Masonic Symbolism

MASONIC SYMBOLISM

LONDON , SATURDAY , NOVEMBER 10 , 1800 .

AVITH BEFEBENCE TO THE JtEAX ' IX'G A ^ D OlilGIX OF THE AVO EDS " PHEEIIASOX " " AS !) " COWAN . " " Although tlie origin of our fraternity is clouded ¦ with , darkness and its history is to a great extent obscure , yet Ave can confidently assert that it is the most ancient society in the world ; and Ave are equally certain that its

principles are based upon pure morality , that its ethics are the ethics of Christianity , its doctrines the doctrines of patriotism and brotherly love , and its sentiments the sentiments of exalted benevolence . Upon these points there can be no doubt . " So Avrites De

Witt Clinton , Governor , of New York U . S ., 1824 . I have already , I trust ,.. sufficiently proved in a former article ( Freemasonry and its Insitutes in connection with the laws and Eeligions of Antiquity ) the antiquity of the science , and shown the relation it bears to the superstitions or religions of the ancient world ; my endeavour

now , then , Aviil be to SIIOAV the true meaning and the origin of the term "Freemason , " and also of its antagonistic term "Cowan . " Freemasonry was practised in early times under the several appellations of Noachidfe , Lux , Mesouranes , Philosophy , Geometry , Fraternitus Latamorum , & c ., as its operative or speculative divisions

prevailed . Masons were originally called Noachida ) Olsons of Noah , from Noah , AA'IIO was considered the Grand Master of those ages , and AAdiose tenets and doctrines they followed and inculcated . Pythagoras gave it the name Mesouranes , because he esteemed the central fire

the supernal mansion of Jove , as the most excellent body ought to have the most excellent place , i . e ., the centre . Geometry among the Mathematical sciences is the one Avhich lias most especial reference to architecture , and Ave can therefore , under the name of Geometry understand the whole art of Freemasonry . Latomus is a Latin word derived from the Greek AK-OIIOI O

stonecutter ; thus , as in the early and middle ages the noblest ' Avorks of architecture Avere the work of Freemasons , they were called the Fraternitus Latomorum . The term Lux or Light is aptly applied to Masonry , because it removes the mists of error and superstition from the understanding , leaves the soul open to impressions which

awaken all the energies of Faith , Hope , and Charity , and because , looking beyond the narrow limits of particular institutions , Avhether civil or religious , it enables the true Mason to A'ieAv , in every son of Adam , a brother of the dust .

Many definitions have been applied to Freemasonry . J 3 y one it is called the science Avhich embraces every other ; by another , it is styled the Eeligion of Benevolence ; by a third , it is said to be a peculiar system of morality veiled in allegory , and illustrated by symbols , because the light is in some measure communicated by

the assistance of hieroglyphical emblems . These three definitions are all applicable , as every true Masons knoAvs , but the latter one comprehends both of the former ,

and using it as my text and by continually bearing it in mind , I shall hopefully to elucidate my subject . I have already shown the relation which exists between the ancient religions and Freemasonry . Histories of the fabulous gods of paganism were , under the semblance of

truth , transmitted from age to age , and under the reign of ignorance and superstition received as real facts ; to assist them in carrying out their designs , and also to preserve their real secrets and hidden truths , the priests had recourse to symbols ; these symbols possessed a

double signification , one for the vulgus profanum , the other for the esotorics or the higher grade of priests . To secure its principles and tenets from the rude gaze of the idolatrous world , Freemasonry also used the language of signs and symbols , and thus proceeded on her

heavenly mission , spreading the blessings of mercy and charity around her , and keeping inviolate the secrets and mysteries of her art . " "We are sometimes amazed , " says M . Pluche , " at the conformity found in many respects between the practices of the Hebrews and those of the

nations giA'en over to the grossest idolatory . " Most of the learned , in order to account for a similitude of usages , say that false religions only copied and mimicked the true , and from the conformity of some particulars of mythology with sacred history , they think themselves authorized to affirm that the heathen had the

communication of the Holy Scriptures , or must have frequented the company of , and imitated the Hebrews . The Grecian and Roman mythology , which was derived from the Egyptians , has been much inquired into by the learned , and , says the pious and learned "Wm . . Jones , " Avhoever considers the form of religious instruction in the Church

of God , Avill plainly see , that the mystical or mythological form among the heathens was derived from it , and set up against it as a rival . It pleased God to prefigure the mysteries of our faith from the beginning of the world by an emblematic ritual : this manner

, therefore , the heathens would necessarily carry off with them ; and when they changed the object of . their worship , and departed from the Creator to the creature they still retained the mystical form , and applied it to the worship of the elements of the world ; describing

their powers and operations under the form of fable and mystery , and serving them with a multitude of emblematical rites and ceremonies . Because the true God taught his people by mystical representation , they truly would have their mysteries too : and I take this to be the true origin of the fabulous style in the Greek mythology ;

though it makes a wretched figure in many particulars ; as the Avoolly headed negro savage does , Avhen Ave consider him as a son of Adam descended from paradise . The whole religion of Heathendom was made up of sacred tradition perverted , a customary ritual and a physiological

fable ; but the emblematic prevails in every part alike . " The convenience of that language which rendered itself intelligible to the eyes , and in some sense made animals and even stones themselves , to speak , by degrees became more common . It was extended to everything , and