-
Articles/Ads
Article SIGNS AND SYMBOLS.' Page 1 of 8 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Signs And Symbols.'
SIGNS AND SYMBOLS . '
THERE is this difference between Freemasonry and all other Sciences , that while their rudiments are plain and obvious , the knowledge of Freemasonry is indirectly conveyed through the medium of Signs and Symhols , or visible objects bearing an enigmatical reference . But they are arranged hy a classification so peculiarl y systematic , and explained by a process so lucid and satisfactory , as to render the study a source of gratification and deliht . The key to their elucidation is in the custodof
g y the Brethren at large ; and lest any improper person should become possessed of a jewel which has been deemed worthy of such careful concealment , the consent of the whole bod y is necessary before a candidate can participate in the privileges it is supposed to convey . Once in possession of the key , the mystery is solved ; and Masonry , in all its glory , becomes accessible to the fortunate individual who obtains permission to fathom its ineffable secrets .
It isa curious fact in the history of the human mind , that the first race of men who lived after the Flood , when the recollection of that awful event , as well as of the Creation and Fall of Man , with all their train of consequences , could not have been entirely obliterated hy any combination of events , should have been induced to exchange a system of Light so pure and free from all unholy contamination , for an institution where the most profound darkness spread its baleful shadows over the mind . This substitute was indeed clad in more gorgeous trappings , and assumed an appearance of more imposing splendour ; but it was also
invested with an interest of such fearful tendency , that it is difficult to determine whether admiration or terror was the prevalent feeling which occupied the astonished aspirant ' s thoughts . For , although Hercules is made by Euripedes to acknowledge that the Mysteries had conveyed a considerable degree of happiness , yet others rather dwell on the subject of their terrors . Cicero informs us that the Mysteries were celebrated in darkness and amidst the dense shades of an impervious forest ; for which the
above author , in the Bacchantes , gives this reason ; because darkness was calculated to fill the mind with horror and dismay . Proclus speaks of the terrors which initiation inspired ; and an ancient writer , quoted hy Stobams , describes this terror in strong and appalling language . ¦< The first stage is nothing but errors and uncertainty , laborious wanderings , a rude and fearful march through night and darkness . And now arrived at the verge of deathinitiation wears a dreadful aspectit is all horror
, : , trembling , sweating , and affrightment . " Dr . Oliver , in his History of Initiation , briefly explains the process of the above exchange . " The universal Deluge would produce a tremendous effect on the minds of the survivors ; and as a knowledge of this terrible event was propagated amongst their posterity , it would naturall y be accompanied hy a veneration for the piety , and afterwards for the person of the
favoured few , who were preserved from destruction hy the visible interference of the divinity . This veneration increasing with the march of time , and with the increasing oblivion of the peculiar manner in which their salvation was accomplished , at length assumed the form of an
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Signs And Symbols.'
SIGNS AND SYMBOLS . '
THERE is this difference between Freemasonry and all other Sciences , that while their rudiments are plain and obvious , the knowledge of Freemasonry is indirectly conveyed through the medium of Signs and Symhols , or visible objects bearing an enigmatical reference . But they are arranged hy a classification so peculiarl y systematic , and explained by a process so lucid and satisfactory , as to render the study a source of gratification and deliht . The key to their elucidation is in the custodof
g y the Brethren at large ; and lest any improper person should become possessed of a jewel which has been deemed worthy of such careful concealment , the consent of the whole bod y is necessary before a candidate can participate in the privileges it is supposed to convey . Once in possession of the key , the mystery is solved ; and Masonry , in all its glory , becomes accessible to the fortunate individual who obtains permission to fathom its ineffable secrets .
It isa curious fact in the history of the human mind , that the first race of men who lived after the Flood , when the recollection of that awful event , as well as of the Creation and Fall of Man , with all their train of consequences , could not have been entirely obliterated hy any combination of events , should have been induced to exchange a system of Light so pure and free from all unholy contamination , for an institution where the most profound darkness spread its baleful shadows over the mind . This substitute was indeed clad in more gorgeous trappings , and assumed an appearance of more imposing splendour ; but it was also
invested with an interest of such fearful tendency , that it is difficult to determine whether admiration or terror was the prevalent feeling which occupied the astonished aspirant ' s thoughts . For , although Hercules is made by Euripedes to acknowledge that the Mysteries had conveyed a considerable degree of happiness , yet others rather dwell on the subject of their terrors . Cicero informs us that the Mysteries were celebrated in darkness and amidst the dense shades of an impervious forest ; for which the
above author , in the Bacchantes , gives this reason ; because darkness was calculated to fill the mind with horror and dismay . Proclus speaks of the terrors which initiation inspired ; and an ancient writer , quoted hy Stobams , describes this terror in strong and appalling language . ¦< The first stage is nothing but errors and uncertainty , laborious wanderings , a rude and fearful march through night and darkness . And now arrived at the verge of deathinitiation wears a dreadful aspectit is all horror
, : , trembling , sweating , and affrightment . " Dr . Oliver , in his History of Initiation , briefly explains the process of the above exchange . " The universal Deluge would produce a tremendous effect on the minds of the survivors ; and as a knowledge of this terrible event was propagated amongst their posterity , it would naturall y be accompanied hy a veneration for the piety , and afterwards for the person of the
favoured few , who were preserved from destruction hy the visible interference of the divinity . This veneration increasing with the march of time , and with the increasing oblivion of the peculiar manner in which their salvation was accomplished , at length assumed the form of an