Theocratic Philosophy of Freemasonry in 12 Lectures

Theocratic Philosophy of Freemasonry is a term invented by Dr. G. Oliver, a well-known Masonic author of the 19th century, to indicate that view of Freemasonry which intimately connects its symbols with the teachings of pure religion, and traces them to the primeval revelations of God to man, so that the philosophy of Freemasonry shall develop the continual government of the Divine Being.

Dr. Oliver has developed this system in one of his works entitled Theocratic Philosophy of Freemasonry in 12 Lectures, originally published in the 1860s, on its speculative, operative, and spurious branches. He says: "It is the Theocracies Philosophy of Freemasonry that commands our unqualified esteem, and seals in our heart that love for the Institution which will produce an active religious faith and practice, and lead in the end to 'a building not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.' "

Many of the legendary speculations advanced in this work will be rejected at this day as unsound and untenable, but his views of the true philosophy of Freemasonry are worthy of profound study.

Contents Covered:

• Preface
• Speculative Masonry examined under its denomination of Lux
• View of Speculative Masonry as a system of Charity
• The perfection to which Operative or Scientific Masonry was carried in the earliest times
• Historical Account of the Origin, Progress, and Design of the Spurious Freemasonry
• On the Origin of Hieroglyphics
• Exemplification of the Symbols used in those Spurious Institutions which attained the most permanent celebrity in the Ancient World
• The True Freemasonry in all ages shown to have been "veiled in allegory and illustrated by Symbols"
• Enquiry whether the Union of Speculative and Operative Masonry was accomplished at the building of King Solomon's Temple
• The details of this famous Edifice considered for the purpose of showing that the above Union conveyed essential benefits to mankind
• On the form and disposition of a Mason's Lodge
• One the Ceremonies of Opening, Closing, Labour, and Refreshment
• The beauties of Freemasonry exemplified, and its peculiar Ceremonies and Observances shown to be judiciously selected, rationally maintained, and highly advantageous to those who are versed in their moral and symbolical references
• Corollary