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Post by leonardo on Mar 18, 2005 11:31:07 GMT
I was at a friend's house the other day, St Patrick's Day, in fact, and was given a book called: A New Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry, by A. E. White. Volume 1. The person who gave me the book is not a Freemason and has no interest in becoming one, but has an interest in the subject. She (Yes it is a she) came across the book when browsing through a bookshop that specialises in selling rare first editions. I am not sure if this is a first edition or not as I can't see any actual date anywhere on it for when it was published, but my guess is it was printed either in the 1920s or the 1930s. I think I should point out here that I am in no way an expert on these things. Anyway, the book itself (458 pages) is in fairly good condition and is simply wonderful to read. A virtual Aladdin's cave of Masonic knowledge. At least, up to a letter K ! It has a dark, blue cover, with a small, gold crest on the front with the shape of a cross on it. Underneath is written: Regis Sacramentum Abscondere Bonum. Does anybody know what this means? Also is it possible to obtain the other volumes for this particular encyclopaedia?
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Post by leonardo on Mar 18, 2005 16:04:08 GMT
Here is a scanned photo of some of the aprons, etc. from the book.
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Post by Two Ton Ted on Mar 22, 2005 21:00:36 GMT
It has a dark, blue cover, with a small, gold crest on the front with the shape of a cross on it. Underneath is written: Regis Sacramentum Abscondere Bonum. Does anybody know what this means? Also is it possible to obtain the other volumes for this particular encyclopaedia? Leo, this may be of some help: Regis Sacramentum Abscondere Bonum: etenim sacramentum regis abscondere bonum est opera autem Dei revelare et confiteri honorificum est Trans: 12 7 For it is good to hide the secret of a king: to reveal and confess the works of God. I pasted the quote you requested directly into Google and this came out: www.latinvulgate.com/verse.aspx?t=0&b=17&c=12Most of it was in Latin, but this has a translation. I don't know what it is or what it means, but it is something and it may help. It appears to be from somewhere in the Old Testament in the Book of Tobias, which I can't say I have heard off myself, not being an officionado . It sounds a great wee book and I'll make a note and see if I too can find a copy. Good luck and best wishes, S & F, Ted.
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Post by leonardo on Mar 22, 2005 21:55:30 GMT
Thank you Ted. Very helpful, indeed. The link for the Latin translator will always be useful.
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giovanni
Member
odi profanum vulgus, et arceo
Posts: 2,627
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Post by giovanni on Mar 23, 2005 8:34:32 GMT
It means that man must keep secret the confidentialities received by men, whilst he must bare the works of God.
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ricardo
Member
Australia
Posts: 161
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Post by ricardo on Mar 28, 2005 1:38:48 GMT
AE Waite had a particular interest in the esoteric and in the other orders. This should be borne in mind when considering his encyclopaedia. I think both original volumes have been combined into one in the latest reprint. It is available from amazon.com but I also see from time to time at cheap remainder prices on streetpath trestles outside newsagency shops. The most up-to-date Masonic encyclopedia is the second edition of Coil's, published in the USA in 1996. The title is "Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia" and the ISBN 0880530545. This 734 page book can be obtained from amazon.com for about US$70. It does have a North American bias. Mackey's "Encyclopedia of Freemasonry and Kindred Sciences" was last updated in the 1920's from memory. This also has a North American bias. There is a version (no date given) available online at users.1st.net/fischer/MacEnc01.HTM This book can be found occasionally in some second hand book shops. Those interested in British or Continental Freemasonry will need to supplement this book with others such as "Dizionario Massonico" by Luigi Troisi (published by Bastogi), Frederick Smyth's "A Reference Book for Freemasons" (available from QCCC) and "Freemasons Guide and Compendium" by Bernard E Jones. Richard N
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Post by leonardo on Apr 14, 2005 12:42:31 GMT
Great post Richard and great insight.
Thanks.
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Post by munkholt on May 20, 2005 15:41:44 GMT
Got my combined edition today, and from browsing this seems like an excellent book. (And at 10 Bucks American a bargain, even with VAT and whatnot.) Waite's wording is old-fashioned, naturally, but at the same time he is quite coherent, and a broad knowledge of philosophy, history and mysticism shines though, making every entry seem like a part of a whole. The downside of that is that his personal views shines through, and I have to disagree when the front flap-text calls him "mercilessly objetive".
NB: This bumper edition lacks the colour plates that Leonardo's has.
Still, great book ... and it looks impressive on the shelf. 4 (out of 5)
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ruffashlar
Member
Lodge Milncroft No. 1515 (GLoS), Govanhill Royal Arch Chapter 523 (S.G.R.A.C.S.)
Posts: 2,184
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Post by ruffashlar on Jun 18, 2005 20:58:51 GMT
I've got the same book, also Volume I. Bought it at a carboot sale several years ago, and I've been after a Volume II ever since.
I strongly suspect Volume I was given away free with the first issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition 1911.
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