Up for bid is a fascinating, but very SCARCE & DIFFICULT-TO-FIND book called "MORMONISM AND MASONRY" by E. Cecil McGavin and published in 1956 by Bookcraft publishers.  This hardback book is over 50 years old and has been OUT OF PRINT for many years and has become EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FIND, especially a copy that is in really good condition. 

This is one of the most challenging and scholarly books written this century.  This book is written in the Christian spirit of good will and brotherhood, without a word of offense for members of the Masonic fraternity who think that the temple ritual of the Mormons was taken from that of the Masons.  The author went to great lengths to research and gain the information necessary to document the early realtionship between the Saints and the Masons.  As just one part of his research he read over 100 books that dealt specifically with this subject matter. 

The author aknowledges that there are several similarities in the two institutions, but goes on further elaborate on how this would be expected since the sorce of both is common - GOD.  The Freemason claim that their society and rituals come directly from those of Solomon's Temple.  Obviously one would imagine that over time some of these rituals would have changed to some degree or another from the original of Solomon's Temple.  The Latter-Day Saints on the other hand claim that their ordinances that are performed in the Temple were revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith shortly before his death.  It would make logical sense then that both would have some, if not many, similarities depending on how pure the practice continued from the time of Solomon's Temple. 

The antiquity of Freemasonry and its connection with Solomon's temple, its descent to the present time, the origin of the temple ritual in Nauvoo, and the Mormon's connection with the Masonic lodge in Illinois are all fully explained in detail.

The "Masonic Touches" in the Book of Mormon (which was translated years before Joseph knew or had any connection with the Masonites) and the Pearl of Great Price are also clearly explained.  The "Masonic Touches" in many of the rituals of the American Indians are also carefully traced through many of these pages, and explained in terms of Nephite temple Rituals.

Cain's connection with "Freemasonry", along wtih a score of other philosophical subjects that have never been discussed before are for the first time presented in this volume.  For example, all my life I always wondered why Joseph Smith ran to window at Cartharage Jail and uttered his last words, "O Lord My God!".  I could never understand why he said those words -- what did they mean?  No one I ever asked could really tell me.  Well, the mystery is solved with the answers being found in this great book, along with many other enlightening discoveries.  For example, the Mason's had no problem with ceremonies of the Temple in Nauvoo and never claimed that they were stolen by Joseph Smith until after the Martyrdom and the organization begtan receiving pressure from the mormons because they were protecting the actual killers that brought about the deaths and who were to be on trial.  From that time on there has been a difference at odds between the Mormons and the Masons. 

In fact, in Utah the Masons quickly made a policy that if you were a Mormon you could not join.  This policy went 100% contrary to their belief that the society should be open to all.

THIS IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE AND INFORMATIVE GUIDE TO THE JOSEPH SMITH, MORMONISM AND MASONRY EVER PUBLISHED!

Included is detailed information on the following subjects:

1. False Accusations
2. Why Joseph Smith Joined the Masonic Fraternity
3. The Martyr-cry of Joseph Smith
4. The Antiquity of Masonry
5. Cain's Connection with "Freemasonry"
6. Masonic Emblems
7. The Book of Abraham
8. Masonic Activity in Nauvoo
9. The Temple Endowment Introduced
10. Temple Work Among the Nephites
11. Freemasonry Among the American Indians
12. Masonry in Utah

While no book approaches the value of the scriptures, some books are of great worth in helping us to uncover scriptural treasures we might otherwise overlook.  This is the perfect study aid to help members gain a greater knowledge of the Temple Ceremony, the Ordinances and how and why these ordinaces have been on this earth since the time of Adam. 

This book is a wonderful resource and explains in detail the early church's relation to the Masonites and some incredible evidence revealing that the Temple Ordinances were not stolen from the Masons, but were as claimed, handed down as revelatoin directly from the Lord.

"I have read many LDS books over the years, but this book is one of the best LDS books I have ever read!  There is so much incredible information that you simply can't find anywhere else.  Much of the information is history, that is not readly known to the average public, that dates all the way back through the Bible to Adam and Eve.  Also, a great deal of information focuses on the expected similarities between rituals in the Masons and ordinanes in the LDS Church.

This book coveres information that very few Saints have even heard about.  This is a book that as you read it and read with the spirit you will be enlightened and find yourslef with answers and inspiration to many questions dealing with LDS Temple Ordinances, their meaning and pourpose. 

This really is one of the great vintage LDS books filled with important information.  Sadly, it is becoming extremely hard to continue find older books of this caliber today.  Unfortunately many of these wonderful, older books are becoming lost, whether they get thrown away or simply end up siting on someones bookshelf for life, with the individual having know idea of the classic gem they have sitting there.

There are becoming less and less peolpe who really understand and a appreciate the value of a book such as this.  (Not just in money, but more importantly in the incalcuable value of the information found within the pages).

This is a book that I cherish and the only reason I am selling this book is because I have my own personal copy that I plan on handing down to my children and their children through the generations". 

Bottom line this is an amazing book!  It is a wonderful resource that will help you throughout the years in preparing talks, lessons, family home evenings and much, much more. This book would make the perfect addition to any LDS Family Library or would even make the perfect gift for that someone special. 

Buyer to pay $4.95 shipping inside the United States.