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MoralsandDogmaoftheAncient
andAcceptedScottishRiteof
Freemasonry
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TableofContents
AnIntroductiontoBro.AlbertPike'sMoralsandDogma.........................................................................3
I.APPRENTICE........................................................................................................................................8
THETWELVEINCHRULEANDTHECOMMONGAVEL............................................................8
II.THEFELLOWCRAFT......................................................................................................................26
III.THEMASTER...................................................................................................................................62
IV.SECRETMASTER..........................................................................................................................101
V.PERFECTMASTER........................................................................................................................107
VI.INTIMATESECRETARY.(ConfidentialSecretary).......................................................................111
VII.PROVOSTANDJUDGE................................................................................................................117
VIII.INTENDANTOFTHEBUILDING.............................................................................................125
IX.ELECTOFTHENINE....................................................................................................................136
X.ILLUSTRIOUSELECTOFTHEFIFTEEN....................................................................................144
XI.SUBLIMEELECTOFTHETWELVEorPRINCEAMETH........................................................158
XII.GRANDMASTERARCHITECT..................................................................................................170
XIII.ROYALARCHOFSOLOMON...................................................................................................182
XIVGRANDELECT,PERFECT,ANDSUBLIMEMASON.............................................................195
XVKNIGHTOFTHEEASTOROFTHESWORD............................................................................210
XVI.PRINCEOFJERUSALEM...........................................................................................................214
XVII.KNIGHTOFTHEEASTANDWEST.......................................................................................218
XVIII.KNIGHTROSECROIX............................................................................................................244
XIX.GRANDPONTIFF........................................................................................................................276
XX.GRANDMASTEROFALLSYMBOLICLODGES..................................................................288
XXI.NOACHITEORPRUSSIANKNIGHT........................................................................................295
XXII.KNIGHTOFTHEROYALAXEORPRINCEOFLIBANUS.................................................300
XXIIICHIEFOFTHETABERNACLE...............................................................................................310
XXIV.PRINCEOFTHETABERNACLE............................................................................................325
XXV.NIGHTOFTHEBRAZENSERPENT.....................................................................................382
XXVI.PRINCEOFMERCYORSCOTTISHTRINITARIAN..........................................................428
XXVII.KNIGHTCOMMANDEROFTHEEMPIRE.........................................................................476
XXVIII.KNIGHTOFTHESUNORPRINCEADEPT......................................................................479
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AnIntroductiontoBro.AlbertPike'sMoralsandDogma
ByBro.JayHalpern
MyacquaintancewithPike'swork,"MoralsandDogmaoftheAncientandAcceptedScottishRiteof
Freemasonry",wasamatterofchance.Ihappeneduponitinanantiquecenterandwasimmediately
drawntoitserudition,itsscopeanditswillingnesstoportraythesortofsymbolismandarcanathat
drewmetoFreemasonryinthefirstplace.

Ideterminedtolethiswordsspeakforthemselves,andplayuponmyownknowledgeofAmericanand
worldhistory,philosophyandpoliticaltheorytomaketheirpoint.WhatIfound,muchtomydelight,
washowfarPike'sworktookmebeyondtheparametersofpureMasonicloreandintotherealmof
politicalandeconomictheorythathadbeentrodbythegreatestmindsofthepast,likePlato,Plutarch,
andthephilosophicalsynthesizersofallages.

Itbecamecleartome,inthisregard,thatM&DwasfarmorethanaMasonictract.Pikeplaced
Freemasonryanditsstructureandsymbolswithintwoverybroadcontexts:thereligiousandspiritual
historyoftheworld,stretchingfarbeyondeventhebuildingofSolomon'sTemple;andthehuman
dramaofvanquishedpeoplescopingwiththeoppressivemoralandpoliticalclimateofdefeatinwar.
ForIthinkit'simpossibletounderstandthesignificanceofM&DwithoutperceivingPike'sspiritual
andphilosophicaloutcryagainstthepredationsmadeagainsttheformerConfederacyoftheAmerican
SouthbytheconqueringarmiesandpoliticiansoftheUnitedStatesfederalgovernment.

AlbertPikewasaConfederategeneralofhighmoralprinciples,asisevidentthroughoutM&D.Wein
theNorthhavebeenschooledinthehistoryofthevictor;thestoryoftheoriginsoftheconflict
betweenthestateswould,ofcourse,havebeenwrittenverydifferentlyhadthefortunesofwargone
differently.Havingbeentaughttheprincipleofloyaltytoone'snationalgovernmentfromchildhood,
weinthenorthfinditdifficult,ifnotimpossible,toconceiveoftheConfederaterebellionasanything
otherthananactofbetrayalofnationalprinciples,abreakingofthemostsacredtrustthathadbeen
forgedbetweenstatesbybloodspilledduringourmutualrevolutionfromEngland.Pikewritesinthe
verybeginningofM&D:"Thenationsarenotbodiespoliticalone,butalsosoulspolitic;andwoeto
thatpeoplewhich,seekingthematerialonly,forgetsthatithasasoul.Afreepeople,forgettingthatit
hasasoultobecaredfor,devotesallitsenergiestoitsmaterialadvancement.Ifitmakewar,itisto
subserveitscommercialinterests.ThecitizenscopyaftertheState,andregardwealth,pomp,and
luxuryasthegreatgoodsoflife.Suchanationcreateswealthrapidly,anddistributesitbadly.Thence
thetwoextremes,ofmonstrousopulenceandmonstrousmisery;alltheenjoymenttoafew,allthe
privationstotherest,thatistosay,tothepeople;Privilege,Exception,Monopoly,Feudality,springing
upfromLaboritself:afalseanddangeroussituation,which,makingLaborablindedandchained
Cyclops,inthemine,attheforge,intheworkshop,attheloom,inthefield,overpoisonousfumes,in
miasmaticcells,inunventilatedfactories,foundspublicpoweruponprivatemisery,andplantsthe
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greatnessoftheStateinthesufferingoftheindividual.Itisagreatnessillconstituted,inwhichallthe
materialelementsarecombined,andintowhichnomoralelemententers.Ifapeople,likeastar,has
therightofeclipse,thelightoughttoreturn.Theeclipseshouldnotdegenerateintonight."

ToPike'swayofthinking,theSouthernagrarianeconomyhadpurposefullyeschewedthewaysof
industrializationandthemarketforcesthathadbeensowarmlyembracedbytheNorth.WhatAlbert
Pikesawinhisowntimewastheforcedencrustationofanagrarian,democraticdreambyanimposed
industrialcapitalismfromtheNorth,andhesawhimselfasspokesmanforafreepeople,nowunder
tyranny,clutchingtosaveitssoul.

PikeregardedMasonryasapotentialframeworkuponwhichtoretainthenoblestandhighestideals
onceheldbythedefeatedSouth.Hearhiswords,then,writteninoccupationanddefeat,regardingthis
Brotherhood:"AndMasonry,likeHistoryandPhilosophy,haseternaldutieseternal,and,atthesame
time,simple.ThepeoplethatwouldbeFreeandIndependent,mustpossessSagacity,Forethought,
foresight,andcarefulCircumspection,allwhichareincludedinthemeaningofthewordPrudence.It
mustbetemperateinassertingitsrights,temperateinitscouncils,economicalinitsexpenses;itmust
bebold,brave,courageous,patientunderreverses,undismayedbydisasters,hopefulamidcalamities.
Shemust,aboveallthings,bejust,nottrucklingtothestrongandwarringonorplunderingtheweak;
shemustactonthesquarewithallnations,andthefeeblesttribes;alwayskeepingherfaith,honestin
herlegislation,uprightinallherdealings.WheneversuchaRepublicexists,itwillbeimmortal:for
rashness,injustice,intemperanceandluxuryinprosperity,anddespairanddisorderinadversity,arethe
causesofthedecayanddilapidationofnations."

AlbertPikewasamanofbroadscholarship,comfortablyfamiliarwiththegreatdocumentsofhistory,
andfamiliarwiththereportsofhumananthropologyandsociologywritten,withvaryingdegreesof
insightandaccuracy,byscholarsandhistoriansfromalltimesandplaces.Thereisn'tanindigenous
culture,whetherprimitiveoradvanced,thatPikedoesn'tapplaudtothedegreethatitsnativepeoples
adheretothetenetsofyeomanculture,ofhonestyandbrotherhoodfromsoultosoul.Indeed,Pike
quiteclearlystatesthatMasonicidealstranscendallerasandpeoples.InhischapterontheRoyalArch
ofSolomon,hewrites,"EvenBlueMasonrycannottracebackitsauthentichistory,withitspresent
Degrees,furtherthantheyear1700,ifsofar.But,bywhatevernameitwasknowninthisortheother
country,Masonryexistedasitnowexists,thesameinspiritandatheart,notonlywhenSolomonbuilt
thetemple,butcenturiesbeforebeforeeventhefirstcoloniesemigratedintoSouthernIndia,Persia,
andEgypt,fromthecradleofthehumanrace."(Italicstheauthor)

PrincipleTranscendsDegreeWorkandRitual

Thus,toPike,theprincipleshefoundinFreemasonryfartranscendedthepettyformalismofdegree
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workandritual.Helookedintothepastforrolemodelswhoselivesbestrepresentedwhathe
consideredMasonicideals,andphilosophiesthatrepresentedwhathefeltweremeaningfulparadigms
forlivingthegoodandvirtuouslife.Hissearchwasbroadandunprejudicedandheremarked
regardingtheappropriatenessofholytextsasoneoftheGreatLightsofaLodge:"TheHebrew
PentateuchinaHebrewLodge,andtheKoraninaMohammedanone,belongontheAltar;andoneof
these,andtheSquareandCompass,properlyunderstood,aretheGreatLightsbywhichaMasonmust
walkandwork."

PikesawinthisMasonicidealtherestatementoftheEleusinianMysteries,andOrphism,and
ythagoreanism,andthenoble,secretfaithsofeveryancientgenerationviewedinitsbestandmost
profoundlight."Wehavenootherconcernwithyourreligiouscreed,"Pikestatesoutright,butfor
swearingoathsonwhateverdocumentcommandsone'sparticularheartfelthonor.

PikeisdrawntothesymbolsofFreemasonry,drawnastheyarefromthemostancientoccultcreeds,
fortworeasons.Thefirstreasonderivesfromhisstatusasadefeatedgeneral,amanofhonorresiding
underwhatheperceivesasatyrannyofoccupation.Pikewrites,"Despotsareanaidtothinkers.
Speechenchainedisspeechterrible.

Thewriterdoublesandtripleshisstyle,whensilenceisimposedbyamasteruponthepeople.There
springsfromthissilenceacertainmysteriousfullness,whichfiltersandfreezesintobrassinhis
thoughts."Thus,livingunderthedespotismofthefederalU.S.,Pikewriteshistomecompressed
betweenblocksofsymbolsandarcanathatdisguisehisancillaryintent,towriteamissivethatwill
keeptheidealismoftheSouthaliveduringoccupation.

PikeheraldsawarningtohisSouthernbrethrenthattherewillbeapricetopayiftheirpathislost.
Historydemonstratesthatnationsintheirhourofdarkestneed,turntotheworstrulers:"Weshould
naturallysupposethatanationindistresswouldtakecounselwiththewisestofitssons.But,onthe
contrary,greatmenseemneversoscarceaswhentheyaremostneeded,andsmallmenneversoboldto
insistoninfestingplace,aswhenmediocrityandincapablepretenceandsophomoricgreenness,and
showyandsprightlyincompetencyaremostdangerous."Theresult,ofcourse,isthatrevolutions
begunforthepurposeofempoweringthepeople,resultinnewtyrannies:theruleofCromwell,of
Napoleon,ofStalin.Pikeaddsratherboldly,"Thatisasadandtrueallegorywhichrepresentsthe
companionsofUlysseschangedbytheenchantmentsofCirceintoswine,"meaningbyUlysses,of
course,UlyssesS.Grant,thenew"tyrant"overtheSouth.

"TheNorthRuledWithAnIronFist.."
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ThefactthattheU.S.federalgovernmentis,itself,arepublic,andnotatyranny,doesn'tletifoffthe
hook,inPike'sview;theeconomicsystemoftheNorthruleswithatyrant'sfist:Whencivilwartears
thevitalsofaRepublic,letitlookbackandseeifithasnotbeenguiltyofinjustices;andifithas,letit
humbleitselfinthedust!"

FromPike'sperspective,itisthemercantilesystemofindustrialpolitics,incontradistinctiontothe
agrarianidealismoftheSouth,thatcausedtherupturebetweenthestatesandpropelledthenationinto
civilwar.Therestrictionsestablishedagainsttheexpansionofslaveryintothenewterritoriesofthe
West,forexample,appearedtoSoutherngentrylikePiketobeaseriousandunmitigatedinfringement
uponwhattheytooktobethebackboneoftheConstitutionalcompromise,thebalancebetweenstates'
rightsandfederalauthority.Andinbackofthatinfringementlayindustrialmercantilism,therank
capitalismthatwastoleadtotheGildedAge,theAgeofMorganandAstorandGouldandtherestof
theRobberBarons.And,ofcourse,wearenotMasonslivingintheSouthduringReconstruction;we
arenotdefeatedwarriorslivingunderoccupation.Thepastisstillthepast,andthereinlies,inmy
opinion,agreatdealoftheintellectualfascinationPike'sworkholdsforme,asaMason.AsIreadhis
work,Itryandextrapolatejusthowsuchamanofbothwordanddeedcouldbeexpectedtomakehis
theoriesmanifestthemselvesintheworldatlarge.HeischargedbymanywithhelpingtofoundtheKu
KluxKlan,anactiveresistancemovementagainstthefederalforcesstationedthroughouttheSouth.I
canwellimaginePikeputtingdeedstohiswordsand,whenfacedwiththeapoliticalstanceofMasonry
thenandnow,seekingtofoundasimilarbody,anoffshootwithdegreesandsymbolsandocculttitles,
thatwouldmorevigorouslypursueaspiritualcumpoliticaltransformationthroughouttheSouth.But
I'dfinditdifficulttoimaginetheKlansmanasweknowhimtoday,ignorant,selfimportant,
anarchistic,hatefulagainstallreligionsandracesotherthanhisown,tobethekindofsoldierPike
wouldhavecalledtohisspiritualcause.PerhapstheKKKwasanexperimentthatfailedinitsinfancy
andwentoffinthewrongdirection,asubterraneancellofpoliticalandspiritualtheoriststurned
redneckracistsatthestartinggate.IcanthenimaginePikeevenmoredisgruntledandperhaps
misanthropicafterhisyearsoftheorizingandpropagatinghisphilosophy.

AnInfiniteVarietyofMankind...

ItisevidentfromthesymbolicportionsofM&DthatPikewastoointriguedbytheinfinitevarietyof
mankind,itsreligions,itscultures,itsspiritualstrugglesagainsttheforcesofdarkness,tobeblithely
classedwiththeracistswehavecometoexpectfromaracistculture.Itistruethatinsomesocieties
Pikeallowsforslavery;didn't,infact,thewholeGreekandRomanworld,packedfullofphilosophers,
dependuponitasaninstitution?Pikewrites,"Influenceofmanovermanisalawofnature,whetherit
bebyagreatestateinlandorinintellect.Itmaymeanslavery,adeferencetotheeminenthuman
judgment(italicsmine)."Hewriteselsewhere,"Thewiseramanbecomes,thelesswillhebe
inclinedtosubmittamelytotheimpositionoffettersorayoke,onhisconscienceorhisperson.For,by
increaseofwisdomhenotonlybetterknowshisrights,butthemorehighlyvaluesthem,andismore
consciousofhisworthanddignity.Hispridethenurgeshimtoasserthisindependence.Hebecomes
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betterabletoassertitalso;andbetterabletoassistothersorhiscountry,whentheyorshestakeall,
evenexistence,uponthesameassertion.InPike'sdaytherewasneithertheorynortechnologyfor
socialredemption.Certainformsofmaladaptivebehavior,certainaffectsofacculturation,were
consideredirredeemableand,atbest,servedaslessonstotherestofuswhoweren'tsoafflicted.In
otherwords,slavesareboththevictimsoftheirmasters,andbyremainingenslaved,eventually
deteriorateuntiltheyareworthyoftheirslavery.Don'tmistake,however,myattemptingtounderstand
Pike'sconceptionofslaverygivenhisphilosophyandspiritualitywithajustification.Itisherethat
PikeandIpartcompany,justasIpartcompanywithSocrates,PlatoandAristotle,whosephilosophic
leisuredependeduponaslavebasedculture.Imerelywishtopaintasbroadaportraitofthemanwho
wroteM&DasIcan,givenmystudiessofar.

IcansympathizewithArchieStone'sperplexity;here,inthisremarkablebook,sidebysidewith
drawingsofoccultsymbols,Hebrewicons,Masonicforms,andallmannerofdiagramsandarcana,is
embeddedapoliticalandsocialtractthatistheproudlydefiantoutcryofonemanagainstanationthat
hasoverrunhisown.It'seasyformetounderstandthevenerationinwhichPike'sheldbyMasonsin
theSouthernJurisdiction;herepresents,tothem,theepitomeofSouthernaristocraticlearning,
philosophyandvalues.Hiswordsring,andwillalwaysring,alongsideallotherworldclass
philosopherswhosawtheirsocietiescrumblingfromgreedandmercantilism.Itwill,I'msure,surprise
somethataNorthernMasonicJew,amanwithingrainedNorthernandurbansympathiesfor
multiculturalismandtheenlighteneduseoftechnology,couldgleansomuchfromamanlikeAlbert
Pike,amansodifferent.ButIfeelthat,atbottom,thespiritualtruthsthathavealwaysbroughttrue
Masonstogether,whetherinformalLodgeorbyinformalhappenstance,withorwithoutMasonic
sanction,aretruthsthatwebothshareandforwhosefullnessandradiancewecontinuetosearch.That
partofcontemporaryMasonrywhichfallsshortofthesetruths,would,Ifeel,disturbPikeasmuchas
theydisturbme.Icanonlywishtomeetandminglewithbrotherswhowillpursuemorelightin
Masonrywiththepassion,eruditionandreverencethatAlbertPikeputintohisimpressivework.

JAYHALPERNContributingEditor/WriterbelongstoCosmopolitanLodge#125inNewHaven,CT.
Hepublished"TheJadeUnicorn"in1979(Macmillan),anoccultallegoryofthebattlebetweengood
andevil,andislookingtohavehisnovel,"GrisGris,"alyricmeditation"CellFantastick",acollection
ofpoems"TheEmeraldCanticleofHermes",andacollectionofshortstories,"Ghosts&
Bones,"publishedASAP.Bro.Halpernisalsoadisabilityrights,civilrights,environmentalactivist
whoranforConnecticutstaterepresentativelastNovembertomakeastatementaboutapowerplant
beingshoveddowntheregion'sthroat,inlieuofacomprehensiverenewableenergypolicy.
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MORALSANDDOGMA.byAlbertPike

I.APPRENTICE

THETWELVEINCHRULEANDTHECOMMONGAVEL.
FORCE,unregulatedorillregulated,isnotonlywastedinthevoid,likethatofgunpowderburnedin
theopenair,andsteamunconfinedbyscience;but,strikinginthedark,anditsblowsmeetingonlythe
air,theyrecoilandbruiseitself.Itisdestructionandruin.Itisthevolcano,theearthquake,the
cyclone;notgrowthandprogress.ItisPolyphemusblinded,strikingatrandom,andfallingheadlong
amongthesharprocksbytheimpetusofhisownblows.

TheblindForceofthepeopleisaForcethatmustbeeconomized,andalsomanaged,astheblindForce
ofsteam,liftingtheponderousironarmsandturningthelargewheels,ismadetoboreandriflethe
cannonandtoweavethemostdelicatelace.ItmustberegulatedbyIntellect.Intellectistothepeople
andthepeople'sForce,whattheslenderneedleofthecompassistotheshipitssoul,always
counsellingthehugemassofwoodandiron,andalwayspointingtothenorth.Toattackthecitadels
builtuponallsidesagainstthehumanracebysuperstitions,despotisms,andprejudices,theForcemust
haveabrainandalaw.Thenitsdeedsofdaringproducepermanentresults,andthereisrealprogress.
Thentherearesublimeconquests.Thoughtisaforce,andphilosophyshouldbeanenergy,findingits
aimanditseffectsintheameliorationofmankind.

ThetwogreatmotorsareTruthandLove.WhenalltheseForcesarecombined,andguidedbythe
Intellect,andregulatedbytheRULEofRight,andJustice,andofcombinedandsystematicmovement
andeffort,thegreatrevolutionpreparedforbytheageswillbegintomarch.ThePOWERoftheDeity
HimselfisinequilibriumwithHisWISDOM.HencetheonlyresultsareHARMONY.

ItisbecauseForceisillregulated,thatrevolutionsprovefailures.Thereforeitisthatsooften
insurrections,comingfromthosehighmountainsthatdomineeroverthemoralhorizon,Justice,
Wisdom,Reason,Right,builtofthepurestsnowoftheidealafteralongfallfromrocktorock,after
havingreflectedtheskyintheirtransparency,andbeenswollenbyahundredaffluents,inthemajestic
pathoftriumph,suddenlylosethemselvesinquagmires,likeaCaliforniariverinthesands.The
onwardmarchofthehumanracerequiresthattheheightsarounditshouldblazewithnobleand
enduringlessonsofcourage.Deedsofdaringdazzlehistory,andformoneclassoftheguidinglightsof
man.Theyarethestarsandcoruscationsfromthatgreatseaofelectricity,theForceinherentinthe
people.Tostrive,tobraveallrisks,toperish,topersevere,tobetruetoone'sself,tograpplebodyto
bodywithdestiny,tosurprisedefeatbythelittleterroritinspires,nowtoconfrontunrighteouspower,
nowtodefyintoxicatedtriumphthesearetheexamplesthatthenationsneedandthelightthat
electrifiesthem.
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ThereareimmenseForcesinthegreatcavernsofevilbeneathsociety;inthehideousdegradation,
squalor,wretchednessanddestitution,vicesandcrimesthatreekandsimmerinthedarknessinthat
populacebelowthepeople,ofgreatcities.Theredisinterestednessvanishes,everyonehowls,searches,
gropes,andgnawsforhimself.Ideasareignored,andofprogressthereisnothought.Thispopulacehas
twomothers,bothofthemstepmothersIgnoranceandMisery.Wantistheironlyguideforthe
appetitealonetheycravesatisfaction.Yeteventhesemaybeemployed.

Thelowlysandwetrampleupon,castintothefurnace,melted,purifiedbyfire,maybecome
resplendentcrystal.TheyhavethebruteforceoftheHAMMER,buttheirblowshelponthegreat
cause,whenstruckwithinthelinestracedbytheRULEheldbywisdomanddiscretion.

YetitisthisveryForceofthepeople,thisTitanicpowerofthegiants,thatbuildsthefortificationsof
tyrants,andisembodiedintheirarmies.Hencethepossibilityofsuchtyranniesasthoseofwhichithas
beensaid,that"RomesmellsworseunderVitelliusthanunderSulla.UnderClaudiusandunder
Domitianthereisadeformityofbasenesscorrespondingtotheuglinessofthetyranny.Thefoulnessof
theslavesisadirectresultoftheatrociousbasenessofthedespot.Amiasmaexhalesfromthese
crouchingconsciencesthatreflectthemaster;thepublicauthoritiesareunclean,heartsarecollapsed,
consciencesshrunken,soulspuny.ThisissounderCaracalla,itissounderCommodus,itissounder
Heliogabalus,whilefromtheRomansenate,underCaesar,therecomesonlytherankodourpeculiarto
theeagle'seyrie."

Itistheforceofthepeoplethatsustainsallthesedespotisms,thebasestaswellasthebest.Thatforce
actsthrougharmies;andtheseoftenerenslavethanliberate.DespotismthereappliestheRULE.Force
istheMACEofsteelatthesaddlebowoftheknightorofthebishopinarmour.Passiveobedienceby
forcesupportsthronesandoligarchies,Spanishkings,andVenetiansenates.Might,inanarmywielded
bytyranny,istheenormoussumtotalofutterweakness;andsoHumanitywageswaragainstHumanity,
indespiteofHumanity.Soapeoplewillinglysubmitstodespotism,anditsworkmensubmittobe
despised,anditssoldierstobewhipped;thereforeitisthatbattleslostbyanationareoftenprogress
attained.Lessgloryismoreliberty.Whenthedrumissilent,reasonsometimesspeaks.

Tyrantsusetheforceofthepeopletochainandsubjugatethatis,enyokethepeople.Thentheyplough
withthemasmendowithoxenyoked.Thusthespiritoflibertyandinnovationisreducedbybayonets,
andprinciplesarestruckdumbbycannonshot;whilethemonksminglewiththetroopers,andthe
Churchmilitantandjubilant,CatholicorPuritan,singsTeDeumsforvictoriesoverrebellion.

Themilitarypower,notsubordinatetothecivilpower,againtheHAMMERorMACEofFORCE,
independentoftheRULE,isanarmedtyranny,bornfullgrown,asAthenesprungfromthebrainof
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Zeus.Itspawnsadynasty,andbeginswithCaesartorotintoVitelliusandCommodus.Atthepresent
dayitinclinestobeginwhereformerlydynastiesended.

Constantlythepeopleputforthimmensestrength,onlytoendinimmenseweakness.Theforceofthe
peopleisexhaustedinindefinitelyprolongingthingslongsincedead;ingoverningmankindby
embalmingolddeadtyranniesofFaith;restoringdilapidateddogmas;regildingfaded,wormeaten
shrines;whiteningandrougingancientandbarrensuperstitions;savingsocietybymultiplying
parasites;perpetuatingsuperannuatedinstitutions;enforcingtheworshipofsymbolsastheactual
meansofsalvation;andtyingthedeadcorpseofthePast,mouthtomouth,withthelivingPresent.
ThereforeitisthatitisoneofthefatalitiesofHumanitytobecondemnedtoeternalstruggleswith
phantoms,withsuperstitions,bigotries,hypocrisies,prejudices,theformulasoferror,andthepleasof
tyranny.Despotisms,seeninthepast,becomerespectable,asthemountain,bristlingwithvolcanic
rock,ruggedandhorrid,seenthroughthehazeofdistanceisblueandsmoothandbeautiful.Thesight
ofasingledungeonoftyrannyisworthmore,todispelillusions,andcreateaholyhatredofdespotism,
andtodirectFORCEaright,thanthemosteloquentvolumes.TheFrenchshouldhavepreservedthe
Bastileasaperpetuallesson;ItalyshouldnotdestroythedungeonsoftheInquisition.TheForceofthe
peoplemaintainedthePowerthatbuiltitsgloomycells,andplacedthelivingintheirgranite
sepulchres.

TheFORCEofthepeoplecannot,byitsunrestrainedandfitfulaction,maintainandcontinueinaction
andexistenceafreeGovernmentoncecreated.ThatForcemustbelimited,restrained,conveyedby
distributionintodifferentchannels,andbyroundaboutcourses,tooutlets,whenceitistoissueasthe
law,action,anddecisionoftheState;asthewiseoldEgyptiankingsconveyedindifferentcanals,by
subdivision,theswellingwatersoftheNile,andcompelledthemtofertilizeandnotdevastatetheland.
Theremustbethejusetnorma,thelawandRule,orGauge,ofconstitutionandlaw,withinwhichthe
publicforcemustact.Makeabreachineither,andthegreatsteamhammer,withitsswiftand
ponderousblows,crushesallthemachinerytoatoms,and,atlast,wrenchingitselfaway,liesinertand
deadamidtheruinithaswrought.

TheFORCEofthepeople,orthepopularwill,inactionandexerted,symbolizedbytheGAVEL,
regulatedandguidedbyandactingwithinthelimitsofLAWandORDER,symbolizedbythe
TWENTYFOURINCHRULE,hasforitsfruitLIBERTY,EQUALITY,andFRATERNITY,liberty
regulatedbylaw;equalityofrightsintheeyeofthelaw;brotherhoodwithitsdutiesandobligationsas
wellasitsbenefits.

YouwillhearshortlyoftheRoughASHLARandthePerfectASHLAR,aspartofthejewelsofthe
Lodge.TheroughAshlarissaidtobe"astone,astakenfromthequarry,initsrudeandnaturalstate."
TheperfectAshlarissaidtobe"astonemadereadybythehandsoftheworkmen,tobeadjustedbythe
workingtoolsoftheFellowCraft."Weshallnotrepeattheexplanationsofthesesymbolsgivenbythe
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YorkRite.Youmayreadtheminitsprintedmonitors.Theyaredeclaredtoalludetotheself
improvementoftheindividualcraftsman,acontinuationofthesamesuperficialinterpretation.

TheroughAshlaristhePEOPLE,asamass,rudeandunorganized.TheperfectAshlar,orcubical
stone,symbolofperfection,istheSTATE,therulersderivingtheirpowersfromtheconsentofthe
governed;theconstitutionandlawsspeakingthewillofthepeople;thegovernmentharmonious,
symmetrical,efficient,itspowersproperlydistributedanddulyadjustedinequilibrium.

Ifwedelineateacubeonaplanesurfacethus:

wehavevisiblethreefaces,andnineexternallines,drawnbetweensevenpoints.Thecompletecubehas
threemorefaces,makingsix;threemorelines,makingtwelve;andonemorepoint,makingeight.As
thenumber12includesthesacrednumbers,3,5,7,and3times3,or9,andisproducedbyaddingthe
sacrednumber3to9;whileitsowntwofigures,1,2,theunitormonad,andduad,addedtogether,
makethesamesacrednumber3;itwascalledtheperfectnumber;andthecubebecamethesymbolof
perfection.

ProducedbyFORCE,actingbyRULE;hammeredinaccordancewithlinesmeasuredbytheGauge,out
oftheroughAshlar,itisanappropriatesymboloftheForceofthepeople,expressedastheconstitution
andlawoftheState;andoftheStateitselfthethreevisiblefacesrepresentthethreedepartments,the
Executive,whichexecutesthelaws;theLegislative,whichmakesthelaws;theJudiciary,which
interpretsthelaws,appliesandenforcesthem,betweenmanandman,betweentheStateandthe
citizens.Thethreeinvisiblefaces,areLiberty,Equality,andFraternity,thethreefoldsouloftheState
itsvitality,spirit,andintellect.

ThoughMasonryneitherusurpstheplaceof,norapesreligion,prayerisanessentialpartofour
ceremonies.ItistheaspirationofthesoultowardtheAbsoluteandInfiniteIntelligence,whichisthe
OneSupremeDeity,mostfeeblyandmisunderstandinglycharacterizedasan"ARCHITECT."Certain
facultiesofmanaredirectedtowardtheUnknownthought,meditation,prayer.Theunknownisan
ocean,ofwhichconscienceisthecompass.Thought,meditation,prayer,arethegreatmysterious
pointingsoftheneedle.ItisaspiritualmagnetismthatthusconnectsthehumansoulwiththeDeity.
Thesemajesticirradiationsofthesoulpiercethroughtheshadowtowardthelight.

Itisbutashallowscofftosaythatprayerisabsurd,becauseitisnotpossibleforus,bymeansofit,to
persuadeGodtochangeHisplans.Heproducesforeknownandforeintendedeffects,bythe
instrumentalityoftheforcesofnature,allofwhichareHisforces.Ourownarepartofthese.Ourfree
agencyandourwillareforces.Wedonotabsurdlyceasetomakeeffortstoattainwealthorhappiness,
prolonglife,andcontinuehealth,becausewecannotbyanyeffortchangewhatispredestined.Ifthe
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effortalsoispredestined,itisnotthelessoureffort,madeofourfreewill.So,likewise,wepray.Will
isaforce.Thoughtisaforce.Prayerisaforce.WhyshoulditnotbeofthelawofGod,thatprayer,like
FaithandLove,shouldhaveitseffects?Manisnottobecomprehendedasastartingpoint,orprogress
asagoal,withoutthosetwogreatforces,FaithandLove.Prayerissublime.Orisonsthatbegand
clamourarepitiful.Todenytheefficacyofprayer,istodenythatofFaith,Love,andEffort.Yetthe
effectsproduced,whenourhand,movedbyourwill,launchesapebbleintotheocean,nevercease;and
everyutteredwordisregisteredforeternityupontheinvisibleair.

EveryLodgeisaTemple,andasawhole,andinitsdetailssymbolic.TheUniverseitselfsuppliedman
withthemodelforthefirsttemplesrearedtotheDivinity.ThearrangementoftheTempleofSolomon,
thesymbolicornamentswhichformeditschiefdecorations,andthedressoftheHighPriest,allhad
referencetotheorderoftheUniverse,asthenunderstood.TheTemplecontainedmanyemblemsofthe
seasonsthesun,themoon,theplanets,theconstellationsUrsaMajorandMinor,thezodiac,the
elements,andtheotherpartsoftheworld.ItistheMasterofthisLodge,oftheUniverse,Hermes,of
whomKhurumistherepresentative,thatisoneofthelightsoftheLodge.

Forfurtherinstructionastothesymbolismoftheheavenlybodies,andofthesacrednumbers,andof
thetempleanditsdetails,youmustwaitpatientlyuntilyouadvanceinMasonry,inthemeantime
exercisingyourintellectinstudyingthemforyourself.Tostudyandseektointerpretcorrectlythe
symbolsoftheUniverse,istheworkofthesageandphilosopher.ItistodecipherthewritingofGod,
andpenetrateintoHisthoughts.

Thisiswhatisaskedandansweredinourcatechism,inregardtotheLodge.******

A"Lodge"isdefinedtobe"anassemblageofFreemasons,dulycongregated,havingthesacred
writings,square,andcompass,andacharter,orwarrantofconstitution,authorizingthemtowork."The
roomorplaceinwhichtheymeet,representingsomepartofKingSolomon'sTemple,isalsocalledthe
Lodge;anditisthatwearenowconsidering.

Itissaidtobesupportedbythreegreatcolumns,WISDOM,FORCEorSTRENGTH,andBEAUTY,
representedbytheMaster,theSeniorWarden,andtheJuniorWarden;andthesearesaidtobethe
columnsthatsupporttheLodge,"becauseWisdom,Strength,andBeauty,aretheperfectionsof
everything,andnothingcanendurewithoutthem.""Because,"theYorkRitesays,"itisnecessarythat
thereshouldbeWisdomtoconceive,Strengthtosupport,andBeautytoadorn,allgreatandimportant
undertakings.""Knowyenot,"saystheApostlePaul,"thatyearethetempleofGod,andthattheSpirit
ofGoddwellethinyou?IfanymandesecratethetempleofGod,himshallGoddestroy,forthetemple
ofGodisholy,whichtempleyeare."
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TheWisdomandPoweroftheDeityareinequilibrium.Thelawsofnatureandthemorallawsarenot
themeredespoticmandatesofHisOmnipotentwill;for,thentheymightbechangedbyHim,andorder
becomedisorder,andgoodandrightbecomeevilandwrong;honestyandloyalty,vices;andfraud,
ingratitude,andvice,virtues.Omnipotentpower,infinite,andexistingalone,wouldnecessarilynotbe
constrainedtoconsistency.Itsdecreesandlawscouldnotbeimmutable.ThelawsofGodarenot
obligatoryonusbecausetheyaretheenactmentsofHisPOWER,ortheexpressionofHisWILL;but
becausetheyexpressHisinfiniteWISDOM.TheyarenotrightbecausetheyareHislaws,butHislaws
becausetheyareright.Fromtheequilibriumofinfinitewisdomandinfiniteforce,resultsperfect
harmony,inphysicsandinthemoraluniverse.Wisdom,rower,andHarmonyconstituteoneMasonic
triad.Theyhaveotherandprofoundermeanings,thatmayatsometimebeunveiledtoyou.

Astotheordinaryandcommonplaceexplanation,itmaybeadded,thatthewisdomoftheArchitectis
displayedincombining,asonlyaskillfulArchitectcando,andasGodhasdoneeverywhere,for
example,inthetree,thehumanframe,theegg,thecellsofthehoneycombstrength,withgrace,
beauty,symmetry,proportion,lightness,ornamentation.That,too,istheperfectionoftheoratorand
poettocombineforce,strength,energy,withgraceofstyle,musicalcadences,thebeautyoffigures,
theplayandirradiationofimaginationandfancy;andso,inaState,thewarlikeandindustrialforceof
thepeople,andtheirTitanicstrength,mustbecombinedwiththebeautyofthearts,thesciences,and
theintellect,iftheStatewouldscaletheheightsofexcellence,andthepeoplebereallyfree.Harmony
inthis,asinalltheDivine,thematerial,andthehuman,istheresultofequilibrium,ofthesympathy
andoppositeactionofcontraries;asingleWisdomabovethemholdingthebeamofthescales.To
reconcilethemorallaw,humanresponsibility,freewill,withtheabsolutepowerofGod;andthe
existenceofevilwithHisabsolutewisdom,andgoodness,andmercy,thesearethegreatenigmasof
theSphynx.

YouenteredtheLodgebetweentwocolumns.Theyrepresentthetwowhichstoodintheporchofthe
Temple,oneachsideofthegreateasterngateway.Thesepillars,ofbronze,fourfingersbreadthin
thickness,were,accordingtothemostauthenticaccountthatintheFirstandthatintheSecondBook
ofKings,confirmedinJeremiaheighteencubitshigh,withacapitalfivecubitshigh.Theshaftof
eachwasfourcubitsindiameter.Acubitisonefootand707/1000.Thatis,theshaftofeachwasalittle
overthirtyfeeteightinchesinheight,thecapitalofeachalittleovereightfeetsixinchesinheight,and
thediameteroftheshaftsixfeetteninches.Thecapitalswereenrichedbypomegranatesofbronze,
coveredbybronzenetwork,andornamentedwithwreathsofbronze;andappeartohaveimitatedthe
shapeoftheseedvesselofthelotusorEgyptianlily,asacredsymboltotheHindusandEgyptians.The
pillarorcolumnontheright,orinthesouth,wasnamed,astheHebrewwordisrenderedinour
translationoftheBible,JACHIN:andthatontheleftBOAZ.Ourtranslatorssaythatthefirstword
means,"Heshallestablish;"andthesecond,"Initisstrength."

Thesecolumnswereimitations,byKhurum,theTyrianartist,ofthegreatcolumnsconsecratedtothe
WindsandFire,attheentrancetothefamousTempleofMalkarth,inthecityofTyre.Itiscustomary,
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inLodgesoftheYorkRite,toseeacelestialglobeonone,andaterrestrialglobeontheother;butthese
arenotwarranted,iftheobjectbetoimitatetheoriginaltwocolumnsoftheTemple.Thesymbolic
meaningofthesecolumnsweshallleaveforthepresentunexplained,onlyaddingthatEntered
ApprenticeskeeptheirworkingtoolsinthecolumnJACHIN;andgivingyoutheetymologyandliteral
meaningofthetwonames.

ThewordJACHIN,inHebrew,probablypronouncedYakayan,andmeant,asaverbalnoun,Hethat
strengthens;andthence,firm,stable,upright.

ThewordBOAZisBaazwhichmeansStrong,Strength,Power,Might,Refuge,SourceofStrength,a
Fort.Theprefixmeans"with"or"in,"andgivesthewordtheforceoftheLatingerund,roborando
Strengthening

Theformerwordalsomeanshewillestablish,orplantinanerectpositionfromtheverbKun,hestood
erect.ItprobablymeantActiveandVivifyingEnergyandForce;andBoaz,Stability,Permanence,in
thepassivesense.

TheDimensionsoftheLodge,ourBrethrenoftheYorkRitesay,"areunlimited,anditscoveringno
lessthanthecanopyofHeaven.""Tothisobject,"theysay,"themason'smindiscontinuallydirected,
andthitherhehopesatlasttoarrivebytheaidofthetheologicalladderwhichJacobinhisvisionsaw
ascendingfromearthtoHeaven;thethreeprincipalroundsofwhicharedenominatedFaith,Hope,and
Charity;andwhichadmonishustohaveFaithinGod,HopeinImmortality,andCharitytoall
mankind."Accordinglyaladder,sometimeswithninerounds,isseenonthechart,restingatthebottom
ontheearth,itstopintheclouds,thestarsshiningaboveit;andthisisdeemedtorepresentthatmystic
ladder,whichJacobsawinhisdream,setupontheearth,andthetopofitreachingtoHeaven,withthe
angelsofGodascendinganddescendingonit.Theadditionofthethreeprincipalroundstothe
symbolism,iswhollymodernandincongruous.

Theancientscountedsevenplanets,thusarranged:theMoon,Mercury,Venus,theSun,Mars,Jupiter,
andSaturn.Thereweresevenheavensandsevenspheresoftheseplanets;onallthemonumentsof
Mithrasaresevenaltarsorpyres,consecratedtothesevenplanets,aswerethesevenlampsofthe
goldencandelabrumintheTemple.Thattheserepresentedtheplanets,weareassuredbyClemensof
Alexandria,inhisStromata,andbyPhiloJudaeus.

ToreturntoitssourceintheInfinite,thehumansoul,theancientsheld,hadtoascend,asithad
descended,throughthesevenspheres.TheLadderbywhichitreascends,has,accordingtoMarsilius
Ficinus,inhisCommentaryontheEnneadofPlotinus,sevendegreesorsteps;andintheMysteriesof
Mithras,carriedtoRomeundertheEmperors,theladder,withitssevenrounds,wasasymbolreferring
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tothisascentthroughthespheresofthesevenplanets.JacobsawtheSpiritsofGodascendingand
descendingonit;andaboveittheDeityHimself.TheMithraicMysterieswerecelebratedincaves,
wheregatesweremarkedatthefourequinoctialandsolstitialpointsoftheZodiac;andtheseven
planetarysphereswererepresented,whichsoulsneedsmusttraverseindescendingfromtheheavenof
thefixedstarstotheelementsthatenveloptheearth;andsevengatesweremarked,oneforeachplanet,
throughwhichtheypass,indescendingorreturning.

WelearnthisfromCelsus,inOrigen,whosaysthatthesymbolicimageofthispassageamongthe
stars,usedintheMithraicMysteries,wasaladderreachingfromearthtoHeaven,dividedintoseven
stepsorstages,toeachofwhichwasagate,andatthesummitaneighthone,thatofthefixedstars.The
symbolwasthesameasthatofthesevenstagesofBorsippa,thePyramidofvitrifiedbrick,near
Babylon,builtofsevenstages,andeachofadifferentcolour.IntheMithraicceremonies,thecandidate
wentthroughsevenstagesofinitiation,passingthroughmanyfearfultrialsandofthesethehigh
ladderwithsevenroundsorstepswasthesymbol.

YouseetheLodge,itsdetailsandornaments,byitsLights.YouhavealreadyheardwhattheseLights,
thegreaterandlesser,aresaidtobe,andhowtheyarespokenofbyourBrethrenoftheYorkRite.

TheHolyBible,Square,andCompasses,arenotonlystyledtheGreatLightsinMasonry,buttheyare
alsotechnicallycalledtheFurnitureoftheLodge;and,asyouhaveseen,itisheldthatthereisno
Lodgewithoutthem.ThishassometimesbeenmadeapretextforexcludingJewsfromourLodges,
becausetheycannotregardtheNewTestamentasaholybook.TheBibleisanindispensablepartofthe
furnitureofaChristianLodge,onlybecauseitisthesacredbookoftheChristianreligion.TheHebrew
PentateuchinaHebrewLodge,andtheKoraninaMohammedanone,belongontheAltar;andoneof
these,andtheSquareandCompass,properlyunderstood,aretheGreatLightsbywhichaMasonmust
walkandwork.

Theobligationofthecandidateisalwaystobetakenonthesacredbookorbooksofhisreligion,thathe
maydeemitmoresolemnandbinding;andthereforeitwasthatyouwereaskedofwhatreligionyou
were.Wehavenootherconcernwithyourreligiouscreed.

TheSquareisarightangle,formedbytworightlines.Itisadaptedonlytoaplanesurface,andbelongs
onlytogeometry,earthmeasurement,thattrigonometrywhichdealsonlywithplanes,andwiththe
earth,whichtheancientssupposedtobeaplane.TheCompassdescribescircles,anddealswith
sphericaltrigonometry,thescienceofthespheresandheavens.Theformer,therefore,isanemblemof
whatconcernstheearthandthebody;thelatterofwhatconcernstheheavensandthesoul.Yetthe
Compassisalsousedinplanetrigonometry,asinerectingperpendiculars;and,therefore,youare
remindedthat,althoughinthisDegreebothpointsoftheCompassareundertheSquare,andyouare
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nowdealingonlywiththemoralandpoliticalmeaningofthesymbols,andnotwiththeirphilosophical
andspiritualmeanings,stillthedivineevermingleswiththehuman;withtheearthlythespiritual
intermixes;andthereissomethingspiritualinthecommonestdutiesoflife.Thenationsarenotbodies
politicalone,butalsosoulspolitic;andwoetothatpeoplewhich,seekingthematerialonly,forgetsthat
ithasasoul.Thenwehavearace,petrifiedindogma,whichpresupposestheabsenceofasoulandthe
presenceonlyofmemoryandinstinct,ordemoralizedbylucre.Suchanaturecanneverlead
civilization.Genuflexionbeforetheidolorthedollaratrophiesthemusclewhichwalksandthewill
whichmoves.Hieraticormercantileabsorptiondiminishestheradianceofapeople,lowersitshorizon
byloweringitslevel,anddeprivesitofthatunderstandingoftheuniversalaim,atthesametimehuman
anddivine,whichmakesthemissionarynations.Afreepeople,forgettingthatithasasoultobecared
for,devotesallitsenergiestoitsmaterialadvancement.Ifitmakeswar,itistosubserveitscommercial
interests.ThecitizenscopyaftertheState,andregardwealth,pomp,andluxuryasthegreatgoodsof
life.Suchanationcreateswealthrapidly,anddistributesitbadly.Thencethetwoextremes,of
monstrousopulenceandmonstrousmisery;alltheenjoymenttoafew,alltheprivationstotherest,that
istosay,tothepeople;Privilege,Exception,Monopoly,Feudality,springingupfromLabouritself:a
falseanddangeroussituation,which,makingLabourablindedandchainedCyclops,inthemine,atthe
forge,intheworkshop,attheloom,inthefield,overpoisonousfumes,inmiasmaticcells,in
unventilatedfactories,foundspublicpoweruponprivatemisery,andplantsthegreatnessoftheStatein
thesufferingoftheindividual.Itisagreatnessillconstituted,inwhichallthematerialelementsare
combined,andintowhichnomoralelemententers.Ifapeople,likeastar,hastherightofeclipse,the
lightoughttoreturn.Theeclipseshouldnotdegenerateintonight.

Thethreelesser,ortheSublimeLights,youhaveheard,aretheSun,theMoon,andtheMasterofthe
Lodge;andyouhaveheardwhatourBrethrenoftheYorkRitesayinregardtothem,andwhytheyhold
themtobeLightsoftheLodge.ButtheSunandMoondoinnosenselighttheLodge,unlessitbe
symbolically,andthenthelightsarenotthey,butthosethingsofwhichtheyarethesymbols.Ofwhat
theyarethesymbolstheMasoninthatRiteisnottold.NordoestheMooninanysenserulethenight
withregularity.

TheSunistheancientsymbolofthelifegivingandgenerativepoweroftheDeity.Totheancients,
lightwasthecauseoflife;andGodwasthesourcefromwhichalllightflowed;theessenceofLight,
theInvisibleFire,developedasFlamemanifestedaslightandsplendour.TheSunwasHis
manifestationandvisibleimage;andtheSabaeansworshippingtheLightGod,seemedtoworshipthe
Sun,inwhomtheysawthemanifestationoftheDeity.

TheMoonwasthesymbolofthepassivecapacityofnaturetoproduce,thefemale,ofwhichthelife
givingpowerandenergywasthemale.ItwasthesymbolofIsis,Astarte,andArtemis,orDiana.The
"MasterofLife"wastheSupremeDeity,aboveboth,andmanifestedthroughboth;Zeus,theSonof
Saturn,becomeKingoftheGods;Horus,sonofOsirisandIsis,becometheMasterofLife;Dionusos
orBacchus,likeMithras,becometheauthorofLightandLifeandTruth.
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*****

TheMasterofLightandLife,theSunandtheMoon,aresymbolizedineveryLodgebytheMasterand
Wardens:andthismakesitthedutyoftheMastertodispenselighttotheBrethren,byhimself,and
throughtheWardens,whoarehisministers.

"Thysun,"saysISAIAHtoJerusalem,"shallnomoregodown,neithershallthymoonwithdrawitself;
fortheLORDshallbethineeverlastinglight,andthedaysofthymourningshallbeended.Thypeople
alsoshallbeallrighteous;theyshallinheritthelandforever."Suchisthetypeofafreepeople.

OurnorthernancestorsworshippedthistriuneDeity;ODIN,theAlmightyFATHER;FREA,hiswife,
emblemofuniversalmatter;andTHOR,hisson,themediator.ButaboveallthesewastheSupreme
God,"theauthorofeverythingthatexisteth,theEternal,theAncient,theLivingandAwfulBeing,the
Searcherintoconcealedthings,theBeingthatneverchangeth."IntheTempleofEleusis(asanctuary
lightedonlybyawindowintheroof,andrepresentingtheUniverse),theimagesoftheSun,Moon,and
Mercury,wererepresented.

"TheSunandMoon,"saysthelearnedBro.DELAUNAY,"representthetwograndprinciplesofall
generations,theactiveandpassive,themaleandthefemale.TheSunrepresentstheactuallight.He
poursupontheMoonhisfecundatingrays;bothshedtheirlightupontheiroffspring,theBlazingStar,
orHORUS,andthethreeformthegreatEquilateralTriangle,inthecentreofwhichistheomnificletter
oftheKabalah,bywhichcreationissaidtohavebeeneffected."

TheORNAMENTSofaLodgearesaidtobe"theMosaicPavement,theIndentedTessel,andthe
BlazingStar."TheMosaicPavement,chequeredinsquaresorlozenges,issaidtorepresenttheground
floorofKingSolomon'sTemple;andtheIndentedTessel"thatbeautifultessellatedborderwhich
surroundedit."TheBlazingStarinthecentreissaidtobe"anemblemofDivineProvidence,and
commemorativeofthestarwhichappearedtoguidethewisemenoftheEasttotheplaceofour
Saviour'snativity."But"therewasnostoneseen"withintheTemple.Thewallswerecoveredwith
planksofcedar,andthefloorwascoveredwithplanksoffir.

ThereisnoevidencethattherewassuchapavementorfloorintheTemple,orsuchabordering.In
England,anciently,theTracingBoardwassurroundedwithanindentedborder;anditisonlyin
AmericathatsuchaborderisputaroundtheMosaicpavement.Thetesserae,indeed,arethesquaresor
lozengesofthepavement.InEngland,also,"theindentedordenticulatedborder"iscalled"tessellated,"
becauseithasfour"tassels,"saidtorepresentTemperance,Fortitude,Prudence,andJustice.Itwas
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termedtheIndentedTrassel;butthisisamisuseofwords.Itisatesseratedpavement,withanindented
borderroundit.

Thepavement,alternatelyblackandwhite,symbolizes,whethersointendedornot,theGoodandEvil
PrinciplesoftheEgyptianandPersiancreed.ItisthewarfareofMichaelandSatan,oftheGodsand
Titans,ofBalderandLok;betweenlightandshadow,whichisdarkness;DayandNight;Freedomand
Despotism;ReligiousLibertyandtheArbitraryDogmasofaChurchthatthinksforitsvotaries,and
whosePontiffclaimstobeinfallible,andthedecretalsofitsCouncilstoconstituteagospel.

Theedgesofthispavement,ifinlozenges,willnecessarilybeindentedordenticulated,toothedlikea
saw;andtocompleteandfinishitaborderingisnecessary.Itiscompletedbytasselsasornamentsat
thecorners.Iftheseandtheborderinghaveanysymbolicmeaning,itisfancifulandarbitrary.

TofindintheBLAZINGSTARoffivepointsanallusiontotheDivineProvidence,isalsofanciful;and
tomakeitcommemorativeoftheStarthatissaidtohaveguidedtheMagi,istogiveitameaning
comparativelymodern.OriginallyitrepresentedSIRIUS,ortheDogstar,theforerunnerofthe
inundationoftheNile;theGodANUBIS,companionofISISinhersearchforthebodyofOSIRIS,her
brotherandhusband.ThenitbecametheimageofHORUS,thesonofOSIRIS,himselfsymbolized
alsobytheSun,theauthoroftheSeasons,andtheGodofTime;SonofISIS,whowastheuniversal
nature,himselftheprimitivematter,inexhaustiblesourceofLife,sparkofuncreatedfire,universalseed
ofallbeings.ItwasHERMES,also,theMasterofLearning,whosenameinGreekisthatoftheGod
Mercury.ItbecamethesacredandpotentsignorcharacteroftheMagi,thePENTALPHA,andisthe
significantemblemofLibertyandFreedom,blazingwithasteadyradianceamidtheweltering
elementsofgoodandevilofRevolutions,andpromisingsereneskiesandfertileseasonstothenations,
afterthestormsofchangeandtumult.

IntheEastoftheLodge,overtheMaster,inclosedinatriangle,istheHebrewletterYOD.Inthe
EnglishandAmericanLodgestheLetterGissubstitutedforthis,astheinitialofthewordGOD,with
aslittlereasonasiftheletterD.,initialofDIEU,wereusedinFrenchLodgesinsteadoftheproper
letter.YODis,intheKabalah,thesymbolofUnity,oftheSupremeDeity,thefirstletteroftheHoly
Name;andalsoasymboloftheGreatKabalisticTriads.Tounderstanditsmysticmeanings,youmust
openthepagesoftheSoharandSiphradeZeniutha,andotherkabalisticbooks,andponderdeeplyon
theirmeaning.Itmustsufficetosay,thatitistheCreativeEnergyoftheDeity,isrepresentedasa
point,andthatpointinthecentreoftheCircleofimmensity.ItistousinthisDegree,thesymbolof
thatunmanifestedDeity,theAbsolute,whohasnoname.

OurFrenchBrethrenplacethisletterYODinthecentreoftheBlazingStar.AndintheoldLectures,
ourancientEnglishBrethrensaid,"TheBlazingStarorGloryinthecentrerefersustothatgrand
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luminary,theSun,whichenlightenstheearth,andbyitsgenialinfluencedispensesblessingsto
mankind."Theycalleditalsointhesamelectures,anemblemofPRUDENCE.ThewordPrudentia
means,initsoriginalandfullestsignification,Foresight;and,accordingly,theBlazingStarhasbeen
regardedasanemblemofOmniscience,ortheAllseeingEye,whichtotheEgyptianInitiateswasthe
emblemofOsiris,theCreator.WiththeYODinthecentre,ithasthekabalisticmeaningoftheDivine
Energy,manifestedasLight,creatingtheUniverse.

TheJewelsoftheLodgearesaidtobesixinnumber.Threearecalled"Movable,"andthree
"Immovable."TheSQUARE,theLEVEL,andthePLUMBwereancientlyandproperlycalledthe
MovableJewels,becausetheypassfromoneBrothertoanother.Itisamoderninnovationtocallthem
immovable,becausetheymustalwaysbepresentintheLodge.TheimmovablejewelsaretheROUGH
ASHLAR,thePERFECTASHLARorCUBICAL,STONE,or,insomeRituals,theDOUBLECUBE,
andtheTRACINGBOARD,orTRESTLEBOARD.

OfthesejewelsourBrethrenoftheYorkRitesay:"TheSquareinculcatesMorality;theLevel,Equality;
andthePlumb,RectitudeofConduct."TheirexplanationoftheimmovableJewelsmaybereadintheir
monitors.

OurBrethrenoftheYorkRitesaythat"thereisrepresentedineverywellgovernedLodge,acertain
point,withinacircle;thepointrepresentinganindividualBrother;theCircle,theboundarylineofhis
conduct,beyondwhichheisnevertosufferhisprejudicesorpassionstobetrayhim."

ThisisnottointerpretthesymbolsofMasonry.Itissaidbysome,withanearerapproachto
interpretation,thatthepointwithinthecirclerepresentsGodinthecentreoftheUniverse.Itisa
commonEgyptiansignfortheSunandOsiris,andisstillusedastheastronomicalsignofthegreat
luminary.IntheKabalahthepointisYOD,theCreativeEnergyofGod,irradiatingwithlightthe
circularspacewhichGod,theuniversalLight,leftvacant,whereintocreatetheworlds,bywithdrawing
HissubstanceofLightbackonallsidesfromonepoint.

OurBrethrenaddthat,"thiscircleisemborderedbytwoperpendicularparallellines,representingSaint
JohntheBaptistandSaintJohntheEvangelist,anduponthetopresttheHolyScriptures"(anopen
book)."Ingoingroundthiscircle,"theysay,"wenecessarilytouchuponthesetwolinesaswellasupon
theHolyScriptures;andwhileaMasonkeepshimselfcircumscribedwithintheirprecepts,itis
impossiblethatheshouldmateriallyerr."

Itwouldbeawasteoftimetocommentuponthis.Somewritershaveimaginedthattheparallellines
representtheTropicsofCancerandCapricorn,whichtheSunalternatelytouchesuponattheSummer
andWintersolstices.Butthetropicsarenotperpendicularlines,andtheideaismerelyfanciful.Ifthe
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parallellineseverbelongedtotheancientsymbol,theyhadsomemorereconditeandmorefruitful
meaning.TheyprobablyhadthesamemeaningasthetwincolumnsJachinandBoaz.Thatmeaningis
notfortheApprentice.TheadeptmayfinditintheKabalah.TheJUSTICEandMERCYofGodarein
equilibrium,andtheresultisHARMONY,becauseaSingleandPerfectWisdompresidesoverboth.

TheHolyScripturesareanentirelymodernadditiontothesymbol,liketheterrestrialandcelestial
globesonthecolumnsoftheportico.Thustheancientsymbolhasbeendenaturalizedbyincongruous
additions,likethatofIsisweepingoverthebrokencolumncontainingtheremainsofOsirisatByblos.

******

Masonryhasitsdecalogue,whichisalawtoitsInitiates.TheseareitsTenCommandments:

I.GodistheEternal,Omnipotent,ImmutableWISDOMandSupremeINTELLIGENCEand
ExhaustlessLove.Thoushaltadore,revere,andloveHim!ThoushalthonourHimbypractisingthe
virtues!

II.Thyreligionshallbe,todogoodbecauseitisapleasuretothee,andnotmerelybecauseitisaduty.
Thatthoumayestbecomethefriendofthewiseman,thoushaltobeyhisprecepts!Thysoulis
immortal!Thoushaltdonothingtodegradeit!

III.Thoushaltunceasinglywaragainstvice!Thoushaltnotdountoothersthatwhichthouwouldstnot
wishthemtodountothee!Thoushaltbesubmissivetothyfortunes,andkeepburningthelightof
wisdom!

IV.Thoushalthonourthyparents!Thoushaltpayrespectandhomagetotheaged!Thoushaltinstruct
theyoung!Thoushaltprotectanddefendinfancyandinnocence!

V.Thoushaltcherishthywifeandthychildren!Thoushaltlovethycountry,andobeyitslaws!

VI.Thyfriendshallbetotheeasecondself!Misfortuneshallnotestrangetheefromhim!Thoushalt
doforhismemorywhateverthouwouldstdoforhim,ifhewereliving!

VII.Thoushaltavoidandfleefrominsincerefriendships!Thoushaltineverythingrefrainfromexcess.
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Thoushaltfeartobethecauseofastainonthymemory!

VIII.Thoushaltallownopassionstobecomethymaster!Thoushaltmakethepassionsofothers
profitablelessonstothyself!Thoushaltbeindulgenttoerror!

IX.Thoushalthearmuch:Thoushaltspeaklittle:Thoushaltactwell!Thoushaltforgetinjuries!Thou
shaltrendergoodforevil!Thoushaltnotmisuseeitherthystrengthorthysuperiority!

X.Thoushaltstudytoknowmen;thattherebythoumayestlearntoknowthyself!Thoushalteverseek
aftervirtue!Thoushaltbejust!Thoushaltavoididleness!

ButthegreatcommandmentofMasonryisthis:"AnewcommandmentgiveIuntoyou:thatyelove
oneanother!Hethatsaithheisinthelight,andhatethhisbrother,remainethstillinthedarkness."

SucharethemoraldutiesofaMason.ButitisalsothedutyofMasonrytoassistinelevatingthemoral
andintellectuallevelofsociety;incoiningknowledge,bringingideasintocirculation,andcausingthe
mindofyouthtogrow;andinputting,gradually,bytheteachingsofaxiomsandthepromulgationof
positivelaws,thehumanraceinharmonywithitsdestinies.

TothisdutyandworktheInitiateisapprenticed.Hemustnotimaginethathecaneffectnothing,and,
therefore,despairing,becomeinert.Itisinthis,asinaman'sdailylife.Manygreatdeedsaredonein
thesmallstrugglesoflife.Thereis,wearetold,adeterminedthoughunseenbravery,whichdefends
itself,foottofoot,inthedarkness,againstthefatalinvasionofnecessityandofbaseness.Thereare
nobleandmysterioustriumphs,whichnoeyesees,whichnorenownrewards,whichnoflourishof
trumpetssalutes.Life,misfortune,isolation,abandonment,poverty,arebattlefields,whichhavetheir
heroes,heroesobscure,butsometimesgreaterthanthosewhobecomeillustrious.TheMasonshould
struggleinthesamemanner,andwiththesamebravery,againstthoseinvasionsofnecessityand
baseness,whichcometonationsaswellastomen.Heshouldmeetthem,too,foottofoot,eveninthe
darkness,andprotestagainstthenationalwrongsandfollies;againstusurpationandthefirstinroadsof
thathydra,Tyranny.Thereisnomoresovereigneloquencethanthetruthinindignation.Itismore
difficultforapeopletokeepthantogaintheirfreedom.TheProtestsofTrutharealwaysneeded.
Continually,therightmustprotestagainstthefact.Thereis,infact,EternityintheRight.TheMason
shouldbethePriestandSoldierofthatRight.Ifhiscountryshouldberobbedofherliberties,heshould
stillnotdespair.TheprotestoftheRightagainsttheFactpersistsforever.Therobberyofapeoplenever
becomesprescriptive.Reclamationofitsrightsisbarredbynolengthoftime.Warsawcannomorebe
TartarthanVenicecanbeTeutonic.Apeoplemayenduremilitaryusurpation,andsubjugatedStates
kneeltoStatesandweartheyoke,whileunderthestressofnecessity;butwhenthenecessity
disappears,ifthepeopleisfittobefree,thesubmergedcountrywillfloattothesurfaceandreappear,
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andTyrannybeadjudgedbyHistorytohavemurdereditsvictims.

Whateveroccurs,weshouldhaveFaithintheJusticeandoverrulingWisdomofGod,andHopeforthe
Future,andLovingkindnessforthosewhoareinerror.GodmakesvisibletomenHiswillinevents;an
obscuretext,writteninamysteriouslanguage.Menmaketheirtranslationsofitforthwith,hasty,
incorrect,fulloffaults,omissions,andmisreadings.Weseesoshortawayalongthearcofthegreat
circle!FewmindscomprehendtheDivinetongue.Themostsagacious,themostcalm,themost
profound,decipherthehieroglyphsslowly;andwhentheyarrivewiththeirtext,perhapstheneedhas
longgoneby;therearealreadytwentytranslationsinthepublicsquarethemostincorrectbeing,asof
course,themostacceptedandpopular.Fromeachtranslation,apartyisborn;andfromeach
misreading,afaction.Eachpartybelievesorpretendsthatithastheonlytruetext,andeachfaction
believesorpretendsthatitalonepossessesthelight.Moreover,factionsareblindmen,whoaim
straight,errorsareexcellentprojectiles,strikingskillfully,andwithalltheviolencethatspringsfrom
falsereasoning,whereverawantoflogicinthosewhodefendtheright,likeadefectinacuirass,makes
themvulnerable.

Thereforeitisthatweshalloftenbediscomfitedincombatingerrorbeforethepeople.Antaeuslong
resistedHercules;andtheheadsoftheHydragrewasfastastheywerecutoff.Itisabsurdtosaythat
Error,wounded,writhesinpain,anddiesamidherworshippers.Truthconquersslowly.Thereisa
wondrousvitalityinError.Truth,indeed,forthemostpart,shootsovertheheadsofthemasses;orifan
errorisprostratedforamoment,itisupagaininamoment,andasvigorousasever.Itwillnotdie
whenthebrainsareout,andthemoststupidandirrationalerrorsarethelongestlived.

Nevertheless,Masonry,whichisMoralityandPhilosophy,mustnotceasetodoitsduty.Weneverknow
atwhatmomentsuccessawaitsoureffortsgenerallywhenmostunexpectednorwithwhateffectour
effortsareorarenottobeattended.Succeedorfail,Masonrymustnotbowtoerror,orsuccumbunder
discouragement.TherewereatRomeafewCarthaginiansoldiers,takenprisoners,whorefusedtobow
toFlaminius,andhadalittleofHannibal'smagnanimity.Masonsshouldpossessanequalgreatnessof
soul.Masonryshouldbeanenergy;findingitsaimandeffectintheameliorationofmankind.Socrates
shouldenterintoAdam,andproduceMarcusAurelius,inotherwords,bringforthfromthemanof
enjoyments,themanofwisdom.Masonryshouldnotbeamerewatchtower,builtuponmystery,from
whichtogazeateaseupontheworld,withnootherresultthantobeaconvenienceforthecurious.To
holdthefullcupofthoughttothethirstylipsofmen;togivetoallthetrueideasofDeity;toharmonize
conscienceandscience,aretheprovinceofPhilosophy.MoralityisFaithinfullbloom.Contemplation
shouldleadtoaction,andtheabsolutebepractical;theidealbemadeairandfoodanddrinktothe
humanmind.Wisdomisasacredcommunion.Itisonlyonthatconditionthatitceasestobeasterile
loveofScience,andbecomestheoneandsuprememethodbywhichtouniteHumanityandarouseitto
concertedaction.ThenPhilosophybecomesReligion.
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AndMasonry,likeHistoryandPhilosophy,haseternaldutieseternal,and,atthesametime,simple
toopposeCaiaphasasBishop,DracoorJefferiesasJudge,TrimalcionasLegislator,andTiberiusas
Emperor.Thesearethesymbolsofthetyrannythatdegradesandcrushes,andthecorruptionthat
defilesandinfests.IntheworkspublishedfortheuseoftheCraftwearetoldthatthethreegreattenets
ofaMason'sprofession,areBrotherlyLove,Relief,andTruth.AnditistruethataBrotherlyaffection
andkindnessshouldgovernusinallourintercourseandrelationswithourbrethren;andagenerousand
liberalphilanthropyactuateusinregardtoallmen.Torelievethedistressedispeculiarlythedutyof
Masonsasacredduty,nottobeomitted,neglected,orcoldlyorinefficientlycompliedwith.Itisalso
mosttrue,thatTruthisaDivineattributeandthefoundationofeveryvirtue.Tobetrue,andtoseekto
findandlearntheTruth,arethegreatobjectsofeverygoodMason.

AstheAncientsdid,MasonrystylesTemperance,Fortitude,Prudence,andJustice,thefourcardinal
virtues.Theyareasnecessarytonationsastoindividuals.ThepeoplethatwouldbeFreeand
Independent,mustpossessSagacity,Forethought,Foresight,andcarefulCircumspection,allwhichare
includedinthemeaningofthewordPrudence.Itmustbetemperateinassertingitsrights,temperatein
itscouncils,economicalinitsexpenses;itmustbebold,brave,courageous,patientunderreverses,
undismayedbydisasters,hopefulamidcalamities,likeRomewhenshesoldthefieldatwhichHannibal
hadhiscamp.NoCannaeorPharsaliaorPaviaorAgincourtorWaterloomustdiscourageher.Lether
SenatesitintheirseatsuntiltheGaulspluckthembythebeard.Shemust,aboveallthings,bejust,not
trucklingtothestrongandwarringonorplunderingtheweak;shemustactonthesquarewithall
nations,andthefeeblesttribes;alwayskeepingherfaith,honestinherlegislation,uprightinallher
dealings.WheneversuchaRepublicexists,itwillbeimmortal:forrashness,injustice,intemperance
andluxuryinprosperity,anddespairanddisorderinadversity,arethecausesofthedecayand
dilapidationofnations.

II.THEFELLOWCRAFT

IntheAncientOrient,allreligionwasmoreorlessamysteryandtherewasnodivorcefromitof
philosophy.Thepopulartheology,takingthemultitudeofallegoriesandsymbolsforrealities,
degeneratedintoaworshipofthecelestialluminaries,ofimaginaryDeitieswithhumanfeelings,
passions,appetites,andlusts,ofidols,stones,animals,reptiles.TheOnionwassacredtotheEgyptians,
becauseitsdifferentlayerswereasymboloftheconcentricheavenlyspheres.Ofcoursethepopular
religioncouldnotsatisfythedeeperlongingsandthoughts,theloftieraspirationsoftheSpirit,orthe
logicofreason.Thefirst,therefore,wastaughttotheinitiatedintheMysteries.There,also,itwas
taughtbysymbols.Thevaguenessofsymbolism,capableofmanyinterpretations,reachedwhatthe
palpableandconventionalcreedcouldnot.Itsindefinitenessacknowledgedtheabstrusenessofthe
subject:ittreatedthatmysterioussubjectmystically:itendeavoredtoillustratewhatitcouldnot
explain;toexciteanappropriatefeeling,ifitcouldnotdevelopanadequateidea;andtormakethe
imageameresubordinateconveyancefortheconception,whichitselfneverbecameobviousor
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familiar.

Thustheknowledgenowimpartedbybooksandletters,wasofoldconveyedbysymbols;andthe
priestsinventedorperpetuatedadisplayofritesandexhibitions,whichwerenotonlymoreattractiveto
theeyethanwords,butoftenmoresuggestiveandmorepregnantwithmeaningtothemind.

Masonry,successoroftheMysteries,stillfollowstheancientmannerofteaching.Herceremoniesare
liketheancientmysticshows,notthereadingofanessay,buttheopeningofaproblem,requiring
research,andconstitutingphilosophythearchexpounder.Hersymbolsaretheinstructionshegives.
Thelecturesareendeavors,oftenpartialandonesided,tointerpretthesesymbols.Hewhowould
becomeanaccomplishedMasonmustnotbecontentmerelytohear,oreventounderstand,thelectures;
hemust,aidedbythem,andtheyhaving,asitwere,markedoutthewayforhim,study,interpret,and
developthesesymbolsforhimself

******

ThoughMasonryisidenticalwiththeancientMysteries,itissoonlyinthisqualifiedsense:thatit
presentsbutanimperfectimageoftheirbrilliancy,theruinsonlyoftheirgrandeur,andasystemthat
hasexperiencedprogressivealterations,thefruitsofsocialevents,politicalcircumstances,andthe
ambitiousimbecilityofitsimprovers.

AfterleavingEgypt,theMysteriesweremodifiedbythehabitsofthedifferentnationsamongwhom
theywereintroduced,andespeciallybythereligioussystemsofthecountriesintowhichtheywere
transplanted.Tomaintaintheestablishedgovernment,laws,andreligion,wastheobligationofthe
Initiateeverywhere;andeverywheretheyweretheheritageofthepriests,whowerenowherewillingto
makethecommonpeoplecoproprietorswiththemselvesofphilosophicaltruth.

MasonryisnottheColiseuminruins.ItisratheraRomanpalaceofthemiddleages,disfiguredby
modernarchitecturalimprovements,yetbuiltonaCyclopceanfoundationlaidbytheEtruscans,and
withmanyastoneofthesuperstructuretakenfromdwellingsandtemplesoftheageofHadrianand
Antoninus.

ChristianitytaughtthedoctrineofFRATERNITY;butrepudiatedthatofpoliticalEQUALITY,by
continuallyinculcatingobediencetoCaesar,andtothoselawfullyinauthority.Masonrywasthefirst
apostleofEQUALITY.IntheMonasterythereisfraternityandequality,butnoliberty.Masonryadded
thatalso,andclaimedformanthethreefoldheritage,LIBERTY,EQUALITY,andFRATERNITY.
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ItwasbutadevelopmentoftheoriginalpurposeoftheMysteries,whichwastoteachmentoknowand
practicetheirdutiestothemselvesandtheirfellows,thegreatpracticalendofallphilosophyandall
knowledge.

Truthsarethespringsfromwhichdutiesflow;anditisbutafewhundredyearssinceanewTruth
begantobedistinctlyseen;thatMANISSUPREMEOVERINSTITUTIONS,ANDNOTTHEY
OVERHIM.Manhasnaturalempireoverallinstitutions.Theyareforhim,aecordingtohis
development;notheforthem.Thisseemstousaverysimplestatement,onetowhichallmen,
everywhere,oughttoassent.ButonceitwasagreatnewTruth,notrevealeduntilgovernmentshad
beeninexistenceforatleastfivethousandyears.Oncerevealed,itimposednewdutiesonmen.Man
owedittohimselftobefree.Heowedittohiscountrytoseektogiveherfreedom,ormaintainherin
thatpossession.ItmadeTyrannyandUsurpationtheenemiesoftheHumanRace.Itcreatedageneral
outlawryofDespotsandDespotisms,temporalandspiritual.ThesphereofDutywasimmensely
enlarged.Patriotismhad,henceforth,anewandwidermeaning.FreeGovernment,FreeThought,Free
Conscience,FreeSpeech!Allthesecametobeinalienablerights,whichthosewhohadpartedwith
themorbeenrobbedofthem,orwhoseancestorshadlostthem,hadtherightsummarilytoretake.
Unfortunately,asTruthsalwaysbecomepervertedintofalsehoods,andarefalsehoodswhenmisapplied,
thisTruthbecametheGospelofAnarchy,soonafteritwasfirstpreached.

MasonryearlycomprehendedthisTruth,andrecognizeditsownenlargedduties.Itssymbolsthencame
tohaveawidermeaning;butitalsoassumedthemaskofStonemasonry,andborroweditsworking
tools,andsowassuppliedwithnewandaptsymbols.ItaidedinbringingabouttheFrenchRevolution,
disappearedwiththeGirondists,wasbornagainwiththerestorationoforder,andsustainedNapoleon,
because,thoughEmperor,heacknowledgedtherightofthepeopletoselectitsrulers,andwasatthe
headofanationrefusingtoreceivebackitsoldkings.Hepleaded,withsabre,musket,andcannon,the
greatcauseofthePeopleagainstRoyalty,therightoftheFrenchpeopleeventomakeaCorsican
GeneraltheirEmperor,ifitpleasedthem.

MasonryfeltthatthisTruthhadtheOmnipotenceofGodonitsside;andthatneitherPopenor
Potentatecouldovercomeit.Itwasatruthdroppedintotheworld'swidetreasury,andformingapartof
theheritagewhicheachgenerationreceives,enlarges,andholdsintrust,andofnecessitybequeathsto
mankind;thepersonalestateofman,entailedofnaturetotheendoftime.AndMasonryearly
recognizeditastrue,thattosetforthanddevelopatruth,oranyhumanexcellenceofgiftorgrowth,is
tomakegreaterthespiritualgloryoftherace;thatwhosoeveraidsthemarchofaTruth,andmakesthe
thoughtathing,writesinthesamelinewithMOSES,andwithHimwhodieduponthecross;andhas
anintellectualsympathywiththeDeityHimself.

Thebestgiftwecanbestowonmanismanhood.ItisthatwhichMasonryisordainedofGodtobestow
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onitsvotaries:notsectarianismandreligiousdogma;notarudimentalmorality,thatmaybefoundin
thewritingsofConfucius,Zoroaster,Seneca,andtheRabbis,intheProverbsandEcclesiastes;nota
littleandcheapcommonschoolknowledge;butmanhoodandscienceandphilosophy.

NotthatPhilosophyorScienceisinoppositiontoReligion.ForPhilosophyisbutthatknowledgeof
GodandtheSoul,whichisderivedfromobservationofthemanifestedactionofGodandtheSoul,and
fromawiseanalogy.Itistheintellectualguidewhichthereligioussentimentneeds.Thetruereligious
philosophyofanimperfectbeing,isnotasystemofcreed,but,asSOCRATESthought,aninfinite
searchorapproximation.Philosophyisthatintellectualandmoralprogress,whichthereligious
sentimentinspiresandennobles.

AstoScience,itcouldnotwalkalone,whilereligionwasstationary.Itconsistsofthosematured
inferencesfromexperiencewhichallotherexperienceconfirms.Itrealizesandunitesallthatwastruly
valuableinboththeoldschemesofmediation,oneheroic,orthesystemofactionandeffort;andthe
mysticaltheoryofspiritual,ccntemplativecommullion."Listentome,"saysGALEN,"astothevoice
oftheEleusinianHierophant,andbelievethatthestudyofNatureisamysterynolessimportantthan
theirs,norlessadaptedtodisplaythewisdomandpoweroftheGreatCreator.Theirlessonsand
demonstrationswereobscure,butoursareclearandunmistakable."

WedeemthattobethebestknowledgewecanobtainoftheSoulofanotherman,whichisfurnishedby
hisactionsandhislifelongconduct.Evidencetothecontrary,suppliedbywhatanothermaninforms
usthatthisSoulhassaidtohis,wouldweighlittleagainsttheformer.ThefirstScripturesforthehuman
racewerewrittenbyGodontheEarthandHeavens.ThereadingoftheseScripturesisScience.
Familiaritywiththegrassandtrees,theinsectsandtheinfusoria,teachesusdeeperlessonsofloveand
faiththanwecangleanfromthewritingsofFENELONandAUGUSTINE.ThegreatBibleofGodis
everopenbeforemankind.

Knowledgeisconvertibleintopower,andaxiomsintorulesofutilityandduty.Butknowledgeitselfis
notPower.WisdomisPower;andherPrimeMinisterisJUSTICE,whichistheperfectedlawof
TRUTH.Thepurpose,therefore,ofEducationandScienceistomakeamanwise.Ifknowledgedoes
notmakehimso,itiswasted,likewaterpouredonthesands.ToknowtheformulasofMasonry,isof
aslittlevalue,byitself,astoknowsomanywordsandsentencesinsomebarbarousAfricanor
Australasiandialect.Toknoweventhemeaningofthesymbols,isbutlittle,unlessthataddstoour
wisdom,andalsotoourcharity,whichistojusticelikeonehemisphereofthebraintotheother.

Donotlosesight,then,ofthetrueobjectofyourstudiesinMasonry.Itistoaddtoyourestateof
wisdom,andnotmerelytoyourknowledge.Amanmayspendalifetimeinstudyingasinglespecialty
ofknowledge,botany,conchology,orentomology,forinstance,incommittingtomemorynames
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derivedfromtheGreek,andclassifyingandreclassifying;andyetbenowiserthanwhenhebegan.Itis
thegreattruthsastoallthatmostconcernsaman,astohisrights,interests,andduties,thatMasonry
seekstoteachherInitiates.

Thewiseramanbecomes,thelesswillhebeinclinedtosubmittamelytotheimpositionoffettersora
yoke,onhisconscienceorhisperson.For,byincreaseofwisdomhenotonlybetterknowshisrights,
butthemorehighlyvaluesthem,andismoreconsciousofhisworthanddignity.Hispridethenurges
himtoasserthisindependence.Hebecomesbetterabletoassertitalso;andbetterabletoassistothers
orhiscountry,whentheyorshestakeall,evenexistence,uponthesameassertion.Butmereknowledge
makesnooneindependent,norfitshimtobefree.Itoftenonlymakeshimamoreusefulslave.Liberty
isacursetotheignorantandbrutal.

Politicalsciencehasforitsobjecttoascertaininwhatmannerandbymeansofwhatinstitutions
politicalandpersonalfreedommaybesecuredandperpetuated:notlicense,orthemererightofevery
mantovote,butentireandabsolutefreedomofthoughtandopinion,alikefreeofthedespotismof
monarchandmobandprelate;freedomofactionwithinthelimitsofthegenerallawenactedforall;the
CourtsofJustice,withimpartialJudgesandjuries,opentoallalike;weaknessandpovertyequally
potentinthoseCourt.saspowerandwealth;theavenuestoofficeandhonoropenaliketoallthe
worthy;themilitarypowers,inwarofpeace,instrictsubordinationtothecivilpower;arbitraryarrests
foractsnotknowntothelawascrimes,impossible;RomishInquisitions,StarChambers,Military
Commissions,unknown;themeansofinstructionwithinreachofthechildrenofall;therightofFree
Speech;andaccountabilityofallpublicomcers,civilandmilitary.

IfMasonryneededtobejustifiedforimposingpoliticalaswellasmoraldutiesonitsInitiates,itwould
beenoughtopointtothesadhistoryoftheworld.Itwouldnotevenneedthatsheshouldturnbackthe
pagesofhistorytothechapterswrittenbyTacitus:thatsheshouldrecitetheincrediblehorrorsof
despotismunderCaligulaandDomitian,CaracallaandCommodus,VitelliusandMaximin.Sheneed
onlypointtothecenturiesofcalamitythroughwhichthegayFrenchnationpassed;tothelong
oppressionofthefeudalages,oftheselfishBourbonkings;tothosetimeswhenthepeasantswere
robbedandslaughteredbytheirownlordsandprinces,likesheep;whenthelordclaimedthefirstfruits
ofthepeasant'smarriagebed;whenthecapturedcitywasgivenuptomercilessrapeandmassacre;
whentheStateprisonsgroanedwithinnocentvictims,andtheChurchblessedthebannersofpitiless
murderers,andsangTeDeumsforthecrowningmercyoftheEveofSt.Bartholomew.

Wemightturnoverthepages,toalaterchapter,thatofthereignoftheFifteenthLouis,whenyoung
girls,hardlymorethanchildren,werekidnappedtoservehislusts;whenlettresdecachetfilledthe
Bastilewithpersonsaccusedofnocrime,withhusbandswhowereinthewayofthepleasuresof
lasciviouswivesandofvillainswearingordersofnobility;whenthepeopleweregroundbetweenthe
upperandthenethermillstoneoftaxes,customs,andexcises;andwhenthePope'sNuncioandthe
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CardinaldelaRocheAyman,devoutlykneeling,oneoneachsideofMadameduBarry,theking's
abandonedprostitute,puttheslippersonhernakedfeet,assherosefromtheadulterousbed.Then,
indeed,sufferingandtoilwerethetwoformsofman,andthepeoplewerebutbeastsofburden.

ThetrueMasonishewholaborsstrenuouslytohelphisOrdereffectitsgreatpurposes.Notthatthe
Ordercaneffectthembyitself;butthatit,too,canhelp.ItalsoisoneofGod'sinstruments.ItisaForce
andaPower;andshameuponit,ifitdidnotexertitself,and,ifneedbe,sacrihceitschildreninthe
causeofhumanity,asAbrahamwasreadytoofferupIsaaconthealtarofsacrifice.Itwillnotforget
thatnobleallegoryofCurtiusleaping,allinarmor,intothegreatyawninggulfthatopenedtoswallow
Rome.ItwillTRY.Itshallnotbeitsfaultifthedaynevercomeswhenmanwillnolongerhavetofear
aconquest,aninvasion,ausurpation,arivalryofnationswiththearmedhand,aninterruptionof
civilizationdependingonamarriageroyal,orabirthinthehereditarytyrannies;apartitionofthe
peoplesbyaCongress,adismembermentbythedownfallofadynasty,acombatoftworeligions,
meetingheadtohead,liketwogoatsofdarknessonthebridgeoftheInfinite:whentheywillnolonger
havetofearfamine,spoliation,prostitutionfromdistress,miseryfromlackofwork,andallthe
brigandagesofchanceintheforestofevents:whennationswillgravitateabouttheTruth,likestars
aboutthelight,eachinitsownorbit,withoutclashingorcollision;andeverywhereFreedom,cinctured
withstars,crownedwiththecelestialsplendors,andwithwisdomandjusticeoneitherhand,willreign
supreme.

InyourstudiesasaFellowCraftyoumustbeguidedbyREASON,LOVEandFAITH.

WedonotnowdiscussthedifferencesbetweenReasonandFaith,andundertaketodefinethedomain
ofeach.Butitisnecessarytosay,thatevenintheordinaryaffairsoflifewearegovernedfarmoreby
whatwebelievethanbywhatweknow;byFAITHandANALOGY,thanbyREASON.The"Ageof
Reason"oftheFrenchRevolutiontaught,weknow,whatafollyitistoenthroneReasonbyitselfas
supreme.ReasonisatfaultwhenitdealswiththeInfinite.Therewemustrevereandbelieve.
Notwithstandingthecalamitiesofthevirtuous,themiseriesofthedeserving,theprosperityoftyrants
andthemurderofmartyrs,wemustbelievethereisawise,just,merciful,andlovingGod,an
IntelligenceandaProvidence,supremeoverall,andcaringfortheminutestthingsandevents.AFaith
isanecessitytoman.Woetohimwhobelievesnothing!

Webelievethatthesoulofanotherisofacertainnatureandpossessescertainqualities,thatheis
generousandhonest,orpenuriousandknavish,thatsheisvirtuousandamiable,orviciousandill
tempered,fromthecountenancealone,fromlittlemorethanaglimpseofit,withoutthemeansof
knowing.Weventureourfortuneonthesignatureofamanontheothersideoftheworld,whomwe
neversaw,uponthebeliefthatheishonestandtrustworthy.Webelievethatoccurrenceshavetaken
place,upontheassertionofothers.Webelievethatonewillactsuponanother,andintherealityofa
multitudeofotherphenomenathatReasoncannotexplain.
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ButweoughtnottobelievewhatReasonauthoritativelydenies,thatatwhichthesenseofrightrevolts,
thatwhichisabsurdorselfcontradictory,oratissuewithexperienceorscience,orthatwhichdegrades
thecharacteroftheDeity,andwouldmakeHimrevengeful,malignant,cruel,orunjust.

Aman'sFaithisasmuchhisownashisReasonis.HisFreedomconsistsasmuchinhisfaithbeingfree
asinhiswillbeinguncontrolledbypower.AllthePriestsandAugursofRomeorGreecehadnotthe
righttorequireCiceroorSocratestobelieveintheabsurdmythologyofthevulgar.AlltheImaumsof
MohammedanismhavenottherighttorequireaPagantobelievethatGabrieldictatedtheKorantothe
Prophet.AlltheBrahminsthateverlived,ifassembledinoneconclaveliketheCardinals,couldnot
gainarighttocompelasinglehumanbeingtobelieveintheHinduCosmogony.Nomanorbodyof
mencanbeinfallible,andauthorizedtodecidewhatothermenshallbelieve,astoanytenetoffaith.
Excepttothosewhofirstreceiveit,everyreligionandthetruthofallinspiredwritingsdependon
humantestimonyandinternalevidences,tobejudgedofbyReasonandthewiseanalogiesofFaith.
Eachmanmustnecessarilyhavetherighttojudgeoftheirtruthforhimself;becausenoonemancan
haveanyhigherorbetterrighttojudgethananotherofequalinformationandintelligence.

DomitianclaimedtobetheLordGod;andstatuesandimagesofhim,insilverandgold,werefound
throughouttheknownworld.HeclaimedtoberegardedastheGodofallmen;and,accordingto
Suetonius,beganhislettersthus:"OurLordandGodcommandsthatitshouldbedonesoandso;"and
formallydecreedthatnooneshouldaddresshimotherwise,eitherinwritingorbywordofmouth.
PalfuriusSura,thephilosopher,whowashischiefdelator,accusingthosewhorefusedtorecognizehis
divinity,howevermuchhemayhavebelievedinthatdivinity,hadnottherighttodemandthatasingle
ChristianinRomeortheprovincesshoulddothesame.

Reasonisfarfrombeingtheonlyguide,inmoralsorinpoliticalscience.Loveorlovingkindnessmust
keepitcompany,toexcludefanaticism,intolerance,andpersecution,toallofwhichamoralitytoo
ascetic,andextremepoliticalprinciples,invariablylead.Wemustalsohavefaithinourselves,andin
ourfellowsandthepeople,orweshallbeeasilydiscouragedbyreverses,andourardorcooledby
obstacles.WemustnotlistentoReasonalone.ForcecomesmorefromFaithandLove:anditisbythe
aidofthesethatmanscalestheloftiestheightsofmorality,orbecomestheSaviourandRedeemerofa
People.Reasonmustholdthehelm;butthesesupplythemotivepower.Theyarethewingsofthesoul.
Enthusiasmisgenerallyunreasoning;andwithoutit,andLoveandFaith,therewouldhavebeenno
RIENZI,orTELL,orSYDNEY,oranyotherofthegreatpatriotswhosenamesareimmortal.Ifthe
DeityhadbeenmerelyandonlyAllwiseandAllmighty,HewouldneverhavecreatedtheUniverse.

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ItisGENIUSthatgetsPower;anditsprimelieutenantsareFORCEandWISDOM.Theunruliestof
menbendbeforetheleaderthathasthesensetoseeandthewilltodo.ItisGeniusthatruleswithGod
likePower;thatunveils,withitscounsellors,thehiddenhumanmysteries,cutsasunderwithitsword
thehugeknots,andbuildsupwithitswordthecrumbledruins.Atitsglancefalldownthesenseless
idols,whosealtarshavebeenonallthehighplacesandinallthesacredgroves.Dishonestyand
imbecilitystandabashedbeforeit.ItssingleYeaorNayrevokesthewrongsofages,andisheard
amongthefuturegenerations.Itspowerisimmense,becauseitswisdomisimmense.GeniusistheSun
ofthepoliticalsphere.ForceandWisdom,itsministers,aretheorbsthatcarryitslightintodarkness,
andansweritwiththeirsolidreflectingTruth.

DevelopmentissymbolizedbytheuseoftheMalletandChisel;thedevelopmentoftheenergiesand
intellect,oftheindividualandthepeople.Geniusmayplaceitselfattheheadofanunintellectual,
uneducated,unenergeticnation;butinafreecountry,tocultivatetheintellectofthosewhoelect,isthe
onlymodeofsecuringintellectandgeniusforrulers.Theworldisseldomruledbythegreatspirits,
exceptafterdissolutionandnewbirth.Inperiodsoftransitionandconvulsion,theLongParliaments,
theRobespierresandMarats,andthesemirespectabilitiesofintellect,toooftenholdthereinsof
power.TheCromwellsandNapoleonscomelater.AfterMariusandSullaandCicerotherhetorician,
CAESAR.Thegreatintellectisoftentoosharpforthegraniteofthislife.Legislatorsmaybevery
ordinarymen;forlegislationisveryordinarywork;itisbutthefinalissueofamillionminds.

Thepowerofthepurseorthesword,comparedtothatofthespirit,ispoorandcontemptible.Asto
lands,youmayhaveagrarianlaws,andequalpartition.Butaman'sintellectisallhisown,helddirect
fromGod,aninalienablefief.Itisthemostpotentofweaponsinthehandsofapaladin.Ifthepeople
comprehendForceinthephysicalsense,howmuchmoredotlleyrevelencetheintellectual!Ask
Hildebrand,orLuther,orLoyola.Theyfallprostratebeforeit,asbeforeanidol.Themasteryofmind
overmindistheonlyconquestworthhaving.Theotherinjuresboth,anddissolvesatabreath;rudeasit
is,thegreatcablefallsdownandsnapsatlast.ButthisdimlyresemblesthedominionoftheCreator.It
doesnotneedasubjectlikethatofPetertheHermit.Ifthestreambebutbrightandstrong,itwill
sweeplikeaspringtidetothepopularheart.Notinwordonly,butinintellectualactliesthe
fascination.ItisthehomagetotheInvisible.Thispower,knottedwithLove,isthegoldenchainlet
downintothewellofTruth,ortheinvisiblechainthatbindstheranksofmankindtogether.

Influenceofmanovermanisalawofnature,whetheritbebyagreatestateinlandorinintellect.It
maymeanslavery,adeferencetotheeminenthumanjudgment.Societyhangsspirituallytogether,like
therevolvingspheresabove.Thefreecountry,inwhichintellectandgeniusgovern,willendure.Where
theyserve,andotherinfluencesgovern,thenationallifeisshort.Allthenationsthathavetriedto
governthemselvesbytheirsmallest,bytheincapables,ormerelyrespectables,havecometonought.
ConstitutionsandLaws,withoutGeniusandIntellecttogovern,willnotpreventdecay.Inthatcasethey
havethedryrotandthelifediesoutofthembydegrees.
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TogiveanationthefranchiseoftheIntellectistheonlysuremodeofperpetuatingfreedom.Thiswill
compelexertionandgenerouscareforthepeoplefromthoseonthehigherseats,andhonorableand
intelligentallegiancefromthosebelow.Thenpoliticalpubliclifewillprotectallmenfromself
abasementinsensualpursuits,fromvulgaractsandlowgreed,bygivingthenobleambitionofjust
imperialrule.Toelevatethepeoplebyteachinglovingkindnessandwisdom,withpowertohimwho
teachesbest:andsotodevelopthefreeStatefromtheroughashlar:thisisthegreatlaborinwhich
Masonrydesirestolendahelpinghand.

Allofusshouldlaborinbuildingupthegreatmonumentofanation,theHolyHouseoftheTemple.
Thecardinalvirtuesmustnotbepartitionedamongmen,becomingtheexclusivepropertyofsome,like
thecommoncrafts.ALLareapprenticedtothepartners,DutyandHonor.

MasonryisamarchandastruggletowardtheLight.Fortheindividualaswellasthenation,Lightis
Virtue,Manliness,Intelligence,Liberty.Tyrannyoverthesoulorbody,isdarkness.Thefreestpeople,
likethefreestman,isalwaysindangerofrelapsingintoservitude.Warsarealmostalwaysfatalto
Republics.Theycreatetyrants,andconsolidatetheirpower.Theyspring,forthemostpart,fromevil
counsels.Whenthesmallandthebaseareintrustedwithpower,legislationandadministrationbecome
buttwoparallelseriesoferrorsandblunders,endinginwar,calamity,andthenecessityforatyrant.
Whenthenationfeelsitsfeetslidingbackward,asifitwalkedontheice,thetimehascomefora
supremeeffort.Themagnificenttyrantsofthepastarebutthetypesofthoseofthefuture.Menand
nationswillalwayssellthemselvesintoslavery,togratifytheirpassionsandobtainrevenge.The
tyrant'splea,necessity,isalwaysavailable;andthetyrantonceinpower,thenecessityofprovidingfor
hissafetymakeshimsavage.Religionisapower,andhemustcontrolthat.Independent,itssanctuaries
mightrebel.ThenitbecomesunlawfulforthepeopletoworshipGodintheirownway,andtheold
spiritualdespotismsrevive.MenmustbelieveasPowerwills,ordie;andeveniftheymaybelieveas
theywill,alltheyhave,lands,houses,body,andsoul,arestampedwiththeroyalbrand."IamtheState,
"saidLouistheFourteenthtohispeasants;"theveryshirtsonyourbacksaremine,andIcantakethem
ifIwill."

Anddynastiessoestablishedendure,likethatoftheCaesarsofRome,oftheCaesarsof
Constantinople,oftheCaliphs,theStuarts,theSpaniards,theGoths,theValois,untiltheracewears
out,andendswithlunaticsandidiots,whostillrule.Thereisnoconcordamongmen,toendthe
horriblebondage.TheStatefallsinwardly,aswellasbytheoutwardblowsoftheincoherentelements.
Thefurioushumanpassions,thesleepinghumanindolence,thestolidhumanignorance,therivalryof
humancastes,areasgoodforthekirlgsastheswordsofthePaladins.Theworshippershaveallbowed
solongtotheoldidol,thattheycannotgointothestreetsandchooseanotherGrandLlama.Andsothe
effeteStatefloatsondownthepuddledstreamofTime,untilthetempestorthetidalseadiscoversthat
thewormhasconsumeditsstrength,anditcrumblesintooblivion.
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******

CivilandreligiousFreedommustgohandinhand;andPersecutionmaturesthemboth.Apeople
contentwiththethoughtsmadeforthembythepriestsofachurchwillbecontentwithRoyaltyby
DivineRight,theChurchandtheThronemutuallysustainingeachother.Theywillsmotherschismand
reapinfidelityandindifference;andwhilethebattleforfreedomgoesonaroundthem,theywillonly
sinkthemoreapatheticallyintoservitudeandadeeptrance,perhapsoccasionallyinterruptedby
furiousfitsoffrenzy,followedbyhelplessexhaustion.Despotismisnotdimcultinanylandthathas
onlyknownonemasterfromitschildhood;butthereisnoharderproblemthantoperfectand
perpetuatefreegovernmentbythepeoplethemselves;foritisnotonekingthatisneeded:allmustbe
kings.ItiseasytosetupMasaniello,thatinafewdayshemayfalllowerthanbefore.Butfree
governmentgrowsslowly,liketheindividualhumanfaculties;andliketheforesttrees,fromtheinner
heartoutward.Libertyisnotonlythecommonbirthright,butitislostaswellbynonuserasbymis
user.Itdependsfarmoreontheuniversaleffortthananyotherhumanproperty.Ithasnosingleshrine
orholywellofpilgrimageforthenation;foritswatersshouldburstoutfreelyfromthewholesoil.

Thefreepopularpowerisonethatisonlyknowninitsstrengthinthehourofadversity:forallitstrials,
sacrificesandexpectationsareitsown.Itistrainedtothinkforitself,andalsotoactforitself.When
theenslavedpeopleprostratethemselvesinthedustbeforethehurricane,likethealarmedbeastsofthe
field,thefreepeoplestanderectbeforeit,inallthestrengthofunity,inselfreliance,inmutual
reliance,witheffronteryagainstallbutthevisiblehandofGod.Itisneithercastdownbycalamitynor
elatedbysuccess.

Thisvastpowerofendurance,offorbearance,ofpatience,andofperformance,isonlyacquiredby
continualexerciseofallthefunctions,likethehealthfulphysicalhumanvigor,liketheindividualmoral
vigor.

Andthemaximisnolesstruethanold,thateternalvigilanceisthepriceofliberty.Itiscuriousto
observetheuniversalpretextbywhichthetyrantsofalltimestakeawaythenationalliberties.Itis
statedinthestatutesofEdwardII.,thatthejusticesandthesheriffshouldnolongerbeelectedbythe
people,onaccountoftheriotsanddissensionswhichhadarisen.Thesamereasonwasgivenlong
beforeforthesuppressionofpopularelectionofthebishops;andthereisawitnesstothisuntruthinthe
yetoldertimes,whenRomelostherfreedom,andherindignantcitizensdeclaredthattumultuous
libertyisbetterthandisgracefultranquillity.

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WiththeCompassesandScale,wecantraceallthefiguresusedinthemathematicsofplanes,orin
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whatarecalledGEOMETRYandTRIGONOMETRY,twowordsthatarethemselvesdeficientin
meaning.GEOMETRY,whichtheletterGinmostLodgesissaidtosignify,meansmeasurementof
landortheearthorSurveying;andTRIGONOMETRY,themeasurementoftriangles,orfigureswith
threesidesorangles.Thelatterisbyfarthemostappropriatenameforthescienceintendedtobe
expressedbytheword"Geometry."Neitherisofameaningsufficientlywide:foralthoughthevast
surveysofgreatspacesoftheearth'ssurface,andofcoasts,bywhichshipwreckandcalamityto
marinersareavoided,areeffectedbymeansoftriangulation;thoughitwasbythesamemethodthatthe
Frenchastronomersmeasuredadegreeoflatitudeandsoestablishedascaleofmeasuresonan
immutablebasis;thoughitisbymeansoftheimmensetrianglethathasforitsbasealinedrawnin
imaginationbetweentheplaceoftheearthnowanditsplacesixmonthshenceinspace,andforitsapex
aplanetorstar,thatthedistanceofJupiterorSiriusfromtheearthisascertained;andthoughthereisa
trianglestillmorevast,itsbaseextendingeitherwayfromus,withandpastthehorizonintoimmensity,
anditsapexinfinitelydistantaboveus;towhichcorrespondsasimilarinfinitetrianglebelowwhatis
aboveequallingwhatisbelow,immensityequallingimmensity;yettheScienceofNumbers,towhich
Pythagorasattachedsomuchimportance,andwhosemysteriesarefoundeverywhereintheancient
religions,andmostofallintheKabalahandintheBib]e,isnotsufficientlyexpressedbyeitherthe
word"Geometry"ortheword"Trigonometry."ForthatscienceincludestheseJwithArithmetic,and
alsowithAlgebra,Logarithms,theIntegralandDifferentialCalculus;andbymeansofitareworked
outthegreatproblemsofAstronomyortheLawsoftheStars.

******

Virtueisbutheroicbravery,todothethingthoughttobetrue,inspiteofallenemiesoffleshorspirit,
indespiteofalltemptationsormenaces.Manisaccountablefortheuprightnessofhisdoctrine,butnot
fortherightnessofit.Devoutenthusiasmisfareasierthanagoodaction.Theendofthoughtisaction;
thesolepurposeofReligionisanEthic.Theory,inpoliticalscience,isworthless,exceptforthe
purposeofbeingrealizedinpractice.

Ineverycredo,religiousorpoliticalasinthesoulofman,therearetworegions,theDialecticandthe
Ethic;anditisonlywhenthetwoareharmoniouslyblended,thataperfectdisciplineisevolved.There
aremenwhodialecticallyareChristians,asthereareamultitudewhodialecticallyareMasons,andyet
whoareethicallyInfidels,astheseareethicallyoftheProfane,inthestrictestsense:intellectual
believers,butpracticalatheists:menwhowillwriteyou"Evidences,"inperfectfaithintheirlogic,but
cannotcarryouttheChristianorMasonicdoctrine,owingtothestrength,orweakness,oftheflesh.On
theotherhand,therearemanydialecticalskeptics,butethicalbelievers,astherearemanyMasonswho
haveneverundergoneinitiation;andasethicsaretheendandpurposeofreligion,soareethical
believersthemostworthy.Hewhodoesrightisbetterthanhewhothinksright.

Butyoumustnotactuponthehypothesisthatallmenarehypocrites,whoseconductdoesnotsquare
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withtheirsentiments.Noviceismorerare,fornotaskismoredifficult,thansystematichypocrisy.
WhentheDemagoguebecomesaUsurperitdoesnotfollowthathewasallthetimeahypocrite.
Shallowmenonlysojudgeofothers.

Thetruthis,thatcreedhas,ingeneral,verylittleinfluenceontheconduct;inreligion,onthatofthe
individual;inpolitics,onthatofparty.Asageneralthing,theMahometan,intheOrient,isfarmore
honestandtrustworthythantheChristian.AGospelofLoveinthemouth,isanAvatarofPersecution
intheheart.Menwhobelieveineternaldamnationandaliteralseaoffireandbrimstone,incurthe
certaintyofit,accordingtotheircreed,ontheslightesttemptationofappetiteorpassion.Predestination
insistsonthenecessityofgoodworks.InMasonry,attheleastflowofpassion,onespeaksillof
anotherbehindhisback;andsofarfromthe"Brotherhood"ofBlueMasonrybeingreal,andthe
solemnpledgescontainedintheuseoftheword"Brother"beingcompliedwith,extraordinarypainsare
takentoshowthat.Masonryisasortofabstraction,whichscornstointerfereinworldlymatters.The
rulemayberegardedasuniversal,that,wherethereisachoicetobemade,aMasonwillgivehisvote
andinfluence,inpoliticsandbusiness,tothelessqualifiedprofaneinpreferencetothebetterqualified
Mason.Onewilltakeanoathtoopposeanyunlawfulusurpationofpower,andthenbecometheready
andeveneagerinstrumentofausurper.Anotherwillcallone"Brother"andthenplaytowardhimthe
partofJudasIscariot,orstrikehim,asJoabdidAbner,underthefifthrib,withaliewhoseauthorship
isnottobetraced.Masonrydoesnotchangehumannature,andcannotmakehonestmenoutofborn
knaves.

Whileyouarestillengagedinpreparation,andinaccumulatingprinciplesforfutureuse,donotforget
thewordsoftheApostleJames:"Forifanybeaheareroftheword,andnotadoer,heislikeuntoa
manbeholdinghisnaturalfaceinaglass,forhebeholdethhimself,andgoethaway,andstraightway
forgettethwhatma1lnerofmanhewas;butwhosolookethintotheperfectlawofliberty,and
continueth,hebeingnotaforgetfulhearer,butadoerofthework,thismanshallbeblessedinhiswork.
Ifanymanamongyouseemtobereligious,andbridlethnothistongue,butdeceivethhisownheart,
thisman'sreligionisvain.Faith,ifithathnotworks,isdead,beinganabstraction.Amanisjustified
byworks,andnotbyfaithonly.Thedevilsbelieve,andtremble.Asthebodywithouttheheartisdead,
soisfaithwithoutworks."

******

Inpoliticalscience,also,freegovernmentsareerectedandfreeconstitutionsframed,uponsomesimple
andintelligibletheory.Uponwhatevertheorytheyarebased,nosoundconclusionistobereached
exceptbycarryingthetheoryoutwithoutflinching,bothinargumcntonconstitutionalqucstionsandin
practice.Shrinkfromthetruetheorythroughtimidity,orwanderfromitthrougllwantofthelogical
faculty,ortransgressagainstitthrougllpassionoronthepleaofnecessityorexpediency,andyouhave
denialorinvasionofrights,lawsthatoffendagainstfirstprinciples,usurpationofillegalpowers,or
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abnegationandabdicationoflegitimateauthority.

Donotforget,either,thatastheshowy,superficial,impudentandselfconceitedwillalmostalwaysbe
preferred,eveninutmoststressofdangerandcalamityoftheState,tothemanofsolidlearning,large
intellect,andcatholicsympathies,becauseheisnearerthecommonpopularandlegislativelevel,sothe
highesttruthisnotacceptabletothemassofmankind.

WhenSOLONwasaskedifhehadgivenhiscountrymenthebestlaws,heanswered,"Thebesttheyare
capableofreceiving."Thisisoneoftheprofoundestutterancesonrecord;andyetlikeallgreattruths,
sosimpleastoberarelycomprehended.ItcontainsthewholephilosophyofHistory.Ituttersatruth
which,haditbeenrecognized,wouldhavesavedmenanimmensityofvain,idledisputes,andhaveled
themintotheclearerpathsofknowledgeinthePast.Itmeansthis,thatalltruthsareTruthsofPeriod,
andnottruthsforeternity;thatwhatevergreatfacthashadstrengthandvitalityenoughtomakeitself
real,whetherofreligion,morals,government,orofwhateverelse,andtofindplaceinthisworld,has
beenatruthforthetime,andasgoodasmenwerecapableofreceiving.

So,too,withgreatmen.Theintellectandcapacityofapeoplehasasinglemeasure,thatofthegreat
menwhomProvidencegivesit,andwhomitreceives.Therehavealwaysbeenmentoogreatfortheir
timeortheirpeople.Everypeoplemakessuchmenonlyitsidols,asitiscapableofcomprehending.

Toimposeidealtruthorlawuponanincapableandmerelyrealman,musteverbeavainandempty
speculation.Thelawsofsympathygoverninthisastheydoinregardtomenwhoareputatthehead.
Wedonotknow,asyet,whatqualificationsthesheepinsistoninaleader.Withmenwhoaretoohigh
intellectually,themasshaveaslittlesympathyastheyhavewiththestars.WhenBURKE,thewisest
statesmanEnglandeverhad,rosetospeak,theHouseofCommonswasdepopulatedasuponanagreed
signal.ThereisaslittlesympathybetweenthemassandthehighestTRUTHS.Thehighesttruth,being
incomprehensibletothemanofrealities,asthehighestmanis,andlargelyabovehislevel,willbea
greatunrealityandfalsehoodtoanunintellectualman.TheprofoundestdoctrinesofChristianityand
PhilosophywouldbemerejargonandbabbletoaPotawatomieIndian.Thepopularexplanationsofthe
symbolsofMasonryarefittingforthemultitudethathaveswarmedintotheTemples,beingfullyupto
theleveloftheircapacity.Catholicismwasavitaltruthinitsearliestages,butitbecameobsolete,and
Protestantismarose,flourished,anddeteriorated.ThedoctrinesofZOROASTERwerethebestwhich
theancientPersianswerefittedtoreceive;thoseofCONFUCIUSwerefittedfortheChinese;thoseof
MOHAMMEDfortheidolatrousArabsofhisage.EachwasTruthforthetime.EachwasaGOSPEL,
preachedbyaREFORMER;andifanymenaresolittlefortunateastoremaincontenttherewith,when
othershaveattainedahighertruth,itistheirmisfortuneandnottheirfault.Theyaretobepitiedforit,
andnotpersecuted.
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Donotexpecteasilytoconvincemenofthetruth,ortoleadthemtothinkaright.Thesubtlehuman
intellectcanweaveitsmistsovereventheclearestvision.Rememberthatitiseccentricenoughtoask
unanimityfromajury;buttoaskitfromanylargenumberofmenonanypointofpoliticalfaithis
amazing.YoucanhardlygettwomeninanyCongressorConventiontoagree;nay,youcanrarelyget
onetoagreewithhimself.

Thepoliticalchurchwhichchancestobesupremeanywherehasanindefinitenumberoftongues.How
thencanweexpectmentoagreeastomattersbeyondthecognizanceofthesenses?Howcanwe
compasstheInfinitcandtheInvisiblewithanychainofevidence?Askthesmallseawaveswhatthey
murmuramongthepebbles!Howmanyofthosewordsthatcomefromtheinvisibleshorearelost,like
thebirds,inthelongpassage?HowvainlydowestraintheeyesacrossthelongInfinite!Wemustbe
content,asthechildrenare,withthepebblesthathavebeenstranded,sinceitisforbiddenustoexplore
thehiddendepths.

TheFellowCraftisespeciallytaughtbythisnottobecomewiseinhisownconceit.Prideinunsound
theoriesisworsethanignorancc.HumilitybecomesaMason.Takesomequiet,sobermomentoflife,
andaddtogetherthetwoideasofPrideandMan;beholdhim,creatureofaspan,stalkingthrough
infinitespaceinallthegrandeuroflittleness!PerchedonaspeckoftheUniverse,everywindof
Heavenstrikesintohisbloodthecoldnessofdeath;hissoulfloatsavvayfromhisbodylikethemelody
fromthestring.Dayandnight,likedustonthewheel,heisrolledalongtheheavens,througha
labyrinthofworlds,andallthecreationsofGodareflanlingoneveryside,furtherthanevenhis
imaginationcanreach.Isthisacreaturetomakeforhimselfacrownofglory,todenyhisownflesh,to
mockathisfellow,sprungwithhimfromthatdusttowhichbothwillsoonreturn?Doestheproudman
noterr?Doeshenotsuffer?Doeshenotdie?Whenhereasons,isheneverstoppedshortby
difficulties?Whenheacts,doesheneversuccumbtothetemptationsofpleasure?Whenhelives,ishe
freefrompain?Dothediseasesnotclaimhimastheirprey?Whenhedies,canheescapethecommon
grave?Prideisnottheheritageofman.Humilityshoulddwellwithfrailty,andatoneforignorance,
errorandimperfection.

NeithershouldtheMasonbeoveranxiousforofficeandhonor,howevercertainlyhemayfeelthathe
hasthecapacitytoservetheState.Heshouldneitherseeknorspurnhonors.Itisgoodtoenjoythe
blessingsoffortune;itisbettertosubmitwithoutapangtotheirloss.Thegreatestdeedsarenotdone
intheglareoflight,andbeforetheeyesofthepopulace.HewhomGodhasgiftedwithaloveof
retirementpossesses,asitwere,anadditionalsense;andamongthevastandnoblescenesofnature,w
efindthebalmforthewoundswehavereceivedamongthepitifulshiftsofpolicy;fortheattachmentto
solitudeisthesurestpreservativefromtheillsoflife.

ButResignationisthemorenobleinproportionasitisthelesspassive.Retirementisonlyamorbid
selfishness,ifitprohibitexertionsforothers;asitisonlydignifiedandnoble,whenitistheshade
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whencetheoraclesissuethataretoinstructmankind;andretirementofthisnatureisthesoleseclusion
whichagoodandwisemanwillcovetorcommand.Theveryphilosophywhichmakessuchaman
covetthequiet,willmakehimeschewtheinutilityofthehermitage.Verylittlepraiseworthywould
LORDBOLINGBROKEhaveseemedamonghishaymakersandploughmen,ifamonghaymakersand
ploughmenhehadlookedwithanindifferenteyeuponaprofligateministerandavenalParliament.
Verylittleinterestwouldhaveattachedtohisbeansandvetches,ifbeansandvetcheshadcausedhimto
forgetthatifhevvashappieronafannhecouldbemoreusefulinaSenate,andmadehimforego,in
thesphereofabailiff,allcareforreenteringthatofalegislator.

Remember,also,thatthercisaneducationwhichquickenstheIntellect,andleavesthehearthollower
orharderthanbefore.Thereareethicallessonsinthelawsoftheheavenlybodies,inthepropertiesof
earthlyelements,ingeography,chemistry,geology,andallthematerialsciences.Thingsaresymbols
ofTruths.PropertiesaresymbolsofTruths.Science,notteachingmoralandspiritualtruths,isdead
anddry,oflittlemorerealvaluethantocommittothemenloryalongrowofunconnecteddates,orof
thenamesofbugsorbutterflies.

Christianity,itissaid,beginsfromtheburningofthefalsegodsbythepeoplethemselves.Education
beginswiththeburningofourintellectualandmoralidols:ourprejudices,notions,conceits,our
worthlessorignoblepurposes.Especiallyitisnecessarytoshakeofftheloveofworldlygain.With
Freedomcomesthelongingforworldlyadvancement.Inthatracemenareeverfalling,rising,running,
andfallingagain.Thelustforwealthandtheabjectdreadofpovertydelvethefurrowsonmanyanoble
brow.Thegamblergrowsoldashewatchesthechances.LawfulhazarddrivesYouthawaybeforeits
time;andthisYouthdrawsheavybillsofexchangeonAge.Menlive,liketheengines,athighpressure,
ahundredyearsinahundredmonths;theledgerbecomestheBible,andthedaybooktheBookofthe
MorningPrayer.

Henceflowoverreachingsandsharppractice,heartlesstrafficinwhichthecapitalistbuysprofitwith
thelivesofthelaborers,speculationsthatcoinanation'sagoniesintowealth,andalltheotherdevilish
cngineryofMammon.This,andgreedforoffice,arethetwocolumnsattheentrancetotheTempleof
Moloch.Itisdoubtfulwhetherthelatter,blossominginfalsehood,trickery,andfraud,isnotevenmore
perniciousthantheformer.Atalleventstheyaretwins,andfitlymated;andaseithergainscontrolof
theunfortunatesubject,hissoulwithersawayanddecays,andatlastdiesout.Thesoulsofhalfthe
humanraceleavethemlongbeforetheydie.Thetwogreedsaretwinplaguesoftheleprosy,andmake
themanunclean;andwhenevertheybreakouttheyspreaduntil"theycoveralltheskinofhimthathath
theplague,fromhisheadeventohisfoot."Eventherawfleshoftheheartbecomesuncleanwithit.

AlexanderofMacedonhasleftasayingbehindhimwhichhassurvivedhisconquests:"Nothingis
noblerthanwork."Workonlycankeepevenkingsrespectable.Andwhenakingisakingindeed,itis
anhonorableofficetogivetonetothemannersandmoralsofanation;tosettheexampleofvirtuous
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conduct,andrestoreinspirittheoldschoolsofchivalry,inwhichtheyoungmanhoodmaybenurtured
torealgreatness.Workandwageswillgotogetherinmen'sminds,inthemostroyalinstitutions.We
mustevercometotheideaofrealwork.Therestthatfollowslaborshouldbesweeterthantherest
whichfollowsrest.

LetnoFellowCraftimaginethattheworkofthelowlyanduninfluentialisnotworththedoing.There
isnolegallimittothepossibleinfluencesofagooddeedorawisewordoragenerouseffort.Nothing
isreallysmall.Whoeverisopentothedeeppenetrationofnatureknowsthis.Although,indeed,no
absolutesatisfactionmaybevouchsafedtophilosophy,anymoreincircumscribingthecausethanin
limitingtheeffect,themanofthoughtandcontemplationfallsintounfathomableecstaciesinviewof
allthedecompositionsofforcesresultinginunity.Allworksforall.Destructionisnotannihilation,but
regeneration.

Algebraappliestotheclouds;theradianceofthestarbenefitstherose;nothinkerwoulddaretosay
thattheperfumeofthehawthornisuselesstotheconstellations.Who,then,cancalculatethepathof
themolecule?Howdoweknowthatthecreationsofworldsarenotdeterminedbythefallofgrainsof
sand?Who,then,understandsthereciprocalflowandebboftheinrlnitelygreatandtheinfinitely
small;theechoingofcausesintheabyssesofbeginning,andtheavalanchesofcreation?Afleshworm
isofaccount;thesmallisgreat;thegreatissmall;allisinequilibriuminnecessity.Thereare
marvellousrelationsbetweenbeingsandthings;inthisinexhaustibleWhole,fromsuntogrub,thereis
noscorn:allneedeachother.Lightdoesnotcarryterrestrialperfumesintotheazuredepths,without
knowingwhatitdoeswiththem;nightdistributesthestellaressencetothesleepingplants.Everybird
whichflieshasthethreadoftheInfiniteinitsclaw.Germinationincludesthehatchingofameteor,and
thetapofaswallow'sbill,breakingtheegg;anditleadsforwardthebirthofanearthwormandthe
adventofaSocrates.Wherethetelescopeendsthemicroscopebegins.Whichofthemthegrander
view?AbitofmouldisaPleiadofflowersanebulaisananthillofstars.

Thereisthesameandastillmorewonderfulinterpenetrationbetweenthethingsoftheintellectandthe
thingsofmatter.Elementsandprinciplesaremingled,combined,espoused,multipliedonebyanother
tosuchadegreeastobringthematerialworldandthemoralworldintothesamelight.Phenomenaare
perpetuallyfoldedbackuponthemselves.Inthevastcosmicalchangestheuniversallifecomesand
goesinunknownquantities,envelopingallintheinvisiblemysteryoftheemanations,losingnodream
fromnosinglesleep,sowingananimalculehere,crumblingastarthere,oscillatingandwindingin
curves;makingaforceofLight,andanelementofThought;disseminatedandindivisible,dissolving
allsavethatpointwithoutlength,breadth,orthickness,TheMYSELF;reducingeverythingtotheSoul
atom;makingeverythingblossomintoGod;entanglingallactivities,fromthehighesttothelowest,in
theobscurityofadizzyingmechanism;hangingtheflightofaninsectuponthemovementoftheearth;
subordinating,perhaps,ifonlybytheidentityofthelaw,theeccentricevolutionsofthecometinthe
firmament,tothewhirlingsoftheinfusoriainthedropofwater.Amechanismmadeofmind,thefirst
motorofwhichisthegnat,anditslastwheelthezodiac.
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Apeasantboy,guidingBlucherbytherightoneoftworoads,theotherbeingimpassableforartillery,
enableshimtoreachWaterloointimetosaveWellingtonfromadefeatthatwouldhavebeenarout;and
soenablesthekingstoimprisonNapoleononabarrenrockinmidocean.Anunfaithfulsmith,bythe
slovenlyshoeingofahorse,causeshislameness,and,hestumbling,thecareerofhisworldconquering
riderends,andthedestiniesofempiresarechanged.Agenerousofficerpermitsanimprisoned
monarchtoendhisgameofchessbeforeleadinghimtotheblock;andmeanwhiletheusurperdies,and
theprisonerreascendsthethrone.Anunskillfulworkmanrepairsthecompass,ormaliceorstupidity
disarrangesit,theshipmistakeshercourse,thewavesswallowaCaesar,andanewchapteriswrittenin
thehistoryofaworld.Whatwecallaccidentisbuttheadamantinechainofindissolubleconnection
betweenallcreatedthings.Thelocust,hatchedintheArabiansands,thesmallwormthatdestroysthe
cottonboll,onemakingfamineintheOrient,theotherclosingthemillsandstarvingthevvorkmenand
theirchildrenintheOccident,withriotsandmassacres,areasmuchtheministersofGodasthe
earthquake;andthefateofnationsdependsmoreonthemthanontheintellectofitskingsand
legislators.AcivilwarinAmericawillendinshakingtheworld;andthatwarmaybecausedbythe
voteofsomeignorantprizefighterorcrazedfanaticinacityorinaCongress,orofsomestupidboor
inanobscurecountryparish.Theelectricityofuniversalsympathy,ofactionandreaction,pervades
everything,theplanetsandthemotesinthesunbeam.FAUST,withhistypes,orLUTHER,withhis
sermons,workedgreaterresultsthanAlexanderorHannibal.Asinglethoughtsometimessufficesto
overturnadynasty.AsillysongdidmoretounseatJamestheSecondthantheacquittaloftheBishops.
Voltaire,Condorcet,andRousseauutteredwordsthatwillring,inchangeandrevolutions,throughout
alltheages.

Remember,thatthoughlifeisshort,Thoughtandtheinfluencesofwhatwedoorsayareimmortal;and
thatnocalculushasyetpretendedtoascertainthelawofproportionbetweencauseandeffect.The
hammerofanEnglishblacksmith,smitingdownaninsolentofficial,ledtoarebellionwhichcamenear
beingarevolution.Thewordwellspoken,thedeedfitlydone,evenbythefeeblestorhumblest,cannot
helpbuthavetheireffect.Moreorless,theeffectisinevitableandeternal.Theechoesofthegreatest
deedsmaydieawayliketheechoesofacryamongthecliffs,andwhathasbeendoneseemtothe
humanjudgmenttohavebeenwithoutresult.Theunconsideredactofthepoorestofmenmayfirethe
trainthatleadstothesubterraneanmine,andanempireberentbytheexplosion.

Thepowerofafreepeopleisoftenatthedisposalofasingleandseeminglyanunimportantindividual;
aterribleandtruthfulpower;forsuchapeoplefeelwithoneheart,andthereforecanliftuptheir
myriadarmsforasingleblow.And,again,thereisnograduatedscaleforthemeasurementofthe
influencesofdifferentintellectsuponthepopularmind.PetertheHermitheldnooffice,yetwhata
workhewrought!

******
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Fromthepoliticalpointofviewthereisbutasingleprinciple,thesovereigntyofmanoverhimself.
Thissovereigntyofone'sselfoverone'sselfiscalledLIBERTY.Wheretwoorseveralofthese
sovereigntiesassociate,theStatebegins.Butinthisassociationthereisnoabdication.Eachsovereignty
partswithacertainportionofitselftoformthecommonright.Thatportionisthesameforall.Thereis
equalcontributionbyalltothejointsovereignty.Thisidentityofconcessionwhicheachmakestoall,is
EQUALITY.Thecommonrightisnothingmoreorlessthantheprotectionofall,pouringitsrayson
each.Thisprotectionofeachbyall,isFRATERNITY.

Libertyisthesummit,Equalitythebase.Equalityisnotallvegetationonalevel,asocietyofbigspears
ofgrassandstuntedoaks,aneighborhoodofjealousies,emasculatillgeachother.Itis,civily,all
aptitudeshavingequalopportunity;politically,allvoteshavingequalweight;religiously,all
conscienceshavingequalrights.

Equalityhasanorgan;gratuitousandobligatoryinstruction.Wemustbeginwiththerighttothe
alphabet.Theprimaryschoolobligatoryuponall;thehigherschoolofferedtoall.Suchisthelaw.From
thesameschoolforallspringsequalsociety.Instruction!Light!allcomesfromLight,andallreturnsto
it.

Wemustlearnthethoughtsofthecommonpeople,ifwewouldbewiseanddoanygoodwork.We
mustlookatmen,notsomuchforwhatFortunehasgiventothemwithherblindoldeyes,asforthe
giftsNaturehasbroughtinherlap,andfortheusethathasbeenmadeofthem.Weprofesstobeequal
inaChurchandintheLodge:weshallbeequalinthesightofGodwhenHejudgestheearth.Wemay
wellsitonthepavementtogetherhere,incommunionandconference,forthefewbriefmomentsthat
constitutelife.

ADemocraticGovernmentundoubtedlyhasitsdefects,becauseitismadeandadministeredbymen,
andnotbytheWiseGods.Itcannotbeconciseandsharp,likethedespotic.Whenitsireisarousedit
developsitslatentstrength,andthesturdiestrebeltrembles.Butitshabitualdomesticruleistolerant,
patient,andindecisive.Menarebroughttogether,firsttodiffer,andthentoagree.Affirmation,
negation,discussion,solution:thesearethemeansofattainingtruth.Oftentheenemywillbeatthe
gatesbeforethebabbleofthedisturbersisdrownedinthechorusofconsent.IntheLegislativeoffice
deliberationwilloftendefeatdecision.LibertycanplaythefoolliketheTyrantsRefinedsociety
requiresgreaterminutenessofregulation;andthestepsofalladvancingStatesaremoreandmoretobe
pickedamongtheoldrubbishandthenewmatcrials.Thedifficultyliesindiscoveringtherightpath
throughthechaosofconfusion.Theadjustmentofmutualrightsandwrongsisalsomoredifficultin
democracies.Wedonotseeandestimatetherelativeimportanceofobjectssoeasilyandclearlyfrom
thelevelorthewavingiandasfromtheelevationofalonepeak,toweringabovetheplain;foreach
looksthroughhisownmist.
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Abjectdependenceonconstituents,also,istoocommon.Itisasmiserableathingasabjectdependence
onaministerorthefavoriteofaTyrant.Itisraretofindamanwhocanspeakoutthesimpletruththat
isinhim,honestlyandfrankly,withoutfear,favor,oraffection,eithertoEmperororPeople.

Moreover,inassembliesofmen,faithineachotherisalmostalwayswanting,unlessaterriblepressure
ofcalamityordangerfromwithoutproducescohesion.Hencetheconstructivepowerofsuch
assembliesisgenerallydeficient.Thechieftriumphsofmoderndays,inEurope,havebeeninpulling
downandobliterating;notinbuildingup.ButRepealisnotReform.Timemustbringwithhimthe
RestorerandRebuilder.

Speech,also,isgrosslyabusedinRepublics;andiftheuseofspeechbeglorious,itsabuseisthemost
villainousofvices.Rhetoric,Platosays,istheartofrulingthemindsofmen.Butindemocraciesitis
toocommontohidethoughtinwords,tooverlayit,tobabblenonsense.Thegleamsandglitterof
intellectualsoapandwaterbubblesaremistakenfortherainbowgloriesofgenius.Theworthless
pyritesiscontinuallymistakenforgold.Evenintellectcondescendstointellectualjugglery,balancing
thoughtsasajugglerbalancespipesonhischin.InallCongresseswehavetheinexhaustibleflowof
babble,andFaction'sclamorousknaveryindiscussion,untilthedivinepowerofspeech,thatprivilege
ofmanandgreatgiftofGod,isnobetterthanthescreechofparrotsorthemimicryofmonkeys.The
meretalker,howeverfluent,isbarrenofdeedsinthedayoftrial.

Therearemenvolubleaswomen,andaswellskilledinfencingwiththetongue:prodigiesofspeech,
misersindeeds.Toomuchcalking,liketoomuchthinking,destroysthepowerofaction.Inhuman
nature,thethoughtisonlymadeperfectbydeed.Silenceisthemotherofboth.Thetrumpeterisnotthe
bravestofthebrave.Steelandnotbrasswinstheday.Thegreatdoerofgreatdeedsismostlyslowand
slovenlyofspeech.Therearesomemenbornandbrcdtobetray.Patriotismistheirtrade,andtheir
capitalisspeech.ButnonoblespiritcanpleadlikePaulandbefalsetoitselfasJudas.

Imposturetoocommonlyrulesinrepublics;theyseemtobeeverintheirminority;theirguardiansare
selfappointed;andtlheunjustthrivebetterthanthejust.TheDespot,likethenightlionroaring,
drownsalltheclamoroftonguesatonce,andspeech,thebirthrightofthefreeman,becomesthe
baubleoftheenslaved.

Itisquitetruethatrepublicsonlyoccasionally,andasitwereaccidentally,selecttheirwisest,oreven
thelessincapableamongtheincapables,togovernthemandlegislateforthem.Ifgenius,armedwith
learningandknowledge,willgraspthereins,thepeoplewillreverenceit;ifitonlymodestlyoffers
itselfforoffice,itwillbesmittenontheface,evenwhen,inthestraitsofdistressandtheagoniesof
calamity,itisindispensabletothesalvationoftheState.Putituponthetrackwiththeshowyand
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superficial,theconceited,theignorant,andimpudent,thetricksterandcharlatan,andtheresultshall
notbeamomentdoubtful.TheverdictsofLegislaturesandthePeopleareliketheverdictsofjuries,
sometimesrightbyaccident.

Offices,itistrue,areshowered,liketherainsofHeaven,uponthejustandtheunjust.TheRoman
Augursthatusedtolaughineachother'sfacesatthesimplicityofthevulgar,werealsotickledwith
theirownguile;butnoAugurisneededtoleadthepeopleastray.Theyreadilydeceivethemselves.Let
aRepublicbeginasitmay,itwillnotbeoutofitsminoritybeforeimbecilitywillbepromotedtohigh
places;andshallowpretence,gettingitselfpuffedintonotice,willinvadeallthesanctuaries.Themost
unscrupulouspartisanshipwillprevail,eveninrespecttojudicialtrusts;andthemostunjust
appointmentsconstantlybemade,althougheveryimproperpromotionnotmerelyconfersone
undeservedfavor,butmaymakeahundredhonestcheekssmartwithinjustice.

Thecountryisstabbedinthefrontwhenthosearebroughtintothestalledseatswhoshouldslinkinto
thedimgallery.EverystampofHonor,illclutched,isstolenfromtheTreasuryofMerit.

Yettheentranceintothepublicservice,andthepromotioninit,affectboththerightsofindividualsand
thoseofthenation.Injusticeinbestowingorwithholdingofficeoughttobesointolerablein
democraticcommunitiesthattheleasttraceofitshouldbelikethescentofTreason.Itisnot
universallytruethatallcitizensofequalcharacterhaveanequalclaimtoknockatthedoorofevery
publicofficeanddemandadmittance.Whenanymanpresentshimselfforservicehehasarightto
aspiretothehighestbodyatonce,ifhecanshowhisfitnessforsuchabeginning,thatheisfitterthan
therestwhoofferthemselvesforthesamepost.Theentryintoitcanonlyjustlybemadethroughthe
doorofmerit.Andwheneveranyoneaspirestoandattainssuchhighpost,especiallyifbyunfairand
disreputableandindecentmeans,andisafterwardfoundtobeasignalfailure,heshouldatoncebe
beheaded.Heistheworstamongthepublicenemies.

Whenamansumcientlyrevealshimself,allothersshouldbeproudtogivehimdueprecedence.When
thepowerofpromotionisabusedinthegrandpassagesoflifewhetherbyPeople,Legislature,or
Executive,theunjustdecisionrecoilsonthejudgeatonce.Thatisnotonlyagross,butawillful
shortnessofsight,thatcannotdiscoverthedeserving.Ifonewilllookhard,long,andhonestly,hewill
notfailtodiscernmerit,genius,andqualification;andtheeyesandvoiceofthePressandPublicshould
condemnanddenounceinjusticewhereversherearsherhorridhead.

"Thetoolstotheworkmen!"nootherprinciplewillsaveaRepublicfromdestruction,eitherbycivil
warorthedryrot.Theytendtodecay,doallwecantopreventit,likehumanbodies.Iftheytrythe
experimentofgoverningthemselvesbytheirsmallest,theyslidedownwardtotheunavoidableabyss
withtenfoldvelocity;andthereneverhasbeenaRepublicthathasnotfollowedthatfatalcourse.
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Buthoweverpalpableandgrosstheinherentdefectsofdemocraticgovernments,andfatalastheresults
finallyandinevitablyare,weneedonlyglanceatthereignsofTiberius,Nero,andCaligula,of
HeliogabalusandCaracalla,ofDomitianandCommodus,torecognizethatthedifferencebetween
freedomanddespotismisaswideasthatbetweenHeavenandHell.

Thecruelty,baseness,andinsanityoftyrantsareincredible.Lethimwhocomplainsofthefickle
humorsandinconstancyofafreepeople,readPliny'scharacterofDomitian.Ifthegreatmanina
Republiccannotwinomcewithoutdescendingtolowartsandwhiningbeggaryandthejudicioususe
ofsneakinglies,lethimremaininretirement,andusethepen.TacitusandJuvenalheldnooffice.Let
HistoryandSatirepunishthepretenderastheycrucifythedespot.Therevengesoftheintellectare
terribleandjust.

LetMasonryusethepenandtheprintingpressinthefreeStateagainsttheDemagogue;inthe
DespotismagainsttheTyrant.Historyoffersexamplesandencouragement.Allhistory,forfour
thousandyears,beingfilledwithviolatedrightsandthesufferingsofthepeople,eachperiodofhistory
bringswithitsuchprotestasispossibletoit.UndertheCaesarstherewasnoinsurrection,butthere
wasaJuvenal.ThearousingofindignationreplacestheGracchi.UndertheCaesarsthereistheexileof
Syene;thereisalsotheauthoroftheAnnals.AstheNerosreigndarklytheyshouldbepicturedso.
Workwiththegraveronlywouldbepale;intothegroovesshouldbepouredaconcentratedprosethat
bites.

Despotsareanaidtothinkers.Speechenchainedisspeechterrible.Thewriterdoublesandtripleshis
style,whensilenceisimposedbyamasteruponthepeople.Therespringsfromthissilenceacertain
mysteriousfullness,whichfiltersandfreezesintobrassinthethoughts.Compressioninthehistory
producesconcisenessinthehistorian.Thegraniticsolidityofsomecelebratedproseisonlya
condensationproducedbytheTyrant.Tyrannyconstrainsthewritertoshorteningsofdiameterwhich
areincreasesofstrength.TheCiceronianperiod,hardlysumcientuponVerres,wouldloseitsedgeupon
Caligula.

TheDemagogueisthepredecessoroftheDespot.Onespringsfromtheother'sloins.Hewhowill
baselyfawnonthosewhohaveofficetobestow,willbetraylikeIscariot,andproveamiserableand
pitiablefailure.LetthenewJuniuslashsuchmenastheydeserve,andHistorymakethemimmortalin
infamy;sincetheirinfluencesculminateinruin.TheRepublicthatemploysandhonorstheshallow,the
superficial,thebase,"whocrouchUntotheoffalofanofficepromised,"atlastweepstearsofbloodfor
itsfatalerror.Ofsuchsupremefolly,thesurefruitisdamnation.Letthenobilityofeverygreatheart,
condensedintojusticeandtruth,strikesuchcreatureslikeathunderbolt!Ifyoucandonomore,you
canatleastcondemnbyyourvote,andostracisebydenunciation.
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Itistruethat,astheCzarsareabsolute,theyhaveitintheirpowertoselectthebestforthepublic
service.Itistruethatthebeginnerofadynastygenerallydoesso;andthatwhenmonarchiesareintheir
prime,pretenceandshallownessdonotthriveandprosperandgetpower,astheydoinRepublics.All
donotgabbleintheParliamentofaKingdom,asintheCongressofaDemocracy.Theincapablesdo
notgoundetectedthere,alltheirlives.

Butdynastiesspeedilydecayandrunout.Atlasttheydwindledownintoimbecility;andthedullor
flippantMembersofCongressesareatleasttheintellectualpeersofthevastmajorityofkings.The
greatman,theJuliusCaesar,theCharlemagne,Cromwell,Napoleon,reignsofright.Heisthewisest
andthestrongest.Theincapablesandimbecilessucceedandareusurpers;andfearmakesthemcruel.
AfterJuliuscameCaracallaandGalba;afterCharlemagne,thelunaticCharlestheSixth.Sothe
Saracenicdynastydwindledout;theCapets,theStuarts,theBourbons;thelastoftheseproducing
Bomba,theapeofDomitian.

Manisbynaturecruel,likethetigers.Thebarbarian,andthetoolofthetyrant,andthecivilized
fanatic,enjoythesufferingsofothers,asthechildrenenjoythecontortionsofmaimedflies.Absolute
Power,onceinfearforthesafetyofitstenure,cannotbutbecruel.

Astoability,dynastiesinvariablyceasetopossessanyafterafewlives.Theybecomemereshams,
governedbyministers,favorites,orcourtesans,likethoseoldEtruscankings,slumberingforlongages
intheirgoldenroyalrobes,dissolvingforeveratthefirstbreathofday.Lethimwhocomplainsofthe
shortcomingsofdemocracyaskhimselfifhewouldpreferaDuBarryoraPompadour,governingin
thenameofaLouistheFifteenth,aCaligulamakinghishorseaconsul,aDomitian,"thatmostsavage
monster,"whosometimesdrankthebloodofrelatives,sometimesemployinghimselfwithslaughtering
themostdistinguishedcitizensbeforewhosegatesfearandterrorkeptwatch;atyrantoffrightful
aspect,prideonhisforehead,fireinhiseye,constantlyseekingdarknessandsecrecy,andonly
emergingfromhissolitudetomakesolitude.Afterall,inafreegovernment,theLawsandthe
ConstitutionareabovetheIncapables,theCourtscorrecttheirlegislation,andposterityistheGrand
Inquestthatpassesjudgmentonthem.Whatistheexclusionofworthandintellectandknowledgefrom
civilofficecomparedwithtrialsbeforeJeffries,torturesinthedarkcavernsoftheInquisition,
AlvabutcheriesintheNetherlands,theEveofSaintBartholomew,andtheSicilianVespers?

******

TheAbbeBarruelinhisMemoirsfortheHistoryofJacobinism,declaresthatMasonryinFrancegave,
asitssecret,thewordsEqualityandLiberty,leavingitforeveryhonestandreligiousMasontoexplain
themaswouldbestsuithisprinciples;butretainedtheprivilegeofunveilinginthehigherDegreesthe
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meaningofthosewords,asinterpretedbytheFrenchRevolution.AndhealsoexceptsEnglishMasons
fromhisanathemas,becauseinEnglandaMasonisapeaceablesubjectofthecivilauthorities,no
matterwhereheresides,engaginginnoplotsorconspiraciesagainsteventheworstgovernment.
England,hesays,disgustedwithanEqualityandaLiberty,theconsequencesofwhichshehadfeltin
thestrugglesofherLollards,Anabaptists,andPresbyterians,had"purgedherMasonry"fromall
explanationstendingtooverturnempires;buttherestillremainedadeptswhomdisorganizingprinciples
boundtotheAncientMysteries.

BecausetrueMasonry,unemasculated,borethebannersofFreedomandEqualRights,andwasin
rebellionagainsttemporalandspiritualtyranny,itsLodgeswereproscribedin1735,byanedictofthe
StatesofHolland.In1737,LouisXV.forbadetheminFrance.In1738,PopeClementXIIissuedagainst
themhisfamousBullofExcommunication,whichwasrenewedbyBenedictXIV.;andin1743the
CouncilofBernealsoproscribedthem.ThetitleoftheRullofClementis,"TheCondemnationofthe
SocietyofConventiclesdeLiberiMuratori,oroftheFreemasons,underthepenaltyofipsofacto
excommunication,theabsolutionfromwhichisreservedtothePopealone,exceptatthepointof
death."Andbyitallbishops,ordinaries,andinquisitorswereempoweredtopunishFreemasons,"as
vehementlysuspectedofheresy,"andtocallin,ifnecessary,thehelpoftheseculararm;thatis,to
causethecivilauthoritytoputthemtodeath.

******

Also,falseandslavishpoliticaltheoriesendinbrutalizingtheState.Forexample,adoptthetheorythat
officesandemploymentsinitaretobegivenasrewardsforservicesrenderedtoparty,andtheysoon
becomethepreyandspoiloffaction,thebootyofthevictoryoffaction;andleprosyisinthefleshof
theState.Thebodyofthecommonwealthbecomesamassofcorruption,likealivingcarcassrotten
withsyphilis.Allunsoundtheoriesintheenddevelopthemselvesinonefoulandloathsomediseaseor
otherofthebodypolitic.TheState,liketheman,mustuseconstantefforttostayinthepathsofvirtue
andmanliness.Thehabitofelectioneeringandbeggingforofficeculminatesinbriberywithoffice,and
corruptioninoffice.

AchosenmanhasavisibletrustfromGod,asplainlyasifthecommissionwereengrossedbythe
notary.AnationcannotrenouncetheexecutorshipoftheDivinedecrees.AslittlecanMasonry.Itmust
labortodoitsdutyknowinglyandwisely.Wemustrememberthat,infreeStates,aswellasin
despotisms,Injustice,thespouseofOppression,isthefruitfulparentofDeceit,Distrust,Hatred,
Conspiracy,Treason,andUnfaithfulness.EveninassailingTyrannywemusthaveTruthandReasonas
ourchiefweapons.WemustmarchintothatfightliketheoldPuritans,orintothebattlewiththeabuses
thatspringupinfreegovernment,withtheflamingswordinonehand,andtheOraclesofGodinthe
other.
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Thecitizenwhocannotaccomplishwellthesmallerpurposesofpubliclife,cannotcompassthelarger.
Thevastpowerofendurance,forbearance,patience,andperformance,ofafreepeople,isacquiredonly
bycontinualexerciseofallthefunctions,likethehealthfulphysicalhumanvigor.Iftheindividual
citizenshaveitnot,theStatemustequallybewithoutit.Itisoftheessenceofafreegovernment,that
thepeopleshouldnotonlybeconcernedinmakingthelaws,butalsointheirexecution.Nomanought
tobemorereadytoobeyandadministerthelawthanhewhohashelpedtomakeit.Thebusinessof
governmentiscarriedonforthebenefitofall,andeverycopartnershouldgivecounseland
cooperation.

Rememberalso,asanothershoalonwhichStatesarewrecked,thatfreeStatesalwaystendtowardthe
depositingofthecitizensinstrata,thecreationofcastes,theperpetuationofthejusdivinurntooffice
infamilies.ThemoredemocratictheState,themoresurethisresult.For,asfreeStatesadvancein
power,thereisastrongtendencytowardcentralization,notfromdeliberateevilintention,butfromthe
courseofeventsandtheindolenceofhumannature.Theexecutivepowersswellandenlargeto
inordinatedimensions;andtheExecutiveisalwaysaggressivewithrespecttothenation.Officesofall
kindsaremultipliedtorewardpartisans;thebruteforceofthesewerageandlowerstrataofthemob
obtainslargerepresentation,firstintheloweroffices,andatlastinSenates;andBureaucracyraisesits
baldhead,bristlingwithpens,girdedwithspectacles,andbunchedwithribbon.TheartofGovernment
becomeslikeaCraft,anditsguildstendtobecomeexclusive,asthoseoftheMiddleAges.

Politicalsciencemaybemuchimprovedasasubjectofspeculation;butitshouldneverbedivorced
fromtheactualnationalnecessity.Thescienceofgoverningmenmustalwaysbepractical,ratherthan
philosophical.Thereisnotthesameamountofpositiveoruniversaltruthhereasintheabstract
sciences;whatistrueinonecountrymaybeveryfalseinanother;whatisuntruetodaymaybecome
trueinanothergeneration,andthetruthoftodaybereversedbythejudgmentoftomorrow.To
distinguishthecasualfromtheenduring,toseparatetheunsuitablefromthesuitable,andtomake
progressevenpossible,aretheproperendsofpolicy.Butwithoutactualknowledgeandexperience,and
communionoflabor,thedreamsofthepoliticaldoctorsmaybenobetterthanthoseofthedoctorsof
divinity.Thereignofsuchacaste,withitsmysteries,itsmyrmidons,anditscorruptinginfluence,may
beasfatalasthatofthedespots.Thirtytyrantsarethirtytimesworsethanone.

Moreover,thereisastrongtemptationforthegoverningpeopletobecomeasmuchslothfuland
sluggardsastheweakestofabsolutekings.Onlygivethemthepowertogetrid,whencapriceprompts
them,ofthegreatandwisemen,andelectthelittle,andastoalltheresttheywillrelapseinto
indolenceandindifference.Thecentralpower,creationofthepeople,organizedandcunningifnot
enlightened,istheperpetualtribunalsetupbythemfortheredressofwrongandtheruleofjustice.It
soonsuppliesitselfwithalltherequisitemachinery,andisreadyandaptforallkindsofinterference.
Thepeoplemaybeachildallitslife.
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Thecentralpowermaynotbeabletosuggestthebestscientificsolutionofaproblem;butithasthe
easiestmeansofcarryinganideaintoeffect.Ifthepurposetobeattainedisalargeone,itrequiresa
largecomprehension;itisproperfortheactionofthecentralpower.Ifitbeasmallone,itmaybe
thwartedbydisagreement.Thecentralpowermuststepinasanarbitratorandpreventthis.Thepeople
maybetooaversetochange,tooslothfulintheirownbusiness,unjusttoaminorityoramajority.The
centralpowermusttakethereinswhenthepeopledropthem.

Francebecamecentralizedinitsgovernmentmorebytheapathyandignoranceofitspeoplethanbythe
tyrannyofitskings.WhentheinmostparishlifeisgivenuptothedirectguardianshipoftheState,and
therepairofthebelfryofacountrychurchrequiresawrittenorderfromthecentralpower,apeopleis
initsdotage.Menarethusnurturedinimbecility,fromthedawnofsociallife.Whenthecentral
governmentfeedspartofthepeopleitpreparesalltobeslaves.Whenitdirectsparishandcounty
affairs,theyareslavesalready.Thenextstepistoregulatelaboranditswages.

Nevertheless,whateverfolliesthefreepeoplemaycommit,eventotheputtingofthepowersof
legislationinthehandsofthelittlecompetentandlesshonest,despairnotofthefinalresult.The
terribleteacher,EXPERIENCE,writinghislessonsonheartsdesolatedwithcalamityandwrungby
agony,willmakethelllwiserintime.Pretenceandgrimaceandsordidbeggaryforvoteswillsomeday
ceasetoavail.HaveFAITH,andstruggleon,againstallevilinfluencesanddiscouragements!FAITHis
theSaviourandRedeemerofnations.WhenChristianityhadgrownweak,profitless,andpowerless,the
ArabRestorerandIconoclastcame,likeacleansinghurricane.WhenthebattleofDamascuswasabout
tobefought,theChristianbishop,attheearlydawn,inhisrobes,attheheadofhisclergy,withthe
Crossoncesotriumphantraisedintheair,camedowntothegatesofthecity,andlaidopenbeforethe
armytheTestamentofChrist.TheChristiangeneral,THOMAS,laidhishandonthebook,andsaid,
"OhGod!Ifourfaithbetrue,aidus,anddeliverusnotintothehandsofitsenemies!"ButKHALED,
"theSwordofGod,"whohadmarchedfromvictorytovictory,exclaimedtohisweariedsoldiers,"Let
nomansleep!TherewillberestenoughinthebowersofParadise;sweetwillbethereposenevermore
tobefollowedbylabor."ThefaithoftheArabhadbecomestrongerthanthatoftheChristian,andhe
conquered.

TheSwordisalso,intheBible,anemblemofSPEECH,oroftheutteranceofthought.Thus,inthat
visionorapocalypseofthesublimeexileofPatmos,aprotestinthenameoftheideal,overwhelming
therealworld,atremendoussatireutteredinthenameofReligionandLiberty,andwithitsfiery
reverberationssmitingthethroneoftheGesars,asharptwoedgedswordcomesoutofthemouthofthe
SemblanceoftheSonofMan,encircledbythesevengoldencandlesticks,andholdinginhisrighthand
sevenstars."TheLord"saysIsaiah,"hathmademymouthlikeasharpsword.""Ihaveslainthem"says
Hosea,"bythewordsofmymouth"."ThewordofGod"saysthewriteroftheapostoliclettertothe
Hebrews,"isquickandpowerful,andsharperthananytwoedgedsword,piercingeventothedividing
asunderofsoulandspirit.""TheswordoftheSpirit,whichistheWordofGod"saysPaul,writingto
theChristiansatEphesus."Iwillfightagainstthemwiththeswordofmymouth"itissaidinthe
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Apocalypse,totheangelofthechurchatPergamos.

******

Thespokendiscoursemayrollonstronglyasthegreattidalwave;but,likethewave,itdiesatlast
feeblyonthesands.Itisheardbyfew,rememberedbystillfewer,andfadesaway,likeanechointhe
mountains,leavingnotokenofpower.Itisnothingtothelivingandcominggenerationsofmen.Itwas
thewrittenhulllanspeech,thatgavepowerandpermanencetohumanthought.Itisthisthatmakesthe
wholehumanhistorybutoneindividuallife.

Towriteontherockistowriteonasolidparchment;butitrequiresapilgrimagetoseeit.Thereisbut
onecopy,andTimewearseventhat.Towriteonskinsorpapyruswastogive,asitwere,butonetardy
edition,andtherichonlycouldprocureit.TheChinesestereotypednotonlytheunchangingwisdomof
oidsages,butalsothepassingevents.Theprocesstendedtosuffocatethought,andtohinderprogress;
forthereiscontinualwanderinginthewisestminds,andTruthwritesherlastwords,notonclean
tablets,butonthescrawlthatErrorhasmadeandoftenmended.

Printingmadethemovablelettersprolific.Thenceforththeoratorspokealmostvisiblytolistening
nations;andtheauthorwrote,likethePope,hiscecumenicdecreesJurbietorbi,andorderedthemto
bepostedupinallthemarketplaces;remaining,ifhechose,impervioustohumansight.Thedoomof
tyrannieswasthenceforthsealed.Satireandinvectivebecamepotentasarmies.Theunseenhandsof
theJuniusescouldlaunchthethunderbolts,andmaketheministerstremble.Onewhisperfromthis
giantfillstheearthaseasilyasDemosthenesfilledtheAgora.Itwillsoonbeheardattheantipodesas
easilyasinthenextstreet.Ittravelswiththelightningundertheoceans.Itmakesthemassoneman,
speakstoitinthesamecomtnonlanguage,andelicitsasureandsingleresponse.Speechpassesinto
thought,andthencepromptlyintoact.Anationbecomestrulyone,withonelargeheartandasingle
throbbingpulse.Menareinvisiblypresenttoeachother,asifalreadyspiritualbeings;andthethinker
whositsinanAlpinesolitude,unknowntoorforgottenbyalltheworld,amongthesilentherdsand
hills,mayflashhiswordstoallthecitiesandoveralltheseas.

SelectthethinkerstobeLegislators;andavoidthegabblers.Wisdomisrarelyloquacious.Weightand
depthofthougbtareunfavorabletovolubility.Theshallowandsuperficialaregenerallyvolubleand
oftenpassforeloquent.Morewords,lessthought,isthegeneralrule.Themanwhoendeavorstosay
somethingworthrememberingineverysentence,becomesfastidious,andcondenseslikeTacitus.The
vulgarloveamorediffusestream.Theornamentationthatdoesnotcoverstrengthisthegewgawsof
babble.

Neitherisdialecticsubtletyvaluabletopublicmen.TheChristianfaithhasit,haditformerlymorethan
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now;asubtletythatmighthaveentangledPlato,andwhichhasrivalledinafruitlessfashionthemystic
loreofJewishRabbisandIndianSages.Itisnotthiswhichconvertstheheathen.Itisavaintaskto
balancethegreatthoughtsoftheearth,likehollowstraws,onthefingertipsofdisputation.Itisnotthis
kindofwarfarewhichmakestheCrosstriumphantintheheartsoftheunbelievers;buttheactualpower
thatlivesintheFaith.

Sothereisapoliticalscholasticismthatismerelyuseless.Thedexteritiesofsubtlelogicrarelystirthe
heartsofthepeople,orconvincethem.ThetrueapostleofLiberty,FraternityandEqualitymakesita
matteroflifeanddeath.HiscombatsarelikethoseofBossuet,combatstothedeath.Thetrueapostolic
fireislikethelightning:itflashesconvictionintothesoul.Thetruewordisverilyatwoedgedsword.
Mattersofgovernmentandpoliticalsciencecanbefairlydealtwithonlybysoundreason,andthelogic
ofcommonsense:notthecommonsenseoftheignorant,butofthewise.Theacutestthinkersrarely
succeedinbecomingleadersofmen.Awatchwordoracatchwordismorepotentwiththepeoplethan
logic,especiallyifthisbetheleastmetaphysical.Whenapoliticalprophetarises,tostirthedreaming,
stagnantnation,andholdbackitsfeetfromtheirretrievabledescent,toheavethelandaswithan
earthquake,andshakethesillyshallowidolsfromtheirseats,hiswordsvvillcomestraightfromGod's
ownmouth,andbethunderedintotheconscience.Hewillreason,teach,warn,andrule.Thereal
"SwordoftheSpirit"iskeenerthanthebrightestbladeofDamascus.Suchmenrulealand,inthe
strengthofjustice,withwisdomandwithpower.Still,themenofdialecticsubtletyoftenrulewell,
becauseinpracticetheyforgettheirfinelyspuntheories,andusethetrenchantlogicofcommonsense.
Butwhenthegreatheartandlargeintellectarelefttotherustinprivatelife,andsmallattorneys,
brawlersinpolitics,andthosewhointhecitieswouldbeonlytheclerksofnotaries,orpractitionersin
thedisreputablecourts,aremadenationalLegislators,thecountryisinherdotage.evenifthebeardhas
notyetgrownuponherchin.

Inafreecountry,humanspeechmustneedsbefree;andtheStatemustlistentothemaunderingsof
folly,andthescreechingsofitsgeese,andthebrayingsofitsasses,aswellastothegoldenoraclesof
itswiseandgreatmen.Eventhedespoticoldkingsallowedtheirwisefoolstosaywhattheyliked.The
truealchelllistwillextractthelessonsofwisdomfromthebabblingsoffolly.Hewillhearwhataman
hastosayonanygivensubject,evenifthespeakerendonlyinprovinghimselfprinceoffools.Evena
foolwillsometimeshitthemark.Thereissometruthinallmenwhoarenotcompelledtosuppress
theirsoulsandspeakothermen'sthoughts.Thefingerevenoftheidiotmaypointtothegreathighway.

Apeople,aswellasthesages,mustlearntoforget.Ifitneitherlearnsthenewnorforgetstheold,itis
fated,evenifithasbeenroyalforthirtygenerations.Tounlearnistolearn;andalsoitissometimes
needfultolearnagaintheforgotten.Theanticsoffoolsmakethecurrentfolliesmorepalpable,as
fashionsareshowntobeabsurdbycaricatures,whichsoleadtotheirextirpation.Thebuffoonandthe
zanyareusefulintheirplaces.Theingeniousartificerandcraftsman,likeSolomon,searchestheearth
forhismaterials,andtransformsthemisshapenmatterintogloriousworkmanship.Theworldis
conqueredbytheheadevenmorethanbythehands.Norwillanyassemblytalkforever.Afteratime,
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whenithaslistenedlongenough,itquietlyputsthesilly,theshallow,andthesuperficialtooneside,it
thinks,andsetstowork.Thehumanthought,especiallyinpopularassemblies,runsinthemost
singularlycrookedchannels,hardertotraceandfollowthantheblindcurrentsoftheocean.Nonotion
issoabsurdthatitmaynotfindaplacethere.Themasterworkmanmusttrainthesenotionsand
vagarieswithhistwohandedhammer.Theytwistoutofthewayoftheswordthrusts;andare
invulnerableallover,evenintheheel,againstlogic.Themartelormace,thebattleaxe,thegreat
doubleedgedtwohandedswordmustdealwithfollies;therapierisnobetteragainstthemthanawand,
unlessitbetherapierofridicule.

TheSWORDisalsothesymbolofwarandofthesoldier.Wars,likethunderstorms,areoften
necessarytopurifythestagnantatmosphere.Warisnotademon,withoutremorseorreward.Itrestores
thebrotherhoodinlettersoffire.Whenmenareseatedintheirpleasantplaces,sunkenineaseand
indolence,withPretenceandIncapacityandLittlenessusurpingallthehighplacesofState,waristhe
baptismofbloodandfire,bywhichalonetheycanberenovated.Itisthehurricanethatbringsthe
elementalequilibrium,theconcordofPowerandWisdom.Solongasthesecontinueobstinately
divorced,itwillcontinuetochasten.

InthemutualappealofnationstoGod,thereistheacknowledgmentofHismight.Itlightsthebeacons
ofFaithandFreedom,andheatsthefurnacethroughwhichtheearnestandloyalpasstoimmortal
glory.Thereisinwarthedoomofdefeat,thequenchlesssenseofDuty,thestirringsenseofHonor,the
measurelesssolemnsacrificeofdevotedness,andtheincenseofsuccess.Evenintheflameandsmoke
ofbattle,theMasondiscovershisbrother,andfulfillsthesacredobligationsofFraternity.

Two,ortheDuad,isthesymbolofAntagonism;ofGoodandEvil,LightandDarkness.ItisCainand
Abel,EveandLilith,JachinandBoaz,OrmuzdandAhriman,OsirisandTyphon.

THREE,ortheTriad,ismostsignificantlyexpressedbytheequilateralandtherightangledtriangles.
Therearethreeprincipalcolorsorraysintherainbow,whichbyintermixturemakeseven.Thethreeare
theblue,theyelloW,andthered.TheTrinityoftheDeity,inonemodeorother,hasbeenanarticlein
allcreeds.Hecreates,preserves,anddestroys.Heisthegenerativepower,theproductivecapacity,and
theresult.Theimmaterialman,accordingtotheKabalah,iscomposedofvitality,orlife,thebreathof
life;ofsoulormind,andspirit.Salt,sulphur,andmercuryarethegreatsymbolsofthealchemists.To
themmanwasbody,soul,andspirit.

FOURisexpressedbythesquare,orfoursidedrightangledfigure.OutofthesymbolicGardenof
Edenflowedariver,dividingintofourstreams,PISON,whichflowsaroundthelandofgold,orlight;
GIHON,whichflowsaroundthelandofEthiopiaorDarkness;HIDDEKEL,runningeastwardto
Assyria;andtheEUPHRATES.Zechariahsawfourchariotscomingoutfrombetweentwomountains
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ofbronze,inthefirstofwhichwereredhorses;inthesecond,black;inthethird,white;andinthe
fourth,grizzled:"andthesewerethefourwindsoftheheavens,thatgoforthfromstandingbeforethe
Lordofalltheearth."Ezekielsawthefourlivingcreatures,eachwithfourfacesandfourwings,the
facesofamanandalion,anoxandaneagle;andthefourwheelsgoingupontheirfoursides;andSaint
Johnbeheldthefourbeasts,fullofeyesbeforeandbehind,theLION,theyoungOx,theMAN,andthe
flyingEAGLE.FourwasthesignatureoftheEarth.Therefore,inthe148thPsalm,ofthosewhomust
praisetheLordontheland,therearefourtimesfour,andfourinparticularoflivingcreatures.Visible
natureisdescribedasthefourquartersoftheworld,andthefourcornersoftheearth."Therearefour"
saystheoldJewishsaying,"whichtakethefirstplaceinthisworld:man,amongthecreatures;the
eagleamongbirds;theoxamongcattle;andthelionamongwildbeasts."Danielsawfourgreatbeasts
comeupfromthesea.

FIVEistheDuadaddedtotheTriad.Itisexpressedbythefivepointedorblazingstar,themysterious
PentalphaofPythagoras.Itisindissolublyconnectedwiththenumberseven.ChristfedHisdisciples
andthemultitudewithfiveloavesandtwofishes,andofthefragmentsthereremainedtwelve,thatis,
fiveandseven,basketsfull.AgainHefedthemwithsevenloavesandafewlittlefishes,andthere
remainedsevenbasketsfull.Thefiveapparentlysmallplanets,Mercury,Venus,Mars,Jupiter,and
Saturn,withthetwogreaterones,theSunandMoon,constitutedthesevencelestialspheres.

SEVENwasthepeculiarlysacrednumber.Thereweresevenplanetsandspherespresidedoverbyseven
archangels.Thereweresevencolorsintherainbow;andthePhoenicianDeitywascalledthe
HEPTAKISorGodofsevenrays;sevendaysoftheweek;andsevenandfivemadethenumberof
months,tribes,anclapostles.Zechariahsawagoldencandlestick,withsevenlampsandsevenpipesto
thelamps,andanolivetreeoneachside.Sincehesays,"theseveneyesoftheLordshallrejoice,and
shallseetheplummetinthehandofZerubbabel."John,intheApocalypse,writessevenepistlestothe
sevenchurches.Inthesevenepistlestherearetwelvepromises.Whatissaidofthechurchesinpraiseor
blame,iscompletedinthenumberthree.Therefrain,"whohasearstohear,"etc.,hastenwords,
dividedbythreeandseven,andthesevenbythreeandfour;andthesevenepistlesarealsosodivided.
Intheseals,trumpets,andvials,also,ofthissymbolicvision,thesevenaredividedbyfourandthree.
HewhosendshismessagetoEphesus,"holdsthesevenstarsinhisrighthand,andwalksamidthe
sevengoldenlamps."

Insixdays,orperiods,GodcreatedtheUniverse,andpausedontheseventhday.Ofcleanbeasts,Noah
wasdirectedtotakebysevensintotheark;andoffowlsbysevens;becauseinsevendaystherainwas
tocommence.Ontheseventeenthdayofthemonth.therainbegan;ontheseventeenthdayofthe
seventhmonth,thearkrestedonArarat.Whenthedovereturned,Noahwaitedsevendaysbeforehe
sentherforthagain;andagainseven,aftershereturnedwiththeoliveleaf.Enochwastheseventh
patriarch,Adamincluded,andLamechlived777years.
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ThereweresevenlampsinthegreatcandlestickoftheTabernacleandTemple,representingtheseven
planets.SeventimesMosessprinkledtheanointingoiluponthealtar.Thedaysofconsecrationof
Aaronandhissonswereseveninnumber.Awomanwasuncleansevendaysafterchildbirth;one
infectedwithleprosywasshutupsevendays;seventimestheleperwassprinkledwiththebloodofa
slainbird;andsevendaysafterwardshemustremainabroadoutofhistent.Seventimes,inpurifying
theleper,thepriestwastosprinkletheconsecratedoil;andseventimestosprinklewiththebloodof
thesacrificedbirdthehousetobepurified.Seventimesthebloodoftheslainbullockwassprinkledon
themercyseat;andseventimesonthealtar.TheseventhyearwasaSabbathofrest;andattheendof
seventimessevenyearscamethegreatyearofjubilee.Sevendaysthepeopleateunleavenedbread,in
themonthofAbib.Sevenweekswerecountedfromthetimeoffirstputtingthesickletothewheat.The
FeastoftheTabernacleslastedsevendays.

IsraelwasinthehandofMidiansevenyearsbeforeGideondeliveredthem.Thebullocksacrificedby
himwassevenyearsold.SamsontoldDelilahtobindhimwithsevengreenwithes;andshewovethe
sevenlocksofhishead,andafterwardsshavedthemoff.BalaamtoldBaraktobuildforhimseven
altars.JacobservedsevenyearsforLeahandsevenforRachel.Jobhadsevensonsandthreedaughters,
makingtheperfectnumberten.Hehadalsoseventhousandsheepandthreethousandcamels.His
friendssatdownwithhimsevendaysandsevennights.Hisfriendswereorderedtosacrificeseven
bullocksandsevenrams;andagain,attheend,hehadsevensonsandthreedaughters,andtwiceseven
thousandsheep,andlivedanhundredandforty,ortwiceseventimestenyears.Pharaohsawinhis
dreamsevenfatandsevenleankine,sevengoodearsandsevenblastedearsofwheat;andtherewere
sevenyearsofplenty,andsevenoffamine.Jerichofell,whensevenpriests,withseventrumpets,made
thecircuitofthecityonsevensuccessivedays;onceeachdayforsixdays,andseventimesonthe
seventh."TheseveneyesoftheLord"saysZechariah,"runtoandfrothroughthewholeearth."
SolomonwassevenyearsinbuildingtheTemple.Sevenangels,intheApocalypse,pouroutseven
plagues,fromsevenvialsofwrath.Thescarletcoloredbeast,onwhichthewomansitsinthe
wilderness,hassevenheadsandtenhorns.SoalsohasthebeastthatrisesUpoutofthesea.Seven
thundersutteredtheirvoices.Sevenangelssoundedseventrumpets.Sevenlampsoffire,theseven
spiritsofGod,burnedbeforethethrone;andtheLambthatwasslainhadsevenhornsandseveneyes.

EIGHTisthefirstcube,thatoftwo.NINEisthesquareofthree,andrepresentedbythetripletriangle.

TENincludesalltheothernumbers.Itisespeciallysevenandthree;andiscalledthenumberof
perfection.PythagorasrepresenteditbytheTETRACTYS,whichhadmanymysticmeanings.This
symbolissometimescomposedofdotsorpoints,sometimesofcommasoryods,andintheKabalah,of
thelettersofthenameofDeity.Itisthusarranged:
,
,,
,,,
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,,,,

ThePatriarchsfromAdamtoNoah,inclusive,areteninnumber,andthesamenumberisthatofthe
Commandments.

TWELVEisthenumberofthelinesofequallengththatformacube.Itisthenumberofthemonths,
thetribes,andtheapostles;oftheoxenundertheBrazenSea,ofthestonesonthebreastplateofthe
highpriest.

TITLESOFDEGREES

1Apprentice
2Fellowcraft
3Master
4SecretMaster
5PerfectMaster
6IntimateSecretary
7ProvostandJudge
8IntendantoftheBuilding
9EluoftheNine
10EluoftheFifteen
11EluoftheTwelve
12MasterArchitect
13RoyalArchofSolomon
14PerfectElu
15KnightoftheEast
16PrinceofJerusalem
17KnightoftheEastandWest
18KnightRoseCroix
19Pontiff
20MasteroftheSymbolicLodge
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21NoachiteorPrussianKnight
22KnightoftheRoyalAxeorPrinceofLibanus
23ChiefoftheTabernacle
24PrinceoftheTabernacle
25KnightoftheBrazenSerpent
26PrinceofMercy
27KnightCommanderoftheTemple
28KnightoftheSunorPrinceAdept(Part1)
28KnightoftheSunorPrinceAdept(Part2)
28KnightoftheSunorPrinceAdept(Part3)
28KnightoftheSunorPrinceAdept(Part4)
30KnightKadosh
31InspectorInquistor
32MasteroftheRoyalSecret

THECHURCHOFROMEANDFREEMASONRY

SOMOTEITBE

III.THEMASTER.

******

TounderstandliterallythesymbolsandallegoriesofOrientalbooksastoantehistoricalmatters,is
willfullytocloseoureyesagainsttheLight.Totranslatethesymbolsintothetrivialandcommonplace,
istheblunderingofmediocrity.

Allreligiousexpressionissymbolism;sincewecandescribeonlywhatwesee,andthetrueobjectsof
religionareTHESEEN.Theearliestinstrumentsofeducationweresymbols;andtheyandallother
religiousformsdifferedandstilldifferaccordingtoexternalcircumstancesandimagery,andaccording
todifferencesofknowledgeandmentalcultivation.Alllanguageissymbolic,sofarasitisappliedto
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mentalandspiritualphenomenaandaction.Allwordshave,primarily,amaterialsense,howeverthey
mayafterwardget,fortheignorant,aspiritualnonsense."Toretract,"forexample,istodrawback,and
whenappliedtoastatement,issymbolic,asmuchsoasapictureofanarmdrawnback,toexpressthe
samething,wouldbe.Theveryword"spirit"means"breath,"fromtheLatinverbspiro,breathe.

Topresentavisiblesymboltotheeyeofanotherisnotnecessarilytoinformhimofthemeaningwhich
thatsymbolhastoyou.Hencethephilosophersoonsuperaddedtothesymbolsexplanationsaddressed
totheear,susceptibleofmoreprecision,butlesseffectiveandimpressivethanthepaintedorsculptured
formswhichheendeavoredtoexplain.Outoftheseexplanationsgrewbydegreesavarietyof
narrations,whosetrueobjectandmeaningweregraduallyforgotten,orlostincontradictionsand
incongruities.Andwhenthesewereabandoned,andPhilosophyresortedtodefinitionsandformulas,
itslanguagewasbutamorecomplicatedsymbolism,attemptinginthedarktograpplewithandpicture
ideasimpossibletobeexpressed.Foraswiththevisiblesymbol,sowiththeword:toutterittoyou
doesnotinformyouoftheexactmeaningwhichithastome;andthusreligionandphilosophybecame
toagreatextentdisputesastothemeaningofwords.ThemostabstractexpressionforDEITY,which
languagecansupply,isbutasignorsymbolforanobjectbeyondourcomprehension,andnotmore
truthfulandadequatethantheimagesofOSIRISandVISHNU,ortheirnames,exceptasbeingless
sensuousandexplicit.Weavoidsensuousnessonlybyresortingtosimplenegation.Wecomeatlastto
definespiritbysayingthatitisnotmatter.Spiritisspirit.

AsingleexampleofthesymbolismofwordswillindicatetoyouonebranchofMasonicstudy.Wefind
intheEnglishRitethisphrase:"Iwillalwayshail,everconceal,andneverreveal;"andinthe
Catechism,these:Q.'."Ihail."A.'."Iconceal,"andignorance,misunderstandingtheword"hail,"has
interpolatedthephrase,"Fromwhencedoyouhail."

Butthewordisreally"hele,"fromtheAngloSaxonverbelan,helan,tocover,hide,orconceal.And
thiswordisrenderedbytheLatinverbtegere,tocoverorroofover."Thatyefromenothyngewoll
hele,"saysGower."Theyhelefromenopriuyte,"saystheRomauntoftheRose."Tohealahouse,"isa
commonphraseinSussex;andinthewestofEngland,hethatcoversahousewithslatesiscalleda
Healer.Wherefore,to"heal"meansthesamethingasto"tile,"itselfsymbolic,asmeaning,primarily,
tocoverahousewithtiles,andmeanstocover,hide,orconceal.Thuslanguagetooissymbolism,and
wordsareasmuchmisunderstoodandmisusedasmorematerialsymbolsare.

Symbolismtendedcontinuallytobecomemorecomplicated;andallthepowersofHeavenwere
reproducedonearth,untilaweboffictionandallegorywaswoven,partlybyartandpartlybythe
ignoranceoferror,whichthewitofman,withhislimitedmeansofexplanation,willneverunravel.
EventheHebrewTheismbecameinvolvedinsymbolismandimageworship,borrowedprobablyfrom
anoldercreedandremoteregionsofAsia,theworshipoftheGreatSemiticNatureGodALorELS
anditssymbolicalrepresentationsofJEHOVAHimselfwerenotevenconfinedtopoeticalor
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illustrativelanguage.Thepriestsweremonotheists:thepeopleidolaters.

Therearedangersinseparablefromsymbolism,whichaffordanimpressivelessoninregardtothe
similarrisksattendantontheuseoflanguage.Theimagination,calledintoassistthereason,usurpsits
placeorleavesitsallyhelplesslyentangledinitsweb.Nameswhichstandforthingsareconfounded
withthem;themeansaremistakenfortheend;theinstrumentofinterpretationfortheobject;andthus
symbolscometousurpanindependentcharacterastruthsandpersons.Thoughperhapsanecessary
path,theywereadangerousonebywhichtoapproachtheDeity;inwhichmany,saysPLUTARCH,
"mistakingthesignforthethingsignified,fellintoaridiculoussuperstition;whileothers,inavoiding
oneextreme,plungedintothenolesshideousgulfofirreligionandimpiety."

ItisthroughtheMysteries,CICEROsays,thatwehavelearnedthefirstprinciplesoflife;whereforethe
term"initiation"isusedwithgoodreason;andtheynotonlyteachustolivemorehappilyand
agrceably,buttheysoftenthepainsofdeathbythehopeofabetterlifehereafter.

TheMysterieswereaSacredDrama,exhibitingsomelegendsignificantofnature'schanges,ofthe
visibleUniverseinwhichtheDivinityisrevealed,andwhoseimportwasinmanyrespectsasopento
thePaganastotheChristian.NatureisthcgreatTeacherofman;foritistheRevelationofGod.It
neitherdogmatizesnorattemptstotyrannizebycompellingtoaparticularcreedorspecial
interpretation.Itpresentsitssymbolstous,andaddsnothingbywayofexplanation.Itisthetext
withoutthecommentary;and,aswewellknow,itischieflythecommentaryandglossthatleadtoerror
andheresesyandpersecution.Theearliestinstructorsofmankindnotonlyadoptedthelessonsof
Nature,butasfaraspossibleadheredtohermethodofimpartingthem.IntheMysteries,beyondthe
currenttraditionsorsacredandenigimaticrecitalsoftheTemples,fewexplanationsweregiventothe
spectators,whowereleft,asintheschoolofnature,tomakeinferencesforthemselves.Noother
methodcouldhavesuitedeverydegreeofcultivationandcapacity.Toemploynature'suniversal
symbolisminsteadofthetechnicalitiesoflanguage,rewardsthehumblestinquirer,anddisclosesits
secretstoeveryoneinproportiontohispreparatorytrainingandhispowertocon1prellendthem.If
theirphilosophicalmeaningwasabovethecomlirellensionofsome,theirmoralandpoliticalmeanlngs
arewithinthereachofall.

Thesemysticshowsandperformanceswerenotthereadingofalecture,buttheopeningofaproblem.
Requiringresearch,theywerecalculatedtoarousethedormantintellect.Theyimpliednohostilityto
Philosophy,becausePhilosophyisthegreatexpounderofsymbolism;althoughitsancient
interpretationswereoftenillfoundedandincorrect.Thealterationfromsymboltodogmaisfatalto
beautyofexpression,andleadstointoleranceandassumedinfallibility.

******
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If,inteachingthegreatdoctrineofthedivinenatureoftheSoul,andinstrivingtoexplainitslongings
afterimmortality,andinprovingitssuperiorityoverthesoulsoftheanimals,whichhavenoaspirations
Heavenward,theancientsstruggledinvaintoexpressthenatureofthesoul,bycomparingittoFIRE
andLIGHT,itwillbewellforustoconsiderwhether,withallourboastedknowledge,wehaveany
betterorclearerideaofitsnature,andwhetherwehavenotdespairinglytakenrefugeinhavingnoneat
all.Andiftheyerredastoitsoriginalplaceofabode,andunderstoodliterallythemodeandpathofits
descent,thesewerebuttheaccessoriesofthegreatTruth,andprobably,totheInitiates,mereallegories,
designedtomaketheideamorepalpableandimpressivetothemind.

Theyareatleastnomorefittobesmiledatbytheselfconceitofavainignorance,thewealthofwhose
knowledgeconsistssolelyinwords,thanthebosomofAbraham,asahomeforthespiritsofthejust
dead;thegulfofactualfire,fortheeternaltortureofspirits;andtheCityoftheNewJerusalem,withits
wallsofjasperanditsedificesofpuregoldlikeclearglass,itsfoundationsofpreciousstones,andits
gateseachofasinglepearl."Iknewaman,"saysPAUL,"caughtuptothethirdHeaven;thathewas
caughtupintoParadise,andheardineffablewords,whichitisnotpossibleforamantoutter."And
nowhereistheantagonismandconflictbetweenthespiritandbodymorefrequentlyandforcibly
insistedonthaninthewritingsofthisapostle,nowheretheDivinenatureofthesoulmorestrongly
asserted."Withthemind,"hesays,"IservethelawofGod;butwiththefleshthelawofsin.Asmany
asareledbytheSpiritofGod,arethesonsofGOD.Theearnestexpectationofthecreatedwaitsfor
themanifestationofthesonsofGod.Thecreatedshallbedeliveredfromthebondageofcorruption,of
thefleshliabletodecay,intothegloriouslibertyofthechildrenofGod."

******

Twoformsofgovernmentarefavorabletotheprevalenceoffalsehoodanddeceit.UnderaDespotism,
menarefalse,treacherous,anddeceitfulthroughfear,likeslavesdreadingthelash.UnderaDemocracy
theyaresoasameansofattainingpopularityandoffice,andbecauseofthegreedforwealth.
Experiencewillprobablyprovethattheseodiousanddetestableviceswillgrowmostranklyandspread
mostrapidlyinaRepublic.Whenofficeandwealthbecomethegodsofapeople,andthemost
unworthyandunfitmostaspiretotheformer,andfraudbecomesthehighwaytothelatter,thelandwill
reekwithfalsehoodandsweatliesandchicane.Whentheofficesareopentoall,meritandstern
integrityandthedignityofunsulliedhonorwillattainthemonlyrarelyandbyaccident.Tobeableto
servethecountrywell,willceasetobeareasonwhythegreatandwiseandlearnedshouldbeselected
torenderservice.Otherqualifications,lesshonorable,willbemoreavailable.Toadaptone'sopinions
tothepopularhumor;todefend,apologizefor,andjustifythepopularfollies;toadvocatetheexpedient
andtheplausible;tocaress,cajole,andflattertheelector;tobeglikeaspanielforhisvote,evenifhebe
anegrothreeremovesfrombarbarism;toprofessfriendshipforacompetitorandstabhimbyinnuendo;
tosetonfootthatwhichatthirdhandshallbecomealie,beingcousingermantoitwhenuttered,and
yetcapableofbeingexplainedaway,whoistherethathasnotseentheselowartsandbaseappliances
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putintopractice,andbecominggeneral,untilsuccesscannotbesurelyhadbyanymorehonorable
means?TheresultbeingaStateruledandruinedbyignorantandshallowmediocrity,pertselfconceit,
thegreennessofunripeintellect,vainofaschoolboy'ssmatteringofknowledge.

Thefaithlessandthefalseinpublicandinpoliticallife,willbefaithlessandfalseinprivate.The
jockeyinpolitics,likethejockeyontheracecourse,isrottenfromskintocore.Everywherehewillsee
firsttohisowninterests,andwhosoleansonhimwillbepiercedwithabrokenreed.Hisambitionis
ignoble,likehimself;andthereforehewillseektoattainomcebyignoblemeans,ashewillseekto
attainanyothercovetedobject,land,money,orreputation.

Atlength,officeandhonoraredivorced.Theplacethatthesmallandshallow,theknaveorthe
trickster,isdeemedcompetentandfittofill,ceasestobeworthytheambitionofthegreatandcapable;
orifnot,theseshrinkfromacontest,theweaponstobeusedwhereinareunfitforagentlemanto
handle.ThenthehabitsofunprincipledadvocatesinlawcourtsarenaturalizedinSenates,and
pettifoggerswranglethere,whenthefateofthenationandthelivesofmillionsareatstake.Statesare
evenbegottenbyvillainyandbroughtforthbyfraud,andrascalitiesarejustifiedbylegislatorsclaiming
tobehonorable.Thencontestedelectionsaredecidedbyperjuredvotesorpartyconsiderations;andall
thepracticesoftheworsttimesofcorruptionarerevivedandexaggeratedinRepublics.

Itisstrangethatreverencefortruth,thatmanlinessandgenuineloyalty,andscornoflittlenessand
unfairadvantage,andgenuinefaithandgodlinessandlargeheartednessshoulddiminish,among
statesmenandpeople,ascivilizationadvances,andfreedombecomesmoregeneral,anduniversal
suffrageimpliesuniversalworthandfitness!IntheageofElizabeth,withoutuniversalsuffrage,or
SocietiesfortheDiffusionofUsefulKnowledge,orpopularlecturers,orLycaea,thestatesman,the
merchant,theburgher,thesailor,wereallalikeheroic,fearingGodonly,andmannotatall.Letbuta
hundredortwoyearselapse,andinaMonarchyorRepublicofthesamerace,nothingislessheroic
thanthemerchant,theshrewdspeculator,theofficeseeker,fearingmanonly,andGodnotatall.
Reverenceforgreatnessdiesout,andissucceededbybaseenvyofgreatness.Everymanisintheway
ofmany,eitherinthepathtopopularityorwealth.Thereisageneralfeelingofsatisfactionwhena
greatstatesmanisdisplaced,orageneral,whohasbeenforhisbriefhourthepopularidol,is
unfortunateandsinksfromhishighestate.Itbecomesamisfortune,ifnotacrime,tobeabovethe
popularlevel.

Weshouldnaturallysupposethatanationindistresswouldtakecounselwiththewisestofitssons.
But,onthecontrary,greatmenseemneversoscarceaswhentheyaremostneeded,andsmallmen
neversoboldtoinsistoninfestingplace,aswhenmediocrityandincapablepretenceandsophomoric
greenness,andshowyandsprightlyincompetencyaremostdangerous.WhenFrancewasinthe
extremityofrevolutionaryagony,shewasgovernedbyanassemblyofprovincialpettifoggers,and
Robespierre,Marat,andCouthonruledintheplaceofMirabeau,Vergniaud,andCarnot.Englandwas
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governedbytheRumpParliament,aftershehadbeheadedherking.Cromwellextinguishedonebody,
andNapoleontheother.

Fraud,falsehood,trickery,anddeceitinnationalaffairsarethesignsofdecadenceinStatesand
precedeconvulsionsorparalysis.Tobullytheweakandcrouchtothestrong,isthepolicyofnations
governedbysmallmediocrity.ThetricksofthecanvassforofficearereenactedinSenates.The
Executivebecomesthedispenserofpatronage,chieflytothemostunworthy;andmenarebribedwith
officesinsteadofmoney,tothegreaterruinoftheCommonwealth.TheDivineinhumannature
disappears,andinterest,grced,andselfishnesstakesitplace.Thatisasadandtrueallegorywhich
representsthecompanionsofUlysseschangedbytheenchantmentsofCirceintoswine.

*****

"Yecannot,"saidtheGreatTeacher,"serveGodandMammon."Whenthethirstforwealthbecomes
general,itwillbesoughtforaswelldishonestlyashonestly;byfraudsandoverreachings,bythe
knaveriesoftrade,theheartlessnessofgreedyspeculation,bygamblinginstocksandcommoditiesthat
soondemoralizesawholecommunity.Menwillspeculateupontheneedsoftheirneighborsandthe
distressesoftheircountry.Bubblesthat,bursting,impoverishmultitudes,willbeblownupbycunning
knavery,withstupidcredulityasitsassistantsandinstrument.Hugebankruptcies,thatstartleacountry
liketheearthquakes,andaremorefatal,fraudulentassignments,engulfmentofthesavingsofthepoor,
expansionsandcollapsesofthecurrency,thecrashofbanks,thedepreciationofGovernmentsecurities,
preyonthesavingsofselfdenial,andtroublewiththeirdepredationsthefirstnourishmentofinfancy
andthelastsandsoflife,andfillwithinmatesthechurchyardsandlunaticasylums.Butthesharperand
speculatorthrivesandfattens.Ifhiscountryisfightingbyalevyenmasseforherveryexistence,he
aidsherbydepreciatingherpaper,sothathemayaccumulatefabulousamountswithlittleoutlay.Ifhis
neighborisdistressed,hebuyshispropertyforasong.Ifheadministersuponanestate,itturnsout
insolvent,andtheorphansarepaupers.Ifhisbankexplodes,heisfoundtohavetakencareofhimselfin
time.Societyworshipsitspaperandcreditkings,astheoldHindusandEgyptiansworshippedtheir
worthlessidols,andoftenthemostobsequiouslywheninactualsolidwealththeyaretheveriest
paupers.Nowondermenthinkthereoughttobeanotherworld,inwhichtheinjusticesofthismaybe
atonedfor,whentheyseethefriendsofruinedfamiliesbeggingthewealthysharperstogivealmsto
preventtheorphanedvictimsfromstarving,untiltheymayfindwaysofsupportingthemselves.

******

Statesarechieflyavariciousofcommerceandofterritory.Thelatterleadstotheviolationoftreaties,
encroachmentsuponfeebleneighbors,andrapacitytowardtheirwardswhoselandsarecoveted.
Republicsare,inthis,asrapaciousandunprincipledasDespots,neverlearningfromhistorythat
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inordinateexpansionbyrapineandfraudhasitsinevitableconsequencesindismen1bermentor
subjugation.WhenaRepublicbeginstoplunderitsneighbors,thewordsofdoomarealreadywritten
onitswalls.ThereisajudgmentalreadypronouncedofGoduponwhateverisunrighteousinthe
conductofnationalaffairs.WhencivilwartearsthevitalsofaRepublic,letitlookbackandseeifit
hasnotbeenguiltyofinjustices;andifithas,letithumbleitselfinthedust!

Whenanationbecomespossessedwithaspiritofcommercialgreed,beyondthosejustandfairlimits
setbyadueregardtoamoderateandreasonabledegreeofgeneralandindividualprosperity,itisa
nationpossessedbythedevilofcommercialavarice,apassionasignobleanddemoralizingasavarice
intheindividual;andasthissordidpassionisbaserandmoreunscrupulousthanambition,soitismore
hateful,andatlastmakestheinfectednationtoberegardedastheenemyofthehumanrace.Tograspat
thelion'sshareofcommerce,hasalwaysatlastproventheruinofStates,becauseitinvariablyleadsto
iojusticesthatmakeaStatedetestable;toaselfishnessandcrookedpolicythatforbidothernationsto
bethefriendsofaStatethatcaresonlyforitself.

CommercialavariceinIndiawastheparentofmoreatrocitiesandgreaterrapacity,andcostmore
humanlives,thanthenoblerambitionforextendedempireofConsularRome.Thenationthatgraspsat
thecommerceoftheworldcannotbutbecomeselfish,calculating,deadtothenoblestimpulsesand
sympathieswhichoughttoactuateStates.Itwillsubmittoinsultsthatwounditshonor,ratherthan
endangeritscommercialinterestsbywar;while,tosubservethoseinterests,itwillwageunjustwar,on
falseorfrivolouspretexts,itsfreepeoplecheerfullyallyingthemselveswithdespotstocrusha
commercialrivalthathasdaredtoexileitskingsandelectitsownruler.

Thusthecoldcalculationsofasordidselfinterest,innationscommerciallyavaricious,alwaysatlast
displacethesentimentsandloftyimpulsesofHonorandGenerositybywhichtheyrosetogreatness;
whichmadeElizabethandCromwellaliketheprotectorsofProtestantsbeyondthefourseasof
England,againstcrownedTyrannyandmitredPersecution;and,iftheyhadlasted,wouldhave
forbiddenallianceswithCzarsandAutocratsandBourbonstoreenthronetheTyranniesofIncapacity,
andarmtheInquisitionanewwithitsinstrumentsoftorture.Thesouloftheavariciousnationpetrifies,
likethesouloftheindividualwhomakesgoldhisgod.TheDespotwilloccasionallyactuponnoble
andgenerousimpulses,andhelptheweakagainstthestrong,therightagainstthewrong.But
commercialavariceisessentiallyegotistic,grasping,faithless,overreaching,crafty,cold,ungenerous,
selfish,andcalculating,controlledbyconsiderationsofselfinterestalone.Heartlessandmerciless,it
hasnosentimentsofpity,sympathy,orhonor,tomakeitpauseinitsremorselesscareer;anditcrushes
downallthatisofimpedimentinitsway,asitskeelsofcommercecrushunderthemthemurmuring
andunheededwaves.

Awarforagreatprincipleennoblesanation.Awarforcommercialsupremacy,uponsomeshallow
pretext,isdespicable,andmorethanaughtelsedemonstratestowhatimmeasurabledepthsofbaseness
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menandnationscandescend.Commercialgreedvaluesthelivesofmennomorethanitvaluesthe
livesofants.Theslavetradeisasacceptabletoapeopleenthralledbythatgreed,asthetradeinivory
orspices,iftheprofitsareaslarge.ItwillbyandbyendeavortocompoundwithGodandquietitsown
conscience,bycompellingthosetowhomitsoldtheslavesitboughtorstole,tosetthemfree,and
slaughteringthembyhecatombsiftheyrefusetoobeytheedictsofitsphilanthropy.

Justiceinnowiseconsistsinmetingouttoanotherthatexactmeasureofrewardorpunishmentwhich
wethinkanddecreehismerit,orwhatwecallhiscrime,whichismoreoftenmerelyhiserror,
deserves.Thejusticeofthefatherisnotincompatiblewithforgivenessbyhimoftheerrorsand
offencesofhischild.TheInfiniteJusticeofGoddoesnotconsistinmetingoutexactmeasuresof
punishmentforhumanfrailtiesandsins.Wearetooapttoerectourownlittleandnarrownotionsof
whatisrightandjustintothelawofjustice,andtoinsistthatGodshalladoptthatasHislaw;to
measureoffsomethingwithourownlittletapeline,andcallitGod'sloveofjustice.Continuallywe
seektoennobleourownignobleloveofrevengeandretaliationJbymisnamingitjustice.

Nordoesjusticeconsistinstrictlygoverningourconducttowardothermenbytherigidrulesoflegal
right.Iftherewereacommunityanywhere,inwhichallstooduponthestrictnessofthisrule,there
shouldbewrittenoveritsgates,asawarningtotheunfortunatesdesiringadmissiontothatinhospitable
realm,thewordswhichDANTEsaysarewrittenoverthegreatgateofHell:LETTHOSEWHO
ENTERHERELEAVEHOPEBEHIND!Itisnotjusttopaythelaborerinfieldorfactoryor
workshophiscurrentwagesandnomore,thelowestmarketvalueofhislabor,forsolongonlyaswe
needthatlaborandheisabletowork;forwhensicknessoroldageovertakeshim,thatistoleavehim
andhisfamilytostarve;andGodwillcursewithcalamitythepeopleinwhichthechildrenofthe
laboreroutofworkeattheboiledgrassofthefield,andmothersstrangletheirchildren,thattheymay
buyfoodforthemselveswiththecharitablepittancegivenforburialexpenses.Therulesofwhatis
ordinarilytermed"Justice,"maybepunctiliouslyobservedamongthefallenspiritsthatarethe
aristocracyofHell.

******

Justice,divorcedfromsympathy,isselfishindifference,notintheleastmorelaudablethan
misanthropicisolation.Thereissympathyevenamongthehairlikeoscillatorias,atribeofsimple
plants,armiesofwhichmaybediscoveredwiththeaidofthemicroscope,inthetiniestbitofscum
fromastagnantpool.Forthesewillplacethemselves,asifitwerebyagreement,inseparate
companies,onthesideofavesselcontainingthem,andseemmarchingupwardinrows;andwhena
swarmgrowswearyofitssituation,andhasamindtochangeitsquarters,eacharmyholdsonitsway
withoutconfusionorintermixture,proceedingwithgreatregularityandorder,asifunderthedirections
ofwiseleaders.Theantsandbeesgiveeachothermutualassistance,beyondwhatisrequiredbythat
whichhumancreaturesareapttoregardasthestrictlawofjustice.
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Surelyweneedbutreflectalittle,tobeconvincedthattheindividualmanisbutafractionoftheunitof
society,andthatheisindissolublyconnectedwiththerestofhisrace.Notonlytheactions,butthewill
andthoughtsofothermenmakeormarhisfortunes,controlhisdestinies,areuntohimlifeordeath,
dishonororhonor.Theepidemics,physicalandmoral,contagiousandinfectious,publicopinion,
populardelusions,enthusiasms,andtheothergreatelectricphenomenaandcurrents,moraland
intellectual,provetheuniversalsympathy.Thevoteofasingleandobscuren1an,theutteranceofself
will,ignorance,conceit,orspite,decidinganelectionandplacingFollyorIncapacityorBasenessina
Senate,involvesthecountryinwar,sweepsawayourfortunes,slaughtersoursons,rendersthelaborsof
alifeunavailing,andpusheson,helpless,withallourintellecttoresist,intothegrave.

Theseconsiderationsoughttoteachusthatjusticetoothersandtoourselvesisthesame;thatwecannot
defineourdutiesbymathematicallinesruledbythesquare,butmustfillwiththemthegreatcircle
tracedbythecompasses;thatthecircleofhumanityisthelimit,andwearebutthepointinitscentre,
thedropsinthegreatAtlantic,theatomorparticle,boundbyamysteriouslawofattractionwhichwe
termsympathytoeveryotheratominthemass;thatthephysicalandmoralwelfareofotherscannotbe
indifferenttous;thatwehaveadirectandimmediateinterestinthepublicmoralityandpopular
intelligence,inthewellbeingandphysicalcomfortofthepeopleatlarge.Theignoranceofthepeople,
theirpauperismanddestitution,andconsequentdegradation,theirbrutalizationanddemoralization,are
alldiseases;andwecannotrisehighenoughabovethepeople,norshutourselvesupfromthemenough,
toescapethemiasmaticcontagionandthegreatmagneticcurrents.

Justiceispeculiarlyindispensabletonations.TheunjustStateisdoomedofGodtocalamityandruin.
ThisistheteachingoftheEternalWisdomandofhistory."Righteousnessexaltethanation;butwrong
isareproachtonations.""TheThroneisestablishedbyRighteousness.LetthelipsoftheRuler
pronouncethesentencethatisDivine;andhismouthdonowronginjudgment!"Thenationthatadds
provincetoprovincebyfraudandviolence,thatencroachesontheweakandplundersitswards,and
violatesitstreatiesandtheobligationofitscontracts,andforthelawofhonorandfairdealing
substitutestheexigenciesofgreedandthebasepreceptsofpolicyandcraftandtheignobletenetsof
expediency,ispredestinedtodestruction;forhere,aswiththeindividual,theconsequencesofwrong
areinevitableandeternal.

Asentenceiswrittenagainstallthatisunjust,writtenbyGodinthenatureofmanandinthenatureof
theUniverse,becauseitisinthenatureoftheInfiniteGod.Nowrongisreallysuccessful.Thegainof
injusticeisaloss;itspleasure,suffering.Iniquityoftenseemstoprosper,butitssuccessisitsdefeatand
shame.Ifitsconsequencespassbythedoer,theyfalluponandcrushhischildren.Itisaphilosophical,
physical,andmoraltruth,intheformofathreat,thatGodvisitstheiniquityofthefathersuponthe
children,tothethirdandfourthgenerationofthosewhoviolateHislaws.Afteralongwhile,thedayof
reckoningalwayscomes,tonationastoindividual;andalwaystheknavedeceiveshimself,andprovesa
failure.
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Hypocrisyisthehomagethatviceandwrongpaytovirtueandjustice.ItisSatanattemptiogtoclothe
himselfintheangelicvestureoflight.Itisequallydetestableinmorals,politics,andreligion;inthe
manandinthenation.Todoinjusticeunderthepretenceofequityandfairness;toreprovevicein
publicandcommititinprivate;topretendtocharitableopinionandcensoriouslycondemn;toprofess
theprinciplesofMasonicbeneficence,andclosetheeartothewailofdistressandthecryofsuffering;
toeulogizetheintelligenceofthepeople,andplottodeceiveandbetraythembymeansoftheir
ignoranceandsimplicity;toprateofpurity,andpeculate;ofhonor,andbaselyabandonasinkingcause;
ofdisinterestedness,andsellone'svoteforplaceandpower,arehypocrisiesascommonastheyare
infamousanddisgraceful.TostealtheliveryoftheCourtofGodtoservetheDevilwithal;topretendto
believeinaGodofmercyandaRedeemeroflove,andpersecutethoseofadifferentfaith;todevour
widows'houses,andforapretencemakelongprayers;topreachcontinence,andwallowinlust;to
inculcatehumility,andinpridesurpassLucifer;topaytithe,andomittheweightiermattersofthelaw,
judgment,mercyandfaith;tostrainatagnat,andswallowacamel;tomakecleantheoutsideofthe
cupandplatter,keepingthemfullwithinofextortionandexcess;toappearoutwardlyrighteousunto
men,butwithinbefullofhypocrisyandiniquity,isindeedtobelikeuntowhitedsepulchres,which
appearbeautifuloutward,butarewithinfullofbonesofthedeadandofalluncleanness.

TheRepubliccloaksitsambitionwiththepretenceofadesireanddutyto"extendtheareaoffreedom,"
andclaimsitasits"manifestdestiny"toannexotherRepublicsortheStatesorProvincesofothersto
itself,byopenviolence,orunderobsolete,empty,andfraudulenttitles.TheEmpirefoundedbya
successfulsoldier,claimsitsancientornaturalboundaries,andmakesnecessityanditssafetytlleplea
foropenrobbery.ThegreatMerchantNation,gainingfootholdintheOrient,findsacontinualnecessity
forextendingitsdominionbyarms,andsubjugatesIndia.ThegreatRoyaltiesandDespotisms,without
aplea,partitionamongthemselvesaKingdom,dismemberPoland,andpreparetowrangleoverthe
dominionsoftheCrescent.TomaintainthebalanceofpowerisapleafortheobliterationofStates.
Carthage,Genoa,andVenice,commercialCitiesonly,mustacquireterritorybyforceorfraud,and
becomeStates.AlexandermarchestotheIndus;Tamerlaneseeksuniversalempire;theSaracens
conquerSpainandthreatenVienna.

