Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
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ideas become clear ais practical truths ; though still , like all truths regarding the mind and heart , which are invisible , they can be expressed only by figurative terms and external symbols . By imagery , and through a veil ^ of metaphor , the light of truth and the most sublime allusions are disclosed . We may be well versed in the ceremonials of our Order , and yet not understand their
true import ; we may correctly read " the letter " of our . traditions and legends , and yet remain blind to their " spirit , " and ignorant of the principles and inferences they involve . By research and persevering study alone can we solve the enigma , " de quo fabula
narratur ? " Many of the characteristic , allegories , legends , symbols , and ceremonies of Sublime Freemasonry are looked upon as insignificant and valueless , because they are not palpable to the senses and fully comprehended at the first blush . Some of oar most sacred mysteries are lightly esteemed because they furnish no disclosures that strike dumb with amazement : our " hidden treasures" and
spiritual " riches of secret places " are unappreciated ; and no . Royal Secret which humbly professes to have a relation only to the life of the heart , seems to be cared for ; nor yet any any " precious stone " in our mystic edifice if the " philosopher ' s stone " be wanting . For men of this stamp our High Degrees , or , indeed , any Masonic Degrees , will ever fail to present attractions .
" Upon the arts of building and architecture * the Order of Free and Accepted Masonry rises ,, like a fair stupendous pyramid from a broad square basis , tending regularly up to a summit of ) attainments , ever concealed by iiitervem ^ bf commonobserversbelow . **' -. " .
" Soine persons , " observes Bro . Ifates , * ¦ who have written and discoursed about our Degrees , have obtained what little knowledge they possess of them from spurious and corrupted sources ; I do ^ hot sp ^ ak unadvisedly on this subject , for I have critically examined ritualst identical with those in use among the clandestine
mdsoi-* This ideal is beautifully symbolized in one of the High Degrees , by a figure of Truth covered with a semi-transparent veil . t That most of the writers who have hitherto written on Sublime Freemasonry have obtained the information they have palmed off as orthodox from the most corrupt fountains , and that they have tended to spread and diffuse the most unmeaning nonsensical and unintelligible jargon , is well known to all intelligent Sublime Freemasons . A respect for Brethren yet living , ornaments to Graft
Masonry , and sound in all their opinions upon Masonic subjects with which they were acquainted , forbids my quoting the most absurd trash connected with the Higher Degrees now to be found in the library of every Brother who has a Masonic library . As an instance of such ignorant blundering , I would say that Thoma Smith Webb in tampering with a degree of our illustrious Order , and ignorant of the meaning of the legend Invent Verbum in orehonis , wrote it and printed it ,
in the several editions of his Monitor , " Jwvenis verbum intre lemis run !—JUatm which , I am sure you will agree with me , would puzzle tha , t astute myth " a Philadelphia lawyer" to decipher . Jeremy L . Cross , a travelling Masonic peddler in America , copied Webb , and copied his blunders I Atwood , a notorious usurper , and literary Masonic pillager in New York , author of the Master Workman ( by the way his worJe should be heaved among the rubbish ) , continues the TOL III . 4 Y
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
^
ideas become clear ais practical truths ; though still , like all truths regarding the mind and heart , which are invisible , they can be expressed only by figurative terms and external symbols . By imagery , and through a veil ^ of metaphor , the light of truth and the most sublime allusions are disclosed . We may be well versed in the ceremonials of our Order , and yet not understand their
true import ; we may correctly read " the letter " of our . traditions and legends , and yet remain blind to their " spirit , " and ignorant of the principles and inferences they involve . By research and persevering study alone can we solve the enigma , " de quo fabula
narratur ? " Many of the characteristic , allegories , legends , symbols , and ceremonies of Sublime Freemasonry are looked upon as insignificant and valueless , because they are not palpable to the senses and fully comprehended at the first blush . Some of oar most sacred mysteries are lightly esteemed because they furnish no disclosures that strike dumb with amazement : our " hidden treasures" and
spiritual " riches of secret places " are unappreciated ; and no . Royal Secret which humbly professes to have a relation only to the life of the heart , seems to be cared for ; nor yet any any " precious stone " in our mystic edifice if the " philosopher ' s stone " be wanting . For men of this stamp our High Degrees , or , indeed , any Masonic Degrees , will ever fail to present attractions .
" Upon the arts of building and architecture * the Order of Free and Accepted Masonry rises ,, like a fair stupendous pyramid from a broad square basis , tending regularly up to a summit of ) attainments , ever concealed by iiitervem ^ bf commonobserversbelow . **' -. " .
" Soine persons , " observes Bro . Ifates , * ¦ who have written and discoursed about our Degrees , have obtained what little knowledge they possess of them from spurious and corrupted sources ; I do ^ hot sp ^ ak unadvisedly on this subject , for I have critically examined ritualst identical with those in use among the clandestine
mdsoi-* This ideal is beautifully symbolized in one of the High Degrees , by a figure of Truth covered with a semi-transparent veil . t That most of the writers who have hitherto written on Sublime Freemasonry have obtained the information they have palmed off as orthodox from the most corrupt fountains , and that they have tended to spread and diffuse the most unmeaning nonsensical and unintelligible jargon , is well known to all intelligent Sublime Freemasons . A respect for Brethren yet living , ornaments to Graft
Masonry , and sound in all their opinions upon Masonic subjects with which they were acquainted , forbids my quoting the most absurd trash connected with the Higher Degrees now to be found in the library of every Brother who has a Masonic library . As an instance of such ignorant blundering , I would say that Thoma Smith Webb in tampering with a degree of our illustrious Order , and ignorant of the meaning of the legend Invent Verbum in orehonis , wrote it and printed it ,
in the several editions of his Monitor , " Jwvenis verbum intre lemis run !—JUatm which , I am sure you will agree with me , would puzzle tha , t astute myth " a Philadelphia lawyer" to decipher . Jeremy L . Cross , a travelling Masonic peddler in America , copied Webb , and copied his blunders I Atwood , a notorious usurper , and literary Masonic pillager in New York , author of the Master Workman ( by the way his worJe should be heaved among the rubbish ) , continues the TOL III . 4 Y