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Ta Eithta.
authorities , is a manly resistance to all lawless violence , nonce by a determined adhotoneo to this groat social durv i'i 11 . A . M . we preserve our constitutional landmarks from the llood-i i >! tyranny and official despotism . Proceeding eastward ' . am i . iav observe the tools of a If . A . M . : oeHain tool .- ! of manual hboar nnd a scroll . These are the Pickaxe ; . the Crowbar : aad I he
Shovel ; with tho Koll , or Scroll , supposed to be writ tea i ! i MI ancient language , and to contain the Sacred Law ( or Bible ) . As mechanical instruments , the pickaxe is used to loosen tho earth ; the crowbar is to make purchases ; and the shovel is to clear away the loosened earth and rubbish . These we spiritualise as follows : The sound of the stroko of the pickaxe reminds ns of the sound of the last trnmpet ,
when the graves shall be shaken open—shall bo loosened and shall deliver up their dead . Tho crow being tho emblem of uprightness allndes to tho erect manner in which the spirit will arise on that awful day to meet its Divine Jnrlge , its great and terrible Maker ; the great tremendous , and merciful I AM . Tho shovel reminds ns of the manner in which the Temains of our mortal bodies are put awav
from sight when properly disposed of in the grave ; which incites an invnlnntary hope that tho spirit may thence arise with firm but humble faith of being ( through TTis ' morcy ) endowed with everlasting bliss . Tho scroll of sacred law reminds ns of tho tradition which we have preserved from time immemorial that the sacred ark—tho book of the law and the prophets , involving certain facts unknown to the
world , was removed from tho most Holy Place , under Masonio direction , and so deposited as to escape that overwhelming destruction wh'di swept away the whole land of Jndoa . Tt was deposited in a p lane of security at the building of K . S . T ., and snpposed to bo irrecoverably lost at the destruction of that Temple , togother with the Sacred Name of God Himself , when the voil of tho Temple
was rent , when darkness covered tho earth ; when consternation reigned ; when tho stars disappeared ; when the implements of Masonry were lost ; the lamp of day darkened ; tho cubical stone sweated blood and water ; and in the dim night of dark despair only phantoms appeared . Then was the Sacred and Mysterious Word lost ; and it remained so until time and circumstances , during the
Babylonish Captivity , caused them to bo ( accidentally as some , have thought ) discovered , at the building of tho second Temple . From these traditions we learn where , and under what circumstances , these secrets , with the Sacred Word , and the Book of tho Sacred Law , were found . Tho very name of Holy Royal Arch has a significant allusion ( well understood by every Companion in this august
Sanhedrim now sitting ) . The very foundation of the degrees rest on these facts . Some say that when the idolatrous Manassah ascended tho throne of Judah the Sacred Writings wero hidden away ; to preserve the Book from the rude hands of infidelity and violence , and remained in its place of security until found by Hilkiah . And then again that towards the close of the reign of Josiah ; ho foreseeing tbe
wickedness and idolatry op his son ( and snecessor ) , again hid away in a place of security the V . S . L ., through tho hands and instrumentality of Hnlrlah the prophetess . But all agree that it tuas lost before the destruction of the Temple , and discovered by Ezra , Zerubbabel , and their associated brethren in tho romoval of the rnins of the Old Temple preparatorv to the creation of the New .