Thethirstforpowerisneversatisfied.Itisinsatiable.Neithermennornationseverhavepowerenough.
WhenRomewasthemistressoftheworld,theEmperorscausedthemselvestobeworshippedasgods.
TheChurchofRomeclaimeddespotismoverthesoul,andoverthewholelifefromthecradletothe
grave.Itgaveandsoldabsolutionsforpastandfuturesins.Itclaimedtobeinfallibleinmattersof
faith.ItdecimatedEuropetopurgeitofheretics.ItdecimatedAmericatoconverttheMexicansand
Peruvians.Itgaveandtookawaythrones;andbyexcommunicationandinterdictclosedthegatesof
ParadiseagainstNations,Spain,haughtywithitsdominionovertheIndies,endeavoredtocrushout
ProtestantismintheNetherlands,whilePhiliptheSecondmarriedtheQueenofEngland,andthepair
soughttowinthatkingdombacktoitsallegiancetothePapalthrone.AfterwardSpainattemptedto
conqueritwithher"invincible"Armada.Napoleonsethisrelativesandcaptainsonthrones,and
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parcelledamongthemhalfofEurope.TheCzarrulesoveranempiremoregiganticthanRome.The
historyofallisorwillbethesame,acquisition,dismemberment,ruin.ThereisajudgmentofGod
againstallthatisunjust.

Toseektosubjugatethewillofothersandtakethesoulcaptive,becauseitistheexerciseofthchighest
power,seemstobethehighestobjectofhumanambition.Itisatthebottomofallproselytingand
propagandism,fromthatofMesmertothatoftheChurchofRomeandtheFrenchRepublic.Thatwas
theapostolatealikeofJoshuaandofMahomet.

MasonryalonepreachesToleration,therightofmantoabidebyhisownfaith,therightofallStatesto
governthemselves.Itrebukesalikethemonarchwhoseekstoextendhisdominionsbyconquest,the
Churchthatclaimstherighttorepressheresybyfireandsteel,andtheconfederationofStatesthat
insistonmaintainingaunionbyforceandrestoringbrotherhoodbyslaughterandsubjugation.

Itisnatural,whenwearewronged,todesirerevenge;andtopersuadeourselvesthatwedesireitlessfor
ourownsatisfactionthantopreventarepetitionofthewrong,towhichthedoerwouldbeencouraged
byimmunitycoupledwiththeprofitofthewrong.Tosubmittobecheatedistoencouragethecheater
tocontinue;andwearequiteapttoregardourselvesasGod'schoseninstrumentstoinflictHis
vengeance,andforHimandinHissteadtodiscouragewrongbymakingitfruitlessanditspunishment
sure.Revengehasbeensaidtobe"akindofwildjustice;"butitisalwaystakeninanger,andtherefore
isunworthyofagreatsoul,whichoughtnottosufferitsequanimitytobedisturbedbyingratitudeor
villainy.Theinjuriesdoneusbythebaseareasmuchunworthyofourangrynoticeasthosedoneusby
theinsectsandthebeasts;andwhenwecrushtheadder,orslaythewolforhyena,weshoulddoit
withoutbeingmovedtoanger,andwithnomorefeelingofrevengethanwehaveinrootingupa
noxiousweed.

Andifitbenotinhumannaturenottotakerevengebywayofpunishment,lettheMasontrulyconsider
thatindoingsoheisGod'sagent,andsolethisrevengebemeasuredbyjusticeandtemperedbymercy.
ThelawofGodis,thattheconsequencesofwrongandcrueltyandcrimeshallbetheirpunishment;
andtheinjuredandthewrongedandtheindignantareasmuchHisinstrumentstoenforcethatlaw,as
thediseasesandpublicdetestation,andtheverdictofhistoryandtheexecrationofposterityare.Noone
willsaythattheInquisitorwhohasrackedandburnedtheinnocent;theSpaniardwhohewedIndian
infants,living,intopieceswithhissword,andfedthemangledlimbstohisbloodhounds;themilitary
tyrantwhohasshotmenwithouttrial,theknavewhohasrobbedorbetrayedhisState,thefraudulent
bankerorbankruptwhohasbeggaredorphans,thepublicofficerwhohasviolatedhisoath,thejudge
whohassoldinjustice,thelegislatorwhohasenabledIncapacitytoworktheruinoftheState,ought
nottobepunished.Letthembeso;andlettheinjuredorthesympathizingbetheinstrumentsofGod's
justvengeance;butalwaysoutofahigherfeelingthanmerepersonalrevenge.
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Rememberthateverymoralcharacteristicofmanfindsitsprototypean1ongcreaturesoflower
intelligence;thatthecruelfoulnessofthehyena,thesavagerapacityofthewolf,themercilessrageof
thetiger,thecraftytreacheryofthepanther,arefoundamongmankind,andoughttoexcitenoother
emotion,whenfoundintheman,thanwhenfoundinthebeast.Whyshouldthetruemanbeangrywith
thegeesethathiss,thepeacocksthatstrut,theassesthatbray,andtheapesthatimitateandchatter,
althoughtheywearthehumanform?Always,also,itremainstrue,thatitismorenobletoforgivethan
totakerevenge;andthat,ingeneral,weoughttoomuchtodespisethosewhowrongus,tofeelthe
emotionofanger,ortodesirerevenge.

AtthesphereoftheSun,youareintheregionofLIGHT.TheHebrewwordforgold,ZAHAB,also
meansLight,ofwhichtheSunistotheEarththegreatsource.So,inthegreatOrientalallegoryofthe
Hebrews,theRiverPISONcompassesthelandofGoldorLight;andtheRiverGIHONthelandof
EthiopiaorDarkness.

Whatlightis,wenomoreknowthantheancientsdid.Accordingtothemodernhypothesis,itisnot
composedofluminousparticlesshotoutfromthesunwithimmensevelocity;butthatbodyonly
impresses,ontheetherwhichfillsallspace,apowerfulvibratorymovementthatextends,intheformof
luminouswaves,beyondthemostdistantplanets,supplyingthemwithlightandheat.Totheancients,it
wasanoutflowingfromtheDeity.Tous,astothem,itistheaptsymboloftruthandknowledge.Tous,
also,theupwardjourneyofthesoulthroughtheSpheresissymbolical;butweareaslittleinformedas
theywhencethesoulcomes,whereithasitsorigin,andwhitheritgoesafterdeath.Theyendeavoredto
havesomebeliefandfaith,somecreed,uponthosepoints.Atthepresentday,menaresatisfiedtothink
nothinginregardtoallthat,andonlytobelievethatthesoulisasomethingseparatefromthebodyand
outlivingit,butwhetherexistingbeforeit,neithertoinquirenorcare.Nooneaskswhetheritemanates
fromtheDeity,oriscreatedoutofnothing,orisgeneratedlikethebody,andtheissueofthesoulsof
thefatherandthemother.Letusnotsmile,therefore,attheideasoftheancients,untilwehaveabetter
belief;butaccepttheirsymbolsasmeaningthatthesoulisofaDivinenature,originatinginasphere
nearertheDeity,andreturningtothatwhenfreedfromtheenthralhmentofthebody;andthatitcan
onlyreturntherewhenpurifiedofallthesordidnessandsinwhichhave,asitwere,becomepartofits
substance,byitsconnectionwiththebody.

Itisnotstrangethat,thousandsofyearsago,menworshippedtheSun,andthattodaythatworship
continuesamongtheParsees.OriginallytheylookedbeyondtheorbtotheinvisibleGod,ofwhomthe
Sun'slight,seeminglyidenticalwithgenerationandlife,wasthemanifestationandoutflowing.Long
beforetheChaldeanshepherdswatcheditontheirplains,itcameupregularly,asitnowdoes,inthe
morning,likeagod,andagainsank,likeakingretiring,inthewest,toreturnagaininduetimeinthe
samearrayofmajesty.WeworshipImmutability.Itwasthatsteadfast,immutablecharacteroftheSun
thatthemenofBaalbecworshipped.Hislightgivingandlifegivingpowersweresecondaryattributes.
TheonegrandideathatcompelledworshipwasthecharacteristicofGodwhichtheysawreflectedin
hislight,andfanciedtheysawinitsoriginalitythechangelessnessofDeity.Hehadseenthrones
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crwnble,earthquakesshaketheworldandhurldownmountains.

BeyondOlympus,beyondthePillarsofHercules,hehadgonedailytohisabode,andhadcomedaily
againinthemorningtobeholdthetemplestheybuilttohisworsl1ip.Theypersonifiedhimas
BRAHMA,AMUN,OSRIS,BEL,ADONIS,MALKARTH,MITHRAS,andAPOLLO;andthe
nationsthatdidsogrewoldanddied.Mossgrewonthecapitalsofthegreatcolumnsofhistemples,
andheshoneonthemoss.Grainbygrainthedustofhistemplescrumbledandfell,andwasborneoff
onthewind,andstillheshoneoncrumblingcolumnandarchitrave.Therooffellcrashingonthe
pavement,andheshoneinontheHolyofHolieswithunchangingrays.Itwasnotstrangethatmen
worshippedtheSun.

Thereisawaterplant,onwhosebroadleavesthedropsofwaterrollaboutwithoutuniting,likedrops
ofmercury.Soargumentsonpointsoffaith,inpoliticsorreligion,rolloverthesurfaceofthemind.An
argumentthatconvincesonemindhasnoeffectonanother.Fewintellects,orsoulsthatarethe
negationsofintellect,haveanylogicalpowerorcapacity.Thereisasingularobliquityinthehuman
mindthatmakesthefalselogicmoreeffectivethanthetruewithninetenthsofthosewhoareregarded
asmenofintellect.Evenamongthejudges,notoneintencanarguelogically.Eachmindseesthetruth,
distortedthroughitsownmedium.Truth,tomostmen,islikematterinthespheroidalstate.Likeadrop
ofcoldwateronthesurfaceofaredhotmetalplate,itdances,trembles,andspins,andnevercomes
intocontactwithit;andthemindmaybeplungedintotruth,asthehandmoistenedwithsulphurous
acidmayintomeltedmetal,andbenotevenwarmedbytheimmersion.

******

ThewordKhairumorKhurumisacompoundone.GeseniusrendersKhurumbythewordnobleor
freeborn:Khurmeaningwhite,noble.Italsomeanstheopeningofawindow,thesocketoftheeye.
Khrialsomeanswhite,oranopening;andKhris,theorboftheSun,inJobviii.13andx.7.Krishnais
theHinduSunGod.Khur,theParsiword,istheliteralnameoftheSun.

FromKurorKhur,theSun,comesKhora,anameofLowerEgypt.TheSun,Bryantsaysinhis
Mythology,wascalledKur;andPlutarchsaysthatthePersianscalledtheSunKuros.Kurios,Lord,in
Greek,likeAdonai,Lord,inPhcenicianandHebrew,wasappliedtotheSun.Manyplacesweresacred
totheSun,andcalledKura,Kuria,Kuropolis,Kurene,Kureschata,Kuresta,andCorusiainScythia.

TheEgyptianDeitycalledbytheGreeks"Horus,"wasHerRa,orHaroeris,HororHar,theSun.Hari
isaHindunameoftheSun.Arial,Ares,Ar,Aryaman,Areimonios,theARmeaningFireorFlame,
areofthesamekindred.HewnesorHarmes,(Aram,Remus,Haram,Harameias),wasKadmos,the
DivineLightorWisdom.Markuri,saysMovers,isMar,theSun.
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IntheHebrew,AOOR,isLight,Fire,ortheSun.Cyrus,saidCtesias,wassonamedfromKuros,the
Sun.Kuris,Hesychiussays,wasAdonis.Apollo,theSungod,wascalledKurraios,fromKurra,acity
inPhocis.ThepeopleofKurene,originallyEthiopiansorCuthites,worshippedtheSununderthetitle
ofAchoorandAchor.

Weknow,throughaprecisetestimonyintheancientannalsofTsur,thattheprincipalfestivityofMal
karth,theincarnationoftheSunattheWinterSolstice,heldatTsur,wascalledhisrebirthorhis
awakening,andthatitwascelebratedbymeansofapyre,onwhichthegodwassupposedtoregain,
throughtheaidoffire,anewlife.ThisfestivalwascelebratedinthemonthPeritius(Barith),thesecond
dayofwhichcorrespondedtothe25thofDecember.KHURUM,KingofTyre,Moverssays,first
performedthisceremony.ThesefactswelearnfromJosephus,ServiusontheAEneid,andthe
DionysiacsofNonnus;andthroughacoincidencethatcannotbefortuitous,thesamedaywasatRome
theDiesNatalisSolisInvicti,thefestaldayoftheinvincibleSun.Underthistitle,HERCULES,HAR
acles,wasworshippedatTsur.Thus,whilethetemplewasbeingerected,thedeathandresurrectionof
aSunGodwasannuallyrepresentedatTsur,bySolomon'sally,atthewintersolstice,bythepyreof
MALKARIH,theTsurianHaracles.

AROERISorHARoeris,theelderHORUS,isfromthesameoldrootthatintheHebrewhastheform
Aur,or,withthedefinitearticleprefixed,Haur,Light,ortheLight,splendor,flame,theSunandhis
rays.ThehieroglyphicoftheyoungerHORUSwasthepointinacircle;oftheElder,apairofeyes;and
thefestivalofthethirtiethdayofthemonthEpiphi,whenthesunandmoonweresupposedtobeinthe
samerightlinewiththeearth,wascalled"ThebirthdayoftheeyesofHorus."

InapapyruspublishedbyChampollion,thisgodisstyled"Haroeri,LordoftheSolarSpirits,the
beneficenteyeoftheSun."Plutarchcallshim"Harpocrates,"butthereisnotraceofthelatterpartof
thenameinthehieroglyphiclegends.HeisthesonofOSIRISandIsisandisrepresentedsittingona
thronesupportedbylions;thesameword,inEgyptian,meaningLionandSun.SoSolomonmadea
greatthroneofivory,platedwithgold,withsixsteps,ateacharmofwhichwasalion,andoneoneach
sidetoeachstep,makingsevenoneachside.

Again,theHebrewwordKhi,means"living"andram,"was,orshallbe,raisedorliftedup."Thelatter
isthesameasroom,aroom,harum,whenceAram,forSyria,orAramoea,Highland.Khairum,
therefore,wouldmean"wasraiseduptolife,orliving."

So,inArabic,hrm,anunusedroot,meant,"washigh","madegreat","exalted"andHirmmeansanox,
thesymboloftheSuninTaurus,attheVernalEquinox.
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KHURUM,therefore,improperlycalledHiram,isKHUROM,thesameasHerra,Hermes,andHer
acles,the"HeraclesTyriusInvictus,"thepersonificationofLightandtheSon,theMediator,Redeemer,
andSaviour.FromtheEgyptianwordRacametheCopticOuro,andtheHebrewAur,Light.Haroeri,
isHororHar,thechieformaster.Horisalsoheat;andhora,seasonorhour;andhenceinseveral
Africandialects,asnamesoftheSun,Airo,Ayero,eer,uiro,ghurrah,andthelike.Theroyalname
renderedPharaoh,wasPHRA,thatis,Paira,theSun.

ThelegendofthecontestbetweenHorraandSet,orSetnubi,thesameasBarorBal,isolderthan
thatofthestrifebetweenOsirisandTyphon;asold,atleast,asthenineteenthdynasty.Itiscalledinthe
BookoftheDead,"ThedayofthebattlebetweenHorusandSet."Thelatermythconnectsitselfwith
PhoeniciaandSyria.ThebodyofOSIRISwentashoreatGebalorByblos,sixtymilesaboveTsur.You
willnotfailtonoticethatinthenameofeachmurdererofKhurum,thatoftheEvilGodBalisfound.

*****

HaroeriwasthegodofTIME,aswellasofLife.TheEgyptianlegendwasthattheKingofBybloscut
downthetamarisktreecontainingthebodyofOSIRIS,andmadeofitacolumnforhispalace.Isis,
employedinthepalace,obtainedpossessionofthecolumn,tookthebodyoutofit,andcarrieditaway.
Apuleiusdescribesheras"abeautifulfemale,overwhosedivineneckherlongthickhairhungin
gracefulringlets;"andintheprocessionfemaleattendants,withivorycombs,seemedtodressand
ornamenttheroyalhairofthegoddess.Thepalmtree,andthelampintheshapeofaboat,appearedin
theprocession.Ifthesymbolwearespeakingofisnotameremoderninvention,itistothesethingsit
alludes.

Theidentityofthelegendsisalsoconfirmedbythishieroglyphicpicture,copiedfromanancient
Egyptianmonument,whichmayalsoenlightenyouastotheLion'sgripandtheMaster'sgavel.

IntheancientPhoeniciancharacter,andintheSamaritan,AB,(thetwolettersrepresentingthe
numbers1,2,orUnityandDuality,meansFather,andisaprimitivenoun,commontoalltheSemitic
languages.ItalsomeansanAncestor,Originator,Inventor,Head,ChieforRuler,Manager,Overseer,
Master,Priest,Prophet.

IssimplyFather,whenitisinconstruction,thatis,whenitprecedesanotherword,andinEnglishthe
preposition"of"isinterposed,asAbiAl,theFatherofAl.Also,thefinalYodmeans"my";sothatby
itselfmeans"Myfather.Davidmyfather,2Chron.ii.3.

(Vav)finalisthepossessivepronoun"his";andAbiu(whichweread"Abif")means"ofmyfather's."
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Itsfullmeaning,asconnectedwiththenameofKhurum,nodoubtis,"formerlyoneofmyfather's
servants,"or"slaves."

ThenameofthePhoenicianartificeris,inSamuelandKings,[2Sam.v.11;1Kingsv.15;1Kingsvii.
40].InChroniclesitiswiththeadditionof[2Chron.ii.12];andof[2Chron.iv.16].

Itismerelyabsurdtoaddtheword"Abif,"or"Abiff,"aspartofthenameoftheartificer.Anditis
almostasabsurdtoaddtheword"Abi,"whichwasatitleandnotpartofthename.Josephsays[Gen.
xlv.8],"Godhasconstitutedme'Abl'Paraah,asFathertoParaah,i.e.,VizierorPrimeMinister."So
HamanwascalledtheSecondFatherofArtaxerxes;andwhenKingKhurumusedthephrase"Khurum
Abi,"hemeantthattheartificerhesentSchlomohwastheprincipalorchiefworkmaninhislineat
Tsur.

AmedalcopiedbyMontfauconexhibitsafemalenursingachild,withearsofwheatinherhand,and
thelegend(Iao).Sheisseatedonclouds,astaratherhead,andthreeearsofwheatrisingfromanaltar
beforeher.

HORUSwasthemediator,whowasburiedthreedays,wasregenerated,andtriumphedovertheevil
principle.

ThewordHERI,inSanscrit,meansShepherd,aswellasSavior.CRISHNAiscalledHeri,asJesus
calledHimselftheGoodShepherd.

Khur,meansanapertureofawindow,acave,ortheeye.Alsoitmeanswhite.Italsomeansanopening,
andnoble,freeborn,highborn.

KHURMmeansconsecrated,devoted;inAEthiopic.Itisthenameofacity,[Josh.xix.38];andofa
man,[Ezr.ii.32,x.31;Neh.iii.11].

Khirah,meansnobility,anoblerace.

BuddhaisdeclaredtocomprehendinhisownpersontheessenceoftheHinduTrimurti;andhencethe
triliteralmonosyllableOmorAumisappliedtohimasbeingessentiallythesameasBrahmaVishnu
Siva.HeisthesameasHermes,Thoth,Taut,andTeutates.OneofhisnamesisHerimayaorHermaya,
whichareevidentlythesamenameasHermesandKhirmorKhurm.Heri,inSanscrit,meansLord.
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AlearnedBrotherplacesoverthetwosymbolicpillars,fromrighttoleft,thetwowordsIHUandBAL:
followedbythehieroglyphicequivalent,oftheSunGod,Amunra.Isitanaccidentalcoincidence,that
inthenameofeachmurdererarethetwonamesoftheGoodandEvilDeitiesoftheHebrews;forYu
belisbutYehuBalorYehoBal?andthatthethreefinalsyllablesofthenames,a,o,um,make
A.'.U.'.M.'.thesacredwordoftheHindoos,meaningtheTriuneGod,Lifegiving,Lifepreserving,Life
destroying:representedbythemysticcharacter?

Thegenuineacacia,also,isthethornytamarisk,thesametreewhichgrewuparoundthebodyof
Osiris.ItwasasacredtreeamongtheArabs,whomadeofittheidolAlUzza,whichMohammed
destroyed.ItisabundantasabushintheDesertofThur:andofitthe"crownofthorns"wascomposed,
whichwassetontheforeheadofJesusofNazareth.Itisafittypeofimmortalityonaccountofits
tenacityoflife;forithasbeenknown,whenplantedasadoorpost,totakerootagainandshootout
buddingboughsoverthethreshold.

*****

Everycommonwealthmusthaveitsperiodsoftrialandtransition,especiallyifitengagesinwar.Itis
certainatsometimetobewhollygovernedbyagitatorsappealingtoallthebaserelementsofthe
popularnature;bymoneyedcorporations;bythoseenrichedbythedepreciationofgovernment
securitiesorpaper;bysmallattorneys,schemers,moneyjobbers,speculatorsandadventurersan
ignobleoligarchy,enrichedbythedistressesoftheState,andfattenedonthemiseriesofthepeople.
Thenallthedeceitfulvisionsofequalityandtherightsofmanend;andthewrongedandplundered
Statecanregainareallibertyonlybypassingthrough"greatvarietiesofuntriedbeing,"purifiedinits
transmigrationbyfireandblood.

InaRepublic,itsooncomestopassthatpartiesgatherroundthenegativeandpositivepolesofsome
opinionornotion,andthattheintolerantspiritofatriumphantmajoritywillallownodeviationfrom
thestandardoforthodoxywhichithassetupforitself.Freedomofopinionwillbeprofessedand
pretendedto,buteveryonewillexerciseitattheperilofbeingbanishedfrompoliticalcommunion
withthosewhoholdthereinsandprescribethepolicytobepursued.Slavishnesstopartyand
obsequiousnesstothepopularwhimsgohandinhand.Politicalindependenceonlyoccursinafossil
state;andmen'sopinionsgrowoutoftheactstheyhavebeenconstrainedtodoorsanction.Flattery,
eitherofindividualorpeople,corruptsboththereceiverandthegiver;andadulationisnotofmore
servicetothepeoplethantokings.ACaesar,securelyseatedinpower,careslessforitthanafree
democracy;norwillhisappetiteforitgrowtoexorbitance,asthatofapeoplewill,untilitbecomes
insatiate.Theeffectoflibertytoindividualsis,thattheymaydowhattheyplease;toapeople,itistoa
greatextentthesame.Ifaccessibletoflattery,asthisisalwaysinterested,andresortedtoonlowand
basemotives,andforevilpurposes,eitherindividualorpeopleissure,indoingwhatitpleases,todo
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whatinhonorandconscienceshouldhavebeenleftundone.Oneoughtnoteventorisk
congratulations,whichmaysoonbeturnedintocomplaints;andasbothindividualsandpeoplesare
pronetomakeabaduseofpower,toflatterthem,whichisasurewaytomisleadthem,welldeservesto
becalledacrime.

ThefirstprincipleinaRepublicoughttobe,"thatnomanorsetofmenisentitledtoexclusiveor
separateemolumentsorprivilegesfromthecommunity,butinconsiderationofpublicservices;which
notbeingdescendible,neitheroughttheomcesofmagistrate,legislature,norjudge,tobehereditary."It
isavolumeofTruthandWisdom,alessonforthestudyofnations,embodiedinasinglesentence,and
expressedinlanguagewhicheverymancanunderstand.Ifadelugeofdespotismweretooverthrowthe
world,anddestroyallinstitutionsunderwhichfreedomisprotected,sothattheyshouldnolongerbe
rememberedamongmen,thissentence,preserved,wouldbesufficienttorekindlethefiresofliberty
andrevivetheraceoffreemen.

But,topreserveliberty,anothermustbeadded:"thatafreeStatedoesnotconferofficeasareward,
especiallyforquestionableservices,unlesssheseeksherownruin;butallofficersareemployedbyher,
inconsiderationsolelyoftheirwillandabilitytorenderserviceinthefuture;andthereforethatthebest
andmostcompetentarealwaystobepreferred."

For,ifthereistobeanyotherrule,thatofhereditarysuccessionisperhapsasgoodasany.Bynoother
ruleisitpossibletopreservethelibertiesoftheState.Bynoothertointrustthepowerofmakingthe
lawstothoseonlywhohavethatkeeninstinctivesenseofinjusticeandwrongwhichenablesthemto
detectbasenessandcorruptionintheirmostsecrethidingplaces,andthatmoralcourageandgenerous
manlinessandgallantindependencethatmakethemfearlessindraggingouttheperpetratorstothelight
ofday,andcallingdownuponthemthescornandindignationoftheworld.Theflatterersofthepeople
areneversuchmen.Onthecontrary,atimealwayscomestoaRepublic,whenitisnotcontent,like
Liberius,withasingleSejanus,butmusthaveahost;andwhenthosemostprominentintheleadof
affairsaremenwithoutreputation,statesmanship,ability,orinformation,themerehacksofparty,
owingtheirplacestotrickeryandwantofqualification,withnoneofthequalitiesofheadorheartthat
makegreatandwisemen,and,atthesametime,filledwithallthenarrowconceptionsandbitter
intoleranceofpoliticalbigotry.Thesedie;andtheworldisnonethewiserforwhattheyhavesaidand
done.Theirnamessinkinthebottomlesspitofoblivion;buttheiractsoffollyorknaverycursethe
bodypoliticandatlastproveitsruin.

Politicians,inafreeState,aregenerallyhollow,heartless,andselfish.Theirownaggrandisementisthe
endoftheirpatriotism;andtheyalwayslookwithsecretsatisfactiononthedisappointmentorfallof
onewhoseloftiergeniusandsuperiortalentsovershadowtheirownselfimportance,orwhoseintegrity
andincorruptiblehonorareinthewayoftheirselfishends.Theinfluenceofthesmallaspirantsis
alwaysagainstthegreatman.Hisaccessiontopowermaybealmostforalifetime.Oneofthemselves
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willbemoreeasilydisplaced,andeachhopestosucceedhim;andsoitatlengthcomestopassthat
menimpudentlyaspiretoandactuallywinthehigheststations,whoareunfitforthelowestclerkships;
andincapacityandmediocritybecomethesurestpassportstoonce.

Theconsequenceis,thatthosewhofeelthemselvescompetentandqualifiedtoservethepeople,refuse
withdigusttoenterintothestruggleforoffice,wherethewickedandjesuiticaldoctrinethatallisfair
inpoliticsisanexcuseforeveryspeciesoflowvillainy;andthosewhoseekeventhehighestplacesof
theStatedonotrelyuponthepowerofamagnanimousspirit,onthesympathizingimpulsesofagreat
soul,tostirandmovethepeopletogenerous,noble,andheroicresolves,andtowiseandmanlyaction;
but,likespanielserectontheirhindlegs,withforepawsobsequiouslysuppliant,fawn,flatter,and
actuallybegforvotes.Ratherthandescendtothis,theystandcontemptuouslyaloof,disdainfully
refusingtocourtthepeople,andactingonthemaxim,that"mankindhasnotitletodemandthatwe
shallservetheminspiteofthemselves".

******

Itislamentabletoseeacountrysplitintofactions,eachfollowingthisorthatgreatorbrazenfronted
leaderwithablind,unreasoning,unquestioningheroworship;itiscontemptibletoseeitdividedinto
parties,whosesoleendisthespoilsofvictory,andtheirchiefsthelow,thebase,thevenalandthe
snlall.Suchacountryisinthelaststagesofdecay,andnearitsend,nomatterhowprosperousitmay
seemtobe.Itwranglesoverthevolcanoandtheearthquake.Butitiscertainthatnogovernmentcanbe
conductedbythemenofthepeople,andforthepeople,withoutarigidadherencetothoseprinciples
whichourreasoncommendsasfixedandsound.Thesemustbethetestsofparties,men,andmeasures.
Oncedetermined,theymustbeinexorableintheirapplication,andallmusteithercomeuptothe
standardordeclareagainstit.Menmaybetray:principlesnevercan.Oppressionisoneinvariable
consequenceofmisplacedconfidenceintreacherousman,itisnevertheresultoftheworkingor
applicationofasound,just,welltriedprinciple.Compromiseswhichbringfundamentalprinciplesinto
doubt,inordertouniteinonepartymenofantagonisticcreeds,arefrauds,andendinruin,thejustand
naturalconsequenceoffraud.Wheneveryouhavesettleduponyourtheoryandcreed,sanctionno
departurefromitinpractice,onanygroundofexpediency.ItistheMaster'sword.Yielditupneitherto
flatterynorforce!Letnodefeatorpersecutionrobyouofit!Believethathewhoonceblunderedin
statesmanshipwillblunderagain;thatsuchblundersareasfatalascrimes;andthatpoliticalnear
sightednessdoesnotimprovebyage.Therearealwaysmoreimpostorsthanseersamongpublicmen,
morefalseprophetsthantrueones,moreprophetsofBaalthanofJehovah;andJerusalemisalwaysin
dangerfromtheAssyrians.

SallustsaidthatafteraStatehasbeencorruptedbyluxuryandidleness,itmaybyitsmeregreatness
bearupundertheburdenofitsvices.Butevenwhilehewrote,Rome,ofwhichhespoke,hadplayed
outhermasqueradeoffreedomOthercausesthanluxuryandslothdestroyRepublics.Ifsmall,their
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largerneighborsextinguishthembyabsorption.Ifofgreatextent,thecohesiveforceistoofeebleto
holdthemtogether,andtheyfalltopiecesbytheirownweight.Thepaltryambitionofsmallmen
disintegratesthem.Thewantofwisdomintheircouncilscreatesexasperatingissues.Usurpationof
powerplaysitspart,incapacitysecondscorruption,thestormrises,andthefragmentsoftheincoherent
raftstrewthesandyshores,readingtomankindanotherlessonforittodisregard.

TheFortyseventhPropositionisolderthanPythagoras.Itisthis:"Ineveryrightangledtriangle,the
sumofthesquaresofthebaseandperpendicularisequaltothesquareofthehypothenuse".

Thesquareofanumberistheproductofthatnumber,multipliedbyitself.Thus,4isthesquareof2,
and9of3.

Thefirsttennumbersare:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10;

theirsquaresare...........1,4,9,16,25,36,49,64,81,100;

and..........................3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19

arethedifferencesbetweeneachsquareandthatwhichprecedesit;givingusthesacrednumbers,3,5,
7,and9

Ofthesenumbers,thesquareof3and4,addedtogether,givesthesquareof5;andthoseof6and8,the
squareof10;andifarightangledtrianglebeformed,thebasemeasuring3or6parts,andthe
perpendicular4or8parts,thehypothenusewillbe5or10parts;andifasquareiserectedoneachside,
thesesquaresbeingsubdividedintosquareseachsideofwhichisonepartinlength,therewillbeas
manyoftheseinthesquareerectedonthehypothenuseasintheothertwosquarestogether.

NowtheEgyptiansarrangedtheirdeitiesinTriadstheFATHERortheSpiritorActivePrincipleor
GenerativePower;theMOTHER,orMatter,orthePassivePrinciple,ortheConceptivePower;andthe
SON,IssueorProduct,theUniverse,proceedingfromthetwoprinciples.ThesewereOSRIS,ISIS,and
HORUS.Inthesameway,PLATOgivesusthoughttheFather;PrimitiveMattertheMother;and
KosmostheWorld,theSon,theUniverseanimatedbyasoul.Triadsofthesamekindarefoundinthe
Kabalah.

PLUTARCHsays,inhisbookDeIsideetOsiride,"Butthebetteranddivinernatureconsistsofthree,
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thatwhichexistswithintheIntellectonly,andMatter,andthatwhichproceedsfromthese,whichthe
GreekscallKosmos;ofwhichthree,PlatoiswonttocalltheIntelligible,the'Idea,Exemplar,and
Father',Matter,'theMother,theNurse,andtheplaceandreceptacleofgeneration';andtheissueof
thesetwo,'theOffspringandGenesis,"'theKOSMOS,"awordsignifyingequallyBeautyandOrder,or
theUniverseitself."YouwillnotfailtonoticethatBeautyissymbolizedbytheJuniorWardeninthe
South.PlutarchcontinuestosaythattheEgyptianscomparedtheuniversalnaturetowhattheycalled
themostbeautifulandperfecttriangle,asPlatodoes,inthatnuptialdiagram,asitistermed,whichhe
hasintroducedintohisCommonwealth.Whenheaddsthatthistriangleisrightangled,anditssides
respectivelyas3,4,and5;andhesays,"Wemustsupposethattheperpendicularisdesignedbythemto
representthemasculinenature,thebasethefeminine,andthatthehypothenuseistobelookeduponas
theoffspringofboth;andaccordinglythefirstofthemwillaptlyenoughrepresentOSIRIS,orthe
primecause;thesecond,ISIS,orthereceptivecapacity;thelast,HORUS,orthecommoneffectofthe
othertwo.For3isthefirstnumberwhichiscomposedofevenandodd;and4isasquarewhosesideis
equaltotheevennumber2;but5,beinggenerated,asitwere,outoftheprecedingnumbers,2and3,
maybesaidtohaveanequalrelationtobothofthem,astoitscommonparents."

******

TheclaspedhandsisanothersymbolwhichwasusedbyPYTHAGORAS.Itrepresentedthenumber
10,thesacrednumberinwhichalltheprecedingnumberswerecontained;thenumberexpressedbythe
mysteriousTERACTYS,afigureborrowedbyhimandtheHebrewpriestsalikefromtheEgyptian
sacredscience,andwhichoughttobereplacedamongthesymbolsoftheMaster'sdegree,whereitof
rightbelongs.TheHebrewsformeditthus,withthelettersoftheDivinename:

TheTetractysthusleadsyou,notonlytothestudyofthePythagoreanphilosophyastonumbers,but
alsototheKabalah,andwillaidyouindiscoveringtheTrueWord,andunderstandingwhatwasmeant
by"TheMusicoftheSpheres".ModernsciencestrikinglyconfirmstheideasofPythagorasinregard
tothepropertiesofnumbers,andthattheygovernintheUniverse.Longbeforehistime,naturehad
extractedhercuberootsandhersquares.

******

AlltheFORCESatman'sdisposalorunderman'scontrol,orsubjecttoman'sinfluence,arehis
workingtools.Thefriendshipandsympathythatknithearttoheartareaforceliketheattractionof
cohesion,bywhichthesandyparticlesbecamethesolidrock.Ifthislawofattractionorcohesionwere
takenaway,thematerialworldsandsunswoulddissolveinaninstantintothininvisiblevapor.Ifthe
tiesoffriendship,affection,andlovewereannulled,mankindwouldbecomearagingmultitudeofwild
andsavagebeastsofprey.Thesandhardensintorockundertheimmensesuperincumbentpressureof
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theocean,aidedsometimesbytheirresistibleenergyoffire;andwhenthepressureofcalamityand
dangerisuponanorderoracountry,themembersorthecitizensoughttobethemorecloselyunitedby
thecohesionofsympathyandinterdependence.

Moralityisaforce.ItisthemagneticattractionofthehearttowardTruthandVirtue.Theneedle,
imbuedwiththismysticproperty,andpointingunerringlytothenorth,carriesthemarinersafelyover
thetracklessocean,throughstormanddarkness,untilhisgladeyesbeholdthebeneficentbeaconsthat
welcomehimtosafeandhospitableharbor.Thentheheartsofthosewholovehimaregladdened,and
hishomemadehappy;andthisgladnessandhappinessareduetothesilent,unostentatious,unerring
monitorthatwasthesailor'sguideoverthewelteringwaters.Butifdriftedtoofarnorthward,hefinds
theneedlenolongertrue,butpointingelsewherethantothenorth,whatafeelingofhelplessnessfalls
uponthedismayedmariner,whatutterlossofenergyandcourage!Itisasifthegreataxiomsof
moralityweretofailandbenolongertrue,leavingthehumansoultodrifthelplessly,eyelesslike
Prometheus,atthemercyoftheuncertain,faithlesscurrentsofthedeep.

HonorandDutyarethepolestarsofaMason,theDioscuri,byneverlosingsightofwhichhemay
avoiddisastrousshipwreck.ThesePalinuruswatched,until,overcomebysleep,andthevesselnolonger
guidedtruly,hefellintoandwasswallowedupbytheinsatiablesea.SotheMasonwholosessightof
these,andisnolongergovernedbytheirbeneficentandpotentialforce,islost,andsinkingoutofsight,
willdisappearunhonoredandunwept.

Theforceofelectricity,analogoustothatofsympathy,andbymeansofwhichgreatthoughtsorbase
suggestions,theutterancesofnobleorignoblenatures,flashinstantaneouslyoverthenervesofnations;
theforceofgrowth,fittypeofimmortality,Iyingdormantthreethousandyearsinthewheatgrains
buriedwiththeirmummiesbytheoldEgyptians;theforcesofexpansionandcontraction,developedin
theearthquakeandthetornado,andgivingbirthtothewonderfulachievementsofsteam,havetheir
parallelismsinthemoralworld,inindividuals,andnations.Growthisanecessityfornationsasfor
men.Itscessationisthebeginningofdecay.Inthenationaswellastheplantitismysterious,anditis
irresistible.Theearthquakesthatrendnationsasunder,overturnthrones,andengulfmonarchiesand
republics,havebeenlongpreparedfor,likethevolcaniceruption.Revolutionshavelongrootsinthe
past.Theforceexertedisindirectproportiontothepreviousrestraintandcompression.Thetrue
statesmanoughttoseeinprogressthecausesthatareinduetimetoproducethem;andhewhodoesnot
isbutablindleaderoftheblind.

Thegreatchangesinnations,likethegeologicalchangesoftheearth,areslowlyandcontinuously
wrought.Thewaters,fallingfromHeavenasrainanddews,slowlydisintegratethegranitemountains;
abradetheplains,leavinghillsandridgesofdenudationastheirmonuments;scoopoutthevalleys,fill
uptheseas,narrowtherivers,andafterthelapseofthousandsonthousandsofsilentcenturies,prepare
thegreatalluviaforthegrowthofthatplant,thesnowyenvelopeofwhoseseedsistoemploythelooms
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oftheworld,andtheabundanceorpenuryofwhosecropsshalldeterminewhethertheweaversand
spinnersofotherrealmsshallhaveworktodoorstarve.

SoPublicOpinionisanimmenseforce;anditscurrentsareasinconstantandincomprehensibleas
thoseoftheatmosphere.Nevertheless,infreegovernments,itisomnipotent;andthebusinessofthe
statesmanistofindthemeanstoshape,control,anddirectit.Accordingasthatisdone,itisbeneficial
andconservative,ordestructiveandruinous.ThePublicOpinionofthecivilizedworldisInternational
Law;anditissogreataforce,thoughwithnocertainandfixedboundaries,thatitcanevenconstrain
thevictoriousdespottobegenerous,andaidanoppressedpeopleinitsstruggleforindependence.

Habitisagreatforce;itissecondnature,evenintrees.Itisasstronginnationsasinmen.Soalsoare
Prejudices,whicharegiventomenandnationsasthepassionsare,asforces,valuable,ifproperlyand
skillfullyavailedof;destructive,ifunskillfullyhandled.

Aboveall,theLoveofCountry,StatePride,theLoveofHome,areforcesofimmensepower.
Encouragethemall.Insistupontheminyourpublicmen.Permanencyofhomeisnecessaryto
patriotism.Amigratoryracewillhavelittleloveofcountry.Stateprideisameretheoryandchimera,
wheremenremovefromStatetoStatewithindifference,liketheArabs,whocampheretodayand
theretomorrow.

IfyouhaveEloquence,itisamightyforce.Seethatyouuseitforgoodpurposestoteach,exhort,
ennoblethepeople,andnottomisleadandcorruptthem.Corruptandvenaloratorsaretheassassinsof
thepubliclibertiesandofpublicmorals.

TheWillisaforce;itslimitsasyetunknown.Itisinthepowerofthewillthatwechieflyseethe
spiritualanddivineinman.Thereisaseemingidentitybetweenhiswillthatmovesothermen,andthe
CreativeWillwhoseactionseemssoincomprehensible.Itisthemenofwillandaction,notthemenof
pureintellect,thatgoverntheworld.

Finally,thethreegreatestmoralforcesareFAITH,whichistheonlytrueWISDOM,andthevery
foundationofallgovernment;HOPE,whichisSTRENGTH,andinsuressuccess;andCHARITY,
whichisBEAUTY,andalonemakesanimated,unitedeffortpossible.Theseforcesarewithinthereach
ofallmen;andanassociationofmen,actuatedbythem,oughttoexerciseanimmensepowerinthe
world.IfMasonrydoesnot,itisbecauseshehasceasedtopossessthem.

Wisdominthemanorstatesman,inkingorpriest,largelyconsistsinthedueappreciationofthese
forces;anduponthegeneralnonappreciationofsomeofthemthefateofnationsoftendepends.What
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hecatombsoflivesoftenhanguponthenotweighingornotsumcientlyweighingtheforceofanidea,
suchas,forexample,thereverenceforaflag,ortheblindattachmenttoaformorconstitutionof
government!

Whaterrorsinpoliticaleconomyandstatesmanshiparecommittedinconsequenceoftheover
estimationorunderestimationofparticularvalues,orthenonestimationofsomeamongthem!
Everything,itisasserted,istheproductofhumanlabor;butthegoldorthediamondwhichone
accidentallyfindswithoutlaborisnotso.Whatisthevalueofthelaborbestowedbythehusbandman
uponhiscrops,comparedwiththevalueofthesunshineandrain,withoutwhichhislaboravails
nothing?Commercecarriedonbythelaborofman,addstothevalueoftheproductsofthefield,the
mine,ortheworkshop,bytheirtransportationtodifferentmarkcts;buthowmuchofthisincreaseis
duetotheriversdownwhichtheseproductsfloat,tothewindsthaturgethekeelsofcommerceoverthe
ocean!

WhocanestimatethevalueofmoralityandmanlinessinaState,ofmoralworthandintellectual
knowledge?ThesearethesunshineandrainoftheState.Thewinds,withtheirchangeable,fickle,
fluctuatingcurrents,areaptemblemsoftheficklehumorsofthepopulace,itspassions,itsheroic
impulses,itsenthusiasms.Woetothestatesmanwhodoesnotestimatetheseasvalues!

Evenmusicandsongaresometimesfoundtohaveanincalculablevalue.Everynationhassomesong
ofaprovenvalue,moreeasilycountedinlivesthandollars.TheMarseillaisewasworthto
revolutionaryFrance,whoshallsayhowmanythousandmen?

Peacealsoisagreatelementofprosperityandwealth;avaluenottobecalculated.Socialintercourse
andassociationofmeninbeneficentOrdershaveavaluenottobeestimatedincoin.Theillustrious
examplesofthePastofanation,thememoriesandimmortalthoughtsofhergreatandwisethinkers,
statesmen,andheroes,aretheinvaluablelegacyofthatPasttothePresentandFuture.Andallthese
havenotonlythevaluesoftheloftierandmoreexcellentandpricelesskind,butalsoanactualmoney
value,sinceitisonlywhencooperatingwithoraidedorenabledbythese,thathumanlaborcreates
wealth.Theyareofthechiefelementsofmaterialwealth,astheyareofnationalmanliness,heroism,
glory,prosperity,andimmortalrenown.

ProvidencehasappointedthethreegreatdisciplinesofWar,theMonarchyandthePriesthood,allthat
theCAMP,thePALACE,andtheTEMPLEmaysymbolize,totrainthemultitudesforwardto
intelligentandpremeditatedcombinationsforallthegreatpurposesofsociety.Theresultwillatlength
befreegovernmentsamongmen,whenvirtueandintelligencebecomequalitiesofthemultitudes;but
forignorancesuchgovernmentsareimpossible.Manadvancesonlybydegrees.Theremovalofone
pressingcalamitygivescouragetoattempttheremovaloftheremainingevils,renderingmenmore
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sensitivetothem,orperhapssensitiveforthefirsttime.Serfsthatwritheunderthewhiparenot
disquietedabouttheirpoliticalrights;manumittedfrompersonalslavery,theybecomesensitiveto
politicaloppression.Liberatedfromarbitrarypower,andgovernedbythelawalone,theybeginto
scrutinizethelawitself,anddesiretobegoverned,notonlybylaw,butbywhattheydeemthebestlaw.
Andwhenthecivilortemporaldespotismhasbeensetaside,andthemunicipallawhasbeenmoulded
ontheprinciplesofanenlightenedjurisprudence,theymaywaketothediscoverythattheyareliving
undersomepriestlyorecclesiasticaldespotism,andbecomedesirousofworkingareformationthere
also.

Itisquitetruethattheadvanceofhumanityisslow,andthatitoftenpausesandretrogrades.Inthe
kingdomsoftheearthwedonotseedespotismsretiringandyieldingthegroundtoselfgoverning
communities.WedonotseethechurchesandpriesthoodsofChristendomrelinquishingtheiroldtask
ofgoverningmenbyimaginaryterrors.Nowheredoweseeapopulacethatcouldbesafelymanumitted
fromsuchagovernment.Wedonotseethegreatreligiousteachersaimingtodiscovertruthfor
themselvesandforothers;butstillrulingtheworld,andcontentedandcompelledtoruletheworld,by
whateverdogmaisalreadyaccredited;themselvesasmuchbounddownbythisnecessitytogovern,as
thepopulacebytheirneedofgovernment.Povertyinallitsmosthideousformsstillexistsinthegreat
cities;andthecancerofpauperismhasitsrootsintheheartsofkingdoms.Mentheretakenomeasure
oftheirwantsandtheirownpowertosupplythem,butliveandmultiplylikethebeastsofthefield,
Providencehavingapparentlyceasedtocareforthem.Intelligencenevervisitsthese,oritmakesits
appearanceassomenewdevelopmentofvillainy.Warhasnotceased;stilltherearebattlesandsieges.
Homesarestillunhappy,andtearsandangeraudspitemakehellswherethereshouldbeheavens.So
muchthemorenecessityforMasonry!Somuchwiderthefieldofitslabors!Somuchthemoreneed
forittobegintobetruetoitself,torevivefromitsasphyxia,torepentofitsapostasytoitstruecreed!

Undoubtedly,laboranddeathandthesexualpassionareessentialandpermanentconditionsofhuman
existence,andrenderperfectionandamillenniumonearthimpossible.Always,itisthedecreeofFate!
Thevastmajorityofmenmusttoiltolive,andcannotfindtimetocultivatetheintelligence.Man,
knowingheistodie,willnotsacrificethepresentenjoymentforagreateroneinthefuture.Theloveof
womancannotdieout;andithasaterribleanduncontrollablefate,increasedbytherefinementsof
civilization.Womanistheveritablesirenorgoddessoftheyoung.Butsocietycanbeimproved;and
freegovernmentispossibleforStates;andfreedomofthoughtandconscienceisnolongerwholly
utopian.AlreadyweseethatEmperorsprefertobeelectedbyuniversalsuffrage;thatStatesare
conveyedtoEmpiresbyvote;andthatEmpiresareadministeredwithsomethingofthespiritofa
Republic,beinglittleelsethandemocracieswithasinglehead,rulingthroughoneman,one
representative,insteadofanassemblyofrepresentatives.AndifPriesthoodsstillgovern,theynow
comebeforethelaitytoprove,bystressofargument,thattheyougllttogovern.Theyareobligedto
evoketheveryreasonwhichtheyarebentonsupplanting.

Accordingly,menbecomedailymorefree,becausethefreedomofthemanliesinhisreason.Hecan
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reflectuponhisownfutureconduct,andsummonupitsconsequences;hecantakewideviewsof
humanlife,andlaydownrulesforconstantguidance.Thusheisrelievedofthetyrannyofsenseand
passion,andenabledatanytimetoliveaccordingtothewholelightoftheknowledgethatiswithin
him,insteadofbeingdriven,likeadryleafonthewingsofthewind,byeverypresentimpulse.Herein
liesthefreedomofthemanasregardedinconnectionwiththenecessityimposedbytheomnipotence
andforeknowledgeofGod.Somuchlight,somuchliberty.Whenemperorandchurchappealtoreason
thereisnaturallyuniversalsuffrage.

Thereforenooneneedlosecourage,norbelievethatlaborinthecauseofProgresswillbelaborwasted.
Thereisnowasteinnature,eitherofMatter,Force,Act,orThought.AThoughtisasmuchtheendof
lifeasanAction;andasingleThoughtsometimesworksgreaterresultsthanaRevolution,even
Revolutionsthemselves.StillthereshouldnotbedivorcebetweenThoughtandAction.Thetrue
Thoughtisthatinwhichlifeculminates.ButallwiseandtrueThoughtproducesAction.Itis
generative,likethelight;andlightandthedeepshadowofthepassingcloudarethegiftsofthe
prophetsoftherace.Knowledge,laboriouslyacquired,andinducinghabitsofsoundThought,the
reflectivecharacter,mustnecessarilyberare.Themultitudeoflaborerscannotacquireit.Mostmen
attaintoaverylowstandardofit.Itisincompatiblewiththeordinaryandindispensableavocationsof
life.Awholeworldoferroraswellasoflabor,gotomakeonereflectiveman.Inthemostadvanced
nationofEuropetherearemoreignorantthanwise,morepoorthanrich,moreautornaticlaborers,the
merecreaturesofhabit,thanreasoningandreflectivemen.Theproportionisatleastathousandtoone.
Unanimityofopinionissoobtained.Itonlyexistsamongthemultitudewhodonotthink,andthe
politicalorspiritualpriesthoodwhothinkforthatmultitude,whothinkhowtoguideandgovernthem.
Whenmenbegintoreflect,theybegintodiffer.Thegreatproblemistofindguideswhowillnotseek
tobetyrants.Thisisneededevenmoreinrespecttotheheartthanthehead.Now,everymanearnshis
specialshareoftheproduceofhumanlabor,byanincessantscramble,bytrickeryanddeceit.Useful
knowledge,honorablyacquired,istoooftenusedafterafashionnothonestorreasonable,sothatthe
studiesofyoutharefarmorenoblethanthepracticesofmanhood.Thelaborofthefarmerinhisfields,
thegenerousreturnsoftheearth,thebenignantandfavoringskies,tendtomakehimearnest,provident,
andgrateful;theeducationofthemarketplacemakeshimquerulous,crafty,envious,andanintolerable
niggard.

Masonryseekstobethisbeneficent,unambitious,disinterestedguide;anditistheveryconditionofall
greatstructuresthatthesoundofthehammerandtheclinkofthetrowelshouldbealwaysheardin
somepartofthebuilding.Withfaithinman,hopeforthefutureofhumanity,lovingkindnessforour
fellows,MasonryandtheMasonmustalwaysworkandteach.Leteachdothatforwhichheisbest
fitted.Theteacheralsoisaworkman.Praiseworthyastheactivenavigatoris,whocomesandgoesand
makesoneclimepartakeofthetreasuresoftheother,andonetosharethetreasuresofall,hewho
keepsthebeaconlightuponthehillisalsoathispost.

Masonryhasalreadyhelpedcastdownsomeidolsfromtheirpedestals,andgrindtoimpalpabledust
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someofthelinksofthechainsthatheldmen'ssoulsinbondage.Thattherehasbeenprogressneedsno
otherdemonstrationthanthatyoumaynowreasonwithmen,andurgeuponthem,withoutdangerof
therackorstake,thatnodoctrinescanbeapprehendedastruthsiftheycontradicteachother,or
contradictothertruthsgivenusbyGod.LongbeforetheReformation,amonk,whohadfoundhisway
toheresywithoutthehelpofMartinLuther,notventurinetobreathealoudintoanylivingearhisanti
papalandtreasonabledoctrines,wrotethemonparchment,andsealinguptheperilousrecord,hiditin
themassivewallsofhismonastery.Therewasnofriendorbrothertowhomhecouldintrusthissecret
orpourforthhissoul.Itwassomeconsolationtoimaginethatinafutureagesomeonemightfindthe
parchment,andtheseedbefoundnottohavebeensowninvain.Whatifthetruthshouldhavetolie
dormantaslongbeforegerminatingasthewheatintheEgyptianmummy?Speakit,nevertheless,
againandagain,andletittakeitschance!

TheroseofJerichogrowsinthesandydesertsofArabiaandontheSyrianhousetops.Scarcelysix
incheshigh,itlosesitsleavesafterthefloweringseason,anddriesupintotheformofaball.Thenitis
uprootedbythewinds,andcarried,blown,ortossedacrossthedesert,intothesea.There,feelingthe
contactofthewater,itunfoldsitself,expandsitsbranches,andexpelsitsseedsfromtheirseedvessels.
These,whensaturatedwithwater,arecarriedbythetideandlaidontheseashore.Manyarelost,as
manyindividuallivesofmenareuseless.Butmanyarethrownbackagainfromtheseashoreintothe
desert,where,bythevirtueoftheseawaterthattheyhaveimbibed,therootsandleavessproutand
theygrowintofruitfulplants,whichwill,intheirturns,liketheirancestors,bewhirledintothesea.
Godwillnotbelesscarefultoprovideforthegerminationofthetruthsyoumayboldlyutterforth.
"Cast"Hehassaid,"thybreaduponthewaters,andaftermanydaysitshallreturntotheeagain".

Initiationdoesnotchange:wefinditagainandagain,andalwaysthesame,throughalltheages.The
lastdisciplesofPascalisMartinezarestillthechildrenofOrpheus;buttheyadoretherealizerofthe
antiquephilosophy,theIncarnateWordoftheChristians.

Pythagoras,thegreatdivulgerofthephilosophyofnumbers,visitedallthesanctuariesoftheworld.He
wentintoJudaea,whereheprocuredhimselftobecircumcised,thathemightbeadmittedtothesecrets
oftheKabalah,whichtheprophetsEzekielandDaniel,notwithoutsomereservations,communicated
tohim.Then,notwithoutsomedifficulty,hesucceededinbeingadmittedtotheEgyptianinitiation,
upontherecommendationofKingAmasis.Thepowerofhisgeniussuppliedthedeficienciesofthe
imperfectcommunicationsoftheHierophants,andhehimselfbecameaMasterandaRevealer.

PythagorasdefinedGod:aLivingandAbsoluteVerityclothedwithLight.HesaidthattheWordwas
NumbermanifestedbyForm.HemadealldescendfromtheTetyactys,thatistosay,fromthe
Quaternary.God,hesaidagain,istheSupremeMusic,thenatureofwhichisHarmony.
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PythagorasgavethemagistratesofCrotonathisgreatreligious,politicalandsocialprecept:"Thereis
noevilthatisnotpreferabletoAnarchy."

Pythagorassaid,"Evenastherearethreedivinenotionsandfreeintelligibleregions,sothereisatriple
word,fortheHierarehicalOrderalwaysmanifestsitselfbythrees.Therearethewordsimple,theword
hieroglyphical,andthewordsymbolic:inotherterms,therearethewordthatexpresses,thewordthat
conceals,andthewordthatsignifies;thewholehieraticintelligenceisintheperfectknowledgeofthese
threedegrees."

Pythagorasenvelopeddoctrinewithsymbols,butcarefullyeschewedpersonificationsandimages,
which,hethought,soonerorlaterproducedidolatry.

TheHolyKabalah,ortraditionofthechildrenofSeth,wascarriedfromChaldceabyAbraham,taught
totheEgyptianpriesthoodbyJoseph,recoveredandpurifiedbyMoses,concealedundersymbolsinthe
Bible,revealedbytheSaviourtoSaintJohn,andcontained,entire,underhieraticfiguresanalogousto
thoseofallantiquity,intheApocalypseofthatApostle.

TheKabalistsconsiderGodastheIntelligent,Animated,LivingInfinite.Heisnot,forthem,eitherthe
aggregateofexistences,orexistenceintheabstract,orabeingphilosophicallydefinable.Heisinall,
distinctfromall,andgreaterthanall.Hisnameevenisineffable;andyetthisnameonlyexpressesthe
humanidealofHisdivinity.WhatGodisinHimself,itisnotgiventomantocomprehend.

GodistheabsoluteofFaith;buttheabsoluteofReasonisBEING,"IamthatIam,"isawretched
translation.

Being,Existence,isbyitself,andbecauseitIs.ThereasonofBeing,isBeingitself.Wemayinquire,
"Whydoessomethingexist?"thatis,"Whydoessuchorsuchathingexist?"Butwecannot,without
beingabsurd,ask,"WhyIsBeing?"ThatwouldbetosupposeBeingbeforeBeing.IfBeinghada
cause,thatcausewouldnecessarilyBe;thatis,thecauseandeffectwouldbeidentical.

ReasonandsciencedemonstratetousthatthemodesofExistenceandBeingbalanceeachotherin
equilibriumaccordingtoharmoniousandhierarchiclaws.Butahierarchyissynthetized,inascending,
andbecomesevermoreandmoremonarchial.Yetthereasoncannotpauseatasimlechief,without
beingalarmedattheabysseswhichitseemstoleaveabovethisSupremeMonarch.Thereforeitis
silent,andgivesplacetotheFaithitadores.
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Whatiscertain,evenforscienceandthereason,is,thattheideaofGodisthegrandest,themostholy,
andthemostusefulofalltheaspirationsofman;thatuponthisbeliefmoralityreposes,withitseternal
sanction.Thisbelief,then,isinhumanity,themostrealofthephenomenaofbeing;andifitwerefalse,
naturewouldaffirmtheabsurd;nothingnesswouldgiveformtolife,andGodwouldatthesametime
beandnotbe.

Itistothisphilosophicandincontestablereality,whichistermedTheIdeaofGod,thattheKabalists
giveaname.Inthisnameallothersarecontained.Itscypherscontainallthenumbers;andthe
hieroglyphicsofitslettersexpressallthelawsandallthethingsofnature.

BEINGISBEING:thereasonofBeingisinBeing:intheBeginningistheWord,andtheWordin
logicformulatedSpeech,thespokenReason;theWordisinGod,andisGodHimself,manifestedtothe
Intelligence.Hereiswhatisaboveallthephilosophies.Thiswemustbelieve,underthepenaltyof
nevertrulyknowinganything,andrelapsingintotheabsurdskepticismofPyrrho.ThePriesthood,
custodianofFaith,whollyrestsuponthisbasisofknowledge,anditisinitsteachingswemust
recognizetheDivinePrincipleoftheEternalWord.

LightisnotSpirit,astheIndianHierophantsbelievedittobe;butonlytheinstrumentoftheSpirit.Itis
notthebodyoftheProtoplastes,astheTheurgistsoftheschoolofAlexandriataught,butthefirst
physicalmanifestationoftheDivineafflatus.Godeternallycreatesit,andman,intheimageofGod,
modifiesandseemstomultiplyit.

Thehighmagicisstyled"TheSacerdotalArt,"and"TheRoyalArt."InEgypt,Greece,andRome,it
couldnotbutsharethegreatnessesanddecadencesofthePriesthoodandofRoyalty.Everyphilosophy
hostiletothenationalworshipandtoitsmysteries,wasofnecessityhostiletothegreatpoliticalpowers,
whichlosetheirgrandeur,iftheycease,intheeyesofthemultitudes,tobetheimagesoftheDivine
Power.EveryCrownisshattered,whenitclashesagainsttheTiara.

Plato,writingtoDionysiustheYounger,inregardtothenatureoftheFirstPrinciple,says:"Imustwrite
toyouinenigmas,sothatifmyletterbeinterceptedbylandorsea,hewhoshallreaditmayinno
degreecomprehendit."Andthenhesays,"AllthingssurroundtheirKing;theyare,onaccountofHim,
andHealoneisthecauseofgoodthings,SecondfortheSecondsandThirdfortheThirds."

ThereisinthesefewwordsacompletesummaryoftheTheologyoftheSephiroth."TheKing"is
AINSOPH,BeingSupremeandAbsolute.Fromthiscentre,whichiseverywhere,allthingsrayforth;
butweespeciallyconceiveofitinthreemannersandinthreedifferentspheres.IntheDivineworld
(AZILUTH),whichisthatoftheFirstCause,andwhereinthewholeEternityofThingsinthe
beginningexistedasUnity,tobeafterward,duringEternityutteredforth,clothedwithform,andthe
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attributesthatconstitutethemmatter,theFirstPrincipleisSingleandFirst,andyetnottheVERY
IllimitableDeity,incomprehensible,undefinable;butHimselfinsofarasmanifestedbytheCreative
Thought.Tocomparelittlenesswithinfinity,Arkwright,asinventorofthespinningjenny,andnotthe
manArkwrightotherwiseandbeyondthat.AllwecanknowoftheVeryGodis,comparedtoHis
Wholeness,onlyasaninfinitesimalfractionofaunit,comparedwithaninfinityofUnits.IntheWorld
ofCreation,whichisthatofSecondCauses[theKabalisticWorldBRIAH],theAutocracyoftheFirst
Principleiscomplete,butweconceiveofitonlyastheCauseoftheSecondCauses.Hereitis
manifestedbytheBinary,andistheCreativePrinciplepassive.Finally:inthethirdworld,YEZIRAH,
orofFormation,itisrevealedintheperfectForm,theFormofForms,theWorld,theSupremeBeauty
andExcellence,theCreatedPerfection.ThusthePrincipleisatoncetheFirst,theSecond,andthe
Third,sinceitisAllinAll,theCentreandCauseofall.ItisnotthegeniusofPlatothatwehere
admire.WerecognizeonlytheexactknowledgeoftheInitiate.

ThegreatApostleSaintJohndidnotborrowfromthephilosophyofPlatotheopeningofhisGospel.
Plato,onthecontrary,drankatthesamespringswithSaintJohnandPhilo;andJohnintheopening
versesofhisparaphrase,statesthefirstprinciplesofadogmacommontomanyschools,butin
languageespeciallybelongingtoBhilo,whomitisevidenthehadread.ThephilosophyofPlato,the
greatestofhumanRevealers,couldyearntowardtheWordmademan;theGospelalonecouldgivehim
totheworld.

Doubt,inpresenceofBeinganditsharmonies;skepticism,inthefaceoftheeternalmathematicsand
theimmutablelawsofLifewhichmaketheDivinitypresentandvisibleeverywhere,astheHumanis
knownandvisiblebyitsutterancesofwordandact,isthisnotthemostfoolishofsuperstitions,andthe
mostinexcusableaswellasthemostdangerousofallcredulities?Thought,weknow,isnotaresultor
consequenceoftheorganizationofmatter,ofthechemicalorotheractionorreactionofitsparticles,
likeeffervescenceandgaseousexplosions.Onthecontrary,thefactthatThoughtismanifestedand
realizedinacthumanoractdivine,provestheexistenceofanEntity,orUnity,thatthinks.Andthe
UniverseistheInfiniteUtteranceofoneofaninfinitenumberofInfiniteThoughts,whichcannotbut
emanatefromanInfiniteandThinkingSource.

Thecauseisalwaysequal,atleast,totheeffect;andmattercannotthink,norcoulditcauseitself,or
existwithoutcause,norcouldnothingproduceeitherforcesorthings;forinvoidnothingnessnoForces
caninhere.AdmitaselfexistentForce,anditsIntelligence,oranIntelligentcauseofitisadmitted,and
atonceGODIs.

TheHebrewallegoryoftheFallofMan,whichisbutaspecialvariationofauniversallegend,
symbolizesoneofthegrandestandmostuniversalallegoriesofscience.
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MoralEvilisFalsehoodinactions,asFalsehoodisCrimeinwords.Injusticeistheessenceof
Falsehood;andeveryfalsewordisaninjustice.InjusticeisthedeathoftheMoralBeing,asFalsehood
isthepoisonoftheIntelligence.

TheperceptionoftheLightisthedawnoftheEternalLife,inBeing.TheWordofGod,whichcreates
theLight,seemstobeutteredbyeveryIntelligencethatcantakecognizanceofFormsandwilllook.
"LettheLightBE!TheLight,infact,exists,initsconditionofsplendor,forthoseeyesalonethatgaze
atit;andtheSoul,amorousofthespectacleofthebeautiesoftheUniverse,andapplyingitsattention
tothatluminouswritingoftheInfiniteBook,whichiscalled"TheVisible,"seemstoutter,asGoddid
onthedawnofthefirstday,thatsublimeandcreativeword,"BE!LIGHT!"

Itisnotbeyondthetomb,butinlifeitself,thatwearetoseekforthemysteriesofdeath.Salvationor
reprobationbeginsherebelow,andtheterrestrialworldtoohasitsHeavenanditsHell.Always,even
herebelow,virtueisrewarded;always,evenherebelow,viceispolished;andthatwhichmakesus
sometimesbelieveintheimpunityofevildoersisthatriches,thoseinstrumentsofgoodandofevil,
seemsometimestobegiventhemathazard.Butwoetounjustmen,whentheypossessthekeyofgold!
Itopens,forthem,onlythegateofthetombandofHell.AllthetrueInitiateshaverecognizedthe
usefulnessoftoilandsorrow."Sorrow,"saysaGermanpoet,"isthedogofthatunknownshepherdwho
guidestheflockofmen."Tolearntosuffer,tolearntodie,isthedisciplineofEternity,theimmortal
Novitiate.

TheallegoricalpictureofCebes,inwhichtheDivineComedyofDantewassketchedinPlato'stime,
thedescriptionwhereofhasbeenpreservedforus,andwhichmanypaintersofthemiddleagehave
reproducedbythisdescription,isamonumentatoncephilosophicalandmagical.Itisamostcomplete
moralsynthesis,andatthesametimethemostaudaciousdemonstrationevergivenoftheGrand
Arcanum,ofthatsecretwhoserevelationwouldoverturnEarthandHeaven.Letnooneexpectusto
givethemitsexplanation!Hewhopassesbehindtheveilthathidesthismystery,understandsthatitis
initsverynatureinexplicable,andthatitisdeathtothosewhowinitbysurprise,aswellastohimwho
revealsit.

ThissecretistheRoyaltyoftheSages,theCrownoftheInitiatewhomweseeredescendvictorious
fromthesummitofTrials,inthefineallegoryofCebes.TheGrandArcanummakeshimmasterof
goldandthelight,whichareatbottomthesamething,hehassolvedtheproblemofthequadratureof
thecircle,hedirectstheperpetualmovement,andhepossessesthephilosophicalstone.Herethe
Adeptswillunderstandus.Thereisneitherinterruptioninthetoilofnature,norgapinherwork.The
HarmoniesofHeavencorrespondtothoseofEarth,andtheEternalLifeaccomplishesitsevolutionsin
accordancewiththesamelawsasthelifeofadog."Godhasarrangedallthingsbyweight,number,and
measure,"saystheBible;andthisluminousdoctrinewasalsothatofPlato.
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Humanityhasneverreallyhadbutonereligionandoneworship.Thisuniversallighthashadits
uncertainmirages,itsdeceitfulreflections,anditsshadows;butalways,afterthenightsofError,wesee
itreappear,oneandpureliketheSun.

Themagnificencesofworshiparethelifeofreligion,andifChristwishespoorministers,His
SovereignDivinitydoesnotwishpaltryaltars.SomeProtestantshavenotcomprehendedthatworship
isateaching,andthatwemustnotcreateintheimaginationofthemultitudeameanormiserableGod.
Thoseoratoriesthatresemblepoorlyfurnishedofficesorinns,andthoseworthyministerscladlike
notariesorlawyer'sclerks,dotheynotnecessarilycausereligiontoberegardedasamerepuritanic
formality,andGodasaJusticeofthePeace?

WescoffattheAugurs.Itissoeasytoscoff,andsodifficultwelltocomprehend.DidtheDeityleave
thewholeworldwithoutLightfortwoscorecenturies,toilluminateonlyalittlecornerofPalestineand
abrutal,ignorant,andungratefulpeople?WhyalwayscalumniateGodandtheSanctuary?Werethere
neveranyothersthanroguesamongthepriests?Couldnohonestandsinceremenbefoundamongthe
HierophantsofCeresorDiana,ofDionusosorApollo,ofHermesorMithras?Werethese,then,all
deceived,liketherest?Who,then,constantlydeceivedthem,withoutbetrayingthemselves,duringa
seriesofcenturies?Forthecheatsarenotimmortal!Aragosaid,thatoutsideofthepuremathematics,
hewhoutterstheword"impossible,"iswantinginprudenceandgoodsense.

ThetruenameofSatan,theKabalistssay,isthatofYahvehreversed;forSatanisnotablackgod,but
thenegationofGod.TheDevilisthepersonificationofAtheismorIdolatry.

FortheInitiates,thisisnotaPerson,butaForce,createdforgood,butwhichmayserveforevil.Itis
theinstrumentofLibertyorFreeWill.TheyrepresentthisForce,whichpresidesoverthephysical
generation,underthemythologicandhornedformoftheGodPAN;thencecamethehegoatofthe
Sabbat,brotheroftheAncientSerpent,andtheLightbearerorPhosphor,ofwhichthepoetshavemade
thefalseLuciferofthelegend.

Gold,totheeyesoftheInitiates,isLightcondensed.TheystylethesacrednumbersoftheKabalah
"goldennumbers,"andthemoralteachingsofPythagorashis"goldenverses."Forthesamereason,a
mysteriousbookofApuleius,inwhichanassfigureslargely,wascalled"TheGoldenAss."

ThePagansaccusedtheChristiansofworshippinganass,andtheydidnotinventthisreproach,butit
camefromtheSamaritanJews,who,figuringthedataoftheKabalahinregardtotheDivinityby
Egyptiansymbols,alsorepresentedtheIntelligencebythefigureoftheMagicalStaradoredunderthe
nameofRemphan,ScienceundertheemblemofAnubis,whosenametheychangedtoNibbas,andthe
vulgarfaithorcredulityunderthefigureofThartac,agodrepresentedwithabook,acloak,andthe
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headofanass.AccordingtotheSamaritanDoctors,ChristianitywasthereignofThartac,blindFaith
andvulgarcredulityerectedintoauniversaloracle,andpreferredtoIntelligenceandScience.

Synesius,BishopofPtolemais,agreatKabalist,butofdoubtfulorthodoxy,wrote:

"Thepeoplewillalwaysmockatthingseasytobemisunderstood;itmustneedshaveimpostures."

"ASpirit,"hesaid,"thatloveswisdomandcontemplatestheTrufhcloseathand,isforcedtodisguise
it,toinducethemultitudestoacceptit.Fictionsarenecessarytothepeople,andtheTruthbecomes
deadlytothosewhoarenotstrongenoughtocontemplateitinallitsbrilliance.Ifthesacerdotallaws
allowedthereservationofjudgmentsandtheallegoryofwords,Iwouldaccepttheproposeddignityon
conditionthatImightbeaphilosopherathome,andabroadanarratorofapologuesandparables.In
fact,whatcantherebeincommonbetweenthevilemultitudeandsublimewisdom?Thetruthmustbe
keptsecret,andthemassesneedateachingproportionedtotheirimperfectreason."

Moraldisordersproducephysicalugliness,andinsomesortrealizethosefrightfulfaceswhichtradition
assignstothedemons.

ThefirstDruidswerethetruechildrenoftheMagi,andtheirinitiationcamefromEgyptandChaldaea,
thatistosay,fromthepuresourcesoftheprimitiveKabalah.TheyadoredtheTrinityunderthenames
ofIsisorHesus,theSupremeHarmony;ofBelerlorBel,whichinAssyrianmeansLord,aname
correspondingtothatofADONAI;andofCamulorCamael,anamethatintheKabalahpersonifiesthe
DivineJustice.BelowthistriangleofLighttheysupposedadivinereflection,alsocomposedofthree
personifiedrays:first,TeutatesorTeuth,thesameastheThothoftheEgyptians,theWord,orthe
Intelligenceformulated;thenForceandBeauty,whosenamesvariedliketheiremblems.Finally,they
completedthesacredSeptenarybyamysteriousimagethatrepresentedtheprogressofthedogmaand
itsfuturerealizations.Thiswasayounggirlveiled,holdingachildinherarms;andtheydedicatedthis
imageto"TheVirginwhowillbecomeamother;Virginipariturae".

HerthaorWertha,theyoungIsisofGaul,QueenofHeaven,theVirginwhowastobearachild,held
thespindleoftheFates,filledwithwoolhalfwhiteandhalfblack;becauseshepresidesoverallforms
andallsymbols,andweavesthegarmentoftheIdeas.

OneofthemostmysteriouspantaclesoftheKabalah,containedintheEnchiridionofLeoIII.,
representsanequilateraltrianglereversed,inscribedinadoublecircle.Onthetrianglearewritten,in
suchmannerastoformthepropheticTau,thetwoHebrewwordssooftenfoundappendedtothe
IneffableName,andALOHAYIM,orthePowers,andTSABAOTH,orthestarryArmiesandtheir
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guidingspirits;wordsalsowhichsymbolizetheEquilibriumoftheForcesofNatureandtheHarmony
ofNumbers.TothethreesidesofthetrianglebelongthethreegreatNamesIAHAVEH,ADONAI,and
AGLA.AbovethefirstiswritteninLatin,Formatio,abovethesecondReformatio,andabovethethird,
Transformation.SoCreationisascribedtotheFATHER,RedemptionorReformationtotheSON,and
SanctificationorTransformationtotheHOLYSPIRIT,answeringuntothemathematicallawsof
Action,Reaction,andEquilibrium.IAHAVEHisalso,ineffect,theGenesisorFormationofdogma,by
theelementarysignificationofthefourlettersoftheSacredTetragram;ADONAI;istherealizationof
thisdogmaintheHumanForm,intheVisibleLORD,whoistheSonofGodortheperfectMan;and
AGLA(formedoftheinitialsofthefourwordsAthGeburLaulaimAdonai)expressesthesynthesisof
thewholedogmaandthetotalityoftheKabali.sticscience,clearlyindicatingbythehieroglyphicsof
whichthisadmirablenameisformedtheTripleSecretoftheGreatWork.

Masonry,likealltheReligions,alltheMysteries,HermeticismandAlchemy,concealsitssecretsfrom
allexcepttheAdeptsandSages,ortheElect,andusesfalseexplanationsandmisinterpretationsofits
symbolstomisleadthosewhodeserveonlytobemisled;toconcealtheTruth,whichitcallsLight,
fromtl1em,andtodrawthemawayfromit.Truthisnotforthosewhoareunworthyorunabletoreceive
it,orwouldpervertit.SoGodHimselfincapacitatesmanymen,bycolorblindness,todistinguish
colors,andleadsthemassesawayfromthehighestTruth,givingthemthepowertoattainonlysomuch
ofitasitisprofitabletothemtoknow.Everyagehashadareligionsuitedtoitscapacity.

TheTeachers,evenofChristianity,are,ingeneral,themostignorantofthetruemeaningofthatwhich
theyteach.ThereisnobookofwhichsolittleisknownastheBible.Tomostwhoreadit,itisas
incomprehensibleastheSohar.

SoMasonryjealouslyconcealsitssecrets,andintentionallyleadsconceitedinterpretersastray.Thereis
nosightunderthesunmorepitifulandludicrousatonce,thanthespectacleofthePrestonsandthe
Webbs,nottomentionthelaterincarnationsofDullnessandCommonplace,undertakingto"explain"
theoldsymbolsofMasonry,andaddingtoand"improving"them,orinventingnewones.

TotheCircleinclosingthecentralpoint,anditselftracedbetweentwoparallellines,afigurepurely
Kabalistic,thesepersonshaveaddedthesuperimposedBible,andevenrearedonthattheladderwith
threeorninerounds,andthengivenavapidinterpretationofthewhole,soprofoundlyabsurdas
actuallytoexciteadmiration.

IV.SECRETMASTER
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MASONRYisasuccessionofallegories,themerevehiclesofgreatlessonsinmoralityandphilosophy.
Youwillmorefullyappreciateitsspirit,itsobject,itspurposes,asyouadvanceinthedifferent
Degrees,whichyouwillfindtoconstituteagreat,complete,andharmonioussystem.

IfyouhavebeendisappointedinthefirstthreeDegrees,asyouhavereceivedthem,andifithasseemed
toyouthattheperformancehasnotcomeuptothepromise,thatthelessonsofmoralityarenotnew,
andthescientificinstructionisbutrudimentary,andthesymbolsareimperfectlyexplained,remember
thattheceremoniesandlessonsofthoseDegreeshavebeenforagesmoreandmoreaccommodating
themselves,bycurtailmentandsinkingintocommonplace,totheoftenlimitedmemoryandcapacityof
theMasterandInstructor,andtotheintellectandneedsofthePupilandInitiate;thattheyhavecometo
usfromanagewhensymbolswereused,nottorevealbuttoconceal;whenthecommonestlearning
wasconfinedtoaselectfew,andthesimplestprinciplesofmoralityseemednewlydiscoveredtruths;
andthattheseantiqueandsimpleDegreesnowstandlikethebrokencolumnsofarooflessDruidic
temple,intheirrudeandmutilatedgreatness;inmanyparts,also,corruptedbytime,anddisfiguredby
modernadditionsandabsurdinterpretations.TheyarebuttheentrancetothegreatMasonicTemple,
thetriplecolumnsoftheportico.

Youhavetakenthefirststepoveritsthreshold,thefirststeptowardtheinnersanctuaryandheartofthe
temple.YouareinthepaththatleadsuptheslopeofthemountainofTruth;anditdependsuponyour
secrecy,obedience,andfidelity,whetheryouwilladvanceorremainstationary.

ImaginenotthatyouwillbecomeindeedaMasonbylearningwhatiscommonlycalledthe"work,"or
evenbybecomingfamiliarwithourtraditions.Masonryhasahistory,aliterature,aphilosophy.Its
allegoriesandtraditionswillteachyoumuch;butmuchistobesoughtelsewhere.Thestreamsof
learningthatnowflowfullandbroadmustbefollowedtotheirheadsinthespringsthatwellupinthe
remotepast,andyouwilltherefindtheoriginandmeaningofMasonry.

Afewrudimentarylessonsinarchitecture,afewuniversallyadmittedmaximsofmorality,afew
unimportanttraditions,whoserealmeaningisunknownormisunderstood,willnolongersatisfythe
earnestinquirerafterMasonictruth.Letwhosoiscontentwiththese,seektoclimbnohigher.Hewho
desirestounderstandtheharmoniousandbeautifulproportionsofFreemasonrymustread,study,
reflect,digest,anddiscriminate.ThetrueMasonisanardentseekerafterknowledge;andheknowsthat
bothbooksandtheantiquesymbolsofMasonryarevesselswhichcomedowntousfullfreightedwith
theintellectualrichesofthePast;andthatintheladingoftheseargosiesismuchthatshedslightonthe
historyofMasonry,andprovesitsclaimtobeacknowledgedthebenefactorofmankind,borninthe
verycradleoftherace.

Knowledgeisthemostgenuineandrealofhumantreasures;foritisLight,asIgnoranceisDarkness.It
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isthedevelopmentofthehumansoul,anditsacquisitionthegrowthofthesoul,whichatthebirthof
manknowsnothing,andtherefore,inonesense,maybesaidtobenothing.Itistheseed,whichhasin
itthepowertogrow,toacquire,andbyacquiringtobedeveloped,astheseedisdevelopedintothe
shoot,theplant,thetree."Weneednotpauseatthecommonargumentthatbylearningmanexcelleth
man,inthatwhereinmanexcellethbeasts;thatbylearningmanascendethtotheheavensandtheir
motions,whereinbodyhecannotcome,andthelike.Letusratherregardthedignityandexcellencyof
knowledgeandlearninginthatwhereuntoman'snaturedothmostaspire,whichisimmortalityor
continuance.Fortothistendethgeneration,andraisingofHousesandFamilies;tothisbuildings,
foundations,andmonuments;tothistendeththedesireofmemory,fame,andcelebration,andineffect
thestrengthofallotherhumandesires."Thatourinfluencesshallsurviveus,andbelivingforceswhen
weareinourgraves;andnomerelythatournamesshallberemembered;butratherthatourworksshall
beread,ouractsspokenof,ournamesrecollectedanmentionedwhenwearedead,asevidencesthat
thoseinfluencesliveandrule,swayandcontrolsomeportionofmankindandoftheworld,thisisthe
aspirationofthehumansoul."Weseethenhowfarthemonumentsofgeniusandlearningaremore
durablethanmonumentsofpowerorofthehands.ForhavenottheversesofHomercontinuedtwenty
fivehundredyearsormore,withoutthelossofasyllableorletter,duringwhichtimeinfinitepalaces,
temples,castles,cities,havedecayedandbeendemolished?Itisnopossibletohavethetruepicturesor
statuesofCyrus,AlexanderCaesar,no,noroftheKingsorgreatpersonagesofmuchlateyears;forthe
originalscannotlast,andthecopiescannotbutloseofthelifeandtruth.Buttheimagesofmen'sgenius
andknowledgeremaininbooks,exemptedfromthewrongoftime,andcapableofperpetual
renovation.Neitheraretheyfitlytobecalledimages,becausetheygeneratestill,andcasttheirseedsin
themindsofothers,provokingandcausinginfiniteactionsandopinionsinsucceedingages;sothatif
theinventionoftheshipwasthoughtsonoble,whichcarriethrichesandcommoditiesfromplaceto
place,andconsociateththemostremoteregionsinparticipationoftheirfruits,howmuchmoreare
letterstobemagnifiedwhich,asships,passthroughthevastseasoftime,andmakeagesodistantto
participateofthewisdom,illumination,andinventions,theoneoftheother."

Tolearn,toattainknowledge,tobewise,isanecessityforevertrulynoblesoul;toteach,to
communicatethatknowledge,tosharethatwisdomwithothers,andnotchurlishlytolockuphis
exchequer,andplaceasentinelatthedoortodriveawaytheneedy,isequallyanimpulseofanoble
nature,andtheworthiesworkofman.

"Therewasalittlecity,"saysthePreacher,thesonofDavid"andfewmenwithinit;andtherecamea
greatKingagainstitandbesiegedit,andbuiltgreatbulwarksagainstit.Nowtherewasfoundinita
poorwiseman,andhebyhiswisdomdeliveredthecity;yetnomanrememberedthatsamepoorman.
ThensaidI,wisdomisbetterthanstrength:nevertheless,thepoorman'swisdomisdespised,andhis
wordsarenotheard."Ifitshouldchancetoyou,mybrother,todomankindgoodservice,andbe
rewardedwithindifferenceandforgetfulnessonly,stillbenotdiscouraged,butrememberthefurther
adviceofthewiseKing."Inthemorningsowtheseed,andintheeveningwithholdnotthyhand;for
thouknowestnotwhichshallprosper,thisorthat,orwhetherbothshallbealikegood."Sowyouthe
seed,whoeverreaps.Learn,thatyoumaybeenabledtodogood;anddosobecauseitisright,finding
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intheactitselfamplerewardandrecompense.

Toattainthetruth,andtoserveourfellows,ourcountry,andmankindthisisthenoblestdestinyof
man.Hereafterandallyourlifeitistobeyourobject.Ifyoudesiretoascendtothatdestiny,advance!If
youhaveotherandlessnobleobjects,andarecontentedwithalowerflight,halthere!letothersscale
theheights,andMasonryfulfillhermission.

Ifyouwilladvance,girdupyourloinsforthestruggle!Forthewayislongandtoilsome.Pleasure,all
smiles,willbeckonyouontheonehand,andIndolencewillinviteyoutosleepamongtheflowers,
upontheother.Prepare,bysecrecy,obedience,andfidelity,toresisttheallurementsofboth!

SecrecyisindispensableinaMasonofwhateverDegree.Itisthefirstandalmosttheonlylessontaught
totheEnteredApprentice.TheobligationswhichwehaveeachassumedtowardeveryMasonthatlives,
requiringofustheperformanceofthemostseriousandonerousdutiestowardthosepersonally
unknowntousuntiltheydemandouraid,dutiesthatmustbeperformed,evenattheriskoflife,orour
solemnoathsbebrokenandviolated,andwebebrandedasfalseMasonsandfaithlessmen,teachus
howprofoundafollyitwouldbetobetrayoursecretstothosewho,boundtousbynotieofcommon
obligation,might,byobtainingthem,callonusintheirextremity,whentheurgencyoftheoccasion
shouldallowusnotimeforinquiry,andtheperemptorymandateofourobligationcompelustodoa
brother'sdutytoabaseimpostor.

Thesecretsofourbrother,whencommunicatedtous,mustbesacred,iftheybesuchasthelawofour
countrywarrantsustokeep.Wearerequiredtokeepnoneother,whenthelawthatwearecalledonto
obeyisindeedalaw,byhavingemanatedfromtheonlysourceofpower,thePeople.Edictswhich
emanatefromthemerearbitrarywillofadespoticpower,contrarytothelawofGodortheGreatLaw
ofNature,destructiveoftheinherentrightsofman,violativeoftherightoffreethought,freespeech,
freeconscience,itislawfultorebelagainstandstrivetoabrogate.

ForobediencetotheLawdoesnotmeansubmissiontotyrannynorthat,byaprofligatesacrificeof
everynoblefeeling,weshouldoffertodespotismthehomageofadulation.Aseverynewvictimfalls,
wemayliftourvoiceinstilllouderflattery.Wemayfallattheproudfeet,wemaybeg,asaboon,the
honourofkissingthatbloodyhandwhichhasbeenliftedagainstthehelpless.Wemaydomore:we
maybringthealtarandthesacrifice,andimploretheGodnottoascendtoosoontoHeaven.Thiswe
maydo,forthiswehavethesadremembrancethatbeingsofahumanformandsoulhavedone.But
thisisallwecando.Wecanconstrainourtonguestobefalse,ourfeaturestobendthemselvestothe
semblanceofthatpassionateadorationwhichwewishtoexpress,ourkneestofallprostrate;butour
heartwecannotconstrain.Therevirtuemuststillhaveavoicewhichisnottobedrownedbyhymnsand
acclamations;therethecrimeswhichwelaudasvirtues,arecrimesstill,andhewhomwehavemadea
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Godisthemostcontemptibleofmankind;if,indeed,wedonotfeel,perhaps,thatweareourselvesstill
morecontemptible.

Butthatlawwhichisthefairexpressionofthewillandjudgmentofthepeople,istheenactmentofthe
wholeandofeveryindividual.ConsistentwiththelawofGodandthegreatlawofnature,consistent
withpureandabstractrightastemperedbynecessityandthegeneralinterest,ascontradistinguished
fromtheprivateinterestofindividuals,itisobligatoryuponall,becauseitistheworkofall,thewillof
all,thesolemnjudgmentofall,fromwhichthereisnoappeal.

InthisDegree,mybrother,youareespeciallytolearnthedutyofobediencetothatlaw.Thereisone
trueandoriginallaw,conformabletoreasonandtonature,diffusedoverall,invariable,eternal,which
callstothefulfillmentofdutyandtoabstinencefrominjustice,andcallswiththatirresistiblevoice
whichisfeltlinallitsauthoritywhereveritisheard.Thislawcannotbeabrogatedordiminished,orits
sanctionsaffected,byanylawofman.Awholesenate,awholepeople,cannotdissentfromits
paramountobligation.Itrequiresnocommentatortorenderitdistinctlyintelligible:norisitonething
atRome,anotheratAthens;onethingnow,andanotherintheagestocome;butinalltimesandinall
nations,itis,andhasbeen,andwillbe,oneandeverlasting;oneasthatGod,itsgreatAuthorand
Promulgator,whoistheCommonSovereignofallmankind,isHimselfOne.Nomancandisobeyit
withoutflying,asitwere,fromhisownbosom,andrepudiatinghisnature;andinthisveryacthewill
inflictonhimselftheseverestofretributions,eventhoughheescapewhatisregardedaspunishment.

Itisourdutytoobeythelawsofourcountry,andtobecarefulthatprejudiceorpassion,fancyor
affection,errorandillusion,benotmistakenforconscience.Nothingismoreusualthantopretend
conscienceinalltheactionsofmanwhicharepublicandcannotbeconcealed.Thedisobedientrefuse
tosubmittothelaws,andtheyalsoinmanycasespretendconscience;andsodisobedienceand
rebellionbecomeconscience,inwhichthereisneitherknowledgenorrevelation,nortruthnorcharity,
norreasonnorreligion.Conscienceistiedtolaws.Rightorsureconscienceisrightreasonreducedto
practice,andconductingmoralactions,whileperverseconscienceisseatedinthefancyoraffectionsa
heapofirregularprinciplesandirregulardefectsandisthesameinconscienceasdeformityisinthe
body,orpeevishnessintheaffections.

Itisnotenoughthattheconsciencebetaughtbynature;butitmustbetaughtbyGod,conductedby
reason,madeoperativebydiscourse,assistedbychoice,instructedbylawsandsoberprinciples;and
thenitisright,anditmaybesure.Allthegeneralmeasuresofjustice,arethelawsofGod,and
thereforetheyconstitutethegeneralrulesofgovernmentfortheconscience;butnecessityalsohatha
largevoiceinthearrangementofhumanaffairs,andthedisposalofhumanrelations,andthe
dispositionsofhumanlaws;andthesegeneralmeasures,likeagreatriverintolittlestreams,are
deducedintolittlerivuletsandparticularities,bythelawsandcustoms,bythesentencesand
agreementsofmen,andbytheabsolutedespotismofnecessity,thatwillnotallowperfectandabstract
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justiceandequitytobethesoleruleofcivilgovernmentinanimperfectworld;andthatmustneedsbe
lawwhichisforthegreatestgoodofthegreatestnumber.

WhenthouvowestavowuntoGod,defernottopayit.Itisbetterthoushouldestnotvowthanthou
shouldestvowandnotpay.Benotrashwiththymouth,andletnotthineheartbehastytoutteranything
beforeGod:forGodisinHeaven,andthouartuponearth;thereforeletthywordsbefew.Weighwell
whatitisyoupromise;butoncethepromiseandpledgearegivenrememberthathewhoisfalsetohis
obligationwillbefalsetohisfamily,hisfriends,hiscountry,andhisGod.

Fidesservaildaest:Faithplightedisevertobekept,wasamaximandanaxiomevenamongpagans.
ThevirtuousRomansaid,eitherletnotthatwhichseemsexpedientbebase,orifitbebase,letitnot
seemexpedient.Whatistherewhichthatsocalledexpediencycanbring,sovaluableasthatwhichit
takesaway,ifitdeprivesyouofthenameofagoodmanandrobsyouofyourintegrityandhonour?In
allages,hewhoviolateshisplightedwordhasbeenheldunspeakablybase.ThewordofaMason,like
thewordofaknightinthetimesofchivalry,oncegivenmustbesacred;andthejudgmentofhis
brothers,uponhimwhoviolateshispledge,shouldbesternasthejudgmentsoftheRomanCensors
againsthimwhoviolatedhisoath.GoodfaithisreveredamongMasonsasitwasamongtheRomans,
whoplaceditsstatueinthecapitol,nexttothatofJupiterMaximusOptimus;andwe,likethem,hold
thatcalamityshouldalwaysbechosenratherthanbaseness;andwiththeknightsofold,thatoneshould
alwaysdieratherthanbedishonoured.Befaithful,therefore,tothepromisesyoumake,tothepledges
yougive,andtothevowsthatyouassume,sincetobreakeitherisbaseanddishonourable.

Befaithfultoyourfamily,andperformallthedutiesofagoodfather,agoodson,agoodhusband,and
agoodbrother.

Befaithfultoyourfriends;fortruefriendshipisofanaturenotonlytosurvivethroughallthe
vicissitudesoflife,buttocontinuethroughanendlessduration;notonlytostandtheshockof
conflictingopinions,andtheroarofarevolutionthatshakestheworld,buttolastwhentheheavensare
nomore,andtospringfreshfromtheruinsoftheuniverse.

Befaithfultoyourcountry,andpreferitsdignityandhonourtoanydegreeofpopularityandhonourfor
yourself;consultingitsinterestratherthanyourown,andratherthanthepleasureandgratificationof
thepeople,whichareoftenatvariancewiththeirwelfare.

BefaithfultoMasonry,whichistobefaithfultothebestinterestsofmankind.Labour,bypreceptand
example,toelevatethestandardofMasoniccharacter,toenlargeitssphereofinfluence,topopularize
itsteachings,andtomakeallmenknowitfortheGreatApostleofPeace,Harmony,andGoodwillon
earthamongmen;ofLiberty,Equality,andFraternity.
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Masonryisusefultoallmen:tothelearned,becauseitaffordsthemtheopportunityofexercisingtheir
talentsuponsubjectseminentlyworthyoftheirattention;totheilliterate,becauseitoffersthem
importantinstruction;totheyoung,becauseitpresentsthemwithsalutarypreceptsandgoodexamples,
andaccustomsthemtoreflectonthepropermodeofliving;tothemanoftheworld,whomitfurnishes
withnobleandusefulrecreation;tothetraveller,whomitenablestofindfriendsandbrothersin
countrieswhereelsehewouldbeisolatedandsolitary;totheworthymaninmisfortune,towhomit
givesassistance;totheafflicted,onwhomitlavishesconsolation;tothecharitableman,whomit
enablestodomoregood,byunitingwiththosewhoarecharitablelikehimself;andtoallwhohave
soulscapableofappreciatingitsimportance,andofenjoyingthecharmsofafriendshipfoundedonthe
sameprinciplesofreligion,morality,andphilanthropy.

AFreemason,therefore,shouldbeamanofhonourandofconscience,preferringhisdutytoeverything
beside,eventohislife;independentinhisopinions,andofgoodmorals,submissivetothelaws,
devotedtohumanity,tohiscountry,tohisfamily;kindandindulgenttohisbrethren,friendofall
virtuousmen,andreadytoassisthisfellowsbyallmeansinhispower.

Thuswillyoubefaithfultoyourself,toyourfellows,andtoGod,andthuswillyoudohonourtothe
nameandrankofSECRETMASTER;which,likeotherMasonichonours,degradesifitisnot
deserved.

V.PERFECTMASTER

TheMasterKhurumwasanindustriousandanhonestman.Whathewasemployedtodohedid
diligently,andhediditwellandfaithfully.Hereceivednowagesthatwerenothisdue.Industryand
honestyarethevirtuespeculiarlyinculcatedinthisDegree.Theyarecommonandhomelyvirtues;but
notforthatbeneathournotice.Asthebeesdonotloveorrespectthedrones,soMasonryneitherloves
norrespectstheidleandthosewholivebytheirwits;andleastofallthoseparasiticacarithatliveupon
themselves.Forthosewhoareindolentarelikelytobecomedissipatedandvicious;andperfecthonesty,
whichoughttobethecommonqualificationofall,ismorerarethandiamonds.Todoearnestlyand
steadily,andtodofaithfullyandhonestlythatwhichwehavetodoperhapsthiswantsbutlittle,when
lookedatfromeverypointofview,ofincludingthewholebodyofthemorallaw;andevenintheir
commonestandhomeliestapplication,thesevirtuesbelongtothecharacterofaPerfectMaster.

Idlenessistheburialofalivingman.ForanidlepersonissouselesstoanypurposesofGodandman,
thatheislikeonewhoisdead,unconcernedinthechangesandnecessitiesoftheworld;andheonly
livestospendhistime,andeatthefruitsoftheearth.Likeaverminorawolf,whenhistimecomes,he
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diesandperishes,andinthemeantimeisnought.Heneitherploughsnorcarriesburdens:allthathe
doesiseitherunprofitableormischievous.

Itisavastworkthatanymanmaydo,ifheneverbeidle:anditisahugewaythatamanmaygoin
virtue,ifhenevergooutofhiswaybyavicioushabitoragreatcrimeandhewhoperpetuallyreads
goodbooks,ifhispartsbeanswerable,willhaveahugestockofknowledge.

St.Ambrose,andfromhisexample,St.Augustine,dividedeverydayintothesetertiasofemployment:
eighthourstheyspentinthenecessitiesofnatureandrecreation:eighthoursincharity,indoing
assistancetoothers,dispatchingtheirbusiness,reconcilingtheirenmities,reprovingtheirvices,
correctingtheirerrors,instructingtheirignorance,andintransactingtheaffairsoftheirdioceses;and
theothereighthourstheyspentinstudyandprayer.

Wethink,attheageoftwenty,thatlifeismuchtoolongforthatwhichwehavetolearnanddo;and
thatthereisanalmostfabulousdistancebetweenourageandthatofourgrandfather.Butwhen,atthe
ageofsixty,ifwearefortunateenoughtoreachit,orunfortunateenough,asthecasemaybe,and
accordingaswehaveprofitablyinvestedorwastedourtime,wehalt,andlookbackalongthewaywe
havecome,andcastupandendeavourtobalanceouraccountswithtimeandopportunity,wefindthat
wehavemadelifemuchtooshort,andthrownawayahugeportionofourtime.Thenwe,inourmind,
deductfromthesumtotalofouryearsthehoursthatwehaveneedlesslypassedinsleep;theworking
hourseachday,duringwhichthesurfaceofthemind'ssluggishpoolhasnotbeenstirredorruffiedbya
singlethought;thedaysthatwehavegladlygotridof,toattainsomerealorfanciedobjectthatlay
beyond,inthewaybetweenusandwhichstoodirksomelytheinterveningdays;thehoursworsethan
wastedinfolliesanddissipation,ormisspentinuselessandunprofitablestudies;andweacknowledge,
withasigh,thatwecouldhavelearnedanddone,inhalfascoreofyearswellspent,morethanwehave
doneinallourfortyyearsofmanhood.

Tolearnandtodothisisthesoul'sworkherebelow.Thesoulgrowsastrulyasanoakgrows.Asthe
treetakesthecarbonoftheair,thedew,therain,andthelight,andthefoodthattheearthsuppliestoits
roots,andbyitsmysteriouschemistrytransmutesthemintosapandfibre,intowoodandleaf,and
flowerandfruit,andcolourandperfume,sothesoulimbibesknowledgeandbyadivinealchemy
changeswhatitlearnsintoitsownsubstance,andgrowsfromwithinoutwardlywithaninherentforce
andpowerlikethosethatliehiddeninthegrainofwheat.

Thesoulhathitssenses,likethebody,thatmaybecultivated,enlarged,refined,asitselfgrowsin
statureandproportion;andhewhocannotappreciateafinepaintingorstatue,anoblepoem,asweet
harmony,aheroicthought,oradisinterestedaction,ortowhomthewisdomofphilosophyisbut
foolishnessandbabble,andtheloftiesttruthsoflessimportancethanthepriceofstocksorcotton,or
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theelevationofbasenesstoonce,merelylivesonthelevelofcommonplace,andfitlyprideshimself
uponthatinferiorityofthesoul'ssenses,whichistheinferiorityandimperfectdevelopmentofthesoul
itself.

Tosleeplittle,andtostudymuch;tosaylittle,andtohearandthinkmuch;tolearn,thatwemaybe
abletodo,andthentodo,earnestlyandvigorously,whatevermayberequiredofusbyduty,andbythe
goodofourfellows,ourcountry,andmankind,thesearethedutiesofeveryMasonwhodesiresto
imitatetheMasterKhurum.

ThedutyofaMasonasanhonestmanisplainandeasy.Itrequiresofushonestyincontracts,sincerity
inarming,simplicityinbargaining,andfaithfulnessinperforming.Lienotatall,neitherinalittlething
norinagreat,neitherinthesubstancenorinthecircumstance,neitherinwordnordeed:thatis,
pretendnotwhatisfalse;covernotwhatistrue;andletthemeasureofyouraffirmationordenialbethe
understandingofyourcontractor;forhewhodeceivesthebuyerorthesellerbyspeakingwhatistrue,
inasensenotintendedorunderstoodbytheother,isaliarandathief.APerfectMastermustavoidthat
whichdeceives,equallywiththatwhichisfalse.

Letyourpricesbeaccordingtothatmeasureofgoodandevilwhichisestablishedinthefameand
commonaccountsofthewisestandmostmercifulmen,skilledinthatmanufactureorcommodity;and
thegainsuch,which,withoutscandal,isallowedtopersonsinallthesamecircumstances.

Inintercoursewithothers,donotdoallwhichthoumayestlawfullydo;butkeepsomethingwithinthy
power;and,becausethereisalatitudeofgaininbuyingandselling,takenotthoutheutmostpennythat
islawful,orwhichthouthinkestso;foralthoughitbelawful,yetitisnotsafe;andhewhogainsallthat
hecangainlawfully,thisyear,willpossiblybetempted,nextyear,togainsomethingunlawfully.

Letnoman,forhisownpoverty,becomemoreoppressingandcruelinhisbargain;butquietly,
modestly,diligently,andpatientlyrecommendhisestatetoGod,andfollowhisinterest,andleavethe
successtoHim.

Detainnotthewagesofthehireling;foreverydegreeofdetentionofitbeyondthetime,isinjusticeand
uncharitableness,andgrindshisfacetilltearsandbloodcomeout;butpayhimexactlyaccordingto
covenant,oraccordingtohisneeds.

Religiouslykeepallpromisesandcovenants,thoughmadetoyourdisadvantage,thoughafterwardyou
perceiveyoumighthavedonebetter;andletnotanyprecedentactofyoursbealteredbyanyafter
accident.Letnothingmakeyoubreakyourpromise,unlessitbeunlawfulorimpossible;thatis,either
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outofyournatureoroutofyourcivilpower,yourselfbeingunderthepowerofanother;orthatitbe
intolerablyinconvenienttoyourself,andofnoadvantagetoanother;orthatyouhaveleaveexpressedor
reasonablypresumed.

Letnomantakewagesorfeesforaworkthathecannotdo,orcannotwithprobabilityundertake;orin
somesenseprofitably,andwithease,orwithadvantagemanage.Letnomanappropriatetohisown
use,whatGod,byaspecialmercy,ortheRepublic,hathmadecommon;forthatisagainstbothJustice
andCharity.

Thatanymanshouldbetheworseforus,andforourdirectact,andbyourintention,isagainsttherule
ofequity,ofjustice,andofcharity.Wethendonotthattoothers,whichwewouldhavedoneto
ourselves;forwegrowricherupontheruinsoftheirfortune.

Itisnothonesttoreceiveanythingfromanotherwithoutreturninghimanequivalenttherefor.The
gamesterwhowinsthemoneyofanotherisdishonest.Thereshouldbenosuchthingasbetsand
gamingamongMasons:fornohonestmanshoulddesirethatfornothingwhichbelongstoanother.The
merchantwhosellsaninferiorarticleforasoundprice,thespeculatorwhomakesthedistressesand
needsofothersfillhisexchequerareneitherfairnorhonest,butbase,ignoble,unfitforimmortality.

ItshouldbetheearnestdesireofeveryPerfectMastersotoliveanddealandact,thatwhenitcomesto
himtodie,hemaybeabletosay,andhisconsciencetoadjudge,thatnomanonearthispoorer,
becauseheisricher;thatwhathehathhehashonestlyearned,andnomancangobeforeGod,and
claimthatbytherulesofequityadministeredinHisgreatchancery,thishouseinwhichwedie,this
landwedevisetoourheirsthismoneythatenrichesthosewhosurvivetobearourname,ishisandnot
ours,andweinthatforumareonlyhistrustees.ForitismostcertainthatGodisjust,andwillsternly
enforceeverysuchtrust;andthattoallwhomwedespoil,toallwhomwedefraud,toallfromwhom
wetakeorwinanythingwhatever,withoutfairconsiderationandequivalent,Hewilldecreeafulland
adequatecompensation.

Becareful,then,thatthoureceivenowages,hereorelsewhere,thatarenotthydue!Forifthoudoest,
thouwrongstsomeone,bytakingthatwhichinGod'schancerybelongstohim;andwhetherthatwhich
thoutakestthusbewealth,orrank,orinfluence,orreputationoraffection,thouwiltsurelybeheldto
makefullsatisfaction.

VI.INTIMATESECRETARY.(ConfidentialSecretary)
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YouareespeciallytaughtinthisDegreetobezealousandfaithful;tobedisinterestedandbenevolent;
andtoactthepeacemaker,incaseofdissensions,disputes,andquarrelsamongthebrethren.

DutyisthemoralmagnetismwhichcontrolsandguidesthetrueMason'scourseoverthetumultuous
seasoflife.Whetherthestarsofhonour,reputation,andrewarddoordonotshine,inthelightofdayor
inthedarknessofthenightoftroubleandadversity,incalmorstorm,thatunerringmagnetstillshows
himthetruecoursetosteer,andindicateswithcertaintywhereawayliestheportwhichnottoreach
involvesshipwreckanddishonour.Hefollowsitssilentbidding,asthemariner,whenlandisformany
daysnotinsight,andtheoceanwithoutpathorlandmarkspreadsoutallaroundhim,followsthe
biddingoftheneedle,neverdoubtingthatitpointstrulytothenorth.Toperformthatduty,whetherthe
performanceberewardedorunrewarded,ishissolecare.Anditdothnotmatter,thoughofthis
performancetheremaybenowitnesses,andthoughwhathedoeswillbeforeverunknowntoall
mankind.

AlittleconsiderationwillteachusthatFamehasotherlimitsthanmountainsandoceans;andthathe
whoplaceshappinessinthefrequentrepetitionofhisname,mayspendhislifeinpropagatingit,
withoutanydangerofweepingfornewworlds,ornecessityofpassingtheAtlanticsea.

If,therefore,hewhoimaginestheworldtobefilledwithhisactionsandpraises,shallsubductfromthe
numberofhisencomiastsallthosewhoareplacedbelowtheflightoffame,andwhohearinthevalley
oflifenovoicebutthatofnecessity;allthosewhoimaginethemselvestooimportanttoregardhim,and
considerthementionofhisnameasausurpationoftheirtime;allwhoaretoomuchortoolittle
pleasedwiththemselvestoattendtoanythingexternal;allwhoareattractedbypleasure,orchained
downbypaintounvariedideas;allwhoarewithheldfromattendinghistriumphbydifferentpursuits;
andallwhoslumberinuniversalnegligence;hewillfindhisrenownstraitenedbynearerboundsthan
therocksofCaucasus;andperceivethatnomancanbevenerableorformidable,buttoasmallpartof
hisfellowcreatures.Andtherefore,thatwemaynotlanguishinourendeavorsafterexcellence,itis
necessarythat,asAfricanuscounselshisdescendants,weraiseoureyestohigherprospects,and
contemplateourfutureandeternalstate,withoutgivingupourheartstothepraiseofcrowds,orfixing
ourhopesonsuchrewardsashumanpowercanbestow.

Wearenotbornforourselvesalone;andourcountryclaimshershare,andourfriendstheirshareofus.
Asallthattheearthproducesiscreatedfortheuseofman,somenarecreatedforthesakeofmen,that
theymaymutuallydogoodtooneanother.Inthisweoughttotakenatureforourguide,andthrowinto
thepublicstocktheouncesofgeneralutility,byareciprocationofduties;sometimesbyreceiving,
sometimesbygiving,andsometimestocementhumansocietybyarts,byindustry,andbyour
resources.
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Sufferotherstobepraisedinthypresence,andentertaintheirgoodandglorywithdelight;butatno
handdisparagethem,orlessenthereport,ormakeanobjection;andthinknottheadvancementofthy
brotherisalesseningofthyworth.Upbraidnoman'sweaknesstohimtodiscomfithim,neitherreport
ittodisparagehim,neitherdelighttorememberittolessenhim,ortosetthyselfabovehim;norever
praisethyselfordispraiseanymanelse,unlesssomesufficientworthyenddohallowit.

Rememberthatweusuallydisparageothersuponslightgroundsandlittleinstances;andifamanbe
highlyrecommended,wethinkhimsufficientlylessened,ifwecanbutchargeonesinoffollyor
inferiorityinhisaccount.Weshouldeitherbemoreseveretoourselves,orlesssotoothers,and
considerthatwhatsoevergoodanyonecanthinkorsayofus,wecantellhimofmanyunworthyand
foolishandperhapsworseactionsofours,anyoneofwhich,donebyanother,wouldbeenough,with
us,todestroyhisreputation.

Ifwethinkthepeoplewiseandsagacious,andjustandappreciative,whentheypraiseandmakeidols
ofus,letusnotcallthemunlearnedandignorant,andillandstupidjudges,whenourneighbouriscried
upbypublicfameandpopularnoises.

Everymanhathinhisownlifesinsenough,inhisownmindtroubleenough,inhisownfortunesevil
enough,andinperformanceofhisofficesfailingsmorethanenough,toentertainhisowninquiry;so
thatcuriosityaftertheaffairsofotherscannotbewithoutenvyandanillmind.Thegenerousmanwill
besolicitousandinquisitiveintothebeautyandorderofawellgovernedfamily,andafterthevirtuesof
anexcellentperson;butanythingforwhichmenkeeplocksandbars,orthatblushestoseethelight,or
thatiseithershamefulinmannerorprivateinnature,thisthingwillnotbehiscareandbusiness.

ItshouldbeobjectionsufficienttoexcludeanymanfromthesocietyofMasons,thatheisnot
disinterestedandgenerous,bothinhisacts,andinhisopinionsofmen,andhisconstructionsoftheir
conduct.Hewhoisselfishandgrasping,orcensoriousandungenerous,willnotlongremainwithinthe
strictlimitsofhonestyandtruth,butwillshortlycommitinjustice.Hewholoveshimselftoomuch
mustneedsloveotherstoolittle;andhewhohabituallygivesharshjudgmentwillnotlongdelaytogive
unjustjudgment.

Thegenerousmanisnotcarefultoreturnnomorethanhereceives;butprefersthatthebalancesupon
theledgersofbenefitsshallbeinhisfavour.Hewhohathreceivedpayinfullforallthebenefitsand
favoursthathehasconferred,islikeaspendthriftwhohasconsumedhiswholeestate,andlamentsover
anemptyexchequer.Hewhorequitesmyfavourswithingratitudeaddsto,insteadofdiminishing,my
wealth;andhewhocannotreturnafavourisequallypoor,whetherhisinabilityarisesfrompovertyof
spirit,sordidnessofsoul,orpecuniaryindigence.
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Ifheiswealthywhohathlargesumsinvested,andthemassofwhosefortuneconsistsinobligations
thatbindothermentopayhimmoney,heisstillmoresotowhommanyowelargereturnsof
kindnessesandfavours.Beyondamoderatesumeachyear,thewealthymanmerelyinvestshismeans:
andthatwhichheneverusesisstilllikefavoursunreturnedandkindnessesunreciprocated,anactual
andrealportionofhisfortune.

Generosityandaliberalspiritmakementobehumaneandgenial,openhearted,frank,andsincere,
earnesttodogood,easyandcontented,andwellwishersofmankind.Theyprotectthefeebleagainst
thestrong,andthedefencelessagainstrapacityandcraft.Theysuccourandcomfortthepoor,andare
theguardians,underGod,ofhisinnocentandhelplesswards.Theyvaluefriendsmorethanrichesor
fame,andgratitudemorethanmoneyorpower.TheyarenoblebyGod'spatent,andtheirescutcheons
andquarteringsaretobefoundinheaven'sgreatbookofheraldry.Norcananymananymorebea
Masonthanhecanbeagentleman,unlessheisgenerous,liberal,anddisinterested.Tobeliberal,but
onlyofthatwhichisourown;tobegenerous,butonlywhenwehavefirstbeenjust;togive,whento
givedeprivesusofaluxuryoracomfort,thisisMasonryindeed.

Hewhoisworldly,covetous,orsensualmustchangebeforehecanbeagoodMason.Ifweare
governedbyinclinationandnotbyduty;ifweareunkind,severe,censorious,orinjurious,inthe
relationsorintercourseoflife;ifweareunfaithfulparentsorundutifulchildren;ifweareharshmasters
orfaithlessservants;ifwearetreacherousfriendsorbadneighboursorbittercompetitorsorcorrupt
unprincipledpoliticiansoroverreachingdealersinbusiness,wearewanderingatagreatdistancefrom
thetrueMasoniclight.

Masonsmustbekindandaffectionateonetoanother.Frequentingthesametemples,kneelingatthe
samealtars,theyshouldfeelthatrespectandthatkindnessforeachother,whichtheircommonrelation
andcommonapproachtooneGodshouldinspire.Thereneedstobemuchmoreofthespiritofthe
ancientfellowshipamongus;moretendernessforeachother'sfaults,moreforgiveness,moresolicitude
foreachother'simprovementandgoodfortune;somewhatofbrotherlyfeeling,thatitbenotshameto
usetheword"brother."

Nothingshouldbeallowedtointerferewiththatkindnessandaffection:neitherthespiritofbusiness,
absorbing,eager,andoverreaching,ungenerousandhardinitsdealings,keenandbitterinits
competitions,lowandsordidinitspurposes;northatofambition,selfish,mercenary,restless,
circumventing,livingonlyintheopinionofothers,enviousofthegoodfortuneofothers,miserably
vainofitsownsuccess,unjust,unscrupulous,andslanderous.

Hethatdoesmeafavour,hathboundmetomakehimareturnofthankfulness.Theobligationcomes
notbycovenant,norbyhisownexpressintention;butbythenatureofthething;andisadutyspringing
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upwithinthespiritoftheobligedperson,towhomitismorenaturaltolovehisfriend,andtodogood
forgood,thantoreturnevilforevil;becauseamanmayforgiveaninjury,buthemustneverforgeta
goodturn.Hethatrefusestodogoodtothemwhomheisboundtolove,ortolovethatwhichdidhim
good,isunnaturalandmonstrousinhisaffections,andthinksalltheworldborntoministertohim;
withagreedinessworsethanthatofthesea,which,althoughitreceivesallriversintoitself,yetit
furnishesthecloudsandspringswithareturnofalltheyneed.Ourdutytothosewhoareour
benefactorsis,toesteemandlovetheirpersons,tomakethemproportionablereturnsofservice,or
duty,orprofit,accordingaswecan,orastheyneed,orasopportunitypresentsitself;andaccordingto
thegreatnessoftheirkindnesses.

Thegenerousmancannotbutregrettoseedissensionsanddisputesamonghisbrethren.Onlythebase
andungenerousdelightindiscord.Itisthepoorestoccupationofhumanitytolabourtomakementhink
worseofeachother,asthepress,andtoocommonlythepulpit,changingplaceswiththehustingsand
thetribune,do.ThedutyoftheMasonistoendeavourtomakemanthinkbetterofhisneighbour;to
quiet,insteadofaggravatingdifficulties;tobringtogetherthosewhoareseveredorestranged;tokeep
friendsfrombecomingfoes,andtopersuadefoestobecomefriends.Todothis,hemustneedscontrol
hisownpassions,andbenotrashandhasty,norswifttotakeoffence,noreasytobeangered.

Forangerisaprofessedenemytocounsel.Itisadirectstorm,inwhichnomancanbeheardtospeakor
callfromwithout;forifyoucounselgently,youaredisregarded;ifyouurgeitandbevehement,you
provokeitmore.Itisneithermanlynoringenuous.Itmakesmarriagetobeanecessaryandunavoidable
trouble;friendshipsandsocietiesandfamiliarities,tobeintolerable.Itmultipliestheevilsof
drunkenness,andmakesthelevitiesofwinetorunintomadness.Itmakesinnocentjestingtobethe
beginningoftragedies.Itturnsfriendshipintohatred;itmakesamanlosehimself,andhisreasonand
hisargument,indisputation.Itturnsthedesiresofknowledgeintoanitchofwrangling.Itadds
insolencytopower.Itturnsjusticeintocruelty,andjudgmentintooppression.Itchangesdisciplineinto
tediousnessandhatredofliberalinstitution.Itmakesaprosperousmantobeenvied,andthe
unfortunatetobeunpitied.

See,therefore,thatfirstcontrollingyourowntemper,andgoverningyourownpassions,youfityourself
tokeeppeaceandharmonyamongothermen,andespeciallythebrethren.Aboveallrememberthat
Masonryistherealmofpeace,andthat"amongMasonstheremustbenodissension,butonlythat
nobleemulation.,whichcanbestworkandbestagree."Whereverthereisstrifeandhatredamongthe
brethren,thereisnoMasonry;forMasonryisPeace,andBrotherlyLove,andConcord.

MasonryisthegreatPeaceSocietyoftheworld.Whereveritexists,itstrugglestopreventinternational
difficultiesanddisputes;andtobindRepublics,Kingdoms,andEmpirestogetherinonegreatbandof
peaceandamity.Itwouldnotsooftenstruggleinvain,ifMasonsknewtheirpowerandvaluedtheir
oaths.
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Whocansumupthehorrorsandwoesaccumulatedinasinglewar?Masonryisnotdazzledwithallits
pompandcircumstance,allitsglitterandglory.Warcomeswithitsbloodyhandintoourvery
dwellings.Ittakesfromtenthousandhomesthosewholivedthereinpeaceandcomfort,heldbythe
tendertiesoffamilyandkindred.Itdragsthemaway,todieuntended,offeverorexposure,in
infectiousclimes;ortobehacked,torn,andmangledinthefiercefight;tofallonthegoryfield,torise
nomore,ortobeborneaway,inawfulagony,tonoisomeandhorridhospitals.Thegroansofthebattle
fieldareechoedinsighsofbereavementfromthousandsofdesolatedhearths.Thereisaskeletonin
everyhouse,avacantchairateverytable.Returning,thesoldierbringsworsesorrowtohishome,by
theinfectionwhichhehascaught,ofcampvices.Thecountryisdemoralized.Thenationalmindis
broughtdown,fromthenobleinterchangeofkindofficeswithanotherpeople,towrathandrevenge,
andbasepride,andthehabitofmeasuringbrutestrengthagainstbrutestrength,inbattle.Treasuresare
expended,thatwouldsufficetobuildtenthousandchurches,hospitals,anduniversities,orribandtie
togetheracontinentwithrailsofiron.Ifthattreasureweresunkinthesea,itwouldbecalamity
enough;butitisputtoworseuse;foritisexpendedincuttingintotheveinsandarteriesofhumanlife,
untiltheearthisdelugedwithaseaofblood.

SucharethelessonsofthisDegree.Youhavevowedtomakethemtherule,thelaw,andtheguideof
yourlifeandconduct.Ifyoudoso,youwillbeentitled,becausefitted,toadvanceinMasonry.Ifyou
donot,youhavealreadygonetoofar.

VII.PROVOSTANDJUDGE

ThelessonwhichthisDegreeinculcatesisJUSTICE,indecisionandjudgment,andinourintercourse
anddealingwithothermen.

Inacountrywheretrialbyjuryisknown,everyintelligentmanisliabletobecalledontoactasa
judge,eitheroffactalone,oroffactandlawmingled;andtoassumetheheavyresponsibilitieswhich
belongtothatcharacter.

Thosewhoareinvestedwiththepowerofjudgmentshouldjudgethecausesofallpersonsuprightly
andimpartially,withoutanypersonalconsiderationofthepowerofthemighty,orthebribeoftherich,
ortheneedsofthepoor.Thatisthecardinalrule,whichnoonewilldispute;thoughmanyfailto
observeit.Buttheymustdomore.Theymustdivestthemselvesofprejudiceandpreconception.They
musthearpatiently,rememberaccurately,andweighcarefullythefactsandtheargumentsoffered
beforethem.Theymustnotleaphastilytoconclusions,norformopinionsbeforetheyhaveheardall.
Theymustnotpresumecrimeorfraud.Theymustneitherberuledbystubbornprideofopinion,norbe
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toofacileandyieldingtotheviewsandargumentsofothers.Indeducingthemotivefromtheproven
act,theymustnotassigntotheacteitherthebestortheworstmotives,butthosewhichtheywould
thinkitjustandfairfortheworldtoassigntoit,iftheythmselveshaddoneit;normusttheyendeavour
tomakemanylittlecircumstances,thatweighnothingseparately,weighmuchtogether,toprovetheir
ownacutenessandsagacity.Thesearesoundrulesforeveryjuror,also,toobserve.

Inourintercoursewithothers,therearetwokindsofinjustice:thefirst,ofthosewhoofferaninjury;
thesecond,ofthosewhohaveitintheirpowertoavertaninjuryfromthosetowhomitisoffered,and
yetdoitnot.Soactiveinjusticemaybedoneintwowaysbyforceandbyfraud,ofwhichforceislion
like,andaudfoxlike,bothutterlyrepugnanttosocialduty,butfraudthemoredetestable.

Everywrongdonebyonemantoanother,whetheritaffecthisperson,hisproperty,hishappiness,or
hisreputation,isanoffenseagainstthelawofjustice.ThefieldofthisDegreeisthereforeawideand
vastone;andMasonryseeksforthemostimpressivemodeofenforcingthelawofjustice,andthemost
effectualmeansofpreventingwrongandinjustice.

Tothisenditteachesthisgreatandmomentoustruth:thatwrongandinjusticeoncedonecannotbe
undone;butareeternalintheirconsequences;oncecommitted,arenumberedwiththeirrevocablePast;
thatthewrongthatisdonecontainsitsownretributivepenaltyassurelyandasnaturallyastheacorn
containstheoak.Itsconsequencesareitspunishment;itneedsnoother,andcanhavenoheavier;they
areinvolvedinitscommission,andcannotbeseparatedfromit.Awrongdonetoanotherisaninjury
donetoourownNature,anoffenceagainstourownsouls,adisfiguringoftheimageoftheBeautiful
andGood.Punishmentisnottheexecutionofasentence,buttheoccurrenceofaneffect.Itisordained
tofollowguilt,notbythedecreeofGodasajudge,butbyalawenactedbyHimastheCreatorand
LegislatoroftheUniverse.Itisnotanarbitraryandartificialannexation,butanordinaryandlogical
consequence;andthereforemustbebornebythewrongdoer,andthroughhimmayflowontoothers.
ItisthedecisionoftheinfinitejusticeofGod,intheformoflaw.

Therecanbenointerferencewith,orremittanceof,orprotectionfrom,thenaturaleffectsofour
wrongfulacts.Godwillnotinterposebetweenthecauseanditsconsequence;andinthatsensethere
canbenoforgivenessofsins.Theactwhichhasdebasedoursoulmayberepentedof,maybeturned
from;buttheinjuryisdone.Thedebasementmayberedeemedbyafterefforts,thestainobliteratedby
bittererstrugglesandseverersufferings;buttheeffortsandtheendurancewhichmighthaveraisedthe
soultotheloftiestheightsarenowexhaustedinmerelyregainingwhatithaslost.Theremustalwaysbe
awidedifferencebetweenhimwhoonlyceasestodoevil,andhimwhohasalwaysdonewell.

Hewillcertainlybeafarmorescrupulouswatcheroverhisconduct,andfarmorecarefulofhisdeeds,
whobelievesthatthosedeedswillinevitablybeartheirnaturalconsequences,exemptfromafter
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intervention,thanhewhobelievesthatpenitenceandpardonwillatanytimeunlinkthechainof
sequences.Surelyweshalldolesswrongandinjustice,iftheconvictionisfixedandembeddedinour
soulsthateverythingdoneisdoneirrevocably,thateventheOmnipotenceofGodcannotuncommita
deed,cannotmakethatundonewhichhasbeendone;thateveryactofoursmustbearitsallottedfruit,
accordingtotheeverlastinglaws,mustremainforeverineffaceablyinscribedonthetabletsof
UniversalNature.

Ifyouhavewrongedanother,youmaygrieve,repent,andresolutelydetermineagainstanysuch
weaknessinfuture.Youmay,sofarasitispossible,makereparation.Itiswell.Theinjuredpartymay
forgiveyou,accordingtothemeaningofhumanlanguage;butthedeedisdone;andallthepowersof
Nature,weretheytoconspireinyourbehalf,couldnotmakeitundone;theconsequencestothebody,
theconsequencestothesoul,thoughnomanmayperceivethem,arethere,arewrittenintheannalsof
thePast,andmustreverberatethroughoutalltime.

Repentanceforawrongdone,bears,likeeveryotheract,itsownfruit,thefruitofpurifyingtheheart
andamendingtheFuture,butnotofeffacingthePast.Thecommissionofthewrongisanirrevocable
act;butitdoesnotincapacitatethesoultodorightforthefuture.Itsconsequencescannotbeexpunged;
butitscourseneednotbepursued.Wrongandevilperpetrated,thoughineffaceable,callfornodespair,
butforeffortsmoreenergeticthanbefore.Repentanceisstillasvalidasever;butitisvalidtosecure
theFuture,nottoobliteratethePast.

Eventhepulsationsoftheair,oncesetinmotionbythehumanvoice,ceasenottoexistwiththesounds
towhichtheygaverise.Theirquicklyattenuatedforcesoonbecomesinaudibletohumanears.Butthe
wavesofairthusraisedperambulatethesurfaceofearthandocean,andinlessthantwentyhours,
everyatomoftheatmospheretakesupthealteredmovementduetothatinfinitesimalportionof
primitivemotionwhichhasbeenconveyedtoitthroughcountlesschannels,andwhichmustcontinueto
influenceitspaththroughoutitsfutureexistence.Theairisonevastlibrary,onwhosepagesisforever
writtenallthatmanhaseversaidorevenwhispered.There,intheirmutable,butunerringcharacters,
mixedwiththeearliest,aswellasthelatestsignsofmortality,standforeverrecorded,vows
unredeemed,promisesunfulfilled;perpetuating,inthemovementsofeachparticle,allinunison,the
testimonyofman'schangefulwill.Godreadsthatbook,thoughwecannot.

Soearth,air,andoceanaretheeternalwitnessesoftheactsthatwehavedone.Nomotionimpressedby
naturalcausesorbyhumanagencyiseverobliterated.Thetrackofeverykeelwhichhaseverdisturbed
thesurfaceoftheoceanremainsforeverregisteredinthefuturemovementsofallsucceedingparticles
whichmayoccupyitsplace.EverycriminalisbythelawsoftheAlmightyirrevocablychainedtothe
testimonyofhiscrime;foreveryatomofhismortalframe,throughwhateverchangesitsparticlesmay
migrate,willstillretain,adheringtoitthrougheverycombination,somemovementderivedfromthat
verymusculareffortbywhichthecrimeitselfwasperpetrated.
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Whatifourfacultiesshouldbesoenhancedinafuturelifeastoenableustoperceiveandtracethe
ineffaceableconsequencesofouridlewordsandevildeeds,andrenderourremorseandgriefaseternal
asthoseconsequencesthemselves?Nomorefearfulpunishmenttoasuperiorintelligencecanbe
conceived,thantoseestillinaction,withtheconsciousnessthatitmustcontinueinactionforever,a
causeofwrongputinmotionbyitselfagesbefore.

Masonry,byitsteachings,endeavourstorestrainmenfromthecommissionofinjusticeandactsof
wrongandoutrage.Thoughitdoesnotendeavourtousurptheplaceofreligion,stillitscodeofmorals
proceedsuponotherprinciplesthanthemunicipallaw;anditcondemnsandpunishesoffenceswhich
neitherthatlawpunishesnorpublicopinioncondemns.IntheMasoniclaw,tocheatandoverreachin
trade,atthebar,inpolitics,aredeemednomorevenialthantheft;noradeliberateliethanperjury;nor
slanderthanrobbery;norseductionthanmurder.

Especiallyitcondemnsthosewrongsofwhichthedoerinducesanothertopartake.Hemayrepent;he
may,afteragonizingstruggles,regainthepathofvirtue;hisspiritmayreachieveitspuritythrough
muchanguish,aftermanystrifes;buttheweakerfellowcreaturewhomheledastray,whomhemadea
sharerinhisguilt,butwhomhecannotmakeasharerinhisrepentanceandamendment,whose
downwardcourse(thefirststepofwhichhetaught)hecannotcheck,butiscompelledtowitness,what
forgivenessofsinscanavailhimthere?Thereishisperpetual,hisinevitablepunishment,whichno
repentancecanalleviate,andnomercycanremit.

Letusbejust,also,injudgingofothermen'smotives.Weknowbutlittleoftherealmeritsordemerits
ofanyfellowcreature.Wecanrarelysaywithcertaintythatthismanismoreguiltythanthat,oreven
thatthismanisverygoodorverywicked.Oftenthebasestmenleavebehindthemexcellent
reputations.Thereisscarcelyoneofuswhohasnot,atsometimeinhislife,beenontheedgeofthe
commissionofacrime.Everyoneofuscanlookback,andshudderingseethetimewhenourfeetstood
upontheslipperycragsthatoverhungtheabyssofguilt;andwhen,iftemptationhadbeenalittlemore
urgent,oralittlelongercontinued,ifpenuryhadpressedusalittleharder,oralittlemorewinehad
furtherdisturbedourintellect,dethronedourjudgment,andarousedourpassions,ourfeetwouldhave
slipped,andweshouldhavefallen,nevertoriseagain.

Wemaybeabletosay"Thismanhaslied,haspilfered,hasforged,hasembezzledmoneysintrustedto
him;andthatmanhasgonethroughlifewithcleanhands."Butwecannotsaythattheformerhasnot
struggledlong,thoughunsuccessfully,againsttemptationsunderwhichthesecondwouldhave
succumbedwithoutaneffort.Wecansaywhichhasthecleanesthandsbeforeman;butnotwhichhas
thecleanestsoulbeforeGod.Wemaybeabletosay,thismanhascommittedadultery,andthatmanhas
beeneverchaste;butwecannottellbutthattheinnocenceofonemayhavebeenduetothecoldnessof
hisheart,totheabsenceofamotive,tothepresenceofafear,totheslightdegreeofthetemptation;nor
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butthatthefalloftheothermayhavebeenprecededbythemostvehementselfcontest,causedbythe
mostovermasteringfrenzy,andatonedforbythemosthallowingrepentance.Generosityaswellas
niggardlinessmaybeamereyieldingtonativetemperament;andintheeyeofHeaven,alonglifeof
beneficenceinonemanmayhavecostlesseffort,andmayindicatelessvirtueandlesssacrificeof
interest,thanafewrarehiddenactsofkindnesswrungbydutyoutofthereluctantandunsympathizing
natureoftheother.Theremaybemorerealmerit,moreselfsacrificingeffort,moreofthenoblest
elementsofmoralgrandeur,inalifeoffailure,sin,andshame,thaninacareer,tooureyes,ofstainless
integrity.

Whenwecondemnorpitythefallen,howdoweknowthat,temptedlikehim,weshouldnothavefallen
likehim,assoon,andperhapswithlessresistance?Howcanweknowwhatweshoulddoifwewere
outofemployment,faminecrouching,gaunt,andhungry,onourfirelesshearth,andourchildren
wailingforbread?Wefallnotbecausewearenotenoughtempted!Hethathathfallenmaybeatheart
ashonestaswe.Howdoweknowthatourdaughter,sister,wife,couldresisttheabandonment,the
desolation,thedistress,thetemptation,thatsacrificedthevirtueoftheirpoorabandonedsisterof
shame?Perhapstheyalsohavenotfallen,becausetheyhavenotbeensorelytempted!Wiselyarewe
directedtopraythatwemaynotbeexposedtotemptation.

Humanjusticemustbeeveruncertain.Howmanyjudicialmurdershavebeencommittedthrough
ignoranceofthephenomenaofinsanity!Howmanymenhungformurderwhowerenomoremurderers
atheartthanthejurythattriedandthejudgethatsentencedthem!Itmaywellbedoubtedwhetherthe
administrationofhumanlaws,ineverycountry,isnotonegiganticmassofinjusticeandwrong.God
seethnotasmanseeth;andthemostabandonedcriminal,blackasheisbeforetheworld,mayyethave
continuedtokeepsomelittlelightburninginacornerofhissoul,whichwouldlongsincehavegone
outinthatofthosewhowalkproudlyinthesunshineofimmaculatefame,iftheyhadbeentriedand
temptedlikethepooroutcast.

Wedonotknoweventheoutsidelifeofmen.Wearenotcompetenttopronounceevenontheirdeeds.
Wedonotknowhalftheactsofwickednessorvirtue,evenofourmostimmediatefellows.Wecannot
say,withcertainty,evenofournearestfriend,thathehasnotcommittedaparticularsin,andbrokena
particularcommandment.Leteachmanaskhisownheart!Ofhowmanyofourbestandofourworst
actsandqualitiesareourmostintimateassociatesutterlyunconscious!Howmanyvirtuesdoesnotthe
worldgiveuscreditfor,thatwedonotpossess;orvicescondemnusfor,ofwhichwearenottheslaves!
Itisbutasmallportionofourevildeedsandthoughtsthatevercomestolight;andofourfew
redeeminggoodnesses,thelargestportionisknowntoGodalone.

Weshall,therefore,bejustinjudgingofothermen,onlywhenwearecharitable;andweshouldassume
theprerogativeofjudgingothersonlywhenthedutyisforceduponus;sincewearesoalmostcertainto
err,andtheconsequencesoferroraresoserious.Nomanneedcovettheofficeofjudge;forin
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assumingitheassumesthegravestandmostoppressiveresponsibility.Yetyouhaveassumedit;weall
assumeit;formaniseverreadytojudge,andeverreadytocondemnhisneighbour,whileuponthe
samestateofcaseheacquitshimselfSee,therefore,thatyouexerciseyouroncecautiouslyand
charitably,lest,inpassingjudgmentuponthecriminal,youcommitagreaterwrongthanthatforwhich
youcondemnhim,andtheconsequencesofwhichmustbeeternal.

Thefaultsandcrimesandfolliesofothermenarenotunimportanttous;butformapartofourmoral
discipline.Warandbloodshedatadistance,andfraudswhichdonotaffectourpecuniaryinterest,yet
touchusinourfeelings,andconcernourmoralwelfare.Theyhavemuchtodowithallthoughtful
hearts.Thepubliceyemaylookunconcernedlyonthemiserablevictimofvice,andthatshattered
wreckofamanmaymovethemultitudetolaughterortoscorn.ButtotheMason,itistheformof
sacredhumanitythatisbeforehim;itisanerringfellowbeing;adesolate,forlorn,forsakensoul;and
histhoughts,enfoldingthepoorwretch,willbefardeeperthanthoseofindifference,ridicule,or
contempt.Allhumanoffences,thewholesystemofdishonesty,evasion,circumventing,forbidden
indulgence,andintriguingambition,inwhichmenarestrugglingwitheachother,willbelookedupon
byathoughtfulMason,notmerelyasasceneofmeantoilsandstrifes,butasthesolemnconflictsof
immortalminds,forendsvastandmomentousastheirownbeing.Itisasadandunworthystrife,and
maywellbeviewedwithindignation;butthatindignationmustmeltintopity.Forthestakesforwhich
thesegamestersplayarenotthosewhichtheyimagine,notthosewhichareinsight.Forexample,this
manplaysforapettyonce,andgainsit;buttherealstakehegainsissycophancy,uncharitableness,
slander,anddeceit.

Goodmenaretooproudoftheirgoodness.Theyarerespectable;dishonourcomesnotnearthem;their
countenancehasweightandinfluence;theirrobesareunstained;thepoisonousbreathofcalumnyas
neverbeenbreathedupontheirfairname.Howeasyitisforthemtolookdownwithscornuponthe
poordegradedoffender;topasshimbywithaloftystep;todrawupthefoldsoftheirgarmentaround
them,thattheymaynotbesoiledbyhistouch!YettheGreatMasterofVirtuedidnotso;but
descendedtofamiliarintercoursewithpublicansandsinners,withtheSamaritanwoman,withthe
outcastsandthePariahsoftheHebrewworld.

Manymenthinkthemselvesbetter,inproportionastheycandetectsininothers!Whentheygooverthe
catalogueoftheirneighbour'sunhappyderelictionsoftemperorconduct,theyoften,amidstmuch
apparentconcern,feelasecretexultation,thatdestroysalltheirownpretensionstowisdomand
moderation,andeventovirtue.Manyeventakeactualpleasureinthesinsofothers;andthisisthecase
witheveryonewhosethoughtsareoftenemployedinagreeablecomparisonsofhisownvirtueswith
hisneighbours'faults.

Thepowerofgentlenessistoolittleseenintheworld;thesubduinginfluencesofpity,themightof
love,thecontrolofmildnessoverpassion,thecommandingmajestyofthatperfectcharacterwhich
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minglesgravedispleasurewithgriefandpityfortheoffender.SoitisthataMasonshouldtreathis
brethrenwhogoastray.Notwithbitterness;noryetwithgoodnaturedeasiness,norwithworldly
indifference,norwiththephilosophiccoldness,norwithalaxityofconscience,thataccounts
everythingwell,thatpassesunderthesealofpublicopinion;butwithcharity,withpityingloving
kindness.

Thehumanheartwillnotbowwillinglytowhatisinfirmandwronginhumannature.Ifityieldstous,
itmustyieldtowhatisdivineinus.Thewickednessofmyneighbourcannotsubmittomywickedness;
hissensuality,forinstance,tomyangeragainsthisvices.Myfaultsarenottheinstrumentsthatareto
arresthisfaults.Andthereforeimpatientreformers,anddenouncingpreachers,andhastyreprovers,and
angryparents,andirritablerelativesgenerallyfail,intheirseveraldepartments,toreclaimtheerring.

Amoraloffenceissickness,pain,loss,dishonour,intheimmortalpartofman.Itisguilt,andmisery
addedtoguilt.Itisitselfcalamity;andbringsuponitself,inaddition,thecalamityofGod's
disapproval,theabhorrenceofallvirtuousmen,andthesoul'sownabhorrence.Dealfaithfully,but
patientlyandtenderly,withthisevil!Itisnomatterforpettyprovocation,norforpersonalstrife,norfor
selfishirritation.

Speakkindlytoyourerringbrother!Godpitieshim:Christhasdiedforhim:Providencewaitsforhim:
Heaven'smercyyearnstowardhim;andHeaven'sspiritsarereadytowelcomehimbackwithjoy.Let
yourvoicebeinunisonwithallthosepowersthatGodisusingforhisrecovery!

Ifonedefraudsyou,andexultsatit,heisthemosttobepitiedofhumanbeings.Hehasdonehimselfa
fardeeperinjurythanhehasdoneyou.Itishe,andnotyou,whomGodregardswithmingled
displeasureandcompassion;andHisjudgmentshouldbeyourlaw.Amongallthebenedictionsofthe
HolyMountthereisnotoneforthisman;butforthemerciful,thepeacemakers,andthepersecuted
theyarepouredoutfreely.

Weareallmenoflikepassions,propensities,andexposures.Thereareelementsinusall,whichmight
havebeenperverted,throughthesuccessiveprocessesofmoraldeterioration,totheworstofcrimes.
Thewretchwhomtheexecrationofthethrongingcrowdpursuestothescaffold,isnotworsethanany
oneofthatmultitudemighthavebecomeundersimilarcircumstances.Heistobecondemnedindeed,
butalsodeeplytobepitied.

Itdoesnotbecomethefrailandsinfultobevindictivetowardeventheworstcriminals.Weowemuch
tothegoodProvidenceofGod,ordainingforusalotmorefavourabletovirtue.Weallhadthatwithin
us,thatmighthavebeenpushedtothesameexcess:Perhapsweshouldhavefallenashedid,withless
temptation.Perhapswehavedoneacts,that,inproportiontothetemptationorprovocation,wereless
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excusablethanhisgreatcrime.Silentpityandsorrowforthevictimshouldminglewithourdetestation
oftheguilt.Eventhepiratewhomurdersincoldbloodonthehighseas,issuchamanasyouorI
mighthavebeen.Orphanageinchildhood,orbaseanddissoluteandabandonedparents;anunfriended
youth;evilcompanions;ignoranceandwantofmoralcultivation;thetemptationsofsinfulpleasureor
grindingpoverty;familiaritywithvice;ascornedandblightedname;searedandcrushedaffections;
desperatefortunes;thesearestepsthatmighthaveledanyoneamongustounfurluponthehighseas
thebloodyflagofuniversaldefiance;towagewarwithourkind;tolivethelifeanddiethedeathofthe
recklessandremorselessfreebooter.Manyaffectingrelationshipsofhumanitypleadwithustopity
him.Hisheadoncerestedonamother'sbosom.Hewasoncetheobjectofsisterlyloveanddomestic
endearment.Perhapshishand,sinceoftenredwithblood,onceclaspedanotherlittlelovinghandatthe
altar.Pityhimthen;hisblightedhopesandhiscrushedheart!Itisproperthatfrailanderringcreatures
likeusshoulddoso;shouldfeelthecrime,butfeelitasweak,tempted,andrescuedcreaturesshould.It
maybethatwhenGodweighsmen'scrimes,Hewilltakeintoconsiderationthetemptationsandthe
adversecircumstancesthatledtothem,andtheopportunitiesformoralcultureoftheoffender;andit
maybethatourownoffenceswillweighheavierthanwethink,andthemurderer'slighterthan
accordingtoman'sjudgment.

Onallaccounts,therefore,letthetrueMasonneverforgetthesolemninjunction,necessarytobe
observedatalmosteverymomentofabusylife:'JUDGENOT,LESTYOUYOURSELVESBE
JUDGEDFORWHATSOEVERJUDGMENTYOUMEASUREUNTOOTHERS,THESAME
SHALLINTURNBEMEASUREDUNTOYOU.SuchisthelessontaughttheProvostandJudgeof
man.

VIII.INTENDANTOFTHEBUILDING.

INthisDegreeyouhavebeentaughttheimportantlesson,thatnoneareentitledtoadvanceinthe
AncientandAcceptedScottishRite,whohavenotbystudyandapplicationmadethemselvesfamiliar
withMasoniclearningandjurisprudence.TheDegreesofthisRitearenotforthosewhoarecontent
withthemereworkandceremonies,anddonotseektoexploretheminesofwisdomthatlieburied
beneaththesurface.YoustilladvancetowardtheLight,towardthatstar,blazinginthedistance,which
isanemblemoftheDivineTruth,givenbyGodtothefirstmen,andpreservedamidallthevicissitudes
ofagesinthetraditionsandteachingsofMasonry.Howfaryouwilladvance,dependsuponyourself
alone.Here,aseverywhereintheworld,DarknessstruggleswithLight,andcloudsandshadows
intervenebetweenyouandtheTruth.

WhenyoushallhavebecomeimbuedwiththemoralityofMasonry,withwhichyouyetare,andfor
sometimewillbeexclusivelyoccupied,whenyoushallhavelearnedtopracticeallthevirtueswhichit
inculcates;whentheybecomefamiliartoyouasyourHouseholdGods;thenwillyoubepreparedto
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receiveitsloftyphilosophicalinstruction,andtoscaletheheightsuponwhosesummitLightandTruth
sitenthroned.StepbystepmenmustadvancetowardPerfection;andeachMasonicDegreeismeantto
beoneofthosesteps.Eachisadevelopmentofaparticularduty;andinthepresentyouaretaught
charityandbenevolence;tobetoyourbrethrenanexampleofvirtue;tocorrectyourownfaults;andto
endeavourtocorrectthoseofyourbrethren.

Here,asinallthedegrees,youmeetwiththeemblemsandthenamesofDeity,thetrueknowledgeof
whosecharacterandattributesithaseverbeenachiefobjectofMasonrytoperpetuate.Toappreciate
Hisinfinitegreatnessandgoodness,torelyimplicitlyuponHisProvidence,torevereandvenerateHim
astheSupremeArchitect,Creator,andLegislatoroftheuniverse,isthefirstofMasonicduties.

TheBatteryofthisDegree,andthefivecircuitswhichyoumadearoundtheLodge,alludetothefive
pointsoffellowship,andareintendedtorecallthemvividlytoyourmind.Togouponabrother'serrand
ortohisrelief,evenbarefootanduponflintyground;torememberhiminyoursupplicationstothe
Deity;toclasphimtoyourheart,andprotecthimagainstmaliceandevilspeaking;toupholdhimwhen
abouttostumbleandfall;andtogivehimprudent,honest,andfriendlycounsel,aredutiesplainly
writtenuponthepagesofGod'sgreatcodeoflaw,andfirstamongtheordinancesofMasonry.

ThefirstsignoftheDegreeisexpressiveofthediffidenceandhumilitywithwhichweinquireintothe
natureandattributesoftheDeity;thesecond,oftheprofoundaweandreverencewithwhichwe
contemplateHisglories;andthethird,ofthesorrowwithwhichwereflectuponourinsufficient
observanceofourduties,andourimperfectcompliancewithHisstatutes.

Thedistinguishingpropertyofmanistosearchforandfollowaftertruth.Therefore,whenrelaxedfrom
ournecessarycaresandconcerns,wethencovettosee,tohear,andtolearnsomewhat;andweesteem
knowledgeofthings,eitherobscureorwonderful,tobetheindispensablemeansoflivinghappily.
Truth,Simplicity,andCandoraremostagreeabletothenatureofmankind.Whateverisvirtuous
consistseitherinSagacity,andtheperceptionofTruth;orinthepreservationofHumanSociety,by
givingtoeverymanhisdue,andobservingthefaithofcontracts;orinthegreatnessandfirmnessofan
elevatedandunsubduedmind;orinobservingorderandregularityinallourwordsandinallour
actions;inwhichconsistModerationandTemperance.

Masonryhasinalltimesreligiouslypreservedthatenlightenedfaithfromwhichflowsublime
Devotedness,thesentimentofFraternityfruitfulofgoodworks,thespiritofindulgenceandpeace,of
sweethopesandeffectualconsolations;andinflexibilityintheaccomplishmentofthemostpainfuland
arduousduties.Ithasalwayspropagateditwithardorandperseverance;andthereforeitlaboursatthe
presentdaymorezealouslythanever.ScarcelyaMasonicdiscourseispronounced,thatdoesnot
demonstratethenecessityandadvantagesofthisfaith,andespeciallyrecallthetwoconstitutive
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principlesofreligion,thatmakeallreligion,loveofGod,andloveofneighbour.Masonscarrythese
principlesintothebosomsoftheirfamiliesandofsociety.WhiletheSectariansofformertimes
enfeebledthereligiousspirit,Masonry,formingonegreatPeopleoverthewholeglobe,andmarching
underthegreatbannerofCharityandBenevolence,preservesthatreligiousfeeling,strengthensit,
extendsitinitspurityandsimplicity,asithasalwaysexistedinthedepthsofthehumanheart,asit
existedevenunderthedominionofthemostancientformsofworship,butwheregrossanddebasing
superstitionsforbadeitsrecognition.

AMasonicLodgeshouldresembleabeehive,inwhichallthemembersworktogetherwithardorfor
thecommongood.Masonryisnotmadeforcoldsoulsandnarrowminds,thatdonotcomprehendits
loftymissionandsublimeapostolate.Heretheanathemaagainstlukewarmsoulsapplies.Tocomfort
misfortunestopopularizeknowledge,toteachwhateveristrueandpureinreligionandphilosophy,to
accustommentorespectorderandtheproprietiesoflife,topointoutthewaytogenuinehappiness,to
prepareforthatfortunateperiod,whenallthefactionsoftheHumanFamily,unitedbythebondsof
TolerationandFraternity,shallbebutonehousehold,thesearelaboursthatmaywellexcitezealand
evenenthusiasm.

Wedonotnowenlargeuponorelaboratetheseideas.Webututterthemtoyoubriefly,ashints,upon
whichyoumayatyourleisurereflect.Hereafter,ifyoucontinuetoadvance,theywillbeunfolded,
explained,anddeveloped.

Masonryuttersnoimpracticableandextravagantprecepts,certain,becausetheyareso,tobe
disregarded.Itasksofitsinitiatesnothingthatitisnotpossibleandeveneasyforthemtoperform.Its
teachingsareeminentlypractical;anditsstatutescanbeobeyedbyeveryjust,upright,andhonestman,
nomatterwhathisfaithorcreed.Itsobjectistoattainthegreatestpracticalgood,withoutseekingto
makemenperfect.Itdoesnotmeddlewiththedomainofreligion,norinquireintothemysteriesof
regeneration.ItteachesthosetruthsthatarewrittenbythefingerofGodupontheheartofman,those
viewsofdutywhichhavebeenbroughtoutbythemeditationsofthestudious,confirmedbythe
allegianceofthegoodandwise,andstampedassterlingbytheresponsetheyfindineveryuncorrupted
mind.Itdoesnotdogmatize,norvainlyimaginedogmaticcertaintytobeattainable.

Masonrydoesnotoccupyitselfwithcryingdownthisworld,withitssplendidbeauty,itsthrilling
interests,itsgloriousworks,itsnobleandholyaffections;norexhortustodetachourheartsfromthis
earthlylife,asempty,fleeting,andunworthy,andfixthemuponHeaven,astheonlyspheredeserving
theloveofthelovingorthemeditationofthewise.Itteachesthatmanhashighdutiestoperform,and
ahighdestinytofulfill,onthisearth;thatthisworldisnotmerelytheportaltoanother;andthatthis
life,thoughnotouronlyone,isanintegralone,andtheparticularonewithwhichweareheremeantto
beconcerned;thatthePresentisoursceneofaction,andtheFutureforspeculationandfortrust;that
manwassentupontheearthtoliveinit,toenjoyit,tostudyit,toloveit,toembellishit,tomakethe
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mostofit.Itishiscountry,onwhichheshouldlavishhisaffectionsandhisefforts.Itisherehis
influencesaretooperate.Itishishouse,andnotatent;hishome,andnotmerelyaschool.Heissent
intothisworld,nottobeconstantlyhankeringafter,dreamingof,preparingforanother;buttodohis
dutyandfulfillhisdestinyonthisearth;todoallthatliesinhispowertoimproveit,torenderitascene
ofelevatedhappinesstohimself,tothosearoundhim,tothosewhoaretocomeafterhim.Hislifehere
ispartofhisimmortality;andthisworld,also,isamongthestars.

Andthus,Masonryteachesus,willmanbestprepareforthatFuturewhichhehopesfor.TheUnseen
cannotholdahigherplaceinouraffectionsthantheSeenandtheFamiliar.Thelawofourbeingis
LoveofLife,anditsinterestsandadornments;loveoftheworldinwhichourlotiscast,engrossment
withtheinterestsandaffectionsofearth.Notaloworsensuallove,notloveofwealth,offame,ofease,
ofpower,ofsplendour.Notlowworldliness;buttheloveofEarthasthegardenonwhichtheCreator
haslavishedsuchmiraclesofbeauty;asthehabitationofhumanity,thearenaofitsconflicts,thescene
ofitsillimitableprogress,thedwellingplaceofthewise,thegood,theactive,theloving,andthedear;
theplaceofopportunityforthedevelopmentbymeansofsinandsufferingandsorrow,ofthenoblest
passionstheloftiestvirtues,andthetenderestsympathies.

Theytakeveryunprofitablepains,whoendeavourtopersuadementhattheyareobligedwhollyto
despisethisworld,andallthatisinit,evenwhilsttheythemselveslivehere.Godhathnottakenallthat
painsinformingandframingandfurnishingandadorningtheworld,thattheywhoweremadebyHim
toliveinitshoulddespiseit.Itwillbeenough,iftheydonotloveittooimmoderately.Itisuselessto
attempttoextinguishallthoseaffectionsandpassionswhichareandalwayswillbeinseparablefrom
humannature.Aslongasheworldlasts,andhonourandvirtueandindustryhavereputationinthe
world,therewillbeambitionandemulationandappetiteinthebestandmostaccomplishedmeninit;
andiftherewerenot,morebarbarityandviceandwickednesswouldcovereverynationoftheworld,
thanitnowsuffersunder.

Thoseonlywhofeeladeepinterestin,andaffectionfor,thisworld,willworkresolutelyforits
amelioration.Thosewhoundervaluethisrife,naturallybecomequerulousanddiscontented,andlose
theirinterestinthewelfareoftheirfellows.Toservethem,andsotodoourdutyasMasons,wemust
feelthattheobjectisworththeexertion;andbecontentwiththisworldinwhichGodhasplacedus,
untilHepermitsustoremovetoabetterone.Heisherewithus,anddoesnotdeemthisanunworthy
world.

Itaseriousthingtodefameandbelieawholeworld;tospeakofitastheabodeofapoor,toiling,
drudging,ignorant,contemptiblerace.Youwouldnotsodiscredityourfamily,yourfriendlycircle,your
village,yourcity,yourcountry.Theworldisnotawretchedandaworthlessone;norisitamisfortune,
butathingtobethankfulfor,tobeaman.Iflifeisworthless,soalsoisimmortality.
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Insocietyitself,inthatlivingmechanismofhumanrelationshipsthatspreadsitselfovertheworld,
thereisafineressencewithin,thatastrulymovesit,asanypower,heavyorexpansive,movesthe
soundingmanufactoryortheswiftflyingcar.Themanmachinehurriestoandfroupontheearth,
stretchesoutitshandsoneveryside,totoil,tobarter,tounnumberedlaboursandenterprises;and
almostalwaysthemotive,thatwhichmovesit,issomethingthattakesholdofthecomforts,affections,
andhopesofsocialexistence.True,themechanismoftenworkswithdifficulty,dragsheavily,grates
andscreamswithharshcollision.True,theessenceoffinermotive,becomingintermixedwithbaser
andcoarseringredients,oftenclogs,obstructs,jars,andderangesthefreeandnobleactionofsocial
life.Butheisneithergratefulnorwise,wholookscynicallyonallthis,andlosesthefinesenseof
socialgoodinitsperversions.ThatIcanbeafriend,thatIcanhaveafriend,thoughitwerebutonein
theworld;thatfact,thatwondrousgoodfortune,wemaysetagainstallthesufferingsofoursocial
nature.Thatthereissuchaplaceonearthasahome,thatresortandsanctuaryofinwalledand
shieldedjoy,wemaysetagainstallthesurroundingdesolationsoflife.Thatonecanbeatrue,social
man,canspeakhistruethoughts,amidstalltheTanglingsofcontroversyandthewarringofopinions;
thatfactfromwithin,outweighsallfactsfromwithout.

Inthevisibleaspectandactionofsociety,oftenrepulsiveandannoying,weareapttolosethedue
senseofitsinvisibleblessings.AsinNatureitisnotthecoarseandpalpable,notsoilsandrains,nor
evenfieldsandflowers,thataresobeautiful,astheinvisiblespiritofwisdomandbeautythatpervades
it;soinsociety,itistheinvisible,andthereforeunobserved,thatismostbeautiful.

Whatnervesthearmoftoil?Ifmanmindedhimselfalone,hewouldflingdownthespadeandaxe,and
rushtothedesert;orroamthroughtheworldasawilderness,andmakethatworldadesert.Hishome,
whichheseesnot,perhaps,butonceortwiceinaday,istheinvisiblebondoftheworld.Itisthegood,
strong,andnoblefaiththatmenhaveineachother,whichgivestheloftiestcharactertobusiness,trade,
andcommerce.Fraudoccursintherushofbusiness;butitistheexception.Honestyistherule;andall
thefraudsintheworldcannottearthegreatbondofhumanconfidence.Iftheycould,commercewould
furlitssailsoneverysea,andallthecitiesoftheworldwouldcrumbleintoruins.Thebarecharacterof
amanontheothersideoftheworld,whomyouneversaw,whomyouneverwillsee,youholdgoodfor
abondofthousands.Themoststrikingfeatureofthepoliticalstateisnotgovernments,nor
constitutions,norlaws,norenactments,northejudicialpower,northepolice;buttheuniversalwillof
thepeopletobegovernedbythecommonweal.Takeoffthatrestraint,andnogovernmentonearth
couldstandforanhour.

OfthemanyteachingsofMasonry,oneofthemostvaluableis,thatweshouldnotdepreciatethislife.
Itdoesnothold,thatwhenwereflectonthedestinythatawaitsmanonearth,weoughttobedewhis
cradlewithourtears;but,liketheHebrews,ithailsthebirthofachildwithjoy,andholdsthathis
birthdayshouldbeafestival.
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Ithasnosympathywiththosewhoprofesstohaveprovedthislife,andfounditlittleworth;whohave
deliberatelymadeuptheirmindsthatitisfarmoremiserablethanhappy;becauseitsemploymentsare
tedious,andtheirschemesoftenbaffled,theirfriendshipsbroken,ortheirfriendsdead,itspleasures
palled,anditshonoursfaded,anditspathsbeaten,familiar,anddull.

MasonrydeemsitnomarkofgreatpietytowardGodtodisparage,ifnotdespise,thestatethatHehas
ordainedforus.Itdoesnotabsurdlysetuptheclaimsofanotherworld,notincomparisonmerely,but
incompetition,withtheclaimsofthis.Itlooksuponbothaspartsofonesystem.Itholdsthataman
maymakethebestofthisworldandofanotheratthesametime.Itdoesnotteachitsinitiatestothink
betterofotherworksanddispensationsofGod,bythinkingmeanlyofthese.Itdoesnotlookuponlife
assomuchtimelost;norregarditsemploymentsastriflesunworthyofimmortalbeings;nortellits
followerstofoldtheirarms,asifindisdainoftheirstateandspecies;butitlookssoberlyandcheerfully
upontheworld,asatheatreofworthyaction,ofexaltedusefulness,andofrationalandinnocent
enjoyment.

Itholdsthat,withallitsevils,lifeisablessing.Todenythatistodestroythebasisofallreligion,
naturalandrevealed.TheveryfoundationofallreligionislaidonthefirmbeliefthatGodisgood;and
ifthislifeisanevilandacurse,nosuchbeliefcanberationallyentertained.Toleveloursatireat
humanityandhumanexistence,asmeanandcontemptible;tolookonthisworldasthehabitationofa
miserablerace,fitonlyformockeryandscorn;toconsiderthisearthasadungeonoraprison,which
hasnoblessingtoofferbutescapefromit,istoextinguishtheprimallightoffaithandhopeand
happiness,todestroythebasisofreligion,andTruth'sfoundationinthegoodnessofGod.Ifitindeed
beso,thenitmattersnotwhatelseistrueornottrue;speculationisvainandfaithisvain;andallthat
belongstoman'shighestbeingisburiedintheruinsofmisanthropy,melancholy,anddespair.

Ourloveoflife;thetenacitywithwhich,insorrowandsuffering,weclingtoit;ourattachmenttoour
home,tothespotthatgaveusbirth,toanyplace,howeverrude,unsightly,orbarren,onwhichthe
historyofouryearshasbeenwritten,allshowhowdeararethetiesofkindredandsociety.Misery
makesagreaterimpressionuponusthanhappiness;becausetheformerisnotthehabitofourminds.It
isastrange,unusualguest,andwearemoreconsciousofitspresence.Happinessliveswithus,andwe
forgetit.Itdoesnotexciteus,nordisturbtheorderandcourseofourthoughts.Agreatagonyisan
epochinourlife.Werememberourafflictions,aswedothestormandearthquake,becausetheyareout
ofthecommoncourseofthings.Theyarelikedisastrousevents,recordedbecauseextraordinary;and
withwholeandunnoticedperiodsofprosperitybetween.Wemarkandsignalizethetimesofcalamity;
butmanyhappydaysandunnotedperiodsofenjoymentpass,thatareunrecordedeitherinthebookof
memory,orinthescantyannalsofourthanksgiving.Wearelittledisposedandlessabletocallupfrom
thedimremembrancesofourpastyears,thepeacefulmoments,theeasysensations,thebright
thoughts,thequietreveries,thethrongsofkindaffectionsinwhichlifeflowedon,bearingusalmost
unconsciouslyuponitsbosom,becauseitboreuscalmlyandgently.
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Lifeisnotonlygood;butithasbeengloriousintheexperienceofmillions.Thegloryofallhuman
virtueclothesit.Thesplendoursofdevotedness,beneficence,andheroismareuponit;thecrownofa
thousandmartyrdomsisuponitsbrow.Thebrightnessofthesoulshinesthroughthisvisibleand
sometimesdarkenedlife;throughallitssurroundingcaresandlabours.Thehumblestlifemayfeelits
connectionwithitsInfiniteSource.Thereissomethingmightyinthefrailinnerman;somethingof
immortalityinthismomentaryandtransientbeing.Themindstretchesaway,oneveryside,into
infinity.Itsthoughtsflashabroad,farintotheboundless,theimmeasurable,theinfinite;farintothe
great,dark,teemingfuture;andbecomepowersandinfluencesinotherages.Toknowitswonderful
Author,tobringdownwisdomfromtheEternalStars,tobearupwarditshomage,gratitude,andlove,
totheRulerofallworlds,tobeimmortalinourinfluencesprojectedfarintotheslowapproaching
Future,makeslifemostworthyandmostglorious.

LifeisthewonderfulcreationofGod.Itislight,sprungfromvoiddarkness;power,wakedfrom
inertnessandimpotence;beingcreatedfromnothing;andthecontrastmaywellenkindlewonderand
delight.Itisarillfromtheinfinite,overflowinggoodness;andfromthemomentwhenitfirstgushesup
intothelight,tothatwhenitmingleswiththeoceanofEternity,thatGoodnessattendsitandministers
toit.Itisagreatandgloriousgift.Thereisgladnessinitsinfantvoices;joyinthebuoyantstepofits
youth;deepsatisfactioninitsstrongmaturity;andpeaceinitsquietage.Thereisgoodforthegood;
virtueforthefaithful;andvictoryforthevaliant.Thereis,eveninthishumblelife,aninfinityforthose
whosedesiresareboundless.Thereareblessingsuponitsbirth;thereishopeinitsdeath;andeternity
initsprospect.Thusearth,whichbindsmanyinchains,istotheMasonboththestartingplaceandgoal
ofimmortality,Manyitburiesintherubbishofdullcaresandwearyingvanities;buttotheMasonitis
theloftymountofmeditation,whereHeaven,andInfinityandEternityarespreadbeforehimand
aroundhim.Totheloftyminded,thepure,andthevirtuous,thislifeisthebeginningofHeaven,anda
partofimmortality.

Godhathappointedoneremedyforalltheevilsintheworld;andthatisacontentedspirit.Wemaybe
reconciledtopovertyandalowfortune,ifwesuffercontentednessandequanimitytomakethe
proportions.Nomanispoorwhodothnotthinkhimselfso;butif,inafullfortune,withimpatiencehe
desiresmore,heproclaimshiswantsandhisbeggarlycondition.Thisvirtueofcontentednesswasthe
sumofalltheoldmoralphilosophy,andisofmostuniversaluseinthewholecourseofourlives,and
theonlyinstrumenttoeasetheburdensoftheworldandtheenmitiesofsadchances.Itisthegreat
reasonablenessofcomplyingwiththeDivineProvidence,whichgovernsalltheworld,andhathso
orderedusintheadministrationofHisgreatfamily.ItisfitthatGodshoulddispenseHisgiftsasHe
pleases;andifwemurmurhere,wemay,atthenextmelancholy,betroubledthatHedidnotmakeusto
beangelsorstars.

Weourselvesmakeourfortunesgoodorbad;andwhenGodletslooseaTyrantuponus,orasickness,
orscorn,oralessenedfortune,ifwefeartodie,orknownothowtobepatient,orareproud,or
covetous,thenthecalamitysitsheavyonus.Butifweknowhowtomanageanobleprinciple,andfear
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notdeathsomuchasadishonestaction,andthinkimpatienceaworseevilthanafever,andpridetobe
thegreatestdisgraceaswellasthegreatestfolly,andpovertyfarpreferabletothetormentsofavarice,
wemaystillbearanevenmindandsmileatthereversesoffortuneandtheillnatureofFate.

Ifthouhastlostthyland,donotalsolosethyconstancy;andifthoumustdiesoonerthanothers,or
thanthoudidstexpect,yetdonotdieimpatiently.Fornochanceiseviltohimwhoiscontent,andtoa
mannothingismiserableunlessitbeunreasonable.Nomancanmakeanothermantobehisslave,
unlessthatotherhathfirstenslavedhimselftolifeanddeath,topleasureorpain,tohopeorfear;
commandthesepassions,andyouarefreerthantheParthianKings.

Whenanenemyreproachesus,letuslookonhimasanimpartialrelatorofourfaults;forhewilltellus
truerthanourfondestfriendwill,andwemayforgivehisanger,whilstwemakeuseoftheplainnessof
hisdeclamation.Theox,whenheisweary,treadstruest;andiftherebenothingelseinabuse,butthat
itmakesustowalkwarily,andtreadsureforfearofourenemies,thatisbetterthantobeflatteredinto
prideandcarelessness.

Ifthoufallestfromthyemploymentinpublic,takesanctuaryinanhonestretirement,beingindifferent
tothygainabroad,orthysafetyathome.Whenthenorthwindblowshard,anditrainssadly,wedonot
sitdowninitandcry;butdefendourselvesagainstitwithawarmgarment,oragoodfireandadry
roof.Sowhenthestormofasadmischancebeatsuponourspirits,wemayturnitintosomethingthatis
good,ifweresolvetomakeitso;andwithequanimityandpatiencemayshelterourselvesfromits
inclementpitilesspelting.Ifitdevelopourpatience,andgiveoccasionforheroicendurance,ithath
doneusgoodenoughtorecompenseussufficientlyforallthetemporalaffliction;forsoawiseman
shalloverrulehisstars;andhaveagreaterinfluenceuponhisowncontent,thanalltheconstellations
andplanetsofthefirmament.

Comparenotthyconditionwiththefewabovethee,buttosecurethycontent,lookuponthose
thousandswithwhomthouwouldstnot,foranyinterest,changethyfortuneandcondition.Asoldier
mustnotthinkhimselfunprosperous,ifhebenotsuccessfulasAlexanderorWellington;noranyman
deemhimselfunfortunatethathehathnotthewealthofRothschild;butratherlettheformerrejoicethat
heisnotlessenedlikethemanygeneralswhowentdownhorseandmanbeforeNapoleon,andthelatter
thatheisnotthebeggarwho,bareheadedinthebleakwinterwindholdsouthistatteredhatforcharity.
Theremaybemanywhoarericherandmorefortunate;butmanythousandswhoareverymiserable,
comparedtothee.

AftertheworstassaultsofFortune,therewillbesomethinglefttous,amerrycountenance,acheerful
spirit,andagoodconscience,theProvidenceofGod,ourhopesofHeaven,ourcharityforthosewho
haveinjuredus;perhapsalovingwife,andmanyfriendstopity,andsometorelieveus;andlightand
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air,andallthebeautiesofNature;wecanread,discourse,andmeditate;andhavingstillthese
blessings,weshouldbemuchinlovewithsorrowandpeevishnesstolosethemall,andprefertosit
downonourlittlehandfulofthorns.

Enjoytheblessingsofthisday,ifGodsendsthem,andtheevilsofitbearpatientlyandcalmly;forthis
dayonlyisours:wearedeadtoyesterday,andwearenotyetborntothemorrow.Whenourfortunes
areviolentlychanged,ourspiritsareunchanged,iftheyalwaysstoodinthesuburbsandexpectationof
sorrowsandreverses.Theblessingsofimmunity,safeguard,liberty,andintegritydeservethe
thanksgivingofawholelife.Wearequitfromathousandcalamities,everyoneofwhich,ifitwere
uponus,wouldmakeusinsensibleofourpresentsorrow,andgladtoreceiveitinexchangeforthat
othergreateraffliction.

Measureyourdesiresbyyourfortuneandcondition,notyourfortunesbyyourdesires:begovernedby
yourneeds,notbyyourfancy;bynature,notbyevilcustomsandambitiousprinciples.Itisnoevilto
bepoor,buttobeviciousandimpatient.Isthatbeastbetter,thathathtwoorthreemountainstograze
on,thanthelittlebeethatfeedsondewormanna,andlivesuponwhatfallseverymorningfromthe
storehousesofHeaven,cloudsandProvidence?

Therearesomeinstancesoffortuneandafairconditionthatcannotstandwithsomeothers;butifyou
desirethis,youmustlosethat,andunlessyoubecontentwithone,youlosethecomfortofboth.Ifyou
covetlearning,youmusthaveleisureandaretiredlife;ifhonoursofStateandpoliticaldistinctions,you
mustbeeverabroadinpublic,andgetexperience,anddoallmen'sbusiness,andkeepallcompany,and
havenoleisureatall.Ifyouwillberich,youmustbefrugal;ifyouwillbepopular,youmustbe
bountiful;ifaphilosopher,youmustdespiseriches.IfyouwouldbefamousasEpaminondas,accept
alsohispoverty,foritaddedlustretohisperson,andenvytohisfortune,andhisvirtuewithoutitcould
nothavebeensoexcellent.Ifyouwouldhavethereputationofamartyr,youmustneedsaccepthis
persecution;ifofabenefactoroftheworld,theworld'sinjustice;iftrulygreat,youmustexpecttosee
themobpreferlessermentoyourself.

GodesteemsitoneofHisglories,thatHebringsgoodoutofevil;andthereforeitwerebutreasonwe
shouldtrustHimtogovernHisownworldasHepleases;andthatweshouldpatientlywaituntilthe
changecometh,orthereasonisdiscovered.

AMason'scontentednessmustbynomeansbeamerecontentedselfishness,likehiswho,comfortable
himself,isindifferenttothediscomfortofothers.Therewillalwaysbeinthisworldwrongstoforgive,
sufferingtoalleviate,sorrowaskingforsympathy,necessitiesanddestitutiontorelieve,andample
occasionfortheexerciseofactivecharityandbeneficence.Andhewhositsunconcernedamidstitall,
perhapsenjoyinghisowncomfortsandluxuriesthemore,bycontrastingthemwiththehungryand
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raggeddestitutionandshiveringmiseryofhisfellows,isnotcontented,butselfishandunfeeling.

Itisthesaddestofallsightsuponthisearth,thatofamanlazyandluxurious,orhardandpenurious,to
whomwantappealsinvain,andsufferingcriesinanunknowntongue.Themanwhosehastyanger
hurrieshimintoviolenceandcrimeisnothalfsounworthytolive.Heisthefaithlesssteward,that
embezzleswhatGodhasgivenhimintrustfortheimpoverishedandsufferingamonghisbrethren.The
trueMasonmustbeandmusthavearighttobecontentwithhimself;andhecanbesoonlywhenhe
livesnotforhimselfalone,butforothersalso,whoneedhisassistanceandhaveaclaimuponhis
sympathy.

"Charityisthegreatchannel,"ithasbeenwellsaid,"throughwhichGodpassesallHismercyupon
mankind.Forwereceiveabsolutionofoursinsinproportiontoourforgivingourbrother.Thisisthe
ruleofourhopesandthemeasureofourdesireinthisworld;andonthedayofdeathandjudgment,the
greatsentenceuponmankindshallbetransactedaccordingtoouralms,whichistheotherpartof
charity.Godhimselfislove;andverydegreeofcharitythatdwellsinusistheparticipationofthe
divinenature."

TheseprinciplesMasonryreducestopractice.Bythemitexpectsyoutobehereafterguidedand
governed.Itespeciallyinculcatesthemuponhimwhoemploysthelabourofothers,forbiddinghimto
dischargethem,whentowantemploymentistostarve;ortocontractforthelabourofmanorwomanat
solowapricethatbyoverexertiontheymustsellhimtheirbloodandlifeatthesametimewiththe
labouroftheirhands.

TheseDegreesarealsointendedtoteachmorethanmorals.ThesymbolsandceremoniesofMasonry
havemorethanonemeaning.TheyratherconcealthandisclosetheTruth.Theyhintitonly,atleast;
andtheirvariedmeaningsareonlytobediscoveredbyreflectionandstudy.Truthisnotonly
symbolizedbyLight,butastherayoflightisseparableintoraysofdifferentcolours,soistruth
separableintokinds.ItistheprovinceofMasonrytoteachalltruthsnotmoraltruthalone,but
politicalandphilosophical,andevenreligioustruth,sofarasconcernsthegreatandessentialprinciples
ofeach.Thesphynxwasasymbol.Towhomhasitdiscloseditsinmostmeaning?Whoknowsthe
symbolicmeaningofthepyramids?

Youwillhereafterlearnwhoarethechieffoesofhumanlibertysymbolizedbytheassassinsofthe
MasterKhurum;andintheirfateyoumayseeforeshadowedthatwhichweearnestlyhopewill
hereafterovertakethoseenemiesofhumanity,againstwhomMasonryhasstruggledsolong.
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IX.ELECTOFTHENINE
[EluoftheNine]

ORIGINALLYcreatedtorewardfidelity,obedience,anddevotion,thisDegreewasconsecratedto
bravery,devotedness,andpatriotism;andyourobligationhasmadeknowntoyouthedutieswhichyou
haveassumed.Theyaresummedupinthesimplemandate,"Protecttheoppressedagainstthe
oppressor;anddevoteyourselftothehonourandinterestsofyourCountry."

Masonryisnot"speculative,"northeoretical,butexperimental;notsentimental,butpractical.It
requiresselfrenunciationandselfcontrol.Itwearsasternfacetowardmen'svices,andinterfereswith
manyofourpursuitsandourfanciedpleasures.Itpenetratesbeyondtheregionofvaguesentiment;
beyondtheregionswheremoralizersandphilosophershavewoventheirfinetheoriesandelaborated
theirbeautifulmaxims,totheverydepthsoftheheart,rebukingourlittlenessesandmeannesses,
arraigningourprejudicesandpassions,andwarringagainstthearmiesofourvices.

Itwarsagainstthepassionsthatspringoutofthebosomofaworldoffinesentiments,aworldof
admirablesayingsandfoulpractices,ofgoodmaximsandbaddeeds;whosedarkerpassionsarenot
onlyrestrainedbycustomandceremony,buthiddenevenfromitselfbyaveilofbeautifulsentiments.
Thisterriblesolecismhasexistedinallages.Romishsentimentalismhasoftencoveredinfidelityand
vice;Protestantstraightnessoftenlaudsspiritualityandfaith,andneglectshomelytruth,candor,and
generosity;andultraliberalRationalisticrefinementsometimessoarstoheaveninitsdreams,and
wallowsinthemireofearthinitsdeeds.

TheremaybeaworldofMasonicsentiment;andyetaworldoflittleornoMasonry.Inmanyminds
thereisavagueandgeneralsentimentofMasoniccharity,generosity,anddisinterestedness,butno
practical,activevirtue,norhabitualkindness,selfsacrifice,orliberality.Masonryplaysaboutthemlike
thecoldthoughbrilliantlightsthatflushandeddyoverNorthernskies.Thereareoccasionalflashesof
generousandmanlyfeeling,transitorysplendours,andmomentarygleamsofjustandnoblethought,
andtransientcoruscations,thatlighttheHeavenoftheirimagination;butthereisnovitalwarmthinthe
heart;anditremainsascoldandsterileastheArcticorAntarcticregions.Theydonothing;theygain
novictoriesoverthemselves;theymakenoprogress;theyarestillintheNortheastcorneroftheLodge,
aswhentheyfirststoodthereasApprentices;andtheydonotcultivateMasonry,withacultivation,
determined,resolute,andregular,liketheircultivationoftheirestate,profession,orknowledge.Their
Masonrytakesitschanceingeneralandinefficientsentiment,mournfullybarrenofresults;inwords
andformulasandfineprofessions.

Mostmenhavesentiments,butnotprinciples.Theformeraretemporarysensations,thelatter
permanentandcontrollingimpressionsofgoodnessandvirtue.Theformeraregeneralandinvoluntary,
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anddonotrisetothecharacterofvirtue.Everyonefeelsthem.Theyflashupspontaneouslyinevery
heart.Thelatterarerulesofaction,andshapeandcontrolourconduct;anditisthesethatMasonry
insistsupon.

Weapprovetheright;butpursuethewrong.Itistheoldstoryofhumandeficiency.Nooneabetsor
praisesinjustice,fraud,oppression,covetousness,revenge,envyorslander;andyethowmanywho
condemnthesethings,arethemselvesguiltyofthem.Itisnorarethingforhimwhoseindignationis
kindledatataleofwickedinjustice,crueloppressionbaseslander,ormiseryinflictedbyunbridled
indulgence;whoseangerflamesinbehalfoftheinjuredandruinedvictimsofwrong;tobeinsome
relationunjust,oroppressive,orenvious,orselfindulgent,oracarelesstalkerofothers.How
wonderfullyindignantthepenuriousmanoftenis,attheavariceorwantofpublicspiritofanother!

AgreatPreacherwellsaid,"Thereforethouartinexcusable.OMan,whosoeverthouart,thatjudgest;
forwhereinthoujudgestanother,thoucondemnestthyself:forthouthatjudgest,doestthesamethings."
Itisamazingtoseehowmencantalkofvirtueandhonour,whoselifedeniesboth.Itiscurioustosee
withwhatamarvellousfacilitymanybadmenquoteScripture.Itseemstocomforttheirevil
consciences,tousegoodwords;andtoglozeoverbaddeedswithholytexts,wrestedtotheirpurpose.
Often,themoreamantalksaboutCharityandToleration,thelesshehasofeither;themorehetalks
aboutVirtue,thesmallerstockhehasofit.Themouthspeaksoutoftheabundanceoftheheart;but
oftentheveryreverseofwhatthemanpractises.Andtheviciousandsensualoftenexpress,andina
sensefeel,strongdisgustatviceandsensuality.Hypocrisyisnotsocommonasisimagined.

Here,intheLodge,virtueandvicearemattersofreflectionandfeelingonly.Thereislittleopportunity
here,forthepracticeofeither;andMasonsyieldtotheargumenthere,withfacilityandreadiness;
becausenothingistofollow.Itiseasy,andsafe,here,toofeeluponthesematters.Buttomorrow,when
theybreathetheatmosphereofworldlygainsandcompetitions,andthepassionsareagainstirredatthe
opportunitiesofunlawfulpleasure,alltheirfineemotionsaboutvirtue,alltheirgenerousabhorrenceof
selfishnessandsensuality,meltawaylikeamorningcloud.

Forthetime,theiremotionsandsentimentsaresincereandreal.Menmaybereally,inacertainway,
interestedinMasonry,whilefatallydeficientinvirtue.Itisnotalwayshypocrisy.Menpraymost
ferventlyandsincerely,andyetareconstantlyguiltyofactssobadandbase,soungenerousand
unrighteous,thatthecrimesthatcrowdthedocketsofourcourtsarescarcelyworse.

Amanmaybeagoodsortofmaningeneral,andyetaverybadmaninparticular:goodintheLodge
andbadintheworld;goodinpublic,andbadinhisfamily;goodathome,andbadonajourneyorina
strangecity.ManyamanearnestlydesirestobeagoodMason.Hesaysso,andissincere.Butifyou
requirehimtoresistacertainpassion,tosacrificeacertainindulgence,tocontrolhisappetiteata
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particularfeast,ortokeephistemperinadispute,youwillfindthathedoesnotwishtobeagood
Mason,inthatparticularcase;or,wishing,isnotabletoresisthisworstimpulses.

Thedutiesoflifearemorethanlife.Thelawimposethituponeverycitizen,thatheprefertheurgent
serviceofhiscountrybeforethesafetyofhislife.Ifamanbecommanded,saithagreatwriter,tobring
ordnanceormunitiontorelieveanyoftheKing'stownsthataredistressed,thenhecannotforany
dangeroftempestjustifythethrowingofthemoverboard;forthereitholdethwhichwasspokenbythe
Roman,whenthesamenecessityofweatherwasallegedtoholdhimfromembarking:"Necesseestut
eam,nonutvivam:"itneedsthatIgo:itisnotnecessaryIshouldlive.

Howungratefullyheslinksaway,whodies,anddoesnothingtoreflectaglorytoHeaven!Howbarren
atreeheis,wholives,andspreads,andcumberstheground,yetleavesnotoneseed,notonegoodwork
togenerateanotherafterhim!Allcannotleavealike;yetallmayleavesomething,answeringtheir
proportionsandtheirkinds.Thosearedeadandwitheredgrainsofcorn,outofwhichtherewillnotone
earspring.HewillhardlyfindthewaytoHeaven,whodesirestogothitheralone.

Industryisneverwhollyunfruitful.Ifitbringnotjoywiththeincomingprofit,itwillyetbanish
mischieffromthybusiedgates.ThereisakindofgoodangelwaitinguponDiligencethatevercarriesa
laurelinhishandtocrownher.Howunworthywasthatmanoftheworldwhoneverdidaught,butonly
livedanddied!Thatwehavelibertytodoanything,weshouldaccountitagiftfromthefavouring
Heavens;thatwehavemindssometimesincliningustousethatlibertywell,isagreatbountyofthe
Deity.

Masonryisaction,andnotinertness.ItrequiresitsInitiatestoWORK,activelyandearnestly,forthe
benefitoftheirbrethren,theircountry,andmankind.Itisthepatronoftheoppressed,asitisthe
comforterandconsoleroftheunfortunateandwretched.Itseemstoitaworthierhonourtobethe
instrumentofadvancementandreform,thantoenjoyallthatrankandofficeandloftytitlescanbestow.
Itistheadvocateofthecommonpeopleinthosethingswhichconcernthebestinterestsofmankind.It
hatesinsolentpowerandimpudentusurpation.Itpitiesthepoor,thesorrowing,thedisconsolate;it
endeavourstoraiseandimprovetheignorant,thesunken,andthedegraded.

Itsfidelitytoitsmissionwillbeaccuratelyevidenced,bytheextentoftheeffortsitemploys,andthe
meansitsetsonfoot,toimprovethepeopleatlargeandtobettertheircondition;chiefestofwhich,
withinitsreach,istoaidintheeducationofthechildrenofthepoor.Anintelligentpeople,informedof
itsrights,willsooncometoknowitspower,andcannotlongbeoppressed;butiftherebenotasound
andvirtuouspopulace,theelaborateornamentsatthetopofthepyramidofsocietywillbeawretched
compensationforthewantofsolidityatthebase.Itisneversafeforanationtoreposeonthelapof
ignorance:andifthereeverwasatimewhenpublictranquillitywasinsuredbytheabsenceof
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knowledge,thatseasonispast.Unthinkingstupiditycannotsleep,withoutbeingappalledbyphantoms
andshakenbyterrors.Theimprovementofthemassofthepeopleisthegrandsecurityforpopular
liberty;intheneglectofwhich,thepoliteness,refinement,andknowledgeaccumulatedinthehigher
ordersandwealthierclasseswillsomedayperishlikedrygrassinthehotfireofpopularfury.

ItisnotthemissionofMasonrytoengageinplotsandconspiraciesagainstthecivilgovernment.Itis
notthefanaticalpropagandistofanycreedortheory;nordoesitproclaimitselftheenemyofkings.Itis
theapostleofliberty,equality,andfraternity;butitisnomorethehighpriestofrepublicanismthanof
constitutionalmonarchy.Itcontractsnoentanglingallianceswithanysectoftheorists,dreamers,or
philosophers.ItdoesnotknowthoseasitsInitiateswhoassailthecivilorderandalllawfulauthority,at
thesametimethattheyproposetodeprivethedyingoftheconsolationsofreligion.Itsitsapartfrom
allsectsandcreeds,initsowncalmandsimpledignity,thesameundereverygovernment.Itisstillthat
whichitwasinthecradleofthehumanrace,whennohumanfoothadtroddenthesoilofAssyriaand
Egypt,andnocolonieshadcrossedtheHimalayasintoSouthernIndia,Media,orEtruria.

Itgivesnocountenancetoanarchyandlicentiousness;andnoillusionofglory,orextravagant
emulationoftheancientsinflamesitwithanunnaturalthirstforidealandUtopianliberty.Itteaches
thatinrectitudeoflifeandsobrietyofhabitsistheonlysureguaranteeforthecontinuanceofpolitical
freedom,anditischieflythesoldierofthesanctityofthelawsandtherightsofconscience.

Itrecognizesitasatruth,thatnecessity,aswellasabstractrightandidealjustice,musthaveitspartin
themakingoflaws,theadministrationofaffairs,andtheregulationofrelationsinsociety.Itsees,
indeed,thatnecessityrulesinalltheaffairsofman.Itknowsthatwhereanyman,oranynumberor
raceofmen,aresoimbecileofintellect,sodegraded,soincapableofselfcontrol,soinferiorinthe
scaleofhumanity,astobeunfittobeintrustedwiththehighestprerogativesofcitizenship,thegreat
lawofnecessity,forthepeaceandsafetyofthecommunityandcountry,requiresthemtoremainunder
thecontrolofthoseoflargerintellectandsuperiorwisdom.IttrustsandbelievesthatGodwill,inhis
owngoodtime,workouthisowngreatandwisepurposes;anditiswillingtowait,whereitdoesnot
seeitsownwaycleartosomecertaingood.

Ithopesandlongsforthedaywhenalltheracesofmen,eventhelowest,willbeelevated,andbecome
fittedforpoliticalfreedom;when,likeallotherevilsthatafflicttheearth,pauperism,andbondageor
abjectdependence,shallceaseanddisappear.Butitdoesnotpreachrevolutiontothosewhoarefondof
kings,norrebellionthatcanendonlyindisasteranddefeat,orinsubstitutingonetyrantforanother,or
amultitudeofdespotsforone.

Whereverapeopleisfittobefreeandtogovernitself,andgenerouslystrivestobeso,theregoallits
sympathies.Itdeteststhetyrant,thelawlessoppressor,themilitaryusurper,andhimwhoabusesa
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lawfulpower.Itfrownsuponcruelty,andawantondisregardoftherightsofhumanity.Itabhorsthe
selfishemployer,andexertsitsinfluencetolightentheburdenswhichwantanddependenceimpose
upontheworkman,andtofosterthathumanityandkindnesswhichmanowestoeventhepoorestand
mostunfortunatebrother.

Itcanneverbeemployed,inanycountryunderHeaven,toteachatolerationforcruelty,toweaken
moralhatredforguilt,ortodepraveandbrutalizethehumanmind.Thedreadofpunishmentwillnever
makeaMasonanaccompliceinsocorruptinghiscountrymen,andateacherofdepravityandbarbarity.
Ifanywhere,ashasheretoforehappened,atyrantshouldsendasatiristonhistyrannytobeconvicted
andpunishedasalibeller,inacourtofjustice,aMason,ifajurorinsuchacase,thoughinsightofthe
scaffoldstreamingwiththebloodoftheinnocent,andwithinhearingoftheclashofthebayonetsmeant
tooverawethecourt,wouldrescuetheintrepidsatiristfromthetyrant'sfangs,andsendhisofficersout
fromthecourtwithdefeatanddisgrace.

EvenifalllawandlibertyweretrampledunderthefeetofJacobinicaldemagoguesoramilitary
banditti,andgreatcrimeswereperpetratedwithahighhandagainstallwhoweredeservedlythe
objectsofpublicveneration;ifthepeople,overthrowinglaw,roaredlikeaseaaroundthecourtsof
justice,anddemandedthebloodofthosewho,duringthetemporaryfitofinsanityanddrunken
delirium,hadchancedtobecomeodioustoit,fortruewordsmanfullyspoken,orunpopularacts
bravelydone,theMasonicjuror,unawedalikebythesingleorthemanyheadedtyrant,wouldconsult
thedictatesofdutyalone,andstandwithanoblefirmnessbetweenthehumantigersandtheircoveted
prey.

TheMasonwouldmuchratherpasshislifehiddenintherecessesofthedeepestobscurity,feedinghis
mindevenwiththevisionsandimaginationsofgooddeedsandnobleactions,thantobeplacedonthe
mostsplendidthroneoftheuniverse,tantalizedwithadenialofthepracticeofallwhichcanmakethe
greatestsituationanyotherthanthegreatestcurse.Andifhehasbeenenabledtolendtheslighteststep
toanygreatandlaudabledesigns;ifhehashadanyshareinanymeasuregivingquiettoprivate
propertyandtoprivateconscience,makinglightertheyokeofpovertyanddependence,orrelieving
deservingmenfromoppression;ifhehasaidedinsecuringtohiscountrymenthatbestpossession,
peace;ifhehasjoinedinreconcilingthedifferentsectionsofhisowncountrytoeachother,andthe
peopletothegovernmentoftheirowncreating;andinteachingthecitizentolookforhisprotectionto
thelawsofhiscountry,andforhiscomforttothegoodwillofhiscountrymen;ifhehasthustakenhis
partwiththebestofmeninthebestoftheiractions,hemaywellshutthebook,evenifhemightwish
toreadapageortwomore.Itisenoughforhismeasure.Hehasnotlivedinvain.

Masonryteachesthatallpowerisdelegatedforthegood,andnotfortheinjuryofthePeople;andthat,
whenitispervertedfromtheoriginalpurpose,thecompactisbroken,andtherightoughttobe
resumed;thatresistancetopowerusurpedisnotmerelyadutywhichmanowestohimselfandtohis
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neighbour,butadutywhichheowestohisGod,inassertingandmaintainingtherankwhichHegave
himinthecreation.Thisprincipleneithertherudenessofignorancecanstiflenortheenervationof
refinementextinguish.Itmakesitbaseforamantosufferwhenheoughttoact;and,tendingto
preservetohimtheoriginaldestinationsofProvidence,spurnsatthearrogantassumptionsoftyrants
andvindicatestheindependentqualityoftheraceofwhichweareapart.

ThewiseandwellinformedMasonwillnotfailtobethevotaryofLibertyandJustice.Hewillbe
readytoexerthimselfintheirdefence,wherevertheyexist.Itcannotbeamatterofindifferencetohim
when,hisownlibertyandthatofothermen,withwhosemeritsandcapacitiesheisacquainted,are
involvedintheeventofthestruggletobemade;buthisattachmentwillbetothecause,asthecauseof
man;andnotmerelytothecountry.Whereverthereisapeoplethatunderstandsthevalueofpolitical
justice,andispreparedtoassertit,thatishiscountry;whereverhecanmostcontributetothediffusion
oftheseprinciplesandtherealhappinessofmankind,thatishiscountry.Nordoeshedesireforany
countryanyotherbenefitthanjustice.

ThetrueMasonidentifiesthehonourofhiscountrywithhisown.Nothingmoreconducestothe
beautyandgloryofone'scountrythanthepreservationagainstallenemiesofitscivilandreligious
liberty.Theworldwillneverwillinglyletdiethenamesofthosepatriotswhoinherdifferentageshave
receivedupontheirownbreaststheblowsaimedbyinsolentenemiesatthebosomoftheircountry.

Butalsoitconduces,andinnosmallmeasure,tothebeautyandgloryofone'scountry,thatjustice
shouldalwaysbeadministeredtheretoallalike,andneitherdenied,sold,nordelayedtoanyone;that
theinterestofthepoorshouldbelookedto,andnonestarveorbehouseless,orclamorinvainforwork;
thatthechildandthefeeblewomanshouldnotbeoverworked,oreventheapprenticeorslavebestinted
offoodorovertaskedormercilesslyscourged;andthatGod'sgreatlawsofmercy,humanity,and
compassionshouldbeeverywhereenforced,notonlybythestatutes,butalsobythepowerofpublic
opinion.Andhewholabours,oftenagainstreproachandobloquy,andofteneragainstindifferenceand
apathy,tobringaboutthatfortunateconditionofthingswhenthatgreatcodeofdivinelawshallbe
everywhereandpunctuallyobeyed,isnolessapatriotthanhewhobareshisbosomtothehostilesteel
intheranksofhiscountry'ssoldiery.

Forfortitudeisnotonlyseenresplendentonthefieldofbattleandamidtheclashofarms,buthe
displaysitsenergyundereverydifficultyandagainsteveryassailant.Hewhowarsagainstcruelty,
oppression,andhoaryabuses,fightsforhiscountry'shonour,whichthesethingssoil;andherhonouris
asimportantasherexistence.Often,indeed,thewarfareagainstthoseabuseswhichdisgraceone's
countryisquiteashazardousandmorediscouragingthanthatagainstherenemiesinthefield;and
meritsequal,ifnotgreaterreward.
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ForthoseGreeksandRomanswhoaretheobjectsofouradmirationemployedhardlyanyothervirtue
intheextirpationoftyrants,thanthatloveofliberty,whichmadethempromptinseizingthesword,
andgavethemstrengthtouseit.Withfacilitytheyaccomplishtheundertaking,amidthegeneralshout
ofpraiseandjoy;nordidtheyengageintheattemptsomuchasanenterpriseofperilousanddoubtful
issue,asacontestthemostgloriousinwhichvirtuecouldbesignalized;whichinfalliblyledtopresent
recompense;whichboundtheirbrowswithwreathsoflaurel,andconsignedtheirmemoriesto
immortalfame.

Buthewhoassailshoaryabuses,regardedperhapswithasuperstitiousreverence,andaroundwhichold
lawsstandasrampartsandbastionstodefendthem;whodenouncesactsofcrueltyandoutrageon
humanitywhichmakeeveryperpetratorthereofhispersonalenemy,andperhapsmakehimlooked
uponwithsuspicionbythepeopleamongwhomhelives,astheassailantofanestablishedorderof
thingsofwhichheassailsonlytheabuses,andoflawsofwhichheattacksonlytheviolations,hecan
scarcelylookforpresentrecompense,northathislivingbrowswillbewreathedwithlaurel.Andif,
contendingagainstadarkarrayoflongreceivedopinions,superstitions,obloquy,andfears,whichmost
mendreadmorethantheydoanarmyterriblewithbanners,theMasonovercomes,andemergesfrom
thecontestvictorious;orifhedoesnotconquer,butisbornedownandsweptawaybythemighty
currentofprejudice,passion,andinterest;ineithercase,theloftinessofspiritwhichhedisplaysmerits
forhimmorethanamediocrityoffame.

Hehasalreadylivedtoolongwhohassurvivedtheruinofhiscountry;andhewhocanenjoylifeafter
suchaneventdeservesnottohavelivedatall.Nordoesheanymoredeservetolivewholooks
contentedlyuponabusesthatdisgrace,andcrueltiesthatdishonour,andscenesofmiseryand
destitutionandbrutalizationthatdisfigurehiscountry;orsordidmeannessandignoblerevengesthat
makeherabywordandascoffamongallgenerousnations;anddoesnotendeavourtoremedyor
preventeither.

Notoftenisacountryatwar;norcaneveryonebeallowedtheprivilegeofofferinghishearttothe
enemy'sbullets.Butinthesepatrioticlaboursofpeace,inpreventing,remedying,andreformingevils,
oppressions,wrongs,cruelties,andoutrages,everyMasoncanunite;andeveryonecaneffect
something,andsharethehonourandgloryoftheresult.

Forthecardinalnamesinthehistoryofthehumanmindarefewandeasilytobecountedup;but
thousandsandtensofthousandsspendtheirdaysinthepreparationswhicharetospeedthepredestined
change,ingatheringandamassingthematerialswhicharetokindleandgivelightandwarmth,when
thefirefromheavenshallhavedescendedonthem.Numberlessarethesutlersandpioneers,the
engineersandartisans,whoattendthemarchofintellect.Manymoveforwardindetachments,andlevel
thewayoverwhichthechariotistopass,andcutdowntheobstaclesthatwouldimpedeitsprogress;
andthesetoohavetheirreward.Iftheylabourdiligentlyandfaithfullyintheircalling,notonlywill
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theyenjoythatcalmcontentmentwhichdiligenceinthelowliesttaskneverfailstowin;notonlywill
thesweatoftheirbrowsbesweet,andthesweeteneroftherestthatfollows;but,whenthevictoryisat
lastachieved,theywillcomeinforashareintheglory;evenasthemeanestsoldierwhofoughtat
MarathonoratKing'sMountainbecameasharerinthegloryofthosesavingdays;andwithinhisown
householdcircle,theapprobationofwhichapproachesthenearesttothatofanapprovingconscience,
waslookeduponastherepresentativeofallhisbrotherheroes;andcouldtellsuchtalesasmadethe
tearglistenonthecheekofhiswife,and]ituphisboy'.seyeswithanunwontedsparklingeagerness.
Or,ifhefellinthefight,andhisplacebythefiresideandatthetableathomewasthereaftervacant,
thatplacewassacred;andhewasoftentalkedofthereinthelongwinterevenings;andhisfamilywas
deemedfortunateintheneighbourhood,becauseithadhadaheroinit,whohadfallenindefenceofhis
country.

Rememberthatlife'slengthisnotmeasuredbyitshoursanddaysbutbythatwhichwehavedone
thereinforourcountryandkind.Auselesslifeisshort.ifitlastacentury;butthatofAlexanderwas
longasthelifeoftheoak,thoughhediedatthirtyfive.Wemaydomuchinafewyears,andwemay
nothinginalifetime.Ifwebuteatanddrinkandsleep,andeverythinggoonaroundusasitpleases;or
ifwelivebutamasswealthorgainofficeorweartitles,wemightaswellnothavelivedatall;norhave
weanyrighttoexpectimmortality.

Forgetnot,therefore,towhatyouhavedevotedyourselfinthisDegree:defendweaknessagainst
strength,thefriendlessagainstthegreat,theoppressedagainsttheoppressor!Beevervigilantand
watchfuloftheinterestsandhonourofyourcountry!andmaytheGrandArchitectoftheUniversegive
youthatstrengthandwisdomwhichshallenableyouwellandfaithfullytoperformthesehighduties!

X.ILLUSTRIOUSELECTOFTHEFIFTEEN
[EluoftheFifteen]

ThisdegreeisdevotedtothesameobjectsasthoseoftheEluofNine;andalsotothecauseof
TolerationandLiberalityagainstFanaticismandPersecution,politicalandreligious;andtothatof
Education,Instruction,andEnlightenmentagainstError,Barbarism,andIgnorance.Tothese
objectsyouhaveirrevocablyandforeverdevotedyourhand,yourheart,andyourintellect;and
wheneverinyourpresenceaChapterofthisDegreeisopened,youwillbemostsolemnlyremindedof
yourvowsheretakenatthealtar.

