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Article MASONIC SYMBOLS. THE HIVE. ← Page 2 of 6 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Symbols. The Hive.
the full meaning of certain words among us ; the astronomer would direct our gaze to the bright evening star that brings light into the world ; and would bid us continually call to our remembrance , that as the stars of heaven above shed then- light upon , the midnight darkness , so ought we to show ourselves
above the world , not only in position , but in brilliancy ; so ought we to give some portion of our light to the world beloAv . If a body of Brethren Avould take upon themselves these very light labours , they woulcl confer a great benefit on all Avho take a pleasure in reading this periodical , and on none more than those Brethren who , from the pressure of their business , or from other causes , are withheld from diving into the depths of Freemasonry by their OAVU efforts , but who manfully avail themselves of the labours of others .
It is with this view , that I have chosen a symbol , which appears to have been less illustrated than any other . I cannot , however , believe that the ancient Masters in Masonry would have admitted the hive among the emblems of the Craft , were not a deeper meaning concealed than appears at first sight . The mere symbolism of the emblem is so self-evident , that I do
not even refer to it ; but the coincidences betiveen the proceedings of a well-regulated hive , and those of a well-regulated Lodge are so striking , that I shall give as many of them as occur to me . I shall , however , draw no parallels . If the reader be an initiate , he Avill not fail to perceive them ; if he has not that good fortune , the account will be equally interesting without the explanation of one parallel , while he is ignorant of the other .
We AVIII suppose , then , that a hive is about to be set up . The first thing to be taken into consideration is , whether the surrounding neighbourhood affords floAvers enough to give nutriment to the expected bees , and to enable them continually to increase their numbers . This point being settled , the compass has to be consulted as to the proper position of the hive , especial care
being taken to shelter it from adA'erse winds , and particularly to avoid any opening towards the North . The necessary provisions being made , a convenient hive is next procured , in which the bees are to Avork . This must be made so as to shelter the inhabitants from prying eyes , for bees are A'ery jealous of their craftand cannot endure that their labours should be overseenIf
, . there are any windows to the hive , they must be carefully guarded with shutters , or the bees will speedily cover the entire window with wax , and that so effectually that it will be impossible to catch the slightest glimpse of the proceedings within . But the proper mode of proceeding is , to make an aperture at the top
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Symbols. The Hive.
the full meaning of certain words among us ; the astronomer would direct our gaze to the bright evening star that brings light into the world ; and would bid us continually call to our remembrance , that as the stars of heaven above shed then- light upon , the midnight darkness , so ought we to show ourselves
above the world , not only in position , but in brilliancy ; so ought we to give some portion of our light to the world beloAv . If a body of Brethren Avould take upon themselves these very light labours , they woulcl confer a great benefit on all Avho take a pleasure in reading this periodical , and on none more than those Brethren who , from the pressure of their business , or from other causes , are withheld from diving into the depths of Freemasonry by their OAVU efforts , but who manfully avail themselves of the labours of others .
It is with this view , that I have chosen a symbol , which appears to have been less illustrated than any other . I cannot , however , believe that the ancient Masters in Masonry would have admitted the hive among the emblems of the Craft , were not a deeper meaning concealed than appears at first sight . The mere symbolism of the emblem is so self-evident , that I do
not even refer to it ; but the coincidences betiveen the proceedings of a well-regulated hive , and those of a well-regulated Lodge are so striking , that I shall give as many of them as occur to me . I shall , however , draw no parallels . If the reader be an initiate , he Avill not fail to perceive them ; if he has not that good fortune , the account will be equally interesting without the explanation of one parallel , while he is ignorant of the other .
We AVIII suppose , then , that a hive is about to be set up . The first thing to be taken into consideration is , whether the surrounding neighbourhood affords floAvers enough to give nutriment to the expected bees , and to enable them continually to increase their numbers . This point being settled , the compass has to be consulted as to the proper position of the hive , especial care
being taken to shelter it from adA'erse winds , and particularly to avoid any opening towards the North . The necessary provisions being made , a convenient hive is next procured , in which the bees are to Avork . This must be made so as to shelter the inhabitants from prying eyes , for bees are A'ery jealous of their craftand cannot endure that their labours should be overseenIf
, . there are any windows to the hive , they must be carefully guarded with shutters , or the bees will speedily cover the entire window with wax , and that so effectually that it will be impossible to catch the slightest glimpse of the proceedings within . But the proper mode of proceeding is , to make an aperture at the top