Beyond these symbols , and on the centre of the raised circle , which is donblo , we observe two intersecting equilateral triangles . A symbol which excites awe and astonishment to tho contemplating and inquiring mind of tho noviciate . A double circle , with an embossed border enclosing a double equilateral triangle , is an emblem of vast significance ; and may be traced amongst all religions in tho known
world . This emblem has been fonnd in tho caves of Elephanta , on the great imago of the Deity ; at Ghuzuec , in tho wall of the Temple ; in Normand y , and in Brittany , on medallions ; on tho breasts of ancient Knight Templars , as they lie in recumbent attitudes in their Priories ; in Christian Cathedrals ; on tho gates of Somnauth ; in tho Moorish Harem , in Western Bnrbary ; in the Jewish Synagogue ; and
in innumerable monuments of bygone ages . A brass frame , in the shape of two intersecting triangles , has been found , used as a chandelier , in the palace of an Eastern Moslem ; and it is said to represent the seal of King Solomon ; as well amongst many ancient Eastern nations ; as in many , temples of Hebrew worshippers , in which may be seen , in front of a recess , where the sacred roll is to be
deposited ; a gigantic lamp or glass tumbler—a glory ; in the centre of a brazen frame ; a double triangle ; Solomon ' s seal . With the Jew it referred to the Sephiroth ; with tho Moslem to the Deity and his Prophet , with the Christian to the Creator as Mediator working ont the redemption of mankind , and was typical of his two natures , human and divine . It was found in all permanent Christian works
m the early ages ; and still exists in the pained windows of Collegiate and Christian Chnrches in England , and in Contineuta edifices , and in the paintings of Egypt—thero signifying tho known and thennknown ; the apparent and the hidden mysteries ; the initiated and uninitiated of Osiris . It was to the Pythagorean the symbol of health , the emblem of tho elements—of fire and water ; of prayer
and of remission ; of petition and blessing ; of creation and redemption ; of life and death ; of resurrection and judgment . On the circumference of the circle are placed three brass candlesticks ; throe great luminaries in a triangular form , and , at the intersections of the triangles , three lesser ones . The three large lights refer to the sacred Logos , and are expressive of triune essence ; of His creating ,
preserving and destroying power , as the Creator , Redeemer , and Judge ot mankind . In the three lesser wo symbolise three Masonio virtues—Virtue , Honour and Mercy—three divine attributes ; and the lights ot the law and the prophets ; the patriarchal , mosnical and prophetical dispensations ; as each of the lesser intersect tho lines formed b y two of the greater triangle thev geometrically divi . le the
greater triangle , in the centre , into three lesser triangles " at their extremities ; and , by their nnion , form a fonrth triangle in tho centrewithin which is the altar of incense—in the form of a double enhe of pure virgin marble . The cube is the svmbol of human wisdom and moral perfection . The New Jerusalem ( promised in the Apocalypse ) 18 equal in height , length and breadth . The double cube is an
Ta Eithta.
emblem of divine wisdom . Its face is veiled tenia observation by a white veil , emblematical of that purity of h-airt anil rectitude of eoiidnet which should ' ••leird mir roer . f- ; IVon : proi ' airtti > i , and ivliHt in <¦•¦ -Mitial to obi tin a Imi .-xio'i to ihe -.:.--.: * i-s-i 1 . v . avi •;< . f the Sanctum S ¦ sclerals ! , hut certain i : iy :-itic character . ; are vi-iblo on it .- ; plinth , an ! a ; we eroa ' r . .- 's in knowledge wo hope io penetrate lias lavatories
ot ! hat veil . Furi iier oasi . we see a throne elevated on a thus witu three steps ; having a , superb and royal canopy , composed of three Masonic colours ; the purple implies awo and reverence ; the blue , truth and constancy ; the crimson , justice tompored with mercy . The inferences to bo drawn therefrom are too obvious now to be dilated on . Blue , purple , aud crimson are tho colours of this roya '
canopy . Symbolism distinguishes three blue colours , ono of whic " emanates from red ; another from white ; and the third is allied t ° black . Blue is frequently distinguished by diil ' eront gradations ° * colour , and somotimos confounded in ono alone . Blue , says a Chino so commentator , is a colonr formed of black ami rod mixed together . Tho colonr of Heaven is blue . It is tho in and tho jang re-. iinito : l in
one . Tho activo and passive principle ; the male and tho femalo ; the obsenro and the brilliant . Pauthior , in tho Tao To King , Philosophy of tho Hindoos , says , " All corporeal beings anil things are produced by incomprehensible nature , emanating from Tun ( blue ) , and I Slue is the origin of till subfile natures . Hlne , emanating from rod , represents the ethereal tiro . It -signifies the celestial love of truth . In