Toleration,holdingthateveryothermanhasthesamerighttohisopinionandfaiththatwehaveto
ours;andliberality,holdingthatasnohumanbeingcanwithcertaintysay,intheclashandconflictof
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hostilefaithsandcreeds,whatistruth,orthatheissurelyinpossessionofit,soeveryoneshouldfeel
thatitisquitepossiblethatanotherequallyhonestandsincerewithhimself,andyetholdingthe
contraryopinion,mayhimselfbeinpossessionofthetruth,andthatwhateveronefirmlyand
conscientiouslybelieves,istruth,tohimthesearethemortalenemiesofthatfanaticismwhich
persecutesforopinion'ssake,andinitiatescrusadesagainstwhateverit,initsimaginaryholiness,
deemstobecontrarytothelawofGodorverityofdogma.Andeducation,instruction,and
enlightenmentarethemostcertainmeansbywhichfanaticismandintolerancecanberendered
powerless.

NotrueMasonscoffsathonestconvictionsandanardentzealinthecauseofwhatonebelievestobe
truthandjustice.ButhedoesabsolutelydenytherightofanymantoassumetheprerogativeofDeity,
andcondemnanother'sfaithandopinionsasdeservingtobepunishedbecauseheretical.Nordoeshe
approvethecourseofthosewhoendangerthepeaceandquietofgreatnations,andthebestinterestof
theirownracebyindulginginachimericalandvisionaryphilanthropyaluxurywhichchieflyconsists
indrawingtheirrobesaroundthemtoavoidcontactwiththeirfellows,andproclaimingthemselves
holierthanthey.Forheknowsthatsuchfolliesareoftenmorecalamitousthantheambitionofkings;
andthatintoleranceandbigotryhavebeeninfinitelygreatercursestomankindthanignoranceand
error.Betteranyerrorthanpersecution!Betteranyopinionthanthethumbscrew,therack,andthe
stake!Andheknowsalsohowunspeakablyabsurditis,foracreaturetowhomhimselfandeverything
aroundhimaremysteries,totortureandslayothers,becausetheycannotthinkashedoesinregardto
theprofoundestofthosemysteries,tounderstandwhichisutterlybeyondthecomprehensionofeither
thepersecutororthepersecuted.

Masonryisnotareligion.Hewhomakesofitareligiousbelief,falsifiesanddenaturalizesit.The
Brahmin,theJew,theMahometan,theCatholic,theProtestant,eachprofessinghispeculiarreligion,
sanctionedbythelaws,bytime,andbyclimate,mustneedsretainit,andcannothavetworeligions;for
thesocialandsacredlawsadaptedtotheusages,manners,andprejudicesofparticularcountries,are
theworkofmen.ButMasonryteaches,andhaspreservedintheirpurity,thecardinaltenetsoftheold
primitivefaith,whichunderlieandarethefoundationofallreligions.Allthateverexistedhavehada
basisoftruth;andallhaveoverlaidthattruthwitherrors.TheprimitivetruthstaughtbytheRedeemer
weresoonercorrupted,andintermingledandalloyedwithfictionsthanwhentaughttothefirstofour
race.Masonryistheuniversalmoralitywhichissuitabletotheinhabitantsofeveryclime,totheman
ofeverycreed.Ithastaughtnodoctrines,exceptthosetruthsthattenddirectlytothewellbeingof
man;andthosewhohaveattemptedtodirectittowarduselessvengeance,politicalends,andJesuitism,
havemerelypervertedittopurposesforeigntoitspurespiritandrealnature.

Mankindoutgrowsthesacrificesandthemythologiesofthechildhoodoftheworld.Yetitiseasyfor
humanindolencetolingernearthesehelps,andrefusetopassfurtheron.SotheunadventurousNomad
intheTartarianwildkeepshisflockinthesameclosecroppedcirclewheretheyfirstlearnedto
browse,whiletheprogressivemanroveseverforth"tofreshfieldsandpasturesnew."Thelatteristhe
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trueMason;andthebestandindeedtheonlygoodMasonishewhowiththepowerofbusinessdoes
theworkoflife;theuprightmechanic,merchant,orfarmer,themanwiththepowerofthought,of
justice,oroflove,hewhosewholelifeisonegreatactofperformanceofMasonicduty.Thenatural
caseofthestrengthofastrongmanorthewisdomofawiseone,istodotheworkofastrongmanora
wiseone.

ThenaturalworkofMasonryispracticallife;theuseofallthefacultiesintheirproperspheres,andfor
theirnaturalfunction.LoveofTruth,justice,andgenerosityasattributesofGod,mustappearinalife
markedbythesequalities;thatistheonlyeffectualordinanceofMasonry.Aprofessionofone's
convictions,joiningtheOrder,assumingtheobligations,assistingattheceremonies,areofthesame
valueinscienceasinMasonry;thenaturalformofMasonryisgoodness,morality,livingatrue,just,
affectionate,selffaithfullife,fromthemotiveofagoodman.ItisloyalobediencetoGod'slaw.

ThegoodMasondoesthegoodthingwhichcomesinhisway,andbecauseitcomesinhisway;froma
loveofduty,andnotmerelybecausealaw,enactedbymanorGod,commandshiswilltodoit.Heis
truetohismind,hisconscience,heart,andsoul,andfeelssmalltemptationtodotootherswhathe
wouldnotwishtoreceivefromthem.Hewilldenyhimselfforthesakeofhisbrothernearathand.His
desireattractsinthelineofhisduty,bothbeinginconjunction.Notinvaindoesthepoororthe
oppressedlookuptohim.YoufindsuchmeninallChristiansects,ProtestantandCatholic,inallthe
greatreligiouspartiesofthecivilizedworld,amongBuddhists,Mahometans,andJews.Theyarekind
fathers,generouscitizens,unimpeachableintheirbusiness,beautifulintheirdailylives.Youseetheir
Masonryintheirworkandintheirplay.Itappearsinalltheformsoftheiractivity,individual,
domestic,social,ecclesiastical,orpolitical.TrueMasonrywithinmustbemoralitywithout.Itmustbe
comeeminentmorality,whichisphilanthropy.ThetrueMasonlovesnotonlyhiskindredandhis
country,butallmankind;notonlythegood,butalsotheevil,amonghisbrethren.Hehasmore
goodnessthanthechannelsofhisdailylifewillhold.Itrunsoverthebanks,towaterandtofeeda
thousandthirstyplants.Notcontentwiththedutythatliesalonghistrack,hegoesouttoseekit;not
onlywilling,hehasasalientlongingtodogood,tospreadhistruth,hisjustice,hisgenerosity,his
Masonryoveralltheworld.HisdailylifeisaprofessionofhisMasonry,publishedinperpetualgood
willtomen.Hecannotbeapersecutor.Notmorenaturallydoesthebeaverbuildorthemockingbird
singhisownwild,gushingmelody,thanthetrueMasonlivesinthisbeautifuloutwardlife.Sofromthe
perennialspringswellsforththestream,toquickenthemeadowwithnewaccessofgreen,andperfect
beautyburstingintobloom.ThusMasonrydoestheworkitwasmeanttodo.TheMasondoesnotsigh
andweep,andmakegrimaces.Helivesrighton.Ifhislifeis,aswhoseisnot,markedwitherrors,and
withsins,heploughsoverthebarrenspotwithhisremorse,sowswithnewseed,andtheolddesert
blossomslikearose.Heisnotconfinedtosetformsofthought,ofaction,oroffeeling.Heaccepts
whathismindregardsastrue,whathisconsciencedecidesisright,whathisheartdeemsgenerousand
noble;andallelseheputsfarfromhim.ThoughtheancientandthehonorableoftheEarthbidhim
bowdowntothem,hisstubbornkneesbendonlyatthebiddingofhismanlysoul.HisMasonryishis
freedombeforeGod,nothisbondageuntomen.Hismindactsaftertheuniversallawoftheintellect,
hisconscienceaccordingtotheuniversalmorallaw,hisaffectionsandhissoulaftertheuniversallaw
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ofeach,andsoheisstrongwiththestrengthofGod,inthisfourfoldwaycommunicatingwithHim.

Theoldtheologies,thephilosophiesofreligionofancienttimes,willnotsufficeusnow.Thedutiesof
lifearetobedone;wearetodothem,consciouslyobedienttothelawofGod,notatheistically,loving
onlyourselfishgain.Therearesinsoftradetobecorrected.Everywheremoralityandphilanthropyare
needed.Thereareerrorstobemadewaywith,andtheirplacesuppliedwithnewtruths,radiantwith
thegloriesofHeaven.

Therearegreatwrongsandevils,inChurchandState,indomestic,social,andpubliclife,toberighted
andoutgrown.Masonrycannotinourageforsakethebroadwayoflife.Shemustjourneyoninthe
openstreet,appearinthecrowdedsquare,andteachmenbyherdeeds,herlifemoreeloquentthanany
lips.

ThisDegreeischieflydevotedtoTOLERATION;anditinculcatesinthestrongestmannerthatgreat
leadingideaoftheAncientArt,thatabeliefintheoneTrueGod,andamoralandvirtuouslife,
constitutetheonlyreligiousrequisitesneededtoenableamantobeaMason.

Masonryhaseverthemostvividremembranceoftheterribleandartificialtormentsthatwereusedto
putdownnewformsofreligionorextinguishtheold.Itseeswiththeeyeofmemorytheruthless
exterminationofallthepeopleofallsexesandages,becauseitwastheirmisfortunenottoknowthe
GodoftheHebrews,ortoworshipHimunderthewrongname,bythesavagetroopsofMosesand
Joshua.Itseesthethumbscrewsandtheracks,thewhip,thegallows,andthestake,thevictimsof
DiocletianandAlva,themiserableCovenanters,theNonConformists,Servetusburned,andthe
unoffendingQuakerhung.ItseesCranmerholdhisarm,nownolongererring,intheflameuntilthe
handdropsoffintheconsumingheat.ItseesthepersecutionsofPeterandPaul,themartyrdomof
Stephen,thetrialsofIgnatius,Polycarp,Justin,andIren us;andtheninturnthesufferingsofthe
wretchedPagansundertheChristianEmperors,asofthePapistsinIrelandandunderElizabethandthe
bloatedHenry.TheRomanVirginnakedbeforethehungrylions;youngMargaretGrahamtiedtoa
stakeatlowwatermark,andtherelefttodrown,singinghymnstoGoduntilthesavagewatersbroke
overherhead;andallthatinallageshavesufferedbyhungerandnakedness,perilandprison,therack,
thestake,andthesword,itseesthemall,andshuddersatthelongrollofhumanatrocities.Anditsees
alsotheoppressionstillpractisedinthenameofreligionmenshotinaChristianjailinChristianItaly
forreadingtheChristianBible;inalmosteveryChristianState,lawsforbiddingfreedomofspeechon
mattersrelatingtoChristianity;andthegallowsreachingitsarmoverthepulpit.

ThefiresofMolochinSyria,theharshmutilationsinthenameofAstarte,Cybele,Jehovah;the
barbaritiesofimperialPaganTorturers;thestillgrossertormentswhichRomanGothicChristiansin
ItalyandSpainheapedontheirbrothermen;thefiendishcrueltiestowhichSwitzerland,France,the
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Netherlands,England,Scotland,Ireland,America,havebeenwitnesses,arenonetoopowerfultowarn
manoftheunspeakableevilswhichfollowfrommistakesanderrorsinthematterofreligion,and
especiallyfrominvestingtheGodofLovewiththecruelandvindictivepassionsoferringhumanity,
andmakingbloodtohaveasweetsavorinhisnostrils,andgroansofagonytobedelicioustohisears.

ManneverhadtherighttousurptheunexercisedprerogativeofGod,andcondemnandpunishanother
forhisbelief.BorninaProtestantland,weareofthatfaith.Ifwehadopenedoureyestothelight
undertheshadowsofSt.Peter'satRome,weshouldhavebeendevoutCatholics;bornintheJewish
quarterofAleppo,weshouldhavecontemnedChristasanimposter;inConstantinople,weshouldhave
cried"AllahilAllah,GodisgreatandMahometishisprophet!"Birth,place,andeducationgiveus
ourfaith.Fewbelieveinanyreligionbecausetheyhaveexaminedtheevidencesofitsauthenticity,and
madeupaformaljudgment,uponweighingthetestimony.Notonemanintenthousandknows
anythingabouttheproofsofhisfaith.Webelievewhatwearetaught;andthosearemostfanaticalwho
knowleastoftheevidencesonwhichtheircreedisbased.Factsandtestimonyarenot,exceptinvery
rareinstances,thegroundworkoffaith.ItisanimperativelawofGod'sEconomy,unyieldingand
inflexibleasHimself,thatmanshallacceptwithoutquestionthebeliefofthoseamongwhomheis
bornandreared;thefaithsomadeapartofhisnatureresistsallevidencetothecontrary;andhewill
disbelieveeventheevidenceofhisownsenses,ratherthanyieldupthereligiousbeliefwhichhas
grownupinhim,fleshofhisfleshandboneofhisbone.

Whatistruthtomeisnottruthtoanother.Thesameargumentsandevidencesthatconvinceonemind
makenoimpressiononanother.Thisdifferenceisinmenattheirbirth.Nomanisentitledpositivelyto
assertthatheisright,whereothermen,equallyintelligentandequallywellinformed,holddirectlythe
oppositeopinion.Eachthinksitimpossiblefortheother'tobesincere,andeach,astothat,isequallyin
error."Whatistruth?"wasaprofoundquestion,themostsuggestiveoneeverputtoman.

Manybeliefsofformerandpresenttimesseemincomprehensible.Theystartleuswithanewglimpse
intothehumansoul,thatmysteriousthingmoremysteriousthemorewenoteitsworkings.Hereisa
mansuperiortomyselfinintellectandlearning;andyethesincerelybelieveswhatseemstometoo
absurdtomeritconfutation;andIcannotconceive,andsincerelydonotbelieve,thatheisbothsaneand
honest.

Andyetheisboth.Hisreasonisasperfectasmine,andheisashonestasI.Thefanciesofalunaticare
realities,tohim.Ourdreamsarerealitieswhiletheylast;and,inthePast,nomoreunrealthanwhatwe
haveactedinourwakinghours.Nomancansaythathehathassurepossessionofthetruthasofa
chattel.Whenmenentertainopinionsdiametricallyopposedtoeachother,andeachishonest,who
shalldecidewhichhaththeTruth;andhowcaneithersaywithcertaintythathehathit?Weknownot
whatisthetruth.Thatweourselvesbelieveandfeelabsolutelycertainthatourownbeliefistrue,isin
realitynottheslightestproofofthefact,seemitneversocertainandincapableofdoubttous.Noman
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isresponsiblefortherightnessofhisfaith;butonlyfortheuprightnessofit.

Thereforenomanhathoreverhadarighttopersecuteanotherforhisbelief;fortherecannotbetwo
antagonisticrights;andifonecanpersecuteanother,becausehehimselfissatisfiedthatthebeliefof
thatotheriserroneous,theotherhas,forthesamereason,equallyascertain
arighttopersecutehim.

Thetruthcomestoustingedandcoloredwithourprejudicesandourpreconceptions,whichareasold
asourselves,andstrongwithadivineforce.Itcomestousastheimageofarodcomestousthrough
thewater,bentanddistorted.Anargumentsinksintoandconvincesthemindofoneman,whilefrom
thatofanotheritreboundslikeaballofivorydroppedonmarble.Itisnomeritinamantohavea
particularfaith,excellentandsoundandphilosophicasitmaybe,whenheimbibeditwithhismother's
milk.Itisnomoreameritthanhisprejudicesandhispassions.

ThesincereMoslemhasasmuchrighttopersecuteus,aswetopersecutehim;andthereforeMasonry
wiselyrequiresnomorethanabeliefinOneGreatAllPowerfulDeity,theFatherandPreserverofthe
Universe.Thereforeitissheteacheshervotariesthattolerationisoneofthechiefdutiesofeverygood
Mason,acomponentpartofthatcharitywithoutwhichwearemerehollowimagesoftrueMasons,
meresoundingbrassandtinklingcymbals.

Noevilhathsoafflictedtheworldasintoleranceofreligiousopinion.Thehumanbeingsithasslainin
variousways,ifonceandtogetherbroughttolife,wouldmakeanationofpeople;lefttoliveand
increase,wouldhavedoubledthepopulationofthecivilizedportionoftheglobe;amongwhich
civilizedportionitchieflyisthatreligiouswarsarewaged.

Thetreasureandthehumanlaborthuslostwouldhavemadetheearthagarden,inwhich,butforhis
evilpassions,manmightnowbeashappyasinEden.

NomantrulyobeystheMasoniclawwhomerelytoleratesthosewhosereligiousopinionsareopposed
tohisown.Everyman'sopinionsarehisownprivateproperty,andtherightsofallmentomaintain
eachhisownareperfectlyequal.Merelytotolerate,tobearwithanopposingopinion,istoassumeitto
beheretical;andasserttherighttopersecute,ifwewould;andclaimourtolerationofitasamerit.The
Mason'screedgoesfurtherthanthat.Noman,itholds,hasanyrightinanywayto,interferewiththe
religiousbeliefofanother.Itholdsthateachmat]isabsolutelysovereignastohisownbelief,andthat
beliefisamatterabsolutelyforeigntoallwhodonotentertainthesamebelief;andthat,iftherewere
anyrightofpersecutionatall,itwouldinallcasesbeamutualright;becauseonepartyhasthesame
rightastheothertositasjudgeinhisowncase;andGodistheonlymagistratethatcanrightfully
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decidebetweenthem.To1hatgreatjudge,Masonryrefersthematter;andopeningwideitsportals,it
invitestoenterthereandliveinpeaceandharmony,theProtestant,theCatholic,theJew,theMoslem;
everymanwhowillleadatrulyvirtuousandmorallife,lovehisbrethren,sinistertothesickand
distressed,andbelieveintheONE,AllPowerful,AllWise,everywherePresentGOD,Architect,
Creator,andPreserverofallthings,bywhoseuniversallawofHarmonyeverrollsonthisuniverse,the
great,vast,infinitecircleofsuccessiveDeathandLife:towhoseINEFFABLENAMEletalltrue
Masonspayprofoundesthomage!forwhosethousandblessingspoureduponus,letusfeelthesincerest
gratitude,now,henceforth,andforever!

Wemaywellbetolerantofeachother'screed;forineveryfaiththereareexcellentmoralprecepts.Far
intheSouthofAsia,Zoroastertaughtthisdoctrine:"Oncommencingajourney,theFaithfulshould
turnhisthoughtstowardOrmuzd,andconfesshim,inthepurityofhisheart,tobeKingoftheWorld;
heshouldlovehim,dohimhomage,andservehim.Hemustbeuprightandcharitable,despisethe
pleasuresofthebody,andavoidprideandhaughtiness,andviceinallitsforms,andespecially
'falsehood,oneofthebasestsinsofwhichmancanbeguilty.Hemustforgetinjuriesandnotavenge
himself.Hemusthonorthememoryofhisparentsandrelatives.Atnight,beforeretiringtosleep,he
shouldrigorouslyexaminehisconscience,andrepentofthefaultswhichweaknessorillfortunehad
causedhimtocommit."HewasrequiredtoprayforstrengthtopersevereintheGood,andtoobtain
forgivenessforhiserrors.ItwashisdutytoconfesshisfaultstoaMagus,ortoalaymanrenownedfor
hisvirtues,ortotheSun.Fastingandmacerationwereprohibited;and,onthecontrary,itwashisduty
suitablytonourishthebodyandtomaintainitsvigor,thathissoulmightbestrongtoresisttheGenius
ofDarkness;thathemightmoreattentivelyreadtheDivineWord,andhavemorecouragetoperform
nobledeeds.

AndintheNorthofEuropetheDruidstaughtdevotiontofriends,indulgenceforreciprocalwrongs,
loveofdeservedpraise,prudence,humanity,hospitality,respectforoldage,disregardofthefuture,
temperance,contemptofdeath,andachivalrousdeferencetowoman.

ListentothesemaximsfromtheHavaMaal,orSublimeBookofOdin:"Ifthouhastafriend,visithim
often;thepathwillgrowoverwithgrass,andthetreessooncoverit,ifthoudostnotconstantlywalk
uponit.Heisafaithfulfriend,who,havingbuttwoloaves,giveshisfriendone.Beneverfirsttobreak
withthyfriend;sorrowwringstheheartofhimwhohasnoonesavehimselfwithwhomtotake
counsel.Thereisnovirtuousmanwhohasnotsomevice,nobadmanwhohasnotsomevirtue.Happy
hewhoobtainsthepraiseandgoodwillofmen;forallthatdependsonthewillofanotherishazardous
anduncertain.Richesflitawayinthetwinklingofaneye;theyarethemostinconstantoffriends;
flocksandherdsperish,parentsdie,friendsarenotimmortal,thouthyselfdiest;Iknowbutonething
thatdothnotdie,thejudgmentthatispasseduponthedead.Behumanetowardthosewhomthou
meetestontheroad.Iftheguestthatcomethtothyhouseisacold,givehimfire;themanwhohas
journeyedoverthemountainsneedsfoodanddrygarments.Mocknotattheaged;forwordsfullof
sensecomeoftenfromthewrinklesofage.Bemoderatelywise,andnotoverprudent.Letnooneseek
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toknowhisdestiny,ifhewouldsleeptranquilly.Thereisnomaladymorecruelthantobediscontented
withourlot.Thegluttoneatshisowndeath;andthewisemanlaughsatthefool'sgreediness.Nothing
ismoreinjurioustotheyoungthanexcessivedrinking;themoreonedrinksthemoreheloseshis
reason;thebirdofforgetfulnesssingsbeforethosewhointoxicatethemselves,andwilesawaytheir
souls.Mandevoidofsensebelieveshewilllivealwaysifheavoidswar;but,ifthelancessparehim,
oldagewillgivehimnoquarter.Betterlivewellthanlivelong.Whenamanlightsafireinhishouse,
deathcomesbeforeitgoesout."AndthussaidtheIndianbooks:"Honorthyfatherandmother.Never
forgetthebenefitsthouhastreceived.Learnwhilethouartyoung.Besubmissivetothelawsofthy
country.Seekthecompanyofvirtuousmen.SpeaknotofGodbutwithrespect.Liveongoodterms
withthyfellowcitizens.Remaininthyproperplace.Speakillofnoone.Mockatthebodilyinfirmities
ofnone.Pursuenotunrelentinglyaconqueredenemy.Strivetoacquireagoodreputation.Takecounsel
withwisemen.

Themoreonelearns,themoreheacquiresthefacultyoflearning,Knowledgeisthemostpermanent
wealth.Aswellbedumbasignorant.Thetrueuseofknowledgeistodistinguishgoodfromevil.Benot
asubjectofshametothyparents.Whatonelearnsinyouthenduresliketheengravinguponarock.He
iswisewhoknowshimself.Letthybooksbethybestfriends.Whenthouattainestanhundredyears,
ceasetolearn.Wisdomissolidlyplanted,evenontheshiftingocean.Deceivenoone,noteventhine
enemy.Wisdomisatreasurethateverywherecommandsitsvalue.Speakmildly,eventothepoor.Itis
sweetertoforgivethantotakevengeance.Gamingandquarrelsleadtomisery.Thereisnotruemerit
withoutthepracticeofvirtue.TohonorourmotheristhemostfittinghomagewecanpaytheDivinity.
Thereisnotranquilsleepwithoutaclearconscience.Hebadlyunderstandshisinterestwhobreakshis
word."

TwentyfourcenturiesagotheseweretheChineseEthics:"ThePhilosopher[Confucius]said,'SAN!my
doctrineissimple,andeasytobeunderstood.'THSENGTSEUreplied,'thatiscertain.'The
Philosopherhavinggoneout,thedisciplesaskedwhattheirmasterhadmeanttosay.THSENGTSEU
responded,'ThedoctrineofourMasterconsistssolelyinbeinguprightofheart,andlovingour
neighborasweloveourself."

Aboutacenturylater,theHebrewlawsaid,"Ifanymanhatehisneighborthenshallyedountohim,as
hehadthoughttodountohisbrother.Betterisaneighborthatisnear,thanabrotherafaroff.Thou
shaltlovethyneighborasthyself."

InthesamefifthcenturybeforeChrist,SOCRATEStheGreciansaid,"Thoushaltlovethyneighboras
thyself."Threegenerationsearlier,ZOROASTERhadsaidtothePersians:"Offerupthygrateful
prayerstotheLord,themostjustandpureOrmuzd,thesupremeandadorableGod,whothusdeclared
tohisProphetZerdusht:'Holditnotmeettodountootherswhatthouwouldstnotdesiredoneunto
thyself;dothatuntothepeople,which,whendonetothyself,isnotdisagreeableuntothee."'
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ThesamedoctrinehadbeenlongtaughtintheschoolsofBabylon,Alexandria,andJerusalem.APagan
declaredtothePhariseeHILLELthathewasreadytoembracetheJewishreligion,ifhecouldmake
knowntohiminafewwordsasummaryofthewholelawofMoses."Thatwhichthoulikestnotdone
tothyself,"saidHillel,"doitnotuntothyneighbor.

Thereinisallthelaw:therestisnothingbutthecommentaryuponit.""Nothingismorenatural,"said
CONFUCIUS,"nothingmoresimple,thantheprinciplesofthatmoralitywhichIendeavor,bysalutary
maxims,toinculcateinyou.Itishumanity;whichistosay,thatuniversalcharityamongallofour
species,withoutdistinction.Itisuprightness;thatis,thatrectitudeofspiritandofheart,whichmake;
oneseekfortruthineverything,anddesireit,withoutdeceivingone'sselforothers.Itis,finally,
sincerityorgoodfaith;whichistosay,thatfrankness,thatopennessofheart,temperedbyselfreliance,
whichexcludesallfeintsandalldisguising,asmuchinspeechasinaction."

Todiffuseusefulinformation,tofurtherintellectualrefinement,sureforerunnerofmoralimprovement,
tohastenthecomingofthegreatday,whenthedawnofgeneralknowledgeshalt,chaseawaythelazy,
lingeringmistsofignoranceanderror,evenfromthebaseofthegreatsocialpyramid,isindeedahigh
calling,inwhichthemostsplendidtalentsandconsummatevirtuemaywellpressonward,eagertobear
apart.FromtheMasonicranksoughttogoforththosewhosegeniusandnottheirancestryennoble
them,toopentoallranksthetempleofscience,andbytheirownexampletomakethehumblestmen
emuloustoclimbstepsnolongerinaccessible,andentertheunfoldedgatesburninginthesun.

Thehighestintellectualcultivationisperfectlycompatiblewiththedailycaresandtoilsofworking
men.AkeenrelishforthemostsublimetruthsofsciencebelongsaliketoeveryclassofMankind.And,
asphilosophywastaughtinthesacredgrovesofAthens,andunderthePortico,andintheoldTemples
ofEgyptandIndia,soinourLodgesoughtKnowledgetobedispensed,theSciencestaught,andthe
LecturesbecomeliketheteachingsofSocratesandPlato,ofAgassizandCousin.

Realknowledgeneverpermittedeitherturbulenceorunbelief;butitsprogressistheforerunnerof
liberalityandenlightenedtoleration.Whosodreadsthesemaywelltremble;forhemaybewellassured
thattheirdayisatlengthcome,andmustputtospeedyflighttheevilspiritsoftyrannyand
persecution,whichhauntedthelongnightnowgonedownthesky.

Anditistobehopedthatthetimewillsoonarrive,when,asmenwillnolongersufferthemselvestobe
ledblindfoldedinignorance,sowilltheynomoreyieldtothevileprincipleofjudgingandtreating
theirfellowcreatures,notaccordingtotheintrinsicmeritoftheiractions,butaccordingtothe
accidentalandinvoluntarycoincidenceoftheiropinions.
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Wheneverwecometotreatwithentirerespectthosewhoconscientiouslydifferfromourselves,the
onlypracticaleffectofadifferencewillbe,tomakeusenlightentheignoranceononesideortheother,
fromwhichitsprings,byinstructingthem,ifitbetheirs;ourselves,ifitbeourown;totheendthatthe
onlykindofunanimitymaybeproducedwhichisdesirableamongrationalbeings,theagreement
proceedingfromfullconvictionafterthefreestdiscussion.

TheEluofFifteenoughtthereforetotaketheleadofhisfellowcitizen,notinfrivolousamusements,
notinthedegradingpursuitsoftheambitiousvulgar;butinthetrulynobletaskofenlighteningthe
massofhiscountrymen,andofleavinghisownnameencircled,notwithbarbaricsplendor,orattached
tocourtlygewgaws,butillustratedbythehonorsmostworthyofourrationalnature;coupledwiththe
diffusionofknowledge,andgratefullypronouncedbyafew,atleast,whomhiswisebeneficencehas
rescuedfromignoranceandvice.Wesaytohim,inthewordsofthegreatRoman:"Meninnorespect
sonearlyapproachtotheDeity,aswhentheyconferbenefitsonmen.Toserveanddogoodtoasmany
aspossible,thereisnothinggreaterinyourfortunethanthatyoushouldbeable,andnothingfinerin
yournature,thanthatyoushouldbedesiroustodothis."Thisisthetruemarkfortheaimofeveryman
andMasonwhoeitherprizestheenjoymentofpurehappiness,orsetsarightvalueuponahighand
unsulliedrenown.Andifthebenefactorsofmankind,whentheyrestfromtheirnoblelabors,shallbe
permittedtoenjoyhereafter,asanappropriaterewardoftheirvirtue,theprivilegeoflookingdown
upontheblessingswithwhichtheirexertionsandcharities,andperhapstheirtoilsandsufferingshave
clothedthesceneoftheirformerexistence,itwillnot,inastateofexaltedpurityandwisdom,bethe
foundersofmightydynasties,theconquerorsofnewempires,theCsars,Alexanders,and
Tamerlanes;northemereKingsandCounsellors,PresidentsandSenators,whohavelivedfortheir
partychiefly,andfortheircountryonlyincidentally,oftensacrificingtotheirownaggrandizementor
thatoftheirfactionthegoodoftheirfellowcreatures;itwillnotbetheywhowillbegratifiedby
contemplatingthemonumentsoftheiringloriousfame;butthosewillenjoythatdelightandmarchin
thattriumph,whocantracetheremoteeffectsoftheirenlightenedbenevolenceintheimproved
conditionoftheirspecies,andexultinthereflection,thatthechangewhichtheyatlast,perhapsafter
manyyears,survey,witheyesthatageandsorrowcanmakedimnomore,ofKnowledgebecome
Power,VirtuesharingthatEmpire,Superstitiondethroned,andTyrannyexiled,is,ifevenonlyinsome
smallandveryslightdegree,yetstillinsomedegree,thefruit,preciousifcostly,andthoughlaterepaid
yetlongenduring,oftheirownselfdenialandstrenuousexertion,oftheirownmiteofcharityandaid
toeducationwiselybestowed,andofthehardshipsandhazardswhichtheyencounteredherebelow.

MasonryrequiresofitsInitiatesandvotariesnothingthatisimpracticable.Itdoesnotdemandthatthey
shouldundertaketoclimbtothoseloftyandsublimepeaksofatheoreticalandimaginaryunpractical
virtue,highandcoldandremoteastheeternalsnowsthatwraptheshouldersofChimborazo,andat
leastasinaccessibleasthey.Itasksthatalonetobedonewhichiseasytobedone.Itovertasksnoone's
strength,andasksnoonetogobeyondhismeansandcapacities.Itdoesnotexpectonewhosebusiness
orprofessionyieldshimlittlemorethanthewantsofhimselfandhisfamilyrequire,andwhosetimeis
necessarilyoccupiedbyhisdailyvocations,toabandonorneglectthebusinessbywhichheandhis
childrenlive,anddevotehimselfandhismeanstothediffusionofknowledgeamongmen.Itdoesnot
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expecthimtopublishbooksforthepeople,ortolecture,totheruinofhisprivateaffairs,ortofound
academiesandcolleges,builduplibraries,andentitlehimselftostatues.

Butitdoesrequireandexpecteverymanofustodosomething,withinandaccordingtohismeans;and
thereisnoMasonwhocannotdosomething,ifnotalone,thenbycombinationandassociation.

IfaLodgecannotaidinfoundingaschooloranacademyitcanstilldosomething.Itcaneducateone
boyorgirl,atleast,thechildofsomepoorordepartedbrother.Anditshouldneverbeforgotten,thatin
thepoorestunregardedchildthatseemsabandonedtoignoranceandvicemayslumberthevirtuesofa
Socrates,theintellectofaBaconoraBossuet,thegeniusofaShakespeare,thecapacitytobenefit
mankindofaWashington;andthatinrescuinghimfromthemireinwhichheisplunged,andgiving
himthemeansofeducationanddevelopment,theLodgethatdoesitmaybethedirectandimmediate
meansofconferringupontheworldasgreataboonasthatgivenitbyJohnFausttheboyofMentz;
mayperpetuatethelibertiesofacountryandchangethedestiniesofnations,andwriteanewchapterin
thehistoryoftheworld.

Forweneverknowtheimportanceoftheactwedo.ThedaughterofPharaohlittlethoughtwhatshe
wasdoingforthehumanrace,andthevastunimaginableconsequencesthatdependedonhercharitable
act,whenshedrewthelittlechildofaHebrewwomanfromamongtherushesthatgrewalongthebank
oftheNile,anddeterminedtorearitasifitwereherown.

Howoftenhasanactofcharity,costingthedoerlittle,giventotheworldagreatpainter,agreat
musician,agreatinventor!Howoftenhassuchanactdevelopedtheraggedboyintothebenefactorof
hisrace!Onwhatsmallandapparentlyunimportantcircumstanceshaveturnedandhinged,thefatesof
theworld'sgreatconquerors.Thereisnolawthatlimitsthereturnsthatshallbereapedfromasingle
gooddeed.Thewidow'smitemaynotonlybeasacceptabletoGod,butmayproduceasgreatresultsas
therichman'scostlyoffering.Thepoorestboy,helpedbybenevolence,maycometoleadarmies,to
controlsenates,todecideanpeaceandwar,todictatetocabinets;andhismagnificentthoughtsand
noblewordsmaybelawmanyyearshereaftertomillionsofmenyetunborn.

Buttheopportunitytoeffectagreatgooddoesnotoftenoccurtoanyone.Itisworsethanfollyforone
tolieidleandinert,andexpecttheaccidenttobefallhim,bywhichhisinfluencesshallliveforever.He
canexpectthattohappen,onlyinconsequenceofoneormanyorallofalongseriesofacts.

Hecanexpecttobenefittheworldonlyasmenattainotherresults;bycontinuance,bypersistence,bya
steadyanduniformhabitoflaboringfortheenlightenmentoftheworld,totheextentofhismeansand
capacity.
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Foritis,inallinstances,bysteadylabor,bygivingenoughofapplicationtoourwork,andhaving
enoughoftimeforthedoingofit,byregularpainstaking,andtheplyingofconstantassiduities,and
notbyanyprocessoflegerdemain,thatwesecurethestrengthandthestapleofrealexcellence.Itwas
thusthatDemosthenes,clauseafterclause,andsentenceaftersentence,elaboratedtotheuttermosthis
immortalorations.ItwasthusthatNewtonpioneeredhisway,bythestepsofanascendinggeometry,to
themechanismoftheHeavens,andLeVerrieraddedaplanettoourSolarSystem.

Itisamosterroneousopinionthatthosewhohaveleftthemoststupendousmonumentsofintellect
behindthem,werenotdifferentlyexercisedfromtherestofthespecies,butonlydifferentlygifted;that
theysignalizedthemselvesonlybytheirtalent,andhardlyeverbytheirindustry;foritisintruthtothe
moststrenuousapplicationofthosecommonplacefacultieswhicharediffusedamongall,thattheyare
indebtedfortheglorieswhichnowencircletheirremembranceandtheirname.

Wemustnotimagineittobeavulgarizingofgenius,thatitshouldbelightedupinanyotherwaythan
byadirectinspirationfromHeavennoroverlookthesteadfastnessofpurpose,thedevotiontosome
singlebutgreatobject,theunweariednessoflaborthatisgiven,notinconvulsiveandpreternatural
throes,butbylittleandlittleasthestrengthofthemindmaybearit;theaccumulationofmanysmall
efforts,insteadofafewgrandandgigantic,butperhapsirregularmovements,onthepartofenergies
thataremarvellous;bywhichformeralonethegreatresultsarebroughtoutthatwritetheirenduring
recordsonthefaceoftheearthandinthehistoryofnationsandofman.

Wemustnotoverlooktheseelements,towhichgeniusowesthebestandproudestofherachievements;
norimaginethatqualitiessogenerallypossessedaspatienceandpainstaking,andresoluteindustry,
havenoshareinupholdingadistinctionsoillustriousasthatofthebenefactorofhiskind.

Wemustnotforgetthatgreatresultsaremostordinarilyproducedbyanaggregateofmany
contributionsandexertions;asitistheinvisibleparticlesofvapor,eachseparateanddistinctfromthe
other,that,risingfromtheoceansandtheirbaysandgulfs,fromlakesandrivers,andwidemorasses
andoverflowedplains,floatawayasclouds,anddistillupontheearthindews,andfallinshowersand
rainandsnowsuponthebroadplainsandrudemountains,andmakethegreatnavigablestreamsthat
arethearteriesalongwhichflowsthelifebloodofacountry.

AndsoMasonrycandomuch,ifeachMasonbecontenttodohisshare,andiftheirunitedeffortsare
directedbywisecounselstoacommonpurpose."ItisforGodandforOmnipotencytodomighty
thingsinamoment;butbydegreestogrowtogreatnessisthecoursethatHehathleftforman."
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IfMasonrywillbutbetruetohermission,andMasonstotheirpromisesandobligationsif,re
enteringvigorouslyuponacareerofbeneficence,sheandtheywillbutpursueitearnestlyand
unfalteringly,rememberingthatourcontributionstothecauseofcharityandeducationthendeservethe
greatestcreditwhenitcostsussomething,thecurtailingofacomfortortherelinquishmentofaluxury,
tomakethemifwewillbutgiveaidtowhatwereonceMasonry'sgreatschemesforhuman
improvement,notfitfullyandspasmodically,butregularlyandincessantly,asthevaporsriseandthe
springsrun,andasthesunrisesandthestarscomeupintotheheavens,thenwemaybesurethatgreat
resultswillbeattainedandagreatworkdone.AndthenitwillmostsurelybeseenthatMasonryisnot
effeteorimpotent,nordegeneratednordroopingtoafataldecay.

XI.SUBLIMEELECTOFTHETWELVEorPRINCEAMETH
[EluoftheTwelve]

ThedutiesofaPrinceAmethare,tobeearnest,true,reliable,andsincere;toprotectthepeopleagainst
illegalimpositionsandexactions;tocontendfortheirpoliticalrights,andtosee,asfarashemayor
can,thatthosebeartheburdenswhoreapthebenefitsoftheGovernment.

Youaretobetrueuntoallmen.
Youaretobefrankandsincereinallthings.
Youaretobeearnestindoingwhateveritisyourdutytodo.

Andnomanmustrepentthathehasrelieduponyourresolve,yourprofession,oryourword.

ThegreatdistinguishingcharacteristicofaMasonissympathywithhiskind.Herecognizesinthe
humanraceonegreatfamily,allconnectedwithhimselfbythoseinvisiblelinks,andthatmightynet
workofcircumstance,forgedandwovenbyGod.

Feelingthatsympathy,itishisfirstMasonicdutytoservehisfellowman.

AthisfirstentranceintotheOrder,heceasestobeisolated,andbecomesoneofagreatbrotherhood,
assumingnowdutiestowardeveryMasonthatlives,aseveryMasonatthesamemomentassumesthem
towardhim.
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NorarethosedutiesonhispartconfinedtoMasonsalone.Heassumesmanyinregardtohiscountry,
andespeciallytowardthegreat,sufferingmassesofthecommonpeople;fortheytooarehisbrethren,
andGodhearsthem,inarticulateasthemoaningsoftheirmiseryare.Byallpropermeans,of
persuasionandinfluence,andotherwise,iftheoccasionandemergencyrequire,heisboundtodefend
themagainstoppression,andtyrannicalandillegalexactions.Helaborsequallytodefendandto
improvethepeople.Hedoesnotflatterthemtomisleadthem,norfawnuponthemtorulethem,nor
concealhisopinionstohumorthem,nortellthemthattheycannevererr,andthattheirvoiceisthe
voiceofGod.Heknowsthatthesafetyofeveryfreegovernment,anditscontinuanceandperpetuity
dependuponthevirtueandintelligenceofthecommonpeople;andthat,unlesstheirlibertyisofsucha
kindasarmscanneitherprocurenortakeaway;unlessitisthefruitofmanlycourage,ofjustice,
temperance,andgenerousvirtueunless,beingsuch,ithastakendeeprootinthemindsandheartsof
thepeopleatlarge,therewillnotlongbewantingthosewhowillsnatchfromthembytreacherywhat
theyhaveacquiredbyarmsorinstitutions.

Heknowsthatif,afterbeingreleasedfromthetoilsofwar,thepeopleneglecttheartsofpeace;iftheir
peaceandlibertybeastateofwarfare;ifwarbetheironlyvirtue,andthesummitoftheirpraise,they
willsoonfindpeacethemostadversetotheirinterests.Itwillbeonlyamoredistressingwar;andthat
whichtheyimaginedlibertywillbetheworstofslavery.For,unlessbythemeansofknowledgeand
morality,notfrothyandloquacious,butgenuine,unadulterated,andsincere,theyclearthehorizonof
themindfromthosemistsoferrorandpassionwhicharisefromignoranceandvice,theywillalways
havethosewhowillbendtheirneckstotheyokeasiftheywerebrutes;who,notwithstandingalltheir
triumphs,willputthemuptothehighestbidder,asiftheyweremerebootymadeinwar;andfindan
exuberantsourceofwealthandpower,inthepeople'signorance,prejudice,andpassions.

Thepeoplethatdoesnotsubjugatethepropensityofthewealthytoavarice,ambition,andsensuality,
expelluxuryfromthemandtheirfamilies,keepdownpauperism,diffuseknowledgeamongthepoor,
andlabortoraisetheabjectfromthemireofviceandlowindulgence,andtokeeptheindustriousfrom
starvinginsightofluxuriousfestivals,willfindthatithascherished,inthatavarice,ambition,
sensuality,selfishness,andluxuryoftheoneclass,andthatdegradation,misery,drunkenness,
ignorance,andbrutalizationoftheother,morestubbornandintractabledespotsathomethanitever
encounteredinthefield;andevenitsverybowelswillbecontinuallyteemingwiththeintolerable
progenyoftyrants.

Thesearethefirstenemiestobesubdued;thisconstitutesthecampaignofPeace;thesearetriumphs,
difficultindeed,butbloodless;andfarmorehonorablethanthosetrophieswhicharepurchasedonlyby
slaughterandrapine;andifnotvictorsinthisservice,itisinvaintohavebeenvictoriousoverthe
despoticenemyinthefield.

Forifanypeoplethinksthatitisagrander;amorebeneficial,orawiserpolicy,toinventsubtle
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expedientsbystampsandimposts,forincreasingtherevenueanddrainingthelifebloodofan
impoverishedpeople;tomultiplyitsnavalandmilitaryforce;torivalincrafttheambassadorsof
foreignstates;toplottheswallowingupofforeignterritory;tomakecraftytreatiesandalliances;to
ruleprostratestatesandabjectprovincesbyfearandforce;thantoadministerunpollutedjusticetothe
people,torelievetheconditionandraisetheestateofthetoilingmasses,redresstheinjuredandsuccor
thedistressedandconciliatethediscontented,andspeedilyrestoretoeveryonehisown;thenthat
peopleisinvolvedinacloudoferror,andwilltoolateperceive,whentheillusionofthesemighty
benefitshasvanished,thatinneglectingthese,whichitthoughtinferiorconsiderations,ithasonlybeen
precipitatingitsownruinanddespair.

Unfortunately,everyagepresentsitsownspecialproblem,mostdifficultandoftenimpossibletosolve;
andthatwhichthisageoffers,andforcesupontheconsiderationofallchinkingmen,isthishow,ina
populousandwealthycountry,blessedwithfreeinstitutionsandaconstitutionalgovernment,arethe
greatmassesofthemanuallaborclasstobeenabledtohavesteadyworkatfairwages,tobekeptfrom
starvation,andtheirchildrenfromviceanddebauchery,andtobefurnishedwiththatdegree,notof
merereadingandwriting,butofknowledge,thatshallfitthemintelligentlytodothedutiesand
exercisetheprivilegesoffreemen;eventobeintrustedwiththedangerousrightofsuffrage?

ForthoughwedonotknowwhyGod,beinginfinitelymercifulaswellaswise,hassoorderedit,it
seemstobeunquestionablyhislaw,thatevenincivilizedandChristiancountries,thelargemassofthe
populationshallbefortunate,if,duringtheirwholelife,frominfancytooldage,inhealthandsickness,
theyhaveenoughofthecommonestandcoarsestfoodtokeepthemselvesandtheirchildrenfromthe
continualgnawingofhungerenoughofthecommonestandcoarsestclothingtoprotectthemselves
andtheirlittleonesfromindecentexposureandthebittercold;andiftheyhaveovertheirheadsthe
rudestshelter.

AndHeseemstohaveenactedthislawwhichnohumancommunityhasyetfoundthemeansto
abrogatethatwhenacountrybecomespopulous,capitalshallconcentrateinthehandsofalimited
numberofpersons,andlaborbecomemoreandmoreatitsmercy,untilmeremanuallabor,thatofthe
weaverandironworker,andotherartisans,eventuallyceasestobeworthmorethanabaresubsistence,
andoften,ingreatcitiesandvastextentsofcountrynoteventhat,andgoesorcrawlsaboutinrags,
begging,andstarvingforwantofwork.

Whileeveryoxandhorsecanfindwork,andisworthbeingfed,itisnotalwayssowithman.Tobe
employed,tohaveachancetoworkatanythinglikefairwages,becomesthegreatengrossingobjectof
aman'slife.Thecapitalistcanlivewithoutemployingthelaborer,anddischargeshimwheneverthat
laborceasestobeprofitable.Atthemomentwhentheweatherismostinclement,provisionsdearest,
andrentshighest,heturnshimofftostarve.Ifthedaylaboreristakensick,hiswagesstop.Whenold,
hehasnopensiontoretireupon.Hischildrencannotbesenttoschool;forbeforetheirbonesare
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hardenedtheymustgettoworklesttheystarve.Theman,strongandablebodied,worksforashilling
ortwoaday,andthewomanshiveringoverherlittlepanofcoals,whenthemercurydropsfarbelow
zero,afterherhungrychildrenhavewailedthemselvestosleep,sewsbythedimlightofherlonely
candle,forabarepittance,sellingherlifetohimwhobargainedonlyfortheworkofherneedle.

Fathersandmothersslaytheirchildren,tohavetheburialfees,thatwiththepriceofonechild'slife
theymaycontinuelifeinthosethatsurvive.

Littlegirlswithbarefeetsweepthestreetcrossings,whenthewinterwindpinchesthem,andbeg
piteouslyforpenniesofthosewhowearwarmfurs.Childrengrowupinsqualidmiseryandbrutal
ignorance;wantcompelsvirginandwifetoprostitutethemselves;womenstarveandfreeze,andleanup
againstthewallsofworkhouses,likebundlesoffoulrags,allnightlong,andnightafternight,whenthe
coldrainfalls,andtherechancestobenoroomforthemwithin;andhundredsoffamiliesarecrowded
intoasinglebuilding,rifewithhorrorsandteemingwithfoulairandpestilence;wheremen,women
andchildrenhuddletogetherintheirfilth;allagesandallcolorssleepingindiscriminatelytogether;
while,inagreat,free,RepublicanState,inthefullvigorofitsyouthandstrength,onepersoninevery
seventeenisapauperreceivingcharity.

Howtodealwiththisapparentlyinevitableevilandmortaldiseaseisbyfarthemostimportantofall
socialproblems.Whatistobedonewithpauperismandoversupplyoflabor?Howisthelifeofany
countrytolast,whenbrutalityanddrunkensemibarbarismvote,andholdofficesintheirgift,andby
fitrepresentativesofthemselvescontrolagovernment?How,ifnotwisdomandauthority,but
turbulenceandlowvicearetoexalttosenatorshipsmiscreantsreekingwiththeodorsandpollutionof
thehell,theprizering,thebrothel,andthestockexchange,wheregamblingislegalizedandrascalityis
laudable?

Masonrywilldoallinitspower,bydirectexertionandcooperation,toimproveandinformaswellasto
protectthepeople;tobettertheirphysicalcondition,relievetheirmiseries,supplytheirwants,and
ministertotheirnecessities.LeteveryMasoninthisgoodworkdoallthatmaybeinhispower.

Foritistruenow,asitalwayswasandalwayswillbe,thattobefreeisthesamethingastobepious,to
bewise,tobetemperateandjust,tobefrugalandabstinent,andtobemagnanimousandbrave;andto
betheoppositeofalltheseisthesameastobeaslave.Anditusuallyhappens,bytheappointment,
and,asitwere,retributivejusticeoftheDeity,thatthatpeoplewhichcannotgovernthemselves,and
moderatetheirpassions,butcrouchundertheslaveryoftheirlustsandvices,aredelivereduptothe
swayofthosewhomtheyabhor,andmadetosubmittoaninvoluntaryservitude.

AnditisalsosanctionedbythedictatesofjusticeandbytheconstitutionofNature,thathewho,from
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theimbecilityorderangementofhisintellect,isincapableofgoverninghimself,should,likeaminor,
becommittedtothegovernmentofanother.

Aboveallthingsletusneverforgetthatmankindconstitutesonegreatbrotherhood;allbornto
encountersufferingandsorrow,andthereforeboundtosympathizewitheachother.

FornotowerofPridewaseveryethighenoughtoliftitspossessorabovethetrialsandfearsand
frailitiesofhumanity.Nohumanhandeverbuiltthewall,norevershall,thatwillkeepoutaffliction,
pain,andinfirmity.Sicknessandsorrow,troubleanddeath,aredispensationsthatleveleverything.
Theyknownone,highnorlow.Thechiefwantsoflife,thegreatandgravenecessitiesofthehuman
soul,giveexemptiontonone.Theymakeallpoor,allweak.Theyputsupplicationinthemouthofevery
humanbeing,astrulyasinthatofthemeanestbeggar.

Buttheprincipleofmiseryisnotanevilprinciple.Weerr,andtheconsequencesteachuswisdom.All
elements,allthelawsofthingsaroundus,ministertothisend;andthroughthepathsofpainfulerror
andmistake,itisthedesignofProvidencetoleadustotruthandhappiness.Iferringonlytaughtusto
err;ifmistakesconfirmedusinimprudence;ifthemiseriescausedbyviciousindulgencehadanatural
tendencytomakeusmoreabjectslavesofvice,thensufferingwouldbewhollyevil.But,onthe
contrary,alltendsandisdesignedtoproduceamendmentandimprovement.Sufferingisthediscipline
ofvirtue;ofthatwhichisinfinitelybetterthanhappiness,andyetembracesinitselfallessential
happiness.

Itnourishes,invigorates,andperfectsit.Virtueistheprizeoftheseverelycontestedraceandhard
foughtbattle;anditisworthallthefatigueandwoundsoftheconflict.Manshouldgoforthwitha
braveandstrongheart,tobattlewithcalamity.Heistomasterit,andnotletitbecomehismaster.Heis
nottoforsakethepostoftrialandofperil;buttostandfirmlyinhislot,untilthegreatwordof
Providenceshallbidhimfly,orbidhimsink.WithresolutionandcouragetheMasonistodothework
whichitisappointedforhimtodo,lookingthroughthedarkcloudofhumancalamity,totheendthat
riseshighandbrightbeforehim.Thelotofsorrowisgreatandsublime.Nonesufferforever,norfor
nought,norwithoutpurpose.ItistheordinanceofGod'swisdom,andofHisInfiniteLove,toprocure
forusinfinitehappinessandglory.

Virtueisthetruestliberty;norishefreewhostoopstopassions;norheinbondagewhoservesanoble
master.Examplesarethebestandmostlastinglectures;virtuethebestexample.Hethathathdone
gooddeedsandsetgoodprecedents,insincerity,ishappy.Timeshallnotoutlivehisworth.Helives
trulyafterdeath,whosegooddeedsarehispillarsofremembrance;andnodaybutaddssomegrainsto
hisheapofglory.
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Goodworksareseeds,thataftersowingreturnusacontinualharvest;andthememoryofnobleactions
ismoreenduringthanmonumentsofmarble.

Lifeisaschool.Theworldisneitherprisonnorpenitentiary,norapalaceofease,noranamphitheatre
forgamesandspectacles;butaplaceofinstruction,anddiscipline.Lifeisgivenformoralandspiritual
training;andtheentirecourseofthegreatschooloflifeisaneducationforvirtue,happiness,anda
futureexistence.TheperiodsofLifeareitsterms;allhumanconditions,itsforms;allhuman
employments,itslessons.Familiesaretheprimarydepartmentsofthismoraleducation;thevarious
circlesofsociety,itsadvancedstages;KingdomsandRepublics,itsuniversities.

RichesandPoverty,GayetiesandSorrows,MarriagesandFunerals,thetiesoflifeboundorbroken,fit
andfortunate,oruntowardandpainful,arealllessons.Eventsarenotblindlyandcarelesslyflung
together.

Providencedoesnotschooloneman,andscreenanotherfromthefierytrialofitslessons.Ithasneither
richfavoritesnorpoorvictims.Oneeventhappenethtoall.Oneendandonedesignconcernandurge
allmen.

Theprosperousmanhasbeenatschool.Perhapshehasthoughtthatitwasagreatthing,andheagreat
personage;buthehasbeenmerelyapupil.Hethought,perhaps,thathewasMaster,andhadnothingto
do,buttodirectandcommand;buttherewaseveraMasterabovehim,theMasterofLife.Helooksnot
atoursplendidstate,orourmanypretensions,norattheaidsandappliancesofourlearning;butatour
learningitself.Heputsthepoorandtherichuponthesameform;andknowsnodifferencebetween
them,buttheirprogress.

Iffromprosperitywehavelearnedmoderation,temperance,candor,modesty,gratitudetoGod,and
generositytoman,thenweareentitledtobehonoredandrewarded.Ifwehavelearnedselfishness,
selfindulgence,wrongdoing,andvice,toforgetandoverlookourlessfortunatebrother,andtoscoffat
theprovidenceofGod,thenweareunworthyanddishonored,thoughwehavebeennursedinaffluence,
ortakenourdegreesfromthelineageofanhundrednobledescents;astrulyso,intheeyeofHeaven,
andofallrightthinkingmen,asthoughwelay,victimsofbeggaryanddisease,inthehospital,bythe
hedge,oronthedunghill.Themostordinaryhumanequitylooksnotattheschool,butatthescholar;
andtheequityofHeavenwillnotlookbeneaththatmark.

Thepoormanalsoisatschool.Lethimtakecarethathelearn,ratherthancomplain.Lethimholdto
hisintegrity,hiscandor,andhiskindnessofheart.Lethimbewareofenvy,andofbondage,andkeep
hisselfrespect.Thebody'stoilisnothing.Lethimbewareofthemind'sdrudgeryanddegradation.
Whilehebettershisconditionifhecan,lethimbemoreanxioustobetterhissoul.Lethimbewilling,
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whilepoor,andevenifalwayspoor,tolearnpoverty'sgreatlessons,fortitude,cheerfulness,
contentment,andimplicitconfidenceinGod'sProvidence.

Withthese,andpatience,calmness,selfcommand,disinterestedness,andaffectionatekindness,the
humbledwellingmaybehallowed,andmademoredearandnoblethantheloftiestpalace.Lethim,
aboveallthings,seethathelosenothisindependence.Lethimnotcasthimself,acreaturepoorerthan
thepoor,anindolent,helpless,despisedbeggar,oftthekindnessofothers.Everymanshouldchooseto
haveGodforhisMaster,ratherthanman;andescapenotfromthisschool,eitherbydishonestyor
almstaking,lesthefallintothatstate,worsethandisgrace,wherehecanhavenorespectforhimself.

ThetiesofSocietyteachustoloveoneanother.Thatisamiserablesociety,wheretheabsenceof
affectionatekindnessissoughttobesuppliedbypunctiliousdecorum,gracefulurbanity,andpolished
insincerity;whereambition,jealousy,anddistrustrule,inplaceofsimplicity,confidence,andkindness.

So,too,thesocialstateteachesmodestyandgentleness;andfromneglect,andnoticeunworthily
bestowedonothers,andinjustice,andtheworld'sfailuretoappreciateus,welearnpatienceand
quietness,tobesuperiortosociety'sopinion,notcynicalandbitter,butgentle,candid,andaffectionate
still.

DeathisthegreatTeacher,stern,cold,inexorable,irresistible;whomthecollectedmightoftheworld
cannotstayorwardoff.Thebreath,thatpartingfromthelipsofKingorbeggar,scarcelystirsthe
hushedair,cannotbebought,orbroughtbackforamoment,withthewealthofEmpires.Whatalesson
isthis,teachingourfrailtyandfeebleness,andanInfinitePowerbeyondus!Itisafearfullesson,that
neverbecomesfamiliar.Itwalksthroughtheearthindreadmystery,andlaysithandsuponall.Itisa
universallesson,thatisreadeverywhereandbyallmen.

Itsmessagecomeseveryyearandeveryday.Thepastyearsarecrowdedwithitssadandsolemn
mementoes;anddeath'sfingertracesitshandwritinguponthewallsofeveryhumanhabitation.

ItteachesusDuty;toactourpartwell;tofulfilltheworkassignedus.Whenoneisdying,andafterhe
isdead,thereisbutonequestion:Hashelivedwell?Thereisnoevilindeathbutthatwhichlifemakes.
TherearehardlessonsintheschoolofGod'sProvidence;andyettheschooloflifeiscarefullyadjusted,
inallitsarrangementsandtasks,toman'spowersandpassions.Thereisnoextravaganceinits
teachings;norisanythingdonefor'thesakeofpresenteffect.Thewholecourseofhumanlifeisa
conflictwithdifficulties;and,ifrightlyconducted,aprogressinimprovement.Itisnevertoolatefor
mantolearn.Notpartonly,butthewhole,oflifeisaschool.Therenevercomesatime,evenamidstthe
decaysofage,whenitisfittolayasidetheeagernessofacquisition,orthecheerfulnessofendeavor.
Manwalks,allthroughthecourseoflife,inpatienceandstrife,andsometimesindarkness;for,from
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patienceistocomeperfection;fromstrife,triumphistoissue;fromthecloudofdarknessthelightning
istoflashthatshallopenthewaytoeternity.

LettheMasonbefaithfulintheschooloflife,andtoallitslessons!Lethimnotlearnnothing,norcare
notwhetherhelearnsornot.Letnottheyearspassoverhim,witnessesofonlyhisslothand
indifference;orseehimzealoustoacquireeverythingbutvirtue.Norlethimlaboronlyforhimself;nor
forgetthatthehumblestmanthatlivesishisbrother,andhathaclaimonhissympathiesandkind
offices;andthatbeneaththeroughgarmentswhichlaborwearsmaybeatheartsasnobleasthrobunder
thestarsofprinces.

God,whocountsbysouls,notstations,Lovesandpitiesyouandme;FortoHimallvaindistinctions
Areaspebblesonthesea.

NoraretheotherdutiesinculcatedinthisDegreeoflessimportance.

Truth,aMasonisearlytold,isaDivineattributeandthefoundationofeveryvirtue;andfrankness,
reliability,sincerity,straightforwardness,plaindealing,arebutdifferentmodesinwhichTruthdevelops
itself.Thedead,theabsent,theinnocent,andthosethattrusthim,noMasonwilldeceivewillingly.To
alltheseheowesanoblerjustice,inthattheyarethemostcertaintrialsofhumanEquity.Onlythemost
abandonedofmen,saidCicero,willdeceivehim,whowouldhaveremaineduninjuredifhehadnot
trusted.Allthenobledeedsthathavebeattheirmarchesthroughsucceedingageshaveproceededfrom
menoftruthandgenuinecourage.Themanwhoisalwaystrueisbothvirtuousandwise;andthus
possessesthegreatestguardsofsafety:forthelawhasnotpowertostrikethevirtuous;norcanfortune
subvertthewise.

ThebasesofMasonrybeingmoralityandvirtue,itisbystudyingoneandpractisingtheother,thatthe
conductofaMasonbecomesirreproachable.

ThegoodofHumanitybeingitsprincipalobject,disinterestednessisoneofthefirstvirtuesthatit
requiresofitsmembers;forthatisthesourceofjusticeandbeneficence.

Topitythemisfortunesofothers;tobehumble,butwithoutmeanness;tobeproud,butwithout
arrogance;toabjureeverysentimentofhatredandrevenge;toshowhimselfmagnanimousandliberal,
withoutostentationandwithoutprofusion;tobetheenemyofvice;topayhomagetowisdomand
virtue;torespectinnocence;tobeconstantandpatientinadversity,andmodestinprosperity;toavoid
everyirregularitythatstainsthesoulanddistempersthebodyitisbyfollowingthesepreceptsthata
Masonwillbecomeagoodcitizen,afaithfulhusband,atenderfather,anobedientson,andatrue
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brother;willhonorfriendship,andfulfillwithardorthedutieswhichvirtueandthesocialrelations
imposeuponhim.

ItisbecauseMasonryimposesuponusthesedutiesthatitisproperlyandsignificantlystyledwork;and
hewhoimaginesthathebecomesaMasonbymerelytakingthefirsttwoorthreeDegrees,andthathe
may,havingleisurelysteppeduponthatsmallelevation,thenceforwardworthilywearthehonorsof
Masonry,withoutlabororexertion,orselfdenialorsacrifice,andthatthereisnothingtobedonein
Masonry,isstrangelydeceived.

IsittruethatnothingremainstobedoneinMasonry?

DoesoneBrothernolongerproceedbylawagainstanotherBrotherofhisLodge,inregardtomatters
thatcouldbeeasilysettledwithintheMasonicfamilycircle?

Hastheduel,thathideousheritageofbarbarism,interdictedamongBrethrenbyourfundamentallaws,
anddenouncedbythemunicipalcode,yetdisappearedfromthesoilweinhabit?DoMasonsofhigh
rankreligiouslyrefrainfromit;ordotheynot,bowingtoacorruptpublicopinion,submittoits
arbitrament,despitethescandalwhichitoccasionstotheOrder,andinviolationofthefeeblerestraint
oftheiroath?

DoMasonsnolongerformuncharitableopinionsoftheirBrethren,enterharshjudgmentsagainstthem,
andjudgethemselvesbyoneruleandtheirBrethrenbyanother?

HasMasonryanywellregulatedsystemofcharity?Hasitdonethatwhichitshouldhavedoneforthe
causeofeducation?Whereareitsschools,itsacademies,itscolleges,itshospitals,andinfirmaries?

Arepoliticalcontroversiesnowconductedwithnoviolenceandbitterness?

DoMasonsrefrainfromdefaminganddenouncingtheirBrethrenwhodifferwiththeminreligiousor
politicalopinions?

Whatgrandsocialproblemsorusefulprojectsengageourattentionatourcommunications?Wherein
ourLodgesarelectureshabituallydeliveredfortherealinstructionoftheBrethren?Donotoursessions
passinthediscussionofminormattersofbusiness,thesettlementofpointsoforderandquestionsof
mereadministration,andtheadmissionandadvancementofCandidates,whomaftertheiradmission
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wetakenopainstoinstruct?

InwhatLodgeareourceremoniesexplainedandelucidated;corruptedastheyarebytime,untiltheir
truefeaturescanscarcelybedistinguished;andwherearethosegreatprimitivetruthsofrevelation
taught,whichMasonryhaspreservedtotheworld?

Wehavehighdignitiesandsoundingtitles.Dotheirpossessorsqualifythemselvestoenlightenthe
worldinrespecttotheaimsandobjectsofMasonry?DescendantsofthoseInitiateswhogoverned
empires,doesyourinfluenceenterintopracticallifeandoperateefficientlyinbehalfofwellregulated
andconstitutionalliberty?

Yourdebatesshouldbebutfriendlyconversations.Youneedconcord,union,andpeace.Whythendo
youretainamongyoumenwhoexciterivalriesandjealousies;whypermitgreatandviolent
controversyandambitiouspretensions'?Nowdoyourownwordsandactsagree?IfyourMasonryisa
nullity,howcanyouexerciseanyinfluenceonothers?Continuallyyoupraiseeachother,andutter
elaborateandhighwroughteulogiesupontheOrder.Everywhereyouassumethatyouarewhatyou
shouldbe,andnowheredoyoulookuponyourselvesasyouare.Isittruethatallouractionsareso
manyactsofhomagetovirtue?Exploretherecessesofyourhearts;letusexamineourselveswithan
impartialeye,andmakeanswertoourownquestioning!Canwebeartoourselvestheconsoling
testimonythatwealwaysrigidlyperformourduties;thatweevenhalfperformthem?

Letusawaywiththisodiousselfflattery!Letusbemen,ifwecannotbesages!ThelawsofMasonry,
aboveothersexcellent,cannotwhollychangemen'snatures.Theyenlightenthem,theypointoutthe
trueway;buttheycanleadtheminit,onlybyrepressingthefireoftheirpassions,andsubjugatingtheir
selfishness.Alas,theseconquer,andMasonryisforgotten!

Afterpraisingeachotherallourlives,therearealwaysexcellentBrethren,who,overourcoffins,
showerunlimitedeulogies.Everyoneofuswhodies,howeveruselesshislife,hasbeenamodelofall
thevirtues,averychildofthecelestiallight.InEgypt,amongouroldMasters,whereMasonrywas
morecultivatedthanvanity,noonecouldgainadmittancetothesacredasylumofthetombuntilhehad
passedunderthemostsolemnjudgment.Agravetribunalsatinjudgmentuponall,eventhekings.
Theysaidtothedead,"Whoeverthouart,giveaccounttothycountryofthyactions!Whathastthou
donewiththytimeandlife?Thelawinterrogatesthee,thycountryhearsthee,Truthsitsinjudgmenton
thee!"Princescametheretobejudged,escortedonlybytheirvirtuesandtheirvices.Apublicaccuser
recountedthehistoryofthedeadman'slife,andthrewtheblazeofthetorchoftruthonallhisactions.
Ifitwereadjudgedthathehadledanevillife,hismemorywascondemnedinthepresenceofthe
nation,andhisbodywasdeniedthehonorsofsepulture.WhatalessontheoldMasonrytaughttothe
sonsofthepeople!
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IsittruethatMasonryiseffete;thattheacacia,withered,affordsnoshade;thatMasonrynolonger
marchesintheadvanceguardofTruth?No.

Isfreedomyetuniversal?Haveignoranceandprejudicedisappearedfromtheearth?Arethereno
longerenmitiesamongmen?Docupidityandfalsehoodnolongerexist?Dotolerationandharmony
prevailamongreligiousandpoliticalsects?ThereareworksyetleftforMasonrytoaccomplish,greater
thanthetwelvelaborsofHercules:toadvanceeverresolutelyandsteadily;toenlightenthemindsofthe
people,toreconstructsociety,toreformthelaws,andtoimprovethepublicmorals.

Theeternityinfrontofitisasinfiniteastheonebehind.AndMasonrycannotceasetolaborinthe
causeofsocialprogress,withoutceasingtobetruetoitself,Masonry.

XII.GRANDMASTERARCHITECT
[MasterArchitect]

ThegreatdutiesthatareinculcatedbythelessonstaughtbytheworkinginstrumentsofaGrandMaster
Architect,demandingsomuchofus,andtakingforgrantedthecapacitytoperformthemfaithfullyand
fully,bringusatoncetoreflectuponthedignityofhumannature,andthevastpowersandcapacitiesof
thehumansoul;andtothatthemeweinviteyourattentioninthisDegree.Letusbegintorisefrom
earthtowardtheStars.

Evermorethehumansoulstrugglestowardthelight,towardGod,andtheInfinite.Itisespeciallysoin
itsafflictions.Wordsgobutalittlewayintothedepthsofsorrow.Thethoughtsthatwrithetherein
silence,thatgointothestillnessofInfinitudeandEternity,havenoemblems.Thoughtsenoughcome
there,suchasnotongueeveruttered.Theydonotsomuchwanthumansympathy,ashigherhelp.
ThereisalonelinessindeepsorrowwhichtheDeityalonecanrelieve.Alone,themindwrestleswith
thegreatproblemofcalamity,andseeksthesolutionfromtheInfiniteProvidenceofHeaven,andthus
isleddirectlytoGod.

Therearemanythingsinusofwhichwearenotdistinctlyconscious.Towakenthatslumbering
consciousnessintolife,andsotoleadthesouluptotheLight,isoneofficeofeverygreatministration
tohumannature,whetheritsvehiclebethepen,thepencil,orthetongue.Weareunconsciousofthe
intensityandawfulnessofthelifewithinus.Healthandsickness,joyandsorrow,successand
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disappointment,lifeanddeath,loveandloss,arefamiliarwordsuponourlips;andwedonotknowto
whatdepthstheypointwithinus.

Weseemnevertoknowwhatanythingmeansorisworthuntilwehavelostit.Manyanorgan,nerve,
andfibreinourbodilyframeperformsitssilentpartforyears,andwearequiteunconsciousofits
value.Itisnotuntilitisinjuredthatwediscoverthatvalue,andfindhowessentialitwastoour
happinessandcomfort.Weneverknowthefullsignificanceofthewordsproperty,""ease,"and
"health;"thewealthofmeaninginthefondepithets,"parent,child,""beloved,"and"friend,"until
thethingorthepersonistakenaway;until,inplaceofthebright,visiblebeing,comestheawfuland
desolateshadow,wherenothingis:wherewestretchoutourhandsinvain,andstrainoureyesupon
darkanddismalvacuity.Yet,inthatvacuity,wedonotlosetheobjectthatweloved.Itbecomesonly
themorerealtous.Ourblessingsnotonlybrightenwhentheydepart,butarefixedinenduringreality;
andloveandfriendshipreceivetheireverlastingsealunderthecoldimpressofdeath.

Adimconsciousnessofinfinitemysteryandgrandeurliesbeneathallthecommonplaceoflife.There
isanawfulnessandamajestyaroundus,inallourlittleworldliness.Therudepeasantfromthe
Apennines,asleepatthefootofapillarinamajesticRomanchurch,seemsnottohearorsee,butto,
dreamonlyoftheherdhefeedsorthegroundhetillsinthemountains.Butthechoralsymphoniesfall
softlyuponhisear,andthegildedarchesaredimlyseenthroughhishalfslumberingeyelids.

Sothesoul,howevergivenuptotheoccupationsofdailylife,cannotquitelosethesenseofwhereitis,
andofwhatisaboveitandaroundit.Thesceneofitsactualengagementsmaybesmall;thepathofits
steps,beatenandfamiliar;theobjectsithandles,easilyspanned,andquitewornoutwithdailyuses.So
itmaybe,andamidstsuchthingsthatwealllive.

Soweliveourlittlelife;butHeavenisaboveusandallaroundandclosetous;andEternityisbeforeus
andbehindus;andsunsandstarsaresilentwitnessesandwatchersoverus.WeareenfoldedbyInfinity.
InfinitePowersandInfinitespaceslieallaroundus.ThedreadarchofMysteryspreadsoverus,andno
voiceeverpiercedit.EternityisenthronedamidHeaven'smyriadstarryheights;andnoutteranceor
wordevercamefromthosefaroffandsilentspaces.Above,isthatawfulmajesty;aroundus,
everywhere,itstretchesoffintoinfinity;andbeneathitisthislittlestruggleoflife,thispoorday's
conflict,thisbusyanthillofTime.

Butfromthatanthill,notonlythetalkofthestreets,thesoundsofmusicandrevelling,thestirand
treadofamultitude,theshoutofjoyandtheshriekofagonygoupintothesilentandallsurrounding
Infinitude;butalso,amidstthestirandnoiseofvisiblelife,fromtheinmostbosomofthevisibleman,
theregoesupanimploringcall,abeseechingcry,anasking,unuttered,andunutterable,forrevelation,
wailinglyandinalmostspeechlessagonyprayingthedreadarchofmysterytobreak,andthestarsthat
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rollabovethewavesofmortaltrouble,tospeak;theenthronedmajestyofthoseawfulheightstofinda
voice;themysteriousandreservedheavenstocomenear;andalltotelluswhattheyaloneknow;to
giveusinformationofthelovedandlost;tomakeknowntouswhatweare,andwhitherwearegoing.

Manisencompassedwithadomeofincomprehensiblewonders.Inhimandabouthimisthatwhich
shouldfillhislifewithmajestyandsacredness.Somethingofsublimityandsanctityhasthusflashed
downfromheavenintotheheartofeveryonethatlives.Thereisnobeingso
baseandabandonedbuthathsometraitsofthatsacrednessleftuponhim;something,somuchperhaps
indiscordancewithhisgeneralrepute,thathehidesitfromallaroundhim;somesanctuaryinhissoul,
wherenoonemayenter;somesacredinclosure,wherethememoryofachildis,ortheimageofa
veneratedparent,ortheremembranceofapurelove,ortheechoofsomewordofkindnessoncespoken
tohim;anechothatwillneverdieaway.

Lifeisnonegative,orsuperficialorworldlyexistence.Ourstepsareevermorehauntedwiththoughts,
farbeyondtheirownrange,whichsomehaveregardedasthereminiscencesofapreexistentstate.Soit
iswithusall,inthebeatenandworntrackofthisworldlypilgrimage.Thereismorehere,thanthe
worldwelivein.Itisnotalloflifetolive.Anunseenandinfinitepresenceishere;asenseof
somethinggreaterthanwepossess;aseeking,throughallthevoidwastesoflife,foragoodbeyondit;a
cryingoutoftheheartforinterpretation;amemoryofthedead,touchingcontinuallysomevibrating
threadinthisgreattissueofmystery.

Weallnotonlyhavebetterintimations,butarecapableofbetterthingsthanweknow.Thepressureof
somegreatemergencywoulddevelopinuspowers,beyondtheworldlybiasofourspirits;andHeaven
sodealswithus,fromtimetotime,astocallforththosebetterthings.Thereishardlyafamilyinthe
worldgoselfish,butthat,ifoneinitweredoomedtodieone,tobeselectedbytheothers,itwouldbe
utterlyimpossibleforitsmembers,parentsandchildren,tochooseoutthatvictim;butthateachwould
say,"Iwilldie;butIcannotchoose."Andinhowmany,ifthatdireextremityhadcome,wouldnotone
andanotherstepforth,freedfromthevilemeshesofordinaryselfishness,andsay,liketheRoman
fatherandson,"Lettheblowfallonme!"Therearegreaterandbetterthingsinusall,thantheworld
takesaccountof,orthanwetakenoteof;ifwewouldbutfindthemout.Anditisonepartofour
Masonicculturetofindthesetraitsofpowerandsublimedevotion,torevivethesefadedimpressionsof
generosityandselfsacrifice,thealmostsquanderedbequestsofGod'sloveandkindnesstooursouls;
andtoinduceustoyieldourselvestotheirguidanceandcontrol.

Uponallconditionsofmenpressesdownoneimpartiallaw.Toallsituations,toallfortunes,highor
low,themindgivestheircharacter.Theyare,ineffect,notwhattheyareinthemselves,butwhatthey
aretothefeelingoftheirpossessors.TheKingmaybemean,degraded,miserable;theslaveof
ambition,fear,voluptuousness,andeverylowpassion.ThePeasantmaybetherealMonarch,themoral
masterofhisfate,afreeandloftybeing,morethanaPrinceinhappiness,morethanaKinginhonor.
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Manisnobubbleupontheseaofhisfortunes,helplessandirresponsibleuponthetideofevents.Outof
thesamecircumstances,differentmenbringtotallydifferentresults.Thesamedifficulty,distress,
poverty,ormisfortune,thatbreaksdownoneman,buildsupanotherandmakeshimstrong.Itisthe
veryattributeandgloryofaman,thathecanbendthecircumstancesofhisconditiontotheintellectual
andmoralpurposesofhisnature,anditisthepowerandmasteryofhiswillthatchieflydistinguish
himfromthebrute.

Thefacultyofmoralwill,developedinthechild,isanewelementofhisnature.Itisanewpower
broughtuponthescene,andarulingpower,delegatedfromHeaven.Neverwasahumanbeingsunkso
lowthathehadnot,byGod'sgift,thepowertorise,BecauseGodcommandshimtorise,itiscertain
thathecanrise.

Everymanhasthepower,andshoulduseit,tomakeallsituations,trials,andtemptationsinstruments
topromotehisvirtueandhappiness;andissofarfrombeingthecreatureofcircumstances,thathe
createsandcontrolsthem,makingthemtobeallthattheyare,ofevilorofgood,tohimasamoral
being.

Lifeiswhatwemakeit,andtheworldiswhatwemakeit.Theeyesofthecheerfulandofthe
melancholymanarefixeduponthesamecreation;butverydifferentaretheaspectswhichitbearsto
them.Totheone,itisallbeautyandgladness;thewavesofoceanrollinlight,andthemountainsare
coveredwithday.Life,tohim,flashes,rejoicing,uponeveryflowerandeverytreethattremblesinthe
breeze.Thereismoretohim,everywhere,thantheeyesees;apresenceofprofoundjoyonhilland
valley,andbright,dancingwater.Theotheridlyormournfullygazesatthesamescene,andeverything
wearsadull,dim,andsicklyaspect.Themurmuringofthebrooksisadiscordtohim,thegreatroarof
theseahasanangryandthreateningemphasis,thesolemnmusicofthepinessingstherequiemofhis
departedhappiness;thecheerfullightshinesgarishlyuponhiseyesandoffendshim.Thegreattrainof
theseasonspassesbeforehimlikeafuneralprocession;andhesighs,andturnsimpatientlyaway.The
eyemakesthatwhichitlooksupon;theearmakesitsownmelodiesanddiscords;theworldwithout
reflectstheworldwithin.

LettheMasonneverforgetthatlifeandtheworldarewhatwemakethembyoursocialcharacter;by
ouradaptation,orwantofadaptationtothesocialconditions,relationships,andpursuitsoftheworld.
Totheselfish,thecold,andtheinsensible,tothehaughtyandpresuming,totheproud,whodemand
morethantheyarelikelytoreceive,tothejealous,everafraidtheyshallnotreceiveenough,tothose
whoareunreasonablysensitiveaboutthegoodorillopinionsofothers,toallviolatorsofthesocial
laws,therude,theviolent,thedishonest,andthesensual,toallthese,thesocialcondition,fromitsvery
nature,willpresentannoyances,disappointments,andpains,appropriatetotheirseveralcharacters.
Thebenevolentaffectionswillnotrevolvearoundselfishness;thecoldheartedmustexpecttomeet
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coldness;theproud,haughtiness;thepassionate,anger;andtheviolent,rudeness.Thosewhoforgetthe
rightsofothers,mustnotbesurprisediftheirownareforgotten;andthosewhostooptothelowest
embracesofsensemustnotwonder,ifothersarenotconcernedtofindtheirprostratehonor,andliftit
uptotheremembranceandrespectoftheworld.

Tothegentle,manywillbegentle;tothekind,manywillbekind.Agoodmanwillfindthatthereis
goodnessintheworld;anhonestmanwillfindthatthereishonestyintheworld;andamanof
principlewillfindprincipleandintegrityinthemindsofothers.

Therearenoblessingswhichthemindmaynotconvertintothebitterestofevils;andnotrialswhichit
maynottransformintothenoblestanddivinestblessings.Therearenotemptationsfromwhichassailed
virtuemaynotgainstrength,insteadoffallingbeforethem,vanquishedandsubdued.Itistruethat
temptationshaveagreatpower,andvirtueoftenfalls;butthemightofthesetemptationsliesnotin
themselves,butinthefeeblenessofourownvirtue,andtheweaknessofourownhearts.Werelytoo
muchonthestrengthofourrampartsandbastions,andallowtheenemytomakehisapproaches,by
trenchandparallel,athisleisure.Theofferofdishonestgainandguiltypleasuremakesthehonestman
morehonest,andthepuremanmorepure.Theyraisehisvirtuetotheheightoftoweringindignation.
Thefairoccasion,thesafeopportunity,thetemptingchancebecomethedefeatanddisgraceofthe
tempter.Thehonestanduprightmandoesnotwaituntiltemptationhasmadeitsapproachesand
mounteditsbatteriesonthelastparallel.

Buttotheimpure,thedishonest,thefalsehearted,thecorrupt,andthesensual,occasionscomeevery
day,andineveryscene,andthrougheveryavenueofthoughtandimagination.Heispreparedto
capitulatebeforethefirstapproachiscommenced;andsendsoutthewhiteflagwhentheenemy's
advancecomesinsightofhiswalls.Hemakesoccasions;or,ifopportunitiescomenot,evilthoughts
come,andhethrowswideopenthegatesofhisheartandwelcomesthosebadvisitors,andentertains
themwithalavishhospitality.

Thebusinessoftheworldabsorbs,corrupts,anddegradesonemind,whileinanotheritfeedsand
nursesthenoblestindependence,integrity,andgenerosity.Pleasureisapoisontosome,andahealthful
refreshmenttoothers.Toone,theworldisagreatharmony,likeanoblestrainofmusicwithinfinite
modulations;toanother,itisahugefactory,theclashandclangofwhosemachineryjarsuponhisears
andfretshimtomadness.Lifeissubstantiallythesamethingtoallwhopartakeofitslot.Yetsomerise
tovirtueandglory;whileothers,undergoingthesamediscipline,andenjoyingthesameprivileges,
sinktoshameandperdition.

Thorough,faithful,andhonestendeavortoimprove,isalwayssuccessful,andthehighesthappiness.To
sighsentimentallyoverhumanmisfortune,isfitonlyforthemind'schildhood;andthemind'smiseryis
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chieflyitsownfault;appointed,underthegoodProvidenceofGod,asthepunisherandcorrectorofits
fault.Inthelongrun,themindwillbehappy,justinproportiontoitsfidelityandwisdom.Whenitis
miserable,ithasplantedthethornsinitsownpath;itgraspsthem,andcriesoutinloudcomplaint;and
thatcomplaintisbutthelouderconfessionthatthethornswhichgrewthere,itplanted.

Acertainkindanddegreeofspiritualityenterintothelargestpartofeventhemostordinarylife.You
cancarryonnobusiness,withoutsomefaithinman.Youcannotevendigintheground,withouta
relianceontheunseenresult.Youcannotthinkorreasonorevenstep,withoutconfidingintheinward,
spiritualprinciplesofyournature.Alltheaffectionsandbonds,andhopesandinterestsoflifecentrein
thespiritual;andyouknowthatifthatcentralbondwerebroken,theworldwouldrushtochaos.

BelievethatthereisaGod;thatHeisourfather;thatHehasapaternalinterestinourwelfareand
improvement;thatHehasgivenuspowers,bymeansofwhichwemayescapefromsinandruin;that
HehasdestinedustoafuturelifeofendlessprogresstowardperfectionandaknowledgeofHimself
believethis,aseveryMasonshould,andyoucanlivecalmly,endurepatiently,laborresolutely,deny
yourselvescheerfully,hopesteadfastly,andbeconquerorsinthegreatstruggleoflife.Takeawayany
oneoftheseprinciples,andwhatremainsforus?SaythatthereisnoGod;ornowayopenedforhope
andreformationandtriumph,noheaventocome,norestfortheweary,nohomeinthebosomofGod
fortheafflictedanddisconsolatesoul;orthatGodisbutanuglyblindChancethatstabsinthedark;or
asomewhatthatis,whenattemptedtobedefined,anowhat,emotionless,passionless,theSupreme
Apathytowhichallthings,goodandevil,arealikeindifferent;orajealousGodwhorevengefullyvisits
thesinsofthefathersonthechildren,andwhenthefathershaveeatensourgrapes,setsthechildren's
teethonedge;anarbitrarysupremeWill,thathasmadeitrighttobevirtuous,andwrongtolieand
steal,becauseITpleasedtomakeitsoratherthanotherwise,retainingthepowerto
reversethelaw;orafickle,vacillating,inconstantDeity,oracruel,bloodthirsty,savageHebrewor
Puritanicone;andwearebutthesportofchanceandthevictimsofdespair;haplesswanderersupon
thefaceofadesolate,forsaken,oraccursedandhatedearth;surroundedbydarkness,strugglingwith
obstacles,toilingforbarrenresultsandemptypurposes,distractedwithdoubts,andmisledbyfalse
gleamsoflight;wandererswithnoway,noprospect,nohome;doomedanddesertedmarinersonadark
andstormysea,withoutcompassorcourse,towhomnostarsappear;tossinghelmlessuponthe
weltering,angrywaves,withnoblessedhaveninthedistancewhoseguidingstarinvitesustoits
welcomerest.

ThereligiousfaiththustaughtbyMasonryisindispensabletotheattainmentofthegreatendsoflife;
andmustthereforehavebeendesignedtobeapartofit.Wearemadeforthisfaith;andtheremustbe
something,somewhere,forustobelievein.Wecannotgrowhealthfully,norlivehappily,withoutit.It
isthereforetrue.IfwecouldcutofffromanysoulalltheprinciplestaughtbyMasonry,thefaithina
God,inimmortality,invirtue,inessentialrectitude,thatsoulwouldsinkintosin,misery,darkness,and
ruin.Ifwecouldcutoffallsenseofthesetruths,themanwouldsinkatoncetothegradeoftheanimal.
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Nomancansufferandbepatient,canstruggleandconquer,canimproveandbehappy,otherwisethan
astheswineare,withoutconscience,withouthope,withoutarelianceonajust,wise,andbeneficent
God.Wemust,ofnecessity,embracethegreattruthstaughtbyMasonry,andlivebythem,tolive
happily."IputmytrustinGod,"istheprotestofMasonryagainstthebeliefinacruel,angry,and
revengefulGod,tobefearedandnotreverencedbyHiscreatures.

Society,initsgreatrelations,isasmuchthecreationofHeavenasisthesystemoftheUniverse.Ifthat
bondofgravitationthatholdsallworldsandsystemstogether,weresuddenlysevered,theuniverse
wouldflyintowildandboundlesschaos.Andifweweretoseverallthemoralbondsthatholdsociety
together;ifwecouldcutofffromiteveryconvictionofTruthandIntegrity,ofanauthorityaboveit,
andofaconsciencewithinit,itwouldimmediatelyrushtodisorderandfrightfulanarchyandruin.

Thereligionweteachisthereforeasreallyaprincipleofthings,andascertainandtrue,asgravitation.

Faithinmoralprinciples,invirtue,andinGod,isasnecessaryfortheguidanceofaman,asinstinctis
fortheguidanceofananimal.Andthereforethisfaith,asaprincipleofman'snature,hasamissionas
trulyauthenticinGod'sProvidence,astheprincipleofinstinct.Thepleasuresofthesoul,too,must
dependoncertainprinciples.Theymustrecognizeasoul,itspropertiesandresponsibilities,a
conscience,andthesenseofanauthorityaboveus;andthesearetheprinciplesoffaith.Nomancan
sufferandbepatient,canstruggleandconquer,canimproveandbehappy,withoutconscience,without
hope,withoutarelianceonajust,wise,andbeneficentGod.Wemustofnecessityembracethegreat
truthstaughtbyMasonry,andlivebythem,tolivehappily.Everythingintheuniversehasfixedand
certainlawsandprinciplesforitsaction;thestarinitsorbit,theanimalinitsactivity,thephysicalman
inhisfunctions.Andhehaslikewisefixedandcertainlawsandprinciplesasaspiritualbeing.Hissoul
doesnotdieforwantofalimentorguidance.Fortherationalsoulthereisampleprovision.Fromthe
loftypine,rockedinthedarkeningtempest,thecryoftheyoungravenisheard;anditwouldbemost
strangeiftherewerenoanswerforthecryandcallofthesoul,torturedbywantandsorrowandagony.
Thetotalrejectionofallmoralandreligiousbeliefwouldstrikeoutaprinciplefromhumannature,as
essentialtoitasgravitationtothestars,instincttoanimallife,thecirculationofthebloodtothehuman
body.

Godhasordainedthatlifeshallbeasocialstate.Wearemembersofacivilcommunity.Thelifeofthat
communitydependsuponitsmoralcondition.Publicspirit,intelligence,uprightness,temperance,
kindness,domesticpurity,willmakeitahappycommunity,andgiveitprosperityandcontinuance.
Widespreadselfishness,dishonesty,intemperance,libertinism,corruption,andcrime,willmakeit
miserable,andbringaboutdissolutionandspeedyruin.Awholepeoplelivesonelife;onemightyheart
heavesinitsbosom;itisonegreatpulseofexistencethatthrobsthere.Onestreamoflifeflowsthere,
withtenthousandintermingledbranchesandchannels,throughallthehomesofhumanlove.One
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soundasofmanywaters,arapturousjubileeoramournfulsighing,comesupfromthecongregated
dwellingsofawholenation.

ThePublicisnovagueabstraction;norshouldthatwhichisdoneagainstthatPublic,againstpublic
interest,law,orvirtue,pressbutlightlyontheconscience.Itisbutavastexpansionofindividuallife;
anoceanoftears,anatmosphereofsighs,oragreatwholeofjoyandgladness.Itsufferswiththe
sufferingofmillions;itrejoiceswiththejoyofmillions.Whatavastcrimedoeshecommit,private
manorpublicman,agentorcontractor,legislatorormagistrate,secretaryorpresident,whodares,with
indignityandwrong,tostrikethebosomofthePublicWelfare,toencouragevenalityandcorruption,
andshamefulsaleoftheelectivefranchise,orofoffice;tosowdissension,andtoweakenthebondsof
amitythatbindaNationtogether!Whatahugeiniquity,hewho,withviceslikethedaggersofa
parricide,darestopiercethatmightyheart,inwhichtheoceanofexistenceisflowing!

Whatanunequalledinterestliesinthevirtueofeveryonewhomwelove!Inhisvirtue,nowherebutin
hisvirtue,isgarnereduptheincomparabletreasure.Whatcareweforbrotherorfriend,comparedwith
whatwecareforhishonor,hisfidelity,hisreputation,hiskindness?Howvenerableistherectitudeofa
parent!Howsacredhisreputation!Noblightthatcanfalluponachild,islikeaparent'sdishonor.
HeathenorChristian,everyparentwouldhavehischilddowell;andpoursoutuponhimallthefullness
ofparentallove,intheonedesirethathemaydowell;thathemaybeworthyofhiscares,andhisfreely
bestowedpains;thathemaywalkinthewayofhonorandhappiness.Inthatwayhecannotwalkone
stepwithoutvirtue.Suchislife,initsrelationships.Athousandtiesembraceit,likethefinenervesofa
delicateorganization;likethestringsofaninstrumentcapableofsweetmelodies,buteasilyputoutof
tuneorbroken,byrudeness,anger,andselfishindulgence.

Iflifecould,byanyprocess,bemadeinsensibletopainandpleasure;ifthehumanheartwerehardas
adamant,thenavarice,ambition,andsensualitymightchannelouttheirpathsinit,andmakeittheir
beatenway;andnonewouldwonderorprotest.Ifwecouldbepatientundertheloadofamereworldly
life;ifwecouldbearthatburdenasthebeastsbearit;then,likebeasts,wemightbendallourthoughts
totheearth;andnocallfromthegreatHeavensaboveuswouldstartleusfromourploddingand
earthlycourse.

Butweartnotinsensiblebrutes,whocanrefusethecallofreasonandconscience.Thesouliscapable
ofremorse.Whenthegreatdispensationsoflifepressdownuponus,weweep,andsufferandsorrow.
Andsorrowandagonydesireothercompanionshipsthanworldlinessandirreligion.Wearenotwilling
tobearthoseburdensoftheheart,fear,anxiety,disappointment,andtrouble,withoutanyobjectoruse.
Wearenotwillingtosuffer,tobesickandafflicted,tohaveourdaysandmonthslosttocomfortand
joy,andovershadowedwithcalamityandgrief,withoutadvantageorcompensation;tobarterawaythe
dearesttreasures,theverysufferings,oftheheart;tosellthelifebloodfromfailingframeandfading
cheek,ourtearsofbitternessandgroansofanguish,fornothing.Humannature,frail,feeling,sensitive,
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andsorrowing,cannotbeartosufferfornought.

Everywhere,humanlifeisagreatandsolemndispensation.Man,suffering,enjoying,loving,hating,
hoping,andfearing,chainedtotheearthandyetexploringthefarrecessesoftheuniverse,hasthe
powertocommunewithGodandHisangels.AroundthisgreatactionofexistencethecurtainsofTime
aredrawn;butthereareopeningsthroughthemwhichgiveusglimpsesofeternity.Godlooksdown
uponthissceneofhumanprobation.Thewiseandthegoodinallageshaveinterposedforitwiththeir
teachingsandtheirblood.Everythingthatexistsaroundus,everymovementinnatureeverycounselof
Providence,everyinterpositionofGod,centresupononepoint,thefidelityofman.Andevenifthe
ghostsofthedepartedandrememberedcouldcomeatmidnightthroughthebarreddoorsofour
dwellings,andtheshroudeddeadshouldglidethroughtheaislesofourchurchesandsitinourMasonic
Temples,theirteachingswouldbenomoreeloquentandimpressivethantheGreatrealitiesoflife;than
thosememoriesofmisspentyears,thoseghostsofdepartedopportunities,that,pointingtoour
conscienceandeternitycrycontinuallyinourears,"Workwhilethedaylasts!forthenightofdeath
cometh,inwhichnomancanwork.

Therearenotokensofpublicmourningforthecalamityofthesoul.Menweepwhenthebodydies;and
whenitisbornetoitslastrest,theyfollowitwithsadandmournfulprocession.Butforthedyingsoul
thereisnoopenlamentation;forthelostsoultherearenoobsequies.

Andyetthemindandsoulofmanhaveavaluewhichnothingelsehas.Theyareworthacarewhich
nothingelseisworth;andtothesingle,solitaryindividual,theyoughttopossessaninterestwhich
nothingelsepossesses.Thestoredtreasuresoftheheart,theunfathomableminesthatareinthesoulto
bewrought,thebroadandboundlessrealmsof

Thought,thefreightedargosyofman'shopesandbestaffections,arebrighterthangoldanddearerthan
treasure.

Andyetthemindisinrealitylittleknownorconsidered.Itisallwhichmanpermanentlyis,hisinward
being,hisdivineenergy,hisimmortalthought,hisboundlesscapacity,hisinfiniteaspiration;and
nevertheless,fewvalueitforwhatitisworth.Fewseeabrothermindinothers,throughtheragswith
whichpovertyhasclothedit,beneaththecrushingburdensoflife,amidsttheclosepressureofworldly
troubles,wantsandsorrows.Fewacknowledgeandcheeritinthathumbleblot,andfeelthatthe
nobilityofearth,andthecommencinggloryofHeavenarethere.

Mendonotfeeltheworthoftheirownsouls.Theyareproudoftheirmentalpowers;buttheintrinsic,
inner,infiniteworthoftheirownmindstheydonotperceive.Thepoorman,admittedtoapalace,feels,
loftyandimmortalbeingasheis,likeamereordinarythingamidthesplendorsthatsurroundhim.He
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seesthecarriageofwealthrollbyhim,andforgetstheintrinsicandeternaldignityofhisownmindin
apooranddegradingenvy,andfeelsasanhumblercreature,becauseothersareabovehim,notinmind,
butinmensuration.Menrespectthemselves,accordingastheyaremorewealthy,higherinrankor
office,loftierintheworld'sopinion,abletocommandmorevotes,morethefavoritesofthepeopleor
ofPower.

Thedifferenceamongmenisnotsomuchintheirnatureandintrinsicpower,asinthefacultyof
communication.Somehavethecapacityofutteringandembodyinginwordstheirthoughts.Allmen,
moreorless,feelthosethoughts.Thegloryofgeniusandtheraptureofvirtue,whenrightlyrevealed,
arediffusedandsharedamongunnumberedminds.Wheneloquenceandpoetryspeak;whenthose
gloriousarts,statuary,painting,andmusic,takeaudibleorvisibleshape;whenpatriotism,charity,and
virtuespeakwithathrillingpotency,theheartsofthousandsglowwithakindredjoyandecstasy.Ifit
werenotso,therewouldbenoeloquence;foreloquenceisthattowhichotherheartsrespond;itisthe
facultyandpowerofmakingotherheartsrespond.Nooneissolowordegraded,asnotsometimesto
betouchedwiththebeautyofgoodness.Noheartismadeofmaterialssocommon,orevenbase,asnot
sometimestorespond,througheverychordofit,tothecallofhonor,patriotism,generosity,andvirtue.
ThepoorAfricanSlavewilldieforthemaster.ormistress,orindefenceofthechildren,whomhe
loves.Thepoor,lost,scorned,abandoned,outcastwomanwill,withoutexpectationofrewardnurse
thosewhoaredyingoneveryhand,utterstrangerstoher,withacontagiousandhorridpestilence.The
pickpocketwillscaleburningwallstorescuechildorwoman,unknowntohim,fromtheravenous
flames.

Mostgloriousisthiscapacity!ApowertocommunewithGodandHisAngels;areflectionofthe
UncreatedLight;amirrorthatcancollectandconcentrateuponitselfallthemoralsplendorsofthe
Universe.Itisthesoulalonethatgivesanyvaluetothethingsofthisworld.anditisonlybyraising
thesoultoitsjustelevationaboveallotherthings,thatwecanlookrightlyuponthepurposesofthis
earth.Nosceptrenorthrone,norstructureofages,norbroadempire,cancomparewiththewonders
andgrandeursofasinglethought.Thatalone,ofallthingsthathavebeenmade,comprehendsthe
Makerofall.ThataloneisthekeywhichunlocksallthetreasuresoftheUniverse;thepowerthatreigns
overSpace,Time,andEternity.That,underGod,istheSovereignDispensertomanofalltheblessings
andgloriesthatliewithinthecompassofpossession,ortherangeofpossibility.Virtue,Heaven,and
Immortalityexistnot,noreverwillexistforusexceptastheyexistandwillexist,intheperception,
feeling,andthoughtofthegloriousmind.

MyBrother,inthehopethatyouhavelistenedtoandunderstoodtheInstructionandLectureofthis
Degree,andthatyoufeelthedignityofyourownnatureandthevastcapacitiesofyourownsoulfor
goodorevil,IproceedbrieflytocommunicatetoyoutheremaininginstructionofthisDegree.

TheHebrewword,intheoldHebrewandSamaritancharacter,suspendedintheEast,overthefive
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columns,isADONA,oneofthenamesofGod,usuallytranslatedLord;andwhichtheHebrews,in
reading,alwayssubstitutefortheTrueName,whichisforthemineffable.

Thefivecolumns,inthefivedifferentordersofarchitecture,areemblematicaltousofthefive
principaldivisionsoftheAncientandAcceptedScottishRite:

1.TheTuscan,ofthethreeblueDegrees,ortheprimitiveMasonry.
2.TheDoric,oftheineffableDegrees,fromthe,fourthtothefourteenth,inclusive.
3.TheIonic,ofthefifteenthandsixteenth,orsecondtempleDegrees.
4.TheCorinthian,oftheseventeenthandeighteenthDegrees,orthoseofthenewlaw.
5.TheComposite,ofthephilosophicalandchivalricDegreesintermingled,fromthenineteenthtothe
thirtysecond,inclusive.

TheNorthStar,alwaysfixedandimmutableforus,representsthepointinthecentreofthecircle,or
theDeityinthecentreoftheUniverse.Itistheespecialsymbolofdutyandoffaith.Toit,andthe
seventhatcontinuallyrevolvearoundit,mysticalmeaningsareattached,whichyouwilllearnhereafter,
ifyoushouldbepermittedtoadvance,whenyouaremadeacquaintedwiththephilosophicaldoctrines
oftheHebrews.

TheMorningStar,risingintheEast,Jupiter,calledbytheHebrewsTsadcorTsydyk,Just,isan
emblemtousoftheeverapproachingdawnofperfectionandMasoniclight.

ThethreegreatlightsoftheLodgearesymbolstousofthePower,Wisdom,andBeneficenceofthe
Deity.TheyarealsosymbolsofthefirstthreeSephiroth,orEmanationsoftheDeity,accordingtothe
Kabalah,Kether,theomnipotentdivinewill;Chochmah,thedivineintellectualpowertogenerate
thought,andBinah,thedivineintellectualcapacitytoproduceitthetwolatter,usuallytranslated
WisdomandUnderstanding,beingtheactiveandthepassive,thepositiveandthenegative,whichwe
donotyetendeavortoexplaintoyou.Theyarethe
columnsJachinandBoaz,thatstandattheentrancetotheMasonicTemple.

InanotheraspectofthisDegree,theChiefoftheArchitects[RabBanaim],symbolizesthe
constitutionalexecutiveheadandchiefofafreegovernment;andtheDegreeteachesusthatnofree
governmentcanlongendure,whenthepeopleceasetoselectfortheirmagistratesthebestandthe
wisestoftheirstatesmen;when,passingtheseby,theypermitfactionsorsordidintereststoselectfor
themthesmall,thelow,theignoble,andtheobscure,andintosuchhandscommitthecountry's
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destinies.Thereis,afterall,a"divineright"togovern;anditisvestedintheablest,wisest,best,of
everynation.

"Counselismine,andsoundwisdom:Iamunderstanding:Iampower:bymekingsdoreign,and
princesdecreejustice;bymeprincesrule,andnobles,evenallthemagistratesoftheearth."

Forthepresent,myBrother,letthissuffice.Wewelcomeyouamongus,tothispeacefulretreatof
virtue,toaparticipationinourprivileges,toashareinourjoysandoursorrows.

XIII.ROYALARCHOFSOLOMON.

WHETHERthelegendandhistoryofthisDegreearehistoricallytrue,orbutanallegory,containingin
itselfadeepertruthandaprofoundermeaning,weshallnotnowdebate.Ifitbebutalegendarymyth,
youmustfindoutforyourselfwhatitmeans.ItiscertainthatthewordwhichtheHebrewsarenotnow
permittedtopronouncewasincommonusebyAbraham,Lot,Isaac,Jacob,Laban,Rebecca,andeven
amongtribesforeigntotheHebrews,beforethetimeofMoses;andthatitrecursahundredtimesinthe
lyricaleffusionsofDavidandotherHebrewpoets.

WeknowthatformanycenturiestheHebrewshavebeenforbiddentopronouncetheSacredName;that
whereveritoccurs,theyhaveforagesreadthewordAdonainstead;andthatunderit,whenthe
masoreticpoints,whichrepresentthevowels,cametobeused,theyplacedthosewhichbelongedtothe
latterword.Thepossessionofthetruepronunciationwasdeemedtoconferonhimwhohadit
extraordinaryandsupernaturalpowers;andtheWorditself,wornupontheperson,wasregardedasan
amulet,aprotectionagainstpersonaldanger,sickness,
andevilspirits.Weknowthatallthiswasavainsuperstition,naturaltoarudepeople,necessarily
disappearingastheintellectofmanbecameenlightened;andwhollyunworthyofaMason.

ItisnoticeablethatthisnotionofthesanctityoftheDivineNameorCreativeWordwascommontoall
theancientnations.TheSacredWordHOMwassupposedbytheancientPersians(whowereamong
theearliestemigrantsfromNorthernIndia)tobepregnantwithamysteriouspower;andtheytaught
thatbyitsutterancetheworldwascreated.InIndiaitwasforbiddentopronouncethewordAUMor
OM,theSacredNameoftheOneDeity,manifestedasBrahma,Vishna,andSeeva.

ThesesuperstitiousnotionsinregardtotheefficacyoftheWord,andtheprohibitionagainst
pronouncingit,could,beingerrors,haveformednopartofthepureprimitivereligion,oroftheesoteric
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doctrinetaughtbyMoses,andthefullknowledgeofwhichwasconfinedtotheInitiates;unlessthe
wholewasbutaningeniousinventionfortheconcealmentofsomeotherNameortruth,the
interpretationandmeaningwhereofwasmadeknownonlytotheselectfew.Ifso,thecommonnotions
inregardtotheWordgrewupinthemindsofthepeople,likeothererrorsandfablesamongallthe
ancientnations,outoforiginaltruthsandsymbolsandallegoriesmisunderstood.Soithasalwaysbeen
thatallegories,intendedasvehiclesoftruth,tobeunderstoodbythesages,havebecomeorbrederrors,
bybeingliterallyaccepted.

Itistrue,thatbeforethemasoreticpointswereinvented(whichwasafterthebeginningoftheChristian
era),thepronunciationofawordintheHebrewlanguagecouldnotbeknownfromthecharactersin
whichitwaswritten.Itwas,therefore,possibleforthatofthenameoftheDeitytohavebeenforgotten
andlost.ItiscertainthatitstruepronunciationisnotthatrepresentedbythewordJehovah;and
thereforethatthatisnotthetruenameofDeity,northeIneffableWord.

Theancientsymbolsandallegoriesalwayshadmorethanoneinterpretation.Theyalwayshadadouble
meaning,andsometimesmorethantwo,oneservingastheenvelopeoftheother.Thusthe
pronunciationofthewordwasasymbol;andthatpronunciationandtheworditselfwerelost,whenthe
knowledgeofthetruenatureandattributesofGodfadedoutofthemindsoftheJewishpeople.Thatis
oneinterpretationtrue,butnottheinnerandprofoundestone.

MenwerefigurativelysaidtoforgetthenameofGod,whentheylostthatknowledge,andworshipped
theheathendeities,andburnedincensetothemonthehighplaces,andpassedtheirchildrenthrough
thefiretoMoloch.

ThustheattemptsoftheancientIsraelitesandoftheInitiatestoascertaintheTrueNameoftheDeity,
anditspronunciation,andthelossoftheTrueWord,areanallegory,inwhicharerepresentedthe
generalignoranceofthetruenatureandattributesofGod,thepronenessofthepeopleofJudahand
Israeltoworshipotherdeities,andthelowanderroneousanddishonoringnotionsoftheGrand
ArchitectoftheUniverse,whichallsharedexceptafewfavoredpersons;forevenSolomonbuiltaltars
andsacrificedtoAstarat,thegoddessoftheTsidumm,andMalcm,theAamnitegod,andbuilt
highplacesforKams,theMoabitedeity,andMalecthegodoftheBeniAamn.Thetruenatureof
Godwasunknowntothem,likeHisname;andtheyworshippedthecalvesofJeroboam,asinthedesert
theydidthatmadeforthembyAarn.

ThemassoftheHebrewsdidnotbelieveintheexistenceofoneonlyGoduntilalateperiodintheir
history.TheirearlyandpopularideasoftheDeityweresingularlylowandunworthy.EvenwhileMoses
wasreceivingthelawuponMountSinai,theyforcedAarntomakethemanimageoftheEgyptian
godApis,andfelldownandadoredit.Theywereeverreadytoreturntotheworshipofthegodsofthe
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Mitzraim;andsoonafterthedeathofJoshuatheybecamedevoutworshippersofthefalsegodsofall
thesurroundingnations."Yehaveborne,"Amos,theprophet,saidtothem,speakingoftheirforty
years'journeyinginthedesert,underMoses,"thetabernacleofyourMalecandKainyouridols,the
starofyourgod,whichyemadetoyourselves."Amongthem,asamongothernations,theconceptions
ofGodformedbyindividualsvariedaccordingtotheirintellectualandspiritualcapacities;poorand
imperfect,andinvestingGodwiththecommonestandcoarestattributesofhumanity,amongthe
ignorantandcoarse;pureandloftyamongthevirtuousandrichlygifted.Theseconceptionsgradually
improvedandbecamepurifiedandennobled,asthenationadvancedincivilizationbeinglowestinthe
historicalbooks,amendedinthepropheticwritings,andreachingtheirhighestelevationamongthe
poets.

AmongalltheancientnationstherewasonefaithandoneideaofDeityfortheenlightened,intelligent,
andeducated,andanotherforthecommonpeople.TothisruletheHebrewswerenoexception.
Yehovah,tothemassofthepeople,waslikethegodsofthenationsaroundthem,exceptthathewasthe
peculiarGod,firstofthefamilyofAbraham,ofthatofIsaac,andofthatofJacob,andafterwardthe
NationalGod;and,astheybelieved,morepowerfulthantheothergodsofthesamenatureworshipped
bytheirneighbors"WhoamongtheBaalimislikeuntothee,OYehovah?"expressedtheirwhole
creed.

TheDeityoftheearlyHebrewstalkedtoAdamandEveinthegardenofdelight,ashewalkedinitin
thecooloftheday;heconversedwithKayin;hesatandatewithAbrahaminhistent;thatpatriarch
requiredavisibletoken,beforehewouldbelieveinhispositivepromise;hepermittedAbrahamto
expostulatewithhim,andtoinducehimtochangehisfirstdeterminationinregardtoSodom;he
wrestledwithJacob;heshowedMoseshisperson,thoughnothisface;hedictatedtheminutestpolice
regulationsandthedimensionsofthetabernacleanditsfurniture,totheIsraelites;heinsistedonand
delightedinsacrificesandburntofferings;hewasangry,jealous,andrevengeful,aswellaswavering
andirresolute;heallowedMosestoreasonhimoutofhisfixedresolutionutterlytodestroyhispeople;
hecommandedtheperformanceofthemostshockingandhideousactsofcrueltyandbarbarity.He
hardenedtheheartofPharaoh;herepentedoftheevilthathehadsaidhewoulddountothepeopleof
Nineveh;andhediditnot,tothedisgustandangerofJonah.

SuchwerethepopularnotionsoftheDeity;andeitherthepriestshadnonebetter,ortooklittletrouble
tocorrectthesenotions;orthepopularintellectwasnotenoughenlargedtoenablethemtoentertain
anyhigherconceptionsoftheAlmighty.

ButsuchwerenottheideasoftheintellectualandenlightenedfewamongtheHebrews.Itiscertainthat
theypossessedaknowledgeofthetruenatureandattributesofGod;asthesameclassofmendid
amongtheothernationsZoroaster,Menu,Confucius,Socrates,andPlato.Buttheirdoctrinesonthis
subjectwereesoteric;theydidnotcommunicatethemtothepeopleatlarge,butonlytoafavoredfew;
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andastheywerecommunicatedinEgyptandIndia,inPersiaandPhoenicia,inGreeceandSamothrace,
inthegreatermysteries,totheInitiates.

Thecommunicationofthisknowledgeandothersecrets,someofwhichareperhapslost,constituted,
underothernames,whatwenowcallMasonry,orFreeorFrankMasonry.Thatknowledgewas,inone
sense,theLostWord,whichwasmadeknowntotheGrandElect,Perfect,andSublimeMasons.It
wouldbefollytopretendthattheformsofMasonrywerethesameinthoseagesastheyarenow.The
presentnameoftheOrder,anditstitles,andthenamesoftheDegreesnowinuse,werenotthen
known.

EvenBlueMasonrycannottracebackitsauthentichistory,withitspresentDegrees,furtherthanthe
year1700,ifsofar.But,bywhatevernameitwasknowninthisortheothercountry,Masonryexisted
asitnowexists,thesameinspiritandatheart,notonlywhenSolomonbuildedthetemple,but
centuriesbeforebeforeeventhefirstcoloniesemigratedintoSouthernIndia,Persia,andEgypt,from
thecradleofthehumanrace.

TheSupreme,Selfexistent,Eternal,Allwise,Allpowerful,InfinitelyGood,Pitying,Beneficent,and
MercifulCreatorandPreserveroftheUniversewasthesame,bywhatevernamehewascalled,tothe
intellectualandenlightenedmenofallnations.Thenamewasnothing,ifnotasymboland
representativehieroglyphofhisnatureandattributes.ThenameALrepresentedhisremotenessabove
men,hisinaccessibility;BALandBALA,hismight;ALOHIM,hisvariouspotencies;IHUH,existence
andthegenerationofthings.Noneofhisnames,amongtheOrientals,werethesymbolsofadivinely
infiniteloveandtenderness,andallembracingmercy.AsMOLOCHorMALEKhewasbutan
omnipotentmonarch,atremendousandirresponsibleWill;asADONA,onlyanarbitraryLORDand
Master;asALShada,potentandaDESTROYER.

TocommunicatetrueandcorrectideasinrespectoftheDeitywasonechiefobjectofthemysteries.In
them,KhrmtheKing,andKhrmtheMaster,obtainedtheirknowledgeofhimandhis
attributes;andinthemthatknowledgewastaughttoMosesandPythagoras.

WhereforenothingforbidsyoutoconsiderthewholelegendofthisDegree,likethatoftheMaster's,an
allegory,representingtheperpetuationoftheknowledgeoftheTrueGodinthesanctuariesof
initiation.Bythesubterraneanvaultsyoumayunderstandtheplacesofinitiation,whichintheancient
ceremoniesweregenerallyunderground.

TheTempleofSolomonpresentedasymbolicimageoftheUniverse;andresembled,inits
arrangementsandfurniture,allthetemplesoftheancientnationsthatpractisedthemysteries.The
systemofnumberswasintimatelyconnectedwiththeirreligionsandworship,andhascomedowntous
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inMasonry;thoughtheesotericmeaningwithwhichthenumbersusedbyusarepregnantisunknown
tothevastmajorityofthosewhousethem.Thosenumberswereespeciallyemployedthathada
referencetotheDeity,representedhisattributes,orfiguredintheframeworkoftheworld,intimeand
space,andformedmoreorlessthebasesofthatframework.Thesewereuniversallyregardedas
sacred,beingtheexpressionoforderandintelligence,theutterancesofDivinityHimself.

TheHolyofHoliesoftheTempleformedacube;inwhich,drawnonaplanesurface,thereare4+3+
2=9linesvisible,andthreesidesorfaces.Itcorrespondedwiththenumberfour,bywhichtheancients
presentedNature,itbeingthenumberofsubstancesorcorporealforms,andoftheelements,the
cardinalpointsandseasons,andthesecondarycolors.Thenumberthreeeverywhererepresentedthe
SupremeBeing.

HencethenameoftheDeity,engravenuponthetriangularplate,andthatsunkenintothecubeofagate,
taughttheancientMason,andteachesus,thatthetrueknowledgeofGod,ofHisnatureandHis
attributesiswrittenbyHimupontheleavesofthegreatBookofUniversalNature,andmayberead
therebyallwhoareendowedwiththerequisiteamountofintellectandintelligence.Thisknowledgeof
God,sowrittenthere,andofwhichMasonryhasinallagesbeentheinterpreter,istheMasterMason's
Word.

WithintheTemple,allthearrangementsweremysticallyandsymbolicallyconnectedwiththesame
system.Thevaultorceiling,starredlikethefirmament,wassupportedbytwelvecolumns,representing
thetwelvemonthsoftheyear.Theborderthatranaroundthecolumnsrepresentedthezodiac,andone
ofthetwelvecelestialsignswasappropriatedtoeachcolumn.Thebrazenseawassupportedbytwelve
oxen,threelookingtoeachcardinalpointofthecompass.

AndsoinourdayeveryMasonicLodgerepresentstheUniverse.Eachextends,wearetold,fromthe
risingtothesettingsun,fromtheSouthtotheNorth,fromthesurfaceoftheEarthtotheHeavens,and
fromthesametothecentreoftheglobe.Initarerepresentedthesun,moon,andstars;threegreat
torchesintheEast,West,andSouth,formingatriangle,giveitlight:and,liketheDeltaorTriangle
suspendedintheEast,andinclosingtheIneffableName,indicate,bythemathematicalequalityofthe
anglesandsides,thebeautifulandharmoniousproportionswhichgovernintheaggregateanddetailsof
theUniverse;whilethosesidesandanglesrepresent,bytheirnumber,three,theTrinityofPower,
Wisdom,andHarmony,whichpresidedatthebuildingofthismarvellousworkThesethreegreatlights
alsorepresentthegreatmysteryofthethreeprinciples,ofcreation,dissolutionordestruction,and
reproductionorregeneration,consecratedbyallcreedsintheirnumerousTrinities.

Theluminouspedestal,lightedbytheperpetualflamewithin,isasymbolofthatlightofReason,given
byGodtoman,bywhichheisenabledtoreadintheBookofNaturetherecordofthethought,the
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revelationoftheattributesoftheDeity.

ThethreeMasters,Adoniram,Joabert,andStolkin,aretypesoftheTrueMason,whoseeksfor
knowledgefrompuremotives,andthathemaybethebetterenabledtoserveandbenefithisfellow
men;whilethediscontentedandpresumptuousMasterswhowereburiedintheruinsofthearches
representthosewhostrivetoacquireitforunholypurposes,togainpowerovertheirfellows,togratify
theirpride,theirvanity,ortheirambition.

TheLionthatguardedtheArkandheldinhismouththekeywherewithtoopenit,figuratively
representsSolomon,theLionoftheTribeofJudah,whopreservedandcommunicatedthekeytothe
trueknowledgeofGod,ofHislaws,andoftheprofoundmysteriesofthemoralandphysicalUniverse.

ENOCH[Khanc],wearetold,walkedwithGodthreehundredyears,afterreachingtheageofsixty
five"walkedwithGod,andhewasnomore,forGodhadtakenhim."Hisnamesignifiedinthe
Hebrew,INITIATEorINITIATOR.Thelegendofthecolumns,ofgraniteandbrassorbronze,erected
byhim,isprobablysymbolical.Thatofbronze,whichsurvivedtheflood,issupposedtosymbolizethe
mysteries,ofwhichMasonryisthelegitimatesuccessorfromtheearliesttimesthecustodianand
depositoryofthegreatphilosophicalandreligioustruths,unknowntotheworldatlarge,andhanded
downfromagetoagebyanunbrokencurrentoftradition,embodiedinsymbols,emblems,and
allegories.

ThelegendofthisDegreeisthus,partially,interpreted.Itisoflittleimportancewhetheritisinanywise
historical.Foritsvalueconsistsinthelessonswhichitinculcates,andthedutieswhichitprescribesto
thosewhoreceiveit.TheparablesandallegoriesoftheScripturesarenotlessvaluablethanhistory.
Nay,theyaremoreso,becauseancienthistoryislittleinstructive,andtruthsareconcealedinand
symbolizedbythelegendandthemyth.

ThereareprofoundermeaningsconcealedinthesymbolsofthisDegree,connectedwiththe
philosophicalsystemoftheHebrewKabalists,whichyouwilllearnhereafter,ifyoushouldbeso
fortunateastoadvance.TheyareunfoldedinthehigherDegrees.Thelion[Arai,Araiah,whichalso
meansthealtar]stillholdsinhismouththekeyoftheenigmaofthesphynx.

ButthereisoneapplicationofthisDegree,thatyouarenowentitledtoknow;andwhich,remembering
thatKhrm,theMaster,isthesymbolofhumanfreedom,youwouldprobablydiscoverforyourself.

Itisnotenoughforapeopletogainitsliberty.Itmustsecureit.Itmustnotintrustittothekeeping,or
holditatthepleasure,ofanyoneman.ThekeystoneoftheRoyalArchofthegreatTempleofLiberty
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isafundamentallaw,charter,orconstitution;theexpressionofthefixedhabitsofthoughtofthe
people,embodiedinawritteninstrument,ortheresultoftheslowaccretionsandtheconsolidationof
centuries;thesameinwarasinpeace;thatcannotbehastilychanged,norbeviolatedwithimpunity,
butissacred,liketheArkoftheCovenantofGod,whichnonecouldtouchandlive.

Apermanentconstitution,rootedintheaffections,expressingthewillandjudgment,andbuiltuponthe
instinctsandsettledhabitsofthoughtofthepeople,withanindependentjudiciary,anelective
legislatureoftwobranches,anexecutiveresponsibletothepeople,andtherightoftrialbyjury,will
guaranteethelibertiesofapeople,ifitbevirtuousandtemperate,withoutluxury,andwithoutthelust
ofconquestanddominion,andthefolliesofvisionarytheoriesofimpossibleperfection.

MasonryteachesitsInitiatesthatthepursuitsandoccupationsofthislife,itsactivity,care,and
ingenuity,thepredestineddevelopmentsofthenaturegivenusbyGod,tendtopromoteHisgreat
design,inmakingtheworld;andarenotatwarwiththegreatpurposeoflife.Itteachesthateverything
isbeautifulinitstime,initsplace,initsappointedoffice;thateverythingwhichmanisputtodo,if
rightlyandfaithfullydone,naturallyhelpstoworkouthissalvation;thatifheobeysthegenuine
principlesofhiscalling,hewillbeagoodmanandthatitisonlybyneglectandnonperformanceofthe
tasksetforhimbyHeaven,bywanderingintoidledissipation,orbyviolatingtheirbeneficentandlofty
spirit,thathebecomesabadman.TheappointedactionoflifeisthegreattrainingofProvidence;and
ifmanyieldshimselftoit,hewillneedneitherchurchesnorordinances,exceptfortheexpressionofhis
religioushomageandgratitude.

Forthereisareligionoftoil.Itisnotalldrudgery,amerestretchingofthelimbsandstrainingofthe
sinewstotasks.Ithasameaningandanintent.

Alivingheartpourslifebloodintothetoilingarm;andwarmaffectionsinspireandminglewithman's
labors.Theyarethehomeaffections.Labortoilsafield,orpliesitstaskincities,orurgesthekeelsof
commerceoverwideoceans;buthomeisitscentre;andthitheritevergoeswithitsearnings,withthe
meansofsupportandcomfortforothers;offeringssacredtothethoughtofeverytrueman,asa
sacrificeatagoldenshrine.

Manyfaultsthereareamidstthetoilsoflife;manyharshandhastywordsareuttered;butstillthetoils
goon,wearyandhardandexasperatingastheyoftenare.Forinthathomeisageorsickness,or
helplessinfancy,orgentlechildhood,orfeeblewoman,thatmustnotwant.Ifmanhadnootherthan
mereselfishimpulses,thesceneoflaborwhichwebeholdarounduswouldnotexist.

Theadvocatewhofairlyandhonestlypresentshiscase,withfeelingoftrueselfrespect,honor,and
conscience,tohelpthetribunalontowardstherightconclusion,withaconvictionthatGod'sjustice
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reignsthere,isactingareligiouspart,leadingthatdayreligiouslife;orelserightandjusticeareno
partofreligionWhether,duringallthatday,hehasonceappealed,informorinterms,tohis
conscience,ornot;whetherhehasoncespokenofreligionandGod,ornot;iftherehasbeentheinward
purpose,theconsciousintentanddesire,thatsacredjusticeshouldtriumph,hehasthatdayledagood
andreligiouslife,andmademostaessentialcontributiontothatreligionoflifeandofsociety,the
causeofequitybetweenmanandman,andoftruthandrightactionintheworld.

Books,tobeofreligioustendencyintheMasonicsense,neednotbebooksofsermons,ofpious
exercises,orofprayers.Whateverinculcatespure,noble,andpatrioticsentiments,ortouchestheheart
withthebeautyofvirtue,andtheexcellenceofanuprightlife,accordswiththereligionofMasonry,
andistheGospelofliteratureandart.ThatGospelispreachedfrommanyabookandpainting,from
manyapoemandfiction,andreviewandnewspaper;anditisapainfulerrorandmiserablenarrowness,
nottorecognizethesewidespreadagenciesofHeaven'sproviding;nottoseeandwelcomethesemany
handedcoadjutors,tothegreatandgoodcause.TheoraclesofGoddonotspeakfromthepulpitalone.

Thereisalsoareligionofsociety.Inbusiness,thereismuchmorethansale,exchange,price,payment;
forthereisthesacredfaithofmaninman.Whenwereposeperfectconfidenceintheintegrityof
another;whenwefeelthathewillnotswervefromtheright,frank,straightforward,conscientious
course,foranytemptation;hisintegrityandconscientiousnessaretheimageofGodtous;andwhenwe
believeinit,itisasgreatandgenerousanact,aswhenwebelieveintherectitudeoftheDeity.

Ingayassembliesforamusement,thegoodaffectionsoflifegushandmingle.Iftheydidnot,these
gatheringplaceswouldbeasdrearyandrepulsiveasthecavesanddensofoutlawsandrobbers.When
friendsmeet,andhandsarewarmlypressed,andtheeyekindlesandthecountenanceissuffusedwith
gladness,thereisareligionbetweentheirhearts;andeachlovesandworshipstheTrueandGoodthatis
intheother.Itisnotpolicy,orselfinterest,orselfishnessthatspreadssuchacharmaroundthat
meeting,butthehaloofbrightandbeautifulaffection.

Thesamesplendorofkindlyliking,andaffectionateregard,shineslikethesoftoverarchingsky,over
alltheworld;overallplaceswheremenmeet,andwalkortoiltogether;notoverlovers'bowersand
marriagealtarsalone,notoverthehomesofpurityandtendernessalone;butoveralltilledfields,and
busyworkshops,anddustyhighways,andpavedstreets.

Thereisnotawornstoneuponthesidewalks,buthasbeenthealtarofsuchofferingsofmutual
kindness;norawoodenpillarorironrailingagainstwhichheartsbeatingwithaffectionhavenot
leaned.Howmanysoeverotherelementsthereareinthestreamoflifeflowingthroughthesechannels,
thatissurelyhereandeverywhere;honest,heartfelt,disinterested,inexpressibleaffection.
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EveryMasonicLodgeisatempleofreligion;anditsteachingsareinstructioninreligion.Forhereare
inculcateddisinterestedness,affection,toleration,devotedness,patriotism,truth,ageneroussympathy
withthosewhosufferandmourn,pityforthefallen,mercyfortheerring,reliefforthoseinwant,Faith,
Hope,andCharity.Herewemeetasbrethren,tolearntoknowandloveeachother.Herewegreeteach
othergladly,arelenienttoeachother'sfaults,regardfulofeachother'sfeelings,readytorelieveeach
other'swants.Thisisthetruereligionrevealedtotheancientpatriarchs;whichMasonryhastaughtfor
manycenturies,andwhichitwillcontinuetoteachaslongastimeendures.Ifunworthypassions,or
selfish,bitter,orrevengefulfeelings,contempt,dislike,hatred,enterhere,theyareintrudersandnt
welcome,strangersuninvited,andnotguests.

Certainlytherearemanyevilsandbadpassionsandmuchhateandcontemptandunkindness
everywhereintheworld.Wecannotrefusetoseetheevilthatisinlife.Butallisnotevil.Westillsee
Godintheworld.

Thereisgoodamidsttheevil.Thehandofmercyleadswealthtothehovelsofpovertyandsorrow.
Truthandsimplicityliveamidmanywilesandsophistries.Therearegoodheartsunderneathgayrobes,
andundertatteredgarmentsalso.

Loveclaspsthehandoflove,amidalltheenvyingsanddistractionsofshowycompetition;fidelity,pity,
andsympathyholdthelongnightwatchbythebedsideofthesufferingneighbor,amidstthe
surroundingpovertyandsqualidmisery.Devotedmengofromcitytocitytonursethosesmittendown
bytheterriblepestilencethatrenewsatintervalsitsmysteriousmarches.Womenwellbornand
delicatelynurturednursedthewoundedsoldiersinhospitals,beforeitbecamefashionabletodoso;and
evenpoorlostwomen,whomGodalonelovesandpities,tendtheplaguestrickenwithapatientand
generousheroism.MasonryanditskindredOrdersteachmentoloveeachother,feedthehungry,clothe
thenaked,comfortthesick,andburythefriendlessdead.EverywhereGodfindsandblessesthekindly
office,thepityingthought,andthelovingheart.

Thereisanelementofgoodinallmen'slawfulpursuitsandadivinespiritbreathinginalltheirlawful
affections.Thegroundonwhichtheytreadisholyground.Thereisanaturalreligionoflife,answering,
withhowevermanyabrokentone,tothereligionofnature.ThereisabeautyandgloryinHumanity.,in
man,answering,withhowevermanyaminglingshade,tothelovelinessofsoftlandscapesandswelling
hills,andthewondrousMenmaybevirtuous,selfimproving,andreligiousintheiremployments.

Preciselyforthat,thoseemploymentsweremade.Alltheirsocialrelations,friendship,love,thetiesof
family,weremadetobeholy.Theymaybereligious,notbyakindofprotestandresistanceagainst
theirseveralvocations;butbyconformitytotheirtruespirit.Thosevocationsdonotexcludereligion;
butdemandit,fortheirownperfection.Theymaybereligiouslaborers,whetherinfieldorfactory;
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religiousphysicians,lawyers,sculptors,poets,painters,andmusicians.

Theymaybereligiousinallthetoilsandinalltheamusementsoflife.Theirlifemaybeareligion;the
broadearthitsaltar;itsincensetheverybreathoflife;itsfireseverkindledbythebrightnessof
Heaven.

Boundupwithourpoor,fraillife,isthemightythoughtthatspurnsthenarrowspanofallvisible
existence.Everthesoulreachesoutward,andasksforfreedom.Itlooksforthfromthenarrowand
gratedwindowsofsense,uponthewideimmeasurablecreation;itknowsthatarounditandbeyondit
lieoutstretchedtheinfiniteandeverlastingpaths.

Everythingwithinusandwithoutusoughttostirourmindstoadmirationandwonder.Wearea
mysteryencompassedwithmysteries.Theconnectionofmindwithmatterisamystery;thewonderful
telegraphiccommunicationbetweenthebrainandeverypartofthebody,thepower
andactionofthewill.Everyfamiliarstepismorethanastoryinalandofenchantment.Thepowerof
movementisasmysteriousasthepowerofthought.Memory,anddreamsthataretheindistinctechoes
ofdeadmemoriesarealikeinexplicable.Universalharmonyspringsfrominfinitecomplication.The
momentumofeverystepwetakeinourdwellingcontributesinparttotheorderoftheUniverse.We
areconnectedbytiesofthought,andevenofmatteranditsforces,withthewholeboundlessUniverse
andallthepastandcominggenerationsofmen.

Thehumblestobjectbeneathoureyeascompletelydefiesourscrutinyastheeconomyofthemost
distantstar.Everyleafandeverybladeofgrassholdswithinitselfsecretswhichnohumanpenetration
willeverfathom.Nomancantellwhatisitsprincipleoflife.Nomancanknowwhathispowerof
secretionis.Bothareinscrutablemysteries.Whereverweplaceourhandwelayituponthelocked
bosomofmystery.Stepwherewewill,wetreaduponwonders.Theseasands,theclodsofthefield,
thewaterwornpebblesonthehills,therudemassesofrock,aretracedoverandover,inevery
direction,withahandwritingolderandmoresignificantandsublimethanalltheancientruins,andall
theoverthrownandburiedcitiesthatpastgenerationshaveleftupontheearth;foritisthehandwriting
oftheAlmighty.

AMason'sgreatbusinesswithlifeistoreadthebookofitsteaching;tofindthatlifeisnotthedoingof
drudgeries,butthehearingoforacles.Theoldmythologyisbutaleafinthatbook;foritpeopledthe
worldwithspiritualnatures;andscience,manyleaved,stillspreadsbeforeusthesametaleofwonder.

Weshallbejustashappyhereafter,aswearepureandupright,andnomore,justashappyasour
characterpreparesustobe,andnomore.Ourmoral,likeourmentalcharacter,isnutformedina
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moment;itisthehabitofourminds;theresultofmanythoughtsandfeelingsandefforts,bound
togetherbymanynaturalandstrongties.ThegreatlawofRetributionis,thatallcomingexperienceis
tobeaffectedbyeverypresentfeeling;everyfuturemomentofbeingmustanswerforeverypresent
moment;onemoment,sacrificedtovice,orlosttoimprovement,isforeversacrificedandlost;anhour's
delaytoentertherightpath,istoputusbacksofar,intheeverlastingpursuitofhappiness;andevery
sin,evenofthebestmen,istobethusansweredfor,ifnotaccordingtothefullmeasureofitsilldesert,
yetaccordingtoaruleofunbendingrectitudeandimpartiality.

Thelawofretributionpressesuponeveryman,whetherhethinksofitornot.Itpursueshimthrough
allthecoursesoflife,withastepthatneverfaltersnortires,andwithaneyethatneversleeps.Ifitwere
notso,God'sgovernmentwouldnotbeimpartial;'therewouldbenodiscrimination;nomoral
dominion;nolightsheduponthemysteriesofProvidence.

Whatsoeveramansoweth,that,andnotsomethingelse,shallhereap.Thatwhichwearedoing,good
orevil,graveorgay,thatwhichwedotodayandshalldotomorrow;eachthought,eachfeeling,each
action,eachevent;everypassinghour,everybreathingmoment;allarecontributingtoformthe
characteraccordingtowhichwearetobejudged.Everyparticleofinfluencethatgoestoformthat
aggregate,ourcharacter,will,inthatfuturescrutiny,besiftedoutfromthemass;and,particleby
particle,withagesperhapsintervening,falladistinctcontributiontothesumofourjoysorwoes.Thus
everyidlewordandidlehourwillgiveanswerinthejudgment.

Letustakecare,therefore,whatwesow.Aneviltemptationcomesuponus;theopportunityof
unrighteousgain,orofunhallowedindulgence,eitherinthesphereofbusinessorpleasure,ofsociety
orsolitude.Weyield;andplantaseedofbitternessandsorrow.Tomorrowitwillthreatendiscovery.
Agitatedandalarmed,wecoverthesin,andburyitdeepinfalsehoodandhypocrisy.Inthebosom
whereitliesconcealed,inthefertilesoilofkindredvices,thatsindiesnot,butthrivesandgrows;and
otherandstillothergermsofevilgatheraroundtheaccursedroot;untilfromthatsingleseedof
corruption,therespringsupinthesoulallthatishorribleinhabituallying,knavery,orvice.
Loathingly,often,wetakeeachdownwardstep;butafrightfulpowerurgesusonward;andthehellof
debt,disease,ignominy,orremorsegathersitsshadowsaroundOurstepsevenonearth;andareyetbut
thebeginningsofsorrows.Theevildeedmaybedoneinasinglemoment;butconscienceneverdies,
memoryneversleeps;guiltnevercanbecomeinnocence;andremorsecanneverwhisperpeace.

Beware,thouwhoarttemptedtoevil!Bewarewhatthoulayestupforthefuture!Bewarewhatthou
layestupinthearchivesofeternity!Wrongnotthyneighbor!lestthethoughtofhimthouinjurest,and
whosuffersbythyact,betotheeapangwhichyearswillnotdepriveofitsbitterness!Breaknotinto
thehouseofinnocence,torifleitofitstreasure;lestwhenmanyyearshavepassedoverthee,themoan
ofitsdistressmaynothavediedawayfromthineear!Buildnotthedesolatethroneofambitioninthy
heart;norbebusywithdevices,andcircumventings,andselfishschemings;lestdesolationand
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lonelinessbeonthypath,asitstretchesintothelongfuturity!Livenotauseless,animpious,oran
injuriouslife!forboundupwiththatlifeistheimmutableprincipleofanendlessretribution,and
elementsofGod'screating,whichwillneverspendtheirforce,butcontinueevertounfoldwiththeages
ofeternity.Benotdeceived!Godhasformedthynature,thustoanswertothefuture.Hislawcannever
beabrogated,norHisjusticeeluded;andforeverandeveritwillbetrue,that"Whatsoeveraman
soweth,thatalsoheshallreap.

XIVGRANDELECT,PERFECT,ANDSUBLIMEMASON
[PerfectElu]

ItisforeachindividualMasontodiscoverthesecretofMasonry,byreflectionuponitssymbolsanda
wiseconsiderationandanalysisofwhatissaidanddoneinthework.Masonrydoesnotinculcateher
truths.

Shestatesthem,onceandbrieflyorhintsthem,perhaps,darklyorinterposesacloudbetweenthemand
eyesthatwouldbedazzledbythem.

"Seek,andyeshallfind,"knowledgeandthetruth.ThepracticalobjectofMasonryisthephysicaland
moralameliorationandtheintellectualandspiritualimprovementofindividualsandsociety.Neither
canbeeffected,exceptbythedisseminationoftruth.Itisfalsehoodindoctrinesandfallacyin
principles,towhichmostofthemiseriesofmenandthemisfortunesofnationsareowing.Public
opinionisrarelyrightonanypoint;andthereareandalwayswillbeimportanttruthstobesubstituted
inthatopinionintheplaceofmanyerrorsandabsurdandinjuriousprejudices.

Therearefewtruthsthatpublicopinionhasnotatsometimehatedandpersecutedasheresies;andfew
errorsthathavenotatsometimeseemedtoittruthsradiantfromtheimmediatepresenceofGod.
Therearemoralmaladies,also,ofmanandsociety,thetreatmentofwhichrequiresnotonlyboldness,
butalso,andmore,prudenceanddiscretion;sincetheyaremorethefruitoffalseandpernicious
doctrines,moral,political,andreligious,thanofviciousinclinations.

MuchoftheMasonicsecretmanifestsitself,withoutspeechrevealingittohimwhoevenpartially
comprehendsalltheDegreesinproportionashereceivesthem;andparticularlytothosewhoadvance
tothehighestDegreesoftheAncientandAcceptedScottishRite.ThatRiteraisesacorneroftheveil,
evenintheDegreeofApprentice;forittheredeclaresthatMasonryisaworship.
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Masonrylaborstoimprovethesocialorderbyenlighteningmen'sminds,warmingtheirheartswiththe
loveofthegood,inspiringthemwiththegreatprincipleofhumanfraternity,andrequiringofits
disciplesthattheirlanguageandactionsshallconformtothatprinciple,thattheyshallenlighteneach
other,controltheirpassions,abhorvice,andpitytheviciousmanasoneafflictedwithadeplorable
malady.

Itistheuniversal,eternal,immutablereligion,suchasGodplanteditintheheartofuniversal
humanity.Nocreedhaseverbeenlonglivedthatwasnotbuiltonthisfoundation.Itisthebase,and
theyarethesuperstructure."PurereligionandundefiledbeforeGodandtheFatheristhis,tovisitthe
fatherlessandwidowsintheiraffliction,andtokeephimselfunspottedfromtheworld.""Isnotthisthe
fastthatIhavechosentoloosethebandsofwickedness,toundotheheavyburdens,andtoletthe
oppressedgofree,andthatyebreakeveryyoke?"TheministersofthisreligionareallMasonswho
comprehenditandaredevotedtoit;itssacrificestoGodaregoodworks,thesacrificesofthebaseand
disorderlypassions,theofferingupofselfinterestonthealtarofhumanity,andperpetualeffortsto
attaintoallthemoralperfectionofwhichmaniscapable.

Tomakehonoranddutythesteadybeaconlightsthatshallguideyourlifevesseloverthestormyseas
oftime;todothatwhichitisrighttodo,notbecauseitwillinsureyousuccess,orbringwithita
reward,orgaintheapplauseofmen,orbe"thebestpolicy,"moreprudentormoreadvisable;but
becauseitisright,andthereforeoughttobedone;towarincessantlyagainsterror,intolerance,
ignorance,andvice,andyettopitythosewhoerr,tobetolerantevenofintolerance,toteachthe
ignorant,andtolabortoreclaimthevicious,aresomeofthedutiesofaMason.AgoodMasonisone
thatcanlookupondeath,andseeitsfacewiththesamecountenancewithwhichhehearsitsstory;that
canendureallthelaborsofhislifewithhissoulsupportinghisbody,thatcanequallydespiseriches
whenhehaththemandwhenhehaththemnot;thatis,notsadderiftheyareinhisneighbor's
exchequer,normoreliftedupiftheyshinearoundabouthisownwalls;onethatisnotmovedwithgood
fortunecomingtohim,norgoingfromhim;thatcanlookuponanotherman'slandswithequanimity
andpleasure,asiftheywerehisown;andyetlookuponhisown,andusethemtoo,justasiftheywere
anotherman's;thatneitherspendshisgoodsprodigallyandfoolishly,noryetkeepsthemavariciously
andlikeamiser;thatweighsnotbenefitsbyweightandnumber,butbythemindandcircumstancesof
himwhoconfersthem;thatneverthinkshischarityexpensive,ifaworthypersonbethereceiver;that
doesnothingforopinion'ssake,buteverythingforconscience,beingascarefulofhisthoughtsasofhis
actinginmarketsandtheatres,andinasmuchaweofhimselfasofawholeassembly;thatis,bountiful
andcheerfultohisfriends,andcharitableandapttoforgivehisenemies;thatloveshiscountry,
consultsitshonor,andobeysitslaws,anddesiresandendeavorsnothingmorethanthathemaydohis
dutyandhonorGod.AndsuchaMasonmayreckonhislifetobethelifeofaman,andcomputehis
months,notbythecourseofthesun,butbythezodiacandcircleofhisvirtues.

Thewholeworldisbutonerepublic,ofwhicheachnationisafamily,andeveryindividualachild.
Masonry,notinanywisederogatingfromthedifferingdutieswhichthediversityofstatesrequires,
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tendstocreateanewpeople,which,composedofmenofmanynationsandtongues,shallallbebound
togetherbythebondsofscience,morality,andvirtue.

Essentiallyphilanthropic,philosophical,andprogressive,ithasforthebasisofitsdogmaafirmbelief
intheexistenceofGodandhisprovidence,andoftheimmortalityofthesoul;foritsobject,the
disseminationofmoral,political,philosophical,andreligioustruth,andthepracticeofallthevirtues.
Ineveryage,itsdevicehasbeen,"Liberty,Equality,Fraternity,"withconstitutionalgovernment,law,
order,discipline,andsubordinationtolegitimateauthoritygovernmentandnotanarchy.

Butitisneitherapoliticalpartynorareligioussect.Itbracesallpartiesandallsects,toformfrom
amongthemallavastfraternalassociation.Itrecognizesthedignityofhumannature,andman'sright
tosuchfreedomasheisfittedfor;anditknowsnothingthatshouldplaceonemanbelowanother,
exceptignorance,debasement,andcrime,andthenecessityofsubordinationtolawfulwilland
authority.

Itisphilanthropic;foritrecognizesthegreattruththatallmenareofthesameorigin,havecommon
interests,andshouldcooperatetogethertothesameend.

Thereforeitteachesitsmemberstoloveoneanother,togivetoeachothermutualassistanceand
supportinallthecircumstancesoflife,toshareeachother'spainsandsorrows,aswellastheirjoysand
pleasures;toguardthereputations,respecttheopinions,andbeperfectlytolerantoftheerrors,ofeach
other,inmattersoffaithandbeliefs.

ItisphilisophicalbecauseitteachesthegreatTruthsconcerningthenatureandexistenceofone
SupremeDeity,andtheexistenceandimmortalityofthesoul.ItrevivestheAcademyofPlatoandthe
wiseteachingsofSocrates.ItreiteratesthemaximsofPythagoras,Confucius,andZoroaster,and
reverentiallyenforcesthesublimelessonsofHimwhodiedupontheCross.

TheancientsthoughtthatuniversalhumanityactedundertheinfluenceoftwoopposingPrinciples,the
GoodandtheEvil:ofwhichtheGoodurgedmentowardTruth,Independence,andDevotednessand
theEviltowardFalsehood,Servility,andSelfishness.MasonryrepresentstheGoodPrincipleand
constantlywarsagainsttheevilone.ItistheHercules,theOsiris,theApollo,theMithras,andthe
Ormuzd,ateverlastinganddeadlyfeudwiththedemonsofignorance,brutality,baseness,falsehood,
slavishnessofsoul,intolerance,superstition,tyranny,meanness,theinsolenceofwealth,andbigotry.

Whendespotismandsuperstition,twinpowersofevilanddarkness,reignedeverywhereandseemed
invincibleandimmortal,itinvented,toavoidpersecution,themysteries,thatistosay,theallegory,the
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symbol,andtheemblem,andtransmitteditsdoctrinesbythesecretmodeofinitiation.Now,retaining
itsancientsymbols,andinpartitsancientceremonies,itdisplaysineverycivilizedcountryitsbanner,
onwhichinlettersoflivinglightitsgreatprinciplesarewritten;anditsmilesatthepunyeffortsof
kingsandpopestocrushitoutbyexcommunicationandinterdiction.

Man'sviewsinregardtoGod,willcontainonlysomuchpositivetruthasthehumanmindiscapableof
receiving;whetherthattruthisattainedbytheexerciseofreason,orcommunicatedbyrevelation.It
mustnecessarilybebothlimitedandalloyed,tobringitwithinthecompetenceoffinitehuman
intelligence.Beingfinite,wecanformnocorrectoradequateideaoftheInfinite;beingmaterial,we
canformnoclearconceptionoftheSpiritual.WedobelieveinandknowtheinfinityofSpaceand
Time,andthespiritualityoftheSoul;buttheideaofthatinfinityandspiritualityeludesus.Even
Omnipotencecannotinfuseinfiniteconceptionsintofiniteminds;norcanGod,withoutfirstentirely
changingtheconditionsofourbeing,pouracompleteandfullknowledgeofHisownnatureand
attributesintothenarrowcapacityofahumansoul.Humanintelligencecouldnotgraspit,norhuman
languageexpressit.Thevisibleis,necessarily,themeasureoftheinvisible.

Theconsciousnessoftheindividualrevealsitselfalone.Hisknowledgecannotpassbeyondthelimits
ofhisownbeing.Hisconceptionsofotherthingsandotherbeingsareonlyhisconceptions.Theyare
notthosethingsorbeingsthemselves.ThelivingprincipleofalivingUniversemustbeINFINITE;
whileallourideasandconceptionsarefinite,andapplicableonlytofinitebeings.

TheDeityisthusnotanobjectofknowledge,butoffaith;nottobeapproachedbytheunderstanding,
butbythemoralsense;nottobeconceived,buttobefelt.AllattemptstoembracetheInfiniteinthe
conceptionoftheFiniteare,andmustbeonlyaccommodationstothefrailtyofman.Shroudedfrom
humancomprehensioninanobscurityfromwhichachastenedimaginationisawedback,andThought
retreatsinconsciousweakness,theDivineNatureisathemeonwhichmanislittleentitledto
dogmatize.HerethephilosophicIntellectbecomesmostpainfullyawareofitsowninsufficiency.

Andyetitisherethatmanmostdogmatizes,classifiesanddescribesGod'sattributes,makesouthis
mapofGod'snature,andhisinventoryofGod'squalities,feelings,impulses,andpassions;andthen
hangsandburnshisbrother,who,asdogmaticallyashe,makesoutadifferentmapandinventory.The
commonunderstandinghasnohumility.ItsGodisanincarnateDivinity.Imperfectionimposesitsown
limitationsontheIllimitable,andclothestheInconceivableSpiritoftheUniverseinformsthatcome
withinthegraspofthesensesandtheintellect,andarederivedfromthatinfiniteandimperfectnature
whichisbutGod'screation.

Weareallofus,thoughnotallequally,mistaken.Thecherisheddogmasofeachofusarenot,aswe
fondlysuppose,thepuretruthofGod;butsimplyourownspecialformoferror,ourguessesattruth,
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therefractedandfragmentaryraysoflightthathavefallenuponourownminds.Ourlittlesystems
havetheirday,andceasetobe;theyarebutbrokenlightsofGod;andHeismorethanthey.Perfect
truthisnotattainableanywhere.WestylethisDegreethatofPerfection;andyetwhatitteachesis
imperfectanddefective.Yetwearenottorelaxinthepursuitoftruth,norcontentedlyacquiescein
error.Itisourdutyalwaystopressforwardinthesearch;forthoughabsolutetruthisunattainable,yet
theamountoferrorinourviewsiscapableofprogressiveandperpetualdiminution;andthusMasonry
isacontinualstruggletowardthelight.

Allerrorsarenotequallyinnocuous.Thatwhichismostinjuriousistoentertainunworthyconceptions
ofthenatureandattributesofGod;anditisthisthatMasonrysymbolizesbyignoranceoftheTrue
Word.ThetruewordofaMasonis,nottheentire,perfect,absolutetruthinregardtoGod;butthe
highestandnoblestconceptionofHimthatourmindsarecapableofforming;andthiswordis
Ineffable,becauseonemancannotcommunicatetoanotherhisownconceptionofDeity;sinceevery
man'sconceptionofGodmustbeproportionedtohismentalcultivationandintellectualpowers,and
moralexcellence.Godis,asmanconceivesHim,thereflectedimageofmanhimself.

Foreveryman'sconceptionofGodmustvarywithhismentalcultivationandmentalpowers.Ifany
onecontentshimselfwithanylowerimagethanhisintellectiscapableofgrasping,thenhecontents
himselfwiththatwhichisfalsetohim,aswellasfalseinfact.Iflowerthanhecanreach,hemustneeds
feelittobefalse.Andifwe,ofthenineteenthcenturyafterChrist,adopttheconceptionsofthe
nineteenthcenturybeforeHim;ifourconceptionsofGodarethoseoftheignorant,narrowminded,
andvindictiveIsraelite;thenwethinkworseofGod,andhavealower,meaner,andmorelimitedview
ofHisnature,thanthefacultieswhichHehasbestowedarecapableofgrasping.Thehighestviewwe
canformisnearesttothetruth.Ifweacquiesceinanylowerone,weacquiesceinanuntruth.Wefeel
thatitisanaffrontandanindignitytoHim,toconceiveofHimascruel,shortsighted,capricious,and
unjust;asajealous,anangry,avindictiveBeing.WhenweexamineourconceptionsofHischaracter,if
wecanconceiveofaloftier,nobler,higher,morebeneficent,glorious,andmagnificentcharacter,then
thislatteristousthetrueconceptionofDeity;fornothingcanbeimaginedmoreexcellentthanHe.

Religion,toobtaincurrencyandinfluencewiththegreatmassofmankind,mustneedsbealloyedwith
suchanamountoferrorastoplaceitfarbelowthestandardattainablebythehigherhumancapacities.
Areligionaspureastheloftiestandmostcultivatedhumanreasoncoulddiscern,wouldnotbe
comprehendedby,oreffectiveover,thelesseducatedportionofmankind.WhatisTruthtothe
philosopher,wouldnotbeTruth,norhavetheeffectofTruth,tothepeasant.Thereligionofthemany
mustnecessarilybemoreincorrectthanthatoftherefinedandreflectivefew,notsomuchinits
essenceasinitsforms,notsomuchinthespiritualideawhichlieslatentatthebottomofit,asinthe
symbolsanddogmasinwhichthatideaisembodied.Thetruestreligionwould,inmanypoints,notbe
comprehendedbytheignorant,norconsolatorytothem,norguidingandsupportingforthem.The
doctrinesoftheBibleareoftennotclothedinthelanguageofstricttruth,butinthatwhichwasfittest
toconveytoarudeandignorantpeoplethepracticalessentialsofthedoctrine.Aperfectlypurefaith,
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freefromallextraneousadmixtures,asystemofnobletheismandloftymorality,wouldfindtoolittle
preparationforitinthecommonmindandheart,toadmitofpromptreceptionbythemassesof
mankind;andTruthmightnothavereachedus,ifithadnotborrowedthewingsofError.

TheMasonregardsGodasaMoralGovernor,aswellasanOriginalCreator;asaGodathand,andnot
merelyoneafaroffinthedistanceofinfinitespace,andintheremotenessofPastorFutureEternity.
HeconceivesofHimastakingawatchfulandpresidinginterestintheaffairsoftheworld,andas
influencingtheheartsandactionsofmen.

Tohim,GodisthegreatSourceoftheWorldofLifeandMatter;andman,withhiswonderful
corporealandmentalframe,Hisdirectwork.HebelievesthatGodhasmademenwithdifferent
intellectualcapacities,andenabledsome,bysuperiorintellectualpower,toseeandoriginatetruths
whicharehiddenfromthemassofmen.HebelievesthatwhenitisHiswillthatmankindshouldmake
somegreatstepforward,orachievesomepregnantdiscovery,Hecallsintobeingsomeintellectofmore
thanordinarymagnitudeandpower,togivebirthtonewideas,andgranderconceptionsoftheTruths
vitaltoHumanity.

WeholdthatGodhassoorderedmattersinthisbeautifulandharmonious,butmysteriouslygoverned
Universe,thatonegreatmindafteranotherwillarise,fromtimetotime,assuchareneeded,torevealto
menthetruthsthatarewanted,andtheamountoftruththancanbeborne.Hesoarranges,thatnature
andthecourseofeventsshallsendmenintotheworld,endowedwiththathighermentalandmoral
organization,inwhichgrandtruths,andsublimegleamsofspirituallightwillspontaneouslyand
inevitablyarise.Thesespeaktomenbyinspiration.

WhateverHiramreallywas,heisthetype,perhapsanimaginarytype,tous,ofhumanityinitshighest
phase;anexemplarofwhatmanmayandshouldbecome,inthecourseofages,inhisprogresstoward
therealizationofhisdestiny;anindividualgiftedwithagloriousintellect,anoblesoul,afine
organization,andaperfectlybalancedmoralbeing;anearnestofwhathumanitymaybe,andwhatwe
believeitwillhereafterbeinGod'sgoodtime;thepossibilityoftheracemadereal.TheMason
believesthatGodhasarrangedthisgloriousbutperplexingworldwithapurpose,andonaplan.He
holdsthateverymansentuponthisearth,andespeciallyeverymanofsuperiorcapacity,hasadutyto
perform,amissiontofulfill,abaptismtobebaptizedwith;thateverygreatandgoodmanpossesses
someportionofGod'struth,whichhemustproclaimtotheworld,andwhichmustbearfruitinhisown
bosom.Inatrueandsimplesense,hebelievesallthepure,wise,andintellectualtobeinspired,andto
besofortheinstruction,advancement,andelevationofmankind.Thatkindofinspiration,likeGod's
omnipresence,isnotlimitedtothefewwritersclaimedbyJews,Christians,orMoslems,butisco
extensivewiththerace.Itistheconsequenceofafaithfuluseofourfaculties.Eachmanisitssubject,
Godisitssource,andTruthitsonlytest.Itdiffersindegrees,astheintellectualendowments,themoral
wealthofthesoul,andthedegreeofcultivationofthoseendowmentsandfacultiesdiffer.Itislimited
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tonosect,age,ornation.ItiswideastheworldandcommonasGod.Itwasnotgiventoafewmen,
intheinfancyofmankind,tomonopolizeinspiration,andbarGodoutofthesoul.Wearenotbornin
thedotageanddecayoftheworld.Thestarsarebeautifulasintheirprime;themostancientHeavens
arefreshandstrong.Godisstilleverywhereinnature.Whereveraheartbeatswithlove,whereverFaith
andReasonuttertheiroracles,thereisGod,asformerlyintheheartsofseersandprophets.Nosoilon
earthissoholyasthegoodman'sheart;nothingissofullofGod.Thisinspirationisnotgiventothe
learnedalone,notalonetothegreatandwise,buttoeveryfaithfulchildofGod.Certainastheopen
eyedrinksinthelight,dothepureinheartseeGod;andhewholivestruly,feelsHimasapresence
withinthesoul.TheconscienceistheveryvoiceofDeity.

Masonry,aroundwhosealtarstheChristian,theHebrew,theMoslem,theBrahmin,thefollowersof
ConfuciusandZoroaster,canassembleasbrethrenanduniteinprayertotheoneGodwhoisaboveall
theBaalim,mustneedsleaveittoeachofitsInitiatestolookforthefoundationofhisfaithandhopeto
thewrittenscripturesofhisownreligion.Foritselfitfindsthosetruthsdefiniteenough,whichare
writtenbythefingerofGodupontheheartofmanandonthepagesofthebookofnature.Viewsof
religionandduty,wroughtoutbythemeditationsofthestudious,confirmedbytheallegianceofthe
goodandwise,stampedassterlingbytheresponsetheyfindineveryuncorruptedmind,commend
themselvestoMasonsofeverycreed,andmaywellbeacceptedbyall.

TheMasondoesnotpretendtodogmaticcertainty,norvainlyimaginesuchcertaintyattainable.He
considersthatiftherewerenowrittenrevelation,hecouldsafelyrestthehopesthatanimatehimand
theprinciplesthatguidehim,onthedeductionsofreasonandtheconvictionsofinstinctand
consciousness.Hecanfindasurefoundationforhisreligiousbelief,inthesedeductionsoftheintellect
andconvictionsoftheheart.ForreasonprovestohimtheexistenceandattributesofGod;andthose
spiritualinstinctswhichhefeelsarethevoiceofGodinhissoul,infuseintohismindasenseofhis
relationtoGod,aconvictionofthebeneficenceofhisCreatorandPreserver,andahopeoffutureex
istence;andhisreasonandconsciencealikeunerringlypointtovirtueasthehighestgood,andthe
destinedaimandpurposeofman'slife.

HestudiesthewondersoftheHeavens,theframeworkandrevolutionsoftheEarth,themysterious
beautiesandadaptationsofanimalexistence,themoralandmaterialconstitutionofthehumancreature,
sofearfullyandwonderfullymade;andissatisfiedthatGodIS;andthataWiseandGoodBeingisthe
authorofthestarryHeavensabovehim,andofthemoralworldwithinhim;andhismindfindsan
adequatefoundationforitshopes,itsworship,itsprinciplesofaction,inthefarstretchingUniverse,in
thegloriousfirmament,inthedeep,fullsoul,burstingwithunutterablethoughts.

Thesearetruthswhicheveryreflectingmindwillunhesitatinglyreceive,asnottobesurpassed,nor
capableofimprovement;andfitted,ifobeyed,tomakeearthindeedaParadise,andmanonlyalittle
lowerthantheangels.Theworthlessnessofceremonialobservances,andthenecessityofactivevirtue;
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theenforcementofpurityofheartasthesecurityforpurityoflife,andofthegovernmentofthe
thoughts,astheoriginatorsandforerunnersofaction;universalphilanthropy,requiringustoloveall
men,andtodountoothersthatandthatonlywhichweshouldthinkitright,just,andgenerousforthem
todountous;forgivenessofinjuries;thenecessityofselfsacrificeinthedischargeofduty;humility;
genuinesincerity,andbeingthatwhichweseemtobe;allthesesublimepreceptsneednomiracle,no
voicefromtheclouds,torecommendthemtoourallegiance,ortoassureusoftheirdivineorigin.They
commandobediencebyvirtueoftheirinherentrectitudeandbeauty;andhavebeen,andare,andwill
bethelawineveryageandeverycountryoftheworld.Godrevealedthemtomaninthebeginning.

TotheMason,GodisourFatherinHeaven,tobeWhosespecialchildrenisthesufficientrewardofthe
peacemakers,toseewhosefacethehighesthopeofthepureinheart;whoiseverathandtostrengthen
Histrueworshippers;toWhomourmostferventloveisdue,ourmosthumbleandpatientsubmission;
Whosemostacceptableworshipisapureandpityingheartandabeneficentlife;inWhoseconstant
presenceweliveandact,toWhosemercifuldisposalweareresignedbythatdeathwhich,wehopeand
believe,isbuttheentrancetoabetterlife;andwhosewisedecreesforbidamantolaphissoulinan
elysiumofmereindolentcontent.

AstoourfeelingstowardHimandourconducttowardman,Masonryteacheslittleaboutwhichmen
candiffer,andlittlefromwhichtheycandissent.HeisourFather;andweareallbrethren.Thismuch
liesopentothemostignorantandbusy,asfullyastothosewhohavemostleisureandaremostlearned.
ThisneedsnoPriesttoteachit,andnoauthoritytoindorseit;andifeverymandidthatonlywhichis
consistentwithit,itwouldexilebarbarity,cruelty,intolerance,uncharitableness,perfidy,treachery,
revenge,selfishness,andalltheirkindredvicesandbadpassionsbeyondtheconfinesoftheworld.

ThetrueMason,sincerelyholdingthataSupremeGodcreatedandgovernsthisworld,believesalso
thatHegovernsitbylaws,which,thoughwise,just,andbeneficent,areyetsteady,unwavering,
inexorable.Hebelievesthathisagoniesandsorrowsareordainedforhischastening,hisstrengthening,
hiselaborationanddevelopment;becausetheyarethenecessaryresultsoftheoperationoflaws,the
bestthatcouldbedevisedforthehappinessandpurificationofthespecies,andtogiveoccasionand
opportunityforthepracticeofallthevirtues,fromthehomeliestandmostcommon,tothenoblestand
mostsublime;orperhapsnoteventhat,butthebestadaptedtoworkoutthevast,awful,glorious,
eternaldesignsoftheGreatSpiritoftheUniverse.Hebelievesthattheordainedoperationsofnature,
whichhavebroughtmiserytohim,have,fromtheveryunswervingtranquilityoftheircareer,showered
blessingsandsunshineuponmanyanotherpath;thattheunrelentingchariotofTime,whichhas
crushedormaimedhiminitsallottedcourse,ispressingonwardtotheaccomplishmentofthoseserene
andmightypurposes,tohavecontributedtowhich,evenasavictim,isanhonorandarecompense.He
takesthisviewofTimeandNatureandGod,andyetbearshislotwithoutmurmurordistrust;because
itisaportionofasystem,thebestpossible,becauseordainedbyGod.HedoesnotbelievethatGod
losessightofhim,whilesuperintendingthemarchofthegreatharmoniesoftheUniverse;northatit
wasnotforeseen,whentheUniversewascreated,itslawsenacted,andthelongsuccessionofits
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operationspreordained,thatinthegreatmarchofthoseevents,hewouldsufferpainandundergo
calamity.HebelievesthathisindividualgoodenteredintoGod'sconsideration,aswellasthegreat
cardinalresultstowhichthecourseofallthingsistending.

Thusbelieving,hehasattainedaneminenceinvirtue,thehighest,amidpassiveexcellence,which
humanitycanreach.Hefindshisrewardandhissupportinthereflectionthatheisanunreluctantand
selfsacrificingcooperatorwiththeCreatoroftheUniverse;andinthenobleconsciousnessofbeing
worthyandcapableofsosublimeaconception,yetsosadadestiny.Heisthentrulyentitledtobe
calledaGrandElect,Perfect,andSublimeMason.Heiscontenttofallearlyinthebattle,ifhisbody
maybutformasteppingstoneforthefutureconquestsofhumanity.

ItcannotbethatGod,Who,wearecertain,isperfectlygood,canchooseustosufferpain,unlesseither
weareourselvestoreceivefromitanantidotetowhatisevilinourselves,orelseassuchpainisa
necessarypartintheschemeoftheUniverse,whichasawholeisgood.

Ineithercase,theMasonreceivesitwithsubmission.Hewouldnotsufferunlessitwasorderedso.
Whateverhiscreed,ifhebelievesthatGodis,andthatHecaresforHiscreatures,hecannotdoubt
that;northatitwouldnothavebeensoordered,unlessitwaseitherbetterforhimself,orforsomeother
persons,orforsomethings.TocomplainandlamentistomurmuragainstGod'swill,andworsethan
unbelief.

TheMason,whosemindiscastinanoblermouldthanthoseoftheignorantandunreflecting,andis
instinctwithadivinerlife,wholovestruthmorethanrest,andthepeaceofHeavenratherthanthe
peaceofEden,towhomaloftierbeingbringsseverercares,whoknowsthatmandoesnotliveby
pleasureorcontentalone,butbythepresenceofthepowerofGod,mustcastbehindhimthehopeof
anyotherreposeortranquillity,thanthatwhichisthelastrewardoflongagoniesofthought;hemust
relinquishallprospectofanyHeavensavethatofwhichtroubleistheavenueandportal;hemustgird
uphisloins,andtrimhislamp,foraworkthatmustbedone,andmustnotbenegligentlydone.Ifhe
doesnotliketoliveinthefurnishedlodgingsoftradition,hemustbuildhisownhouse,hisownsystem
offaithandthought,forhimself.

Thehopeofsuccess,andnotthehopeofreward,shouldbeourstimulatingandsustainingpower.Our
object,andnotourselves,shouldbeourinspiringthought.Selfishnessisasin,whentemporary,and
fortime.Spunouttoeternity,itdoesnotbecomecelestialprudence.Weshouldtoilanddie,notfor
HeavenorBliss,butforDuty.

Inthemorefrequentcases,wherewehavetojoinoureffortstothoseofthousandsofothers,to
contributetothecarryingforwardofagreatcause;merelytotillthegroundorsowtheseedforavery
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distantharvest,ortopreparethewayforthefutureadventofsomegreatamendment;theamountwhich
eachonecontributestotheachievementofultimatesuccess,theportionofthepricewhichjustice
shouldassigntoeachashisespecialproduction,canneverbeaccuratelyascertained.

Perhapsfewofthosewhohaveeverlabored,inthepatienceofsecrecyandsilence,tobringaboutsome
politicalorsocialchange,whichtheyfeltconvincedwouldultimatelyproveofvastservicetohumanity,
livedtoseethechangeeffected,ortheanticipatedgoodflowfromit.

Fewerstillofthemwereabletopronouncewhatappreciableweighttheirseveraleffortscontributedto
theachievementofthechangedesired.Manywilldoubt,whetherintruth,theseexertionshaveany
influencewhatever;anddiscouraged,ceaseallactiveeffort.

Nottobethusdiscouraged,theMasonmustlabortoelevateandpurifyhismotives,aswellas
sedulouslycherishtheconviction,assuredlyatrueone,thatinthisworldthereisnosuchthingaseffort
thrownaway;thatinalllaborthereisprofit;thatallsincereexertion,inarighteousandunselfishcause,
isnecessarilyfollowed,inspiteofallappearancetothecontrary,byanappropriateandproportionate
success;thatnobreadcastuponthewaterscanbewhollylost;thatnoseedplantedinthegroundcan
failtoquickeninduetimeandmeasure;andthat,howeverwemay,inmomentsofdespondency,beapt
todoubt,notonlywhetherourcausewilltriumph,butwhether,ifitdoes,weshallhavecontributedto
itstriumph,thereisOne,Whohasnotonlyseeneveryexertionwehavemade,butWhocanassignthe
exactdegreeinwhicheachsoldierhasassistedtogainthegreatvictoryoversocialevil.Nogoodwork
isdonewhollyinvain.

TheGrandElect,Perfect,andSublimeMasonwillinnowisedeservethathonorabletitle,ifhehasnot
thatstrength,thatwill,thatselfsustainingenergy;thatFaith,thatfeedsuponnoearthlyhope,norever
thinksofvictory,but,contentinitsownconsummation,combats,becauseitoughttocombat,rejoicing
fights,andstillrejoicingfalls.

TheAugeanStablesoftheWorld,theaccumulateduncleannessandmiseryofcenturies,requirea
mightyrivertocleansethemthoroughlyaway;everydropwecontributeaidstoswellthatriverand
augmentitsforce,inadegreeappreciablebyGod,thoughnotbyman;andhewhosezealisdeepand
earnest,willnotbeoveranxiousthathisindividualdropsshouldbedistinguishableamidthemighty
massofcleansingandfertilizingwaters;farlessthat,forthesakeofdistinction,itshouldflowin
ineffectivesinglenessaway.

ThetrueMasonwillnotbecarefulthathisnameshouldbeinscribeduponthemitewhichhecastsinto
thetreasuryofGod.Itsufficeshimtoknowthatifhehaslabored,withpurityofpurpose,inanygood
cause,hemusthavecontributedtoitssuccess;thatthedegreeinwhichhehascontributedisamatterof
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infinitelysmallconcern;andstillmore,thattheconsciousnessofhavingsocontributed,however
obscurelyandunnoticed,ishissufficient,evenifitbehissole,reward.LeteveryGrandElect,Perfect,
andSublimeMasoncherishthisfaith.Itisaduty.Itisthebrilliantandneverdyinglightthatshines
withinandthroughthesymbolicpedestalofalabaster,onwhichreposestheperfectcubeofagate,
symbolofduty,inscribedwiththedivinenameofGod.Hewhoindustriouslysowsandreapsisagood
laborer,andworthyofhishire.Buthewhosowsthatwhichshallbereapedbyothers,bythosewho
willknownotofandcarenotforthesower,isalaborerofanoblerorder,and,worthyofamore
excellentreward.

TheMasondoesnotexhortotherstoanasceticundervaluingofthislife,asaninsignificantand
unworthyportionofexistence;forthatdemandsfeelingswhichareunnatural,andwhich,therefore,if
attained,mustbemorbid,andifmerelyprofessed,insincere;andteachesustolookrathertoafuture
lifeforthecompensationofsocialevils,thantothislifefortheircure;andsodoesinjurytothecause
ofvirtueandtothatofsocialprogress.Lifeisreal,andisearnest,anditisfullofdutiestobe
performed.Itisthebeginningofourimmortality.Thoseonlywhofeeladeepinterestandaffectionfor
thisworldwillworkresolutelyforitsamelioration;thosewhoseaffectionsaretransferredtoHeaven,
easilyacquiesceinthemiseriesofearth,deemingthemhopeless,befitting,andordained;andconsole
themselveswiththeideaoftheammendswhichareonedaytobetheirs.

Itisasadtruth,thatthosemostdecidedlygiventospiritualcontemplation,andtomakingreligionrule
intheirhearts,areoftenmostapathetictowardallimprovementofthisworld'ssystems,andinmany
casesvirtualconservativesofevilandhostiletopoliticalandsocialreform,asdivertingmen'senergies
frometernity.

TheMasondoesnotwarwithhisowninstincts,maceratethebodyintoweaknessanddisorder,and
disparagewhatheseestobebeautiful,knowstobewonderful,andfeelstobeunspeakablydearand
fascinating.

HedoesnotputasidethenaturewhichGodhasgivenhim,tostruggleafteronewhichHehasnot
bestowed.Heknowsthatmanissentintotheworld,notaspiritual,butacompositebeing,madeupof
bodyandmind,thebodyhaving,asisfitandneedfulinamaterialworld,itsfull,rightful,andallotted
share.Hislifeisguidedbyafullrecognitionofthisfact.Hedoesnotdenyitinboldwords,andadmit
itinweaknessesandinevitablefailings.Hebelievesthathisspiritualitywillcomeinthenextstageof
hisbeing,whenheputsonthespiritualbody;thathisbodywillbedroppedatdeath;andthat,until
then,Godmeantittobecommandedandcontrolled,butnotneglected,despised,orignoredbythe
soul,underpainofheavyconsequences.

YettheMasonisnotindifferentastothefateofthesoul,afteritspresentlife,astoitscontinuedand
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eternalbeing,andthecharacterofthescenesinwhichthatbeingwillbefullydeveloped.Theseareto
himtopicsoftheproroundestinterest,andthemostennoblingandrefiningcontemplation.They
occupymuchofhisleisureandashebecomesfamiliarwiththesorrowsandcalamitiesofthislife,as
hishopesaredisappointedandhisvisionsofhappinessherefadeaway;whenlifehasweariedhiminits
raceofhours;whenheisharassedandtoilworn,andtheburdenofhisyearsweighsheavyonhim,the
balanceofattractiongraduallyinclinesinfavorofanotherlife;andheclingstohisloftyspeculations
withatenacityofinterestwhichneedsnoinjunction,andwilllistentonoprohibition.Theyarethe
consolingprivilegeoftheaspiring,thewayworn,theweary,andthebereaved.

TohimthecontemplationoftheFutureletsinlightuponthePresent,anddevelopsthehigherportions
ofhisnature.HeendeavorsrightlytoadjusttherespectiveclaimsofHeavenandearthuponhistime
andthought,soastogivetheproperproportionsthereoftoperformingthedutiesandenteringintothe
interestsofthisworld,andtopreparationforabetter;tothecultivationandpurificationofhisown
character,andtothepublicserviceofhisfellowmen.

TheMasondoesnotdogmatize,butentertainingandutteringhisownconvictions,heleaveseveryone
elsefreetodothesame;andonlyhopesthatthetimewillcome,evenifafterthelapseofages,whenall
menshallformonegreatfamilyofbrethren,andonelawalone,thelawoflove,shallgovernGod's
wholeUniverse.

Believeasyoumay,mybrother;iftheUniverseisnot,toyouwithoutaGod,andifmanisnotlikethe
beastthatperishes,buthathanimmortalsoul,wewelcomeyouamongus,towear,aswewear,with
humility,andconsciousofyourdemeritsandshortcomings,thetitleofGrandElect,Perfect,and
SublimeMason.

Itisnotwithoutasecretmeaning,thattwelvewasthenumberoftheApostlesofChrist,andseventy
twothatofhisDisciplesthatJohnaddressedhisrebukesandmenacestotheSevenchurches,the
numberoftheArchangelsandthePlanets.AtBabylonweretheSevenStagesofBersippa,apyramid
ofSevenstories,andatEcbatanaSevenconcentricinclosures,eachofadifferentcolor.Thebesalsohad
Sevengates,andthesamenumberisrepeatedagainandagainintheaccountoftheflood.The
Sephiroth,orEmanations,teninnumber,threeinoneclass,andsevenintheother,repeatthemystic
numbersofPythagoras.SevenAmschaspandsorplanetaryspiritswereinvokedwithOrmuzd;Seven
inferiorRishisofHindustanweresavedwiththeheadoftheirfamilyinanarkandSevenancient
personagesalonereturnedwiththeBritishjustman,Hu,fromthedaleofthegrievouswaters.There
wereSevenHeliadae,whosefatherHelias,ortheSun,oncecrossedtheseainagoldencup;Seven
Titans,childrenoftheolderTitan,KronosorSaturn;SevenCorybantes;andSevenCabiri,sonsof
Sydyk;SevenprimevalCelestialspiritsoftheJapanese,andSevenKarlesterswhoescapedfromthe
delugeandbegantobetheparentsofanewrace,onthesummitofMountAlbordi.SevenCyclopes,
also,builtthewallsofTiryus.Celus,asquotedbyOrigen,tellsusthatthePersiansrepresentedby
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symbolsthetwofoldmotionofthestars,fixedandplanetary,andthepassageoftheSoulthroughtheir
successivespheres.Theyerectedintheirholycaves,inwhichthemysticritesoftheMithriacInitiations
werepractised,whathedenominatesahighladder,ontheSevenstepsofwhichwereSevengatesor
portals,accordingtothenumberoftheSevenprincipalheavenlybodies.Throughthesetheaspirants
passed,untiltheyreachedthesummitofthewhole;andthispassagewasstyledatransmigration
throughthespheres.

Jacobsawinhisdreamaladderplantedorsetontheearth,anditstopreachingtoHeaven,andthe
MalakiAlohimascendinganddescendingonit,andaboveitstoodIHUH,declaringHimselftobe
BhuhAlhiAbraham.Thewordtranslatedladder,isSalam,fromSalal,raised,elevated,rearedup,
exalted,piledupintoaheap,Aggeravit.Salalah,meansaheap,rampart,orotheraccumulationofearth
orstone,artificiallymade;andSalaaorSalo,isarockorclifforboulder,andthenameofthecityof
Petra.ThereisnoancientHebrewwordtodesignateapyramid.

ThesymbolicmountainMeruwasascendedbySevenstepsorstagesandallthepyramidsandartificial
tumuliandhillocksthrownupinflatcountrieswereimitationsofthisfabulousandmysticmountain,
forpurposesofworship.Thesewerethe"HighPlaces"sooftenmentionedintheHebrewbooks,on
whichtheidolaterssacrificedtoforeigngods.

Thepyramidsweresometimessquare,andsometimesround.ThesacredBabyloniantower[Magdol],
dedicatedtothegreatFatherBal,wasanartificialhill,ofpyramidalshape,andSevenstages,builtof
brick,andeachstageofadifferentcolor,representingtheSevenplanetaryspheresbytheappropriate
colorofeachplanet.Meruitselfwassaidtobeasinglemountain,terminatinginthreepeaks,andthusa
symboloftheTrimurti.ThegreatPagodaatTanjorewasofsixstories,surmountedbyatempleasthe
seventh,andonthisthreespiresortowers.
AnancientpagodaatDeogurwassurmountedbyatower,sustainingthemysticeggandatrident.
HerodotustellsusthattheTempleofBalatBabylonwasatowercomposedofSeventowers,restingon
aneighththatservedasbasis,andsuccessivelydiminishinginsizefromthebottomtothetop;and
Strabotellsusitwasapyramid.

FaberthinksthattheMithriacladderwasreallyapyramidwithSevenstages,eachprovidedwitha
narrowdoororaperture,througheachofwhichdoorstheaspirantpassed,toreachthesummit,and
thendescendedthroughsimilardoorsontheoppositesideofthepyramid;theascentanddescentofthe
Soulbeingthusrepresented.

EachMithriaccaveandallthemostancienttemplesweretendedtosymbolizetheUniverse,which
itselfwashabituallycalledtheTempleandhabitationofDeity.Everytemplewastheworldin
miniature;andsothewholeworldwasonegrandtemple.Themostancienttempleswereroofless;and
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thereforethePersians,Celts,andScythiansstronglydislikedartificialcoverededifices.Cicerosays
thatXerxesburnedtheGreciantemples,ontheexpressgroundthatthewholeworldwastheMagnifi
centTempleandHabitationoftheSupremeDeity.MacrobiussaysthattheentireUniversewas
judiciouslydeemedbymanytheTempleofGod.PlatopronouncedtherealTempleoftheDeitytobe
theworld;andHeraclitusdeclaredthattheUniverse,variegatedwithanimalsandplantsandstarswas
theonlygenuineTempleoftheDivinity.

HowcompletelytheTempleofSolomonwassymbolic,ismanifest,notonlyfromthecontinual
reproductioninitofthesacrednumbersandofastrologicalsymbolsinthehistoricaldescriptionsofit;
butalso,andyetmore,fromthedetailsoftheimaginaryreconstructededifice,seenbyEzekielinhis
vision.TheApocalypsecompletesthedemonstration,andshowsthekabalisticmeaningsofthewhole.
TheSymbolaArchitectonicaarefoundonthemostancientedificesandthesemathematicalfiguresand
instruments,adoptedbytheTemplars,andidenticalwiththoseonthegnosticsealsandabraxae,
connecttheirdogmawiththeChaldaic,Syriac,andEgyptianOrientalphilosophy.Thesecret
PythagoreandoctrinesofnumberswerepreservedbythemonksofThibet,bytheHierophantsof
EgyptandEleusis,atJerusalem,andinthecircularChaptersoftheDruids;andtheyareespecially
consecratedinthatmysteriousbook,theApocalypseofSaintJohn.

Alltemplesweresurroundedbypillars,recordingthenumberoftheconstellations,thesignsofthe
zodiac,orthecyclesoftheplanetsandeachonewasamicrocosmorsymboloftheUniverse,having
forrooforceilingthestarredvaultofHeaven.

Alltempleswereoriginallyopenatthetop,havingforroofthesky.Twelvepillarsdescribedthebeltof
thezodiac.Whateverthenumberofthepillars,theyweremysticaleverywhere.AtAbury,theDruidic
templereproducedallthecyclesbyitscolumns.AroundthetemplesofChilminarinPersia,ofBaalbec,
andofTukhtiSchlomohinTartary,onthefrontierofChina,stoodfortypillars.Oneachsideofthe
templeatPaestumwerefourteen,recordingtheEgyptiancycleofthedarkandlightsidesofthemoon,
asdescribedbyPlutarch;thewholethirtyeightthatsurroundedthemrecordingthetwometeoriccycles
sooftenfoundintheDruidictemples.

ThetheatrebuiltbyScaurus,inGreece,wassurroundedby360columns;theTempleatMecca,and
thatatIonainScotland,by360stones.

XVKNIGHTOFTHEEASTOROFTHESWORD
[KnightoftheEast,oftheSword,oroftheEagle.]
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ThisDegree,likeallothersinMasonry,issymbolical.Baseduponhistoricaltruthandauthentic
tradition,itisstillanallegory.TheleadinglessonofthisDegreeisFidelitytoobligation,and
ConstancyandPerseveranceunderdifficultiesanddiscouragement.

Masonryisengagedinhercrusade,againstignorance,intolerance,fanaticism,superstition,
uncharitableness,anderror.Shedoesnotsailwiththetradewinds,uponasmoothsea,withasteady
freebreeze,fairforawelcomingharbor;butmeetsandmustovercomemanyopposingcurrents,
bafflingwinds,anddeadcalms.

Thechiefobstaclestohersuccessaretheapathyandfaithlessnessofherownselfishchildren,andthe
supineindifferenceoftheworld.Intheroarandcrushandhurryoflifeandbusiness,andthetumult
anduproarofpolitics,thequietvoiceofMasonryisunheardandunheeded.Thefirstlessonwhichone
learns,whoengagesinanygreatworkofreformorbeneficence,is,thatmenareessentiallycareless,
lukewarm,andindifferentastoeverythingthatdoesnotconcerntheirownpersonalandimmediate
welfare.Itistosinglemen,andnottotheunitedeffortsofmany,thatallthegreatworksofman,
strugglingtowardperfection,areowing.Theenthusiast,whoimaginesthathecaninspirewithhisown
enthusiasmthemultitudethateddiesaroundhim,oreventhefewwhohaveassociatedthemselveswith
himascoworkers,isgrievouslymistaken;andmostoftentheconvictionofhisownmistakeisfollowed
bydiscouragementanddisgust.Todoall,topayall,andtosufferall,andthen,whendespiteall
obstaclesandhindrances,successisaccomplished,andagreatworkdone,toseethosewhoopposedor
lookedcoldlyonit,claimandreapallthepraiseandreward,isthecommonandalmostuniversallotof
thebenefactorofhiskind.

Hewhoendeavorstoserve,tobenefit,andimprovetheworld,islikeaswimmer,whostrugglesagainst
arapidcurrent,inariverlashedintoangrywavesbythewinds.Oftentheyroaroverhishead,often
theybeathimbackandbafflehim.Mostmenyieldtothestressofthecurrent,andfloatwithittothe
shore,oraresweptovertherapids;andonlyhereandtherethestout,strongheartandvigorousarms
struggleontowardultimatesuccess.

Itisthemotionlessandstationarythatmostfretsandimpedesthecurrentofprogress;thesolidrockor
stupiddeadtree,restedfirmlyonthebottom,andaroundwhichtheriverwhirlsandeddies:theMasons
thatdoubtandhesitateandarediscouraged;thatdisbelieveinthecapabilityofmantoimprove;thatare
notdisposedtotoilandlaborfortheinterestandwellbeingofgeneralhumanity;thatexpectothersto
doall,evenofthatwhichtheydonotopposeorridicule;whiletheysit,applaudinganddoingnothing,
orperhapsprognosticatingfailure.

ThereweremanysuchattherebuildingoftheTemple.Therewereprophetsofevilandmisfortunethe
lukewarmandtheindifferentandtheapathetic;thosewhostoodbyandsneeredandthosewhothought
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theydidGodserviceenoughiftheynowandthenfaintlyapplauded.Therewereravenscroakingill
omen,andmurmurerswhopreachedthefollyandfutilityoftheattempt.Theworldismadeupofsuch
andtheywereasabundantthenastheyarenow.

Butgloomyanddiscouragingaswastheprospect,withlukewarmnesswithinandbitteropposition
without,ourancientbrethrenpersevered.Letusleavethemengagedinthegoodwork,andwheneverto
us,astothem,successisuncertain,remote,andcontingent,letusstillrememberthattheonlyquestion
forustoask,astruemenandMasons,iswhatdoesdutyrequireandnotwhatwillbetheresultandour
rewardifwedoourduty.Workon,theSwordinonehand,andtheTrowelintheother!

MasonryteachesthatGodisaPaternalBeing,andhasaninterestinhiscreatures,suchasisexpressed
inthetitleFather;aninterestunknowntoallthesystemsofPaganism,untaughtinallthetheoriesof
philosophy;aninterestnotonlyinthegloriousbeingsofotherspheres,theSonsofLight,thedwellers
inHeavenlyworlds,butinus,poor,ignorant,andunworthy;thatHehaspityfortheerring,pardonfor
theguilty,loveforthepure,knowledgeforthehumble,andpromisesofimmortallifeforthosewho
trustinandobeyHim.

WithoutabeliefinHim,lifeismiserable,theworldisdark,theUniversedisrobedofitssplendors,the
intellectualtietonaturebroken,thecharmofexistencedissolved,thegreathopeofbeinglost;andthe
mind,likeastarstruckfromitssphere,wandersthroughtheinfinitedesertofitsconceptions,without
attraction,tendency,destiny,orend.

Masonryteaches,that,ofalltheeventsandactions,thattakeplaceintheuniverseofworldsandthe
eternalsuccessionofages,thereisnotone,eventheminutest,whichGoddidnotforeverforseewithall
thedistinctnessofimmediatevision,combiningall,sothatman'sfreewillshouldbeHisinstrument,
likealltheotherforcesofnature.

ItteachesthatthesoulofmanisformedbyHimforapurpose;that,builtupinitsproportions,and
fashionedineverypart,byinfiniteskill,anemanationfromHisspirit,itsnature,necessity,anddesign
arevirtue.Itissoformed,somoulded,sofashioned,soexactlybalanced,soexquisitelyproportionedin
everypart,thatsinintroducedintoitismisery;thatviciousthoughtsfalluponitlikedropsofpoison;
andguiltydesires,breathingonitsdelicatefibres,makeplaguespotsthere,deadlyasthoseof
pestilenceuponthebody.Itismadeforvirtue,andnotforvice;forpurity,asitsend,rest,and
happiness.Notmorevainlywouldweattempttomakethemountainsinktothelevelofthevalley,the
wavesoftheangryseaturnbackfromitsshoresandceasetothunderuponthebeach,thestarstohalt
intheirswiftcourses,thantochangeanyonelawofourownnature.Andoneofthoselaws,utteredby
God'svoice,andspeakingthrougheverynerveandfibre,everyforceandelement,ofthemoral
constitutionHehasgivenus,isthatwemustbeuprightandvirtuous;thatiftemptedwemustresist;
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thatwemustgovernourunrulypassions,andholdinhandoursensualappetites.Andthisisnotthe
dictateofanarbitrarywill,norofsomesternandimpracticablelaw;butitispartofthegreatfirmlaw
ofharmonythatbindstheUniversetogether,notthemereenactmentofarbitrarywill;butthedictateof
InfiniteWisdom.

WeknowthatGodisgood,andthatwhatHedoesisright.Thisknown,theworksofcreation,the
changesoflife,thedestiniesofeternity,areallspreadbeforeus,asthedispensationsandcounselsof
infinitelove.Thisknown,wethenknowthattheloveofGodisworkingtoissues,likeitself,beyondall
thoughtandimaginationgoodandglorious;andthattheonlyreasonwhywedonotunderstandit,is
thatitistoogloriousforustounderstand.God'slovetakescareforall,andnothingisneglected.It
watchesoverall,providesforall,makeswiseadaptationsforall;forage,forinfancy,formaturity,for
childhood;ineverysceneofthisoranotherworld;forwant,weakness,joy,sorrow,andevenforsin.All
isgoodandwellandright;andshallbesoforever.ThroughtheeternalagesthelightofGod's
beneficenceshallshinehereafter,disclosingall,consummatingall,rewardingallthatdeservereward.
Thenweshallsee,whatnowwecanonlybelieve.

Thecloudwillbeliftedup,thegateofmysterybepassed,andthefulllightshineforever;thelightof
whichthatoftheLodgeisasymbol.Thenthatwhichcausedustrialshallyieldustriumph;andthat
whichmadeourheartacheshallfilluswithgladness;andweshallthenfeelthatthere,ashere,theonly
truehappinessistolearn,toadvance,andtoimprove;whichcouldnothappenunlesswehad
commencedwitherror,ignorance,andimperfection.Wemustpassthroughthedarkness,toreachthe
light.

XVI.PRINCEOFJERUSALEM

WenolongerexpecttorebuildtheTempleatJerusalem.Tousithasbecomebutasymbol.Tousthe
wholeworldisGod'sTemple,asiseveryuprightheart.ToestablishallovertheworldtheNewLawand
ReignofLove,Peace,Charity,andToleration,istobuildthatTemple,mostacceptabletoGod,in
erectingwhichMasonryisnowengaged.NolongerneedingtorepairtoJerusalemtoworship,norto
offerupsacrificesandshedbloodtopropitiatetheDeity,manmaymakethewoodsandmountainshis
ChurchesandTemples,andworshipGodwithadevoutgratitude,andwithworksofcharityand
beneficencetohisfellowmen.

Whereverthehumbleandcontriteheartsilentlyoffersupitsadoration,undertheoverarchingtrees,in
theopen,levelmeadows,onthehillside,intheglen,orinthecity'sswarmingstreets;thereisGod's
HouseandtheNewJerusalem.

ThePrincesofJerusalemnolongersitasmagistratestojudgebetweenthepeople;noristheirnumber
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limitedtofive.Buttheirdutiesstillremainsubstantiallythesame,andtheirinsigniaandsymbols
retaintheiroldsignificance.JusticeandEquityarestilltheircharacteristics.Toreconciledisputesand
healdissensions,torestoreamityandpeace,tosoothedislikesandsoften,prejudices,aretheirpeculiar
duties;andtheyknowthatthepeacemakersareblessed.

Theiremblemshavebeenalreadyexplained.TheyarepartoflanguageofMasonry;thesamenowasit
waswhenMoseslearneditfromtheEgyptianHierophants..

StillweobservethespiritoftheDivinelaw,asthusenunciatedtoourancientbrethren,whenthe
Templewasrebuilt,andthebookofthelawagainopened:"Executetruejudgment;andshowmercy
andcompassioneverymantohisbrother.Oppressnotthewidownorthefatherless,thestrangernorthe
poorandletnoneofyouimagineevilagainsthisbrotherinhisheart.Speakyeeverymanthetruthto
hisneighbor;executethejudgmentofTruthandPeaceinyourgates;andlovenofalseoath;forall
theseIhate,saiththeLord".

"Letthosewhohavepowerruleinrighteousness,andPrincesinjudgment.Andlethimthatisajudge
beasanhidingplacefromthewind,andacovertfromthetempest;asriversofwaterinadryplace;as
theshadowofagreatrockinawearyland.Thenthevilepersonshallnomorebecalledliberal;northe
churlbountiful;andtheworkofjusticeshallbepeace;andtheeffectofjustice,quietandsecurity;and
wisdomandknowledgeshallbethestabilityofthetimes.Walkyerighteouslyandspeakuprightly;
despisethegainsofoppression,shakefromyourhandsthecontaminationofbribes;stopnotyourears
againstthecriesoftheoppressed,norshutyoureyesthatyoumaynotseethecrimesofthegreat;and
youshalldwellonhigh,andyourplaceofdefencebelikemunitionsofrocks."

ForgetnotthesepreceptsoftheoldLawandespeciallydonotforget,asyouadvance,thateveryMason,
howeverhumble,isyourbrother,andthelaboringmanyourpeer!RememberalwaysthatallMasonryis
work,andthatthetrowelisanemblemoftheDegreesinthisCouncil.Labor,whenrightlyunderstood,
isbothnobleandennobling,andintendedtodevelopman'smoralandspiritualnature,andnottobe
deemedadisgraceoramisfortune.

Everythingaroundusis,initsbearingsandinfluences,moral.Thesereneandbrightmorning,whenwe
recoverourconsciousexistencefromtheembracesofsleep;when,fromthatimageofDeathGodcalls
ustoanewlife,andagaingivesusexistence,andHismerciesvisitusineverybrightrayandglad
thought,andcallforgratitudeandcontent;thesilenceofthatearlydawn,thehushedsilence,asitwere,
ofexpectation;theholyeventide,itscoolingbreeze,itslengtheningshadows,itsfallingshades,itsstill
andsoberhour;thesultrynoontideandthesternandsolemnmidnight;andSpringtime,andchastening
Autumn;andSummer,thatunbarsourgates,andcarriesusforthamidsttheeverrenewedwondersof
theworld;andWinter,thatgathersusaroundtheeveninghearth;allthese,astheypass,touchbyturns
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thespringsofthespirituallifeinus,andareconductingthatlifetogoodorevil.Theidlewatchhand
oftenpointstosomethingwithinus;andtheshadowofthegnomononthedialoftenfallsuponthe
conscience.

Alifeoflaborisnotastateofinferiorityordegradation.TheAlmightyhasnotcastman'slotbeneath
thequietshades,andamidgladgrovesandlovelyhills,withnotasktoperform;withnothingtodobut
toriseupandeat,andtoliedownandrest.HehasordainedthatWorkshallbedone,inallthe
dwellingsoflife,ineveryproductivefield,ineverybusycity,andoneverywaveofeveryocean.And
thisHehasdone,becauseithasplrasedHimtogivemananaturedestinedtohigherendsthanindolent
reposeandirresponsibleprofitlessindulgenceandbecause,fordevelopingtheenergiesofsucha
nature,workwasthenecessaryandproperelement.WemightaswellaskwhyHecouldnotmaketwo
andtwobesix,aswhyHecouldnotdeveloptheseenergieswithouttheinstrumentalityofwork.They
areequallyimpossibilities.

ThisMasonryteaches,asagreatTruth;agreatmorallandmark,thatoughttoguidethecourseofall
mankind.Itteachesitstoilingchildrenthatthesceneoftheirdailylifeisallspiritual,thatthevery
implementsoftheirtoil,thefabricstheyweave,themerchandisetheybarter,aredesignedforspiritual
ends;thatsobelieving,theirdailylotmaybetothemasphereforthenoblestimprovement.Thatwhich
wedoinourintervalsofrelaxation,ourchurchgoing,andourbookreading,areespeciallydesignedto
prepareourmindsfortheactionofLife.Wearetohearandreadandmeditate,thatwemayactwelland
theactionofLifeisitselfthegreatfieldforspiritualimprovement.

Thereisnotaskofindustryorbusiness,infieldorforest,onthewharfortheship'sdeck,intheoffice
ortheexchange,buthasspiritualends.Thereisnocareorcrossofourdailylabor,butwasespecially
ordainedtonurtureinuspatience,calmness,resolution,perseverance,gentleness,disinterestedness,
magnanimity.Noristhereanytoolorimplementoftoil,butisapartofthegreatspiritual
instrumentality.

Alltherelationsoflife,thoseofparent,child,brother,sister,friend,associate,loverandbeloved,
husband,wife,aremoral,throughouteverylivingtieandthrillingnervethatblndthemtogether.They
cannotsubsistadaynoranhourwithoutputtingthemindtoatrialofitstruth,fidelity,forbearance,and
disinterestedness.

Agreatcityisoneextendedsceneofmoralaction.Thereisblowstruckinitbuthasapurpose,
ultimatelygoodorbad,andthereforemoral.Thereisnoactionperformed,buthasamotive;and
motivesarethespecialjurisdictionofmorality.Equipages,houses,andfurniturearesymbolsofwhatis
moral,andtheyinathousandwaysministertorightorwrongfeeling.Everythingthatbelongstous,
ministeringtoourcomfortorluxury,awakensinusemotionsofprideorgratitude,ofselfishnessor
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vanity;thoughtsofselfindulgence,ormercifulremembrancesoftheneedyandthedestitute.

Everythingactsuponandinfluencesus.God'sgreatlawofsympathyandharmonyispotentand
inflexibleasHislawofgravitation.Asentenceembodyinganoblethoughtstirsourblood;anoise
madebyachildfretsandexasperatesus,andinfluencesouractions.

Aworldofspiritualobjects,influences,andrelationsliesaroundusall.Weallvaguelydeemittobe
so;butheonlylivesacharmedlife,likethatofgeniusandpoeticinspiration,whocommuneswiththe
spiritualscenearoundhim,hearsthevoiceofthespiritineverysound,seesitssignsineverypassing
formofthings,andfeelsitsimpulseinallaction,passion,andbeing.Veryneartousliestheminesof
wisdom;unsuspectedtheylieallaroundus.Thereisasecretinthesimplestthings,awonderinthe
plainest,acharminthedullest.

Weareallnaturallyseekersofwonders.Wetravelfartoseethemajestyofoldruins,thevenerable
formsofthehoarymountains,greatwaterfalls,andgalleriesofart.Andyettheworldwonderisall
aroundus;thewonderofsettingsunsandeveningstars,ofthemagicspringtime,theblossomingofthe
trees,thestrangetransformationsofthemoth;thewonderoftheInfiniteDivinityandofHisboundless
revelation.ThereisnosplendorbeyondthatwhichsetsitsmorningthroneinthegoldenEast;nodome
sublimeasthatofHeaven;nobeautysofairasthatoftheverdant,blossomingearth;noplace,however
investedwiththesanctitiesofoldtime,likethathomewhichishushedandfoldedwithintheembrace
ofthehumblestwallandroof.

Andallthesearebutthesymbolsofthingsfargreaterandhigher.Allisbuttheclothingofthespirit.
Inthisvestureoftimeiswrappedtheimmortalnature:inthisshowofcircumstanceandformstands
revealedthestupendousreality.Letmanbutbe,asheis,alivingsoul,communingwithhimselfand
withGod,andhisvisionbecomeseternity;hisabode,infinity;hishome,thebosomofallembracing
love.

ThegreatproblemofHumanityiswroughtoutinthehumblestabodes;nomorethanthisisdoneinthe
highest.Ahumanheartthrobsbeneaththebeggar'sgabardine;andthatandnomorestirswithits
beatingthePrince'smantle.ThebeautyofLove,thecharmofFriendship,thesacrednessofSorrow,
theheroismofPatience,thenobleSelfsacrifice,theseandtheirlike,alone,makelifetobelifeindeed,
andareitsgrandeuranditspower.Theyarethepricelesstreasuresandgloryofhumanity;andtheyare
notthingsofcondition.Allplacesandallscenesarealikeclothedwiththegrandeurandcharmof
virtuessuchasthese.

