Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry. Evidences, Doctrines, And Traditions.
conducted to a small narrow door , having passed through which , you rapidly descend till you find yourself upon the brink of a subterraneous river . Over the river you are ferried in a small boat ; and , after reaching the opposite side , you continue your course along its bank , through an alternate succession of narrow passages and lofty caverns . At
length you arrive at a beautiful arched grotto of very large dimensions , in the centre of which rises a natural rock , which you are surprised to find illuminated ready for your reception . The rock itself is occupied by a number of persons , who hacl previously entered for that purpose , and your ears are forthwith saluted ba variety of wild songswhich
y , forcibly remind you of the old popular superstition respecting elves and fairies . I have little doubt but that this is done pursuant to an immemorial custom ; all traditions respecting the origin and import of which have , however , long been obliterated from the minds of the guides . " In such deep and dark caverns were the mysteries of
Spurious Freemasonry solemnized . And the chief agent employed in the initiations was terror . With some traces of primitive truth , fictions the most alarming were
incorpoporated ; and the universal presence of the deity was converted into an engine to excite the most intense feelings of superstitious awe . This veneration , which amounted to the last extremity of religious dread , caused the circulation and belief of many superstitions , in which was involved the preternatural agency of superior beings . Hence the traditions
which are still prevalent in some parts of this kingdom , that secluded caverns are haunted by phantoms and apparitions . The same awe froze the blood of the uninitiated in every part of the world , when they approached , by any accident , the place of initiation , or even when they spake of the sanctuary where the mysteries were celebrated at the dead hour
of night . These feelings were encouraged by priests and hierophants , to prevent the intrusion of profane or unworthy persons , and to keep at a distance the prying curiosity of the vulgar , whose feelings were strongly excited by the arrogant boast that the mystagogus , from the influence of his supernatural endowmentspossessed the power of controlling the
, course of nature , commanding the services of the gods , and making the chief celestial deity tremble on his throne . — With such a fearful impression on his mind , what must be the situation of the midnight traveller , bewildered in his
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry. Evidences, Doctrines, And Traditions.
conducted to a small narrow door , having passed through which , you rapidly descend till you find yourself upon the brink of a subterraneous river . Over the river you are ferried in a small boat ; and , after reaching the opposite side , you continue your course along its bank , through an alternate succession of narrow passages and lofty caverns . At
length you arrive at a beautiful arched grotto of very large dimensions , in the centre of which rises a natural rock , which you are surprised to find illuminated ready for your reception . The rock itself is occupied by a number of persons , who hacl previously entered for that purpose , and your ears are forthwith saluted ba variety of wild songswhich
y , forcibly remind you of the old popular superstition respecting elves and fairies . I have little doubt but that this is done pursuant to an immemorial custom ; all traditions respecting the origin and import of which have , however , long been obliterated from the minds of the guides . " In such deep and dark caverns were the mysteries of
Spurious Freemasonry solemnized . And the chief agent employed in the initiations was terror . With some traces of primitive truth , fictions the most alarming were
incorpoporated ; and the universal presence of the deity was converted into an engine to excite the most intense feelings of superstitious awe . This veneration , which amounted to the last extremity of religious dread , caused the circulation and belief of many superstitions , in which was involved the preternatural agency of superior beings . Hence the traditions
which are still prevalent in some parts of this kingdom , that secluded caverns are haunted by phantoms and apparitions . The same awe froze the blood of the uninitiated in every part of the world , when they approached , by any accident , the place of initiation , or even when they spake of the sanctuary where the mysteries were celebrated at the dead hour
of night . These feelings were encouraged by priests and hierophants , to prevent the intrusion of profane or unworthy persons , and to keep at a distance the prying curiosity of the vulgar , whose feelings were strongly excited by the arrogant boast that the mystagogus , from the influence of his supernatural endowmentspossessed the power of controlling the
, course of nature , commanding the services of the gods , and making the chief celestial deity tremble on his throne . — With such a fearful impression on his mind , what must be the situation of the midnight traveller , bewildered in his