This is an abridged edition of Albert G. Mackey's classic work "The Symbolism of Freemasonry". Learn about the mysterious Freemasons from a Mason himself. Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity and it remains shrouded in mystery, even though much has been written on its complex symbols and principles over the past three hundred years. While Freemasonry is not a religion, its central preoccupations remain charitable work within a local or wider community, moral uprightness and the development and maintenance of fraternal friendship. This Revered Wisdom volume offers an abridged edition of Albert G. Mackey's classic work "The Symbolism of Freemasonry". In it, Mackey, a Mason himself, explains the fascinating philosophy and science behind the legends and symbols of this secretive sect.