Themillionoccasionswillcometousall,intheordinarypathsofourlife,inourhomes,andbyour
firesides,whereinwemayactasnobly,asif,allourlifelong,weledarmies,satinsenates,orvisited
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bedsofsicknessandpain.Varyingeveryhour,themillionoccasionswillcomeinwhichwemay
restrainourpassions,subdueourheartstogentlenessandpatience,resignourowninterstforanother's
advantage,speakwordsofkindnessandwisdom,raisethefallen,cheerthefaintingandsickinspirit,
andsoftenandassuagethewearinessandbitternessoftheirmortallot.ToeveryMasontherewillbe
opportunityenoughforthese.Theycannotbewrittenonhistomb;buttheywillbewrittendeepinthe
heartsofmen,offriends,ofchildren,ofkindredallaroundhim,inthebookofthegreataccount,and
intheireternalinfluences,onthegreatpagesoftheUniverse.

Tosuchadestiny,atleast,myBrethren,letusallaspire!TheselawsofMasonryletusallstriveto
obey!AndsomayourheartsbecometruetemplesoftheLivingGod!AndmayHeencourageourzeal,
sustainourhopes,andassureusofsuccess!

XVII.KNIGHTOFTHEEASTANDWEST

ThisisthefirstofthePhilosophicalDegreesoftheAncientandAcceptedScottishRiteandthe
beginningofacourseofinstructionwhichwillfullyunveiltoyoutheheartandinnermysteriesof
Masonry.Donotdespairbecauseyouhaveoftenseemedonthepointofattainingtheinmostlight,and
haveasoftenbeendisappointed.Inalltime,truthhasbeenhiddenundersymbols,andoftenundera
successionofallegories:whereveilafterveilhadtobepenetratedbeforethetrueLightwasreached
andtheessentialtruthstoodrevealed.TheHumanLightisbutanimperfectreflectionofarayofthe
InfiniteandDivine.

WeareabouttoapproachthoseancientReligionswhichonceruledthemindsofmen,andwhoseruins
encumbertheplainsofthegreatPast,asthebrokencolumnsofPalmyraandTadmorliebleachingon
thesandsofthedesert.Theyrisebeforeus,thoseold,strange,mysteriouscreedsandfaiths,shrouded
inthemistsofantiquity,andstalkdimlyandundefinedalongthelinewhichdividesTimefrom
Eternity;andformsofstrange,wild,startlingbeautymingledinthevastthrongsoffigureswithshapes
monstrous,grotesque,andhideous.

ThereligiontaughtbyMoses,which,likethelawsofEgypt,enuciatedtheprincipleofexclusion,
borrowed,ateveryperiodofitsexistence,fromallthecreedswithwhichitcameincontact.While,by
thestudiesofthelearnedandwise,itenricheditselfwiththemostadmirableprinciplesofthereligions
ofEgyptandAsia,itwaschanged,inthewanderingsofthePeople,byeverythingthatwasmost
impureorseductiveinthepaganmannersandsuperstitions.ItwasonethinginthetimesofMosesand
Aaron,anotherinthoseofDavidandSolomon,andstillanotherinthoseofDanielandPhilo.
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AtthetimewhenJohntheBaptistmadehisappearanceinthedesert,neartheshoresoftheDeadSea,
alltheoldphilosophicalandreligioussystemswereapproximatingtowardeachother.Ageneral
lassitudeinclinedthemindsofalltowardthequietudeofthatamalgamationofdoctrinesforwhichthe
expeditionsofAlexanderandthemorepeacefuloccurrencesthatfollowed,withtheestablishmentin
AsiaandAfricaofmanyGreciandynastiesandagreatnumberofGreciancolonies,hadpreparedthe
way.Aftertheinterminglingofdifferentnations,whichresultedfromthewarsofAlexanderinthree
quartersoftheglobe,thedoctrinesofGreece,ofEgypt,ofPersia,andofIndia,metandintermingled
everywhere.Allthebarriersthathadformerlykeptthenationsapart,werethrowndownandwhilethe
PeopleoftheWestreadilyconnectedtheirfaithwiththoseoftheEast,thoseoftheOrienthastenedto
learnthetraditionsofRomeandthelegendsofAthens.WhilethePhilosophersofGreece,all(except
thedisciplesofEpicurus)moreorlessPlatonists,seizedeargerlyuponthebeliefsanddoctrinesofthe
East,theJewsandEgyptians,beforethenthemostexclusiveofallpeoples,yieldedtothateclecticism
whichprevailedamongtheirmasters,theGreeksandRomans.

Underthesameinfluencesoftoleration,eventhosewhoembracedChristianity,mingledtogetherthe
oldandthenew,ChristianityandPhilosophy,theApostolicteachingsandthetraditionsofMythology.
Themanofintellect,devoteeofonesystem,rarelydisplacesitwithanotherinallitspurity.Thepeople
takesuchacreedasisofferedthem.

Accordingly,thedistinctionbetweentheesotericandtheexotericdoctrine,immemorialinothercreeds,
easilygainedafootholdamongmanyoftheChristians;anditwasheldbyavastnumber,evenduring
thepreachingofPaul,thatthewritingsoftheApostleswereincomplete;thattheycontainedonlythe
germsofanotherdoctrine,whichmustreceivefromthehandsofphilosophy,notonlythesystematic
arrangementwhichwaswanting,butallthedevelopmentwhichlayconcealedtherein.Thewritingsof
theApostles,theysaid,inaddressingthemselvestomankindingeneral,enunciatedonlythearticlesof
thevulgarfaith;buttransmittedthemysteriesofknowledgetosuperiorminds,totheElect,mysteries
handeddownfromgenerationtogenerationinesoterictraditionsandtothisscienceofthemysteries
theygavethenameofGnosis.

TheGnosticsderivedtheirleadingdoctrinesandideasfromPlatoandPhilo,theZendavestaandthe
Kabalah,andtheSacredbooksofIndiaandEgypt;andthusintroducedintothebosomofChristianity
thecosmologicalandtheosophicalspeculations,whichhadformedthelargerportionoftheancient
religionsoftheOrient,joinedtothoseoftheEgyptian,Greek,andJewishdoctrines,whichtheNeo
PlatonistshadequallyadoptedintheOccident.

EmanationfromtheDeityofallspiritualbeings,progressivedegenerationofthesebeingsfrom
emanationtoemanation,redemptionandreturnofalltothepurityoftheCreatorand,afterthere
establishmentoftheprimitiveharmonyofall,afortunateandtrulydivineconditionofall,inthebosom
ofGod;suchwerethefundamentalteachingsofGnosticism.ThegeniusoftheOrient,withits
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contemplations,irradiations,andintuitions,dictateditsdoctrines.Itslanguagecorrespondedtoits
origin.Fullofimagery,ithadallthemagnificence,theinconsistencies,andthemobilityofthe
figurativestyle.

Behold,itsaid,thelight,whichemanatesfromanimmensecentreofLight,thatspreadseverywhereits
benevolentrays;sodothespiritsofLightemanatefromtheDivineLight.Behold,allthesprings
whichnourish,embellish,fertilize,andpurifytheEarth;theyemanatefromoneandthesameocean;so
fromthebosomoftheDivinityemanatesomanystreams,whichformandfilltheuniverseof
intelligences.Beholdnumbers,whichallemanatefromoneprimitivenumber,allresembleit,allare
composedofitsessence,andstillvaryinfinitely;andutterances,decomposableintosomanysyllables
andelements,allcontainedintheprimitiveWord,andstillinfinitelyvarious;sotheworldof
IntelligencesemanatedfromaPrimaryIntelligence,andtheyallresembleit,andyetdisplayaninfinite
varietyofexistences.

ItrevivedandcombinedtheolddoctrinesoftheOrientandtheOccident;anditfoundinmany
passagesoftheGospelsandthePastoralletters,awarrantfordoingso.Christhimselfspokein
parablesandallegories,JohnborrowedtheenigmaticallanguageofthePlatonists,andPauloften
indulgedinincomprehensiblerhapsodies,themeaningofwhichcouldhavebeencleartotheInitiates
alone.

ItisadmittedthatthecradleofGnosticismisprobablytobelookedforinSyria,andeveninPalestine.
MostofitsexpounderswroteinthatcorruptedformoftheGreekusedbytheHellenisticJews,andin
theSeptuagintandtheNewTestament;andthereisastrikinganalogybetweentheirdoctrinesandthose
oftheJudaeoEgyptianPhilo,ofAlexandria;itselftheseatofthreeschools,atoncephilosophicand
religioustheGreek,theEgyptian,andtheJewish.

PythagorasandPlato,themostmysticaloftheGrecianPhilosophers(thelatterheirtothedoctrinesof
theformer),andwhohadtravelled,thelatterinEgypt,andtheformerinPhoenicia,India,andPersia,
alsotaughttheesotericdoctrineandthedistinctionbetweentheinitiatedandtheprofane.The
dominantdoctrinesofPlatonismwerefoundinGnosticism.EmanationofIntelligencesfromthe
bosomoftheDeity;thegoingastrayinerrorandthesufferingsofspirits,solongastheyareremote
fromGod,andimprisonedinmatter;vainandlongcontinuedeffortstoarriveattheknowledgeofthe
Truth,andreenterintotheirprimitiveunionwiththeSupremeBeing;allianceofapureanddivine
soulwithanirrationalsoul,theseatofevildesires;angelsordemonswhodwellinandgovernthe
planets,havingbutanimperfectknowledgeoftheideasthatpresidedatthecreation;regenerationofall
beingsbytheirreturntothekosmosnoetos,theworldofIntelligences,anditsChief,theSupreme
Being;solepossiblemodeofreestablishingthatprimitiveharmonyofthecreation,ofwhichthemusic
ofthespheresofPythagoraswastheimage;theseweretheanalogiesofthetwosystemsandwe
discoverinthemsomeoftheideasthatformapartofMasonry;inwhich,inthepresentmutilated
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conditionofthesymbolicDegrees,theyaredisguisedandoverlaidwithfictionandabsurdity,or
presentthemselvesascasualhintsthatarepassedbywhollyunnoticed.

Thedistinctionbetweentheesotericandexotericdoctrines(adistinctionpurelyMasonic),wasalways
andfromtheveryearliesttimespreservedamongtheGreeks.Itremountedtothefabuloustimesof
OrpheusandthemysteriesofTheosophywerefoundinalltheirtraditionsandmyths.Andafterthe
timeofAlexander,theyresortedforinstruction,dogmas,andmysteries,toalltheschools,tothoseof
EgyptandAsia,aswellasthoseofAncientThrace,Sicily,Etruria,andAttica.

TheJewishGreekSchoolofAlexandriaisknownonlybytwoofitsChiefs,AristobulusandPhilo,both
JewsofAlexandriainEgypt.BelongingtoAsiabyitsorigin,toEgyptbyitsresidence,toGreecebyits
languageandstudies,itstrovetoshowthatalltruthsembeddedinthephilosophiesofothercountries
weretransplantedthitherfromPalestine.Aristobulusdeclaredthatallthefactsanddetailsofthe
JewishScripturesweresomanyallegories,concealingthemostprofoundmeanings,andthatPlatohad
borrowedfromthemallhisfinestideas.

Philo,wholivedacenturyafterhim,followingthesametheory,endeavoredtoshowthattheHebrew
writings,bytheirsystemofallegories,werethetruesourceofallreligiousandphilosophicaldoctrines.
Accordingtohim,theliteralmeaningisforthevulgaralone.Whoeverhasmeditatedonphilosophy,
purifiedhimselfbyvirtue,andraisedhimselfbycontemplation,toGodandtheintellectualworld,and
receivedtheirinspiration,piercesthegrossenvelopeoftheletter,discoversawhollydifferentorderof
things,andisinitiatedintomysteries,ofwhichtheelementaryorliteralinstructionoffersbutan
imperfectimage.Ahistoricalfact,afigure,aword,aletter,anumber,arite,acustom,theparableor
visionofaprophet,veilsthemostprofoundtruths;andhewhohasthekeyofsciencewillinterpretall
accordingtothelighthepossesses.

AgainweseethesymbolismofMasonry,andthesearchoftheCandidateforlight."Letmenofnarrow
mindswithdraw,"hesays,"withclosedears.Wetransmitthedivinemysteriestothosewhohave
receivedthesacredinitiation,tothosewhopractisetruepietyandwhoarenotenslavedbytheempty
trappingsofwordsorthepreconceivedopinionsofthepagans."

ToPhilo,theSupremeBeingwasthePrimitiveLight,ortheArchetypeofLight,Sourcewhencethe
raysemanatethatilluminateSouls.HewasalsotheSouloftheUniverse,andassuchactedinallits
parts.HeHimselffillsandlimitsHiswholeBeing.HisPowersandVirtuesfillandpenetrateall.These
Powers(dunameis)areSpiritsdistinctfromGod,the"Ideas"ofPlatopersonified.Heiswithout
beginning,andlivesintheprototypeofTime(aion).

HisimageisTHEWORD,aformmorebrilliantthanfire;thatnotbeingthepurelight.ThisLOGOS
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dwellsinGod;fortheSupremeBeingmakestoHimselfwithinHisIntelligencethetypesorideasof
everythingthatistobecomerealityinthisWorld.TheLOGOSisthevehiclebywhichGodactsonthe
Universe,andmaybecomparedtothespeechofman.

TheLOGOSbeingtheWorldofIdeas,bymeanswhereofGodhascreatedvisiblethings,Heisthe
mostancientGod,incomparisonwiththeWorld,whichistheyoungestproduction.TheLOGOS,Chief
ofIntelligence,ofwhichHeisthegeneralrepresentative,isnamedArchangel,typeandrepresentative
ofallspirits,eventhoseofmortals.Heisalsostyledthemantypeandprimitiveman,AdamKadmon.

GodonlyisWise.ThewisdomofmanisbutthereflectionandimageofthatofGod.HeistheFather,
andHisWISDOMthemotherofcreation;forHeunitedHimselfwithWISDOM(Sophia),and
communicatedtoitthegermofcreation,anditbroughtforththematerialworld.Hecreatedtheideal
worldonly,andcausedthematerialworldtobemaderealafteritstype,byHisLOGOS,whichisHis
speech,andatthesametimetheIdeaofIdeas,theIntellectualWorld.TheIntellectualCitywasbutthe
ThoughtoftheArchitect,whomeditatedthecreation,accordingtothatplanoftheMaterialCity.

TheWordisnotonlytheCreator,butoccupiestheplaceoftheSupremeBeing.ThroughHimallthe
PowersandAttributesofGodact.Ontheotherside,asfirstrepresentativeoftheHumanFamily,Heis
theProtectorofmenandtheirShepherd.

GodgivestomantheSoulorIntelligence,whichexistsbeforethebody,andwhichheuniteswiththe
body.ThereasoningPrinciplecomesfromGodthroughtheWord,andcommuneswithGodandwith
theWord;butthereisalsoinmananirrationalPrinciple,thatoftheinclinationsandpassionswhich
producedisorder,emanatingfrominferiorspiritswhofilltheairasministersofGod.Thebody,taken
fromtheEarth,andtheirrationalPrinciplethatanimatesitconcurrentlywiththerationalPrinciple,are
hatedbyGod,whiletherationalsoulwhichHehasgivenit,is,asitwere,captiveinthisprison,this
coffin,thatencompassesit.

Thepresentconditionofmanisnothisprimitivecondition,whenhewastheimageoftheLogos.He
hasfallenfromhisfirstestate.Buthemayraisehimselfagain,byfollowingthedirectionsof
WISDOMandoftheAngelswhichGodhascommissionedtoaidhiminfreeinghimselffromthe
bondsofthebody,andcombatingEvil,theexistencewhereofGodhaspermitted,tofurnishhimthe
meansofexercisinghisliberty.Thesoulsthatarepurified,notbytheLawbutbylight,risetothe
Heavenlyregions,toenjoythereaperfectfelicity.Thosethatpersevereinevilgofrombodytobody,
theseatsofpassionsandevildesires.Thefamiliarlineamentsofthesedoctrineswillberecognizedby
allwhoreadtheEpistlesofSt.Paul,whowroteafterPhilo,thelatterlivingtillthereignofCaligula,
andbeingthecontemporaryofChrist.
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AndtheMasonisfamiliarwiththesedoctrinesofPhilo:thattheSupremeBeingisacentreofLight
whoseraysoremanationspervadetheUniverse;forthatistheLightforwhichallMasonicjourneysare
asearch,andofwhichthesunandmooninourLodgesareonlyemblems:thatLightandDarkness,
chiefenemiesfromthebeginningofTime,disputewitheachothertheempireoftheworld;whichwe
symbolizebythecandidatewanderingindarknessandbeingbroughttolight:thattheworldwas
created,notbytheSupremeBeing,butbyasecondaryagent,whoisbutHisWORD,andbytypes
whicharebuthisideas,aidedbyanINTELLIGENCE,orWISDOM,whichgivesoneofHis
Attributes;inwhichweseetheoccultmeaningofthenecessityofrecovering"theWord";andofour
twocolumnsofSTRENGTHandWISDOM,whicharealsothetwoparallellinesthatboundthecircle
representingtheUniverse:thatthevisibleworldistheimageoftheinvisibleworld;thattheessenceof
theHumanSoulistheimageofGod,anditexistedbeforethebody;thattheobjectofitsterrestriallife
istodisengageitselfofitsbodyoritssepulchre;andthatitwillascendtotheHeavenlyregions
wheneveritshallbepurified;inwhichweseethemeaning,nowalmostforgotteninourLodges,ofthe
modeofpreparationofthecandidateforapprenticeship,andhistestsandpurificationsinthefirst
Degree,accordingtotheAncientandAcceptedScottishRite.

PhiloincorporatedinhiseclecticismneitherEgyptiannorOrientalelements.Buttherewereother
JewishTeachersinAlexandriawhodidboth.TheJewsofEgyptwereslightlyjealousof,andalittle
hostileto,thoseofPalestine,particularlyaftertheerectionofthesanctuaryatLeontopolisbytheHigh
PriestOnias;andthereforetheyadmiredandmagnifiedthosesages,who,likeJeremiah,hadresidedin
Egypt."ThewisdomofSolomon"waswrittenatAlexandria,and,inthetimeofSt.Jerome,was
attributedtoPhilo;butitcontainsprinciplesatvariancewithhis.ItpersonifiesWisdom,anddraws
betweenitschildrenandtheProfane,thesamelineofdemarcationthatEgypthadlongbeforetaughtto
theJews.ThatdistinctionexistedatthebeginningoftheMosaiccreed.MoshahhimselfwasanInitiate
inthemysteriesofEgypt,ashewascompelledtobe,astheadoptedsonofthedaughterofPharaoh,
Thouoris,daughterofSesostrisRamses;who,ashertombandmonumentsshow,was,intherightof
herinfanthusband,RegentofLowerEgyptortheDeltaatthetimeoftheHebrewProphet'sbirth,
reigningatHeliopolis.Shewasalso,asthereliefsonhertombshow,aPriestessofHATHORand
NEITH,thetwogreatprimevalgoddesses.Asheradoptedson,livinginherPalaceandpresenceforty
years,andduringthattimescarcelyacquaintedwithhisbrethrentheJews,thelawofEgyptcompelled
hisinitiation:andwefindinmanyofhisenactmentstheintentionofpreserving,betweenthecommon
peopleandtheInitiates,thelineofseparationwhichhefoundinEgypt.MoshahandAharunhis
brother,thewholeseriesofHighPriests,theCouncilofthe70Elders,Salomohandtheentire
successionofProphets,wereinpossessionofahigherscience;andofthatscienceMasonryis,atleast,
thelinealdescendant.ItwasfamiliarlyknownasTHEKNOWLEDGEOFTHEWORD.

AMUN,atfirsttheGodofLowerEgyptonly,whereMoshahwasreared(awordthatinHebrewmeans
Truth),wastheSupremeGod.Hewasstyled"theCelestialLord,whoshedsLightonhiddenthings."
Hewasthesourceofthatdivinelife,ofwhichthecruxansataisthesymbol;andthesourceofall
power.HeunitedalltheattributesthattheAncientOrientalTheosophyassignedtotheSupremeBeing.
HewasthePleroma,or"Fullnessofthings,"forHecomprehendedinHimselfeverythingandthe
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LIGHT;forhewastheSunGod.Hewasunchangeableinthemidstofeverythingphenomenalinhis
worlds.Hecreatednothing;buteverythingemanatedfromHim;andofHimalltheotherGodswerebut
manifestations.

TheRamwasHislivingsymbolwhichyouseereproducedinthisDegree,lyingonthebookwithseven
sealsonthetracingboard.HecausedthecreationoftheworldbythePrimitiveThought(Ennoia),or
Spirit(Pneuma),thatissuedfromhimbymeansofhisVoiceortheWORD;andwhichThoughtor
SpiritwaspersonifiedastheGoddessNEITH.She,too,wasadivinityofLight,andmotherofthe
Sun;andtheFeastofLampswascelebratedinherhonoratSais.TheCreativePower,another
manifestationofDeity,proceedingtothecreationconceivedofinher,theDivineIntelligence,produced
withitsWordtheUniverse,symbolizedbyaneggissuingfromthemouthofKNEPH;fromwhichegg
camePHTHA,imageoftheSupremeIntelligenceasrealizedintheworld,andthetypeofthat
manifestedinman;theprincipalagent,also,ofNature,orthecreativeandproductiveFire.PHREor
RS,theSun,orCelestialLight,whosesymbolwasthepointwithinacircle,wasthesonofPHTHA;
andTIPHE,hiswife,orthecelestialfirmament,withthesevencelestialbodies,animatedbyspiritsof
geniithatgovernthem,wasrepresentedonmanyofthemonuments,cladinblueoryellow,her
garmentssprinkledwithstars,andaccompaniedbythesun,moon,andfiveplanets;andshewasthe
typeofWisdom,andtheyoftheSevenPlanetarySpiritsoftheGnostics,thatwithherpresidedover
andgovernedthesublunaryworld.

InthisDegree,unknownforahundredyearstothosewhohavepractisedit,theseemblemsreproduced
refertotheseolddoctrines.Thelamb,theyellowhangingsstrewedwithstars,thesevencolumns,
candlesticks,andsealsallrecallthemtous.

TheLionwasthesymbolofATHOMRE,theGreatGodofUpperEgypt;theHawk,ofRAorPHRE;
theEagle,ofMENDES;theBull,ofAPIS;andthreeoftheseareseenundertheplatformonwhichour
altarstands.

ThefirstHERMESwastheINTELLIGENCE,orWORDofGod.Movedwithcompassionforarace
livingwithoutlaw,andwishingtoteachthemthattheysprangfromHisbosom,andtopointoutto
themthewaythattheyshouldgo(thebookswhichthefirstHermes,thesamewithEnoch,hadwritten
onthemysteriesofdivinescience,inthesacredcharacters,beingunknowntothosewholivedafterthe
flood),GodsenttomanOSIRISandISIS,acaccompaniedbyTHOTH,theincarnationorterrestrial
repetitionofthefirstHermes;whotaughtmenthearts,science,andtheceremoniesofreligion;and
thenascendedtoHeavenortheMoon.OSIRISwasthePrincipleofGood.TYPHON,likeAHRIMAN,
wastheprincipleandsourceofallthatisevilinthemoralandphysicalorder.LiketheSatanof
Gnosticism,hewasconfoundedwithMatter.
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FromEgyptorPersiathenewPlatonistsborrowedtheidea,andtheGnosticsreceiveditfromthem,that
man,inhisterrestrialcareer,issuccessivelyundertheinfluenceoftheMoon,ofMercury,ofVenus,of
theSun,ofMars,ofJupiter,andofSaturn,untilhefinallyreachestheElysianFields;anideaagain
symbolizedintheSevenSeals.

TheJewsofSyriaandJudeawerethedirectprecursorsofGnosticism;andintheirdoctrineswere
ampleorientalelements.TheseJewshadhadwiththeOrient,attwodifferentperiods,intimate
relations,familiarizingthemwiththedoctrinesofAsia,andespeciallyofChaldeaandPersia;their
forcedresidenceinCentralAsiaundertheAssyriansandPersians;andtheirvoluntarydispersionover
thewholeEast,whensubjectsoftheSeleucidaeandtheRomans.Livingneartwothirdsofacentury,
andmanyofthemlongafterward,inMesopotamia,thecradleoftheirrace;speakingthesame
language,andtheirchildrenrearedwiththoseoftheChaldeans,Assyrians,Medes,andPersians,and
receivingfromthemtheirnames(asthecaseofDanayal,whowascalledBaeltasatsar,proves),they
necessarilyadoptedmanyofthedoctrinesoftheirconquerors.Theirdescendants,asAzraand
Nahamaiahshowus,hardlydesiredtoleavePersia,whentheywereallowedtodoso.Theyhada
specialjurisdiction,andgovernorsandjudgestakenfromtheirownpeople;manyofthemheldhigh
office,andtheirchildrenwereeducatedwiththoseofthehighestnobles.Danayalwasthefriendand
ministeroftheKing,andtheChiefoftheCollegeoftheMagiatBabylon;ifwemaybelievethebook
whichbearshisname,andtrusttotheincidentsrelatedinitshighlyfigurativeandimaginativestyle.
Mordecai,too,occupiedahighstation,nolessthanthatofPrimeMinister,andEstherorAstar,his
cousin,wastheMonarch'swife.

TheMagiofBabylonwereexpoundersoffigurativewritings,interpretersofnature,andofdreams,
astronomersanddivines;andfromtheirinfluencesaroseamongtheJews,aftertheirrescuefrom
captivity,anumberofsects,andanewexposition,themysticalinterpretation,withallitswildfancies
andinfinitecaprices.TheAionsoftheGnostics,theIdeasofPlato,theAngelsoftheJews,andthe
DemonsoftheGreeks,allcorrespondtotheFerouersofZoroaster.

AgreatnumberofJewishfamiliesremainedpermanentlyintheirnewcountry;andoneofthemost
celebratedoftheirschoolswasatBabylon.TheyweresoonfamiliarizedwiththedoctrineofZoroaster,
whichitselfwasmoreancientthanKuros.FromthesystemoftheZendAvestatheyborrowed,and
subsequentlygavelargedevelopmentto,everythingthatcouldbereconciledwiththeirownfaith;and
theseadditionstotheolddoctrineweresoonspread,bytheconstantintercourseofcommerce,into
SyriaandPalestine.

IntheZendAvesta,GodisIllimitableTime.NoorigincanbeassignedtoHim:Heissoentirely
envelopedinHisglory,HisnatureandattributesaresoinaccessibletohumanIntelligence,thatHecan
beonlytheobjectofasilentVeneration.CreationtookplacebyemanationfromHim.Thefirst
emanationwastheprimitiveLight,andfromthattheKingofLight,ORMUZD.Bythe"WORD,"
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Ormuzdcreatedtheworldpure.HeisitspreserverandJudge;aBeingHolyandHeavenly;
IntelligenceandKnowledge;theFirstbornofTimewithoutlimits;andinvestedwithallthePowersof
theSupremeBeing.

Stillheis,strictlyspeaking,theFourthBeing.HehadaFerouer,apreexistingSoul(inthelanguage
ofPlato,atypeorideal);anditissaidofHim,thatHeexistedfromthebeginning,intheprimitive
Light.But,thatLightbeingbutanelement,andHisFeroueratype,heis,inordinarylanguage,the
FirstbornofZEROUANEAKHERENE.Beholdagain"THEWORD"ofMasonry;theMan,onthe
TracingBoardofthisDegree;theLIGHTtowardwhichallMasonstravel.

Hecreatedafterhisownimage,sixGeniicalledAmshaspands,whosurroundhisThrone,arehis
organsofcommunicationwithinferiorspiritsandmen,transmittoHimtheirprayers,solicitforthem
Hisfavors,andservethemasmodelsofpurityandperfection.ThuswehavetheDemiourgosof
Gnosticism,andthesixGeniithatassisthim.ThesearetheHebrewArchangelsofthePlanets.

ThenamesoftheseAmshaspandsareBahman,Ardibehest,Schariver,Sapandomad,Khordad,and
Amerdad.Thefourth,theHolySAPANDOMAD,createdthefirstmanandwoman.

ThenORMUZDcreated28Iseds,ofwhomMITHERASisthechief.Theywatch,withOrmuzdandthe
Amshaspands,overthehappiness,purity,andpreservationoftheworld,whichisundertheir
government;andtheyarealsomodelsformankindandinterpretersofmen'sprayers.WithMithrasand
Ormuzd,theymakeapleroma(orcompletenumber)of30,correspondingtothethirtyAionsofthe
Gnostics,andtotheogdoade,dodecade,anddecadeoftheEgyptians.MithraswastheSunGod,
invokedwith,andsoonconfoundedwithhim,becomingtheobjectofaspecialworship,andeclipsing
Ormuzdhimself.

Thethirdorderofpurespiritsismorenumerous.TheyaretheFerouers,theTHOUGHTSofOrmuzd,
ortheIDEASwhichheconceivedbeforeproceedingtothecreationofthings.Theytooaresuperiorto
men.Theyprotectthemduringtheirlifeonearth;theywillpurifythemfromevilattheirresurrection.
Theyaretheirtutelarygenii,fromthefalltothecompleteregeneration.

AHRIMAN,secondbornofthePrimitiveLight,emanatedfromit,purelikeORMUZD;but,proudand
ambitious,yieldedtojealousyoftheFirstborn.Forhishatredandpride,theEternalcondemnedhim
todwell,for12,000years,inthatpartofspacewherenorayoflightreaches;theblackempireof
darkness.InthatperiodthestrugglebetweenLightandDarkness,GoodandEvilwillbeterminated.

AHRIMANscornedtosubmit,andtookthefieldagainstORMUZD.Tothegoodspiritscreatedbyhis
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Brother,heopposedaninnumerablearmyofEvilOnes.TothesevenAmshaspandsheopposedseven
Archdevs,attachedtothesevenPlanets;totheIzedsandFerouersanequalnumberofDevs,which
broughtupontheworldallmoralandphysicalevils.HencePoverty,Maladies,Impurity,Envy,Chagrin,
Drunkenness,Falsehood,Calumny,andtheirhorriblearray.

TheimageofAhrimanwastheDragon,confoundedbytheJewswithSatanandtheSerpentTempter.
Afterareignof3000years,OrmuzdhadcreatedtheMaterialWorld,insixperiods,calling
successivelyintoexistencetheLight,Water,Earth,plants,animals,andMan.ButAhrimanconcurred
increatmgtheearthandwater;fordarknesswasalreadyanelement,andOrmuzdcouldnotexcludeits
Master.SoalsothetwoconcurredinproducingMan.Ormuzdproduced,byhisWillandWord,a
BeingthatwasthetypeandsourceofuniversallifeforeverythingthatexistsunderHeaven.Heplaced
inmanapureprinciple,orLife,proceedingfromtheSupremeBeing.ButAhrimandestroyedthatpure
principle,intheformwherewithitwasclothed;andwhenOrmuzdhadmade,ofitsrecoveredand
purifiedessence,thefirstmanandwoman,Ahrimanseducedandtemptedthemwithwineandfruits;
thewomanyieldingfirst.

Often,duringthethreelatterperiodsof3000yearseach,AhrimanandDarknessare,andaretobe,
triumphant.ButthepuresoulsareassistedbytheGoodSpirits;theTriumphofGoodisdecreedbythe
SupremeBeing,andtheperiodofthattriumphwillinfalliblyarrive.Whentheworldshallbemost
afflictedwiththeevilspouredoutuponitbythespiritsofperdition,threeProphetswillcometobring
relieftomortals.SOSIOSCH,theprincipaloftheThree,willregeneratetheearth,andrestoretoitits
primitivebeauty,strength,andpurity.Hewilljudgethegoodandthewicked.Aftertheuniversal
resurrectionofthegood,hewillconductthemtoahomeofeverlastinghappiness.Ahriman,hisevil
demons,andallwickedmen,willalsobepurifiedinatorrentofmeltedmetal.ThelawofOrmuzd
willreigneverywhere;allmenwillbehappy;all,enjoyingunalterablebliss,willsingwithSosioschthe
praisesoftheSupremeBeing.

Thesedoctrines,thedetailsofwhichweresparinglyborrowedbythePharisaicJews,weremuchmore
fullyadoptedbytheGnostics;whotaughttherestorationofallthings,theirreturntotheiroriginalpure
condition,thehappinessofthosetobesaved,andtheiradmissiontothefeastofHeavenlyWisdom.

ThedoctrinesofZoroastercameoriginallyfromBactria,anIndianProvinceofPersia.Naturally,
therefore,itwouldincludeHinduorBuddhistelements,asitdid.ThefundamentalideaofBuddhism
was,mattersubjugatingtheintelligence,andintelligencefreeingitselffromthatslavery.Perhaps
somethingcametoGnosticismfromChina."BeforethechaoswhichprecededthebirthofHeavenand
Earth,"saysLaoTseu,"asingleBeingexisted,immenseandsilent,immovableandeveractivethe
motheroftheUniverse.Iknownotitsname:butIdesignateitbythewordReason.Manhashistype
andmodelintheEarth;EarthinHeaven;HeaveninReason;andReasoninItself."Hereagainarethe
Ferouers,theIdeas,theAionstheREASONorINTELLIGENCE,SILENCE,WORD,andWISDOM
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oftheGnostics.

ThedominantsystemamongtheJewsaftertheircaptivitywasthatofthePharoschimorPharisees.
WhethertheirnamewasderivedfromthatoftheParsees,orfollowersofZoroaster,orfromsomeother
source,itiscertainthattheyhadborrowedmuchoftheirdoctrinefromthePersians.Likethemthey
claimedtohavetheexclusiveandmysteriousknowledge,unknowntothemass.Likethemtheytaught
thataconstantwarwaswagedbetweentheEmpireofGoodandthatofEvil.Likethemtheyattributed
thesinandfallofmantothedemonsandtheirchief;andlikethemtheyadmittedaspecialprotection
oftherighteousbyinferiorbeings,agentsofJehovah.Alltheirdoctrinesonthesesubjectswereat
bottomthoseoftheHolyBooks;butsingularlydevelopedandtheOrientwasevidentlythesourcefrom
whichthosedevelopmentscame.

TheystyledthemselvesInterpreters;anameindicatingtheirclaimtotheexclusivepossessionofthe
truemeaningoftheHolyWritings,byvirtueoftheoraltraditionwhichMoseshadreceivedonMount
Sinai,andwhichsuccessivegenerationsofInitiateshadtransmitted,astheyclaimed,unaltered,unto
them.Theirverycostume,theirbeliefintheinfluencesofthestars,andintheimmortalityand
transmigrationofsouls,theirsystemofangelsandtheirastronomy,wereallforeign.

SadduceeismarosemerelyfromanoppositionessentiallyJewish,totheseforeignteachings,andthat
mixtureofdoctrines,adoptedbythePharisees,andwhichconstitutedthepopularcreed.

WecomeatlasttotheEssenesandTherapeuts,withwhomthisDegreeisparticularlyconcerned.That
interminglingoforientalandoccidentalrites,ofPersianandPythagoreanopinions,whichwehave
pointedoutinthedoctrinesofPhilo,isunmistakableinthecreedsofthesetwosects.

Theywerelessdistinguishedbymetaphysicalspeculationsthanbysimplemeditationsandmoral
practices.ButthelatteralwayspartookoftheZoroastrianprinciple,thatitwasnecessarytofreethe
soulfromthetrammelsandinfluencesofmatter;whichledtoasystemofabstinenceandmaceration
entirelyopposedtotheancientHebraicideas,favorableastheyweretophysicalpleasures.

Ingeneral,thelifeandmannersofthesemysticalassociations,asPhiloandJosephusdescribethem,
andparticularlytheirprayersatsunrise,seemtheimageofwhattheZendAvestaprescribestothe
faithfuladorerorOrmuzd;andsomeoftheirobservancescannototherwisebeexplained.

TheTherapeutsresidedinEgypt,intheneighborhoodofAlexandriaandtheEssenesinPalestine,in
thevicinityoftheDeadSea.Buttherewasneverthelessastrikingcoincidenceintheirideas,readily
explainedbyattributingittoaforeigninfluence.TheJewsofEgypt,undertheinfluenceoftheSchool
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ofAlexandria,endeavoredingeneraltomaketheirdoctrinesharmonizewiththetraditionsofGreece
andthencecame,inthedoctrinesoftheTherapeuts,asstatedbyPhilo,themanyanalogiesbetweenthe
PythagoreanandOrphicideas,ononesideandthoseofJudaismontheother:whiletheJewsof
Palestine,havinglesscommunicationwithGreece,orcontemningitsteachings,ratherimbibedthe
Orientaldoctrines,whichtheydrankinatthesourceandwithwhichtheirrelationswithPersiamade
themfamiliar.ThisattachmentwasparticularlyshownintheKabalah,whichbelongedratherto
PalestinethantoEgypt,thoughextensivelyknowninthelatter;andfurnishedtheGnosticswithsome
oftheirmoststrikingtheories.

Itisasignificantfact,thatwhileChristspokeoftenofthePhariseesandSadducees,Heneveronce
mentionedtheEssenes,betweenwhosedoctrinesandHistherewassogreataresemblance,and,in
manypoints,soperfectanidentity.Indeed,theyarenotnamed,norevendistinctlyalludedto,
anywhereintheNewTestament.John,thesonofaPriestwhoministeredintheTempleatJerusalem,
andwhosemotherwasofthefamilyofAharun,wasinthedesertsuntilthedayofhisshowingunto
Israel.Hedrankneitherwinenorstrongdrink.Cladinhaircloth,andwithagirdleofleather,and
feedinguponsuchfoodasthedesertafforded,hepreached,inthecountryaboutJordan,thebaptismof
repentance,fortheremissionofsins;thatis,thenecessityofrepentanceprovenbyreformation.He
taughtthepeoplecharityandliberality;thepublicans,justice,equity,andfairdealing;thesoldiery
peace,truth,andcontentment;todoviolencetonone,accusenonefalsely,andbecontentwiththeir
pay.Heinculcatednecessityofavirtuouslife,andthefollyoftrustingtotheirdescentfromAbraham.

HedenouncedbothPhariseesandSadduceesasagenerationofvipersthreatenedwiththeangerof
God.Hebaptizedthosewhoconfessedtheirsins.Hepreachedinthedesert;andthereforeinthe
countrywheretheEsseneslived,professingthesamedoctrines.HewasimprisonedbeforeChristbegan
topreach.Matthewmentionshimwithoutprefaceorexplanation;asif,apparently,hishistorywastoo
wellknowntoneedany."Inthosedays,"hesays,"cameJohntheBaptist,preachinginthewilderness
ofJudea."Hisdisciplesfrequentlyfasted;forwefindthemwiththePhariseescomingtoJesusto
inquirewhyHisDisciplesdidnotfastasoftenasthey;andHedidnotdenouncethem,asHishabitwas
todenouncethePharisees;butansweredthemkindlyandgently.

Fromhisprison,JohnsenttwoofhisdisciplestoinquireofChrist:"Artthouhethatistocome,ordo
welookforanother?"Christreferredthemtohismiraclesasanansweranddeclaredtothepeoplethat
Johnwasaprophet,andmorethanaprophet,andthatnogreatermanhadeverbeenborn;butthatthe
humblestChristianwashissuperior.HedeclaredhimtobeElias,whowastocome.

JohnhaddenouncedtoHerodhismarriagewithhisbrother'swifeasunlawful;andforthishewas
imprisoned,andfinallyexecutedtogratifyher.Hisdisciplesburiedhim;andHerodandothersthought
hehadrisenfromthedeadandappearedagaininthepersonofChrist.ThepeopleallregardedJohnas
aprophet;andChristsilencedthePriestsandEldersbyaskingthemwhetherhewasinspired.They
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fearedtoexcitetheangerofthepeoplebysayingthathewasnot.Christdeclaredthathecame"inthe
wayofrighteousness"andthatthelowerclasses
believedhim,thoughthePriestsandPhariseesdidnot.

ThusJohn,whowasoftenconsultedbyHerodandtowhomthatmonarchshowedgreatdeferenceand
wasoftengovernedbyhisadvice;whosedoctrineprevailedveryextensivelyamongthepeopleandthe
publicans,taughtsomecreedolderthanChristianity.Thatisplain:anditisequallyplain,thatthevery
largebodyoftheJewsthatadoptedhisdoctrines,wereneitherPhariseesnorSadducees,butthe
humble,commonpeople.Theymust,therefore,havebeenEssenes.Itisplain,too,thatChristapplied
forbaptismasasacredrite,wellknownandlongpracticed.Itwasbecomingtohim,hesaid,tofulfill
allrighteousness.

Inthe18thchapteroftheActsoftheApostleswereadthus:"AndacertainJew,namedApollos,born
atAlexandria,aneloquentman,andmightyintheScriptures,cametoEphesus.Thismanwas
instructedinthewayoftheLord,and,beingferventinspirit,hespakeandtaughtdiligentlythethings
oftheLord,knowingonlythebaptismofJohn;andhebegantospeakboldlyinthesynagogue;whom,
whenAquillaandPriscillahadheard,theytookhimuntothem,andexpoundeduntohimthewayof
Godmoreperfectly."

TranslatingthisfromthesymbolicandfigurativelanguageintothetrueordinarysenseoftheGreek
text,itreadsthus:"AndacertainJew,namedApollos,anAlexandrianbybirth,aneloquentman,and
ofextensivelearning,cametoEphesus.Hehadlearnedinthemysteriesthetruedoctrineinregardto
God;and,beingazealousenthusiast,hespokeandtaughtdiligentlythetruthsinregardtotheDeity,
havingreceivednootherbaptismthanthatofJohn."HeknewnothinginregardtoChristianity;forhe
hadresidedinAlexandria,andhadjustthencometoEphesus;being,probably,adiscipleofPhilo,and
aTherapeut.

"That,inalltimes,"saysSt.Augustine,"istheChristianreligion,whichtoknowandfollowisthemost
sureandcertainhealth,calledaccordingtothatname,butnotaccordingtothethingitself,ofwhichit
isthename;forthethingitself,whichisnowcalledtheChristianreligion,reallywasknowntotheAn
cients,norwaswantingatanytimefromthebeginningofthehumanrace,untilthetimewhenChrist
cameintheflesh;fromwhencethetruereligion,whichhadpreviouslyexisted,begantobecalled
Christian;andthisinourdaysistheChristianreligion,notashavingbeenwantinginformertimes,but
ashaving,inlatertimes,receivedthisname."Thediscipleswerefirstcalled"Christians,"atAntioch,
whenBarnabasandPaulbegantopreachthere.

TheWanderingorItinerantJewsorExorcists,whoassumedtoemploytheSacredNameinexorcising
evilspirits,werenodoubtTherapeutaeorEssenes.
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"Anditcametopass,"wereadinthe19thchapteroftheActs,verses1to4,"thatwhileApolloswasat
Corinth,Paul,havingpassedthroughtheupperpartsofAsiaMinor,cametoEphesus;andfinding
certaindisciples,hesaidtothem,'HaveyereceivedtheHolyGhostsinceyebecameBelievers?'And
theysaiduntohim,'WehavenotsomuchasheardthatthereisanyHolyGhost.'Andhesaidtothem,
'Inwhat,then,wereyoubaptized?'Andtheysaid'InJohn'sbaptism.'ThensaidPaul,'Johnindeed
baptizedwiththebaptismofrepentance,sayingtothepeoplethattheyshouldbelieveinHimwhowas
tocomeafterhim,thatis,inJesusChrist.Whentheyheardthis,theywerebaptizedinthenameofthe
LordJesus."

Thisfaith,taughtbyJohn,andsonearlyChristianity,couldhavebeennothingbutthedoctrineofthe
Essenes;andtherecanbenodoubtthatJohnbelongedtothatsect.Theplacewherehepreached,his
macerationsandfrugaldiet,thedoctrineshetaught,allproveitconclusively.Therewasnoothersect
towhichhecouldhavebelonged;certainlynonesonumerousashis,excepttheEssenes.

Wefind,fromthetwoletterswrittenbyPaultothebrethrenatCorinth,thatCityofLuxuryand
Corruption,thattherewerecontentionsamongthem.Rivalsectshadalready,aboutthe57thyearof
ourera,rearedtheirbannersthere,asfollowers,someofPaul,someofApollos,andsomeofCephas.
Someofthemdeniedtheresurrection.Paulurgedthemtoadheretothedoctrinestaughtbyhimself,
andhadsentTimothytothemtobringthemafreshtotheirrecollection.

AccordingtoPaul,Christwastocomeagain.HewastoputanendtoallotherPrincipalitiesand
Powers,andfinallytoDeath,andthenbeHimselfoncemoremergedinGod;whoshouldthenbeallin
all.

TheformsandceremoniesoftheEssenesweresymbolical.Theyhad,accordingtoPhilotheJew,four
Degrees;themembersbeingdividedintotwoOrders,thePracticiandTherapeutici;thelatterbeingthe
contemplativeandmedicalBrethren;andtheformertheactive,practical,businessmen.Theywere
Jewsbybirth;andhadagreateraffectionforeachotherthanthemembersofanyothersect.Their
brotherlylovewasintense.TheyfulfilledtheChristianlaw,"Loveoneanother."Theydespisedriches.
Noonewastobefoundamongthem,havingmorethananother.Thepossessionsofonewere
intermingledwiththoseoftheothers;sothattheyallhadbutonepatrimony,andwerebrethren.Their
pietytowardGodwasextraordinary.Beforesunrisetheyneverspakeawordaboutprofanematters;but
putupcertainprayerswhichtheyhadreceivedfromtheirforefathers.Atdawnofday,andbeforeitwas
light,theirprayersandhymnsascendedtoHeaven.Theywereeminentlyfaithfulandtrue,andthe
MinistersofPeace.Theyhadmysteriousceremonies,andinitiationsintotheirmysteries;andthe
Candidatepromisedthathewouldeverpractisefidelitytoallmen,andespeciallytothoseinauthority,
"becausenooneobtainsthegovernmentwithoutGod'sassistance."
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Whatevertheysaid,wasfirmerthananoath;buttheyavoidedswearing,andesteemeditworsethan
perjury.Theyweresimpleintheirdietandmodeofliving,boretorturewithfortitude,anddespised
death.Theycultivatedthescienceofmedicineandwereveryskillful.Theydeemeditagoodomento
dressinwhiterobes.Theyhadtheirowncourts,andpassedrighteousjudgments.Theykeptthe
SabbathmorerigorouslythantheJews.

TheirchieftownswereEngaddi,neartheDeadSea,andHebron.Engaddiwasabout30milessoutheast
fromJerusalem,andHebronabout20milessouthofthatcity.JosephusandEusebiusspeakofthemas
anancientsect;andtheywerenodoubtthefirstamongtheJewstoembraceChristianity:withwhose
faithanddoctrinetheirowntenetshadsomanypointsofresemblance,andwereindeedinagreat
measurethesame.Plinyregardedthemasaveryancientpeople.

Intheirdevotionstheyturnedtowardtherisingsun;astheJewsgenerallydidtowardtheTemple.But
theywerenoidolaters;fortheyobservedthelawofMoseswithscrupulousfidelity.Theyheldallthings
incommon,anddespisedriches,theirwantsbeingsuppliedbytheadministrationofCuratorsor
Stewards.TheTetractys,composedofrounddotsinsteadofjods,wasreveredamongthem.This
beingaPythagoreansymbol,evidentlyshowstheirconnectionwiththeschoolofPythagoras;buttheir
peculiartenetsmoreresemblethoseofConfuciusandZoroaster;andprobablywereadoptedwhilethey
wereprisonersinPersia;whichexplainstheirturningtowardtheSuninprayer.

Theirdemeanorwassoberandchaste.Theysubmittedtothesuperintendenceofgovernorswhomthey
appointedoverthemselves.Thewholeoftheirtimewasspentinlabor,meditation,andprayerandthey
weremostsedulouslyattentivetoeverycallofjusticeandhumanity,andeverymoralduty.They
believedintheunityofGod.Theysupposedthesoulsofmentohavefallen,byadisastrousfate,from
theregionsofpurityandlight,intothebodieswhichtheyoccupy;duringtheircontinuanceinwhich
theyconsideredthemconfinedasinaprison.Thereforetheydidnotbelieveintheresurrectionofthe
body;butinthatofthesoulonly.Theybelievedinafuturestateofrewardsandpunishments;andthey
disregardedtheceremoniesorexternalformsenjoinedinthelawofMosestobeobservedinthe
worshipogGod;holdingthatthewordsofthatlawgiverweretobeunderstoodinamysteriousand
reconditesense,andnotaccordingtotheirliteralmeaning.Theyofferednosacrifices,exceptathome;
andbymeditationtheyendeavored,asfaraspossible,toisolatethesoulfromthebody,andcarryit
backtoGod.

Eusebiusbroadlyadmits"thattheancientTherapeutaewereChristians;andthattheirancientwritings
wereourGospelsandEpistles."

TheESSENESwereoftheEclecticSectofPhilosophers,andheldPLATointhehighestesteem;they
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believedthattruephilosophy,thegreatestandmostsalutarygiftofGodtomortals,wasscattered,in
variousportions,throughallthedifferentSects;andthatitwas,consequently,thedutyofeverywise
mantogatheritfromtheseveralquarterswhereitlaydispersed,andtoemployit,thusreunited,in
destroyingthedominionofimpietyandvice.

ThegreatfestivalsoftheSolsticeswereobservedinadistinguishedmannerbytheEssenes;aswould
naturallybesupposed,fromthefactthattheyreverencedtheSun,notasagod,butasasymboloflight
andfire;thefountainofwhich,theOrientalssupposedGodtobe.Theylivedincontinenceand
abstinence,andhadestablislmentssimilartothemonasteriesoftheearlyChristians.

ThewritingsoftheEsseneswerefullofmysticism,parables,enigmas,andallegories.Theybelievedin
theesotericandexotericmeaningsoftheScriptures;and,aswehavealreadysaid,theyhadawarrant
forthatintheScripturesthemselves.TheyfounditintheOldTestament,astheGnosticsfounditinthe
New.TheChristianwriters,andevenChristhimself,recognizeditasatruth,thatallScripturehadan
innerandanoutermeaning.Thuswefinditsaidasfollows,inoneoftheGospels:

"UntoyouitisgiventoknowthemysteryoftheKingdomofGod;butuntomenthatarewithout,all
thesethingsaredoneinparables;thatseeing,theymayseeandnotperceive,andhearingtheymayhear
andnotunderstand.Andthedisciplescameandsaiduntohim,'WhyspeakestThouthetruthin
parables?'Heansweredandsaiduntothem,'Becauseitisgivenuntoyoutoknowthemysteriesofthe
KingdomofHeaven,buttothemitisnotgiven.'"

Paul,inthe4thchapterofhisEpistletotheGalatians,speakingofthesimplestfactsoftheOld
Testament,assertsthattheyareanallegory.Inthe3dchapterofthesecondlettertotheCorinthians,he
declareshimselfaministeroftheNewTestament,appointedbyGod;"Notoftheletter,butofthespirit;
fortheletterkilleth."OrigenandSt.GregoryheldthattheGospelswerenottobetakenintheirliteral
sense;andAthanasiusadmonishesusthat"Shouldweunderstandsacredwritaccordingtotheletter,we
shouldfallintothemostenormousblasphemies."

Eusebiussaid,"ThosewhopresideovertheHolyScriptures,philosophizeoverthem,andexpoundtheir
literalsensebyallegory."

ThesourcesofourknowledgeoftheKabalisticdoctrines,arethebooksofJezirahandSohar,the
formerdrawnupinthesecondcentury,andthelatteralittlelater;butcontainingmaterialsmucholder
thanthemselves.Intheirmostcharacteristicelements,theygobacktothetimeoftheexile.Inthem,
asintheteachingsofZoroaster,everythingthatexistsemanatedfromasourceofinfiniteLiGHT.
Beforeeverything,existedTHEANCIENTOFDAYS,theKINGOFLIGHT;atitleoftengiventothe
CreatorintheZendAvestaandthecodeoftheSabaeans.Withtheideasoexpressedisconnectedthe
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pantheismofIndia.KINGOFLIGHT,THEANCIENT,isALLTHATIS.Heisnotonlythereal
causeofallExistences;heisInfinite(AINSOPH).HeisHIMSELF:thereisnothinginHimthatWe
cancallThou.

IntheIndiandoctrine,notonlyistheSupremeBeingtherealcauseofall,butheistheonlyreal
Existence:alltherestisillusion.IntheKabalah,asinthePersianandGnosticdoctrines,Heisthe
SupremeBeingunknowntoall,the"UnknownFather."Theworldishisrevelation,andsubsistsonlyin
Him.Hisattributesarereproducedthere,withdifferentmodifications,andindifferentdegrees,sothat
theUniverseisHisHolySplendor:itisbutHisMantle;butitmustbereveredinsilence.Allbeings
haveemanatedfromtheSupremeBeing:ThenearerabeingistoHim,themoreperfectitis;themore
remoteinthescale,thelessitspurity.

ArayofLight,shotfromtheDeity,isthecauseandprincipleofallthatexists.ItisatonceFatherand
MotherofAll,inthesublimestsense.Itpenetrateseverything;andwithoutitnothingcanexistan
instant.FromthisdoubleFORCE,designatedbythetwopartsofthewordI..H..U..H..
emanatedtheFIRSTBORNofGod,theUniversalForm,inwhicharecontainedallbeings;thePersian
andPlatonicArchetypeofthings,unitedwiththeInfinitebytheprimitiverayofLight.

ThisFirstBornistheCreativeAgent,Conservator,andanimatingPrincipleoftheUniverse.ItisTHE
LIGHTOFLIGHT.ItpossessesthethreePrimitiveForcesoftheDivinity,LIGHT,SPIRITandLIFE.
Asithasreceivedwhatitgives,LightandLife,itisequallyconsideredasthegenerativeandconceptive
Principle,thePrimitiveMan,ADAMKADMON.Assuch,ithasrevealeditselfintenemanationsor
Sephiroth,whicharenottendifferentbeings,norevenbeingsatall;butsourcesoflife,vesselsof
Omnipotence,andtypesofCreation.TheyareSovereigntyorWill,Wisdom,Intelligence,Benignity,
Severity,Beauty,Victory,Glory,Permanency,andEmpire.TheseareattributesofGod;andthisidea,
thatGodrevealsHimselfbyHisattributes,andthatthehumanmindcannotperceiveordiscernGod
Himself,inhisworks,butonlyhismodeofmanifestingHimself,isaprofoundTruth.Weknowofthe
InvisibleonlywhattheVisiblereveals.

WisdomwascalledNOUSandLOGOS,lNTELLECTortheWORD.Intelligence,sourceoftheoilof
anointing,respondstotheHolyGhostoftheChristianFaith.

Beautyisrepresentedbygreenandyellow.VictoryisYAHOVAHTSABAOTH,thecolumnonthe
righthand,thecolumnJachin:GloryisthecolumnBoaz,onthelefthand.Andthusoursymbols
appearagainintheKabalah.AndagaintheLIGHT,theobjectofourlabors,appearsasthecreative
powerofDeity.Thecircle,also,wasthespecialsymbolofthefirstSephirah,Kether,ortheCrown.

WedonotfurtherfollowtheKabalahinitsfourWorldsofSpirits,Aziluth,Briah,Yezirah,andAsiah,
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orofemanation,creation,formation,andfabrication,oneinferiortoandoneemergingfromtheother,
thesuperioralwaysenvelopingtheinferior;itsdoctrinethat,inallthatexists,thereisnothingpurely
material;thatallcomesfromGod,andinallHeproceedsbyirradiation;thateverythingsubsistsbythe
Divineraythatpenetratescreation;andallisunitedbytheSpiritofGod,whichisthelifeoflife;so
thatallisGod;theExistencesthatinhabitthefourworlds,inferiortoeachotherinproportiontotheir
distancefromtheGreatKingofLight:thecontestbetweenthegoodandevilAngelsandPrinciples,to
endureuntiltheEternalHimselfcomestoenditandreestablishtheprimitiveharmony;thefour
distinctpartsoftheSoulofMan;andthemigrationsofimpuresouls,untiltheyaresufficientlypurified
tosharewiththeSpiritsofLightthecontemplationoftheSupremeBeingwhoseSplendorfillsthe
Universe.

TheWORDwasalsofoundinthePhoenicianCreed.AsinallthoseofAsia,aWORDofGod,written
instarrycharacters,bytheplanetaryDivinities,andcommunicatedbytheDemiGods,asaprofound
mystery,tothehigherclassesofthehumanrace,tobecommunicatedbythemtomankind,createdthe
world.ThefaithofthePhoenicianswasanemanationfromthatancientworshipoftheStars,whichin
thecreedofZoroasteralone,isconnectedwithafaithinoneGod.LightandFirearethemost
importantagentsinthePhoenicianfaith.ThereisaraceofchildrenoftheLight.Theyadoredthe
HeavenwithitsLights,deemingittheSupremeGod.

EverythingemanatesfromaSinglePrinciple,andaPrimitiveLove,whichistheMovingPowerofAll
andgovernsall.Light,byitsunionwithSpirit,whereofitisbutthevehicleorsymbol,istheLifeof
everything,andpenetrateseverything.Itshouldthereforeberespectedandhonoredeverywhere;for
everywhereitgovernsandcontrols.

TheChaldaicandJerusalemParaphrastsendeavoredtorenderthephrase,DEBARYAHOVAH,the
WordofGod,apersonalty,wherevertheymetwithit.Thephrase,"AndGodcreatedman,"is,inthe
JerusalemTargum,"AndtheWordofIHUHcreatedman."

So,inxxviii.Gen.20,21,whereJacobsays:"IfGod(IHIHALHIM)willbewithme...thenshallIHUH
bemyALHIM;UHIHIHUHLILALHIM;andthisstoneshallbeGod'sHouse(IHIHBITHALHIM):
Onkelosparaphrasesit,"IfthewordofIHUHwillbemyhelp....thenthewordofIHUHshallbemy
God."

So,iniii.Gen.8,for"TheVoiceoftheLordGod"(IHUHALHIM),wehave,"TheVoiceoftheWord
ofIHUH."Inix.Wisdom,1,"OGodofmyFathersandLordofMercy!whohasmadeallthingswith
thyword."Andinxviii.Wisdom,15,"ThineAlmightyWordleapeddownfromHeaven."

PhilospeaksoftheWordasbeingthesamewithGod.SoinseveralplaceshecallsittheSecond
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Divinity;theImageofGod:theDivineWordthatmadeallthings:substitute,ofGod;andthelike.

ThuswhenJohncommencedtopreach,hadbeenforagesagitated,bythePriestsandPhilosophersof
theEastandWest,thegreatquestionsconcerningtheeternityorcreationofmatter:immediateor
intermediatecreationoftheUniversebytheSupremeGod;theorigin,object,andfinalextinctionof
evil;therelationsbetweentheintellectualandmaterialworlds,andbetweenGodandman;andthe
creation,fall,redemption,andrestorationtohisfirstestate,ofman.

TheJewishdoctrine,differinginthisfromalltheotherOrientalcreeds,andevenfromtheAlohayistic
legendwithwhichthebookofGenesiscommences,attributedthecreationtotheimmediateactionof
theSupremeBeing.TheTheosophistsoftheotherEasternPeoplesinterposedmorethanone
intermediarybetweenGodandtheworld.ToplacebetweenthembutasingleBeing,tosupposeforthe
productionoftheworldbutasingleintermediary,was,intheireyes,tolowertheSupremeMajesty.
TheintervalbetweenGod,whoisperfectPurity,andmatter,whichisbaseandfoul,wastoogreatfor
themtoclearitatasinglestep.EvenintheOccident,neitherPlatonorPhilocouldthusimpoverishthe
IntellectualWorld.

Thus,CerinthusofEphesus,withmostoftheGnostics,Philo,theKabalah,theZendAvesta,the
Puranas,andalltheOrient,deemedthedistanceandantipathybetweentheSupremeBeingandthe
materialworldtoogreat,toattributetotheformerthecreationofthelatter.Below,andemanating
from,orcreatedby,theAncientofDays,theCentralLight,theBeginning,orFirstPrinciple,one,two,
ormorePrinciples,Existences,orIntellectualBeingswereimagined,tosomeoneormoreofwhom
(withoutanyimmediatecreativeactonthepartoftheGreatImmovable,SilentDeity),theimmediate
creationofthematerialandmentaluniversewasdue.

Wehavealreadyspokenofmanyofthespeculationsonthispoint.Tosome,theworldwascreatedby
theLOGOSorWORD,firstmanifestationof,oremanationfrom,theDeity.Toothers,thebeginning
ofcreationwasbytheemanationofarayofLight,creatingtheprincipleofLightandLife.The
PrimitiveTHOUGHT,creatingtheinferiorDeities,asuccessionofINTELLGENCES,theIyngesof
Zoroaster,hisAmshaspands,Izeds,andFerouers,theIdeasofPlato,theAionsoftheGnostics,the
AngelsoftheJews,theNous,theDemiourgos,theDIVINEREASON,thePowersorForcesofPhilo,
andtheAlohayim,ForcesorSuperiorGodsoftheancientlegendwithwhichGenesisbegins,tothese
andotherintermediariesthecreationwasowing.NorestraintswerelaidontheFancyandthe
Imagination.TheveriestAbstractionsbecameExistencesandRealities.TheattributesofGod,
personified,becamePowers,Spirits,Intelligences.

GodwastheLightofLight,DivineFire,theAbstractIntellectuality,theRootorGermoftheUniverse.
SimonMagus,founderoftheGnosticfaith,andmanyoftheearlyJudaizingChristians,admittedthat
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themanifestationsoftheSupremeBeing,asFATHER,orJEhOVAh,SONorCHRIST,andHOLY
SPIRIT,wereonlysomanydifferentmodesofExistence,orForcesofthesameGod.Toothersthey
were,aswerethemultitudeofSubordinateIntelligences,realanddistinctbeings.

TheOrientalimaginationrevelledinthecreationoftheseInferiorIntelligences,PowersofGoodand
Evil,andAngels.WehavespokenofthoseimaginedbythePersiansandtheKabalists.IntheTalmud,
everystar,everycountry,everytown,andalmosteverytonguehasaPrinceofHeavenasitsProtector.
JEHUEL,istheguardianoffire,andMICHAELofwater.Sevenspiritsassisteach;thoseoffirebeing
Seraphiel,Gabriel,Nitriel,Tammael,Tchimschiel,Hadarniel,andSarniel.Thesesevenarerepresented
bythesquarecolumnsofthisDegree,whilethecolumnsJACHINandBOAZrepresenttheangelsof
fireandwater.Butthecolumnsarenotrepresentativesofthesealone.

ToBasilides,Godwaswithoutname,uncreated,atfirstcontainingandconcealinginHimselfthe
PlenitudeofHisPerfectionsandwhenthesearebyHimdisplayedandnianifested,thereresultasmany
particularExistences,allanalogoustoHim,andstillandalwaysHim.TotheEssenesandtheGnostics,
theEastandtheWestbothdevisedthisfaith;thattheIdeas,Conceptions,orManifestationsofthe
DeityweresomanyCreations,somanyBeings,allGod,nothingwithoutHim,butmorethanwhatwe
nowunderstandbythewordideas.TheyemanatedfromandwereagainmergedinGod.Theyhada
kindofmiddleexistencebetweenourmodernideas,andtheintelligencesorideas,elevatedtotherank
ofgenii,oftheOrientalmythology.

ThesepersonifiedattributesofDeity,inthetheoryofBasilides,weretheFirstborn,NousorMind:
fromitemanatesLogos,orTHEWORDfromit:Phronesis,Intellect:fromitSophia,Wisdom:fromit
Dunamis,Power:andfromitDikaiosune,Righteousness:towhichlattertheJewsgavethenameof
Eirene,Peace,orCalm,theessentialcharacteristicsofDivinity,andharmoniouseffectofallHis
perfections.Thewholenumberofsuccessiveemanationswas365,expressedbytheGnostics,inGreek
letters,bythemysticwordAbraxas;designatingGodasmanifested,ortheaggregateofhis
manifestations;butnottheSupremeandSecretGodHimself.Thesethreehundredandsixtyfive
IntelligencescomposealtogethertheFullnessorPlenitudeoftheDivineEmanations.

WiththeOphites,asectoftheGnostics,therewereseveninferiorspirits(inferiortoIaldabaoth,the
DemiourgosorActualCreator:Michael,Suriel,Raphael,Gabriel,Thauthabaoth,Erataoth,and
Athaniel,thegeniiofthestarscalledtheBull;theDog,theLion,theBear,theSerpent,theEagle,and
theAssthatformerlyfiguredintheconstellationCancer,andsymbolizedrespectivelybythoseanimals;
asIaldabaoth,Iao,Adonai,Eloi,Orai,andAstaphaiwerethegeniiofSaturn,theMoon,theSun,
Jupiter,Venus,andMercury.

TheWORDappearsinallthesecreeds.ItistheOrmuzdofZoroaster,theAinsophoftheKabalah,the
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NousofPlatonismandPhilonism,andtheSophiaorDemiourgosoftheGnostics.

Andallthesecreeds,whileadmittingthesedifferentmanifestationsoftheSupremeBeing,heldthatHis
identitywasimmutableandpermanent.ThatwasPlato'sdistinctionbetweentheBeingalwaysthesame
andtheperpetualflowofthingsincessantlychanging,theGenesis.

Thebeliefindualisminsomeshape,wasuniversal.Thosewhoheldthateverythingemanatedfrom
God,aspiredtoGod,andreenteredintoGod,believedthat,amongthoseemanationsweretwoadverse
Principles,ofLightandDarkness,GoodandEvil.ThisprevailedinCentralAsiaandinSyria;whilein
EgyptitassumedtheformofGreekspeculation.Intheformer,asecondIntellectualPrinciplewas
admitted,activeinitsEmpireofDarkness,audaciousagainsttheEmpireofLight.SothePersiansand
Sabeansunderstoodit.InEgypt,thissecondPrinciplewasMatter,asthewordwasusedbythePlatonic
School,withitssadattributes,Vacuity,Darkness,andDeath.Intheirtheory,mattercouldbeanimated
onlybythelowcommunicationofaprincipleofdivinelife.Itresiststheinfluencesthatwould
spiritualizeit.ThatresistingPowerisSatan,therebelliousMatter,MatterthatdoesnotpartakeofGod.

TomanythereweretwoPrinciples;theUnknownFather,orSupremeandEternalGod,livinginthe
centreoftheLight,happyintheperfectpurityofHisbeing;theother,eternalMatter,thatinert,
shapeless,darksomemass,whichtheyconsideredasthesourceofallevils,themotheranddwelling
placeofSatan.

ToPhiloandthePlatonists,therewasaSouloftheworld,creatingvisiblethings,andactiveinthem,as
agentoftheSupremeIntelligence;realizingthereintheideascommunicatedtoHimbythat
Intelligence,andwhichsometimesexcelHisconceptions,butwhichHeexecuteswithout
comprehendingthem.

TheApocalypseorRevelations,bywhomeverwritten,belongstotheOrientandtoextremeantiquity.
Itreproduceswhatisfarolderthanitself.Itpaints,withthestrongestcolorsthattheOrientalgenius
everemployed,theclosingscenesofthegreatstruggleofLight,andTruth,andGood,against
Darkness,Error,andEvil;personifiedinthatbetweentheNewReligionononeside,andPaganismand
Judaismontheother.ItisaparticularapplicationoftheancientmythofOrmuzdandhisGeniiagainst
AhrimanandhisDevs;anditcelebratesthefinaltriumphofTruthagainstthecombinedpowersof
menanddemons.Theideasandimageryareborrowedfromeveryquarter;andallusionsarefoundinit
tothedoctrinesofallages.WearecontinuallyremindedoftheZendAvesta,theJewishCodes,Philo,
andtheGnosis.TheSevenSpiritssurroundingtheThroneoftheEternal,attheopeningoftheGrand
Drama,andactingsoimportantapartthroughout,everywherethefirstinstrumentsoftheDivineWill
andVengence,aretheSevenAmshaspandsofParsism;astheTwentyfourAncients,offeringtothe
SupremeBeingthefirstsupplicationsandthefirsthomage,remindusoftheMysteriousChiefsof
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Judaism,foreshadowtheEonsofGnosticism,andreproducethetwentyfourGoodSpiritscreatedby
Ormuzdandinclosedinanegg.

TheChristoftheApocalypse,FirstbornofCreationandoftheResurrectionisinvestedwiththe
characteristicsoftheOrmuzdandSosioschoftheZendAvesta,theAinsophoftheKabalahandthe
CarpistesoftheGnostics.TheideathatthetrueInitiatesandFaithfulbecomeKingsandPriests,isat
oncePersian,Jewish,Christian,andGnostic.AndthedefinitionoftheSupremeBeing,thatHeisat
onceAlphaandOmega,thebeginningandtheendHethatwas,andis,andistocome,i.e.,Time
illimitable,isZoroaster'sdefinitionofZerouaneAkherene.

ThedepthsofSatanwhichnomancanmeasure;histriumphforatimebyfraudandviolence;hisbeing
chainedbyanangel;hisreprobationandhisprecipitationintoaseaofmetal;hisnamesoftheSerpent
andtheDragon;thewholeconflictoftheGoodSpiritsorcelestialarmiesagainstthebad;aresomany
ideasanddesignationsfoundalikeintheZendAvesta,theKabalah,andtheGnosis.

WeevenfindintheApocalypsethatsingularPersianidea,whichregardssomeoftheloweranimalsas
somanyDevsorvehiclesofDevs.

Theguardianshipoftheearthbyagoodangel,therenewingoftheearthandheavens,andthefinal
triumphofpureandholymen,arethesamevictoryofGoodoverEvil,forwhichthewholeOrient
looked.

Thegold,andwhiteraimentsofthetwentyfourEldersare,asinthePersianfaith,thesignsofalofty
perfectionanddivinepurity.

ThustheHumanmindlaboredandstruggledandtortureditselfforages,toexplaintoitselfwhatitfelt,
withoutconfessingit,tobeinexplicable.Avastcrowdofindistinctabstractions,hoveringinthe
imagination,atrainofwordsembodyingnotangiblemeaning,aninextricablelabyrinthofsubtleties,
wastheresult.

Butonegrandideaeveremergedandstoodprominentandunchangeableoverthewelteringchaosof
confusion.Godisgreat,andgood,andwise.Evilandpainandsorrowaretemporary,andforwiseand
beneficentpurposes.TheymustbeconsistentwithGod'sgoodness,purity,andinfiniteperfection;and
theremustbeamodeofexplainingthem,ifwecouldbutfinditout;as,inallwayswewillendeavorto
do.Ultimately,Goodwillprevail,andEvilbeoverthrown.God,alonecandothis,andHewilldoit,by
anEmanationfromHimself,assumingtheHumanformandredeemingtheworld.
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Beholdtheobject,theend,theresult,ofthegreatspeculationsandlogomachiesofantiquity;the
ultimateannihilationofevil,andrestorationofMantohisfirstestate,byaRedeemer,aMasayah,a
Christos,theincarnateWord,Reason,orPowerofDeity.

ThisRedeemeristheWordorLogos,theOrmuzdofZoroaster,theAinsophoftheKabalah,theNous
ofPlatonismandPhilonism;HethatwasintheBeginningwithGod,andwasGod,andbyWhom
everythingwasmade.ThatHewaslookedforbyallthePeopleoftheEastisabundantlyshownbythe
GospelofJohnandtheLettersofPaul;whereinscarcelyanythingseemednecessarytobesaidin
proofthatsuchaRedeemerwastocome;butalltheenergiesofthewritersaredevotedtoshowingthat
JesuswasthatChristoswhomallthenationswereexpecting;the"Word,"theMasayah,theAnointedor
ConsecratedOne.

InthisDegreethegreatcontestbetweengoodandevil,inanticipationoftheappearanceandadventof
theWordorRedeemerissymbolized;andthemysteriousesotericteachingsoftheEssenesandthe
Cabalists.Ofthepracticesoftheformerwegainbutglimpsesintheancientwriters;butweknowthat,
astheirdoctrinesweretaughtbyJohntheBaptist,theygreatlyresembledthoseofgreaterpurityand
morenearlyperfect,taughtbyJesus;andthatnotonlyPalestinewasfullofJohn'sdisciples,sothatthe
PriestsandPhariseesdidnotdaretodenyJohn'sinspiration;buthisdoctrinehadextendedtoAsia
Minor,andhadmadeconvertsinluxuriousEphesus,asitalsohadinAlexandriainEgypt;andthatthey
readilyembracedtheChristianfaith,ofwhichtheyhadbeforenotevenheard.

Theseoldcontroversieshavediedaway,andtheoldfaithshavefadedintooblivion.ButMasonrystill
survives,vigorousandstrong,aswhenphilosophywastaughtintheschoolsofAlexandriaandunder
thePortico;teachingthesameoldtruthsastheEssenestaughtbytheshoresoftheDeadSea,andas
JohntheBaptistpreachedintheDesert;truthsimperishableastheDeity,andundeniableasLight.
ThosetruthsweregatheredbytheEssenesfromthedoctrinesoftheOrientandtheOccident,fromthe
ZendAvestaandtheVedas,fromPlatoandPythagoras,fromIndia,Persia,Phoenicia,andSyria,from
GreeceandEgypt,andfromtheHolyBooksoftheJews.HencewearecalledKnightsoftheEastand
West,becausetheirdoctrinescamefromboth.Andthesedoctrines,thewheatsiftedfromthechaff,the
TruthseperatedfromError,Masonryhasgarneredupinherheartofhearts,andthroughthefiresof
persecution,andthestormsofcalamity,hasbroughtthemanddeliveredthemuntous.ThatGodis
One,immutable,unchangeable,infinitelyjustandgood;thatLightwillfinallyovercomeDarkness,
GoodconquerEvil,andTruthbevictoroverError;these,rejectingallthewildanduselessspeculations
oftheZendAvesta,theKabalah,theGnostics,andtheSchools,arethereligionandPhilosophyof
Masonry.

Thosespeculationsandfanciesitisusefultostudy;thatknowinginwhatworthlessandunfruitful
investigationsthemindmayengage,youmaythemorevalueandappreciatetheplain,simple,sublime,
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universallyacknowledgedtruths,whichhaveinallagesbeentheLightbywhichMasonshavebeen
guidedontheirway;theWisdomandStrengththatlikeimperishablecolumnshavesustainedandwill
continuetosustainitsgloriousandmagnificentTemple.

XVIII.KNIGHTROSECROIX
[PrinceRoseCroix]

Eachofusmakessuchapplicationstohisownfaithandcreed,ofthesymbolsandceremoniesofthis
Degree,asseemstohimproper.Withthesespecialinterpretationswehaveherenothingtodo.Like
thelegendoftheMasterKhurum,inwhichsomeseefiguredthecondemnationandsufferingsof
Christ;othersthoseoftheunfortunateGrandMasteroftheTemplars;othersthoseofthefirstCharles,
KingofEngland;andothersstilltheannualdescentoftheSunatthewinterSolsticetotheregionsof
darkness,thebasisofmanyanancientlegend;sotheceremoniesofthisDegreereceivedifferent
explanations;eachinterpretingthemforhimself,andbeingoffendedattheinterpretationofnoother.

InnootherwaycouldMasonrypossessitscharacterofUniversality;thatcharacterwhichhaseverbeen
peculiartoitfromitsorigin;andwhichenablestwoKings,worshippersofdifferentDeities,tosit
togetherasMasters,whilethewallsofthefirsttemplearoseandthemenofGebal,bowingdowntothe
PhoenicianGods,toworkbythesideoftheHebrewstowhomthoseGodswereabomination;andtosit
withtheminthesameLodgeasbrethren.

Youhavealreadylearnedthattheseceremonieshaveonegeneralsignificance,toeveryone,ofevery
faith,whobelievesinGod,andthesoul'simmortality.

TheprimitivemenmetinnoTemplesmadewithhumanhands."God,"saidStheexistenceofasingle
uncreatedGod,inwhosebosomeverythinggrows,isdevelopedandtransformed.Theworshipofthis
GodreposedupontheobedienceofallthebeingsHecreated.HisfeastswerethoseoftheSolstices.
ThedoctrinesofBuddhapervadedIndia,China,andJapan.ThePriestsofBrahma,professingadark
andbloodycreed,brutalizedbySuperstition,unitedtogetheragainstBuddhism,andwiththeaidof
Despotism,exterminateditsfollowers.Buttheirbloodfertilizedthenewdocfirstfallingthemselves,
andplungedinmiseryanddarkness,temptedmantohisfall,andbroughtsinintotheworld.All
believedinafuturelife,tobeattainedbypurificationandtrials;inastateorsuccessivestatesofreward
andpunishment;andinaMediatororRedeemer,bywhomtheEvilPrinciplewastobeovercomeand
theSupremeDeityreconciledtoHiscreatures.Thebeliefwasgeneral,thatHewastobebornofa
Virgin,andsufferapainfuldeath.TheIndianscalledhimChrishna;theChinese,Kiountse;the
Persians,Sosiosch;theChaldeans,Dhouvanai;theEgyptians,HarOeri;Plato,Love;andthe
Scandinavians,Balder.
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Chrishna,theHindooRedeemer,wascradledandeducatedamongShepherds.ATyrant,atthetimeof
hisbirth,orderedallmalechildrentobeslain.Heperformedmiracles,sayhislegends,evenraisingthe
dead.HewashedthefeetoftheBrahmins,andwasmeekandlowlyofspirit.HewasbornofaVirgin;
descendedtoHell,roseagain,ascendedtoHeaven,chargedhisdisciplestoteachhisdoctrines,and
gavethemthegiftofmiracles.

ThefirstMasonicLegislatorwhosememoryispreservedtousbyhistory,wasBuddha,who,abouta
thousandyearsbeforetheChristianera,reformedthereligionofManous.HecalledtothePriesthood
allmen,withoutdistinctionofcaste,whofeltthemselvesinspiredbyGodtoinstructmen.Thosewho
soassociatedthemselvesformedaSocietyofProphetsunderthenameofSamaneans.They
recognizedtheexistenceofasingleuncreatedGod,inwhosebosomeverythinggrows,isdeveloped
andtransformed.TheworshipofthisGodreposedupontheobedienceofallthebeingsHecreated.His
feastswerethoseoftheSolstices.ThedoctrinesofBuddhapervadedIndia,China,andJapan.The
PriestsofBrahma,professingadarkandbloodycreed,brutalizedbySuperstition,unitedtogether
againstBuddhism,andwiththeaidofDespotism,exterminateditsfollowers.Buttheirbloodfertilized
thenewdoctrine,whichproducedanewSocietyunderthenameofGymnosophists;andalarge
number,fleeingtoIreland,plantedtheirdoctrinesthere,andthereerectedtheroundtowers,someof
whichstillstand,solidandunshakenasatfirst,visiblemonumentsoftheremotestages.

ThePhoenicianCosmogony,likeallothersinAsia,wastheWordofGod,writteninastralcharacters,
bytheplanetaryDivinities,andcommunicatedbytheDemigods,asaprofoundmystery,tothe
brighterintelligencesofHumanity,tobepropagatedbythemamongmen.Theirdoctrinesresembled
theAncientSabeism,andbeingthefaithofHiramtheKingandhisnamesaketheArtist,areofinterest
toallMasons.Withthem,theFirstPrinciplewashalfmaterial,halfspiritual,adarkair,animatedand
impregnatedbythespirit;andadisorderedchaos,coveredwiththickdarkness.Fromthiscamethe
Word,andthencecreationandgeneration;andthencearaceofmen,childrenoflight,whoadored
HeavenanditsStarsastheSupremeBeing;andwhosedifferentgodswerebutincarnationsoftheSun,
theMoon,theStars,andtheEther.ChrysorwasthegreatigneouspowerofNature,andBaaland
MalakarthrepresentationsoftheSunandMoon,thelatterword,inHebrew,meaningQueen.

Manhadfallen,butnotbythetemptingoftheserpent.For,withthePhoenicians,theserpentwas
deemedtopartakeoftheDivineNature,andwassacred,ashewasinEgypt.Hewasdeemedtobe
immortal,unlessslainbyviolence,becomingyoungagaininhisoldage,byenteringintoand
consuminghimself.HencetheSerpentinacircle,holdinghistailinhismouth,wasanemblemof
eternity.WiththeheadofahawkhewasofaDivineNature,andasymbolofthesun.HenceoneSect
oftheGnosticstookhimfortheirgoodgenius,andhencethebrazenserpentrearedbyMosesinthe
Desert,onwhichtheIsraeliteslookedandlived.
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"Beforethechaos,thatprecededthebirthofHeavenandEarth,"saidtheChineseLaoTseu,"asingle
Beingexisted,immenseandsilent,immutableandalwaysacting;themotheroftheUniverse.Iknow
notthenameofthatBeing,butIdesignateitbythewordReason.Manhashismodelintheearth,the
earthinHeaven,HeaveninReason,andReasoninitself."

"Iam,"saysIsis,"Nature;parentofallthings,thesovereignoftheElements,theprimitiveprogenyof
Time,themostexaltedoftheDeities,thefirstoftheHeavenlyGodsandGoddesses,theQueenofthe
Shades,theuniformcountenance;whodisposewithmyrodthenumerouslightsofHeaven,the
salubriousbreezesofthesea,andthemournfulsilenceofthedead;whosesingleDivinitythewhole
worldveneratesinmanyforms,withvariousritesandbymanynames.TheEgyptians,skilledin
ancientlore,worshipmewithproperceremonies,andcallmebymytruename,IsistheQueen."

TheHinduVedasthusdefinetheDeity:"Hewhosurpassesspeech,andthroughwhosepowerspeechis
expressed,knowthouthatHeisBrahma;andnottheseperishablethingsthatmanadores.

"HewhomIntelligencecannotcomprehend,andHealone,saythesages,throughwhosePowerthe
natureofIntelligencecanbeunderstood,knowthouthatHeisBrahma;andnottheseperishablethings
thatmanadores.

"Hewhocannotbeseenbytheorganofsightandthroughwhosepowertheorganofseeingsees,know
thouthatHeisBrahma;andnottheseperishablethingsthatmanadores.

"Hewhocannotbeheardbytheorganofhearing,andthroughwhosepowertheorganofhearinghears,
knowthouthatHeisBrahma;andnottheseperishablethingsthatmanadores.

"Hewhocannotbeperceivedbytheorganofsmelling,andthroughwhosepowertheorganofsmelling
smells,knowthouthatHeisBrahma;andnottheseperishablethingsthatmanadores."

"WhenGodresolvedtocreatethehumanrace,"saidArius,"HemadeaBeingthatHecalledThe
WORD,TheSon,Wisdom,totheendthatthisBeingmightgiveexistencetomen."ThisWORDisthe
OrmuzdofZoroaster,theAinsophoftheKabalah,theNousofPlatoandPhilo,theWisdomor
DemiourgosoftheGnostics.

ThatistheTrueWord,theknowledgeofwhichourancientbrethrensoughtasthepricelessrewardof
theirlaborsontheHolyTemple:theWordofLife,theDivineReason,"inwhomwasLife,andthatLife
theLightofmen";"whichlongshoneindarkness,andthedarknesscomprehendeditnot;"theInfinite
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ReasonthatistheSoulofNature,immortal,ofwhichtheWordofthisDegreeremindsus;andto
believewhereinandrevereit,isthepeculiardutyofeveryMason.

"Inthebeginning,"saystheextractfromsomeolderwork,withwhichJohncommenceshisGospel,
"wastheWord,andtheWordwasneartoGod,andtheWordwasGod.AllthingsweremadebyHim,
andwithoutHimwasnotanythingmadethatwasmade.InHimwasLife,andthelifewastheLightof
man;andthelightshinethindarkness,andthedarknessdidnotcontainit."

Itisanoldtraditionthatthispassagewasfromanolderwork.AndPhilostorgiusandNicephorusstate,
thatwhentheEmperorJulianundertooktorebuildtheTemple,astonewastakenup,thatcoveredthe
mouthofadeepsquarecave,intowhichoneofthelaborers,beingletdownbyarope,foundinthe
centreoftheflooracubicalpillar,onwhichlayarollorbook,wrappedinafinelinencloth,inwhich,
incapitalletters,wastheforegoingpassage.

Howeverthismayhavebeen,itisplainthatJohn'sGospelisapolemicagainsttheGnostics;and,
statingattheoutsetthecurrentdoctrineinregardtothecreationbytheWord,hethenaddresseshimself
toshowandurgethatthisWordwasJesusChrist.

Andthefirstsentence,fullyrenderedintoourlanguage,wouldreadthus:"Whentheprocessof
emanation,ofcreationorevolutionofexistencesinferiortotheSupremeGodbegan,theWordcame
intoexistenceandwas:andthiswordwasneartoGod;i.e.theimmediateorfirstemanationfromGod:
anditwasGodHimself,developedormanifestedinthatparticularmode,andinaction.Andbythat
Wordeverythingthatiswascreated."AndthusTertulliansaysthatGodmadetheWorldoutofnothing,
bymeansofHisWord,Wisdom,orPower.

ToPhilotheJew,astotheGnostics,theSupremeBeingwasthePrimitiveLight,orArchetypeofLight
SourcewhencetheraysemanatethatilluminateSouls.HeistheSouloftheWorld,andassuchacts
everywhere.Hehimselffillsandboundshiswholeexistence,andhisforcesfillandpenetrate
everything.HisImageistheWORD[LOGOS],aformmorebrilliantthanfire,whichisnotpurelight.
ThisWORDdwellsinGod;foritiswithinHisIntelligencethattheSupremeBeingframesforHimself
theTypesofIdeasofallthatistoassumerealityintheUniverse.TheWORDistheVehiclebywhich
GodactsontheUniverse;theWorldofIdeasbymeanswhereofGodhascreatedvisiblethings;the
moreAncientGod,ascomparedwiththeMaterialWorld;ChiefandGeneralRepresentativeofall
Intelligences;theArchangelandrepresentativeofallspirits,eventhoseofMortals;thetypeofMan;
theprimitivemanhimself.TheseideasareborrowedfromPlato.AndthisWordisnotonlytheCreator
["byHimwaseverythingmadethatwasmade"],butactsintheplaceofGodandthroughhimactall
thePowersandAttributesofGod.Andalso,asfirstrepresentativeofthehumanrace,heisthe
protectorofMenandtheirShepherd,the"BenH'Adam,"orSonofMan.
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TheactualconditionofManisnothisprimitivecondition,thatinwhichhewastheimageoftheWord.
Hisunrulypassionshavecausedhimtofallfromhisoriginalloftyestate.Buthemayriseagain,by
followingtheteachingsofHeavenlyWisdom,andtheAngelswhomGodcommissionstoaidhimin
escapingfromtheentanglementsofthebody;andbyfightingbravelyagainstEvil,theexistenceof
whichGodhasallowedsolelytofurnishhimwiththemeansofexercisinghisfreewill.

TheSupremeBeingoftheEgyptianswasAmun,asecretandconcealedGod,theUnknownFatherof
theGnostics,theSourceofDivineLife,andofallforce,thePlenitudeofall,comprehendingallthings
inHimself,theoriginalLight.Hecreatesnothing;buteverythingemanatesfromHim:andallother
Godsarebuthismanifestations.FromHim,bytheutteranceofaWord,emanatedNeith,theDivine
Motherofallthings,thePrimitiveTHOUGHT,theFORCEthatputseverythinginmovement,the
SPIRITeverywhereextended,theDeityofLightandMotheroftheSun.

OfthisSupremeBeing,Osiriswastheimage,SourceofallGoodinthemoralandphysicalworld,and
constantfoeofTyphon,theGeniusofEvil,theSatanofGnosticism,brutematter,deemedtobe
alwaysatfeudwiththespiritthatflowedfromtheDeity;andoverwhomHarOeri,theRedeemer,Son
ofIsisandOsiris,isfinallytoprevail.

IntheZendAvestaofthePersianstheSupremeBeingisTimewithoutlimit,ZERUANEAKHERENE.
NoorigincouldbeassignedtoHim;forHewasenvelopedinHisownGlory,andHisNatureand
AttributesweresoinaccessibletohumanIntelligence,thatHewasbuttheobjectofasilent
veneration.ThecommencementofCreationwasbyemanationfromhim.Thefirstemanationwasthe
PrimitiveLight,andfromthisLightemergedOrmuzd,theKingofLight,who,bytheWORD,created
theWorldinitspurity,isitsPreserverandJudge,aHolyandSacredBeing,Intelligenceand
Knowledge,HimselfTimewithoutlimit,andwieldingallthepowersoftheSupremeBeing.

InthisPersianfaith,astaughtmanycenturiesbeforeourera,andembodiedintheZendAvesta,there
wasinmanapurePrinciple,proceedingfromtheSupremeBeing,producedbytheWillandWordof
Ormuzd.Tothatwasunitedanimpureprinciple,proceedingfromaforeigninfluence,thatofAhriman,
theDragon,orprincipleofEvil.TemptedbyAhriman,thefirstmanandwomanhadfallen;andfor
twelvethousandyearstherewastobewarbetweenOrmuzdandtheGoodSpiritscreatedbyhim,and
AhrirnanandtheEviloneswhomhehadcalledintoexistence.

ButpuresoulsareassistedbytheGoodSpirits,theTriumphoftheGoodPrincipleisdeterminedupon
inthedecreesoftheSupremeBeing,andtheperiodofthattriumphwillinfalliblyarrive.Atthe
momentwhentheearthshallbemostafflictedwiththeevilsbroughtuponitbytheSpiritsofperdition,
threeProphetswillappeartobringassistancetomortals.Sosiosch,ChiefoftheThree,willregenerate
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theworld,andrestoretoititsprimitiveBeauty,Strength,andPurity.Hewilljudgethegoodandthe
wicked.AftertheuniversalresurrectionoftheGood,thepureSpiritswillconductthemtoanabodeof
eternalhappiness.Ahriman,hisevilDemons,andalltheworld,willbepurifiedinatorrentofliquid
burningmetal.TheLawofOrmuzdwillruleeverywhere:allmenwillbehappy:all,enjoyingan
unalterablebliss,willunitewithSosioschinsingingthepraisesoftheSupremeBeing.

Thesedoctrines,withsomemodifications,wereadoptedbytheKabalistsandafterwardbythe
Gnostics.

ApolloniusofTyanasays:"WeshallrenderthemostappropriateworshiptotheDeity,whentothatGod
whomwecalltheFirst,whoisOne,andseparatefromall,andafterwhomwerecognizetheothers,
wepresentnoofferingswhatever,kindletoHimnofire,dedicatetoHimnosensiblething;forheneeds
nothing,evenofallthatnaturesmoreexaltedthanourscouldgive.Theearthproducesnoplant,theair
nourishesnoanimal,thereisinshortnothing,whichwouldnotbeimpureinhissight.Inaddressing
ourselvestoHim,wemustuseonlythehigherword,that,Imean,whichisnotexpressedbythemouth,
thesilentinnerwordofthespirit.FromthemostGloriousofallBeings,wemustseekforblessings,by
thatwhichismostgloriousinourselves;andthatisthespirit,whichneedsnoorgan."

Strabosays:"ThisoneSupremeEssenceisthatwhichembracesusall,thewaterandtheland,that
whichwecalltheHeavens,theWorld,theNatureofthings.ThisHighestBeingshouldbeworshipped,
withoutanyvisibleimage,insacredgroves.Insuchretreatsthedevoutshouldlaythemselvesdownto
sleep,andexpectsignsfromGodindreams."

Aristoltesays:"Ithasbeenhandeddowninamythicalform,fromtheearliesttimestoposterity,that
thereareGods,andthatTheDivinecompassesentirenature.Allbesidesthishasbeenadded,afterthe
mythicalstyle,forthepurposeofpersuadingthemultitude,andfortheinterestofthelawsandthe
advantageoftheState.ThusmenhavegiventotheGodshumanforms,andhaveevenrepresentedthem
underthefigureofotherbeings,inthetrainofwhichfictionsfollowedmanymoreofthesamesort.
Butif,fromallthis,weseparatetheoriginalprinciple,andconsideritalone,namely,thatthefirst
EssencesareGods,weshallfindthatthishasbeendivinelysaid;andsinceitisprobablethat
philosophyandtheartshavebeenseveraltimes,sofarasthatispossible,foundandlost,suchdoctrines
mayhavebeenpreservedtoourtimesastheremainsofancientwisdom."

Porphyrysays:"Byimagesaddressedtosense,theancientsrepresentedGodandhispowersbythe
visibletheytypifiedtheinvisibleforthosewhohadlearnedtoread,inthesetypes,asinabook,a
treatiseontheGods.Weneednotwonderiftheignorantconsidertheimagestobenothingmorethan
woodorstone;forjustso,theywhoareignorantofwritingseenothinginmonumentsbutstone,
nothingintabletsbutwood,andinbooksbutatissueofpapyrus."
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ApolloniusofTyanaheld,thatbirthanddeathareonlyinappearance;thatwhichseparatesitselffrom
theonesubstance(theoneDivineessence),andiscaughtupbymatter,seemstobeborn;that,again,
whichreleasesitselffromthebondsofmatter,andisreunitedwiththeoneDivineEssence,seemsto
die.Thereis,atmost,analterationbetweenbecomingvisibleandbecominginvisible.Inallthereis,
properlyspeaking,buttheoneessence,whichaloneactsandsuffers,bybecomingallthingstoall;the
EternalGod,whommenwrong,whentheydepriveHimofwhatproperlycanbeattributedtoHim
only,andtransferittoothernamesandpersons.

TheNewPlatonistssubstitutedtheideaoftheAbsolute,fortheSupremeEssenceitself;asthefirst,
simplestprinciple,anteriortoallexistence;ofwhichnothingdeterminatecanbepredicated;towhich
noconsciousness,noselfcontemplationcanbeascribed;inasmuchasto
doso,wouldimmediatelyimplyaquality,adistinctionofsubjectandobject.ThisSupremeEntitycan
beknownonlybyanintellectualintuitionoftheSpirit,transcendingitself,andemancipatingitself
fromitsownlimits.

Thismerelogicaltendency,bymeansofwhichmenthoughttoarriveattheconceptionofsuchan
absolute,theov,wasunitedwithacertainmysticism,which,byatranscendentstateoffeeling,
communicated,asitwere,tothisabstractionwhatthemindwouldreceiveasareality.Theabsorption
oftheSpiritintothatsuperexistence,soastobeentirelyidentifiedwithit,orsucharevelationofthe
lattertothespiritraisedaboveitself,wasregardedasthehighestendwhichthespirituallifecould
reach.

TheNewPlatonists'ideaofGod,wasthatofOneSimpleOriginalEssence,exaltedakesadistinction
betweenthosewhoareinthepropersenseSonsofGod,havingbymeansofcontemplationraised
themselvestothehighestBeing,orattainedtoaknowledgeofHim,inHisimmediateself
manifestation,andthosewhoknowGodonlyinhismediaterevelationthroughhisoperationsuchasHe
declaresHimselfincreationintherevelationstillveiledintheletterofScripturethose,inshort,who
attachthemselvessimplytotheLogos,andconsiderthistobetheSupremeGod;whoaren;andafterit
hasriditselffromallthatpertainstosensefromallmanifoldness.Theyarethemediatorsbetweenman
(amazedandstupefiedbymanifoldness)andtheSupremeUnity.

Philosays:"Hewhodisbelievesthemiraculous,simplyasthemiraculous,neitherknowsGod,norhas
heeversoughtafterHim;forotherwisehewouldhaveunderstood,bylookingatthattrulygreatand
aweinspiringsight,themiracleoftheUniverse,thatthesemiracles(inGod'sprovidentialguidanceof
Hispeople)arebutchild'splayfortheDivinePower.Butthetrulymiraculoushasbecomedespised
throughfamiliarity.Theuniversal,onthecontrary,althoughinitselfinsignificant,yet,throughourlove
ofnovelty,transportsuswithamazement."
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InoppositiontotheanthropopathismoftheJewishScriptures,theAlexandrianJewsendeavoredto
purifytheideaofGodfromalladmixtureoftheHuman.Bytheexclusionofeveryhumanpassion,it
wassublimatedtoasomethingdevoidofallattributes,andwhollytranscendental;andthemereBeing,
theGood,inandbyitself,theAbsoluteofPlatonism,wassubstitutedforthepersonalDeityoftheOld
Testament.Bysoaringupward,beyondallcreatedexistence,themind,disengagingitselffromthe
Sensible,attainstotheintellectualintuitionofthisAbsoluteBeing;ofwhom,however,itcanpredicate
nothingbutexistence,andsetsasideallotherdeterminationsasnotansweringtotheexaltednatureof
theSupremeEssence.

ThusPhilomakesadistinctionbetweenthosewhoareinthepropersenseSonsofGod,havingby
meansofcontemplationraisedthemselvestothehighestBeing,orattainedtoaknowledgeofHim,in
Hisimmediateselfmanifestation,andthosewhoknowGodonlyinhismediaterevelationthroughhis
operationsuchasHedeclaresHimselfincreationintherevelationstillveiledintheletterofScripture
those,inshort,whoattachthemselvessimplytotheLogos,andconsiderthistobetheSupremeGod;
whoarethesonsoftheLogos,ratherthanoftheTrueBeing.

"God,"saysPythagoras,"isneithertheobjectofsense,norsubjecttopassion,butinvisible,only
intelligible,andsupremelyintelligent.InHisbodyHeislikethelight,andinHissoulHeresembles
truth.Heistheuniversalspiritthatpervadesanddiffusethitselfoverallnature.Allbeingsreceive
theirlifefromHim.ThereisbutoneonlyGod,whoisnot,assomeareapttoimagine,seatedabovethe
world,beyondtheorboftheUniverse;butbeingHimselfallinall,HeseesallthebeingsthatfillHis
immensity;theonlyPrinciple,theLightofHeaven,theFatherofall.Heproduceseverything;He
ordersanddisposeseverything;HeistheREASON,theLIFE,andtheMOTIONofallbeing."

"IamtheLIGHToftheworld;hethatfollowethMeshallnotwalkinDARKNESS,butshallhavethe
LIGHTofLIFE."SosaidtheFounderoftheChristianReligion,asHiswordsarereportedbyJohnthe
Apostle.

God,saythesacredwritingsoftheJews,appearedtoMosesinaFLAMEOFFIRE,inthemidstofa
bush,whichwasnotconsumed.HedescendeduponMountSinai,asthesmokeofafurnace;Hewent
beforethechildrenofIsrael,byday,inapillarofcloud,and,bynight,inapillaroffire,togivethem
light."CallyouonthenameofyourGods,"saidElijahtheProphettothePriestsofBaal,"andIwill
calluponthenameofADONAI;andtheGodthatanswerethbyfire,lethimbeGod."

AccordingtotheKabalah,asaccordingtothedoctrinesofZoroaster,everythingthatexistshas
emanatedfromasourceofinfinitelight.Beforeallthings,existedthePrimitiveBeing,THE
ANCIENTOFDAYS,theAncientKingofLight;atitlethemoreremarkable,becauseitisfrequently
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giventotheCreatorintheZendAvesta,andintheCodeoftheSabeans,andoccursintheJewish
Scriptures.

TheworldwasHisRevelation,GodrevealedandsubsistedonlyinHim.Hisattributeswerethere
reproducedwithvariousmodificationsandindifferentdegrees;sothattheUniversewasHisHoly
Splendor,HisMantle.Hewastobeadoredinsilenceandperfectionconsistedinanearerapproachto
Him.

Beforethecreationofworlds,thePRIMITIVELIGHTfilledallspace,sothattherewasnovoid.
WhentheSupremeBeing,existinginthisLight,resolvedtodisplayHisperfections,ormanifestthem
inworlds,HewithdrewwithinHimself,formedaroundHimavoidspace,andshotforthHisfirst
emanation,arayoflight;thecauseandprincipleofeverythingthatexists,unitingboththegenerative
andconceptivepower,whichpenetrateseverything,andwithoutwhichnothingcouldsubsistforan
instant.

Manfell,seducedbytheEvilSpiritsmostremotefromtheGreatKingofLight;thoseofthefourth
worldofspirits,Asiah,whosechiefwasBelial.TheywageincessantwaragainstthepureIntelligences
oftheotherworlds,who,liketheAmshaspands,Izeds,andFerouersofthePersiansarethetutelary
guardiansofman.Inthebeginning,allwasunisonandharmony;fullofthesamedivinelightand
perfectpurity.TheSevenKingsofEvilfell,andtheUniversewastroubled.ThentheCreatortookfrom
theSevenKingstheprinciplesofGoodandofLight,anddividedthemamongthefourworldsof
Spirits,givingtothefirstthreethePureIntelligences,unitedinloveandharmony,whiletothefourth
werevouchsafedonlysomefeebleglimmeringsoflight.

Whenthestrifebetweentheseandthegoodangelsshallhavecontinuedtheappointedtime,andthese
SpiritsenvelopedindarknessshalllongandinvainhaveendeavoredtoabsorbtheDivinelightandlife,
thenwilltheEternalHimselfcometocorrectthem.Hewilldeliverthemfromthegrossenvelopesof
matterthatholdthemcaptive,willreanimateandstrengthentherayoflightorspiritualnaturewhich
theyhavepreserved,andreestablishthroughouttheUniversethatprimitiveHarmonywhichwasits
bliss.

Marcion,theGnostic,said,"TheSouloftheTrueChristian,adoptedasachildbytheSupremeBeing,
towhomithaslongbeenastranger,receivesfromHimtheSpiritandDivinelife.Itisledand
confirmed,bythisgift,inapureandholylife,likethatofGod;andifitsocompletesitsearthlycareer,
incharity,chastity,andsanctity,itwillonedaybedisengagedfromitsmaterialenvelope,astheripe
grainisdetachedfromthestraw,andastheyoungbirdescapesfromitsshell.Liketheangels,itwill
shareintheblissoftheGoodandPerfectFather,reclothedinanaerialbodyororgan,andmadelike
untotheAngelsinHeaven."
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Yousee,mybrother,whatisthemeaningofMasonic"Light."YouseewhytheEASToftheLodge,
wheretheinitialletteroftheNameoftheDeityoverhangstheMaster,istheplaceofLight.Light,as
contradistinguishedfromdarkness,isGood,ascontradistinguishedfromEvil:anditisthatLight,the
trueknowledgeofDeity,theEternalGood,forwhichMasonsinallageshavesought.StillMasonry
marchessteadilyonwardtowardthatLightthatshinesinthegreatdistance,theLightofthatdaywhen
Evil,overcomeandvanquished,shallfadeawayanddisappearforever,andLifeandLightbetheone
lawoftheUniverse,anditseternalHarmony.

TheDegreeofRoseCroixteachesthreethings;theunity,immutabilityandgoodnessofGod;the
immortalityoftheSoul;andtheultimatedefeatandextinctionofevilandwrongandsorrow,bya
RedeemerorMessiah,yettocome,ifhehasnotalreadyappeared.

ItreplacesthethreepillarsoftheoldTemple,withthreethathavealreadybeenexplainedtoyou,Faith
[inGod,mankind,andman'sself],Hope[inthevictoryoverevil,theadvancementofHumanity,anda
hereafter],andCharity[relievingthewants,andtolerantoftheerrorsandfaultsofothers].Tobe
trustful,tobehopeful,tobeindulgent;these,inanageofselfishness,ofillopinionofhumannature,of
harshandbitterjudgment,arethemostimportantMasonicVirtues,andthetruesupportsofevery
MasonicTemple.AndtheyaretheoldpillarsoftheTempleunderdifferentnames.Forheonlyiswise
whojudgesotherscharitably;heonlyisstrongwhoishopeful;andthereisnobeautylikeafirmfaith
inGod,ourfellowsandourself.

Thesecondapartment,clothedinmourning,thecolumnsoftheTempleshatteredandprostrate,andthe
brethrenboweddowninthedeepestdejection,representstheworldunderthetyrannyofthePrinciple
ofEvil;wherevirtueispersecutedandvicerewarded;wheretherighteousstarveforbread,andthe
wickedlivesumptuouslyanddressinpurpleandfinelinen;whereinsolentignorancerules,and
learningandgeniusserve;whereKingandPriesttrampleonlibertyandtherightsofconscience;where
freedomhidesincavesandmountains,andsycophancyandservilityfawnandthrive;wherethecryof
thewidowandtheorphanstarvingforwantoffood,andshiveringwithcold,risesevertoHeaven,from
amillionmiserablehovels;wheremen,willingtolabor,andstarving,theyandtheirchildrenandthe
wivesoftheirbosoms,begplaintivelyforwork,whenthepamperedcapitaliststopshismills;wherethe
lawpunishesherwho,starving,stealsaloaf,andletstheseducergofree;wherethesuccessofaparty
justifiesmurder,andviolenceandrapinegounpunished;andwherehewhowithmanyyears'cheating
andgrindingthefacesofthepoorgrowsrich,receivesofficeandhonorinlife,andafterdeathbrave
funeralandasplendidmausoleum:thisworld,where,sinceitsmaking,warhasneverceased,norman
pausedinthesadtaskoftorturingandmurderinghisbrother;andofwhichambition,avarice,envy,
hatred,lust,andtherestofAhriman'sandTyphon'sarmymakeaPandemonium:thisworld,sunkinsin,
reekingwithbaseness,clamorouswithsorrowandmisery.Ifanyseeinitalsoatypeofthesorrowof
theCraftforthedeathofHiram,thegriefoftheJewsatthefallofJerusalem,themiseryofthe
TemplarsattheruinoftheirorderandthedeathofDeMolay,ortheworld'sagonyandpangsofwoeat
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thedeathoftheRedeemer,itistherightofeachtodoso.

Thethirdapartmentrepresentstheconsequencesofsinandvice,andthehellmadeofthehumanheart,
byitsfierypassions.IfanyseeinitalsoatypeoftheHadesoftheGreeks,theGehennaofthe
Hebrews,theTartarusoftheRomans,ortheHelloftheChristians,oronlyoftheagoniesofremorse
andthetorturesofanupbraidingconscience,itistherightofeachtodoso.

ThefourthapartmentrepresentstheUniverse,freedfromtheinsolentdominionandtyrannyofthe
PrincipleofEvil,andbrilliantwiththetrueLightthatflowsfromtheSupremeDeity;whensinand
wrong,andpainandsorrow,remorseandmiseryshallbenomoreforever;whenthegreatplansof
InfiniteEternalWisdomshallbefullydeveloped;andallGod'screatures,seeingthatallapparentevil
andindividualsufferingandwrongwerebutthedropsthatwenttoswellthegreatriverofinfinite
goodness,shallknowthatvastasisthepowerofDeity,Hisgoodnessandbeneficenceareinfiniteas
Hispower.Ifanyseeinitatypeofthepeculiarmysteriesofanyfaithorcreed,oranallusiontoany
pastoccurrences,itistheirrighttodoso.Leteachapplyitssymbolsashepleases.Toallofusthey
typifytheuniversalruleofMasonry,ofitsthreechiefvirtues,Faith,HopeandCharity;ofbrotherly
loveanduniversalbenevolence.Welaborheretonootherend.Thesesymbolsneednoother
interpretation.

TheobligationsofourAncientBrethrenoftheRoseCroixweretofulfillallthedutiesoffriendship,
cheerfulness,charity,peace,liberality,temperanceandchastityandscrupulouslytoavoidimpurity,
haughtiness,hatred,anger,andeveryotherkindofvice.Theytooktheirphilosophyfromtheold
TheologyoftheEgyptians,asMosesandSolomonhaddone,andborroweditshieroglyphicsandthe
ciphersoftheHebrews.Theirprincipalrulesweretoexercisetheprofessionofmedicinecharitably
andwithoutfee,toadvancethecauseofvirtue,enlargethesciences,andinducementoliveasinthe
primitivetimesoftheworld.

WhenthisDegreehaditsorigin,itisnotimportanttoinquire;norwithwhatdifferentritesithasbeen
practisedindifferentcountriesandatvarioustimes.Itisofveryhighantiquity.Itsceremoniesdiffer
withthedegreesoflatitudeandlongitude,anditreceivesvariantinterpretations.Ifweweretoexamine
allthedifferentceremonials,theiremblems,andtheirformulas,weshouldseethatallthatbelongsto
theprimitiveandessentialelementsoftheorder,isrespectedineverysanctuary.Allalikepractise
virtue,thatitmayproducefruit.Alllabor,likeus,fortheextirpationofvice,thepurificationofman,
thedevelopmentoftheartsandsciences,andthereliefofhumanity.

Noneadmitanadepttotheirloftyphilosophicalknowledge,andmysterioussciences,untilhehasbeen
purifiedatthealtarofthesymbolicDegrees.Ofwhatimportancearedifferencesofopinionastothe
ageandgenealogyoftheDegree,orvarianceinthepractice,ceremonialandliturgy,ortheshadeof
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colorofthebannerunderwhicheachtribeofIsraelmarched,ifallrevere'theHolyArchofthe
symbolicDegrees,firstandunalterablesourceofFreeMasonry;ifallrevereourconservative
principles,andarewithusinthegreatpurposesofourorganization?

If,anywhere,brethrenofaparticularreligiousbeliefhavebeenexcludedfromthisDegree,itmerely
showshowgravelythepurposesandplanofMasonrymaybemisunderstood.Forwheneverthedoorof
anyDegreeisclosedagainsthimwhobelievesinoneGodandthesoul'simmortality,onaccountofthe
othertenetsofhisfaith,thatDegreeisMasonrynolonger.NoMasonhastherighttointerpretthe
symbolsofthisDegreeforanother,ortorefusehimitsmysteries,ifhewillnottakethemwiththe
explanationandcommentarysuperadded.

Listen,mybrother,toourexplanationofthesymbolsoftheDegree,andthengivethemsuchfurther
interpretationasyouthinkfit.

TheCrosshasbeenasacredsymbolfromtheearliestAntiquity.Itisfounduponalltheenduring
monumentsoftheworld,inEgypt,inAssyria,inHindostan,inPersia,andontheBuddhisttowersof
Ireland.Buddhawassaidtohavedieduponit.TheDruidscutanoakintoitsshapeandhelditsacred,
andbuilttheirtemplesinthatform.Pointingtothefourquartersoftheworld,itwasthesymbolof
universalnature.Itwasonacruciformtree,thatChrishnawassaidtohaveexpired,piercedwith
arrows.ItwasreveredinMexico.

ButitspeculiarmeaninginthisDegree,isthatgiventoitbytheAncientEgyptians.TltothorPhikais
representedontheoldestmonumentscarryinginhishandtheCruxAnsata,orAnkh,[aTaucross,with
aringorcircleoverit].HeissoseenonthedoubletabletofShufuandNobShufu,buildersofthe
greatestofthePyramids,atWadyMeghara,inthepeninsulaofSinai.Itwasthehieroglyphicforlife,
andwithatriangleprefixedmeantlifegiving.TousthereforeitisthesymbolofLifeofthatlifethat
emanatedfromtheDeity,andofthatEternalLifeforwhichweallhope;throughourfaithinGod's
infinitegoodness.

TheROSEwasancientlysacredtoAuroraandtheSun.ItisasymbolofDawn,oftheresurrectionof
Lightandtherenewaloflife,andthereforeofthedawnofthefirstday,andmoreparticularlyofthe
resurrection:andtheCrossandRosetogetherarethereforehieroglyphicallytoberead,theDawnof
EternalLifewhichallNationshavehopedforbytheadventofaRedeemer.

ThePelicanfeedingheryoungisanemblemofthelargeandbountifulbeneficenceofNature,ofthe
Redeemeroffallenman,andofthathumanityandcharitythatoughttodistinguishaKnightofthis
Degree.
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TheEaglewasthelivingSymboloftheEgyptianGodMendesorMenthra,whomSesostrisRamses
madeonewithAmunRe,theGodofThebesandUpperEgypt,andtherepresentativeoftheSun,the
wordREmeaningSunorKing.

TheCompasssurmountedwithacrownsignifiesthatnotwithstandingthehighrankattainedin
MasonrybyaKnightoftheRoseCroix,equityandimpartialityareinvariablytogovernhisconduct.

TothewordINRI,inscribedontheCruxAnsataovertheMaster'sSeat,manymeaningshavebeen
assigned.TheChristianInitiatereverentiallyseesinittheinitialsoftheinscriptionuponthecrosson
whichChristsufferedIesusNazarenusRexludceorum.ThesagesofAntiquityconnecteditwithoneof
thegreatestsecretsofNature,thatofuniversalregeneration.Theyinterpreteditthus,IgneNatura
renovaturintegra;[entirenatureisrenovatedbyfire]:TheAlchemicalorHermeticMasonsframedforit
thisaphorism,Ignenitrumrorisinvenitur.AndtheJesuitsarechargedwithhavingappliedtoitthis
odiousaxiom,Justumnecareregesimpios.ThefourlettersaretheinitialsoftheHebrewwordsthat
representthefourelementslammim,theseasorwater;Nour,fire;Rouach,theairandIebeschah,the
dryearth.Howwereadit,Ineednotrepeattoyou.

TheCROSS,X,wastheSignoftheCreativeWisdomorLogos,theSonofGod.Platosays,"He
expressedhimupontheUniverseinthefigureoftheletterX.ThenextPowertotheSupremeGodwas
decussatedorfiguredintheshapeofaCrossontheUniverse."Mithrassignedhissoldiersonthe
foreheadwithaCross.Xisthemarkof600,themysteriouscycleoftheIncarnations.

WeconstantlyseetheTauandtheReshunitedthusP.These||twoletters,intheoldSamaritan,as
foundinArius,stand,thefirstfor400,thesecondfor200=600.ThisistheStaffofOsiris,also,andhis
monogram,andwasadoptedbytheChristiansasaSign.OnamedalPofConstaniusisthisinscription,
"InhocX|signovictoreris."AninscriptionintheDuomoatMilanreads,"X.etP.Christi.Nomina.
Sancta.Tenei."

TheEgyptiansusedasaSignoftheirGodCanobus,aToralindifferently.TheVaishnavasofIndia
havealsothesameSacredTau,whichtheyalsomarkwithcrosses,andwithtriangles.Thevestmentsof
theptiestsofHoruswerecoveredwiththesecrosses.SowasthedressoftheLamaofThibet.The
SectarianmarksoftheJainsaresimilar.ThedistinctivebadgeoftheSectofXacJaonicusisthe
swastica.ItistheSignofFo,identicalwiththeCrossofChrist.OntheruinsofMandore,inIndia,
amongothermysticemblems,arethemystictriangle,andtheinterlacedtriangle.Thisisalsofoundon
ancientcoinsandmedals,excavatedfromtheruinsofOojeinandotherancientcitiesofIndia.
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Youenteredhereamidgloomandintoshadow,andarecladintheapparelofsorrow.Lament,withus,
thesadconditionoftheHumanrace,inthisvaleoftears!thecalamitiesofmenandtheagoniesof
nations!thedarknessofthebewilderedsoul,oppressedbydoubtandapprehension!

Thereisnohumansoulthatisnotsadattimes.Thereisnothoughtfulsoulthatdoesnotattimes
despair.Thereisperhapsnone,ofallthatthinkatallofanythingbeyondtheneedsandinterestsofthe
body,thatisnotattimesstartledandterrifiedbytheawfulquestionswhich,feelingasthoughitwerea
guiltythingfordoingso,itwhisperstoitselfinitsinmostdepths.SomeDemonseemstotortureit
withdoubts,andtocrushitwithdespair,askingwhether,afterall,itiscertainthatitsconvictionsare
true,anditsfaithwellrounded:whetheritisindeedsurethataGodofInfiniteLoveandBeneficence
rulestheUniverse,oronlysomegreatremorselessFateandironNecessity,hidinimpenetrablegloom,
andtowhichmenandtheirsufferingsandsorrows.Theirhopesandjoys,theirambitionsanddeeds,are
ofnomoreinterestorimportancethanthemotesthatdanceinthesunshine;oraBeingthatamuses
Himselfwiththeincrediblevanityandfolly,thewritingsandcontortionsoftheinsignificantinsects
thatcomposeHumanity,andidlyimaginethattheyresembletheOmnipotent."Whatarewe,"the
Tempterasks,"butpuppetsinashowbox?OOmnipotentdestiny,pullourstringsgently!Danceus
mercifullyoffourmiserablelittlestage!"

"Isitnot,"theDemonwhispers,"merelytheinordinatevanityofmanthatcauseshimnowtopretendto
himselfthatheislikeuntoGodinintellect,sympathiesandpassions,asitwasthatwhich,atthe
beginning,madehimbelievethathewas,inhisbodilyshapeandorgans,theveryimageoftheDeity?
IsnothisGodmerelyhisownshadow,projectedingiganticoutlinesupontheclouds?Doeshenot
createforhimselfaGodoutofhimself,bymerelyaddingindefiniteextensiontohisownfaculties,
powers,andpassions?"

"Who,"theVoicethatwillnotbealwayssilentwhispers,"haseverthoroughlysatisfiedhimselfwith
hisownargumentsinrespecttohisownnature?Whoeverdemonstratedtohimself,witha
conclusivenessthatelevatedthebelieftocertainty,thathewasanimmortalspirit,dwellingonly
temporarilyinthehouseandenvelopeofthebody,andtoliveonforeverafterthatshallhavedecayed?
WhoeverhasdemonstratedorevercandemonstratethattheintellectofMandiffersfromthatofthe
wiseranimals,otherwisethanindegree?Whohaseverdonemorethantoutternonsenseand
incoherenciesinregardtothedifferencebetweentheinstinctsofthedogandthereasonofMan?The
horse,thedog,theelephant,areasconsciousoftheiridentityasweare.Theythink,dream,remember,
arguewiththemselves,devise,plan,andreason.Whatistheintellectandintelligenceofthemanbut
theintellectoftheanimalinahigherdegreeorlargerquantity?"Intherealexplanationofasingle
thoughtofadog,allmetaphysicswillbecondensed.

Andwithstillmoreterriblesignificance,theVoiceasks,inwhatrespectthemassesofmen,thevast
swarmsofthehumanrace,haveproventhemselveseitherwiserorbetterthantheanimalsinwhose
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eyesahigherintelligenceshinesthanintheirdull,unintellecturalorbs;inwhatrespecttheyhave
proventhemselvesworthyoforsuitedforanimmortallife.Wouldthatbeaprizeofanyvaluetothe
vastmajority?Dotheyshow,hereuponearth,anycapacitytoimprove,anyfitnessforastateof
existenceinwhichtheycouldnotcrouchtopower,likehoundsdreadingthelash,ortyrannizeover
defencelessweakness;inwhichtheycouldnothate,andpersecute,andtorture,andexterminate;in
whichtheycouldnottrade,andspeculate,andoverreach,andentraptheunwaryandcheatthe
confidingandgambleandthrive,andsniffwithselfrighteousnessattheshortcomingsofothers,and
thankGodthattheywerenotlikeothermen?What,toimmensenumbersofmen,wouldbethevalue
ofaHeavenwheretheycouldnotlieandlibel,andplybaseavocationsforprofitablereturns?

Sadlywelookaroundus,andreadthegloomyanddrearyrecordsoftheolddeadandrottenages.More
thaneighteencenturieshavestaggeredawayintothespectralrealmofthePast,sinceChrist,teaching
theReligionofLove,wascrucified,thatitmightbecomeaReligionofHate;andHisDoctrinesarenot
yetevennominallyacceptedastruebyafourthofmankind.SinceHisdeath,whatincalculableswarms
ofhumanbeingshavelivedanddiedintotalunbeliefofallthatwedeemessentialtoSalvation!What
multitudinousmyriadsofsouls,sincethedarknessofidolatroussuperstitionsettleddown,thickand
impenetrable,upontheearth,haveflockeduptowardtheeternalThroneofGod,toreceiveHis
judgment?

TheReligionofLoveprovedtobe,forseventeenlongcenturies,asmuchtheReligionofHate,and
infinitelymoretheReligionofPersecution,thanMahometanism,itsunconquerablerival.Heresies
grewupbeforetheApostlesdied;andGodhatedtheNicolaitans,whileJohn,atPatmos,proclaimed
Hiscomingwrath.Sectswrangled,andeach,asitgainedthepower,persecutedtheother,untilthesoil
ofthewholeChristianworldwaswateredwiththeblood,andfattenedontheflesh,andwhitenedwith
thebones,ofmartyrs,andhumaningenuitywastaxedtoitsutmosttoinventnewmodesbywhich
torturesandagoniescouldbeprolongedandmademoreexquisite."Bywhatright,"whisperstheVoice,
"doesthissavage,merciless,persecutinganimal,towhichthesufferingsandwrithingsofothersofits
wretchedkindfurnishthemostpleasurablesensations,andthemassofwhichcareonlytoeat,sleep,be
clothed,andwallowinsensualpleasures,andthebestofwhichwrangle,hate,envy,and,withfew
exceptions,regardtheirowninterestsalone,withwhatrightdoesitendeavortodeludeitselfintothe
convictionthatitisnotananimal,asthewolf,thehyena,andthetigerarebutasomewhatnobler,a
spiritdestinedtobeimmortal,asparkoftheessentialLight,FireandReason,whichareGod?What
otherimmortalitythanoneofselfishnesscouldthiscreatureenjoy?Ofwhatotherisitcapable?Must
notimmortalitycommencehereandisnotlifeapartofit?Howshalldeathchangethebasenatureof
thebasesoul?Whyhavenotthoseotheranimalsthatonlyfaintlyimitatethewanton,savage,human
crueltyandthirstforblood,thesamerightasmanhas,toexpectaresurrectionandanEternityof
existence,oraHeavenofLove?

Theworldimproves.Manceasestopersecute,whenthepersecutedbecometoonumerousandstrong,
longertosubmittoit.Thatsourceofpleasureclosed,menexercisetheingenuitiesoftheircrueltyon
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theanimalsandotherlivingthingsbelowthem.TodepriveothercreaturesofthelifewhichGodgave
them,andthisnotonlythatwemayeattheirfleshforfood,butoutofmeresavagewantonness,isthe
agreeableemploymentandamusementofman,whoprideshimselfonbeingtheLordofCreation,and
alittlelowerthantheAngels.Ifhecannolongerusetherack,thegibbet,thepincers,andthestake,he
canhate,andslander,anddelightinthethoughtthathewill,hereafter,luxuriouslyenjoyingthesensual
beatitudesofHeaven,seewithpleasurethewrithingagoniesofthosejustlydamnedfordaringtohold
opinionscontrarytohisown,uponsubjectstotallybeyondthecomprehensionbothofthemandhim.

Wherethearmiesofthedespotsceasetoslayandravage,thearmiesof"Freedom"taketheirplace,
and,theblackandwhitecommingled,slaughterandburnandravish.Eachagereenactsthecrimesas
wellasthefolliesofitspredecessors,andstillwarlicensesoutrageandturnsfruitfullandsintodeserts,
andGodisthankedintheChurchesforbloodyhutcheries,andtheremorselessdevastators,evenwhen
swollenbyplunder,arecrownedwithlaurelsandreceiveovations.

Ofthewholeofmankind,notoneintenthousandhasanyaspirationsbeyondthedailyneedsofthe
grossanimallife.Inthisageandinallothers,allmenexceptafew,inmostcountries,areborntobe
merebeastsofburden,colaborerswiththehorseandtheox.Profoundlyignorant,evenin"civilized"
lands,theythinkandreasonliketheanimalsbythesideofwhichtheytoil.Forthem,God,Soul,Spirit,
Immortality,aremerewords,withoutanyrealmeaning.TheGodofnineteentwentiethsofthe
ChristianworldisonlyBel,Moloch,Zeus,oratbestOsiris,Mithras,orAdonai,underanothername,
worshippedwiththeoldPaganceremoniesandritualisticformulas.ItistheStatueofOlympianJove,
worshippedastheFather,intheChristianChurchthatwasaPaganTemple;itistheStatueofVenus,
becometheVirginMary.Forthemostpart,mendonotintheirheartsbelievethatGodiseitherjustor
merciful.TheyfearandshrinkfromHislightningsanddreadHiswrath.Forthemostpart,theyonly
thinktheybelievethatthereisanotherlife,ajudgment,andapunishmentforsin.Yettheywillnonethe
lesspersecuteasInfidelsandAtheiststhosewhodonotbelievewhattheythemselvesimaginethey
believe,andwhichyettheydonotbelieve,becauseitisincomprehensibletothemintheirignorance
andwantofintellect.Tothevastmajorityofmankind,Godisbutthereflectedimage,ininfinitespace,
oftheearthlyTyrantonhisThrone,onlymorepowerful,moreinscrutable,andmoreimplacable.To
curseHumanity,theDespotneedonlybe,whatthepopularmindhas,ineveryage,imaginedGod.

Inthegreatcities,thelowerstrataofthepopulaceareequallywithoutfaithandwithouthope.The
othershave,forthemostpart,amereblindfaith,imposedbyeducationandcircumstances,andnotas
productiveofmoralexcellenceorevencommonhonestyasMohammedanism."Yourpropertywillbe
safehere,"saidtheMoslem;"TherearenoChristianshere."Thephilosophicalandscientificworld
becomesdailymoreandmoreunbelieving.FaithandReasonarenotopposites,inequilibrium;but
antagonisticandhostiletoeachother;theresultbeingthedarknessanddespairofscepticism,avowed,
orhalfveiledasrationalism.
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Overmorethanthreefourthsofthehabitableglobe,humanitystillkneels,likethecamels,totakeupon
itselftheburthenstobetamelyborneforitstyrants.IfaRepublicoccasionallyriseslikeaStar,it
hastenswithallspeedtosetinblood.Thekingsneednotmakewaruponit,tocrushitoutoftheirway.
Itisonlynecessarytoletitalone,anditsoonlaysviolenthandsuponitself.Andwhenapeoplelong
enslavedshakeoffitsfetters,itmaywellbeincredulouslyasked,

ShallthebraggartshoutForsomeblindglimpseofFreedom,linkitself,Throughmadness,hatedbythe
wise,tolaw,SystemandEmpire?

Everywhereintheworldlaboris,insomeshape,theslaveofcapital;generally,aslavetobefedonlyso
longashecanwork;or,rather,onlysolongashisworkisprofitabletotheownerofthehumanchattel.
TherearefaminesinIreland,strikesandstarvationinEngland,pauperismandtenementdensinNew
York,misery,squalor,ignorance,destitution,thebrutalityofviceandtheinsensibilitytoshame,of
despairingbeggary,inallthehumancesspoolsandsewerseverywhere.Here,asewingwoman
famishesandfreezes;there,mothersmurdertheirchildren,thatthosesparedmayliveuponthebread
purchasedwiththeburialallowancesofthedeadstarveling;andatthenextdooryounggirlsprostitute
themselvesforfood.

Moreover,theVoicesays,thisbesottedraceisnotsatisfiedwithseeingitsmultitudessweptawaybythe
greatepidemicswhosecausesareunknown,andofthejusticeorwisdomofwhichthehumanmind
cannotconceive.Itmustalsobeeveratwar.Therehasnotbeenamomentsincemendividedinto
Tribes,whenalltheworldwasatpeace.Alwaysmenhavebeenengagedinmurderingeachother
somewhere.Alwaysthearmieshavelivedbythetoilofthehusbandman,andwarhasexhaustedthe
resources,wastedtheenergies,andendedtheprosperityofNations.Nowitloadsunbornposterity
withcrushingdebt,mortgagesallestates,andbringsuponStatestheshameandinfamyofdishonest
repudiation.

Attimes,thebalefulfiresofwarlightuphalfaContinentatonce;aswhenalltheThronesuniteto
compelapeopletoreceiveagainahatedanddetestabledynasty,orStatesdenyStatestherightto
dissolveanirksomeunionandcreateforthemselvesaseperategovernment.Thenagaintheflames
flickeranddieaway,andthefiresmouldersinitsashes,tobreakoutagain,afteratime,withrenewed
andamoreconcentratedfury.Attimes,thestorm,revolving,howlsoversmallareasonly;attimesits
lightsareseen,liketheoldbeaconfiresonthehills,beltingthewholeglobe.Nosea,buthearstheroar
ofcannon;noriver,butrunsredwithblood;noplain,butshakes,trampledbythehoofsofcharging
squadrons;nofield,butisfertilizedbythebloodofthedead;andeverywheremanslays,thevulture
gorgesandthewolfhowlsintheearofthedyingsoldier.Nocityisnottorturedbyshotandshell;and
nopeoplefailtoenactthehorridblasphemyofthankingaGodofLoveforvictoriesandcarnage.Te
DeumsarestillsungfortheEveofSt.BartholomewandtheSicilianVespers.Man'singenuityis
racked,andallhisinventivepowersaretasked,tofabricatetheinfernalengineryofdestruction,by
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whichhumanbodiesmaybethemoreexpeditiouslyandeffectuallycrushed,shattered,torn,and
mangled;andyethypocriticalHumanity,drunkwithbloodanddrenchedwithgore,shriekstoHeaven
atasinglemurder,perpetratedtogratifyarevengenotmoreunchristian,ortosatisfyacupiditynot
moreignoble,thanthosewhicharethepromptingsoftheDevilinthesoulsofNations.

WhenwehavefondlydreamedofUtopiaandtheMillennium,whenwehavebegunalmosttobelieve
thatmanisnot,afterall,atigerhalftamed,andthatthesmellofbloodwillnotwakethesavage
withinhim,weareofasuddenstartledfromthedelusivedream,tofindthethinmaskofcivilization
rentintwainandthrowncontemptuouslyaway.Weliedowntosleep,likethepeasantonthelava
slopesofVesuvius.Themountainhasbeensolonginert,thatwebelieveitsfiresextinguished.Round
ushangtheclusteringgrapes,andthegreenleavesoftheolivetrembleinthesoftnightairoverus.
Aboveusshinethepeaceful,patientstars.Thecrashofaneweruptionwakesus,theroarofthe
subterraneanthunders,thestabsofthevolcaniclightningintotheshroudedbosomofthesky;andwe
see,aghast,thetorturedTitanhurlingupitsfiresamongthepalestars,itsgreattreeofsmokeand
cloud,theredtorrentspouringdownitssides.TheroarandtheshriekingsofCivilWarareallaround
us:thelandisapandemonium:manisagainaSavage.Thegreatarmiesrollalongtheirhideouswaves,
andleavebehindthemsmokinganddepopulateddeserts.Thepillagerisineveryhouse,pluckingeven
themorselofbreadfromthelipsofthestarvingchild.Grayhairsaredabbledinblood,andinnocent
girlhoodshrieksinvaintoLustformercy.Laws,Courts,Constitutions,Christianity,Mercy,Pity,
disappear.Godseemstohaveabdicated,andMolochtoreigninHisstead;whilePressandPulpitalike
exultatuniversalmurder,andurgetheexterminationoftheConquered,bytheswordandtheflaming
torch;andtoplunderandmurderentitlesthehumanbeastsofpreytothethanksofChristianSenates.

CommercialgreeddeadensthenervesofsympathyofNations,andmakesthemdeaftothedemandsof
honor,theimpulsesofgenerosity,theappealsofthosewhosufferunderinjustice.Elsewhere,the
universalpursuitofwealthdethronesGodandpaysdivinehonorstoMammonandBaalzebub.
Selfishnessrulessupreme:towinwealthbecomesthewholebusinessoflife.Thevillaniesoflegalized
gamingandspeculationbecomeepidemic;treaceryisbutevidenceofshrewdness;officebecomesthe
preyofsuccessfulfaction;theCountry,likeActaeon,istornbyitsownhounds,andthevillainsithas
carefullyeducatedtotheirtrade,mostgreedilyplunderit,whenitisinextremis.

Bywhatright,theVoicedemands,doesacreaturealwaysengagedintheworkofmutualrobberyand
slaughter,andwhomakeshisowninteresthisGod,claimtobeofanaturesuperiortothesavagebeasts
ofwhichheistheprototype?

Thentheshadowsofahorribledoubtfalluponthesoulthatwouldfainlove,trustandbelieve;a
darkness,ofwhichthisthatsurroundedyouwasasymbol.ItdoubtsthetruthofRevelation,itsown
spirituality,theveryexistenceofabeneficentGod.Itasksitselfifitisnotidletohopeforanygreat
progressofHumanitytowardperfection,andwhether,whenitadvancesinonerespect,itdoesnot
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retrogressinsomeother,bywayofcompensation:whetheradvanceincivilizationisnotincreaseof
selfishness:whetherfreedomdoesnotnecessarilyleadtolicenseandanarchy:whetherthedestitution
anddebasementofthemassesdoesnotinevitablyfollowincreaseofpopulationandcommercialand
manufacturingprosperity.Itasksitselfwhethermanisnotthesportofblind,mercilessFate:whether
allphilosophiesarenotdelusions,andallreligionsthefantasticcreationsofhumanvanityandself
conceit;andaboveall,whether,whenReasonisabandonedasaguide,thefaithofBuddhistand
Brahminhasnotthesameclaimstosovereigntyandimplicit,unreasoningcredence,asanyother.

Heaskshimselfwhetheritisnot,afterall,theevidentandpalpableinjusticesofthislife,thesuccess
andprosperityoftheBad,thecalamities,oppressions,andmiseriesoftheGood,thatarethebasesof
allbeliefsinafuturestateofexistence?Doubtingman'scapacityforindefiniteprogresshere,hedoubts
thepossibilityofitanywher;andifhedoesnotdoubtwhetherGodexists,andisjustandbeneficent,he
atleastcannotsilencetheconstantlyrecurringwhisper,thatthemiseriesandcalamitiesofmen,their
livesanddeaths,theirpainsandsorrows,theirexterminationbywarandepidemics,arephenomenaof
nohigherdignity,significance,andimportance,intheeyeofGod,thanwhatthingsofthesamenature
occurtootherorganismsofmatter;andthatthefishoftheancientseas,destroyedbymyriadstomake
roomforotherspecies,thecontortedshapesinwhichtheyarefoundasfossilstestifyingtotheir
agonies;thecoralinsects,theanimalsandbirdsandverminslainbyman,haveasmuchrightasheto
clamorattheinjusticeofthedispensationsofGod,andtodemandanimmortalityoflifeinanew
universe,ascompensationfortheirpainsandsufferingsanduntimelydeathinthisworld.

Thisisnotapicturepaintedbytheimagination.Manyathoughtfulmindhassodoubtedanddespaired.
Howmanyofuscansaythatourownfaithissowellgroundedandcompletethatweneverhearthose
painfulwhisperingswithinthesoul?Thriceblessedaretheywhoneverdoubt,whoruminateinpatient
contentmentlikethekine,ordozeundertheopiateofablindfaith;onwhosesoulsneverreststhat
AwfulShadowwhichistheabsenceoftheDivineLight.

ToexplaintothemselvestheexistenceofEvilandSuffering,theAncientPersiansimaginedthatthere
weretwoPrinciplesorDeitiesintheUniverse,theoneofGoodandtheotherofEvil,constantlyin
conflictwitheachotherinstruggleforthemasteryandalternatelyovercomingandovercome.Over
both,fortheSAGES,wastheOneSupreme;andforthemLightwasintheendtoprevailover
Darkness,theGoodovertheEvil,andevenAhrimanandhisDemonstopartwiththeirwickedand
viciousnaturesandsharetheuniversalSalvation.ItdidnotoccurtothemthattheexistenceoftheEvil
Principle,bytheconsentoftheOmnipotentSupreme,presentedthesamedifficulty,andleftthe
existenceofEvilasunexplainedasbefore.Thehumanmindisalwayscontent,ifitcanremovea
difficultyastepfurtheroff.Itcannotbelievethattheworldrestsonnothing,butisdevoutlycontent
whentaughtthatitisborneonthebackofanimmenseelephant,whohimselfstandsonthebackofa
tortoise.Giventhetortoise,Faithisalwayssatisfied;andithasbeenagreatsourceofhappinessto
multitudesthattheycouldbelieveinaDevilwhocouldrelieveGodoftheodiumofbeingtheAuthorof
Sin.
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ButnottoallisFaithsufficienttoovercomethisgreatdifficulty.Theysay,withtheSuppliant,"Lord!I
believe!"butlikehimtheyareconstrainedtoadd,"HelpThoumyunbelief!"Reasonmust,forthese,
cooperateandcoincidewithFaith,ortheyremainstillinthedarknessofdoubt,mostmiserableofall
conditionsofthehumanmind.

Thoseonly,whocarefornothingbeyondtheinterestsandpursuitsofthislife,areuninterestedinthese
greatProblems.Theanimals,also,donotconsiderthem.ItisthecharacteristicofanimmortalSoul,
thatitshouldseektosatisfyitselfofitsimmortality,andtounderstandthisgreatenigma,theUniverse.
IftheHottentotandthePapuanarenottroubledandtorturedbythesedoubtsandspeculations,theyare
not,forthat,toberegardedaseitherwiseorfortunate.Theswine,also,areindifferenttothegreat
riddlesoftheUniverse,andarehappyinbeingwhollyunawarethatitisthevastRevelationand
Manifestation,inTimeandSpace,ofaSingleThoughtoftheInfiniteGod.

ExaltandmagnifyFaithaswewill,andsaythatitbeginswhereReasonends,itmust,afterall,havea
foundation,eitherinReason,Analogy,theConsciousness,orhumantestimony.Theworshipperof
BrahmaalsohasimplicitFaithinwhatseemstouspalpablyfalseandabsurd.Hisfaithrestsneitherin
Reason,Analogy,ortheConsciousness,butonthetestimonyofhisSpiritualteachers,andoftheHoly
Books.TheMoslemalsobelieves,onthepositivetestimonyoftheProphetandtheMormonalsocan
say,"Ibelievethis,becauseitisimpossible."Nofaith,howeverabsurdordegrading,haseverwanted
thesefoundations,testimony,andthebooks.Miracles,provenbyunimpeachabletestimonyhavebeen
usedasafoundationforFaith,ineveryage;andthemodernmiraclesarebetterauthenticated,a
hundredtimes,thantheancientones.

Sothat,afterall,Faithmustflowoutfromsomesourcewithinus,whentheevidenceofthatwhichwe
aretobelieveisnotpresentedtooursenses,oritwillinnocasebetheassuranceofthetruthofwhatis
believed.

TheConsciousness,orinheringandinnateconviction,ortheinstinctdivinelyimplanted,oftheverity
ofthings,isthehighestpossibleevidence,ifnottheonlyrealproof,oftheverityofcertainthings,but
onlyoftruthsofalimitedclass.

WhatwecalltheReason,thatis,ourimperfecthumanreason,notonlymay,butassuredlywill,leadus
awayfromtheTruthinregardtothingsinvisibleandespeciallythoseoftheInfinite,ifwedetermineto
believenothingbutthatwhichitcandemonstrateornottobelievethatwhichitcanbyitsprocessesof
logicprovetobecontradictory,unreasonable,orabsurd.Itstapelinecannotmeasurethearcsof
Infinity.Forexample,totheHumanreason,anInfiniteJusticeandanInfiniteMercyorLove,inthe
sameBeing,areinconsistentandimpossible.One,itcandemonstrate,necessarilyexcludestheother.
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SoitcandemonstratethatastheCreationhadabeginning,itnecessarilyfollowsthatanEternityhad
elapsedbeforetheDeitybegantocreate,duringwhichHewasinactive.

Whenwegaze,ofamoonlessclearnight,ontheHeavensglitteringwithstars,andknowthateachfixed
starofallthemyriadsisaSun,andeachprobablypossessingitsretinueofworlds,allpeopledwith
livingbeings,wesensiblyfeelourownunimportanceinthescaleofCreation,andatoncereflectthat
muchofwhathasindifferentagesbeenreligiousfaith,couldneverhavebeenbelieved,ifthenature,
size,anddistanceofthoseSuns,andofourownSun,Moon,andPlanets,hadbeenknowntothe
Ancientsastheyaretous.

Tothem,allthelightsofthefirmamentwerecreatedonlytogivelighttotheearth,asitslampsor
candleshungaboveit.TheearthwassupposedtobetheonlyinhabitedportionoftheUniverse.The
worldandtheUniverseweresynonymousterms.Oftheimmensesizeanddistanceoftheheavenly
bodies,menhadnoconception.TheSageshad,inChaldaea,Egypt,India,China,andinPersia,and
thereforethesagesalwayshad,anesotericcreed,taughtonlyinthemysteriesandunknowntothe
vulgar.NoSage,ineithercountry,orinGreeceorRome,believedthepopularcreed.TothemtheGods
andtheIdolsoftheGodsweresymbols,andsymbolsofgreatandmysterioustruths.

TheVulgarimaginedtheattentionoftheGodstobecontinuallycentredupontheearthandman.The
GrecianDivinitiesinhabitedOlympus,aninsignificantmountainoftheEarth.TherewastheCourtof
Zeus,towhichNeptunecamefromtheSea,andPlutoandPersephonefromthegloomsofTartarusin
theunfathomabledepthsoftheEarth'sbosom.

GodcamedownfromHeavenandonSinaidictatedlawsfortheHebrewstoHisservantMoses.The
Starsweretheguardiansofmortalswhosefatesandfortunesweretobereadintheirmovements,
conjunctions,andoppositions.TheMoonwastheBrideandSisteroftheSun,atthesamedistance
abovetheEarth,and,liketheSun,madefortheserviceofmankindalone.

If,withthegreattelescopeofLordRosse,weexaminethevastnebulaeofHercules,Orion,and
Andromeda,andfindthemresolvableintoStarsmorenumerousthanthesandsontheseashore;ifwe
reflectthateachoftheseStarsisaSun,likeandevenmanytimeslargerthanours,each,beyonda
doubt,withitsretinueofworldsswarmingwithlife;ifwegofurtherinimaginationandendeavorto
conceiveofalltheinfinitiesofspace,filledwithsimilarsunsandworlds,weseematoncetoshrink
intoanincredibleinsignificance.

TheUniverse,whichistheutteredWordofGod,isinfiniteinextent.Thereisnoemptyspacebeyond
creationonanyside.TheUniverse,whichistheThoughtofGodpronounced,neverwasnot,sinceGod
neverwasinert;norWAS,withoutthinkingandcreating.Theformsofcreationchange,thesunsand
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worldsliveanddieliketheleavesandtheinsects,buttheUniverseitselfisinfiniteandeternal,because
GodIs,WasandWillforeverBe,andneverdidnotthinkandcreate.

ReasonisfaintoadmitthataSupremeIntelligence,infinitelypowerfulandwise,musthavecreatedthis
boundlessUniverse;butitalsotellsusthatweareasunimportantinitasthezoophytesandentozoa,or
astheinvisibleparticlesofanimatedlifethatfloatupontheairorswarminthewaterdrop.

Thefoundationsofourfaith,restingupontheimaginedinterestofGodinourrace,aninteresteasily
supposablewhenmanbelievedhimselftheonlyintelligentcreatedbeing,andthereforeeminently
worthytheespecialcareandwatchfulanxietyofaGodwhohadonlythisearthtolookafter,andits
housekeepingalonetosuperintend,andwhowascontenttocreate,inalltheinfiniteUniverse,only
onesinglebeing,possessingasoul,andnotamereanimal,arerudelyshakenastheUniversebroadens
andexpandsforusandthedarknessofdoubtanddistrustsettlesheavyuponSoul.

Themodesinwhichitisordinarilyendeavoredtosatisfyourdoubts,onlyincreasethem.To
demonstratethenecessityforacauseofthecreation,isequallytodemonstratethenecessityofacause
forthatcause.Theargumentfromplananddesignonlyremovesthedifficultyastepfurtheroff.We
resttheworldontheelephant,andtheelephantonthetortoise,andthetortoiseonnothing.

TotellusthattheanimalspossessinstinctonlyandthatReasonbelongstousalone,innowaytendsto
satisfyusoftheradicaldifferencebetweenusandthem.Forifthementalphenomenaexhibitedby
animalsthatthink,dream,remember,arguefromcausetoeffect,plan,devise,combine,and
communicatetheirthoughtstoeachother,soastoactrationallyinconcert,iftheirlove,hate,and
revenge,canbeconceivedofasresultsoftheorganizationofmatter,likecolorandperfume,theresort
tothehypothesisofanimmaterialSoultoexplainphenomenaofthesamekind,onlymoreperfect,
manifestedbythehumanbeing,issupremelyabsurd.Thatorganizedmattercanthinkorevenfeel,at
all,isthegreatinsolublemystery."Instinct"isbutawordwithoutameaning,orelseitmeans
inspiration.Itiseithertheanimalitself,orGodintheanimal,thatthinks,remembers,andreasonsand
instinct,accordingtothecommonacceptationoftheterm,wouldbethegreatestandmostwonderfulof
mysteries,nolessathingthanthedirect,immediate,andcontinualpromptingsoftheDeity,forthe
animalsarenotmachines,orautomatamovedbysprings,andtheapeisbutadumbAustralian.

Mustwealwaysremaininthisdarknessofuncertainty,ofdoubt?Istherenomodeofescapingfrom
thelabyrinthexceptbymeansofablindfaith,whichexplainsnothing,andinmanycreeds,ancientand
modern,setsReasonatdefiance,andleadstothebeliefeitherinaGodwithoutaUniverse,aUniverse
withoutaGod,oraUniversewhichisitselfaGod?

WereadintheHebrewChroniclesthatSchlomohthewiseKingcausedtobeplacedinfrontofthe
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entrancetotheTempletwohugecolumnsofbronze,oneofwhichwascalledYAKAYINandtheother
BAHAZ;andthesewordsarerenderedinourversionStrengthandEstablishment.TheMasonryofthe
BlueLodgesgivesnoexplanationofthesesymboliccolumns;nordotheHebrewBooksadviseusthat
theyweresymbolic.Ifnotsointendedassymbols,theyweresubsequentlyunderstoodtobesuch.

ButaswearecertainthateverythingwithintheTemplewassymbolic,andthatthewholestructurewas
intendedtorepresenttheUniverse,wemayreasonablyconcludethatthecolumnsoftheporticoalso
hadasymbolicsignification.Itwouldbetedioustorepeatalltheinterpretationswhichfancyor
dullnesshasfoundforthem.

Thekeytotheirtruemeaningisnotundiscoverable.Theperfectandeternaldistinctionofthetwo
primitivetermsofthecreativesyllogism,inordertoattaintothedemonstrationoftheirharmonybythe
analogyofcontraries,isthesecondgrandprincipleofthatoccultphilosophyveiledunderthename
"Kabalah,"andindicatedbyallthesacredhieroglyphsoftheAncientSanctuaries,andoftherites,so
littleunderstoodbythemassoftheInitiates,oftheAncientandModernFreeMasonry.

TheSohardeclaresthateverythingintheUniverseproceedsbythemysteryof"theBalance,"thatis,of
Equilibrium.OftheSephiroth,orDivineEmanations,WisdomandUnderstanding,Severityand
Benignity,orJusticeandMercy,andVictoryandGlory,constitutepairs.

Wisdom,ortheIntellectualGenerativeEnergy,andUnderstanding,ortheCapacitytobeimpregnated
bytheActiveEnergyandproduceintellectionorthought,arerepresentedsymbolicallyintheKabalah
asmaleandfemale.SoalsoareJusticeandMercy.StrengthistheintellectualEnergyorActivity;
EstablishmentorStabilityistheintellectualCapacitytoproduce,aTpassivity.TheyarethePOWERof
generationandtheCAPACITYofproduction.ByWISDOM,itissaid,Godcreates,andby
UNDERSTANDINGestablishes.ThesearethetwoColumnsoftheTemple,contrariesliketheMan
andWoman,likeReasonandFaith,OmnipotenceandLiberty,InfiniteJusticeandInfiniteMercy,
AbsolutePowerorStrengthtodoevenwhatismostunjustandunwise,andAbsoluteWisdomthat
makesitimpossibletodoit;RightandDuty.Theywerethecolumnsoftheintellectualandmoral
world,themonumentalhieroglyphoftheantinomynecessarytothegrandlawofcreation.

TheremustbeforeveryForceaResistancetosupportit,toeverylightashadow,foreveryRoyaltya
Realmtogovern,foreveryaffirmativeanegative.

FortheKabalists,LightrepresentstheActivePrinciple,andDarknessorShadowisanalogoustothe
PassivePrinciple.ThereforeitwasthattheymadeoftheSunandMoonemblemsofthetwoDivine
Sexesandthetwocreativeforces;therefore,thattheyascribedtowomantheTemptationandthefirst
sin,andthenthefirstlabor,thematernallaboroftheredemption,becauseitisfromthebosomofthe
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darknessitselfthatweseetheLightbornagain.TheVoidattractstheFull;andsoitisthattheabyssof
povertyandmisery,theSeemingEvil,theseemingemptynothingnessoflife,thetemporaryrebellion
ofthecreatures,eternallyattractstheoverflowingoceanofbeing,ofriches,ofpity,andoflove.Christ
completedtheAtonementontheCrossbydescendingintoHell.

JusticeandMercyarecontraries.Ifeachbeinfinite,theircoexistenceseemsimpossible,andbeing
equal,onecannotevenannihilatetheotherandreignalone.ThemysteriesoftheDivineNatureare
beyondourfinitecomprehension;butsoindeedarethemysteriesofourownfinitenature;anditis
certainthatinallnatureharmonyandmovementaretheresultoftheequilibriumofopposingor
contraryforces.

Theanalogyofcontrariesgivesthesolutionofthemostinterestingandmostdifficultproblemof
modernphilosophy,thedefiniteandpermanentaccordofReasonandFaith,ofAuthorityandLibertyof
examination,ofScienceandBelief,ofPerfectioninGodandImperfectioninMan.Ifscienceor
knowledgeistheSun,BeliefistheMan;itisareflectionofthedayinthenight.FaithistheveiledIsis,
theSupplementofReason,intheshadowswhichprecedeorfollowReason.Itemanatesfromthe
Reason,butcanneverconfounditnorbeconfoundedwithit.TheencroachmentsofReasonuponFaith,
orofFaithonReason,areeclipsesoftheSunorMoon;whentheyoccur,theymakeuselessboththe
SourceofLightanditsreflection,atonce.

ScienceperishesbysystemsthatarenothingbutbeliefsandFaithsuccumbstoreasoning.Forthetwo
ColumnsoftheTempletoupholdtheedifice,theymustremainseparatedandbeparalleltoeachother.
Assoonasitisattemptedbyviolencetobringthemtogether,asSamsondid,theyareoverturned,and
thewholeedificefallsupontheheadoftherashblindmanortherevolutionistwhompersonalor
nationalresentmentshaveinadvancedevotedtodeath.

Harmonyistheresultofanalternatingpreponderanceofforces.Wheneverthisiswantingin
government,governmentisafailure,becauseitiseitherDespotismorAnarchy.Alltheoretical
governments,howeverplausiblethetheory,endinoneortheother.Governmentsthataretoendureare
notmadeintheclosetofLockeorShaftesbury,orinaCongressoraConvention.InaRepublic,forces
thatseemcontraries,thatindeedarecontraries,alonegivemovementandlife.TheSpheresarefieldin
theirorbitsandmadetorevolveharmoniouslyandunerringly,bytheconcurrence,whichseemstobe
theopposition,oftwocontraryforces.Ifthecentripetalforceshouldovercomethecentrifugal,the
equilibriumofforcescease,therushoftheSpherestothecentralSunwouldannihilatethesystem.
Insteadofconsolidation,thewholewouldbeshatteredintofragments.

Manisafreeagent,thoughOmnipotenceisaboveandallaroundhim.Tobefreetodogood,hemust
befreetodoevil.TheLightnecessitatestheShadow.AStateisfreelikeanindividualinany
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governmentworthyofthename.TheStateislesspotentthantheDeity,andthereforethefreedomof
theindividualcitizenisconsistentwithitsSovereignty.Theseareopposites,butnotantagonistic.So,
inaunionofStates,thefreedomofthestatesisconsistentwiththeSupremacyoftheNation.When
eitherobtainsthepermanentmasteryovertheother,andtheyceasetobeinequilibrio,the
encroachmentcontinueswithavelocitythatisacceleratedlikethatofafallingbody,untilthefeebleris
annihilated,andthen,therebeingnoresistancetosupportthestronger,itrushesintoruin.

So,whentheequipoiseofReasonandFaith,intheindividualortheNation,andthealternating
preponderancecease,theresultis,accordingasoneortheotherispermanentvictor,Atheismor
Superstition,disbelieforblindcredulity;andthePriestseitherofUnfaithorofFaithbecomedespotic.

"WhomsoeverGodloveth,himhechasteneth,"isanexpressionthatformulatesawholedogma.The
trialsoflifearetheblessingsoflife,totheindividualortheNation,ifeitherhasaSoulthatistruly
worthyofsalvation."Lightanddarkness,"saidZOROASTER,"aretheworld'seternalways."The
LightandtheShadowareeverywhereandalwaysinproportion;theLightbeingthereasonofbeingof
theShadow.Itisbytrialsonly,bytheagoniesofsorrowandthesharpdisciplineofadversities,that
menandNationsattaininitiation.TheagoniesofthegardenofGethsemaneandthoseoftheCrosson
CalvaryprecededtheResurrectionandwerethemeansofRedemption.ItiswithprosperitythatGod
afflictsHumanity.

TheDegreeofRoseisdevotedtoandsymbolizestnefinaltriumphoftruthoverfalsehood,ofliberty
overslavery,oflightoverdarkness,oflifeoverdeath,andofgoodoverevil.Thegreattruthit
inculcatesis,thatnotwithstandingtheexistenceofEvil,Godisinfinitelywise,just,andgood:that
thoughtheaffairsoftheworldproceedbynoruleofrightandwrongknowntousinthenarrownessof
ourviews,yetallisright,foritistheworkofGod;andallevils,allmiseries,allmisfortunes,arebutas
dropsinthevastcurrentthatissweepingonward,guidedbyHim,toagreatandmagnificentresult:
that,attheappointedtime,Hewillredeemandregeneratetheworld,andthePrinciple,thePower,and
theexistenceofEvilwillthencease;thatthiswillbebroughtaboutbysuchmeansandinstrumentsas
Hechoosestoemploy;whetherbythemeritsofaRedeemerthathasalreadyappeared,oraMessiah
thatisyetwaitedfor,byanincarnationofHimself,orbyaninspiredprophet,itdoesnotbelongtousas
Masonstodecide.Leteachjudgeandbelieveforhimself.

Inthemeantime,welabortohastenthecomingofthatday.Themoralsofantiquity,ofthelawof
MosesandofChristianity,areours.WerecognizeeveryteacherofMorality,everyReformer,asa
brotherinthisgreatwork.TheEagleistousthesymbolofLiberty,theCompassesofEquality,the
PelicanofHumanityandourorderofFraternity.Laboringforthese,withFaith,Hope,andCharityas
ourarmor,wewillwaitwithpatienceforthefinaltriumphofGoodandthecompletemanifestationof
theWordofGod.
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NooneMasonhastherighttomeasureforanother,withinthewallsofaMasonicTemple,thedegree
ofvenerationwhichheshallfeelforanyReformer,ortheFounderofanyReligion.Weteachabeliefin
noparticularcreed,asweteachunbeliefinnone.WhateverhigherattributestheFounderofthe
ChristianFaithmay,inourbelief,havehadornothavehad,nonecandenythatHetaughtandpractised
apureandelevatedmorality,evenattheriskandtotheultimatelossofHislife.Hewasnotonlythe
benefactorofadisinheritedpeople,butamodelformankind.DevotedlyHelovedthechildrenofIsrael.
TothemHecame,andtothemaloneHepreachedthatGospelwhichHisdisciplesafterwardcarried
amongforeigners.HewouldfainhavefreedthechosenPeoplefromtheirspiritualbondageof
ignoranceanddegradation.Asaloverofallmankind,layingdownHislifefortheemancipationofHis
Brethren,Heshouldbetoall,toChristian,toJew,andtoMahometan,anobjectofgratitudeand
veneration.

TheRomanworldfeltthepangsofapproachingdissolution.Paganism,itsTemplesshatteredby
SocratesandCicero,hadspokenitslastword.TheGodoftheHebrewswasunknownbeyondthelimits
ofPalestine.Theoldreligionshadfailedtogivehappinessandpeacetotheworld.Thebabblingand
wranglingphilosophershadconfoundedallmen'sideas,untiltheydoubtedofeverythingandhadfaith
innothing:neitherinGodnorinhisgoodnessandmercy,norinthevirtueofman,norinthemselves.
Mankindwasdividedintotwogreatclasses,themasterandtheslave;thepowerfulandtheabject,the
highandthelow,thetyrantsandthemob;andeventheformerweresatiatedwiththeservilityofthe
latter,sunkenbylassitudeanddespairtothelowestdepthsofdegradation.

When,lo,avoice,intheinconsiderableRomanProvinceofJudeaproclaimsanewGospelanew
"God'sWord,"tocrushed,suffering,bleedinghumanity.LibertyofThought,Equalityofallmeninthe
eyeofGod,universalFraternity!anewdoctrine,anewreligion;theoldPrimitiveTruthutteredonce
again!

ManisoncemoretaughttolookupwardtohisGod.NolongertoaGodhidinimpenetrablemystery,
andinfinitelyremotefromhumansympathy,emergingonlyatintervalsfromthedarknesstosmiteand
crushhumanity:butaGod,good,kind,beneficent,andmerciful;aFather,lovingthecreaturesHehas
made,withaloveimmeasurableandexhaustless;Whofeelsforus,andsympathizeswithus,andsends
uspainandwantanddisasteronlythattheymayservetodevelopinusthevirtuesandexcellencesthat
befitustolivewithHimhereafter.

JesusofNazareth,the"Sonofman,"istheexpounderofthenewLawofLove.HecallstoHimthe
humble,thepoor,theParaihsoftheworld.ThefirstsentencethatHepronouncesblessestheworld,
andannouncesthenewgospel:"Blessedaretheythatmournfortheyshallbecomforted."Hepoursthe
oilofconsolationandpeaceuponeverycrushedandbleedingheart.EverysuffererisHisproselyte.He
sharestheirsorrows,andsympathizeswithalltheirafflictions.
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HeraisesupthesinnerandtheSamaritanwoman,andteachesthemtohopeforforgiveness.He
pardonsthewomantakeninadultery.HeselectshisdisciplesnotamongthePhariseesorthe
Philosophers,butamongthelowandhumble,evenofthefishermenofGalilee.Hehealsthesickand
feedsthepoor.Helivesamongthedestituteandthefriendless."Sufferlittlechildren,"Hesaid,"to
comeuntome;forofsuchisthekingdomofHeaven!Blessedarethehumbleminded,fortheirsisthe
kingdomofHeaven;themeek,fortheyshallinherittheEarth;themerciful,fortheyshallobtainmercy;
thepureinheart,fortheyshallseeGod;thepeacemakers,fortheyshallbecalledthechildrenofGod!

Firstbereconciledtotheybrother,andthencomeandofferthygiftatthealtar.Givetohimthatasketh
thee,andfromhimthatwouldborrowoftheeturnnotaway!Loveyourenemies;blessthemthatcurse
you;dogoodtothemthathateyou;andprayforthemwhichdespitefullyuseyouandpersecuteyou!
Allthingswhatsoeveryewouldthatmenshoulddotoyou,doyealsountothem;forthisisthelawand
theProphets!Hethattakethnothiscross,andfollowethafterMe,isnotworthyofMe.Anew
commandmentIgiveuntoyou,thatyeloveoneanother:asIhavelovedyou,thatyealsoloveone
another:bythisshallallknowthatyeareMydisciples.Greaterlovehathnomanthanthis,thataman
laydownhislifeforhisfriend."

TheGospelofLoveHesealedwithHislife.ThecrueltyoftheJewishPriesthood,theignorantferocity
ofthemob,andtheRomanindifferencetobarbarianblood,nailedHimtothecross,andHeexpired
utteringblessingsuponhumanity.

Dyingthus,HebequeathedHisteachingstomanasaninestimableinheritance.Pervertedand
corrupted,theyhaveservedasabasisformanycreeds,andbeenevenmadethewarrantforin
toleranceandpersecution.Wehereteachthemintheirpurity.TheyareourMasonry;fortothemgood
menofallcreedscansubscribe.

ThatGodisgoodandmerciful,andlovesandsympathizeswiththecreaturesHehasmade;thatHis
fingerisvisibleinallthemovementsofthemoral,intellectual,andmaterialuniverse;thatweareHis
children,theobjectsofHispaternalcareandregard;thatallmenareourbrothers,whosewantsweare
tosupply,theirerrorstopardon,theiropinionstotolerate,theirinjuriestoforgive;thatmanhasan
immortalsoul,afreewill,arighttofreedomofthoughtandaction;thatallmenareequalinGod's
sight;thatwebestserveGodbyhumility,meekness,gentleness,kindness,andtheothervirtueswhich
thelowlycanpractiseaswellasthelofty;thisis"thenewLaw,"the"WORD,"forwhichtheworldhad
waitedandpinedsolong;andeverytrueKnightoftheRose+willreverethememoryofHimwho
taughtit,andlookindulgentlyevenonthosewhoassigntoHimacharacterfarabovehisown
conceptionsorbelief,eventotheextentofdeemingHimDivine.

HearPhilo,theGreekJew."Thecontemplativesoul,unequallyguided,sometimestowardabundance
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andsometimestowardbarrenness,thougheveradvancing,isilluminatedbytheprimitiveideas,therays
thatemanatefromtheDivineIntelligence,wheneveritascendstowardtheSublimeTreasures.When,
onthecontrary,itdescends,andisbarren,itfallswithinthedomainofthoseIntelligencesthatare
termedAngelsfor,whenthesoulisdeprivedofthelightofGod,whichleadsittotheknowledgeof
things,itnolongerenjoysmorethanafeebleandsecondarylight,whichgivesit,nottheunderstanding
ofthings,butthatofwordsonly,asinthisbaserworld."

"Letthenarrowsouledwithdraw,havingtheirearssealedup!Wecommunicatethedivinemysteriesto
thoseonlywhohavereceivedthesacredinitiation,tothosewhopractisetruepietyandwhoarenot
enslavedbytheemptypompofwords,orthedoctrinesofthepagans."

"O,yeInitiates,yewhoseearsarepurified,receivethisinyoursouls,asamysterynevertobelost!
RevealittonoProfane!Keepandcontainitwithinyourselves,asanincorruptibletreasure,notlike
goldorsilver,butmorepreciousthaneverythingbesides;foritistheknowledgeoftheGreatCause,of
Nature,andofthatwhichisbornofboth.AndifyoumeetanInitiate,besiegehimwithyourprayers,
thatheconcealfromyounonewmysteriesthathemayknow,andrestnotuntilyouhaveobtained
them!Forme,althoughIwasinitiatedintheGreatMysteriesbyMoses,theFriendofGod,yet,having
seenJeremiah,IrecognizedhimnotonlyasanInitiate,butasaHierophant;andIfollowhisschool."

We,likehim,recognizeallInitiatesasourBrothers.Webelongtonoonecreedorschool.Inall
religionsthereisabasisofTruth;inallthereispureMorality.Allthatteachthecardinaltenetsof
Masonrywerespect;allteachersandreformersofmankindweadmireandrevere.

Masonryalsohashermissiontoperform.Withhertraditionsreachingbacktotheearliesttimes,and
hersymbolsdatingfurtherbackthaneventhemonumentalhistoryofEgyptextends,sheinvitesallmen
ofallreligionstoenlistunderherbannersandtowaragainstevil,ignoranceandwrong.Youarenow
herknight,andtoherserviceyourswordisconsecrated.Mayyouproveaworthysoldierinaworthy
cause!

XIX.GRANDPONTIFF.

ThetrueMasonlaborsforthebenefitofthosewhoaretocomeafterhim,andfortheadvancementand
improvementofhisrace.Thatisapoorambitionwhichcontentsitselfwithinthelimitsofasinglelife.
Allmenwhodeservetolive,desiretosurvivetheirfunerals,andtoliveafterwardinthegoodthatthey
havedonemankind,ratherthaninthefadingcharacterswritteninmen'smemories.Mostmendesireto
leavesomeworkbehindthemthatmayoutlasttheirowndayandbriefgeneration.Thatisaninstinctive
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impulse,givenbyGod,andoftenfoundintherudesthumanheart;thesurestproofofthesoul's
immortality,andofthefundamentaldifferencebetweenmanandthewisestbrutes.Toplantthetrees
that,afterwearedead,shallshelterourchildren,isasnaturalastolovetheshadeofthoseourfathers
planted.Therudestunletteredhusbandman,painfullyconsciousofhisowninferiority,thepoorest
widowedmother,givingherlifebloodtothosewhopayonlyfortheworkofherneedle,willtoiland
stintthemselvestoeducatetheirchild,thathemaytakeahigherstationintheworldthanthey;andof
sucharetheworld'sgreatestbenefactors.

Inhisinfluencesthatsurvivehim,manbecomesimmortal,beforethegeneralresurrection.The
Spartanmother,who,givinghersonhisshield,said,"WITHIT,ORUPONIT!"afterwardsharedthe
governmentofLacedaemonwiththelegislationofLycurgus;forshetoomadealaw,thatlivedafter
her;andsheinspiredtheSpartansoldierythatafterwarddemolishedthewallsofAthens,andaided
AlexandertoconquertheOrient.ThewidowwhogaveMarionthefieryarrowstoburnherownhouse,
thatitmightnolongersheltertheenemiesofherinfantcountry,thehousewhereshehadlainuponher
husband'sbosomandwhereherchildrenhadbeenborn,legislatedmoreeffectuallyforherStatethan
LockeorShaftesbury,orthanmanyaLegislaturehasdone,sincethatStatewonitsfreedom.

ItwasofslightimportancetotheKingsofEgyptandtheMonarchsofAssyriaandPhcenicia,thatthe
sonofaJewishwoman,afoundling,adoptedbythedaughterofSesostrisRamses,slewanEgyptian
thatoppressedaHebrewslave,andfledintothedesert,toremaintherefortyyears.ButMoses,who
mightotherwisehavebecomeRegentofLowerEgypt,knowntousonlybyatabletonatombor
monument,becamethedelivereroftheJews,andledthemforthfromEgypttothefrontiersof
Palestine,andmadeforthemalaw,outofwhichgrewtheChristianfaithandsohasshapedthe
destiniesoftheworld.HeandtheoldRomanlawyers,withAlfredofEngland,theSaxonThanesand
NormanBarons,theoldjudgesandchancellors,andthemakersofthecanons,lostinthemistsand
shadowsofthePast,theseareourlegislators;andweobeythelawsthattheyenacted.

Napoleondieduponthebarrenrockofhisexile.Hisbones,bornetoFrancebythesonofaKing,rest
intheHopitaldesInvalides,inthegreatcityontheSeine.HisThoughtsstillgovernFrance.He,and
notthePeople,dethronedtheBourbon,anddrovethelastKingoftheHouseofOrleansintoexile.He,
inhiscoffin,andnotthePeople,votedthecrowntotheThirdNapoleonandhe,andnottheGeneralsof
FranceandEngland,ledtheirunitedforcesagainstthegrimNorthernDespotism.

MahometannouncedtotheArabianidolatersthenewcreed,"ThereisbutoneGod,andMahomet,like
MosesandChrist,isHisApostle."Formanyyearsunaided,thenwiththehelpofhisfamilyandafew
friends,thenwithmanydisciples,andlastofallwithanarmy,hetaughtandpreachedtheKoran.The
religionofthewildArabianenthusiastconvertingthefieryTribesoftheGreatDesert,spreadover
Asia,builtuptheSaracenicdynasties,conqueredPersiaandIndia,theGreekEmpire,NorthernAfrica,
andSpain,anddashedthesurgesofitsfiercesoldieryagainstthebattlementsofNorthernChristendom.
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ThelawofMahometstillgovernsafourthofthehumanrace;andTurkandArab,MoorandPersian
andHindu,stillobeytheProphet,andpraywiththeirfacesturnedtowardMecca;andhe,andnotthe
living,rulesandreignsinthefairestportionsoftheOrient.

ConfuciusstillenactsthelawforChina;andthethoughtsandideasofPetertheGreatgovernRussia.
PlatoandtheothergreatSagesofAntiquitystillreignastheKingsofPhilosophy,andhavedominion
overthehumanintellect.ThegreatStatesmenofthepaststillpresideintheCouncilsofNations.
BurkestilllingersintheHouseofCommonsandBerryer'ssonoroustoneswilllongringinthe
LegislativeChambersofFrance.TheinfluencesofWebsterandCalhoun,conflicting,rentasunderthe
AmericanStates,andthedoctrineofeachisthelawandtheoraclespeakingfromtheHolyofHolies
forhisownStateandallconsociatedwithit:afaithpreachedandproclaimedbyeachatthecannon's
mouthandconsecratedbyriversofblood.

Ithasbeenwellsaid,thatwhenTamerlanehadbuildedhispyramidoffiftythousandhumanskulls,and
wheeledawaywithhisvastarmiesfromthegatesofDamascus,tofindnewconquests,andbuildother
pyramids,alittleboywasplayinginthestreetsofMentz,sonofapoorartisan,whoseapparent
importanceinthescaleofbeingswas,comparedWiththatofTamerlane,asthatofagrainofsandto
thegiantbulkoftheearth;butTamerlaneandallhisshaggylegions,thatsweptovertheEastlikea
hurricane,havepassedaway,andbecomeshadows;whileprinting,thewonderfulinventionofJohn
Faust,theboyofMentz,hasexertedagreaterinfluenceonman'sdestiniesandoverturnedmorethrones
anddynastiesthanallthevictoriesofallthebloodstainedconquerorsfromNimrodtoNapoleon.

Longagesago,theTemplebuiltbySolomonandourAncientBrethrensankintoruin,whenthe
AssyrianArmiessackedJerusalem.TheHolyCityisamassofhovelscoweringunderthedominionof
theCrescentandtheHolyLandisadesert.TheKingsofEgyptandAssyria,whowerecontemporaries
ofSolomon,areforgotten,andtheirhistoriesmerefables.TheAncientOrientisashatteredwreck,
bleachingontheshoresofTime.TheWolfandtheJackalhowlamongtheruinsofThebesandofTyre,
andthesculpturedimagesoftheTemplesandPalacesofBabylonandNineveharedugfromtheirruins
andcarriedintostrangelands.ButthequietandpeacefulOrder,ofwhichtheSonofapoorPhcenician
WidowwasoneoftheGrandMasters,withtheKingsofIsraelandTyre,hascontinuedtoincreasein
statureandinfluence,defyingtheangrywavesoftimeandthestormsofpersecution.Agehasnot
weakeneditswidefoundations,norshattereditscolumns,normarredthebeautyofitsharmonious
proportions.Whererudebarbarians,inthetimeofSolomon,peopledinhospitablehowling
wildernesses,inFranceandBritain,andinthatNewWorld,notknowntoJeworGentile,untilthe
gloriesoftheOrienthadfaded,thatOrderhasbuildednewTemples,andteachestoitsmillionsof
Initiatesthoselessonsofpeace,goodwillandtoleration,ofrelianceonGodandconfidenceinman,
whichitlearnedwhenHebrewandGiblemiteworkedsidebysideontheslopesofLebanon,andthe
ServantofJehovahandthePhoenicianWorshipperofBelsatwiththehumbleartisaninCouncilat
Jerusalem.
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ItistheDeadthatgovern.TheLivingonlyobey.AndiftheSoulsees,afterdeath,whatpassesonthis
earth,andwatchesoverthewelfareofthoseitloves,thenmustitsgreatesthappinessconsistinseeing
thecurrentofitsbeneficentinfluenceswideningoutfromagetoage,asrivuletswidenintorivers,and
aidingtoshapethedestiniesofindividuals,families,States,theWorld;anditsbitterestpunishment,in
seeingitsevilinfluencescausingmischiefandmisery,andcursingandafflictingmen,longafterthe
frameitdweltinhasbecomedust,andwhenbothnameandmemoryareforgotten.

WeknownotwhoamongtheDeadcontrolourdestinies.Theuniversalhumanraceislinkedandbound
togetherbythoseinfluencesandsympathies,whichinthetruestsensedomakemen'sfates.Humanity
istheunit,ofwhichthemanisbutafraction.WhatothermeninthePasthavedone,said,thought,
makesthegreatironnetworkofcircumstancethatenvironsandcontrolsusall.Wetakeourfaithon
trust.WethinkandbelieveastheOldLordsofThoughtcommandus;andReasonispowerlessbefore
Authority.

Wewouldmakeorannulaparticularcontract;buttheThoughtsofthedeadJudgesofEngland,living
whentheirasheshavebeencoldforcenturies,standbetweenusandthatwhichwewoulddo,and
utterlyforbidit.Wewouldsettleourestateinaparticularway;buttheprohibitionoftheEnglish
Parliament,itsutteredThoughtwhenthefirstorsecondEdwardreigned,comesechoingdownthelong
avenuesoftime,andtellsusweshallnotexercisethepowerofdispositionaswewish.Wewouldgaina
particularadvantageofanother;andthethoughtoftheoldRomanlawyerwhodiedbeforeJustinian,or
thatofRome'sgreatoratorCicero,annihilatestheact,ormakestheintentionineffectual.Thisact,
Mosesforbids;that,Alfred.Wewouldsellourland;butcertainmarksonaperishablepapertellusthat
ourfatherorremoteancestororderedotherwise;andthearmofthedead,emergingfromthegrave,
withperemptorygestureprohibitsthealienation.Abouttosinorerr,thethoughtorwishofourdead
mother,tolduswhenwewerechildren,bywordsthatdiedupontheairintheutterance,andmanya
longyearwereforgotten,flashesonourmemory,andholdsusbackwithapowerthatisresistless.

Thusweobeythedeadandthusshalltheliving,whenwearedead,forwealorwoe,obeyus.The
ThoughtsofthePastaretheLawsofthePresentandtheFuture.Thatwhichwesayanddo,ifitseffects
lastnotbeyondourlives,isunimportant.Thatwhichshalllivewhenwearedead,aspartofthegreat
bodyoflawenactedbythedead,istheonlyactworthdoing,theonlyThoughtworthspeaking.The
desiretodosomethingthatshallbenefittheworld,whenneitherpraisenorobloquywillreachuswhere
wesleepsoundlyinthegrave,isthenoblestambitionentertainedbyman.

ItistheambitionofatrueandgenuineMason.KnowingtheslowprocessesbywhichtheDeitybrings
aboutgreatresults,hedoesnotexpecttoreapaswellassow,inasinglelifetime.Itistheinflexiblefate
andnoblestdestiny,withrareexceptions,ofthegreatandgood,towork,andletothersreaptheharvest
oftheirlabors.Hewhodoesgood,onlytoberepaidinkind,orinthanksandgratitude,orinreputation
andtheworld'spraise,islikehimwholoanshismoney,thathemay,aftercertainmonths,receiveit
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backwithinterest.Toberepaidforeminentserviceswithslander,obloquy,orridicule,oratbestwith
stupidindifferenceorcoldingratitude,asitiscommon,soitisnomisfortune,excepttothosewholack
thewittoseeorsensetoappreciatetheservice,orthenobilityofsoultothankandrewardwitheulogy,
thebenefactorofhiskind.Hisinfluenceslive,andthegreatFuturewillobey;whetheritrecognizeor
disownthelawgiver.

Miltiadeswasfortunatethathewasexiled;andAristidesthathewasostracized,becausemenwearied
ofhearinghimcalled"TheJust."NottheRedeemerwasunfortunate;butthoseonlywhorepaidHim
fortheinestimablegiftHeofferedthem,andforalifepassedintoilingfortheirgood,bynailingHim
uponthecross,asthoughHehadbeenaslaveormalefactor.Thepersecutordiesandrots,and
Posterityuttershisnamewithexecration:buthisvictim'smemoryhehasunintentionallymadeglorious
andimmortal.

Ifnotforslanderandpersecution,theMasonwhowouldbenefithisracemustlookforapathyandcold
indifferenceinthosewhosegoodheseeks,inthosewhooughttoseekthegoodofothers.Exceptwhen
thesluggishdepthsoftheHumanMindarebrokenupandtossedaswithastorm,whenatthe
appointedtimeagreatReformercomes,andanewFaithspringsupandgrowswithsupernatural
energy,theprogressofTruthisslowerthanthegrowthofoaksandhewhoplantsneednotexpectto
gather.TheRedeemer,atHisdeath,hadtwelvedisciplesandonebetrayedandonedesertedanddenied
Him.Itisenoughforustoknowthatthefruitwillcomeinitsdueseason.When,orwhoshallgather
it,itdoesnotintheleastconcernustoknow.Itisourbusinesstoplanttheseed.ItisGod'srighttogive
thefruittowhomHepleases;andifnottous,thenisouractionbysomuchthemorenoble.

Tosow,thatothersmayreap;toworkandplantforthosewhoaretooccupytheearthwhenweare
dead;toprojectourinfluencesfarintothefuture,andlivebeyondourtime;toruleastheKingsof
Thought,overmenwhoareyetunborn;toblesswiththegloriousgiftsofTruthandLightandLiberty
thosewhowillneitherknowthenameofthegiver,norcareinwhatgravehisunregardedashesrepose,
isthetrueofficeofaMasonandtheproudestdestinyofaman.

AllthegreatandbeneficentoperationsofNatureareproducedbyslowandoftenimperceptible
degrees.Theworkofdestructionanddevastationonlyisviolentandrapid.TheVolcanoandthe
Earthquake,theTornadoandtheAvalanche,leapsuddenlyintofulllifeandfearfulenergy,andsmite
withanunexpectedblow.VesuviusburiedPompeiiandHerculaneuminanight;andLisbonfell
prostratebeforeGodinabreath,whentheearthrockedandshuddered;theAlpinevillagevanishesand
iserasedatoneboundoftheavalanche;andtheancientforestsfalllikegrassbeforethemower,when
thetornadoleapsuponthem.Pestilenceslaysitsthousandsinaday;andthestorminanightstrewsthe
sandwithshatterednavies.
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TheGourdoftheProphetJonahgrewup,andwaswithered,inanight.Butmanyyearsago,beforethe
NormanConquerorstampedhismailedfootontheneckofprostrateSaxonEngland,somewandering
barbarian,ofthecontinentthenunknowntotheworld,inmereidleness,withhandorfoot,coveredan
acornwithalittleearth,andpassedonregardless,onhisjourneytothedimPast.Hediedandwas
forgotten;buttheacornlaytherestill,themightyforcewithinitactinginthedarkness.Atendershoot
stolegentlyup;andfedbythelightandairandfrequentdews,putforthitslittleleaves,andlived,
becausetheelkorbuffalochancednottoplacehisfootuponandcrushit.Theyearsmarchedonward,
andtheshootbecameasapling,anditsgreenleaveswentandcamewithSpringandAutumn.Andstill
theyearscameandpassedawayagain,andWilliam,theNormanBastard,parcelledEnglandoutamong
hisBarons,andstillthesaplinggrew,andthedewsfeditsleaves,andthebirdsbuildedtheirnests
amongitssmalllimbsformanygenerations.Andstilltheyearscameandwent,andtheIndianhunter
sleptintheshadeofthesapling,andRichardLionHeartfoughtatAcreandAscalon,andJohn'sbold
BaronswrestedfromhimtheGreatCharter;andthesaplinghadbecomeatree;andstillitgrew,and
thrustitsgreatarmswiderabroad,andlifteditsheadstillhighertowardtheHeavens;strongrooted,and
defiantofthestormsthatroaredandeddiedthroughitsbranches;andwhenColumbusploughedwith
hiskeelstheunknownWesternAtlantic,andCortezandPizarrobathedthecrossinblood;andthe
Puritan,theHuguenot,theCavalier,andthefollowerofPennsoughtarefugeandarestingplace
beyondtheocean,theGreatOakstillstood,firmrooted,vigorous,stately,haughtilydomineeringover
alltheforest,heedlessofallthecenturiesthathadhurriedpastsincethewildIndianplantedthelittle
acornintheforest;astoutandhaleoldtree,withwidecircumferenceshadingmanyaroodofground
andfittofurnishtimbersforaship,tocarrythethundersoftheGreatRepublic'sgunsaroundthe
world.Andyet,ifonehadsatandwatchediteveryinstant,fromthemomentwhenthefeebleshoot
firstpusheditswaytothelightuntiltheeaglesbuiltamongitsbranches,hewouldneverhaveseenthe
treeorsaplinggrow.

Manylongcenturiesago,beforetheChaldaeanShepherdswatchedtheStars,orShufubuiltthe
Pyramids,onecouldhavesailedinaseventyfourwherenowathousandislandsgemthesurfaceofthe
IndianOcean;andthedeepsealeadwouldnowherehavefoundanybottom.Butbelowthesewaves
weremyriadsuponmyriads,beyondthepowerofArithmetictonumber,ofminuteexistences,eacha
perfectlivingcreature,madebytheAlmightyCreator,andfashionedbyHimfortheworkithadtodo
Theretheytoiledbeneaththewaters,eachdoingitsallottedwork,andwhollyignorantoftheresult
whichGodintended.Theylivedanddied,incalculableinnumbersandalmostinfiniteinthe
successionoftheirgenerations,eachaddinghismitetothegiganticworkthatwentonthereunder
God'sdirection.ThushathHechosentocreategreatContinentsandIslands;andstillthecoralinsects
liveandwork,aswhentheymadetherocksthatunderliethevalleyoftheOhio.

ThusGodhathchosentocreate.Wherenowisfirmland,oncechafedandthunderedthegreatprimeval
ocean.Foragesuponagestheminuteshieldsofinfinitemyriadsofinfusoria,andthestonystemsof
encrinitessunkintoitsdepths,andthere,underthevastpressureofitswaters,hardenedintolimestone.
RaisedslowlyfromtheProfoundbyHishand,itsquarriesunderliethesoilofallthecontinents,
hundredsoffeetinthickness;andwe,oftheseremainsofthecountlessdead,buildtombsandpalaces,
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astheEgyptians,whomwecallancient,builttheirpyramids.

OnallthebroadlakesandoceanstheGreatSunlooksearnestlyandlovingly,andtheinvisiblevapors
riseeveruptomeethim.NoeyebutGod'sbeholdsthemastheyrise.There,intheupperatmospere,
theyarecondensedtomist,andgatherintoclouds,andfloatandswimaroundintheambientair.They
sailwithitscurrents,andhoverovertheocean,androllinhugemassesroundthestonyshouldersof
greatmountains.Condensedstillmorebychangeoftemperature,theydropuponthethirstyearthin
gentleshowers,orpouruponitinheavyrains,orstormagainstitsbosomattheangryEquinoctial.The
shower,therain,andthestormpassaway,thecloudsvanish,andthebrightstarsagainshineclearly
uponthegladearth.Theraindropssinkintotheground,andgatherinsubterraneanreservoirs,andrun
insubterraneanchannels,andbubbleupinspringsandfountains;andfromthemountainsidesand
headsofvalleysthesilverthreadsofwaterbegintheirlongjourneytotheocean.Uniting,theywiden
intobrooksandrivulets,thenintostreamsandrivers;and,atlast,aNile,Ganges,aDanube,an
Amazon,oraMississippirollsbetweenitsbanks,mighty,majestic,andresistless,creatingvastalluvial
valleystobethegranariesoftheworld,ploughedbythethousandkeelsofcommerceandservingas
greathighways,andastheimpassableboundariesofrivalnations;everreturningtotheoceanthedrops
thatrosefromitinvapor,anddescendedinrainandsnowandhailuponthelevelplainsandlofty
mountains;andcausinghimtorecoilformanyamilebeforethelongrushoftheirgreattide.

SoitiswiththeaggregateofHumanendeavor.Astheinvisibleparticlesofvaporcombineand
coalescetoformthemistsandcloudsthatfallinrainonthirstycontinents,andblessthegreatgreen
forestsandwidegrassyprairies,thewavingmeadowsandthefieldsbywhichmenlive;astheinfinite
myriadsofdropsthatthegladearthdrinksaregatheredintospringsandrivuletsandrivers,toaidin
levellingthemountainsandelevatingtheplains,andtofeedthelargelakesand
restlessoceans;soallHumanThought,andSpeechandAction,allthatisdoneandsaidandthought
andsufferedupontheEarthcombinetogether,andflowonwardinonebroadresistlesscurrenttoward
thosegreatresultstowhichtheyaredeterminedbythewillofGod.

Webuildslowlyanddestroyswiftly.OurAncientBrethrenwhobuilttheTemplesatJerusalem,with
manymyriadblowsfelled,hewed,andsquaredthecedars,andquarriedthestones,andcarvedthe
intricateornaments,whichweretobetheTemples.Stoneafterstone,bythecombinedeffortandlong
toilofApprentice,FellowCraft,andMaster,thewallsarose;slowlytheroofwasframedandfashioned;
andmanyyearselapsedbefore,atlength,theHousesstoodfinished,allfitandreadyfortheWorshipof
God,gorgeousinthesunnysplendorsoftheatmosphereofPalestine.Sotheywerebuilt.Asingle
motionofthearmofarude,barbarousAssyrianSpearman,ordrunkenRomanorGothicLegionaryof
Titus,movedbyasenselessimpulseofthebrutalwill,flungintheblazingbrand;and,withnofurther
humanagency,afewshorthourssufficedtoconsumeandmelteachTempletoasmokingmassofblack
unsightlyruin.
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Bepatient,therefore,myBrother,andwait!TheissuesarewithGod:Todo,Ofrightbelongstous.

Thereforefaintnot,norbewearyinwelldoing!Benotdiscouragedatmen'sapathy,nordisgustedwith
theirfollies,nortiredoftheirindifference!Carenotforreturnsandresults;butseeonlywhatthereisto
do,anddoit,leavingtheresultstoGod!SoldieroftheCross!SwornKnightofJustice,Truth,and
Toleration!GoodKnightandTrue!bepatientandwork!

TheApocalypse,thatsublimeKabalisticandpropheticSummaryofalltheoccultfigures,dividesits
imagesintothreeSeptenaries,aftereachofwhichthereissilenceinHeaven.ThereareSevenSealsto
beopened,thatistosay,Sevenmysteriestoknow,andSevendifficultiestoovercome,Seventrumpets
tosound,andSevencupstoempty.

TheApocalypseis,tothosewhoreceivethenineteenthDegree,theApothesisofthatSublimeFaith
whichaspirestoGodalone,anddespisesallthepompsandworksofLucifer.LUCIFER,theLight
bearer!StrangeandmysteriousnametogivetotheSpiritofDarkness!Lucifer,theSonofthe
Morning!IsithewhobearstheLight,andwithitssplendorsintolerableblindsfeeble,sensualor
selfishSouls?Doubtitnot!fortraditionsarefullofDivineRevelationsandInspirations:and
InspirationisnotofoneAgenorofoneCreed.PlatoandPhilo,also,wereinspired.

TheApocalypse,indeed,isabookasobscureastheSohar.

ItiswrittenhieroglyphicallywithnumbersandimagesandtheApostleoftenappealstotheintelligence
oftheInitiated."Lethimwhohathknowledge,understand!lethimwhounderstands,calculate!"he
oftensays,afteranallegoryorthementionofanumber.SaintJohn,thefavoriteApostle,andthe
DepositaryofalltheSecretsoftheSaviour,thereforedidnotwritetobeundertoodbythemultitude.

TheSepharYezirah,theSohar,andtheApocalypsearethecompletestembodimentsofOccultism.
Theycontainmoremeaningsthanwords;theirexpressionsarefigurativeaspoetryandexactas
numbers.TheApocalypsesumsup,completes,andsurpassesalltheScienceofAbrahamandof
Solomon.ThevisionsofEzekiel,bytheriverChebar,andofthenewSymbolicTemple,areequally
mysteriousexpressions,veiledbyfiguresoftheenigmaticdogmasoftheKabalah,andtheirsymbols
areaslittleunderstoodbytheCommentators,asthoseofFreeMasonry.

TheSeptenaryistheCrownoftheNumbers,becauseitunitestheTriangleoftheIdeatotheSquareof
theForm.
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ThemorethegreatHierophantswereatpainstoconcealtheirabsoluteScience,themoretheysoughtto
addgrandeurtoandmultiplyitssymbols.Thehugepyramids,withtheirtriangularsidesofelevation
andsquarebases,representedtheirMetaphysics,foundedupontheknowledgeofNature.That
knowledgeofNaturehadforitssymbolickeythegiganticformofthathugeSphinx,whichhas
holloweditsdeepbedinthesand,whilekeepingwatchatthefeetofthePyramids.TheSevengrand
monumentscalledtheWondersoftheWorld,werethemagnificentCommentariesontheSevenlines
thatcomposedthePyramids,andontheSevenmysticgatesofThebes.

TheSeptenaryphilosophyofInitiationamongtheAncientsmaybesummedupthus:

ThreeAbsolutePrincipleswhicharebutOnePrinciple:fourelementaryformswhicharebutone;all
formingaSingleWhole,compoundedoftheIdeaandtheForm.

ThethreePrincipleswerethese:
1.BEINGISBEING.
InPhilosophy,identityoftheIdeaandofBeingorVerity;inReligion,thefirstPrinciple,THE
FATHER.

2.BEINGISREAL.
InPhilosophy,identityofKnowingandofBeingorReality;inReligion,theLOGOSofPlato,the
Demiourgos,theWORD.

3.BEINGISLOGIC.
InPhilosophy,identityoftheReasonandReality;inReligion,Providence,theDivineActionthat
makesrealtheGood,thatwhichinChristianitywecallTHEHOLYSPIRIT.

TheunionofalltheSevencolorsistheWhite,theanalogoussymboloftheGOOD:theabsenceofall
istheBlack,theanalogoussymboloftheEVIL.Therearethreeprimarycolors,Red,Yellow,andBlue;
andfoursecondary,Orange,Green,Indigo,andViolet;andalltheseGoddisplaystomaninthe
rainbow;andtheyhavetheiranalogiesalsointhemoralandintellectualworld.Thesamenumber,
Seven,continuallyreappearsintheApocalypse,compoundedofthreeandfour;andthesenumbers
relatetothelastSevenoftheSephiroth,threeansweringtoBENIGNITYorMERCY,SEVERITYor
JUSTICE,andBEAUTYorHARMONY;andfourtoNetzach,Hod,Yesod,andMalakoth,VICTORY,
GLORY,STABILITY,andDOMINATION.ThesamenumbersalsorepresentthefirstthreeSephiroth,
KETNER,KHOKMAH,andBAINAH,orWill,Wisdom,andUnderstanding,which,withDAATHor
IntellectionorThought,arealsofour,DAATHnotbeingregardedasaSephirah,notastheDeity
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acting,orasapotency,energy,orattribute,butastheDivineAction.

TheSephirotharecommonlyfiguredintheKabalahasconstitutingahumanform,theADAM,
KADMONOrMACROCOSM.Thusarranged,theuniversallawofEquipoiseisthreetimes
exernplified.FromthatoftheDivineIntellectual,Active,MasculineENERGY,andthePassive
CAPACITYtoproduceThought,theactionofTHINKINGresults.FromthatofBENIGNITYand
SEVERITY,HARMONYflows;andfromthatofVICTORYoranInfiniteovercoming,andGLORY,
which,beingInfinite,wouldseemtoforbidtheexistenceofobstaclesoropposition,results
STABILITYorPERMANENCE,whichistheperfectDOMINIONOftheInfiniteWILL.

ThelastnineSephirothareincludedin,atthesametimethattheyhaveflowedforthfrom,thefirstof
all,KETHER,ortheCROWN.Eachalso,insuccessionflowedfrom,andyetstillremainsincludedin,
theoneprecedingit.TheWillofGodincludesHisWisdom,andHisWisdomisHisWillspecially
developedandacting.ThisWisdomistheLOGOSthatcreates,mistakenandpersonifiedbySimon
MagusandthesucceedingGnostics.Bymeansofitsutterance,theletterYOD,itcreatestheworlds,
firstintheDivineIntellectasanIdea,whichinvestedwithformbecamethefabricatedWorld,the
Universeofmaterialreality.YODandHE,twolettersoftheIneffableNameoftheManifestedDeity,
representtheMaleandtheFemale,theActiveandthePassiveinEquilibrium,andtheVAVcompletes
theTrinityandtheTriliteralName,theDivineTriangle,whichwiththerepetionoftheHebecomesthe
Tetragrammaton.

ThusthetenSephirothcontainalltheSacredNumbers,three,five,seven,andnine,andtheperfect
NumberTenandcorrespondwiththeTetractysofPythagoras.

BEINGISBEING,AhayahAsarAhayah.Thisistheprinciple,the"BEGINNING."

IntheBeginningwas,thatistosay,IS,WAS,andWILLBE,theWORD,thatistosay,theREASON
thatSpeaks.

TheWordisthereasonofbelief,andinitalsoistheexpressionoftheFaithwhichmakesSciencea
livingthing.TheWord,istheSourceofLogic.JesusistheWordIncarnate.TheaccordoftheReason
withFaith,ofKnowledgewithBelief,ofAuthoritywithLiberty,hasbecomeinmoderntimesthe
veritableenigmaoftheSphinx.

ItisWISDOMthat,intheKabalisticBooksoftheProverbsandEcclesiasticus,istheCreativeAgentof
God.ElsewhereintheHebrewwritingsitisDebarIahavah,theWordofGod.
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ItisbyHisutteredWordthatGodrevealsHimselftous;aloneinthevisibleandinvisiblebut
intellectualcreation,butinourconvictions,consciousness,andinstincts.Henceitisthat!certain
beliefsareuniversal.TheconvictionofallmenthatGodisgoodledtoabeliefinaDevil,thefallen
LuciferorLightbearer,ShaitantheAdversary,AhrimanandTuphon,asanattempttoexplainthe
existenceofEvil,andmakeitconsistentwiththeInfinitePower,Wisdom,andBenevolenceofGod.

Nothingsurpassesandnothingequals,asaSummaryofallthedoctrinesoftheOldWorld,thosebrief
wordsengravenbyHERMESonaStone,andknownunderthenameof"TheTabletofEmerald:"the
UnityofBeingandtheUnityoftheHarmonies,ascendinganddescending,theprogressiveand
proportionalscaleoftheWord;theimmutablelawoftheEquilibrium,andtheproportionedprogressof
theuniversalanalogies;therelationoftheIdeatotheWord,givingthemeasureoftherelationbetween
theCreatorandtheCreated,thenecessarymathematicsoftheInfinite,provedbythemeasuresofa
singlecorneroftheFinite;allthisisexpressedbythissinglepropositionoftheGreatEgyptian
Hierophant:

"WhatisSuperiorisasthatwhichisInferior,andwhatisBelowisasthatwhichisAbove,toformthe
MarvelsoftheUnity."

XX.GRANDMASTEROFALLSYMBOLICLODGES.

ThetrueMasonisapracticalPhilosopher,who,underreligiousemblems,inallagesadoptedby
wisdom,buildsuponplanstracedbynatureandreasonthemoraledificeofknowledge.Heoughtto
find,inthesymmetricalrelationofallthepartsofthisrationaledifice,theprincipleandruleofallhis
duties,thesourceofallhispleasures.Heimproveshismoralnature,becomesabetterman,andfindsin
thereunionofvirtuousmen,assembledwithpureviews,themeansofmultiplyinghisactsof
beneficence.MasonryandPhilosophy,withoutbeingoneandthesamething,havethesameobject,and
proposetothemselvesthesameend,theworshipoftheGrandArchitectoftheUniverse,acquaintance
andfamiliaritywiththewondersofnature,andthehappinessofhumanityattainedbytheconstant
practiceofallthevirtues.

AsGrandMasterofallSymbolicLodges,itisyourespecialdutytoaidinrestoringMasonrytoits
primitivepurity.Youhavebecomeaninstructor.Masonrylongwanderedinerror.Insteadof
improving,itdegeneratedfromitsprimitivesimplicity,andretrogradedtowardasystem,distortedby
stupidityandignorance,which,unabletoconstructabeautifulmachine,madeacomplicatedone.Less
thantwohundredyearsago,itsorganizationwassimple,andaltogethermoral,itsemblems,allegories,
andceremonieseasytobeunderstood,andtheirpurposeandobjectreadilytobeseen.Itwasthen
confinedtoaverysmallnumberofDegrees.ItsconstitutionswerelikethoseofaSocietyofEssenes,
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writteninthefirstcenturyofourera.TherecouldbeseentheprimitiveChristianity,organizedinto
Masonry,theschoolofPythagoraswithoutincongruitiesorabsurdities;aMasonrysimpleand
significant,inwhichitwasnotnecessarytotorturethemindtodiscoverreasonableinterpretations;a
Masonryatoncereligiousandphilosophical,worthyofagoodcitizenandanenlightened
philanthropist.