the mystories it relates to the baptism of ( ire . The /;/ ,,,, , , emanating from white , indicates the truth of faith , tho living waters of tho Bible , tho baptism of the spirit . And / , ' / , < , ' , allied to black , conducts us back to cosmogony . To tho spirit of God moving on the surface of tho waters . To chaos . To natural baptism , lilnc is an emblem of friendship and benevolence , and teaches us that , iu tho mind of a
II . A . Mason , those virtues should bo as oxpansivo at tho blue arch of heaven itself . These three aspects of the same colour correspond with tho three principal degrees of antiont initiation , and it ( blue ) is the characteristic , colour of our present symbolic degrees , which are commonly designated as bine Masonry . Purple is produced by a due mix-turn of blue and scarlet . It , leaches ns to cult irate and
improve that spirit of harmony between Craft Masons and tho Companions of this Holy and Suhlimo Degree which should ever distinguish tho members of a society founded on tho principles of everlasting truth and universal philanthropy . Crimson , or more properly speaking scarlet ( twice dyed , in tho blood of tho Murex , a fossil genus of shells ) , is emblematical of fervency and zeal ; and is
the appropriate colonr of tho Royal Arch Degree . It admonishes us to be fervent in our devotions to God , and zealous in onr endeavours to promote tho happiness of men . This canopy is . fringed and tassolled with gold , and surmounted by a crown , out of which springs tho staff of a white banner charged with a triangle within a circle including 1 T 1 As yon wore told , when exalted to this holy and
snblime degree , in tho days of Pythagoras tho triangle was esteemed tho most sacred of emblems , and when an obligation of more than usual importance was administered it was univorsally given iu a triangle ; and when so taken none wore ever known to violate if . The Egyptians termed it the sacred number , or number of perfection ; and so highly did the antients esteem the figuro that it
became among them an object of worship as the great principle of animated existence . They gave it the name of God , and affirmed that it represented tho animal , vegetable and mineral creation . The \ X \ forms 2 right angles , on each of the exterior lines , aud another at tho centre by their union ; for the three angles of each triangle are equal to 2 right angles . I have endeavoured to avoid in this
paper repeating any parts of the ceremonial , but those two allusions are perhaps unavoidable . Beneath the canopy in tho illustration aro 3 sceptres arranged in a triangular form . 1 sceptre is surmounted by a crown ; 1 by a mitre ; 1 by the All-seeing Eye , alluding to tho regal , prophetical and sacerdotal offices . These sceptres aro worn in our Chapters by tho 3 Principals Z ,, II ., J ., who sit in the three thrones on
the dais under the royal canopy , the secrets of all of which chairs wero , aro , and ever ought to be , conferred in a peculiar manner appropriate to each . On each side of tho floorcloth are a series of banners , which I will more particularly explain . Tho designs blazoned on theso banners ( mounted on staves ) formed the distinctive bearings of tho 12 tribes or Israel , figuraHvo of the peculiar blessings bequeathed
to each by the Patriarch Jacob , who assembled them together for that purpose when he was dying . When Moses was ordered to go down to Egypt to deliver his brethren , ho asked for a sign , and was ordered to cast , down his rod , or staff , which immediately became a serpent , and Moses fled from it . By divine command , however , he put forth his hand , picked it np , and it resumed its form . This is
said by some to be the origin of our R . A . staves and it is a favourite sign among ll . A . M . ' s of Ireland ; and America too , for that matter . They aro very fond of testing a brother by throwing clown a walking ( or other ) stick , and observing how ho will pick it np . It is also a password and sign with the veils , which , however , have been abolished
in English Chapters for 55 years . On tho top of these staves are the banners of the 12 tribes , which we use for many purposes , especially to commemorate the great wonders wronght for the children of Israel during their travels in the wilderness where they wero first set up as standards around their encampment , about which each tribe assembled in due form . The devices on the banners aro
emblematical of what should and wonld ( in their future ages ) happen to the postevity of each tribe . I will come back to them directly . In the extreme E ., and on cither side of the white one , are four other principal standards ( or banners ) , every ono of which has its particular motto , or distinct sign described on it . When tho Israelites marched through the wilderness we find that tho 12 tribes had between them theso 4
uanners or standards . They encamped round about the tabernacle . On the E . side wero three tribes under the standard of Judah ; on the W . were three tribes , under tho standard of Ephraim ; on tho S . were three tribes , under the standard of Reuben ; and on the N . were threo tribes , under the standard ; of Dan . The standard of Judah was a lion ; the standard of Reuben a man ; of Ephraim art
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ta Eithta.
