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The popularity which has been accorded to the "Book of the Chapter" has induced me to believe that a Manual of the Three Symbolic Degrees, prepared according to the same method which had guided the composition of that work, would be equally acceptable to the craft.

The present volume has, therefore, been written to supply what I have long supposed to be a desideratum in Masonic literature, namely, the means of enabling the young Mason or the recent initiate more thoroughly to understand the ceremonies through which he has just passed, and to extend his researches into that sublime system of symbolism of which in the ordinary lectures of the Lodge he has received only the faint out lines.

Many who anxiously desire to obtain "more light" on the obscure subject of Masonic symbolism, and who would, if possible, learn more of the true signification of our emblems and allegories, are either unwilling or unable to devote to these objects the time and labor requisite for poring over the ponderous volumes of Masonic writers in which these subjects are discussed.

To such students, a manual arranged so as to facilitate inquiry, by making every explanation correspond, in order of time and place, with the regular progress of initiation, must be of great value, because its study involves neither a great expenditure of time, which many can not well spare, nor does it demand more intellectual exertion than almost every one is able to bestow.

In obtruding another monitorial instructor on the fraternity, already too much burdened with this class of publications, I can offer only this improved method of teaching as my excuse. I have made no innovations, but have sought to accommodate the order of ceremonies to the system of lectures long since adopted and now generally prevailing in this country.

But these lectures are only the alphabet of Masonry. He who desires to appreciate the whole truth and beauty of Masonic symbolism and philosophy, must go still further and make profounder researches. To enable such an inquirer to accomplish this task, I have written the present work in the humble hope that my labor will not be altogether in vain.

A. G. MACKEY.

April 1st. 1862