Innovatorsandinventorsoverturnedthatprimitivesimplicity.Ignoranceengagedintheworkofmaking
Degrees,andtriflesandgewgawsandpretendedmysteries,absurdorhideous,usurpedtheplaceof
MasonicTruth.Thepictureofahorridvengeance,theponiardandthebloodyhead,appearedinthe
peacefulTempleofMasonry,withoutsufficientexplanationoftheirsymbolicmeaning.Oathsoutofall
proportionwiththeirobject,shockedthecandidate,andthenbecameridiculous,andwerewholly
disregarded.Acolyteswereexposedtotests,andcompelledtoperformacts,which,ifreal,wouldhave
beenabominable;butbeingmerechimeras,werepreposterous,andexcitedcontemptandlaughteronly.
EighthundredDegreesofonekindandanotherwereinvented:InfidelityandevenJesuitryweretaught
underthemaskofMasonry.TheritualsevenoftherespectableDegrees,copiedandmutilatedby
ignorantmen,becamenonsensicalandtrivial;andthewordssocorruptedthatithashithertobeen
foundimpossibletorecovermanyofthematall.Candidatesweremadetodegradethemselves,andto
submittoinsultsnottolerabletoamanofspiritandhonor.

Henceitwasthat,practically,thelargestportionoftheDegreesclaimedbytheAncientandAccepted
ScottishRite,andbeforeitbytheRiteofPerfection,fellintodisuse,weremerelycommunicated,and
theirritualsbecamejejuneandinsignificant.TheseRitesresembledthoseoldpalacesandbaronial
castles,thedifferentpartsofwhich,builtatdifferentperiodsremotefromoneanother,uponplansand
accordingtotastesthatgreatlyvaried,formedadiscordantandincongruouswhole.Judaismand
chivalry,superstitionandphilosophy,philanthropyandinsanehatredandlongingforvengeance,apure
moralityandunjustandillegalrevenge,werefoundstrangelymatedandstandinghandinhandwithin
theTemplesofPeaceandConcord;andthewholesystemwasonegrotesquecomminglingof
incongruousthings,ofcontrastsandcontradictions,ofshockingandfantasticextravagances,ofparts
repugnanttogoodtaste,andfineconceptionsoverlaidanddisfiguredbyabsurditiesengenderedby
ignorance,fanaticism,andasenselessmysticism.

Anemptyandsterilepomp,impossibleindeedtobecarriedout,andtowhichnomeaningwhatever
wasattached,withfarfetchedexplanationsthatwereeithersomanystupidplatitudesorthemselves
neededaninterpreter;loftytitles,arbitrarilyassumed,andtowhichtheinventorshadnotcondescended
toattachanyexplanationthatshouldacquitthemofthefollyofassumingtemporalrank,power,and
titlesofnobility,madetheworldlaugh,andtheInitiatefeelashamed.

Someofthesetitlesweretain;buttheyhavewithusmeaningsentirelyconsistentwiththatSpiritof
EqualitywhichisthefoundationandperemptorylawofitsbeingofallMasonry.TheKnight,withus,
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ishewhodevoteshishand,hisheart,hisbrain,totheScienceofMasonry,andprofesseshimselfthe
SwornSoldierofTruth:thePrinceishewhoaimstobeChief[Princeps],first,leader,amonghis
equals,invirtueandgooddeeds:theSovereignishewho,oneofanorderwhosemembersareall
Sovereigns,isSupremeonlybecausethelawandconstitutionsareso,whichheadministers,andby
whichhe,likeeveryotherbrother,isgoverned.Thetitles,Puissant,Potent,Wise,andVenerable,
indicatethatpowerofVirtue,Intelligence,andWisdom,whichthoseoughttostrivetoattainwhoare
placedinhighofficebythesuffragesoftheirbrethren:andallourothertitlesanddesignationshavean
esotericmeaning,consistentwithmodestyandequality,andwhichthosewhoreceivethemshouldfully
understand.AsMasterofaLodgeitisyourdutytoinstructyourBrethrenthattheyareallsomany
constantlessons,teachingtheloftyqualificationswhicharerequiredofthosewhoclaimthem,andnot
merelyidlegewgawsworninridiculousimitationofthetimeswhentheNoblesandPriestswere
mastersandthepeopleslaves:andthat,inalltrueMasonry,theKnight,thePontiff,thePrince,andthe
Sovereignarebutthefirstamongtheirequals:andthecordon,theclothing,andthejewelbutsymbols
andemblemsofthevirtuesrequiredofallgoodMasons.

TheMasonkneels,nolongertopresenthispetitionforadmittanceortoreceivetheanswer,nolongerto
amanashissuperior,whoisbuthisbrother,buttohisGod;towhomheappealsfortherectitudeofhis
intentions,andwhoseaidheaskstoenablehimtokeephisvows.Nooneisdegradedbybendinghis
kneetoGodatthealtar,ortoreceivethehonorofKnighthoodasBayardandDuGuesclinknelt.To
kneelforotherpurposes,Masonrydoesnotrequire.Godgavetomanaheadtobeborneerect,aport
uprightandmajestic.WeassembleinourTemplestocherishandinculcatesentimentsthatconformto
thatloftinessofbearingwhichthejustanduprightmanisentitledtomaintain,andwedonotrequire
thosewhodesiretobeadmittedamongus,ignominiouslytobowthehead.Werespectman,becausewe
respectourselvesthathemayconceivealoftyideaofhisdignityasahumanbeingfreeand
independent.Ifmodestyisavirtue,humilityandobsequiousnesstomanarebase:forthereisanoble
pridewhichisthemostrealandsolidbasisofvirtue.ManshouldhumblehimselfbeforetheInfinite
God;butnotbeforehiserringandimperfectbrother.

AsMasterofaLodge,youwillthereforebeexceedinglycarefulthatnoCandidate,inanyDegree,be
requiredtosubmittoanydegradationwhatever;ashasbeentoomuchthecustominsomeofthe
Degreesandtakeitasacertainandinflexiblerule,towhichthereisnoexception,thatrealMasonry
requiresofnomananythingtowhichaKnightandGentlemancannothonorably,andwithoutfeeling
outragedorhumiliatedsubmit.

TheSupremeCouncilfortheSouthernJurisdictionoftheUnitedStatesatlengthundertookthe
indispensableandlongdelayedtaskofrevisingandreformingtheworkandritualsoftheThirty
Degreesunderitsjurisdiction.RetainingtheessentialsoftheDegreesandallthemeansbywhichthe
membersrecognizeoneanother,ithassoughtoutanddevelopedtheleadingideaofeachDegree,
rejectedthepuerilitiesandabsurditieswithwhichmanyofthemweredisfigured,andmadeofthema
connectedsystemofmoral,religious,andphilosophicalinstruction.Sectarianofnocreed,ithasyet
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thoughtitnotimpropertousetheoldallegories,basedonoccurrencesdetailedintheHebrewand
Christianbooks,anddrawnfromtheAncientMysteriesofEgypt,Persia,Greece,India,theDruidsand
theEssenes,asvehiclestocommunicatetheGreatMasonicTruths;asithasusedthelegendsofthe
Crusades,andtheceremoniesoftheordersofKnighthood.

Itnolongerinculcatesacriminalandwickedvengeance.IthasnotallowedMasonrytoplaythe
assassin:toavengethedeatheitherofHiram,ofCharlesthe1st,orofJaquesDeMolayandthe
Templars.TheAncientandAcceptedScottishRiteofMasonryhasnowbecome,whatMasonryatfirst
wasmeanttobe,aTeacherofGreatTruths,inspiredbyanuprightandenlightenedreason,afirmand
constantwisdom,andanaffectionateandliberalphilanthropy.

Itisnolongerasystem,overthecompositionandarrangementofthedifferentpartsofwhich,wantof
reflection,chance,ignorance,andperhapsmotivesstillmoreignoblepresided;asystemunsuitedtoour
habits,ourmanners,ourideas,ortheworldwidephilanthropyanduniversaltolerationofMasonry;or
tobodiessmallinnumber,whoserevenuesshouldbedevotedtothereliefoftheunfortunate,andnotto
emptyshow;nolongeraheterogeneousaggregateofDegrees,shockingbyitsanachronismsand
contradictions,powerlesstodisseminatelight,information,andmoralandphilosophicalideas.

AsMaster,youwillteachthosewhoareunderyou,andtowhomyouwilloweyouroffice,thatthe
decorationsofmanyoftheDegreesaretobedispensedwith,whenevertheexpensewouldinterfere
withthedutiesofcharity,relief,andbenevolence;andtobeindulgedinonlybywealthybodiesthat
willtherebydonowrongtothoseentitledtotheirassistance.TheessentialsofalltheDegreesmaybe
procuredatslightexpense;anditisattheoptionofeveryBrothertoprocureornottoprocure,ashe
pleases,thedress,decorations,andjewelsofanyDegreeotherthanthe14th,18th,30th,and32d.

Weteachthetruthofnoneofthelegendswerecite.Theyaretousbutparablesandallegories,
involvingandenvelopingMasonicinstructionandvehiclesofusefulandinterestinginformation.They
representthedifferentphasesofthehumanmind,itseffortsandstrugglestocomprehendnature,God,
thegovernmentoftheUniverse,thepermittedexistenceofsorrowandevil.Toteachuswisdom,and
thefollyofendeavoringtoexplaintoourselvesthatwhichwearenotcapableofunderstanding,we
reproducethespeculationsofthePhilosophers,theKabalists,theMystagoguesandtheGnostics.
Everyonebeingatlibertytoapplyoursymbolsandemblemsashethinksmostconsistentwithtruth
andreasonandwithhisownfaith,wegivethemsuchaninterpretationonlyasmaybeacceptedbyall.
OurDegreesmaybeconferredinFranceorTurkey,atPekin,Ispahan,Rome,orGeneva,inthecityof
PennorinCatholicLouisiana,uponthesubjectofanabsolutegovernmentorthecitizenofaFree
State,uponSectarianorTheist.TohonortheDeity,toregardallmenasourBrethren,aschildren,
equallydeartoHim,oftheSupremeCreatoroftheUniverse,andtomakehimselfusefultosocietyand
himselfbyhislabor,areitsteachingstoitsInitiatesinalltheDegrees.
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PreacherofLiberty,Fraternity,andEquality,itdesiresthemtobeattainedbymakingmenfittoreceive
them,andbythemoralpowerofanintelligentandenlightenedPeople.Itlaysnoplotsand
conspiracies.Ithatchesnoprematurerevolutions;itencouragesnopeopletorevoltagainstthe
constitutedauthorities;butrecognizingthegreattruththatfreedomfollowsfitnessforfreedomasthe
corollaryfollowstheaxiom,itstrivestopreparementogovernthemselves.

Wheredomesticslaveryexists,itteachesthemasterhumanityandthealleviationoftheconditionofhis
slave,andmoderatecorrectionandgentlediscipline;asitteachesthemtothemasteroftheapprentice:
andasitteachestotheemployersofothermen,inmines,manufactories,andworkshops,consideration
andhumanityforthosewhodependupontheirlaborfortheirbread,andtowhomwantofemployment
isstarvation,andoverworkisfever,consumption,anddeath.

AsMasterofaLodge,youaretoinculcatethesedutiesonyourbrethren.Teachtheemployedtobe
honest,punctual,andfaithfulaswellasrespectfulandobedienttoallproperorders:butalsoteachthe
employerthateverymanorwomanwhodesirestowork,hasarighttohaveworktodoandthatthey,
andthosewhofromsicknessorfeebleness,lossoflimborofbodilyvigor,oldageorinfancy,arenot
abletowork,havearighttobefed,clothed,andshelteredfromtheinclementelements:thathe
commitsanawfulsinagainstMasonryandinthesightofGod,ifhecloseshisworkshopsorfactories,
orceasestoworkhismines,whentheydonotyieldhimwhatheregardsassufficientprofit,andso
dismisseshisworkmenandworkwomentostarve;orwhenhereducesthewagesofmanorwomanto
solowastandardthattheyandtheirfamiliescannotbeclothedandfedandcomfortablyhoused;orby
overworkmustgivehimtheirbloodandlifeinexchangeforthepittanceoftheirwages:andthathis
dutyasaMasonandBrotherperemptorilyrequireshimtocontinuetoemploythosewhoelsewillbe
pinchedwithhungerandcold,orresorttotheftandvice:andtopaythemfairwages,thoughitmay
reduceorannulhisprofitsoreveneatintohiscapital;forGodhathbutloanedhimhiswealth,and
madehimHisalmonerandagenttoinvestit.

Exceptasmeresymbolsofthemoralvirtuesandintellectualqualities,thetoolsandimplementsof
MasonrybelongexclusivelytothefirstthreeDegrees.Theyalso,however,servetoremindtheMason
whohasadvancedfurther,thathisnewrankisbaseduponthehumblelaborsofthesymbolicDegrees,
astheyareimproperlytermed,inasmuchasalltheDegreesaresymbolic.

ThustheInitiatesareinspiredwithajustideaofMasonry,towit,thatitisessentiallyWORK;both
teachingandpractisingLABOR;andthatitisaltogetheremblematic.Threekindsofworkare
necessarytothepreservationandprotectionofmanandsociety:manuallabor,speciallybelongingto
thethreeblueDegrees;laborinarms,symbolizedbytheKnightlyorchivalricDegrees;andintellectual
labor,belongingparticularlytothePhilosophicalDegrees.
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Wehavepreservedandmultipliedsuchemblemsashaveatrueandprofoundmeaning.Werejectmany
oftheoldandsenselessexplanations.WehavenotreducedMasonrytoacoldmetaphysicsthatexiles
everythingbelongingtothedomainoftheimagination.Theignorant,andthosehalfwiseinreality,but
overwiseintheirownconceit,mayassailoursymbolswithsarcasms;buttheyarenevertheless
ingeniousveilsthatcovertheTruth,respectedbyallwhoknowthemeansbywhichtheheartofmanis
reachedandhisfeelingsenlisted.TheGreatMoralistsoftenhadrecoursetoallegories,inorderto
instructmenwithoutrepellingthem.Butwehavebeencarefulnottoallowouremblemstobetoo
obscure,soastorequirefarfetchedandforcedinterpretations.Inourdays,andintheenlightenedland
inwhichwelive,wedonotneedtowrapourselvesinveilssostrangeandimpenetrable,astopreventor
hinderinstructioninsteadoffurtheringit;ortoinducethesuspicionthatwehaveconcealedmeanings
whichwecommunicateonlytothemostreliableadepts,becausetheyarecontrarytogoodorderorthe
wellbeingofsociety.

TheDutiesoftheClassofInstructors,thatis,theMasonsoftheDegreesfromthe4thtothe8th,
inclusive,are,particularly,toperfecttheyoungerMasonsinthewords,signsandtokensandotherwork
oftheDegreestheyhavereceived;toexplaintothemthemeaningofthedifferentemblems,andto
expoundthemoralinstructionwhichtheyconvey.Andupontheirreportofproficiencyalonecantheir
pupilsbeallowedtoadvanceandreceiveanincreaseofwages.

TheDirectorsoftheWork,orthoseofthe9th,l0th,and11thDegreesaretoreporttotheChaptersupon
theregularity,activityandproperdirectionoftheworkofbodiesinthelowerDegrees,andwhatis
neededtobeenactedfortheirprosperityandusefulness.IntheSymbolicLodges,theyareparticularly
chargedtostimulatethezealoftheworkmen,toinducethemtoengageinnewlaborsandenterprises
forthegoodofMasonry,theircountryandmankind,andtogivethemfraternaladvicewhentheyfall
shortoftheirduty;or,incasesthatrequireit,toinvokeagainstthemtherigorofMasoniclaw.

TheArchitectsorthoseofthe12th,13th,and14th,shouldbeselectedfromnonebutBrotherswell
instructedintheprecedingDegrees;zealous,andcapableofdiscoursinguponthatMasonry;
illustratingit,anddiscussingthesimplequestionsofmoralphilosophy.Andoneofthem,atevery
communication,shouldbepreparedwithalecture,communicatingusefulknowledgeorgivinggood
advicetotheBrethren.

TheKnights,ofthe15thand16thDegrees,wearthesword.Theyareboundtopreventandrepair,asfar
asmaybeintheirpower,allinjustice,bothintheworldandinMasonry;toprotecttheweakandto
bringoppressorstojustice.Theirworksandlecturesmustbeinthisspirit.Theyshouldinquirewhether
Masonryfulfills,asfarasitoughtandcan,itsprincipalpurpose,whichistosuccortheunfortunate.
Thatitmaydoso,theyshouldpreparepropositionstobeofferedintheBlueLodgescalculatedtoattain
thatend,toputanendtoabuses,andtopreventorcorrectnegligence.ThoseintheLodgeswhohave
attainedtherankofKnights,aremostfittobeappointedAlmoners,andchargedtoascertainandmake
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knownwhoneedandareentitledtothecharityoftheOrder.

InthehigherDegreesthoseonlyshouldbereceivedwhohavesufficientreadingandinformationto
discussthegreatquestionsofphilosophy.FromthemtheOratorsoftheLodgesshouldbeselected,as
wellasthoseoftheCouncilsandChapters.Theyarechargedtosuggestsuchmeasuresasarenecessary
tomakeMasonryentirelyfaithfultothespiritofitsinstitution,bothastoitscharitablepurposes,and
thediffusionoflightandknowledge;suchasareneededtocorrectabusesthathavecreptin,and
offencesagainsttherulesandgeneralspiritoftheOrder;andsuchaswilltendtomakeit,asitwas
meanttobe,thegreatTeacherofMankind.

AsMasterofaLodge,Council,orChapter,itwillbeyourdutytoimpressuponthemindsofyour
BrethrentheseviewsofthegeneralplanandseparatepartsoftheAncientandAcceptedScottishRite;
ofitsspiritanddesign;itsharmonyandregularity;ofthedutiesoftheofficersandmembers;andofthe
particularlessonsintendedtobetaughtbyeachDegree.

Especiallyyouarenottoallowanyassemblyofthebodyoverwhichyoumaypreside,toclose,without
recallingtothemindsoftheBrethrentheMasonicvirtuesanddutieswhicharerepresenteduponthe
TracingBoardofthisDegree.Thatisanimperativeduty.Forgetnotthat,morethanthreethousand
yearsago,ZOROASTERsaid:"Begood,bekind,behumane,andcharitable;loveyourfellows;
consoletheafflicted;pardonthosewhohavedoneyouwrong."Northatmorethantwothousandthree
hundredyearsagoCONFUCIUSrepeated,alsoquotingthelanguageofthosewhohadlivedbefore
himself:"Lovethyneighborasthyself:Donottootherswhatthouwouldstnotwishshouldbedoneto
thyself:Forgiveinjuries.Forgiveyourenemy,bereconciledtohim,givehimassistance,invokeGodin
hisbehalf!"

LetnotthemoralityofyourLodgebeinferiortothatofthePersianortheChinesePhilosopher.Urge
uponyourBrethrentheteachingandtheunostentatiouspracticeofthemoralityoftheLodge,without
regardtotimes,places,religions,orpeoples.

Urgethemtoloveoneanother,tobedevotedtooneanother,tobefaithfultothecountry,the
government,andthelaws:fortoservethecountryistopayadearandsacreddebt:Torespectallforms
ofworship,totolerateallpoliticalandreligiousopinions;nottoblame,andstilllesstocondemnthe
religionofothers:nottoseektomakeconverts;buttobecontentiftheyhavethereligionofSocrates;a
venerationfortheCreator,thereligionofgoodworks,andgratefulacknowledgmentofGod'sblessings:
Tofraternizewithallmen;toassistallwhoareunfortunate;andtocheerfullypostponetheirown
intereststothatoftheOrder:

Tomakeittheconstantruleoftheirlives,tothinkwell,tospeakwell,andtoactwell:
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Toplacethesageabovethesoldier,thenoble,ortheprince:andtakethewiseandgoodastheir
models:
Toseethattheirprofessionsandpractice,theirteachingsandconduct,doalwaysagree:
Tomakethisalsotheirmotto:Dothatwhichthououghtesttodo;lettheresultbewhatitwill.

Such,myBrother,aresomeofthedutiesofthatofficewhichyouhavesoughttobequalifiedto
exercise.Mayyouperformthemwell;andinsodoinggainhonorforyourself,andadvancethegreat
causeofMasonry,Humanity,andProgress.

XXI.NOACHITEORPRUSSIANKNIGHT

YouareespeciallychargedinthisDegreetobemodestandhumble,andnotvaingloriousnorfilled
withselfconceit.BenotwiserinyourownopinionthantheDeity,norfindfaultwithHisworks,nor
endeavortoimproveuponwhatHehasdone.Bemodestalsoinyourintercoursewithyourfellows,and
slowtoentertainevilthoughtsofthemandreluctanttoascribetothemevilintentions.Athousand
presses,floodingthecountrywiththeirevanescentleaves,arebusilyandincessantlyengagedin
maligningthemotivesandconductofmenandparties,andinmakingonemanthinkworseofanother;
while,alas,scarcelyoneisfoundthatever,evenaccidentally,laborstomakemanthinkbetterofhis
fellow.

Slanderandcalumnywereneversoinsolentlylicentiousinanycountryastheyarethisdayinours.The
mostretiringdisposition,themostunobtrusivedemeanor,isnoshieldagainsttheirpoisonedarrows.
Themosteminentpublicserviceonlymakestheirvituperationandinvectivemoreeagerandmore
unscrupulous,whenhewhohasdonesuchservicepresentshimselfasacandidateforthepeople's
suffrages.

Theeviliswidespreadanduniversal.Noman,nowoman,nohousehold,issacredorsafefromthisnew
Inquisition.Noactissopureorsopraiseworthy,thattheunscrupulousvenderoflieswholivesby
panderingtoacorruptandmorbidpublicappetitewillnotproclaimitasacrime.Nomotiveisso
innocentorsolaudable,thathewillnotholditupasvillainy.Journalismpriesintotheinteriorof
privatehouses,gloatsoverthedetailsofdomestictragediesofsinandshame,anddeliberatelyinvents
andindustriouslycirculatesthemostunmitigatedandbaselessfalsehoods,tocoinmoneyforthosewho
pursueitasatrade,ortoeffectatemporaryresultinthewarsoffaction.

Weneednotenlargeupontheseevils.Theyareapparenttoallandlamentedoverbyall,anditisthe
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dutyofaMasontodoallinhispowertolessen,ifnottoremovethem.Withtheerrorsandevensinsof
othermen,thatdonotpersonallyaffectusorours,andneednotourcondemnationtobeodious,we
havenothingtodoandthejournalisthasnopatentthatmakeshimtheCensorofMorals.Thereisno
obligationrestingonustotrumpetforthourdisapprovalofeverywrongfulorinjudiciousorimproper
actthateveryothermancommits.Onewouldbeashamedtostandonthestreetcornersandretailthem
orallyforpennies.

Oneought,intruth,towrite,orspeakagainstnootheroneinthisworld.Eachmaninithasenoughto
do,towatchandkeepguardoverhimself.EachofusissickenoughinthisgreatLazaretto:and
journalismandpolemicalwritingconstantlyremindusofasceneoncewitnessedinalittlehospital;
whereitwashorribletohearhowthepatientsmockinglyreproachedeachotherwiththeirdisordersand
infirmities:howone,whowaswastedbyconsumption,jeeredatanotherwhowasbloatedbydropsy:
howonelaughedatanother'scanceroftheface;andthisoneagainathisneighbor'slockjaworsquint;
untilatlastthedeliriousfeverpatientsprangoutofhisbed,andtoreawaythecoveringsfromthe
woundedbodiesofhiscompanions,andnothingwastobeseenbuthideousmiseryandmutilation.
Suchistherevoltingworkinwhichjournalismandpoliticalpartisanship,andhalftheworldoutsideof
Masonry,areengaged.

Verygenerally,thecensurebestoweduponmen'sacts,bythosewhohaveappointedandcommissioned
themselvesKeepersofthePublicMorals,isundeserved.Oftenitisnotonlyundeserved,butpraiseis
deservedinsteadofcensure,and,whenthelatterisnotundeserved,itisalwaysextravagant,and
thereforeunjust.

AMasonwillwonderwhatspirittheyareendowedwithal,thatcanbaselylibelataman,even,thatis
fallen.Iftheyhadanynobilityofsoul,theywouldwithhimcondolehisdisasters,anddropsometears
inpityofhisfollyandwretchednessandiftheyweremerelyhumanandnotbrutal,Naturedidgrievous
wrongtohumanbodies,tocursethemwithsoulssocruelastostrivetoaddtoawretchednessalready
intolerable.WhenaMasonhearsofanymanthathathfallenintopublicdisgrace,heshouldhavea
mindtocommiseratehismishap,andnottomakehimmoredisconsolate.Toenvenomanameby
libels,thatalreadyisopenlytainted,istoaddstripeswithanironrodtoonethatisflayedwith
whipping;andtoeverywelltemperedmindwillseemmostinhumanandunmanly.

Eventhemanwhodoeswrongandcommitserrorsoftenhasaquiethome,afiresideofhisown,a
gentle,lovingwifeandinnocentchildren,whoperhapsdonotknowofhispasterrorsandlapsespast
andlongrepentedoforiftheydo,theylovehimthebetter,because,beingmortal,hehatherred,and
beingintheimageofGod,hehathrepented.Thateveryblowatthishusbandandfatherlaceratesthe
pureandtenderbosomsofthatwifeandthosedaughters,isaconsiderationthatdothnotstaythehand
ofthebrutaljournalistandpartisan:buthestrikeshomeattheseshrinking,quivering,innocent,tender
bosoms;andthengoesoutuponthegreatarteriesofcities,wherethecurrentoflifepulsates,andholds
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hisheaderect,andcallsonhisfellowstolaudhimandadmirehim,forthechivalricacthehathdone,in
strikinghisdaggerthroughoneheartintoanothertenderandtrustingone.

Ifyouseekforhighandstrainedcarriages,youshall,forthemostpart,meetwiththeminlowmen.
Arroganceisaweedthatevergrowsonadunghill.Itisfromtheranknessofthatsoilthatshehathher
heightandspreadings.Tobemodestandunaffectedwithoursuperiorsisduty;withourequals,
courtesy;withourinferiors,nobleness.Thereisnoarrogancesogreatastheproclaimingofother
men'serrorsandfaults,bythosewhounderstandnothingbutthedregsofactions,andwhomakeit
theirbusinesstobesmeardeservingfames.Publicreproofislikestrikingadeerintheherd:itnotonly
woundshim,tothelossofblood,butbetrayshimtothehound,hisenemy.

Theoccupationofthespyhatheverbeenhelddishonorable,anditisnonethelessso,nowthatwith
rareexceptionseditorsandpartisanshavebecomeperpetualspiesupontheactionsofochermen.Their
malicemakesthemnimbleeyed,apttonoteafaultandpublishit,and,withastrainedconstruction,to
depraveeventhosethingsinwhichthedoer'sintentswerehonest.Likethecrocodile,theyslimethe
wayofothers,tomakethemfall;andwhenthathashappened,theyfeedtheirinsultingenvyonthelife
bloodoftheprostrate.Theysetthevicesofothermenonhigh,forthegazeoftheworld,andplace
theirvirtuesunderground,thatnonemaynotethem.Iftheycannotwounduponproofs,theywilldoit
uponlikelihoods:andifnotuponthem,theymanufacturelies,asGodcreatedtheworld,outofnothing;
andsocorruptthefairtempterofmen'sreputations;knowingthatthemultitudewillbelievethem,
becauseaffirmationsareaptertowinbelief,thannegativestouncreditthem;andthatalietravelsfaster
thananeagleflies,whilethecontradictionlimpsafteritatasnail'spaceandhalting,neverovertakesit.
Nay,itiscontrarytothemoralityofjournalism,toallowalietobecontradictedintheplacethat
spawnedit.Andevenifthatgreatfavorisconceded,aslanderonceraisedwillscarceeverdie,orfailof
findingmanythatwillallowitbothaharborandtrust.

Thisis,beyondanyother,theageoffalsehood.Once,tobesuspectedofequivocationwasenoughto
soilagentleman'sescutcheon;butnowithasbecomeastrangemeritinapartisanorstatesman,always
andscrupulouslytotellthetruth.Liesarepartoftheregularammunitionofallcampaignsand
controversies,valuedaccordingastheyareprofitableandeffective;andarestoredupandhaveamarket
price,likesaltpetreandsulphur;beingevenmoredeadlythanthey.

Ifmenweighedtheimperfectionsofhumanity,theywouldbreathelesscondemnation.Ignorancegives
disparagementaloudertonguethanknowledgedoes.Wisemenhadratherknow,thantell.Frequent
dispraisesarebutthefaultsofuncharitablewit:anditisfromwherethereisnojudgment,thatthe
heaviestjudgmentcomes;forselfexaminationwouldmakealljudgmentscharitable.Ifweevendo
knowvicesinmen,wecanscarceshowourselvesinanoblervirtuethaninthecharityofconcealing
them:ifthatbenotaflatterypersuadingtocontinuance.Anditisthebasestofficemancanfallinto,to
makehistonguethedefameroftheworthyman.
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ThereisbutonerulefortheMasoninthismatter.Iftherebevirtues,andheiscalledupontospeakof
himwhoownsthem,lethimtellthemforthimpartially.Andiftherebevicesmixedwiththem,lethim
becontenttheworldshallknowthembysomeothertonguethanhis.Foriftheevildoerdeserveno
pity,hiswife,hisparents,orhischildren,orotherinnocentpersonswholovehimmay;andthebravo's
trade,practisedbyhimwhostabsthedefencelessforapricepaidbyindividualorparty,isreallyno
morerespectablenowthanitwasahundredyearsago,inVenice.Wherewewantexperience,Charity
bidsusthinkthebest,andleavewhatweknownottotheSearcherofHearts;formistakes,suspicions,
andenvyofteninjureaclearfame;andthereisleastdangerinacharitableconstruction.

And,finally,theMasonshouldbehumbleandmodesttowardtheGrandArchitectoftheUniverse,and
notimpugnHisWisdom,norsetuphisownimperfectsenseofRightagainstHisProvidenceand
dispensations,norattempttoorashlytoexploretheMysteriesofGod'sInfiniteEssenceandinscrutable
plans,andofthatGreatNaturewhichwearenotmadecapabletounderstand.

Lethimsteerfarawayfromallthosevainphilosophies,whichendeavortoaccountforallthatis,
withoutadmittingthatthereisaGod,separateandapartfromtheUniversewhichishiswork:which
erectUniversalNatureintoaGod,andworshipitalone:whichannihilateSpirit,andbelieveno
testimonyexceptthatofthebodilysenses:which,bylogicalformulasanddextrouscollocationof
words,maketheactual,living,guiding,andprotectingGodfadeintothedimmistinessofamere
abstractionandunreality,itselfamerelogicalformula.

NorlethimhaveanyalliancewiththosetheoristswhochidethedelaysofProvidenceandbusy
themselvestohastentheslowmarchwhichithasimposeduponevents:whoneglectthepractical,to
struggleafterimpossibilities:whoarewiserthanHeaven;knowtheaimsandpurposesoftheDeity,and
canseeashortandmoredirectmeansofattainingthem,thanitpleasesHimtoemploy:whowould
havenodiscordsinthegreatharmonyoftheUniverseofthings;butequaldistributionofproperty,no
subjectionofonemantothewillofanother,nocompulsorylabor,andstillnostarvation,nor
destitution,norpauperism.

Lethimnotspendhislife,astheydo,inbuildinganewTowerofBabel;inattemptingtochangethat
whichisfixedbyaninflexiblelawofGod'senactment:butlethim,yieldingtotheSuperiorWisdomof
Providence,contenttobelievethatthemarchofeventsisrightlyorderedbyanInfiniteWisdom,and
leads,thoughwecannotseeit,toagreatandperfectresult,lethimbesatisfiedtofollowthepath
pointedoutbythatProvidence,andtolaborforthegoodofthehumanraceinthatmodeinwhichGod
haschosentoenactthatthatgoodshallbeeffected:andaboveall,lethimbuildnoTowerofBabel,
underthebeliefthatbyascendinghewillmountsohighthatGodwilldisappearorbesupersededbya
greatmonstrousaggregateofmaterialforces,ormereglittering,logicalformula;but,evermore,
standinghumblyandreverentlyupontheearthandlookingwithaweandconfidencetowardHeaven,let
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himbesatisfiedthatthereisarealGod;aperson,andnotaformula;aFatherandaprotector,who
loves,andsympathizes,andcompassionates;andthattheeternalwaysbywhichHerulestheworldare
infinitelywise,nomatterhowfartheymaybeabovethefeeblecomprehensionandlimitedvisionof
man.

XXII.KNIGHTOFTHEROYALAXEORPRINCEOFLIBANUS

SYMPATHYwiththegreatlaboringclasses,respectforlaboritself,andresolutiontodosomegood
workinourdayandgeneration,thesearethelessonsofthisDegree,andtheyarepurelyMasonic.
MasonryhasmadeaworkingmanandhisassociatestheHeroesofherprincipallegend,andhimself
thecompanionofKings.Theideaisassimpleandtrueasitissublime.Fromfirsttolast,Masonryis
work.ItveneratestheGrandArckitrctoftheUniverse.ItcommemoratesthebuildingofaTemple.Its
principalemblemsaretheworkingfoolsofMasonsandArtisans.Itpreservesthenameofthefirst
workerinbrassandironasoneofitspasswords.WhentheBrethrenmeettogether,theyareatlabor.
TheMasteristheoverseerwhosetsthecrafttoworkandgivesthemproperinstruction.Masonryisthe
apotheosisofWork.Itisthehandsofbrave,forgottenmenthathavemadethisgreat,populous,
cultivatedworldaworldforus.Itisallwork,andforgottenwork.Therealconquerors,creators,and
eternalproprietorsofeverygreatandcivilizedlandarealltheheroicsoulsthateverwereinit,eachin
hisdegree:allthementhateverfelledaforesttreeordrainedamarsh,orcontrivedawisescheme,or
didorsaidatrueorvaliantthingtherein.Genuineworkalone,donefaithfully,iseternal,evenasthe
AlmightyFounderandWorldbuilderHimself.

Allworkisnoble:alifeofeaseisnotforanyman,norforanyGod.TheAlmightyMakerisnotlike
onewho,inoldimmemorialages,havingmadehismachineofaUniverse,sitseversince,andseesit
go.OutofthatbeliefcomesAtheism.ThefaithinanInvisible,unnamable,DirectingDeity,present
everywhereinallthatwesee,andwork,andsuffer,istheessenceofallfaithwhatsoever.

ThelifeofallGodsfiguresitselftousasaSublimeEarnestness,ofInfinitebattleagainstInfinitelabor
OurhighestreligionisnamedtheWorshipofSorrow.FortheSonofManthereisnonoblecrown,
wellworn,orevenillworn,butisacrownofthorns.Man'shighestdestinyisnottobehappy,tolove
pleasantthingsandfindthem.Hisonlytrueunhappinessshouldbethathecannotwork,andgethis
destinyasamanfulfilled.Thedaypassesswiftlyover,ourlifepassesswiftlyover,andthenight
cometh,whereinnomancanwork.Thatnightsoncecome,ourhappinessandunhappinessare
vanished,andbecomeasthingsthatneverwere.Butourworkisnotabolished,andhasnotvanished.It
remains,orthewantofitremains,forendlessTimesandEternities.

Whatsoeverofmoralityandintelligence;whatofpatience,perseverance,faithfulness,ofmethod,
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insight,ingenuity,energy;inaword,whatsoeverofSTRENGTHamanhasinhim,willliewrittenin
theWORKhedoes.ToworkistotryhimselfagainstNatureandherunerring,everlastinglaws:and
theywillreturntrueverdictastohim.ThenoblestEpicisamightyEmpireslowlybuilttogether,a
mightyseriesofheroicdeeds,amightyconquestoverchaos.Deedsaregreaterthanwords.Theyhavea
life,mute,butundeniably;andgrow.TheypeoplethevacuityofTime,andmakeitgreenandworthy.

LaboristhetruestemblemofGod,theArchitectandEternalMaker;nobleLabor,whichisyettobethe
KingofthisEarth,andsitonthehighestThrone.Menwithoutdutiestodo,areliketreesplantedon
precipices;fromtherootsofwhichalltheearthhascrumbled.Natureownsnomanwhoisnotalsoa
Martyr.Shescornsthemanwhositsscreenedfromallwork,fromwant,danger,hardship,thevictory
overwhichisworkandhasallhisworkandbattlingdonebyothermen;andyettherearemenwho
pridethemselvesthattheyandtheirshavedonenoworktimeoutofmind.Soneitherhavetheswine.

Thechiefofmenishewhostandsinthevanofmen,frontingtheperilwhichfrightensbackallothers,
andifnotvanquishedwoulddevourthem.Herculeswasworshippedfortwelvelabors.TheCzarof
Russiabecameatoilingshipwright,andworkedwithhisaxeinthedocksofSaardam;andsomething
cameofthat.Cromwellworked,andNapoleon;andeffectedsomewhat.

Thereisaperennialnoblenessandevensacrednessinwork.Beheneversobenightedandforgetfulof
hishighcalling,thereisalwayshopeinamanwhoactuallyandearnestlyworks:inIdlenessaloneis
thereperpetualDespair.Manperfectshimselfbyworking.Junglesareclearedaway.Fairseedfields
riseinstead,andstatelycities;andwithal,themanhimselffirstceasestobeafoulunwholesomejungle
anddesertthereby.Eveninthemeanestsortoflabor,thewholesoulofmaniscomposedintoakindof
realharmony,themomenthebeginstowork.Doubt,Desire,Sorrow,Remorse,Indignation,andeven
Despairshrinkmurmuringfaroffintotheircaves,wheneverthemanbendshimselfresolutelyagainst
histask.Laborislife.FromtheinmostheartoftheworkerriseshisGodgivenForce,theSacred
Celestiallifeessence,breathedintohimbyAlmightyGod;andawakenshimtoallnobleness,assoon
asworkfitlybegins.ByitmanlearnsPatience,Courage,Perseverance,Opennesstolight,readinessto
ownhimselfmistaken,resolutiontodobetterandimprove.Onlybylaborwillmancontinuallylearnthe
virtues.

ThereisnoReligioninstagnationandinaction;butonlyinactivityandexertion.Therewasthedeepest
truthinthatsayingoftheoldmonks,"laborareestorare.""Heprayethbestwholivethbestallthings
bothgreatandsmall;"andcanmanloveexceptbyworkingearnestlytobenefitthatbeingwhomhe
loves?

"Work;andthereinhavewellbeing,"istheoldestofGospels;unpreached,inarticulate,but
ineradicable,andenduringforever.TomakeDisorder,whereverfound,aneternalenemy;toattackand
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subduehim,andmakeorderofhim,thesubjectnotofChaos,butofIntelligenceandDivinity,andof
ourselves;toattackignorance,stupidityandbrutemindedness,whereverfound,tosmiteitwiselyand
unweariedly,torestnotwhileweliveanditlivesinthenameofGod,thisisourdutyasMasons;
commandedusbytheHighestGod.EvenHe,withhisunspokenvoice,moreawfulthanthethundersof
Sinai,orthesyllabledspeechoftheHurricane,speakstous.TheUnbornAges;theoldGraves,with
theirlongmolderingdustspeaktous.ThedeepDeathKingdoms,theStarsintheirneverresting
course,allSpaceandallTime,silentlyandcontinuallyadmonishusthatwetoomustworkwhoreitis
calledtoday.Labor,wideastheEarth,hasitssummitinHeaven.Totoil,whetherwiththesweatofthe
brow,orofthebrainorheart,isworship,thenoblestthingyetdiscoveredbeneaththeStars.Letthe
wearyceasetothinkthatlaborisacurseanddoompronouncedbyDeity.Withoutittherecouldbeno
trueexcellenceinhumannature.Withoutit,andpain,andsorrow,wherewouldbethehumanvirtues?
WherePatience,Perseverance,Submission,Energy,Endurance,Fortitude,Bravery,Disinterestedness,
SelfSacrifice,thenoblestexcellenciesoftheSoul?

Lethimwhotoilscomplainnot,norfeelhumiliated!Lethimlookupandseehisfellowworkmenthere,
inGod'sEternity,theyalonesurvivingthere.Evenintheweakhumanmemorytheylongsurvive,as
Saints,asHeroes,andasGods:theyalonesurvive,andpeopletheunmeasuredsolitudesofTime.To
theprimevalman,whatsoevergoodcame,descendedonhim(asinmerefact,iteverdoes)directfrom
God;whatsoeverdutylayvisibleforhim,thisaSupremeGodhadprescribed.Fortheprimevalman,in
whomdweltThought,thisUniversewasallaTemple,lifeeverywhereaWorship.

Dutyiswithuseverandevermoreforbidsustobeidle.Toworkwiththehandsorbrain,accordingto
ourrequirementsandourcapacities,todothatwhichliesbeforeustodo,ismorehonorablethanrank
andtitle.Ploughers,spinnersandbuilders,inventors,andmenofscience,poets,advocates,andwriters,
allstandupononecommonlevel,andformongrand,innumerablehost,marchingeveronwardsince
thebeginningoftheworld:eachentitledtooursympathyandrespect,eachamanandourbrother.

Itwaswelltogivetheearthtomanasadarkmass,whereontolabor.Itwaswelltoproviderudeand
uprightlymaterialsintheorebedandtheforest,forhimtofashionintosplendorandbeauty.Itwas
well,notbecauseofthatsplendorandbeauty;butbecausetheactcreatingthemisbetterthanthethings
themselves;becauseexertionisnoblerthanenjoyment;becausethelaborerisgreaterandmoreworthy
ofhonorthantheidler.Masonrystandsupforthenobilityoflabor.ItisHeaven'sgreatordinancefor
humanimprovement.Ithasbeenbrokendownforages;andMasonrydesirestobuilditupagain.Ithas
beanbrokendown,becausementoilonlybecauseiheymust,submittingtoitas,insomesort,a
degradingnecessity;anddesiringnothingsomuchonearthastoescapefromit.Theyfulfillthegreat
lawoflaborintheletter,butbreakitinthespirit:theyfulfillitwiththemuscles,butbreakitwiththe
mind.

Masonryteachesthateveryidleroughttohastentosomefieldoflabor,manualormental,asachosen
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andcovetedtheatreofimprovement;butheisnotimpelledtodoso,undertheteachingsofanimperfect
civilization.

Onthecontrary,hesitsdown,foldshishands,andblessesandglorifieshimselfinhisidleness.Itis
timethatthisopprobriumoftoilweredoneaway.Tobeashamedoftoil;ofthedingyworkshopand
dustylaborfield;ofthehardhand,stainedwithservicemorehonorablethanthatofwar;ofthesoiled
andweatherstainedgarments,onwhichMotherNaturehasstamped,midstsunandrain,midstfireand
steam,herownheraldichonors;tobeashamedofthesetokensandtitles,andenviousoftheflaunting
robesofimbecileidlenessandvanity,istreasontoNature,impietytoHeaven,abreachofHeaven's
greatOrdinance.Toil,)ofbrain,heart,orhand,istheonlytruemanhoodandgenuinenobility.

Laborisamorebeneficentministrationthanman'signorancecomprehends,orhiscomplainingwill
admit.Evenwhenitsendishiddenfromhim,itisnotmereblinddrudgery,Itisallatraining,a
discipline,adevelopmentofenergies,anurseofvirtues,aschoolbfimprovement.Fromthepoorboy
whogathersafewsticksforhismother'shearth,tothestrongmanwhofellstheoakorguidestheship
orthesteamcar,everyhumantoiler,witheverywearystepandeveryurgenttask,isobeyingawisdom
farabovehisownwisdom,andfulfillingadesignfarbeyondhisowndesign.

Thegreatlawofhumanindustryisthis:thatindustry,workingeitherwiththehandorthemind,the
applicationofourpowerstosometask,totheachievementofsomeresult,liesatthefoundationofall
humanimprovement.Wearenotsentintotheworldlikeanimals,tocropthespontaneousherbageof
thefield,andthentoliedowninindolentrepose:butwearesenttodigthesoilandploughthesea;to
dothebusinessofcitiesandtheworldofmanufactories.Theworldisthegreatandappointedschoolof
industry.Inanartificialstateofsociety,mankindisdividedintotheidleandthelaboringclasses;but
suchwasnotthedesignofProvidence.

Laborisman'sgreatfunction,hispeculiardistinctionandhisprivilege.Frombeingananimal,thateats
anddrinksandsleepsonly,tobecomeaworker,andwiththehandofingenuitytopourhisown
thoughtsintothemouldsofNature,fashioningttornintoformsofgraceandfabricsofconvenience,and
convertingthemtopurposesofimprovementandhappiness,isthegreatestpossiblestepinprivilege.

TheEarthandtheAtmosphereareman'slaboratory.Withspadeandplough,withminingshaftsand
furnacesandforges,withfireandsteam;midstthenoiseandwhirlofswiftandbrightmachinery,and
abroadinthesilentfields,manwasmadetobeeverworking,everexperimenting.Andwhileheandall
hisdwellingsofcareandtoilareborneonwardwiththecirclingskies,andthesplendourofHeavenare
aroundhim,andtheirinfinitedepthsimageandinvitehisthought,stillinalltheworldsofphilosophy,
intheuniverseofintellect,manmustbeaworker.Heisnothing,hecanbenothing,canachieve
nothing,fulfillnothing,withoutworking.Withoutit,hecangainneitherloftyimprovementnor
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tolerablehappiness.Theidlemusthuntdownthehoursastheirprey.TothemTimeisanenemy,
clothedwitharmor;andtheymustkillhim,or:themselvesdie.Itneveryetdidanswer,anditneverwill
answerforanymantodonothing,tobeexemptfromallcareandefforttolounge,towalk,toride,and
tofeastalone.Nomancanliveinthatway.Godmadealawagainstit:whichnohumanpowercan
annul,nohumaningenuityevade.

Theideathatapropertyistobeacquiredinthecourseoftenortwentyyears,whichshallsufficefor
therestoflife;thatbysomeprosperoustrafficorgrandspeculation,allthelaborofawholelifeistobe
accomplishedinabriefportionofit;thatbydexterousmanagement,alargepartofthetermofhuman
existenceistobeexoneratedfromthecaresofindustryandselfdenial,isfoundeduponagrave
mistake,uponamisconceptionofthetruenatureanddesignofbusiness,andoftheconditionsof
humanwellbeing.Thedesireofaccumulationforthesakeofsecuringalifeofeaseandgratification,
ofescapingfromexertionandselfdenial,iswhollywrong,thoughverycommon.

ItisbetterfortheMasontolivewhilehelives,andenjoylifeasitpassestolivericheranddiepoorer.It
isbestofallforhimtobanishfromthemindthatemptydreamoffutureindolenceandindulgent;to
addresshimselftothebusinessoflife,astheschoolofhisearthlyeducation;tosettleitwithhimself
nowthatindependence,ifhegainsit,isnottogivehimexemptionfromemploymentItisbestforhim
toknow,that,inordertobeahappyman,hemustalwaysbealaborer,withthemindorthebody,or
withboth:andthatthereasonableexertionofhispowers,bodilyandmental,isnottoberegardedas
meredrudgery,butasagooddiscipline,awiseordination,atraininginthisprimaryschoolofour
being,fornoblerendeavors,andspheresofhigheractivityhereafter

TherearereasonswhyaMasonmaylawfullyandevenearnestlydesireafortune.Ifhecanfillsome
finepalace,itselfaworkofart,withtheproductionsofloftygenius;ifhecanbethefriendandhelper
ofhumbleworth;ifhecanseekitout,wherefailinghealthoradversefortunepressesithard,andsoften
orstaythebitterhoursthatarehasteningittomadnessortothegrave;ifhecanstandbetweenthe
oppressorandhisprey,andbidthefetterandthedungeongiveuptheirvictim;ifhecanbuildupgreat
institutionsoflearning,andacademiesofart;ifhecanopenfountainsofknowledgeforthepeople,and
conductitsstreamsintherightchannels;ifhecandobetterforthepoorthzntobestowalmsupon
themeventothinkofthem,anddeviseplansfortheirelevationinknowledgeandvirtue,insteadof
foreveropeningthe,oldreservoirsandresourcesfortheirimprovidence;ifhehassufficientheartand
soultodoallthis,orpartofit;ifwealthwouldbetahimthehandmaidofexertion;facilitatingeffort,
andgivingsuccesstoendeavor;thenmayhelawfully,andyetwarilyandmodestly,desireit.Butifitis
todonothingforhim,but(oministereaseandindulgence,andtoplacehischildreninthesamebad
school,thenthereisnoreasonwhyheshoulddesireit.

Whatistheregloriousintheworld,thatisnottheproductoflabor,eitherofthebodyorofthemind?
Whatishistory,butitsrecord?Whatarethetreasuresofgeniusandart,butitswork?Whatare
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cultivatedfields,butitstoil?Thebusymarts,therisingcities,theenrichedempiresoftheworldarebut
thegreattreasurehousesoflabor.ThepyramidsofEgypt,the'castlesandtowersandtemplesof
Europe,theburiedcitiesofItalyandMexico,thecanalsandrailroadsofChristendom,arebuttracks,
allroundtheworld,ofthemightyfootstepsoflabor.Withoutitantiquitywouldnothavebeen.Without
it,therewouldbenomemoryofthepast,andnohopeforthefuture.Evenutterindolencereposeson
treasuresthatlaboratsometimegainedandgathered.Hethatdoesnothing,andyetdoesnotstarve,has
stillhissignificance;forheisastandingproofthatsomebodyhasatsometimeworked.Butnotto
suchdoesMasonrydohonor.IthonorstheWorker,theToiler;himwhoproducesandnotalone
consumes;himwhoputsforthhishandtoaddtothetreasuryofhumancomforts,andnotalonetotake
away."Ithonorshimwhogoesforthamidthestrugglingelementstofighthisbattle,andwhoshrinks
not,withcowardlyeffeminacy,behindpillowsofease.Ithonorsthestrongmuscle,andthemanly
nerve,andtheresoluteandbraveheart,thesweatingbrow,andthetoilingbrain.Ithonorsthegreatand
beautifulofficesofhumanity,manhood'stoilandwoman'stask;paternalindustryandmaternal
watchingandweariness;wisdomteachingandpatiencelearning;thebrowofcarethatpresidesover
theState,andmanyhandedlaborthattoilsinworkshop,field,andstudy,beneathitsmildand
beneficentsway.

Godhasnotmadeaworldofrichmen;butratheraworldofpoormen;orofmen,atleast,whomust
toilforasubsistence.Thatis,then,thebestconditionforman,andthegrandsphereofhuman
improvement.Ifthewholeworldcouldacquirewealth(andonemanisasmuchentitledtoitasanother,
whenheisborn);ifthepresentgenerationcouldlayupacompleteprovisionforthenext,assomemen
desiretodofortheirchildren;theworldwouldbedestroyedatasingleblow.Allindustrywouldcease
withthenecessityforit;allimprovementwouldstopwiththedemandforexertion;thedissipationof
fortunes,themischiefofwhicharenowcountervailedbythehealthfultoneofsociety,wouldbreed
universaldisease,andwreakoutintouniversallicense;andtheworldwouldsink,rottenasHerod,into
thegraveofitsownloathsomevices.

Almostallthenoblestthingsthathavebeenachievedintheworld,havebeenachievedbypoormen;
poorscholars,poorprofessionalmen,poorartisansandartists,poorphilosophers,poets,andmenof
genius.Acertainsolidnessandsobriety,acertainmoderationandrestraint,acertainpressureof
circumstances,aregoodforman.Hisbodywasnotmadeforluxuries.Itsickens,sinks,anddiesunder
them.Hismindwasnotmadeforindulgerice.Itgrowsweak,effeminate,anddwarfish,underthat
condition.Andhewhopampershisbodywithluxuriesandhismindwithindulgence,bequeathsthe
consequencestothemindsandbodiesofhisdescendants,withoutthewealthwhichwastheircause.
Forwealth,withoutalawofentailtohelpit,hasalwayslackedtheenergyeventokeepitsown
treasures.Theydropfromitsimbecilehand.Thethirdgenerationalmostinevitablygoesdownthe
rollingwheeloffortune,andtherelearnstheenergynecessarytoriseagain,ifitrisesatall;heir,asit
is,tothebodilydiseases,andmentalweaknesses,andthesoul'svicesofitsandestors,andnotheirto
theirwealth.Andyetweare,almostallofus,anxioustoputourchildren,ortoinsurethatour
grandchildrenshallbeput,onthisroadtoindulgence,luxury,vice,degradation,andruin;this
headshipofhereditarydisease,soulmalady,andmentalleprosy.
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Ifwealthwereemployedinpromotingmentalcultureathomeandworksofphilanthropyabroad;ifit
weremultiplyingstudiesofart,andbuildingupinstitutionsoflearningaroundus;ifitwereinevery
wayraisingtheintellectualcharacteroftheworld,therecouldscarcelybetoomuchofit.Butifthe
utmostaim,effort,andambitionofwealthbe,toprocurerichfurniture,andprovidecostly
entertainments,andbuildluxurioushouses,andministertovanity,extravagance,andostentation,there
couldscarcelybetoolittleofit.Toacertainextentitmaylaudablybetheministerofeleganciesand
luxuries,andtheservitorofhospitalityandphysicalenjoyment:butjustinproportionasitstendencies,
divestedofallhigheraimsandtastes,arerunningthatway,theyarerunningtoperilandevil.

Nordoesthatperilattachtoindividualsandfamiliesalone.Itstands,afearfulbeacon,intheexperience
ofCities,Republics,andEmpires.Thelessonsofpasttimes,onthissubject,areemphaticandsolemn.
Thehistoryofwealthhasalwaysbeenahistoryofcorruptionanddownfall.thepeopleneverexisted
thatcouldstandthetrial.Boundlessprofusionistoolittlelikelytospreadforanypeoplethetheatreof
manlyenergy,rigidselfdenial,andloftyvirtue.Youdonotlookfortheboneandsinewandstrengthof
acountry,itsloftiesttalentsandvirtues,itsmartyrstopatriotismorreligion,itsmentomeetthedaysof
perilanddisaster,amongthechildrenofease,indulgence,andluxury.

Inthegreatmarchoftheracesofmenovertheearth,wehavealwaysseenopulenceandluxurysinking
beforepovertyandtoilandhardynurture.Thatisthelawwhichhaspresidedoverthegreatprofessions
ofempire.SidonandTyre,whosemerchantspossessedthewealthofprinces;BabylonandPalmyra,the
seatsofAsiaticluxury;Rome,ladenwiththespoilsofaworld,overwhelmedbyherownvicesmore
thanbythehostsofherenemies;allthese,andmanymore,areexamplesofthedestroytivetendencies
ofimmenseandunnaturalaccumulation:andmenmustbecomemoregenerousandbenevolent,not
moreselfishandeffeminate,astheybecomemorerich,orthehistoryofmodernwealthwillfollowin
thesadtrainofallpastexamples.Allmendesiredistinction,andfeeltheneedofsomeennobling
objectinlife.Thosepersonsareusuallymosthappyandsatisfiedintheirpursuits,whohavetheloftiest
endsinview.Artists,mechanics,andinventors,allwhoseektofindprinciplesordevelopbeautyin
theirwork,seemmosttoenjoyit.Thefarmerwholaborsforthebeautifyingandscientificcultivation
ofhisestate,ismorehappyinhislaborsthanonewhotillshisownlandforameresubsistence.Thisis
oneofthesignaltestimonieswhichallhumanemploymentsgivetothehighdemandsofournature.To
gatherwealthnevergivessuchsatisfactionastobringthehumblestpieceofmachinerytoperfection:at
least,whenwealthissoughtfordisplayandostentation,ormereluxury,andease,andpleasure;andnot
forendsofphilanthropy,thereliefofkindred,orthepaymentofjustdebts,orasameanstoattainsome
othergreatandnobleobject.

Withthepursuitsofmultitudesisconnectedapainfulconvictionthattheyneithersupplyasufficient
object,norconferanysatisfactoryhonor.Whywork,iftheworldissoonnottoknowthatsuchabeing
everexisted;andwhenonecanperpetuatehisnameneitheroncanvasnoronmarble,norinbooks,nor
byloftyeloquence,norstatesmanship?
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Theansweris,thateverymanhasaworktodoinhimself,greaterandsublimedthananyworkof
genius;andworksuponanoblermaterialthanwoodormarbleuponhisownsoulandintellect,and
maysoattainthehighestnoblenessandgrandeurknownonearthorinHeaven;maysobethegreatest
ofartists,andofauthors,andhislife,whichisfarmorethanspeech,maybeeloquent.

Thegreatauthororartistonlyportrayswhateverymanshouldbe.Heconceives,whatweshoulddo.
Heconceives,andrepresentsmoralbeauty,magnanimity,fortitude,love,devotion,forgiveness,the
soul'sgreatness.Heportraysvirtues,commendedtoouradmirationandimitations.Toembodythese
portraituresinourlivesisthepracticalrealizationofthosegreatidealsofart.Themagnanimityof
Heroes,celebratedonthehistoricorpoeticpage;theconstancyandfaithofTruth'smartyrs;thebeauty
ofloveandpietyglowingonthecanvas;thedelineationsofTruthandRight,thatflashfromthelipsof
theEloquent,are,intheiressenceonlythatwhicheverymanmayfeelandpracticeinthedailywalksof
life.Theworkofvirtueisnoblerthananyworkofgenius;foritisanoblerthingtobeaherothanto
describeonetoenduremartyrdomthantopaintit,todorightthantopleadforit.Actionisgreaterthan
writing.Agoodmanisanoblerobjectofcontemplationthanagreatauthor.Therearebuttwothings
worthlivingfor:todowhatisworthyofbeingwritten;andtowritewhatisworthyofbeingread;and
thegreateroftheseisthedoing.

Everymanhastodothenoblestthingthatanymancandoordescribe.Thereisawidefieldforthe
courage,cheerfulness,energy,anddignityofhumanexistence.LetthereforenoMasondeemhislife
doomedtomediocrityormeanness,tovanityorunprofitabletoil,ortoanyendslessthanimmortal.No
onecantrulysaythatthegrandprizesoflifeareforothers,andhecandonothing.Nomatterhow
magnificentandnobleanacttheauthorcandescribeortheartistpaint,'itwillbestillnoblerforyouto
goanddothatwhichonedescribes,orbethemodelwhichtheotherdraws.

Theloftiestactionthateverwasdescribedisnotmoremagnatemousthanthatwhichwemayfind
occasiontodo,inthedailywalksoflife;intemptation,indistress,inbereavement,inthesolemn
approachtodeath.InthegreatProvidenceofGod,inthegreatordinancesofourbeing,thereisopened
toeverymanasphereforthenoblestaction.Itisnoteveninextraordinarysituations,wherealleyesare
uponus,whereallourenergyisaroused,andallourvigilanceisawakethatthehighesteffortsofvirtue
areusuallydemandedofus;butratherinsilenceandseclusion,amidstouroccupationsandourhomes;
inwearingsickness,thatmakesnocomplaint;insorelytriedhonesty,thatasksnopraise;insimple
disinterestedness,hidingthehandthatresignsitsadvantagetoanother.

Masonryseekstoennoblecommonlife.Itsworkistogodownintotheobscureandresearchedrecords
ofdailyconductandfeeling;andtoportray,nottheordinaryvirtueofanextraordinarylife;butthe
moreextraordinaryvirtueofordinarylife.Whatisdoneandborneintheshadesofprivacy,inthehard
andbeatenpafhofdailycareandtoil,fullofrecelebratedsacrifices;inthesuffering,andsometimes
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insultedsuffering,thatwearstotheworldacheerfulbrow;intheIongstrifeofthespirit,resistingpain,
penury,andneglect,carriedonintheinmostdepthsoftheheart;whatisdone,andborne,andwrought,
andwonthere,isahigherglory,andshallinheritabrightercrown.

OnthevolumeofMasoniclifeonebrightwordiswrittenfromwhichoneverysideblazesanineffable
splendor.ThatwordisDUTY.Toaidinsecuringtoalllaborpermanentemploymentanditsjust
reward:tohelptohastenthecomingofthattimewhennooneshallsufferfromhungerordestitution,
because,thoughwillingandabletowork,hecanfindnoemployment,orbecausehehasbeen
overtakenbysicknessinthemidstofhislabor,arepartofyourdutiesasaKnightoftheRoyalAxe.
AndifwecansucceedinmakingsomesmallnookofGod'screationalittlemorefruitfulandcheerful,
alittlebetterandmoreworthyofHim,orinmakingsomeoneortwohumanheartsalittlewiser,and
moremanfulandhopefulandhappy,weshallhavedonework,worthyofMasonsandacceptabletoour
FatherinHeaven.
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XXIIICHIEFOFTHETABERNACLE

AMONGmostoftheAncientNationstherewas,inadditiontotheirpublicworship,aprivateone
styledtheMysteries;towhichthoseonlywereadmittedwhohadbeenpreparedbycertainceremonies
calledinitiations.

ThemostwidelydisseminatedoftheancientworshipswerethoseofIsis,Orpheus,Dionysus,Ceresand
Mathias.ManybarbarousnationsreceivedtheknowledgeoftheMysteriesinhonorofthesedivinities
fromtheEgyptians,beforetheyarrivedinGreeceandevenintheBritishIslestheDruidscelebrated
thoseofDionysus,learnedbythemfromtheEgyptians.

TheMysteriesofEleusis,celebratedatAthensinhonorofCeres,swallowedupasitwere,allthe
others.Alltheneighboringnationsneglectedtheirown,tocelebratethoseofEleusis;andinalittle
whileallGreeceandAsiaMinorwerefilledwiththeInitiates.TheyspreadintotheRomanEmpire,and
evenbeyonditslimits,"thoseholyandaugustEleusinianMysteries,"saidCicero,"inwhichthepeople
oftheremotestlandsareinitiated."Zosimussaysthattheyembracedthewholehumanraceand
Aristidestermedthemthecommontempleofthewholeworld.

Therewere,intheEleusinianfeasts,twosortsofMysteries,thegreat,andthelittle.Thelatterwerea
kindofpreparationfortheformer;andeverybodywasadmittedtothem.Ordinarilytherewasa
novitiateofthree,andsometimesoffouryears.ClementofAlexandriasaysthatwhatwastaughtinthe
greatMysteriesconcernedtheUniverse,andwasthecompletionandperfectionofallinstruction;
whereinthingswereseenastheywere,andnatureandherworksweremadeknown.

TheancientssaidthattheInitiateswouldbemorehappyafterdeaththanothermortals;andthat,while
thesoulsoftheProfaneonleavingtheirbodies,wouldbeplungedinthemire,andremainburiedin
darkness,thoseoftheInitiateswouldflytotheFortunateIsles,theabodeoftheGods.

PlatosaidthattheobjectoftheMysterieswastoreestablishthesoulinitsprimitivepurity,andinthat
stateofperfectionwhichithadlost.Epictetussaid,"whateverismetwiththereinhasbeeninstitutedby
ourMasters,fortheinstructionofmanandthecorrectionofmorals."

Processheldthatinitiationelevatedthesoul,fromamaterial,sensual,andpurelyhumanlife,toa
communionandcelestialintercoursewiththeGods;andthatavarietyofthings,forms,andspecies
wereshownInitiates,representingthefirstgenerationoftheGods.
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Purityofmoralsandelevationofsoulwererequiredofthe,Initiates.'Candidateswererequiredtobeof
spotlessreputationandirreproachablevirtue.Nero,aftermurderinghismother,didnotdaretobe
presentatthecelebrationoftheMysteriesandAntonypresentedhimselftobeinitiated,asthemost
infalliblemodeofprovinghisinnocenceofthedeathofAvidiusCassius.TheInitiateswereregardedas
theonlyfortunatemen."Itisuponusalone,"saysAristophanes,"shineththebeneficentdaystar.We
alonereceivepleasurefromtheinfluenceofhisrayswe,whoareinitiated,andwhopracticetoward
citizenandstrangereverypossibleactofjusticeandpiety."Anditisthereforenotsurprisingthat,in
time,initiationcametobeconsideredasnecessaryasbaptismafterwardwastotheChristians;andthat
nottohavebeenadmittedtotheMysterieswasheldadishonor.

"Itseemstome,"saysthegreatorator,philosopher,andmoralist,Cicero,"thatAthens,amongmany
excellentinventions,divineandveryusefultothehumanfamily,hasproducednonecomparabletothe
Mysteries,whichforawildandferociouslifehavesubstitutedhumanityandurbanityofmanners.It
iswithgoodreasontheyusetheterminitiation;foritisthroughthemthatweinrealityhavelearnedthe
firstprinciplesoflife;andtheynotonlyteachustoliveinamannermoreconsolingandagreeable,but
theysoftenthepainsofdeathbythehopeofabetterlifehereafter."

WheretheMysteriesoriginatedisnotknown.ItissupposedthattheycamefromIndia,bythewayof
Chaldaea,intoEgypt,andthencewerecarriedintoGreece.Wherevertheyarose,theywerepracticed
amongalltheancientnationsandaswasusualtheThracians,Cretins,andAthenianseachclaimedthe
honorofinvention,andeachinsistedthattheyhadborrowednothingfromanyotherpeople.

InEgyptandtheEast,allreligionseveninitsmostpoeticalforms,wasmoreorlessamystery;andthe
chiefreasonwhy,inGreece,adistinctnameandofficewereassignedtotheMysteries,wasbecausethe
superficialpopulartheologyleftawantunsatisfied,whichreligioninawidersensealonecouldsupply.
Theywerepracticalacknowledgmentsoftheinsufficiencyofthepopularreligiontosatisfythedeeper
thoughtsandaspirationsofthemind.Thevaguenessofsymbolismmightperhapsreachwhatamore
palpableandconventionalcreedcouldnot.Theformer,beitsindefiniteness,acknowledgedthe
abstrusenessofitssubject;ittreatedamysterioussubjectmyopically;itendeavoredtoillustratewhatit
couldnotexplain;toexciteanappropriatefeeling,ifitcouldnotdevelopanadequateideaandshade
theimageameresubordinateconveyancefortheconception,whichitselfneverbecametooobviousor
familiar.

Theinstructionnowconveyedbybooksandletterswasofoldconveyedbysymbolsandthepriesthad
toinventortoperpetuateadisplayofritesandexhibitions,whichwerenotonlymoreattractivetothe
eyethanwords,butoftentothemindmoresuggestiveandpregnantwithmeaning.

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Afterward,theinstitutionbecamerathermoralandpolitical,thanreligious.Thecivilmagistrates
shapedtheceremoniestopoliticalendsinEgypt;thesageswhocarriedthemfromthatcountrytoAsia,
Greece;andtheNorthofEurope,wereallkingsorlegislators.Thechiefmagistratepresidedatthoseof
Eleusis,representedbyanofficerstyledKingandthePriestplayedbutasubordinatepart.

ThePowersreveredintheMysterieswereallinrealityNaturedGods;noneofwhomcouldbe
consistentlyaddressedasmereheroes,becausetheirnaturewasconfessedlysuperheroic.The
Mysteries,onlyinfactamoresolemnexpressionofthereligionoftheancientpoetry,taughtthat
doctrineoftheTheocraciaorDivineOneness,whichevenpoetrydoesnotentirelyconceal.Theywere
notinanyopenhostilitywiththepopularreligion,butonlyamoresolemnexhibitionofitssymbols;or
ratherapartofitselfinamoreimpressiveform.TheessenceofallMysteries,asofallpolytheism,
consistsinthis,thattheconceptionofaninapproachableBeing,single,eternal,andunchanging,and
thatofaGodofNature,whosemanifoldpowerisimmediatelyrevealedtothesensesintheincessant
roundofmovement,lifeanddeath,fellasunderinthetreatment,andwereseparatelysymbolized.They
offeredaperpetualproblemtoexcitecuriosity,andcontributedtosatisfytheallpervadingreligious
sentiment,whichifitobtainnonourishmentamongthescrupleandintelligible,findscompensating
excitementinareverentialcontemplationoftheobscure.

Natureisasfreefromdogmatismasfromtyrannyandtheearliestinstructorsofmankindnotonly
adoptedherlessons,butasfaraspossibleadheredtohermethodofimpartingthem.Theyattemptedto
reachtheunderstandingthroughtheeyeandthegreaterpartofallreligiousteachingwasconveyed
throughthisancientandmostimpressivemodeof"exhibition"ordemonstration.TheMysterieswerea
sacreddrama,exhibitingsomelegendsignificantof
Nature'schange,ofthevisibleUniverseinwhichthedivinityisrevealed,andwhoseimportwasin
manyrespectsasopentothePagan,astotheChristian.Beyondthecurrenttraditionsorsacredrecitals
ofthetemple,fewexplanationsweregiventothespectators,whowereleft,asintheschoolofnature,
tomakeinferencesforthemselves.

Themethodofindirectsuggestion,byallegoryorsymbol,isamoreefficaciousinstrumentof
instructionthanplaindidactic"language;sincewearehabituallyindifferenttothatwhichisacquired
withouteffort:"Theinitiatedarefew,thoughmanybearthethyrsus."Anditwouldhavebeen
impossibletoprovidealessonsuitedtoeverydegreeofcultivationandcapacity,unlessitwereone
framedafterNature'sexample,orratherarepresentationofNatureherself,employingheruniversal
symbolisminsteadoftechnicalitiesoflanguage,invitingendlessresearch,yetrewardingthehumblest
inquirer,anddisclosingitssecretstoeveryoneinproportiontohispreparatorytrainingandpowerto
comprehendthem.

Evenifdestituteofanyformalorofficialenunciationofthoseimportanttruths,whichevenina
cultivatedageitwasoftenfoundinexpedienttoassertexceptunderaveilofallegory,andwhich
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moreoverlosetheirdignityandvalueinproportionastheyarelearnedmechanicallyasdogmas,the
showsoftheMysteriescertainlycontainedsuggestionsifnotlessons,whichintheopinionnotofone
competentwitnessonly,butifmany,wereadaptedtoelevatethecharacterofthespectators,enabling
themtoaugursomethingofthepurposesofexistence,aswellasofthemeansofemployingit,tolive
betterandtodiehappier.

Unlikethereligionofbooksorcreeds,thesemysticshowsperformanceswerenotthereadingofa
lecture,buttheopeningofaproblem,implyingneitherexemptionfromresearch,norhostilityto
philosophy:foronthecontrary,philosophyisthegreatMystagogueorArchExpounderofsymbolism:
thoughtheinterpretationsbytheGrecianPhilosophyoftheoldmythsandsymbolswereinmany
instancesasillfounded,asinotherstheyarecorrect.

Nobettermeanscouldbedevisedtorouseadormantintellectthanthoseimpressiveexhibitions,which
addresseditthroughtheimagination:which,insteadofcondemningittoaprescribedroutineofcreed,
invitedittoseek,compare,andjudge.Thealterationfromsymboltodogmaisasfataltobeautyof
expression,asthatfromfaithtodogmaistotruthandwholesomenessofthoughtThefirstphilosophy
oftenrevertedtothenaturalmodeofteaching;andSocrates,inparticular,issaidtohaveeschewed
dogmas,endeavoring,liketheMysteries,rathertoawakenanddevelopinthemindsofhishearersthe
ideaswithwhichtheywerealreadyendowedorpregnant,thantofillthemwithreadymade
adventitiousopinions.

SoMasonrystillfollowstheancientmannerofteaching.Hersymbolsaretheinstructionshegives;and
thelecturesarebutoftenpartialandinsufficientonesidedendeavorstointerpretthosesymbols.He
whowouldbecomeanaccomplishedMasonmustnotbecontentmerelytohearoreventounderstand
thelectures,butmust,aidedbythem,andtheyhavingasitweremarkedoutthewayforhim,study,
interpret,anddevelopthesymbolsforhimself.

Theearliestspeculationendeavoredtoexpressfarmorethanitcoulddistinctlycomprehend;andthe
vagueimpressionsifthemindfoundinthemysteriousanalogiesofphenomenatheirmostaptand
energeticrepresentations.TheMysteries,likethesymbolsofMasonry,werebutanimageofthe
eloquentanalogiesofNature;boththoseandtheserevealingnonewsecrettosuchaswereorare
unprepared,orincapableofinterpretingtheirsignificance.

EverywhereintheoldMysteries,andinallthesymbolismsandceremonialoftheHierophantwas
foundthesamemythicalpersonage,who,likeHermes,orZoroaster,unitesHumanAttributeswith
Divine,andishimselftheGodwhoseworshipheintroduced,teachingrudementhecommencements
ofcivilizationthroughtheinfluenceofsong,andconnectingwiththesymbolofhisdeath,emblematic
ofthatofNature,themostessentialconsolationsofreligion.
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TheMysteriesembracedthethreegreatdoctrinesofAncientTheosophy.TheytreatedofGod,Man,
andNature.Dionysus,whoseMysteriesOrpheusissaidtohavefounded,wastheGodofNature,orof
themoisturewhichisthelifeofNature,whopreparesindarknessthereturnoflifeandvegetation,or
whoishimselftheLightandChangeevolvingtheirvarieties.HewastheologicallyonewithHermes,
Prometheus,andPoseidon.IntheAegeanIslandsheisButes,Dardanus,Himeros,orImbros.InCrete
heappearsasIasiusorZeus,whoseworshipremainingunveiledbytheusualformsofmystery,betrayed
toprofanecuriositythesymbols,which,ifirreverentlycontemplated,weresuretobemisunderstood.In
AsiaheisthelongstoledBassareuscoalescingwiththeSabaziusofthePhrygianCorybantes:thesame
withthemysticIacchus,nurslingorsonofCeres,andwiththedismemberedZagreus,sonof
Persephone.InsymbolicalformstheMysteriesexhibitedTHEONE,ofwhichTHEMANIFOLDIsan
infiniteillustration,containingamorallesson,calculatedtoguidethesoulthroughlife,andtocheerit
indeath.ThestoryofDionysuswasprofoundlysignificant.Hewasnotonlycreatoroftheworld,but
guardian,liberator,andSaviorofthesoul.Godofthemanycoloredmantle,hewastheresulting
manifestationpersonified,theallinthemany,thevariedyear,lifepassingintoinnumerableforms.

ThespiritualregenerationofmanwastypifiedintheMysteriesbythesecondbirthofDionysusas
offspringoftheHighest;andtheagentsandsymbolsofthatregenerationweretheelementsthat
affectedNature'speriodicalpurificationtheair,indicatedbythemysticfanorwinnow;thefire,
signifiedbythetorch;andthebaptismalwater,forwaterisnotonlycleanserofallthings,butthe
genesisorsourceofall.

Thosenotions,clothedinritual,suggestedthesoul's,reformationandtraining,themoralpurity
formallyproclaimedatEleusis.Heonlywasinvitedtoapproach,whowas"ofcleanhandsand
ingenuousspeech,freefromallpollution,andwithaclearconscience."Happytheman,"saythe
initiatedinEuripidesandAristophanes,"whopurifieshislife,andwhoreverentlyconsecrateshissoul
inthethirstsoftheGod.Lethimtakeheedtohislipsthatheutternoprofaneword;lethimbejustand
kindtothestranger,andtohisneighbor;lethimgivewaytonoviciousexcess,lesthemakedulland
heavytheorgansofthespirit.Farfromthemysticdanceofthethirstsbetheimpure,theevilspeaker,
theseditiouscitizen,theselfishhunteraftergain,thetraitor;allthose,inshort,whosepracticesare
moreakintotheriotofTitansthantotheregulatedlifeoftheOrphici,ortheCuretanorderofthe
PriestsofIdaeanZeus."

Thevotary,elevatedbeyondthesphereofhisordinaryfaculties,andunabletoaccountfortheagitation
whichoverpoweredhim,seemedtobecomedivine.inproportionasheceasedtobehuman;tobea
demonorgod.Already,inimagination,theinitiatedwerenumberedamongthebeatified.Theyalone
enjoyedthetruelife,theSun'struelustre,whiletheyhymnedtheirGodbeneaththemysticgrovesofa
mimicElysium,andwerereallyrenovatedorregeneratedunderthegenialinfluenceoftheirdances.
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"TheywhomProserpineguidesinhermysteries,"itwassaid,"whoimbibedherinstructionand
spiritualnourishment,restfromtheirlaborsandknowstrifenomore.Happytheywhowitnessand
comprehendthesesacredceremonies!Theyaremadetoknowthemeaningoftheriddleofexistenceby
observingitsaimandterminationasappointedbyZeus;theypartakeabenefitmorevaluableand
enduringthanthegrainbestowedbywares;fortheyareexaltedinthescaleofintellectualexistence,
andobtainsweethopestoconsolethemattheirdeath."

Nodoubttheceremoniesofinitiationwereoriginallyfewandsimple.Asthegreattruthsofthe
primitiverevelationfadedoutofthememoriesofthemassesofthePeople,andwickednessbecamerife
upontheearth,itbecamenecessarytodiscriminate,torequirelongerprobationandsatisfactorytestsof
thecandidates,andbyspreadingaroundwhatatfirstwereratherschoolsofinstructionthanmysteries,
theveilofsecrecy,andthepompofceremony,toheightentheopinionoftheirvalueandimportance.

WhateverpictureslaterandespeciallyChristianwritersmaydrawoftheMysteries,theymust,notonly
originally,butformanyages,havecontinuedpure;andthedoctrinesofnaturalreligionandmorals
theretaught,havebeenofthehighestimportance;becauseboththemostvirtuousaswellasthemost
learnedandphilosophicoftheancientsspeakofthemintheloftiestterms.Thattheyultimatelybecame
degradedfromtheirhighestate,andcorrupted,weknow.

Theritesofinitiationbecameprogressivelymorecomplicated.Signsandtokenswereinventedby
whichtheChildrenofLightcouldwithfacilitymakethemselvesknowntoeachother.Differ.ant
Degreeswereinvented,asthenumberofInitiatesenlarged,inorderthattheremightbeintheinner
apartmentoftheTempleafavoredfew,towhomalonethemorevaluablesecretswereentrusted,and
whocouldwieldeffectuallytheinfluenceandpoweroftheOrder.OriginallytheMysteriesweremeant
tobethebeginningofanewlifeofreasonandvirtue.Theinitiatedoresotericcompanionsweretaught
thedoctrineoftheOneSupremeGod,thetheoryofdeathandeternity,thehiddenmysteriesofNature,
theprospectoftheultimaterestorationofthesoultothatstateofperfectionfromwhichithadfallen,its
immortality,andthestatesofrewardandpunishmentafterdeath.TheuninitiatedweredeemedProfane,
unworthyofpublicemploymentorprivateconfidence,sometimesprescribedasAtheists,andcertainof
everlastingpunishmentbeyondthegrave.

AllpersonswereinitiatedintothelesserMysteries;butfewattainedthegreater,inwhichthetruespirit
ofthem,andmostoftheirsecretdoctrineswerehidden.Theveilofsecrecywasimpenetrable,sealed
byoathsandpenaltiesthemosttremendousandappalling.Itwasbyinitiationonly,thataknowledgeof
theHieroglyphicscouldbeobtained,withwhichthewalls,columns,andceilingsoftheTempleswere
decorated,andwhich,believedtohavebeencommunicatedtothePriestsbyrevelationfromthe
celestialdeities,theyouthofallrankswerelaudablyambitiousofdeciphering.
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Theceremonieswereperformedatdeadofnight,generallyinapartmentsunderground,butsometimes
inthecentreofavastpyramid,witheveryappliancethatcouldalarmandexcitethecandidate.
Innumerableceremonies,wildandromantic,dreadfulandappalling,hadbydegreesbeenaddedtothe
fewexpressivesymbolsofprimitiveobservances,underwhichtherewereinstancesinwhichthe
terrifiedaspirantactuallyexpiredwithfear.Thepyramidswereprobablyusedforthepurposesof
initiation,aswerecaverns,pagodas,andlabyrinths;fortheceremoniesrequiredmanyapartmentsand
cells,longpassagesandwells.InEgyptaprincipalplacefortheMysterieswastheislandofPhilaeon
theNile,whereamagnificentTempleofOsirisstood,andhisrelicsweresaidtobepreserved.

Withtheirnaturalproclivities,thePriesthood,thatselectandexclusiveclass,inEgypt,India,
Phoenicia,JudeaandGreece,aswellasinBritainandRome,andwhereverelsetheMysterieswere
known,madeuseofthemtobuildwiderandhigherthefabricoftheirownpower.Thepurityofno
religioncontinueslong.Rankanddignitiessucceedtotheprimitivesimplicity.Unprincipled,vain,
insolent,corrupt,andvenalmenputonGod'sliverytoservetheDevilwithal;andluxury,vice,
intolerance,andpridedeposefrugality,virtue,gentleness,andhumility,andchangethealtarwherethey
shouldbeservants,toathroneonwhichtheyreign.

ButtheKings,Philosophers,andStatesmen,thewiseandgreatandgoodwhowereadmittedtothe
Mysteries,longpostponedtheirultimateselfdestruction,andrestrainedthenaturaltendenciesofthe
Priesthood.AndaccordinglyZosimusthoughtthattheneglectoftheMysteriesafterDiocletian
abdicated,wasthechiefcauseofthedeclineoftheRomanEmpire;andintheyear364,theProconsul
ofGreecewouldnotclosetheMysteries,notwithstandingalawoftheEmperorValentinian,lestthe
peopleshouldbedriventodesperation,ifpreventedfromperformingthem;uponwhich,asthey
believed,thewelfareofmankindwhollydepended.TheywerepracticedinAthensuntilthe8thcentury
inGreeceandRomeforseveralcenturiesafterChrist;andinWalesandScotlanddowntothe12th
century.

TheinhabitantsofIndiaoriginallypracticedthePatriarchalreligion.EventhelaterworshipofVishnu
wascheerfulandsocial;accompaniedwiththefestivesong,thesprightlydance,andtheresounding
cymbal,withlibationsofmilkandhoney,garlands,andperfumesfromaromaticwoodsandgums.
ThereperhapstheMysteriescommenced;andinthem,underallegories,weretaughttheprimitive
truths.Wecannot,withinthelimitsofthislecture,detailtheceremoniesofinitiation;andshalluse
generallanguage,exceptwheresomethingfromthoseoldMysteriesstillremainsinMasonry.

TheInitiatewasinvestedwithacordofthreethreads,sotwinedastomakethreetimesthree,and
calledzennar.Hencecomesourcabletow.ItwasanemblemoftheirtriuneDeity,theremembranceof
whomwealsopreserveinthethreechiefofficersofourLodges,presidinginthethreequartersofthat
UniversewhichourLodgesrepresent;inourthreegreaterandthreelesserlights,ourthreemovableand
threeimmovablejewels,andthethreepillarsthatsupportourLodges.
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TheIndianMysterieswerecelebratedinsubterraneancavernsandgrottoshewninthesolidrock;and
theInitiatesadoredtheDeity,symbolizedbythesolarfire.Thecandidate,longwanderingindarkness,
trulywantedLight,andtheworshiptaughthimwastheworshipofGod,theSourceofLight.Thevast
TempleofElephants,perhapstheoldestintheworld,hewnoutoftherock,and135feetsquare,was
usedforinitiations;aswerethestillvastercavernsofSalsette,withtheir300apartments.

Theperiodsofinitiationwereregulatedbytheincreaseanddecreaseofthemoon.TheMysterieswere
dividedintofourstepsorDegrees.Thecandidatemightreceivethefirstateightyearsofage,whenhe
wasinvestedwiththezennar.EachDegreedispensedsomethingofperfection."Letthewretchedman,"
saystheHitopadesa,"practicevirtue,wheneverheenjoysoneofthethreeorfourreligiousDegrees;let
himbeevenmindedwithallcreatedthings,andthatdispositionwillbethesourceofvirtue."

Aftervariousceremonies,chieflyrelatingtotheunityandtrinityoftheGodhead,thecandidatewas
clothedinalinengarmentwithoutaseam,andremainedunderthecareofaBrahminuntilhewas
twentyyearsofage,constantlystudyingandpractisingthemostrigidvirtue.Thenheunderwentthe
severestprobationforthesecondDegree,inwhichhewassanctifiedbythesignofthecross,which,
pointingtothefourquartersofthecompass,washonoredasastrikingsymboloftheUniversebymany
nationsofantiquity,andwasimitatedbytheIndiansintheshapeoftheirtemples.Thenhewas
admittedtotheHolyCavern,blazingwithlight,where,incostlyrobes,sat,intheEast,West,and
South,thethreechiefHierophants,representingtheIndiantriuneDeity.Theceremoniesthere
commencedwithananthemtotheGreatGodofNature;andthenfollowedthisapostrophe:"Omighty
primalCreator!EternalGodofGods!TheWorld'sMansion!ThouarttheIncorruptibleBeing,distinct
fromallthingstransient!ThouartbeforeallGods,theAncientAbsoluteExistence,andtheSupreme
SupporteroftheUniverse!ThouarttheSupremeMansion;andbyThee,OInfiniteForm,theUniverse
wasspreadabroad."

Thecandidate,thustaughtthefirstgreatprimitivetruth,wascalledupontomakeaformaldeclaration,
thathewouldbetractableandobedienttohissuperiors;thathewouldkeephisbodypure;governhis
tongue,andobserveapassiveobedienceinreceivingthedoctrinesandtraditionsoftheOrder;andthe
firmestsecrecyinmaintaininginviolableitshiddenandabstrusemysteries.Thenhewassprinkledwith
water(whenceourbaptism);'certainwords,nowunknown,werewhisperedinhisear;andhewas
divestedofhisshoes,andmadetogothreetimesaroundthecavern.Henceourthreecircuits;hencewe
wereneitherbarefootnorshod:andthewordswerethePasswordsofthatIndianDegree.

TheGymnosophistPriestscamefromthebanksoftheEuphratesintoEthiopia,andbroughtwiththem
theirsciencesandtheirdoctrines.TheirprincipalCollegewasatMeroe,andtheirMysterieswere
celebratedintheTempleofAmun,renownedforhisoracle.EthiopiawasthenapowerfulState,which
precededEgyptincivilization,andhadatheocraticgovernment.AbovetheKingwasthePriest,who
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couldputhimtodeathinthenameoftheDeity.EgyptwasthencomposedoftheThebaidonly.Middle
EgyptandtheDeltawereagulfoftheMediterranean.TheNilebydegreesformedanimmensemarsh,
which,afterwarddrainedbythelaborofman,formedLowerEgypt;andwasformanycenturies
governedbytheEthiopianSacerdotalCaste,ofArabicorigin;afterwarddisplacedbyadynastyof
warriors.ThemagnificentruinsofAxiom,withitsobelisksandhieroglyphics,temples,vasttombsand
pyramids,aroundancientMeroe,arefarolderthanthepyramidsnearMemphis.

ThePriests,taughtbyHermosaembodiedinbookstheoccultandhermeticsciences,withtheirown
discoveriesandtherevelationsoftheSibyls.Theystudiedparticularlythemostabstractsciences,
discoveredthefamousgeometricaltheoremswhichPythagorasafterwardlearnedfromthem,calculated
eclipses,andregulated,nineteencenturiesbeforeCaesar,theJulianyear.Theydescendedtopractical
investigationsastothenecessitiesoflife,andmadeknowntheirdiscoveriestothepeople;they
cultivatedthefinearts,andinspiredthepeoplewiththatenthusiasmwhichproducedtheavenuesof
Thebes,theLabyrinth,theTemplesofKarnac,Denderah,Edfou,andPhilae,themonolithicobelisks,
andthegreatLakeMorris,thefertilizerofthecountry.

ThewisdomoftheEgyptianInitiates,thehighsciencesandloftymoralitywhichtheytaught,andtheir
immenseknowledge,excitedtheemulationofthemosteminentmen,whatevertheirrankandfortune;
andledthem,despitethecomplicatedandterribletrialstobeundergone,toseekadmissionintothe
MysteriesofOsirisandIsis.

FromEgypt,theMysterieswenttoPhoenicia,andwerecelebratedatTyre.Osirischangedhisname,
andbecomeAdoniorDionysos,stilltherepresentativeoftheSun;andafterwardtheseMysterieswere
introducedsuccessivelyintoAssyria,Babylon,Persia,Greece,Sicily,andItaly.InGreeceandSicily,
OsiristookthenameofBacchus,andIsisthatofCeres,Cybele,RheaandVenus.

BarHebraeussays:"Enochwasthefirstwhoinventedbooksanddifferentsortsofwriting.Theancient
GreeksdeclarethatEnochisthesameasMercuryTrismegistus[Hermes],andthathetaughtthesons
ofmentheartofbuildingcities,andenactedsomeadmirablelaws.Hediscoveredtheknowledgeofthe
Zodiac,andthecourseofthePlanets;andhepointedouttothesonsofmen,thattheyshouldworship
God,thattheyshouldfast,thattheyshouldpray,thattheyshouldgiveaims,votiveofferings,and
tenths.Hereprobatedabominablefoodsanddrunkenness,andappointedfestivalsforsacrificestothe
Sun,ateachofthe'ZodiacalSigns."

ManethoextractedhishistoryfromcertainpillarswhichhediscoveredinEgypt,whereoninscriptions
hadbeenmadebyThoth,orthefirstMercury[orHermes],inthesacredlettersanddialect:butwhich
wereafterthefloodtranslatedfromthatdialectintotheGreektongue,andlaidupintheprivate
recessesoftheEgyptianTemples.Thesepillarswerefoundinsubterraneancaverns,nearThebesand
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beyondtheNile,notfarfromthesoundingstatueofMemnon,itaplacecalledSyringes;whichare
describedtobecertainwindingapartmentsunderground;made,itissaid,bythosewhowereskilledin
ancientrites;whoforeseeingthecomingofthedeluge,andfearinglestmemoryoftheirceremonies
shouldbeobliterated,builtandcontrivedvaults,dugwithvastlabor,inseveralplaces.

FromthebosomofEgyptsprangamanofconsummatewisdom,initiatedinthesecretknowledgeof
India,ofPersia,andofEthiopia,namedThothorPhthabyhiscompatriots,TaautbythePhoenicians,
HermesTrismegistusbytheGreeks,andAdrisbytheRabbins.Natureseemedtohavechosenhimfor
herfavorite,andtohavelavishedonhimallthequalitiesnecessarytoenablehimtostudyherandto
knowherthoroughly.TheDeityhad,sotosay,infusedintohimthesciencesandthearts,inorderthat'
hemightinstructthewholeworld.

Heinventedmanythingsnecessaryfortheusesoflifeandgavethemsuitablenames;hetaughtmen
howtowritedowntheirthoughtsandarrangetheirspeech;heinstitutedtheceremoniestobeobserved
intheworshipofeachoftheGods;heobservedthecourseofthestars;heinventedmusic,thedifferent
bodilyexercises,arithmetic,medicine,theartofworkinginmetals,thelyrewiththreestrings;he
regulatedthethreetonesofthevoice,thesharp,takenfromautumn,thegravefromwinter,andthe
middlefromspring,therebeingthenbutthreeseasons.ItwashewhotaughttheGreeksthemodeof
interpretingtermsandthings,whencetheygavehimthenameof`Ee???[Hermes],whichsignifies
Interpreter.

InEgyptheinstitutedhieroglyphics:heselectedacertainnumberofpersonswhomhejudgedfittedto
bethedepositariesofhissecrets,ofsuchonlyaswerecapableofattainingthethroneandthefirst
officesintheMysteries;heunitedtheminabody,createdthemPriestsoftheLivingGod,instructed
theminthesciencesandarts,andexplainedtothemthesymbolsbywhichtheywereveiled.Egypt,
1500yearsbeforethetimeofMoses,reveredintheMysteriesOneSUPREMEGOD,calledtheONLY
UNCREATED.UnderHimitpaidhomagetosevenprincipaldeities,itistoHermes,wholivedatthat
period,thatwemustdistributetheconcealmentorveiling[velation]oftheIndianworship,which
Mosesunveiledorrevealed,changingnothingoftbelawsofHermes,exceptthepluralityofhismystic
Gods.

TheEgyptianPriestsrelatedthatHermes,dying,said:"HithertoIhavelivedanexilefrommytrue
country:nowIreturnthither.Donotweepforme:Ireturntothatcelestialcountrywhithereachgoesin
histurn,ThereisGod.Thislifeisbutadeath."ThisispreciselythecreedoftheoldBuddhistsof
Samaneans,whobelievedthatfromtimetotimeGodsentBuddhasonearth,toreformmen,towean
themfromtheirvices,andleadthembackintothepathsofvirtue.

AmongthesciencestaughtbyHermes,thereweresecretswhichhecommunicatedtotheInitiatesonly
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uponconditionthattheyshouldbindthemselves,byaterribleoath,nevertodivulgethem,exceptto
thosewho,afterlongtrial,shouldbefoundworthytosucceedthem.TheKingsevenprohibitedthe
revelationofthemonpainofdeath.ThissecretwasstyledtheSacerdotalArt,andincludedalchemy,
astrology,magnum[magic],thescienceofspirits,etc.HegavethemthekeytotheHieroglyphicsofall
thesesecretsciences,whichwereregardedassacred,andkeptconcealedintheroostsecretplacesof
theTemple.

ThegreatsecrecyobservedbytheinitiatedPriests,formanyyears,andtheloftyscienceswhichthey
professed,causedthemtobehonoredandrespectedthroughoutallEgypt,whichwasregardedbyother
nationsasthecollege,thesanctuary,ofthesciencesandarts.Themysterywhichsurroundedthem
stronglyexcitedcuriosity.Orpheusmetamorphosedhimself,sotosay,intoanEgyptian.Hewas
initiatedinto.TheologyandPhysics.Andhesocompletelymadetheideasandseasoningsofhis
teachershisown,thathisHymnsratherbespeakanEgyptianPriestthanaGrecianPoet:andhewasthe
firstwhocarriedintoGreecetheEgyptianfables.Pythagoras,everthirstyforlearning,consentedeven
tobecircumcised,inordertobecomeoneoftheInitiates:andtheoccultscienceswererevealedtohim
intheinnermostpartofthesanctuary.

TheInitiatesinaparticularscience,havingbeeninstructedbyfables,enigmas,allegories,and
hieroglyphics,wrotemysteriouslywheneverintheirworkstheytouchedthesubjectoftheMysteries,
andcontinuedtoconcealscienceunderaveiloffictions.WhenthedestructionbyCambysesofmany
cities,andtheruinofnearlyallEgypt,intheyear528beforeourera,dispersedmostofthePriestsinto
Greeceandelsewhere,theyborewiththemtheirsciences,whichtheycontinuedtoteachenigmatically,
thatisto)say,everenvelopedintheobscuritiesoffablesandhieroglyphics;totheendthat'thevulgar
herd,seeing,mightseenothingandhearing,mightcomprehendnothing.Allthewritersdrewfromthis
source:buttheseMysteries,concealedundersomanyunexplainedenvelopes,endedingivingbirthtoa
swarmofabsurdities,which,fromGreece,spreadoverthewholeearth.IntheGrecianMysteries,as
establishedbyPythagoras,therewerethreeDegrees.Apreparationoffiveyears'abstinenceandsilence
wasrequired.Ifthecandidatewasfoundtobepassionateorintemperate,contentious,orambitiousof
worldlyhonorsanddistinctions,hewasrejected.

Inhislectures,Pythagorastaughtthemathematics,asamediumwherebytoprovetheexistenceofGod
fromobservationandbymeansofreason;grammar,rhetoric,andlogic,tocultivateandimprovethat
reason,arithmetic,becauseheconceivedthattheultimatebenefitofmanconsistedinthescienceof
numbers,andgeometry,music,andastronomy,becauseheconceivedthatmanisindebtedtothemfora
knowledgeofwhatisreallygoodanduseful.

HetaughtthetruemethodofobtainingaknowledgeoftheDivinelawsofpurifyingthesoulfromits
imperfections,ofsearchingfortruth,andofpracticingvirtue;thusimitatingtheperfectionsofGod.He
thoughthissystemvain,ifitdidnotcontributetoexpelviceandintroducevirtueintothemind.He
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taughtthatthetwomostexcellentthingswere,tospeakthetruth,andtorenderbenefitstooneanother
particularlyheinculcatedSilence,Temperance,Fortitude,Prudence,andJustice.Hetaughtthe
immortalityofthesoul,theOmnipotenceofGod,andthenecessityofpersonalholinesstoqualifya
manforadmissionintotheSocietyoftheGods.

ThusweowetheparticularmodeofinstructionintheDegreeofFellowCrafttoPythagoras;andthat
Degreeisbutanimperfectreproductionofhislectures.Fromhim,too,wehavemanyofour
explanationsofthesymbols.HearrangedhisassembliesdueEastandWest,becauseheheldthat
MotionbeganintheEastandproceededtotheWest.OurLodgesaresaidtobedueEastandWest,
becausetheMasterrepresentstherisingSun,andofcoursemustbeintheEast.Thepyramids,too,
werebuiltpreciselybythefourcardinalpoints.Andourexpression.thatourLodgesextendupwardto
theHeavens,comesfromthePersianandDruidiccustomofhavingtotheirTemplesnoroofsbutthe
sky.

PlatodevelopedandspiritualizedthephilosophyofPythagorasEvenEusebiustheChristianadmits,
thathereachedtothevestibuleofTruth,andstooduponitsthreshold.TheDruidicalceremonies
undoubtedlycamefromIndia;andtheDruidswereoriginallyBuddhists.

ThewordDruid,likethewordMagi,signifieswiseorlearnedmen;andtheywereatonce
philosophers,magistrates,anddivines.TherewasasurprisinguniformityintheTemples,Priests,
doctrines,andworshipofthePersianMagiandBritishDruids.TheGodsofBritainwerethesameas
theCabiriofSamothrace.OsirisandIsisappearedintheirMysteries,underthenamesofHuand
Ceridwen;andlikethoseoftheprimitivePersians,theirTempleswereenclosuresofhugeunhewn
stones,someofwhichstillremain,andareregardedbythecommonpeoplewithfearandveneration.
Theyweregenerallyeithercircularoroval.Somewereintheshapeofacircletowhichavastserpent
wasattached.ThecirclewasanEasternsymboloftheUniverse,governedbyanOmnipotentDeity
whosecenteriseverywhere,andhiscircumferencenowhere:andtheeggwasanuniversalsymbolof
theworld.SomeoftheTempleswerewinged,andsomeintheshapeofacross;thewingedones
referringtoKneph,thewingedSerpentDeityofEgypt;whencethenameofNavestock,whereoneof
themstood.TemplesintheshapeofacrosswerealsofoundinIrelandandScotland.Thelengthofone
ofthesevaststructures,intheshapeofaserpent,wasnearlythreemiles.Thegrandperiodsfor
initiationintotheDruidicalMysteries,werequarterly;attheequinoxesandsolstices.Intheremote
timeswhentheyoriginated,thesewerethetimescorrespondingwiththe13thofFebruary,1stofMay,
19thofAugust,and1stofNovember.ThetimeofannualcelebrationwasMayEve,andtheceremonial
preparationscommencesatmidnight,onthe29thofApril.Whentheinitiationswereover,onMayEve,
fireswerekindledonallthecairnsandcromlechsintheisland,whichburnedallnighttointroducethe
sportsofMayday.

ThefestivalwasinhonoroftheSun.Theinitiationswereperformedatmidnightandtherewerethree
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Degrees.TheGothicMysterieswerecarriedNorthwardfromtheEast,byOdin;who,beingagreat
warrior,modeledandvariedthemtosuithispurposesandthegeniusofhispeople.Heplacedovertheir
celebrationtwelveHierophants,whowerealikePriests,CounselorsofState,andJudgesfromwhose
decisiontherewasnoappeal.Heheldthenumbersthreeandnineinpeculiarveneration,andwas
probablyhimselftheIndianBuddha.Everythricethreemonths,thricethreevictimsweresacrificedto
thetryuneGod.TheGothshadthreegreatfestivals;themostmagnificentofwhichcommencedatthe
wintersolstice,andwascelebratedinhonorofThor,thePrinceofthePoweroftheAir.Thatbeingthe
longestnightintheyear,andthroneafterwhichtheSuncomesNorthward,itwascommemorativeof
theCreation;andtheytermeditmothernight,astheoneinwhichthecreationoftheworldandlight
fromtheprimitivedarknesstookplace.ThiswastheYule,Jitul,orYeoffeast,whichafterwardbecame
Christmas.Atthisfeasttheinitiationswerecelebrated.ThorwastheSun,theEgyptianOsirisand
Kneph,thePhysicianBelorBaal.Theinitiationswerehadinhugeintricatecaverns,terminating,asall
theMithriaccavernsdid,inaspaciousvault,wherethecandidatewasbroughttolight.

Josephwasundoubtedlyinitiated.AfterhehadinterpretedPharaoh'sdream,thatMonarchmadehim
hisPrimeMinister,lethimrideinhissecondchariot,whiletheyproclaimedbeforehim,ABRSCHI
(*AnEgytianword,meaning,"Bowdown.")andsethimoverthelandofEgypt.Inadditiontothis,the
Kinggavehidanewname,TsapanatPaanakh,andmarriedhimtoAsanat,daughterofPotaiParing,a
PriestofAnorHieropolis,wherewastheTempleofAthomRe,theGreatGodofEgypt;thus
completelynaturalizinghim.Hecouldnothavecontractedthismarriage,norhaveexercisedthathigh
dignity,withoutbeingfirstinitiatedintheMysteries.WhenhisBrethrencametoEgyptthesecond
time,theEgyptiansofhiscourtcouldnoteatwiththem,asthatwouldhavebeenabomination,though
theyatewithJoseph;whowasthereforeregardednotasaforeigner,butasoneofthemselves:andwhen
hesentandbroughthisbrethrenback,andchargedthemwithtakinghiscup,hesaid,"Knowyenotthat
amanlikemepracticesdivination?"thusassumingtheEgyptianofhighrankinitiatedintothe
Mysteries,sadassuchconversantwiththeoccultsciences.

SoalsomustMoseshavebeeninitiatedforhewasnotonlybroughtupinthecourtoftheKing,asthe
adoptedsonoftheKinglydaughter,untilhewasfortyyearsofage;buthewasinstructedinallthe
learningoftheEgyptians,andmarriedafterwardthedaughterofYethru,aPriestofAnlikewise.
StroboandDiodorusbothassertthathewashimselfaPriestofHeliopolis.Beforehewentintothe
Desert,therewereintimaterelationsbetweenhimandthePriesthood;andhehadsuccessfully
commanded,Josephusinformsus,anarmysentbytheKingagainsttheEthiopians.Simpliciusasserts
thatMosesreceivedfromtheEgyptians,intheMysteries,thedoctrineswhichhetaughttothe
Hebrews:andClementofAlexandriaandPhilosaythathewasaTheologianandProphet,and
interpreteroftheSacredLaws.Manetho,citedbyJosephus,sayshewasaPriestofHeliopolis,andthat
histrueandoriginal(Egyptian)namewasAsersaphorOsarsiph.

AndintheinstitutionoftheHebrewPriesthood,inthepowersandprivileges,aswellastheimmunities
andsanctitywhichheconferreduponthem,hecloselyimitatedtheEgyptianinstitutions;making
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publictheworshipofthatDeitywhomtheEgyptianInitiatesworshippedinprivate;andstrenuously
endeavoringtokeepthepeoplefromrelapsingintotheiroldmixtureofChaldaicandEgyptian
superstitionandidolworship,astheywereeverreadyandinclinedtodo;evenAharun,upontheirfirst
clamorousdiscontent,restoringtheworshipofApisasanimageofwhichEgyptianGodhemadethe
goldencalf.TheEgyptianPrieststaughtintheirgreatMysteries,thattherewasoneGod,Supremeand
inapproachable,whohadconceivedtheUniversity.HisIntelligence,beforeHecreateditbyHisPower
andWill.TheywerenoMaterialistsnorPantheists;buttaughtthatMatterwasnoteternalorcoexistent
withthegreatFirstCause,butcreatedbyHim.

TheearlyChristians,taughtbythefounderoftheirReligion,butingreaterperfection,thoseprimitive
truthsthatfromtheEgyptianshadpassedtotheJews,andbeenpreservedamongthelatterbythe
Essenes,receivedalsotheinstitutionoftheMysteries;adoptingastheirobjectthebuildingofthe
symbolicTemple,preservingtheoldScripturesoftheJewsastheirsacredbook,andasthe
fundamentallaw,whichfurnishedthenewveilofinitiationwiththeHebraicwordsandformulas,that,
corruptedanddisfiguredbytimeandignorance,appearinmanyofourDegrees.

Such,myBrother,isthedoctrineofthefirstDegreeoftheMysteries,orthatofchiefoftheTabernacle,
towhichyouhavenowbeenadmitted,andthemorallessonofwhichis,devotiontotheserviceofGod,
anddisinterestedzealandconstantendeavorforthewelfareofmen.Youhaveherereceivedonlyhints
ofthetrueobjectsandpurposesoftheMysteries.Hereafter,ifyouarepermittedtoadvance,youwill
arriveatamorecompleteunderstandingofthemandofthesublimedoctrineswhichtheyteach.Be
content,therefore,withthatwhichyouhaveseenandheard,andawaitpatientlytheadventofthe
greaterlight.

XXIV.PRINCEOFTHETABERNACLE

SYMBOLSwerethealmostuniversallanguageofancienttheology.Theywerethemostobvious
methodofinstruction;forlikenatureherself,theyaddressedtheunderstandingthroughtheeyeandthe
mostancientexpressionsdenotingcommunicationofreligiousknowledge,signifyocularexhibition.
Thefirstteachersofmankindborrowedthismethodofinstructionanditcomprisedanendlessstoreof
pregnanthieroglyphics.TheselessonsoftheoldentimeweretheriddlesoftheSphynx,temptingthe
curiousbytheirquaintness,butinvolvingthepersonalriskoftheadventurousinterpreter."TheGods
themselves,"itwassaid,"disclosetheirintentionstothewise,buttofoolstheirteachingis
unintelligible;"andtheKingoftheDelphicOraclewassaidnottodeclare,norontheotherhandto
conceal;butemphaticallyto"intimateorsignify."

TheAncientSages,bothbarbarianandGreek,involvedtheirmeaninginsimilarindirectionsand
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enigmas;theirlessonswereconveyedeitherinvisiblesymbols,orinthose"parablesanddarksayings
ofold,"whichtheIsraelitesconsidereditasacreddutytohanddownunchangedtosuccessive
generations.Theexplanatorytokensemployedbyman,whetheremblematicalobjectsoractions,
symbolsormysticceremonies,werelikethemysticsignsandportendseitherindreamsorbythe
wayside,supposedtohesignificantoftheintentionsoftheGods;bothrequiredtheaidofanxious
thoughtandskillfulinterpretation.Itwasonlybyaconectappreciationofanalogousproblemsof
nature,thatthewillofHeavencouldbeunderstoodiytheDiviner,orthelessonsofWisdombecome
manifesttotheSage.

TheMysterieswereaseriesofsymbols;andwhatwasspokenthereconsistedwhollyofaccessory
explanationsoftheactorimage;sacredcommentaries,explanatoryofestablishedsymbols;withlittle
ofthoseindependenttraditionsembodyingphysicalormoralspeculation,inwhichtheelementsor
planetsweretheSageactorsandthecreation!andrevolutionsoftheworldwereintermingledwith
recollectionsofancientevents:andyetwithsomuchofthatalso,thatnaturebecameherownexpositor
throughthemediumofanarbitrarysymbolicalinstruction;andtheancientviewsoftherelation
betweenthehumananddivinereceiveddramaticforms.

Therehaseverbeenanintimatealliancebetweenthetwosystems,thesymbolicandthephilosophical,
intheallegoriesofthemonumentsofallages,inthesymbolicwritingsofthepriestsofallnations,in
theritualsofallsecretandmysterioussocieties;therehasbeenaconstantseries,aninvariable
uniformityofprinciples,whichcomefromanaggregate,vastimposing,andtrue,composedofparts
thatfitharmoniouslyonlythere.

Symbolicalinstructionisrecommendedbytheconstantand'uniformusageofantiquity,andithas
retaineditsinfluencethroughoutallages,asasystemofmysteriouscommunication.TheDeity,inhis
revelationstoman,adoptedtheuseofmaterialimagesforthepurposeofenforcingsublimetruths;and
Christtaughtbysymbolsandparables.ThemysteriousknowledgeoftheDruidswasembodiedinsigns
andsymbols.Taliesin,describinghisinitiation,says:"Thesecretswereimpartedtomebytheold
Giantess(Ceridwen,orIsis),withouttheuseofaudiblelanguage."Andagainhesays,"Iamasilent
proficient"Initiationwas,aschool,inwhichweretaughtthetruthsofprimitiverevelation,theexistence
andattributesofoneGod,theimmortalityoftheSoul,rewardsandpunishmentsinafuturelife,the
phenomenaofNature,thearts,thesciences,morality,regulation,philosophy,andphilanthropy,and
whatwenowstylepsychologyandmetaphysics,withanimalmagnetism,andtheotheroccultsciences.

AlltheideasofthePriestsofHindustan,Persia,Syria,Arabia,Chaldaea,Phoenicia,wereknowntothe
EgyptianPriests.TherationalIndianphilosophy,afterpenetratingPersiaandChaldaea,gavebirthto
theEgyptianMysteries.WefindthattheuseofHieroglyphicswasprecededinEgyptbythatofthe
easilyunderstoodsymbolsandfigures,fromthemineral,animal,andvegetablekingdoms,usedbythe
Indians,Persians,andChaldanstoexpresstheirthoughts;andthisprimitivephilosophywasthebasisof
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themodernphilosophyofPythagorasandPlato.Allthephilosophersandlegislatorsthatmade
Antiquityillustrious,werepupilsoftheinitiation;andallthebeneficentmodificationsinthereligions
ofthedifferentpeopleinstructedbythemwereowingtotheirinstitutionandextensionofthe
Mysteries.Inthechaosofpopularsuperstitions,thoseMysteriesalonekeptmanfromlapsinginto
absolutebrutishness.ZoroasterandConfuciusdrewtheirdoctrinesfromtheMysteries.Clementof
Alexandria,speakingoftheGreatMysteries,says:"Hereendsallinstruction.Natureandallthingsare
seenandknownmoraltruthsalonebeentaughttheInitiate,theMysteriescouldneverhavedeserved
norreceivedthemagnificenteulogiumsofthemostenlightenedalienofAntiquity,ofPindar,Plutarch,
Isocrates,Diodorus,Plato,Euripides,Socrates,Aristophanes,Cicero,Epictetus,MarcusAurelius,and
others;philosophershostiletotheSacerdotalSpirit,orhistoriansdevotedtotheinvestigationofTruth.
No,allthesciencesweretaughtthereandthoseoralonwrittentraditionsbrieflycommunicated,which
reachedbacktothefirstageoftheworld.

Socratessaid,inthePhaedoofPlato:"ItwellappearsthatthosewhoestablishedtheMysteries,or
secretassembliesoftheinitiated,werenocontemptiblepersonages,butmenofgreatgenius,whointhe
earlyagesstrovetoteachus,underenigmas,thathewhoshallgototheinvisibleregionswithoutbeing
punfied,willbeprecipitatedintotheabyss;whilehewhoarrivesthere,purgedofthestainsofthis
world,andaccomplishedinvirtue,willbeadmittedtothedwellingplaceoftheDeity.Thejnitiatedare
certaintoattainthecompanyoftheGods."

Pretextatus,ProconsulofAchaia,amanendowedwithallthevirtues,said,inthe4thcentury,thatto
deprivetheGreeksofthoseSacredMysterieswhichboundtogetherthewholehumanrace,wouldmake
lifeinsupportable.Initiationwasconsideredtobeamysticaldeath;adescentintotheinfernalregions,
whereeverypollution,andthestainsandimperfection'sofacorruptandevillifewerepurgedawayby
fireandwater;andtheperfectEpoptwasthensaidtoberegenerated,newborn,restoredtoarenovated
existenceoflife,light,andpurity;andplacedundertheDivineProtection.

Anewlanguagewasadaptedtothesecelebrations,andalsoalanguageofhieroglyphics,unknownto
anybutthosewhohadreceivedthehighestDegree.

Andtothemultimatelywereconfinedthelearning,themoralityandthepoliticalpower,ofevery
peopleamongwhichtheMysterieswerepracticed.Soeffectuallywastheknowledgeofthe
hieroglyphicsofthehighestDegreehiddenfromallbutafavoredfew,thatinprocessoftimetheir
meaningwasentirelylost,andnonecouldinterpretthem.Ifthesamehieroglyphicswereemployedin
thehigherasinthelowerDegrees,theyhadadifferentandmoreabstruseandfigurativemeaning.It
waspretended,inlatertimes,thatthesacredhieroglyphicsandlanguagewerethesamethatwereused
bytheCelestialDeities.Everythingthatcouldheightenthemysteryofinitiationwasadded,untilthe
verynameoftheceremonypossessedastrangecharm,andyetconjuredupthewildestfears.ache
greatestrapturecametobeexpressedbythewordthatsignifiedtopassthroughtheMysteries.

Ebookbroughttoyouby
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ThePriesthoodpossessedonethirdofEgypt.Theygainedmuchoftheirinfluencebymeansofthe
Mysteries,andsparednomeanstoimpressthepeoplewithafullsenseoftheirimportance.They
representedthemasthebeginningofanewlifeofreasonandvirtuetheinitiated,oresoteric
companionsweresaidtoentertainthemostagreeableanticipationsrespectingdeathandeternity,to
comprehendallthehiddenmysteriesofNature,tohavetheirsoulsrestoredtotheoriginalperfection
fromwhichmanhadfallen;andattheirdeathtobebornetothecelestialmansionsoftheGods.The
doctrinesofafuturestateofrewardsandpunishmentsformedaprominentfeatureintheMysteries;and
theywerealsobelievedtoassuremuchtemporalhappinessandgoodfortune,andaffordabsolute
securityagainstthemostimminentdangersbylandandsea.Publicodiumwascastofthosewho
refusedtobeinitiated.Theywereconsideredprofane,unworthyofpublicemploymentorprivate
confidence;andheldtobedoomedtoeternalpunishmentasimpious.Tobetraythesecretsofthe
Mysteries,towearonthestagethedressofanInitiate,ortoholdtheMysteriesupdoderision,wasto
incurdeathatthehandsofpublicvengeance.

ItiscertainthatuptothetimeofCicero,theMysteriesstillretainedmuchoftheiroriginalcharacterof
sanctityandpurity.Andatalaterday,asweknow,Nero,aftercommittingahorriblecrime,didnot
dare,eveninGreece,toaidinthecelebrationoftheMysteries;noratastilllaterdaywasConstantine,
theChristianEmperor,allowedtodoso,afterhismurderofhisrelatives.

Everywhere,andinalltheirforms,theMysterieswerefunereal;andcelebratedthemysticaldeathand
restorationtolifeofsomedivineorheroicpersonage:andthedetailsofthelegendandthemodeofthe
deathvariedinthedifferentCountrieswheretheMysterieswerepracticed.

Theirexplanationbelongsbothtoastronomyandmythology,andtheLegendoftheMaster'sDegreeis
butanotherformofthatoftheMysteries,reachingback,inoneshapeorother,totheremotest
antiquity.

WhetherEgyptoriginatedthelegend,orborroweditfromIndiaorChaldea,itisnowimpossibleto
know.ButtheHebrewsreceivedtheMysteriesfromtheEgyptians;andofcoursewerefamiliarwith
theirlegend,knownasitwastothoseEgyptianInitiates,JosephandMoses.Itwasthefable(orrather
thetruthclothedinallegoryandfigures)ofOsiris,theSun,SourceofLightandPrincipleofgood,and
Typhon,thePrincipleofDarkness,andEvil.InallthehistoriesoftheGodsandHeroeslaycouched
andhiddenastronomicaldetailsandthehistoryoftheoperationsofvisibleNature;andthoseintheir
turnwerealsosymbolsofhigherandprofoundertruths.

NonebutrudeuncultivatedintellectscouldlongconsidertheSunandStarsandthePowersofNatureas
Divine,orasfitobjectsofHumanWorship;andtheywillconsiderthemsowhiletheworldlasts;and
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ever.remainignorantofthegreatSpiritualTruthsofwhichthesearethehieroglyphicsandexpressions.

AbriefsummaryoftheEgyptianlegendwillservetoshowtheleadingideaonwhichtheMysteries
amongtheHebrewswerebased.Osiris,saidtohavebeenanancientKingofEgypt,wastheSun;and
Isis,hiswife,theMoonandhishistoryrecounts,inpoeticalandfigurativestyle,theannualjourneyof
theGreatLuminaryofHeaventhroughthedifferentSignsoftheZodiac.IntheabsenceofOsiris,
Typhon,hisbrother,filledwithenvyandmalice,soughttousurphisthrone;buthisplanswere
frustratedbyIsis.ThenheresolvedtokillOsiris.Thishedid,.bypersuadinghimtoenteracoffinor
sarcophagus,whichhethenflungintotheNile.AlteraLongsearch,Isisfoundthebody,andconcealed
itinthedepthsofaforest;butTyphon,findingitthere,cutitintofourteenpieces,andscatteredthem
hitherandthither.Aftertedioussearch,Isisfoundthirteenpieces,thefisheshavingoatentheother(the
privates),whichshereplacedofwood,andburiedthebodyatPhilae;whereatempleofsurpassing
magnificencewaserectedinhonorofOsiris.

Isis,aidedbyhersonOrus,HorusorHaroeri,warredagainstTyphon,slewhim,reignedgloriously,
andatherdeathwasreunitedtoherhusband,inthesametomb.Typhonwasrepresentedasbornofthe
earth;theupperpartofhisbodycoveredwithfeathers,instaturereachingtheclouds,hisarmsandlegs
coveredwithscales,serpentsdartingfromhimoneveryside,andfireflashingfromhismouth.Horus,
whoaidedinslayinghim,becametheGodoftheSun,answeringtotheGrecianApollo;andTyphonis
buttheanagramofPython,thegreatserpentslainbyApollo.

ThewordTyphon,likeEve,signifiesaserpent,andlife.Byitsformtheserpentsymbolizeslife,which
circulatesthroughallnature.When,towardtheendofautumn,theWoman(Virgo),inthe
constellationsseems(upontheChaldeansphere)tocrushwithherheeltheheadoftheserpent,this
figureforetellsthecomingofwinter,duringwhichlifeseemstoretirefromallbeings,andnolongerto
circulatethroughnature.ThisiswhyTyphonsignifiesalsoaserpent,thesymbolofwinter,which,in
theCatholicTemples,isrepresentedsurroundingtheTerrestrialGlobe,whichsurmountstheheavenly
cross,emblemofredemption.IfthewordTyphonisderivedfromTupoul)itsignifiesatreewhich
producesapples(mala)evils),theJewishoriginofthefallofman.Typhonmeansalsoonewho
supplants,andsignifiesthehumanpassions,whichexpelfromourheartsthelessonsofwisdom.Inthe
EgyptianFable,Isiswrotethesacredwordfortheinstructionofmen,andTyphoneffaceditasfastas
shewroteit.Inmorals,hisnamesignifiesPride,IgnoranceandFalsehood.

WhenIsisfirstfoundthebody,whereithadfloatedashorenearByblos,ashrubofEricaortamarisk
nearithad,bythevirtueofthebody,shotupintoatreearoundit,andprotectedit;andhenceoursprig
ofacacia.IsiswasalsoaidedinhersearchbyAnubis,intheshapeofadog.HewasSiriusortheDog
Star,thefriendandcounselorofOsiris,andtheinventoroflanguage,grammar,astronomy,surveying,
arithmetic,music,andmedicalscience;thefirstmakeroflaws;andwhotaughttheworshipofthe
Gods,andthebuildingofTemples.
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IntheMysteries,thenailingupofthebodyofOsirisinthechestorarkwastermedtheaphanism)or
disappearance[oftheSunattheWinterSolstice,belowtheTropicofCapricorn],andtherecoveryof
thedifferentpartsofhisbodybyIsis,theEuresis,orfinding.Thecandidatewentthroughaceremony
representingthis,inalltheMysterieseverywhere.Themainfactsinthefablewerethesameinall
countries;andtheprominentDeitieswereeverywhereamaleandafemale.

InEgypttheywereOsirisandIsis;inIndia,MahadevaandBhavani;inPhoenicia,Thammuz(or
Adonis)andAstarte;inPhrygia,AtysandCybele;inPersia,MithrasandAsis;inSamothraceand
Greece,DionysusorSabazeusandRhea;inBritain,HuandCeridwen;andinScandinavia,Wodenand
Frea;andineveryinstancetheseDivinitiesrepresentedtheSunandtheMoon.

ThemysteriesofOsiris,Isis,andHorus,seemtohavebeenthemodelofallotherceremoniesof
initiationsubsequentlyestablishedamongthedifferentpeoplesoftheworld.ThoseofAtysandCybele,
celebratedinPhrygia;thoseofCeresandProserpine,atEleusisandmanyotherplacesinGreece,were
butcopiesofthem.ThiswelearnfromPlutarch,DiodorusSiculus,Lactantius,andotherwriters;andin
theabsenceofdirecttestimonyshouldnecessarilyinferitfromthesimilarityoftheadventuresofthese
Deities;fortheancientsheldthattheCeresofheGreekswasthesameastheIsisoftheEgyptians;and
DionusosorBacchusasOsiris.

InthelegendofOsirisandIsis,asgivenbyPlutarch,aremanydetailsandcircumstancesotherthan
thosethatwehavebrieflymentioned;andallofwhichweneednotrepeathere.Osirismarriedhissister
Isis;andlaboredpubliclywithhertoamelioratehelotofmen.Hetaughtthemagriculture,whileIsis
inventedlaws.HebuilttemplestotheGods,andestablishedtheirworship.Bothwerethepatronsof
artistsandtheirusefulinventionsandintroducedtheuseofironfordefensiveweaponsandimplements
ofagriculture,andofgoldtoadornthetemplesoftheGods.Hewentforthwithanarmytoconquer
mentocivilization,teachinghepeoplewhomheovercametoplantthevineandsowgrainforfood.

Typhon,hisbrother,slewhimwhenthesunwasinthesignoftheScorpion,thatistosay,atthe
AutumnalEquinox.Theyhadbeenrivalclaimants,saysSynesius,forthethroneofEgypt,asLightand
Darknesscontendeverfortheempireoftheworld.Plutarchadds,thatatthetimewhenOsiriswas
slain,themoonwasatitsfull;andthereforeitwasinthesignoppositetheScorpion,thatis,theBull,
thesignoftheVernalEquinox.

PlutarchassuresusthatitwastorepresenttheseeventsanddetailsthatIsisestablishedtheMysteries,in
whichtheywerereproducedbyimages,symbols,andareligiousceremonial,wherebytheywere
imitatedandinwhichlessonsofpietyweregiven,andconsolationsunderthemisfortunesthatafflictus
herebelow.ThosewhoinstitutedtheseMysteriesmeanttostrengthenreligionandconsolemenintheir
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sorrowsbytheloftyhopesfoundinareligiousfaith,whoseprincipleswererepresentedtothemcovered
byapompousceremonial,andunderthesacredveilofallegory.

DiodorusspeaksofthefamouscolumnserectednearNysa,inArabia,where,itwassaid,weretwoof
thetombsofOsirisandIsis.Ononewasthisinscription:"IamIsis,Queenofthiscountry.Iwas
instructedbyMercury.NoonecandestroythelawswhichIhaveestablished.Iamtheeldestdaughter
ofSaturn,mostancientoftheGods.IamthewifeandsisterofOsiristheKing.Ifirstmadeknown
tomortalstheuseofwheat.IamthemotherofOrustheKing.InmyhonorwasthecityofBubaste
built.Rejoice,OEgypt,rejoice,landthatgavemebirth!"Andontheotherwasthis:"IamOsiristhe
King,wholedmyarmiesintoallpartsoftheworld,tothemostthicklyinhabitedcountriesofIndia,the
North,theDanube,andtheOcean.IamtheeldestsonofSaturn;Iwasbornofthebrilliantand
magnificentegg,andmysubstanceisofthesamenatureasthatwhichcomposeslight.Thereisno
placeintheUniversewhereIhavenotappeared,tobestowmybenefitsandmakeknownmy
discoveries."Therestwasillegible.

ToaidherinthesearchforthebodyofOsiris,andtonurseherinfantchildHorus,Isissoughtoutand
tookwithherAnubis,sonofOsiris,andhissisterNephte.He,aswehavesaid,wasSirius,thebrightest
starintheHeavens.Afterfindinghim,shewenttoByblos,andseatedherselfnearafountain;where
shehadlearnedthatthesacredchesthadstoppedwhichcontainedthebodyofOsiris.Thereshesat,sad
andsilent,sheddingatorrentoftears.

ThithercamethewomenoftheCourtofQueenAstarte,andshespoketothem,anddressedtheirheir,
pouringuponitdeliciouslyperfumedambrosia.ThisknowntotheQueen,Isiswasengagedasnursefor
herchild,inthepalace,oneofthecolumnsofwhichwasmadeoftheEricaortamarisk,thathadgrown
upoverthechestcontainingOsiris,cutdownbytheKing,andunknowntohim,stillenclosingthe
chest:whichcolumnIsisafterwarddemanded,andfromitextractedthechestandthebody,which,the
latterwrappedinthindraperyandperfumed,shecarriedawaywithher.

BlueMasonry,ignorantofitsimport,stillretainsamongitsemblemsoneofawomanweepingovera
brokencolumn,holdinginherhandabranchofacacia,myrtle,ortamarisk,whileTime,wearetold,
standsbehindhercombingouttheringletsofherhair.Weneednotrepeatthevapidandtrivial
explanationtheregiven,ofthisrepresentationofIsis,weepingatByblos,overthecolumntornfromthe
palaceoftheliving,thatcontainedthebodyofOsiris,whileHorus,theGodofTime,poursambrosia
onherhair.

Nothingofthisrecitalwashistorical;butthewholewasanallegoryorsacredfable,containinga
meaningknownonlytothosewhowereinitiatedintotheMysteries.Alltheincidentswere
astronomical,withameaningstilldeeperlyingbehindthatexplanation,andsohiddenbyadoubleveil.
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TheMysteriesinwhichtheseincidentswererepresentedandexplained,werelikethoseofEleusisin
theirobject,ofwhichPausanias,whowasinitiated,saysthattheGreeks,fromtheremotestantiquity,
regardedthemasthebestcalculatedofallthingstoleadmentalpietyandAristotlesaystheywerethe
mostvaluableofallreligiousinstillations,andthuswerecalledmysteriesparexcellenceandtheTemple
ofEleusiswasregardedas,insomesort,thecommonsanctuaryofthewholeearth,wherereligionhad
broughttogetherallthatwasmostimposingandmostaugust.

TheobjectofalltheMysterieswastoinspiremenwithpiety,andtoconsoletheminthemiseriesof
life.Thatconsolation,soafforded,wasthehopeofahappierfuture,andofpasting,afterdeath,toa
stateofeternalfelicity.CicerosaysthattheInitiatesnotonlyreceivedlessonswhichmadelifemore
agreeable,butdrewfromtheceremonieshappyhopesforthemomentofdeath.

SocratessaysthatthosewhoweresofortunateastobeadmittedtotheMysteries,possessed,when
dying,themostglorioushopesforeternity.AristidessaysthattheynotonlyprocuretheInitiates
consolationsinthepresentlife,andmeansofdeliverancefromthegreatweightoftheirevils,butalso
thepreciousadvantageofpassingafterdeathtoahappierstate.

IsiswastheGoddessofSaisandthefamousFeastofLightswascelebratedthereinherhonor.There
werecelebratedtheMysteries,inwhichwererepresentedthedeathandsubsequentrestorationtolifeof
theGodOsiris,inasecretceremonyandscenicrepresentationofhissufferings,calledtheMysteriesof
Night.

TheKingsofEgyptoftenexercisedthefunctionsofthePriesthoodandtheywereinitiatedintothe
sacredscienceassoonastheyattainedthethrone.SoatAthens,theFirstMagistrate,orArchonKing,
superintendedtheMysteries.'ThiswasanimageoftheunionthatexistedbetweenthePriesthoodand
Royalty,inthoseearlytimeswhenlegislatorsandkingssoughtinreligionapotentpoliticalinstrument.

Herodotussays,speakingofthereasonswhyanimalsweredeifiedinEgypt:"IfIweretoexplainthese
reasons,IshouldbeledtothedisclosureofthoseholymatterswhichIparticularlywishtoavoid,and
which,butfromnecessity,Ishouldnotleavediscussedatall."Sohesays,"TheEgyptianshaveatSais
thetombofacertainpersonage,whomIdonotthinkmyselfpermittedtospecify.Itisbehindthe
TempleofMinerva."[Thelatter,socalledbytheGreeks,wasreallyIsis,whosewastheoftencited
enigmaticalinscription,"Iamwhatwasandisandistocome.Nomortalhathyetunveiledme."]So
againhesays:"UponthislakearerepresentedbynighttheaccidentswhichhappenedtohimwhomI
darenotname.TheEgyptianscallthemtheirMysteries.

Concerningthese,atthesametimethatIconfessmyselfsufficientlyinformed,Ifeelmyselfcompelled
tobesilent.OftheceremoniesalsoinhonorofCeresImaynotventuretospeak,furtherthanthe
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obligationsofreligionwillallowme."

ItiseasytoseewhatwasthegreatobjectofinitiationandtheMysteries;whosefirstandgreatestfruit
was,asalltheancientstestify,tocivilizesavagehordes,tosoftentheirferociousmanners,tointroduce
amongthemsocialintercourse,andleadthemintoawayoflifemoreworthyofmen.Ciceroconsiders
theestablishmentoftheEIeusianMysteriestobethegreatestofallthebenefitsconferredbyAthenson
othercommonwealths;theireffectshavingbeen,hesays,tocivilizemen,softentheirsavageand
ferociousmanners,andteachthemthetrueprinciplesofmorals,whichinitiatemanintotheonlykind
oflifeworthyofhim.Thesamephilosophicorator,inapassagewhereheapostrophizesCeresand
Proserpine,saysthatmankindowestheseGoddessesthefirstelementsofmorallife,aswellasthefirst
meansofsustenanceofphysicallife;knowledgeofthelaws,regulationofmorals,andthoseexamples
ofcivilizationwhichhaveimprovedthemannersofmenandcities.

BacchusinEuripidessaystoPentheus,thathisnewinstitution(theDionysianMysteries)deservedtobe
known,andthatoneofitsgreatadvantageswas,thatitprescribedallimpurity:thatthesewerethe
MysteriesofWisdom,ofwhichitwouldbeimprudenttospeaktopersonsnotinitiated:thattheywere
establishedamongtheBarbarians,whointhatshowedgreaterwisdomthantheGreeks,whohadnot
yetreceivedthem.

Thisdoubleobject,politicalandreligious,oneteachingourdutytomen,andtheotherwhatweoweto
theGods;orrather,respectfortheGodscalculatedtomaintainthatwhichweowethelaws,isfoundin
thatwellknownverseofVirgil,borrowedbyhimfromtheceremoniesofinitiation:"Teachmeto
respectJusticeandtheGods."Thisgreatlesson,whichtheHierophantimpressedontheInitiates,after
theyhadwitnessedarepresentationoftheInfernalregions,thePoetplacesafterhisdescriptionofthe
differentpunishmentssufferedbythewickedinTartarus,andimmediatelyafterthedescriptionofthat
ofSisyphus.

Pausanias,likewise,atthecloseoftherepresentationofthepunishmentsofSisyphusandthedaughters
ofDanaus,intheTempleatDelphi,makesthisreflection;thatthecrimeorimpietywhichinthemhad
chieflymeritedthispunishment,wasthecontemptwhichtheyhadshownfortheMysteriesofEleusis.

FromthisreflectionofPausanias,whowasanInitiate,itiseasytoseethatthePriestsofEleusis,who
taughtthedogmaofpunishmentinTartarus,includedamongthegreatcrimesdeservingthese
punishments,contemptforanddisregardoftheHolyMysteries;whoseobjectwastoleadmentopiety,
andtherebytorespectforjusticeandthelaws,chiefobjectoftheirinstitution,ifnottheonlyone,and
tofvhichtheneedsandinterestofreligionitselfweresubordinate;sincethelatterwasbutameansto
leadmoresurelytothefoyer;forthewholeforceofreligiousopinionsbeinginthehandsofthe
legislatorstobewielded,theyweresureofbeingbetterobeyed.
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TheMysterieswerenotmerelysimpleillustrationsandtheobservationofsomearbitraryformulasand
ceremonies;norameansofremindingmenoftheancientconditionoftheracepriortocivilization:but
theyledmentopietybyinstructioninmoralsandastoafuturelife;whichataveryearlyday,ifnot
originally,formedthechiefportionoftheceremonial.

Symbolswereusedintheceremonies,whichreferredtoagriculture,asMasonryhaspreservedtheear
ofwheatinasymbolandinoneofherwords;buttheirprincipalreferencewastoastronomical
phenomena.Muchwasnodoubtsaidastotheconditionofbrutalityanddegradationinwhichmanwas
sunkbeforetheinstitutionoftheMysteries;buttheallusionwasrathermetaphysical,totheignorance
oftheuninitiated,thantothewildlifeoftheearliestmen.

ThegreatobjectoftheMysteriesofIsis,andingeneralofalltheMysteries,wasagreatandtruly
politicone.Itwastoameliorateourrace,toperfect,itsmannersandmorals,andtorestrainsocietyby
strongerbondsthanthosethathumanlawsimpose.Theyweretheinventionofthatancientscienceand
wisdomwhichexhaustedallitsresourcestomakelegislationperfect;andofthatphilosophywhichhas
eversoughttosecurethehappinessofman,bypurifyinghissoulfromthepassionswhichcantrouble
it,andasianecessaryconsequenceintroducesocialdisorder.Andthattheyweretheworkofgeniusis
evidentfromtheiremploymentofallthesciences,aprofoundknowledgeofthehumanheart,andthe
meansofsubduingit.

Itisastillgreatermistaketoimaginethattheyweretheinventionsofcharlatanism,andmeansof
deception.Theymayinthelapseoftimehavedegeneratedintoimpostureandschoolsoffalseideas;
buttheywerenotsoatthebeginning;orelsethewisestandbestmenofantiquityhaveutteredtoemost
willfulfalsehoods.Inprocess0ftimetheveryallegoriesoftheMysteriesthemselves,Tantalusandits
punishments,Minosandtheotherjudgesofthedead.cametobemisunderstood,andtobefalse
becausetheywereso;whileatfirsttheyweretrue,becausetheywererecognizedasmerelythe
arbitraryformsinwhichtruthswereenveloped.

TheobjectoftheMysterieswastoprocureformanarealfelicityonearthbythemeansofvirtue;and
tothatendhewastaughtthathissoulwasimmortal;andthaterror,sin,andvicemustneeds,byan
inflexiblelaw,producetheirconsequences.TheruderepresentationsofphysicaltortureinTantaluswas
butanimageof,thecertain,unavoidable,eternalconsequencesthatflowbythelawofGod'senactment
fromthesincommittedandtheviceindulgedin.Thepoetsandmystagogueslaboredtopropagatethese
doctrinesofthesoul'simmortalityandthecertainpunishmentofsinandvice,andtoaccreditthem
withthepeople,byteachingthemtheformerintheirpoems,andthelatterinthesanctuaries;andthey
clothedthemwiththecharms,theoneofpoetry,andtheotherofspectaclesandmagicillusions.
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Theypainted,aidedbyalltheresourcesofart,thevirtuousman'shappylifeafterdeath,andthehorrors
ofthefrightfulprisonsdestinedtopunishthevicious.Intheshadesofthesanctuaries,thesedelights
andhorrorswereexhibitedasspectacles,andtheInitiateswitnessedreligiousdramas,underthename
ofinitiationandmysteries.Curiositywasexcitedbysecrecy,bytiedifficultyexperiencedinobtaining
admission,andbytheteststobeundergone.Thecandidatewasamusedbythevarietyofthescenery,
thepompofthedecorations,theappliancesofmachinery.Respectwasinspiredbythegravityand
dignityoftheactorsandthemajestyoftheceremonialandfearandhope,sadnessanddelight,werein
turnsexcited.

TheHierophants,menofintellect,andwellunderstandingthedispositionofthepeopleandtheartof
controllingthem,usedeveryappliancetoattainthatobject,andgiveimportanceandimpressivenessto
theirceremonies.AstheycoveredthoseceremonieswiththeveilofSecrecy,sotheypreferredthat
Night,shouldcoverthemwithitswings.Obscurityaddstoimpressiveness,andassistsillusion;and
theyusedittoproduceaneffectupontheastonishedInitiate.Theceremonieswereconductedin
cavernsdimlylighted;thickgroveswereplantedaroundtheTemples,toproducethatgloomthat
impressesthemindwithareligiousawe.

Theverywordmystery,accordingtoDemetriusPhalereus,wasametaphoricalexpressionthatdenoted
thesecretawewhichdarknessandgloominspired.Thenightwasalmostalwaysthetimefixedfortheir
celebration;andtheywereordinarilytermednocturnalceremonies.InitiationsintotheMysteriesof
Samothracetookplaceatnight;asdidthoseofIsis,ofwhichApuleiusspeaks.

EuripidesmakesBacchussay,thathisMysterieswerecelebratedatnight,becausethereisinnight
somethingaugustandimposing.Nothingexcitesmen'scuriositysomuchasMystery,concealingthings
whichtheydesiretoknowandnothingsomuchincreasescuriosityasobstaclesthatinterposeto
preventthemfrownindulginginthegratificationoftheirdesires.OfthistheLegislatorsand
Hierophantstookadvantage,toattractthepeopletotheirsanctuaries,andtoinducethemtoseekto
obtainlessonsfromwhichtheywouldperhapshaveturnedawaywithindifference,iftheyhadbeen
presseduponthem.InthisspiritofmysterytheyprofessedtoimitatetheDeitywhohidesHimselffrom
oursenses,andconcealsfromusthespringsbywhichHemovestheUniverse.

Theyadmittedthattheyconcealedthehighesttruthsundertheveilofallegory,themoretoexcitethe
curiosityofmen,andtourgethemtoinvestigation.ThesecrecyinwhichtheyburiedtheirMysteries,
hadthatend.

Thosetowhomtheywereconfided,boundthemselves,bythemostfearfuloaths,nevertorevealthem.
Theywerenotallowedeventospeakoftheseimportantsecretswithanyothersthantheinitiated;and
thepenaltyofdeathwaspronouncedagainstanyoneindiscreetenoughtorevealthem,orfoundinthe
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TemplewithoutbeinganInitiate;andanyonewhohadbetrayedthosesecrets,wasavoidedbyall,as
excommunicated.

Aristotlewasaccusedofimpiety,bytheHierophantEurymendon,forhavingsacrificedtothemanesof
hiswife,accordingtotheriteusedintheworshipofCeres.HewascompelledtofleetoChalcis;andto
purgehismemoryfromthisstain,hedirected,byhiswill,theerectionofaStatuetothatGoddess.

Socrates,dying,sacrificedtoEsculapius,toexculpatehimselffromthesuspicionofAtheism.Aprice
wassetontheheadofDiagorasbecausehehaddivulgedtheSecretoftheMysteries.Andocideswas
accusedofthesamecrime,aswasAlcibiades,andbothwerecitedtoanswerthechargebeforethe
inquisitionatAthens,wherethePeopleweretheJudges.AeschylustheTragedianwasaccusedof
havingrepresentedtheMysteriesonthestageandwasacquittedonlyonprovingthathehadneverbeen
initiated.

Seneca,comparingPhilosophytoinitiation,saysthatthemostsacredceremoniescouldbeknowntothe
adaptsalonebutthatmanoftheirpreceptswereknowneventotheProfane.Suchwasthecasewiththe
doctrineofafuturelife,andastateofrewardsandpunishmentsbeyondthegrave.Theancient
legislatorsclothedthisdoctrineinthepompofamysteriousceremony,inmysticwordsandmagical
representations,toimpressuponthemindthetruthstheytaught,bythestronginfluenceofsuchscenic
displaysuponthesensesandimagination.

Inthesamewaytheytaughttheoriginofthesoul,itsfalltotheearthpastthespheresandthroughthe
elements,anditsfinalreturntotheplaceofitsorigin,when,duringthecontinuanceofitsunionwith
earthlymatter,thesacredfire,whichformeditsessence,hadcontractednostains,anditsbrightness
hadnotbeenmarredbyforeignparticles,which,denaturalizingit,weigheditdownanddelayedits
return.Thesemetaphysicalideas,withdifficultycomprehendedbythemassoftheInitiates,were
representedbyfigures,bysymbols,andbyallegoricalanalogies;noideabeingsoabstractthatmendo
notseektogiveitexpressionby,andtranslateitinto,sensibleimages.

TheattractionofSecrecywasenhancedbythedifficultyofobtainingadmission.Obstaclesand
suspenseredoubledcuriosity.ThosewhoaspiredtotheinitiationoftheSunandintheMysteriesof
MathiasinPersia,underwentmanytrials.`theycommencedbyeasytestsandarrivedbydegreesat
thosethatweremostcruel,inwhichthelifeofthecandidatewasoftenendangered.GregoryNazianzen
termsthemtorturesandmysticpunishments.Noonecallbeinitiated,saysSuidas,untilafterhehas
proven,bythemostterribletrials,thathepossessesavirtuoussoul,exemptfromtheswayofevery
passion,andatitwereimpassible.Thereweretwelveprincipaltestsandsomemakethenumberlarger.

ThetrialsoftheEleusinianinitiationswerenotsoterrible;buttheyweresevereandthesuspense,
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aboveallinwhichtheaspirantwaskeptforseveralyears[thememoryofwhichisretainedinMasonry
bytheagesofthoseofthedifferentDegrees],ortheintervalbetweenadmissiontotheinferiorand
initiationinthegreatMysteries,wasaspeciesoftorturetothecuriositywhichitwasdesiredtoexcite.
ThustheEgyptianPrieststriedPythagorasbeforeadmittinghimtoknowthesecretsofthesacred
science.Hesucceeded,byhisincrediblepatienceandthecouragewithwhichhesurmountedall
obstacles,inobtainingadmissiontotheirsocietyandreceivingtheirlessons.AmongtheJews,the
Essenesadmittednoneamongthem,untiltheyhadpassedthetestsorseveralDegrees.

Byinitiation,thosewhobeforewerefellowcitizensonly,becamebrothers,connectedbyacloserbond
thanbefore,bymeansofareligiousfraternity,which,bringingmennearertogether,unitedthemmore
stronglyandtheweakandthepoorcouldmorereadilyappealforassistancetothepowerfulandthe
wealthy,withwhomreligiousassociationgavethemacloserfellowship.

TheInitiatewasregardedasthefavoriteoftheGods.ForhimaloneHeavenopeneditstreasures.
Fortunateduringlife,hecould,byvirtueandthefavorofHeaven,promisehimselfafterdeathan
eternalfelicity.

ThePriestsoftheIslandofSamothracepromisedfavorablewindsandprosperousvoyagestothosewho
werinitiated.ItwaspromisedthemthattheCABIRI,andCastorandPollux,theDioscuri,should
appeartothemwhenthestormraged,andgivethemcalmsandsmoothseasandtheScholiastof
AristophanessaysthatthoseinitiatedintheMysteriestherewerejustmen,whowereprivilegedto
escapefromgreatevilsandtempests.

TheInitiateintheMysteriesofOrpheus,afterhewaspurified,wasconsideredasreleasedfromthe
empireofevil,andtransferredtoaconditionoflifewhichgavehimthehappiesthopes."Ihave
emergedfromevilshewasmadetosay,"andhaveattainedgood."ThoseinitiatedintheMysteriesof
EleusisbelievedthattheSunblazedwithapuresplendorforthemalone.And,asweseeinthecaseof
Pericles,theyflatteredthemselvesthatCeresandProserpineinspiredthemandgavethemwisdomand
counsel.

Initiationdissipatederrorsandbanishedmisfortuneandafterhavingfilledtheheartofmanwithjoy
duringlife,itgavehimthemostblissfulhopesatthemomentofdaWeoweittotheGoddessesof
Eleusis,saysSocrates,thatwedonotleadthewildlifeoftheearliestmenandtothemareduethe
flatteringhopeswhichinitiationgivesusforthemomentofdeathandforalleternity.Thebenefit
whichwereapfromtheseaugustceremonies,saysAristides,isnotonlypresentjoy,adeliveranceand
enfranchisementfromtheoldills;butalsothesweethopewhichwehaveindeathofpassingtoamore
fortunatestate.AndTheonsaysthatparticipationoftheMysteriesisthefinestofallthings,andthe
sourceofthegreatestblessings.Thehappinesspromisedtherewasnotlimitedtothismortallife;butit
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extendedbeyondthegrave.Thereanewlifewastocommence,duringwhichtheInitiatewastoenjoya
blisswithoutalloyandwithoutlimit.TheCorybantespromisedeternallifetotheInitiatesofthe
MysteriesofCybeleandAtys.

ApuleiusrepresentsLucius,whilestillintheformofanass,asaddressinghisprayerstoIsis,whombe
speaksofasthesameasCeres,Venus,Diana,andProserpine,andasilluminatingthewallsofmany
citiessimultaneouslywithherfemininelustre,andsubstitutingherquiveringlightforthebrightraysof
theSun.Sheappearstohiminhisvisionasabeautifulfemale,"overwhosedivineneckherlongthick
hairhungingracefulringlets"Addressinghim,shesays,"TheparentofUniversalnatureattendsthy
call.ThemistressoftheElements,initiativegermofgenerations,SupremeofDeities,Queenof
departedspirits,firstinhabitantofHeaven,anduniformtypeofalltheGodsandGoddesses,propitiated
bythyprayers,iswiththee.Shegovernswithhernodtheluminousheightsofthefirmament,the
salubriousbreezesoftheocean;thesilentdeplorabledepthsoftheshadesbelow;oneSoleDivinity
undermanyforms,worshippedbythedifferentnationsoftheEarthundermanytitles,andwithvarious
areligiousrites."

Directinghimhowtoproceed,atherfestival,toreobtainhishumanshape,shesays:"Throughoutthe
entirecourseoftheremainderofthylife,untiltheverylastbreathhasvanishedfromthylips,thouart
devotedtomyserviceUndermyprotectionwillthylifebehappyandgloriousandwhen,thydaysbeing
spent,thoushalldescendtotheshadesbelow,andinhabittheElysianfields,therealso,eveninthe
subterraneanhemisphere,shallthoupayfrequentworshipfome,thypropitiouspatronandyetfurtherif
throughsedulousobedience,religiousdevotiontomyministry,andinviolablechastity,thoushallprove
thyselfaworthyobjectofdivinefavor,thenshallthoufelltheinfluenceofthepowerthatIalone
possess.Thenumberofthydaysshallbeprolongedbeyondtheordinarydecreesoffate."Inthe
processionofthefestival,LuciussawtheimageoftheGoddess,oneithersideofwhichwerefemale
attendants,that,"withivorycombsintheirhands,madebelieve,bythemotionoftheirarmsandthe
divestingoftheirfingers,tocombandornamenttheGoddess'royalhair."Afterward,cladinlinen
robes,cametheinitiated,"Thehairofthewomenwasmoistenedbyperfume,andenvelopedina
transparentcovering;butthemen,terrestrialstars,asitwere,ofthegreatreligion,werethoroughly
shaven,andtheirbaldheadsshoneexceedingly."AfterwardcamethePriests,inrobesofwhitelinen.
Thefirstborealampintheformofaboat,emittingflamefromanorificeinthemiddle;thesecond,a
smallaltar;thethird,agoldenpalmtree;andthefourthdisplayedthefigureofalefthand,thepalm
openandexpanded,"representingtherebyasymbolofequityandfairdealing,ofwhichthelefthand,
asslowerthantherighthand,andmorevoidofskillandcraft,isthereforeanappropriateemblem."

AfterLuciushad,bythegraceofIsis,recoveredhishumanform,thePriestsaidtohim,"Calamityhath
noholdonthosewhomourGoddesshathchosenforherservice,andwhomhermajestyhath
vindicated."Andthepeopledeclaredthathewasfortunatetobe"thusafteramannerbornagain,andat
oncebetrothedtotheserviceoftheHolyMinistry."
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WhenheurgedtheChiefPriesttoinitiatehim,hewasansweredthattherewasnot"asingleoneamong
theinitiated,ofamindsodegraded,orsobentonhisowndestruction,aswithoutreceivingaspecial
commandfromIsis,todaretoundertakeherministryrashlyandsacrilegiously,andtherebycommitan
actcertaintobringuponhimselfadreadfulinjury."For,continuedtheChiefPriest,thegatesofthe
shadesbelow,andthecareofourlifebeinginthehandsoftheGoddess,theceremonyofinitiationinto
theMysteriesis,asitwere,tosufferdeath,withtheprecariouschanceofresuscitation.Whereforethe
Goddess,inthewisdomofherdivinity,hathbeenaccustomedtoselectaspersonstowhomthesecrets
ofherreligioncanwithproprietybeentrusted,thosewho,standingasitwereontheutmostlimitofthe
courseoflifetheyhavecompleted,maythroughherProvidencebeinamannerbornagain,and
commencethecareerofanewexistence."Whenhewasfinallytobeinitiated,hewasconductedtothe
nearestbaths,andafterhavingbathed,thePriestfirstsolicitedforgivenessoftheGods,andthen
sprinkledhimalloverwiththeclearestandpurestwater,andconductedhimbacktotheTemple;
"where,"saysApuleius,"aftergivingmesomeinstruction,thatmortaltongueisnotpermittedtoreveal,
hebademeforthesucceedingtendaysrestrainmyappetite,eatnoanimalfood,anddrinknowine."

Thesetendayselapsed,thePriestledhimintotheinmostrecessesoftheSanctuary."Andhere,
studiousreader,"hecontinues"peradventurethouwiltbesuffcientlyanxioustoknowallthatwassaid
anddone,which,wereitlawfultodivulge,Iwould'tellthee;and,wertthoupermittedtohear,thou
shouldstknow.Nevertheless,althoughthedisclosurewouldaffixthepenaltyofrashcuriositytomy
tongueaswellasthyears,yetwillI,forfearthoushouldstbetoolongtormentedwithreligious
longing,andsufferthepainofprotractedsuspense,tellthetruthnotwithstanding.ListenthentowhatI
shallrelate.

Iapproachedtheabodeofdeath;withmyfootIpressedthethresholdofProserpine'sPalace.Iwas
transportedthroughtheelements,andconductedbackagain.AtmidnightIsawthebrightlightofthe
sunshining.IstoodinthepresenceoftheGods,theGodsofHeavenandoftheShadesbelow;ay,stood
clearandworshipped.AndnowhaveItoldtheesuchthingsthat,hearing,thounecessarilycanstnot
understand;andbeingbeyondthecomprehensionoftheProfane,Icanenunciatewithoutcommittinga
crime."Afternighthadpassed,andthemorninghaddawned,theusualceremonieswereatanend.
Thenhewasconsecratedbytwelvestolesbeingputuponhim,clothed,crownedwithpalmleaves,and
exhibitedtothepeople.Theremainderofthatdaywascelebratedashisbirthdayandpassedin
festivities;andonthethirddayafterward,thesamereligiousceremonieswererepeated,includinga
religiousbreakfast,"followedbyafinalconsummationofceremonies."

Ayearafterward,hewaswarnedtoprepare.forinitiationintotheMysteriesof"theGreatGod,
SupremeParentofalltheotherGods,theinvincibleOsiris.""For,"saysApuleius,"althoughthereisa
strictconnectionbetweenthereligionsofbothDeities,ANDEVENTHEESSENCEOFBOTH
DIVINITIESISIDENTICAL,theceremoniesoftherespectiveinitiationsareconsiderablydifferent."
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ComparewiththishintthefollowinglanguageoftheprayerofLucius,addressedtoIsis;andwemay
judgewhatdoctrinesweretaughtintheMysteries,inregardtotheDeity:"OHolyandPerpetual
PreserveroftheHumanRace!everreadytocherishmortalsbyThymunificence,andtoaffordThy
sweetmaternalaffectiontothewretchedundermisfortune;Whosebountyisneveratrest,neitherby
daynorbynight,northroughouttheveryminutestparticleofduration;ThouwhostretchestforthThy
healthbearingrighthandoverthelandandovertheseafortheprotectionofmankind,todispersethe
stormsoflife,tounraveltheinextricableentanglementoftheweboffate,tomitigatethetempestsof
fortune,andrestrainthemalignantinfilencesofthestars,theGodsinHeavenadoreThee,theGodsin
theshadesbelowdoTheehomage,thestarsobeyThee,theDivinitiesrejoiceinThee,theelementsand
therevolvingseasonsserveThee!AtThynodtheWindsbreathe,cloudsgather,seedsgrow,buds
germinate;inobediencetoTheetheEarthrevolvesANDTHESUNGIVESUSLIGHT.ITISTHOU
WHOGOVERNESTTHEUNIVERSEANDTREADESTTARTARUSUNDERTHYFEET."

ThenhewasinitiatedintothenocturnalMysteriesofOsirisandSerapis;andafterwardintothoseof
CeresatRome;butoftheceremoniesintheseinitiations,Apuleiussaysnothing.UndertheArchonship
ofEuclid,bastardsandslaveswereexcludedfrominitiation;andthesameexclusionobtainedagainst
theMaterialistsorEpicureanswhodeniedProvidenceandconsequentlytheutilityofinitiation.Bya
naturalprogress,itcameatlengthtobeconsideredthatthegatesofElysiumwouldopenonlyforthe
Initiates,whosesoulshadbeenpurifiedandregeneratedinthesanctuaries.Butitwasneverheld,on
theotherhand,thatinitiationalonesufficed.WelearnfromPlato,thatitwasalsonecessaryforthesoul
tobepurifiedfromeverystain;andthatthepurificationnecessarywassuchasgavevirtue,truth,
wisdom,strength,justice,andtemperance.

EntrancetotheTempleswasforbiddentoallwhohadcommittedhomicide,evenifitwereinvoluntary.
SoitisstatedbybothIsocratesandTheon.MagiciansandCharlatanswhomadetrickeryatrade,and
impostorspretendingtobepossessedbyevilspirits,wereexcludedfromthesanctuaries.Everyimpious
personandcriminalwasrejected;andLampridiusstatesthatbeforethecelebrationoftheMysteries,
publicnoticewasgiven,thatnoneneedapplytoenterbutthoseagainstwhomtheirconsciencesuttered
noreproach,andwhowerecertainoftheirowninnocence.

ItwasrequiredoftheInitiatethathisheartandhandsshouldbefreefromanystain.Porphyrysaysthat
man'ssoul,atdeath,shouldbeenfranchisedfromallthepassions,fromhate,envy,andtheothers;and
inaword,beaspureasitisrequiredtobeintheMysteries.Ofcourseitisnotsurprisingthatparricides
andperkjurors,andotherswhohadcommittedcrimesagainstGodorman,couldnotbeadmitted.

IntheMysteriesofMithras,alecturewasrepeatedtotheInitiateonthesubjectofJustice.Andthe
greatmoral.LessonoftheMysteries,towhichalltheirmysticceremonialtended,expressedinasingle
linebyVirgil,wastopracticeJusticeandreveretheDeity,thusrecallingmentojustice,byconnecting
itwiththejusticeoftheGods,whorequireitandpunishitsinfraction.TheInitiatecouldaspiretothe
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favorsoftheGods,onlybecauseandwhileherespectedtherightsofsocietyandthoseofhumanity.
"Thesun,"saysthechorusofInitiatesinAristophanes,"burnswithapurelightforusalone,who,
admittedtothe'Mysteries,observethelawsofpietyinourintercoursewithstrangersandourfellow
citizens."Therewardsofinitiationwereattachedtothepracticeofthe,socialvirtues.Itwasnotenough
tobeinitiatedmerely.Itwasnecessarytobefaithfultothelawsofinitiation,whichimposedonmen
dutiesinregardtotheirkind.BacchusallowednonetoparticipateinhisMysteries,butmenwho
performedtotherulesofpietyandjustice.Sensibility,aboveall,andcompassionforthemisfortunesof
others,werepreciousvirtues,whichinitiationstrovetoencourage."Nature,"saysJuvenal"hascreated
uscompassionate,sinceithasendoweduswithtears.

Sensibilityisthemostadmirableofoursenses.WhatmanistrulyworthyofthetorchoftheMysteries;
whosuchasthePriestofCeresrequireshimtobe,ifheregardsthemisfortunesofothersaswholly
foreigntohimself?"

Allwhohadnotusedtheirendeavorstodefeataconspiracy,andthosewhohadonthecontrary
fomentedone;thosecitizenswhohadbetrayedtheircountry,whohadsurrenderedanadvantageous
postorplace,orthevesselsoftheState,totheenemy;allwhohadsuppliedtheenemywithmoney;and
ingeneral,allwhohadcomeshortoftheirdutiesashonestmenandgoodcitizens,wereexcludedfrom
theMysteriesofEleusis.Tobeadmittedthere,onemusthavelivedequitably,andwithsuffcientgood
fortunenottoberegardedashatedbytheGods.

ThustheSocietyoftheInitiateswas,initsprinciple,andaccordingtothetruepurposeofitsinstitution,
asocietyofvirtuousmen,wholaboredtofreetheirsoulsfromthetyrannyofthepassions,andto
developthegermofallthesocialvirtues,Andthiswasthemeaningoftheidea,afterward
misunderstood,thatentryintoElysiumwasonlyallowedtotheInitiatesbecauseentrancetothe
sanctuarieswasallowedtothevirtuousonly,andElysiumwascreatedforvirtuoussoulsalone.

Theprecisenatureanddetailsofthedoctrinesastoafuturelife,andrewardsandpunishmentsthere,
developedintheMysteries,isinameasureuncertain.Littledirectinformationinregardtoithascorme
downtous.Nodoubt,intheceremonies,therewasascenicrepresentationofTantalusandthe
judgmentofthedead,resemblingthatwhichwefindinVirgil:butthereisaslittledoubtihatthese
representationswereexplainedtobeallegorical.Itisnotourpurposeheretorepeatthedescriptions
givenWeareonlyconcernedwiththegreatfactthattheMysteriestaughtthedoctrineofthesoul's
immortality,andthat,insomeshape,suffering,pain,remorse,andagony,everfollowsinasits
consequences.

Humanceremoniesareindeedbutimperfectsymbolsandthealternatebaptismsinfireandinwater
intendedtopurifyusintoimmortality,areeverin,thisworldinterruptedatthemomentoftheir
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anticipatedcompletion.Lifeitsamirrorwhichreflectsonlytodeceive,atissueperpetually.Interrupted
andbroken,anurnforeverfed,yetneverfull.

Allinitiationisbutintroductorytothegreatchangeofdeath.Baptism,anointing,embalming,
obsequiesbyburialorfire,arepreparatorysymbols,liketheinitiationofHerculesbeforedescendingto
theShades,pointingoutthementalchangewhichoughttoprecedetherenewalofexistence.Deathis
thetrueinitiation,towhichsleepistheintroductoryorminormystery.Itisthefinalritewhichunited
theEgyptianwithhisGod,andwhichopensthesamepromisetoallwhoaredulypreparedforit.

Thebodywasdeemedaprisonforthesoul;butthelatterwasnotcondemnedtoeternalbanishmentand
imprisonment.TheFatheroftheWorldspermitsitschainstobebroken,andhasprovidedinthecourse
ofNaturethemeansofitsescape.Itwasadoctrineofimmemorialantiquity,sharedalikebyEgyptians,
Pythagoreans,theOrphici,andbythatcharacteristicBacchusSage,"thePreceptoroftheSoul,"
Silence,thatdeathisfarbetterthanlife;thattherealdeathbelongstothosewhoonearthareimmersed
intheLetheofitspassionsandfascinations,andthatthetruelifecommencesonlywhenthesoulis
emancipatedforitsreturn.

Andinthissense,aspresidingoverlifeanddeath,DionysusisinthehighestsensetheLIBERATOR.
Since,likeOsiris,hefreesthesoul,andguidesitinitsmigrationsbeyondthegrave,preservingitfrom
theriskofagainfallingundertheslaveryofmatterorofsomeinferioranimalform,thepurgatoryof
Metempsychosis;andexaltingandperfectingitsnaturethroughthepurifyingdisciplineofhis
Mysteries."Thegreatconsummationofallphilosophy,"saidSocrates,professedlyquotingfrom
traditionalandmysticsources,"isDeath:Hewhopursuesphilosophyaright,isstudyinghowtodie."

AllsoulispartoftheUniversalSoul,whosetotalityisDionysus;anditisthereforehewho,asSpiritof
Spirits,leadsbackthevagrantspirittoitshome,andaccompaniesitthroughthepurifyingprocesses,
bothrealandsymbolical,ofitsearthlythansit.HeisthereforeemphaticallytheMysticorHierophant,
thegreatSpiritualMediatorofGreekreligion.

ThehumansoulisitselfdemoniosaGodwithersthemind,capablethroughitsownpowerofrivaling
thecanonizationoftheHero,ofmakingitselfimmortalbythepracticeofthegood,andthe
contemplationofthebeautifulandtrue.

TheremovaltotheHappyIslandscouldonlybeunderstoodmythically;everythingearthlymustdie;
Man,likeOEdipus,iswoundedfromhisbirth,hisrealmelysiumcanexistonlybeyondthegrave.
Dionysusdiedanddescendedtotheshades.HispassionwasthegreatSecretoftheMysteries;asDeath
istheGrandMysteryofexistence.Hisdeath,typicalofNature'sDeath,orofherperiodicaldecayand
restoration,erasoneofthemanysymbolsofthepalingenesiaorsecondbirthofman.
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MandescendedfromtheelementalForcesorTitans[Elohim],whofedonthebodyofthePantheistic
DeitycreatingtheUniversebyselfsacrifice,commemoratesinsacramentalobservancethismysterious
passion;andwhilepartakingoftherawfleshofthevictim,seemstobeinvigoratedbyafreshdraught
fromthefountainofunversallife,toreceiveanewpledgeofregeneratedexistence.Deathisthe
inseparableantecedentoflife;theseedliesinordertoproducetheplant,andearthishelfisrentasunder
anddiesatthebirthofDionusos.Hencethesignificancyofthephallus,orofitsinoffensivesubstitute,
theobelisk,risingasanemblemofresurrectionbythetombofburiedDeityatLernaoritSais.

DionysusOrpheusdescendedtotheShadestorecoverthelostVirginoftheZodiac,tobringbackhis
mothertotheskyasThyone;orwhathasthesamemeaning,toconsummatehiseventfulmarriagewith
Persephone,therebysecuring,likethenuptialsofhisfatherwithSemeleorDanae,theperpetuityof
Nature.

Hisunderearthofficeisthedepressionoftheyear,thewintryaspectinthealternationsofbulland
serpent,whoseunited`seriesmakesupthecontinuityofTime,andinwhirls,physicallyspeaking,the
stashanddarkareevertheparentsofthebeautifulandbright.

TheMysteries,thehumansuffererwasconsoledbywitnessingtheseverertrialsoftheGods;andthe
vicissitudesoflifeanddeath,expressedbyappositesymbols,suchasthesacrificeorsubmissionofthe
Bull,theextinctionandreilluminationofthetorch,excitedcorrespondingemotionsofalternategrief
andjoy,thatplayofpassionwhichwaspresentattheoriginofNature,andwhichaccompaniesallher
changes.

ThegreaterEleusiniaewerecelebratedinthemonthBoedromion,whentheseedwasburiedinthe
ground,andwhentheyear,vergingtoitsdecline,disposesthemindtoseriousreflection.Thefirstdays
oftheceremonialwerepassedinsorrowandanxioussilence,infastingandexpiatoryorlustraloffices.
Onasudden,thescenewaschangedsorrowandlamentationwerediscarded,thegladnameofBacchus
passedfrommouthtomouth,theimageoftheGod,crownedwithmyrtleandbearingalightedtorch,
wasbornein,joyfulprocessionfromtheCeramicustoEleusis,where,duringtheeensuingnight,the
initiationwascompletedbyanimposingrevelation.Thefirstscenewasinthepaonaos,oroutercourt
ofthesacredenclosure,whereamidstutterdarkness,orwhilethemeditatingGod,thestarilluminating
theNocturnalMystery,alonecarriedanunextinguishedtorch,thecandidateswereoverawedwith
terrificsoundsandnoises,whiletheypainfullygropedtheirway,asinthegloomycavernofthesoul's
sublunarmigration;ascenejustlycomparedtothepassageoftheValleyoftheShadowofDeath.For
bytheimmutablelawexemplifiedinthetrialsofPsyche,manmustpassthroughtheterrorsofthe
underworld,beforehecanreachtheheightofHeaven.Atlengththegatesoftheadytumwerethrown
open,asupernaturallightstreamedfromtheilluminatedstatueoftheGoddess,andenchantingsights
andsounds,mingledwithsongsanddances,exaltedthecommunicanttoaraptureofsupremefelicity,
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realizing,asfarassensuousimagerycoulddepict,theanticipatedreunionwiththeGods.

Inthedearthofdirectevidenceastothedetailoftheceremoniesenacted,orofthemeaningsconnected
withthem,theirtendencymustbeinferredfromthecharacteristicsofthecontemplateddeitieswith
theiraccessorysymbolsandmythi,orfromdirecttestimonyastothevalueoftheMysteriesgenerally.
Theordinaryphenomenaofvegetation,thedeathoftheseedingivingbirthtotheplant,connectingthe
sublimesthopeswiththeplainestoccurrences,wasthesimpleyetbeautifulformulaassumedbythe
greatmysteryinalmostallreligions,fromtheZendAvestatotheGospel.AsProserpine,thedivine
powerisastheseeddecayinganddestroyed;asArtemis,sheistheprincipleofitsdestruction;but
ArtemisProserpineisalsoCoreSoteria,theSaviour,wholeadstheSpiritsofHerculesandHyacinthus
toHeaven.ManyotheremblemswereemployedintheMysteries,asthedove,themyrtlewreath,and
others,allsignificantofliferisingoutofdeath,andoftheequivocalconditionofdyingyetimmortal
man.

ThehorrorsandpunishmentsofTantalus,asdescribedinthePhaedoandtheAEneid,withallthe
ceremoniesofthejudgmentsofMinos,Eacus,andRhadamanthus,wererepresented,sometimesmore
andsometimeslessfully,intheMysteries;inordertoimpressuponthemindsoftheInitiatesthisgreat
lesson,thatweshouldbeeverpreparedtoappearbeforetheSupremeJudge,withaheartpureand
spotless;asSocratesteachesintheGorgias.Forthesoulstainedwithcrimes,hesays,todescendtothe
Shades,isthebitterestill.ToadheretoJusticeandWisdom,Platoholds,isourduty,thatwemaysome
daytakethatloftyroadthatleadstowardtheheavens,andavoidmostoftheevilstowhichthesoulis
exposedinitssubterraneanjourneyofathousandyears.AndsointhePhaedo,Socratesteachesthatwe
shouldseekherebelowtofreeoursoulofitspassions,inordertobereadytoenterourappearance,
wheneverDestinysummonsustotheShades.

ThustheMysteriesinculcatedagreatmoraltruth,veiledwithafableofhugeproportionsandthe
appliancesofanimpressivespectacle,towhichexhibitedinthesanctuariesartandnaturalmagiclent
alltheyhadthatwasimposing.

Theysoughttostrengthenmenagainstthehorrorsofdeathandthefearfulideaofutterannihilation.
Death,saystheauthorofthedialogue,entitledAxiochus,includedintheworksofPlato,isbuta
passagetoahappierstate;butonemusthavelivedwell,toattainthatmostfortunateresult.Sothatthe
doctrineoftheimmortalityofthesoulwasconsolingtothevirtuousandreligiousmanalone;whileto
allothersitcamewithmenacesanddespair,surroundingthemwithterrorsandalarmsthatdisturbed
theirreposeduringalltheirlife.

ForthematerialhorrorsofTantalus,allegoricaltotheInitiate,wererealtothemassoftheProfane;nor
inlattertimes,did,perhapsmanyInitiatesreadrightlytheallebaory.Thetriplewalledprison,which
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thecondemnedsoulfirstmet,roundwhichswelledandsurgedthefierywavesofPhlegethon,wherein
rolledroaring,huge,blazingrocks;thegreatgatewithcolumnsofadamant,whichnonesavetheGods
couldcrush;Tisiphone,theirwarder,withherbloodyrobes;thelashresoundingonthemangledbodies
ofthemiserableunfortunates,theirplaintivegroans,mingledinhorrid'harmonywiththeclashingof
theirchains;theFuries,lashingtheguiltywiththeirsnakes;theawfulabysswhereHydrahowlswithits
hundredheads,greedytodevour;Tityus,prostrate,andhisentrailsfeduponbythecruelvulture;
Sisyphus,everrollinghisrock;Ixiononhiswheel;Tantalustorturedbyeternalthirstandhunger,inthe
midstofwaterandwithdeliciousfruitstouchinghishead;thedaughters,ofDanausattheireternal,
fruitlesstask;beastsbitingandvenomousreptilesstinging;anddevouringflameeternallyconsuming
bodieseverrenewedinendlessagony;allthesesternlyimpresseduponthepeopletheterrible
consequencesofsinandvice,andurgedthemtopursuethepathsofhonestyandvirtue.

Andif,intheceremoniesoftheMysteries,thesematerialhorrorswereexplainedtotheInitiatesas
meresymbolsoftheunimaginabletorture,remorse,andagonythatwouldrendtheimmaterialsouland
racktheimmortalspirit,theywerefeebleandinsufficientinthesamemodeandmeasureonly,asall
materialimagesandsymbolsfallshortofthatwhichisbeyondthecognizanceofoursensesandthe
graveHierophant,theimagery,thepaintings,thedramatichorrors,thefuneralsacrifices,theaugust
rnysteries,thesolemnsilenceofthesanctuaries,werenonethelessimpressive,becausetheywere
knowntobebutsymbols,thatwithmaterialshowsandimagesmadetheimaginationtobetheteacher
oftheintellect,expiation;andthetestsofwater,air,andflrewererepresented;bymeansofwhich,
duringthemarchofmanyyears,thesoulcouldbepurified,andrisetowardtheetherealregions;that
ascentbeingmoreorlesstediousandlaborious,accordingaseachsoulwasmoreorlesscloggedbythe
grossimpedimentsofitssinsandvices.Hereinwasshadowedforth,(howdistinctlytaughttheInitiates
weknownot),thedoctrinethatpainandsorrow,misfortuneandremorse,aretheinevitable
consequencesthatflowfromsinandvice,aseffectflowsfromcause;thatbyeachsinandeveryactof
vicethesouldropsbackandlosesgroundinitsadvancetowardperfectionandthatthegroundso,lost
isandwillbeinrealityneversorecoveredasthatthesinshallbeasifitneverhadbeencommitted;but
thatthroughoutalltheeternityofitsexistence',eachsoulshallbeconsciousthateveryactofviceor
basenessitdidonearthhasmadethedistancegreaterbetweenitselfandultimateperfection.

Weseethistruthglimmeringinthedoctrine,taughtintheMysteries,thatthoughslightandordinary
offencescouldbeexpiatedbypenances,repentance,actsofbeneficence,andprayers,gravecrimes
weremortalsins,beyondthereachofallsuchremedies.EleusisclosedhergatesagainstNeroandthe
PaganPrieststoldConstantinethatamongalltheirmodesofexpiationtherewasnonesopotentas
couldwashfromhissoulthedarkspotsleftbythemurderofhiswife,andhismultipliedperjuriesand
assassinations.

Theobjectoftheancientinitiationsbeingtoamelioratemankindandtoperfecttheintellectualpartof
man,thenatureofthehumansoul,itsorigin,itsdestination,itsrelationstothebodyandtouniversal
nature,allformedpartofthemysticscienceandtotheminpartthelessonsgiventotheInitiatewere
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directed.Foritwasbelievedthatinitiationtendedtohisperfection,andtopreventing,thedivinepart
withinhim,overloadedwith,mattergrossandearthy,frombeingplungedintogloom,andimpededin
itsreturntotheDeity.Thesoul,withthem,wasnotamereconceptionorabstraction;butareality
includinginitselflifeandthought;or,rather,ofwhoseessenceitwastoliveandthink.Itwasmaterial;
butnotbrute,inert,inactive,lifeless,motionless,formless,lightlessmatter.Itwasheldtobeactive,
reasoning,thinking;itsnaturalhomeinthehighestregionsoftheUniverse,whenceitdescendedto
illuminate,giveformandmovementto,vivify,animate,andcarrywithitselfthebasermatterand
whitheritunceasinglytendstoreascend,whenandassoonasitcanfreeitselffromitsconnectionwith
thatmatter.Fromthatsubstance,divine,infinitelydelicateandactive,essentiallyluminous,thesouls
ofmenwereformed,andbyitalone,unitingwithandorganizingtheirbodies,menlived.

ThiswasthedoctrineofPythagoras,wholearneditwhenhereceivedtheEgyptianMysteries:andit
wasthedoctrineofallwho,bymeansoftheceremonialofinitiation,thoughttopurifythesoul.Virgil
makesthespiritofArchivesteachittoAEneas:andalltheexpiationsandlustrationsvisedinthe
Mysterieswerebutsymbolsofthoseintellectualoliesbywhichthesoulwastobepurgedofitsvice
spotsandstains,andfreedoftheencumbranceofitsearthlyprison,sothatitmightriseunimpededto
thesourcefromwhichitcame.

Hencesprungthedoctrineofthetransmigrationofsouls;whichPythagorastaughtasanallegory,and
thosewhocameafterhimreceivedliterally.Plato,likehim,drewhisdoctrinesfromtheEastandthe
Mysteries,andundertooktotranslatethelanguageofthesymbolsusedthere,intothatofPhilosophy;
andtoprovebyargumentandphilosophicaldeduction,whatfeltbytheconsciousness,theMysteries
taughtbySymbolsasanindisputablefact,theimmortalityofthesoul.Cicerodidthesame;and
followedtheMysteriesinteachingthattheGodswerebutmortalmen,whofortheirgreatvirtuesand
signalserviceshaddeservedthattheirsoulsshould,afterdeath,beraisedtothatloftyrank.

ItbeingtaughtintheMysteries,eitherbywayofallegory,themeaningofwhichwasnotmadeknown
excepttoaselectfew,or,perhapsonlyatalaterday,asanactualreality,thatthesoulsofthevicious
deadpassedintothebodiesofthoseanimalstowhosenaturetheirviceshadmostaffinity,itwasalso
taughtthatthesoulcouldavoidthesetransmigrations,oftensuccessiveandnumerous,bythepractice
ofvirtue,whichwouldacquititofthrum,freeitfromthecircleofsuccessivegenerations,andrestoreit
atoncetoitssource.HencenothingwassoardentlyprayedfarbytheInitiates,saysProclus,asthis
happyfortune,which,deliveringthemfromtheempireofEvil,wouldrestorethemtotheirtruelife,and
conductthemtotheplaceoffinalrest.Tothisdoctrineprobablyreferredthosefiguresofanimalsand
monsterswhichwereexhibitedtotheInitiate,beforeallowinghimtoseethesacredlightforwhichhe
sighed.Platosays,thatsoulswillnotreachthetermoftheirills,untiltherevolutionsoftheworldhave
restoredthemtotheirprimitivecondition,andpurifiedthemfromthestainswhichtheyhavecontracted
bythecontagionoffire,earth,andair.AndheheldthattheycouldnotbeallowedtoenterHeaven,
untiltheyhaddistinguishedthemselvesbythepracticeofvirtueinsomeoneofthreeseveralbodies.
TheManicheansallowedfive:Pindar,thesame.numberasPlato;asdidtheJews.AndCicerosays,that
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theancientsoothsayers,andtheinterpolatorsofthewilloftheGods,intheirreligiousceremoniesand
initiations,taughtthatweexpiateherebelowthecrimescommittedinapriorlife;andforthatareborn.
ItwastaughtintheseMysteries,thatthesoulpasses'throughseveralstates,andthatthepainsand
sorrowsofthislifeareanexpiationofpriorfaults.

Thisdoctrineoftransmigrationofsoulsobtained,asPorphyryinformsus,amongthePersiansand
Magi.ItwasheldintheEastandtheWest,andthatfromtheremotestantiquity.Herodotusfound,it
amongtheEgyptians,whomadethetermofthecircleofmigrationsfromonehumanbody,through
animals,fishes,andbirds,toanotherhumanbody,'threethousandyears.Empedoclesevenheldthat
soulswentintoplants.Ofthese,thelaurelwasthenoblest,asofanimalsthelion;bothbeing
consecratedtotheSun,towhich,itwasheldintheOrient,virtuoussoulsweretoreturn.TheCurds,the
Chinese,theCabbalists,allheldthesamedoctrine.SoOriginheld,andtheBishopSynesius,thelatter
ofwhomhadbeeninitiated,andwhothusprayedtoGod:"OFather,grantthatmysoul,reunitedtothe
light,maynotbeplungedagainintothedefilementsofearth,"SotheGnosticsheld;andeventhe
DisciplesofChristinquiredifthemanwhowasbornblind,wasnotsopunishedforsomesinthathe
hadcommittedbeforehisbirth.

Virgil,inthecelebratedallegoryinwhichhedevelopsthedoctrinestaughtintheMysteries,enunciated
thedoctrine,heldby"mostoftheancientphilosophers,ofthepreexistenceof`souls,intheeternalfire
fromwhichtheyemanate;thatfirewhichanimatesthestars,andcirculatesineverypartofNatureand
thepurificationsofthesoul,byfire,water,andair,ofwhichhespeaks,andwhichthreemodeswere
employedintheMysteriesofBacchus,weresymbolsofthepassageofthesoulintodifferentbodies.

Therelationsofthehumansoulwiththerestofnaturewereachiefobjectofthescienceofthe
Mysteries.Themanwastherebroughtfacetofacewithentirenature,Theworld,andthespherical
envelopethatsurroundsit,wererepresentedbyamysticegg,bythesideoftheimageoftheSunGod
whoseMysterieswerecelebrated.ThefamousOrphiceggwasconsecratedtoBacchusinhisMysteries.
Itwas,saysPlutarch,animageoftheUniverse,whichengenderseverything,andcontainseverythingin
itsbosom."Consult,"saysMacrobius,"theInitiatesofthe?MysteriesofBacchus,whohonorwith
specialvenerationthesacredegg."Theroundedandalmostsphericalformofitsshell,hesays,which
enclosesitoneveryside,andconfineswithinitselftheprinciplesoflife,isasymbolicimageofthe
worldandtheworldistheuniversalprincipleofallthings.

ThissymbolwasborrowedfromtheEgyptians,whoalsoconsecratedtheeggtoOsiris,germofLight,
himselfborn,sansDiodorus,fromthatfamousegg.InThebes,inUpperEgypt,hewasrepresentedas
emittingitfromhismouth,andcausingtoissuefromitthefirstprincipleofheatandlight,ortheFire
God,Vulcan,orPhtha.WefindthiseggeveninJapan,betweenthehornsofthefamousMithriacBull,
whoseattributesOsiris,Apis,andBacchusallborrowed.
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Orpheus,authoroftheGrecianMysteries,whichhecarriedfromEgypttoGreece,consecratedthis
symbol:andtaughtthatmatter,untreatedandinformers,existedfromalleternity,unorganized,as
chaos;containinginitselfthePrinciplesofallExistencesconfusedandintermingled,lightwith
darkness,thedrywiththehumid,heatwithcold;fromwhich,itafterlongagesseekingtheshapeofan
immenseegg,issuedthepurestmatter,orFirstsubstance,andtheresiduewasdividedintothefour
elements,fromwhichproceededheavenandearthandallthingselse.ThisGrandCosmogonicideahe
taughtintheMysteries;andthustheHierophantexplainedthemeaningofthemysticegg,seenbythe
initiatesintheSanctuary.

ThusentireNature,inherprimitiveorganization,waspresentedtohimwhomitwaswishedtoinstruct
inhersecretsandinitiateinhermysteries;andClementofAlexandriamightwellsaythatinitiationwas
arealphysiology.

SoPhanes,theLightGod,intheMysteriesoftheNewOrphics,emergedfromtheeggofchaos:and
thePersianshadthegreateggofOrmuzd.AndSanchoniathontellsusthatinthePhoeniciantheology,
thematterofchaostooktheformofanegg;andheadds:"Such,arethelessonswhichtheSonof
ThabionfirstHierophantofthePhoenicians,turnedintoallegories,inwhichphysicsandastronomy
intermingled,andwhichhetaughttotheotherHierophants,whosedutyitwastopresideatorgiesand
initiationsandwho,seekingtoexcitetheastonishmentandadmirationofmortals,faithfullytransmitted
thesethingstotheirsuccessorsandtheInitiates."

IntheMysterieswasalsotaughtthedivisionoftheUniversalCauseintoanActiveandaPassivecause;
ofwhichtwo,OsirisandIsis,theheavensandtheearthweresymbols.ThesetwoFirstCauses,into
whichitwasheldthatthegreatUniversalFirstCauseatthebeginningofthingsdivideditself,werethe
twogreatDivinities,whoseworshipwas,accordingtoVarro,inculcatedupontheInitiatesat
Samothrace."Asistaught,"hesays,"intheinitiationintotheMysteriesatSamothrace,Heavenand
EarthareregardedasthetwofirstDivinities.TheyarethepotentGodsworshippedinthatIsland,and
whosenamesareconsecratedinthebooksofourAugurs.Oneofthemismaleandtheotherfemale;
andtheybearthesamerelationtoeachotherasthesouldoestothebody,humiditytodryness."The
Curates,inCrete,hadbuiltanaltartoHeavenandtoEarth;whoseMysteriestheycelebratedat
Gnossus,inacypressgrove.

ThesetwoDivinities,theActiveandPassivePrinciplesoftheUniverse,werecommonlysymbolizedby
thegenerativepastsofmanandwoman;towhich,inremoteayes,noideaofindecencywasattached;
thePhallusandCteis,emblemsofgenerationandproduction,andwhich,assuch,appearedinthe
Mysteries.TheIndianLingamwastheunionofboth,asweretheboatandmastandthepointwithina
circleallofwhichexpressedthesamephilosophicalideaastotheUnionofthetwogreatCausesof
Nature,whichconcur,oneactivelyandtheotherpassively,inthegenerationofallbeings;whichwere
symbolizedbywhatwenowtermGemini,theTwos,atthatremoteperiodwhentheSunwasinthat
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SignattheVernalEquinox,andwhentheywereMaleandFemale;andofwhichthePhalluswas
perhapstakenfromthegenerativeorganoftheBull,whenabouttwentyfivehundredyearsbeforeour
eraheopenedthatequinox,andbecametotheAncientWorldthesymbolofthecreativeandgenerative
Power.

TheInitiatesatEleusis,commenced,Processsays,byinvokingthetwogreatcausesofnature,the
HeavensandtheEarth,onwhichinsuccessiontheyfixedtheireyes,addressingtoeachaprayer.And
theydeemedittheirdutytodoso,headds,becausetheysawinthemtheFatherandMotherofall
generations.

TheconcourseofthesetwoagentsoftheUniversewastermedintheologicallanguageamarriage.
Tertullian,accusingtheValentiniansofhavingborrowedthesesymbolsfromtheMysteriesofEleusis,
yetadmitsthatinthoseMysteriestheywereexplainedinamannerconsistentwithdecency,as
representingthepowersofnature.Hewastoolittleofaphilosophertocomprehendthesublime
esotericmeaningoftheseembalms,whichwill,ifyouadvance,inotherDegreesbeunfoldedtoyou.

TheChristianFatherscontentedthemselveswithrevilingandridiculingtheuseoftheseemblems.But
astheyintheearlier'timescreatednoindecentideas,andwerewornalikebythemostinnocentyouths
andvirtuouswomen,itwillbefarwiserforustoseektopenetratetheirmeaning.Notonlythe
Egyptians,saysDiodorusSinuous,buteveryotherpeoplethatconsecratethissymbol(thePhallus),
deemthattheytherebydohonortotheActive,Forceoftheuniversalgenerationofalllivingthings.For
thesamereason,aswelearnfromthegeographerPtolemy,itwasreveredamongtheAssyriansand
Persians.

Proclusremarksthat,inthedistributionoftheZodiacamongshetwelvegreatDivinities,byancient
astrology,sixsignswereassignedtothemaleandsixtothefemaleprinciple.

Thereisanotherdivisionofnature,whichhasinallagesstruckallmen,andwhichwasnotforgottenin
theMysteries;thatofLightandDarkness,DayandNight,GoodandEvil;whichminglewith,andclash
against,andpursueorarepursuedbyeaehotherthroughouttheUniverse.TheGreatSymbolicEgg
distinctlyremindedtheInitiatesofthisgreatdivisionoftheworld.

Plutarch,treatingofthedogmaofaProvidence,andofthatofthetwoprinciplesofLightand
Darkness,whichheregardedasthebasisoftheAncientTheology,oftheOrgiesandtheMysteries,as
wellamongtheGreeksastheBarbarians,adoctrinewhoseorigin,accordingtohim,islostinthenight
oftime,cites,insupportofhisopinion,thefamousMysticEggofthedisciplesofZoroasterandthe
InitiatesintheMysteriesofMithras.
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TotheInitiatesintheMysteriesofEleusiswasexhibitedthespectacleofthesetwoprinciples,inthe
successivescenesofDarknessandLightwhichpassedbeforetheireyes.Totheprofoundestdarkness,
accompaniedwithillusionsandhorridphantoms,succeededthemostbrilliantlight,whosesplendor
blazedroundthestatueoftheGoddess.Thecandidate,saysDionChrysostomus,passedintoa
'mysterioustemple,ofastonishingmagnitudeandbeauty,wherewereexhibitedtohimmanymystic
scenes;wherehisearswerestunnedwithmanyvoices;andwhereDarknessandLightsuccessively
passedbeforehim.AndThemistiusinlikemannerdescribestheInitiate,whenabouttoenterintothat
partofthesanctuarytenantedbytheGoddess,asfilledwithfearandreligiousawe,wavering,uncertain
inwhatdirectiontoadvancethroughtheprofounddarknessthatenvelopeshim.Butwhenthe
Hierophanthasopenedtheentrancetotheinmostsanctuary,andremovedtherobethathidesthe
Goddess,heexhibitshertotheInitiate,resplendentwithdivinelight.

Thethickshadowandgloomyatmospherewhichhadenthronedthecandidatevanish;heisfilledwitha
vividandglowingenthusiasm,thatliftshissouloutoftheprofounddejectioninwhichitwas,plunged
andthepurestlightsucceedstothethickestdarkness.

Inafragmentofthesamewriter,preservedbyStobaeus,welearnthattheInitiate,uptothemoment
whenhisinitiationistobeconsummated,isalarmedbyeverykindofsight:thatastonishmentand
terrortakehissoulcaptive;hetrembles;coldsweatflowsfromhisbody;untilthemomentwhenthe
Lightisshownhim,amostastoundihgLight,thebrilliantsceneofElysium,whereheseescharming
meadowsoverarchedbyaclearsky,andfestivalscelebratedbydances;wherehehearsharmonious
voices,andthemajesticchantsoftheHierophants;andviewsthesacredspectacles.Then,absolutely
free,andenfranchisedfromthedominionofallills,hemingleswiththecrowdofInitiates,and,
crownedwithflowers,celebrateswiththemtheholyorgies,'inthebrilliantrealmsofether,andthe
dwellingplaceofOrmuzd.

IntheMysteriesofIsis,thecandidatefirstpassedthroughthedarkvalleyoftheshadowofdeath;then
intoaplacerepresentingtheelementsorsublunaryworld,wherethetwoprinciplesclashandcontend;
andwasfinallyadmittedtoaluminousregion,wherethesun,withhismostbrilliantlight,puttorout
theshadesofnight.Thenhehimselfputonthecostumeofthe
SunGod,ortheVisibleSourceo'fEtherealLight,inwhoseMysterieshewasinitiated;andpassed
fromtheempireofdarknesstothatoflight.Afterhavingsethisfeetonthethresholdofthepalaceof
Pluto,heascendedtotheEmpyrean,tothebosomoftheEternalPrincipleofLightoftheUniverse,
fromwhichallsoulsandintelligencesemanate.

PlutarchadmitsthatthistheoryoftwoPrincipleswasthebasisofalltheMysteries,andconsecratedin
thereligiousceremoniesandMysteriesofGreece.OsirisandTyphon,OrmuzdandAhriman,Bacchus
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andtheTitansandGiants,allrepresentedtheseprinciples.Phanes,theluminousGodthatissuedfrom
theSacredEgg,andNight,borethesceptersintheMysteriesoftheNewBacchus.

NightandDayweretwooftheeightGodsadoredintheMysteriesofOsiris.ThesojournofProserpine
andalsoofAdonis,duringsixmonthsofeachyearintheupperworld,abodeoflight,andsixmonths
inthelowerorabodeofdarkness,allegoricallyrepresentedthesamedivisionoftheUniverse.

TheconnectionofthedifferentinitiationswiththeEquinoxeswhichseparatetheEmpireoftheNights
fromthatoftheDays,andfixthemomentwhenoneoftheseprinciplesbeginstoprevailovertheother,
showsthattheMysteriesreferredtothecontinualcontestbetweenthetwoprinciplesoflightand
darkness,eachalternatelyvictorandvanquished.Theveryobjectproposedbythemshowsthattheir
basiswasthetheoryofthetwoprinciplesandtheirrelationswiththesoul."Wecelebratetheaugust
MysteriesofCeresandProserpine,"saystheEmperorJulian,"attheAutumnalEquinox,toobtainof
theGodsthatthesoulmaynotexperiencethemalignantactionofthePower,ofDarknessthatisthen
abouttohaveswayandruleinNature."SallustthePhilosophermakesalmostthesameremarkastothe
relationsofthesoulwiththeperiodicalmarchoflightanddarkness,duringanannualrevolution;and
assuresusthatthemysteriousfestivalsofGreecerelatedtothesame.Andinalltheexplanationsgiven
byMacrobiusoftheSacredFablesinregardtothesun,adoredunderthenamesofOsiris,Horus,
Adonis,Atys,Bacchus,etc.WeinvariablyseethattheyrefertothetheoryofthetwoPrinciples,Light
andDarkness,andthetriumphsgainedbyoneovertheother.InAprilwascelebratedthefirsttriumph
obtainedbythelightofdayoverthelengthofthenightsandtheceremoniesofmourningandrejoicing
had,Macrobiussays,astheirobjectthevicissitudesoftheannualadministrationoftheworld.

Thisbringsusnaturallytothetragicportionofthesereligiousscenes,andtotheallegoricalhistoryof
thedifferentadventuresofthePrinciple,Light,victorandvanquishedbyturns,inthecombatswaged
withDarknessduringeachannualperiod.Herewereachthemostmysteriouspartoftheancient
initiations,andthatmostinterestingtotheMasonwholamentsthedeathofhisGrandMasterKhirOm.
OveritHerodotusthrowstheaugustveilofmysteryandsilence.

SpeakingoftheTempleofMinerva,orofthatIsiswhowasstyledtheMotheroftheSunGod,and
whoseMysteriesweretermedIsiac,atSais,hespecksofaTombintheTemple,intherearofthe
Chapelandagainstthewellandsays,"Itisthetombofaman,whosenamerespectrequiresmeto
conceal.WithintheTempleweregreatobelisksofstone[phalli],andacircularlakepavedwithstones
andrevettedwithaparapet.ItseemedtomeaslargeasthatatDelos"[theretheMysteriesofApollo
werecelebrated]."InthislaketheEgyptianscelebrate,duringthenight,whattheystyletheMysteries,
inwhicharerepresentedthesufferingsoftheGodofwhomIhavespokenabove."ThisGodwasOsiris,
puttodeathbyTyphon,andwhodescendedtotheShadesandwasrestoredtolife;ofwhichhehad
spokenbefore.
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Wearereminded,bythispassage,oftheTombofKhirOm,hisdeath,andhisrisingfromthegrave,
symbolicalofrestorationoflifeandalsoofthebrazenSeaintheTempleatJerusalem.Herodotusadds:
"Iimposeuponmyselfaprofound,silenceinregardtotheseMysteries,withmostofwhichIam
acquainted.AslittlewillIspeakoftheinitiationsofCeres,knownamongtheGreeksasThesmophoria.
WhatIshallsaywillnotviolatetherespectwhichIowetoreligion."

AthenagorasquotesthispassagetoshowthatnotonlytheStatuebuttheTombofOsiriswasexhibited
inEgypt,andatragicrepresentationofhissufferings;andremarksthattheEgyptianshadmourning
ceremoniesinhonoroftheirGods,whosedeathsthey,Lamented;andtowhomtheyafterward
sacrificedashavingItis,however,notdifficult,combiningthedifferentraysoflightthatemanatefrom
thedifferentSanctuaries,tolearnthegeniusandtheobjectofthesesecretceremonies.Wehavehints,
andnotdetails.

WeknowthattheEgyptiansworshippedtheSun,underthenameofOsiris.Themisfortunesand
tragicaldeathofthisGod.wereanallegoryrelatingtotheSun.Typhon,likeAhriman,represented
Darkness.ThesufferingsanddeathofOsirisintheMysteriesoftheNightwereamysticimageofthe
phenomenaofNature,andtheconflictofthetwogreatPrinciplewhichsharetheempireofNature,and
mostinfilencedoursouls.thesunisneitherborn,dies,norisraisedtolife:andtherecitalofthese
eventswasbutanallegory,veilingahighertruthHorus,sonofIsis,andthesameasApolloortheSun,
alsodiedandwasrestoredagainto,life~andtohismother;andthepriests,ofIsiscelebratedthese
greateventsbymourningandjoyousfestivalsucceedingeachother.

IntheMysteriesofPhoenicia,establishedinhonorofThammuzorAdonis,alsotheSun,thespectacle
ofhisdeathandresurrectionwasexhibitedtotheInitiates.AswelearnfromMeursiusandPlutarch,a
figurewasexhibitedrepresentingthecorpseofayoungman.Flowerswerestreweduponhisbody,the
womenmournedforhim;atombwaserectedtohim.Andthesefeasts,aswelearnfromPlutarchand
Ovid,passedintoGreece.

Godwaslamented,andhisresurrectionwascelebratedwiththemostenthusiasticexpressionsofjoy.A
corpse,welearnfromJulian,wasshowntheInitiates,representingMithrasdead;andafterwardhis
resurrectionwasannounced;andtheyweretheninvitedtorejoicethatthedeadGodwasrestoredto
life,andhadbymeansofhissufferingssecuredtheirsalvation.Threemonthsbefore,hisbirthhadbeen
celebrated,undertheemblemofaninfant,bornonthe25thofDecember,ortheeighthdaybeforethe
CalendsofJanuary.

InGreece,inthemysteriesofthesameGod,honoredunderthenameofBacchus,arepresentationwas
givenofhisdeath,slainbytheTitans;ofhisdescentintohell,hissubsequentresurrection,andhis
returntowardhisPrincipleorthepureabodewhencehehaddescendedtounitehimselfwithmatter.In
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theislandsofChiosandTenedos,hisdeathwasrepresentedbythesacrificeofaman,actually
immolated.

ThemutilationandsufferingsofthesameSunGod,honoredinPhrygiaunderthenameofAtys,caused
thetragicscenesthatwere,aswelearnfromDiodorusSiculus,representedannuallyintheMysteriesof
Cybele,motheroftheGods.Animagewasbornethere,representingthecorpseofayoungman,over
whosetombtearswereshed,andtowhomfuneralhonorswerepaid.

AtSamothrace,intheMysteriesoftheCabiriorgreatGods,arepresentationwasgivenofthedeathof
oneifthem.ThisnamewasgiventotheSun,becausetheAncientAstronomersgavethenameofGods
Cabiri,andofSamothracetothetwoGodsintheConstellationGemini;whomotherstermApolloand
Hercules,twonamesoftheSun.AthenionsaysthattheyoungCabirussoslainwasthesameasthe
DionysusorBacchusoftheGreeks.ThePelasgi,ancientinhabitantsofGreece,andwhosettled
Samothrace,celebratedtheseMysteries,whoseoriginisunknownandtheyworshippedCastorand
Polluxaspatronsofnavigation.

ThetombofApollowasatDelphi,wherehisbodywaslaid,afterPython,thePolarSerpentthat
annuallyheraldsthecomingofautumn,cold,darkness,andwinter,hadslainhim,andoverwhom.the
Godtriumphs,onthe25thofMarch,onhisreturntothelamboftheVernalEquinox.

