How does the concept of Gnosis relate to Freemasonry?

Albert C. Mackey holds that Oriental philosophy and Gnostic doctrines permeate advanced Masonic degrees—specifically Ineffable, Philosophic, and Hermetic Freemasonry—making an understanding of Gnostic and Cabalistic thought essential to comprehending these higher ranks 1. However, Mackey plainly distinguishes Freemasonry from the Gnostic sects on the question of secrecy: while the Gnostics possessed a secret doctrine, Freemasonry has no hidden doctrine, as its core philosophy is open to the world and only its modes of recognition and ritual instruction remain secret 1.

Taking a more mystical view, Walter Leslie Wilmshurst presents gnosis as the foundational theoretical science imparted throughout a Mason's progress 2. In the Craft, Wilmshurst takes the installed Master—traditionally termed a Master of Arts and Sciences—to be one who has mastered the art of living in harmony with this theoretic gnosis 2. He connects Masonic allegory directly to Gnostic concepts, viewing Hiram Abiff as an emblem of Gnostic symbolism where the "widow's son" refers to the errant or widowed state of divine wisdom (Sophia), from which humanity has fallen 2. For Wilmshurst, the loss of Wisdom (Gnosis) as a supporting pillar marks the ruined state of the human soul, which Masonic initiation aims to rebuild through spiritual regeneration and the recovery of primitive gnosis 2.