Symbolism.

SYMBOLISM .

FROM time to time we have given our readers articles on the symbols of Freemasonry . Treating of their origin and their application by us as Masons in our system of work , as presented in the different degrees . Masonry has been truly defined as "being a system of morality , vieled in allegory , and illustrated by symbols . " Symbolism

has from the earliest ages of the world been one of the most important factors in its education and advancement . In fact it forms the basis , and is the starting point of all education . The letters of the alp habet are but arbitrary characters , symbols to represent to the mind certain

distinct sounds necessary for the proper use of language . These picture representations are enlarged npon as we advance in learning , and in every step we find them used as object lessons , the better and more indelibly to fix upon the mind and memory the truths they are to convey .

Masonry , in the various forms of its organizations from the time when the memory of man runneth not to the contrary , has adopted for itself a variety of symbols , by which the better to present its teachings and impress them upon the minds of its followers . While Qod and

immortality constitutes its chief corner-stone , the underlying truth upon which its all is founded , and being based npon the common wants of humanity , and having for its object the elevation of manhood in this life , as a preparation for that immortality , it has selected its symbols not only from

nature and nature ' s laws , but from the experiences of life . In order the better to accomplish its purposes , it , in the earlier ages of the world , combined with the operative workmen , and became an important auxiliary in their organizations . Growing witb . their growth , it in time so

completely absorbed the operative as to become in its character purely speculative . It no longer used the working tools of the operative in the erection of costly buildings and magnificent temples , but it still retained

them as symbols , whioh , combined with those drawn from nature , would form a universal language , one within the comprehension of all , and one adapted to a system which was to embrace within its fold men of all nations and

tongues , and would in time encirclo tbo world . Being selected from among those things which aro in daily use and presentation , and being simple and common , they are possessed of no intrinsic value to the profane ,

except for the purposes for which they were originally intended , and the frequent use of them by the Fraternity is beyond their comprehension , and oftentimes a source of derision ; bat to the true Mason their application is easily understood , ancl their teachings become of the utmost

importance . Clothed as a workman , tho candidate—no matter what his rank or station in life—receives his first lesson in the underlying principles of fraternity , and is taught that true equality necessary to constitute the brotherhood of man

kind . That tho " King from out his palace or the poor man from his home , " must meet upon the checkered pavemeut upon the same level , and where each Masonically as well as in truth are Brothers . The level placed in his hands teaches him the same lesson . The plumb brings to view

an upright , manly lifo , which the square emphasizes by its teachings of morality , honesty and justice , which to him , who has learned to properly divide his time and give a due proportion to labour , refreshment and devotion , becomes almost a matter of course , particularly after having

divested himself of the vices of this life by a persistent use of that instrument made use of by the operative , to remove the excrescences found upon tho stone in its natural state and fit it for use iu the building . The Temple ° f King Solomon , so frequently referred to in all our

ceremonies , reminds us of that Temple of onr inner life ; that which each individual is building within himself . It enforces and combines the lessons taught in all other three lessons most essentiall y to be followed if we would arrive at that standard of excellence which it signifies ancl which

Masonry requires . By a proper use of the Trowel in spreading the cement of brotherly love all are united into ° ne Grand Temple , whose beauty ancl symmetry is symbolised by that Temple not made with hands eternal in tne

heavens . The Lodge , by its form , supports and covering , is 0 f itself a symbol of the world . Not merely that world as known and understood by our ancient ^ reture n , which to them was of an oblong form , and utnoug h limitei in extent yet embracing ail within the

Symbolism.

compass of their understanding ; bnt also that world comprehended by our Brethren of to-day , which relatively extends from east to west and between the north and south , while the wisdom displayed in its plan and arrangement , the strength and durability of its structure and the beauty

upon which it was designed , are among its most essential attributes . By the covering of the Lodge we are reminded of that higher life , towards which we are all fast hastening , and for which the duties of this life with its experiences are but preparatory . That mysterious ladder seen not by

mortal eyes , but by the interior or spirit vision of the Patriarch , with its mystic rounds , upon which tho immortals were seen both ascending and descending , should serve to impress upon our minds those duties which Masonry has marked out for us to pursue and those noble

tenets Masonry would have all to cultivate , and which culminates in those three most essential virtues , " Faith , Hope and Charity , " and constitutes the principal rounds of that ladder upon which she would have us ascend if we would reach the grand fruition ; that heaven so vividly

portrayed to Jacob . These duties are founded upon the needs of humanity and serve to promote the brotherhood of man . They are such as we owe to ourselves and to our neighbour , as well as to God . Such as are emphasised by Masonry in all of its teachings .

But this ladder of Jacob equally symbolises and demonstrates that there is a connection between the two

worlds—the material and the spiritual , and that not only are the inhabitants of the one as real , and as fully individualised in their respective spheres and conditions , as are the other , but that the communication between tho two is not all upon one side , and only obtained by means of

its ascent . Those seen by Jacob in that remarkable vision were also descending ; they possessed , like himself , form and proportion , and were recognised as individuals , and coming from another sphere of existence . They were by him denominated angels or messengers , and so they no doubt

were sent by loved ones to encourage , support and strengthen him , in the duties aud difficulties which at that time lay before him . By means of an inner , or spiritual sense , they were visible to him , and by a similar means he received and understood their communications .

While this thought is , by many , passed over lightly , and oftentimes ignored , yet all , to a greater or loss extent , and in some form , recognise its presence . But whether their coming be as guardian angels , silent and unseen , watching over loved ones left behind , giving premonitions of danger

giving council and advice , or , like those who appeared in visible form to Abraham , Icsaiie , Jacob , Lot , and hosts of others , as recorded in sacred writ , it matters not , neither is it of any particular importance whether this is to us a matter of fact or of simple faitb . If we realise or believe

that loved ones who havo gone before are around us , watching over aud strengthening us in tho performance of those duties inculcated by Masonry , and by means of which we may be enabled to ascend that mystic ladder to a higher plane in this life and to a nobler existence in that which is co follow .

Brethren , these thoughts upon some of our symbols are presented for the purpose of impressing upon your minds that Masonry , although veiled in allegory and illustrated in a manner peculiar to ourselves , is yet a science , the science of life , and a subject worthy of study , one which is

continually unfolding new beauties , and new themes for thought the more investigated . We would have the Brethren appreciate the fact that Masonry is something more than a mere social or benevolent Institution . Rather an educator aud a teacher in all of life ' s most essential duties , aa preparatory to that immortal life foreshadowed by its lessons . —Masonic Tidinys .

The meetings of tho Walthamstow Lodge of Instruction , No . 2192 , will iu future be held iu the Masonio Lodgo Room , at the Chequers Hotel , High Street , Walthamstow , every Monday , at 8 p . m .

We learn that Bro . Robert . H . Fryar , of Bath , proposes to issue a copper plate edition of Dr . Westcott ' s Iaiuc tablet , for framing . The price will be 5 s 6 d .

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FUNERALS properly carried out and personally attended , ia London and Country , by Bro . G . A . HTJTTOIT , 17 Newcastle Street , Strand , W . C . Monuments erected . Valuations made *