InCrete,JupiterAmmon,ontheSuninAries,paintedwiththeattributesofthatequinoctialsign,the
RamorLamb;thatAmmonwho,MartianusCopellasays,isthesameasOsiris,Adoni,Adonis,Atys,
andtheotherSunGods,hadalsoatomb,andareligiousinitiation;oneoftheprincipalceremoniesof
whichconsistedinclothingtheInitiatewiththeskinofawhitelamb.Andinthisweseetheoriginof
theapronofwhitesheepskin,usedinMasonry.Allthesedeathsandresurrections,thesefuneral
emblems,theseanniversariesofmourningandjoy,thesecenotaphsraisedindifferentplacestothe
SunGod,honoredunderdifferentnames,hadbutasingleobject,theallegoricalnarrationoftheevents
whichhappenedherebelowtotheLightofNature,thatsacredfirefromwhichoursoulsweredeemed
toemanate,warringwithmatterandthedarkPrincipleresidenttherein,everatvariancewiththe
PrincipleofGoodandLightpoureduponitselfbytheSupremeDivinity.AlltheseMysteries,says
ClementofAlexandria,displayingtousmurdersandtombsalone,allthesereligioustragedies,hada
commonbasis,variouslyornamentedandthatbasiswasthefictitiousdeathandresurrectionoftheSun,
SouloftheWorld,principleoflifeandmovementintheSublunaryWorld,andsourceofour
intelligences,whicharebutaportionoftheEternalLightblazinginthatStar,theirchiefcenter.

ItwasintheSunthatSouls,itwassaid,werepurifiedandtoittheyrepaired.Itwasoneofthegatesof
thesoul,throughwhichthetheologians,saysPorphyry,saythatitreascendstowardthehomeofLight
andtheGood.Wherefore,intheMysteriesofEleusis,theDadoukos(thefirstofficerafterthe
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Hierophant,whorepresentedtheGrandDemiourgosorMakeroftheUniverse),whowascastedinthe
interioroftheTemple,andtherereceivedthecandidates,representedtheSun.

ItwasalsoheldthatthevicissitudesexperiencedbytheFatherofLighthadaninfluenceonthedestiny
ofsouls;which,ofthesamesubstanceashe,sharedhisfortunes.ThiswelearnfromtheEmperor
JulianandSallustthePhilosopher.Theyareafflictedwhenhesuffers:theyrejoicewhenhetriumphs
overthePowerofDarknesswhichopposeshisswayandhindersthehappinessofSouls,towhom
nothingissoterribleasdarkness.ThefruitofthesufferingsoftheGod,fatheroflightand$ouls,
slain.bytheChiefofthePowersofDarkness,andagainrestoredtolife,wasreceivedintheMysteries.
"HisdeathworksyourSalvation;"saidtheHighPriestofMithras.Thatwasthegreatsecretofthis
religioustragedy,anditsexpectedfruit;theresurrectionofaGod,who,repossessingHimselfofHis
dominionoverDarkness,shouldassociatewithHiminHistriumphthosevirtuousSoulsthatbytheir
puritywereworthytoshareHisgloryandthatstrovenotagainstthedivineforcethatdrewthemto
Him,when,Hehadthusconquered.

TotheInitiatewerealsodisplayedthespectaclesofthechiefagentsoftheUniversalCause,andofthe
distributionoftheworld,inthedetailofitspartsarrangedinmostregularorder.TheUniverseitself
suppliedmanwiththemodelofthefirstTemplerearedtotheDivinity.ThearrangementoftheTemple
ofSolomon,thesymbolicornamentswhichformeditschiefdecorations,andthedressoftheHigh
Priest,allasClementofAlexandria,JosephusandPhilostate,hadreferencetotheorderoftheworld.
ClementinformsusthattheTemplecontainedmanyemblemsoftheSeasons,theSun,theMoon,the
planets,theconstellationsUrsaMajorandMinor,thezodiac,theelements,andtheotherpartsofthe
world.

Josephus,inhisdescriptionoftheHighPriest'sVestments,protestingagainstthechargeofimpiety
broughtagainsttheHebrewsbyothernations,forcondemningtheHeathenDivinities,declaresitfalse,
because,intheconstructionoftheTabernacle,inthevestmentsoftheSacrificers,andintheSacred
vessels,thewholeWorldwasinsomesortrepresented.Ofthethreeparts,hesays,intowhichthe
Templewasdivided,tworepresentEarthandSea,opentoallmen,andthethird,Heaven,God's
dwellingplace,reservedforHimalone.ThetwelveloavesofShewbreadsignifythetwelvemonthsof
theyear.

TheCandlestickrepresentedthetwelvesignsthroughwhichtheSevenPlanetsruntheircourses;and
thesevenlights,thoseplanets;theveils,offourcolors,thefourelements;thetunicoftheHighPriest,
theearth;theHyacinth,nearlyblue,theHeavens;theaphid,offourcolors,thewholeofnature;the
gold,Light;thebreastplate,inthemiddle,thisearthinthecenteroftheworld;thetwoSardonyxes,
usedasclasps,theSunandMoon;andthetwelvepreciousstonesofthebreastplatearrangedbythrees,
liketheSeasons,thetwelvemonths,andthetwelvesignsofthezodiac.Eventheloaveswerearranged
intwogroupsofsix,likethezodiacalsignsaboveandbelowtheEquator,Clement,thelearnedBishop
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ofAlexandriaandPhilo,adoptalltheseexplanations.

HermescallstheZodiac,theGrentTent,Tabernaculum.IntheRoyalArchDegreeoftheAmerican
Rite,theTabernaclehasfourveils,ofdifferentcolors,toeachofwhich.Belongsabanner.thecolorsof
thefourareWhite,Blue,Crimson,andPurple,andthebannersbeartheimagesoftheBull,theLion,
theMan,anttheEagle,theConstellationsanswering2500yearsbeforeoureratotheEquinoctialand
Solstitialpointstowhichbelongfourstars,aldebaran,Regulus,Fomalhaut,andAntares.Ateachof
theseveilstherearethreewords:andtoeachdivisionoftheZodiac,belongingtoeachoftheseStars,
arethreeSigns.Thefoursigns,Taurus,Leo,Scorpio,andAquarius,weretermedthefixedsigns,and
areappropriatelyassignedtothefourveils.

SotheCherubim,accordingtoClementandPhilo,representedthetwohemispheres;theirwings,the
rapidcourseofthefirmament,andoftimewhichrevolvesintheZodiac."FortheHeavensfly"says
Philo,speakingofthewingsoftheCherubimwhichwerewingedrepresentationsoftheLion,theBull,
theEagle,andtheMan;oftwoofwhich,thehumanheaded,wingedbullsandlions,somanyhavebeen
foundatNimrod;adoptedasbeneficentsymbols,whentheSunenteredTaurusattheVernalEquinox
andLeoattheSummerSolsticeandwhenalso,heenteredScorpio,farwhich,onaccountofits
malignantinfluences,Aquila,theeaglewassubstituted,attheautumnalequinox;andAquarius(the
waterbearer)attheWinterSolstice.

So,Clementsays,thecandlestickwithsevenbranchesrepresentedthesevenplanets,likewhichthe
sevenbrancheswerearrangedandregulated,preservingthatmusicalproportionandsystemofharmony
ofwhichthesunwasthecentreandconnection.Theywerearranged,saysPhilo,bythrees,likethe
planetsaboveandthosebelowthesun;betweenwhichtwogroupswasthebranchthatrepresentedhim,
themediatorormoderatorofthecelestialharmony.Heis,infact,thefourthinthemusicalscale,as
Philoremarks,andMartianusCapellainhishymntotheSun.

Nearthecandlestickwereotheremblemsrepresentingtheheavens,earthandthevegetativematterout
ofwhosebosomthevaporsarise.Thewholetemplewasanabridgedimageoftheworld.Therewere
candlestickswithfourbranches,symbolsoftheelementsandtheseasons;withtwelve,symbolsofthe
signs;andevenwiththreehundredandsixty,thenumberofdaysintheyear,withoutthesupplementary
days.ImitatingthefamousTempleofTyre,wherewerethegreatcolumnsconsecratedtothewindsand
fire,theTyrianartistplacedtwocolumnsofbronzeattheentranceoftheporchofthetemple.The
hemisphericalbrazensea,supportedbyfourgroupsofbulls,ofthreeeach,lookingtothefourcardinal
pointsofthecompass,representedthebulloftheVernalEquinox,andatTyrewereconsecratedto
Astarte;towhomHiram,Josephussays,hadbuiltatemple,andwhoworeonherheadahelmetbearing
theimageofabull.AndthethroneofSolomon,withbullsadoptingitsarms,andsupportedonlions,
likethoseofHorusinEgyptandoftheSunatTyre;likewisereferredtotheVernalEquinoxand
SummerSolstice.ThosewhoinThriceadoredthesun,underthenameofSabaZeus,theGrecian
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Bacchus,blindedtohim,saysMacrobius,atempleonMountZelmisso,itsroundformrepresentingthe
worldandthesun.Acircularapertureintheroofadmittedthelight,andintroducedtheimageofthe
sunintothebodyofthesanctuary,whereheseemedtoblazeasintheheightsofHeaven,andto
dissipatethedarknesswithinthattemplewhichwasarepresentationsymboloftheworld.Therethe
passion,death,andresurrectionofBacchuswererepresented.

SotheTempleofEleusiswaslightedbyawindowintheroof.Thesanctuarysolighted,Dioncompares
totheUniverse,fromwhichhesaysitdifferedinsizealone;andinitthegreatlightsofnatureplayeda
greatpartandweremyopicallyrepresented.TheimagesoftheSun,Moon,andMercurywere
representedthere,(thelatterthesameasAnubiswhoaccompaniedIsis);andtheyarestillthethree
lightsofaMasonicLodge;exceptthatforMercury,theMasteroftheLodgehasbeenabsurdly
substituted.

EusebiusnamesastheprincipalMinistersintheMysteriesofEleusis,first,theHierophant,clothed
withtheattributesoftheGrandArchitect(Demiourgos)oftheUniverse.AfterhimcametheDadoukos,
ortorchbearer,representativeoftheSunthenthealtarbearer,representingtheMoon:andlast,the
Hieroceryx,bearingthecaduceus,andrepresentingMercury.Itwasnotpermissibletorevealthe
differentemblemsandthemysteriouspageantryofinitiationtotheProfane;andthereforewedonot
knowtheattributes,emblems,andornamentsoftheseandotherofficersofwhichApuleiusand
Pausaniasdarednotspeak.

Weknowonlythateverythingrecountedtherewasmarvelous;everythingdonetheretendedtoastonish
theInitiate:andthateyesandearswereequallyastounded.TheHierophant,ofloftyheight,andnoble
features,withlonghair,ofagreatage,graveanddignified,withavoicesweetandsonorous,satupona
throne,cladinalongtrailingrobe;astheMotiveGodofNaturewasheldtobeenvelopedinHiswork
andhiddenunderaveilwhichnomortalcanraise.Evenhisnamewasconcealed,likethatofthe
Demiourgos,whosenamewasineffable.

TheDadoukosalsoworealongrobe,hishairlongandabandeauonhisforehead.Callias,when
holdingthatoffice,fightingonthegreatdayofMarathon,clothedwiththeinsigniaofhisoffice,was
takenbytheBarbarianstobeaKing.TheDadoukosledtheprocessionoftheInitiates,andwascharged
withthepurification.

WEdosetknowthefunctionsoftheEpibomosorassistantatthealtar,whorepresentedthemoon.That
planetwasoneofthetwohomesofsouls,andoneofthetwogreatgatesbywhichtheydescendedand
reascended.Mercurywaschargedwiththeconductingofsoulsthroughthetwogreatgates;andin
goingfromthesuntothemoontheypassedimmediatelybyhim.Headmittedorrejectedthemasthey
weremoreorlesspure,andthereforetheHieroceryxorSacredHerald,whorepresentedMercury,was
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chargedwiththedutyofexcludingtheProfanefromtheMysteries.

ThesameoffsetsarefoundintheprocessionofInitiatesofIsis,describedbyApuleius.Allcladin
robesofwhitelinen,drawntightacrossthebreast,andclosefittingdowntotheveryfeet,came,first,
onebearingalampintheshapeofaboat;second,onecarryinganaltar;andthird,onecarryinga
goldenpalmtreeandthecaduceus.TheseareihesameasthethreeofficersatEleusis,afterthe
Hierophant.Thenonecarryinganopenhand,andpouringmilkonthegroundfromagoldenvesselin
theshapeofawoman'sbreast.Thehandwasthatofjustice:andthemilkalludedtotheGalaxyor
MilkyWay,alongwhichsoulsdescendedandremounted.Twoothersfollowed,onebearinga
winnowingfan,andtheotherawatervase;symbolsofthepurificationofsoulsbyairandwater;and
thethirdpurification,byearth,wasrepresentedbyanimageoftheanimalthatcultivatesit,thecowor
ox,bornebyanotherofficer.

Thenfollowedachestorark,magnificentlyornamented,containinganimageoftheorgansof
generationofOsiris,orperhapsofbothsexes;emblemsoftheoriginalgeneratingandproducing
Powers.WhenTyphon,saidtheEgyptianfable,cutupthebodyofOsirisintopieces,heflunghis
genitalsintotheNile,whereafishdevouredthem.Atysmutilatedhimself,ashisPriestsafterwarddid
inimitationofhim;andAdoniswasinthatpartofhisbodywoundedbytheboar:allofwhich
representedthelossbytheSunofhisvivifyingandgenerativepower,whenhereachedtheAutumnal
Equinox(theScorpionthatonoldmonumentsbitesthosepartsoftheVernalBull),anddescended
towardtheregionofdarknessandWinter.

Then,saysApuleius,came"onewhocarriedinhisbosomanobjectthatrejoicedtheheartofthe
bearer,avenerableeffigyoftheSupremeDeity,neitherbearingresemblancetoman,cattle,bird,beast,
oranylivingcreatureanexquisiteinvention,venerablefromthenoveloriginalityofthefashioning;a
wonderful,ineffablesymbolofreligiousmysteries,tobelookeduponinprofoundsilence.Suchasit
was,itsfigurewasthatofasmallurnofburnishedgold,hollowedvery,artistically,roundedatthe
bottom,andcoveredallovertheoutsidewiththewonderfulhieroglyphicsoftheEgyptians.Thespout
wasnotelevated,butextendedlaterally,projectinglikealongrivulet;whileontheoppositesidewas
thehandle,which,withsimilarlateralextension,boreonitssummitanasp,curlingitsbodyintofolds
andstretchingupward,itswrinkled,scaly,swollenthroat."

ThesalientbasiliskorroyalensignofthePharaohs,oftenoccursonthemonumentsaserpentinfolds,
withhisheadraisederectabovethefolds.ThebasiliskwasthePhoenixoftheserpenttribeandthe
vaseorurnwasprobablythevessel,shapedlikeacucumber,withaprojectingspout,outofwhich,on
themonumentsofEgypt,thepriestsarerepresentedpouringstreamsoftheCruzansastaorTauCross,
andofscepters,overthekings.
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IntheMysteriesofMithras,asacredcave,representingthewholearrangementoftheworld,wasused
forthereceptionoftheInitiates.Zoroaster,saysEubulus,firstintroducedthiscustomofconsecrating
caves.Theywerealsoconsecrated,inCrete,toJupiter;inArcadia,to,theMoonandPanandinthe
IslandofNaxos,toBacchus.ThePersians,inthecavewheretheMysteriesofMithraswerecelebrated,
fixedtheseatofthatGod,FatherofGeneration,orDemiourgos,neartheequinoctialpointofSpring,
withtheNorthernportionoftheworldonhisright,andtheSouthernonhisleft.

Mithras,saysPorphyry,presidedovertheEquinoxes,seatedonaBullthesymbolicalanimalofthe
Demiourgos,andbearingasword.Theequinoxeswerethegatesthroughwhichsoulspassedtoandfro,
betweenthehemisphereoflightandthatofdarkness.Themilkywaywasalsorepresented,passingnear
eachofthesegatesanditwas,intheoldtheology,termedthepathwayofsouls.Itis,accordingto
Pythagoras,vasttroopsofsoulsthatformthatluminousbelt.Theroutefollowedbysouls,accordingto
Porphyry,orrathertheirprogressivemarchintheworld,lyingthroughthefixedstarsandplanets,the
Mithriaccavenotonlydisplayedthezodiacalandotherconstellations,andmarkedgatesatthefour
equinoctialandSolstitialpointsofthezodiac,whereatsoulsenterintoandescapefromtheworldof
generationalandthroughwhichtheypasstoandfrobetweentherealmsoflightanddarkness;butit
representedthesevenplanetarysphereswhichtheyneedsmusttraverse,indescendingfromtheheaven
ofthefixedstarstotheelementsthatenveloptheearthandsevengatesweremarked,oneforeach
planet,throughwhichtheypass,indescendingorreturning.

WelearnthisfromCelsusinOrigen;whosaysthatthesymbolicalimageofthispassageamongthe
stars,usedintheMithriacMysteries,wasaladder,reachingfromearthtoHeaven,dividedintoseven
stepsorstages,toeachofwhichwasagate,andatthesummitaneighth,thatofthefixedstars.The
firstgate,saysCelsus,wasthatofSaturn,andoflead,bytheheavynature
whereofhisdullslowprogresswassymbolized.Thesecond,oftin,wasthatofVenus,symbolizingher
softsplendorandeasyflexibility.Thethird,ofbrass,wasthatofJupiter,emblemofhissolidityanddry
nature.Thefourth,ofiron,wasthatofMercury,expressinghisindefatigableactivityandsagacity.

Thefifth,ofcopper,wasthatofMars,expressiveofhisinequalitiesandvariablenature.Thesixth,of
silver,wasthatoftheMoonandtheseventh,ofgold,thatoftheSun.Thisorderisnottherealorder,of
thesePlanet'sbutamysteriousone,likethatofthedaysoftheWeekconsecratedtothem,commencing
withSaturday,andretrogradingtoSunday.Itwasdictated,Celsussays,bycertainharmonicrelations,
thoseofthefourth.

ThustherewasanintimateconnectionbetweentheSacredScienceoftheMysteries,andancient
astronomyandphysics;andthegrandspectacleoftheSanctuarieswasthatoftheorderoftherenown
Universe,orthespectacleofNatureitself,surroundingthesouloftheInitiate,asitsurroundeditwhen
itfirstdescendedthroughtheplanetarygates,andbytheequinoctialandSolstitialdoors,alongthe
MilkyWay,tobeforthefirsttimeimmuredinitsprisonhouseofmatter.ButtheMysteriesalso
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representedtothecandidate,bysensiblesymbols,theinvisibleforceswhichmovethisvisibleUniverse,
andthevirtues,qualities,andpowersattachedtomatter,andwhichmaintainthemarvellousorder
observedtherein.OfthisPorphyryinformsus.

Theworld,accordingtothephilosophersofantiquity,wasnotapurelymaterialandmechanical
machine.AgreatSoul,diffusedeverywhere,vivifiedallthemembersoftheimmensebodyofthe
Universe;andanIntelligence,equallygreat,directedallitsmovements,andmaintainedtheeternal
harmonythatresultedtherefrom.ThustheUnityoftheUniverse,representedbvthesymbolicegg,
containedinitselftwounitstheSoulandtheIntelligence,whichpervadedallitspartsandtheywereto
theUniverse,consideredasananimatedandintelligentbeing,whatintelligenceandthesouloflifeare
totheindividualityofman.

ThedoctrineoftheUnityofGod,inthissense,wastaughtbyOrpheus.Ofthishishymnorpalinodeis
aproof;fragmentsofwhicharequotedbymanyoftheFathers,asJustin,Tatian,Clemensof
Alexandria,Cyril,andTheodoret,andthewholebyEusebius,quotingfromAristobulus.Thedoctrine
oftheLocos(word)ortheNoos(intellect),hisincarnation,death,resurrectionortransfiguration;ofhis
unionwithmatter,hisdivisioninthevisibleworld,whichhepervades,hisreturntotheoriginalUnity,
andthewholetheoryrelativetotheoriginofthesoulanditsdestiny,weretaughtintheMysteries,if
whichtheywerethe,greatobject.

TheEmperorJulianexplainstheMysteriesofAtysandCybelebythesamemetaphysicalprinciples,
respectingthedemiurgicalIntelligence,itsdescentintomatter,anditsreturntoitsorigin:andextends
thisexplanationtothoseofCeres.AndsolikewisedoesSallustthePhilosopher,whoadmitsinGoda
secondaryintelligentForce,whichdescendsintothegenerativemattertoorganizeit.Thesemystical
ideasnaturallyformedapartofthesacreddoctrineandoftheceremoniesofinitiationstheobjectof
which,Sallustremarks,wastounitemanwiththeWorldandtheDeity,andthefinaltermofperfection
whereofwas,accordingtoClemens,thecontemplationofnature,ofrealbeings,andofcauses.The
definitionofSallustiscorrect.TheMysterieswerepracticedasameansofperfectingthesoulsof
makingittoknowitsowndignity,ofreminding.Itofitsnobleoriginandimmortality,and
consequentlyofitsrelationswiththeUniverseandtheDeity.

Whatwasmeantbyrealbeings,wasinvisiblebeings,genii,thefacultiesorpowersofnature;
everythingnotapartofthevisibleworld,whichwascalled,bywayofopposition,apparentexistence.
ThetheoryofGenii,orPowersofNature,anditsForces,personified,madepartoftheSacredScience
ofinitiation,andofthatreligiousspectacleofdifferentbeingsexhibitedintheSanctuary.Itresulted
fromthatbeliefintheprovidenceandsuperintendenceoftheGods,whichwasoneoftheprimary
basesofinitiation.

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TheadministrationoftheUniversebySubalternGenii,towhomitisconfided,andbywhomgoodand
evilaredispensedintheworld,wasaconsequenceofthisdogma,taughtintheMysteriesofMithias,
wherewasshownthatfamousegg,sharedbetweenOrmuzdandAhriman,each,ofwhom
commissionedtwentyfourGeniitodispensethegoodandevilfoundtherein;theybeingundertwelve
SuperiorGods,sixonthesideofLightandGood,andsixonthatofDarknessandEvil.

ThisdoctrineoftheGenii,depositariesoftheUniversalProvidence,wasintimatelyconnectedwiththe
AncientMysteries,andadoptedinthesacrificesandinitiations'bothofGreeksandBarbarians.
PlutarchsaysthattheGods,bymeansofGenii,whoareintermediatesbetweenthemandmen,draw
neartomortalsintheceremoniesofinitiation,atwhichtheGodschargethemtoassist,andto
distributepunishmentandblessing.ThusnottheDeity,butHisministers,oraPrincipleandPowerof
Evil,weredeemedtheauthorsofviceandsinandsuffering:andthustheGeniiorangelsdifferedin
characterlikemen,somebeinggoodandsomeevil;someCelestialGods,Archangels,Angels,and
someInfernalGods,DemonsandfallenAngels.

AttheheadofthelatterwastheirChief,Typhon,Ahriman,orShaitan,theEvilPrinciple;who,having
wroughtdisorderinnature,broughttroublesonmenbylandandsea,andcausedthegreatestills,isat
lastpunishedforhiscrimes.Itwastheseeventsandincidents,saysPlutarch,whichIsisdesiredto
representintheceremonial,oftheMysteries,establishedbyherinmemoryofhersorrowsand
wanderings,whereofsheexhibitedanimageandrepresentationinherSanctuaries,wherealsowere
affordedencouragementstopietyandconsolationinmisfortune.ThedogmaofaProvidence,hesays,
administeringtheUniversebymeansofintermediaryPowers,whomaintaintheconnectionofman
withtheDivinity,waseonsecratedinthehlysteriesoftheEgyptians,Phrygians,andThracians,ofthe
MagiandtheDisciplesofZoroaster;asisplainbytheirinitiations,inwhichmournfulandfunereal
ceremoniesmingled.

ItwasanessentialpartofthelessonsgiventheInitiates,toteachthemtherelationsoftheirownsouls
withUniversalNature,thegreatestlessonsofall,meanttodignifymaninhisowneyes,andteachhim
hisplaceintheUniverseofthings.

ThusthewholesystemoftheUniversewasdisplayedinallitspartstotheeyesoftheInitiate;andthe
symboliccavewhichrepsresenteditwasadornedandclothedwithalltheattributesofthatUniverse.
Tothisworldsoorganized,endowedwithadoubleforce,activeandpassive,dividedbetweenlightand
darkness,movedbyalivingandintelligentForce,governedbyGeniiorAngelswhopresideoverits
differentparts,andwhosenatureandcharacteraremoreloftyorlowisproportionalastheypossessa
greaterorlessportionofdarkmatter,tothisworlddescendsthesoul,emanationoftheetherealfire,
andexiledfromtheluminousregionabovetheworld.Itentersintothisdarkmatter,whereinthehostile
principles,eachsecondedbyhistroopsofGenii,areeverinconvict,theretosubmittooneormore
organizationsinthebodywhichisitsprison,untilitshallatlastreturntoitsplaceoforigin,itstrue
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nativecountry,fromwhichdaringthislifeitisanexile.

Butonethingremained,torepresentitsreturn,throughtheconstellationsandplanetaryspheres,toits
originalhome.Thecelestialfire,thephilosopherssaid,souloftheworldandoffire,anuniversal
principle,circulatingabovetheHeavens,inaregioninfinitelypureandwhollyluminous,itselfpure,
simple,andunmixed,isabovetheworldbyitsspecificlightness.

Ifanypartofit(sayahumansoul)descends,itactsagainstitsnatureindoingso,urgedbyan
inconsideratedesireoftheintelligence,aperfidiousloveformatterwhichcausesittodescend,toknow
whatpassesherebelow,wheregoodandevilareinconflict.TheSoul,asimplesubstance,when
unconnectedwithmatter,arayorpartscleoftheDivineFire,whosehomeisinHeaven,everturns
towardthathome,whileunitedwiththebody,andstrugglestoreturnthither.

Teachingthis,theMysteriesstrovetorecallmantohisdivineorigin,andpointouttohimthemeansof
returningthither.ThegristscienceacquiredintheMysterieswasknowledgeofman'sself,ofthe
noblenessofhisorigin,thegrandeurofhisdestiny,andhissuperiorityovertheanimals,whichcan
neveracquirethisknowledge,andwhomheresemblessolongashedoesnotrejectuponhisexistence
andsoundthedepthsofhisownnature.

Bydoingandsuffering,byvirtueandpietyandgooddeeds,thesoulwasenabledatlengthtofreeitself
fromthebody,andascendalongthepathoftheMilkyWay,bythegateofCapricornandbytheseven
spheres.totheplacewhencebymanygraduationsandsuccessivelapsesandenthrallmentsithad
descended.Andthusthetheoryofthespheres,andofthesignsandintelligenceswhichpresidethere,
andthewholesystemofastronomy,wereconnectedwiththatofthesoulanditsdestiny;andsowere
taughtintheMysteries,inwhichweredevelopedthegreatprinciplesofphysicsandmetaphysicsasto
theoriginofthesoul,itsconditionherebelow,itsdestination,anditsfuturefate.

TheGreeksfixthedateoftheestablishmentoftheMysteriesofEleusisattheyear1423B.C.,during
thereignofErechtheusatAthens.Accordingtosomeauthors,theywereinstitutedbyCeresherself;
andaccordingtoothers,bythatMonarch,whobroughtthemfromEgypt,where,accordingtoDiodorus
ofSicily,hewasborn.Anothertraditionwas,thatOrpheusintroducedthemintoGreece,togetherwith
theDionysianceremonies,copyingthelatterfromtheMysteriesofOsiris,andtheformerfromthoseof
Isis.

NorwasitatAthensonly,thattheworshipandMysteriesofIsis,metamorphosedintoCeres,were
established.TheBoeotiansworshippedtheGreatorCabiricCeres,intherecessesofasacredgrove,
intowhichnonebutInitiatescouldenter;andtheceremoniesthereobserved,andthesacredtraditions
oftheirMysteries,wereconnectedwiththoseoftheCabiriinSamothrace.
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SoinArgos,Phocis,Arcadia,Achaia,Messenia,Corinth,andmanyotherpartsofGreece,the
Mysterieswerepracticed,revealingeverywheretheirEgyptianoriginandeverywherehavingthesame
generalfeatures;butthoseofEleusis,inAttica,Pausaniasinformsus,hadbeenregardedbytheGreeks,
fromtheearliesttimes,asbeingasfarsuperiortoalltheothers,astheGodsaretomereHeroes.

SimilartotheseweretheMysteriesofBonaDea,theGoodGoddess,whosename,sayCiceroand
Plutarch,itwasnotpermittedtoanymantoknow,celebratedatRomefrormtheearliesttimesofthat
city.ItwastheseMysteries,practicedbywomenalone,thesecrecyofwhichwasimpiouslyviolatedby
Claudius.TheywereheldattheKalendsofMay;and,accordingtoPlutarch,muchoftheceremonial
greatlyresembledthatoftheMysteriesofBacchus.

TheMysteriesofVenusandAdonisbelongedprincipallytoSyriaandPhoenicia,whencetheypassed
intoGreeceandSicily.VenusorAstartewastheGreatFemaleDeityofthePhoenicians,asHercules,
MelkarthorAdoniwastheirChiefGod.Adoni,calledbytheGreeksAdonis,wastheloverofVenus.
Slainbyawoundinthethighinflictedbyawildboarinthechase,theflowercalledanemonesprang
fromhisblood.VenusreceivedthecorpseandobtainedfromJupitertheboonthatherlovershould
thereafterpasssixmonthsofeachyearwithher,andtheothersixintheShadeswithProserpine;an
allegoricaldescriptionofthealternateresidenceoftheSuninthetwohemispheres.IntheseMysteries
hisdeathwasrepresentedandmounted,andafterthismacerationandmourningwereconcluded,his
resurrectionandascenttoHeavenwereannounced.

EzekielspeaksofthefestivalsofAdonisunderthenameofthoseofThammuz,anAssyrianDeity,
whomeveryyearthewomenmourned,seatedatthedoorsoftheirdwellings.TheseMysteries,likethe
others,werecelebratedintheSpring,attheVernalEquinox,whenhewasrestoredtolife;atwhich
time,whentheywereinstituted,theSun(Adoni,Lord,orMaster)wasintheSignTaurus,thedomicile
ofVenus.Hewasrepresentedwithhorns,andthehymnofOrpheusinhishonorstyleshim"thetwo
hornedGod"asinArgosBacchuswasrepresentedwiththefeetofabull.

PlutarchsaysthatAdonisandBacchuswereregardedasoneandthesameDeity;andthatthisopinion
wasfoundedonthegreatsimilarityinverymanyrespectsbetweentheMysteriesofthesetwoGods.

TheMysteriesofBacchuswereknownastheSabazian,OrphicandDionysianFestivals.Theywent
backtotheremotestantiquityamongtheGreeks,andwereattributedbysometoBacchushimself,and
byotherstoOrpheus.Theresemblanceinceremonialbetweentheobservancesestablishedinhonorof
OsirisinEgypt,andthoseinhonorofBacchusinGreece,themythologicaltraditionsofthetwoGods,
andthesymbolsusedinthefestivalsofeach,amplyprovetheiridentity.NeitherthenameofBacchus,
northewordorgiesappliedtohisfeasts,northesacredwordsusedinhisMysteries,areGreek,butof
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foreignorigin.BacchuswasanOrientalDeity,worshippedintheEast,andhisorgiescelebratedthere,
longbeforetheGreeksadoptedthem.IntheearliesttimeshewasworshippedinIndia,Arabia,and
Bavaria.HewashonoredinGreecewithpublicfestivals,andinsimpleorcomplicatedMysteries,
varyinginceremonialinvariousplaces,aswasnatural,becausehisworshiphadcomethitherfrom
differentcountriesandatdifferentperiods,ThepeoplewhocelebratedthecomplicatedMysterieswere
ignorantofthemeaningofmanywordswhichtheyusedandofmanyembalmswhichtheyrevered.In
theSabazianFeasts,forexample[fromSabaZeus,anorientalnameofthisDeity],thewordsEVOI,
SABOI,Wereused,whichareinnowiseGreek;andaserpentofgoldwasthrownintothebosomofthe
Initiate,inallusiontothefablethatJupiterhad,intheformofaserpent,hadconnectionwith
Proserpine,andbegottenBakchos,thebullwhencetheenigmaticalsaying,repeatedtotheInitiates,that
abullengenderedadragonorserpent,andtheserpentinturnengenderedthebull,whobecame
Bakchos:themeaningifwhichwas,thatthebull[Taurus,whichthenopenedtheVernalEquinox,and
theSuninwhichSign,figurativelyrepresentedbytheSignitself,wasBakchos,Dionysus,SabaZeus,
Osiris,etc],andtheSerpent,anotherconstellation,occupiedsuchrelativepositionsintheHeavens,that
whenonerosetheotherset,andviceversa.

TheserpentwasafamiliarsymbolintheMysteriesofBakchos.TheInitiatesgraspedthemwiththeir
hands,asOrphiucusdoesonthecelestialglobe,andtheOrpheotelestes,orpurifierofcandidatesdid
thesame,crying,asDemosthenestaunted.AEschineswithdoinginpublicattheheadofthewomen
whomhismotherwastoimitate,EVOI,SAB0I,HYESATTE,ANTE,HYES!

TheInitiatesintheseMysterieshadpreservedtheritualandceremoniesthataccordedwiththe
simplicityoftheearliestages,andthemannersofthefirstmen.TherulesofPythagoraswerefollowed
there.LiketheEgyptians,whoheldwoolunclean,theyburiednoInitiateinwoolengarments.They
abstainedfrombloodysacrifices;andlivedonfruitsorvegetablesorinanimatethings.Theyimitated
thelifeofthecontemplativeSectsoftheOrient;thusapproximatingtothetranquilityofthefirstmen,
wholivedexemptfromtroubleandcrimesinthebosomofaprofoundpeace.Oneofthemostprecious
advantagespromisedbytheirinitiationwas,toputamanincommunionwiththeGods,bypurifying
hissoulofallthepassionsthatinterferewiththatenjoyment,anddimtheraysofdivinelightthatare
communicatedtoeverysoulcapableofreceivingthem,andthatimitatetheirpurity.Oneofthedegrees
ofinitiationwasthestateofinspirationtowhichtheadaptswereclaimedtoattain.TheInitiatesinthe
MysteriesoftheLamb,atPepuza,inPhrygia,professedtobeinspired,andprophesiedanditwas
claimedthatthesoul,bymeansofthesereligiousceremonies,purifiedofanystain,couldseetheGods
inthislife,andcertainly,inallcases,afterdeath.ThesacredgatesoftheTemple,wheretheceremonies
ofinitiationwereperformed,wereopenedbutonceineachyear,andnostrangerwaseverallowedto
enter.ItthrewherveilovertheseaugustMysteries,whichcouldberevealedtono,one.Therethe
sufferingsofBakchoswererepresented,who,likeOsiris,died,descendedtohellandrosetolifeagain;
andrawfleshwasdistributedtotheInitiates,whicheachate,inmemoryofthedeathdftheDeity,torn
inpiecesbytheTitans.
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TheseMysteriesalsowerecelebratedattheVernalEquinox;andtheemblemofgeneration,toexpress
theactiveenergyandgenerativepoweroftheDivinity,wasaprincipalsymbol.TheInitiateswore
garlandsandcrownsofmyrtleandlaurel.

IntheseMysteries,theaspirantwaskeptinterroranddarknesstoperformthethreedaysandnights;
andwasthenmadeAfaismos.OfCeremonyrepresentingthedeathofBakchos,thesamemythological
personagewithOsiris.

Thiswaseffectedbycoffininghiminaclosecell,thathemightseriouslyreflect,insolitudeand
darkness,onthebusinesshewasengagedinandhismindbepreparedforthereceptionofthesublime
andmysterioustruthsofprimitiverevelationandphilosophy.Thiswasasymbolicdeath;the
deliverancefromit,regeneration;afterwhichhewascalleddifnsortwinborn.Whileconfinedinthe
cell,thepursuitofTyphonafterthemangledbodyofOsiris,andthesearchofRheaorIsisforthesame,
wereenactedinhishearing;theinitiatedcryingaloudthenames,ofthatDeityderivedfromthe
Sanskrit.Thenitwasannouncedthatthebodywasfoundandtheaspirantwasliberatedamidshootsof
joyandexultation.

ThenhepassedthrougharepresentationofHellandElysium."Then,"saidanancientwriter,"theyare
entertainedwithhymnsanddances,withthesublimedoctrinesofsacredknowledge,andwith
wonderfulandholyvisions.Andnowbecomeperfectandinitiated,theyareFREE,andnolongerunder
restraint;but,crowned,andtriumphant,theywalkupanddowntheregionsoftheblessed,converse
withpureandholymen,andcelebratethesacredMysteriesatpleasure."Theyweretaughtthenature
andobjectsoftheMysteries,andthemeansofmakingthemselvesknown,andreceivedthenameof
Epopts;werefullyinstructediethenatureandattributesoftheDivinity,andthedoctrineofafuture
state;andmadeacquaintedwiththeunityandattributesoftheGrandArchitectoftheUniverse,andthe
truemeaningofthefablesinregardtotheGodsofPaganism:thegreatTruthbeingoftenproclaimed,
that"ZeusistheprimitiveSourceofallthings;thereisoneGod;onepower,andoneruleoverall."And
afterfullexplanationofthemanysymbolsandemblemsthatsurroundedthem,theyweredismissed
withthebarbarouswordsKog?Ompa?corruptionsoftheSanskritwords,KanskaAomPakscha;
meaning,objectofourwishes,God,Silence,orWorshiptheDeityinSilence.

AmongtheemblemsusedwastherodofBakchos;whichonce,itwassaid,hecastontheground,and
itbecameaserpent;andatanothertimehestrucktheriversOrontesandHydaspeswithit,andthe
watersrecededandhepassedoverdryshod.Waterwasobtained,duringtheceremonies,bystrikinga
rockwithit.TheBakchaecrownedtheirheadswithserpents,carriedtheminvasesandbaskets,andat
theEvehois,orfinding,ofthebodyofOsiris,castone,alive,intotheaspirant'sbosom.

TheMysteriesofAtysinPhrygia,andthoseofCybelehismistress,liketheirworship,muchresembled
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thoseofAdonisandBakchos,OsirisandIsis.TheirAsiaticoriginisuniversallyadmitted,andwaswith
greatplausibilityclaimedbyPhrygia,whichcontestedthepalmofantiquitywithEgypt.They,more
thananyotherpeople,mingledallegorywiththeirreligiousworship,andweregreatinventorsoffables;
andtheirsacredtraditionsastoCybeleandAtys,whomalladmittobePhrygianGods,werevery
various.Inall,aswelearnfromJuliusFirmicus,theyrepresentedbyallegorythephenomena,ofnature
andthesuccessionofphysicalfacts,undertheveilofamarveloushistory.

Theirfeastsoccurredattheequinoxes,commencingwithlamentation,mourning,groans,andpitiful
criesfortheheathofAtysandendingwithrejoicingsathisrestorationtolife.Weshallnotrecitethe
differentversionsofthelegendofAtysandCybele,givenbyJuliusFirmicus,Diodorus,Arnobius,
Lactantius,Servius,SaintAugustine,andPausanas.Itisenoughtosaythatitisinsubstancethisthat
Cybele,aPhrygianPrincess,whoinventedmusicalinstrumentsanddances,wasenamoredofAtys,a
youth;thateitherheinafitoffrenzymutilatedhimselforwasmutilatedbyherinaparoxysmof
jealousy;thathedied,andafterward,likeAdonis,wasrestoredtolife.'ItisthePhoenicianfictionasto
theSunGod,expressedinotherterms,underother'forms,andwithothernames.'Cybelewas
worshippedinSyria,underthenameofRhea.

LuciansaysthattheLydianAtysthereestablishedherworshipandbuilthertemple.ThenameofRhea
isalsofoundintheancientcosmogonyofthePhoeniciansbySanchoniathon.Itwas'AtystheLydian,
saysLucian,who,havingbeenmutilated,firstestablishedtheMysteriesofRhea,andtaughtthe
Phrygians,theLydians,andthepeopleofSamothracetocelebratethem.Rhea,likeCybele,was
representeddrawnbylions,bearingadrum,andcrownedwithflowers.

AccordingtoVarro,Cybelerepresentedtheearth.ShepartookofthecharacteristicsofMinerva,Venus,
theMoon,Diana,Nemesis,andtheFuries;wascladinpreciousstonesandherHighPriestworearobe
ofpurpleandatiaraofgold.

TheGrandFeastoftheSyrianGoddess,likethatoftheMotheroftheGodsatRome,wascelebratedat
theVernalEquinox.PreciselyatthatequinoxtheMysteriesofAtyswerecelebrated,'inwhichthi
Initiatesweretaughttoexpecttherewardsofafuturelife,andtheflightofAtysfromthejealousfury
ofCybelewasdescribed,hisconcealmentinthemountainsandinacave,andHisselfmutilationina
fitofdelirium;inwhichacthispriestsimitatedhim.ThefeastofthepassionofAtyscontinuedthree
days;thefirstofwhichwaspassedinmourningandtears;towhichafterwardclamorousrejoicings
succeeded;bywhich,Macrobiussays,theSunwasadoredunderthenameofAtys.Theceremonies
wereallallegorical,someofwhich,accordingtotheEmperorJulian,couldbeexplained,butmore
remainedcoveredwiththeveilofmystery.Thusitisthatsymbolsoutlasttheirexplanations,asmany
havedoneinMasonry,andignoranceandrashnesssubstitutenewones.
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Inanotherlegend,givenbyPausanias,Atysdies,woundedlikeAdonisbyawildboarintheorgansof
generation;amutilationwithwhichallthelegendsended.Thepinetreeunderwhichhewassaidto
havedied,wassacredtohim;andwasfounduponmanymonuments,withabullandaramnearit;one
thesignofexaltationoftheSun,andtheotherofthatoftheMoon.

TheworshipoftheSununderthenameofMithrasbelongedtoPersia,whencethatnamecame,asdid
theeruditesymbolsofthatworship.ThePersians,adorersofFire,regardedtheSunas;themost
brilliantabodeofthefecundatingenergyofthatelement,whichgiveslifetotheearth,andcirculatesin
everypartoftheUniverse,ofwhichitis,asitwere,thesoul.

ThisworshippassedfromPersiaintoArmenia,Cappadocia,andCilicia,longbeforeitwasknownat
Rome.TheMysteriesofMithrasflurishedmorethananyothersintheimperialcity.Theworshipof
MithrascommencedtoprevailthereunderTrojan.HadrianprohibitedtheseMysteries,onaccountof
thecruelscenesrepresentedintheirceremonialforhumanvictimswereimmolatedtherein,andthe
eventsoffuturitylookedforintheirpalpitatirigentrails.

TheyreappearedingreatersplendorthaneverunderCommodus,whowithhisownhandsacrificeda
victimtoMithrasandtheywerestillmorepracticedunderConstantineandhissuccessors,whenthe
PriestsofMithraswerefoundeverywhereintheRomanEmpire,andthemonumentsofhisworship
appearedeveninBritain.

CaveswereconsecratedtoMithras,inwhichwerecollectedamultitudeofastronomicalemblemsand
crueltestswererequiredoftheInitiates.ThePersiansbuiltnotemples;butworshippeduponthe
summitsofhills,inenclosuresofunhewnstones.Theyabominatedimages,andmadetheSunandFire
emblemsoftheDeity.TheJewsborrowedthisfromthem,andrepresentedGodasappearingto
Abrahaminaflameoffire,andtoMosesasafireatHorebandonSinai.

WiththePersians,Mithras,typifiedintheSun,wastheinvisibleDeity,theParentoftheUniverse,the
Mediator.InZoroaster'scaveofinitiation,theSunandPlanetswererepresentedoverhead,ingemsand
gold,asalsowastheZodiac.TheSunappearedemergingfromthebackofTaurus.Threegreatpillars,
Eternity,Fecundity,andAuthority,supportedtheroofandthewholewasatemblemoftheUniverse.

Zoroaster,likeMoses,claimedtohaveconversedfacetoface,asmanwithman,withtheDeity;andto
havereceivedfromHimasystemofpureworship,tobecommunicatedonlytothevirtueous,andthose
whowoulddevotethemselvestothestudyofPhilosophy.Hisfamespreadovertheworld,andpupils
cametohimfromeverycountry.EvenPythagoraswashisscholar.
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Afterhisnovitiate,thecandidateenteredthecavernofinitiation,andwasreceivedonthepointofa
swordpresentedtohisnakedleftbreast,bywhichhewasslightlywounded.Beingcrownedwitholive,
anointedwithbalsamofbenzoin,andotherwiseprepared,hewaspurifiedwithfireand.Water,and
wentthroughsevenstagesofinitiation,Thesymbolofthesestageswasahighladderwithsevenrounds
orsteps.Inthem,hewentthroughmanyfearfultrial'sinwhichdarknessdisplayedaprincipalpart.He
sawarepresentationofthewickedinHides;andfinallyemergedfromdarknessintolight.Receivedita
placerepresentingElysium,inthebrilliantassemblyoftheinitiated,wheretheArchmaguspresided,
robedinblue,heassumedtheobligationsofsecrecy,andwasentrustedwiththeSacredWords,of
whichtheIneffableNameofGodwasthechief.

Thenalltheincidentsofhisinitiationwereexplainedtohimhewastaughtthattheseceremonies
broughthimnearertheDeityandthatheshouldadoretheconsecratedFire,thegiftofthatDeityand
Hisvisibleresidence.Hewastaughtthesacredcharactersknownonlytotheinitiated;andinstructedin
regardtothecreationoftheworld,andthetruephilosophicalmeaningofthevulgarmythology;and
especiallyofthelegendofOrmuzdandAhriman,andthesymbolicmeaningofthesixAmshaspands
createdbytheformerBahman,theLordofLight;Ardibehest,theGeniusofFire;Shariver,theLordof
SplendorandMetals;Stapandomad,theSourceofFruitfulness;Kkordad,theGeniusofWaterand
TimeandAmerdad,theprotectoroftheVegetableWorld,andtheprimecauseofgrowth.Andfinally
hewastaughtthetruenatureoftheSupremeBeing,CreatorofOrmuzdandAhriman,the'Absolute
FirstCause,styledZeruaneAkherene.

IntheMithriacinitiationwereseveralDegrees.Thefirst,Tertulliansays,wasthatofSoldierofMithras.
Theceremonyoireceptionconsistedinpresentingthecandidateacrown,supportedbyasword.Itwas
placednearhishead,andherepelledit,saying,"Mithrasismy,crown."Thenhewasdeclaredthe
soldierofMithras,andhadtherighttocalltheotherInitiatesfellowsoldiersorcompanionsinarms.
HencethetitleCompanionsintheRoyalArchDegreeoftheAmericanRite.Thenhepassed,Porphyry
says,throughtheDegreeoftheLion,theconstellationLeo,domicileoftheSunandsymbolofMithras,
foundonhismonuments.TheseceremoniesweretermedatRomeLeonticandHeliumandCoraciaor
HieroCoracia,ofHeavensbelowtheLion,withtheHydra,andalsoappearingontheMithras
monuments.

ThencehepassedtoahigherDegree,wheretheInitiateswere'calledPersesandchildrenoftheSun.
AbovethemweretheFathers,whosechieforPatriarchwasstyledFatherofFathers,orPaterPatratus.
TheInitiatesalsoborethetitleofEaglesandHawks,birdsconsecratedtotheSuninEgypt,theformer
sacredtotheGodMendes,andthelattertheemblemoftheSunandRoyalty.

ThelittleislandofSamothracewaslongthedepositaryofcertainaugustMysteries,andmanywent
thitherfromallpartsofGreecetobeinitiated.ItwassaidtohavebeensettledbytheancientPelasgi,
earlyAsiaticcolonistsinGreece.TheGodsadoredintheMysteriesofthisislandweretermedCABIRI,
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anorientalword,fromCaber,greatVarrocallstheGodsofSamothrace,PotentGods.InArabic,Venus
iscalledCaberVarrosaysthattheGreatDeitieswhoseMysterieswerepracticedthere,wereHeaven
andEarth.ThesewerebutsymbolsoftheActiveandPassivePowersorPrinciplesofuniversal
generation.

ThetwoTwins,CastorandPollux,ortheDioscuri,werealsocalledtheGodsofSamothrace;andthe
ScholiastofApollonius,citingMnaseas,givesthenamesofCeres,Proserpine,Pluto,andMercury,as
thefourCabiricDivinitiesworshippedatSamothrace,asAxieros,Axiocersa,Axiocersus,and
Casmillus.

Mercurywas,thereaseverywhere,theministerandmessengeroftheGodsandtheyoungservitorsof
thealtarsandthechildrenemployedintheTempleswerecalledMercuriesorCasmillus,astheywerein
Tuscany,bytheEtrusciandPelasgi,whoworshippedtheGreatGods.

TarquintheEtruscanwasanInitiateofthemysteriesofSamothrace;andEtruriahaditsCabirias
Samothracehad.FortheworshipoftheCabirispreadfromthatislandintoEtruria,Phrygia,andAsia
MinoranditprobablycamefromPhoeniciaintoSamothracefortheCabiriarementionedby
Sanchoniathon;andthewordCaberbelongstotheHebrew,Phoenician,andArabiclanguages.

TheDioscuri,tutelaryDeitiesofNavigation,withVenus,wereinvokedintheMysteriesofSamothrace.
TheconstellationAuriga,orPhaeton,wasalsohonoredtherewithimposingceremonies.Uponthe
Aeronauticexpedition,Orpheus,anInitiateoftheseMysteries,astormarising,counseledhis
companionstoputintoSamothrace.Theydidso,thestormceased,andtheywereinitiatedintothe
Mysteriesthere,andsailedagainwiththeassuranceofafortunatevoyage,undertheauspicesofthe
Dioscuri,patronsofsailorsandnavigation.

ButmuchmorethanthatwaspromisedtheInitiates.TheHierophantsofSamothracemadesomething
infinitelygreatertobetheobjectoftheirinitiationstowit,theconsecrationofmentotheDeity,by
pledgingthemtovirtueandtheassuranceofthoserewardswhichthejusticeoftheGodsreservesfor
Initiatesafterdeath.This,aboveallelse,madetheseceremoniesaugust,andinspiredeverywhereso
greatarespectforthem,andsogreatadesiretobeadmittedtothemthatoriginallycausedtheislandto
bestyledSacred.Itwasrespectedbyallnations.TheRomans,whenmastersoftheworld,leftitits
libertyandlaws.Itwasanasylumfortheunfortunatesandasanctuaryinviolable.

Theremenwereabsolvedofthecrimeofhomicide,ifnotcommittedinatemple.Childrenoftender
agewereinitiatedthere,andinvestedwiththesacredrobe,thepurpletincture,andthecrownofolive,
andseateduponathrone,likeotherInitiates.Intheceremonieswasrepresentedthedeathifthe
youngestoftheCabiri,slainbyhisbrothers,whofledintoEtruria,carryingwiththemthechestorark
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thatcontained,hisgenitalsandtherethePhallusandthesacredarkwereadored.Herodotussaysthat
theSamothracianInitiatesunderstoodtheobjectandoriginofthisreverencepaidthePhallus,andwhy
itwasexhibitedintheMysteries.ClementofAlexandriasaysthattheCabiritaughttheTuscanyto
revereit.ItwasconsecratedatHeliopolisinSyria,wherethemysteriesofaDivinityhavingmany
pointsofresemblancewith.AtysandCybelewererepresented.ThePelasgiconnecteditwithMercury;
anditappearsonthemonumentsofMathias;alwaysandeverywhereasymbolofthelifegivingpower
oftheSunattheVernalEquinox.IntheIndianMysteries,asthecandidatemadehisthreecircuits,he
pausedeachtimehereachedtheSouth,andsaid,"IcopytheexampleoftheSun,andfollowhis
beneficentcourse."BlueMasonryhasrenamedtheCircuits,buthasutterlylosttheexplanation;which
is,thatintheMysteriesthecandidateinvariablyrepresentedtheSun,descendingSouthwardtowardthe
reignof.TheEvilPrinciple,Ahriman,Sita,orTyphon(darknessandwinter);therefigurativelytobe
slain,andafterafewdaystoriseagainfromthedead,andcommencetoascendtotheNorthward.Then
thedeathofSitawasbewailed;orthatofCama,slainbyIswara,aidcommittedtothewavesonachest,
likeOsirisandBacchus;duringwhichthecandidatewasterrifiedbyphantomsandhorridnoises.

ThenhewasmadetopersonifyVishnu,andperformhisavatars,orlabors.Inthefirsttwohewas
taughtinallegoriesthelegendoftheDelugeinthefirsthetookthreestepsatrightangles,representing
thethreehugestepstakenbyVishnuinthatavatar;andhencethethreestepsintheMaster'sDegree
endingatrightangles.

Thenineavatarsfinished,hewastaughtthenecessityoffaith,assuperiortosacrifices,actsofcharity,
ormortificationsoftheflesh.Thenhewasadmonishedagainstfivecrimes,andtookasolemn
obligationnevertocommitthem.HewasthenintroducedintoarepresentationofParadise;the
CompanyoftheMembersoftheOrder,magnificentlyarrayed,andtheAltarwithafireblazinguponit,
asanemblemoftheDeity.

Thenanewnamewasgivenhim,andhewasinvestedinawhiterobeandtiara,andreceivedthesigns,
tokens,andlectures.Acrosswasmarkedonhisforehead,andaninvertedlevel,ortheTauCross,onhis
breast.Hereceivedthesacredcord,anddiversamuletsortalismans;andwastheninvestedwiththe
sacredWordorSublimeName,knownonlytotheinitiated,theTrilateralA.U.M.

Thenthemultitudeofemblemswasexplainedtothecandidate;thearcanaofsciencehiddenunder
them,andthedifferentvirtuesofwhichthemythologicalfiguresweremorepersonifications.Andhe
thuslearnedthemeaningofthosesymbols,which,totheuninitiated,werebutamazeofunintelligible
figures.Godhead,thehappinessofthepatriarchs,thedestructionbytheDeluge,thedepravityofthe
heart,andthenecessityofamediator,theinstabilityoflife,thefinaldestructionofallcreatedthings,
andtherestorationoftheworldinamoreperfectform.TheyinculcatedtheEternityoftheSoul,
explainedthemeaningofthedoctrineoftheMetempsychosis,andheldthedoctrineofastateoffuture
rewardsandpunishments:andtheyalsoearnestlyurgedthatsinscouldonlybeatonedforby
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repentance,reformation,andvoluntarypenance;andnotbymereceremoniesandsacrifices.

TheMysteriesamongtheChineseandJapanesecamefromIndia,andwerefoundedonthesame
principlesandwithsimilarrites.ThewordgiventothenewInitiatewasOMiToFo,inwhichwe
recognizetheoriginalnameA.U.M.,coupledatamuchlatertimewiththatofFo,theIndianBuddha,
toshowthathewastheGreatDeityHimself.

Theequilateraltrianglewasoneoftheirsymbols;andsowasthemysticalY;bothalludingtothe
TriuneGod,andthelatterbeingtheineffablenameoftheDeity.Aringsupportedbytwoserpentswas
emblematicaloftheworld,protectedbythepowerandwisdomoftheCreator;andthatistheoriginof
thetwoparallellines(intowhichtimehaschangedthetwoserpents),thatsupportthecircleinour
Lodges.

AmongtheJapanese,thetermofprobationforthehighestDegreewastwentyyears.

ThemainfeaturesoftheDruidicalMysteriesresembledthoseoftheOrient.Theceremonies
commencedwithahymntothesun.Thecandidateswerearrangedinranksofthrees,fives,andsevens,
accordingtotheirqualifications;andconductedninetimesaroundtheSanctuary,fromEasttoWest.
Thecandidateunderwentmanytrials,oneofwhichhaddirectreferencetothelegendofOsiris.Hewas
placedinaboat,andsentouttoseaalone,havingtorelyonhisownskillandpresenceofmindtoreach
theoppositeshoreinsafety.ThedeathofHuwasrepresentedinhishearing,witheveryexternalmark
ofsorrow,whilehewasinutterdarkness.Hemetwithmanyobstacles,hadtoprovehiscourage,and
exposehislifeagainstarmedenemies;representedvariousanimals,andatlast,attainingthepermanent
light,hewasinstructedbytheArchDruidinregardtotheMysteries,andinthemoralityofthethird
Degreewasalifeofseclusion,aftertheInitiate'schildrenwerecapableofprovidingforthemselves;
passedintheforest,inthepracticeofprayersandablutions,andlivingonlyonvegetables.Hewasthen
saidtobebornagain.

Thefourthwasabsoluterenunciationoftheworld,selfcontemplationaddselftorture;bywhich
Perfectionwasthoughttobeattained,andthesoulmergedintheDeity.InthesecondDegree,the
InitiatewastaughttheUnityoftheOrder,incitedtoactbravelyinwar,taughtthegreattruthsofthe
immortalityofthesoulandafuturestate,solemnlyenjoinednottoneglecttheworshipoftheDeity,
northepracticeofrigidmorality;andtoavoidsloth,contention,andfolly.

TheaspirantattainedonlytheexotericknowledgeinthefirsttwoDegrees.Thethirdwasattainedonly
byafew,andtheypersonsofrankandconsequence,andafterlongpurification,andstudyofallthearts
andsciencesknowntotheDruids,insolitude,forninemonths.Thiswasthesymbolicaldeathand
burialoftheseMysteries.
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Thedangerousvoyageupontheactualopensea,inasmallboatcoveredwithaskin,ontheeveningof
the29thofApril,wasthelasttrial,andclosingscene,ofinitiation.Ifhedeclinedthistrial,hewas
dismissedwithcontempt.Ifhemadeitandsucceeded,hewastermedthriceborn,waseligibletoall
thedignitiesoftheState,andreceivedcompleteinstructioninthephilosophicalandreligiousdoctrines
oftheDruids.

TheGreeksalsostyledthe,EpopihzTigo,thricebornandinIndiaperfectionwasassignedtotheYogi
whohadaccomplishedmanybirths.ThegeneralfeaturesoftheinitiationsamongtheGothswerethe
sameasinalltheMysteries.Alongprobation,offastingandmortification,circularprocessions,
representingthemarchofthecelestialbodies,manyfearfultestsandtrials,adescentintotheinfernal
regions,thekillingoftheGodBalderbytheEvilPrinciple,Lok,theplacingofhisbodyinaboatand
sendingitabroaduponthewatersandinshort,theEasternLegend,underdifferentnames,andwith
somevariations.

TheEgyptianAnubisappearedthere,asthedogguardingthegatesofdeath.Thecandidatewas
immuredintherepresentationofatombandwhenreleased,goesinsearchofthebodyofBalder,and
findshim,atlengthrestoredtolife,andseateduponathrone.Hewasobligateduponanakedsword(as
isstillthecustomintheRitModerne)andsealedhisobligationbydrinkingmeadoutofahumanskull.

Thenalltheancientprimitivetruthsweremadeknowntohim,sofarastheyhadsurvivedtheassaults
oftimeandhewasinformedastothegenerationoftheGods,thecreationoftheworld,thedeluge,and
theresurrection,ofwhichthatofBalderwasatype.Hewasmarkedwiththesignofthecrossanda
ringwasgiventohimasasymboloftheDivineProtectionandalsoasanemblemofPerfectionfrom
whichcomesthecustomofgivingaringtotheAspirantinthe14thDegree.

ThepointwithinCircleandtheCube,emblemofOdin,wereexplainedtohim;andlastly,thenatureof
theSupremeGod,"theauthorofeverythingthatexisteth,theEternal,theAncient,theLivingand
AwfulBeing,theSearcherintoconcealedthings',theBeingthatneverchangeth"withwhomOdinthe
ConquerorwasbythevulgarconfoundedandtheTriuneGodoftheIndianswasreproduced,asOdin,
theAlmightyFATHER,FREA,(RheaorPhre),hiswife(emblemofuniversalmatter),andThorhisson
(theMediator).HerewerecognizeOsiris,Isis,andHororHorus.AroundtheheadofThor,asifto
showhiseasternorigin,twelvestarswerearrangedinacircle.

Hewasalsotaughttheultimatedestructionoftheworld,andtherisingofanewone,inwhichthebrave
andvirtuousshallenjoyeverlastinghappinessanddelightasthemeansofsecuringwhichhappy
fortune,hewastaughttopractisethestrictestmoralityandvirtue.TheInitiatewaspreparedtoreceive
thegreatlessonsofalltheMysteries,bylongtrials,orbyabstinenceandchastity.Formanydayshe
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wasrequiredtofastandbecontinent,andtodrinkliquidscalculatedtodiminishhispassionsandkeep
himchaste.Ablutionswerealsorequired,symbolicalofthepuritynecessarytoenablethesoulto
escapefromitsbondageinmatter.Sacredbuttsandpreparatorybaptismswereused,lustrations,
immersions,lustralsprinklings,andpurificationsofeverykind.AtAthenstheybathedintheIlissus,
whichthencebecameasacredriver;andbeforeenteringtheTempleofEleusis,allwererequiredto
washtheirhandsinavaseoflustralwaterplacedneartheentrance.Cleanhandsandapureheartwere
requiredofthecandidates.

Apuleiusbathedseventimesinthesea,symbolicaloftheSevenSpheresthroughwhichtheSoulmust
reascend;addtheHindusmustbatheinthesacredriverGanges.

ClementofAlexandriacitesapassageofMeander,whospeaksofapurificationbysprinklingthree
timeswithsaltandwaterSulphur,resin,andthelaurelalsoservedforpurificationasdidair,earth,
water,andfire.TheInitiatesatHeliopolis,inSyria,saysLucian,sacrificedthesacredlamb,symbolof
Aries,thenthesignoftheVernalEquinox;atehisflesh,astheIsraelitesdidatthePassoverandthen
touchedhisheadandfeettotheirs,andkneltuponthefleece.Thentheybathedinwarmwater,drankof
thesame,andsleptupontheground.

TherewasadistinctionbetweenthelesserandgreaterMysteries.Onemusthavebeenforsomeyears
admittedtotheformer,beforehecouldreceivethelatter,whichwerebutapreparationforthem,the
Vestibuleofthetemple,ofwhichthoseofEleusisweretheSanctuary.There,inthelesserMysteries,
theywerepreparedtoreceivetheholytruthstaughtinthegreater.TheInitiatesinthelesserwerecalled
simplyMystic,orInitiates;butthoseinthegreater,Epopts)orSeers.Anancientpoetsaysthatthe
formerwereanimperfectshadowofthelatter,assleepisofDeath.Afteradmissiontotheformer,the
Initiatewastaughtlessonsofmorality,andtherudimentsofthesacredscience,themostsublimeand
secretpartofwhichwasreservedfortheEpopt,whosawtheTruthinitsnakedness,whiletheMystic
onlyvieweditthroughaveilandunderemblemsfittertoexcitethantosatisfyhiscuriosity.

Beforecommunicatingthefirstsecretsandprimarydogmasofinitiation,thepriestsrequiredthe
candidatetotakeafearfuloathnevertodivulgethesecrets.Thenhemadehisvows,prayers,and
sacrificestotheGods.TheskinsofthevictimsconsecratedtoJupiterwerespreadontheground,and
hewasmadetosethisfeetuponthem.Hewasthentaughtsomeenigmaticformulas,asanswersto
questions,bywhichtomakehimselfknown.Hewasthenenthroned,investedwithapurpletincture,
andcrownedwithflowers,orbranchesofpalmorolive.

WedonotcertainlyknowthetimethatwasrequiredtoelapsebetweentheadmissiontotheLesserand
GreaterMysteriesofEleusis.Mostwritersfixitatfiveyears.Itwasasingularmarkoffavorwhen
DemetriuswasmadeMysticandEpoptinoneandthesameceremony.Whenatlengthadmittedtothe
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Degreeofperfection,theInitiatewasbroughtfacetofacewithentirenature,andlearnedthatthesoul
wasthewholeofman;thatearthwasbuthisplaceofexile;thatHeavenwashisnativecountry;thatfor
thesoultobebornisreallytodie;andthatdeathwasforitthereturntoanewlife.Thenheenteredthe
sanctuary;buthedidnotreceivethewholeinstructionatonce.Itcontinuedthroughseveralyears.
Therewere,asitwere,manyapartments,throughwhichbeadvancedbydegrees,andbetweenwhich
thickveilsintervened.

TherewereStatuesandPaintings,saysProclus,intheinmostsanctuary,showingtheformsassumedby
theGods.Finallythelastveilfell,thesacredcoveringdroppedfromtheimageoftheGoddess,andshe
stoodrevealedinallhersplendor,surroundedbyadivinelight,which,fillingthewholesanctuary,
dazzledtheeyesandpenetratedthesouloftheInitiate.Thusis
symbolizedthefinalrevelationofthetruedoctrineastothenatureofDeityandofthesoul,andofthe
relationsofeachtomatter.Thiswasprecededbyfrightfulscenes,alternationsoffearandjoy,oflight
anddarkness;byglitteringlightningandthecrashedthunder,andapparitionsofspecters,ormagical
illusions,impressingatoncetheeyesandears.ThisClaudiandescribes,inhispoemontherapeof
Proserpine,wherehealludestowhatpassedinherMysteries."Thetempleisshaken,"hecries;fiercely
gleamsthelightning,bywhichtheDeityannounceshispresence."Earthtrembles;andaterriblenoise
isheardinthemidstoftheseterrors.TheTempleoftheSonofCecropsresoundswithlongcontinued
roars;Eleusisupliftshersacredtorches;theserpentsofTriptolemusareheardtohiss;andfearful
Hecateappearsafar."

ThecelebrationoftheGreekMysteriescontinued,accordingtothebetteropinion,forninedays.Onthe
firsttheInitiatesmet.Itwasthedayofthefullmoon,ofthemonthBoedromion;whenthemoonwas
fullattheendofthesignAries,nearthePleiadesandtheplaceofherexaltationinTaurus.Thesecond
daytherewasaprocessiontothesea,forpurificationbybathing.Thethirdwasoccupiedwith
offerings,expiatorysacrifices,andotherreligiousrites,suchasfasting,mourning,continence,etc.A
mulletwasimmolated,andofferingsofgrainandlivinganimalsmade.Onthefourththeycarriedin
processionthemysticwreathofflowers,representingthatwhichProserpinedroppedwhenseizedby
Pluto,andtheCrownofAriadneintheHeavens.Itwasborneonatriumphalcardrawnbyoxen;and
womenfollowedbearingmysticchestsorboxes,wrappedwithpurpleclothe,captaininggrainsof
sesame,pyramidalbiscuits,salt,pomegranatesandthemysteriousserpent,andperhapsthemystic
phallus.Onthefifthwasthesuperbprocessionoftorches,commemorativeofthesearchforProserpine
byCeres;theInitiatesmarchingbytrios,andeachbearingatorch;whileattheheadofthe
processionmarchedtheDadoukos.

ThesixthwasconsecratedtoIakchos,theyoungLightGod,sonofCeres,rearedinthesanctuariesand
bearingthetorchoftheSunGod.ThechorusinAristophanestermshimtheluminousstarthatlights
thenocturnalinitiation.Hewasbroughtfromthesanctuary,hisheadcrownedwithmyrtle,andborne
fromthegateoftheCeramicustoEleusis,alongthesacredway,amiddances,sacredsongs,everymark
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ofjoy,andmysticcriesofIakchos.

Onthesevenththereweregymnasticexercisesandcombats,thevictorsinwhichwerecrownedand
rewarded.OntheeighthwasthefeastofAEsculapius.Ontheninththefamouslibationwasmadefor
thesoulsofthedeparted.ThePriests,accordingtoAthenaus,filledtwovases,placedoneintheEast
andoneintheWest,towardthegatesofdayandnight,andoverturnedthem,
pronouncingaformulaofmysteriousprayers.ThustheyinvokedLightandDarkness,thetwogreat'
principlesofnature.

Duringallthesedaysnoonecouldbearrested,noranysuitbrought,onpainofdeath,oratleasta
heavyfineandnoonewasallowed,bythedisplayofunusualwealthormagnificence,toendeavorto
rivalthissacredpomp.Everythingwasforreligion.SuchweretheMysteries;andsuchtheOld
Thought,asinscatteredandwidelyseparatedfragmentsithascomedowntous.

Thehumanmindstillspeculatesuponthegreatmysteriesofnature,andstillfindsitsideasanticipated
bytheancients,whoseprofoundestthoughtsaretobelookedfor,notin`theirphilosophies,butintheir
symbols,bywhichtheyendeavoredtoexpressthegreatideasthatvainlystruggledforutterancein
words,astheyviewedfhegreatcircleofphenomena,Birth,Life,Death,orDecomposition,andNew
LifeoutofDeathandRottenness,tothemthegreatestofmysteries.Remember,whileyoustudytheir
symbols,thattheyhadaprofoundersenseofthesewondersthanwehave.Tothemthetransformations
ofthewormwereagreaterwonderthanthestars;andhencethepoordumbscarabaeusorbeetlewas
sacredtothem.Thustheirfaithsarecondensedintosymbolsorexpandedintoallegories,whichthey
understood,butwerenotalwaysabletoexplaininlanguage;fortherearethoughtsandideaswhichno
languageeverspokenbymanhaswordstoexpress.

XXV.NIGHTOFTHEBRAZENSERPENT

ThisDegreeisbothphilosophicalandmoral.Whileitteachesthenecessityofreformationaswellas
repentance,asameansofobtainingmercyandforgiveness,itisalsodevotedtoanexplanationofthe
symbolsofMasonry;andespeciallytothosewhichareconnectedwiththatancientanduniversal
legend,ofwhichthatofKhirOmAbiisbutavariation;thatlegendwhich,representingamurderora
death,andarestorationtolife,byadramainwhichfigureOsiris,IsisandHorus,AtysandCybele,
AdonisandVenus,theCabiri,Dionusos,andmanyanotherrepresentativeoftheactiveandpassive
PowersofNature,taughttheInitiatesintheMysteriesthattheruleofEvilandDarknessisbut
temporary,andthatthatofLightandGoodwillbeeternal.
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Maimonidessays:"InthedaysofEnos,thesonofSeth,menfellintogrievouserrors,andevenEnos
himselfpartookoftheirinfatuation.

Theirlanguagewas,thatsinceGodhasplacedonhightheheavenlybodies,andusedthemasHis
ministers,itwasevidentlyHiswillthattheyshouldreceivefrommanthesamevenerationasthe
servantsofagreatprincejustlyclaimfromthesubjectmultitude.Impressedwiththisnotion,they
begantobuildtemplestotheStars,tosacrificetothem,andtoworshipthem,inthevainexpectation
thattheyshouldthuspleasetheCreatorofallthings.

Atfirst,indeedtheydidnotsupposetheStarstobetheonlyDeities,butadoredinconjunctionwith
themtheLordGodOmnipotent.Inprocessoftime,however,thatgreatandvenerableNamewastotally
forgotten,andthewholehumanraceretainednootherreligionthanthe
idolatrousworshipoftheHostofHeaven."

Thefirstlearningintheworldconsistedchieflyinsymbols.ThewisdomoftheChaldans,
Phnicians,Egyptians,Jews;ofZoroaster,Sanchoniathon,Pherecydes,Syrus,Pythagoras,Socrates,
Plato,ofalltheancients,thatiscometoourhand,issymbolic.Itwasthemode,saysSerranuson
Plato'sSymposium,oftheAncientPhilosophers,torepresenttruthbycertainsymbolsandhidden
images.

"AllthatcanbesaidconcerningtheGods,"saysStrabo,"mustbebytheexpositionofoldopinionsand
fables;itbeingthecustomoftheancientstowrapupinenigmaandallegorytheirthoughtsand
discoursesconcerningNaturewhicharethereforenoteasilyexplained."

Asyoulearnedinthe24thDegree,myBrother,theancientPhilosophersregardedthesoulofmanas
havinghaditsorigininHeaven.Thatwas,Macrobiussays,asettledopinionamongthemall;andthey
heldittobetheonlytruewisdom,forthesoul,whileunitedwiththebody,tolookevertowardits
source,andstrivetoreturntotheplacewhenceitcame.Amongthefixedstarsitdwelt,until,seduced
bythedesireofanimatingabody,itdescendedtobeimprisonedinmatter.Thenceforwardithasno
otherresourcethanrecollection,andiseverattractedtotowarditsbirthplaceandhome.Themeansof
returnaretobesoughtforinitself.Toreascendtoitssource,itmustdoandsufferinthebody.

ThustheMysteriestaughtthegreatdoctrineofthedivinenatureandlongingsafterimmortalityofthe
soul,ofthenobilityofitsorigin,thegrandeurofitsdestiny,itssuperiorityovertheanimalswhohave
noaspirationsheavenward.Iftheystruggledinvaintoexpressitsnature,bycomparingittoFireand
Light,iftheyerredastoitsoriginalplaceofabode,andthemodeofitdescent,andthepathwhich,
descendingandascending,itpursuedamongthestarsandspheres,theseweretheaccessoriesofthe
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GreatTruth,andmereallegoriesdesignedtomaketheideamoreimpressive,and,asitwere,tangible,
tothehumanmind.

Letus,inordertounderstandthisoldThought,firstfollowthesoulinitsdescent.Thesphereor
HeavenofthefixedstarswasthatHolyRegion,andthoseElysianFields,thatwerethenativedomicile
ofsouls,andtheplacetowhichtheyreascended,whentheyhadrecoveredtheirprimitivepurityand
simplicity.Fromthatluminousregionthesoulsetforth,whenitjourneyedtowardthebody;a
destinationwhichitdidnotreachuntilithadundergonethreedegradations,designatedbythenameof
Deaths;anduntilithadpassedthroughtheseveralspheresandtheelements.Allsoulsremainedin
possessionofHeavenandofhappiness,solongastheywerewiseenoughtoavoidthecontagionofthe
body,andtokeepthemselvesfromanycontactwithmatter.Butthosewho,fromthatloftyabode,
wheretheywerelappedineternallight,havelookedlonginglytowardthebody,andtowardthatwhich
weherebelowcalllife,butwhichistothesoularealdeath;andwhohaveconceivedforitasecret
desire,thosesouls,victimsoftheirconcupiscence,areattractedbydegreestowardtheinferiorregions
oftheworld,bythemereweightofthoughtandofthatterrestrialdesire.Thesoul,perfectly
incorporeal,doesnotatonceinvestitselfwiththegrossenvelopeofthebody,butlittlebylittle,by
successiveandinsensiblealterations,andinproportionasitremovesfurtherandfurtherfromthe
simpleandperfectsubstanceinwhichitdweltatfirst.Itfirstsurroundsitselfwithabodycomposedof
thesubstanceofthestars;andafterward,asitdescendsthroughtheseveralspheres,withethereal
mattermoreandmoregross,thusbydegreesdescendingtoanearthlybody;anditsnumberof
degradationsordeathsbeingthesameasthatofthesphereswhichittraverses.

TheGalaxy,Macrobiussays,crossestheZodiacintwooppositepoints,CancerandCapricorn,'the
tropicalpointsinthesun'scourse,ordinarilycalledtheGatesoftheSun.Thesetwotropics,beforehis
time,correspondedwiththoseconstellations,butinhisdaywithGeminiandSagittarius,in
consequenceoftheprecessionoftheequinoxes;butthesignsoftheZodiacremainedunchanged;and
theMilkyWaycrossedatthesignsCancerandCapricorn,thoughnotatthoseconstellations.

ThroughthesegatessoulsweresupposedtodescendtoearthandreascendtoHeaven.One,Macrobius
says,inhisdreamofScorpio,wasstyledtheGateofMen;andtheother,theGateoftheGods.Cancer
wastheformer,becausesoulsdescendedbyittotheearth;andCapricornthelatter,becausebyitthey
reascendedtotheirseatsofimmortality,andbecameGods.FromtheMilkyWay,accordingto
Pythagoras,divergedtheroutetothedominionsofPluto.UntiltheylefttheGalaxy,theywerenot
deemedtohavecommencedtodescendtowardtheterrestrialbodies.Fromthattheydeparted,andto
thattheyreturned.UntiltheyreachedthesignCancer,theyhadnotleftit,andwerestillGods.When
theyreachedLeo,theycommencedtheirapprenticeshipfortheirfuturecondition;andwhentheywere
atAquarius,thesignoppositeLeo,theywerefurthestremovedfromhumanlife.

Thesoul,descendingfromthecelestiallimits,wheretheZodiacandGalaxyunite,losesitsspherical
 334/641

shape,theshapeofallDivineNature,andislengthenedintoacone,asapointislengthenedintoaline;
andthen,anindivisiblemonadbefore,itdividesitselfandbecomesaduadthatis,unitybecomes
division,disturbance,andconflict.Thenitbeginstoexperiencethedisorderwhichreignsinmatter,to
whichitunitesitself,becoming,asitwere,intoxicatedbydraughtsofgrossermatterofwhich
inebriationthecupofBakchos,betweenCancerandLeo,isasymbol.Itisforthemthecupof
forgetfulness.Theyassemble,saysPlato,inthefieldsofoblivion,todrinktherethewateroftheriver
Ameles,whichcausesmentoforgeteverything.ThisfictionisalsofoundinVirgil."Ifsouls,"says
Macrobius,"carriedwiththemintothebodiestheyoccupyalltheknowledgewhichtheyhadacquired
ofdivinethings,duringtheirsojournintheHeavens,menwouldnotdifferinopinionastotheDeity;
butsomeofthemforgetmore,andsomeless,ofthatwhichtheyhadlearned."

Wesmileatthesenotionsoftheancients;butwemustlearntolookthroughthesematerialimagesand
allegories,totheideas,strugglingforutterance,thegreatspeechlessthoughtswhichtheyenvelopandit
iswellforustoconsiderwhetherweourselveshaveyetfoundoutanybetterwayofrepresentingto
ourselvesthesoulsoriginanditsadventintothisbody,soentirelyforeigntoit;ifindeed,wehaveever
thoughtaboutitatall;orhavenotceasedtothink,indespair.

Thehighestandpurestportionofmatter,whichnourishesandconstitutesdivineexistences,iswhatthe
poetstermnectar,thebeverageoftheGods.Thelower,moredisturbedandgrosserportion,iswhat
intoxicatessouls.TheancientssymbolizeditastheRiverLethe,darkstreamofoblivion.Howdowe
explainthesoul'sforgetfulnessofitsantecedents,orreconcilethatutterabsenceofremembranceofits
formercondition,withitsessentialimmortality?Intruth,weforthemostpartdreadandshrinkfrom
anyattemptatexplanationofittoourselves.

Draggeddownbytheheavinessproducedbythisinebriatingdraught,thesoulfallsalongthezodiac
andthemilkywaytothelowerspheres,andinitsdescentnotonlytakes,ineachsphere,anew
envelopeofthematerialcomposingtheluminousbodiesoftheplanets,butreceivestherethedifferent
facultieswhichitistoexercisewhileitinhabitsthebody.

InSaturn,itacquiresthepowerofreasoningandintelligence,orwhatistermedthelogicaland
contemplativefaculty.FromJupiteritreceivesthepowerofaction.Marsgivesitvalor,enterprise,and
impetuosity.FromtheSunitreceivesthesensesandimagination,whichproducesensation,perception,
andthought.Venusinspiresitwithdesires.Mercurygivesitthefacultyofexpressingandenunciating
whatitthinksandfeels.And,onenteringthesphereoftheMoon,itacquirestheforceofgeneration
andgrowth.Thislunarysphere,lowestandbasesttodivinebodies,isfirstandhighesttoterrestrial
bodies.Andthelunarybodythereassumedbythesoul,while,asitwere,thesedimentofcelestial
matter,isalsothefirstsubstanceofanimalmatter.
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Thecelestialbodies,Heaven,theStars,andtheotherDivineelements,everaspiretorise.Thesoul
reachingtheregionwhichmortalityinhabits,tendstowardterrestrialbodies,andisdeemedtodie.Let
noone,saysMacrobius,besurprisedthatwesofrequentlyspeakofthedeathofthissoul,whichyetwe
callimmortal.Itisneitherannullednordestroyedbysuchdeath:butmerelyenfeebledforatime;and
doesnottherebyforfeititsprerogativeofimmortality;forafterward,freedfromthebody,whenithas
beenpurifiedfromthevicestainscontractedduringthatconnection,itisreestablishedinallits
privileges,andreturnstotheluminousabodeofitsimmortality.

Onitsreturn,itrestorestoeachspherethroughwhichitascends,thepassionsandearthlyfaculties
receivedfromthemtotheMoon,thefacultyofincreaseanddiminutionofthebody;toMercury,fraud,
thearchitectofevils;toVenus,theseductiveloveofpleasure;totheSun,thepassionforgreatnessand
empire;toMars,audacityandtemerity;toJupiter,avarice;andtoSaturn,falsehoodanddeceitandat
last,relievedofall,itentersnakedandpureintotheeighthsphereorhighestHeaven.

AllthisagreeswiththedoctrineofPlato,thatthesoulcannotreenterintoHeaven,untiltherevolutions
oftheUniverseshallhaverestoredittoitsprimitivecondition,andpurifieditfromtheeffectsofits
contactwiththefourelements.

Thisopinionofthepreexistenceofsouls,aspureandcelestialsubstances,beforetheirunionwithour
bodies,toputonandanimatewhichtheydescendfromHeaven,isoneofgreatantiquity.Amodern
Rabbi,ManassehBenIsrael,saysitwasalwaysthebeliefoftheHebrews.Itwasthatofmost
philosopherswhoadmittedtheimmortalityofthesoulandthereforeitwastaughtintheMysteries;for,
asLactantiussays,theycouldnotseehowitwaspossiblethatthesoulshouldexistafterthebody,ifit
hadandnotexistedbeforeit,andifitsnaturewasnotindependentofthatofthebody.Thesame
doctrinewasadoptedbythemostlearnedoftheGreekFathers,andbymanyoftheLatins:anditwould
probablyprevaillargelyatthepresentday,ifmentroubledthemselvestothinkuponthissubjectatall,
andtoinquirewhetherthesoul'simmortalityinvolveditspriorexistence.

Somephilosophersheldthatthesoulwasincarceratedinthebody,bywayofpunishmentforsins
committedbyitinapriorstate.Howtheyreconciledthiswiththesamesoul'sunconsciousnessofany
suchpriorstate,orofsincommittedthere,doesnotappear.OthersheldthatGod,ofhismerewill,sent
thesoultoinhabitthebody.TheKabalistsunitedthetwoopinions.Theyheldthattherearefourworlds,
Aziluth,Briarth,Jezirath,andAziath;theworldofemanation,thatofcreation,thatofforms,andthe
materialworld;oneaboveandmoreperfectthantheother,inthatorder,bothasregardstheirown
natureandthatofthebeingswhoinhabitthem.AllsoulsareoriginallyintheworldAziluth,the
SupremeHeaven,abodeofGod,andofpureandimmortalspirits.

Thosewhodescendfromitwithoutfaultoftheirown,byGod'sorder,aregiftedwithadivinefire,
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whichpreservesthemfromthecontagionofmatter,andrestoresthemtoHeavensosoonastheir
missionisended.

Thosewhodescendthroughtheirownfault,gofromworldtoworld,insensiblylosingtheirloveof
Divinethings,andtheirselfcontemplation;untiltheyreachtheworldAziath,fallingbytheirown
weight.ThisisapurePlatonism,clothedwiththeimagesandwordspeculiartotheKabalists.Itwasthe
doctrineoftheEssenes,who,saysPorphyry,"believethatsoulsdescendfromthemostsubtileether,
attractedtobodiesbytheseductionsofmatter."

ItwasinsubstancethedoctrineofOrigen;anditcamefromtheChaldans,wholargelystudiedthe
theoryoftheHeavens,thespheres,andtheinfluencesofthesignsandconstellations.

TheGnosticsmadesoulsascendanddescendthrougheightHeavens,ineachofwhichwerecertain
Powersthatopposedtheirreturn,andoftendrovethembacktoearth,whennotsufficientlypurified.
ThelastofthesePowers,nearesttheluminousabodeofsouls,wasaserpentordragon.

Intheancientdoctrine,certainGeniiwerechargedwiththedutyofconductingsoulstothebodies
destinedtoreceivethem,andofwithdrawingthemfromthosebodies.AccordingtoPlutarch,these
werethefunctionsofProserpineandMercury.InPlato,afamiliarGeniusaccompaniesmanathis
birth,followsandwatcheshimallhislife,andatdeathconductshimtothetribunaloftheGreatjudge.
TheseGeniiarethemediaofcommunicationbetweenmanandtheGods;andthesouliseverintheir
presence.ThisdoctrineistaughtintheoraclesofZoroasterandtheseGeniiweretheIntelligencesthat
residedintheplanets.

ThusthesecretscienceandmysteriousemblemsofinitiationwereconnectedwiththeHeavens,the
Spheres,andtheConstellationsandthisconnectionmustbestudiedbywhomsoeverwouldunderstand
theancientmind,andbeenabledtointerprettheallegories,andexplorethemeaningofthesymbols,in
whichtheoldsagesendeavoredtodelineatetheideasthatstruggledwithinthemforutterance,and
couldbebutinsufficientlyandinadequatelyexpressedbylanguage,whosewordsareimagesofthose
thingsalonethatcanbegraspedbyandarewithintheempireofthesenses.

Itisnotpossibleforusthoroughlytoappreciatethe,feelingswithwhichtheancientsregardedthe
Heavenlybodies,andtheideastowhichtheirobservationoftheHeavensgaverise,becausewecannot
putourselvesintheirplaces,lookatthestarswiththeireyesintheworld'syouth,anddivestourselves
oftheknowledgewhicheventhecommonestofushave,thatmakesusregardtheStarsandPlanetsand
alltheUniverseofSunsandWorlds,asamereinanimatemachineandaggregateofsenselessorbs,no
moreastonishing,exceptindegree,thanaclockoranorrery.WewonderandareamazedatthePower
andWisdom(tomostmenitseemsonlyakindofInfiniteIngenuity)oftheMAKER:theywonderedat
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theWork,andendoweditwithLifeandForceandmysteriousPowersandmightyInfluences.

Memphis,inEgypt,wasinLatitude295"North,andinLongitude3018'East.Theb,inUpper
Egypt,inLatitude2545'North,andLongitude3243'East.BabylonwasinLatitude3230'
North,andLongitude4423'East:whileSaba,theancientwithSabancapitalofEthiopia,was
aboutinLatitude15North.

ThroughEgyptranthegreatRiverNile,comingfrombeyondEthiopia,itssourceinregionswholly
unknown,intheabodesofheatandfire,anditscoursefromSouthtoNorth.Itsinundationshadformed
thealluviallandsofUpperandLowerEgypt,whichtheycontinuedtoraisehigherandhigher,andto
fertilizebytheirdeposits.Atfirst,asinallnewlysettledcountries,thoseinundations,occurring
annuallyandalwaysatthesameperiodoftheyear,werecalamitiesuntil,bymeansofleveesanddrains
andartificiallakesforirrigation,theybecameblessings,andwerelookedforwithjoyfulanticipation,
astheyhadbeforebeenawaitedwithterror.UponthedepositleftbytheSacredRiver,asitwithdrew
intoitsbanks,thehusbandmansowedhisseed;andtherichsoilandthegenialsuninsuredhiman
abundantharvest.

BabylonlayontheEuphrates,whichranfromSoutheasttoNorthwest,blessing,asallriversinthe
Orientdo,thearidcountrythroughwhichitflowed;butitsrapidanduncertainoverflowsbringing
terroranddisaster.

Totheancients,asyetinventorsofnoastronomicalinstruments,andlookingattheHeavenswiththe
eyesofchildren,thisearthwasalevelplainofunknownextent.Aboutitsboundariestherewas
speculation,butnoknowledge.Theinequalitiesofitssurfaceweretheirregularitiesofaplane.

Thatitwasaglobe,orthatanythinglivedonitsundersurface,oronwhatitrestedtheyhadnoidea.
EverytwentyfourhoursthesuncameupfrombeyondtheEasternrimoftheworld,andtravelled
acrossthesky,overtheearth,alwaysSouthof,butsometimesnearerandsometimesfurtherfromthe
pointoverhead;andsunkbelowtheworld'sWesternrim.Withhimwentlight,andafterhimfollowed
darkness.

AndeverytwentyfourhoursappearedintheHeavensanotherbody,visiblechieflyatnight,but
sometimesevenwhenthesunshone,whichlikewise,asiffollowingthesunatagreaterorless
distance,travelledacrossthesky;sometimesasathincrescent,andthenceincreasingtoafullorb
resplendentwithsilverlight;andsometimesmoreandsometimeslesstotheSouthwardofthepoint
overhead,withinthesamelimitsastheSun.
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Man,envelopedbythethickdarknessofprofoundestnight,wheneverythingaroundhimhas
disappeared,andheseemsalonewithhimselfandtheblackshadesthatsurroundhim,feelshis
existenceablankandnothingness,exceptsofarasmemoryrecallshimthegloriesandsplendorsof
light.Everythingisdeadtohim,andhe,asitwere,toNature.Howcrushingandoverwhelmingthe
thought,thefear,thedread,thatperhapsthatdarknessmaybeeternal,andthatdaymaypossiblynever
return;ifiteveroccurstohismind,whilethesolidgloomclosesupagainsthimlikeawall!Whatthen
canrestorehimtolike,toenergy,toactivity,tofellowshipandcommunionwiththegreatworldwhich
Godhasspreadaroundhim,andwhichperhapsinthedarknessmaybepassingaway?LIGHTrestores
himtohimselfandtonaturewhichseemedlosttohim.Naturally,therefore,theprimitivemenregarded
lightastheprincipleoftheirrealexistence,withoutwhichlifewouldbebutonecontinuedweariness
anddespair.Thisnecessityforlight,anditsactualcreativeenergy,werefeltbyallmen:andnothing
wasmorealarmingtothemthanitsabsence.ItbecametheirfirstDivinity,asinglerayofwhich,
flashingintothedarktumultuousbosomofchaos,causedmanandalltheUniversetoemergefromit.
SoallthepoetssungwhoimaginedCosmogonies;suchwasthefirstdogmaofOrpheus,Moses,and
theTheologians.LightwasOrmuzd,adoredbythePersians,andDarknessAhriman,originofallevils.
LightwasthelifeoftheUniverse,thefriendofman,thesubstanceoftheGodsandoftheSoul.

Theskywastothemagreat,solid,concavearch;ahemisphereofunknownmaterial,atanunknown
distanceabovetheflatlevelearth;andalongitjourneyedintheircoursestheSun,theMoon,the
Planets,andtheStars.

TheSunwastothemagreatglobeoffire,ofunknowndimensions,atanunknowndistance.TheMoon
wasamassofsofterlight;thestarsandplanetslucentbodies,armedwithunknownandsupernatural
influences.

Itcouldnotfailtobesoonobserved,thatatregularintervalsthedaysandnightswereequal;andthat
twooftheseintervalsmeasuredthesamespaceoftimeaselapsedbetweenthesuccessiveinundations,
andbetweenthereturnsofspringtimeandharvest.Norcoulditfailtobeperceivedthatthechangesof
themoonoccurredregularly;thesamenumberofdaysalwayselapsingbetweenthefirstappearanceof
hersilvercrescentintheWestateveningandthatofherfullorbrisingintheEastatthesamehour;and
thesameagain,betweenthatandthenewappearanceofthecrescentintheWest.

ItwasalsosoonobservedthattheSuncrossedtheHeavensinadifferentlineeachday,thedaysbeing
longestandthenightsshortestwhenthelineofhispassagewasfurthestNorth,andthedaysshortest
andnightslongestwhenthatlinewasfurthestSouththathisprogressNorthandSouthwasperfectly
regular,markingfourperiodsthatwerealwaysthesame,thosewhenthedaysandnightswereequal,or
theVernalandAutumnalEquinoxes;thatwhenthedayswerelongest,ortheSummerSolstice;andthat
whentheywereshortest,ortheWinterSolstice.
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WiththeVernalEquinox,oraboutthe25thofMarchofourCalendar,theyfoundthatthereunerringly
camesoftwinds,thereturnofwarmth,causedbytheSunturningbacktotheNorthwardfromthe
middlegroundofhiscourse,thevegetationofthenewyear,andtheimpulsetoamatoryactiononthe
partoftheanimalcreation.ThentheBullandtheRam,animalsmostvaluabletotheagriculturist,and
symbolsthemselvesofvigorousgenerativepower,recoveredtheirvigor,thebirdsmatedandbuilded
theirnests,theseedsgerminated,thegrassgrew,andthetreesputforthleaves.WiththeSummer
Solstice,whentheSunreachedtheextremenorthernlimitofhiscourse,camegreatheat,andburning
winds,andlassitudeandexhaustion;thenvegetationwithered,manlongedforthecoolbreezesof
SpringandAutumn,andthecoolwaterofthewintryNileorEuphrates,andtheLionsoughtforthat
elementfarfromhishomeinthedesert.

WiththeAutumnalEquinoxcameripeharvests,andfruitsofthetreeandvine,andfallingleaves,and
coldeveningspresagingwintryfrosts;andthePrincipleandPowersofDarkness,prevailingoverthose
ofLight,drovetheSunfurthertotheSouth,sothatthenightsgrewlongerthanthedays.Andatthe
WinterSolsticetheearthwaswrinkledwithfrost,thetreeswereleafless,andtheSun,reachingthe
mostSouthernpointinhiscareer,seemedtohesitatewhethertocontinuedescending,toleavethe
worldtodarknessanddespair,ortoturnuponhisstepsandretracehiscoursetotheNorthward,
bringingbackseedtimeandSpring,andgreenleavesandflowers,andallthedelightsoflove.

Thus,naturallyandnecessarily,timewasdivided,firstintodays,andthenintomoonsormonths,and
years;andwiththesedivisionsandthemovementsoftheHeavenlybodiesthatmarkedthem,were
associatedandconnectedallmen'sphysicalenjoymentsandprivations.Whollyagricultural,andin
theirfrailhabitationsgreatlyatthemercyoftheelementsandthechangingseasons,theprimitive
peopleoftheOrientweremostdeeplyinterestedintherecurrenceoftheperiodicalphenomena
presentedbythetwogreatluminariesofHeaven,onwhoseregularityalltheirprosperitydepended.

AndtheattentiveobserversoonnoticedthatthesmallerlightsofHeavenwere,apparently,evenmore
regularthantheSunandMoon,andforetoldwithunerringcertainty,bytheirrisingsandsettings,the
periodsofrecurrenceofthedifferentphenomenaandseasonsonwhichthephysicalwellbeingofall
mendepended.Theysoonfeltthenecessityofdistinguishingtheindividualstars,orgroupsofstars,
andgivingthemnames,thattheymightunderstandeachother,whenreferringtoanddesignatingthem.
Necessityproduceddesignationsatoncenaturalandartificial.Observingthat,inthecircleoftheyear,
therenewalandperiodicalappearanceoftheproductionsoftheearthwereconstantlyassociated,not
onlywiththecoursesoftheSun,butalsowiththerisingandsettingofcertainStars,andwiththeir
positionrelativelytotheSun,thecentretowhichtheyreferredthewholestarryhost,themindnaturally
connectedthecelestialandterrestrialobjectsthatwereinfactconnectedandtheycommencedby
givingtoparticularStarsorgroupsofStarsthenamesofthoseterrestrialobjectswhichseemed
connectedwiththemandforthosewhichstillremainedunnamedbythisnomenclature,they,to
completeasystem,assumedarbitraryandfancifulnames.

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ThustheEthiopianofThebesorSabastyledthoseStarsunderwhichtheNilecommencedtooverflow,
StarsofInundation,orthatpouredoutwater(AQUARIUS).

ThoseStarsamongwhichtheSunwas,whenhehadreachedtheNorthernTropicandbegantoretreat
Southward,weretermed,fromhisretrogrademotion,theCrab(CANCER).

Asheapproached,inAutumn,themiddlepointbetweentheNorthernandSouthernextremesofhis
journeying,thedaysandnightsbecameequal;andtheStarsamongwhichhewasthenfoundwere
calledStarsoftheBalance(LIBRA).

ThosestarsamongwhichtheSunwas,whentheLion,drivenfromtheDesertbythirst,cametoslakeit
attheNile,werecalledStarsoftheLion(LEO).

ThoseamongwhichtheSunwasatharvest,werecalledthoseoftheGleaningVirgin,holdingaSheaf
ofWheat(VIRGO).

ThoseamongwhichhewasfoundinFebruary,whentheEwesbroughtforththeiryoung,werecalled
StarsoftheLamb(ARIES).

ThoseinMarch,whenitwastimetoplough,werecalledStarsoftheOx(TAURUS).

Thoseunderwhichhotandburningwindscamefromthedesert,venomouslikepoisonousreptiles,
werecalledStarsoftheScorpion(SCORPIO).

ObservingthattheannualreturnoftherisingoftheNilewasalwaysaccompaniedbytheappearanceof
abeautifulStar,whichatthatperiodshoweditselfinthedirectionofthesourcesofthatriver,and
seemedtowarnthehusbandmantobecarefulnottobesurprisedbytheinundation,theEthiopian
comparedthisactofthatStartothatoftheAnimalwhichbybarkinggiveswarningofdanger,and
styledittheDog(SIRIUS).

Thuscommencing,andasastronomycametobemorestudied,imaginaryfiguresweretracedallover
theHeavens,towhichthedifferentStarswereassigned.Chiefamongthemwerethosethatlayalong
thepathwhichtheSuntravelledasheclimbedtowardtheNorthanddescendedtotheSouth:lying
withincertainlimitsandextendingtoanequaldistanceoneachsideofthelineofequalnightsand
days.Thisbelt,curvinglikeaSerpent,wastermedtheZodiac,anddividedintotwelveSigns.
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AttheVernalEquinox,2455yearsbeforeourEra,theSunwasenteringthesignandconstellation
Taurus,ortheBull;havingpassedthrough,sincehecommenced,attheWinterSolstice,toascend
Northward.theSignsAquarius,PiscesandAries;onenteringthefirstofwhichhereachedthelowest
limitofhisjourneySouthward.

FromTAURUS,hepassedthroughGeminiandCancer,andreachedLEOwhenhearrivedatthe
terminusofhisjourneyNorthward.Thence,throughLeo,Virgo,andLibra,heenteredSCORPIOatthe
AutumnalEquinox,andjourneyedSouthwardthroughScorpia,Sagittarius,andCapricornto
AQUARIUS,theterminusofhisjourneySouth.

ThepathbywhichhejourneyedthroughthesesignsbecametheEcliptic;andthatwhichpassesthrough
thetwoequinoxes,theEquator.

Theyknewnothingoftheimmutablelawsofnature;andwhenevertheSuncommencedtotend
Southward,theyfearedlesthemightcontinuetodoso,andbydegreesdisappearforever,leavingthe
earthtoberuledforeverbydarkness,storm,andcold.

HencetheyrejoicedwhenhecommencedtoreascendaftertheWinterSolstice,strugglingagainstthe
maligninfluencesofAquariusandPisces,andamicablyreceivedbytheLamb.AndwhenattheVernal
EquinoxheenteredTaurus,theystillmorerejoicedattheassurancethatthedayswouldagainbelonger
thanthenights,thattheseasonofseedtimehadcome,andtheSummerandharvestwouldfollow.

Andtheylamentedwhen,aftertheAutumnalEquinox,themaligninfluenceofthevenomousScorpion,
andvindictiveArcher,andthefilthyandillomenedHeGoatdraggedhimdowntowardtheWinter
Solstice.

Arrivingthere,theysaidhehadbeenslain,andhadgonetotherealmofdarkness.Remainingthere
threedays,heroseagain,andagainascendedNorthwardintheheavens,toredeemtheearthfromthe
gloomanddarknessofWinter,whichsoonbecameemblematicalofsin,andevil,andsuffering;asthe
Spring,Summer,andAutumnbecameemblemsofhappinessandimmortality.

SoontheypersonifiedtheSun,andworshippedhimunderthenameofOSIRIS,andtransmutedthe
legendofhisdescentamongtheWinterSigns,intoafableofhisdeath,hisdescentintotheinfernal
regions,andhisresurrection.
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TheMoonbecameIsis,thewifeofOsiris;andWinter,aswellasthedesertortheoceanintowhichthe
Sundescended,becameTYPHON,theSpiritorPrincipleofEvil,warringagainstanddestroying
Osiris.

FromthejourneyoftheSunthroughthetwelvesignscamethelegendofthetwelvelaborsofHercules,
andtheincarnationsofVishnuandBuddha.HencecamethelegendofthemurderofKhrm,
representativeoftheSun,bythethreeFellowcrafts,symbolsofthethreeWintersigns,Capricornus,
Aquarius,andPisces,whoassailedhimatthethreegatesofHeavenandslewhimattheWinter
Solstice.HencethesearchforhimbythenineFellowcrafts,theotherninesigns,hisfinding,burial,and
resurrection.

ThecelestialTaurus,openingthenewyear,wastheCreativeofBulloftheHindusandJapanese,
breakingwithhishorntheeggoutofwhichtheworldisborn.HencethebullAPISwasworshippedby
theEgyptians,andreproducedasagoldencalfbyAaroninthedesert.Hencethecowwassacredtothe
Hindus.Hence,fromthesacredandbeneficentsignsofTaurusandLeo,thehumanheadedwinged
lionsandbullsinthepalacesatKouyounjikandNimroud,likewhichweretheCherubimsetby
SolomeninhisTemple:andhencethetwelvebrazenorbronzeoxen,onwhichthelayerofbrasswas
supported.

TheCelestialVultureorEagle,risingandsettingwiththeScorpion,wassubstitutedinitsplace,in
manycases,onaccountofthemaligninfluencesofthelatterandthusthefourgreatperiodstheofthe
yearweremailedbytheBull,theLion,theMan(Aquarius)andtheEagle;whichwereuponthe
respectivestandardsofEphraim,Judah,Reuben,andDan;andstillappearontheshieldofAmerican
RoyalArchMasonry.

AfterwardtheRamorLambbecameanobjectofadoration,wheninhisturn,heopenedtheequinox,to
delivertheworldfromthewintryreignofdarknessandevil.

AroundthecentralandsimpleideaoftheannualdeathandresurrectionoftheSunamultitudeof
circumstantialdetailssoonclustered.Somewerederivedfromotherastronomicalphenomena;while
manyweremerelypoeticalornamentsandinventions.

BesidestheSunandMoon,thoseancientsalsosawabeautifulStar,shiningwithasoft,silverylight,
alwaysfollowingtheSunatnogreatdistancewhenheset,orprecedinghimwhenherose.Anotherofa
redandangrycolor,andstillanothermorekinglyandbrilliantthanall,earlyattractedtheirattention,
bytheirfreemovementsamongthefixedhostsofHeavenandthelatterbyhisunusualbrilliancy,and
theregularitywithwhichheroseandset,ThesewereVenus,Mars,andJupiter.MercuryandSaturn
couldscarcelyhavebeennoticedintheworld'sinfancy,oruntilastronomybegantoassumethe
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proportionsofascience.

Intheprojectionofthecelestialspherebytheastronomicalpriests,thezodiacandconstellations,
arrangedinacircle,presentedtheirhalvesindiametricalopposition;andthehemisphereofWinterwas
saidtobeadverse,opposed,contrary,tothatofslewhimSummer.Overtheangelsofthelatterruleda
king(OSIRISorORMUZD),enlightened,intelligent,creative,andbeneficent.Overthefallenangelsor
evilgeniioftheformer,thedemonsorDevsofthesubterraneanempireofdarknessandsorrow,andits
stars,ruledalsoachief.InEgypttheScorpionfirstruled,thesignnexttheBalance,andlongthechief
oftheWintersigns;andthenthePolarBearorAss,calledTyphon,thatis,deluge,onaccountofthe
rainswhichinundatedtheearthwhilethatconstellationdomineered.InPersia,atalaterday,itwasthe
serpent,which,personifiedasAhriman,wastheEvilPrincipleofthereligionofZoroaster.

TheSundoesnotarriveatthesamemomentineachyearattheequinoctialpointontheequator.The
explanationofhisanticipatingthatpointbelongstothescienceofastronomy;andtothatwereferyou
forit.Theconsequenceis,whatistermedtheprecessionoftheequinoxes,bymeansofwhichtheSun
isconstantlychanginghisplaceinthezodiac,ateachvernalequinox;sothatnow,thesignsretaining
thenameswhichtheyhad300yearsbeforeChrist,theyandtheconstellationsdonotcorrespond;the
Sunbeing,nowintheconstellationPisces,whenheisinthesignAries.

Theannualamountofprecessionis50secondsandalittleover[50"1].Theperiodofacomplete
RevolutionoftheEquinoxes,25,856years.Theprecessionamountsto30orasign,in2155.6years.
Sothat,asthesunnowentersPiscesattheVernalEquinox,heenteredAriesatthatperiod,300years
B.C.,andTaurus2455B.C.AndthedivisionoftheEcliptic,nowcalledTaurus,liesinthe
ConstellationAries;whilethesignGeminiisintheConstellationTaurus.Fourthousandsixhundred
andtenyearsbeforeChrist,thesunenteredGeminiattheVernalEquinox.

Atthetwoperiods,2455and300yearsbeforeChristandnow,theentrancesofthesunattheEquinoxes
andSolsticesintothesigns,wereandareasfollows:

BC2455.
Leo
Scorpio
Aquarius
Vern.Equinox,heenteredTaurus
SummerSolstice
AutumnalEquinox
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WinterSolstice

BC300.
Aries
Cancer
Libra
Capricorn
Vern.Eq
SummerSols
AutumnEq
WinterSols

1872.
Pisces
Gemini
Virgo
Sagittarius
Vern.Eq
Sum.Sols
Aut.Eq
WinterSols

Fromconfoundingsignswithcausescametheworshipofthesunandstars."If,"saysjob,"Ibeheldthe
sunwhenitshined,orthemoonprogressiveinbrightness;andmyhearthathbeensecretlyenticed,or
mymouthhathkissedmyhand,thiswereaniniquitytobepunishedbythejudge;forIshouldhave
deniedtheGodthatisabove."

Perhapswearenot,onthewhole,muchwiserthanthosesimplemenoftheoldtime.Forwhatdowe
knowofeffectandcause,exceptthatonethingregularlyorhabituallyfollowsanother?

So,becausetheheliacalrisingofSiriusprecededtherisingoftheNile,itwasdeemedtocauseit;and
otherstarswereinlikemannerheldtocauseextremeheat,bittercold,andwaterystorm.
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AreligiousreverenceforthezodiacalBull[TAURUS]appears,fromaveryearlyperiod,tohavebeen
prettygeneral,perhapsitwasuniversal,throughoutAsia;fromthatchainorregionofCaucasusto
whichitgavename;andwhichisstillknownundertheappellationofMountTaurus,totheSouthern
extremitiesoftheIndianPeninsula;extendingitselfalsointoEurope,andthroughtheEasternpartsof
Africa.

Thisevidentlyoriginatedduringthoseremoteagesoftheworld,whenthecolureofthevernalequinox
passedacrossthestarsintheheadofthesignfromAries.
fromCancer.
fromLibra.
fromCapricornus.
fromPisces.
fromGemini.
fromVirgo.
fromSagittarius.
fromAquarius.
fromTaurus.
fromLeo.
fromScorpio.

Taurus[amongwhichwasAldebarn];aperiodwhen,asthemostancientmonumentsofallthe
orientalnationsattest,thelightofartsandlettersfirstshoneforth.TheArabianwordALDE
BARN,meanstheforemost,orleadingstaranditcouldonlyhavebeensonamed,whenitdid
precede,orlead,allothers.TheyearthenopenedwiththesuninTaurus;andthemultitudeofancient
sculptures,bothinAssyriaandEgypt,whereinthebullappearswithlunetteorcrescenthorns,andthe
diskofthesunbetweenthem,aredirectallusionstotheimportantfestivalofthefirstnewmoonofthe
year:andtherewaseverywhereanannualcelebrationofthefestivalofthefirstnewmoon,whenthe
yearopenedwithSolandLunainTaurus.

Davidsings:"BlowthetrumpetintheNewMoon;inthetimeappointed;onoursolemnfeastday:for
thisisastatuteuntoIsrael,andalawoftheGodofJacob.ThisheordainedtoJoseph,foratestimony,
whenhecameoutofthelandofEgypt."

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ThereverencepaidtoTauruscontinuedlongafter,bytheprecessionoftheEquinoxes,thecolureofthe
vernalequinoxhadcometopassthroughAries.TheChinesestillhaveatemple,called"ThePalaceof
thehornedBull"andthesamesymbolisworshippedinJapanandalloverHindostan.TheCimbrians
carriedabrazenbullwiththem,astheimageoftheirGod,whentheyoverranSpainandGaul;andthe
representationoftheCreation,bytheDeityintheshapeofabull,breakingtheshellofaneggwithhis
horns,meantTaurus,openingtheyear,andburstingthesymbolicalshelloftheannuallyrecurringorb
ofthenewyear.

TheophilussaysthattheOsirisofEgyptwassupposedtobedeadorabsentfiftydaysineachyear.
LandseerthinksthatthiswasbecausetheSabanpriestswereaccustomedtosee,inthelower
latitudesofEgyptandEthiopia,thefirstorchiefstarsoftheHusbandman[BOTES]sink
achronicallybeneaththeWesternhorizon;andthentobegintheirlamentations,orholdforththesignal
forotherstoweep:andwhenhisprolificvirtuesweresupposedtobetransferredtothevernalsun,
bacchanalianrevelrybecamedevotion.

BeforethecolureoftheVernalEquinoxhadpassedintoAries,andafterithadleftAldebarnandthe
Hyades,thePleiadeswere,forsevenoreightcenturies,theleadingstarsoftheSabanyear.Andthus
wesee,onthemonuments,thediskandcrescent,symbolsofthesunandmooninconjunction,appear
successively,firstonthehead,andthenontheneckandbackofthe
ZodiacalBull,andmorerecentlyontheforeheadoftheRam.

Thediagrammaticalcharacterorsymbol,stillinusetodenoteTaurus,isthisverycrescentanddiska
symbolthathascomedowntousfromthoseremoteageswhenthismemorableconjunctioninTaurus,
bymarkingthecommencement,atonceoftheSabanyearandofthecycleoftheChaldeanSaros,so
preeminentlydistinguishedthatsignastobecomeitscharacteristicsymbol.Onabronzebullfrom
China,thecrescentisattachedtothebackoftheBull,bymeansofacloud,andacurvedgrooveis
providedfortheoccasionalintroductionofthediskofthesun,whensolarandlunartimewere
coincidentandconjunctive,atthecommencementoftheyear,andofthelunarcycle.Whenthatwas
made,theyeardidnotopenwiththestarsintheheadoftheBull,butwhenthecolureofthevernal
equinoxpassedacrossthemiddleorlaterdegreesoftheasterismTaurus,andthePleiadeswere,in
China,asinCanaan,theleadingstarsoftheyear.

ThecrescentanddiskcombinedalwaysrepresenttheconjunctiveSunandMoon;andwhenplacedon
theheadoftheZodiacalBull,thecommencementofthecycletermedSAROSbytheChaldeans,and
MetonicbytheGreeks;andsupposedtobealludedtoinjob,bythephrase,"Mazzarothinhisseason";
thatistosay,whenthefirstnewMoonandnewSunoftheyearwerecoincident,whichhappenedonce
ineighteenyearsandafraction.

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OnthesarcophagusofAlexander,thesamesymbolappearsontheheadofaRam,which,inthetimeof
thatmonarch,wastheleadingsign.SotoointhesculpturedtemplesoftheUpperNile,thecrescentand
diskappear,notontheheadofTaurus,butontheforeheadoftheRamortheRamheadedGod,whom
theGrecianMythologistscalledJupiterAmmon,reallytheSuninAries.

Ifwenowlookforamomentattheindividualstarswhichcomposedandwereneartotherespective
constellations,wemayfindsomethingthatwillconnectitselfwiththesymbolsoftheAncient
MysteriesandofMasonry.

ItistobenoticedthatwhentheSunisinaparticularconstellation,nopartofthatconstellationwillbe
seen,exceptjustbeforesunriseandjustaftersunset;andthenonlytheedgeofit:buttheconstellations
oppositetoitwillbevisible.WhentheSunisinTaurus,forexample,thatis,whenTaurussetswiththe
Sun,Scorpiorisesashesets,andcontinuesvisiblethroughoutthenight.AndifTaurusrisesandsets
withtheSuntoday,hewill,sixmonthshence,riseatsunsetandsetatsunrise;forthestarsthusgainon
theSuntwohoursamonth.

Goingbacktothetimewhen,watchedbytheChaldeanshepherds,andthehusbandmenofEthiopiaand
Egypt,"ThemilkwhitePullwithgoldenhorns"Ledonthenewbornyear,"weseeintheneckof
TAURUS,thePleiades,andinhisfacetheHyades,"whichGreciafromtheirshoweringnames,"andof
whomthebrilliantAldebarnisthechief;whiletothesouthwestwardisthatmostsplendidofallthe
constellations,Orion,withBetelgueuxinhisrightshoulder,Bellatrixinhisleftshoulder,Rigelonthe
leftfoot,andinhisbeltthethreestarsknownastheThreeKings,andnowastheYardandEll.Orion,
ranthelegend,persecutedthePleiades;andtosavethemfromhisfury,Jupiterplacedtheminthe
Heavens,wherehestillpursuesthem,butinvain.They,withArcturusandtheBandsofOrion,are
mentionedintheBookofJob.TheyareusuallycalledtheSevenStars,anditissaidtherewereseven,
beforethefallofTroy;thoughnowonlysixarevisible.

ThePleiadesweresonamedfromaGreekwordsignifyingtosail.Inallagestheyhavebeenobserved
forsignsandseasons.Virgilsaysthatthesailorsgavenamesto"thePleiades,Hyades,andtheNorthern
CarPleiadas,Hyadas,ClaramqueLycaonisArcton."AndPalinurus,hesays,Arcturum,pluviasque
Hyadas,GeminosqueTriones,ArmatumqueaurocircumspicitOrionastudiedArcturusandtherainy
HyadesandtheTwinTriones,andOrioncincturedwithgold.Tauruswastheprinceandleaderofthe
celestialhostformorethantwothousandyears;andwhenhisheadsetwiththeSunaboutthelastof
May,theScorpionwasseentoriseintheSoutheast.

ThePleiadesweresometimescalledVergili,ortheVirginsofSpring;becausetheSunenteredthis
clusterofstarsintheseasonofblossoms.TheirSyriannamewasSuccoth,orSuccothbeneth,derived
fromaChaldeanwordsignifyingtospeculateorobserve.
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TheHyadesarefivestarsintheformofaV,11southeastofthePleiades.TheGreekscountedthem
asseven.WhentheVernalEquinoxwasinTaurus,Aldebarnledupthestarryhost;andasherosein
theEast,Arieswasabout27high.

Whenhewascloseuponthemeridian,theHeavenspresentedtheirmostmagnificentappearance.
Capellawasalittlefurtherfromthemeridian,tothenorth;andOrionstillfurtherfromittothe
southward.Procyon,Sirius,CastorandPolluxhadclimbedabouthalfwayfromthehorizontothe
meridian.

Regulushadjustrisenupontheecliptic.TheVirginstilllingeredbelowthehorizon.Fomalhautwas
halfwaytothemeridianintheSouthwest;andtotheNorthwestwerethebrilliantconstellations,
Perseus,Cepheus,Cassiopeia,andAndromeda;whilethePleiadeshadjustpassedthemeridian.

ORIONisvisibletoallthehabitableworld.Theequinoctiallinepassesthroughthecentreofit.When
AldebarnroseintheEast,theThreeKingsinOrionfollowedhim;andasTaurusset,theScorpion,
bywhosestingitwassaidOriondied,roseintheEast.

Orionrisesatnoonaboutthe9thofMarch.Hisrisingwasaccompaniedwithgreatrainsandstorms,
anditbecameveryterribletomariners.

InBotes,calledbytheancientGreeksLycaon,fromlukos,awolf,andbytheHebrews,Caleb
Anubach,theBarkingDog,istheGreatStarARCTURUS,which,whenTaurusopenedtheyear,
correspondedwithaseasonremarkableforitsgreatheat.

NextcomesGEMINI,theTwins,twohumanfigures,intheheadsofwhicharethebrightStars
CASTORandPOLLUX,theDioscuri,andtheCabiriofSamothrace,patronsofnavigation;while
SouthofPolluxarethebrilliantStarsSIRIUSandPROCYON,thegreaterandlesserDogandstill
furtherSouth,Canopus,intheShipArgo.

SiriusisapparentlythelargestandbrightestStarintheHeavens.WhentheVernalEquinoxwasin
Taurus,heroseheliacally,thatis,justbeforetheSun,when,attheSummerSolstice,theSunentered
Leo,aboutthe21stofJune,fifteendaysprevioustotheswellingoftheNile.Theheliacalrisingof
CanopuswasalsoaprecursoroftherisingoftheNile.ProcyonwastheforerunnerofSirius,androse
beforehim.

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TherearenoimportantStarsinCANCER.IntheZodiacsofEsneandDendera,andinmostofthe
astrologicalremainsofEgypt,thesignofthisconstellationwasabeetle(Scarabus),which
thencebecamesacred,asanemblemofthegatethroughwhichsoulsdescendedfromHeaven.Inthe
crestofCancerisaclusterofStarsformerlycalledPrsepe,theManger,oneachsideofwhichisa
smallStar,thetwoofwhichwerecalledAsellilittleasses.

InLeoarethesplendidStars,REGULUS,directlyontheecliptic,andDENEBOLAintheLion'stail.
SoutheastofRegulusisthefineStarCORHYDR.

ThecombatofHerculeswiththeNemanlionwashisfirstlabor.Itwasthefirstsignintowhichthe
Sunpassed,afterfallingbelowtheSummerSolstice;fromwhichtimehestruggledtoreascend.

TheNileoverflowedinthissign.ItstandsfirstintheZodiacofDendera,andisinalltheIndianand
EgyptianZodiacs.

InthelefthandofVIRGO(IsisorCeres)isthebeautifulStarSPICAVirginis,alittleSouthofthe
ecliptic.VINDEMIATRIX,oflessmagnitude,isintherightarm;andNorthwestofSpica,inBotes
(thehusbandman,Osiris),isthesplendidstarARCTURUS.

ThedivisionofthefirstDecanoftheVirgin,AbenEzrasays,representsabeautifulVirginwith
flowinghair,sittinginachair,withtwoearsofcorninherhand,andsucklinganinfant.InanArabian
MS.intheRoyalLibraryatParis,isapictureoftheTwelveSigns.ThatofVirgoisayounggirlwithan
infantbyherside.VirgowasIsisandherrepresentationcarryingachild(Horus)inherarms,exhibited
inhertemple,wasaccompaniedbythisinscription:"IAMALLTHATIS,THATWAS,ANDTHAT
SHALLBE;andthefruitwhichIbroughtforthistheSun."

NinemonthsaftertheSunentersVirgo,hereachestheTwins.WhenScorpiobeginstorise,Orionsets:
whenScorpiocomestothemeridian,Leobeginstoset,Typhonreigns,Osirisisslain,andIsis(the
Virgin)hissisterandwife,followshimtothetomb,weeping.

TheVirginandBotes,settingheliacallyattheAutumnalEquinox,deliveredtheworldtothewintry
constellations,andintroducedintoitthegeniusofEvil,representedbyOphiucus,theSerpent.

AtthemomentoftheWinterSolstice,theVirginroseheliacally(withtheSun),havingtheSun(Horus)
inherbosom.
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InLIBRAarefourStarsofthesecondandthirdmagnitude,whichweshallmentionhereafter.Theyare
ZubenesChamali,ZubenelGemabi,Zubenhakrabi,andZubenelGubi.Nearthelastoftheseisthe
brilliantandmalignStar,ANTARESinScorpio.

InSCORPIO,ANTARES,ofthe1stmagnitude,andremarkablyred,wasoneofthefourgreatStars,
FOMALHAUT,inCetus,ALDEBARANinTaurus,REGULUSinLeo,andANTARES,thatformerly
answeredtotheSolstitialandEquinoctialpoints,andweremuchnoticedbyastronomers.

ThissignwassometimesrepresentedbyaSnake,andsometimesbyaCrocodile,butgenerallybya
Scorpion,whichlastisfoundontheMithriacMonuments,andontheZodiacofDendera.Itwas
consideredasignaccursed,andtheentranceoftheSunintoitcommencedthereignofTyphon.

InSagittarius,Capricornus,andAquariustherearenoStarsofimportance.

NearPiscesisthebrilliantStarFOMALHAUT.NosignintheZodiacisconsideredofmoremalignant
influencethanthis.ItwasdeemedindicativeofViolenceandDeath.BoththeSyriansandEgyptians
abstainedfromeatingfish,outofdreadandabhorrence;andwhenthelatterwouldrepresentanything
asodious,orexpresshatredbyHieroglyphics,theypaintedafish.

InAurigaisthebrightStarCAPELLA,whichtotheEgyptiansneverset.And,circlingeverroundthe
NorthPoleareSevenStars,knownasUrsaMajor,ortheGreatBear,whichhavebeenanobjectof
universalobservationinallagesoftheworld.TheywereveneratedalikebythePriestsofBel,theMagi
ofPersia,theShepherdsofChaldea,andthePhniciannavigators,aswellasbytheastronomersof
Egypt.Twoofthem,MERAKandDUBHE,alwayspointtotheNorthPole.

ThePhnicianandEgyptians,saysEusebius,werethefirstwhoascribeddivinitytotheSun,Moon,
andStars,andregardedthemasthesolecausesoftheproductionanddestructionofallbeings.From
themwentabroadoveralltheworldallknownopinionsastothegenerationanddescentoftheGods.
OnlytheHebrewslookedbeyondthevisibleworldtoaninvisibleCreator.Alltherestoftheworld
regardedasGodsthoseluminousbodiesthatblazeinthefirmament,offeredthemsacrifices,bowed
downbeforethem,andraisedneithertheirsoulsnortheirworshipabovethevisibleheavens.

TheChaldeans,Canaanites,andSyrians,amongwhomAbrahamlived,didthesame.TheCanaanites
consecratedhorsesandchariotstotheSun.TheinhabitantsofEmesainPhnicianadoredhimunder
thenameofElagabalus;andtheSun,asHercules,wasthegreatDeityoftheTyrians.TheSyrians
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worshipped,withfearanddread,theStarsoftheConstellationPisces,andconsecratedimagesofthem
intheirtemples.

TheSunasAdoniswasworshippedinByblosandaboutMountLibanus.Therewasamagnificent
TempleoftheSunatPalmyra,whichwaspillagedbythesoldiersofAurelian,whorebuiltitand
dedicateditanew.ThePleiades,underthenameofSuccothBeneth,wereworshippedbythe
BabyloniancolonistswhosettledinthecountryoftheSamaritans.Saturn,underthenameofRemphan,
wasworshippedamongtheCopts.TheplanetJupiterwasworshippedasBelorBaal;MarsasMalec,
Melech,orMoloch;VenusasAshtarothorAstarte,andMercuryasNebo,amongtheSyrians,
Assyrians,Phnicians,andCanaanites.SanchoniathonsaysthattheearliestPhoeniciansadoredthe
Sun,whomtheydeemedsoleLordoftheHeavens;andhonoredhimunderthenameofBEELSAMIN,
signifyingKingofHeaven.Theyraisedcolumnstotheelements,fire,andairorwind,andworshipped
them;andSabism,ortheworshipoftheStars,flourishedeverywhereinBabylonia.TheArabs,under
askyalwaysclearandserene,adoredtheSun,Moon,andStars.

Abulfaragiussoinformsus,andthateachofthetwelveArabTribesinvokedaparticularStarasits
Patron.TheTribeHamyarwasconsecratedtotheSun,theTribeCennahtotheMoon;theTribeMisa
wasundertheprotectionofthebeautifulStarinTaurus,Aldebarn;theTribeTaiunderthatof
Canopus;theTribeKais,ofSirius;theTribesLachamusandIdamus,ofJupiter;theTribeAsad,of
Mercury;andsoon.

TheSaracens,inthetimeofHeraclius,worshippedVenus,whomtheycalledCABAR,orTheGreat;
andtheysworebytheSun,Moon,andStars.Shahristan,anArabicauthor,saysthattheArabsand
IndiansbeforehistimehadtemplesdedicatedtothesevenPlanets.Abulfaragiussaysthattheseven
greatprimitivenations,fromwhomallothersdescended,thePersians,Chaldans,Greeks,Egyptians,
Turks,Indians,andChinese,alloriginallywereSabists,andworshippedtheStars.

Theyall,hesays,liketheChaldans,prayedturningtowardtheNorthPolethreetimesaday,at
Sunrise,Noon,andSunset,bowingthemselvesthreetimesbeforetheSun.TheyinvokedtheStarsand
theIntelligenceswhichinhabitedthem,offeredthemsacrifices,andcalledthefixedstarsandplanets
gods.PhilosaysthattheChaldansregardedthestarsassovereignarbitersoftheorderoftheworld,
anddidnotlookbeyondthevisiblecausestoanyinvisibleandintellectualbeing.Theyregarded
NATUREasthegreatdivinity,thatexerciseditspowersthroughtheactionofitsparts,theSun,Moon,
Planets,andFixedStars,thesuccessiverevolutionsoftheseasons,andthecombinedactionofHeaven
andEarth.ThegreatfeastoftheSabanswaswhentheSunreachedtheVernalEquinox:andtheyhad
fiveotherfeasts,atthetimeswhenthefiveminorplanetsenteredthesignsinwhichtheyhadtheir
exaltation.

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DiodorusSiculusinformsusthattheEgyptiansrecognizedtwogreatDivinities,primaryandeternal,
theSunandMoon,whichtheythoughtgovernedtheworld,andfromwhicheverythingreceivesits
nourishmentandgrowth:thatonthemdependedallandthegreatworkofgeneration,andthe
perfectionofalleffectsproducedinnature.WeknowthatthetwogreatDivinitiesofEgyptwereOsiris
andIsis,thegreatestagentsofnature;accordingtosome,theSunandMoon,andaccordingtoothers,
HeavenandEarth,ortheactiveandpassiveprinciplesofgeneration,AndwelearnfromPorphyrythat
Chremon,alearnedpriestofEgypt,andmanyotherlearnedmenofthatnation,saidthatthe
Egyptiansrecognizedasgodsthestarscomposingthezodiac,andallthosethatbytheirrisingorsetting
markeditsdivisions;thesubdivisionsofthesignsintodecans,thehoroscopeandthestarsthatpresided
therein,andwhichwerecalledPotentChiefsHeaven:thatconsideringtheSunastheGreatGod,
Architect,andRuleroftheWorld,theyexplainednotonlythefableofOsirisandIsis,butgenerallyall
theirsacredlegends,bythestars,bytheirappearanceanddisappearance,bytheirascension,bythe
phasesofthemoon,andtheincreaseanddiminutionofher,light;bythemarchofthesun,thedivision
oftimeandtheheavensintotwoparts,oneassignedtodarknessandtheothertolight;bytheNileand,
infine,bythewholeroundofphysicalcauses.

LuciantellsusthatthebullApis,sacredtotheEgyptians,wastheimageofthecelestialBull,or
Taurus;andthatJupiterAmmon,hornedlikearam,wasanimageoftheconstellationAries.And
ClemensofAlexandriaassuresusthatthefourprincipalsacredanimals,carriedintheirprocessions,
wereemblemsofthefoursignsorcardinalpointswhichfixedtheseasonsattheequinoxesand
solstices,anddividedintofourpartstheyearlymarchofthesun.

Theyworshippedfirealso,andwater,andtheNile,whichrivertheystyledFather,PreserverofEgypt,
sacredemanationfromtheGreatGodOsiris;andintheirhymnsinwhichtheycalleditthegod
crownedwithmillet(whichgrain,representedbythepschent,waspartoftheheaddressoftheirkings),
bringingwithhimabundance.Theotherelementswerealsoreveredbythem:andtheGreatGods,
whosenamesarefoundinscribedonanancientcolumn,aretheAir,Heaven,theEarth,theSun,the
Moon,Night,andDay.And,infine,asEusebiussays,theyregardedtheUniverseasagreatDeity,
composedofagreatnumberofgods,thedifferentpartsofitself.

ThesameworshipoftheHeavenlyHostextendedintoeverypartofEurope,intoAsiaMinor,and
amongtheTurks,Scythians,andTartars.TheancientPersiansadoredtheSunasMithras,andalsothe
Moon,Venus,Fire,Earth,Air,andWater;and,havingnostatuesoraltars,theysacrificedonhigh
placestotheHeavensandtotheSun.OnsevenancientpyreatheyburnedincensetotheSevenPlanets,
andconsideredtheelementstobedivinities.IntheZendAvestawefindinvocationsaddressedto
Mithras,thestars,theelements,trees,mountains,andeverypartofnature.TheCelestialBullis
invokedthere,towhichtheMoonunitesherself;andthefourgreatstars,Taschter,Satevis,Haftorang,
andVenant,thegreatStarRapitan,andtheotherconstellationswhichwatchoverthedifferentportions
oftheearth.
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TheMagi,likeamultitudeofancientnations,worshippedfire,abovealltheotherelementsandpowers
ofnature.InIndia,theGangesandtheInduswereworshipped,andtheSunwastheGreatDivinity.
TheyworshippedtheMoonalso,andkeptupthesacredfire.InCeylon,theSun,Moon,andother
planetswereworshipped:inSumatra,theSun,calledIri,andtheMoon,calledHanda.AndtheChinese
builtTemplestoHeaven,theEarth,andgeniioftheair,ofthewater,ofthemountains,andofthestars,
totheseadragon,andtotheplanetMars.

ThecelebratedLabyrinthwasbuiltinhonoroftheSun;anditstwelvepalaces,likethetwelvesuperb
columnsoftheTempleis,atHieropolis,coveredwithsymbolsrelatingtothetwelvesignsandthe
occultqualitiesoftheelements,wereconsecratedtothetwelvegodsortutelarygeniiofthesignsofthe
Zodiac.Thefigureofthepyramidandthatoftheobelisk,resemblingtheshapeofaflame,caused
thesemonumentstobeconsecratedtotheSunandtoFire.AndTimusofLocriasays:"The
equilateraltriangleentersintothecompositionofthepyramid,whichhasfourequalfacesandequal
angles,andwhichinthisislikefire,themostsubtleandmobileoftheelements."Theyandtheobelisks
wereerectedinhonoroftheSun,termedinaninscriptionupononeofthelatter,translatedbythe
EgyptianHermapion,andtobefoundinAmmianusMarcellinus,"Apollothestrong,SonofGod,he
whomadetheworld,trueLordofthediadems,whopossessesEgyptandfillsitwithHisglory."

ThetwomostfamousdivisionsoftheHeavens,byseven,whichisthatoftheplanets,andbytwelve,
whichisthatofthesigns,arefoundonthereligiousmonumentsofallthepeopleoftheancientworld.
ThetwelveGreatGodsofEgyptaremetwitheverywhere.TheywereadoptedbytheGreeksand
Romans;andthelatterassignedoneofthemtoeachsignoftheZodiac.Theirimageswereseenat
Athens,whereanaltarwaserectedtoeach;andtheywerepaintedontheporticos.ThePeopleofthe
NorthhadtheirtwelveAzes,orSenateoftwelvegreatgods,ofwhomOdinwaschief.TheJapanese
hadthesamenumber,andliketheEgyptiansdividedthemintoclasses,seven,whowerethemost
ancient,andfive,afterwardaddedbothofwhichnumbersarewellknownandconsecratedinMasonry.

Thereisnomorestrikingproofoftheuniversaladorationpaidthestarsandconstellations,thanthe
arrangementoftheHebrewcampintheDesert,andtheallegoryinregardtothetwelveTribesofIsrael,
ascribedintheHebrewlegendstoJacob.TheHebrewcampwasaquadrilateral,insixteendivisions,of
whichthecentralfourwereoccupiedbyimagesofthefourelements.Thefourdivisionsatthefour
anglesofthequadrilateralexhibitedthefoursignsthattheastrologerscalledfixed,andwhichthey
regardassubjecttotheinfluenceofthefourgreatRoyalStars,RegulusinLeo,AldebaraninTaurus,
AntaresinScorpio,andFomalhautinthemouthofPisces,onwhichfallsthewaterpouredoutby
Aquarius;ofwhichconstellationstheScorpionwasrepresentedintheHebrewblazonrybytheCelestial
VultureorEagle,thatrisesatthesametimewithitandisitsparanatellon.Theothersignswere
arrangedonthefourfacesofthequadilateral,andintheparallelandinteriordivisions.

ThereisanastonishingcoincidencebetweenthecharacteristicsassignedbyJacobtohissons,andthose
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ofthesignsoftheZodiac,ortheplanetsthathavetheirdomicileinthosesigns.

Reubeniscomparedtorunningwater,unstable,andthatcannotexcel;andheanswerstoAquarius,his
ensignbeingaman.ThewaterpouredoutbyAquariusflowstowardtheSouthPole,anditisthefirstof
thefourRoyalSigns,ascendingfromtheWinterSolstice.

TheLion(Leo)isthedeviceofJudah;andJacobcompareshimtothatanimal,whoseconstellationin
theHeavensisthedomicileoftheSun;theLionoftheTribeofJudah;bywhosegrip,whenthatof
apprenticeandthatoffellowcraft,ofAquariusattheWinterSolsticeandofCancerattheVernal
Equinox,hadnotsucceededinraisinghim,Khrmwasliftedoutofthegrave.

Ephraim,onwhoseensignappearstheCelestialBull,Jacobcomparestotheox.Dan,bearingashis
deviceaScorpion,hecomparestotheCerastesorhornedSerpent,synonymousinastrologicallanguage
withthevultureorpouncingeagle;andwhichbirdwasoftensubstitutedontheflagofDan,inplaceof
thevenomousscorpion,onaccountoftheterrorwhichthatreptileinspired,asthesymbolofTyphon
andhismaligninfluences;whereforetheEagle,asitsparanatellon,thatis,risingandsettingatthe
sametimewithit,wasnaturallyusedinitsstead.Hencethefourfamousfiguresinthesacredpictures
oftheJewsandChristians,andinRoyalArchMasonry,oftheLion,theOx,theMan,andtheEagle,
thefourcreaturesoftheApocalypse,copiedtherefromEzekiel,inwhosereveriesandrhapsodiesthey
areseenrevolvingaroundblazingcircles.

TheRam,domicileofMars,chiefoftheCelestialSoldieryandofthetwelveSigns,isthedeviceof
Gad,whomJacobcharacterizesasawarrior,chiefofhisarmy.

Cancer,inwhicharethestarstermedAselli,orlittleasses,isthedeviceoftheflagofIssachar,whom
Jacobcomparestoanass.

Capricorn,ofoldrepresentedwiththetailofafish,andcalledbyastronomerstheSonofNeptune,is
thedeviceofZebulon,ofwhomJacobsaysthathedwellsontheshoreofthesea.

Sagittarius,chasingtheCelestialWolf,istheemblemofBenjamin,whomJacobcomparestoahunter
andinthatconstellationtheRomansplacedthedomicileofDianathehuntress.

Virgo,thedomicileofMercury,isborneontheflagofNaphtali,whoseeloquenceandagilityJacob
magnifies,bothofwhichareattributesoftheCourieroftheGods.AndofSimeonandLevihespeaks
asunited,asarethetwofishesthatmaketheConstellationPisces,whichistheirarmorialemblem.
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Plato,inhisRepublic,followedthedivisionsoftheZodiacandtheplanets.SoalsodidLycurgusat
Sparta,andCecropsintheAthenianCommonwealth.Chun,theChineselegislator,dividedChinainto
twelveTcheou,andspeciallydesignatedtwelvemountains.TheEtruscansdividedthemselvesinto
twelveCantons.RomulusappointedtwelveLictors.ThereweretwelvetribesofIshmaelandtwelve
disciplesoftheHebrewReformer.TheNewJerusalemoftheApocalypsehastwelvegates.

TheSouciet,aChinesebook,speaksofapalacecomposedoffourbuildings,whosegateslooked
towardthefourcornersoftheworld.ThatontheEastwasdedicatedtothenewmoonsofthemonthsof
Spring;thatontheWesttothoseofAutumn;thatontheSouthtothoseofSummer;andthatonthe
NorthtothoseofWinterandinthis,palacetheEmperorandhisgrandeessacrificedalamb,theanimal
thatrepresentedtheSunattheVernalEquinox.

AmongtheGreeks,themarchoftheChorusesintheirtheatresrepresentedthemovementsofthe
Heavensandtheplanets,andtheStropheandAntiStropheimitated,Aristoxenessays,themovements
oftheStars.ThenumberfivewassacredamongtheChinese,asthatoftheplanetsotherthantheSun
andMoon.Astrologyconsecratedthenumberstwelve,seven,thirty,andthreehundredandsixty;and
everywhereseven,thenumberoftheplanets,wasassacredastwelve,thatofthesigns,themonths,the
orientalcycles,andthesectionsofthehorizon.Weshallspeakmoreatlargehereafter,inanother
Degree,astotheseandothernumbers,towhichtheancientsascribedmysteriouspowers.

TheSignsoftheZodiacandtheStarsappearedonmanyoftheancientcoinsandmedals.Onthepublic
sealoftheLocrians,OzoleswasHesperus,ortheplanetVenus.OnthemedalsofAntiochonthe
Oronteswastheramandcrescent;andtheRamwasthespecialDeityofSyria,assignedtoitinthe
divisionoftheearthamongthetwelvesigns.OntheCretancoinswastheEquinoctialBull;andhealso
appearedonthoseoftheMamertinsandofAthens.SagittariusappearedonthoseofthePersians.In
Indiathetwelvesignsappearedupontheancientcoins.TheScorpionwasengravedonthemedalsof
theKingsofComagena,andCapricornonthoseofZeugnia,Anazorba,andothercities.Onthemedals
ofAntoninusarefoundnearlyallthesignsoftheZodiac.

Astrologywaspractisedamongalltheancientnations.InEgypt,thebookofAstrologywasborne
reverentiallyinthereligiousprocessions;inwhichthefewsacredanimalswerealsocarried,as
emblemsoftheequinoxesandsolstices.ThesamescienceflourishedamongtheChaldeans,andover
thewholeofAsiaandAfrica.WhenAlexanderinvadedIndia,theastrologersoftheOxydracescameto
himtodisclosethesecretsoftheirscienceofHeavenandtheStars.TheBrahiminswhomApollonius
consulted,taughthimthesecretsofAstronomy,withtheceremoniesandprayerswherebytoappease
thegodsandlearnthefuturefromthestars.InChina,astrologytaughtthemodeofgoverningtheState
andfamilies.InArabiaitwasdeemedthemotherofthesciences;andoldlibrariesarefullofArabic
booksonthispretendedscience.ItflourishedatRome.Constantinehadhishoroscopedrawnbythe
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astrologerValens.Itwasascienceinthemiddleages,andeventothisdayisneitherforgottennor
unpractised.

CatherinedeMediciwasfondofit.LouisXIVconsultedhishoroscope,andthelearnedCasini
commencedhiscareerasanastrologer.TheancientSabansestablishedfeastsinhonorofeachplanet,
ontheday,foreach,whenitentereditsplaceofexaltation,orreachedtheparticulardegreeinthe
particularsignofthezodiacinwhichastrologyhadfixedtheplaceofitsexaltation;thatis,theplacein
theHeavenswhereitsinfluencewassupposedtobegreatest,andwhereitactedonNaturewiththe
greatestenergy.TheplaceofexaltationoftheSunwasinAries,because,reachingthatpoint,he
awakensallNature,andwarmsintolifeallthegermsofvegetation;andthereforehismostsolemnfeast
amongallnations,formanyyearsbeforeourEra,wasfixedatthetimeofhisentranceintothatsign.In
Egypt,itwascalledtheFeastofFireandLight.ItwasthePassover,whenthePaschalLambwasslain
andeaten,amongtheJews,andNeurouzamongthePersians.TheRomanspreferredtheplaceof
domiciletothatofexaltation;andcelebratedthefeastsoftheplanetsunderthesignsthatweretheir
houses.TheChaldeans,whomandnottheEgyptians,theSabansfollowedinthis,preferredthe
placesofexaltation.

Saturn,fromthelengthoftimerequiredforhisapparentrevolution,wasconsideredthemostremote,
andtheMoonthenearestplanet.AftertheMooncameMercuryandVenus,thentheSun,andthen
Mars,Jupiter,andSaturn.

SotherisingsandsettingsoftheFixedStars,andtheirconjunctionswiththeSun,andtheirfirst
appearanceastheyemergedfromhisrays,fixedtheepochsforthefeastsinstitutedintheirhonor;and
theSacredCalendarsoftheancientswereregulatedaccordingly.

IntheRomangamesofthecircus,celebratedinhonoroftheSunandofentireNature,theSun,Moon,
Planets,Zodiac,Elements,andthemostapparentpartsandpotentagentsofNaturewerepersonified
andrepresented,andthecoursesoftheSunintheHeavenswereimitatedintheHippodrome;his
chariotbeingdrawnbyfourhorsesofdifferentcolors,representingthefourelementsandseasons.The
courseswerefromEasttoWest,likethecircuitsroundtheLodge,andseveninnumber,tocorrespond
withthenumberofplanets.ThemovementsoftheSevenStarsthatrevolvearoundthepolewerealso
represented,aswerethoseofCapella,whichbyitsheliacalrisingatthemomentwhentheSunreached
thePleiades,inTaurus,announcedthecommencementoftheannualrevolutionoftheSun.

TheintersectionoftheZodiacbythecoluresattheEquinoctialandSolstitialpoints,fixedfourperiods,
eachofwhichhas,byoneormorenations,andinsomecasesbythesamenationatdifferentperiods,
beentakenforthecommencementoftheyear.SomeadoptedtheVernalEquinox,becausethenday
begantoprevailovernight,andlightgainedavictoryoverdarkness.SometimestheSummerSolstice
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waspreferred;becausethendayattaineditsmaximumofduration,andtheacmeofitsgloryand
perfection.InEgypt,anotherreasonwas,thatthentheNilebegantooverflow,attheheliacalrisingof
Sirius.SomepreferredtheAutumnalEquinox,becausethentheharvestsweregathered,andthehopes
ofanewcropweredepositedinthebosomoftheearth.AndsomepreferredtheWinterSolstice,
becausethen,theshortestdayhavingarrived,theirlengthcommencedtoincrease,andLightbeganthe
careerdestinedtoendinvictoryattheVernalEquinox.

TheSunwasfigurativelysaidtodieandbebornagainattheWinterSolstice;thegamesoftheCircus,
inhonoroftheinvincibleGodSun,werethencelebrated,andtheRomanyearestablishedorreformed
byNuma,commenced.ManypeoplesofItalycommencedtheiryear,Macrobiussays,atthattime;and
representedbythefouragesofmanthegradualsuccessionofperiodicalincreaseanddiminutionof
day,andthelightoftheSun;likeninghimtoaninfantbornattheWinterSolstice,ayoungmanatthe
VernalEquinox,arobustmanattheSummerSolstice,andanoldmanattheAutumnalEquinox.

ThisideawasborrowedfromtheEgyptians,whoadoredtheSunattheWinterSolstice,underthe
figureofaninfant.TheimageoftheSigninwhicheachofthefourseasonscommenced,becamethe
formunderwhichwasfiguredtheSunofthatparticularseason.TheLion'sskinwaswornbyHercules;
thehornsoftheBulladornedtheforeheadofBacchus;andtheautumnalserpentwounditslongfolds
roundtheStatueofSerapis,2500yearsbeforeourera;whenthoseSignscorrespondedwiththe
commencementoftheSeasons.

Whenotherconstellationsreplacedthematthosepoints,bymeansoftheprecessionoftheEquinoxes,
thoseattributeswerechanged.ThentheRamfurnishedthehornsfortheheadoftheSun,underthe
nameofJupiterAmmon.HewasnolongerbornexposedtothewatersofAquarius,likeBacchus,nor
enclosedinanurnliketheGodCanopus;butintheStablesofAugeasortheCelestialGoat.Hethen
completedhistriumph,mountedonanass,intheconstellationCancer,whichthenoccupiedthe
SolstitialpointofSummer.

OtherattributestheimagesoftheSunborrowedfromtheconstellationswhich,bytheirrisingand
setting,fixedthepointsofdepartureoftheyear,andthecommencementsofitsfourprincipaldivisions.

FirsttheBullandafterwardtheRam(calledbythePersianstheLamb),wasregardedastheregenerator
ofNature,throughhisunionwiththeSun.Each,inhisturn,wasanemblemoftheSunovercomingthe
winterdarkness,andrepairingthedisordersofNature,whicheveryyearwasregeneratedunderthese
Signs,aftertheScorpionandSerpentofAutumnhadbroughtuponitbarrenness,disaster,and
darkness.

MithraswasrepresentedsittingonaBullandthatanimalwasanimageofOsiriswhiletheGreek
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Bacchusarmedhisfrontwithitshornsandwaspicturedwithitstailandfeet.

TheConstellationsalsobecamenoteworthytothehusbandman,whichbytheirrisingorsetting,at
morningorevening,indicatedthecomingofthisperiodofrenewedfruitfulnessandnewlife.Capella,
orthekidAmalthea,whosehorniscalledthatofabundance,allwhoseplaceisovertheequinoctial
point,orTaurus;andthePleiades,thatlongindicatedtheSeasons,andgaverisetoamultitudeof
poeticfables,werethemostobservedandmostcelebratedinantiquity.

TheoriginalRomanyearcommencedattheVernalEquinox.JulywasformerlycalledQuintilis,the5th
month,andAugustSextilis,the6th,asSeptemberisstillthe7thmonth,Octoberthe8th,andsoon.
ThePersianscommencedtheiryearatthesametime,andcelebratedtheirgreatfeastofNeurouzwhen
theSunenteredAriesandtheConstellationPerseusrose,Perseus,whofirstbroughtdowntoearththe
heavenlyfireconsecratedintheirtemplesandalltheceremoniesthenpractisedremindedmenofthe
renovationofNatureandthetriumphofOrmuzd,theLightGod,overthepowersofDarknessand
AhrimantheirChief.

TheLegislatoroftheJewsfixedthecommencementoftheiryearinthemonthNisan,attheVernal
Equinox,atwhichseasontheIsraelitesmarchedoutofEgyptandwererelievedoftheirlongbondage;
incommemorationofwhichExodus,theyatethePaschalLambatthatEquinox.AndwhenBacchus
andhisarmyhadlongmarchedinburningdeserts,theywereledbyaLamborRamintobeautiful
meadows,andtotheSpringsthatwateredtheTempleofJupiterAmmon.For,totheArabsand
Ethiopians,whosegreatDivinityBacchuswas,nothingwassoperfectatypeofElysiumasaCountry
aboundinginspringsandrivulets.

Orion,onthesamemeridianwiththeStarsofTaurus,diedofthestingofthecelestialScorpion,that
riseswhenhesets;asdiestheBullofMithrasinAutumnandintheStarsthatcorrespondwiththe
AutumnalEquinoxwefindthosemalevolentgeniithateverwaragainstthePrincipleofgood,andthat
takefromtheSunandtheHeavensthefruitproducingpowerthattheycommunicatetotheearth.

WiththeVernalEquinox,deartothesailorastothehusbandman,cametheStarsthat,withtheSun,
opennavigation,andrulethestormySeas.ThentheTwinsplungeintothesolarfires,ordisappearat
setting,goingdownwiththeSunintothebosomofthewaters.Andthesetutelary
Divinitiesofmariners,theDioscuriorChiefCahiriofSamothrace,sailedwithJasontopossess
themselvesofthegoldenfleecedram,orAries,whoserisinginthemorningannouncedtheSun'sentry
intoTaurus,whentheSerpentbearerJasonroseintheevening,and,inaspectwiththeDioscuri,was
deemedtheirbrother.AndOrion,sonofNeptune,andmostpotentcontrollerofthetempesttortured
ocean,announcingsometimescalmandsometimestempest,roseafterTaurus,rejoicingintheforehead
ofthenewyear.
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TheSummerSolsticewasnotlessanimportantpointintheSun'smarchthantheVernalEquinox,
especiallytotheEgyptians,towhomitnotonlymarkedtheendandtermoftheincreasinglengthofthe
daysandofthedominationoflight,andthemaximumoftheSun'selevation;butalsotheannual
recurrenceofthatphenomenonpeculiartoEgypt,therisingoftheNile,which,everaccompanyingthe
Suninhiscourse,seemedtoriseandfallasthedaysgrewlongerandshorter,beinglowestatthe
WinterSolstice,andhighestatthatofSummer.ThustheSunseemedtoregulateitsswelling;andthe
timeofhisarrivalatthesolstitialpointbeingthatofthefirstrisingoftheNile,wasselectedbythe
EgyptiansasthebeginningofayearwhichtheycalledtheYearofGod,andoftheSothiacPeriod,or
theperiodofSothis,theDogStar,who,risinginthemorning,fixedthatepoch,soimportanttothe
peopleofEgypt.ThisyearwasalsocalledtheHeliac,thatistheSolaryear,andtheCanicularyear;and
itconsistedofthreehundredandsixtyfivedays,withoutintercalation;sothatattheendoffouryears,
oroffourtimesthreehundredandsixtyfivedays,making1460days,itneededtoaddaday,tomake
fourcompleterevolutionsoftheSun.Tocorrectthis,someNationsmadeeveryfourthyearconsist,as
wedonow,of366days:buttheEgyptianspreferredtoaddnothingtotheyearof365days,which,at
theendof120years,orof30times4years,wasshort30daysoramonth;thatistosay,itrequireda
monthmoretocompletethe120revolutionsoftheSun,thoughsomanywerecounted,thatis,somany
years.Ofcoursethecommencementofthe121styearwouldnotcorrespondwiththeSummerSolstice,
butwouldprecedeitbyamonth:sothat,whentheSunarrivedattheSolstitialpointwhenceheatfirst
setout,andwheretohemustneedsreturn,tomakeinreality120years,or120completerevolutions,the
firstmonthofthe121styearwouldhaveended.

Thus,ifthecommencementoftheyearwentback30daysevery120years,thiscommencementofthe
year,continuingtorecede,would,attheendof12times120years,orof1460years,getbacktothe
Solstitialpoint,orprimitivepointofdepartureoftheperiod.TheSunwouldthenhavemadebut1459
revolutions,though1460werecounted;tomakeupwhich,ayearmorewouldneedtobeadded.

SothattheSunwouldnothavemadehis1460revolutionsuntiltheendof1461yearsof365dayseach,
eachrevolutionbeinginrealitynot365daysexactly,but365.

Thisperiodof1461years,eachof365days,bringingbackthecommencementoftheSolaryeartothe
Solstitialpoint,attherisingofSirius,after1460completeSolarrevolutions,wascalledinEgyptthe
Sothiacperiod,thepointofdeparturewhereofwastheSummerSolstice,firstoccupiedbytheLionand
afterwardbyCancer,underwhichsignisSirius,whichopenedtheperiod.Itwas,saysPorphyry,atthis
SolstitialNewMoon,accompaniedbytherisingofSethortheDogStar,thatthebeginningoftheyear
wasfixed,andthatofthegenerationofallthings,or,asitwere,thenatalhouroftheworld.

NotSiriusalonedeterminedtheperiodoftherisingoftheNile,Aquarius,hisurn,andthestream
flowingfromit,inoppositiontothesignoftheSummerSolsticethenoccupiedbytheSun,openedin
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theeveningthemarchofNight,andreceivedthefullMooninhiscup.

AbovehimandwithhimrosethefeetofPegasus,struckwherewiththewatersflowforththatthe
Musesdrink.TheLionand,theDog,indicating,weresupposedtocausetheinundation,andsowere
worshipped.WhiletheSunpassedthroughLeo,thewatersdoubledtheirdepth;andthesacred
fountainspouredtheirstreamsthroughtheheadsoflions.Hydra,risingbetweenSiriusandLeo,
extendedunderthreesigns.Its'headrosewithCancer,anditstailwiththefeetoftheVirginandthe
beginningofLibra;andtheinundationcontinuedwhiletheSunpassedalongitswholeextent.

Thesuccessivecontestoflightanddarknessforthepossessionofthelunardisk,eachbeingbyturns
victorandvanquished,exactlyresembledwhatpassedupontheearthbyheactionoftheSunandhis
journeysfromoneSolsticetotheother.Thelunaryrevolutionpresentedthesameperiodsoflightand
darknessastheyear,andwastheobjectofthesamereligiousfictions.AbovetheMoon,Plinysaid,
everythingispure,andfilledwitheternallight.Thereendstheconeofshadowwhichtheearth
projects,andwhichproducesnight;thereendsthesojournofnightanddarkness;toittheairextends;
butthereweenterthepuresubstance.

TheEgyptiansassignedtotheMoonthedemiurgicorcreativeforceofOsiris,whounitedhimselfto
herinthespring,whentheSuncommunicatedtohertheprinciplesofgenerationwhichsheafterward
disseminatedintheairandalltheelements.ThePersiansconsideredtheMoontohavebeen
impregnatedbytheCelestialBull,firstofthesignsofspring.Inallages,theMoonhasbeensupposed
tohavegreatinfluenceuponvegetation,andthebirthandgrowthofanimals;andthebeliefisaswidely
entertainednowasever,andthatinfluenceregardedasamysteriousandinexplicableone.Notthe
astrologersalone,butNaturalistslikePliny,PhilosopherslikePlutarchandCicero,Theologianslikethe
EgyptianPriests,andMetaphysicianslikeProclus,believedfirmlyintheselunarinfluences.

"TheEgyptians,"saysDiodorusSiculus,"acknowledgedtwogreatgods,theSunandMoon,orOsiris
andIsis,whogoverntheworldandregulateitsadministrationbythedispensationoftheseasons.

SuchisthenatureofthesetwogreatDivinities,thattheyimpressanactiveandfecundatingforce,by
whichthegenerationofbeingsineffected;theSun,byheatandthatspiritualprinciplethatformsthe
breathofthewinds;theMoonbyhumidityanddryness;andbothbytheforcesoftheairwhichthey
shareincommon.Bythisbeneficialinfluenceeverythingisborn,grows,andvegetates.Whereforethis
wholehugebody,inwhichnatureresides,ismaintainedbythecombinedactionoftheSunandMoon,
andtheirfivequalities,theprinciplesspiritual,fiery,dry,humid,andairy."

Sofiveprimitivepowers,elements,orelementaryqualities,areunitedwiththeSunandMooninthe
Indiantheology,air,spirit,fire,water,andearth:andthesamefiveelementsarerecognizedbythe
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Chinese.

ThePhnicians,liketheEgyptians,regardedtheSunandMoonandStarsassolecausesofgeneration
anddestructionherebelow.TheMoon,liketheSun,changedcontinuallythetrackinwhichshecrossed
theHeavens,movingevertoandfrobetweentheupperandlowerlimitsoftheZodiac;andherdifferent
places,phases,andaspectsthere,andherrelationswiththeSunandtheconstellations,havebeena
fruitfulsourceofmythologicalfables.

Alltheplanetshadwhatastrologytermedtheirhouses,intheZodiac.TheHouseoftheSunwasin
Leo,andthatoftheMooninCancer.Eachotherplanethadtwo,signs;MercuryhadGeminiandVirgo;
Venus,TaurusandLibra;Mars,AriesandScorpio;Jupiter,PiscesandSagittarius;andSaturn,
AquariusandCapricornus.Fromthisdistributionofthesignsalsocamemanymythologicalemblems
andfables;asalsomanycamefromtheplacesofexaltationoftheplanets.DianaofEphesus,theMoon,
woretheimageofacrabonherbosom,becauseinthatsignwastheMoon'sdomicile;andlionsbore
upthethroneofHorus,theEgyptianApollo,theSunpersonified,foralikereason:whiletheEgyptians
consecratedthetaurifornscarabstotheMoon,becauseshehadherplaceofexaltationinTaurus;and
forthesamereasonMercuryissaidtohavepresentedIsiswithahelmetlikeabull'shead.

AfurtherdivisionoftheZodiacwasofeachsignintothreepartsof10each,calledDecans,or,inthe
wholeZodiac,36parts,amongwhichthesevenplanetswereapportionedanew,eachplanethavingan
equalnumberofDecans,exceptthefirst,which,openingandclosingtheseriesofplanetsfivetimes
repeated,necessarilyhadoneDecanmorethantheothers.Thissubdivisionwasnotinventeduntilafter
AriesopenedtheVernalEquinox;andaccordinglyMars,havinghishouseinAries,openstheseriesof
decansandclosesit;theplanetsfollowingeachother,fivetimesinsuccession,inthefollowingorder,
Mars,theSun,Venus,Mercury,theMoon,Saturn,Jupiter,Mars,etc;sothattoeachsignareassigned
threeplanets,eachoccupying10degrees.ToeachDecanaGodorGeniuswasassigned,makingthirty
sixinall,oneofwhom,theChaldeanssaid,camedownuponeartheverytendays,remainedsomany
days,andreascendedtoHeaven.

ThisdivisionisfoundontheIndiansphere,thePersian,andthatBarbariconewhichAbenEzra
describes.EachgeniusoftheDecanshadanameandspecialcharacteristics.Theyconcurandaidinthe
effectsproducedbytheSun,Moon,andotherplanetschargedwiththeadministrationoftheworld:and
thedoctrineinregardtothem,secretandaugustasitwasheld,wasconsideredofthegravest
importance;anditsprinciples,Firmicussays,werenotentrustedbytheancients,inspiredastheywere
bytheDeity,toanybuttheInitiates,andtothemonlywithgreatreserve,andakindoffear,andwhen
cautiouslyenvelopedwithanobscureveil,thattheymightnotcometobeknownbytheprofane.

WiththeseDecanswereconnectedtheparanatellonsorthosestarsoutsideoftheZodiac,thatriseand
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setatthesamemomentwiththeseveraldivisionsof10ofeachsign.Astherewereancientlyonly
fortyeightcelestialfiguresorconstellations,ofwhichtwelvewereintheZodiac,itfollowsthatthere
were,outsideoftheZodiac,thirtysixotherasterisms,paranatellonsoftheseveralthirtysixDecans.
Forexample,aswhenCapricornset,SiriusandProcyon,orCanisMajorandCanisMinor,rose,they
weretheParanatellonsofCapricorn,thoughatagreatdistancefromitintheheavens.Therisingof
CancerwasknownfromthesettingofCoronaBorealisandtherisingoftheGreatandLittleDog,its
threeparanatellons.

TherisingsandsettingsoftheStarsarealwaysspokenofasconnectedwiththeSun.Inthatconnection
therearethreekindsofthem,cosmical,achronical,andheliacal,importanttobedistinguishedbyall
whowouldunderstandthisancientlearning.

WhenanyStarrisesorsetswiththesamedegreeofthesamesignoftheZodiacthattheSunoccupies
atthetime,itrisesandsetssimultaneouslywiththeSun,andthisistermedrisingorsettingcosmically;
butastarthatsorisesandsetscanneverbeseen,onaccountofthelightthatprecedes,andisleft
behindbytheSun.Itisthereforenecessary,inordertoknowhisplaceintheZodiac,toobservestars
thatrisejustbeforeorsetjustafterhim.

AStarthatisintheFastwhennightcommences,andintheWestwhenitends,issaidtoriseandset
achronically.AStarsorisingorsettingwasinoppositiontotheSun,risingattheendofevening
twilight,andsettingatthebeginningofmorningtwilight,andthishappenedtoeachStarbutoncea
year,becausetheSunmovesfromWesttoFast,withreferencetotheStars,onedegreeaday.

WhenaStarrisesasnightendsinthemorning,orsetsasnightcommencesintheevening,itissaidto
riseorsetheliacally,becausetheSun(Helios)seemstotouchitwithhisluminousatmosphere.AStar
thusreappearsafteradisappearance,oftenofseveralmonths,andthenceforwarditrisesanhour
earliereachday,graduallyemergingfromtheSun'srays,untilattheendofthreemonthsitprecedesthe
Sunsixhours,andrisesatmidnight.AStarsetsheliacally,whennolongerremainingvisibleabovethe
westernhorizonaftersunset,thedayarriveswhentheyceasetobeseensettingintheWest.Theyso
remaininvisible,untiltheSunpassessofartotheEastwardasnottoeclipsethemwithhislight;and
thentheyreappear,butintheEast,aboutanhourandahalfbeforesunrise:andthisistheirheliacal
rising.Inthisinterval,thecosmicalrisingandsettingtakeplace.

BesidestherelationsoftheconstellationsandtheirparanatelIonswiththehousesandplacesof
exaltationofthePlanets,andwiththeirplacesintherespectiveSignsandDecans,theStarswere
supposedtoproducedifferenteffectsaccordingastheyroseorset,andaccordingastheydidsoeither
cosmically,achronicany,orheliacally;andalsoaccordingtothedifferentseasonsoftheyearinwhich
thesephenomenaoccurred;andthesedifferenceswerecarefullymarkedontheoldCalendars;and
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manythingsintheancientallegoriesarereferabletothem.

AnotherandmostimportantdivisionoftheStarswasintogoodandbad,beneficentandmalevolent.
WiththePersians,theformer,oftheZodiacalConstellations,werefromAriestoVirgo,inclusive;and
thelatterfromLibratoPisces,inclusive.HencethegoodAngelsandGenii,andthebadAngels,Devs,
EvilGenii,Devils,FallenAngels,Titans,andGiantsoftheMythology.Theotherthirtysix
Constellationswereequallydivided,eighteenoneachside,or,withthoseoftheZodiac,twentyfour.

ThusthesymbolicEgg,thatissuedfromthemouthoftheinvisibleEgyptianGodKNEPH;knownin
theGrecianMysteriesastheOrphicEgg;fromwhichissuedtheGodCHUMONGoftheCoresians,
andtheEgyptianOSIRISS,andPHANES,GodandPrincipleofLight;fromwhich,brokenbythe
SacredBulloftheJapanese,theworldemerged;andwhichtheGreeksplacedatthefeetofBACCHUS
TAURICORNUS;theMagianEggofORMUZD,fromwhichcametheAmshaspandsandDevs;was
dividedintotwohalves,andequallyapportionedbetweentheGoodandEvilConstellationsandAngels.
ThoseofSpring,asforexampleAriesandTaurus,AurigaandCapella,werethebeneficentstars;and
thoseofAutumn,astheBalance,Scorpio,theSerpentofOphiucus,andtheDragonoftheHesperides,
weretypesandsubjectsoftheEvilPrinciple,andregardedasmalevolentcausesoftheilleffects
experiencedinAutumnandWinter.Thusareexplainedthemysteriesofthejourneyingsofthehuman
soulthroughthespheres,whenitdescendstotheearthbytheSignoftheSerpent,andreturnstothe
EmpireoflightbythatoftheLamborBull.

ThecreativeactionofHeavenwasmanifested,andallitsdemiurgicenergydeveloped,mostofallatthe
VernalEquinox,towhichreferallthefablesthattypifythevictoryofLightoverDarkness,bythe
triumphsofJupiter,Osiris,Ormuzd,andApollo.AlwaysthetriumphantgodtakestheformoftheBull,
theRam,ortheLamb.ThenJupiterwrestsfromTyphonhisthunderbolts,ofwhichthatmalignant
DeityhadpossessedhimselfduringtheWinter.ThentheGodofLightoverwhelmshisfoe,picturedas
ahugeSerpent.ThenWinterends;theSun,seatedontheBullandaccompaniedbyOrion,blazesinthe
Heavens.Allnaturerejoicesatthevictory;andOrderandHarmonyareeverywherereestablished,in
placeofthedireconfusionthatreignedwhilegloomyTyphondomineered,andAhrimanprevailed
againstOrmuzd.

TheuniversalSouloftheWorld,motivepowerofHeavenandoftheSpheres,itwasheld,exercisesits
creativeenergychieflythroughthemediumoftheSun,duringhisrevolutionalongthesignsofthe
Zodiac,withwhichsignsunitetheparanatellonsthatmodifytheirinfluence,andconcurinfurnishing
thesymbolicattributesoftheGreatLuminarythatregulatesNatureandisthedepositoryofhergreatest
powers.TheactionofthisUniversalSouloftheWorldisdisplayedinthemovementsoftheSpheres,
andaboveallinthatoftheSun,inthesuccessionsoftherisingsandsettingsoftheStars,andintheir
periodicalreturns.BytheseareexplainableallthemetamorphosesofthatSoul,personifiedasJupiter,
asBacchus,asVishnu,orasBuddha,andallthevariousattributesascribedtoit;andalsotheworship
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ofthoseanimalsthatwereconsecratedintheancientTemples,representativesonearthoftheCelestial
Signs,andsupposedtoreceivebytransmissionfromthemtheraysandemanationswhichinthemflow
fromtheUniversalSoul.

AlltheoldAdorersofNature,theTheologians,Astrologers,andPoets,aswellasthemost
distinguishedPhilosophers,supposedthattheStarsweresomanyanimatedandintelligentbeings,or
eternalbodies,activecausesofeffectherebelow,animatedbyalivingprinciple,anddirectedbyan
intelligencethatwasitselfbutanemanationfromandapartofthelifeanduniversalintelligenceofthe
worldandwefindinthehierarchicalorderanddistributionoftheireternalanddivineIntelligences,
knownbythenamesofGods,Angels,andGenii,thesamedistributionsandthesamedivisionsasthose
bywhichtheancientsdividedthevisibleUniverseanddistributeditsparts.Andthefamousdivisions
bysevenandbytwelve,appertainingtotheplanetsandthesignsofthezodiac,iseverywherefoundin
thehierarchicalorderoftheGods,andAngels,andtheotherMinistersthatarethedepositariesofthat
DivineForcewhichmovesandrulestheworld.

These,andtheotherIntelligencesassignedtotheotherStars,haveabsolutedominionoverallpartsof
Nature;overtheelements,theanimalandvegetablekingdoms,overmanandallhisactions,overhis
virtuesandvices,andovergoodandevil,whichdividebetweenthemhislife.Thepassionsofhissoul
andthemaladiesofhisbody,theseandtheentiremanaredependentontheheavensandthegeniithat
thereinhabit,whopresideathisbirth,controlhisfortunesduringlife,andreceivehissouloractiveand
intelligentpartwhenitistobereunitedtothepurelifeoftheloftyStars.Andallthroughthegreat
bodyoftheworldaredisseminatedportionsoftheuniversalSoul,impressingmovementoneverything
thatseemstomoveofitself,givinglifetotheplantsandtrees,directingbyaregularandsettledplan
theorganizationanddevelopmentoftheirgerms,impartingconstantmobilitytotherunningwatersand
maintainingtheireternalmotion,impellingthewindsandchangingtheirdirectionorstillingthem,
calmingandarousingtheocean,unchainingthestormpouringoutthefiresofvolcanoes,orwith
earthquakesshakingtherootsofhugemountainsandthefoundationsofvastcontinents;bymeansofa
forcethat,belongingtoNature,isamysterytoman.

AndtheseinvisibleIntelligences,likethestars,aremarshalledintwogreatdivisions,underthebanners
ofthetwoPrinciplesofGoodandEvil,LightandDarkness;underOrmuzdandAhriman,Osirisand
Typhon.TheEvilPrinciplewasthemotivepowerofbrutematter;andit,personifiedasAhrimanand
Typhon,haditshostsandarmiesofDevsandGenii,FallenAngelsandMalevolentSpirits,whowaged
continualwagewiththeGoodPrinciple,thePrincipleofEmpyrealLightandSplendor,Osiris,
Ormuzd,JupiterorDionusos,withhisbrighthostsofAmshaspands,Izeds,Angels,andArchangels;a
warfarethatgoesonfrombirthuntildeath,inthesoulofeverymanthatlives.

Wehaveheretofore,inthe24thDegreerecitedtheprincipalincidentsinthelegendofOsirisandIsis,
anditremainsbuttopointouttheastronomicalphenomenawhichithasconvertedintomythological
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facts.

TheSun,attheVernalEquinox,wasthefruitcompellingstarthatbyhiswarmthprovokedgeneration
andpoureduponthesublunaryworldalltheblessingsofHeaven;thebeneficentgod,tutelarygeniusof
universalvegetation,thatcommunicatestothedullearthnewactivity,andstirshergreatheart,long
chilledbyWinterandhisfrosts,untilfromherbosomburstallthegreennessandperfumeofspring,
makingherrejoiceinleafyforestsandgrassylawnsandflowerenamelledmeadows,andthepromise
ofabundantcropsofgrainandfruitsandpurplegrapesintheirdueseason.

HewasthencalledOsiris,HusbandofIsis,GodofCultivationandBenefactorofMen,pouringon
themandontheearththechoicestblessingswithinthegiftoftheDivinity.Opposedtohimwas
Typhon,hisantagonistintheEgyptianmythology,asAhrimanwasthefoeofOrmuzd,theGood
Principle,inthetheologyofthePersians.

ThefirstinhabitantsofEgyptandEthiopia,asDiodorusSiculusinformsus,sawintheHeavenstwo
firsteternalcausesofthings,orgreatDivinities,onetheSun,whomtheycalledOsiris,andtheother
theMoon,whomtheycalledIsis;andthesetheyconsideredthecausesofallthegenerationsofearth.
Thisidea,welearnfromEusebius,wasthesameasthatofthePhnicians.Onthesetwogreat
Divinitiestheadministrationoftheworlddepended.Allsublunarybodiesreceivedfromthemtheir
nourishmentandincrease,duringtheannualrevolutionwhichtheycontrolled,andthedifferentseasons
intowhichitwasdivided.

ToOsirisandIsis,itwasheld,wereowingcivilization,thediscoveryofagriculture,laws,artsofall
kinds,religiousworship,temples,theinventionofletters,astronomy,thegymnasticarts,andmusic;
andthustheyweretheuniversalbenefactors.Osiristravelledtocivilizethecountrieswhichhepassed
through,andcommunicatetothemhisvaluablediscoveries.Hebuiltcities,andtaughtmentocultivate
theearth.Wheatandwinewerehisfirstpresentstomen.Europe,Asia,andAfricapartookofthe
blessingswhichhecommunicated,andthemostremoteregionsofIndiarememberedhim,andclaimed
himasoneoftheirgreatgods.

YouhavelearnedhowTyphon,hisbrother,slewhim.Hisbodywascutintopieces,allofwhichwere
collectedbyIsis,excepthisorgansofgeneration,whichhadbeenthrownintoanddevouredinthe
watersoftheriverthateveryyearfertilizedEgypt.TheotherportionswereburiedbyIsis,andover
themsheerectedatomb.Thereaftersheremainedsingle,loadinghersubjectswithblessings.Shecured
thesick,restoredsighttotheblind,madetheparalyticwhole,andevenraisedthedead.

FromherHorusorApollolearneddivinationandthescienceofmedicine.ThustheEgyptianspictured
thebeneficentactionofthetwoluminariesthat,fromthebosomoftheelements,producedallanimals
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andmen,andallbodiesthatareborn,grow,anddieintheeternalcircleofgenerationanddestruction
herebelow.

WhentheCelestialBullopenedthenewyearattheVernalEquinox,Osiris,unitedwiththeMoon,
communicatedtohertheseedsoffruitfulnesswhichshepouredupontheair,andtherewith
impregnatedthegenerativeprincipleswhichgaveactivitytouniversalvegetation.Apis,representedby
abull,wasthelivingandsensibleimageoftheSunorOsiris,wheninunionwithIsisortheMoonat
theVernalEquinox,concurringwithherinprovokingeverythingthatlivestogeneration.This
conjunctionoftheSunwiththeMoonattheVernalEquinox,intheconstellationTaurus,requiredthe
BullApistohaveonhisshoulderamarkresemblingtheCrescentMoon.Andthefecundatinginfluence
ofthesetwoluminarieswasexpressedbyimagesthatwouldnowbedeemedgrossandindecent,but
whichthenwerenotmisunderstood.

EverythinggoodinNaturecomesfromOsiris,order,harmony,andthefavorabletemperatureofthe
seasonsandcelestialperiods.FromTyphoncomethestormypassionsandirregularimpulsesthat
agitatethebruteandmaterialpartofman;maladiesofthebody,andviolentshocksthatinjurethe
healthandderangethesystem;inclementweather,derangementoftheseasons,andeclipses.Osirisand
TyphonweretheOrmuzdandAhrimanofthePersians;principlesofgoodandevil,oflightand
darkness,everatwarintheadministrationoftheUniverse.

Osiriswastheimageofgenerativepower.Thiswasexpressedbyhissymbolicstatues,andbythesign
intowhichheenteredattheVernalEquinox.HeespeciallydispensedthehumidprincipleofNature,
generativeelementofallthings;andtheNileandallmoisturewereregardedasemanationsfromhim,
withoutwhichtherecouldbenovegetation.

ThatOsirisandIsisweretheSunandMoon,isattestedbymanyancientwriters;byDiogenesLaertius,
Plutarch,Lucian,Suidas,Macrobius,MartianusCapella,andothers.Hispowerwassymbolizedbyan
EyeoveraSceptre.TheSunwastermedbytheGreekstheEyeofJupiter,andtheEyeoftheWorld;
andhisistheAllSeeingEyeinourLodges.TheoracleofClarosstyledhimKingoftheStarsandof
theEternalFire,thatengenderstheyearandtheseasons,dispensesrainandwinds,andbringsabout
daybreakandnight.AndOsiriswasinvokedastheGodthatresidesintheSunandisenvelopedbyhis
rays,theinvisibleandeternalforcethatmodifiesthesublunaryworldbymeansoftheSun.

OsiriswasthesameGodknownasBacchus,Dionusos,andSerapis.Serapisistheauthorofthe
regularityandharmonyoftheworld.Bacchus,jointlywithCeres(identifiedbyHerodotuswithIsis)
presidesoverthedistributionofallourblessings;andfromthetwoemanateseverythingbeautifuland
goodinNature.Onefurnishesthegermandprincipleofeverygood;theotherreceivesandpreservesit
asadeposit;andthelatteristhefunctionoftheMooninthetheologyofthePersians.Ineachtheology,
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PersianandEgyptian,theMoonactsdirectlyontheearth;butsheisfecundated,inonebytheCelestial
BullandintheotherbyOsiris,withwhomsheisunitedattheVernalEquinox,inthesignTaurus,the
placeofherexaltationorgreatestinfluenceontheearth.TheforceofOsiris,saysPlutarch,isexercised
throughtheMoon.Sheisthepassivecauserelativelytohim,andtheactivecauserelativelytotheearth,
towhichshetransmitsthegermsoffruitfulnessreceivedfromhim.

InEgypttheearliestmovementinthewatersoftheNilebegantoappearattheVernalEquinox,when
thenewMoonoccurredattheentranceoftheSunintotheconstellationTaurus;andthustheNilewas
heldtoreceiveitsfertilizingpowerfromthecombinedactionoftheequinoctialSunandthenewMoon,
meetinginTaurus.OsiriswasoftenconfoundedwiththeNile,andIsiswiththeearth;andOsiriswas
deemedtoactontheearth,andtotransmittoithisemanations,throughboththeMoonandtheNile;
whencethefablethathisgenerativeorganswerethrownintothatriver.Typhon,ontheotherhand,was
theprincipleofaridityandbarrenness;andbyhismutilationofOsiriswasmeantthatdroughtwhich
causedtheNiletoretirewithinhisbedandshrinkupinAutumn.

ElsewherethaninEgypt,Osiriswasthesymboloftherefreshingrainsthatdescendtofertilizethe
earth;andTyphontheburningwindsofAutumn;thestormyrainsthatrottheflowers,theplants,and
leaves;theshort,colddays;andeverythinginjuriousinNature,andthatproducescorruptionand
destruction.

Inshort,Typhonistheprincipleofcorruption,ofdarkness,ofthelowerworldfromwhichcome
earthquakes,tumultuouscommotionsoftheair,burningheat,lightning,andfierymeteors,andplague
andpestilence.

SuchtoowastheAhrimanofthePersians;andthisrevoltoftheEvilPrincipleagainstthePrincipleof
GoodandLight,hasbeenrepresentedineverycosmogony,undermanyvaryingforms.Osiris,onthe
contrary,bytheintermediationofIsis,fillsthematerialworldwithhappiness,purity,andorder,by
whichtheharmonyofNatureismaintained.ItwassaidthathediedattheAutumnalEquinox,when
TaurusorthePleiadesroseintheevening,andthatherosetolifeagainin"lieSpring,whenvegetation
wasinspiredwithnewactivity.

OfcoursethetwosignsofTaurusandScorpiowillfiguremostlargelyinthemythologicalhistoryof
Osiris,fortheymarkedthetwoequinoxes,2500yearsbeforeourEra;andnexttothemtheother
constellations,neartheequinoxes,thatfixedthelimitsofthedurationofthefertilizingactionofthe
Sun;anditisalsotoberemarkedthatVenus,theGoddessofGeneration,hasherdomicileinTaurus,as
theMoonhasthereherplaceofexaltation.

WhentheSunwasinScorpio,Osirislosthislife,andthatfruitfulnesswhich,undertheformofthe
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Bull,hehadcommunicated,throughtheMoon,totheEarth.Typhon,hishandsandfeethorridwith
serpents,andwhosehabitatintheEgyptianplanispherewasunderScorpio,confinedhiminachestand
flunghimintotheNile,underthe17thdegreeofScorpio.Underthatsignhelosthislifeandvirility;
andherecoveredthemintheSpring,whenhehadconnectionwiththeMoon.Whenheentered
Scorpio,hislightdiminished,Nightreassumedherdominion,theNileshrunkwithinitsbanks,andthe
earthlostherverdureandthetreestheirleaves.ThereforeitisthatontheMithriacMonuments,the
ScorpionbitesthetesticlesoftheEquinoctialBull,onwhichsitsMithras,theSunofSpringandGodof
Generation;andthat,onthesamemonuments,weseetwotrees,onecoveredwithyoungleaves,andat
itsfootalittlebullandatorchburning;andtheotherloadedwithfruit,andatitsfootaScorpion,anda
torchreversedandextinguished.

OrmuzdorOsiris,thebeneficentPrinciplethatgivestheworldlight,waspersonifiedbytheSun,
apparentsourceoflight.Darkness,personifiedbyTyphonorAhriman,washisnaturalenemy.The
SagesofEgyptdescribedthenecessaryandeternalrivalryoroppositionoftheseprinciples,ever
pursuingonetheother,andonedethroningtheotherineveryannualrevolution,andataparticular
period,oneintheSpringundertheBull,andtheotherinAutumnundertheScorpion,bythelegendary
historyofOsirisandTyphon,detailedtousbyDiodorusandSynesius;inwhichhistorywerealso
personifiedtheStarsandconstellationsOrion,Capella,theTwins,theWolf,Sirius,andHercules,
whoserisingsandsettingsnotedtheadventofoneortheotherequinox.

PlutarchgivesusthepositionsintheHeavensoftheSunandMoon,atthemomentwhenOsiriswas
murderedbyTyphon.TheSun,hesays,wasintheSignoftheScorpion,whichhethenenteredatthe
AutumnalEquinox.TheMoonwasfull,headds;andconsequently,asitroseatsunset,itoccupied
Taurus,which,oppositetoScorpio,roseasitandtheSunsanktogether,sothatshewasthenfound
aloneinthesignTaurus,where,sixmonthsbefore,shehadbeeninunionorconjunctionwithOsiris,
theSun,receivingfromhimthosegermsofuniversalfertilizationwhichhecommunicatedtoher.It
wasthesignthroughwhichOsirisfirstascendedintohisempireoflightandgood.ItrosewiththeSun
onthedayoftheVernalEquinox;itremainedsixmonthsintheluminoushemisphere,everpreceding
theSunandabovethehorizonduringtheday;untilinAutumn,theSunarrivingatScorpio,Tauruswas
incompleteoppositionwithhim,rosewhenheset,andcompleteditsentirecourseabovethehorizon
duringthenight;presiding,byrisingintheevening,overthecommencementofthelongnights.Hence
inthesadceremoniescommemoratingthedeathofOsiris,therewasborneinprocessionagoldenbull
coveredwithblackcrape,imageofthedarknessintowhichthefamiliarsignofOsiriswasentering,and
whichwastospreadovertheNorthernregions,whiletheSun,prolongingthenights,wastobeabsent,
andeachtoremainunderthedominionofTyphon,PrincipleofEvilandDarkness.

SettingoutfromthesignTaurus,Isis,astheMoon,wentseekingforOsiristhroughallthesuperior
signs,ineachofwhichshebecamefullinthesuccessivemonthsfromtheAutumnaltotheVernal
Equinox,withoutfindinghimineither.Letusfollowherinherallegoricalwanderings.
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OsiriswasslainbyTyphonhisrival,withwhomconspiredaQueenofEthiopia,bywhom,says
Plutarch,weredesignatedthewinds.TheparanatellonsofScorpio,thesignoccupiedbytheSunwhen
Osiriswasslain,weretheSerpents,reptileswhichsuppliedtheattributesoftheEvilGeniiandof
Typhon,whohimselfboretheformofaserpentintheEgyptianplanisphere.Andinthedivisionof
ScorpioisalsofoundCassiopeia,QueenofEthiopia,whosesettingbringsstormywinds.

Osirisdescendedtotheshadesorinfernalregions.TherehetookthenameofSerapis,identicalwith
Pluto,andassumedhisnature.HewastheninconjunctionwithSerpentarius,identicalwith
sculapius,whoseformhetookinhispassagetothelowersigns,wherehetakesthenamesofPluto
andAdes.

ThenIsisweptforthedeathofOsiris,andthegoldenbullcoveredwithcrapewascarriedinprocession.
NaturemournedtheimpendinglossofherSummerglories,andtheadventoftheempireofnight,the
withdrawingofthewaters,madefruitfulbytheBullinSpring,thecessationofthewindsthatbrought
rainstoswelltheNile,theshorteningofthedays,andthedespoilingoftheearth.ThenTaurus,directly
oppositetheSun,enteredintotheconeofshadowwhichtheearthprojects,bywhichtheMoonis
eclipsedatfull,andwithwhich,makingnight,theBullrisesanddescendsasifcoveredwithaveil,
whileheremainsaboveourhorizon.

ThebodyofOsiris,enclosedinachestorcoffin,wascastintotheNile.PanandtheSatyrs,near
Chemmis,firstdiscoveredhisdeath,announceditbytheircries,andeverywherecreatedsorrowand
alarm.Taurus,withthefullMoon,thenenteredintotheconeofshadow,andunderhimwasthe
CelestialRiver,mostproperlycalledtheNile,andbelow,Perseus,theGodofChemmis,andAuriga,
leadingashegoat,himselfidenticalwithPan,whosewifeAigatheshegoatwasstyled.

ThenIsiswentinsearchofthebody.Shefirstmetcertainchildrenwhohadseenit,receivedfromthem
theirinformation,andgavetheminreturnthegiftofdivination.ThesecondfullMoonoccurredin
Gemini,theTwins,whopresidedovertheoraclesofDidymus,andoneofwhomwasApollo,theGod
ofDivination.

ShelearnedthatOsirishad,throughmistake,hadconnectionwithhersisterNephte,whichshe
discoveredbyacrownofleavesofthemelilot,whichhehadleftbehindhim.Ofthisconnectionachild
wasborn,whomIsis,aidedbyherdogs,soughtfor,found,reared,andattachedtoherself,bythename
ofAnubis,herfaithfulguardian.ThethirdfullMoonoccursinCancer,domicileoftheMoon.The
paranatellonsofthatsignare,thecrownofAriadneorProserpine,madeofleavesofthemelilot,
ProcyonandCanisMajor,onestarofwhichwascalledtheStarofIsis,whileSiriushimselfwas
honoredinEgyptunderthenameofAnubis.

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IsisrepairedtoByblos,andseatedherselfnearafountain,whereshewasfoundbythewomenofthe
CourtofaKing.ShewasinducedtovisithisCourt,andbecamethenurseofhisson.Thefourthfull
MoonwasinLeo,domicileoftheSun,orofAdonis,KingofByblos.Theparanatellonsofthissignare
theflowingwaterofAquarius,andCephens,KingofEthiopia,calledRegulus,orsimplyTheKing.
BehindhimriseCassiopeiahiswife,QueenofEthiopia,Andromedahisdaughter,andPerseushisson
inlaw,allparanatellonsinpartofthissign,andinpartofVirgo.Isissuckledthechild,notather
breast,butwiththeendofherfinger,atnight.Sheburnedallthemortalpartsofitsbody,andthen,
takingtheshapeofaswallow,sheflewtothegreatcolumnofthepalace,madeofthetamarisktreethat
grewuproundthecoffincontainingthebodyofOsiris,andwithinwhichitwasstillenclosed.Thefifth
fullMoonoccurredinVirgo,thetrueimageofIsis,andwhichEratosthenescallsbythatname.It
picturedawomansucklinganinfant,thesonofIsis,bornneartheWinterSolstice.Thissignhasfor
paranatellonsthemastoftheCelestialShip,andtheswallowtailedfishorswallowaboveit,anda
portionofPerseus,soninlawoftheKingofEthiopia.

Isis,havingrecoveredthesacredcoffer,sailedfromByblosinavesselwiththeeldestsonoftheKing,
towardBoutos,whereAnubiswas,havingchargeofhersonHorus;andinthemorningdriedupariver,
whencearoseastrongwind.Landing,shehidthecofferinaforest.

Typhon,huntingawildboarbymoonlight,discoveredit,recognizedthebodyofhisrival,andcutit
intofourteenpieces,thenumberofdaysbetweenthefullandnewMoon,andineveryoneofwhich
daystheMoonlosesaportionofthelightthatatthecommencementfilledherwholedisk.Thesixth
fullMoonoccurredinLibraoverthedivisionsseparatingwhichfromVirgoaretheCelestialShip,
Perseus,sonoftheKingofEthiopiaandBotes,saidtohavenursedHorus.TheriverofOrionthat
setsinthemorningisalsoaparanatellonofLibra,asareUrsaMajor,theGreatBearorWildBoarof
Erymanthus,andtheDragonoftheNorthPoleorthecelebratedPythonfromwhichtheattributesof
Typhonwereborrowed.AllthesesurroundthefullMoonofLibra,lastoftheSuperiorSigns,andthe
onethatprecedesthenewMoonofSpring,abouttobereproducedinTaurus,andtherebeoncemorein
conjunctionwiththeSun.

IsiscollectsthescatteredfragmentsofthebodyofOsiris,buriesthem,andconsecratesthephallus,
carriedinpompatthePamylia,orfeastsoftheVernalEquinox,atwhichtimethecongressofOsiris
andtheMoonwascelebrated.ThenOsirishadreturnedfromtheshades,toaidHorushissonandIsis
hiswifeagainsttheforcesofTyphon.Hethusreappeared,saysome,undertheformofawolf,or,
otherssay,underthatofahorse.TheMoon,fourteendaysaftersheisfullinLibra,arrivesatTaurus
andunitesherselftotheSun,whosefiresshethereafterforfourteendayscontinuestoaccumulateon
herdiskfromnewMoontofull.Thensheuniteswithherselfallthemonthsinthatsuperiorportionof
theworldwherelightalwaysreigns,withharmonyandorder,andsheborrowsfromhimtheforce
whichistodestroythegermsofevilthatTyphonhad,duringthewinter,plantedeverywhereinnature.
ThispassageoftheSunintoTaurus,whoseattributesheassumesonhisreturnfromthelower
hemisphereortheshades,ismarkedbytherisingintheeveningoftheWolfandtheCentaur,andby
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theheliacalsettingofOrion,calledtheStarofHorus,andwhichthenceforwardisinconjunctionwith
theSunofSpring,inhistriumphoverthedarknessorTyphon.

Isis,duringtheabsenceofOsiris,andaftershehadhiddenthecofferintheplacewhereTyphonfound
it,hadrejoinedthatmalignantenemy;indignantatwhich,Horushersondeprivedherofherancient
diademwhensherejoinedOsirisasliewasabouttoattackTyphonbutMercurygaveherinitsplacea
helmetshapedliketheheadofabull.

ThenHorus,asamightywarrior,suchasOrionwasdescribed,foughtwithanddefeatedTyphon;who,
intheshapeoftheSerpentorDragonofthePole,hadassailedhisfather.So,inOvid,Apollodestroys
thesamePython,whenIo,fascinatedbyJupiter,ismetamorphosedintoacow,andplacedinthesignof
theCelestialBull,whereshebecomesIsis.TheequinoctialyearendsatthemomentwhentheSunand
Moon,attheVernalEquinox,areunitedwithOrion,theStarofHorns,placedofintheHeavensunder
Taurus.ThenewMoonbecomesyoungagaininTaurus,andshowsherselfasacrescent,forthefirst
time,inthenextsign,Gemini,thedomicileofMercury.ThenOrion,inconjunctionwiththeSun,with
whomherises,precipitatestheScorpion,hisrival,intotheshadesofnight,causinghimtosethe
wheneverhehimselfreappearsontheeasternhorizon,withtheSun.Daylengthensandthegermsof
evilarebydegreeseradicatedandHorus(fromAur,Light)reignstriumphant,symbolizing,byhis
successiontothecharacteristicsofOsiris,theeternalrenewaloftheSun'syouthandcreativevigorat
theVernalofEquinox.

XXVI.PRINCEOFMERCYORSCOTTISHTRINITARIAN

WHILEyouwereveiledindarkness,youheardrepeatedbytheVoiceoftheGreatPastitsmostancient
doctrines.Nonehastherighttoobject,iftheChristianMasonseesforeshadowedinChrishnaand
Sosiosch,inMithrasandOsiris,theDivineWORDthat,ashebelieves,becameMan,anddieduponthe
crosstoredeemafallenrace.Norcanheobjectifothersseereproduced,intheWORDofthebeloved
Disciple,thatwasinthebeginningwithGod,andthatwasGod,andbyWhomeverythingwasmade,
onlytheLOGOSofPlato,andtheWORDorUtteredTHOUGHTorfirstEmanationofLIGHT,orthe
PerfectREASONoftheGreat,Silent,Supreme,UncreatedDeity,believedinandadoredbyall.

WedonotundervaluetheimportanceofanyTruth.Weutternowordthatcanbedeemedirreverentby
anyoneofanyfaith.WedonottelltheMoslemthatitisonlyimportantforhimtobelievethatthereis
butoneGod,andwhollyunessentialwhetherMahometwasHisprophet.WedonottelltheHebrew
thattheMessiahwhomheexpectswasborninBethlehemnearlytwothousandyearsago;andthatheis
ahereticbecausehewillnotsobelieve.AndaslittledowetellthesincereChristianthatJesusof
Nazarethwasbutamanlikeus,orHishistorybuttheunrealrevivalofanolderlegend.Todoeitheris
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beyondourjurisdiction.Masonry,ofnooneage,belongstoalltime;ofnoonereligion,itfindsitsgreat
truthsinall.

ToeveryMason,thereisaGOD;ONE,Supreme,InfiniteinGoodness,Wisdom,Foresight,justice,and
Benevolence;Creator,Disposer,andPreserverofallthings.How,orbywhatintermediatesHecreates
andacts,andinwhatwayHeunfoldsandmanifestsHimself,MasonryleavestocreedsandReligionsto
inquire.

ToeveryMason,thesoulofmanisimmortal.WhetheritemanatesfromandwillreturntoGod,and
whatitscontinuedmodeofexistencehereafter,eachjudgesforhimself.Masonrywasnotmadetosettle
that.

ToeveryMason,WISDOMorINTELLIGENCE,FORCEorSTRENGTH,andHARMONY,or
FITNESSandBEAUTY,aretheTrinityoftheattributesofGod.WiththesubtletiesofPhilosophy
concerningthemMasonrydoesnotmeddle,nordecideastotherealityofthesupposedExistences
whicharetheirPersonifications:norwhethertheChristianTrinitybesuchapersonification,ora
Realityofthegravestimportandsignificance.

ToeveryMason,theInfinitejusticeandBenevolenceofGodgiveampleassurancethatEvilwill
ultimatelybedethroned,andtheGood,theTrue,andtheBeautifulreigntriumphantandeternal.It
teaches,asitfeelsandknows,thatEvil,andPain,andSorrowexistaspartofawiseandbeneficent
plan,allthepartsofwhichworktogetherunderGod'seyetoaresultwhichshallbeperfection.Whether
theexistenceofevilisrightlyexplainedinthiscreedorinthat,byTyphontheGreatSerpent,by
AhrimanandhisArmiesofWickedSpirits,bytheGiantsandTitansthatwaragainstHeaven,bythe
twocoexistentPrinciplesofGoodandEvil,bySatan'stemptationandthefallofMan,byLokandthe
SerpentFenris,itisbeyondthedomainofMasonrytodecide,nordoesitneedtoinquire.

NorisitwithinitsProvincetodeterminehowtheultimatetriumphofLightandTruthandGood,over
DarknessandErrorandEvil,istobeachieved;norwhethertheRedeemer,lookedandlongedforbyall
nations,hathappearedinJudea,orisyettocome.

Itreverencesallthegreatreformers.ItseesinMoses,theLawgiveroftheJews,inConfuciusand
Zoroaster,inJesusofNazareth,andintheArabianIconoclast,GreatTeachersofMorality,andEminent
Reformers,ifnomore:andallowseverybrotheroftheOrdertoassigntoeachsuchhigherandeven
DivineCharacterashisCreedandTruthrequire.

ThusMasonrydisbelievesnotruth,andteachesunbeliefinnocreed,exceptsofarassuchcreedmay
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loweritsloftyestimateoftheDeity,degradeHimtothelevelofthepassionsofhumanity,denythe
highdestinyofman,impugnthegoodnessandbenevolenceoftheSupremeGod,strikeatthosegreat
columnsofMasonry,Faith,Hope,andCharity,orinculcateimmorality,anddisregardoftheactive
dutiesoftheOrder.

Masonryisaworship;butoneinwhichallcivilizedmencanunite;foritdoesnotundertaketoexplain
ordogmaticallytosettlethosegreatmysteries,thatareabovethefeeblecomprehensionofourhuman
intellect.IttrustsinGod,andHOPES;itBELIEVES,likeachild,andishumble.Itdrawsnoswordto
compelotherstoadoptitsbelief,ortobehappywithitshopes.AriditWAITSwithpatienceto
understandthemysteriesofNatureandNature'sGodhereafter.

ThegreatestmysteriesintheUniversearethosewhichareevergoingonaroundus;sotriteand
commontousthatwenevernotethemnorreflectuponthem.Wisementellusofthelawsthatregulate
themotionsofthespheres,which,flashinginhugecirclesandspinningontheiraxes,arealsoever
dartingwithinconceivablerapiditythroughtheinfinitiesofSpace;whileweatomssithere,anddream
thatallwasmadeforus.Theytelluslearnedlyofcentripetalandcentrifugalforces,gravityand
attraction,andalltheothersoundingtermsinventedtohideawantofmeaning.Thereareotherforces
intheUniversethanthosethataremechanical.

Herearetwominuteseeds,notmuchunlikeinappearance,andtwooflargersize.Handthemtothe
learnedPundit,Chemistry,whotellsushowcombustiongoesoninthelungs,andplantsarefedwith
phosphorusandcarbon,andthealkaliesandsilex.Letherdecomposethem,analyzethem,torturethem
inallthewayssheknows.Thenetresultofeachisalittlesugar,alittlefibrin,alittlewatercarbon,
potassium,sodium,andthelikeonecaresnottoknowwhat.

Wehidetheminthegroundandtheslightrainsmoistenthem,andtheSunshinesuponthem,andlittle
slendershootsspringupandgrow;andwhatamiracleisthemeregrowth!Theforce,thepower,the
capacitybywhichthelittlefeebleshoot,thatasmallwormcannipoffwithasinglesnapofits
mandibles,extractsfromtheearthandairandwaterthedifferentelements,solearnedlycatalogued,
withwhichitincreasesinstature,andrisesimperceptiblytowardthesky.

Onegrowstobeaslender,fragile,feeblestalk,softoftexture,likeanordinaryweed;anotherastrong
bush,ofwoodyfibre,armedwiththorns,andsturdyenoughtobiddefiancetothewinds:thethirda
tendertree,subjecttobeblightedbythefrost,andlookeddownuponbyalltheforest;whileanother
spreadsitsruggedarmsabroad,andcaresforneitherfrostnorice,northesnowsthatformonthslie
arounditsroots.

Butlo!outofthebrownfoulearth,andcolorlessinvisibleair,andlimpidrainwater,thechemistryof
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theseedshasextractedcolorsfourdifferentshadesofgreen,thatpainttheleaveswhichputforthinthe
springuponourplants,ourshrubs,andourtrees.Laterstillcometheflowersthevividcolorsofthe
rose,thebeautifulbrillianceofthecarnation,themodestblushoftheapple,andthesplendidwhiteof
theorange.Whencecomethecolorsoftheleavesandflowers?Bywhatprocessofchemistryarethey
extractedfromthecarbon,thephosphorus,andthelime?Isitanygreatermiracletomakesomething
outofnothing?

Plucktheflowers.Inhalethedeliciousperfumes;eachperfect,andalldelicious.Whencehavethey
come?Bywhatcombinationofacidsandalkaliescouldthechemist'slaboratoryproducethem?And
nowontwocomesthefruittheruddyappleandthegoldenorange.

