The Pilgrim's Progress
from This World to That Which is to Come

John Bunyan's dream, written from a prison cell, has become the most famous allegory in English literature. Allegory is a fictional literary narrative or artistic expression that conveys a symbolic meaning parallel to but distinct from, and more important than, the literal meaning. The symbolic meaning is usually expressed through personifications and other symbols. The search for spiritual salvation is the theme of Pilgrim's Progress. Bunyan uses language and images from the King James 1611 translation of the Bible, which would have been familiar to his readers.

a system of morality
veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols

Freemasonry uses allegory to teach every moral and social virtue. The language of the King James 1611 Bible is used extensively to interpret the working tools of a stonemason as symbols for ethical behaviour. The square is an L shaped tool used by stonemasons to test right angles. Freemasons use the square as a symbol to teach fairness and honesty in all our dealings with everyone. The aims of freemasonry are therefore entirely social, the manners of men in society.

enriching our lives and the communitiy

Freemasonry is an altruistic movement with the ultimate goal of encouraging masons to act in ways that enrich the world in which we all live. Unselfishness, kindness, gentleness, and compassion can be living principles to create a world in which everyone enjoys expanded choices, and the opportunity to cultivate their creativity and individuality. Freemasonry makes altruistic contributions to hosptials, schools, and many other charitable and educational organisations and projects.

Bunyan's advice about unveiling allegory.

Now, reader, I have told my dream to thee;
See if thou canst interpret it to me,
Or to thyself, or neighbour; but take heed
Of misinterpreting; for that, instead
Of doing good, will but thyself abuse:
By misinterpreting, evil ensues.

Take heed, also, that thou be not extreme,
In playing with the outside of my dream:
Nor let my figure or similitude
Put thee into a laughter or a feud.
Leave this for boys and fools; but as for thee,
Do thou the substance of my matter see.

Put by the curtains, look within my veil,
Turn up my metaphors, and do not fail,
There, if thou seekest them, such things to find,
As will be helpful to an honest mind.

What of my dross thou findest there, be bold
To throw away, but yet preserve the gold;
What if my gold be wrapped up in ore? --
None throws away the apple for the core.
But if thou shalt cast all away as vain,
I know not but 'twill make me dream again.

Pilgrim's Progress
• full online text
• illustrated online version

John Bunyan
• online library
• biography

Christian Allegory in the Seventeenth Century