authorities , is a manly resistance to all lawless violence , nonce by a determined adhotoneo to this groat social durv i'i 11 . A . M . we preserve our constitutional landmarks from the llood-i i >! tyranny and official despotism . Proceeding eastward ' . am i . iav observe the tools of a If . A . M . : oeHain tool .- ! of manual hboar nnd a scroll . These are the Pickaxe ; . the Crowbar : aad I he
Shovel ; with tho Koll , or Scroll , supposed to be writ tea i ! i MI ancient language , and to contain the Sacred Law ( or Bible ) . As mechanical instruments , the pickaxe is used to loosen tho earth ; the crowbar is to make purchases ; and the shovel is to clear away the loosened earth and rubbish . These we spiritualise as follows : The sound of the stroko of the pickaxe reminds ns of the sound of the last trnmpet ,
when the graves shall be shaken open—shall bo loosened and shall deliver up their dead . Tho crow being tho emblem of uprightness allndes to tho erect manner in which the spirit will arise on that awful day to meet its Divine Jnrlge , its great and terrible Maker ; the great tremendous , and merciful I AM . Tho shovel reminds ns of the manner in which the Temains of our mortal bodies are put awav
from sight when properly disposed of in the grave ; which incites an invnlnntary hope that tho spirit may thence arise with firm but humble faith of being ( through TTis ' morcy ) endowed with everlasting bliss . Tho scroll of sacred law reminds ns of tho tradition which we have preserved from time immemorial that the sacred ark—tho book of the law and the prophets , involving certain facts unknown to the
world , was removed from tho most Holy Place , under Masonio direction , and so deposited as to escape that overwhelming destruction wh'di swept away the whole land of Jndoa . Tt was deposited in a p lane of security at the building of K . S . T ., and snpposed to bo irrecoverably lost at the destruction of that Temple , togother with the Sacred Name of God Himself , when the voil of tho Temple
was rent , when darkness covered tho earth ; when consternation reigned ; when tho stars disappeared ; when the implements of Masonry were lost ; the lamp of day darkened ; tho cubical stone sweated blood and water ; and in the dim night of dark despair only phantoms appeared . Then was the Sacred and Mysterious Word lost ; and it remained so until time and circumstances , during the
Babylonish Captivity , caused them to bo ( accidentally as some , have thought ) discovered , at the building of tho second Temple . From these traditions we learn where , and under what circumstances , these secrets , with the Sacred Word , and the Book of tho Sacred Law , were found . Tho very name of Holy Royal Arch has a significant allusion ( well understood by every Companion in this august
Sanhedrim now sitting ) . The very foundation of the degrees rest on these facts . Some say that when the idolatrous Manassah ascended tho throne of Judah the Sacred Writings wero hidden away ; to preserve the Book from the rude hands of infidelity and violence , and remained in its place of security until found by Hilkiah . And then again that towards the close of the reign of Josiah ; ho foreseeing tbe
wickedness and idolatry op his son ( and snecessor ) , again hid away in a place of security the V . S . L ., through tho hands and instrumentality of Hnlrlah the prophetess . But all agree that it tuas lost before the destruction of the Temple , and discovered by Ezra , Zerubbabel , and their associated brethren in tho romoval of the rnins of the Old Temple preparatorv to the creation of the New .