Pluckthem,openthem!Thetextureandfabrichowtotallydifferent!Thetastehowentirelydissimilar,
theperfumeofeachdistinctfromitsflowerandfromtheother.Whencethetasteandthisnew
perfume?Thesameearthandairandwaterhavebeenmadetofurnishadifferenttastetoeachfruit,a
differentperfumenotonlytoeachfruit,buttoeachfruitanditsown
flower.

Isitanymoreaproblemwhencecomethoughtandwillandperceptionandallthephenomenaofthe
mind,thanthis,whencecomethecolors,theperfumes,thetaste,ofthefruitandflower?

Andlo!ineachfruitnewseeds,eachgiftedwiththesamewondrouspowerofreproductioneachwith
thesamewondrousforceswrappedupinittobeagaininturnevolved.Forcesthathadlivedthree
thousandyearsinthegrainofwheatfoundinthewrappingsofanEgyptianmummy;forcesofwhich
learningandscienceandwisdomknownomorethantheydoofthenatureandlawsofactionofGod.
Whatcanweknowofthenature,andhowcanweunderstandthepowersandmodeofoperationofthe
humansoul,whentheglossyleaves,thepearlwhiteflower,andthegoldenfruitoftheorangeare
miracleswhollybeyondourcomprehension?

Webuthideourignoranceinacloudofwords;andthewordstoooftenaremerecombinationsof
soundswithoutanymeaning.Whatisthecentrifugalforce?Atendencytogoinaparticulardirection!
Whatexternal"force,"then,producesthattendency?

Whatforcedrawstheneedleroundtothenorth?Whatforcemovesthemusclethatraisesthearm,when
thewilldeterminesitshallrise?Whencecomesthewillitself?Isitspontaneousafirstcause,oran
effect?Thesetooaremiracles;inexplicableasthecreation,ortheexistenceandselfexistenceofGod.

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Whowillexplaintousthepassion,thepeevishness,theanger,thememory,andaffectionsofthesmall
canarywren?theconsciousnessofidentityandthedreamsofthedog?thereasoningpowersofthe
elephant?thewondrousinstincts,passions,government,andcivilpolicy,andmodesofcommunication
ofideasoftheantandbee?

Whohasyetmadeustounderstand,withallhislearnedwords,howheatcomestousfromtheSun,and
lightfromtheremoteStars,settingoutuponitsjourneyearthwardfromsome,atthetimethe
ChaldeanscommencedtobuildtheTowerofBabel?Orhowtheimageofanexternalobjectcomesto
andfixesitselfupontheretinaoftheeye;andwhenthere,howthatmereempty,unsubstantialimage
becomestransmutedintothewondrousthingthatwecallSIGHT?Orhowthewavesoftheatmosphere
strikinguponthetympanumoftheearthosethin,invisiblewavesproducetheequallywondrous
phenomenonofHEARING,andbecometheroarofthetornado,thecrashofthethunder,themighty
voiceoftheocean,thechirpingofthecricket,thedelicatesweetnotesandexquisitetrillsandvariations
ofthewrenandmockingbird,orthemagicmelodyoftheinstrumentofPaganini?

Oursensesaremysteriestous,andwearemysteriestoourselves.Philosophyhastaughtusnothingas
tothenatureofoursensations,ourperceptions,ourcognizances,theoriginofourthoughtsandideas,
butwords.Bynoeffortordegreeofreflection,neversolongcontinued,canmanbecomeconsciousof
apersonalidentityinhimself,separateanddistinctfromhisbodyandhisbrain.

Wetortureourselvesintheefforttogainanideaofourselves,andwearywiththeexertion.Whohasyet
madeusunderstandhow,fromthecontactwithaforeignbody,theimageintheeye,thewaveofair
impingingontheear,particularparticlesenteringthenostrils,andcomingincontactwiththepalate,
comesensationsinthenerves,andfromthat,perceptioninthemind,oftheanimalortheman?

WhatdoweknowofSubstance?Menevendoubtyetwhetheritexists.Philosopherstellusthatour
sensesmakeknowntousonlytheattributesofsubstance,extension,hardness,color,andthelike;but
notthethingitselfthatisextended,solid,blackorwhite;asweknowtheattributesoftheSoul,its
thoughtsanditsperceptions,andnottheSoulitselfwhichperceivesandthinks.

Whatawondrousmysteryisthereinheatandlight,existing,weknownothow,withincertainlimits,
narrowincomparisonwithinfinity,beyondwhichoneverysidestretchoutinfinitespaceandthe
blacknessofunimaginabledarkness,andtheintensityofinconceivablecold!Thinkonlyofthemighty
Powerrequiredtomaintainwarmthandlightinthecentralpointofsuchaninfinity,towhosedarkness
thatofMidnight,towhosecoldthatofthelastArcticIslandisnothing.AndyetGODiseverywhere.

Andwhatamysteryaretheeffectsofheatandcolduponthewondrousfluidthatwecallwater!Whata
mysterylieshiddenineveryflakeofsnowandineverycrystalofice,andintheirfinaltransformation
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intotheinvisiblevaporthatrisesfromtheoceanortheland,andfloatsabovethesummitsofthe
mountains!Whatamultitudeofwonders,indeed,haschemistryunveiledtooureyes!Thinkonlythatif
somesinglelawenactedbyGodwereatoncerepealed,thatofattractionoraffinityorcohesion,for
example,thewholematerialworld,withitssolidgraniteandadamant,itsveinsofgoldandsilver,its
trapandporphyry,itshugebedsofcoal,ourownframesandtheveryribsandbonesofthisapparently
indestructibleearth,wouldinstantaneouslydissolve,withallSunsandStarsandWorldsthroughoutall
theUniverseofGod,intoathininvisiblevaporofinfinitelyminuteparticlesoratoms,diffused
throughoutinfinitespace;andwiththemlightandheatwoulddisappear;unlesstheDeityHimselfbe,
astheAncientPersiansthought,theEternalLightandtheImmortalFire.

ThemysteriesoftheGreatUniverseofGod!Howcanwewithourlimitedmentalvisionexpectto
graspandcomprehendthem!InfiniteSPACE,stretchingoutfromuseveryway,withoutlimit:infinite
TIME,withoutbeginningorend;andWE,HERE,andNOW,inthecentreofeach!Aninfinityofsuns,
thenearestofwhichonlydiminishinsize,viewedwiththemostpowerfultelescopeeachwithits
retinueofworlds;infinitenumbersofsuchsuns,soremotefromusthattheirlightwouldnotreachus,
journeyingduringaninfinityoftime,whilethelightthathasreachedus,fromsomethatweseemto
see,hasbeenuponitsjourneyforfiftycenturies;ourworldspinninguponitsaxis,andrushingeverin
itscircuitroundthesun;andit,thesun,andalloursystemrevolvingroundsomegreatcentralpoint;
andthat,andsuns,stars,andworldsevermoreflashingonwardwithincrediblerapiditythrough
illimitablespaceandthen,ineverydropofwaterthatwedrink,ineverymorselofmuchofourfood,in
theair,intheearth,inthesea,incrediblemultitudesoflivingcreatures,invisibletothenakedeye,ofa
minutenessbeyondbelief,yetorganized,living,feeding,perhapswithconsciousnessofidentity,and
memoryandinstinct.

SucharesomeofthemysteriesofthegreatUniverseofGod.Andyetwe,whoselifeandthatofthe
worldonwhichweliveformbutapointinthecentreofinfiniteTime:we,whonourishanimalcul
within,andonwhomvegetablesgrowwithout,wouldfainlearnhowGodcreatedthisUniverse,would
understandHisPowers,HisAttributes,HisEmanations,HisModeofExistenceandofAction;would
fainknowtheplanaccordingtowhichalleventsproceed,thatplanprofoundasGodHimself;would
knowthelawsbywhichHecontrolsHisUniverse;wouldfainseeandtalktoHimfacetoface,asman
talkstoman:andwetrynottobelieve,becausewedonotunderstand.

Hecommandsustoloveoneanother,toloveourneighborasourself;andwedisputeandwrangle,and
hateandslayeachother,becausewecannotbeofoneopinionastotheEssenceofHisNature,astoHis
Attributes;whetherHebecamemanbornofawoman,andwascrucified;whethertheHolyGhostisof
thesamesubstancewiththeFather,oronlyofasimilarsubstance;whetherafeebleoldmanisGod's
Vicegerent;whethersomeareelectedfromalleternitytobesaved,andotherstobecondemnedand
punished;whetherpunishmentofthewickedafterdeathistobeeternal;whetherthisdoctrineorthe
otherbeheresyortruth;drenchingtheworldwithblood,depopulatingrealms,andturningfertilelands
intodeserts;until,forreligiouswar,persecution,andbloodshed,theEarthformanyacenturyhasrolled
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roundtheSun,acharnelhouse,steamingandreekingwithhumangore,thebloodofbrotherslainby
brotherforopinion'ssake,thathassoakedintoandpollutedallherveins,andmadeherahorrortoher
sistersoftheUniverse.

AndifmenwereallMasons,andobeyedwithalltheirhearthermildandgentle,teachings,thatworld
wouldbeaparadise;whileintoleranceandpersecutionmakeofitahell.ForthisistheMasonicCreed:
BELIEVE,inGod'sInfiniteBenevolence,Wisdom,andJustice:HOPE,forthefinaltriumphofGood
overEvil,andforPerfectHarmonyasthefinalresultofalltheconcordsanddiscordsoftheUniverse:
andbeCHARITABLEasGodis,towardtheunfaith,theerrors,thefollies,andthefaultsofmen:forall
makeonegreatbrotherhood.

INSTRUCTION.
Sen..W..BrotherJuniorWarden,areyouaPrinceofMercy?
Jun..W..IhaveseentheDeltaandtheHolyNAMESuponit,andaman

AMETHlikeyourself,intheTRIPLECOVENANT,Ofwhichwebearthemark.

Qu..WhatisthefirstWordupontheDelta?
Ans..TheIneffableNameofDeity,thetruemysteryofwhichisknowntotheAmethalone.

Qu..WhatdothethreesidesoftheDeltadenotetous?
Ans..Tous,andtoallMasons,thethreeGreatAttributesorDevelopmentsoftheEssenceofthe
Deity;WISDOM,ortheReflectiveandDesigningPower,inwhich,whentherewasnaughtbutGod,
thePlanandIdeaoftheUniversewasshapedandFormed:FORCE,ortheExecutingandCreating
Power,whichinstantaneouslyacting,realizedtheTypeandIdeaframedbyWisdom;andtheUniverse,
andallStarsandWorlds,andLightandLife,andMenandAngelsandalllivingcreaturesWERE;and
HARMONY,orthePreservingPower,Order,andBeauty,maintainingtheUniverseinitsState,and
constitutingthelawofHarmony,Motion,Proportion,andProgression:WISDOM,whichthoughtthe
plan;STRENGTH,whichcreated:HARMONY,whichupholdsandpreserves;theMasonicTrinity,
threePowersandoneEssence:thethreecolumnswhichsupporttheUniverse,Physical,Intellectual,
andSpiritual,ofwhicheveryMasonicLodgeisatypeandsymbol:whiletotheChristianMason,they
representtheThreethatbearrecordinHeaven,theFATHERWORD,andtheHOLYSPIRIT,which
threeareONE.

Qu..WhatdothethreeGreeklettersupontheDelta,I..H....[Iota,Eta,andSigma]represent?
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Ans..ThreeoftheNamesoftheSupremeDeityamongtheSyrians.PhniciansandHebrewsIHUH
[]SelfExistenceALtheNatureGod,orSouloftheUniverseSHADAISupremePower.Alsothreeof
theSixChiefAttributesofGod,amongtheKabbalists:WISDOM[IEH],theIntellect,ofthe
Egyptians,theWordofthePlatonists,andtheWisdomoftheGnostics;MAGNIFICENCE[AL],the
SymbolofwhichwastheLion'sHead;andVICTORYandGLORY[Tsabaoth],whicharethetwo
columnsJACHINandBOAZ,thatstandinthePorticooftheTempleofMasonry.

TotheChristianMasontheyarethefirstthreelettersofthenameoftheSonofGod,Whodiedupon
thecrosstoredeemmankind.
Qu..WhatisthefirstoftheTHREECOVENANTS,ofwhichwebearthemark?
Ans..ThatwhichGodmadewithNoah;whenHesaid,"Iwillnotagaincursetheearthanymorefor
man'ssake,neitherwillIsmiteanymoreeverythinglivingasIhavedone.WhiletheEarthremaineth,
seedtimeandharvest,andcoldandheat,andWinterandSummer,anddayandnightshallnotcease.I
willestablishMycovenantwithyou,andwithyourseedafteryou,andwitheverylivingcreature.All
mankindshallnomorebecutoffbythewatersofaflood,norshallthereanymorebeafloodto
destroytheearth.ThisisthetokenofMycovenant:IdosetMybowinthecloud,anditshallbefora
tokenofacovenantbetweenMeandtheearthaneverlastingcovenantbetweenMeandeveryliving
creatureontheearth."

Qu..WhatisthesecondoftheThreeCovenants?
Ans..ThatwhichGodmadewithAbraham;whenHesaid,"IamtheAbsoluteUncreatedGod.Iwill
makeMycovenantbetweenMeandthee,andthoushaltbetheFatherofManyNations,andKings
shallcomefromthyloins.IwillestablishMycovenantbetweenMeandthee,andthydescendantsafter
thee,totheremotestgenerations,foraneverlastingcovenant;andIwillbethyGodandtheirGod,and
willgivetheethelandofCanaanforaneverlastingpossession."

Qu..WhatisthethirdCovenant?
Ans..ThatwhichGodmadewithallmenbyHisprophets;whenHesaid:"Iwillgatherallnations
andtongues,andtheyshallcomeandseeMyGlory.IwillcreatenewHeavensandanewearth;andthe
formershallnotberemembered,norcomeintomind.TheSunshallnomoreshinebyday,northe
Moonbynight;buttheLordshallbeaneverlastinglightandsplendor,HisSpiritandHisWordshall
remainwithmenforever.Theheavensshallvanishawaylikevapor,andtheearthshallwaxoldlikea
garment,andtheythatdwellthereinshalldie;butmysalvationshallbeforever,andmyrighteousness
shallnotend;andthereshallbeLightamongtheGentiles,andsalvationuntotheendsoftheearth.The
redeemedoftheLordshallreturn,andeverlastingjoybeontheirheads,andsorrowandmourningshall
fleeaway."

Qu..WhatisthesymboloftheTripleCovenant?
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Ans..TheTripleTriangle.

Qu..Ofwhatelseisitthesymboltous?
Ans..OftheTrinityofAttributesoftheDeity;andofthetripleessenceofMan,thePrincipleofLife,
theIntellectualPower,andtheSoulorImmortalEmanationfromtheDeity.

Qu..WhatisthefirstgreatTruthoftheSacredMysteries?
Ans..NomanhathseenGodatanytime.HeisOne,Eternal,AllPowerful,AllWise,Infinitelyjust,
Merciful,Benevolent,andCompassionate,CreatorandPreserverofallthings,theSourceofLightand
Life,coextensivewithTimeandSpace;Whothought,andwiththeThoughtcreatedtheUniverseand
alllivingthings,andthesoulsofmen:THATIS:thePERMANENT;whileeverythingbesideisa
perpetualgenesis.

Qu..'"ThatisthesecondgreatTruthoftheSacredMysteries?
Ans..TheSoulofManisImmortal;nottheresultoforganization,noranaggregateofmodesof
actionofmatter,norasuccessionofphenomenaandperceptions;butanEXISTENCE,oneand
identical,alivingspirit,asparkoftheGreatCentralLight,thathathenteredinfoanddwellsinthe
body;tobeseparatedtherefromatdeath,andreturntoGodwhogaveitthatdothnotdispersenor
vanishatdeath,likebreathorasmoke,norcanbeannihilated;butstillexistsandpossessesactivityand
intelligence,evenasitexistedinGod,beforeitwasenvelopedinthebody.

Qu..WhatisthethirdgreatTruthinMasonry?
Ans..Theimpulsewhichdirectstorightconduct,anddetersfromcrime,isnotonlyolderthanthe
agesofnationsandcities,butcoevalwiththatDivineBeingWhoseesandrulesbothHeavenandearth.
NordidTarquinlessviolatethatEternalLaw,thoughinhisreigntheremighthavebeennowrittenlaw
atRomeagainstsuchviolence;fortheprinciplethatimpelsustorightconduct,andwarnsusagainst
guilt,springsoutofthenatureofthings.Itdidnotbegintobelawwhenitwasfirstwritten,norwasit
originated;butitiscoevalwiththeDivineIntelligenceitself.Theconsequenceofvirtueisnottobe
madetheendthereof;andlaudableperformancesmusthavedeeperroots,motives,andinstigations,to
givethemthestampofvirtues.

Qu..WhatisthefourthgreatTruthinMasonry?
Ans..Themoraltruthsareasabsoluteasthemetaphysicaltruths.EventheDeitycannotmakeitthat
thereshouldbeeffectswithoutacause,orphenomenawithoutsubstance.Aslittlecouldhemakeitto
besinfulandeviltorespectourpledgedword,tolovetruth,tomoderateourpassions.Theprinciplesof
Moralityareaxioms,liketheprinciplesofGeometry.Themorallawsarethenecessaryrelationsthat
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flowfromthenatureofthings,andtheyarenotcreatedby,buthaveexistedeternallyinGod.Their
continuedexistencedoesnotdependupontheexerciseofHisWILL.

TruthandJusticeareofHisESSENCE.NotbecausewearefeebleandGodomnipotent,isitourduty
toobeyHislaw.Wemaybeforced,butarenotunderobligation,toobeythestronger.Godisthe
principleofMorality,butnotbyHismerewill,which,abstractedfromallotherofHisattributes,would
beneitherjustnorunjust.GoodistheexpressionofHiswill,insofarasthatwillisitselfthe
expressionofeternal,absolute,uncreatedjustice,whichisinGod,whichHiswilldidnotcreate;but
whichitexecutesandpromulgates,asourwillproclaimsandpromulgatesandexecutestheideaofthe
goodwhichisinus.HehasgivenusthelawofTruthandjustice;butHehasnotarbitrarilyinstituted
thatlaw.justiceisinherentinHiswill,becauseitiscontainedinHisintelligenceandwisdom,inHis
verynatureandmostintimateessence.

Qu..WhatisthefifthgreatTruthinMasonry?
Ans..ThereisanessentialdistinctionbetweenGoodandEvil,whatisjustandwhatisunjust;andto
thisdistinctionisattached,foreveryintelligentandfreecreature,theabsoluteobligationofconforming
towhatisgoodandjust.Manisanintelligentandfreebeing,free,becauseheisconsciousthatitishis
duty,andbecauseitismadehisduty,toobeythedictatesoftruthandjustice,andthereforehemust
necessarilyhavethepowerofdoingso,whichinvolvesthepowerofnotdoingso;capableof
comprehendingthedistinctionbetweengoodandevil,justiceandinjustice,andtheobligationwhich
accompaniesit,andofnaturallyadheringtothatobligation,independentlyofanycontractorpositive
law;capablealsoofresistingthetemptationswhichurgehimtowardevilandinjustice,andof
complyingwiththesacredlawofeternaljustice.

ThatmanisnotgovernedbyaresistlessFateorinexorableDestiny;butisfreetochoosebetweenthe
evilandthegood:thatjusticeandRight,theGoodandBeautiful,areoftheessenceoftheDivinity,like
HisInfinitude;andthereforetheyarelawstomanthatweareconsciousofourfreedomtoact,asweare
consciousofouridentity,andthecontinuanceandconnectednessofourexistence;andhavethesame
evidenceofoneasoftheother;andifwecanputoneindoubt,wehavenocertaintyofeither,and
everythingisunreal:thatwecandenyourfreewillandfreeagency,onlyuponthegroundthattheyare
inthenatureofthingsimpossible;whichwouldbetodenytheOmnipotenceofGod.

Qu..WhatisthesixthgreatTruthofMasonry?
Ans..Thenecessityofpractisingthemoraltruths,isobligation.Themoraltruths,necessaryinthe
eyeofreason,areobligatoryonthewill.Themoralobligation,likethemoraltruththatisits
foundation,isabsolute.Asthenecessarytruthsarenotmoreorlessnecessary,sotheobligationisnot
moreorlessobligatory.Therearedegreesofimportanceamongdifferentobligations;butnoneinthe
obligationitself.Wearenotnearlyobliged,almostobliged.Wearewhollyso,ornotatall.Iftherebe
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anyplaceofrefugetowhichwecanescapefromtheobligation,itceasestoexist.Iftheobligationis
absolute,itisimmutableanduniversal.Forifthatoftodaymaynotbethatoftomorrow,ifwhatis
obligatoryonmemaynotbeobligatoryonyou,theobligationwoulddifferfromitself,andbevariable
andcontingent.Thisfactistheprincipleofallmorality.Thateveryactcontrarytorightandjustice,
deservestoberepressedbyforce,andpunishedwhencommitted,equallyintheabsenceofanylawor
contract:thatmannaturallyrecognizesthedistinctionbetweenthemeritanddemeritofactions,ashe
doesthatbetweenjusticeandinjustice,honestyanddishonesty;andfeels,withoutbeingtaught,andin
theabsenceoflaworcontract,thatitiswrongforvicetoberewardedorgounpunished,andforvirtue
tobepunishedorleftunrewarded:andthat,theDeitybeinginfinitelyjustandgood,itmustfollowasa
necessaryandinflexiblelawthatpunishmentshallbetheresultofSin,itsinevitableandnaturaleffect
andcorollary,andnotamerearbitraryvengeance.

Qu..WhatistheseventhgreatTruthinMasonry?
Ans..TheimmutablelawofGodrequires,thatbesidesrespectingtheabsoluterightsofothers,and
beingmerelyjust,weshoulddogood,becharitable,andobeythedictatesofthegenerousandnoble
sentimentsofthesoul.Charityisalaw,becauseourconscienceisnotsatisfiednorateaseifwehave
notrelievedthesuffering,thedistressed,andthedestitute.Itistogivethatwhichhetowhomyougive
hasnorighttotakeordemand.Tobecharitableisobligatoryonus.WearetheAlmonersofGod's
bounties.Buttheobligationisnotsopreciseandinflexibleastheobligationtobejust.Charityknows
neitherrulenorlimit.Itgoesbeyondallobligation.Itsbeautyconsistsinitsliberty."Hethatlovethnot,
knowethnotGod;FORGODISLOVE.Ifweloveoneanother,Goddwellethinus,andHisloveis
perfectedinus.Godislove;andhethatdwellethinlove,dwellethinGod,andGodinhim."Tobe
kindlyaffectionedonetoanotherwithbrotherlylove;torelievethenecessitiesoftheneedy,andbe
generous,liberal,andhospitable;toreturntonomanevilforevil;torejoiceatthegoodfortuneof
others,andsympathizewiththemintheirsorrowsandreverses;tolivepeaceablywithallmen,and
repayinjurieswithbenefitsandkindness;thesearethesublimedictatesoftheMoralLaw,taughtfrom
theinfancyoftheworld,byMasonry.

Qu..WhatistheeighthgreatTruthinMasonry?
Ans..ThatthelawwhichcontrolandregulatetheUniverseofGod,arethoseofmotionandharmony.
Weseeonlytheisolated,incidentsofthings,andwithourfeebleandlimitedcapacityand,vision
cannotdiscerntheirconnection,northemightychords,thatmaketheapparentdiscordperfect
harmony.Evilismerelyapparent,andallisinrealitygoodandperfect.Forpainandsorrow,
persecutionandhardships,afflictionanddestitution,sicknessanddeatharebutthemeans,bywhich
alonethenoblest,virtuescouldbedeveloped.Withoutthem,andwithoutsinanderror,andwrongand
outrage,astherecanbenoeffectwithoutanadequatecause,therecouldbeneitherpatienceunder
sufferinganddistress;norprudenceindifficulty;nortemperancetoavoidexcess;norcouragetomeet
danger;nortruth,whentospeakthetruthishazardous;norlove,whenitismetwithingratitude;nor
charityfortheneedyanddestitute;norforbearanceandforgivenessofinjuries;nortolerationof
erroneousopinions;norcharitablejudgmentandconstructionofmen'smotivesandactions;nor
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patriotism,norheroism,norhonor,norselfdenial,norgenerosity.Theseandmostothervirtuesand
excellencieswouldhavenoexistence,andeventheirnamesbeunknown;andthepoorvirtuesthatstill
existed,wouldscarcedeservethename;forlifewouldbeoneflat,dead,lowlevel,abovewhichnoneof
theloftyelementsofhumannaturewouldemerge;andmanwouldlielappedincontentedindolence
andidleness,amereworthlessnegative,insteadofthebrave,strongsoldieragainstthegrimlegionsof
EvilandrudeDifficulty.

Qu..WhatistheninthgreatTruthinMasonry?
Ans..ThegreatleadingdoctrineofthisDegree;thattheJUSTICE,theWISDOM,andtheMERCY
ofGodarealikeinfinite,alikeperfect,andyetdonotintheleastjarnorconflictonewiththeother;but
formaGreatPerfectTrinityofAttributes,threeandyetonethat,theprincipleofmeritanddemerit
beingabsolute,andeverygoodactiondeservingtoberewarded,andeverybadonetobepunished,and
GodbeingasjustasHeisgood;andyetthecasesconstantlyrecurringinthisworld,inwhichcrime
andcruelty,oppression,tyranny,andinjusticeareprosperous,happy,fortunate,andselfcontented,and
ruleandreign,andenjoyalltheblessingsofGod'sbeneficence,whilethevirtuousandgoodare
unfortunate,miserable,destitute,piningawayindungeons,perishingwithcold,andfamishingwith
hunger,slavesofoppression,andinstrumentsandvictimsofthemiscreantsthatgovern;sothatthis
world,iftherewerenoexistencebeyondit,wouldbeonegreattheatreofwrongandinjustice,proving
GodwhollydisregardfulofHisownnecessarylawofmeritanddemerit;itfollowsthattheremustbe
anotherlifeinwhichtheseapparentwrongsshallberepaired:Thatallthepowersofman'ssoultendto
infinity;andhisindomitableinstinctofimmortality,andtheuniversalhopeofanotherlife,testifiedby
allcreeds,allpoetry,alltraditions,establishitscertainty;formanisnotanorphan;buthathaFather
nearathand:andthedaymustcomewhenLightandTruth,andthejustandGoodshallbevictorious,
andDarkness,Error,Wrong,andEvilbeannihilated,andknownnomoreforever:ThattheUniverseis
onegreatHarmony,inwhich,accordingtothefaithofallnations,deeprootedinallheartsinthe
primitiveages,LightwillultimatelyprevailoverDarkness,andtheGoodPrincipleovertheEvil:and
themyriadsoulsthathaveemanatedfromtheDivinity,purifiedandennobledbythestrugglehere
below,willagainreturntoperfectblissinthebosomofGod,tooffendagainstWhoselawswillthenbe
nolongerpossible.

Qu..What,then,istheonegreatlessontaughttous,asMasons,inthisDegree?
Ans..ThattothatstateandrealmofLightandTruthandPerfection,whichisabsolutelycertain,all
thegoodmenoneartharetending;andifthereisalawfromwhoseoperationnoneareexempt,which
inevitablyconveystheirbodiestodarknessandtodust,thereisanothernotlesscertainnorless
powerful,whichconductstheirspiritstothatstateofHappinessandSplendorandPerfection,the
bosomoftheirFatherandtheirGod.ThewheelsofNaturearenotmadetorollbackward.Everything
pressesontoEternity.FromthebirthofTimeanimpetuouscurrenthassetin,whichbearsallthesons
ofmentowardthatinterminableocean.Meanwhile,Heavenisattractingtoitselfwhateveriscogenialto
itsnature,isenrichingitselfbythespoilsoftheEarth,andcollectingwithinitscapaciousbosom
whateverispure,permanent,anddivine,leavingnothingforthelastfiretoconsumebutthegross
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matterthatcreatesconcupiscence;whileeverythingfitforthatgoodfortuneshallbegatheredand
selectedfromtheruinsoftheworld,toadornthatEternalCity.

LeteveryMasonthenobeythevoicethatcallshimthither.Letusseekthethingsthatareabove,andbe
notcontentwithaworldthatmustshortlyperish,andwhichwemustspeedilyquit,whileweneglectto
prepareforthatinwhichweareinvitedtodwellforever.Whileeverythingwithinusandaroundus
remindsusoftheapproachofdeath,andconcurstoteachusthatthisis.,notourrest,letushastenour
preparationsforanotherworld,andearnestlyimplorethathelpandstrengthfromourFather,which
alonecanputanendtothatfatalwarwhichourdesireshavetoolongwagedwithourdestiny.When
thesemoveinthesame,direction,andthatwhichGod'swillrendersunavoidableshallbecomeour
choice,allthingswillbeours;lifewillbedivestedofitsvanity,anddeathdisarmedofitsterrors.

Qu..WhatarethesymbolsofthepurificationnecessarytomakeusperfectMasons?
Ans..Lavationwithpurewater,orbaptism;becausetocleansethebodyisemblematicalofpurifying
thesoul;andbecauseitconducestothebodilyhealth,andvirtueisthehealthofthesoul,assinand
viceareitsmaladyandsickness:unction,oranointingwithoil;becausetherebywearesetapartand
dedicatedtotheserviceandpriesthoodoftheBeautiful,theTrue,andtheGood:androbesofwhite,
emblemsofcandor,purity,andtruth.

Qu..Whatistousthechiefsymbolofman'sultimateredemptionandregeneration?
Ans..Thefraternalsupper,ofbreadwhichnourishes,andofwinewhichrefreshesandexhilarates,
symbolicalofthetimewhichistocome,whenallmankindshallbeonegreatharmoniousbrotherhood;
andteachingusthesegreatlessons:thatasmatterchangesever,butnosingleatomisannihilated,itis
notrationaltosupposethatthefarnoblersouldoesnotcontinuetoexistbeyondthegrave:thatmany
thousandswhohavediedbeforeusmightclaimtobejointownerswithourselvesoftheparticlesthat
composeourmortalbodies;formattereverformsnewcombinations;andthebodiesoftheancient
dead,thepatriarchsbeforeandsincetheflood,thekingsandcommonpeopleofallages,resolvedinto
theirconstituentelements,arecarrieduponthewindoverallcontinents,andcontinuallyenterintoand
formpartofthehabitationsofnewsouls,creatingnewbondsofsympathyandbrotherhoodbetween
eachmanthatlivesandallhisrace.Andthus,inthebreadweeat,andinthewinewedrinktonightmay
enterintoandformpartofustheidenticalparticlesofmatterthatonceformedpartsofthematerial
bodiescalledMoses,Confucius,Plato,Socrates,orJesusofNazareth.Inthetruestsense,weeatand
drinkthebodiesofthedead;andcannotsaythatthereisasingleatomofourbloodorbody,the
ownershipofwhichsomeothersoulmightnotdisputewithus.Itteachesusalsotheinfinite
beneficenceofGodwhosendsusseedtimeandharvesteachinitsseason,andmakesHisshowersto
fallandHissuntoshinealikeupontheevilandthegoodbestowinguponusunsolicitedHis
innumerableblessings,andaskingnoreturn.Fortherearenoangelsstationeduponthewatchtowersof
creationtocalltheworldtoprayerandsacrifice;butHebestowsHisbenefitsinsilence,likeakind
friendwhocomesatnight,and,leavinghisgiftsatthedoor,tobefoundbyusinthemorning,goes
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quietlyawayandasksnothanks,norceaseshiskindofficesforouringratitude.Andthusthebreadand
wineteachusthatourMortalBodyisnomoreWEthanthehouseinwhichwelive,orthegarments
thatwewear;buttheSoulisI,theONE,identical,unchangeable,immortalemanationfromtheDiety,
toreturntoGodandbeforeverhappy,inHisgoodtime;asourmortalbodies,dissolving,returntothe
elementsfromwhichtheycame,theirparticlescoiningandgoingeverinperpetualgenesis.Toour
JewishBrethren,thissupperissymbolicalofthePassover:totheChristianMason,ofthateatenby
ChristandHisDisciples,when,celebratingthePassover,Hebrokebreadandgaveittothem,saying,
"Take!eat!thisisMybody:"andgivingthemthecup,Hesaid,"Drinkyeallofit!forthisisMyblood
oftheNewTestament,whichisshedformanyfortheremissionofsins;"thussymbolizingtheperfect
harmonyandunionbetweenHimselfandthefaithful;andHisdeathuponthecrossforthesalvationof
man.

ThehistoryofMasonryisthehistoryofPhilosophy.Masonsdonotpretendtosetthemselvesupfor
instructorsofthehumanracebut,thoughAsiaproducedandpreservedtheMysteries,Masonryhas,in
EuropeandAmerica,givenregularitytotheirdoctrines,spirit,andaction,anddevelopedthemoral
advantageswhichmankindmayreapfromthem.

Moreconsistent,andmoresimpleinitsmodeofprocedure,ithasputanendtothevastallegorical
pantheonofancientmythologies,anditselfbecomeascience.

NonecandenythatChristtaughtaloftymorality."Loveoneanotherforgivethosethatdespitefullyuse
youandpersecuteyou:bepureofheart,meek,humble,contented:laynotuprichesonearth,butin
Heavensubmittothepowerslawfullyoveryoubecomeliketheselittlechildren,oryecannotbesaved,
forofsuchistheKingdomofHeavenforgivetherepentant;andcastnostoneatthesinner,ifyoutoo
havesinned:dountoothersasyewouldhaveothersdountoyou:"such,andnotabstrusequestionsof
theology,wereHissimpleandsublimeteachings.

TheearlyChristiansfollowedinHisfootsteps.Thefirstpreachersofthefaithhadnothoughtof
domination.EntirelyanimatedbyHissaying,thatheamongthemshouldbefirst,whoshouldserve
withthegreatestdevotion,theywerehumble,modest,andcharitable,andtheyknewhowto
communicatethisspiritoftheinnermantothechurchesundertheirdirection.Thesechurcheswereat
firstbutspontaneousmeetingsofallChristiansinhabitingthesamelocality.Apureandsevere
morality,mingledwithreligiousenthusiasm,wasthecharacteristicofeach,andexcitedtheadmiration
evenoftheirpersecutors.Everythingwasincommonamongthem;theirproperty,theirjoys,andtheir
sorrows.Inthesilenceofnighttheymetforinstructionandtopraytogether.Theirlovefeasts,or
fraternalrepasts,endedthesereunions,inwhichalldifferencesinsocialpositionandrankwereeffaced
inthepresenceofapaternalDivinity.Theirsoleobjectwastomakemenbetter,bybringingthemback
toasimpleworship,ofwhichuniversalmoralitywasthebasis;andtoendthosenumerousandcruel
sacrificeswhicheverywhereinundatedwithbloodthealtarsofthegods.ThusdidChristianityreform
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theworld,andobeytheteachingsofitsfounder.Itgavetowomanherproperrankandinfluence;it
regulateddomesticlife;andbyadmittingtheslavestothelovefeasts,itbydegreesraisedthemabove
thatoppressionunderwhichhalfofmankindhadgroanedforages.

This,initspurity,astaughtbyChristHimself,wasthetrueprimitivereligion,ascommunicatedby
GodtothePatriarchs.Itwasnonewreligion,butthereproductionoftheoldestofall;anditstrueand
perfectmoralityisthemoralityofMasonry,asisthemoralityofeverycreedofantiquity.

IntheearlydaysofChristianity,therewasaninitiationlikethoseofthepagans.Personswereadmitted
onspecialconditionsonly.Toarriveatacompleteknowledgeofthedoctrine,theyhadtopassthree
degreesofinstruction.Theinitiateswereconsequentlydividedintothreeclasses;thefirst,Auditors,the
second,Catechumens,andthethird,theFaithful.TheAuditorswereasortofnovices,whowere
preparedbycertainceremoniesandcertaininstructiontoreceivethedogmasofChristianity.

AportionofthesedogmaswasmadeknowntotheCatechumens;who,afterparticularpurifications,
receivedbaptism,ortheinitiationofthetheogenesis(divinegeneration);butinthegrandmysteriesof
thatreligion,theincarnation,nativity,passion,andresurrectionofChrist,nonewereinitiatedbutthe
Faithful.Thesedoctrines,andthecelebrationoftheHolySacraments,particularlytheEucharist,were
keptwithprofoundsecrecy.TheseMysteriesweredividedintotwoparts;thefirststyledtheMassof
theCatechumens;thesecond,theMassoftheFaithful.ThecelebrationoftheMysteriesofMithraswas
alsostyledamass;andtheceremoniesusedwerethesame.Therewerefoundallthesacramentsofthe
CatholicChurch,eventhebreathofconfirmation.ThePriestofMithraspromisedtheInitiates
deliverancefromsin,bymeansofconfessionandbaptism,andafuturelifeofhappinessormisery.He
celebratedtheoblationofbread,imageoftheresurrection.Thebaptismofnewlybornchildren,
extremeunction,confessionofsins,allbelongedtotheMithriacrites.Thecandidatewaspurifiedbya
speciesofbaptism,amarkwasimpresseduponhisforehead,heofferedbreadandwater,pronouncing
certainmysteriouswords.

DuringthepersecutionsintheearlyagesofChristianity,theChristianstookrefugeinthevast
catacombswhichstretchedformilesineverydirectionunderthecityofRome,andaresupposedto
havebeenofEtruscanorigin.There,amidlabyrinthinewindings,deepcaverns,hiddenchambers,
chapels,andtombs,thepersecutedfugitivesfoundrefuge,andtheretheyperformedtheceremoniesof
theMysteries.

TheBasilideans,asectofChristiansthatarosesoonafterthetimeoftheApostles,practisedthe
Mysteries,withtheoldEgyptianlegend.TheysymbolizedOsirisbytheSun,IsisbytheMoon,and
TyphonbyScorpio;andworecrystalsbearingtheseemblems,asamuletsortalismanstoprotectthem
fromdanger;uponwhichwerealsoabrilliantstarandtheserpent.Theywerecopiedfromthe
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talismansofPersiaandArabia,andgiventoeverycandidate,athisinitiation.

IrenaustellsusthattheSimonians,oneoftheearliestsectsoftheGnostics,hadaPriesthoodofthe
Mysteries.

TertulliantellsusthattheValentinians,themostcelebratedofalltheGnosticschools,imitated,or
ratherperverted,theMysteriesofEleusis.Irenausinformsus,inseveralcuriouschapters,ofthe
MysteriespractisedbytheMarcosians;andOrigengives,muchinformationastotheMysteriesofthe
Ophites;andthereisnodoubtthatalltheGnosticsectshadMysteriesandaninitiation.Theyall
claimedtopossessasecretdoctrine,comingtothemdirectlyfromJesusChrist,differentfromthatof
theGospelsandEpistles,andsuperiortothosecommunications,whichintheireyes,weremerely
exoteric.Thissecretdoctrinetheydidnotcommunicatetoeveryone;andamongtheextensivesectof
theBasilideanshardlyoneinathousandknewit,aswelearnfromIrenaus.Weknowthenameof
onlythehighestclassoftheirInitiates.TheywereandStrangerstotheWorld[styledElectorElus].

TheyhadatlestthreeDegreestheMaterial,theIntellectual,andtheSpiritualandthelesserandgreater
Mysteries;andthenumberofthosewhoattainedthehighestDegreewasquitesmall.Baptismwasone
oftheirmostimportantceremonies;andtheBasilideanscelebratedthe10thofJanuary,asthe
anniversaryofthedayonwhichChristwasbaptizedinJordan.

Theyhadtheceremonyoflayingonofhands,bywayofpurification;andthatofthemysticbanquet,
emblemofthattowhichtheybelievedtheHeavenlyWisdomwouldonedayadmitthem,inthefullness
ofthings.

TheirceremoniesweremuchmorelikethoseoftheChristiansthanthoseofGreece;buttheymingled
withthemmuchthatwasborrowedfromtheOrientandEgypt:andtaughttheprimitivetruths,mixed
withamultitudeoffantasticerrorsandfictions.Thedisciplineofthesecretwastheconcealment
(occultatio)ofcertaintenetsandceremonies.SosaysClemensofAlexandria.

Toavoidpersecution,theearlyChristianswerecompelledtousegreatprecaution,andtoholdmeetings
oftheFaithful[oftheHouseholdofFaith]inprivateplaces,underconcealmentbydarkness,They
assembledinthenight,andtheyguardedagainsttheintrusionoffalsebrethrenandprofanepersons,
spieswhomightcausetheirarrest.Theyconversedtogetherfiguratively,andbytheuseofsymbols,lest
cowansandeavesdroppersmightoverhear:andthereexistedamongthemafavoredclass,orOrder,who
wereinitiatedintocertainMysterieswhichtheywereboundbysolemnpromisenottodisclose,oreven
converseabout,exceptwithsuchashadreceivedthemunderthesamesanction.Theywerecalled
Brethren,theFaithful,StewardsoftheMysteries,Superintendents,DevoteesoftheSecret,and
ARCHITECTS.
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IntheHierarchi,attributedtoSt.DionysiustheAreopagite,thefirstBishopofAthens,thetradition
ofthesacramentissaidtohavebeendividedintothreeDegrees,orgrades,purification,initiation,and
accomplishmentorperfection;anditmentionsalso,aspartoftheceremony,thebringingtosight.

TheApostolicConstitutions,attributedtoClemens,BishopofRome,describetheearlychurch,and
say:"Theseregulationsmustonnoaccountbecommunicatedtoallsortsofpersons,becauseofthe
Mysteriescontainedinthem."TheyspeakoftheDeacon'sdutytokeepthedoors,thatnoneuninitiated
shouldenterattheoblation.

Ostiarii,ordoorkeepers,keptguard,andgavenoticeofthetimeofprayerandchurchassemblies;and
alsobyprivatesignal,intimesofpersecution,gavenoticetothosewithin,toeablethemtoavoid
danger.TheMysterieswereopentotheFidelesorFaithfulonly;andnospectatorswereallowedatthe
communion.

Tertullian,whodiedaboutA.D.216,saysinhisApology:"Noneareadmittedtothereligious
Mysterieswithoutanoathofsecrecy.WeappealtoyourThracianandEleusinianMysteries;andweare
especiallyboundtothiscaution,becauseifweprovefaithless,weshouldnotonlyprovokeHeaven,but
drawuponourheadstheutmostrigorofhumandispleasure.Andshouldstrangersbetrayus?They
knownothingbutbyreportandhearsay.Farhence,yeProfane!istheprohibitionfromallholy
Mysteries."

Clemens,BishopofAlexandria,bornaboutA.D.191,says,inhisStromata,thathecannotexplainthe
Mysteries,becauseheshouldthereby,accordingtotheoldproverb,putaswordintothehandsofa
child.HefrequentlycomparestheDisciplineoftheSecretwiththeheathenMysteries,astotheir
internalandreconditewisdom.

WhenevertheearlyChristianshappenedtobeincompanywithstrangers,moreproperlytermedthe
Profane,theyneverspokeoftheirsacraments,butindicatedtooneanotherwhattheymeantbymeans
ofsymbolsandsecretwatchwords,disguisedly,andasbydirectcommunicationofmindwithmind,
andbyenigmas.

Origen,bornA.D.134or135,answeringCelsus,whohadobjectedthattheChristianshadaconcealed
doctrinesaid:"InasmuchastheessentialandimportantdoctrinesandprinciplesofChristianityare
openlytaught,itisfoolishtoobjectthatthereareotherthingsthatarerecondite;forthisiscommonto
Christiandisciplinewiththatofthosephilosophersinwhoseteachingsomethingswereexotericand
someesoteric:anditisenoughtosaythatitwassowithsomeofthedisciplesofPythagoras."
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TheformulawhichtheprimitivechurchpronouncedatthemomentofcelebratingitsMysteries,was
this:"Depart,yeProfane!LettheCatechumens,andthosewhohavenotbeenadmittedorinitiated,go
forth."

Archelaus,BishopofCascarainMesopotamia,who,intheyear278,conductedacontroversywiththe
Manichaeans,said:"TheseMysteriesthechurchnowcommunicatestohimwhohaspassedthroughthe
introductoryDegree.TheyarenotexplainedtotheGentilesatall;noraretheytaughtopenlyinthe
hearingofCatechumens:butmuchthatisspokenisindisguisedtermsthattheFaithful,whopossessthe
knowledge,maybestillmoreinformed,andthosewhoarenotacquaintedwithit,maysufferno
disadvantage."

Cyril,BishopofJerusalem,wasbornintheyear315,anddiedin386.InhisCatechesishesays:"The
LordspakeinparablestoHishearersingeneral;buttoHisdisciplesHeexplainedinprivatethe
parablesandallegorieswhichHespokeinpublic.Thesplendorofgloryisforthosewhoareearly
enlightened:obscurityanddarknessaretheportionoftheunbelieversandignorant.Justsothechurch
discoversitsMysteriestothosewhohaveadvancedbeyondtheclassofCatechumens:weemploy
obscuretermswithothers."

St.Basil,theGreatBishopofCsarea,bornintheyear326,anddyingintheyear376,says:"We
receivethedogmastransmittedtousbywriting,andthosewhichhavedescendedtousfromthe
Apostles,beneaththemysteryoforaltradition:forseveralthingshavebeenhandedtouswithout
writing,lestthevulgar,toofamiliarwithourdogmas,shouldloseaduerespectforthem.Thisiswhat
theuninitiatedarenotpermittedtocontemplate;andhowshoulditeverbepropertowriteandcirculate
amongthepeopleanaccountofthem?"

St.GregoryNazianzen,BishopofConstantinople,A.D.379,says:"Youhaveheardasmuchofthe
Mysteryasweareallowedtospeakopenlyintheearsofall;therestwillbecommunicatedtoyouin
private;andthatyoumustretainwithinyourself.OurMysteriesarenottobemade
knowntostrangers."

St.Ambrose,ArchbishopofMilan,whowasbornin340anddiedin393,saysinhisworkDe
Mysteriis:"AlltheMysteryshouldbekeptconcealed,guardedbyfaithfulsilence,lestitshouldbe
inconsideratelydivulgedtotheearsoftheProfane.Itisnotgiventoalltocontemplatethedepthsofour
Mysteriesthattheymaynotbeseenbythosewhooughtnottobeholdthem;norreceivedbythosewho
cannotpreservethem."

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Andinanotherwork:"HesinsagainstGod,whodivulgestotheunworthytheMysteriesconfidedto
him.Thedangerisnotmerelyinviolatingtruth,butintellingtruth,ifheallowhimselftogivehintsof
themtothosefromwhomtheyoughttobeconcealedBewareofcastingpearlsbeforeswine!

EveryMysteryoughttobekeptsecret;and,asitwere,tobecoveredoverbysilence,lestitshould
rashlybedivulgedtotheearsoftheProfane.Takeheedthatyoudonotincautiouslyrevealthe
Mysteries!"

St.Augustine,BishopofHippo,whowasbornin347,anddiedin430,saysinoneofhisdiscourses:
"HavingdismissedtheCatechumens,wehaveretainedyouonlytobeourhearers;because,besides
thosethingswhichbelongtoallChristiansincommon,wearenowtodiscoursetoyouofsublime
Mysteries,whichnonearequalifiedtohear,butthosewho,bytheMaster'sfavor,aremadepartakersof
them.Tohavetaughtthemopenly,wouldhavebeentobetraythem."AndhereferstotheArkofthe
Covenant,andsaysthatitsignifiedaMystery,orsecretofGod,shadowedoverbythecherubimof
glory,andhonoredbybeingveiled.

St.ChrysostomandSt.Augustinespeakofinitiationmorethanfiftytimes.St.Ambrosewritestothose
whoareinitiated;andinitiationwasnotmerelybaptism,oradmissionintothechurch,butitreferredto
initiationintotheMysteries.TothebaptizedandinitiatedtheMysteriesofreligionwereunveiled;they
werekeptsecretfromtheCatechumens;whowerepermittedtoheartheScripturesreadandthe
ordinarydiscoursesdelivered,inwhichtheMysteries,reservedfortheFaithful,werenevertreatedof.
Whentheservicesandprayerswereended,theCatechumensandspectatorsallwithdrew.

Chrysostom,BishopofConstantinople,wasbornin354,anddiedin417.Hesays:"Iwishtospeak
openly:butIdarenot,onaccountofthosewhoarenotinitiated.Ishallthereforeavailmyselfof
disguisedterms,discoursinginashadowymanner.WheretheholyMysteriesarecelebrated,wedrive
awayalluninitiatedpersons,andthenclosethedoors."Hementionstheacclamationsoftheinitiated;
"which,"hesays,"Iherepassoverinsilence;foritisforbiddentodisclosesuchthingstotheProfane."
Palladius,inhislifeofChrysostom,records,asagreatoutrage,that,atumulthavingbeenexcited
againsthimbyhisenemies,theyforcedtheirwayintothepenetralia,wheretheuninitiatedbeheldwhat
wasnotproperforthemtosee;andChrysostommentionsthesamecircumstanceinhisepistletoPope
Innocent.

St.CyrilofAlexandria,whowasmadeBishopin412,anddiedin444,saysinhis7thBookagainst
Julian:"TheseMysteriesaresoprofoundandsoexalted,thattheycanbecomprehendedbythoseonly
whoareenlightened.Ishallnot,therefore,attempttospeakofwhatissoadmirableinthem,lestby
discoveringthemtotheuninitiated,Ishouldoffendagainsttheinjunctionnottogivewhatisholytothe
impure,norcastpearlsbeforesuchascannotestimatetheirworth.Ishouldsaymuchmore,ifIwere
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notafraidofbeingheardbythosewhoareuninitiated:becausemenareapttoderidewhattheydonot
understand.Andtheignorant,notbeingawareoftheweaknessoftheirminds,condemnwhatthey
oughtmosttovenerate."

Theodoret,BishopofCyropolisinSyria,wasbornin393,andmadeBishopin420.Inoneofhisthree
Dialogues,calledtheImmutable,heintroducesOrthodoxus,speakingthus:"Answerme,ifyouplease,
inmysticalorobscuretermsforperhapstherearesomepersonspresentwhoarenotinitiatedintothe
Mysteries."AndinhisprefacetoEzekiel,tracingupthesecretdisciplinetothecommencementofthe
Christianera,hesays:"TheseMysteriesaresoaugust,thatweoughttokeepthemwiththegreatest
caution."

MinuciusFelix,aneminentlawyerofRome,wholivedin212,andwroteadefenceofChristianity,
says:"Manyofthem[theChristians]knoweachotherbytokensandsigns(notisetinsignibus),and
theyformafriendshipforeachother,almostbeforetheybecomeacquainted."TheLatinWord,tessera,
originallymeantasquarepieceofwoodorstone,usedinmakingtesselatedpavements;afterwarda
tabletonwhichanythingwaswritten,andthenacubeordie.Itsmostgeneralusewastodesignatea
pieceofmetalorwood,squareinshape,onwhichthewatchwordofanArmywasinscribed;whence
tesseracametomeanthewatchworditself.Therewasalsoatesserahospitalis,whichwasapieceof
woodcutintotwoparts,asapledgeoffriendship.Eachpartykeptoneoftheparts;andtheyswore
mutualfidelitybyJupiter.Tobreakthetesserawasconsideredadissolutionofthefriendship.Theearly
ChristiansuseditasaMark,thewatchwordoffriendship.Withthemitwasgenerallyintheshapeofa
fish,andmadeofbone.Onitsfacewasinscribedtheword,afish,theinitialsofwhichrepresentedthe
GreekwordsJesusChrist,theSonofGod,theSaviour.

St.Augustine(deFideetSvmbolis)says:"ThisisthefaithwhichinafewwordsisgiventotheNovices
tobekeptbyasymbol;thesefewwordsareknowntoalltheFaithful;thatbybelievingtheymaybe
submissivetoGod;bybeingthussubmissive,theymayliverightly;bylivingrightly,theymaypurify
theirheartsandwithapureheartmayunderstandwhattheybelieve."

MaximusTaurinussays:"ThetesseraisasymbolandsignbywhichtodistinguishbetweentheFaithful
andtheProfane."

TherearethreeDegreesinBlueMasonry;andinadditiontothetwowordsoftwosyllableseach,
embodyingthebinary,three,ofthreesyllableseach.TherewerethreeGrandMasters,thetwoKings,
andKhirOmtheArtificer.Thecandidategainsadmissionbythreeraps,andthreerapscallupthe
Brethren.TherearethreeprincipalofficersoftheLodge,threelightsattheAltar,threegatesofthe
Temple,allintheEast,West,andSouth.ThethreelightsrepresenttheSun,theMoon,andMercury;
Osiris,Isis,andHorus;theFather,theMother,andtheChild;Wisdom,Strength,andBeauty;
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Hakamah,Binah,andDaath;Gedulah,Geburah,andTepareth.Thecandidatemakesthreecircuitsof
theLodgetherewerethreeassassinsofKhirOm,andhewasslainbythreeblowswhileseekingto
escapebythethreegatesoftheTemple.Theejaculationathisgravewasrepeatedthreetimes.Thereare
three*divisionsoftheTemple,andthree,five,andsevenSteps.AMasterworkswithChalk,Charcoal,
andavesselofClay;therearethreemovableandthreeimmovablejewels.TheTriangleappearsamong
theSymbolsthetwoparallellinesenclosingthecircleareconnectedattop,asaretheColumnsJachin
andBoaz,symbolizingtheequilibriumwhichexplainsthegreatMysteriesofNature.

Thiscontinualreproductionofthenumberthreeisnotaccidental,norwithoutaprofoundmeaning:and
weshallfindthesamerepeatedinalltheAncientphilosophies.

TheEgyptianGodsformedTriads,thethirdmemberineachproceedingfromtheothertwo.Thuswe
havetheTriadofThebes,Amun,Maut,andKharso;thatofPhilae,Osiris,Isis,andHorus;thatof
ElephantinandtheCataracts,Neph,Sate,andAnouk.

Osiris,Isis,andHorusweretheFather,Mother,andSon;thelatterbeingLight,theSouloftheWorld,
theSon,theProtogonosorFirstBegotten.SometimesthisTriadwasregardedasSPIRIT,ortheactive
PrincipleorGenerativePower;MATTER,orthePASSIVEPrincipleorProductiveCapacity;andthe
Universe,whichproceedsfromthetwoPrinciples.

WealsofindinEgyptthisTriadorTrinity;AmmonRa,theCreator:OsirisRatheGiverof
Fruitfulness:HorusRatheQuellerofLight;symbolizedbytheSummer,Autumn,andSpringSun.For
theEgyptianshadbutthreeSeasons,thethreegatesoftheTemple;andonaccountofthedifferent
effectsoftheSunonthosethreeSeasons,theDeityappearsinthesethreeforms.

ThePhoenicianTrinitywasUlomos,Chusoros,andtheEggoutofwhichtheUniverseproceeded.The
ChaldeanTriadconsistedofBel,[thePersianZervanaAkherana],Oromasdes,andAhriman;theGood
andEvilPrinciplealikeoutflowingfromtheFather,bytheirequilibriumandalternatingpreponderance
toproduceharmony.Eachwastorule,inturn,forequalperiods,untilfinallytheEvilPrincipleshould
itselfbecomegood.

TheChaldeanandPersianoraclesofZoroastergiveustheTriad,Fire,Light,andEther.Orpheus
celebratestheTriadofPhanes,Ouranos,andKronos.CorrysaystheOrphicTrinityconsistedofMetis,
Phanes,andEricapaeus;Will,LightorLove,andLife.

AcusilausmakesitconsistofMetis,Eros,andther:Will,Love,andEther.PhereycidesofSyros,of
Fire,Water,andAirorSpirit.InthetwoformerwereadilyrecognizeOsirisandIsis,theSunandthe
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Nile.

ThefirstthreeofthePersianAmshaspandswereBAHMAN,theLordofLIGHT;Ardibehest,theLord
OfFIRE;andShariver,theLordofSPLENDOR.TheseatonceleadusbacktotheKabala.Plutarch
says:"Thebetteranddivinernatureconsistsofthree;theIntelligible(i.e.thatandwhichexistswithin
theIntellectonlyasyet),andMatter;andthatwhichproceedsfromthese,whichtheGreekscall
Kosmos:ofwhichPlatocallstheIntelligible,theIdea,theExemplar,theFather:Matter,theMother,
theNurse,andthereceptacleandplaceofgeneration:andtheissueofthesetwo,theOffspringand
Genesis."

ThePythagoreanfragmentssay:"Therefore,beforetheHeavenwasmade,thereexistedIdeaand
Matter,andGodtheDemiourgos[workmanoractiveinstrument],oftheformer.Hemadetheworldout
ofmatter,perfect,onlybegotten,withasoulandintellectandconstituteditadivinity."

PlatogivesusThought,theFather;PrimitiveMatter,theMother;andKosmos,theSon,theissueofthe
twoPrinciples.KosmosistheensouledUniverse.WiththelaterPlatonists,theTriadwasPotence,
Intellect,andSpirit,PhilorepresentsSanchoniathon'sasFire,Light,andFlame,thethreeSonsof
Genos;butthisistheAlexandrian,notthePhnicianidea.

AureliussaystheDemiourgosorCreatoristriple,andthethreeIntellectsarethethreeKings:Hewho
exists;Hewhopossesses;Hewhobeholds.Thefirstisthatwhichexistsbyitsessence;thesecond
existsinthefirst,andcontainsorpossessesinitselftheUniversalofthings;allthatafterwardbecomes
thethirdbeholdsthisUniversal,formedandfashionedintellectually,andsohavingaseparateexistence.
TheThirdexistsintheSecond,andtheSecondintheFirst.

ThemostancientTrinitariandoctrineonrecordisthatoftheBrahmins.TheEternalSupremeEssence,
calledPARABRAHMA,BRAHM,PARATMA,producedtheUniversebyselfreflection,andfirst
revealedhimselfasBRAHMA,theCreatingPower,thenasVISHNU,thePreservingPower,andlastly
asSIVA,theDestroyingandRenovatingPower;thethreeModesinwhichtheSupremeEssencereveals
himselfinthematerialUniverse;butwhichsoontoberegardedasthreedistinctDeities.Thesethree
DeitiescametheystyledtheTRIMURTI,orTRIAD.

ThePersiansreceivedfromtheIndiansthedoctrineofthethreeprinciples,andchangedittothatofa
principleofLife,whichwasindividualizedbytheSun,andaprincipleofDeath,whichwassymbolized
bycoldanddarkness;parallelofthemoralworld;andinwhichthecontinualandalternatingstruggle
betweenlightanddarkness,lifeanddeath,seemedbutaphaseofthegreatstrugglebetweenthegood
andevilprinciples,embodiedinthelegendofORMUZDandAHRIMAN.
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MITHRAS,aMedianreformer,wasdeifiedafterhisdeath,andinvestedwiththeattributesoftheSun;
thedifferentastronomicalphenomenabeingfigurativelydetailedasactualincidentsofhislife;inthe
samemannerasthehistoryofBUDDHAwasinventedamongtheHinds.TheTrinityoftheHinds
becameamongtheEthiopiansandAbyssiniansNEPHAMON,PHTHA,andNEITHtheGod
CREATOR,whoseemblemwasaramMATTER,ortheprimitivemud,symbolizedbyaglobeoran
egg,andTHOUGHT,ortheLIGHTwhichcontainsthegermofeverything;triplemanifestationofone
andthesameGod(ATHOM),consideredinthreeaspects,asthecreativepower,goodness,and
wisdom.OtherDeitieswerespeedilyinvented;andamongthemOSTRIS,representedbytheSun,ISIS,
hiswife,bytheMoonorEarth,TYPHON,hisBrother,thePrincipleofEvilandDarkness,whowasthe
sonofOsirisandIsis.AndtheTrinityofOSIRIS,ISIS,andHORUSbecamesubsequentlytheChief
GodsandobjectsofworshipoftheEgyptians.

TheancientEtruscans(aracethatemigratedfromtheRhtianAlpsintoItaly,alongwhoseroute
evidencesoftheirmigrationhavebeendiscovered,andwhoselanguagenonehaveyetsucceededin
reading)acknowledgedonlyoneSupremeGod;buttheyhadimagesforHisdifferentattributes,and
templestotheseimages.EachtownhadoneNationalTemple,dedicatedtothethreegreatattributesof
God,STRENGTH,RICHES,andWISDOM,orTina,Talna,andMinerva.TheNationalDeitywas
alwaysaTriadunderoneroof;anditwasthesameinEgypt,whereoneSupremeGodalonewas
acknowledged,butwasworshippedasaTriad,withdifferentnamesineachdifferenthome.Eachcityin
Etruriamighthaveasmanygodsandgatesandtemplesasitpleased;butthreesacredgates,andone
TempletothreeDivineAttributeswereobligatory,whereverthelawsofTages(orTauntorThoth)were
received.TheonlygatethatremainsinItaly,oftheoldentime,undestroyed,isthePortadelCircoat
Volterra;andithasuponitthethreeheadsofthethreeNationalDivinities,oneuponthekeystoneofits
magnificentarch,andoneaboveeachsidepillar.

TheBuddhistsholdthattheGodSAKYAoftheHinds,calledinCeylon,GAUTAMA,inIndia
beyondtheGanges,SOMONAKODOM,andinChina,CHYKIA,orFo,constitutedaTrinity
[TRIRATNA],ofBUDDHA,DHARMA,andSANGA,Intelligence,Law,andUnionorHarmony.The
ChineseSabansrepresentedtheSupremeDeityascomposedofCHANGTI,theSupremeSovereign;
TIEN,theHeavens;andTAO,theUniversalSupremeReasonandPrincipleofFaith;andthatfrom
Chaos,animmensesilence,animmeasurablevoid.withoutperceptibleforms,alone,infinite,
immutable,movinginacircleinillimitablespace,withoutchangeoralteration,whenvivifiedbythe
PrincipleofTruth,issuedallBeings,undertheinfluenceofTAO,PrincipleofFaith,whoproduced
one,oneproducedtwo,twoproducedthree,andthreeproducedallthatis.

TheSclavonoVendestypifiedtheTrinitybythethreeheadsoftheGodTRIGLAV;andthePruczior
PrussiansbytheTriuneGod,PERKOUN,PIKOLLOS,andPOTRIMPOS,theDeitiesofLightand
Thunder,ofHellandtheEarth,itsfruitsandanimalsandtheScandinaviansbyODIN,FREA,and
THOR.
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IntheKABALAH,ortheHebrewtraditionalphilosophy,theInfiniteDeity,beyondthereachofthe
HumanIntellect,andwithoutName,Form,orLimitation,wasrepresentedasdevelopingHimself,in
ordertocreate,andbyselflimitation,intenemanationsoroutflowings,calledSEPHIROTH,orrays,
Thefirstofthese,intheworldAZILUTH,thatis,withintheDeity,wasKETHER,ortheCrown,by
whichweunderstandtheDivineWillorPotency.Nextcame,asapair,HAI",MAHandBAINAH,
ordinarilytranslated"Wisdom"and"Intelligence,"theformertermedtheFATHER,andthelatterthe
MOTHER.HAKEMAHistheactivePowerorEnergyofDeity,bywhichHeproduceswithinHimself
IntellectionorThinkingandBAINAH,thepassiveCapacity,fromwhich,actedonbythePower,the
Intellectionflows.ThisIntellectioniscalledDAATHanditisthe"WORD,"ofPlatoandtheGnostics;
theunutteredword,withintheDeity.HereistheoriginoftheTrinityoftheFather,theMotherorHoly
Spirit,andtheSonorWord.

AnotherTrinitywascomposedofthefourthSephirah,GEDULAHorKHASW,BenignityorMercy,
alsotermedFATHER(Aba);thefifth,GEBURAH,SeverityorStrictJustice,alsotermedthe
MOTHER(Imma);andthesixth,theSONorIssueofthese,TIPHARETH,BeautyorHarmony.
"Everything,"saystheSOHAR,proceedsaccordingtotheMysteryoftheBalance"thatis,bythe
equilibriumofOppositesandthusfromtheInfiniteMercyandtheInfinitejustice,inequilibrium,flows
theperfectHarmonyoftheUniverse.InfinitePOWER,whichisLawless,andInfiniteWISDOM,in
Equilibrium,alsoproduceBEAUTYorHARMONY,asSon,Issue,orResulttheWord,orutteranceof
theThoughtofGod.PowerandJusticeorSeverityarethesameWisdomandMercyorBenignityare
thesame;intheInfiniteDivineNature.

AccordingtoPhiloofAlexandria,theSupremeBeing,PrimitiveLightorArchetypeofLight,uniting
withWISDOM[],themotherofCreation,formsinHimselfthetypesofallthings,andactsuponthe
UniversethroughtheWORD[Logos],whodwellsinGod,andinwhomallHispowersandattributes
developthemselves;adoctrineborrowedbyhimfromPlato.

SimonMagusandhisdisciplestaughtthattheSupremeBeingorCentreofLightproducedfirstofall,
threecouplesofunitedExistences,ofbothsexes,[Suzugias],whichweretheoriginsofallthings
REASONandINVENTIVENESS;SPEECHandTHOUGHT;andCALCULATIONand
REFLECTIONandNusandEpinoia,PhneandEnnoia,LogismosandEnthumsis];ofwhich
EnnoiaorWISDOMwasthefirstproduced,andMotherofallthatexists.

OtherDisciplesofSimonandwiththemmostoftheGnostics,adoptingandPlerma,or
PLENITUDEofmodifyingthedoctrine,taughtthattheSuperiorIntelligences,havingtheSupreme
Beingattheirhead,wascomposedofeightEons[Aines]ofdifferentsexes;PROFUNDITYand
SILENCE;SPIRITandTRUTH;theWORDandLIFE;MANandtheCHURCH[ButhosandSig;
PneumaandAletheia;LogosandandZe;AnthrposandEkklsia].
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Bardesanes,whosedoctrinestheSyrianChristianslongembraced,taughtthattheunknownFather,
happyinthePlenitudeofHisLifeandPerfections,firstproducedaCompanionforHimself[Suzugos],
whomHeplacedintheCelestialParadiseandwhobecame,byHim,theMotherofCHRISTOS,Sonof
theLivingGodi.e.(layingasidetheallegory),thattheEternalconceived,inthesilenceofHisdecrees,
theThoughtofrevealingHimselfbyaBeingwhoshouldbeHisimageorHisSonthattotheSon
succeededhisSisterandSpouse,theHolySpirit,andtheyproducedfourSpiritsoftheelements,male
andfemale,MaioandJabseho,NouroandRucho;thenSevenMysticCouplesofSpirits,andHeaven
andEarth,andallthatis;thensevenspiritsgoverningtheplanets,twelvegoverningtheConstellations
oftheZodiac,andthirtysixStarryIntelligenceswhomhecalledDeaconswhiletheHolySpirit
[SophiaAchamoth],beingboththeHolyIntelligenceandtheSoulofthephysicalworld,wentfromthe
Plermaintothatmaterialworldandtheremournedherdegradation,untilCHRISTOS,herformer
spouse,comingtoherwithhisDivineLightandLove,guidedherinthewaytopurification,andshe
againunitedherselfwithhimashisprimitiveCompanion.

Basilides,theChristianGnostic,taughtthatthereweresevenemanationsfromtheSupremeBeing,The
Firstborn,Thought,theWord,Reflection,Wisdom,Power,andRighteousness[andProtogonos,Nous,
Logos,Phronesis,Sophia,Dunamis,andDikarosun];fromwhomemanatedotherIntelligencesin
succession,tothenumber,inall,ofthreehundredandsixtyfive;whichwereGodmanifested,and
composedthePlenitudeoftheDivineEmanations,ortheGodAbraxas;ofwhichtheThought[or
Intellect,Nous]uniteditself,bybaptismintheriverJordan,withthemanJesus,servant[Diakonos]of
thehumanrace;butdidnotsufferwithHim;andthedisciplesofBasilidestaughtthattheputonthe
appearanceonlyofhumanity,andthatSimonofCyrenewascrucifiedinHissteadandascendedinto
Heaven.

BasilidesheldthatoutoftheunrevealedGod,whoisatthehead,oftheworldofemanations,and
exaltedaboveallconceptionordesignation,wereevolvedsevenliving,selfsubsistent,everactive
hyposatizedpowers:

1st.NOUS.................
2d.LOGOS...............
3d.Phronesis............
4th.Sophia................

SECOND:THEACTIVEOROPERATIVEPOWER.
5th.Dunamis.............
6th.Dikaiosun.........
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7th.Eirn.................

TheseSevenPowers(Dunameis),withthePrimalGroundoutofwhichtheywereevolved,constituted
inhisschemethe[ProteOgdoas],orFirstOctave,therootofallExistence.Fromthispoint,the
spirituallifeproceededtoevolveoutofitselfcontinuallymanygradationsofexistence,eachlowerone
beingstilltheimpression,theantetype,oftheimmediatehigherone.Hesupposedtherewere365of
theseregionsorgradations,expressedbythemysticalword

FIRST:THEINTELLECTUALPOWERS
TheMind
TheReason
TheThinkingPower
Wisdom
Might,accomplishingthepurposesofWisdom

THIRD:THEMORALATTRIBUTES
HolinessorMoralPerfection
InwardTranquility
[Abraxas]

Theisthusinterpreted,bytheusualmethodofreckoningGreeklettersnumericallya,1..b,1.j,100
.a,1.x,60..a,1..x200=365whichisthewholeEmanationWorld,asthedevelopmentofthe
SupremeBeing.

InthesystemofBasilides,Light,Life,Soul,andGoodwereopposedtoDarkness,Death,Matter,and
Evil,throughoutthewholecourseoftheUniverse.

AccordingtotheGnosticview,Godwasrepresentedastheimmanent,incomprehensibleandoriginal
sourceofallperfection;theunfathomableABYSS(buthos),accordingtoValentinus,exaltedaboveall
possibilityofdesignation;ofwhom,properlyspeaking,nothingcanbepredicated;theofBasilides,the
ofPhilo.FromthisincomprehensibleEssenceofGod,animmediatetransitiontofinitethingsis
inconceivable.SelflimitationisthefirstbeginningofacommunicationoflifeonthepartofGodthe
firstpassingofthehiddenDeityintomanifestation;andfromthisproceedsallfurtherselfdeveloping
manifestationoftheDivineEssence.Fromthisprimallinkinthechainoflifethereareevolved,inthe
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firstplace,themanifoldpowersorattributesinherentinthedivineEssence,which,untilthatfirstself
comprehension,wereallhiddenintheAbyssofHisEssence.Eachoftheseattributespresentsthe
wholedivineEssenceunderoneparticularaspect;andtoeach,therefore,inthisrespect,thetitleofGod
mayappropriatelybeapplied.TheseDivinePowersevolvingthemselvestoselfsubsistence,become
thereuponthegermsandprinciplesofallfurtherdevelopmentsoflife.

Thelifecontainedinthemunfoldsandindividualizesitselfmoreandmore,butinsuchawaythatthe
successivegradesofthisevolutionoflifecontinuallysinklowerandlower;thespiritsbecomefeebler,
thefurthertheyareremovedfromthefirstlinkintheseries.

Thefirstmanifestationtheytermedheautou]orwashypostaticallyrepresentedinaor[prot
katalpsis[protonkatalptontouTheou];which[NousorLogos].

IntheAlexandrianGnosis,thePlatonicnotionofthe[Hul]predominates.Thisisthedead,the
unsubstantialtheboundarythatlimitsfromwithouttheevolutionoflifeinitsgraduallyadvancing
progression,wherebythePerfectiseverevolvingitselfintothelessPerfect.Thisagain,isrepresented
undervariousimages;atonetimeasthedarknessthatexistsalongsideofthelight;atanother,asthe
void[Kenoma,Kenon],inoppositiontotheFullness,[Plroma]oftheDivineLife;orastheshadow
thataccompaniesthelight;orasthechaos,orthesluggish,stagnant,darkwater.Thismatter,deadin
itself,possessesbyitsownnaturenoinherenttendency;aslifeofeverysortisforeigntoit,itselfmakes
noencroachmentontheDivine.As,however,theevolutionsoftheDivineLife(theessences
developingthemselvesoutoftheprogressiveemanation)becomefeebler,thefurthertheyareremoved
fromthefirstlinkintheseries;andastheirconnectionwiththefirstbecomeslooserateachsuccessive
step,therearisesatthelaststepoftheevolution,animperfect,defectiveproduct,which,unableto
retainitsconnectionwiththechainofDivineLife,sinksfromtheWorldofEonsintothematerial
chaos:or,accordingtothesamenotion,somewhatdifferentlyexpressed[accordingtotheOphitesand
toBardesanes],adropfromthefullnessoftheDivinelifebubblesoverintotheborderingvoid.
Hereuponthedeadmatter,bycommixturewiththelivingprinciple,whichitwanted,firstofall
receivesanimation.But,atthesametime,also,thedivine,theliving,becomescorruptedbymingling
withthechaoticmass.Existencenowmultipliesitself.Therearisesasubordinate,defectivelife;thereis
groundforanewworld;acreationstartsintobeing,beyondtheconfinesoftheworldofemanation.
But,ontheotherhand,sincethechaoticprincipleofmatterhasacquiredvitality,therenowarisesa
moredistinctandmoreactiveoppositiontotheGodlikeabarelynegative,blind,ungodlynature
power,whichobstinatelyresistsallinfluenceoftheDivine;hence,asproductsofthespiritofthe(of
thePneumaHulikon),areSatan,malignantspirits,wickedmen,innoneofwhomisthereany
reasonableormoralprinciple,oranyprincipleofarationalwill;butblindpassionsalonehavethe
ascendency.Inthemthereisthesameconflict,astheschemeofPlatonismsupposes,betweenthesoul
undertheguidanceofDivinereason[theNous],andthesoulblindlyresistingreasonbetweenthe
[pronoia]andthe[anag],theDivinePrincipleandthenatural.
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TheSyrianGnosisassumedtheexistenceofanactive,turbulentkingdomofevil,orofdarkness,which,
byitsencroachmentsonthekingdomoflight,broughtaboutacommixtureofthelightwiththe
darkness,oftheGodlikewiththeungodlike.

EvenamongthePlatonists,somethoughtthatalongwithanorganized,inertmatter,thesubstratumof
thecorporealworld,thereexistedfromthebeginningablind,lawlessmotivepower,anungodlikesoul,
asitsoriginalmotiveandactiveprinciple.Astheinorganicmatterwasorganizedintoacorporeal
world,bytheplasticpoweroftheDeity,sobythesamepower,lawandreasonwerecommunicatedto
thatturbulent,irrationalsoul.Thusthechaosofthewastransformedintoanorganizedworld,andthat
blindsoulintoarationalprinciple,amundanesoul,animatingtheUniverse.Asfromthelatterproceeds
allrational,spirituallifeinhumanity,sofromtheformerproceedsallthatisirrational,allthatisunder
theblindswayofpassionandappetite;andallmalignantspiritsareitsprogeny.

InonerespectalltheGnosticsagreedtheyallheld,thattherewasaworldpurelyemanatingoutofthe
vitaldevelopmentofGod,acreationevolveddirectlyoutoftheDivineEssence,farexaltedaboveany
outwardcreationproducedbyGod'splasticpower,andconditionedbypreexistingmatter.Theyagreed
inholdingthattheframerofthislowerworldwasnottheFatherofthathigherworldofemanation;but
theDemiurge,abeingofakindrednaturewiththeUniverseframedandgovernedbyhim,andfar
inferiortothathighersystemandtheFatherofit.

Butsome,settingoutfromideaswhichhadlongprevailedamongcertainJewsofAlexandria,supposed
thattheSupremeGodcreatedandgovernedtheworldbyHisministeringspirits,bytheangels.Atthe
headoftheseangelsstoodonewhohadthedirectionandcontrolofall;thereforecalledtheArtificer
andGovernoroftheWorld.ThisDemiurgetheycomparedwiththeplastic,animating,mundanespirit
ofPlatoandDeuterosTheos;thePlatonists[theTheosGenetos],who,moreover,accordingtothe
TimusofPlato,strivestorepresenttheIDEAoftheDivineReason,inthatwhichisbecoming(as
contradistinguishedfromthatwhichis)andtemporal.ThisangelisarepresentativeoftheSupreme
God,onthelowerstageofexistence:hedoesnotactindependently,butmerelyaccordingtotheideas
inspiredinhimbytheSupremeGod;justastheplastic,mundanesoulofthePlatonistscreatesall
thingsafterthepatternoftheideascommunicatedNousthebytheSupremeReason[hoestizonthe
paradeigma,oftheDivineReasonhypostatized].

Buttheseideastranscendhislimitedessence;hecannotunderstandthem;heismerelytheir
unconsciousorgan;andthereforeisunablehimselftocomprehendthewholescopeandmeaningofthe
workwhichlieperforms.Asanorganundertheguidanceofahigherinspiration,herevealshigher
truthsthanhehimselfcancomprehend.ThemassoftheJews,theyheld,recognizednottheangel,by
whom,inalltheTheophaniesoftheOldTestament,GodrevealedHimself;theyknewnotthe
DemiurgeinhistruerelationtothehiddenSupremeGod,whoneverrevealsHimselfinthesensible
world.Theyconfoundedthetypeandthearchetype,thesymbolandtheidea.Theyrosenohigherthan
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theDemiurge;theytookhimtobetheSupremeGodHimself.Butthespiritualmenamongthem,on
thecontrary,clearlyperceived,oratleastdivined,theideasveiledunderJudaism;theyrosebeyondthe
Demiurge,toaknowledgeoftheSupremeGod;andarethereforeproperlyHisTherapeutaiworshippers
[OtherGnostics,whohadnotbeenfollowersoftheMosaicreligion,butwhohad,atanearlierperiod,
framedtothemselvesanorientalGnosis,regardedtheDemiurgeasabeingabsolutelyhostiletothe
SupremeGod].

Heandhisangels,notwithstandingtheirfinitenature,wishtoestablishtheirindependence:theywill
toleratenoforeignrulewithintheirrealm.Whateverofahighernaturedescendsintotheirkingdom,
theyseektoholdimprisonedthere,lestitshouldraiseitselfabovetheirnarrowprecincts.Probably,in
thissystem,thekingdomoftheDemiurgicAngelscorresponded,forthemostpart,withthatofthe
deceitfulStarSpirits,whoseektorobmanofhisfreedom,tobeguilehimbyvariousartsofdeception,
andwhoexerciseatyrannicalswayoverthethingsofthisworld.Accordingly,inthesystemofthese
Sabans,thesevenPlanetSpirits,andthetwelveStarSpiritsofthezodiac,whosprangfroman
irregularconnectionbetweenthecheatedFetahilandtheSpiritofDarkness,playanimportantpartin
everythingthatisbad.TheDemiurgeisalimitedandlimitingbeing,proud,jealous,andrevengeful;
andthishischaracterbetraysitselfintheOldTestament,which,theGnosticsheld,camefromhim.
TheytransferredtotheDemiurgehimself,whateverintheideaofGod,aspresentedbytheOld
Testament,appearedtothemdefective.Againsthiswillandrulethewascontinuallyrebelling,revolting
withoutcontrolagainstthedominionwhichhe,thefashioner,wouldexerciseoverit,castingoffthe
yokeimposedonit,anddestroyingtheworkhehadbegun.

Thesamejealousbeing,limitedinhispower,rulingwithdespoticsway,theyimaginedtheysawin
nature.HestrivestocheckthegerminationofthedivineseedsoflifewhichtheSupremeGodof
HolinessandLove,whohasnoconnectionwhateverwiththesensibleworld,hasscatteredamongmen.
ThatperfectGodwasatmostknownandworshippedinMysteriesbyafewspiritualmen.

TheGospelofSt.JohnisingreatmeasureapolemicagainsttheGnostics,whosedifferentsects,to
solvethegreatproblems,thecreationofamaterialworldbyanimmaterialBeing,thefallofman,the
incarnation,theredemptionandrestorationofthespiritscalledmen,admittedalongseriesof
intelligences,interveninginaseriesofspiritualoperations;andwhichtheydesignatedbythenames,
TheBeginning,theWord,theOnlyBegotten,Life,Light,andSpirit[Ghost]:inGreek,Moand
[Arch,Logos,Monogens,Ze,Phs,andPneuma].St.John,atthebeginningofhisGospel,
aversthatitwasJesusChristwhoexistedintheBeginning;thatHewastheWORDofGodbywhich
everythingwasmade;thatHewastheOnlyBegotten,theLifeandtheLight,andthatHediffuses
amongmentheHolySpirit[orGhost],theDivineLifeandLight.

SothePlroma,PlenitudeorFullness,wasafavoritetermwiththeGnostics,andTruthandGrace
weretheGnosticEons;andtheSimonians,Dokts,andotherGnosticsheldthattheEonChrist
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Jesuswasneverreally,butonlyapparentlyclothedwithahumanbodybutSt.Johnrepliesthatthe
WorddidreallybecomeFlesh,anddweltamongus;andthatinHimwerethePlromaandTruthand
Grace.

InthedoctrineofValentinus,rearedaChristianatAlexandria,GodwasaperfectBeing,anAbyss
[Buthos],whichnointelligencecouldsound,becausenoeyecouldreachtheinvisibleandineffable
heightsonwhichHedwelt,andnomindcouldcomprehendthedurationofHisexistence;Hehas
alwaysbeen;HeisthePrimitiveFatherandBeginningand[thePropatrandProarch]HewillBE
always,anddoesnotgrowold.ThedevelopmentofHisPerfectionsproducedtheintellectualworld.
Afterhavingpassedinfiniteagesinreposeandsilence,HemanifestedHimselfbyHisThought,source
ofallHismanifestations,andwhichreceivedfromHimthegermofHisEnnoia]isalsocreations.
BeingofHisBeing,HisThoughttermed[Charis],GraceorJoy,and,or[SigorArrton],Silence
ortheIneffable.Itsfirstmanifestationwas[Nous],theIntelligence,firstoftheEons,commencementof
allthings,firstrevelationoftheDivinity,the[Monogens],orOnlyBegottennext,Truth[Altheia],
hiscompanion.TheirmanifestationsweretheWordZoandtheirs,ManandtheChurchandLogos
andLife[andAnthrposandEkklsia]andfromthese,othertwelve,sixofwhomwereHope,Faith,
Charity,Intelligence,Happiness,andWisdom;or,intheHebrew,Kesten,Kina,Amphe,Ouananim,
Thaedes,andOubina.TheharmonyoftheEons,strugglingtoknowandbeunitedtothePrimitiveGod,
wasdisturbed,andtoredeemandrestorethem,theIntelligenceproducedChristandtheHolySpiritHis
companion;whorestoredthemtotheirfirstestateofhappinessandharmony;andthereuponthey
formedtheEonJesus,bornofaVirgin,towhomtheChristosunitedhimselfinbaptismandwho,with
hisCompanionSophiaAchamoth,savedandredeemedtheworld.

TheMarcosianstaughtthattheSupremeDeityproducedbyHiswordsthe[Logos]orPlenitudeof
Eons:Hisfirstutterancewasasyllableoffourletters,eachofwhichbecameabeing;Hissecondof
four,Histhirdoften,andHisfourthoftwelve;thirtyinall,whichconstitutedthef[Plroma].

TheValentinians,andothersoftheGnostics,distinguishedthreeordersofexistences:1st.Thedivine
germsoflife,exaltedbytheirnatureabovematter,andakintothe(Sophia],tothemundanesoulandto
thePlroma;thespiritualnatures,[PhuseisPneumatikai]:2d.Thenaturesoriginatinginthelife,
dividedfromtheformerbythemixture,thepsychicalnatures,ofthe[PhuseisPsuchikai];withwhich
beginsaperfectlyneworderofexistence,animageofthathighermindandsystem,inasubordinate
grade;andfinally,3d.TheUngodlikeorHylicNature,whichresistsallamelioration,andwhose
tendencyisonlytodestroythenatureofblindlustandpassion.

ThenatureoftherelationshipwithGod(the[pneumatikon],thespiritual,isessential(Homoousiont
The)hencethelifeofUnity,theundivided,the,absolutelysimple(Ousiahenike,monoeides).

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[psuchikoi)isdisruptionintomultiplicity,Theessenceofthemanifoldness;which,however,is
subordinatetoahigherunity,bywhichitallowsitselftobeguided,firstunconsciously,then
consciously.Theessenceofthe[Hulikoi](ofwhomSatanisthehead),isthedirectoppositetoall
unity;disruptionanddisunioninitself,withouttheleastsympathy,withoutanypointofcoalescence
whateverforunity;togetherwithanefforttodestroyallunity,toextenditsowninherentdisunionto
everything,andtorendeverythingasunder.Thisprinciplehasnopowertopositanything;butonlyto
negativeitisunabletocreate,toproduce,toform,butonlytodestroy,todecompose.

ByMarcus,thediscipleofValentinus,theideaofa[LogosTouOntos],ofaWORD,manifestingthe
hiddenDivineEssence,intheCreation,wasspunoutintothemostsubtledetailstheentirecreation
being,inhisview,acontinuousutteranceoftheIneffable.Thewayinwhichthegermsofdivinelife
[thespermatapneumatika],whichlieshutupintheEons,continuallyunfoldandindividualizethem
selvesmoreandmore,isrepresentedasaspontaneousanalysisoftheseveralnamesoftheIneffable,
intotheirseveralsounds.AnechoofthePlromafallsdownintothe[HuI],andbecomesthe
formingofanewbutlowercreation.

OneformulaofthepneumaticalbaptismamongtheGnosticsranthus:"IntheNAMEwhichishidden
fromalltheDivinitiesandPowers"[oftheDemiurge],"TheNameofTruth"[the[Aletheial,self
manifestationoftheButhos],whichJesusofNazarethhasputoninthelightzonesofChrist,theliving
Christ,throughtheHolyGhost,fortheredemptionoftheangels,theNamebywhichallthingsattainto
Perfection."Thecandidatethensaid:"Iamestablishedandredeemed;Iamredeemedinmysoulfrom
thisworld,andfromallthatbelongstoit,bythenameof,whohasredeemedtheSoulofJesusbythe
livingChrist."Theassemblythensaid:"Peace(orSalvation)toallonwhomthisnamerests!"

TheboyDionusos,torninpieces,accordingtotheBacchicMysteries,bytheTitans,wasconsideredby
theManicheansassimplyrepresentingtheSoul,swallowedupbythepowersofdarkness,thedivine
liferentintofragmentsbymatter:thatpartoftheluminousessenceoftheprimitiveman[the[Protos
Anthropos]ofMani,the[PranAnthrpos]oftheValentinians,theAdamKadmonoftheKabalah;
andtheKalomortsoftheZendavesta],swallowedupbythepowersofdarkness;theMundaneSoul,
mixedwithmattertheseedofdivinelife,whichhadfallenintomatter,andhadthencetoundergoa
processofpurificationanddevelopment.

The[Gnosis]ofCarpocratesandhissonEpiphanesconsistedintheknowledgeofoneSupreme
Originalbeing,thehighestunity,fromwhomallexistencehasemanated,andtowhomitstrivesto
return.ThefinitespiritsthatruleovertheseveralportionsoftheEarth,seektocounteractthisuniversal
tendencytounity;andfromtheirinfluence,theirlaws,andarrangements,proceedsallthatchecks,
disturbs,orlimitstheoriginalcommunion,whichisthebasisofnature,astheoutwardmanifestationof
thathighestUnity.Thesespirits,moreover,seektoretain
undertheirdominionthesoulswhich,emanatingfromthehighestUnity,andstillpartakingofits
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nature,havelapsedintothecorporealworld,andhavetherebeenimprisonedinbodies,inorder,under
theirdominion,tobekeptwithinthecycleofmigration.Fromthesefinitespirits,thepopularreligions
ofdifferentnationsderivetheirorigin.Butthesoulswhich,fromareminiscenceoftheirformer
condition,soarupwardtothecontemplationofthathigherUnity,reachtosuchperfectfreedomand
repose,asnothingafterwardcandisturborlimit,andrisesuperiortothepopulardeitiesandreligions.
Asexamplesofthissort,theynamedPythagoras,Plato,Aristotle,andChrist.Theymadenodistinction
betweenthelatterandthewiseandgoodmenofeverynation.Theytaughtthatanyothersoulwhich
couldsoartothesameheightofcontemplation,mightberegardedasequalwithHim.

TheOphitescommencedtheirsystemwithaSupremeBeing,longunknowntotheHumanrace,and
stillsothegreaternumberofmen;the[Buthos],orProfundity,SourceofLight,andofAdamKadmon,
thePrimitiveMan,madebytheDemiourgos,butperfectedbytheSupremeGodbythecommunication
tohimoftheSpirit[Pneuma].ThefirstemanationwastheThoughtoftheSupremeDeity[theEnnoia],
theconceptionoftheUniverseintheThoughtofGod.ThisThought,calledalsoSilence(Sig),
producedtheSpirit[Pneuma],MotheroftheLiving,andWisdomofGod.TogetherwiththisPrimitive
Existence,Matterexistedalso(theWaters,Darkness,Abyss,andChaos),eternalliketheSpiritual
Principle.ButhosandHisThought,unitingwithWisdom,madeherfruitfulbytheDivineLight,and
sheproducedaperfectandanimperfectbeing,Christos,andaSecondandinferiorwisdom,Sophia
Achamoth,whofallingintochaosremainedentangledthere,becameenfeebled,andlostallknowledge
oftheSuperiorWisdomthatgaveherbirth.CommunicatingmovementtoChaos,sheproduced
Ialdabaoth,theDemiourgos,AgentofMaterialCreation,andthenascendedtowardherfirstplaceinthe
scaleofcreation.laldabaothproducedanangelthatwashisimage,andthisasecond,andsoonin
successiontothesixthaftertheDemiourgosthesevenbeingreflectionsoneoftheother,yetdifferent
andinhabitingsevendistinctregions.ThenamesofthesixthusproducedwereIAO,SABAOTH,
ADONAI,ELOI,ORAI,andASTAPHALIaldabaoth,tobecomeindependentofhismother,andto
passfortheSupremeBeing,madetheworld,andman,inhisownimage;andhismothercausedthe
Spiritualprincipletopassfromhimintomansomade;andhenceforwardthecontestbetweenthe
Demiourgosandhismother,betweenlightanddarkness,goodandevil,wasconcentratedinman;and
theimageofIaldabaoth,reflecteduponmatter,becametheSerpentSpirit,Satan,theEvilIntelligence.
Eve,createdbyIaldabaoth,hadbyUsSonschildrenthatwereangelslikethemselves.TheSpiritual
lightwaswithdrawnfrommanbySophia,andtheworldsurrenderedtotheinfluenceofevil;untilthe
Spirit,urgedbytheentreatiesofWisdom,inducedtheSupremeBeingtosendChristostoredeemit.
Compelled,despitehimself,byhisMother,IaldabaothcausedthemanJesustobebornofaVirgin,and
theCelestialSaviour,unitingwithhisSister,Wisdom,descendedthroughtheregionsoftheseven
angels,appearedineachundertheformofitschief,concealedhisown,andenteredwithhissisterinto
themanJesusatthebaptisminJordan.Ialdabaoth,findingthatJesuswasdestroyinghisempireand
abolishinghisworship,causedtheJewstohateandcrucifyHim;beforewhichhappened,Christosand
Wisdomhadascendedtothecelestialregions.TheyrestoredJesustolifeandgaveHimanethereal
body,inwhichHeremainedeighteenmonthsonearth,andreceivingfromWisdomtheperfect
knowledge[Gnosis],communicatedittoasmallnumberofHisapostles,andthenarosetothe
intermediateregioninhabitedbylaldabaoth,where,unknowntohim,Hesitsathisrighthand,taking
fromhimtheSoulsofLightpurifiedbyChristos.WhennothingoftheSpiritualworldshallremain
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subjecttolaldabaoth,theredemptionwillbeaccomplished,andtheendoftheworld,thecompletionof
thereturnofLightintothePlenitude,willoccur.

TatianadoptedthetheoryofEmanation,ofEons,oftheexistenceofaGodtoosublimetoallow
Himselftobeknown,butdisplayingHimselfbyIntelligencesemanatingfromHisbosom.Thefirstof
thesewasHisspirit[Pneuma],GodHimself,Godthinking,GodconceivingtheUniverse.Thesecond
wastheWord[Logos],nolongermerelytheThoughtorConception,buttheCreativeUtterance,
manifestationoftheDivinity,butemanatingfromtheThoughtorSpirit;theFirstBegotten,authorof
thevisiblecreation.ThiswastheTrinity,composedoftheFather,Spirit,andWord.

TheElxatesadoptedtheSevenSpiritsoftheGnostics;butnamedthemHeaven,Water,Spirit,The
HolyAngelsofPrayer,Oil,Salt,andtheEarth.TheopinionoftheDoketesastothehumannatureof
JesusChrist,wasthatmostgenerallyreceivedamongtheGnostics.Theydeemedtheintelligencesof
theSuperiorWorldtoopureandtoomuchtheantagonistsofmatter,tobewillingtounitewithit:and
heldthatChrist,anIntelligenceofthefirstrank,inappearingupontheearth,didnotbecome
confoundedwithmatter,buttookuponHimselfonlytheappearanceofabody,oratthemostusedit
onlyasanenvelope.

NotustermedtheSonthefirstUtteranceoftheFather;theWord,notbyHimself,asanIntelligence,
andunconnectedwiththeflesh,arealSon;butaWord,andaperfectOnlyBegotten;lightemanated
fromtheLight;waterflowingfromitsspring;arayemanatedfromtheSun.

PaulofSamosatataughtthatJesusChristwastheSonofJosephandMary;butthattheWord,Wisdom,
orIntelligenceofGod,the[Nous]oftheGnostics,haduniteditselfwithHim,sothatHemightbesaid
tobeatoncetheSonofGod,andGodHimself.

AriuscalledtheSaviourthefirstofcreatures,nonemanatedfromGod,butreallycreated,bythedirect
willofGod,beforetimeandtheages.AccordingtotheChurch,ChristwasofthesamenatureasGod;
accordingtosomedissenters,ofthesamenatureasman.Ariusadoptedthetheoryofanature
analogoustoboth.WhenGodresolvedtocreatetheHumanrace,HemadeaBeingwhichHecalled
THEWORD,THESON,WISDOM[Logos,Uios,Sophia],totheendthatHemightgiveexistenceto
men.ThisWORDistheOrmuzdofZoroaster,theEnsophoftheKabalah,theofPlatonismand
Philonism,andtheor[SophiaorDemiourgos]oftheGnostics.HedistinguishedtheInferiorWisdom,
orthedaughter,fromtheSuperiorWisdom;thelatterbeinginGod,inherentinHisnature,and
incapableofcommunicationtoanycreature;thesecond,bywhichtheSonwasmade,communicated
itselftoHim,andthereforeHeHimselfwasentitledtobecalledtheWordandtheSon.

Manes,founderoftheSectoftheManicheans,whohadlivedandbeendistinguishedamongthe
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PersianMagi,profitedbythedoctrinesofScythianus,aKabalistorJudaizingGnosticofthetimesof
theApostles;andknowingthoseofBardesanesandHarmonius,derivedhisdoctrinesfrom
Zoroasterism,Christianity,andGnosticism.Heclaimedtobethe[Parakltos]orComforter,inthe
SenseofaTeacher,organoftheDeity,butnotinthatoftheHolySpiritorHolyGhost;andcommenced
hisEpistolaFundamentiinthesewords:"Manes,ApostleofJesusChrist,electofGodtheFather;
BeholdtheWordsofSalvation,emanatingfromthelivingandeternalfountain."Thedominantideaof
hisdoctrinewasPantheism,derivedbyhimfromitssourceintheregionsofIndiaandontheconfines
ofChina:thatthecauseofallthatexistsisinGod;andatlast,Godisallinall.AllsoulsareequalGod
isinall,inmen,animals,andplants.TherearetwoGods,oneofGoodandtheotherofEvil,each
independent,eternal,chiefofadistinctEmpire;necessarily,andoftheirverynatures,hostiletoone
another.TheEvilGod,Satan,istheGeniusofmatteralone.TheGodofGoodisinfinitelyhisSuperior,
theTrueGod;whiletheotherisbutthechiefofallthatistheEnemyofGod,andmustintheend
succumbtoHisPower.TheEmpireofLightaloneiseternalandtrue;andthisEmpireisagreatchain
ofEmanations,allconnectedwiththeSupremeBeingwhichtheymakemanifest;allHim,under
differentforms,chosenforoneend,thetriumphoftheGood.IneachofHismembersliehidden
thousandsofineffabletreasures.ExcellentinHisGlory,incomprehensibleinHisGreatness,theFather
hasjoinedtoHimselfthosefortunate,andgloriousEons[Aions],whosePowerandNumberitis
impossibletodetermine.ThisisSpinoza'sInfinityofInfiniteAttributesofGod.TwelveChiefEons,at
theheadofall,weretheGeniiofthetwelveConstellationsoftheZodiac,andcalledbyManes,Olamin.
Satan,also,LordoftheEmpireofDarkness,hadanArmyofEonsorDemons,emanatingfromhis
Essence,andreflectingmoreorlesshisimage,butdividedandinharmoniousamongthemselves.Awar
amongthembroughtthemtotheconfinesoftheRealmofLight.

Delighted,theysoughttoconquerit.ButtheChiefoftheCelestialEmpirecreatedaPowerwhichhe
placedonthefrontiersofHeaventoprotecthisEons,anddestroytheEmpireofEvil.Thiswasthe
MotherofLife,theSouloftheWorld,anEmanationfromtheSupremeBeing,toopuretocomein
immediatecontactwithmatter.Itremainedinthehighestregion;butproducedaSon,thefirstMan[the
Kaiomorts,AdamKadmon,[ProtosAnthropos,]andHivilZivah;oftheZendAvesta,theKabalah,the
Gnosis,andSabeism];whocommencedthecontestwiththePowersofEvil,but,losingpartofhis
panoply,ofhisLight,hisSonandmanysoulsbornoftheLight,whoweredevouredbythedarkness,
GodsenttohisassistancethelivingSpirit,ortheSonoftheFirstMan[UiosAnthropou],orJesus
Christ.TheMotherofLife,generalPrincipleofDivineLife,andthefirstMan,Primitivebeingthat
revealstheDivineLife,aretoosublimetobeconnectedwiththeEmpireofDarkness.

TheSonofManorSouloftheWorld,entersintotheDarkness,becomesitscaptive,toendby
temperingandsofteningitssavagenature.TheDivineSpirit,afterhavingbroughtbackthePrimitive
MantotheEmpireofLight,raisesabovetheworldthatpartoftheCelestialSoulthatremained
unaffectedbybeingmingledwiththeEmpireofDarkness.PlacedintheregionoftheSunandMoon,
thispuresoul,theSonofMan,theRedeemerorChrist,laborstodeliverandattracttoHimselfthatpart
oftheLightoroftheSouloftheFirstMandiffusedthroughmatter;whichdone,theworldwillceaseto
exist.ToretaintheraysofLightstillremainingamonghisEons,andevertendingtoescapeandreturn,
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byconcentratingthem,thePrinceofDarkness,withtheirconsent,madeAdam,whosesoulwasofthe
DivineLight,contributedbytheEons,andhisbodyofmatter,sothathebelongedtobothEmpires,that
ofLightandthatofDarkness.Topreventthelightfromescapingatonce,theDemonsforbadeAdamto
eatthefruitof"knowledgeofgoodandevil,"bywhichhewouldhaveknowntheEmpireofLightand
thatofDarkness.Heobeyed;anAngelofLightinducedhimtotransgress,andgavehimthemeansof
victory;buttheDemonscreatedEve,whoseducedhimintoanactofSensualism,thatenfeebledhim,
andboundhimanewinthebondsofmatter.Thisisrepeatedinthecaseofeverymanthatlives.

Todeliverthesoul,captiveindarkness,thePrincipleofLight,orGeniusoftheSun,chargedtoredeem
theIntellectualWorld,ofwhichheisthetype,cametomanifestHimselfamongmen.Lightappearedin
thedarkness,butthedarknesscomprehendeditnot;accordingtothewords
ofSt.John.TheLightcouldnotunitewiththedarkness.Itbutputontheappearanceofahumanbody,
andtookthenameofChristintheMessiah,onlytoaccommodateitselftothelanguageoftheJews.
TheLightdiditswork,turningtheJewsfromtheadorationoftheEvil
Principle,andthePagansfromtheworshipofDemons.ButtheChiefoftheEmpireofDarknesscaused
HimtobecrucifiedbytheJews.StillHesufferedinappearanceonly,andHisdeathgavetoallsouls
thesymboloftheirenfranchisement.ThepersonofJesushavingdisappeared,there
wasseeninHisplaceacrossofLight,overwhichacelestialvoicepronouncedthesewords:"Thecross
ofLightiscalledTheWord,Christ,TheGate,Joy,TheBread,TheSun,TheResurrection,Jesus,The
Father,TheSpirit,Life,Truth,andGrace."

WiththePriscillianiststhereweretwoprinciples,onetheDivinity,theother,PrimitiveMatterand
Darkness;eacheternal.Satanisthesonandlordofmatter;andthesecondaryangelsanddemons,
childrenofmatter.Satancreatedandgovernsthevisibleworld.Butthesoulofmanemanatedfrom
God,andisofthesamesubstancewithGod.Seducedbytheevilspirits,itpassesthroughvarious
bodies,until,purifiedandreformed,itrisestoGodandisstrengthenedbyHislight.Thesepowersof
evilholdmankindinledge;andtoredeemthispledge,theSaviour,ChristtheRedeemer,cameanddied
uponthecrossofexpiation,thusdischargingthewrittenobligation.He,likeallsouls,wasofthesame
substancewithGod,amanifestationoftheDivinity,noformingasecondperson;unborn,likethe
Divinity,andnothingelsethantheDivinityunderanotherform.

Itisuselesstotracethesevagariesfurther;andwestopatthefrontiersoftherealmofthethreehundred
andsixtyfivethousandemanationsoftheMandatesfromthePrimitiveLight,FiraorFerhoand
Yavar;andreturncontentedlytothesimpleandsublimecreedofMasonry.

SuchweresomeoftheancientnotionsconcerningtheDeityandtakeninconnectionwithwhathas
beendetailedintheprecedingDegrees,thisLectureaffordsyouatruepictureoftheancient
speculations.Fromthebeginninguntilnow,thosewhohaveundertakentosolvethegreatmysteryof
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thecreationofamaterialuniversebyanImmaterialDeity,haveinterposedbetweenthetwo,and
betweenGodandman,diversmanifestationsof,oremanationsfrom,orpersonifiedattributesoragents
of,theGreatSupremeGod,whoiscoexistentwithTimeandcoextensivewithSpace.

TheuniversalbeliefoftheOrientwas,thattheSupremeBeingdidnotHimselfcreateeithertheearth
orman.ThefragmentwhichcommencestheBookofGenesis,consistingofthefirstchapterandthe
threefirstversesofthesecond,assignsthecreationorrathertheformationormodellingoftheworld
frommatteralreadyexistinginconfusion,nottolHUH,buttotheALHIM,wellknownasSubordinate
Deities,Forces,orManifestations,amongthePhnicians.ThesecondfragmentimputesittoIHUH
ALHIM,*andSt.JohnassignsthecreationtotheorWORD;andassertsthatCHRISTwasthat
WORD,aswellasLIGHTandLIFE,otheremanationsfromtheGreatPrimevalDeity,towhichother
faithshadassignedtheworkofcreation.

Anabsoluteexistence,whollyimmaterial,innowaywithinthereachofoursenses;acause,butnotan
effectthatneverwasnot,butexistedduringaninfinityofeternities,beforetherewasanythingelse
exceptTimeandSpace,iswhollybeyondthereachofourconceptions.Themindofmanhaswearied
itselfinspeculationsastoHisnature,Hisessence,Hisattributes;andendedinbeingnowiserthanit
began.Intheimpossibilityofconceivingofimmateriality,wefeelatseaandlostwheneverwego
beyondthedomainofmatter.AndyetweknowthattherearePower*TheSubstance,orVerySelf,of
whichtheAlohayimarethemanifestations.

Forces,Causes,thatarethemselvesnotmatter.Wegivethemnames,butwhattheyreallyare,andwhat
theiressence,wearewhollyignorant.But,fortunately,itdoesnotfollowthatwemaynotbelieve,or
evenknow,thatwhichwecannotexplaintoourselves,orthatwhichisbeyondthereachofour
comprehension.Ifwebelievedonlythatwhichourintellectcangrasp,measure,comprehend,andhave
distinctandclearideasof,weshouldbelievescarceanything.Thesensesarenotthewitnessesthatbear
testimonytousoftheloftiesttruths.

Ourgreatestdifficultyis,thatlanguageisnotadequatetoexpressourideas;becauseourwordsreferto
things,andareimagesofwhatissubstantialandmaterial.Ifweusetheword"emanation",ourmind
involuntarilyrecurstosomethingmaterial,flowingoutofsomeotherthingthatismaterial;andifwe
rejectthisideaofmateriality,nothingisleftoftheemanationbutanunreality.Theword"thing"itself
suggeststousthatwhichismaterialandwithinthecognizanceandjurisdictionofthesenses.

Ifwecutawayfromittheideaofmateriality,itpresentsitselftousasnothing,butanintangible
unreality,whichthemindvainlyendeavorstograsp.ExistenceandBeingaretermsthathavethesame
colorofmateriality;andwhenwespeakofaPowerorForce,themindimmediatelyimagestoitselfone
physicalandmaterialthingactinguponanother.Eliminatethatidea;andthePowerorForce,devoidof
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physicalcharacteristics,seemsasunrealastheshadowthatdancesonawall,itselfamereabsenceof
light;asspiritistousmerelythatwhichisnotmatter.

Infinitespaceandinfinitetimearethetwoprimaryideas.Weformulizethemthus:addbodytobody
andspheretosphere,untiltheimaginationwearies;andstilltherewillremainbeyond,avoid,empty,
unoccupiedSPACE,limitless,becauseitisvoid.Addeventtoeventincontinuoussuccession,forever
andforever,andtherewillstillremain,beforeandafter,aTIMEinwhichtherewasandwillbeno
event,andalsoendlessbecauseittooisvoid.

Thusthesetwoideasoftheboundlessnessofspaceandtheendlessnessoftimeseemtoinvolvethe
ideasthatmatterandeventsarelimitedandfinite.Wecannotconceiveofaninfinityofworldsorof
events;butonlyofanindefinitenumberofeach;for.aswestruggletoconceiveoftheirinfinity,the
thoughteveroccursindespiteofalloureffortstheremustbespaceinwhichtherearenoworlds;there
musthavebeentimewhentherewerenoevents.

Wecannotconceivehow,ifthisearthmovesmillionsofmillionsofmilesamilliontimesrepeated,itis
stillinthecentreofspace;norhow,ifwelivedmillionsofmillionsofagesandcenturies,weshould
stillbeinthecentreofeternitywithstillasmuchspaceononesideasontheother;withstillasmuch
timebeforeusasbehind;forthatseemstosaythattheworldhasnotmovednorwelivedatall.

Norcanwecomprehendhowaninfiniteseriesofworlds,addedtogether,isnolargerthananinfinite
seriesofatoms;oraninfiniteseriesofcenturiesnolongerthananinfiniteseriesofseconds;bothbeing
alikeinfinite,andthereforeoneseriescontainingnomorenorfewerunitsthantheother.

Norhavewethecapacitytoforminourselvesanyideaofthatwhichisimmaterial.Weusetheword,
butitconveystouson1vtheideaoftheabsenceandnegationofmateriality;whichvanishing,Space
andTimealone,infiniteandboundless,seemtoustobeleft.

Wecannotformanyconceptionofaneffectwithoutacause.Wecannotbutbelieve,indeedweknow,
thathowfarsoeverwemayhavetorunbackalongthechainofeffectsandcauses,itcannotbeinfinite;
butwemustcomeatlasttosomethingwhichisnotaneffect,butthefirstcause:andvetthefactis
literaltvbeyondourcomprehension.Themindrefusestograsptheideaofselfexistence,ofexistence
withoutabeginning.Aswellexpectthehairthatgrowsuponourheadtounderstandthenatureand
immortalityofthesoul.

Itdoesnotneedtogosofarinsearchofmysteries;norhaveweanyrighttodisbelieveordoubtthe
existenceofaGreatFirstCause,itselfnoeffect,becausewecannotcomprehendit;becausethewords
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weusedonotevenexpressittousadequately.

Werubaneedleforalittlewhile,onadark,inertmassofironore,thathadlainidleintheearthfor
manycenturies.Somethingistherebycommunicatedtothesteelwetermitavirtue,apower,ora
qualityandthenwebalanceituponapivot;and,lo!drawnbysomeinvisible,mysteriousPower,one
poleoftheneedleturnstotheNorth,andtherethesamePowerkeepsthesamepolefordaysandyears;
willkeepitthere,perhaps,aslongastheworldlasts,carrytheneedlewhereyouwill,andnomatter
whatseasormountainsintervenebetweenitandtheNorthPoleoftheworld.AndthisPower,thus
acting,andindicatingtothemarinerhiscourseoverthetracklessocean,whenthestarsshinenotfor
manydays,savesvesselsfromshipwreck,familiesfromdistress,andthosefromsuddendeathon
whoselivesthefateofnationsandthepeaceoftheworlddepend.Butforit,Napoleonmightnever
havereachedtheportsofFranceonhisreturnfromEgypt,norNelsonlivedtofightandwinat
Trafalgar.MencallthisPowerMagnetism,andthencomplacentlythinkthattheyhaveexplaineditall;
andyettheyhavebutgivenanewnametoanunknownthing,tohidetheirignorance.Whatisthis
wonderfulPower?Itisareal,actual,activePowerthatweknowandsee.Butwhatitsessenceis,orhow
itacts,wedonotknow,anymorethanweknowtheessenceorthemodeofactionoftheCreative
ThoughtandWordofGod.

Andagain,whatisthatwhichwetermgalvanismandelectricity,which,evolvedbytheactionofalittle
acidontwometals,aidedbyamagnet,circlestheearthinasecond,sendingfromlandtolandthe
Thoughtsthatgovernthetransactionsofindividualsandnations?Themindhasformednonotionof
matter,thatwillincludeit;andnonamethatwecangiveit,helpsustounderstanditsessenceandits
being.ItisaPower,likeThoughtandtheWill.Weknownomore.

Whatisthispowerofgravitationthatmakeseverythingupontheearthtendtothecentre?Howdoesit
reachoutitsinvisiblehandstowardtheerraticmeteorstones,arrestthemintheirswiftcourse,anddraw
themdowntotheearth'sbosom?Itisapower.Weknownomore.

Whatisthatheatwhichplayssowonderfulapartintheworld'seconomy,thatcaloric,latent
everywhere,withinusandwithoutus,producedbycombustion,byintensepressure,andbyswift
motion?Isitsubstance,matter,spirit,orimmaterial,amereForceorStateofMatter?Andwhatis
light?Asubstance,saythebooks,matter,thattravelstousfromthesunandstars,eachrayseparable
intoseven,bytheprism,ofdistinctcolors,andwithdistinctpeculiarqualitiesandactions.Andifa
substance,whatisitsessence,andwhatpowerisinherentinit,bywhichitjourneysincalculable
myriadsofmiles,andreachesustenthousandyearsormoreafteritleavesthestars?

Allpowerisequallyamystery.Applyintensecoldtoadropofwaterinthecentreofaglobeofiron,
andtheglobeisshatteredasthewaterfreezes.Confinealittleofthesamelimpidelementinacylinder
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whichEnceladusorTyphoncouldnothaverisenasunder,andapplytoitintenseheat,andthevast
powerthatcouchedlatentinthewatershiversthecylindertoatoms.Alittleshootfromaminuteseed,a
shootsosoftandtenderthattheleastbruisewouldkillit,forcesitswaydownwardintothehard,earth,
tothedepthofmanyfeet,withanenergywhollyincomprehensible.Whatarethesemightyforces,
lockedupinthesmallseedandthedropofwater?

Nay,whatisLIFEitself,withallitswondrous,mightyenergies,thatpowerwhichmaintainstheheat
withinus,andpreventsourbodies,thatdecaysosoonwithoutit,fromresolutionintotheiroriginal
elementsLife,thatconstantmiracle,thenatureandessencewhereofhaveeludedallthephilosophers;
andalltheirlearneddissertationsonitareamerejargonofwords?

NowondertheancientPersiansthoughtthatLightandLifewereone,bothemanationsfromthe
SupremeDeity,thearchetypeoflight.NowonderthatintheirignorancetheyworshippedtheSun.God
breathedintomanthespiritoflife,notmatter,butanemanationfromHimself;notacreaturemadeby
Him,noradistinctexistence,butaPower,likeHisownThought;andlight,tothosegreatsouled
ancients,alsoseemednocreature,andnogrossmaterialsubstance,butapureemanationfromthe
Deity,immortalandindestructiblelikeHimself.

What,indeed,isREALITY?Ourdreamsareasreal,whiletheylast,astheoccurrencesofthedaytime.
Wesee,hear,feel,act,experiencepleasureandsufferpain,asvividlyandactuallyinadreamaswhen
awake.Theoccurrencesandtransactionsofayeararecrowdedintothelimitsofasecond:andthe
dreamrememberedisasrealasthepastoccurrencesoflife.

Thephilosopherstellusthatwehavenocognizanceofsubstanceitself,butonlyofitsattributes:that
whenweseethatwhichwecallablockofmarble,ourperceptionsgiveusinformationonlyof
somethingextended,solid,colored,heavy,andthelike;butnotoftheverythingitself,towhichthese
attributesbelong.Andyettheattributesdonotexistwithoutthesubstance.

Theyarenotsubstances,butadjectives.Thereisnosuchthingorexistenceashardness,weightorcolor,
byitself,detachedfromanysubject,movingfirsthere,thenthere,andattachingitselftothisandtothe
othersubject.Andyet,theysay,theattributesarenotthesubject.

SoThought,Volition,andPerceptionarenotthesoul,butitsattributes;andwehavenocognizanceof
thesoulitself,butonlyofthem,itsmanifestations.NorofGod;butonlyofHisWisdom,Power,
Magnificence,Truth,andotherattributes.

Andyetweknowthatthereismatter,asoulwithinourbody,aGodthatlivesintheUniverse.Take,
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then,theattributesofthesoul.IamconsciousthatIexistandamthesameidenticalpersonthatIwas
twentyyearsago.IamconsciousthatmybodyisnotI,thatifmyarmswereloppedaway,thisperson
thatIcallME,wouldstillremain,complete,entire,identicalasbefore.ButIcannotascertain,bythe
mostintenseandlongcontinuedreflection,whatIam,norwherewithinmybodyIreside,norwhether
Iamapoint,oranexpandedsubstance.Ihavenopowertoexamineandinspect.Iexist,will,think,
perceive.ThatIknow,andnothingmore.IthinkanobleandsublimeThought.WhatisthatThought?It
isnotMatter,norSpirit.ItisnotaThing;butaPowerandForce.Imakeuponapapercertain
conventionalmarks,thatrepresentthatThought.ThereisnoPowerorVirtueinthemarksIwrite,but
onlyintheThoughtwhichtheytelltoothers.Idie,buttheThoughtstilllives.ItisaPower.Itactson
men,excitesthemtoenthusiasm,inspirespatriotism,governstheirconduct,controlstheirdestinies,
disposesoflifeanddeath.ThewordsIspeakarebutacertainsuccessionofparticularsounds,thatby
conventionalarrangementcommunicatetootherstheImmaterial,Intangible,EternalThought.Thefact
thatThoughtcontinuestoexistaninstant,afteritmakesitsappearanceinthesoul,provesitimmortal:
forthereisnothingconceivablethatcandestroyit.Thespokenwords,beingmeresounds,mayvanish
intothinair,andthewrittenones,meremarks,beburned,erased,destroyedbuttheTHOUGHTitself
livesstill,andmustliveonforever.

AHumanThought,then,isanactualEXISTENCE,andaFORCEandPOWER,capableofactingupon
andcontrollingmatteraswellasmind.IsnottheexistenceofaGod,whoistheimmaterialsoulofthe
Universe,andwhoseTHOUGHT,embodiedornotembodiedinHisWORD,isanInfinitePower,of
Creationandproduction,destructionandpreservation,quiteascomprehensibleastheexistenceofa
Soul,ofaThoughtseparatedfromtheSoul,ofthePowerofthatThoughttomouldthefateand
influencetheDestiniesofHumanity?

AndyetweknownotwhenthatThoughtcomes,norwhatitis.ItisnotWE.Wedonotmouldit,shape
it,fashionit.Itisneitherourmechanismnorourinvention.Itappearsspontaneously,flashing,asit
were,intothesoul,makingthatsoultheinvoluntaryinstrumentofitsutterancetotheworld.Itcomesto
us,andseemsastrangertous,seekingahome.

AslittlecanweexplainthemightypowerofthehumanWILL,Volition,likeThought,seems
spontaneous,aneffectwithoutacause.Circumstancesprovokeit,andserveasitsoccasion,butdonot
produceit.Itspringsupinthesoul,likeThought,asthewatersgushupwardinaspring.Isitthe
manifestationofthesoul,merelymakingapparentwhatpasseswithinthesoul,oranemanationfromit,
goingabroadandactingoutwardly,itselfarealExistence,asitisanadmittedPower?Wecanbutown
ourignorance.Itiscertainthatitactsonothersouls,controls,directsthem,shapestheiraction,
legislatesformenandnationsandyetitisnotmaterialnorvisible;andthelawsitwritesmerelynone
soulofwhathaspassedwithinanother.

God,therefore,isamystery,onlyaseverythingthatsurroundsusandasweourselves,aremysteries.
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WeknowthatthereisandmustbeaFIRSTCAUSE.Hisattributes,severedfromHimself,are
unrealities.Ascolorandextension,weightandhardness,donotexistapartfrommatterasseparate
existencesandsubstantives,spiritualorimmaterial;sotheGoodness,Wisdom,justice,Mercy,and
BenevolenceofGodarenotindependentexistences,personifythemasmenmay,butattributesofthe
Deity,theadjectivesofOneGreatSubstantive.ButweknowthatHemustbeGood,True,Wise,Just,
Benevolent,Mercifulandinallthese,andallHisotherattributes,PerfectandInfinite;becauseweare
consciousthatthesearelawsimposedonusbytheverynatureofthings,necessary,andwithoutwhich
theUniversewouldbeconfusionandtheexistenceofaGodincredible.TheyareofHisessence,and
necessary,asHisexistenceis.

[Estos],ofSimonMagus,theHeistheLiving,Thinking,IntelligentSOULoftheUniverse,the
PERMANENT,theSTATIONARY[ONEthatalwaysis[ToToON]ofPlato,ascontradistinguished
fromtheperpetualfluxandreflux,orGenesis,ofthings.

And,astheThoughtoftheSoul,emanatingfromtheSoul,becomesaudibleandvisibleinWords,so
didTHETHOUGHTOFGOD,springingupwithinHimself,immortalasHimself,whenonce
conceived,immortalbefore,becauseinHimself,utterItselfinTHEWORD,itsmanifestationandmode
ofcommunication,andthuscreatetheMaterial,Mental,SpiritualUniverse,which,likeHim,never
begantoexist.

ThisistherealideaoftheAncientNationsGOD,theAlmightyFather,andSourceofAll;His
THOUGHT,conceivingthewholeUniverse,andwillingitscreation:HisWORD,utteringthat
THOUGHT,andthusbecomingtheCreatororDemiourgos,inthewhomwasLifeandLight,andthat
LighttheLifeoftheUniverse.

NordidthatWordceaseatthesingleactofCreation;andhavingsetgoingthegreatmachine,and
enactedthelawsofitsmotionandprogression,ofbirthandlife,andchangeanddeath,ceasetoexist,or
remainthereafterininertidleness.

FORTHETHOUGHTOFGODLIVESANDISIMMORTAL.EmbodiedintheWORD,isnotonly
created,butitpreserves.ItconductsandcontrolstheUniverse,allspheres,allworlds,allactionsof
mankind,andofeveryanimateandinanimatecreature.Itspeaksinthesoulofeverymanwholives.
TheStars,theEarth,theTrees,theWinds,theuniversalvoiceofNature,tempest,andavalanche,the
Sea'sroarandthegravevoiceofthewaterfall,thehoarsethunderandthelowwhisperofthebrook,the
songofbirds,thevoiceoflove,thespeechofmen,allarethealphabetinwhichitcommunicatesitself
tomen,andinformsthemofthewillandlawofGod,theSouloftheUniverse.Andthusmosttrulydid
"THEWORDBECOMEPLESHANDDWELLAMONGMEN."God,theunknownFATHER[Pater
Agnstos],knowntousonlybyHisAttributes;theABSOLUTEIAMTheTHOUGHTofGod
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[Ennoia],andtheWORD[Logos],ManifestationandexpressionoftheThought.BeholdTHETRUE
MASONICTRINITY;theUNIVERSALSOUL,theTHOUGHTintheSoul,theWORD,orThought
expressed;theTHREETNONE,ofaTrinitarianEcossais.

HereMasonrypauses,andleavesitsInitiatestocarryoutanddevelopthesegreatTruthsinsuch
mannerastoeachmayseemmostaccordantwithreason,philosophy,truth,andhisreligiousfaith.It
declinestoactasArbiterbetweenthem.Itlookscalmlyon,whileeachmultipliestheintermediates
betweentheDeityandMatter,andthepersonificationsofGod'smanifestationsandattributes,to
whateverextenthisreason,hisconviction,orhisfancydictates.

WhiletheIndiantellsusthatPARABRAHMA,BRAHM,andPARATMAwerethefirstTriuneGod,
revealingHimselfasBRAHMA,VISHNU,andSIVA,Creator,Preserver,andDestroyer;TheEgyptian,
ofAMUNRE,NEITH,andPHTHA,Creator,Matter,ThoughtorLight;thePersianofhisTrinityof
ThreePowersinORMUZD,SourcesofLight,Fire,andWater;theBuddhistsoftheGodSAKYA,a
TrinitycomposedofBUDDHA,DHARMandSANGA,Intelligence,Law,andUnionorHarmony;the
ChineseSabeansoftheirTrinityofChangti,theSupremeSovereign;Tien,theHeavens;andTao,the
UniversalSupremeReasonandPrincipleofallthings;whoproducedtheUnit;that,two;two,three;
andthree,allthatis.WhiletheSclavonoVendtypifieshisTrinitybythethreeheadsoftheGod
Triglav;theAncientPrussianpointstohisTriuneGod,Perkoun,Pikollos,andPotrimpos,Deitiesof
LightandThunder,ofHellandoftheEarth;theAncientScandinaviantoOdin,Frea,andThor;andthe
oldEtruscanstoTINA,TALNA,andMINIMVA,Strength,Abundance,andWisdom;WhilePlatotells
usoftheSupremeGood,theReasonorIntellect,andthe],andtheSoulorSpirit;andPhiloofthe
ArchetypeofLight,Wisdom[istheKabalists,oftheTriadsoftheSephirothWord]whilethedisciples
ofSimonMagus,andthemanysectsoftheGnostics,confuseuswiththeirEons,Emanations,Powers,
WisdomSuperiorandInferior,Ialdabaoth,AdamKadmon,eventothethreehundredandsixtyfive
thousandemanationsoftheMaldaites.AndwhilethepiousChristianbelievesthattheWORDdweltin
theMortalBodyofJesusofNazareth,andsufferedupontheCross;andthattheHOLYGHOSTwas
pouredoutupontheApostles,andnowinspireseverytrulyChristianSoul.

WhileallthesefaithsasserttheirclaimstotheexclusivepossessionoftheTruth,Masonryinculcatesits
olddoctrine,andnomore.ThatGodisONE;thatHisTHOUGHTutteredinHisWORD,createdthe
Universe,andpreservesitbythoseEternalLawswhicharetheexpressionofthatThought:thatthe
SoulofMan,breathedintohimbyGod,isimmortalasHisThoughtsare;thatheisfreetodoevilorto
choosegood,responsibleforhisactsandpunishableforhissins:thatallevilandwrongandsuffering
arebuttemporary,thediscordsofonegreatHarmony,andthatinHisgoodtimetheywillleadby
infinitemodulationstothegreat,harmonicfinalchordandcadenceofTruth,Love,Peace,and
Happiness,thatwillringforeverandeverundertheArchesofHeaven,amongalltheStarsandWorlds,
andinallsoulsofmenandAngels.
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XXVII.KNIGHTCOMMANDEROFTHEEMPIRE

THISisthefirstofthereallyChivalricDegreesoftheAncientandAcceptedScottishRite.Itoccupies
thisplaceintheCalendaroftheDegreesbetweenthe26thandthelastofthePhilosophicalDegrees,in
order,bybreakingthecontinuityofthese,torelievewhatmight
otherwisebecomewearisome;andalsotoremindthat,whileengagedwiththespeculationsand
abstractionsofphilosophyandcreeds,theMasonisalsotocontinueengagedinactivedutiesofthis
greatwarfareoflife.

HeisnotonlyaMoralistandPhilosopher,butaSoldier,theSuccessorofthoseKnightsoftheMiddle
Age,who,whiletheyworetheCross,alsowieldedtheSword,andweretheSoldiersofHonor,Loyalty,
andDuty.

Timeschange,andcircumstances;butVirtueandDutyremainthesame.TheEvilstobewarredagainst
buttakeanothershapeandaredevelopedinadifferentform.

ThereisthesameneednowoftruthandloyaltyasinthedaysofFredericBarbarossa.

Thecharacters,religiousandmilitary,attentiontothesickandwoundedintheHospital,andwar
againsttheInfidelinthefieldarenolongerblended;butthesameduties,tobeperformedinanother
shape,continuetoexistandtoenvironusall.

TheinnocentvirginisnolongeratthemercyofthebrutalBaronorlicentiousmanatarms;butpurity
andinnocencestillneedprotectors.

WarisnolongertheapparentlynaturalStateofSociety;andformostmenitisanemptyobligationto
assume,thattheywillnotrecedebeforetheenemy;butthesamehighdutyandobligationstillrestupon
allmen.

Truth,inact,profession,andopinion,israrernowthanindaysofchivalry.Falsehoodhasbecomea
currentcoin,andcirculateswithacertaindegreeofrespectability;becauseithasanactualvalue.Itis
indeedthegreatViceoftheAgeit,anditstwinsister,Dishonesty.

Men,forpoliticalpreferment,professwhateverprinciplesareexpedientandprofitable.Atthebar,in
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thepulpit,andinthehallsoflegislation,menargueagainsttheirownconvictions,and,withwhatthey
termlogic,provetothesatisfactionofothersthatwhichtheydonotthemselvesbelieve.Insincerityand
duplicityarevaluabletotheirpossessors,likeestatesinstocks,thatyieldacertainrevenueanditisno
longerthetruthofanopinionoraprinciple,butthenetprofit
thatmayberealizedfromit,whichisthemeasureofitsvalue.

ThePressisthegreatsoweroffalsehood.Toslanderapoliticalantagonist,tomisrepresentallthathe
says,and,ifthatbeimpossible,toinventforhimwhathedoesnotsay;toputincirculationwhatever
baselesscalumniesagainsthimarenecessarytodefeathim,thesearehabitssocommonastohave
ceasedtonoticeorcomment,muchlesssurpriseordisgust.

TherewasatimewhenaKnightwoulddieratherthanutteralieorbreakhisKnightlyword.The
KnightCommanderoftheTemplerevivestheoldKnightlyspirit;anddevoteshimselftotheKnightly
worshipofTruth.Noprofessionofanopinionnothisown,forexpediency'ssakeorprofit,orthrough
fearoftheworld'sdisfavor;noslanderofevenanenemy;nocoloringorperversionofthesayingsor
actsofothermen;noinsincerespeechandargumentforanypurpose,orunderanypretext,mustsoilhis
fairescutcheon.OutoftheChapter,aswellasinit,hemustspeaktheTruth,andalltheTruth,nomore
andnoless;orelsespeaknotatall.

Topurityandinnocenceeverywhere,theKnightCommanderowesprotection,asofold;againstbold
violence,orthose,moreguiltythanmurderers,whobyartandtreacheryseektoslaythesoul;and
againstthatwantanddestitutionthatdrivetoomanytoselltheirhonorandinnocenceforfood.

Innoageoftheworldhasmanhadbetteropportunitythannowtodisplaythoseloftyvirtuesandthat
nobleheroismthatsodistinguishedthethreegreatmilitaryandreligiousOrders,intheiryouth,before
theybecamecorruptandvitiatedbyprosperityandpower.

Whenafearfulepidemicravagesacity,anddeathisinhaledwiththeairmenbreathe;whentheliving
scarcelysufficetoburythedeadmostmenfleeinabjectterror,toreturnandlive,respectableand
influential,whenthedangerhaspassedaway.ButtheoldKnightlyspiritofdevotionand
disinterestednessandcontemptofdeathstilllives,andisnotextinctinthehumanheart.Everywherea
fewarefoundtostandfirmlyandunflinchinglyattheirposts,tofrontanddefythedanger,notfor
money,ortobehonoredforit,ortoprotecttheirownhousehold;butfrommerehumanity,andtoobey
theunerringdictatesofduty.Theynursethesick,breathingthepestilentialatmosphereofthehospital.
Theyexploretheabodesofwantandmisery.Withthegentlenesofwoman,theysoftenthepainsofthe
dying,andfeedthelampoflifeintheconvalescent.Theyperformthelastsadofficesthedead;and
theyseeknootherrewardthantheapprovaltheirownconsciences.
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ThesearethetrueKnightsofthepresentagethese,andcaptainwhoremainsathispostonboardhis
shatteredshipunthelastboat,loadedtothewater'sedgewithpassengersandcrew,haspartedfromher
side;andthengoescalmlydownwithherintothemysteriousdepthsoftheocean;thepilotwhostands
atthewheelwhiletheswiftflameseddyroundhimandscorchawayhislife;thefiremanwhoascends
theblazingwalls,andplungesamidtheflamestosavethepropertyorlivesofthosewhohaveupon
himnoclaimbytieofblood,orfriendship,orevenofordinaryacquaintance;these,andotherslike
these;allmen,who,setatthepostofduty,standtheremanfully;todie,ifneedbe,butnottodesert
theirpostforthese,too,areswornnottorecedebeforetheenemy.

Totheperformanceofdutiesandofactsofheroismlikethese,youhavedevotedyourself,myBrother,
bybecomingaKnightCommanderoftheTemple.SoldieroftheTruthandofLoyalty!Protectorof
PurityandInnocence!DefierofPlagueandPestilence!NurseroftheSickandBurieroftheDead!
Knight,preferringDeathtoabandonmentofthePostofDuty!WelcomethebosomofthisOrder!

XXVIII.KNIGHTOFTHESUNORPRINCEADEPT

GODistheauthorofeverythingthatexisteth;theEternal,theSupreme,theLiving,andAwfulBeing;
fromWhomnothinginheUniverseishidden.

MakeofHimnoidolsandvisibleimages;butratherworshipHiminthedeepsolitudesofsequestered
forests;forHeisinvisible,andfillstheUniverseasitssoul,andlivethnotinanyTemple

LightandDarknessaretheWorld'sEternalways.Godistheprincipleofeverythingthatexists,andthe
FatherofallBeings.Heiseternal,immovable,andSelfExistent.TherearenoboundstoHispower.At
oneglanceHeseesthePast,thePresent,andtheFuture;andtheprocessionofthebuildersofthe
Pyramids,withusandourremotestDescendants,isnowpassingbeforeHim.Hereadsourthoughts
beforetheyareknowntoourselves.HerulesthemovementsoftheUniverse,andalleventsand
revolutionsarethecreaturesofHiswill.ForHeistheInfiniteMindandSupremeIntelligence.

InthebeginningManhadtheWORD,andthatWORDwasfromGodandoutofthelivingpower
which,inandbythatWORD,ascommunicatedtoman,cametheLIGHTofhisexistence.Letnoman
speaktheWORD,forbyitTHEFATHERmadelightanddarkness,theworldandlivingcreatures!

TheChaldeanuponhisplainsworshippedme,andthesealovingPhoenician.Theybuildedmetemples
andtowers,andburnedsacrificestomeuponathousandaltars.Lightwasdivinetothem,andthey
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thoughtmeaGod.ButIamnothingnothingandLIGHTisthecreatureoftheunseenGODthat
taughtthetruereligiontotheAncientPatriarchsAWFUL,MYSTERIOUS,THEABSOLUTE.

Manwascreatedpure;andGodgavehimTRUTH,asHegavehimLIGHT.Hehaslostthetruthand
founderror.Hewanderedfarintodarkness;androundhimSinandShamehoverevermore.TheSoul
thatisimpure,andsinful,anddefiledwithearthlystains,cannotagainunitewithGod,until,bylong
trialsandmanypurifications,itisfinallydeliveredfromtheoldclamity;andLightovercomesDarkness
anddethronesit,intheSoul.

GodistheFirst;indestructible,eternal,UNCREATED,INVISIBLE.Wisdom,Justice,Truth,and
Mercy,withHarmonyandaLove,areofHisessence,andEternityandInfiniteofExtension.Heis
silent,andconsentswithMIND,andisknowntoSoulsthroughMINDalone.InHimwereallthings
originallycontained,andfromHimallthingswereevolved.ForoutofHisDivineSILENCEand
REST,afteraninfinitudeoftime,wasunfoldedtheWORD,ortheDivinePowerandtheninturnthe
Mighty,everacting,measurelessINTELLECT;andfromtheWORDwereevolvedthemyriadsofsuns
andsystemsthatmaketheUniverse;andfire,andlight,andtheelectricHARMONY,whichisthe
harmonyofspheresandnumbersandfromtheINTELLECTallSoulsandintellectsofmen.

Inthebeginning,theUniversewasbutONESOUL.HEwasTHEALL,alonewithTIMEandSPACE,
andInfiniteasthey.

HEHADTHISTHOUGHT:"ICreateWorlds:"andlo!theUniverse,andthelawsofharmonyand
motionthatruleit,theexpressionofathoughtofGod;andbirdandbeast,andeverylivingthingbut
Manandlightandair,andthemysteriouscurrents,andthedominionofmysteriousnumbers!

HEHADTHISTHOUGHT:"ICreateMan,whoseSoulshallbemyimage,andheshallrule."And
lo!Man,withsenses,instinct,andareasoningmind!

AndyetnotMAN!butananimalthatbreathed,andsaw,andthoughtuntilanimmaterialsparkfrom
God'sownInfiniteBeingpenetratedthebrain,andbecametheSoulandlo,MANTHEIMMORTAL!
Thus,threefold,fruitofGod'sthought,isMan;thatseesandhearsandfeels;thatthinksandreasons;
thatlovesandisinharmonywiththeUniverse.

Beforetheworldgrewold,theprimitivetruthfadedoutfrommen'sSouls.Thenmanaskedhimself,
"WhatamI?andhowandwhenceamI?andwhitherdoIgo?"AndtheSoul,lookinginwardupon
itself,strovetolearnwhetherthat"I"weremerematter;itsthoughtandreasonanditspassionsand
affectionsmereresultsofmaterialcombination;oramaterialBeingenvelopinganimmaterialSpirit
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andfurtheritstrove,byselfexamination,tolearnwhetherthatSpiritwereanindividualessence,witha
separateimmortalexistence,oraninfinitesimalportionofaGreatFirstPrinciple,interpenetratingthe
Universeandtheinfinitudeofspace,andundulatinglikelightandheatandsotheywanderedfurther
amidthemazesoferror;andimaginedvainphilosophies;wallowinginthesloughsofmaterialismand
sensualism,ofbeatingtheirwingsvainlyinthevacuumofabstractionsandidealities.

Whileyetthefirstoaksstillputforththeirleaves,manlosttheperfectknowledgeoftheOneTrueGod,
theAncientAbsoluteExistence,theInfiniteMindandSupremeIntelligence;andfloatedhelplesslyout
upontheshorelessoceanofconjecture.Thenthesoulvexeditselfwithseekingtolearnwhetherthe
materialuniversewasamerechancecombinationofatoms,ortheworkofInfinite,UncreatedWisdom
whethertheDeitywasaconcentrated,andtheUniverseanextendedimmateriality;orwhetherHewas
apersonalexistence,anOmnipotent,Eternal,SupremeEssence,regulatingmatteratwill;orsubjecting
ittounchangeablelawsthroughouteternity;andtoWhom,HimselfInfiniteandEternal,Spaceand
Timeareunknown.Withtheirfinitelimitedvisiontheysoughttolearnthesourceandexplainthe
existenceofEvil,andPain,andSorrow;andsotheywanderedeverdeeperintothedarkness,andwere
lost;andtherewasforthemnolongeranyGod;butonlyagreat,dumb,soullessUniverse,fullofmere
emblemsandsymbols.

Youhaveheretofore,insomeoftheDegreesthroughwhichyouhavepassed,heardmuchoftheancient
worshipoftheSun,theMoon,andtheotherbrightluminariesofHeaven,andoftheElementsand
PowersofUniversalNature.Youhavebeenmade,tosomeextent,familiarwiththeirpersonificationsas
Heroessufferingortriumphant,oraspersonalGodsorGoddesses,withhuman.characteristicsand
passions,andwiththemultitudeoflegends,andfablesthatdobutallegoricallyrepresenttheirrisings
andsettings,theircourses,theirconjunctionsandoppositions,theirdomicilesandplacesofexaltation.

Perhapsyouhavesupposedthatwe,likemanywhohavewrittenonthesesubjects,haveintendedto
representthisworshiptoyouasthemostancientandoriginalworshipofthefirstmenthatlived.To
undeceiveyou,ifsuchwasyourconclusion,wehavecausedthePersonificationsoftheGreatLuminary
ofHeaven,underthenamesbywhichhewasknowntothemostancientnations,toproclaimtheold
primitivetruthsthatwereknowntotheFathersofourrace,beforemencametoworshipthevisible
manifestationsoftheSupremePowerandMagnificenceandSupposedAttributesoftheUniversalDeity
intheElementsandintheglitteringarmiesthatNightregularlymarshalsandarraysuponthebluefield
ofthefirmament.

Weasknowyourattentiontoastillfurtherdevelopmenttothesetruths,afterweshallhaveadded
somethingtowhatwehavealreadysaidinregardtotheChiefLuminaryofHeaven,inexplanationof
thenamesandcharacteristicsoftheseveralimaginaryDeitiesthatrepresentedhimamongtheancient
racesmen.
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ATHOMorATHOMRE,wastheChiefandOldestSupremeGodofUpperEgypt,worshippedat
Thebes;thesameastheOMorAUMoftheHindus,whosenamewasunpronounceable,andwholike
theBREHMofthelatterPeople,was"TheBeingthatwasandis,andistocome;theGreatGod,the
GreatOmnipotent,Omniscient,andOmnipresentOne,theGreatestintheUniverse,theLord;"whose
emblemwasaperfectsphere,showingthatHewasfirst,last,midst,andwithoutend;superiortoall
NaturalGods,andallpersonificationsofPowers,Elements,andLuminaries;symbolizedbyLight,the
PrincipleofLife.

AMUNwastheNatureGod,orSpiritofNature,calledbythatnameorAMUNRE,andworshippedat
MemphisinLowerEgyptandinLibya,aswellasinUpperEgypt.HewastheLibyanJupiter,and
representedtheintelligentandorganizingforcethatdevelopsitselfinNature,whentheintellectual
typesorformsofbodiesarerevealedtothesensesintheworld'sorder,bytheirunionwithmatter,
wherebythegenerationofbodiesiseffected.HewasthesamewithKnephl,fromwhosemouthissued
theOrphiceggoutofwhichcametheUniverse.

DIONUSOSwastheNatureGodoftheGreeks,asAMUNwasoftheEgyptians.Inthepopularlegend,
Dionusos,aswellasHercules,wasaThebanHero,bornofamortalmother.BothweresonsofZeus,
bothpersecutedbyHere.ButinHerculestheGodissubordinatetotheHero;whileDionusos,evenin
poetry,retainshisdivinecharacter,andisidenticalwithIacchus,thepresidinggeniusoftheMysteries.
PersonificationoftheSuninTaurus,ashisoxhoofsshowed,hedeliveredearthfromtheharsh
dominionofwinter,conductedthemightychorusoftheStars,andthecelestialrevolutionoftheyear,
changedwiththeseasons,andunderwenttheirperiodicaldecay.HewastheSunasinvokedbythe
Eleans,usheredintotheworldamidstlightningandthunder,theMightyHunteroftheZodiac,Zagreus
theGoldenorruddyfaced.TheMysteriestaughtthedoctrineofDivineUnity;andthatPowerwhose
Onenessisaseemingmystery,butreallyatruism,wasDionusos,theGodofNature,orofthat
moisture,whichisthelifeofNature,whopreparesindarkness,inHadesorIasion,thereturnoflifeand
vegetation,orishimselfthelightandchangeevolvingtheirvarieties.IntheEgeanIslandshewas
Butes,Dardanus,HimerosorImbros;inCreteheappearsasorevenZeus,whoseorgiasticworship,
remainingunveiledbytheusualformsofmystery,betrayedtoprofanecuriositythesymbolswhich,if
irreverentlycontemplated,weresuretobemisunderstood.

HewasthesamewiththedismemberedZagreus,thesonofPersephone,anAncientSubterranean
Dionusos,thehornedprogenyofZeusintheConstellationoftheSerpent,entrustedbyhisfatherwith
thethunderbolt,andencircledwiththeprotectingdanceofCuretes.Throughtheenviousartificesof
Here,theTitanseludedthevigilanceofhisguardiansandtorehimtopieces;butPallasrestoredthestill
palpitatinghearttohisfather,whocommandedApollotoburythedismemberedremainsupon
Parnassus.

Dionusos,aswellasApollo,wasleaderoftheMuses;thetombofoneaccompaniedtheworshipofthe
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other;theywerethesame,yetdifferent,contrasted,yetonlyasfillingseparatepartsinthesamedrama;
andthemysticandheroicpersonifications,theGodofnatureandofArt,seem,atsomeremoteperiod,
tohaveproceededfromacommonsource.Theirseparationwasoneofformratherthanofsubstance:
andfromthetimewhenHerculesobtainedinitiationfromTriptolemus,orPythagorasreceivedOrphic
tenets,thetwoconceptionsweretendingtorecombine.ItwassaidthatDionusosorPoseidonhad
precededApollointheOracularoffice;andDionusoscontinuedtobeesteemedinGreekTheologyas
HealerandSaviour,AuthorofLifeandImmortality.ThedispersedPythagoreans,"SonsofApollo,"
immediatelybetookthemselvestotheOrphicServiceofDionusos,andthereareindicationsthatthere
wasalwayssomethingDionysiacintheworshipofApollo.

DionusosistheSun,thatliberatoroftheelements;andhisspiritualmeditationwassuggestedbythe
sameimagerywhichmadetheZodiacthesupposedpathoftheSpiritsintheirdescentandtheirreturn.
Hissecondbirth,asoffspringofthehighest,isatypeofthespiritualregenerationofman.He,aswell
asApollowasprecentoroftheMusesandsourceofinspiration.Hisruleprescribednounnatural
mortification;itsyokewaseasy,anditsmirthfulchoruses,combiningthegaywiththesevere,didbut
commemoratethatgoldenagewhenearthenjoyedeternalspring,andwhenfountainsofhoney,milk,
andwineburstforthoutofitsbosomatthetouchofthethyrsus.Heisthe"Liberator."LikeOsiris,he
freesthesoul,andguidesitinitsmigrationsbeyondthegrave,preservingitfromtheriskofagain
fallingundertheslaveryofmatterorofsomeinferioranimalform.AllsoulpartoftheUniversalSoul,
whosetotalityisDionusos;andheleadsbackthevagrantspirittoitshome,andaccompaniesitthrough
thepurifyingprocesses,bothrealandsymbolicalofearthlytransit.Hediedanddescendedtothe
Shades;andhissufferingwasthegreatsecretoftheMysteries,asdeathisgrandmysteryofexistence.
HeistheimmortalsuitorofPsyche(theSoul),theDivineinfluencewhichphysicallycalledtheworld
intobeing,andwhich,awakeningthesoulfromitsStygiantrance,restoresitfromearthtoHeaven.

OfHERMES,theMercuryoftheGreeks,theThothofEgyptians,andtheTaautofthePhoenicians,we
haveheretoforespokensufficientlyatlength.HewastheinventoroflettersandofOratory,thewinged
messengeroftheGods,bearingtheCaduceuswreathedwithserpents;andinourCouncilheis
representedbytheORATOR.

TheHinduscalledtheSunSURYA;thePersians,MITHRAS;theEgyptians,OSIRIS;theAssyrians
andChaldaeans,BEL;theScythiansandEtruscansandtheancientPelasgi,ARKALEUSor
HERCULES;thePhoenicians,ADONAIorADON;andtheScandinavians,ODIN.

FromthenameSURYA,givenbytheHindustotheSun,theSectwhopaidhimparticularadoration
werecalledSouras.Theirpaintersdescribehiscarasdrawnbysevengreenhorses.IntheTempleof
Visweswara,atBenares,thereisanancientpieceofsculpture,wellexecutedinstone,representinghim
sittinginacardrawnbyahorsewithtwelveheads.Hischarioteer,bywhomheispreceded,isARUN
[fromAURtheCrepusculum?],ortheDawn;andamonghismanytitlesaretwelvethatdenotehis
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distinctpowersineachofthetwelvemonths.ThosepowersarecalledAdityas,eachofwhomhasa
particularname.Suryaissupposedfrequentlytohavedescendeduponearth,inahumanshape,andto
haveleftaraceonearth,equallyrenownedinIndianstorywiththeHeliadesofGreece.Heisoften
styledKingoftheStarsandPlanets,andthusremindsusoftheAdonTsbauth(LordoftheStarry
Hosts)oftheHebrewwritings.

MITHRASwastheSunGodofthePersians;andwasfabledtohavebeenborninagrottoorcave,at
theWinterSolstice.Hisfeastswerecelebratedatthatperiod,atthemomentwhenthesuncommenced
toreturnNorthward,andtoincreasethelengthofthedays.ThiswasthegreatFeastoftheMagian
religion.TheRomanCalendar,publishedinthetimeofConstantine,atwhichperiodhisworshipbegan
togaingroundintheOccident,fixedhisfeastdayonthe25thofDecember.Hisstatuesandimages
wereinscribed,DeoSoliinvictoMithraetotheinvincibleSunGodMithras.NomeninvictumSol
Mithra.SoliOmnipotentiMithrae.Tohim,gold,incense,andmyrrhwereconsecrated."Thee,"says
MartianusCapella,inhishymntotheSun,"thedwellersontheNileadoreasSerapis,andMemphis
worshipsasOsiris;inthesacredritesofPersiathouartMithras,inPhrygia,Atys,andLibyabowsdown
totheeasAmmon,andPhoenicianByblosasAdonis;andthusthewholeworldadorestheeunder
differentnames."

OSIRISwasthesonofHelios(Phra),the"divineoffspringcongeneratewiththedawn,"andatthe
sametimeanincarnationofKnephorAgathodaemon,theGoodSpirit,includingallhispossible
manifestations,eitherphysicalormoral.Herepresentedinafamiliarformthebeneficentaspectofall
higheremanationsandinhimwasdevelopedtheconceptionofaBeingpurelygood,sothatitbecame
necessarytosetupanotherpowerashisadversarycalledSeth,BabysorTyphon,toaccountforthe
injuriousinfluencesofNature.

Withthephenomenaofagriculture,supposedtobetheinventionofOsiris,theEgyptiansconnectedthe
highesttruthsofthereligion.Thesoulofmanwasastheseedhiddeninthegroundandthemortal
framework,similarlyconsignedtoitsdarkrestingplace,awaiteditsrestorationtolife'sunfailingsource.
Osiriswasnotonlybenefactoroftheliving;hewasalsoHades,Serapis,andRhadamanthus,the
monarchofthedead.Death,therefore,inEgyptianopinion,wasonlyanothernameforrenovation,
sinceitsGodisthesamepowerwhoincessantlyrenewsvitalityinNature.

Everycorpsedulyembalmedwascalled"Osiris,"andinthegravewassupposedtobeunited,oratleast
broughtintoapproximationtotheDivinity.ForwhenGodbecameincarnateforman'sbenefit,itwas
impliedthat,inanalogywithHisassumedcharacterHeshouldsubmittoalltheconditionsofvisible
existence.Indeath,asinlife,IsisandOsiriswerepatternsandprecursorsofmankind;theirsepulchres
stoodwithinthetemplesoftheSuperiorGods;yetthoughtheirremainsmightbeentombedat
MemphisorAbydus,theirdivinitywasunimpeached,andtheyeithershoneasluminariesinthe
heavens,orintheunseenworldpresidedoverthefuturityofthedisembodiedspiritswhomdeathhad
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broughtnearertothem.

ThenotionofadyingGod,sofrequentinOrientallegend,andofwhichwehavealreadysaidmuchin
formerDegrees,wasthenaturalinferencefromaliteralinterpretationofnatureworship;sincenature,
whichinthevicissitudesoftheseasonsseemstoundergoadissolution,wastotheearliestreligionists
theexpressimageoftheDeity,andataremoteperiodoneandthesamewiththe"variedGod,"whose
attributeswereseennotonlyinitsvitality,butinitschanges.TheunseenMoveroftheUniversewas
rashlyidentifiedwithitsobviousfluctuations.ThespeculativeDeitysuggestedbythedramaofnature,
wasworshippedwithimitativeandsympatheticrites.AperiodofmourningabouttheAutumnal
Equinox,andofjoyatthereturnofSpring,wasalmostuniversal.

PhrygiansandPaphlagonians,Boeotians,andevenAthenians,wereallmoreorlessattachedtosuch
observances;theSyriandamselssatweepingforThammuzorAdoni,mortallywoundedbythetoothof
Winter,symbolizedbytheboar,itsverygeneralemblem:andtheserites,andthoseofAtysandOsiris,
wereevidentlysuggestedbythearrestofvegetation,whentheSun,descendingfromhisaltitude,seems
deprivedofhisgeneratingpower.

OsirisisabeinganalogoustotheSyrianADONI;andthefableofhishistory,whichweneednothere
repeat,isanarrativeformofthepopularreligionofEgypt,ofwhichtheSunistheHero,andthe
agriculturalcalendarthemoral.ThemoistvalleyoftheNile,owingitsfertilitytotheannual
inundation,appeared,incontrastwiththesurroundingdesert,likelifeinthemidstofdeath.The
inundationwasinevidentdependenceontheSun,andEgypt,environedwithariddeserts,likeaheart
withinaburningcenser,wasthefemalepower,dependentontheinfluencespersonifiedinitsGod.
Typhonhisbrother,thetypeofdarkness,drought,andsterility,threwhisbodyintotheNile;andthus
Osiris,the"good,"the"Saviour,"perished,inthe28thyearofhislifeorreign,andonthe17thdayof
themonthAthor,orthe13thofNovember.HeisalsomadetodieduringtheheatsoftheearlySummer,
when,fromMarchtoJuly,theearthwasparchedwithintolerableheat,vegetationwasscorched,andthe
languidNileexhausted.FromthatdeathheriseswhentheSolstitialSunbringstheinundation,and
Egyptisfilledwithmirthandacclamationanticipatoryofthesecondharvest.FromhisWintrydeathhe
riseswiththeearlyflowersofSpring,andthenthejoyfulfestivalofOsirisfoundwascelebrated.

SotheprideofJemsheed,oneofthePersianSunheroes,orthesolaryearpersonified,wasabruptlycut
offbyZohak,thetyrantoftheWest.Hewassawnasunderbyafishbone,andimmediatelythe
brightnessofIranchangedtogloom.GanymedeandAdonis,likeOsiris,werehurriedoffinalltheir
strengthandbeauty;theprematuredeathofLinus,theburthenoftheancientlamentofGreece,waslike
thatofthePersianSiamek,theBithynianHylas,andtheEgyptianManeros,SonofMenesorthe
Eternal.
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TheelegycalledManeroswassungatEgyptianbanquets,andaneffigyenclosedwithinadiminutive
Sarcophaguswashandedroundtoremindtheguestsoftheirbrieftenureofexistence.Thebeautiful
Memnon,also,perishedinhisprime;andEnoch,whoseearlydeathwaslamentedatIconium,lived
365years,thenumberofdaysofthesolaryear;abriefspacewhencomparedwiththelongevityofhis
patriarchalkindred.

ThestoryofOsirisisreflectedinthoseofOrpheusandDionusosZagreus,andperhapsinthelegends
ofAbsyrtusandPeliasofAEson,Thyestes,Melicertes,Itys,andPelops.IoisthedisconsolateIsisor
Niobe:andRheamournsherdismemberedLord,Hyperion,andthedeathofhersonHelios,drowned
intheEridanus;andifApolloandDionusosareimmortal,theyhaddiedunderothernames,as
Orpheus,Linus,orHyacinthus.ThesepulchreofZeuswasshowninCrete.Hippolytuswasassociated
indivinehonourswithApollo,andafterhehadbeentorntopiecelikeOsiris,wasrestoredtolifebythe
PaeonianherbsofDiana,andkeptdarklinginthesecretgroveofEgeria.ZeusdesertedOlympusto
visittheEthiopians;ApollounderwentservitudetoAdmetus;Theseus,Peirithous,Hercules,andother
heroes,descendedforatimetoHades;adyingNatureGodwasexhibitedintheMysteries,theAttic
womenfasted,sittingontheground,duringtheThesmophoria,andtheBoeotianslamentedthedescent
ofCoraProserpinetotheShades.

ButthedeathoftheDeity,asunderstoodbytheOrientals,wasnotinconsistentwithHisimmortality.
ThetemporarydeclineoftheSonsofLightisbutanepisodeintheirendlesscontinuityandastheday
andyeararemoreconvenientsubdivisionsoftheInfinite,sothefierydeathsofPhaethonorHercules
arebutbreaksinthesamePhoenixprocessofperpetualregeneration,bywhichthespiritofOsirislives
foreverinthesuccessionoftheMemphiaApis.EveryyearwitnessestherevivalofAdonis;andthe
ambertearsshedbytheHeliadesfortheprematuredeathoftheirbrother,arethegoldenshowerfullof
prolifichope,inwhichZeusdescendsfromthebrazenvaultofHeavenintothebosomoftheparched
ground.

BAL,representativeorpersonificationofthesun,wasoneoftheGreatGodsofSyria,Assyria,and
Chaldea,andhisnameisfounduponthemonumentsofNimroud,andfrequentlyoccursintheHebrew
writings.HewastheGreatNatureGodofBabylonia,thePowerofheat,life,andgeneration.His
symbolwastheSun,andhewasfiguredseatedonabull.

AlltheaccessoriesofhisgreattempleatBabylon,describedbyHerodotus,arerepeatedwithsingular
fidelity,butonasmallerscale,intheHebrewtabernacleandtemple.Thegoldenstatuealoneiswanted
tocompletetheresemblance.ThewordBalorBaal,likethewordAdon,signifiesLordandMaster.He
wasalsotheSupremeDeityoftheMoabites,Amonites,andCarthaginians,andoftheSabeansin
general;theGaulsworshippedtheSununderthenameofBelinorBelinus:andBelaisfoundamong
theCelticDeitiesupontheancientmonuments.
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TheNorthernancestorsoftheGreeksmaintainedwithhardierhabitsamoremanlystyleofreligious
symbolismthantheeffeminateenthusiastsoftheSouth,andhadembodiedintheirPerseus,
HERCULESandMITHRAS,theconsummationofthequalitiestheyesteemedandexercised.

Almosteverynationwillbefoundtohavehadamythicalbeing,whosestrengthorweakness,virtuesor
defects,moreorlessnearlydescribetheSun'scareerthroughtheseasons.TherewasaCeltic,a
Teutonic,aScythian,anEtruscan,aLydianHercules,allwhoselegendsbecametributarytothoseof
theGreekhero.ThenameofHerculeswasfoundbyHerodotustohavebeenlongfamiliarinEgyptand
theEast,andtohaveoriginallybelongedtoamuchhigherpersonagethanthecomparativelymodern
heroknowninGreeceastheSonofAlcmena.ThetempleoftheHerculesofTyewasreportedtohave
beenbuilt2300yearsbeforethetimeofHerodotus;andHercules,whoseGreeknamehasbeen
sometimessupposedtobeofPhoenicianorigin,inthesenseofCircuitori.e."rover"and
"perambulator"ofearth,aswellas"Hyperionofthesky,wasthepatronandmodelofthosefamous
navigatorswhospreadhisaltarsfromcoasttocoastthroughtheMediterranean,totheextremitiesofthe
West,where"ARKALEUS"builttheCityofGades,andwhereaperpetualfireburnedinhisservice.
HewasthelinealdescendantofPerseus,theluminouschildofdarkness,conceivedwithina
subterraneanvaultofbrass;andhearepresentationofthePersianMithras,rearinghisemblematiclions
abovethegatesofMycenae,andbringingtheswordofJemsheedtobattleagainsttheGorgonsofthe
West.MithrasissimilarlydescribedintheZendAvestaasthe"mightyhero,therapidrunner,whose
piercingeyeembracesall,whosearmbearstheclubforthedestructionoftheDarood."

HerculesIngeniculus,who,bendingononeknee,upliftshisclubandtramplesontheSerpent'shead,
was,likePrometheusandTantalus,oneofthevaryingaspectsofthestrugglinganddecliningSun.The
victoriesofHerculesarebutexhibitionsofSolarpowerwhichhaveevertoberepeated.Itwasinthe
fialNorth,amongtheHyperboreans,that,divestedofhisLion'sskin,helaydowntosleep,andfora
timelostthehorsesofhischariot.HenceforththatNorthernregionofgloom,calledthe"placeofthe
deathandrevivalofAdonis,"thatCaucasuswhosesummitwassolofty,that,liketheIndianMeru,it
seemedtobeboththegoalandcommencementoftheSun'scareer,becametoGreekimaginationsthe
finalbourneofallthings,theabodeofWinteranddesolation,thepinnacleofthearchconnectingthe
upperandlowerworld,andconsequentlytheappropriateplaceforthebanishmentofPrometheus.The
daughtersofIsrael,weepingforThammuz,mentionedbyEzekiel,satlookingtotheNorth,waitingfor
hisreturnfromthatregion.ItwaswhileCybelewiththeSunGodwasabsentamongtheHyperboreans,
thatPhrygia,abandonedbyher,sufferedthehorrorsoffamine.DelosandDelphiawaitedthereturnof
ApollofromtheHyperboreans,andHerculesbroughtthencetoOlympiatheolive.ToallMasonsthe
Northhasimmemoriallybeentheplaceofdarkness;andofthegreatlightsoftheLodge,noneisinthe
North.

Mithras,therockbornheroheraldedtheSun'sreturninSpring,asPrometheus,chainedinhiscavern.
betokenedthecontinuanceofWinter.ThePersianbeacononthemountaintoprepresentedtheRock
bornDivinityenshrinedinhisworthiesttemple;andthefuneralconflagrationofHerculeswasthesun
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dyinginglorybehindtheWesternhills.Butthoughthetransitorymanifestationsuffersordies,the
abidingandeternalpowerliberatesandsaves.ItwasanessentialattributeofaTitan,thatheshould
ariseagainafterhisfall;fortherevivalofNatureisascertainasitsdecline,anditsalternationsare
subjecttotheappointmentofapowerwhichcontrolsthemboth.

"God,"saysMaximusTyrius,"didnotspareHisownSon[Hercules],orexemptHimfromthe
calamitiesincidentaltohumanity.TheThebanprogenyofJovehadhisshareofpainandtrial.By
vanquishingearthlydifficultiesheprovedhisaffinitywithHeaven.Hislifewasacontinuousstruggle.
HefaintedbeforeTyphoninthedesert;andinthecommencementoftheAutumnalseason(cumlongae
redithoranoctis),descendedundertheguidanceofMinervatoHades.Hedied;butfirstappliedfor
initiationtoEumolpus,inordertoforeshadowthatstateofreligiouspreparationwhichshouldprecede
themomentouschange.EveninHadesherescuedTheseusandremovedthestoneofAscalapllus,
reanimatedthebloodlessspirits,anddraggedintothelightofclaythemonsterCerberus,justlyreputed
invinciblebecauseanemblemofTimeitself;heburstthechainsofthegrave(forBusirisisthegrave
personified),andtriumphantatthecloseasinthedawnofhiscareer,wasreceivedafterhislaboursinto
thereposeoftheheavenlymansions,livingforeverwithZeusinthearmsofEternalYouth.

ODINissaidtohavebornetwelvenamesamongtheoldGermans,andtohavehad114namesbesides.
HewastheApollooftheScandinavians,andisrepresentedintheVoluspaasdestinedtoslaythe
monstroussnake.ThentheSunwillbeextinguished,theearthbedissolvedintheocean,thestarslose
theirbrightness,andallNaturebedestroyedinorderthatitmayberenewedagain.Fromthebosomof
thewatersanewworldwillemergecladinverdure;harvestswillbeseentoripenwherenoseedwas
sown,andevilwilldisappear.

Thefreefancyoftheancients,whichwovetheweboftheirmythsandlegends,wasconsecratedby
faith.Ithadnot,likethemodernmind,setapartapettysanctuaryofborrowedbeliefs,beyondwhichall
therestwascommonandunclean.Imagination,reason,andreligioncircledroundthesamesymbol;
andinalltheirsymbolstherewasseriousmeaning,ifwecouldbutfinditout.Theydidnotdevise
fictionsinthesamevapidspiritinwhichwe,crampedbyconventionalities,readthem.Inendeavouring
tointerpretcreationsoffancy,fancyaswellasreasonmustguideandmuchofmoderncontroversy
arisesoutofheavymisapprehensionsofancientsymbolism.

Tothoseancientpeoples,thisearthwasthecentreoftheUniverse.Tothemtherewerenootherworlds,
peopledwithlivingbeings,todividethecareandattentionoftheDeity.Tothemtheworldwasagreat
plain,ofunknown,perhapsinconceivablelimits,andtheSun,theMoon,andtheStarsjourneyedabove
it,togivethemlight.TheworshipoftheSunbecamethebasisofallthereligionsofantiquity.Tothem
lightandheatweremysteries;asindeedtheystillaretous.AstheSuncausedtheday,andhisabsence
thenight;as,whenhejourneyedNorthward,SpringandSummerfollowedhim;andwhenheagain
turnedtotheSouth,AutumnandinclementWinter,andcoldandlongdarknightsruledtheearth;ashis
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influenceproducedtheleavesandflowers,andripenedtheharvests,andbroughtregularinundation,he
necessarilybecametothemthemostinterestingobjectofthematerialUniverse.Tothemhewasthe
innatefireofHolies,thefireofnature.AuthorofLife,heat,andignition,hewastothem,theefficient
causeofallgeneration,forwithouthimtherewasnomovement,noexistence,noform.Hewastothem
immense,indivisible,imperishable,andeverywherepresent.Itwastheirneedoflight,andofhis
creativeenergy,thatwasfeltbyallmen;andnothingwasmorefearfultothemthanhisabsence.His
beneficentinfluencescausedhisidentificationwiththePrincipleofGood;andtheBRAHMAofthe
Hindus,theMITHRASofthePersians,andATHOM,AMUN,PHTHA,andOSIRIS,oftheEgyptians,
theBEL,oftheChaldeans,theADONAIofthePhoenicians,theADONISandAPOLLOoftheGreeks
becamebutpersonificationsoftheSun,theregeneratingPrinciple,imageofthatfecunditywhich
perpetuatesandrejuvenatestheworld'sexistence.

SotoothestrugglebetweentheGoodandEvilPrincipleswaspersonified,aswasthatbetweenlifeand
death,destructionandrecreation;inallegoriesandfableswhichpoeticallyrepresentedtheapparent
courseoftheSun;who,descendingtowardtheSouthernHemisphere,wasfigurativelysaidtobe
conqueredandputtodeathbydarkness,orthegeniusofEvil;butreturningagaintowardtheNorthern
Hemisphere,heseemedtobevictorious,andtoarisefromthetomb.Thisdeathandresurrectionwere
alsofigurativeofthesuccessionofdayandnight,ofdeath,whichisanecessityoflife,andoflife
whichisbornofandeverywheretheancientsstillsawthecombatbetweenthetwoPrinciplesthatruled
theworld.Everywherethiscontestwasembodiedinallegoriesandfictitioushistoriesintowhichwere
ingeniouslywovenalltheastronomicalphenomenathataccompanied,preceded,orfollowedthe
differentmovementsoftheSun,andthechangesofSeasons,theapproachorwithdrawalofinundation.
AndthusgrewintostatureandstrangeproportionsthehistoriesofthecontestsbetweenTyphonand
Osiris,HerculesandJuno,theTitansandJupiter,OrmuzdandAhriman,therebelliousAngelsandthe
Deity,theEvilGeniiandtheGood;andtheotherlikefables,foundnotonlyinAsia,butintheNorthof
Europe,andevenamongtheMexicansandPeruviansoftheNewWorld;carriedthither,inall
probability,bythosePhoenicianvoyagerswhoborethithercivilizationandthearts.TheScythians
lamentedthedeathofAcmon,thePersiansthatofZohakconqueredbyPheridoun,theHindusthatof
SouraParamaslainbySoupraMuni,astheScandinaviansdidthatofBalder,torntopiecesbytheblind
Hother.

Theprimitiveideaofinfinitespaceexistedinthefirstmen,asitexistsinus.Itandtheideaofinfinite
timearethefirsttwoinnateideas.Mancannotconceivehowthingcanbeaddedtothing,orevent
followevent,forever.Theideawilleverreturn,thatnomatterhowlongbulkisaddedtobulk,there
mustbe,stillbeyond,anemptyvoidwithoutlimit;inwhichisnothing.Inthesamewaytheideaoftime
withoutbeginningorendforcesitselfonhim.Time,withoutevents,isalsoavoid,andnothing.

Inthatemptyvoidspacetheprimitivemenknewtherewasnolightnorwarmth.Theyfelt,whatwe
knowscientifically,thattheremustbeathickdarknessthere,andanintensityofcoldofwhichwehave
noconception.IntothatvoidtheythoughttheSun,thePlanets,andtheStarswentdownwhentheyset
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undertheWesternHorizon.Darknesswastothemanenemy,aharm,avaguedreadandterror.Itwas
theveryembodimentoftheevilprinciple;andoutofittheysaidthathewasformed.AstheSunbent
Southwardtowardthatvoid,theyshudderedwithdreadandwhen,attheWinterSolstice,heagain
commencedhisNorthwardmarch,theyrejoicedandfeasted;astheydidatthesummerSolstice,when
mostheappearedtosmileupontheminhisprideofplace.Thesedayshavebeencelebratedbyall
civilizednationseversince.The,Christianhasmadethemfeastdaysofthechurch,andappropriated
themtothetwoSaintsJohnandMasonryhasdonethesame.

We,towhomthevastUniversehasbecomebutagreatmachine,notinstinctwithagreatSOUL,buta
clockworkofproportionsunimaginable,butstillinfinitelylessthaninfinite;andpartatleastofwhich
wewithourorreriescanimitate;we,whohavemeasuredthedistancesanddimensions,andlearnedthe
specificgravityanddeterminedtheorbitsofthemoonandtheplanets;we,whoknowthedistanceto
thesun,andhissize;havemeasuredtheorbitsoftheflashingcomets,andthedistancesofthefixed
stars;andknowthelattertobesunslikeoursun,eachwithitsretinueofworlds,andallgovernedby
thesameunerringmechanicallawsandoutwardlyimposedforcescentripetalandcentrifugalwe,who
withourtelescopeshaveseparatedthegalaxyandthenebulaeintootherstarsandgroupsofstars;
discoverednewplanets,byfirstdiscoveringtheirdisturbingforceuponthosealreadyknown;and
learnedthattheyall,Jupiter,Venus,andthefieryMars,andSaturnandtheothers,aswellthebright,
mild,andeverchangingMoon,aremeredark,dullopaqueclodslikeourearth,andnotlivingorbsof
brilliantfireandheavenlylight;we,whohavecountedthemountainsandchasmsinthemoon,with
glassesthatcoulddistinctlyrevealtousthetempleofSolomon,ifitstoodthereinitsoldoriginalglory;
we,whonolongerimaginethatthestarscontrolourdestinies,andwhocancalculatetheeclipsesofthe
sunandmoonbackwardandforward,fortenthousandyears;we,withourvastlyincreasedconceptions
ofthepowersoftheGrandArchitectoftheUniverse,butourwhollymaterialandmechanicalviewof
thatUniverseitself;wecannot,evenintheremotestdegree,feel,thoughwemaypartiallyand
imperfectlyimagine,howthosegreatprimitive,simpleheartedchildrenofNaturefeltinregardtothe
StarryHosts,thereupontheslopesoftheHimalayas,ontheChaldeanplains,inthePersianand
Mediandeserts,anduponthebanksofthatgreat,strangeRiver,theNile.TothemtheUniversewas
aliveinstinctwithforcesandpowers,mysteriousandbeyondtheircomprehension.Tothemitwasno
machine,nogreatsystemofclockwork;butagreatlivecreature,anarmyofcreatures,insympathy
withorinimicaltoman.Tothem,allwasamysteryandamiracle,andthestarsflashingoverhead
spoketotheirheartsalmostinanaudiblelanguage.Jupiter,withhiskinglysplendors,wastheEmperor
ofthestarrylegions.Venuslookedlovinglyontheearthandblessedit;Mars,withhiscrimsonfires,
threatenedwarandmisfortune;andSaturn,cold;andgrave,chilledandrepelledthem.Theever
changingMoon,faithfulcompanionoftheSun,wasaconstantmiracleandwondertheSunhimselfthe
visibleemblemofthecreativeandgenerativepower.Tothemtheearthwasagreatplain,overwhich
theSun,themoon,andtheplanetsrevolved,itsservants,framedtogiveitlight.

Ofthestars,somewerebeneficentexistencesthatbroughtwiththemSpringtimeandfruitsand
flowers,some,faintsentinels,advisingthemofcominginundation,oftheseasonstormandofdeadly
winds;someheraldsofevil,which,steadilyforetelling,theyseemedtocause.Tothemtheeclipses
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wereportentsofevil,andtheircauseshiddeninmystery,andsupernatural.Theregularreturnsofthe
stars,thecomingsofArcturus,Orion,Sirius,tbePleiades,andAldebaran,andthejourneyingsofthe
Sun,werevoluntaryandnotmechanicaltothem.Whatwonderthatastronomybecametothemthe
mostimportantofsciences;thatthosewholearneditbecamerulers;andthatvastedifices,the
Pyramids,thetowerortempleofBel,andotherlikeerectionseverywhereintheEast,werebuiltfor
astronomicalpurposesandwhatwonderthat,intheirgreatchildlikesimplicity,theyworshippedLight,
theSun,thePlanets,andthestars,andpersonifiedthem,andeagerlybelievedinthehistoriesinvented
forthem;inthatagewhenthecapacityforbeliefwasinfinite;asindeed,ifwebutreflect,itstillisand
everwillbe?

Ifweadheredtotheliterallyhistoricsense,antiquitywouldbeamereinexplicable,hideouschaos,and
alltheSagesderangedandsoitwouldbewithMasonryandthosewhoinstitutedit.Butwhenthese
allegoriesareexplained,theyceasetobeabsurdfables,orfactspurelylocal;andbecomelessonsof
wisdomforentirehumanity.Noonecandoubt,whostudiesthem,thattheyallcamefromacommon
source.

Allhegreatlyerrswhoimaginesthat,becausethemythologicallegendsandfablesofantiquityare
referabletoandhavetheirfoundationinthephenomenaoftheHeavens,andalltheHeathenGodsare
butmerenamesgiventotheSun,thestars,thePlanets,theZodiacalsigns,theElements,thePowersof
Nature,andUniversalNatureherself,thereforethefirstmenworshippedtheStars,andwhateverthings,
animateandinanimate,seemedtothemtopossessandexerciseapowerorinfluence,evidentor
imagined,overhumanfortunesandhumandestiny.

Forever,inallthenations,ascendingtotheremotestantiquitytowhichthelightofHistoryorthe
glimmeringsoftraditionreach,wefind,seatedaboveallthegodswhichrepresenttheluminariesand
theelements,andthosewhichpersonifytheinnatePowersofuniversalnature,astillhigherDeity,
silent,undefined,incomprehensible,theSupreme,oneGod,fromWhomalltherestfloworemanate,
orbyHimarecreated.AbovetheTimeGodHorus,theMoonGoddessorEarthGoddessIsis,andthe
SunGodOsirisoftheEgyptians,wasAmun,theNatureGod;andabovehim,again,theInfinite,
IncomprehensibleDeity,ATHOM.BREHM,thesilent,selfcontemplative,oneoriginalGod,wasthe
source,totheHindusofBrahma,Vishnu,andSiva.AboveZeus,orbeforehim,wereKronosand
Ouranos.OvertheAlohayimwasthegreatNatureGodAL,andstillbeyondhim,AbstractExistence,
IHUHHethatIS,WAS,andSHALLBE.AboveallthePersianDeitieswastheUnlimitedTime,
ZERUANEAKHERENE;andOdinandThorwastheGreatScandinavianDeityALFADIR.

TheworshipofUniversalNatureasaGodwastoonearakintotheworshipofaUniversalSoul,tohave
beentheinstinctivecreedofanysavagepeopleorruderaceofmen.Toimagineallnature,withallits
apparentlyindependentparts,asformingoneconsistentwhole,andasitselfaunit,requiredanamount
ofexperienceandafacultyofgeneralizationnotpossessedbytherudeuncivilizedmind,andisbuta
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stepbelowtheideaofauniversalSoul.

InthebeginningmanhadtheWORD;andthatWORDwasfromGod;andoutofthelivingPOWER
communicatedtomaninandbythatWORDcameTHELIGHTofHisExistence.

GodmademaninHisownlikeness.When,byalongsuccessionofgeologicalchanges,Hehad
preparedtheearthtobehishabitation,Hecreatedhim,andplacedhiminthatpartofAsiawhichthe
oldnationsagreedincallingthecradleofthehumanrace,whenceafterwardthestreamofhumanlife
flowedforthtoIndia,China,Egypt,Persia,Arabia,andPhoenicia.Hecommunicatedtohima
knowledgeofthenatureofhisCreator,andofthepure,primitive,undefiledreligion.Thepeculiarand
distinctiveexcelenceandrealessenceoftheprimitiveman,andhistruenatureanddestiny,consistedin
hislikenesstoGod.HestampedHisownimageuponman'ssoul.Thatimagehasbeen,inthebreastof
everyindividualmanandofmankindingeneral,greatlyaltered,impaired,anddefaced;butitsold,
halfobliteratedcharactersarestilltobefoundonallthepagesofprimitivehistoryandtheimpress,not
entirelyeffaced,everyreflectingmindmaydiscoverinitsowninterior.

Oftheoriginalrevelationtomankind,oftheprimitiveWORDofDivineTRUTH,wefindclear
indicationsandscatteredtracesinthesacredtraditionsofalltheprimitiveNations;traceswhich,when
separatelyexamined,appearlikethebrokenremnants,themysteriousandhieroglyphiccharacters,ofa
mightyedificethathasbeendestroyed;anditsfragments,likethoseoftheoldTemplesandPalacesof
Nimroud,wroughtincongruouslyintoedificesmanycenturiesyounger.And,althoughamidtheever
growingdegeneracyofmankind,thisprimevalwordofrevelationfalsifiedbytheadmixtureofvarious
errors,andoverlaidandobscuredbynumberlessandmanifoldfictions,inextricablyconfused,and
disfiguredalmostbeyondthepowerofrecognition,stillaprofoundinquirywilldiscoverinheathenism
manyluminousvestigesofprimitiveTruth.

FortheoldHeathenismhadeverywhereafoundationinTruth;andifwecouldseparatethatpure
intuitionintonatureandintothesimplesymbolsofnature,thatconstitutedthebasisofallHeathenism,
fromthealloyoferrorandtheadditionsoffiction,thosefirsthieroglyphictraitsoftheinstinctive
scienceofthefirstmen,wouldbefoundtoagreewithtruthandatrueknowledgeofnature,andto
affordanimageofafree,pure,comprehensive,andfinishedphilosophyoflife.

Thestruggle,thenceforwardtobeeternal,betweentheDivinewillandthenaturalwillinthesoulsof
men,commencedimmediatelyafterthecreation.CainslewhisbrotherAbel,andwentforthtopeople
partsoftheearthwithanimpiousrace,forgettersanddefiersofthetrueGod.

TheotherDescendantsoftheCommonFatheroftheraceintermarriedwiththedaughtersofCain's
Descendants:andallnationspreservedtheremembranceofthatdivisionofthehumanfamilyintothe
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righteousandimpious,intheirdistortedlegendsofthewarsbetweentheGods,andtheGiantsand
Titans.When,afterward,anothersimilardivisionoccurred,theDescendantsofSethalonepreserved
thetrueprimitivereligionandscience,andtransmittedthemtoposterityintheancientsymbolical
character,onmonumentsofstone:andmanynationspreservedintheirlegendarytraditionsthememory
ofthecolumnsofEnochandSeth.

Thentheworlddeclinedfromitsoriginalhappyconditionandfortunateestate,intoidolatryand
barbarism:butallnationsretainedthememoryofthatoldestate;andthepoets,inthoseearlydaysthe
onlyhistorians,commemoratedthesuccessionoftheagesofgold,silver,brass,andiron.

Inthelapseofthoseages,thesacredtraditionfollowedvariouscoursesamongeachofthemostancient
nations;andfromitsoriginalsource,asfromacommoncentre,itsvariousstreamsfloweddownward;
somediffusingthroughfavoredregionsoftheworldfertilityandlife;butotherssoonlosingthemselves,
andheingdriedupinthesterilesandsofhumanerror.

AftertheinternalandDivineWORDoriginallycommunicatedbyGodtoman,hadbecomeobscured;
afterman'sconnectwithhisCreatorhadbeenbroken,evenoutwardlanguagenecessarilyfellinto
disorderandconfusion.ThesimpleandDivineTruthwasoverlaidwithvariousandsensualfictions,
buriedunderillusivesymbols,andatlastpervertedintohorriblephantoms.

Forintheprogressofidolatryitneedscametopass,thatwhatwasoriginallyreveredasthesymbolofa
higherprinciple,becamegraduallyconfoundedoridentifiedwiththeobjectitself,andwasworshipped;
untilthiserrorledtoamoredegradedformofidolatry.Theearlynationsreceivedmuchfromthe
primevalsourceofsacredtradition;butthathaughtypridewhichseemsinherentpartofhumannature
ledeachtorepresentthesefragmentaryrelicsoforiginaltruthasapossessionpeculiartothemselves;
thusexaggeratingtheirvalue,andtheirownimportance,aspeculiarfavoritesoftheDeity,whohad
chosenthenthefavoredpeopletowhomtocommitthesetruths.Tomakethesefragments,asfaras
possible,theirprivateproperty,theyreproducedthemunderpeculiarforms,wrappedthemupin
symbols,concealedtheminallegories,andinventedfablestoaccountfortheirownspecialpossession
ofthem.Sothat,insteadofpreservingintheirprimitivesimplicityandpuritytheseblessingsof
originalrevelation,theyoverlaidthemwithpoeticalornament;andthewholewearsafabulousaspect,
untilbycloseandsevereexaminationwediscoverthetruthwhichtheapparentfablecontains.

Thesebeingtheconflictingelementsinthebreastofman;theoldinheritanceororiginaldowryof
truth,impartedtohimbyGodintheprimitiverevelation;anderror,orthefoundationforerror,inhis
degradedsenseandspiritnowturnedfromGodtonature,falsefaithseasilysprungupandgrewrank
andluxuriantwhentheDivineTruthwasnolongerguardedwithjealouscare,norpreservedinits
pristinepurity.
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ThissoonhappenedamongmostEasternnations,andespeciallytheIndians,theChaldeans,the
Arabians,thePersians,andtheEgyptians;withwhomimagination,andaverydeepbutstillsensual
feelingfornature,wereverypredominant.TheNorthernfirmament,visibletotheireyes,possessesby
farthelargestandmostbrilliantconstellations;theyweremorealivetotheimpressionsmadebysuch
objects,thanarethemenofthepresentday.

WiththeChinese,apatriarchal,simple,andsecludedpeople,idolatrylongmadebutlittleprogress.
Theyinventedwritingwithinthreeorfourgenerationsaftertheflood;andtheylongpreservedthe
memoryofmuchoftheprimitiverevelation;lessoverlaidwithfictionthanthosefragmentswhichother
nationshaveremembered.Theywereamongthosewhostoodnearesttothesourceofsacredtradition;
andmanypassagesintheiroldwritingscontainremarkablevestigesofeternaltruth,andoftheWORD
ofprimitiverevelation,theheritageofoldthought,whichattesttoustheiroriginaleminence.

Butamongtheotherearlynations,awildenthusiasmandasensualidolatryofnaturesoonsuperseded
thesimpleworshipoftheAlmightyGod,andsetasideordisfiguredthepurebeliefintheEternal
UncreatedSpirit.Thegreatpowersandelementsofnature,andthevitalprincipleofproductionand
procreationthroughallgenerations;thenthecelestialspiritsorheavenlyHost,theluminousarmiesof
theStars,andthegreatSun,andmysterious,everchangingMoon(allofwhichthewholeancientworld
regardednotasmereglobesoflightorbodiesoffire,butasanimatedlivingsubstances,potentover
man'sfateanddestinies);nextthegeniiandtutelarspirits,andeventhesoulsofthedead,received
divineworship.Theanimals,representingthestarryconstellations,firstreverencedassymbolsmerely,
cametobeworshippedasgods;theheavens,earth,andtheoperationsofnaturewerepersonified;and
fictitiouspersonagesinventedtoaccountfortheintroductionofscienceandarts,andthefragmentsof
theoldreligioustruths;andthegoodandbadprinciplespersonified,becamealsoobjectsofworship;
while,throughall,stillshonethesilverthreadsoftheoldprimitiverevelation.

Increasingfamiliaritywithearlyorientalrecordsseemsmoreandmoretoconfirmtheprobabilitythat
theyalloriginallyemanatedfromonesource.TheeasternandsouthernslopesoftheParopismus,or
Hindukusch,appeartohavebeeninhabitedbykindredIranianraces,similarinhabits,language,and
religion.TheearliestIndianandPersianDeitiesareforthemostpartsymbolsofcelestiallight,their
agencybeingregardedasaneternalwarfarewiththepowersofWinter,stonn,anddarkness.The
religionofbothwasoriginallyaworshipofoutwardnature,especiallythemanifestationsoffireand
light;thecoincidencesbeingtoomarkedtobemerelyaccidental.Deva,God,isderivedfromtheroot
divtoshine.

Indra,likeOrmuzdorAhuraMazda,isthebrightfirmament;SuraorSurya,theHeavenly,anamethe
Sun,recursintheZendwordHuare,theSun,whenceKhurandKhorshidorCorasch.UschasandMitra
areMedicaswellZendDeitiesandtheAmschaspandsor"immortalHolyOnes"theZendAvestamay
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becomparedwiththesevenRishisorVedicStarGod,oftheconstellationoftheBear.Zoroastrianism,
likeBuddhism,wasaninnovationinregardtoanolderreligion;betweentheParseeandBrahminmay
befoundtracesofdisruptionaswellasofcoincidence.TheoriginalNatureworshipinwhichwere
combinedtheconceptionsbothofaUniversalPresenceandperpetuityofaction,tookdifferent
directionsofdevelopment,accordingtothedifferencebetweentheIndianandPersianmind.

TheearlyshepherdsofthePunjaub,thencalledthecountryoftheSevenRivers,towhoseintuitionalor
inspiredwisdom(Veda)weowewhatareperhapsthemostancientreligiouseffusionsextantinany
language,apostrophizedaslivingbeingsthephysicalobjectsoftheirworship.

FirstinthisorderofDeitiesstandsIndra,theGodofthe"blue"or"glittering"firmament,called
Devaspiti,FatheroftheDevasorElementalPowers,whomeasuredoutthecircleofthesky,andmade
fastthefoundationsoftheEarth;theidealdomainofVarouna,"theAllencompasser"isalmostequally
extensive,includingair,water,night,theexpansebetweenHeavenandEarth;Agni,wholivesonthe
fireofsacrifice,onthedomestichearth,andinthelightningsofthesky,isthegreatMediatorbetween
GodandMan;Uschas,orDawn,leadsforththeGodsinthemorningtomaketheirdailyrepastinthe
intoxicatingSomaofNature'soffertory,ofwhichthePriestcouldonlycompoundfromsimplesa
symbolicalimitation.ThencamethevariousSunGods,AdityasorSolarAttributes,Suryathe
Heavenly,SavitritheProgenitor,PashantheNourisher,BaghatheFelicitous,andMitratheFriend.

ThecomingforthoftheEternalBeingtotheworkofcreationwasrepresentedasamarriage,hisfirst
emanationbeingauniversalmother,supposedtohavepotentiallyexistedwithhimfromEternity,orin
metaphoricallanguage,tohavebeen"hissister,hisspouse."Shebecameeventuallypromotedtobethe
MotheroftheIndianTrinity,oftheDeityunderHisthreeAttributeCreation,Preservation,andChange
orRegeneration.

ThemostpopularformsormanifestationsofVishnuthePreserver,werehissuccessiveavatarasor
historicimpersonations,whichrepresentedtheDeitycomingforthoutoftheincomprehsivemysteryof
hisnature,andrevealingHimselfatthosecriticalepochswhicheitherinthephysicalormoralworld
seemedtomarkanewcommencementofprosperityandorder.

CombatingthepowerofEvilinthevariousdepartmentsofNature,andinsuccessiveperiodsoftime,
theDivinity,thoughvaryinginform,iseverinrealitythesame,whetherseeninusefulagriculturalor
socialinventions,intraditionalvictoriesoverrivalcreeds,orinphysicalchangesfaintlydiscovered
throughtradition,orsuggestedbycosmogonicaltheory.AsRama,theEpicheroarmedwithsword,
club,andarrows,theprototypeofHerculesandMithras,hewrestlesliketheHebrewPatriarchwiththe
PowersofDarkness;ChrishnaGovinda,theDivineShepherd,heistheMessengerofPeace,
overmasteringtheworldbymusicandlove.UnderthehumanformheneverceasestobetheSupreme
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Being."Thefoolish"(hesays,inBhagavadGhita),"unacquaintedwithmySupremeNature,despiseme
inthishumanform,whilemenofgreatminds,enlightenedbytheDivineprinciplewithinthem,
acknowledgemeasincorruptibleandbeforeallthings,andservemewithundividedhearts.""Iamnot
recognizedbyall,"hesaysagain,"becauseconcealedbythesupernaturalpowerwhichisinme;yetto
meareknownallthingspast,present,andtocome;IexistedbeforeVaivaswataandMenou.Iamthe
MostHighGod,theCreatoroftheWorld,theEternalPoorooscha(ManWorldorGeniusoftheWorld).
AndalthoughinmyownnatureIamexemptfromliabilitytobirthordeath,andamLordofallcreated
things,yetasoftenasintheworldvirtueisenfeebled!andviceandinjusticeprevail,sooftendoI
becomemanifestandamrevealedfromagetoage,tosavethejust,todestroytheguilty,andtoreassure
thefalteringstepsofvirtue.Hewhoacknowledgethmeasevenso,dothnotonquittingthismortal
frameenterintoanother,forheenterethintome;andmanywhohavetrustedinmehavealreadyentered
intome,beingpurifiedbythepowerofwisdom.Ihelpthosewhowalkinmypath,evenastheyserve
me."

Brahma,thecreatingagent,sacrifiedhimself,when,bydescendingintomaterialforms,hebecame
incorporatedwithhiswork;andhismythologicalhistorywasinterwovenwiththatoftheUniverse.
Thus,althoughspirituallyalliedtotheSupreme,andLordofallcreatures(Prajapati),hesharedthe
imperfectionandcorruptionofaninferiornature,and,steepedinmanifoldarperishableforms,might
besaid,liketheGreekUranus,tobemutilatedandfallen.Hethuscombinedtwocharacters,formless
form,immortalandmortal,beingandnonbeing,motionandrest.AsIncarnateIntelligence,orTHE
WORD,hecommunicatedtomanwhathadbeenrevealedtohimselfbytheEternal,sinceheis
creation'sSoulaswellasBody,withinwhichtheDivineWordiswritteninthoselivingletterswhichit
istheprerogativeoftheselfconsciousspirittointerpret.

ThefundamentalprinciplesofthereligionoftheHindusconsistedinthebeliefintheexistenceofOne
Beingonly,oftheimmortalityofthesoul,andofafuturestateofrewardsandpunishments.Their
preceptsofmoralityinculcatethepracticeofvirtueasnecessaryforprocuringhappinesseveninthis
transientlife;andtheirreligiousdoctrinesmaketheirfelicityinafuturestatetodependuponit.

Besidestheirdoctrineofthetransmigrationofsouls,theirdogmasmaybeepitomizedunderthe
followingheads:1stTheexistenceofoneGod,fromWhomallthingsproceed,andtoWhomallmust
return.Tohimtheyconstantlyapplytheseexpressions.TheUniversalandEternalEssence;thatwhich
haseverbeenandwillevercontinue;thatwhichvivifiesandpervadesallthings;Hewhoiseverywhere
present,andcausesthecelestialbodiestorevolveinthecourseHehasprescribedtothem.2dA
tripartitedivisionoftheGoodPrinciple,forthepurposesofCreation,Preservation,andRenovationby
changeanddeath.3d.ThenecessaryexistenceofanEvilPrinciple,occupiedincounteractingthe
benevolentpurposesofthefirst,intheirexecutionbytheDevataorSubordinateGenii,towhomis
entrustedthecontroloverthevariousoperationsofnature.
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Andthiswaspartoftheirdoctrine:"OnegreatandincomprehensibleBeinghasaloneexistedfromall
Eternity.EverythingwebeholdandweourselvesareportionsofHim.Thesoul,mindorintellect,of
godsandmen,andofallsentientcreatures,aredetachedportionsoftheUniversalSoul,towhichat
statedperiodstheyaredestinedtoreturn.Butthemindoffinitebeingsisimpressedbyone
uninterruptedseriesofillusions,whichtheyconsiderasreal,untilagainunitedtothegreatfountainof
truth.Oftheseillusions,thefirstandmostessentialisindividuality.Byitsinfluence,whendetached
fromitssource,thesoulbecomesignorantofitsownnature,origin,anddestiny.Itconsidersitselfasa
separateexistence,andnolongerasparkoftheDivinity,alinkofoneimmeasurablechain,aninfinitely
smallbutindispensableportionofonegreatwhole."

Theirloveofimagerycausedthemtopersonifywhattheyconceivedtobesomeoftheattributesof
God,perhapsinordertopresentthingsinawaybetteradaptedtothecomprehensionsofthevulgar,
thantheabstruseideaofanindescribable,invisibleGod;andhencetheinventionofaBrahma,a
Vishnu,andaSivaorIswara.Thesewererepresentedundervariousforms;butnoemblemorvisible
signofBrihmorBrehm,theOmnipotent,istobefound.Theyconsideredthegreatmysteryofthe
existenceoftheSupremeRuleroftheUniverse,asbeyondhumancomprehension.Everycreature
endowedwiththefacultyofthinking,theyheld,mustbeconsciousoftheexistenceofaGod,afirst
cause;buttheattempttoexplainthenatureofthatBeing,orinanywaytoassimilateitwithourown,
theyconsiderednotonlyaproofoffolly,butofextremeimpiety.

Thefollowingextractsfromtheirbookswillservetoshowwhatweretherealtenetsoftheircreed:

"ByoneSupremeRuleristhisUniversepervaded;eveneveryworldinthewholecircleofnature.There
isoneSupremeSpirit,whichnothingcanshake,moreswiftthanthethoughtofman.ThatSupreme
Spiritmovesatpleasure,butinitselfisimmovable;itisdistantfromus,yetnearus;itpervadesthis
wholesystemofworlds;yetitisinfinitelybeyondit.Thatmanwhoconsidersallbeingsasexisting
evenintheSupremeSpirit,andtheSupremeSpiritaspervadingallbeings,henceforthviewsno
creaturewithcontempt.AllspiritualbeingsarethesameinkindwiththeSupremeSpirit.Thepure
enlightenedsoulassumesaluminousform,withnogrossbody,withnoperforation,withnoveinsor
tendons,unblemished,untaintedbysin;itselfbeingarayfromtheInfiniteSpirit,whichknowsthePast
andtheFuture,whichpervadesall,whichexistedwithnocausebutitself,whichcreatedallthingsas
theyare,inagesmostremote.ThatallpervadingSpiritwhichgiveslighttothevisibleSun,eventhe
sameinkindamI,thoughinfinitelydistantindegree.LetmysoulreturntotheimmortalSpiritofGod,
andthenletmybody,whichendsinashes,returntodust!OSpirit,whopervadestfire,leadusina
straightpathtotherichesofbeatitude".

"Thou,OGod,possessesthallthetreasuresofknowledge!Removeeachfoultaintfromoursouls!"

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"Fromwhatrootspringsmortalman,whenfelledbythehandofdeath?Whocanmakehimspring
againtobirth?God,whoisperfectwisdom,perfecthappiness.Heisthefinalrefugeofthtmanwho
hasliberallybestowedhiswealth,whohasbeenfirminvirtue,whoknowsandadoresthatGreatOne.
LetusadorethesupremacyofthatDivineSun,theGodheadwhoilluminatesall,whorecreatesall,
fromwhomallproceed,towhomallmustreturn,whomweinvoketodirectourunderstandingsaright,
inourprogresstowardhisholyseat.WhattheSunandLightaretothisvisibleworld,suchistruthto
theintellectualandvisibleUniverse.

Oursoulsacquirecertainknowledge,bymeditatingonthelightofTruth,whichemanatesfromthe
BeingofBeings.ThatBeing,withouteyessees,withoutearshearsall;heknowswhatevercanbe
known,butthereisnonewhoknowshim;himthewisecalltheGreat,Supreme,PervadingSpirit.

PerfectTruth,PerfectHappiness,withoutequal,immortal;absoluteunity,whomneitherspeechcan
describe,normindcomprehend:allpervading,alltranscending,delightedwithhisownboundless
intelligence,norlimitedbyspaceortime;withoutfeet,runningswiftly;withouthands,graspingall
worlds;withouteyes,allsurveying;withoutears,allhearing;without;anintelligentguide,
understandingall;withoutcause,thefirstofallcauses;allruling,allpowerful,theCreator,Preserver,
Transformerofallthings:suchistheGreatOne;thistheVedasdeclare".

"Maythatsoulofmine,whichmountsaloftinmywakinghoursasanetherealspark,andwhich,even
inmyslumber,hasalikeascent,soaringtoagreatdistance,asanemanationfromtheLightofLights,
beunitedbydevoutmeditationwiththeSpiritsupremelyblest,andsupremelyintelligent!Maythatsoul
ofmine,whichwasitselftheprimevaloblationplacedwithinallcreatureswhichisarayofperfect
wisdom,whichistheinextinguishablelightfixedwithincreatedbodies,withoutwhichnogoodactis
performedinwhichasanimmortalessencemaybecomprisedwhateverhaspassed,ispresent,orwill
behereafterbeunitedbydevoutmeditationwiththeSpiritsupremelyblestandsupremelyintelligent"!

"TheBeingofBeingsistheOnlyGod,eternalandeverywherepresent,Whocompriseseverything.
ThereisnoGodbutHe.ThesupremeBeingisinvisible,incomprehensible,immovable,withoutfigure
orshape.NoonehaseverseenHim;timenevercomprisedHim;Hisessencepervadeseverything;all
wasderivedfromHim".

"Thedutyofagoodman,eveninthemomentofhisdestruction,consistsnotonlyinforgiving,buteven
inadesireofbenefitinghisdestroyer;asthesandaltree,intheinstantofitsoverthrow,shedsperfume
ontheaxewhichfellsit."

TheVedantaandNyayaphilosophersacknowledgeaSupremeEternalBeing,andtheimmortalityof
thesoul:though,liketheGreeks,theydifferintheirideasofthosesubjects.TheyspeakoftheSupreme
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Beingasaneternalessencethatpervadesspace,andgiveslifeorexistence.Ofthatuniversaland
eternalpervadingspirit,theVedantisupposefourmodifications;butasthesedonotchangeitsnature,
andasitwouldbeerroneoustoascribetoeachofthemadistinctessence,soitisequallyerroneous,
theysay,toimaginethatthevariousmodificationsbywhichtheAllpervadingBeingexists,ordisplays
Hispower,areindividualexistences.Creationisnotconsideredastheinstantproductionofthings,but
onlyasthemanifestationofthatwhichexistseternallyintheoneUniversalBeing.TheNyaya
philosophersbelievethatspiritandmatterareeternal;buttheydonotsupposethattheworldinits
presentformhasexistedfrometernity,butonlytheprimarymatterfromwhichitsprangwhenoperated
onbythealmightyWordofGod,theIntelligentCauseandSupremeBeing,Whoproducedthe
combinationsoraggregationswhichcomposethematerialuniverse.Thoughtheybelievethatsoulisan
emanationfromtheSupremeBeing,theydistinguishitfromthatBeing,initsindividualexistence.
TruthandIntelligencearetheeternalattributesofGod,not,theysay,oftheindividualsoul,whichis
susceptiblebothofknowledgeandignorance,ofpleasureandpain;andthereforeGodanditare
distinct.EvenwhenitreturnstotheEternal,andattainssupremebliss,itundoubtedlydoesnotcease.
ThoughunitedtotheSupremeBeing,itisnotabsorbedinit,butstillretainstheabstractnatureof
definiteorvisibleexistence.

