, a fair to good copy of this rare one hundred and sixty-two year old book.

Pre-Civil War Era Masonic Writings

Freemasonry has long been shrouded in a cloak of mystery.  What goes on behind lodge doors is known only to the Masonic brethern.  For many centuries nothing was written down regarding Freemasonry rituals, rites, ceremonies, initiations and more.  Rather knowlege was passed mouth to ear.  Eventually it became realized that some form of written communication would be helpful to Masonic brothers.  Now you can own such a book written just prior to the Civil War era.   

The Masonic Trestle-Board includes both the Masonic Trestle-Board and The Masonic Trestle-Board part II bound into one volume.  It is a complete and accurate working book for all degrees from the first degree to that of the Knight Templar.

Complete with intriguing text, beautiful plates and illustrations this rare volume would make a fantastic addition to any Freemasonry library.

Below you will find a complete table of contents, book features, a sampling of several of the pictures/pages in the book and a short biography/summary of the author or subject.

• Marbled Hardcover
• Pages:  98 and 104 (Total 202)
• Measures 5" x 7.5" (19 cm)
• Illustrated
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International Buyers – Please Note: 

Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.  

Please note:  We are unable to change the the purchase price on the customs forms or mark the item as a gift. 

I HAD SOLD EARLIER ON EBAY.  THERE MAY BE MINOR DIFFERENCES IN FOXING, TONING, ETC. 





























 

A Little Freemasonry History

The Freemasons have been the subject of much intrigue, speculation and discussion for centuries.The true origins of Freemasonry are not known. The knowledge has been lost to history, which leaves room only for speculation.

Some researchers believe that the origins go as far back as either the Ancient Mysteries, the Crusades, the Jewish religion, the Rosicrucian’s or the Knights Templar. Although all of these theories have been considered, no firm conclusions have ever been reached.

According to some legends the brotherhood dates back to the construction of King Solomon’s Temple. These legends appeared to be substantiated when the British Archaeologist and Egyptologist, Sir William Petrie, towards the end of the 19th century, unearthed papyrus records in the Liberian desert describing meetings of these guilds. Some scholars however do not feel that there is sufficient data to fully substantiate the claims.

Along with speculation on the origins of Freemasonry, there have also been hundreds of conspiracy theories that have plagued Freemasons from as early as the late 1700’s. Generally these theories fall into just a couple of categories: Political Domination and Anti-Christian or Devil Worship.

Likely these are a result of the esoteric nature of the Masonic rituals and symbols, misinterpretations of Masonic doctrines and the repetition of false claims. In fact, in the late 1890’s author Leo Taxil, decided to mock not only Freemasonry but also the Roman Catholic Church for their opposition to Freemasonry.

He wrote 4 volumes filled with ‘damning eyewitness accounts’ from people who allegedly participated in demonic worship as Freemasons. Prior to writing his books, he had undergone a ‘fake’ conversion to Catholicism.

One of the eyewitnesses in his book was a woman by the name of Diana Vaughn who claimed to have been involved with Satanic Freemason rituals. His book even received the praise from the Pope.

Taxil called a press conference in late 1897 where he promised to introduce Diana Vaughn to the world. Instead he announced that all of his writing was fictitious and a hoax and he thanked the Clergy for giving press to his wild claims.

Yet, still to this day his fictitious writings are used against Freemasons.. Some of the other theories are that Freemasons are secretly working towards a New World Order where one world Government controlled by a secret elite will govern the entire world.

There have been suggestions that Freemasons were behind the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Others have claimed that they secretly back a Jewish front for world domination. In fact, because of this theory Adolph Hitler outlawed Freemasonry.

Some believe that Freemasons secretly control the United States and United Kingdom governments.

This may come from the fact that many prominent politicians—Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and thirteen other United States Presidents--in the history of the United States were indeed Freemasons.

Also there is much speculation about ‘hidden symbols and numerology in our National Seals, architecture, dollar bill and even streets in Washington, D.C. Many prominent men throughout history have been Freemasons. This may have led to the mistaken theory that Freemasons ‘control’ governments, etc.

Yet, these famous Masons have come from all walks of life. With so many powerful members how is rank decided upon in a Freemason Lodge?

It matters not what a man’s religion (except no atheists are permitted), wealth, or station in life is behind the Lodge doors. In fact, the only significant rank in a Masonic lodge is Masonic rank, and that is conferred by vote of the members.

A sergeant in the army can be master of and preside over a lodge that includes generals and other high-ranking officers among its membership, which has often happened.

It has been reported that when Theodore Roosevelt became a Mason he discovered his gardener was serving as master of the lodge—the presiding officer. Men of high station outside Masonry evidence no resentment when men of lower outside station occupy positions of greater Masonic authority.