Beyond these symbols , and on the centre of the raised circle , which is donblo , we observe two intersecting equilateral triangles . A symbol which excites awe and astonishment to tho contemplating and inquiring mind of tho noviciate . A double circle , with an embossed border enclosing a double equilateral triangle , is an emblem of vast significance ; and may be traced amongst all religions in tho known
world . This emblem has been fonnd in tho caves of Elephanta , on the great imago of the Deity ; at Ghuzuec , in tho wall of the Temple ; in Normand y , and in Brittany , on medallions ; on tho breasts of ancient Knight Templars , as they lie in recumbent attitudes in their Priories ; in Christian Cathedrals ; on tho gates of Somnauth ; in tho Moorish Harem , in Western Bnrbary ; in the Jewish Synagogue ; and
in innumerable monuments of bygone ages . A brass frame , in the shape of two intersecting triangles , has been found , used as a chandelier , in the palace of an Eastern Moslem ; and it is said to represent the seal of King Solomon ; as well amongst many ancient Eastern nations ; as in many , temples of Hebrew worshippers , in which may be seen , in front of a recess , where the sacred roll is to be
deposited ; a gigantic lamp or glass tumbler—a glory ; in the centre of a brazen frame ; a double triangle ; Solomon ' s seal . With the Jew it referred to the Sephiroth ; with tho Moslem to the Deity and his Prophet , with the Christian to the Creator as Mediator working ont the redemption of mankind , and was typical of his two natures , human and divine . It was found in all permanent Christian works
m the early ages ; and still exists in the pained windows of Collegiate and Christian Chnrches in England , and in Contineuta edifices , and in the paintings of Egypt—thero signifying tho known and thennknown ; the apparent and the hidden mysteries ; the initiated and uninitiated of Osiris . It was to the Pythagorean the symbol of health , the emblem of tho elements—of fire and water ; of prayer
and of remission ; of petition and blessing ; of creation and redemption ; of life and death ; of resurrection and judgment . On the circumference of the circle are placed three brass candlesticks ; throe great luminaries in a triangular form , and , at the intersections of the triangles , three lesser ones . The three large lights refer to the sacred Logos , and are expressive of triune essence ; of His creating ,
preserving and destroying power , as the Creator , Redeemer , and Judge ot mankind . In the three lesser wo symbolise three Masonio virtues—Virtue , Honour and Mercy—three divine attributes ; and the lights ot the law and the prophets ; the patriarchal , mosnical and prophetical dispensations ; as each of the lesser intersect tho lines formed b y two of the greater triangle thev geometrically divi . le the
greater triangle , in the centre , into three lesser triangles " at their extremities ; and , by their nnion , form a fonrth triangle in tho centrewithin which is the altar of incense—in the form of a double enhe of pure virgin marble . The cube is the svmbol of human wisdom and moral perfection . The New Jerusalem ( promised in the Apocalypse ) 18 equal in height , length and breadth . The double cube is an
Ta Eithta.
emblem of divine wisdom . Its face is veiled tenia observation by a white veil , emblematical of that purity of h-airt anil rectitude of eoiidnet which should ' ••leird mir roer . f- ; IVon : proi ' airtti > i , and ivliHt in <¦•¦ -Mitial to obi tin a Imi .-xio'i to ihe -.:.--.: * i-s-i 1 . v . avi •;< . f the Sanctum S ¦ sclerals ! , hut certain i : iy :-itic character . ; are vi-iblo on it .- ; plinth , an ! a ; we eroa ' r . .- 's in knowledge wo hope io penetrate lias lavatories
ot ! hat veil . Furi iier oasi . we see a throne elevated on a thus witu three steps ; having a , superb and royal canopy , composed of three Masonic colours ; the purple implies awo and reverence ; the blue , truth and constancy ; the crimson , justice tompored with mercy . The inferences to bo drawn therefrom are too obvious now to be dilated on . Blue , purple , aud crimson are tho colours of this roya '
canopy . Symbolism distinguishes three blue colours , ono of whic " emanates from red ; another from white ; and the third is allied t ° black . Blue is frequently distinguished by diil ' eront gradations ° * colour , and somotimos confounded in ono alone . Blue , says a Chino so commentator , is a colonr formed of black ami rod mixed together . Tho colonr of Heaven is blue . It is tho in and tho jang re-. iinito : l in
one . Tho activo and passive principle ; the male and tho femalo ; the obsenro and the brilliant . Pauthior , in tho Tao To King , Philosophy of tho Hindoos , says , " All corporeal beings anil things are produced by incomprehensible nature , emanating from Tun ( blue ) , and I Slue is the origin of till subfile natures . Hlne , emanating from rod , represents the ethereal tiro . It -signifies the celestial love of truth . In
