Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Explanation Of An Engraving On The Origin Of The Jewish Religion, As Connected With The Mysteries Of Freemasonry.
He accordingly offers his ideas on this subject in an emblematic engraving , throwing open the mysterious curtain of the Temple of the Universe . The initiated will observe in the middle of this engraving , the heavens , the principal constellations , the elements , the planets , the signs of the Zodiac , represented by red circular figures in the clouds , the sign occupying the principal plan , being that of the balance . Lower down are three spaces which represent the three elements of fireair
, and water ; and seven other spaces contain the seven planets known to the ancients . In the middle of these spaces are placed ten circles , of which three are large and seven small . They are arranged according to the ancient principles of the Cabal , by which they were named the ten sephiroth numbers ; but according to the delineator ' s opinion , the true expression for these ten sephiroth is sphern ; this being the word used hy Ticuni Zohar . The earth is placed still lower , and between the earth
and the clouds are the heavens , where will be perceived the Hebrew letters composed of stars . * This alphabet is read from right to left , the tenth letter being the Hebrew jod , the more remarkable by its form resembling a triangle , whilst the modern letter jod assumes that of a square . f Let us apply this to Masonry . The curtain of the Temple of Jerusalem separated the Holy of Holies from the other parts of the temple appropriated to the simple
Priests and Initiated . In the same manner the office-bearers of a Mason ' s Lodge , where Masonry is properly understood and practised , are also separated from common members , this is analogous to the ten cabalistic sphere . The three superior officers are in the east of the Lodge , and are placed so as to form a triangle , similar to the three superior spheres , and like the jod celestial , of which mention has above
ven : been made . / v The seven other office-bearers are placed in sec C- ** > orat conformity with the disposition of the seven other spheres , with a slight modification in as far as the Expert , the Master of the Ceremonies , and the Tyler are concerned ; on account of the necessity which exists for leaving a free passage in the middle of the Lodge .
Three large candlesticks , with lights , are placed in the form of a triangle before the two Wardens and the Treasurer ; these supply the place of the three spheres of the middle , but the rites which change the places of the two Wardens , do not belong to this system , as must be quite evident . On the right hand side of the engraving is represented the space of time between the vernal and autumnal equinox , and the opposite side
shows the space of time between the latter equinox and that of springthat is to say summer and winter—for it is known that the seasons are brought about by the apparent movement of the sun . The Grand Architect of the Universe ordained ( through the medium of the Prophet Moses , who received the light upon Mount Horeb by means of the fire which appeared in the middle of the burning bush ) , to celebrate the two equinoxes by two feasts , of seven days duration each , which events are intended to be represented in the engraving by two tables ; the winter side representing Easter , the end of the season of
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Explanation Of An Engraving On The Origin Of The Jewish Religion, As Connected With The Mysteries Of Freemasonry.
He accordingly offers his ideas on this subject in an emblematic engraving , throwing open the mysterious curtain of the Temple of the Universe . The initiated will observe in the middle of this engraving , the heavens , the principal constellations , the elements , the planets , the signs of the Zodiac , represented by red circular figures in the clouds , the sign occupying the principal plan , being that of the balance . Lower down are three spaces which represent the three elements of fireair
, and water ; and seven other spaces contain the seven planets known to the ancients . In the middle of these spaces are placed ten circles , of which three are large and seven small . They are arranged according to the ancient principles of the Cabal , by which they were named the ten sephiroth numbers ; but according to the delineator ' s opinion , the true expression for these ten sephiroth is sphern ; this being the word used hy Ticuni Zohar . The earth is placed still lower , and between the earth
and the clouds are the heavens , where will be perceived the Hebrew letters composed of stars . * This alphabet is read from right to left , the tenth letter being the Hebrew jod , the more remarkable by its form resembling a triangle , whilst the modern letter jod assumes that of a square . f Let us apply this to Masonry . The curtain of the Temple of Jerusalem separated the Holy of Holies from the other parts of the temple appropriated to the simple
Priests and Initiated . In the same manner the office-bearers of a Mason ' s Lodge , where Masonry is properly understood and practised , are also separated from common members , this is analogous to the ten cabalistic sphere . The three superior officers are in the east of the Lodge , and are placed so as to form a triangle , similar to the three superior spheres , and like the jod celestial , of which mention has above
ven : been made . / v The seven other office-bearers are placed in sec C- ** > orat conformity with the disposition of the seven other spheres , with a slight modification in as far as the Expert , the Master of the Ceremonies , and the Tyler are concerned ; on account of the necessity which exists for leaving a free passage in the middle of the Lodge .
Three large candlesticks , with lights , are placed in the form of a triangle before the two Wardens and the Treasurer ; these supply the place of the three spheres of the middle , but the rites which change the places of the two Wardens , do not belong to this system , as must be quite evident . On the right hand side of the engraving is represented the space of time between the vernal and autumnal equinox , and the opposite side
shows the space of time between the latter equinox and that of springthat is to say summer and winter—for it is known that the seasons are brought about by the apparent movement of the sun . The Grand Architect of the Universe ordained ( through the medium of the Prophet Moses , who received the light upon Mount Horeb by means of the fire which appeared in the middle of the burning bush ) , to celebrate the two equinoxes by two feasts , of seven days duration each , which events are intended to be represented in the engraving by two tables ; the winter side representing Easter , the end of the season of