-
Articles/Ads
Article THE FREEMASONS' LEXICON. ← Page 9 of 9
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Lexicon.
with each other upon the doctrines contained in their mysteries—eon * templated the hieroglyphics upon the statues , and endeavoured to decypher them . Those among the initiated who were in the lowest degrees , and who could not comprehend the sublime doctrine of one God , worshipped the sun and other inferior divinities . This was also the religion of the common people . The Brahminsthe present
inha-, bitants of India , those pure descendants of the ancient Brachmen , do not admit any person into their mysteries without having first diligently enquired into his character and capabilities , and duly proved his fortitude and prudence . No one could be initiated until he had attained a certain age ; and before his initiation , the novice had to prepare himself by prayer , fasting , and alms-giving , and other good works , for many days . When the appointed day arrivedhe bathed himself and went
, to the Guru or chief Brahmin , who kept one of his own apartments ready in which to perform this ceremony . Before he was admitted , he was asked , if he earnestly desired to be initiated . If it was not curiosity which induced him to do so . If he felt himself strong enough to perform the ceremonies which would be prescribed to him , for the whole of his life , without the exception of a single day . He was at the same time advised to defer the ceremony for a timeif he had not SUIST
, cient confidence in his strength . If the youth continued firm in his resolution , and showed a zealous disposition to enter into the paths of righteousness , the Guru addressed a charge to him upon the manner of living to which he was about to pledge himself for the future . He threatened him with the punishment of heaven if he conducted himself wickedly : promised him on the contrary the most glorious reward if he would constantly keep the path of righteousness . After this
exhortation , and having received his pledge , the candidate was conducted to the prepared chamber , the door of which stood open , that all those who were assembled might participate in the offering about to be made , Different fruits were thrown into the fire , while the high priest witli many ceremonies prayed that God mi ght be present with them in that sacred place . The Guru then conducted the youth behind a curtain , both having their heads covered , and then gently pronounced into his ear a word of oue or two syllableswhich he was as gentlto repeat into
, y the ear of the Guru , that no other person might hear it . In tfiis word was the prayer which the initiated was to repeat as often as he could for the whole day , yet in the greatest stillness and without ever moving the lips . Neither durst he discover this sacred word unto any person . No European has ever been able to discover this word , so sacred is this secret to them . When the newly initiated has repeated this command several times , then the chief Brahmin instructs him in tbe
ceremoniesteaches him several songs to the honour of God , and finally dismisses him with many exhortations to pursue a virtuous course of life . Instructionen und Instructions Logon . Instruction and Lodges of Instruction . —Any person can be made a member of tbe Order by being initiated ; but by so doing , he for the most part only learns to know the ceremonies ; and the precise being or meaning of ¥ reemasonry he must learn by being afterwards instructed . In many Lodges those instructions are written out as a commentaryand are given to the Lodfrom
, ge time to time : at these times the W . M . or lecturer has ample room for explanatory remarks . In other Lodges it is left to the W . M . to instruct the Brethren upon Masonic subjects , according to his own views . These instructions must form a principal part of tlie labours of a Lodge and thc candidate must pay great attention to them .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Lexicon.
with each other upon the doctrines contained in their mysteries—eon * templated the hieroglyphics upon the statues , and endeavoured to decypher them . Those among the initiated who were in the lowest degrees , and who could not comprehend the sublime doctrine of one God , worshipped the sun and other inferior divinities . This was also the religion of the common people . The Brahminsthe present
inha-, bitants of India , those pure descendants of the ancient Brachmen , do not admit any person into their mysteries without having first diligently enquired into his character and capabilities , and duly proved his fortitude and prudence . No one could be initiated until he had attained a certain age ; and before his initiation , the novice had to prepare himself by prayer , fasting , and alms-giving , and other good works , for many days . When the appointed day arrivedhe bathed himself and went
, to the Guru or chief Brahmin , who kept one of his own apartments ready in which to perform this ceremony . Before he was admitted , he was asked , if he earnestly desired to be initiated . If it was not curiosity which induced him to do so . If he felt himself strong enough to perform the ceremonies which would be prescribed to him , for the whole of his life , without the exception of a single day . He was at the same time advised to defer the ceremony for a timeif he had not SUIST
, cient confidence in his strength . If the youth continued firm in his resolution , and showed a zealous disposition to enter into the paths of righteousness , the Guru addressed a charge to him upon the manner of living to which he was about to pledge himself for the future . He threatened him with the punishment of heaven if he conducted himself wickedly : promised him on the contrary the most glorious reward if he would constantly keep the path of righteousness . After this
exhortation , and having received his pledge , the candidate was conducted to the prepared chamber , the door of which stood open , that all those who were assembled might participate in the offering about to be made , Different fruits were thrown into the fire , while the high priest witli many ceremonies prayed that God mi ght be present with them in that sacred place . The Guru then conducted the youth behind a curtain , both having their heads covered , and then gently pronounced into his ear a word of oue or two syllableswhich he was as gentlto repeat into
, y the ear of the Guru , that no other person might hear it . In tfiis word was the prayer which the initiated was to repeat as often as he could for the whole day , yet in the greatest stillness and without ever moving the lips . Neither durst he discover this sacred word unto any person . No European has ever been able to discover this word , so sacred is this secret to them . When the newly initiated has repeated this command several times , then the chief Brahmin instructs him in tbe
ceremoniesteaches him several songs to the honour of God , and finally dismisses him with many exhortations to pursue a virtuous course of life . Instructionen und Instructions Logon . Instruction and Lodges of Instruction . —Any person can be made a member of tbe Order by being initiated ; but by so doing , he for the most part only learns to know the ceremonies ; and the precise being or meaning of ¥ reemasonry he must learn by being afterwards instructed . In many Lodges those instructions are written out as a commentaryand are given to the Lodfrom
, ge time to time : at these times the W . M . or lecturer has ample room for explanatory remarks . In other Lodges it is left to the W . M . to instruct the Brethren upon Masonic subjects , according to his own views . These instructions must form a principal part of tlie labours of a Lodge and thc candidate must pay great attention to them .