the mystories it relates to the baptism of ( ire . The /;/ ,,,, , , emanating from white , indicates the truth of faith , tho living waters of tho Bible , tho baptism of the spirit . And / , ' / , < , ' , allied to black , conducts us back to cosmogony . To tho spirit of God moving on the surface of tho waters . To chaos . To natural baptism , lilnc is an emblem of friendship and benevolence , and teaches us that , iu tho mind of a
II . A . Mason , those virtues should bo as oxpansivo at tho blue arch of heaven itself . These three aspects of the same colour correspond with tho three principal degrees of antiont initiation , and it ( blue ) is the characteristic , colour of our present symbolic degrees , which are commonly designated as bine Masonry . Purple is produced by a due mix-turn of blue and scarlet . It , leaches ns to cult irate and
improve that spirit of harmony between Craft Masons and tho Companions of this Holy and Suhlimo Degree which should ever distinguish tho members of a society founded on tho principles of everlasting truth and universal philanthropy . Crimson , or more properly speaking scarlet ( twice dyed , in tho blood of tho Murex , a fossil genus of shells ) , is emblematical of fervency and zeal ; and is
the appropriate colonr of tho Royal Arch Degree . It admonishes us to be fervent in our devotions to God , and zealous in onr endeavours to promote tho happiness of men . This canopy is . fringed and tassolled with gold , and surmounted by a crown , out of which springs tho staff of a white banner charged with a triangle within a circle including 1 T 1 As yon wore told , when exalted to this holy and
snblime degree , in tho days of Pythagoras tho triangle was esteemed tho most sacred of emblems , and when an obligation of more than usual importance was administered it was univorsally given iu a triangle ; and when so taken none wore ever known to violate if . The Egyptians termed it the sacred number , or number of perfection ; and so highly did the antients esteem the figuro that it
became among them an object of worship as the great principle of animated existence . They gave it the name of God , and affirmed that it represented tho animal , vegetable and mineral creation . The \ X \ forms 2 right angles , on each of the exterior lines , aud another at tho centre by their union ; for the three angles of each triangle are equal to 2 right angles . I have endeavoured to avoid in this
paper repeating any parts of the ceremonial , but those two allusions are perhaps unavoidable . Beneath the canopy in tho illustration aro 3 sceptres arranged in a triangular form . 1 sceptre is surmounted by a crown ; 1 by a mitre ; 1 by the All-seeing Eye , alluding to tho regal , prophetical and sacerdotal offices . These sceptres aro worn in our Chapters by tho 3 Principals Z ,, II ., J ., who sit in the three thrones on
the dais under the royal canopy , the secrets of all of which chairs wero , aro , and ever ought to be , conferred in a peculiar manner appropriate to each . On each side of tho floorcloth are a series of banners , which I will more particularly explain . Tho designs blazoned on theso banners ( mounted on staves ) formed the distinctive bearings of tho 12 tribes or Israel , figuraHvo of the peculiar blessings bequeathed
to each by the Patriarch Jacob , who assembled them together for that purpose when he was dying . When Moses was ordered to go down to Egypt to deliver his brethren , ho asked for a sign , and was ordered to cast , down his rod , or staff , which immediately became a serpent , and Moses fled from it . By divine command , however , he put forth his hand , picked it np , and it resumed its form . This is
said by some to be the origin of our R . A . staves and it is a favourite sign among ll . A . M . ' s of Ireland ; and America too , for that matter . They aro very fond of testing a brother by throwing clown a walking ( or other ) stick , and observing how ho will pick it np . It is also a password and sign with the veils , which , however , have been abolished
in English Chapters for 55 years . On tho top of these staves are the banners of the 12 tribes , which we use for many purposes , especially to commemorate the great wonders wronght for the children of Israel during their travels in the wilderness where they wero first set up as standards around their encampment , about which each tribe assembled in due form . The devices on the banners aro
emblematical of what should and wonld ( in their future ages ) happen to the postevity of each tribe . I will come back to them directly . In the extreme E ., and on cither side of the white one , are four other principal standards ( or banners ) , every ono of which has its particular motto , or distinct sign described on it . When tho Israelites marched through the wilderness we find that tho 12 tribes had between them theso 4
uanners or standards . They encamped round about the tabernacle . On the E . side wero three tribes under the standard of Judah ; on the W . were three tribes , under tho standard of Ephraim ; on tho S . were three tribes , under the standard of Reuben ; and on the N . were threo tribes , under the standard ; of Dan . The standard of Judah was a lion ; the standard of Reuben a man ; of Ephraim art