"Thedissolutionoftheworld,"theysay,"consistsinthedestructionofthevisibleformsandqualitiesof
things;buttheirmaterialessenceremains,andfromitnewworldsareformedbythecreativeenergyof
God;andthustheuniverseisdissolvedandrenewedinendlesssuccession."

TheJainas,asectatMysoreandelsewhere,saythattheancientreligionofIndiaandofthewhole
worldconsistedinthebeliefinoneGod,apureSpirit,indivisible,omniscientandallpowerful;that
God,havinggiventoallthingstheirappointedorderandcourseofaction,andtomanasufficient
portionofreasonorunderstanding,toguidehiminhisconduct,leaveshimtheoperationoffreewill,
withouttheentireexerciseofwhichhecouldnotbeheldanswerableforhisconduct.

Menou,theHindulawgiver,adored,notthevisible,materialSun,but"thatdivineandincomparably
greaterlight,"tousethewordsofthemostvenerabletextintheIndianscripture,"whichilluminesall,
delightsall,fromwhichallproceed,towhichallmustreturn,andwhichalonecanirradiateour
intellects."HethuscommenceshisInstitutes:

"Beitheard"!

"ThisUniverseexistedonlyinthefirstdivineideayetunexpanded,asifinvolvedindarkness,
imperceptible,undefinable,undiscoverablebyreason,andundiscoveredbyrevelation,asifitwere
whollyimmersedinsleep".
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"ThentheSoleSelfexistingPower,Himselfundiscovered,butmakingthisworlddiscernible,withfive
elements,andotherprinciplesofnature,appearedwithundiminishedglory,expandingHisidea,or
dispellingthegloom".

"HeWhomthemindalonecanperceive,whoseesscenceeludestheeternalorgans,whohasnovisible
parts,whoexistsfromEternity,evenHe,thesoulofallbeings,Whomnobeingcancomprehend,shone
forth".

"He,havingwilledtoproducevariousbeingsfromHisowndivineSubstance,firstwithathought
createdthewaters.Fromthatwhichis[preciselytheHebrew],thefirstcause,nottheobjectofsense,
existingeverywhereinsubstance,notexistingtoourperception,withoutbeginningorend"[theA.'.
Omega.'.,theI.'.A.'.Omega.'.],"wasproducedthedivinemalefamedinallworldsunderthe
appellationofBrahma".

ThenrecapitulatingthedifferentthingscreatedbyBrahmaadds:"He,"meaningBrahma[theAoyos,
theWord]"whosepowersareincomprehensible,havingthuscreatedthisUniverse,wasagainabsorbed
intheSupremeSpirit,changingthetimeofenergyforthetimeofrepose".

TheAntareyaA'ran'ya,oneoftheVedas,givesthisprimitiveideaofthecreation:"Inthebeginning,the
UniversewasbutaSoul,nothingelse,activeorinactive,existed.ThenHehadthisthought,Iwillcreate
worlds;andthusHecreatedthesedifferentworlds;air,thelight,mortalbeings,andthewaters.

"Hehadthisthought:"Beholdtheworlds;Iwillcreateguardiansfortheworlds".SoHetookofthe
waterandfashionedabeingclothedwiththehumanform.Helookeduponhimandofthatbeingso
contemplated,themouthopenedlikeallegg,andspeechcameforth,andfromthespeechfire.The
nostrilsopened,andthroughthemwentthebreathofrespiration,andbyittheairwaspropagated.The
eyesopened;fromthemcamealuminousray,andfromitwasproducedthesun.Theearsdilated;from
themcamehearing,andfromhearingspace:"and,afterthebodyofman,withthesenses,wasformed;
He,theuniversalSoul,thusreflected:HowcanthisbodyexistwithoutMe"?Heexaminedthrough
whatextremityHecouldpenetrateit.HesaidtoHimself:"If,withoutMe,theWorldisarticulated,
breathexhales,andsightsees;ifhearinghears,theskinfeels,andthemindreflects,deglutition
swallows,andthegenarativeorganfulfillsitsfunctions,whatthenamI"?Andseparatingthesutureof
thecranium,Hepenetratedintoman."

Beholdthegreatfundamentalprimitivetruths!God,aninfiniteEternalSoulorSpirit.Matter,not
eternalnorselfexistent,butcreatedcreatedbyathoughtofGod.Aftermatter,andworlds,thenman,
byalikethoughtandfinally,afterendowinghimwiththesensesandathinkingmind,aportion,a
spark,ofGodHimselfpenetratestheman,andbecomesalivingspiritwithinhim.
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TheVedasthusdetailthecreationoftheworld:

"InthebeginningtherewasasingleGod,existingofHimself;Who,afterhavingpassedaneternity
absorbedinthecontemplationofHisownbeing,desiredtomanifestHisperfectionsoutwardlyof
Himself;andcreatedthematteroftheworld.Thefourelementsbeingthusproduced,butstillmingled
inconfusion,Hebreatheduponthewaters,whichswelledupinto
animmenseballintheshapeofanegg,and,developingthemselves,becamethevaultandorbof
Heavenwhichencirclestheearth.Havingmadetheearthandthebodiesofanimalbeings,thisGod,the
essenceofmovement,gavetothem,toanimatethem,aportionofHisownbeing.Thus,thesoulof
everythingthatbreathesbeingafractionoftheuniversalsoul,none
perishes;buteachsoulmerelychangesitsmouldandform,bypassingsucccessivelyintodifferent
bodies.Ofallforms,thatwhichmostpleasestheDivineBeingisMan,asnearestapproachingHisown
perfections.Whenaman,absolutelydisengaginghimselffromhissenses,absorbshimselfinself
contemplation,hecomestodiscerntheDivinity,andbecomespartof
Him."

TheAncientPersiansinmanyrespectsresembledtheHindus,intheirlanguage,theirpoetry,andtheir
poeticlegends.TheirconquestsbroughtthemincontactwithChina;andtheysubduedEgyptand
Judea.TheirviewsofGodandreligionmoreresembledthoseoftheHebrewsthanthoseofanyother
nation,andindeedthelatterpeopleborrowedfromthemsomeprominentdoctrines,thatweareinthe
habitofregardingasanessentialpartoftheoriginalHebrewcreed.

OftheKingofHeavenandFatherofEternalLight,ofthepureWorldofLight,oftheEternalWordby
whichallthingswerecreated,oftheSevenMightySpiritsthatstandnexttotheThroneofLightand
Omnipotence,andofthegloryofthoseHeavenlyHoststhatencompassthatThrone,oftheOriginof
Evil,andthePrinceofDarkness,Monarchoftherebelliousspirits,enemiesofallgood,they
entertainecltenetsverysimilartothoseoftheHebrews.TowardEgyptianidolatrytheyfeltthestrongest
abhorrence,andunderCambysespursuedaregularplanforitsutterextirpation.Xerxes,whenhe
invadedGreece,destroyedtheTemplesanderectedfirechapelsalongthewholecourseofhismarch.
Theirreligionwaseminentlyspiritual,andtheearthlyfireandearthlysacrificewerebutthesignsand
emblemsofanotherdevotionandahigherpower.

ThusthefundamentaldoctrineoftheancientreligionofIndiaandPersiawasatfirstnothingmorethan
asimplevenerationofnature,itspureelementsanditsprimaryenergies,thesacredfire,andaboveall,
Light,theair,nottheloweratmosphericairthepurerandbrighterairofHeaven,thebreaththat
animatesandpervadesthebreathofmortallife.
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Thispureandsimplevenerationofnatureisperhapsthemostancient,andwasbyfarthemost
generallyprevalentintheprimitiveandpatriarchalworld.Itwasnotoriginallyadeificationofnature,
oradenialofthesovereigntyofGod.Thosepureelementsandprimitiveessencesofcreatednature
offeredtothefirstmen,stillinaclosecommunicationwiththeDeity,notalikenessofresemblance,
noramerefancifulimageorapoeticalfigure,butanaturalandtruesymbolofDivinepower.
EverywhereintheHebrewwritingsthepurelightorsacredfireisemployedasanimageoftheall
pervadingandallconsumingpowerandomnipresenceofthe
Divinity.Hisbreathwasthefirstsourceoflife;andthefaintwhisperofthebreezeannouncedtothe
prophetHisimmediatepresence.

"Allthingsaretheprogenyofonefire.TheFatherperfectedallthings,anddeliveredthemovertothe
SecondMind,whomallnationsofmencalltheFirst.Naturalworkscoexistwiththeintellectuallight
oftheFather;foritistheSoulwhichadornsthegreatHeaven,andwhichadornsitaftertheFather.The
Soul,beingabrightfire,bythepoweroftheFather,remainsimmortal,andismistressoflife,andfills
uptherecessesoftheworld.Forthefirewhichisfirstbeyond,didnotshutuphispowerinmatterby
works,butbymind,fortheframerofthefieryworldisthemindofmind,whofirstsprangfrommind,
clothingfirewithfire.FatherbegottenLight!forHealone,havingfromtheFather'spowerreceivedthe
essenceofintellect,isenabledtounderstandthemindoftheFather;andtoinstillintoallsourcesand
principlestllecapacityofunderstanding,andofevercontinuinginceaselessrevolvingmotion."Such
wasthelanguageofZoroaster,embodyingtheoldPersianideas.

AndthesameancientsagethusspokeoftheSunandStars:"TheFathermadethewholeUniverseof
fireandwaterandearth,andallnourishingether.Hefixedagreatmultitudeofmovelessstars,that
standstillforever,notbycompulsionandunwillingly,butwithoutdesiretowander,fireactingupon
fire.Hecongregatedthesevenfirmamentsoftheworld,andsosurroundedtheearthwiththeconvexity
oftheHeavens;andthereinsetsevenlivingexistences,arrangingtheirapparentdisorderinregular
orbits,sixofthemplanets,andtheSun,placedinthecentre,theseventh;inthatcentrefromwhichall
lines,divergingwhichwaysoever,areequal;andtheswiftsunhimself,revolvingaroundaprincipal
centre,andeverstrivingtoreachthecentralandallpervadinglight,bearingwithhimthebright
Moon."

AndyetZoroasteradded:"Measurenotthejourneyingsofthesun,norattempttoreducethemtorule;
forheiscarriedbytheeternalwilloftheFather,notforyoursake.Donotendeavortounderstandthe
impetuouscourseoftheMoon;forsherunsevermoreundertheimpulseofnecessity;andthe
progressionoftheStarswasnotgeneratedtoserveanypurposeofyours."

OrmuzdsaystoZoroaster,intheBoundehesch:"IamhewhoholdstheStarSpangledHeavenin
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etherealspace;whomakes,thissphere,whichoncewasburiedindarkness,afloodoflight.Through
metheEarthbecameaworldfirmandlastingtheearthonwhichwalkstheLordoftheworld.Iamhe
whomakesthelightofSun,Moon,andStarspiercetheclouds.Imakethecornseed,whichperishing
inthegroundsproutsanew.Icreatedman,whoseeyeislight,whoselifeisthebreathofhisnostrils.I
placedwithinhimlife'sunextinguishablepower."

OrmuzdorAhuraMazdahimselfrepresentedtheprimallight,distinctfromtheheavenlybodies,yet
necessarytotheirexistence,andthesourceoftheirsplendor.TheAmschaspands(Ameschaspenta,
"immortalHolyOnes"),eachpresidedoveraspecialdepartmentofnature.EarthandHeaven,fireand
water,theSunandMoon,therivers,trees,andmountains,eventheartificialdivisionsofthedayand
yearwereaddressedinprayerastenantedbyDivinebeings,eachseparatelyrulingwithinhisseveral
sphere.Fire,inparticular,that"mostenergeticofimmortalpowers,"thevisiblerepresentativeofthe
primallight,wasinvokedas"sonofOrmuzd."TheSun,theArchimagus,thatnoblestandmost
powerfulagentofdivinepower,who"stepsforthasaConquerorfromthetopoftheterribleAlborjto
ruleovertheworldwhichheenlightensfromthethroneofOrmuzd,"wasworshippedamongother
symbolsbythenameofMITHRAS,abeneficentandfriendlygenius,who,inthehymnaddressedto
himintheZendAvesta,bearsthenamesgivenhimbytheGreeks,asthe"Invincible"andthe
"Mediator";theformer,becauseinhisdailystrifewithdarknessheisthemostactiveconfederateof
Ormuzd;thelatter,asbeingthemediumthroughwhichHeaven'schoicestblessingsarecommunicated
tomen.Heiscalled"theeyeofOrmuzd,theeffulgentHero,pursuinghiscoursetriumphantly,fertilizer
ofdeserts,mostexaltedoftheIzedsorYezatas,theneversleepingtheprotectoroftheland.""Whenthe
dragonfoedevastatesmyprovinces,"saysOrmuzd,"andafflictsthemwithfamine,thenishestruck
downbythestrongarmofMithras,togetherwiththeDevsofMazanderan.Withhislanceandhis
immortalclub,theSleeplessChiefhurlsdowntheDevsintothedust,whenasMediatorheinterposes
toguardthecityfromevil."

AhrimanwasbysomeParseesectsconsideredolderthanOrmuzd,asdarknessisolderthanlight;heis
imaginedtohavebeenunknownasaMalevolentBeingintheearlyagesoftheworld,andthefallof
manisattributedintheBoundehesclltoanapostateworshipofhim,fromwhichmenwereconverted
byasuccessionofprophetsterminatingwithZoroaster.

Mithrasisnotonlylight,butintelligence;thatluminarywhich,thoughborninobscurity,willnotonly
dispeldarknessbutconquerdeath.Thewarfarethroughwhichthisconsummationistobereached,is
mainlycarriedonthroughtheinstrumentalityofthe"Word,"that"everlivingemanationoftheDeity,
byvirtueofwhichtheworldexists,"andofwhichtherevealedformulasincessantlyrepeatedinthe
liturgiesoftheMagiarebuttheexpression."WhatshallIdo,"criedZoroaster,"OOrmuzd,steepedin
brightness,inordertobattlewithDaroodjAhriman,fatheroftheEvilLaw;howshallImakemenpure
andholy?"Ormuzdansweredandsaid:"Invoke,OZoroaster,thepurelawoftheServantsofOrmuzd;
invoketheAmschaspandswhoshedabundancethroughoutthesevenKeshwars;invoketheHeaven,
ZeruanaAkarana,thebirdstravailingonhigh,theswiftwind,theEarth;invokemySpirit,mewhoam
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AhuraMazda,thepurest,strongest,wisest,bestofbeings;mewhohavethemostmajesticbody,who
throughpurityamSupreme,whoseSoulistheExcellentWord;andye,allpeople,invokemeasIhave
commandedZoroaster."

AhuraMazdahimselfisthelivingWORD;heiscalled"Firstbornofallthings,expressimageofthe
Eternal,verylightofverylight,theCreator,whobypoweroftheWordwhichheneverceasesto
pronounce,madein365daystheHeavenandtheEarth."TheWordissaidintheYashnatohaveexisted
beforeall,andtobeitselfaYazata,apersonifiedobjectofprayer.ItwasrevealedinSerosch,inHoma,
andagain,underGushtasp,wasmanifestedinZoroaster.

Betweenlifeanddeath,betweensunshineandshade,Mithrasisthepresentexemplificationofthe
PrimalUnityfromwhichallthingsarose,andintowhich,throughhismediation,allcontrarieticswill
ultimatelybeabsorbed.HisannualsacrificeisthepasoveroftheMagi,asymbolicalatonementor
pledgeofmoralandphysicalregeneration.Hecreatedtheworldinthebeginning;andasatthecloseof
eachsuccessiveyearhesetsfreethecurrentoflifetoinvigorateafreshcircleofbeing,sointheendof
allthingshewillbringthewearysumofagesasahecatombbeforeGod,releasingbyafinalsacrifice
theSoulofNaturefromherperishableframe,tocommenceabrighterandpurerexistence.

Iamblichus(DeMys.viii.4)says:"TheEgyptiansarefarfromascribingallthingstophysicalcauses;
lifeandintellecttheydistinguishfromphysicalbeing,bothinmanandintheUniverse.Theyplace
intellectandreasonfirstasselfexistent,andfromthesetheyderivethecreatedworld.AsParentof
generatedthingstheyconstituteaDemiurge,andacknowledgeavitalforceboththeHeavensandbefore
theHeavens.TheyplacePureIntellectaboveandbeyondtheUniverse,andanother(thatis,Mind
vealedintheMaterialWorld),consistingofonecontinuousmindpervadingtheUniverse,and
apportionedtoallitspartsaspheres."TheEgyptianidea,then,wasthatofalltranscendental
philosophythatofaDeitybothimmanentandtranscendentspiritpassingintoitsmanifestations,but
notexhaustedbysodoing.

ThewisdomrecordedinthecanonicalrollsofHermesquicklyattainedinthistranscendentallore,all
thathumancuriositycaneverdiscover.Thebesespeciallyissaidtohaveacknowledgedabeingwithout
beginningorend,calledAmunorAmunKneph,theallprevadingSpiritorBreathofNature,or
perhapsevensomestillmoreloftyobjectofreverentialreflection,whomitwasforbiddeneventoname.
SuchabeingwouldintheorystandtheheadofthethreeordersofGodsmentionedbyHerodotus,these
beingregardedasarbitraryclassificationsofsimilarorequalbeings,arrangedinsuccessive
emanations,accordingtoanestimateoftheircomparativedignity.TheEightGreatGods,orprimary
class,wereprobablymanifestationsoftheemanatedGodintheseveralpartsandpowersofthe
Universe,eachpotentiallycomprisingthewholeGodhead.
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IntheancientHermeticbooks,asquotedbyIamblichus,occurredthefollowingpassageinregardtothe
SupremeBeing:

"Beforeallthethingsthatactuallyexist,andbeforeallbeginnings,thereisoneGod,prioreventothe
firstGodandKing,remainingunmovedinthesinglenessofhisownUnity:forneitherisanything
conceivedbyintellectinwovenwithhim,noranythingelse,butheisestablishedastheexemplarofthe
Godwhoisgood,whoishisownfather,selfbegotten,andhasonlyoneParent.Forheissomething
greaterandpriorto,andthefountainofallthings,andthefoundationofthingsconceivedbythe
intellect,whicharethefirstspecies.AndfromthisONE,theselforiginatedGodcausedhimselfto
shineforth;forwhichreasonheishisownfather,andselforiginated.Forheisbothabeginningand
GodofGods,aMonadfromtheOne,priortosubstanceandthebeginningofsubstance;forfromhim
issubstantialityandsubstance,whencealsoheiscalledthebeginningofthingsconceivedbythe
intellect.Thesethenarethemostancientbeginningsofallthings,whichHermesplacesbeforethe
etherealandempyreanandcelestialGods."

"CHANGTI,OrtheSupremeLordorBeing,"saidtheoldChinesecreed,"istheprincipleof
everythingthatexists,andFatherofallliving.Heiseternal,immovable,andindependent.Hispower
knowsnobounds,HissightequallycomprehendsthePast,thePresent,andtheFuture,andpenetrates
eventotheinmostrecessesoftheheart.Heavenandearthareunderhisgovernment;allevents,all
revolutions,aretheconsequencesofhisdispensationandwill.Heispure,holy,andimpartial;
wickednessoffendshissight;buthebeholdswithaneyeofcomplacencythevirtuousactionsofmen.
Severe,yetjust,hepunishesviceinanexemplarymanner,eveninPrincesandRulers;andoftencasts
downtheguilty,tocrownwithhonorthemanwhowalksafterhisownheart,andwhomheraisesfrom
obscurity.

Good,merciful,andfullofpity,heforgivesthewickedupontheirrepentanceandpubliccalamitiesand
theirregularityoftheseasonsarebutsalutarywarnings,whichhisfatherlygoodnessgivestomen,to
inducethemtoreformandamend."

Controlledbyreasoninfinitelymorethanbytheimagination,thatpeople,occupyingtheextremeEast
ofAsia,didnotfallintoidolatryuntilafterthetimeofConfucius,andwithintwocenturiesofthebirth
ofChrist;whenthereligionofBUDDHAorFOwascarriedthitherfromIndia.

TheirsystemwaslongregulatedbythepureworshipofGod,andthefoundationoftheirmoraland
politicalexistencelaidinasound,uprightreason,conformabletotrueideasoftheDeity.Theyhadno
falsegodsorimages,andtheirthirdEmperorHoamtierectedaTemple,thefirstprobablyevererected,
totheGreatArchitectoftheUniverse.Andthoughtheyofferedsacrificestodiverstutelaryangels,yet
theyhonoredtheminfinitelylessthanXAMTIorCHANGTI,theSovereignLordoftheWorld.
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ConfuciusforbademakingimagesorrepresentationsofDeity.Heattachednoideaofpersonalityto
Him;butconsideredHimasaPowerorPrinciple,pervadingallNature.AndtheChinesedesignatedthe
DivinitybythenameofTHEDIVINEREASON.

TheJapanesebelieveinaSupremeInvisibleBeing,nottorepresentedbyimagesorworshippedin
Temples.TheystyledhimAMIDAorOMITH;andsaythatheiswithoutbeginningend;thathecame
onearth,whereheremainedathousandyears,andbecametheRedeemerofourfallenrace,thatheisto
judgeallmen;andthegoodaretoliveforever,whilethebadaretocondemnedtoHell.

"TheChangtiisrepresented,"saidConfucius,"underthegeneralemblemofthevisiblefirmament,as
wellasundertheparticularsymbolsofthesun,theMoon,andtheEarth,becausebytheirmeanswe
enjoythegiftsoftheChangti.TheSunisthesourceoflifeandlight:theMoonilluminatestheworld
bynight.Byobservingthecourseoftheseluminaries,mankindareenabledtodistinguishtimesand
seasons.TheAncients,withtheviewofconnectingtheactwithitsobject,whentheyestablishedthe
practiceofsacrificingtotheChangti,fixedthedaytheWinterSolstice,becausetheSun,afterhaving
passedthroughthetwelveplacesassignedapparentlybytheChangtiasitsannualresidence,beganits
careeranew,todistributeblessingsthroughouttheEarth."

Hesaid:"TheTEENistheuniversalprincipleandprolificsourceofallthings.TheChangtiisthe
universalprincipleofexistence."

TheArabiansneverpossessedapoetical,highwrought,andscientificallyarrangedsystemof
Polytheism.TheirhistoricaltraditionshadmuchanalogywiththoseoftheHebrews,coincidedwith
theminavarietyofpoints.ThetraditionofapurerfaithandthesimplePatriarchalworshipoftheDeity
appearnevertohavebeentotallyextinguishedamongthem;nordididolatrygainmuchfootholduntil
nearthetimeofMahomet;whoadoptingtheoldprimevalfaith,taughtagaindoctrineofoneGod,
addingtoitthathewasHisProphet.

TothemassofHebrews,aswellastoothernations,seemtohavecomefragmentsonlyoftheprimitive
revelation:nordotheyseem,untilaftertheircaptivityamongthePersians,tohaveconcerned
themselvesaboutmetaphysicalspeculationsinregardtotheDivineNatureandessence;althoughitis
evident,fromthePsalmsofDavid,thataselectbodyamongthempreservedaknowledge,inregardto
theDeity,whichwaswhollyunknowntothemassofthepeople;andthosechosenfewweremadethe
mediumoftransitionforcertaintruths,tolaterages.

AmongtheGreeks,thescholarsoftheEgyptians,allthehigherideasandsevererdoctrinesonthe
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Divinity,hisSovereignNatureandInfiniteMight,theEternalWisdomandProvidencethatconducts
anddirectsallthingstotheirproperend,theInfiniteMindandSupremeIntelligencethatcreatedall
things,andisraisedfaraboveexternalnature,alltheseloftierideasandnoblerdoctrineswere
expoundedmoreorlessperfectlybyPythagoras,Anaxagoras,andSocrates,anddevelopedinthemost
beautifulandluminousmannerbyPlato,andthephilosophersthatsucceededhim.Andeveninthe
popularreligionoftheGreeksaremanythingscapableofadeeperimportandmorespiritual
signification;thoughtheyseemonlyrarevestigesofancienttruth,vaguepresentiments,fugitivetones,
andmomentaryflashes,revealingabeliefinaSupremeBeing,AlmightyCreatoroftheUniverse,and
CommonFatherofMankind.

MuchoftheprimitiveTruthwastaughttoPythagorasbyZoroaster,whohimselfreceiveditfromthe
Indians.HisdisciplesrejectedtheuseofTemples,ofAltars,andofStatues;andsmiledatthefollyof
thosenationswhoimaginedthattheDeitysprangfromorhadanyaffinitywithhumannature.Thetops
ofthehighestmountainsweretheplaceschosenforsacrifices.Hymnsandprayersweretheirprincipal
worship.ThesupremeGod,whofillsthewidecircleofHeaven,wastheobjecttoWhomtheywere
addressed.SuchisthetestimonyofHerodotus.Lighttheyconsiderednotsomuchasanobjectof
worship,asratherthemostpureandlivelyemblemof,andfirstemanationfrom,theEternalGod;and
thoughtthatmanrequiredsomethingvisibleortangibletoexalthismindtothatdegreeofadoration
whichisduetotheDivineBeing.

TherewasasurprisingsimilaritybetweentheTemples,Priests,doctrines,andworshipofthePersian
MagiandtheBritishDruids.Thelatterdidnotworshipidolsinthehumanshape,becausetheyheld
thattheDivinity,beinginvisible,oughttoadoredwithoutbeingseen.TheyassertedtheUnityofthe
Godhead.TheirinvocationsweremadetotheOneAllpreservingPower;andtheyarguedthat,asthis
powerwasnotmattermustnecessarilybetheDeity;andthesecretsymbolusedexpresshisnamewas
O.I.W.Theybelievedthattheearthhadsustainedonegeneraldestructionbywater;andwouldagainbe
destroyedbyfire.Theyadmittedthedoctrinesoftheimmortalityofthesoul,afuturestate,andadayof
judgment,whichwouldbeconductedontheprincipleofman'sresponsibility.Theyevenretainedsome
ideaoftheredemptionofmankindthroughthedeathofaMediator.Theyretainedatraditionthe
Deluge,pervertedandlocalized.But,aroundthesefragmentsofprimitivetruththeywoveawebof
idolatry,worshippedtwoSubordinateDeitiesunderthenamesofHUandCERIDWEN,maleand
female(doubtlessthesameasOsirisandIsis),andhelddoctrineoftransmigration.

TheearlyinhabitantsofScandinaviabelievedinaGodwhowas"theAuthorofeverythingthatexisteth;
theEternal,theAncient,theLivingandAwfulBeing,theSearcherintoconcealedthings,theBeing
thatneverchangeth."Idols,visiblerepresentationsoftheDeitywereoriginallyforbidden,andHewas
directedtobeworshippedinthelonelysolitudesequesteredforests,whereHewassaidtodwell,
invisible,anperfectsilence.
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TheDruids,liketheirEasternancestors,paidthemostsacredregardtotheoddnumbers,which;traced
backward,endedinUnityorDeity,whiletheevennumbersendedinnothing.3wasparticularly
reverenced.19(7+3+3^2):30(7X3+3X3);and21(7X3)werenumbersobservedintheerectionof
theirtemples,constantlyappearingintheirdimensions,andthenumberanddistancesofthehuge
stones.

Theywerethesoleinterpretersofreligion.Theysuperintendedallsacrifices;fornoprivateperson
couldofferonewiththeirpermission.Theyexercisedthepowerofexcommunication;andwithouttheir
concurrencewarcouldnotbedeclarednorpeacemadeandtheyevenhadthepowerofinflictingthe
punishmentofdeath.Theyprofessedtopossessaknowledgemagic,andpractisedauguryforthepublic
service.

Theycultivatedmanyoftheliberalsciences,andparticulyastronomy,thefavoritescienceofthe
Orient;inwhichtheyattainedconsiderableproficiency.Theyconsidereddayastheoffspringofnight,
andthereforemadetheircomputationsbynightsinsteadofdaysandwe,fromthem,stillusethewords
fortnightandsen'night.Theyknewthedivisionoftheheavensintoconstellations;andfinally,they
practisedthestrictestmorality,havingparticularlythemostsacredregardforthatpeculiarlyMasonic
virtue,Truth.

IntheIcelandicProseEddaisthefollowingdialogue:

"WhoisthefirstoreldestoftheGods?"

"Inourlanguageheiscalled,ALFADIR(AllFather,ortheFatherofAll);butintheoldAsgardhehad
twelvenames".

"WhereisthisGod?Whatishispower?andwhathathhedonetodisplayhisglory?"

"Helivethfromallages,hegovernethallrealms,andswayethallthingsbothgreatandsmall".

"HehathformedHeavenandearth,andtheair,andallthingsthereuntobelonging".

"Hehathmademanandgivenhimasoulwhichshallliveandneverperish,thoughthebodyshallhave
moulderedawayorhavebeenburnttoashes.Andallthatarerighteousshalldwellwithhiminthe
placecalledGimliorVingolf;butthewickedshallgotoHelandthencetoNiflhelwhichisbelow,in
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theninthworld."

Almosteveryheathennation,sofaraswehaveanyknowledgeoftheirmythology,believedinone
SupremeOverrulingGod,whosenameitwasnotlawfultoutter.

"Whenweascend,"saysMuller,tothemostdistantheightsofGreekhistory,theideaofGodasthe
SupremeBeingstandsbeforeusasasimplefact.NexttothisadorationofOneGod,theFatherof
Heaven,theFatherofmen,wefindinGreeceaWorshipofNature."TheoriginalwastheGodorGods,
calledbytheGreekstheSonofTime,meaningthattherewasnoGodbeforeHim,butHewasEternal.
"Zeus,"saystheOrphicline,"istheBeginning,ZeustheMiddle;outofZeusallthingshavebeen
made."AndthePeleidesofDodonasaid,"Zeuswas,Zeusis,Zeuswillbe;OgreatZeus!"andhewas
ZeusBestandGreatest.

TheParsees,retainingtheoldreligiontaughtbyZaradisht,sayintheircatechism:"Webelieveinonly
oneGod,anddonotbelieveinanybesideHim;WhocreatedtheHeavens,theEarth,theAngels.Our
Godhasneitherfacenorform,colournorshape,norfixedplace.ThereisnootherlikeHim,norcan
ourmindcomprehendHim."

TheTetragrammaton,orsomeotherwordcoveredbyit,wasforbiddentobepronounced.Butthatits
pronunciationmightnotbelostamongtheLevites,theHighPriestuttereditintheTempleonceayear,
onthe10thdayoftheMonthTisri,thedayofthegreatfeastofexpiation.Duringthisceremony,the
peopleweredirectedtomakeagreatnoise,thattheSacredWordmightnotbeheardbyanywhohad
notarighttoit;foreveryother,saidtheJews,wouldbeincontinentlystrickendead.

TheGreatEgyptianInitiates,beforethetimeoftheJews,didthesamethinginregardtothewordIsis;
whichtheyregardedassacredandincommunicable.

Origensays:"Therearenameswhichhaveanaturalpotency.SuchasthosewhichtheSagesused
amongtheEgyptians,theMagiinPersia,theBrahminsinIndia.WhatiscalledMagicisnotavainand
chimericalact,astheStoicsandEpicureanspretend.ThenamesSABAOTIIandADONAIwerenot
madeforcreatedbeings;buttheybelongtoamysterioustheology,whichgoesbacktotheCreator.
FromHimcomesthevirtueofthesenames,whentheyarearrangedandpronouncedaccordingtothe
rules."

TheHinduwordAUMrepresentedthethreePowerscombinedintheirDeity;Brahma,Vishnu,and
Siva;ortheCreating,Preserving,andDestroyingPowers:A,thefirst;UorOO,the,second;andM,
thethird.Thiswordcouldnotbepronouncedexceptbytheletters,foritspronunciationasoneword
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wassaidtomakeEarthtremble,andeventheAngelsofHeaventoquakeforfear.

ThewordAUM,saystheRamayan,represents"TheBeingofBeings,OneSubstanceinthreeforms;
withoutmode,withoutqualitywithoutpassion,Immense,Incomprehensible,Infinite,Indivisible,
Immutable,Incorporeal,Irresistible."

AnoldpassageinthePuranasays:"AlltheritesordainedintheVedas,thesacrificestothefire.andall
othersolemnpurifications,shallpassaway;butthatwhichshallneverpassawayisthewordA.'.OO.'.
M.'.foritisthesymboloftheLordofallthings."

HerodotussaysthattheAncientPelasgibuiltnotemplesandworshippednoidols,andhadasacred
nameofDeity,whichitwasnotpermissibletopronounce.

TheClarianOracle,whichwasofunknownantiquity,beingaskedwhichoftheDeitieswasnamed
IAQ,answeredintheseremarkablewords:"TheInitiatedareboundtoconcealthemysterioussecrets.
Learn,then,thatIAQistheGreatGodSupreme,thatrulethoverall."

TheJewsconsidertheTrueNameofGodtobeirrecoverablylostbydisuse,andregardits
pronunciationasoneoftheMysteriesthatwillberevealedatthecomingoftheirMessiah.Andthey
attributeitslosstotheillegalityofapplyingtheMasoreticpointstososacredaName,bywhicha
knowledgeofthepropervowelsisforgotten.Itisevensaid,intheGemaraofAbodahZara,thatGod
permittedacelebratedHebrewScholartobeburnedbyaRomanEmperor,becausehehadbeenheard
topronouncetheSacredNamewithpoints.

TheJewsfearedthattheHeathenwouldgetpossessionoftheNameandtherefore,intheircopiesofthe
Scriptures,theywroteitintheSamaritancharacter,insteadoftheHebreworChaldaeic,thatthe
adversarymightnotmakeanimproperuseofitfortheybelieveditcapableofworkingmiracles;and
heldthatthewondersinEgyptwereperformedbyMoses,invirtueofthisnamebeingengravedonhis
rodandthatanypersonwhoknewthetruepronunciationwouldbeabletodoasmuchashedid.

JosephussaysitwasunknownuntilGodcommunicatedittoMosesinthewilderness:andthatitwas
lostthroughthewickednessofman.

ThefollowersofMahomethaveatraditionthatthereisasecretnameoftheDeitywhichpossesses
wonderfulproperties;andthattheonlymethodofbecomingacquaintedwithit,isbybeinginitiated
intotheMysteriesoftheIsmAbla.
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H.'.O.'.M.'.wasthefirstframerofthenewreligionamongthePersians,andHisNamewasIneffable.

AMUN,amongtheEgyptians,wasanamepronounceablebynonesavethePriests.

TheoldGermansadoredGodwithprofoundreverence,withoutduringtonameHim,ortoworship
HiminTemples.

TheDruidsexpressedthenameofDeitybythelettersO.'.I.'.W.'.

Amongallthenationsofprimitiveantiquity,thedoctrineoftheimmortalityofthesoulwasnotamere
probablehypothesis,needinglaboriousresearchesanddiffuseargumentationtoproduceconvictionof
itstruth.NorcanwehardlygiveitthenameofFaith;foritwasalivelycertainty,likethefeelingof
one'sownexistenceandidentity,andofwhatisactuallypresent;exertingitsinfluenceonallsublunary
affairs,andthemotiveofmightierdeedsandenterprisesthananymereearthlyinterestcouldinspire

Eventhedoctrineoftransmigrationofsouls,universalamongtheAncientHindusandEgyptians,
restedonabasisoftheoldprimitivereligion,andwasconnectedwithasentimentpurelyreligious.It
involvedthisnobleelementoftruth:Thatsincemanhadgoneastray,andwanderedfarfromGod,he
mustneedsmakemanyefforts,andundergoalongandpainfulpilgrimage,beforehecouldrejointhe
SourceofallPerfectionandthefirmconvictionandpositivecertainty,thatnothingdefective,impure,
ordefiledwithearthystains,couldenterthepureregionofperfectspirits,orbeeternallyunitedto
God;whereforethesoulhadtopassthroughlongtrialsandmanypurificationsbeforeitcouldattain
thatblissfulend.Andtheendandaimofallthesesystemsofphilosophywasthefinaldeliveranceof
thesoulfromtheoldcalamity,thedreadedfateandfrightfullotofbeingcompelledtowanderthrough
thedarkregionsofnatureandthevariousformsofthebrutecreation,everchangingitsterrestrial
shape,anditsunionwithGod,whichtheyheldtobetheloftydestinyofthewiseandvirtuoussoul.

PythagorasgavetothedoctrineofthetransmigrationofsoulsthatmeaningwhichthewiseEgyptians
gavetoitintheirmysteries.Henevertaughtthedoctrineinthatliteralsenseinwhichitwasunderstood
bythepeople.Ofthatliteraldoctrinenottheleastvestigeistobefoundinsuchofhissymbolsas
remain,norinhispreceptscollectedbyhisdiscipleLysias.Heheldthatmenalwaysremain,intheir
essence,suchastheywerecreated;andcandegradethemselvesonlybyvice,andennoblethemselves
onlybyvirtue.

Hierocles,oneofhismostzealousandcelebrateddisciples,expresslysaysthathewhobelievesthatthe
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soulofman,afterhisdeath,willenterthebodyofabeast,forhisvices,orbecomeaplantforhis
stupidity,isdeceived;andisabsolutelyignorantoftheeternalformofthesoul,whichcannever
change;for,alwaysremainingman,itissaidtobecomeGodorbeast,throughvirtueorvice,thoughit
canbecomeneitheronenortheotherbynature,butsolelybyresemblanceofitsinclinationstotheirs.

AndTimaeusofLocria,anotherdisciple,saysthattoalarmmenandpreventthemfromcommitting
crimes,theymenacedthemwithstrangehumiliationsandpunishments;evendeclaringthattheirsouls
wouldpassintonewbodies,thatofacowardintothebodyofadeer;thatofaravisherintothebodyof
awolf;thatofamurdererintothebodyofsomestillmoreferociousanimal;andthatofanimpure
sensualistintothebodyofahog.

So,too,thedoctrineisexplainedinthePhaedo.AndLysiassays,thatafterthesoul,purifiedofits
crimes,hasleftthebodyandreturnedtoHeaven,itisnolongersubjecttochangeordeath,butenjoys
aneternalfelicity.AccordingtotheIndians,itreturnedto,andbecameapartof,theuniversalsoul
whichanimateseverything.TheHindusheldthatBuddhadescendedonearthtoraiseallhumanbeings
uptotheperfectstate.Hewillultimatelysucceed,andall,himselfincluded,bemergedinUnity.

Vishnuistojudgetheworldatthelastday.Itistobeconsumedbyfire.TheSunandMoonaretolose
theirlight;theStarstofall;andaNewHeavenandEarthtobecreated.

ThelegendofthefalloftheSpirits,obscuredanddistorted,ispreservedintheHinduMythology.And
theirtraditionsacknowledged,andtheyrevered,thesuccessionofthefirstancestorsofmankind,orthe
HolyPatriarchsoftheprimitiveworld,underthenameoftheSevenGreatRISHIS,orSagesofhoary
antiquity;thoughtheyinvestedtheirhistorywithacloudoffictions.

TheEgyptiansheldthatthesoulwasimmortal;andthatOsiriswastojudgetheworld.

AndthusreadsthePersianlegend:

"AfterAhrimanshallhaveruledtheworlduntiltheendoftime,SOSIOSCH,thepromisedRedeemer,
willcomeandannihilatethepoweroftheDEVS(orEvilSpirits),awakenthedead,andsitinfinal
judgmentuponspiritsandmen.AfterthatthecometGurzsherwillhethrowndown,andageneral
conflagrationtakeplace,whichwillconsumethewholeworld.Theremainsoftheearthwillthensink
downintoDuzakh,andbecomeforthreeperiodsaplaceofpunishmentforthewicked.Then,by
degreesallwillbepardoned,evenAhrimanandtheDevs,andadmittedtheregionsofbliss,andthus
therewillbeanewHeavenannewearth."
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InthedoctrinesofLamaismalso,wefind,obscured,andpartlyconcealedinfiction,fragmentsofthe
primitivetruth.For,accordingtothatfaith,"ThereistobeafinaljudgmentbeforeESLIKKHAN:The
goodaretobeadmittedtoParadise,thebadtobebanishedtohell,wherethereareeightregions
burninghotandeightfreezingcold."IntheMysteries,wherevertheywerepractised,wastaughtthat
truthoftheprimitiverevelation,theexistenceofOneGreatBeing,InfiniteandpervadingtheUniverse,
Whowasthereworshippedwithoutsuperstition;andHismarvellousnature,essenceandattributes
taughttotheInitiates;whilethevulgarattributedHisworkstoSecondaryGods,personified,and
isolatedfromHiminfabulousindependence.

Thesetruthswerecoveredfromthecommonpeopleaswithaveil;andtheMysterieswerecarriedinto
everycountry,that,withoutdisturbingthepopularbeliefs,truth,thearts,andthesciencesmightbe
knowntothosewhowerecapableofunderstandingthem,andmaintainingthetruedoctrineincorrupt;
whichthepeople,pronetosuperstitionandidolatry,haveinnoagebeenabletodo;nor,asmany
strangeaberrationsandsuperstitionsofthepresentdayprove,anymorenowthanheretofore.Forwe
needbutpointtothedoctrinesofsomanysectsthatdegradetheCreatortotherank,andassigntoHim
thepassionsofhumanity,toprovethatnow,asalways,theoldtruthsmustbecommittedtoafew,or
theywillbeoverlaidwithfictionanderror,andirretrievablylost.

ThoughMasonryisidenticalwiththeAncientMysteries,itissointhisqualifiedsense;thatitpresents
butanimperfectimageoftheirbrilliancy;theruinsonlyoftheirgrandeur,andasystemthathas
experiencedprogressivealterations,thelimitsofsocialeventsandpoliticalcircumstances.Upon
leavingEgypt,theMysteriesweremodifiedbythehabitsofthedifferentnationsamongwhomthey
wereintroduced.

Thoughoriginallymoremoralandpoliticalthanreligious,theysoonbecametheheritage,asitwereof
thepriests,andessentiallyreligious,thoughinrealitylimitingthesacerdotalpower,byteachingthe
intelligentlaitythefollyandabsurdityofthecreedsofthepopulace.

Theywerethereforenecessarilychangedbythereligioussystemsofthecountriesintowhichtheywere
transplanted.InGreece,theyweretheMysteriesofCeres;inRome,ofBonaDea,theGoodGoddess;
inGaul,theSchoolofMars;inSicily,theAcademyoftheSciences;amongtheHebrews,theypartook
oftheritesandceremoniesofareligionwhichplacedallthepowersofgovernment,andallthe
knowledge,inthehandsofthePriestsandLevites.ThepagodasofIndia,theretreatsoftheMagiof
PersiaandChaldea,andthepyramidsofEgypt,werenolongerthesourcesatwhichmendrankin
knowledge.Eachpeople,atallinformed,haditsMysteries.AfteratimetheTemplesofGreeceandthe
SchoolofPythagoraslosttheirreputation,andFreemasonrytooktheirplaceMasonry,whenproperly
expounded,isatoncetheinterpretationofthegreatbookofnature,therecitalofphysicaland
astronomicalphenomena,thepurestphilosophy,andtheplaceofdeposit,where,asinaTreasury,are
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keptinsafetyallthegreattruthsoftheprimitiverevelation,thatformthebasisofallreligions.Inthe
modernDegreesthreethingsaretoherecognized:Theimageofprimevaltimes,thetableauofthe
efficientcausesoftheUniverse,andthebookinwhicharewrittenthemoralityofallpeoples,andthe
codebywhichtheymustgovernthemselvesiftheywouldbeprosperous.

TheKabalisticdoctrinewaslongthereligionoftheSageandtheSavant;because,likeFreemasonry,it
incessantlytendstowardspiritualperfection,andthefusionofthecreedsandNationalitiesofMankind.
IntheeyesoftheKabalist,allmenarehisbrothers;andtheirrelativeignoranceis,tohim,butareason
forinstructingthem.TherewereillustriousKabalistsamongtheEgyptiansandGreeks,whose
doctrinestheOrthodoxChurchhasaccepted;andamongtheArabsweremany,whosewisdomwasnot
slightedbytheMediaevalChurch.

TheSagesproudlyworethenameofKabalists.TheKabalahembodiedanoblephilosophy,pure,not
mysterious,butsymbolic.IttaughtthedoctrineoftheUnityofGod,theartofknowingandexplaining
theessenceandoperationsoftheSupremeBeing,ofspiritualpowersandnaturalforces,andof
determiningtheiractionbysymbolicfigures;bythearrangementofthealphabet,thecombinationsof
numbers,theinversionoflettersinwritingandtheconcealedmeaningswhichtheyclaimedtodiscover
therein.TheKabalahisthekeyoftheoccultsciences;andtheGnosticswerebornoftheKabalists.

Thescienceofnumbersrepresentednotonlyarithmeticalqualities,butalsoallgrandeur,allproportion.
ByitwenecessarilyarriveatthediscoveryofthePrincipleorFirstCauseofthings,calledatthe
presentdayTHEABSOLUTE.

OrUNITY,thatloftiesttermtowhichallphilosophydirectsitself;thatimperiousnecessityofthe
humanmind,thatpivotroundwhichitiscompelledtogrouptheaggregateofitsideas,Unity,this
source,thiscentreofallsystematicorder,thisprincipleofexistence,thiscentralpoint,unknowninits
essence,butmanifestinitseffects;Unity,thatsublimecentretowhichthechainofcausesnecessarily
ascends,wastheaugustIdeatowardwhichalltheideasofPythagorasconverged.Herefusedthetitleof
Sage,whichmeansonewhoknows.Heinvented,andappliedtohimselfthatofPhilosopher,signifying
onewhoisfondoforstudiesthingssecretandoccult.Theastronomywhichhemysteriouslytaught,
wasastrology:hisscienceofnumberswasbasedonKabalisticalprinciples.

TheAncients,andPythagorashimself,whoserealprincipleshavenotbeenalwaysunderstood,never
meanttoascribetonumbers,thatistosay,toabstractsigns,anyspecialvirtue.ButtheSagesof
AntiquityconcurredinrecognizingaONEFIRSTCAUSE(materialorspiritual)oftheexistenceofthe
Universe.Thence,UNITYbecamethesymboloftheSupremeDeity.Itwasmadetoexpress,to
representGod;butwithoutattributingtothemerenumberONEanydivineorsupernaturalvirtue.
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ThePythagoreanideasastoparticularnumbersarepartiallyexpressedinthefollowing

LECTUREOFTHEKABALISTS

Qu.'.WhydidyouseektobereceivedaKnightoftheKabalah?
Ans..Toknow,bymeansofnumbers,theadmirableharmonywhichthereisbetweennatureand
religion.
Qu.'.Howwereyouannounced?
Ans.'.Bytwelveraps.
Qu.'.Whatdotheysignify?
Ans.'.Thetwelvebasesofourtemporalandspiritualhappiness.
Qu.'.WhatisaKabalist?Ans.'.Amanwhohaslearned,bytradition,theSacerdotalArtandtheRoyal
Art.
Qu.'.Whatmeansthedevice,Omniainnumerissitasunt?
Ans.'.Thateverythingliesveiledinnumbers.
Qu.'.Explainmethat.
Ans.'.Iwilldoso,asfarasthenumber12.Yoursagacitywilldiscerntherest.
Qu.'.Whatsignifiestheunitinthenumber10?
Ans.'.GOD,creatingandanimatingmatter,expressedby0,which,alone,isofnovalue.
Qu.'.Whatdoestheunitmean?
Ans.'.Inthemoralorder,aWordincarnateinthebosomofavirginorreligion.Inthephysical,aspirit
embodiedinthevirginearthornature.
Qu.'.Whatdoyoumeanbythenumbertwo?
Ans.'.Inthemoralorder,manandwoman.Inthephyiscal,theactiveandthepassive.
Qu.'.Whatdoyoumeanbythenumber3?
Ans.'.Inthemoralorder,thethreetheologicalvirtues.Inthephysical,thethreeprinciplesofbodies.
Qu.'.Whatdoyoumeanbythenumber4?
Ans.'.Thefourcardinalvirtues.Thefourelementaryqualities.
Qu.'.Whatdoyoumeanbythenumber5?
Ans.'.Thequintessenceofreligion.Thequintessenceofmatter.
Qu.'.Whatdoyoumeanbythenwnber6?
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Ans.'.Thetheologicalcube.Thephysicalcube.
Qu.'.Whatdoyoumeanbythenumber7?
Ans.'.Thesevensacraments.Thesevenplanets.
Qu.'.Whatdoyoumeanbythenumber8?
Ans.'.ThesmallnumberofElus.Thesmallnumberofwisemen.
Qu.'.Whatdoyoumeanbythenumber9?
Ans.'.Theexaltationofreligion.Theexaltationofmatter.
Qu.'.Whatdoyoumeanbythenumber10?
Ans.'.Thetencommandments.Thetenpreceptsofnature.
Qu.'.Whatdoyoumeanbythenumber11?
Ans.'.Themultiplicationofreligion.Themultiplicationofnature.
Qu.'.Whatdoyoumeanbythenumber12?
Ans.'.ThetwelveArticlesofFaith;thetwelveApostles,foundationoftheHolyCity,whopreached
throughoutthewholeworld,forourhappinessandspiritualjoy.Thetwelveoperationsofnature.The
twelvesignsoftheZodiac,foundationofthePrimumMobile,extendingitthroughouttheUniversefor
ourtemporalfelicity.

[TheRabbi(PresidentoftheSanhedrim)adds:"Fromallthatyouhavesaid,itresultsthattheunit
developsitselfin2,iscompletedinthreeinternally,andsoproduces4externally;whence,through6,7,
8,9,itarrivesat5,halfofthesphericalnumber10,toascend,passingthrough11,to12,andtoraise
itself,bythenumber4times10,tothenumber6times12,thefinaltermandsummitofoureternal
happiness".]

Qu.'.Whatisthegenerativenumber?
Ans.'.IntheDivinity,itistheunit;increatedthings,thenumber2:BecausetheDivinity,1,engenders
2,andincreatedthings2engenders1.
Qu.'.Whatisthemostmajesticnumber?
Ans.'.3,becauseitdenotesthetripledivineessence.
Qu.'.Whatisthemostmysteriousnumber?
Ans.'.4,becauseitcontainsallthemysteriesofnature.
Qu.'.Whatisthemostoccultnumber?
Ans.'.5,becauseitisinclosedinthecentreoftheseries.
Qu.'.Whatisthemostsalutarynumber?
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Ans.'.6,becauseitcontainsthesourceofourspiritualandcorporealhappiness.
Qu.'.Whatisthemostfortunatenumber?
Ans.'.7,becauseitleadsustothedecade,theperfectnumber.
Qu.'.Whichisthenumbermosttobedesired?
Ans.'.8,becausehewhopossessesit,isofthenumberoftheElusandSages.
Qu.'.Whichisthemostsublimenumber?
Ans.'.9,becausebyitreligionandnatureareexalted.
Qu.'.Whichisthemostperfectnumber?
Ans.'.10,becauseitincludesunity,whichcreatedeverything,andzero,symbolofmatterand
chaos,whenceeverythingemerged.

Initsfiguresitcomprehendsthecreatedanduncreated,thecommencementandtheend,powerand
force,lifeandannihilation.Bythestudyofthisnumber,wefindtherelationsofallthings;thepowerof
theCreator,thefacultiesofthecreature,theAlphaandOmegaofdivineknowledge.

Qu.'.Whichisthemostmultiplyingnumber?
Ans.'.11,becausewiththepossessionoftwounits,wearriveatthemultiplicationofthings.Qu.'.
Whichisthemostsolidnumber?
Ans.'.12,becauseitisthefoundationofourspiritualandtemporalhappiness.
Qu.'.Whichisthefavoritenumberofreligionandnature?
Ans.'.4times10,becauseitenablesus,rejectingeverythingimpure,eternallytoenjoythenumber6
times12,termandsummitofourfelicity.
Qu.'.Whatisthemeaningofthesquare?
Ans.'.Itisthesymbolofthefourelementscontainedinthetriangle,ortheemblemofthethree
chemicalprinciples;thesethingsunitedformabsoluteunityintheprimalmatter.
Qu.'.Whatisthemeaningofthecentreofthecircumference?
Ans.'.Itsignifiestheuniversalspirit,vivifyingcentreofnature.
Qu.'.Whatdoyoumeanbythequadratureofthecircle?
Ans.'.Theinvestigationofthequadratureofthecircleindicatestheknowledgeofthefourvulgar
elements,whicharethemselvescomposedofelementaryspiritsorchiefprinciples;asthecircle,though
round,iscomposedoflines,whichescapethesight,andareseenonlybythemind.
Qu.'.Whatistheprofoundestmeaningofthefigure3?
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Ans.'.TheFather,theSon,andtheHolySpirit.Fromtheactionofthesethreeresultsthetrianglewithin
thesquare;andfromthesevenangles,thedecadeorperfectnumber.
Qu.'.Whichisthemostconfusedfigure?
Ans.'.Zero,theemblemofchaos,formlessmixtureoftheelements.
Qu.'.WhatdothefourdevicesoftheDegreesignify?
Ans.'.Thatwearetohear,see,besilent,andenjoyourhappiness.

Theunitisthesymbolofidentity,equality,existence,conservationandgeneralharmony;theCentral
Fire,thePointwithintheCircle.

Two,ortheduad,isthesymbolofdiversity,inequality,division,separation,andvicissitudes.

Thefigure1signifiesthelivingman[abodystandingupright]manbeingtheonlylivingbeing
possessedofthisfaculty.Addingtoitahead,wehavetheletterP,thesignofPaternity,CreativePower;
andwithafurtheraddition,R,signifyingmaninmotion,going,Iens,Iturus.

TheDuadistheoriginofcontrasts.Itistheimperfectconditionintowhich,accordingtothe
Pythagoreans,abeingfalls,whenhedetacheshimselffromtheMonad,orGod.Spiritualbeings,
emanatingfromGod,areenvelopedintheduad,andthereforereceiveonlyillusoryimpressions.

AsformerlythenumberONEdesignatedharmony,order,ortheGoodPrinciple(theONEandONLY
GOD,expressedinLatinSolus,whencethewordsSol,Soleil,symbolofthisGod),thenumberTwo
expressedthecontraryidea.Therecommencedthefatalknowledgeofgoodandevil.

Everythingdouble,falseopposedtothesingleandsolereality,wasexpressedbytheBinarynumber.It
expressedalsothatstateofcontrarietyinwhichnatureexists,whereeverythingisdouble;nightand
day,lightanddarkness,coldandheat,wetanddry,healthandsickness,errorandtruth,oneandthe
othersex,etc.HencetheRomansdedicatedthesecondmonthintheyeartoPluto,theGodofHell,and
theseconddayofthatmonthtothemanesofthedead.

ThenumberOne,withtheChinese,signifiedunity,harmonyorder,theGoodPrinciple,orGod;Two,
disorder,duplicity,falsehood.Thatpeople,intheearliestages,basedtheirwholephilosophicalsystem
onthetwoprimaryfiguresorlines,onestraightandunbroken,andtheotherbrokenordividedinto
two;doublingwhich,byplacingoneundertheother,andtreblingbyplacingthreeundereachother,
theymadethefoursymbolsandeightKoua;whichreferredtothenaturalelements,andtheprimary
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principlesofallthings,andservedsymbolicallyorscientificallytoexpressthem.Platotermsunityand
dualitytheoriginalelementsofnature,andfirstprinciplesofallexistence:andtheoldestsacredbook
oftheChinesesays:"TheGreatFirstPrinciplehasproducedtwoequationsanddifferences,orprimary
rulesofexistence;butthetwoprimaryrulesortwooppositions,namelyYNandYANG,orreposeand
motion,haveproducedfoursignssymbols,andthefoursymbolshaveproducedtheeightKOUAor
furthercombinations."

TheinterpretationoftheHermeticfablesshows,amongeveryancientpeople,intheirprincipalgods,
first,1,theCreatingMonad,then3,then3times3,3times9,and3times27.Thistripleprogression
hasforitsfoundationthethreeagesofNature,thePast,thePresent,andtheFuture;orthethreedegrees
ofuniversalgenerationBirth,Life,Death,Beginning,middle,end.

TheMonadwasmale,becauseitsactionproducesnochangeinitself,butonlyoutofitself.It
representedthecreativeprinciple.

TheDuad,foracontraryreason,wasfemale,everchangingbyaddition,subtraction,ormultiplication.
Itrepresentsmattercapableofform.

TheunionoftheMonadandDuadproducestheTriad,signifyingtheworldformedbythecreative
principleoutofmatter.Pythagorasrepresentedtheworldbytherightangledtriangle,inwhichthe
squaresofthetwoshortestsidesareequal,addedtogether,tothesquareofthelongestone;asthe
world,asformed,isequaltothecleativecause,andmatterclothedwithform.

Theternaryisthefirstoftheunequalnumbers.TheTriad,mysteriousnumber,whichplayssogreata
partinthetraditionsofAsiaandthephilosophyofPlato,imageoftheSupremeBeing,includesinitself
thepropertiesofthefirsttwonumbers.Itwas,tothePhilosophers,themostexcellentandfavorite
number;amysterioustype,reveredbyallantiquity,andconsecratedintheMysteries;whereforethere
arebutthreeessentialDegreesamongMasons;whovenerate,inthetriangle,themostaugustmystery,
thatoftheSacredTriad,objectoftheirhomageandstudy.

Ingeometry,alinecannotrepresentabodyabsolutelyperfect.Aslittledotwolinesconstituteafigure
demonstrativelyperfect.Butthreelinesform,bytheirjunction,theTRIANGLE,orthefirstfigure
regularlyperfect;andthisiswhyithasservedandstillservestocharacterizeTheEternal;Who,
infinitelyperfectinHisnature,is,asUniversalCreator,thefirstBeing,andconsequentlythefirst
Perfection.

TheQuadrangleorSquare,perfectasitappears,beingbutthesecondperfection,caninnowise
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representGod;Whoisthefirst.ItistobenotedthatthenameofGodinLatinandFrench(Deus,Dieu),
hasforitsinitialtheDeltaorGreekTriangle.Suchisthereason,amongancientsandmoderns,forthe
consecrationoftneTriangle,whosethreesidesareemblemsofthethreeKingdoms,orNature,orGod.
InthecentreistheHebrewJOD,theAnimatingSpiritofFire,thegenerativeprinciple,representedby
theletterG.,initialofthenameofDeityinthelanguagesoftheNorth,andthemeaningwhereofis
Generation.

ThefirstsideoftheTriangle,offeredtothestudyoftheApprentice,isthemineralkingdom,
symbolizedbyTub.

Thesecondside,thesubjectofthemeditationsoftheFellowCraft,isthevegetablekingdom,
symbolizedbySchib.'.(anearofcorn).InthisreignbeginstheGenerationofbodies;andthisiswhy
theletterG,initsradiance,ispresentedtotheeyesoftheadept.

Thethirdside,thestudywhereofisdevotedtotheanimalkingdom,andcompletestheinstructionof
theMaster,issymbolizedbyMach(Sonofputrefaction).

Thefigure3symbolizestheEarth.Itisafigureoftheterrestrialbodies.The2,upperhalfof3,
symbolizesthevegetableworld,thelowerhalfbeinghiddenfromoursight.

Threealsoreferredtoharmony,friendship,peace,concord,andtemperance;andwassohighly
esteemedamongthePythagoreansthattheycalleditperfectharmony.

Three,four,ten,andtwelveweresacrednumbersamongtheEtrurians,astheywereamongtheJews,
Egyptians,andHindus.

ThenameofDeity,inmanyNations,consistedofthreelettersamongtheGreeks,I.'.A.'.Q.'.;amongthe
Persians,H.'.O.'.M.'.amongtheHindus,AUM;amongtheScandinavians,I.'.O.'.W.'.Ontheupright
TabletoftheKing,discoveredatNimroud,nolessthanfiveofthethirteennamesoftheGreatGods
consistofthreeletterseach,ANU,SAN,YAV,BAR,andBEI,.

Thequaternaryisthemostperfectnumber,andtherootofothernumbers,andofallthings.Thetetrad
expressesthefirstmathematicalpower.Fourrepresentsalsothegenerativepower,fromwhichall
combinationsarederived.TheInitiatesconsideredittheemblemofMovementandtheInfinite,
representingeverythingthatisneithercorporealnorsensible.
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PythagorascommunicatedittohisdisciplesasasymboloftheEternalandCreativePrinciple,under
thenameofQuaternary,theIneffableNameofGod,whichsignifiesSourceofeverythingthathas
receivedexistence;andwhich,inHebrew,iscomposedoffourletters.

IntheQuaternarywefindthefirstsolidfigure,theuniversalsymbolofimmortality,thepyramid.The
Gnosticsclaimedthatthewholeedificeoftheirsciencerestedonasquarewhoseangleswere.Silence,
Profundity,Intelligence,andTruth.ForiftheTriangle,figuredbythenumber3,formsthetriangular
baseofthepyramid,itisunitywhichformsitspointorsummit.

LysiasandTimaeusofLocriasaidthatnotasinglethingcouldbenamed,whichdidnotdependonthe
quaternaryasitsroot.

Thereis,accordingtothePythagoreans,aconnectionbetweenthegodsandnumbers,whichconstitutes
thekindofDivinationcalledArithmomancy.Thesoulisanumber,itismovedofitself,itcontainsin
itselfthequaternarynumber.

Matterbeingrepresentedbythenumber9,or3times3,andtheImmortalSpirithavingforitsessential
hieroglyphicthequaternaryorthenumber4,theSagessaidthatMan,havinggoneastrayandbecome
entangledinaninextricablelabyrinth,ingoingfromfourtonine,theonlywaywhichhecouldtaketo
emergefromthesedeceitfulpaths,thesedisastrousdetours,andtheabyssofevilintowhichhehad
plunged,wastoretracehissteps,andgofromninetofour.

TheingeniousandmysticalideawhichcausedtheTriangletobevenerated,wasappliedtothefigure4
(4).Itwassaidthatitexpressedalivingbeing,I,beareroftheTriangle,theemblemofGod;i.e.,man
bearingwithhimselfaDivineprinciple.

Fourwasadivinenumber;itreferredtotheDeity,andmanyAncientNationsgaveGodanameoffour
letters;astheHebrews,theEgyptiansAMUN,thePersiansSURA,theGreeks,andtheLatinsDEUS.
ThiswastheTetragrammatonoftheHebrews,andthePythagoreanscalleditTetractys,andsworetheir
mostsolemnoathbyit.SotooODINamongtheScandinavians,ZEYSamongtheGreeks,PHTA
amongtheEgyptians,THOTHamongthePhoenicians,andASURandNEBOamongtheAssyrians.
Thelistmightbeindefinitelyextended.

Thenumber5wasconsideredasmysterious,becauseitwascompoundedoftheBinary,Symbolofthe
FalseandDouble,andtheTernary,sointerestinginitsresults.Itthusenergeticallyexpressesthestate
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ofimperfection,oforderanddisorderofhappinessandmisfortune,oflifeanddeath,whichwesee
upontheearth.TotheMysteriousSocietiesitofferedthefearfulimageoftheBadPrinciple,bringing
troubleintotheinferiororder,inaword,theBinaryactingintheTernary.

Underanotheraspectitwastheemblemofmarriage;becauseitiscomposedof2,thefirstequal
number,andof3,thefirstunequalnumber.WhereforeJuno,theGoddessofMarriage,hadforher
hieroglyphicthenwnber5.

Moreover,ithasoneofthepropertiesofthenumber9,thatofreproducingitself,whenmultipliedby
itself:therebeingalwaysa5ontherighthandoftheproduct;aresultwhichledtoitsuseasasymbol
ofmaterialchanges.

Theancientsrepresentedtheworldbythenumber5.Areasonforit,givenbyDiodorus,is,thatit
representsearth,water,afire,andetherorspirit.Thencetheoriginof(5)andtheUniverse,asthe
whole.

Thenumber5designatedtheuniversalquintessence,andSymbolized,byitsformthevitalessence,the
animatingspiritwhichflows[serpentat]throughallnature.Infact,thisingeniousfigureistheunionof
thetwoGreekaccents'',placedoverthosevowelswhichoughttobeoroughtnottobeaspirated.The
firstsignbearsthenameofpotentspirit;andsignifiestheSuperiorSpirit,theSpiritofGodaspirated
(spiratus),respiredbyman.Thesecondsignisstyledmildspirit,andrepresentsthesecondaryspirit,
thespiritpurelyhuman.

Thetripletriangle,afigureoffivelinesunitinginfivepoints,wasamongthePythagoreansanemblem
ofHealth.

ItisthePentalphaofPythagoras,orPentangleofSolomon;hasfivelinesandfiveangles;andis,
amongMasons,theoutlineororiginofthefivepointedStar,andanemblemofFellowship.

Thenumber6was,intheAncientMysteries,astrikingemblemofnature;aspresentingthesix
dimensionsofallbodies:thesixlineswhichmakeuptheirform,viz,thefourlinesofdirection,toward
theNorth,South,East,andWest;withthetwolinesofheightanddepth,respondingtothezenithand
nadir.Thesagesappliedthesenarytothephysicalman;whiletheseptenarywas,forthem,thesymbol
ofhisimmortalspirit.

Thehieroglyphicalsenary(thedoubleequilateraltriangle)thesymbolofDeity.
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Sixisalsoanemblemofhealth,andthesymbolofjustic;becauseitisthefirstperfectnumber;thatis,
thefirstwhosealiquotparts(1/2,1/3,1/6,or3,2,and1),addedtogether,makeitself.

Ormuzdcreatedsixgoodspirits,andAhrimansixevilones.ThesetypifythesixSummerandthesix
Wintermonths.

Nonumberhaseverbeensouniversallyinreputeastheseptenary.Itscelebrityisdue,nodoubt,tothe
planetsbeingseveninnumber.Itbelongsalsotosacredthings.ThePythagoreansregardeditasformed
ofthenumbers3and4;thefirstwhereofwas,intheireyes,theimageofthethreematerialelements,
andthesecondtheprincipleofeverythingthatisneithercorporealnorsensible.Itpresentedthem,from
thatpointofview,theemblemofeverythingthatisperfect.

Consideredascomposedof6andunity,itservestodesignatetheinvisiblecentreorsoulofeverything;
becausenobodyexists,ofwhichsixlinesdonotconstitutetheform,norwithoutaseventhinterior
point,asthecentreandrealityofthebody,whereoftheexternaldimensionsgiveonlytheappearance.

Thenumerousapplicationsoftheseptenaryconfirmedtheancientsagesintheuseofthissymbol.
Moreover,theyexaltedthepropertiesofthenumber7,ashaving,inasubordinatemanner,the
perfectionoftheunit;foriftheunitisuncreated,ifnonumberproducesit,thesevenisalsonot
engenderedbyanynumbercontainedintheintervalbetween1and10.Thenumber4occupiesan
arithmeticalmiddlegroundbetweentheunitand7,inasmuchasitisasmuchover1,asitisunder7,the
differenceeachwaybeing3.

Thenumber7,amongtheEgyptians,symbolizedlife;andthisiswhytheletterZoftheGreekswasthe
initialoftheverbIlive;andJupiter,FatherofLife.

Thenumber8,ortheoctary,iscomposedofthesacrednumbers3and5.Oftheheavens,oftheseven
planets,andofthesphereofthefixedstars,oroftheeternalunityandthemysteriousnumber7,is
composedtheogdoade,thenumber8,thefirstcubeofequalnumbers,regardedassacredinthe
arithmeticalphilosophy.

TheGnosticogdoadehadeightstars,whichrepresentedtheeightCabiriofSamothrace,theeight
EgyptianandPhoenicianprinciples,theeightgodsofXenocrates,theeightanglesofthecubicstone.
 460/641

Thenumbereightsymbolizesperfectionanditsfigure,8or(infinity)indicatestheperpetualand
regularcourseoftheUniverse.

Itisthefirstcube(2X2X2),andsignifiesfriendshipprudence,counsel,andjustice.Itwasasymbol
oftheprimevallawwhichregardedallmenasequal.

Thenovary,ortripleternary.Ifthenumberthreewascelebratedamongtheancientsages,thatofthree
timesthreehadnolesscelebrity;because,accordingtothem,eachofthethreeelementswhich
constituteourbodiesisternary,thewatercontainingearthandfire;theearthcontainingigneousand
aqueousparticles;andthefirebeingtemperedbyglobulesofwaterterrestrialcorpuscleswhichserveto
feedit.Nooneofthethreeelementsbeingentirelyseparatedfromtheothers,allmaterialbeings
composedofthesethreeelements,whereofeachistriple,maybedesignatedbythefigurativenumber
ofthreetimesthree,whichhasbecomethesymbolofallformationsofbodies.Hencethenameofninth
envelope,giventomatter.Everymaterialextension,everycircularline,hasforrepresentativesignthe
numbernine,amongthePythagoreans;whohadobservedthepropertywhichthisnumberpossesses,of
reproducingitselfincessantlyandentire,ineverymultiplication;thusofferingtothemindavery
strikingemblemofmatterwhichisincessantlycomposedbeforeoureyes,afterhavingundergonea
thousanddecompositions.

ThenumberninewasconsecratedtotheSpheresandtheMuses.Itisthesignofeverycircumference;
becauseacircleof360degreesisequalto9,thatistosay,3+6+0=9.Nevertheless,theancients
regardedthisnumberwithasortofterror:theyconsidereditabadpresage;asthesymbolofversatility,
ofchangeandtheemblemofthefrailtyofhumanaffairs.Whereforetheyavoidedallnumberswhere
nineappears,andchiefly81,theproductof9multipliedbyitself,andtheadditionwhereof,8+1,again
presentsthenumber9.

Asthefigureofthenumber6wasthesymboloftheterrestrialglobe,animatedbyadivinespirit,the
figureofthenumber9symbolizedtheearth,undertheinfluenceoftheEvilPrinciplethencetheterror
itinspired.Nevertheless,accordingtoKabalists,thefigure9symbolizesthegenerativeegg,orthe
imageofalittleglobularbeing,fromwhoselowersideseemstoflowitsspiritoflife.

TheEnnead,signifyinganaggregateof9thingsorpersons,isthefirstsquareofunequalnumbers.

Everyoneisawareofthesingularpropertiesofthenumber9,which,multipliedbyitselforanyother
numberwhatever,givesaresultwhosefinalsumisalways9,oralwaysdivisibleby9.

Nine,multipliedbyeachoftheordinarynumbers,producesanarithmeticalprogression,eachmember
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whereof,composedoftwofigures,presentsaremarkablefact;forexample:

1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9..10
9..18..27..36..45..54..63..72..81..90

Thefirstlineoffiguresgivestheregularseries,from1to10.

Thesecondreproducesthislinedoubly;firstascending,fromthefirstfigureof18,andthenreturning
fromthesecondfigureof81.

Itfollows,fromthecuriousfact,thatthehalfofthenumberswhichcomposethisprogression
represents,ininverseorder,thefiguresofthesecondhalf:

9...18..27..36..45=135=9and1+3+5=45=9
90..81..72..63..54=360=99999999999495=18=9.

So9^2=81
81^2=6561=18=9

9X2=18
18^2=324=9

9X3=27
27^2=729=18=.99X4=36
36^2=1296=18=9

Andsowitheverymultipleof9say45,54,63,72,etc.

Thus9X8=72...72^2=5184=18=9.

Andfurther:
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18273672
18273672
144=9
189=
18=9
216=9
144=9
18=9
54=9
108=9
504=9
324=9
18=9
729=18=9
1296=18=9
5184=18=9

108108864=18

108=911664=18=9

Andsothecubes:

27^2=729X729=18=9
18^2=324=99^2=81
81^2=6561=18=9

7293246561

6561=18=9
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1296=18=9
6561=18=9
1458=18=9
648=18=9
39366=27=9
5103=9
972=18=9
32805=18=9
39366=27=9
531441=18=9
104976=27=9
43,046,721=27=9

Thenumber10,ortheDenary,isthemeasureofeveythingandreducesmultipliednumberstounity.
Containingallthenumericalandharmonicrelations,andallthepropertiesofnumberswhichprecede
it,itconcludestheAbacusorTablePythagoras.TotheMysteriousSocieties,thisnumbertypifiedthe
assemblageofallthewondersoftheUniverse.Theywroteitthus(theta),thatistosay,Unityinthe
middleofZero,asthecentreofacircle,orsymbolofDeity.Theysawinthisfigureeverythingthat
shouldleadtoreflection;thecentre,theray,andthecircumference,representedtothemGod,Man,
andtheUniverse.

Thisnumberwas,amongtheSages,asignofconcord,love,andpeace.ToMasonsitisasignofunion
andgoodfaith;becauseitisexpressedbyjoiningtwohands,ortheMaster'sgrip,whenthenumberof
fingersgives10anditwasrepresentedbytheTetractysofPythagoras.

Thenumber12,likethenumber7,iscelebratedintheworshipofnature.Thetwomostfamous
divisionsoftheheavens,thatby7,whichisthatoftheplanets,andthatby12,whichisthatoftheSigns
oftheZodiac,arefounduponthereligiousmonumentsofallthepeoplesoftheAncientWorld,evento
theremoteextremesoftheEast.AlthoughPythagorasdoesnotspeakthenumber12,itisnonetheless
asacrednumber.ItisimageoftheZodiac;andconsequentlythatoftheSun,whichrulesoverit.

SucharetheancientideasinregardtothosenumberswhichsooftenappearinMasonry;andrightly
understood,astheoldSagesunderstoodthem,theycontainmanyapregnantlesson.
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BeforeweenteruponthefinallessonofMasonicPhilosophy,wewilldelayafewmomentstorepeatto
youtheChristianinterpretationsoftheBlueDegrees.

IntheFirstDegree,theysaid,therearethreesymbolstobeapplied.

1st.Man,afterthefall,wasleftnakedanddefencelessagainstthejustangeroftheDeity.Pronetoevil,
thehumanracestaggeredblindlyonwardintothethickdarknessofunbelief,boundfastbythestrong
cabletowofthenaturalandsinfulwill.Moralcorruptionwasfollowedbyphysicalmisery.Wantand
destitutioninvadedtheearth.WarandFamineandPestilencefilledupthemeasureofevil,andoverthe
sharpflintsofmisfortuneandwretchednessmantoiledwithnakedandbleedingfeet.Thisconditionof
blindness,destitution,misery,andbondage,fromwhichtosavetheworldtheRedeemercame,is
symbolizedbytheconditionofthecandidate,whenheisbroughtupforthefirsttimetothedoorofthe
Lodge.

2nd.NotwithstandingthedeathoftheRedeemer,mancanbesavedonlybyfaith,repentance,and
reformation.Torepent,hemustfeelthesharpstingofconscienceandremorse,likeaswordpiercinghis
bosom.Hisconfidenceinhisguide,whomheistoldtofollowandfearnodanger;histrustinGod,
whichheiscausedtoprofess;andthepointoftheswordthatispressedagainsthisnakedleftbreast
overtheheart,aresymbolicalofthefaith,repentanceandreformationnecessarytobringhimtothe
lightofalifeinChristtheCrucified.

3rd.Havingrepentedandreformed,andboundhimselftotheserviceofGodbyafirmpromiseand
obligation,thelightofChristianhopeshinesdownintothedarknessoftheheartofthehumble
penitent,andblazesuponhispathwaytoHeaven.Andthisissymbolizedbythecandidate'sbeing
broughttolight,afterheisobligated,bytheWorshipfulMaster,whointhatisasymbolofthe
Redeemer,andsobringshimtolight,withthehelpofthebrethren,asHetaughttheWordwiththeaid
oftheApostles.

IntheSecondDegreetherearetwosymbols:

4th.TheChristianassumesnewdutiestowardGodandhisfellows.TowardGod,oflove,gratitude,and
veneration,andananxiousdesiretoserveandglorifyHim;towardhisfellows,ofkindness,sympathy,
andjustice.Andthisassumptionofdutythisenteringupongoodworks,issymbolizedbytheFellow
Craft'sobligation;bywhich,boundasanapprenticetosecrecymerely,andsetintheNortheastcorner
oftheLodge,hedescendsasaFellowCraftintothebodyofthebrethren,andassumestheactiveduties
ofagoodMason.
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5th.TheChristian,reconciledtoGod,seestheworldinanewlight.ThisgreatUniverseisnolongera
meremachine,woundupandsetgoingsixthousandorsixtymillionsyearsago,andlefttorunon
afterwardforever,byvirtueofalawofmechanicscreatedatthebeginning,withoutfurthercareor
considerationonthepartoftheDeity;butithasnowbecometohimagreatemanationfromGod,the
productofHisthought,notameredeadmachine,butathingoflife,overwhichGodwatches
continually,andeverymovementofwhichisimmediatelyproducedbyHispresentaction,thelawof
harmonybeingtheessenceoftheDeity,reenactedeveryinstant.Andthisissymbolizedbythe
imperfectinstructiongivenintheFellowCraft'sDegree,inthesciences,andparticularlygeometry,
connectedasthelatteriswithGodHimselfinthemindofaMason,becausethesameletter,suspended
intheEast,representsboth;andastronomy,ortheknowledgeofthelawsofmotionandharmonythat
governthespheres,isbutaportionofthewiderscienceofgeometry.Itissosymbolized,becauseitis
here,intheSecondDegree,thatthecandidatefirstreceivesanotherthanmoralinstruction.

TherearealsotwosymbolsintheThirdDegree,whichwiththe3inthefirst,and2inthesecond,make
the7.

6th.Thecandidate,afterpassingthroughthefirstpartoftheceremony,imagineshimselfaMaster;and
issurprisedtobeinformedthatasyetheisnot,andthatitisuncertainwhetherheeverwillbe.Heis
toldofadifficultanddangerouspathyettobetravelled,andisadvisedthatuponthatjourneyit
dependswhetherhewillbecomeaMaster.ThisissymbolicalofthatwhichourSavioursaidto
Nicodemus,thatnotwithstandinghismoralsmightbebeyondreproach,hecouldnotentertheKingdom
ofHeavenunlesshewerebornagain;symbolicallydying,andagainenteringtheworldregenerate,like
aspotlessinfant.

7th.ThemurderofHiram,hisburial,andhisbeingraisedagainbytheMaster,aresymbols,bothofthe
death,burial,andresurrectionoftheRedeemer;andofthedeathandburialinsinsofthenaturalman,
andhisbeingraisedagaintoanewlife,orbornagain,bythedirectactionoftheRedeemer;after
Morality(symbolizedbytheEnteredApprentice'sgrip),andPhilosophy(symbolizedbythegripofthe
FellowCraft),hadfailedtoraisehim.ThatoftheLionoftheHouseofJudahisthestronggrip,never
tobebroken,withwhichChrist,oftheroyallineofthatHouse,hasclaspedtoHimselfthewhole
humanrace,andembracestheminHiswidearmsascloselyandaffectionatelyasbrethrenembrace
eachotheronthefivepointsoffellowship.

AsEnteredApprenticesandFellowCrafts,Masonsaretaughttoimitatethelaudableexampleofthose
MasonswholaboredatthebuildingofKingSolomon'sTemple;andtoplantfirmlyanddeepintheir
heartsthosefoundationstonesofprinciple,truth,justice,temperance,fortitude,prudence,andcharity,
onwhichtoerectthatChristiancharacterwhichallthestormsofmisfortuneandallthepowersand
temptationsofHellshallnotprevailagainst;thosefeelingsandnobleaffectionswhicharethemost
properhomagethatcanbepaidtotheGrandArchitectandGreatFatheroftheUniverse,andwhich
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maketheheartalivingtemplebuildedtoHim;whentheunrulypassionsaremadetosubmittoruleand
measurement,andtheirexcessesarestruckoffwiththegavelofselfrestraint;andwheneveryaction
andeveryprincipleisaccuratelycorrectedandadjustedbythesquareofwisdom,thelevelofhumility,
andtheplumbofjustice.

Thetwocolumns,JachinandBoaz,arethesymbolsofthatprofoundfaithandimplicittrustinGodand
theRedeemerthataretheChristian'sstrength;andofthosegoodworksbywhichalonethatfaithcanbe
establishedandmadeoperativeandeffectualtosalvation.

ThethreepillarsthatsupporttheLodgearesymbolsofaChristian'sHOPEinafuturestateof
happiness;FAITHinthepromisesandthedivinecharacterandmissionoftheRedeemer;and
CHARITABLEJUDGMENTofothermen.

ThethreemurderersofKhirOmsymbolizePontiusPilate,CaiaphastheHighPriest,andJudas
Iscariot:andthethreeblowsgivenhimarethebetrayalbythelast,therefusalofRomanprotectionby
Pilate,andthecondemnationbytheHighPriest.Theyalsosymbolizetheblowontheear,the
scourging,andthecrownofthorns.Thetwelvefellowcraftssentinsearchofthebodyarethetwelve
disciples,indoubtwhethertobelievethattheRedeemerwouldrisefromthedead.

TheMaster'sword,supposedtobelost,symbolizestheChristianfaithandreligion,supposedtohave
beencrushedanddestroyedwhentheSaviourwascrucified,afterIscariothadbetrayedHim,andPeter
desertedHim,andwhentheotherdisciplesdoubtedwhetherHewouldarisefromthedead;butwhich
rosefromHistombandflowedrapidlyoverthecivilizedworld;andsothatwhichwassupposedtobe
lostwasfound.ItsymbolizesalsotheSaviourHimself;theWORDthatwasinthebeginningthatwas
withGod,andthatwasGod;theWordoflife,thatwasmadefleshanddweltamongus,andwas
supposedtobelost,whileHelayinthetomb,forthreedays,andHisdisciples"asyetknewnotthe
scripturethatHemustriseagainfromthedead,"anddoubtedwhentheyheardofit,andwereamazed
andfrightenedandstilldoubtedwhenHeappearedamongthem.

ThebushofacaciaplacedattheheadofthegraveofKhirOmisanemblemofresurrectionand
immortality.

SucharetheexplanationsofourChristianbrethren;entitled,likethoseofallotherMasons,toa
respectfulconsideration.

CLOSINGINSTRUCTION
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ThereisnopretencetoinfallibilityinMasonry.Itisnotforustodictatetoanymanwhatheshall
believe.Wehavehitherto,intheinstructionoftheseveralDegrees,confinedourselvestoayingbefore
youthegreatthoughtsthathavefoundexpressioninthedifferentagesoftheworld,leavingyouto
decideforyourselfastotheorthodoxyorheterodoxyofeach,andwhatproportionoftruth,ifany,each
contained.

WeshallpursuenoothercourseinthisclosingPhilosophicalinstruction;inwhichweproposetodeal
withthehighestquestionsthathaveeverexercisedthehumanmind,withtheexistenceandthenatureof
aGod,withtheexistenceandthenatnreofthehumansoul,andwiththerelationsofthedivineand
humanspiritwiththemerelymaterialUniverse.Therecanbenoquestionsmoreimportanttoan
intelligentbeing,nonethathaveforhimamoredirectandpersonalinterest;andtothislastwordof
ScottishMasonryweinviteyourseriousandattentiveconsideration.And,aswhatweshallnowsay
willbebutthecompletionandroundingoffofwhatwehavealreadysaidinseveralofthepreceding
Degrees,inregardtotheOldThoughtandtheAncientPhilosophies,wehopethatyouhavenotedand
notforgottenourpreviouslessons,withoutwhichthiswouldseemimperfectandfragmentary.

Initsideaofrewardingafaithfulandintelligentworkmanbyconferringuponhimaknowledgeofthe
TrueWord,Masonryhasperpetuatedaverygreattruth,becauseitinvolvesthepropositionthattheidea
whichamanformsofGodisalwaysthemostimportantelementinhisspeculativetheoryofthe
Universe,andinhisparticularpracticalplanofactionfortheChurch,theState,thecommunity,the
Family,andhisownindividuallife.Itwillevermakeavastdifferenceintheconductofapeopleinwar
orpeace,whethertheybelievetheSupremeGodtobeacruelDeity,delightinginsacrificeandblood,
oraGodofLove;andanindividual'sspeculativetheoryastothemodeandextentofGod's
government,andastothenatureandrealityofhisownfreewillandconsequentresponsibility,will
needs;havegreatinfluenceinshapingthecourseofhislifeandconversation.

WeseeeverydaythevastinfluenceofthepopularideaofGod.Allthegreathistoricalcivilizationsof
theracehavegrownoutofthenationalideaswhichwereformedofGod;orhavebeenintimately
connectedwiththoseideas.ThepopularTheology,whichatfirstisonlyanabstractideaintheheadsof
philosophers,byandbyshowsitselfinthelaws,andinthepunishmentsforcrime,inthechurches,the
ceremoniesandthesacraments,thefestivalsandthefasts,theweddings,thebaptismsandthefunerals,
inthehospitals,thecolleges,theschools,andallthesocialcharities,intherelationsofhusbandand
wife,parentandchild,inthedailyworkandthedailyprayerofeveryman.

Astheworldgrowsinitsdevelopment,itnecessarilyoutgrowsitsancientideasofGod,whichwere
onlytemporaryandprovisional.AmanwhohasahigherconceptionofGodthanthoseabouthim,and
whodeniesthattheirconceptionisGod,isverylikelytobecalledanAtheistbymenwhoarereallyfar
lessbelieversinaGodthanhe.ThustheChristians,whosaidtheHeathenidolswerenoGods,were
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accountedAtheistsbythePeople,andaccordinglyputtodeath;andJesusofNazarethwascrucifiedas
anunbelievingblasphemer,bytheJews.

ThereisamereformalAtheism,whichisadenialofGodinterms,butnotinreality.Amansays,There
isnoGod;thatis,noGodthatisselforiginated,orthatneveroriginated,butalwaysWASandHAD
BEEN,whoisthecauseofexistence,whoistheMindandtheProvidenceoftheUniverse;andsothe
order,beauty,andharmonyoftheworldofmatterandminddonotindicateanyplanorpurposeof
Deity.But,hesays,NATURE,meaningbythatthewholesumtotalofexistence,thatispowerful,
active,wise,andgood;Natureisselforiginated,oralwayswasandhadbeen,thecauseofitsown
existence,themindoftheUniverseandtheProvidenceofitself.Thereisobviouslyaplanandpurpose
wherebyorder,beauty,andharmonyarebroughtabout;butallthatistheplanandpurposeofnature.

Insuchcases,theabsolutedenialofGodisonlyformalandnotreal.ThequalitiesofGodareadmitted,
andclaimedtoberealanditisamerechangeofnametocallthepossessorofthosequalities,Nature,
andnotGod.Therealquestionis,whethersuchQualitiesexist,aswecallGod;andnot,bywhat
particularnameweshalldesignatetheQualities.OnemanmaycallthesumtotaloftheseQualities,
Nature;another,Heaven;athird,Universe,afourth,Matter;afifth,Spirit;asixth,God,Theos,Zeus,
Alfadir,Allah,orwhathepleases.AlladmittheexistenceoftheBeing,Power,orENS,thusdiversely
named.Thenameisofthesmallestconsequence.

RealAtheismisthedenialoftheexistenceofanyGod,oftheactualityofallpossibleideasofGod.It
deniesthatthereanyMind,Intelligence,orENS,thatistheCauseandProvidenceoftheUniverse,and
ofanyThingoranyExistence,Soul,Spirit,orBeing,thatintentionallyorintelligentlyproducesthe
Order,Beauty,andHarmonythereof,andtheconstantandregularmodesofoperationtherein.Itmust
necessarilydenythatthereisanylaw,order,orharmonyinexistence,oranyconstantmodeof
operationintheworld;foritisutterlyimpossibleforanyhumancreaturetoconceive,howevermuchhe
maypretendtodoso,ofeitherofthese,exceptasaconsequenceoftheactionofIntelligence;whichis,
indeed,thatotherwiseunknownthing,theexistenceofwhichthesealoneprove;otherwisethanasthe
causeofthese,notathingatall;amerenameforthewhollyuncognizablecauseofthese.

TherealatheistmustdenytheexistenceoftheQualitiesofGod,denythatthereisanymindoforinthe
Universe,anyselfconsciousProvidence,anyProvidenceatall.HemustdenythatthereisanyBeingor
CauseofFinitethings,thatisselfconsciouslypowerful,wise,just,loving,andfaithfultoitselfandits
ownnature.HemustdenythatthereisanyplanintheUniverseoranypartofit.Hemusthold,either
thatmatteriseternal,orthatitoriginateditself,whichisabsurd,orthatitwasoriginatedbyan
Intelligence,oratleastbyaCause;andthenheadmitsaGod.Nodoubtitisbeyondthereachofour
facultiestoimaginehowmatteroriginated,howitbegantobe,inspacewherebeforewasnothing,or
Godonly.Butitisequallybeyondthereachofourfacultiestoimagineiteternalandunoriginated.To
holdittobeeternal,withoutthoughtorwill;thatthespecificformsofit,theseed,therock,thetree,
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theman,thesolarsystem,allcamewithnoforethoughtplanningorproducingthem,by"chance"or
"thefortuitousconcourseofatoms"ofmatterthathasnothoughtorwill;andthattheyindicateno
mind,noplan,nopurpose,noprovidence,isabsurd.Itisnottodenytheexistenceofwhatwe
understandbymind,plan,purpose,Providence;buttoinsistthatthesewordsshallhavesomeother
meaningthanthatwhichthehumanracehaseverattachedtothemshallmeansomeunknownthing,for
whichthehumanracehasnoname,becauseithasofsuchathingnopossibleidea.Eithertherenever
wasanysuchthingasa"plan,"andthewordisnonsense,ortheUniverseexistsinconformitytoaplan.
Thewordnevermeant,andnevercanmean,anyotherthingthanthatwhichtheUniverseexhibits.So
withtheword"purpose;"sowiththeword"Providence."Theymeannothing,orelseonlywhatthe
Universeproves.

ItwassoonfoundthatthedenialofaConsciousPower,thecauseofmanandofhislife,ofa
Providence,oraMindandIntelligencearrangingmaninreferencetotheworld,andtheworldin
referencetoman,wouldnotsatisfytheinstinctivedesiresofhumannature,oraccountforthefactsof
materialnature.Itdidnotlonganswertosay,ifiteverwassaid,thattheUniversewasdriftinginthe
voidinane,andneitherit,noranymindwithinorwithoutit,knewofitswhence,itswhither,orits
whereabouts;thatmanwasdriftingintheUniverse,knowinglittleofhiswhereabouts,nothingofhis
whenceorwhither;thattherewasnoMind,noProvidence,noPower,thatknewanybetter;nothingthat
guidedanddirectedmaninhisdrifting,ortheUniverseinthewelteringwasteofTime.Tosaytoman
andwoman,"yourheroism,yourbravery,yourselfdenialallcomestonothing;yournoblenesswilldo
younogoodyouwilldie,andyournoblenesswilldomankindnoservice;forthereisnoplanororder
inallthesethings;everythingcomesandgoesbythefortuitousconcourseofatoms;"didnot,norever
will,longsatisfythehumanmind.

True,thetheoryofAtheismhasbeenuttered.Ithasbeensaid:"Deathistheend;thisisaworldwithout
aGod;youareabodywithoutasoul;thereisaHere,butnoHereafterforyou;aEarth,butnoHeaven.
Die,andreturntoyourdust.Manisbones,blood,bowels,andbrain;mindismatter;thereisnosoulin
thebrain,nothingbutnerves.WecanseeallthewaytoalittlestarinthenebulaofOrion'sbelt;so
distantthatitwilltakelightathousandmillionsofyearstocomefromittotheearth,journeyingatthe
rateoftwelvemillionsofmilesaminute.ThereisnoHeaventhissideofthat;youseealltheway
through;thereisnotaspeckofHeaven;anddoyouthinkthereisanybeyondit;andifso,whenwould
youreachit?ThereisnoProvidence.Natureisaforfuitousconcourseofatoms;thoughisafortuitous
functionofmatter,afortuitousresultofafortuitousresult,achanceshotfromthegreatwindgunof
theUniverse,accidentallyloaded,pointedatrandom,andfiredoffbychance.Thingshappen;theyare
notarranged.Thereisluck,andthereisillluck;butthereisnoProvidence.Dieyouintodust!"

Doesallthissatisfythehumaninstinctofimmortality,thatmakesuseverlong,withunutterable
longing,tojoinourselvesagaintoourdearoneswhohavegoneawaybeforeus,antomankind,for
eternallife?Doesitsatisfyourmightyhungeringandthirstforimmortality,ouranxiouslongingto
comenearerto,andtoknowmoreof,theEternalCauseofallthings?
 470/641

Mennevercouldbecontenttobelievethattherewasnomindthatthoughtforman,noconscienceto
enacteternallaws,noheartolovethosewhomnothingofearthlovesorcaresfor,nowillofthe
Universetomarshalthenationsinthewayofwisdom,justicandlowe.HistoryisnotthankGod,we
knowitisnotthefortuitousconcourseofevents,orNaturethatofatoms.Wecannotbelievethatthere
isnoplannorpurposeinNature,toguidourgoingoutandcomingin:thatthereisamightygoing,but
goesnowhere;thatallbeauty,wisdom,affection,justice,moralityintheworld,isanaccident,andmay
endtomorrow.

Allovertheworldthereisheroismunrequited,orpaidwithmisery;viceonthrones,corruptioninhigh
places,noblenessinpovertyoreveninchains,thegentledevotionofwomanrewardedbybrutalneglect
ormorebrutalabuseandviolence;everywherewant,misery,overwork,andunderwages.Addtothese
theAtheist'screed,abodywithoutasoul,anearthwithoutHeaven,aworldwithoutaGod;andwhata
Pandemoniumwouldwemakeofthisworld!

TheintellectoftheAtheistwouldfindmattereverywhere;butnoCausingandProvidingMind:his
moralsensewouldfindnoEquitableWill,noBeautyofMoralExcellence,noConscienceenacting
justiceintotheunchanginglawofright,nospiritualOrderorspiritualProvidence,butonlymaterial
FateandChance.Hisaffectionswouldfindonlyfinitethingstolove;andtothemthedeadwhowere
lovedandwhodiedyesterday,areliketherainbowthatyesterdayeveninglivedamomentandthen
passedaway.Hissoul,flyingthroughthevastInane,andfeelingthedarknesswithitswings,seeking
theSoulofall,whichatonceisReason,Conscience,andtheHeartofallthatis,wouldfindnoGod,
butauniversealldisorder;noInfinite,noReason,noConscience,noHeart,noSoulofthings;nothing
toreverence,toesteem,tolove,toworship,totrustin;butonlyanUglyForce,alienandforeigntous,
thatstrikesdownthosewelove,andmakesusmerewormsonthehotsandoftheworld.

NovoicewouldspeakfromtheEarthtocomforthim.Itisacruelmother,thatgreatEarth,thatdevours
heryoung,aForceandnothingmore.OutoftheskywouldsmilenokindProvidence,inallits
thousandstarryeyes;andinstormsamalignantviolence,withitslightningsword,wouldstabintothe
darkness,seekingformentomurder.

Nomaneverwasorevercanbecontentwiththat.TheevidenceofGodhasbeenploughedintoNature
sodeeply,andsodeeplywovenintothetextureofthehumansoul,thatAtheismhasneverbecomea
faith,thoughithassometimesassumedtheshapeoftheory.Religionisnaturaltoman.

InstinctivelyheturnstoGodandreverencesandreliesonHim.IntheMathematicsoftheHeavens,
writteningorgeousdiagramsoffire,heseeslaw,order,beauty,harmonywithoutend:intheethicsof
thelittlenationsthatinhabittheanthillsheseesthesame;inallNature,animateandinanimate,hesees
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theevidencesofaDesign,aWill,anIntelligence,andaGod,ofaGodbeneficentandlovingaswellas
wise,andmercifulandindulgentaswellaspowerful.

Toman,surroundedbythematerialUniverse,andconsciousoftheinfluencethathismaterial
environmentsexerciseduponhisfortunesandhispresentdestiny;toman,everconfrontedwiththe
splendorsofthestarryheavens,theregularmarchoftheseasons,thephenomenaofsunriseand
moonrise,andallevidencesofintelligenceanddesignthateverywherepresseuponandoverwhelmed
him,allimaginablequestionsastothenatureandcauseofthesephenomenaconstantlyrecurred,
demandingtobesolved,andrefusingtobesentawayunanswered.Andstill,afterthelapseofages,
pressuponthehumanminanddemandsolution,thesamegreatquestionsperhapsstilldemandingitin
vain.

Advancingtotheperiodwhenmanhadceasedtolookupontheseparatepartsandindividualforcesof
theUniverseasgods;whenhehadcometolookuponitasawhole,thisquestion,amongtheearliest,
occurredtohim,andinsistedonbeinganswered:"IsthismaterialUniverseselfexistent,orwasit
created?Isiteternal,ordiditoriginate?"

Andtheninsuccessioncamecrowdingonthehumanmindtheseotherquestions:

"IsthismaterialUniverseamereaggregateoffortuitouscombinationsofmatter,orisittheresultand
workofintelligenactinguponaplan?

"IftherebesuchanIntelligence,whatandwhereisit?IsmaterialUniverseitselfanIntelligentbeing?
Isitlikeman,bodyandasoul?DoesNatureactuponitself,oristhereaCausebeyonditthatactsupon
it?

"IfthereisapersonalGod,separatefromthematerialUniverse,thatcreatedallthings,Himself
uncreated,isHecorporealorincorporeal,materialorspiritual,thesouloftheUniverseorwhollyapart
fromitandifHebeSpirit,whatthenisspirit?

"WasthatSupremeDeityactiveorquiescentbeforethecreation;andifquiescentduringaprevious
eternity,whatnecessofHisnaturemovedHimatlasttocreateaworld;orwasitamerewhimthathad
nomotive?

"WasmattercoexistentwithHim,orabsolutelycreatedhimoutofnothing?DidHecreateit,oronly
mouldandshapeandfashionachaosalreadyexisting,coexistentwithHimself?
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"DidtheDeitydirectlycreatematter,orwascreationtheworkofinferiordeities,emanationsfrom
Himself?

"IfHebegoodandjust,whencecomesitthat,foreknowingeverything,Hehasallowedsorrowandevil
toexist;andhowtoreconcilewithHisbenevolenceandwisdomtheprosperityofviceandthe
misfortunesofvirtueinthisworld?"

Andthen,astomanhimself,recurredtheseotherquestions,astheycontinuetorecurtoallofus:

"Whatisitinusthatthinks?IsThoughtthemereresultofmaterialorganization;oristhereinusasoul
thatthinks,separatefromandresidentinthebody?Ifthelatter,isiteternalanduncreated;andifnot,
howcreated?IsitdistinctfromGod,oranemanationfromHim?Isitinherentlyimmortal,oronlyso
bydestination,becauseGodhaswilledit?IsittoreturntoandbemergedinHim,orevertoexist,
separatelyfromHim,withitspresentidentity?

"IfGodhasforeseenandforearrangedallthatoccurs,howhasmananyrealfreewill,ortheleast
controlovercircumstances?HowcananythingbedoneagainstthewillofInfiniteOmnipotenceandif
allisdoneaccordingtothatwill,howisthereanywrongorevil,inwhatInfiniteWisdomandInfinite
Powerdoesnotchoosetoprevent?

"Whatisthefoundationofthemorallaw?DidGodenactitofHisownmerepleasure;andifso,canHe
not,whenHepleases,repealit?WhoshallassureusHewillnotrepealit,andmakerightwrong,and
virtuevice?OristhemorallawanecessityofHisnatureandifso,whoenacteditanddoesnotthat
assertapower,liketheoldNecessity,superiortoDeity?"

And,closefollowingafterthese,camethegreatquestionofHEREAFTER,ofanotherLife,ofthe
soul'sDestiny;andthethousandothercollateralandsubordinatequestions,astomatter,spirit,futurity,
andGod,thathaveproducedallthesystemsofphilosophy,allmetaphysics,andalltheology,sincethe
worldbegan.

Whattheoldphilosophicmindthoughtuponthesegreatquestions,wehavealready,tosomeextent,
developed.WiththeEmanationdoctrineoftheGnosticsandtheOrient,wehaveendeavoredtomake
youfamiliar.WehavebroughtyoufacetofacewiththeKabalists,theEssenes,andPhilotheJew.We
haveshownthat,andhow,muchoftheoldmythologywasderivedfromthedailyandyearlyrecurring
phenomenaoftheheavens.Wehaveexhibitedtoyoutheancientnotionsbywhichtheyendeavoredto
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explaintothemselvestheexistenceandprevalenceofevil;andwehaveinsomedegreemadeknownto
youtheirmetaphysicalideasastothenatureoftheDeity.Muchmoreremainstobedonethanitis
withinourpowertodo.WestanduponthesoundingshoreofthegreatoceanofTime.Infrontofus
stretchesouttheheavingwasteoftheillimitablePast;anditswaves,astheyrolluptoourfeetalongthe
sparkingslopeoftheyellowsands,bringtous,nwandthen,fromthedepthsofthatboundlessocean,a
shell,afewspecimensofalgaetornrudelyfromtheirstems,aroundedpebble;andthatisall;ofallthe
vasttreasuresofancientthoughtthatlieburiedthere,withthemightyanthemoftheboundlessocean
thunderingoverthemforeverandforever.

Letusoncemore,andforthelasttime,alongtheshoreofthatgreatocean,gatherafewmorerelicsof
thePast,andlistentoitsmightyvoices,astheycome,infragmentarymusic,inbrokenandinterrupted
rhythm,whisperingtousfromthegreatbosomofthePast.

Rites,creedsandlegendsexpressdirectlyorsymbolically,someleadingidea,accordingtowhichthe
MysteriesofBeingaresupposedtobeexplainedinDeity.Theintricaciesofmythicalgenealogiesarea
practicalacknowledgmentofthemysteriousnatureoftheOmnipotentDeity;displayingintheir
beautifulbutineffectualimagerythefirsteffortsofthemindtocommunicatewithnature;theflowers
whichfancystrewedbeforetheyouthfulstepsofPsyche,whenshefirstsetoutinpursuitofthe
immortalobjectofherlove.Theoriesandnotions,inalltheirvarietiesoftruthandfalsehood,area
machinerymoreorlessefficacious,directedtothesameend.Everyreligionwas,initsorigin,an
embryophilosophy,oranattempttointerprettheunknownbymindanditwasonlywhenphilosophy,
whichisessentiallyprogress,outgrewitsfirstacquisitions,thatreligionbecameathingapart,
cherishingasunalterabledogmasthenotionswhichphilosophyhadabandoned.Separatedfrom
philosophy,itbecamearrogantandfantastical,professingtohavealreadyattainedwhatitsmore
authenticrepresentativewaseverpursuinginvainanddiscovering,throughitsinitiationsand
Mysteries,allthattoitscontractedviewseemedwantingtorestorethewellbeingofmankind,the
meansofpurificationandexpiation,remediesfordisease,expedientstocurethedisordersofthesoul,
andtopropitiatethegods.

WhyshouldweattempttoconfinetheideaoftheSupremeMindwithinanarbitrarybarrier,orexclude
fromthelimitsofveracityanyconceptionoftheDeity,which,ifimperfectandinadequate,maybeonly
alittlemoresothanourown?"ThenameofGod,"saysHobbes,"isusednottomakeusconceiveHim,
orHeisinconceivable,butthatwemayhonorHim.""BelieveinGod,andadoreHim,"saidtheGreek
Poet,"butinvestigateHimnot;theinquiryisfruitless,seeknottodiscoverwhoGodis;for,bythe
desiretoknow,youoffendHimwhochoosestoremainunknown.""Whenweattempt,"saysPhilo,"to
investigatetheessenceoftheAbsoluteBeing,wefallintoanabyssofperplexity;andtheonlybenefitto
bederivedfromsuchresearchesistheconvictionoftheirabsurdity."

Yetman,thoughignorantoftheconstitutionofthedustonwhichhetreads,hasventured,andstill
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ventures,tospeculateonthenatureofGod,andtodefinedogmaticallyincreedsthesubjectleast
withinthecompassofhisfaculties;andeventohateandpersecutethosewhowillnotaccepthisviews
astrue.

ButthoughaknowledgeoftheDivineEssenceisimpossible,theconceptionsformedrespectingitare
interesting,asindicationsofintellectualdevelopment.Thehistoryofreligionisthehistoryofthe
humanmind;andtheconceptionformedbyitofDeityisalwaysinexactrelationtoitsmoraland
intellectualattainments.Theoneistheindexandthemeasureoftheother.

ThenegativenotionofGod,whichconsistsinabstractingtheinferiorandfinite,is,accordingtoPhilo,
theonlywayinwhichitispossibleformanworthilytoapprehendthenatureofGod.Afterexhausting
thevarietiesofsymbolism,wecontrasttheDivineGreatnesswithhumanlittleness,andemploy
expressionsapparentlyaffirmative,suchas"Infinite,""Almighty,""Allwise,""Omnipotent,""Eternal,"
andthelike;whichinrealityamountonlytodenying,inregardtoGod,thoselimitswhichconfinethe
facultiesofman;andthusweremaincontentwithanamewhichisamereconventionalsignand
confessionofourignorance.

TheHebrewandtheGreekofGODexpressedabstractexistence,withoutoutwardmanifestationor
development.Ofthesamenaturearethedefinitions,"Godisaspherewhosecentreiseverywhere,and
whosecircumferencenowhere";"GodisHewhoseesall,Himselfunseen"andfinally,thatofProclus
andHegel;the"Tothatwhichhasnooutwardandpositiveexistence."Mostofthesocalledideasor
definitionsofthe"Absoute"areonlyacollectionofnegations;fromwhich,astheyaffirmnothing,
nothingislearned.

Godwasfirstrecognizedintheheavenlybodiesandintheelements.Whenman'sconsciousnessofhis
ownintellectualitywasmatured,andhebecameconvincedthattheinternalfacultyofthoughtwas
somethingmoresubtlethaneventhemostsubtleelements,hetransferredthatnewconceptiontothe
objectofhisworship,anddeifiedamentalprincipleinsteadofaphysicalone.Heineverycasemakes
Godafterhisownimage;fordowhatwewill,thehighesteffortsofhumanthoughtcanconceive
nothinghigherthanthesupremacyofintellect;andsoheevercomesbacktosomefamiliartypeof
exaltedhumanity.Heatfirstdeifiesnature,andafterwardhimself.

TheeternalaspirationofthereligioussentimentinmanistobecomeunitedwithGod.Inhisearliest
development,thewishanditsfulfillmentweresimultaneous,throughunquestioningbelief.In
proportionastheconceptionofDeitywasexalted,thenotionofHisterrestrialpresenceorproximity
wasabandonedandthedifficultyofcomprehendingtheDivineGovernment,togetherwiththeglaring
superstitiousevilsarisingoutofitsmisinterpretation,endangeredthebeliefinitaltogether.
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EventhelightsofHeaven,which,as"brightpotentatesofthesky,"wereformerlythevigilantdirectors
oftheeconomyofearthnowshinedimanddistant,andUrielnomoredescendsuponasunbeam.But
therealchangehasbeenintheprogressiveascentofman'sownfaculties,andnotintheDivineNature;
astheStarsarenomoredistantnowthanwhentheyweresupposedtorestontheshouldersofAtlas.
Andyetalittlesenseofdisappointmentandhumiliationattendedthefirstawakeningofthesoul,when
reason,lookingupwardtowardtheDeity,wasimpressedwithadizzysenseofhavingfallen.

Buthoperevivesindespondency;andeverynationthateveradvancedbeyondthemostelementary
conceptions,feltthenecessityofanattempttofillthechasm,realorimaginary,separatingmanfrom
God.Todothiswasthegreattaskofpoetry,philosophy,andreligion.Hencethepersonificationsof
God'sattributes,developments,andmanifestationsas"Powers","Intelligences","Angels",
"Emanations"throughwhichandtheoracularfacultyinhimself,mancouldplacehimselfin
communionwithGod.

ThevariousranksandordersofmythicalbeingsimaginedbyPersians,Indians,Egyptians,orEtrurians,
topresideoverthevariousdepartmentsofnature,hadeachhisshareinaschemetobringmaninto
closerapproximationtotheDeity;theyeventuallygavewayonlybeforeananalogousthoughless
picturesquesymbolismandtheDeitiesandDemonsofGreeceandRomewereperpetuatedwithonlya
changeofnames,whentheirofficesweretransferredtoSaintsandMartyrs.Theattemptsbywhich
reasonhadsometimesendeavoredtospantheunknownbyabridgeofmetaphysics,suchasthe
idealisticsystemsofZoroaster,Pythagoras,orPlato,wereonlyamorerefinedformofthepoetical
illusionswhichsatisfiedthevulgarandmanstilllookedbackwithlongingtothelostgoldenage,when
hisancestorscommunedfacetofacewiththeGodsandhopedthat,bypropitiatingHeaven,hemight
acceleratetherenewalofitintheislandsoftheFarWest,underthesceptreofKronos,orina
centralizationofpoliticalpoweratJerusalem.Hiseagerhopeovercameeventheterrorsofthegravefor
theDivinepowerwasasinfiniteashumanexpectation,andtheEgyptian,dulyensepulchredinthe
LybianCatacombs,wassupposedtobealreadyonhiswaytotheFortunateAbodesundertheguidance
ofHermes,theretoobtainaperfectassociationandreunionwithhisGod.

RememberingwhatwehavealreadysaidelsewhereinregardtotheoldideasconcerningtheDeity,and
repeatingitaslittleaspossible,letusoncemoreputourselvesincommunionwiththeAncientpoetic
andphilosophicmind,andendeavortolearnofitwhatitthought,andhowitsolvedthegreatproblems
thathaveevertorturedthehumanintellect.

ThedivisionoftheFirstandSupremeCauseintotwoparts,oneActiveandtheotherPassive,the
UniverseAgentandPatient,orthehermaphroditicGodWorld,isoneofthemostancientand
widespreaddogmasofphilosophyornaturaltheology.Almosteveryancientpeoplegaveitaplacein
theirworship,theirmysteries,andtheirceremonies.
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OcellusLucanus,whoseemstohavelivedshortlyafterPythagorasopenedhisSchoolinItaly,fiveor
sixhundredyearsbeforeourera,andinthetimeofSolon,Thales,andtheotherSageswhohadstudied
intheSchoolsofEgypt,notonlyrecognizestheeternityoftheUniverse,anditsdivinecharacterasan
unproducedandindestructiblebeing,butalsothedistinctionofActiveandPassivecausesinwhathe
termstheGrandWhole,orthesinglehermaphroditicBeingthatcomprehendsallexistences,aswell
causesaseffectsandwhichisasystemregularlyordered,perfectandcomplete,ofallNatures.Hewell
apprehendedthedividinglinethatseparatesexistenceeternallythesame,fromthatwhicheternally
changes;thenatureofcelestialfromthatofterrestrialbodies,thatofcausesfromthatofeffects,that
whichisfromthatwhichonlyBECOMES,adistinctionthatnaturallystruckeverythinkingman.

Weshallnotquotehislanguageatfulllength.Theheavenlybodies,hethought,arefirstandmost
noble;theymoveofthemselves,andeverrevolve,withoutchangeofformoressence.Fire,water,earth,
andairchangeincessantlyandcontinually,notplace,butform.Then,asintheUniversethereare
generationandcauseofgeneration,asgenerationiswheretherearechangeanddisplacementofparts,
andcausewherethereisstabilityofnature,evidentlyitbelongstowhatisthecauseofgeneration,to
moveandtoactandtotherecipient,tobemadeandmoved.Inhisview,everythingabovetheMoon
wasthehabitationofthegods;allbelow,thatofNatureanddiscord;thisoperatesdissolutionofthings
made;that,productionofthosethatarebeingmade.Astheworldisunproducedandindestnlctible,asit
hadnobeginning,andwillhavenoend,necessarilytheprinciplethatoperatesgenerationinanother
thanitself,andthatwhichoperatesitinitself,havecoexisted.

Theformerisallabovethemoon,andespeciallythesun;thelatteristhesublunaryworld.Ofthesetwo
parts,oneactive,theotherpassive;onedivineandalwaysthesame,theothermortalandeverchanging,
allthatwecallthe"world"or"universe"iscomposed.

TheseaccordedwiththeprinciplesoftheEgyptianphilosophy,whichheldthatmanandtheanimals
hadalwaysexistedtogetherwiththeworld;thattheywereitseffects,eternallikeitself.Thechief
divisionsofnatureintoactiveandpassivecauses,itssystemofgenerationanddestruction,andthe
concurrenceofthetwogreatprinciples,Heavenandearth,unitingtoformallthings,will,accordingto
Ocellus,alwayscontinuetoexist.

"Enough"heconcludes,"astotheUniverse,thegenerationsanddestructionseffectedinit,themodein
whichitnowexists,themodeinwhichitwilleverexist,bytheeternalqualitiesofthetwoprinciples,
onealwaysmoving,theotheralwaysmoved;onealwaysgoverning,theotheralwaysgoverned."

Suchisabriefsummaryofthedoctrineofthisphilosopher,whoseworkisoneofthemostancientthat
hassurvivedtous.Thesubjectonwhichhetreatedoccupiedinhistimeallmen'sminds;thepoetssang
ofcosmogoniesandtheogonies,andthephilosopherswrotetreatisesonthebirthoftheworldandthe
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elementsofitscomposition.ThecosmogonyoftheHebrews,attributedtoMoses;thatofthe
Phoenicians,ascribedtoSanchoniathon;thatoftheGreeks,composedbyHesiod;thatoftheEgyptians,
theAtlantes,andtheCretans,preservedbyDiodorusSiculus;thefragmentsofthetheologyof
Orpheus,dividedamongdifferentwriters;thebooksofthePersians,ortheirBoundehesh;thoseofthe
Hindus;thetraditionsoftheChineseandthepeopleofMacassar;thecosmogonicchantswhichVirgil
putsinthemouthofIopasatCarthageandthoseoftheoldSilenus,thefirstbookofthe
MetamorphosesofOvid;alltestifytotheaniquityanduniversalityofthesefictionsastotheoriginof
theworldanditscauses.

Attheheadofthecausesofnature,Heavenandearthwerelacedandthemostapparentpartsofeach,
thesun,themoon,thefixedstarsandplanets,and,aboveall,thezodiac,amongtheactivecausesof
generation;andamongthepassive,theseveralelements.Thesecauseswerenotonlyclassedinthe
progressiveorderoftheirenergy,Heavenandearthheadingtherespectivelists,butdistinctsexeswere
insomesortassignedtothem,andcharacteristicsanalogoustothemodeinwhichtheyconcurin
universalgeneration.

ThedoctrineofOcelluswasthegeneraldoctrineeverywhere,itnaturallyoccurringtoalltomakethe
samedistinction.TheEgyptiansdidso,inselectingthoseanimalsinwhichtheyrecogizedthese
emblematicqualities,inordertosymbolizethedoublesexoftheUniverse.TheirGodKNEPH,outof
whosemouthissuedtheOrphicegg,whencetheauthoroftheClementineRecognitionsmakesa
hermaphroditicfiguretoemerge,unitinginitselfthetwoprincipleswhereofHeavenandtheearthare
forms,andwhichenterintotheorganizationofallbeingswhichtheheavensandtheearthengenderby
theirconcourse,furnishesanotheremblemofthedoublepower,activeandpassive,whichtheancients
sawintheUniverseandwhichtheysymbolizedbytheegg.Orpheus,whostudiedinEgypt,borrowed
fromthetheologiansofthatcountrythemysteriousformsunderwhichthescienceofnaturewasveiled,
andcarriedintoGreecethesymbolicegg,withitsdivisionintotwopartsorcausesfiguredbythe
hermaphroditicbeingthatissuedfromitandwhereofHeavenandeartharecomposed.

TheBrahminsofIndiaexpressedthesamecosmogonicideabyastatue,representativeoftheUniverse,
unitinginitselfbothsexes.Themalesexofferedanimageofthesun,centreoftheactiveprinciple,and
thefemalesexthatofthemoon,atthespherewhereof,proceedingdownward,thepassiveportionof
naturebegins.TheLingam,untothepresentdayreveredintheIndiantemples,beingbutthe
conjunctionoftheorgansofgenerationofthetwosexes,wasanemblemofthesame.TheHindushave
everhadthegreatestvenerationforthissymbolofeverreproductivenature.TheGreeksconsecratedthe
samesymbolsofuniversalfruitfulnessintheirMysteriesandtheywereexhibitedinthesanctuariesof
Eleusis.

TheyappearamongthesculpturedornamentsofalltheIndiantemples.Tertullianaccusesthe
Valentiniansofhavingadoptedthecustomofveneratingthem;acustom,hesays,introducedby
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MelampusfromEgyptintoGreece.TheEgyptiansconsecratedthePhallusintheMysteriesofOsiris
andIsis,aswelearnfromPlutarchandDiodorusSiculusandthelatterassuresusthattheseemblems
werenotconsecratedbytheEgyptiansalone,butbyeverypeople.Theycertainlyweresoamongthe
PersiansandAssyrians;andtheywereregardedeverywhereassymbolicofthegenerativeand
productivepowersofallanimatedbeings.Inthoseearlyages,theworksofNatureandallheragents
weresacredlikeherself.

FortheunionofNaturewithherselfisachastemarriage,ofwhichtheunionofmanandwomanwasa
naturalimage,alltheirorganswereanexpressiveemblemofthedoubleenergywhichmanifestsitself
inHeavenandEarthunitingtogethertoproduceallbeings."TheHeavens,"saysPlutarch,"seemedto
mentofulfillthefunctionsoffather,andtheEarthofmother.Theformerimpregnatedtheearthwith
itsfertilizingrains,andtheearth,receivingthem,becamefruitfulandbroughtforth".Heaven,which
coversandembracestheeartheverywhere,isherpotentspouse,unitinghimselftohertomakeher
fruitful,withoutwhichshewouldlanguishineverlastingsterility,buriedintheshadesofchaosandof
night.Theirunionistheirmarriagetheirproductionsorpartsaretheirchildren.Theskiesareour
Father,andNaturethegreatMotherofusall.

Thisideawasnotthedogmaofasinglesect,butthegeneralopinionofalltheSages."Naturewas
divided,"saysCicero,"intotwoparts,oneactive,andtheotherthatsubmitteditselftothisaction,
whichitreceived,andwhichmodifiedit.TheformerwasdeemedtobeaForce,andthelatterthe
materialonwhichthatForceexerteditself".Macrobiusrepeatedalmostliterallythedoctrineof
Ocellus.Aristotletermedtheearththefruitfulmother,environedonallsidesbytheair.Aboveitwas
Heaven,thedwellingplaceofthegodsandthedivinestars,itssubstanceether,orafireincessantly
movingincircles,divineandincorruptible,andsubjecttonochange.Belowit,nature,andthe
elements,nutableandactedon,corruptibleandmortal.

SynesiussaidthatgenerationswereeffectedintheportionsoftheUniversewhichweinhabit;whilethe
causeofgenerationsresidedintheportionsaboveus,whencedescendtousthegermsoftheeffects
producedherebelow.ProclusandSimpliciusdeemedHeaventheActiveCauseandFather,relativelyto
theearth.TheformersaysthattheWorldortheWholeisasingleAnimal;whatisdoneinit,isdoneby
it;thesameWorldacts,andactsuponitself.Hedividesitinto"Heaven"and"Generation".Inthe
former,hesays,areplacedandarrangedtheconservativecausesofgeneration,superintendedbythe
GeniiandGods.

TheEarth,orRhea,associatedeverwithsaturninproduction,ismotheroftheeffectsofwhichHeaven
isFather;thewomborbosomthatreceivesthefertilizingenergyoftheGodthatengendersages.The
greatworkofgenerationisoperated,hesays,primarilybytheactionoftheSun,andsecondarilybythat
oftheMoon,sothattheSunistheprimitivesourceofthisenergy,asfatherandchiefofthemalegods
thatformhiscourt.
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Hefollowstheactionofthemaleandfemaleprinciplesthroughalltheportionsanddivisionsofnature,
attributingtotheformertheoriginofstabilityandidentity,tothelatter,thatofdiversityandmobility.
Heavenistotheearth,hesays,asthemaletothefemale.Itisthemovementoftheheavensthat,by
theirrevolutions,furnishedtheseminalincitementsandforces,whoseemanationsreceivedbytheearth,
makeitfruitful,andcauseittoproduceanimalsandplantsofeverykind.

PhilosaysthatMosesrecognizedthisdoctrineoftwocauses,activeandpassive;butmadetheformer
toresideintheMindorIntelligenceexternaltomatter.

TheancientastrologersdividedthetwelvesignsoftheZodiacintosixmaleandsixfemale,and
assignedthemtosixmaleasixfemaleGods.HeavenandEarth,orOuranosandGhe,wereamongthe
mostancientnations,thefirstandmostancientDivinities.WefindtheminthePhoenicianhistoryof
Sanchoniathon,andintheGrecianGenealogyoftheGodsgivenbyHesiod.Everywheretheymarry,
andbytheirunionproducethelaterGods."Inthebeginning."saysApollodorus,"Ouranosorthe
HeavenswasLordofalltheUniverse;hetooktowifeGheortheearth,andhadbyhermanychildren".
TheywerethefirstGodsoftheCretans,andunderothernames,oftheArmenians,aswelearnfrom
Berosus,andofPanchaia,anislandSouthofArabia,aswelearnfromEuhemerus.Orpheusmadethe
Divinityorthe"GreatWhole,"maleandfemale,because,hesaid,itcouldproducenothing,unlessit
unitedinitselftheproductiveforceofbothsexes.HecalledHeavenPANGENETOR,theFatherofall
things,mostancientofBeings,beginningandendofall,containinginHimselftheincorruptibleand
unwearyingforceofNecessity.

ThesameideaobtainedintherudeNorthofEurope.TheScythiansmadetheearthtobethewifeof
Jupiter;andtheGermansadoredherunderthenameofHERTA.TheCeltsworshippedtheHeavens
andtheEarth,andsaidthatwithouttheformerthelatterwouldbesterile,andthattheirmarriage
producedallthings.TheScandinaviansacknowledgedBORortheHeavens,andgaveFURTUR,his
son,theEarthashiswife.OlausRudbeckadds,thattheirancestorswerepersuadedthatHeaven
intermarriedwiththeEarth,andthusunitinghisforceswithhers,producedanimalsandplants.This
marriageofHeavenandEarthproducedtheAzes,GeniifamousinthetheologyoftheNorth.Inthe
theologyofthePhrygiansandLydians,theASIIwerebornofthemarriageoftheSupremeGodwith
theEarth,andFirmicusinformsusthatthePhrygiansattrihutedtotheEarthsupremacyovertheother
elements,andconsideredhertheGreatMotherofallthings.

Virgilsingstheimpregnationofthejoyousearth,bytheEther,itsspouse,thatdescendsuponits
bosom,fertilizingitwithrains.ColumellasingsthelovesofNatureandhermarriagewithHeaven
annuallyconsummatedatthesweetSpringtime.HedescribestheSpiritofLife,thesoulthatanimates
theworld,firedwithpassionofLove,unitingwithNatureanditself,itselfapartofNature,andfilling
itsownbosomwithnewproductions.Thisunionoftheuniversewithitself,thismutualactionoftwo
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sexes,heterms"thegreatSecretsofNature,""theMysteriesoftheUnionofHeavenwithEarth,
imagedintheSacredMysteriesofAtysandBacchus."

VarrotellsusthatthegreatDivinitiesadoredatSamothraceweretheHeavensandtheEarth,
consideredasFirstCausesorPrimalGods,andasmaleandfemaleagents,onebearingtotheotherthe
relationsthattheSoulandPrincipleofMovementbeartothebodyorthematterthatreceivesthem.
ThesewerethegodsreveredintheMysteriesofthatIsland,astheywereintheorgiesofPhoenicia.

EverywherethesacredbodyofNaturewascoveredwiththeveilofallegory,whichconcealeditfrom
theprofane,andallowedittobeseenonlybythesagewhothoughtitworthytobetheobjectofhis
studyandinvestigation.Sheshowedherselftothoseonlywholovedherinspiritandintruth,andshe
abandonedtheindifferentandcarelesstoerrorandtoignorance."TheSagesofGreece,"says
Pausanias,"neverwroteotherwisethaninanenigmaticalmanner,nevernaturallyanddirectly".

"Nature,"saysSallustthePhilosopher,"shouldbesungonlyinalanguagethatimitatesthesecrecyof
herprocessesandoperations.Sheisherselfanenigma.Weseeonlybodiesinmovement;theforcesand
springsthatmovethemarehiddenfromus."ThepoetsinspiredbytheDivinity,thewisest
philosophers,allthetheologians,thechiefsoftheinitiationsandMysteries,eventhegodsutteringtheir
oracles,haveborrowedthefigurativelanguageofallegory."TheEgyptians,"saysProclus,"preferred
thatmodeofteaching,andspokeofthegreatsecretsofNature,onlyinmythologicalenigmas".The
GymnosophistsofIndiaandtheDruidsofGaullenttosciencethesameenigmaticlanguageandinthe
samestylewrotetheHierophantsofPhoenicia.

ThedivisionofthingsintotheactiveandthepassivecauseleadstothatofthetwoPrinciplesofLight
andDarkness,connectedwithandcorrespondingwithit.ForLightcomesfromtheetherealsubstance
thatcomposestheactivecause,anddarknessfromearthorthegrossmatterwhichcomposesthe
passivecause.InHesiod,theEarth,byitsunionwithTartarus,engendersTyphon.ChiefofthePowers
orGeniiofDarkness.PutitunitesitselfwiththeEtherorOuranos,whenitengenderstheGodsof
Olympus,ortheStars,childrenofStarryOuranos.

LightwasthefirstDivinityworshippedbymen.ToittheyowedthebrilliantspectacleofNature.It
seemsanemanationfromtheCreatorofallthings,makingknowntooursensestheUniversewhich
darknesshidesfromoureyes,and,asitweregivingitexistence.Darkness,asitwere,reducesallnature
againtonothingness,andalmostentirelyannihilatesman.

Naturally,therefore,twosubstancesofoppositenatureswereimagined,toeachofwhichtheworldwas
inturnsubjected,onecontributingtoitsfelicityandtheothertoitsmisfortune.Lightmultipliedits
enjoyments;Darknessdespoileditofthem;theformerwasitsfriend,thelatteritsenemy.Tooneall
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goodwasattributed;totheotherallevilandthusthewords"Light"and"Good"becamesynonymous,
andthewords"Darkness"and"Evil."ItseemingthatGoodandEvilcouldnotflowfromoneandthe
samesource,anymorethancouldLightandDarkness,mennaturallyimaginedtwoCausesor
Principles,ofdifferentnaturesandoppositeintheireffects,oneofwhichshedLightandGood,andthe
otherDarknessandEvil,ontheUniverse.

ThisdistinctionofthetwoPrincipleswasadmittedinalltheTheologies,andformedoneofthe
principalbasesofallreligions.Itenteredasaprimaryelementintothesacredfables,thecosmogonies
andtheMysteriesofantiquity."Wearenottosuppose,"saysPlutarch,"thatthePrinciplesofthe
Universeareinanimatebodies,asDemocritusandEpicurusthought;northatamatterdevoidof
qualitiesisorganizedandarrangedbyasingleReasonorProvidence,Sovereignoverallthings,asthe
Stoicsheld;foritisnotpossiblethatasingleBeing,goodorevil,isthecauseofallinasmuchasGod
caninnowisebethecauseofanyevil.TheharmonyoftheUniverseisacombinationofcontraries,like
thestringsofalyre,orthatofabow,whichalternatelyisstretchedandrelaxed.""Thegood,"says
Euripides,"isneverseparatedfromtheEvil.

Thetwomustmingle,thatallmaygowell."Andthisopinionastothetwoprinciples,continues
Plutarch,"isthatofallantiquity.FromtheTheologiansandLegislatorsitpassedtothePoetsand
Philosophers.Itsauthorisunknown;buttheopinionitselfisestablishedbythetraditionsofthewhole
humanrace,andconsecratedinthemysteriesandsacrificesbothoftheGreeksandBarbarians,wherein
wasrecognizedthedogmaofopposingprinciplesinnature,which,bytheircontrariety,producethe
mixtureofgoodandevil.Wemustadmittwocontrarycauses,twoopposingpowers,whichlead,oneto
therightandtheothertotheleftandthuscontrolourlife,astheydothesublunaryworld,whichis
thereforesubjecttosomanychangesandirregularitiesofeverykind.Foriftherecanbenoeffect
withoutacause,andiftheGoodcannotbethecauseoftheEvil,itisabsolutelynecessarythatthere
shouldbeacausefortheEvil,asthereisonefortheGood."Thisdoctrine,headds,hasbeengenerally
receivedamongmostnations,andespeciallybythosewhohavehadthegreatestreputationforwisdom.
Allhaveadmittedtwogods,withdifferentoccupations,onemakingthegoodandtheothertheevil
foundinnature.Theformerhasbeenstyled"God,"thelatter"Demon."ThePersians,orZoroaster,
namedtheformerOrmuzdandthelatterAhriman;ofwhomtheysaidonewasofthenatureofLight,
theotherofthatofDarkness.TheEgyptianscalledtheformerOsiris,andthelatterTyphon,hiseternal
enemy.

TheHebrews,atleastaftertheirreturnfromthePersiancaptivity,hadtheirgoodDeity,andtheDevil,a
badandmaliciousSpirit,everopposingGod,andChiefoftheAngelsofDarkness,asGodwasofthose
ofLight.Theword"Satan"means,inHebrew,simply,"TheAdversary."

TheChaldeans,Plutarchsays,hadtheirgoodandevilstars.TheGreekshadtheirJupiterandPluto,and
theirGiantsandTitans,towhomwereassignedtheattributesoftheSerpentwithwhichPlutoor
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Serapiswasencircled,andtheshapewhereofwasassumedbyTyphon,Ahriman,andtheSatanofthe
Hebrews.Everypeoplehadsomethingequivalenttothis.

ThePeopleofPegubelieveintwoPrinciples,oneauthorofGoodandtheotherofEvil,andstriveto
propitiatethelatter,whiletheythinkitneedlesstoworshiptheformer,asheisincapableofdoingevil.
ThepeopleofJava,oftheMoluccas,oftheGoldCoast,theHottentots,thepeopleofTeneriffeand
Madagascar,andtheSavageTribesofAmerica,allworshipandstrivetoaverttheangerandpropitiate
thegoodwilloftheEvilSpirit.

ButamongtheGreeks,Egyptians,Chaldeans,Persians,andAssyrians,thedoctrineofthetwo
Principlesformedacompleteandregularlyarrangedtheologicalsystem.Itwasthebasisofthereligion
oftheMagiandofEgypt.Theauthorofanancientwork,attributedtoOrigen,saysthatPythagoras
learnedfromZarastha,aMagusatBabylon(thesame,perhaps,asZerdushtorZoroaster),thatthereare
twoprinciplesofallthings,whereofoneisthefatherandtheotherthemother;theformer,Light,and
thelatter,Darkness.PythagorasthoughtthattheDependenciesonLightwerewarmth,dryness,
lightness,swiftnessandthoseonDarkness,cold,wet,weight,andslowness;andthattheworldderived
itsexistencefromthesetwoprinciples,asfromthemaleandthefemale.AccordingtoPorphyry,he
conceivedtwoopposingpowers,onegood,whichhetermedUnity,theLight,Right,theEqual,the
Stable,theStraight;theotherevil,whichhetermedBinary,Darkness,theLeft,theUnequal,the
Crooked.

TheseideashereceivedfromtheOrientals,forhedwelttwelveyearsatBabylon,studyingwiththe
Magi.VarrosaysherecognizedtwoPrinciplesofallthings,theFiniteandtheInfinite,GoodandEvil,
LifeandDeath,DayaNight.WhitehethoughtwasofthenatureoftheGoodPrinciple,andBlackof
thatoftheEvil;thatLightandDarkness,HeatandCold,theDryandtheWet,mingledinequal
proportions;thatSummerwasthetriumphofheat,andWinterofcold;thattheirequalcombination
producedSpringandAutumn,theformerproducingverdureandfavorabletohealth,andthelatter,
deterioratingeverything,givingbirthtomaladies.Heappliedthesameideatotherisingandsettingof
thesunand,liketheMagi,heldthatGodorOrmuzdinthebodyresembledlight,andinthesoul,truth.

Aristotle,likePlato,admittedaprincipleofEvil,residentinmatterandinitseternalimperfection.

ThePersianssaidthatOrmuzd,bornofthepureLight,andAhriman,bornofdarkness,wereeverat
war.OrmuzdproducedsixGods,Beneficence,Truth,GoodOrder,Wisdom,Riches,andVirtuousJoy.
TheseweresomanyemanationsfromtheGoodPrinciple,somanyblessingsbestowedbyitonmen.
Ahriman,inhisturn,producedsixDevs,opponentsofthesixemanationsfromOrmuzd.ThenOrmuzd
madehimselfthreetimesasgreatasbefore,ascendedasfarabovethesunasthesunisabovetheearth,
andadornedtheheavenswithstars,ofwhichhemadeSiriusthesentineloradvanceguard:thathethen
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createdtwentyfourotherDeities,andplacedtheminanegg,whereAhrimanalsoplacedtwentyfour
others,createdbyhim,whobroketheegg,andsointermingledGoodandEvil.Theopompusaddsthat,
accordingtotheMagi,fortwotermsofthreethousandyears,eachofthetwoPrinciplesistobeby
turnsvictorandtheothervanquished;thenforthreethousandmoreforeachtheyaretocontendwith
eachother,eachdestroyingreciprocallytheworksoftheother;afterwhichAhrimanistoperish,and
men,wearingtransparentbodies,toenjoyunutterablehappiness.

ThetwelvegreatDeitiesofthePersians,thesixAmshaspandsandsixDevs,marshalled,theformer
underthebannerofLight,andthelatterunderthatofDarkness,arethetwelveZodiacalSignsor
Months;thesixsupremesigns,orthoseofLight,orofSpringandSummer,commencingwithAries,
andthesixinferior,ofDarkness,orofAutumnandWinter,commencingwithLibra.LimitedTime,as
contradistinguishedfromTimewithoutlimits,orEternity,isTimecreatedandmeasuredbythe
celestialrevolutions.Itiscomprehendedinaperioddividedintotwelveparts,eachsubdividedintoa
thousandparts,whichthePersianstermedyears.

ThusthecircleannuallytraversedbytheSunwasdividedinto12,000parts,oreachsigninto3,000:
andthus,eachyear,thePrincipleofLightandGoodtriumphedfor3,000years,thatofEviland
Darknessfor3,000,andtheymutuallydestroyedeachother'slaborsfor6,000,or3,000foreach:sothat
theZodiacwasequallydividedbetweenthem.AndaccordinglyOcellusLucanus,theDiscipleof
Pythagoras,heldthattheprincipalcauseofallsublunaryeffectsresidedintheZodiac,andthatfromit
flowedthegoodorbadinfluencesoftheplanetsthatrevolvedtherein.

ThetwentyfourgoodandtwentyfourevilDeities,enclosedintheEgg,arethefortyeight
constellationsoftheancientsphere,equallydividedbetweentherealmsofLightandDarkness,onthe
concavityofthecelestialspherewhichwasapportionedamongthemandwhich,enclosingtheworld
andplanets,wasthemysticandsacredeggoftheMagi,theIndians,andtheEgyptians,theeggthat
issuedfromthemouthoftheGodKneph,thatfiguredastheOrphicEggintheMysteriesofGreece,
thatissuedfromtheGodChumongoftheCoresians,andfromtheEgyptianOsirisandtheGodPhanes
oftheModernOrphics,PrincipleofLight,theeggcrushedbytheSacredBulloftheJapanese,and
fromwhichtheworldemerged;thatplacedbytheGreeksatthefeetofBacchusthebullhornedGod,
andfromwhichAristophanesmakesLoveemerge,whowithNightorganizesChaos.

ThustheBalance,theScorpion,theSerpentofOphiucus,aretheDragonoftheHesperidesbecame
malevolentSignsandEvilGeniiandentirenaturewasdividedbetweenthetwoprinciples,andbetween
theagentsorpartialcausessubordinatetothem.HenceMichaelandhisArchangels,andSatanandhis
fallencompeers.HencethewarsofJupiterandtheGiants,inwhichtheGodsofOlympusfoughtonthe
sideoftheLightGod,againsthedarkprogenyofearthandChaos;awarwhichProclusregardedas
symbolizingtheresistanceopposedbydarkandchaoticmattertotheactiveandbeneficentforcewhich
givesitorganization;anideawhichinpartappearsintheoldtheoryoftwoPrinciples,oneinnateinthe
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activeandluminoussubstanceofHeaven,andtheotherintheinertanddarksubstanceofmatterthat
resiststheorderandthegoodthatHeavencommunicatestoit.

OsirisconquersTyphon,andOrmuzd,Ahriman,when,attheVernalEquinox,thecreativeactionof
Heavenanditsdemiourgicenergyismoststronglymanifested.ThentheprincipleofLightandGood
overcomesthatofDarknessandEvil,andtheworldrejoices,redeemedfromcoldandwintrydarkness
bythebeneficentSignintowhichtheSunthenenterstriumphantandrejoicing,afterhisresurrection.

FromthedoctrineofthetwoPrinciples,ActiveandPassivegrewthatoftheUniverse,animatedbya
PrincipleofEternalLife,andbyaUniversalSoul,fromwhicheveryisolatedandtemporarybeing
receivedatitsbirthanemanation,which,atthedeathofsuchbeing,returnedtoitssource.

Thelifeofmatterasmuchbelongedtonatureasdidmatteritselfandaslifeismanifestedbymovement,
thesourcesoflifemustneedsseemtobeplacedinthoseluminousandeternalbodies,andaboveallin
theHeaveninwhichtheyrevolve,andwhichwhirlsthemalongwithitselfinthatrapidcoursethatis
swifterthanallothermovement.Andfireandheathavesogreatananalogywithlife,thatcoldlike
absenceofmovement,seemedthedistinctivecharacteristicofdeath.Accordingly,thevitalfirethat
blazesintheSunandproducestheheatthatvivifieseverything,wasregardedastheprincipleof
organizationandlifeofallsublunarybeings.

Accordingtothisdoctrine,theUniverseisnottoberegardedinitscreativeandeternalaction,merely
asanimmensemachinemovedbypowerfulspringsandforcedintoacontinualmovementwhich,
emanatingfromthecircumference,extendstothecentreactsandreactsineverypossibledirection,
andreproducesinsuccessionallthevariedformswhichmatterreceives.Sotoregarditwouldbeto
recognizeacoldandpurelymechanicalaction,theenergyofwhichcouldneverproducelife.

Onthecontrary,itwasthought,theUniverseshouldbedeemedanimmenseBeing,alwaysliving,
alwaysmovedandalwaysmovinginaneternalactivityinherentinitself,andwhich,subordinatetono
foreigncause,iscommunicatedtoallitsparts,connectsthemtogether,andmakesoftheworldof
thingsacompleteandperfectwhole.Theorderandharmonywhichreignthereinseemtobelongtoand
beapartofit,andthedesignofthevariousplansofconstructionoforganizedbeingswouldseemtobe
graveninitsSupremeIntelligence,sourceofalltheotherIntelligenceswhichitcommunicatestogether
withlifetoman.Nothingexistingoutofit,itmustberegardedastheprincipleandtermofallthings.

ChaeremonhadnoreasonforsayingthattheAncientEgyptians,inventorsofthesacredfables,and
adorersoftheSunandtheotherluminaries,sawintheUniverseonlyamachine,withoutlifeand
withoutintelligence,eitherinitswholeorinitspartsandthattheircosmogonywasapure
Epicureanism,whichrequiredonlymatterandmovementtoorganizeitsworldandgovernit.Suchan
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opinionwouldnecessarilyexcludeallreligiousworship.Whereverwesupposeaworship,therewe
mustsupposeintelligentDeitieswhoreceiveit,andaresensibletothehomageoftheiradorersandno
otherpeopleweresoreligiousastheEgyptians.

Onthecontrary,withthemtheimmense,immutableandEternalBeing,termed"God"or"the
Universe,"hademinentlyandinalltheirplenitude,thatlifeandintelligencewhichsublunarybeings,
eachaninfinitelysmallandtemporaryportionofitself,possessinafarinferiordegreeandinfinitely
lessquantity.Itwastothem,insomesort,liketheOcean,whencethesprings,brooksandrivershave
risenbyevaporationandtothebosomwhereoftheyreturnbyalongerorshortercourseandaftera
longerorshorterseparationfromtheimmensemassofitswaters.

ThemachineoftheUniversewas,intheirview,likethatofman,movedbyaPrincipleofLifewhich
keptitineternalactivity,andcirculatedinallitsparts.TheUniversewasalivingandanimatedbeing,
likemanandtheotheranimals;orrathertheyweresoonlybecausetheUniversewasessentiallyso,and
forafewmomentscommunicatedtoeachaninfinitelyminuteportionofitseternallife,breathedbyit
intotheinertandgrossmatterofsublunarybodies.Thatwithdrawn,manortheanimaldied;andthe
Universealone,livingandcirculatingaroundthewrecksoftheirbodies,byitseternalmovement,
organizedandanimatednewbodies,returningtothemtheeternalfireandsubtlesubstancewhich
vivifiesitself,andwhich,incorporatedinitsimmensemass,wasitsuniversalsoul.

TheseweretheancientideasastothisGreatGOD,Fatherofallthegods,oroftheWorld;ofthis
BEING,Principleofallthings,andofwhichnothingotherthanitselfisPrinciple,theUniversalcause
thatwastermedGod.SouloftheUniverse,eternallikeit,immenselikeit,supremelyactiveandpotent
initsvariedoperations,penetratingallpartsofthisvastbody,impressingaregularandsymmetrical
movementonthespheres,makingtheelementsinstinctwithactivityandorder,minglingwith
everything,organizingeverything,vivifyingandpreservingeverything,thiswastheUNIVERSEGOD
whichtheancientsadoredasSupremeCauseandGodofGods.

Anchises,intheAEneid,taughtAEneasthisdoctrineofPythagoras,learnedbyhimfromhisMasters,
theEgyptians,inregardtotheSoulandIntelligenceoftheUniverse,fromwhichoursoulsand
intelligences,aswellasourlifeandthatoftheanimals,emanate,Heaven,Earth,theSea,theMoonand
theStars,hesaid,aremovedbyaprincipleofinternallifewhichperpetuatestheirexistence;agreat
intelligentsoul,thatpenetrateseverypartofthevastbodyoftheUniverse,and,minglingwith
everything,agitatesitbyaneternalmovement.Itisthesourceoflifeinalllivingthings.Theforce
whichanimatesall,emanatesfromtheeternalfirethatburnsinHeaven.IntheGeorgics,Virgilrepeats
thesamedoctrine;andthat,atthedeathofeveryanimal,thelifethatanimatedit,partoftheuniversal
life,returnstoitsPrincipleandtothesourceoflifethatcirculatesinthesphereoftheStars.
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ServiusmakesGodtheactiveCausethatorganizestheelementsintobodies,thevivifyingbreathor
spirit,that,spreadingthroughmatterortheelements,producesandengendersallthings.Theelements
composethesubstanceofourbodies.Godcomposesthesoulsthatvivifythesebodies.Fromitcome
theinstinctsofanimals,fromittheirlife,hesaysandwhentheydie,thatlifereturnstoandreenters
intotheUniversalSoul,andtheirbodiesintoUniversalMatter.

TimceusofLocriaandPlatohisCommentatorwroteoftheSouloftheWorld,devolopingthedoctrine
ofPythagoras,whothought,saysCicero,thatGodistheUniversalSoul,residenteverywhereinnature
andofwhichourSoulsarebutemanations.'"Godisone,"saysPythagoras,ascitedbyJustinMartyr:
"Heisnot,assomethink,withouttheworld,butwithinit,andentireinitsentirety.Heseesallthat
becomes,formsallimmortalbeings,istheauthoroftheirpowersandperformances,theoriginofall
things,theLightofHeaven,theFather,theIntelligence,theSoulofallbeings,theMoverofall
spheres".

God,intheviewofPythagoras,wasONE,asinglesubstance,whosecontinuouspartsextended
throughalltheUniverse,withoutseparation,difference,orinequality,likethesoulinthehumanbody.
Hedeniedthedoctrineofthespiritualists,whohadseveredtheDivinityfromtheUniverse,making
HimexistapartfromtheUniverse,whichthusbecamenomorethanamaterialwork,onwhichacted
theAbstractCause,aGod,isolatedfromit.TheAncientTheologydidnotsoseparateGodfromthe
Universe.ThisEusebiusattests,insayingthatbutasmallnumberofwisemen,likeMoses,hadsought
forGodortheCauseofall.Outsideofthat,aIlthewhilePhilosophersofEgyptandPhoenicia,real
authorsofalltheoldCosmogonies,hadplacedtheSupremeCauseintheUniverseitselfandinits
parts,sothat,intheirview,theworldandallitspartsareinGod.

TheWorldorUniversewasthuscomparedtoman;thePrincipleofLifethatmovesit,tothatwhich
movesman;theSouloftheWorldtothatofman.ThereforePythagorascalledmanamicrocosm,or
littleworld,aspossessinginminiatureallthequalitiesfoundonagreatscaleintheUniverse;byhis
reasonandintelligencepartakingoftheDivineNatureandbyhisfacultyofchangingalimentsinto
othersubstances,ofgrowing,andreproducinghimself,partakingofelementaryNature.Thushemade
theUniverseagreatintelligentBeing,likemananimmenseDeity,havinginitself,whatmanhasin
himself,movement,life,andintelligence,andbesides,aperpetuityofexistence,whichmanhasnot;
and,ashavinginitselfperpetuityofmovementandlife,thereforetheSupremeCauseofall.

Everywhereextended,thisUniversalSouldoesnot,intheviewofPythagoras,acteverywhereequally
norinthesamemanner.ThehighestportionoftheUniverse,beingasitwereitshead,seemedtohim
itsprincipalseat,andtherewastheguidingpoweroftherestoftheworld.

Inthesevenconcentricspheresisresidentaneternalorder,fruitoftheintelligence,theUniversalSoul
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thatmoves,byaconstantandregularprogression,theimmortalbodiesthatformtheharmonious
systemoftheheavens.

Maniliussays:"IsingtheinvisibleandpotentSoulofNature;thatDivineSubstancewhich,everywhere
inherentinHeavenEarth,andtheWatersoftheOcean,formsthebondthatholdstogetherandmakes
oneallthepartsofthevastbodyoftheUniverse.It,balancingallForces,andharmoniouslyarranging
variedrelationsofthemanymembersoftheworld,maintainsitthelifeandregularmovementthat
agitateit,asaresultofactionofthelivingbreathorsinglespiritthatdwellsinallparts,circulatesinall
thechannelsofuniversalnature,flasheswithrapiditytoallitspoints,andgivestoanimatedbodies
configurationsappropriatetotheorganizationofeach.ThiseternalLaw,thisDivineForce,that
maintainstheharmonytheworld,makesuseoftheCelestialSignstoorganizeandguidetheanimated
creaturesthatbreatheupontheearthandgiveseachofthemthecharacterandhabitsmostappropriate.
ByactionofthisForce,HeavenrulestheconditionoftheEarthandofitsfieldscultivatedbythe
husbandman;itgivesusortakesfromusvegetationandharvests;itmakesthegreatoceanoverpassits
limitsattheflow,andretirewithinthemagainatebbing,ofthetide."

Thusitisnolongerbymeansofapoeticfictiononlythatheavensandtheearthbecomeanimatedand
personified,andadeemedlivingexistences,fromwhichotherexistencesproceed.Fornowtheylive,
withtheirownlife,alifeeternallikethbodies,eachgiftedwithalifeandperhapsasoul,likethose
man,aportionoftheuniversallifeanduniversalsoul;andtheotherbodiesthattheyform,andwhich
theycontaininthebosoms,liveonlythroughthemandwiththeirlife,astheembrylivesinthebosom
ofitsmother,inconsequenceandbymeansathelifecommunicatedtoit,andwhichthemotherever
maintainsbytheactivepowerofherownlife.Suchistheuniversallifetheworld,reproducedinallthe
beingswhichitssuperiorportioncreatesinitsinferiorportion,thatisasitwerethemnatrixofthe
world,orofthebeingsthattheheavensengenderinitsbosom.

"Thesouloftheworld,"saysMacrobius,"isnatureitself"[asthesoulofmanismanhimself],"always
actingthroughthecelestialsphereswhichitmoves,andwhichbutfollowtheirresistibleimpulseit
impressesonthem.

Theheavens,thesun,greatseatofgenerativepower,thesigns,thestarsandtheplanetsactonlywith
theactivityofthesouloftheUniverse.Fromthatsoul,throughthem,comeallthevariationsand
challgesofsublunarynature,ofwhichtheheavensandcelestialbodiesarebutthesecondarycauses.
Thezodiac,withitssigns,isanexistence,immortalanddivine,organizedbytheuniversalsoul,and
producing,orgatheringinitself,allthevariedemanationsofthedifferentpowersthatmakeupthe
natureoftheDivinity".

Thisdoctrine,thatgavetotheheavensandthesphereslivingsouls,eachaportionoftheuniversalsoul,
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wasofextremeantiquity.ItwasheldbytheoldSabaeans.ItwastaughtbyTimaeus,P]ato,Speusippus,
Iamblichus,Macrobius,MarcusAurelius,andPythagoras.Whenoncemenhadassignedasoultothe
Universe,containinginitselftheplenitudeoftheanimallifeofparticularbeingsandevenofthestars,
theysoonsupposedthatsoultobeessentiallyintelligentandthesourceofintelligenceofallintelligent
beings.ThentheUniversebecametothemnotonlyanimatedbutintelligent,andofthatintelligencethe
differentpartsofnaturepartook.Eachsoulwasthevehicleandasitweretheenvelopeofthe
intelligencethatattacheditselftoitandcouldreposenowhereelse.Withoutasoultherecouldbeno
intelligenceandastherewasauniversalsoul,sourceofallsouls,theuniversalsoulwasgiftedwitha
universalintelligence,sourceofallparticularintelligences.Sothesouloftheworldcontainedinitself
theintelligenceoftheworld.

Alltheagentsofnatureintowhichtheuniversalsoulentered,receivedalsoaportionofitsintelligence,
andtheUniverse,initstotalityandinitsparts,wasfilledwithintelligences,thatmightberegardedas
somanyemanationsfromthesovereignanduniversalintelligence.Whereverthedivinesoulactedasa
cause,therealsowasintelligenceandthusHeaven,thestars,theelementsandallpartsoftheUniverse,
becametheseatsofsomanydivineintelligences.Everyminutestportionofthegreatsoulbecamea
partialintelligence,andthemoreitwasdisengagedfromgrossmatter,themoreactiveandintelligentit
was.Andalltheoldadorersofnature,thetheologians,astrologers,poetsandthemostdistinguished
philosophers,supposedthatthestarsweresomanyanimatedandintelligentbeings,oreternalbodies,
activecausesofeffectsherebelow,whomaprincipleoflifeanimated,andwhomanintelligence
directed,whichwasbutanemanationfrom,andaportionof,theuniversallifeandintelligenceofthe
world.

TheUniverseitselfwasregardedasasupremelyintelligentbeing.SuchwasthedoctrineofTimaeusof
Locria.ThesoulofmanwaspartoftheintelligentsouloftheUniverse,andthereforeitselfintelligent.
HisopinionwasthatofmanyotherphilosophersCleanthes,adiscipleofZENO,regardedtheUniverse
asGod,oratheunproducedanduniversalcauseofalleffectsproduced.Heascribedasouland
intelligencetouniversalnature,andtothisintelligentsoul,inhisview,divinitybelonged.Fromitthe
intelligenceofmanwasanemanation,andshareditsdivinity.

Chrysippus,themostsubtleoftheStoics,placedintheuniversalreasonthatformsthesouland
intelligenceofnature,thatdivineforceoressenceoftheDivinitywhichheassignedtotheworldmoved
bytheuniversalsoulthatpervadesitseverypart.

AninterlocutorinCicero'swork,DeNaturaDeorum,formallyarguesthattheUniverseisnecessarily
intelligentandwise,becauseman,aninfinitelysmallportionofit,isso.Ciceromakesthesame
argumentinhisorationforMilo.Thephysicistscametothesameconclusionasthepllilosophers.They
supposedthatmovementessentiallybelongedtothesoul,andthedirectionofregularandordered
movementstotheintelligence.And,asbothmovementandorderexistintheUniverse,therefore,they
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held,theremustbeinitasoulandanintelligencethatruleitandarenottobedistinguishedfromitself;
becausetheideaoftheUniverseisbuttheaggregateofalltheparticularideasofallthingsthatexist.

Theargumentwas,thattheHeavensandtheStarswhichmakepartofthem,areanimated,becausethey
possessaportionoftheUniversalSoul;theyareintelligentbeings,becausethatUniversalSoul,part
whereoftheypossess,issupremelyintelligentandtheyshareDivinitywithUniversalNature,because
DivinityresidesintheUniversalSoulandIntelligencewhichmoveanruletheworld,andofeachof
whichtheyholdashare.Bythisprocessoflogic,theinterlocutorinCiceroassignedDivinitytothe
Stars,asanimatedbeingsgiftedwithsensibilityandintelligence,andcomposedofthenoblestand
purestportionsoftheetherealsubstance,unmixedwithmatterofanaliennature,anessentially
containinglightandheat.Henceheconcludedthemtobesomanygods,ofanintelligencesuperiorto
thatofotherexistences,correspondingtotheloftyheightinwhichtheymovedwithsuchperfect
regularityandadmirableharmony,withamovementspontaneousandfree.Hencehemadethem
"Gods,"active,eternal,andintelligent"Causes";andpeopledtherealmofHeavenwithahostof
EternalIntelligences,celestialGeniiorAngels,sharingtheuniversalDivinity,andassociatedwithitin
theadministrationoftheUniverse,andthedominionexercisedoversublunarynatureandman.

Wemakethemotiveforceoftheplanetstobeamechanicallaw,whichweexplainbythecombination
oftwoforces,thecentripetalandcentrifugal,whoseoriginwecannotdemonstrate,butwhoseforcewe
cancalculate.Theancientsregardedthemasmovedbyanintelligentforcethathaditsorigininthefirst
anduniversalIntelligence.Isitsocertain,after
all,thatweareanynearerthetruththantheywere;orthatweknowwhatour"centripetaland
centrifugalforces"mean;forwhatisaforce?Withus,theentireDeityactsuponandmoveseach
planet,asHedoesthesapthatcirculatesinthelittlebladeofgrassandintheparticlesofbloodinthe
tinyveinsoftheinvisiblerotifer.WiththeAncients,theDeityofeachStarwasbutaportionofthe
UniversalGod,theSoulofNature.EachStarandPlanetwiththemwasmovedofitself,anddirectedby
itsownspecialintelligence.AndthisopinionofAchillesTatius,Diodorus,Chrysippus,Aristotlc,Plato,
HeraclidesofPontus,Theophrastus,Simplicius,Macrobius,andProclus,thatineachStarthereisan
immortalSoulandIntelligence,partoftheUniversalSoulandIntelligenceoftheWhole,thisopinion
ofOrpheus,Plotinus,andtheStoics,wasinreality,thatofmanyChristianphilosophers.ForOrigen
heldthesameopinion;andAugustinheldthateveryvisiblethingintheworldwassuperintendedbyan
AneglicPowerandCosma,theMonk,believedthateveryStarwasundertheguidanceofanAngel;and
theauthoroftheOctateuch,writteninthetimeoftheEmperorJustin,saysthattheyaremovedbythe
impulsecommunicatedtothembyAngelsstationedabovethefirmament.Whetherthestarswere
animatedbeings,wasaquestionthatChristianantiquitydidnotdecide.ManyoftheChristiandoctors
believedtheywere.SaintAugustinhesitates,SaintJeromedoubts,ifSolomondidnotassignsoulsto
theStars.SaintAmbrosedoesnotdoubttheyhavesouls;andPamphilussaysthatmanyoftheChurch
believetheyarereasonablebeings,whilemanythinkotherwise,butthatneitheronenortheother
opinionisheretical.
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ThustheAncientThought,earnestandsincere,wroughtouttheideaofaSoulinherentintheUniverse
andinitsseveralparts.ThenextstepwastoseparatethatSoulfromtheUniverse,andgivetoitan
externalandindependentexistenceanpersonality;stillomnipresent,ineveryinchofspaceandinevery
particleofmatter,andyetnotapartofNature,butitsCauseanditsCreator.Thisisthemiddleground
betweenthetwodoctrineofPantheism(orthatallisGod,andGodisinallandisall),ontheoneside,
andAtheism(orthatallisnature,andthereisnootherGod),ontheother;whichdoctrines,afterall,
whenreducedtotheirsimplestterms,seemtobethesame.

WecomplacentlycongratulateourselvesonourrecognitionofpersonalGod,asbeingtheconception
mostsuitedtohumansympathies,andexemptfromthemystificationsofPantheism.ButtheDivinity
remainsstillamystery,notwithstandingallthedeviceswhichsymbolism,eitherfromtheorganicor
inorganiccreation,cansupply;andpersonificationisitselfasymbol,liablemisapprehensionasmuch
as,ifnotmoresothan,anyother,sinceitisapttodegenerateintoamerereflectionofourown
infirmitiesandhenceanyaffirmativeideaorconceptionthatwecan,ourownminds,pictureofthe
Deity,mustneedsbeinfinitelyinadequate.

ThespiritoftheVedas(orsacredIndianBooks,ofgreatantiquity),asunderstoodbytheirearliestas
wellasmostrecentexpositors,isdecidedlyapantheisticmonotheismoneGod,aHeallinall;themany
divinities,numerousastheprayersadressedtothem,beingresolvableintothetitlesandattributesofa
few,andultimatelyintoTHEONE.Themachineryofpersonificationwasunderstoodtohavebeen
unconsciouslyassumedasmereexpedienttosupplythedeficienciesoflanguageandtheMimansa
justlyconsidereditselfasonlyinterpretingthetruemeaningoftheMantras,whenitproclaimedthat,in
thebeginning,"NothingwasbutMind,theCreativeThoughtofHimwhichexistedalonefromthe
beginning,andbreathedwithoutafflation."TheideasuggestedintheMantrasisdogmaticallyasserted
anddevelopedintheUpanischadas.TheVedantaphilosophy,assumingthemysteryofthe"ONEIN
MANY"asthefundamentalarticleoffaith,maintainednotonlytheDivineUnity,buttheidentityof
matterandspirit.Theunitywhichitadvocatesisthatofmind.MindistheUniversalElement,theOne
God,theGreatSoul,Mahaatma.Heisthematerialaswellasefficientcause,andtheworldisatexture
ofwhichheisboththewebandtheweaver.HeistheMacrocosmos,theuniversalorganismcalled
Pooroosha,ofwhichFire,Air,andSunareonlythechiefmembers.Hisheadislight,hiseyesthesun
andmoon,hisbreaththewind,hisvoicetheopenedVedas.AllproceedsfromBrahm,liketheweb
fromthespiderandthegrassfromtheearth.

Yetitisonlytheimpossibilityofexpressinginlanguagetheoriginationofmatterfromspirit,which
givestoHinduphilosophytheappearanceofmaterialisrm.FormlessHimself,theDeityispresentinall
forms.HisgloryisdisplayedintheUniverseastheimageofthesuninwater,whichis,yetisnot,the
luminaryitself.Allmaternalagencyandappearance,thesubjectiveworld,aretoagreatextent
phantasms,thenotionalrepresentationsofignorance.Theyoccupy,however,amiddlegroundbetween
realityandnonreality;theyareunreal,becausenothingexistsbutBrahm;yetinsomedegreereal,
inasmuchastheyconstituteanoutwardmanifestationofhim.Theyareaselfinducedhypostasisofthe
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Deity,underwhichHepresentstoHimselfthewholeofanimateandinanimateNature,theactualityof
themoment,thediversifiedappearanceswhichsuccessivelyinvesttheonePantheisticSpirit.

Thegreataimofreasonistogeneralize;todiscoverunityinmultiplicity,orderinapparentconfusion;
toseparatefromtheaccidentalandthetransitory,thestableanduniversal.Inthecontemplationof
Nature,andthevague,butalmostintuitiveperceptionofageneraluniformityofplanamongendless
varietiesofoperationandform,arisethosesolemnandreverentialfeelings,which,ifaccompaniedby
intellectualactivity,mayeventuallyripenintophilosophy.

Consciousnessofselfandofpersonalidentityiscoexistentwithourexistence.Wecannotconceiveof
mentalexistencewithoutit.Itisnottheworkofreflectionnoroflogic,northeresultofobservation,
experiment,andexperience.ItisagiftfromGod,likeinstinctandthatconsciousnessofathinkingsoul
whichisreallythepersonthatweare,andotherthanourbody,isthebestandmostsolidproofofthe
soul'sexistence.WehavethesameconsciousnessofaPoweronwhichwearedependent;whichwecan
defineandformanideaorpictureof,aslittleaswecanofthesoul,andyetwhichwefeel,and
thereforeknow,exists.

TrueatcorrectideasofthatPower,oftheAbsoluteExistencefromwhichallprocceds,wecannottrace;
ifbytrueandcorrectwemeanequateideas;forofsuchwearenot,withourlimitedfaculties,capable.
AndideasofHisnature,sofarcorrectaswearecapableofentertaining,canonlybeattainedeitherby
directinspirationorbytheinvestigationsofphilosophy.

Theideaoftheuniversalprecededtherecognitionofanysystemforitsexplanation.Itwasfeltrather
thanunderstood;anditwaslongbeforethegrandconceptiononwhichallphilosophyrestsreceived
throughdeliberateinvestigationthatanalyticaldevelopmentwhichmightproperlyentitleittothename.
Thesentiment,whenfirstobservedbytheselfconsciousmind,was,saysPlato,"aDivinegift,
communicatedtomankindbysomePrometheus,orbythoseancientswholivednearertothegodsthan
ourdegenerateselves".TheminddeducedfromitsfirstexperiencesthenotionofageneralCauseor
Antecedent,towhichitshortlygaveanameandpersonifiedit.Thiswasthestatementofatheorem,
obscureinproportiontoitsgenerality.Itexplainedallthingsbutitself.Itwasatruecause,butan
incomprehensibleone.Ageshadtopassbeforethenatureofthetheoremcouldrightlyappreciated,and
beforemen,acknowledgingtheFirstCausetobeanobjectoffaithratherthanscience,werecontented
toconfinetheirresearchestothosenearerrelationsofexistenceandsuccession,whicharereallywithin
thereachoftheirfaculties.Atfirst,andforalongtime,theintellectdesertedtherealforahastily
formedidealworld,andtheimaginationusurpedtheplaceofreason,inattemptingtoputaconstruction
onthemostgeneralandinadequateofconceptions,bytransmutingitssymbolsintorealities,andby
substantializingitunderathousandarbitraryforms.
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Inpoetry,theideaofDivineunitybecame,asinNature,obscuredbyamultifarioussymbolism;andthe
notionalitiesoftranscendentalphilosophyreposedonviewsofnaturescarcelymoreprofoundthan
thoseoftheearliestsymbolists.Yettheideaofunitywasratherobscuredthanextinguishedand
XenophanesappearedasanenemyofHomer,onlybecausehemoreemphaticallyinsistedonthe
monotheisticelement,whichinpoetry,hasbeencomparativelyoverlooked.Thefirstphilosophy
reassertedtheunitywhichpoetryhadlost;butbeingunequaltoinvestigateitsnature,itagainresigned
ittotheworldofapproximatesensations,andbecamebewilderedinmaterialism,consideringthe
conceptionalwholeorFirstElementassomerefinementofmatter,unchangeableinitsessence,though
subjecttomutationsofqualityforminaneternalsuccessionofseemingdecayandregeneration;
comparingittowater,air,orfire,aseachendeavoredtorefineonthedoctrineofhispredecessor,or
wasinfluencedbyadifferentclassoftheologicaltraditions.

Inthephilosophicalsystems,theDivineActivity,dividedbythepoetsandbypopularbeliefamonga
raceofpersonifications,inwhomtheideaofdescentreplacedthatofcause,orofpantheisticevolution,
wasrestored,withoutsubdivisionorreservation,tonatureasawhole;atfirstasamechanicalforceor
life;afterwardasanallpervadingsoulorinherentthoughtandlastlyasanexternaldirecting
Intelligence.

TheIonianrevivalofpantheismwasmaterialistic.TheMovingForcewasinseparablefromamaterial
element,asubtleyetvisibleingredient.Undertheformofairorfire,theprincipleoflifewasassociated
withthemostobviousmaterialmachineryofnature.Everything,itwassaid,isaliveandfullofgods.
Thewondersofthevolcano,themagnet,theebbandflowofthetide,werevitalindications,the
breathingormovingoftheGreatWorldAnimal.TheimperceptibleetherofAnaximeneshadno
positivequalitybeyondtheatmosphericairwithwhichitwaseasilyconfused:andeventhe"Infinite"
ofAnaximander,thoughfreeoftheconditionsofqualityorquantity,wasonlyanidealchaos,relieved
ofitscoarsenessbynegations.ItwastheillimitablestorehouseorPleroma,outofwhichisevolvedthe
endlesscircleofphenomenalchange.AmovingForcewasrecognizedin,butnotclearlydistinguished
from,thematerial.

Space,Time,Figure,andNumber,andothercommonformsorproperties,whichexistonlyas
attributes,weretreatedassubstances,oratleastasmakingasubstantialconnectionbetweentheobjects
towhichtheybelongandalltheconditionsofmaterialexistenceweresupposedtohavebeenevolved
outofthePythagoreanMonad.

TheEleaticphilosopherstreatedconceptionsnotonlyasentities,butastheonlyentities,alone
possessingthestabilityancertaintyandrealityvainlysoughtamongphenomena.Theonlyrealitywas
Thought."Allrealexistence,"theysaid,"ismentalexistence;nonexistence,beinginconceivable,is
thereforeimpossble;existencefillsupthewholerangeofthought,andisinseparablefromitsexercise;
thoughtanditsobjectareone."
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Xenophanesusedambiguouslanguage,applicabletothematerialaswellastothemental,and
exclusivelyappropriateneither.Inotherwords,heavailedhimselfofmaterialimagerytoillustratean
indefinitemeaning.

Inannouncingtheuniversalbeing,heappealedtotheheavensasthevisiblemanifestation,callingit
spherical,atermborrowedfromthematerialworld.HesaidthatGodwasneithermovednorunmoved,
limitednorunlimited.Hedidnotevenattempttoexpressclearlywhatcannotbeconceivedclearly;
admitting,saysSimplicius,thatsuchspeculationswereabovephysics.Parmenidesemployedsimilar
expedients,comparinghismetaphysicalDeitytoasphere,ortoheatanaggregateoracontinuity,and
soinvoluntarilywithdrawingitsnominalattributes.

TheAtomicschool,dividingtheAllintoMatterandForcedeemedmatterunchangeableinitsultimate
constitution,thoughinfinitelyvariableinitsresultantforms.Theymadeallvarietyproceedfromthe
variedcombinationsofatoms;buttheyrequirednomovernordirectoroftheatomsexternalto
themselves;universalReason;butaMechanicalEternalNecessity,likethatofthePoets.Stillitis
doubtfulwhetherthereeverwasatimewhenreasoncouldbesaidtobeentirelyasleep,astrangertoits
ownexistence,notwithstandingthisapparentmaterialism.Theearliestcontemplationoftheexternal
world,whichbringsitintoanimaginedassociationwithourselves,assigns,eithertoitswholeorits
parts,thesensationandvolitionwhichbelongtoourownsouls.

Anaxagorasadmittedtheexistenceofultimateelementaryparticles,asEmpedoclesdid,fromthe
combinationswhereofmaterialphenomenaresulted.ButheassertedtheMovingForcetobeMind;and
yet,thoughheclearlysawtheimpossibilityofadvancingbyillustrationordefinitionbeyonda
reasonablefaith,orasimplenegationofmateriality,yethecouldnotwhollydesistfromtheendeavorto
illustratethenatureofthisnonmatterormind,bysymbolsdrawnfromthosephysicalconsiderations
whichdecidedhiminplacingitinaseparatecategory.Whetherashumanreason,orastheregulating
Principleinnature,hehelditdifferentfromallotherthingsincharacterandeffect,andthatthereforeit
mustnecessarilydifferinitsessentialconstitution.ItwasneitherMatter,noraForceconjoinedwith
matter,orhomogeneouswithit,butindependentandgenericallydistinct,especiallyinthat,beingthe
sourceofallmotion,separation,andcognintionitissomethingentirelyunique,pure,andunmixedand
so,beingunhinderedbyanyinterferinginfluencelimitingitsindependenceofindividualaction,ithas
SupremeEmpireoverallthings,overthevortexofworldsaswellasoverallthatliveinthem.Itismost
penetratingandpowerful,mixingwithotherthings,thoughnootherthingmixeswithit;exercises
universalcontrolandcognition,andincludestheNecessityofthePoets,aswellastheindependent
powerofthoughtwhichweexercisewithinourselves.Inshort,itistheselfconsciouspowerofthought
extendedtotheUniverse,andexaltedintotheSupremeExternalMindwhichsees,knows,anddirects
allthings.
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ThusPantheismandMaterialismwerebothavoidedandmatter,thoughasinfinitelyvariedasthe
sensesrepresentit,washeldinabondofunitytransferredtoarulingpowerapartfromit.ThatPower
couldnotbePrimeMover,ifitwereitselfmoved;norAllGoverning,ifnotapartfromthethingsit
governs.IfthearrangingPrinciplewereinherentinmatter,itwouldhavebeenimpossibletoaccountfor
theexistenceofachaos.Ifsomethingexternal,thentheoldIoniandoctrineofa"beginning"became
moreeasilyconceivable,asbeingtheepochatwhichtheArrangingIntelligencecommencedits
operations.

Butthisgrandideaofanallgoverningindependentmindinvolveddifficultieswhichproved
insuperable;becauseitgavetomatter,intheformofchaos,anindependentandeternalselfexistence,
andsointroducedadualismofmindandmatter.IntheMindorIntelligence,Anaxagorasincludednot
onlylifeandmotion,butthemoralprinciplesofthenobleandgood;andprobablyusedthetermon
accountofthepopularmisapplicationoftheword"God,"andasbeinglessliabletomisconstruction,
andmorespecificallymarkinghisidea.His"Intelligence"principleremainedpracticallyliabletomany
ofthesamedefectsasthe"Necessity"ofthepoets.Itwasthepresentimentofagreatidea,whichitwas
forthetimeimpossibletoexplainorfollowout.Itwasnotyetintelligible,norwaseventheroad
operledthrouwhichitmightbeapproached.

Mindcannotadvanceinmetaphysicsbeyondselfdeification.Inattemptingtogofurther,itonlyenacts
theapotheosisofownsubtleconceptions,andsosinksbelowthesimplergroundalreadytaken.The
realitieswhichPlatocouldnotrecognizeinphenomena,hediscoveredwithinhisownmind,andas
unhesitatinglyastheoldTheosophistsinstalleditscreationsamongthegods.He,likemost
philosophersafterAnaxagoras,madetheSupremeBeingtobeIntelligence;butinotherrespectsleft
Hisnatureundefined,orratherindefinitethroughthevarietyofdefinitions,aconceptionvaguely
floatingbetweenTheismandPantheism.Thoughdeprecatingthedemoralizingtendenciesofpoetry,he
wastoowisetoattempttoreplacethembyotherrepresentationsofapositivekind.Hejustlysays,that
spiritthingscanbemadeintelligibleonlythroughfigures;andtheformsofallegoricalexpression
which,inarudeage,hadbeenadoptedunconsciously,weredesignedlychosenbythephilosopheras
themostappropriatevehiclesfortheologicalideas.

Asthedevicesofsymbolismweregraduallystrippedaway,inorder,ifpossible,toreachthe
fundamentalconception,thereligiousfeelinghabituallyconnectedwithitseemedtoevaporateunder
theprocess.AndyettheadvocatesofMonotheism,XenophanesandHeraclitus,declaimedonlyagainst
themakingofgodsinhumanform.Theydidnotattempttostripnatureofitsdivinity,butratherto
recallreligiouscontemplationfromanexplodedsymbolismtoapurerone.Theycontinuedthe
venerationwhich,inthebackgroundofpoetry,hasbeenmaintainedforSunandStars,theFireorEther.
Socratesprostratedhimselfbeforetherisingluminary;andtheeternalspheres,whichseemtohave
sharedthereligioushomageofXenophanes,retainedasecondaryandqualifiedDivinityintheSchools
ofthePeripateticsandStoics.
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TheunseenbeingorbeingsrevealedonlytotheIntellectbecamethethemeofphilosophy;andtheir
moreancientsymbols,ifnotopenlydiscredited,werepassedoverwithevasivegenerality,asbeings
respectingwhoseproblematicalexistencewemustbe"contentwithwhathasbeenreportedbythose
ancients,who,assumingtobetheirdescendants,mustthereforebesupposedtohavebeenwell
acquaintedwiththeirownancestorsandfamilyconnections."AndtheTheismofAnaxagoraswasstill
moredecidedlysubversive,notonlyofMythology,butofthewholereligionofoutwardnature;itbeing
anappealfromtheworldwithout,totheconsciousnessofspiritualdignitywithinman.

InthedoctrinesofAristotle,theworldmovesonuninterruptedly,alwayschanging,yeteverthesame,
likeTime,theEternalNow,knowingneitherreposenordeath.Thereisaprinciplewhichmakesgood
thefailureofidentity,bymultiplyingresemblances;thedestructionoftheindividualbyaneternal
renewaloftheforminwhichmatterismanifested.ThisregulareternalmovementimpliesanEternal
Mover;notaninertEternity,suchasthePlatonicEidos,butonealwaysacting,Hisessencebeingtoact,
forotherwisehemightneverhaveacted,andtheexistenceoftheworldwouldbeanaccident;forwhat
shouldhave,inthatcase,decidedHimtoact,afterlonginactivity?NorcanHebepartlyinactand
partlypotential,thatis,quiescentandundeterminedtoactornottoact,foreveninthatcasemotion
wouldnotbeeternal,butcontingentandprecarious.Heisthereforewhollyinact,apure,untiring
activity,andforthesamereasonswhollyimmaterial.ThusAristotleavoidedtheideathatGodwas
inactiveandselfcontemplativeforaneternity,andthenforsomeunknownreason,orbysome
unknownmotive,commencedtoactoutwardlyandproduce;butheincurredtheoppositehazard,of
makingtheresultofHisaction,matterandtheUniverse,becoexistentwithHimself;orin
otherwords,ofdenyingthattherewasanytimewhenHisoutwardactioncommenced.

TheFirstCause,hesaid,unmoved,movesall.Actwasfirst,andtheUniversehasexistedforever;one
persistentcausedirectingitscontinuity.TheunityoftheFirstMoverfollowsfromHisimmateriality.If
HewerenotHimselfunmoved,theseriesofmotionsandcausesofmotionwouldbeinfinite.Unmoved,
therefore,andunchangeableHimself,allmovement,eventhatinspaceiscausedbyHim.Heis
necessary;HecannotbeotherwisethanasHeisanditisonlythroughthenecessityofHisbeingthat
wecanaccountforthosenecessaryeternalrelationswhichmakeascienceofBeingpossible.Thus
AristotleleanedtoaseeminglypersonalGod;notaBeingofpartsandpassions,liketheGodofthe
Hebrews,orthatofthemassevenofeducatedmeninourownday,butaSubstantialHeadofallthe
categoriesofbeing,anIndividualityofIntelligence,thedogmaofAnaxagorasrevivedoutofamore
elaborateandprofoundanalysisofNature;somethinglikethatlivingunambiguousPrinciplewhichthe
oldpoetsinadvanceofthematerialisticcosmogonistsfromNightaChaos,haddiscoveredinOuranos
orZeus.Soon,however,thevisionofpersonalityiswithdrawn,andwereachthatculminatingpointof
thoughtwheretherealblendswiththeideal;wheremoralactionandobjectivethought(thatis,thought
exercisedtoanythingoutsideofitself),aswellasthematerialbody,aexcluded;andwherethedivine
actionintheworldretainsveilofimpenetrablemystery,andtotheutmostingenuityresearchpresents
butacontradiction.Atthisextreme,theseriesofefficientcausesresolvesitselfintotheFinalCause.
Thatwhichmoves,itselfunmoved,canonlybetheimmobilityThoughtorForm.Godisbothformal,
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efficient,andfinalcause;theOneFormcomprisingallforms,theonegoodincludinggood,thegoalof
thelongingoftheUniversity,movingtheworldastheobjectofloveorrationaldesiremovesthe
individual.HeistheinternalorselfrealizedFinalCause,havingnoendbeyondHimself.Heisno
moralagent;forifHewere,Hewouldbebutaninstrumentforproducingsomethingstillhigherand
greater.Onesortofactonly,activityofmindorthought,canbeassignedtoHimwhoisatonceallact
yetallrepose.

Whatwecallourhighestpleasure,whichdistinguisheswakefulnessandsensationandwhichgivesa
reflectedcharmtohopeandmemory,iswithHimperpetual.Hisexistenceisunbrokenenjoymentof
thatwhichismostexcellentbutonlytemporarywithus.Thedivinequalityofactiveandyettranquil
selfcontemplationcharacterizingintelligence,ispreeminentlypossessedbythedivinemind;His
thought,whichisHisexistence,beingunlikeours,unconditionalandwhollyact.IfHecanreceiveany
gratificationorenjoymentfromthatwhichexistsbeyondHimself,Hecanalsobedispleasedandpained
withit,andthenHewouldbeanimperfectbeing.TosupposepleasureexperiencedbyHimfrom
anythingoutward,supposesinsufficientpriorenjoymentandhappiness,andasortofdependency.
Man'sGoodisbeyondhimself;notsoGod's.Theeternalactwhichproducestheworld'slifeisthe
eternaldesireofgood.TheobjectoftheAbsoluteThoughtistheAbsoluteGood.Natureisall
movement,andThoughtallrepose.Incontemplatingthatabsolutegood,theFinalitycancontemplate
onlyitself;andthus,allmaterialinterferencebeingexcluded,thedistinctionofsubjectandobject
vanishesincompleteidentification,andtheDivineThoughtis"thethinkingofthought."Theenergyof
mindislife,andGodisthatenergyinitspurityandperfection.Heisthereforelifeitself,eternaland
perfectandthissumsupallthatismeantbytheterm"God".Andyet,afterallthistranscendentalism,
theveryessenceofthoughtconsistsinitsmobilityandpoweroftransferencefromobjecttoobject;and
wecanconceiveofnothought,withoutanobjectbeyonditself,aboutwhichtothink,orofanyactivity
inmereselfcontemplation,withoutoutwardact,movement,ormanifestation.

PlatoendeavorstoshowhowtheDivinePrincipleofGoodbecomesrealizedinNature.Aristotle's
systemisavastanalogicalinductiontoprovehowallNaturetendstowardafinalgood.Plato
consideredSoulasaprincipleofmovement,andmadehisDeityrealize,thatis,turnintorealities,his
ideasasafree,intelligentForce.Aristotle,forwhomSoulisthemotionlesscentrefromwhichmotion
radiates,andtowhichitconverges,conceivesacorrespondinglyunmovedGod.TheDeityofPlato
creates,superintends,andrejoicesintheuniversaljoyof,Hiscreatures.ThatofAristotleisthe
perfectionofman'sintellectualactivityextendedtotheUniverse.WhenhemakestheDeitytobean
eternalactofselfcontemplation,theworldisnotexcludedfromHiscognizance,forHecontemplatesit
withinHimself.Apartfromandbeyondtheworld,Heyetmysteriouslyintermingleswithit.Heis
universalaswellasindividual;Hisagencyisnecessaryandgeneral,yetalsomakestherealandthe
goodoftheparticular.

WhenPlatohadgiventotheunformedworldtheanimallifeoftheIonians,andaddedtothatthe
AnaxagoreanIntelligence,overrulingthewildprincipleofNecessityandwhentoIntelligencewas
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addedBeneficenceandthedreadWardours,ForceandStrength,weremadesubordinatetoMildness
andGoodness,itseemedasifafurtheradvancewereimpossible,andthattheDeitycouldnotbemore
thanTheWiseandTheGood.

ButthecontemplationoftheGoodimpliesthatofitsopposite,Evil.WhenGodisheldtobe"The
Good,"itisnotbecauseEvilisunknown,butbecauseitisdesignedlyexcludedfromHisattributes.But
ifEvilbeaseparateandindependentexistence,howwoulditfarewithHisprerogativeofUnityand
Supremacy?Tomeetthisdilemma,itremainedonlytofallbackonsomethingmoreorlessakintothe
vaguenessofantiquity;tomakeavirtualconfessionofignorance,todenytheultimaterealityofevil,
likePlatoandAristotle,orwithSpeusippus,theeternityofitsantitheticalexistence,tosurmisethatitis
onlyoneofthosenotionswhichareindeedprovisionallyindispensableinaconditionoffinite
knowledge,butofwhichsomanyhavebeenalreadydiscreditedbytheadvanceofphilosophy;torevert
inshort,totheoriginalconceptionof"TheAbsolute,"orofasingleBeing,inwhomallmysteriesare
explained,andbeforewhomthedisturbingprincipleisreducedtoamereturbidspotontheoceanof
Eternity,whichtotheeyeoffaithmaybesaidnolongertoexist.

Buttheabsoluteisnearlyalliedtothenonexistent.Matterandevilobtrudedthemselvestooconstantly
andconvincinglytobeconfutedorcancelledbysubtletiesofLogic.Itisinvaintoattempttomergethe
worldinGod,whiletheworldofexperienceexhibitscontrariety,imperfection,andmutability,instead
oftheimmutabilityofitssource.

PhilosophywasbutanothernameforuncertaintyandafterthemindhadsuccessivelydeifiedNature
anditsownconceptions,withoutanypracticalresultbuttoilsomeoccupation;whentherealityit
sought,withoutorwithin,seemedevertoeludeitsgrasp,theintellect,baffledinitshigherflights,
soughtadvantageandreposeinaimingattruthofalowerbutmoreapplicablekind.

TheDeityofPlatoisaBeingproportionedtohumansympathies;theFatheroftheWorld,aswellasits
Creator;theauthorofgoodonly,notofevil."Envy"hesays,"isfarremovedfromcelestialbeings,and
man,ifwilling,andbracedfortheeffort,ispermittedtoaspiretoacommunionwiththesolemntroops
andsweetsocietiesofHeaven.GodistheIdeaorEssenceofGoodness,theGooditself:ingoodness,
HecreatedtheWorld,andgavetoitthegreatestperfectionofwhichitwassusceptible;makingit,asfar
aspossible,animageofHimself.Thesublimetypeofallexcellenceisanobjectnotonlyofveneration
butlove".TheSagesofoldhadalreadyintimatedinenigmasthatGodistheAuthorofGood;thatlike
theSuninHeaven,orAEsculapiusonearth,Heis"Healer,""Saviour"and"Redeemer,"thedestroyer
andaverterofEvil,everhealingthemischiefsinflictedbyHere,thewantonorirrationalpowerof
nature.

PlatoonlyassertswithmoredistinctnessthedogmaofantiquitywhenherecognizesLoveasthe
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highestandmostbeneficentofgods,whogivestonaturetheinvigoratingenergyrestoredbytheartof
medicinetothebody;sinceLoveisemphaticallythephysicianoftheUniverse,theAEsculapiusto
whomSocrateswishedtosacrificeinthehourofhisdeath.

Afigurativeidea,adoptedfromfamiliarimagery,gavethatendearingaspecttothedivineconnection
withtheUniversewhichhadcommandedtheearliestassentofthesentiments,until,risingin
refinementwiththeprogressofmentalcultivation,itultimatelyestablisheditselfasfirmlyinthe
deliberateapprobationoftheunderstanding,asithadeverrespondedtothesympathies.Eventherude
Scythians,BithyniansandScandinavians,calledGodtheir"Father";allnationstracedtheirancestry
moreorlessdirectlytoHeaven.TheHyperboreanOlen,oneoftheoldestsymbolsofthereligious
antiquityofGreece,madeLovetheFirstbornofNature.Whowillventuretopronounceatwhattime
Godwasfirstworthilyandtrulyhonored,orwhenmanfirstbegantofeelarightthemuteeloquenceof
nature?IntheobscurephysicsofthemysticalTheologerswhoprecededGreekphilosophy,Lovewas
theGreatFirstCauseandParentoftheUniverse."Zeus,"saysProclus,"whenenteringuponthework
ofcreation,changedHimselfintotheformofLoveandHebroughtforwardAphrodite,theprincipleof
UnityandUniversalHarmony,todisplayherlighttoall.InthedepthsofHismysteriousbeing,He
containstheprincipleoflovewithinHimself;inHimcreativewisdomandblessedloveareunited".

"FromthefirstofDaysonthesehislovedivinebefixed,Hisadmiration;tillintimecompleteWhathe
admiredandloved,hisvitalsmileUnfoldedintobeing".

ThespeculatorsofthevenerableEast,whohadconceivedtheideaofanEternalBeingsuperiortoall
affectionandchange,inhisownsufficiencyenjoyingaplenitudeofsereneandindependentbliss,were
ledtoinquireintotheapparentlyinconsistentfactofthecreationoftheworld.Why,theyasked,didHe,
whorequirednothingexternaltoHimselftocompleteHisalreadyexistingPerfection,comeforthoutof
Hisunrevealedandperfectexistence,andbecomeincorporatedinthevicissitudesofnature?The
solutionofthedifficultywasLove.TheGreatBeingbeheldthebeautyofHisownconception,which
dweltwithHimalonefromthebeginning,Maia,orNature'sloveliness,atoncethegermofpassionand
thesourceofworlds.Lovebecametheuniversalparent,whentheDeity,beforeremoteandinscrutable,
becameideallyseparatedintothelovingandthebeloved.

Andhereagainrecurstheancientdifficulty;that,atwhateverearlyperiodthiscreationoccurred,an
eternityhadpreviouslyelapsed,duringwhichGod,dwellingaloneinHisunimpeachedunity,hadno
objectforHislove;andthattheverywordimpliestousanexistingobjecttowardwhichtheloveis
directed;sothatwecannotconceiveofloveintheabsenceofanyobjecttobeloved;andthereforewe
againreturntothispoint,thatifloveisofGod'sessence,andHeisunchangeable,thesamenecessityof
Hisnature,supposedtohavecausedcreation,musteverhavemadeHisexistencewithoutanobjectto
loveimpossible:andsothattheUniversemusthavebeencoexistentwithHimself.
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ThequestionshowandwhyevilexistsintheUniverse;howitsexistenceistobereconciledwiththe
admittedwisdomandgoodnessandomnipotenceofGod;andhowfarmanisafreeagent,orcontrolled
byaninexorablenecessityordestiny,havetwosides.Onone,theyarequestionsastothequalitiesand
attributesofGod;forwemustinferHismoralnaturefromHismodeofgoverningtheUniverse,and
theyeverenterintoanyconsiderationHisintellectualnature:andontheother,theydirectlyconcernthe
moralresponsibility,andthereforethedestiny,ofman.Allimportant,therefore,inbothpointsofview,
theyhavebeenmuchdiscussedinallagesoftheworld,andhavenodoubturgedmen,morethanall
otherquestionshave,toendeavortofathomtheprofoundmysteriesoftheNatureandthemodeof
ExistenceandactionofanincomprehensibleGod.

And,withthese,stillanotherquestionalsopresentsitself;whethertheDeitygovernstheUniverseby
fixedandunalterablelaws,orbyspecialProvidencesandinterferences,sothatHemaybeinducedto
changeHiscourseandtheresultsofhumanormaterialaction,byprayerandsupplication.

Godaloneisallpowerful;butthehumansoulhasinallagesasserteditsclaimtobeconsideredaspart
oftheDivine."Thepurityofthespirit",saysVanHelmont,"isshownthroughenergyand
efficaciousnessofwill.God,bytheagencyofaninfinitewill,createdtheUniverse,andthesamesort
ofpowerinaninferiordegree,limitedmoreorlessbyexternalhindrances,existsinallspiritual
beings".Thehigherweascendinantiquity,themoredoesprayertaketheformofincantation;andthat
formitstillinagreatdegreeretains,sincetheritesofpublicworshiparegenerallyconsiderednot
merelyasanexpressionoftrustorreverence,asrealspiritualacts,theeffectofwhichislookedforonly
withinthemindoftheworshipper,butasactsfromwhichsomedirectoutwardresultisanticipated,the
attainmentofsomedesiredobject,ofhealthorwealth,ofsupernaturalgiftsforbodyorsoul,of
exemptionfromdanger,orvengeanceuponenemies.PrayerwasabletochangethepurposesofHeaven,
andtomaketheDevstrembleundertheabyss.Itexercisedacompulsoryinfluenceoverthegods.It
promotedthemagneticsympathyofspiritwithspiritandtheHinduandPersianliturgies,addressednot
onlytotheDeityHimself,buttoHisdiversifiedmanifestations,wereconsideredwholesomeand
necessaryiterationsofthelivingorcreativeWordwhichatfirsteffectuatedthedivinewill,andwhich
frominstanttoinstantsupportstheuniversalframebyitseternalrepetition.

InthenarrativeoftheFall,wehavetheHebrewmodeofexplainingthegreatmoralmystery,theorigin
ofevilandtheapparentestrangementfromHeaven;andasimilaridea,variouslymodified,obtainedin
alltheancientcreeds.Everywhere,manhadatthebeginningbeeninnocentandhappy,andhadlapsed,
bytemptationandhisownweakness,fromhisfirstestate.Thuswasaccountedforthepresumed
connectionofincreaseofknowledgewithincreaseofmisery,and,inparticular,thegreatpenaltyof
deathwasreconciledwithDivineJustice.Subordinatetothesegreaterpointswerethequestions,Why
istheearthcoveredwiththornsandweeds?Whencetheoriginofclothing,ofsexualshameand
passion?Whencetheinflictionoflabor,andhowtojustifythedegradedconditionofwomaninthe
East,oraccountfortheloathingsogenerallyfelttowardtheSerpentTribe?
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Thehypothesisofafall,requiredundersomeofitsmodificationsinallsystems,toaccountforthe
apparentimperfectionintheworkofaPerfectBeing,was,inEasternphilosophy,theunavoidable
accompanimentandconditionoflimitedorindividualexistence;sincetheSoul,consideredasa
fragmentoftheUniversalMind,mightbesaidtohavelapsedfromitspreeminencewhenpartedfrom
itssource,andceasingtoformpartofintegralperfection.Thetheoryofitsreunionwascorrespondent
totheassumedcauseofitsdegradation.Toreachitspriorconditionitsindividualitymustcease;itmust
beemancipatedbyreabsorptionintotheInfinite,theconsummationofallthingsinGod,to
bepromotedbyhumaneffortinspiritualmeditationorselfmortification,andcompletedinthemagical
transformationofdeath.

Andasmanhadfallen,soitwasheldthattheAngelsofEvilhad,fromtheirfirstestate,towhich,like
men,theywere,inGod'sgoodtime,toberestoredandthereignofevilwasthentoceaseforever.To
thisgreatresultalltheAncientTheologiespointandthustheyallendeavoredtoreconciletheexistence
ofSinandEvilwiththeperfectandundeniablewisdomandbeneficenceofGod.

Withman'sexerciseofthoughtareinseparablyconnectedfreedomandresponsibility.Manassumeshis
properrankasamoralagent,whenwithasenseofthelimitationsofhisnaturearisetheconsciousness
offreedom,andoftheobligationsaccompanyingitsexercise,thesenseofdutyandofthecapacityto
performit.Tosupposethatmaneverimaginedhimselfnottobeafreeagentuntilhehadargued
himselfintothatbelief,wouldbetosupposethathewasinthatbelowthebrutes;forhe,likethem,is
consciousofhisfreedomtoact.Experiencealoneteacheshimthatthisfreedomofactionislimitedand
controlledandwhenwhatisoutwardtohimrestrainsandlimitsthisfreedomofaction,heinstinctively
rebelsagainstitasawrong.Theruleofdutyandthematerialsofexperiencearederivedfroman
acquaintancewiththeconditionsoftheexternalworld,inwhichthefacultiesareexertedandthusthe
problemofmaninvolvesthoseofNatureandGod.Ourfreedom,welearnbyexperience,isdetermined
byanagencyexternaltous;ourhappinessisintimatelydependentontherelationsoftheoutward
World,andonthemoralcharacterofitsRuler.

Thenatoncearisesthisproblem:TheGodofNaturemustbeOneandHischaractercannotbe
suspectedtobeotherthangood.Whence,then,cametheevil,theconsciousnessofwhichmustin
variablyhaveprecededoraccompaniedman'smoraldevelopment?Onthissubjecthumanopinionhas
ebbedandflowedbetweentwocontradictoryextremes,oneofwhichseemsinconsistentwithGod's
Omnipotence,andtheotherwithHisbeneficence.

IfGoditwassaid,isperfectlywiseandgood,evilmustarisefromsomeindependentandhostile
principle:if,ontheotherhand,allagenciesaresubordinatetoOne,itisdifficult,ifevildoesindeed
exist,ifthereisanysuchthingasEvil,toavoidtheimpietyofmakingGodtheAuthorofit.
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TherecognitionofamoralandphysicaldualisminnaturewasadversetothedoctrineofDivineUnity.
ManyoftheAncientsthoughtitabsurdtoimagineoneSupremeBeing,likeHomer'sJove,distributing
goodandeviloutoftwourns.Theythereforesubstituted,aswehaveseen,thedoctrineoftwodistinct
andeternalprinciples;somemakingthecauseofeviltobetheinherentimperfectionofmatterandthe
flesh,withoutexplaininghowGodwasnotthecauseofthat;whileotherspersonifiedtherequired
agency,andfancifullyinventedanEvilPrinciple,thequestionofwhoseoriginindeedinvolvedallthe
difficultyoftheoriginalproblem,butwhoseexistence,ifoncetakenforgranted,wassufficientasa
popularsolutionofthemystery;thedifficultybeingsupposednolongertoexistwhenpushedastep
furtheroff,asthedifficultyofconceivingtheworldupheldbyanelephantwassupposedtobegotrid
ofwhenitwassaidthattheelephantwassupportedbyatortoise.

Thesimplerandprobablytheoldernotion,treatedtheoneonlyGodastheAuthorofallthings."Iform
thelight,"saysJehovah",andcreatedarkness;Icauseprosperityandcreateevil;I,theLord,doallthese
things"."Allmankind,"saysMaximusTyrius,"areagreedthatthereexistsoneonlyUniversalKingand
Father,andthatthemanygodsareHisChildren".Thereisnothingimprobableinthesuppositionthat
theprimitiveideawasthattherewasbutoneGod.AvaguesenseofNature'sUnity,blendedwithadim
perceptionofanallpervadingSpiritualEssence,hasbeenremarkedamongtheearliestmanifestations
oftheHumanMind.Everywhereitwasthedimremembrance,uncertainandindefinite,oftheoriginal
truthtaughtbyGodtothefirstmen.

TheDeityoftheOldTestamentiseverywhererepresentedasthedirectauthorofEvil,commissioning
evilandlyingspiritstomen,hardeningtheheartofPharaoh,andvisitingtheiniquityoftheindividual
sinneronthewholepeople.TherudeconceptionofsternnesspredominatingovermercyintheDeity,
canaloneaccountforthehumansacrifices,purposed,ifnotexecuted,byAbrahamandJephthah.Ithas
notbeenuncommon,inanyageorcountryoftheworld,formentorecognizetheexistenceofoneGod,
withoutforminganybecomingestimateofHisdignity.Thecausesofbothgoodandillarereferredtoa
mysteriouscentre,towhicheachassignssuchattributesascorrespondwithhisownintellectand
advanceincivilization.HencetheassignmenttotheDeityofthefeelingsofenvyandjealousy.Hence
theprovocationgivenbythehealingskillofAEsculapiusandthehumanetheftoffirebyPrometheus.
TheveryspiritofNature,personifiedinOrpheus,Tantalus,orPhineuswassupposedtohavebeen
killed,confined,orblinded,forhavingtoofreelydivulgedtheDivineMysteriestomankind.This
DivineEnvystillexistsinamodifiedform,andvariesaccordingtocircumstances.InHesioditappears
inthelowesttypeofhumanmalignity.IntheGodofMoses,itisjealousyoftheinfringementofthe
autocraticpower,thechecktopoliticaltreason;andeventhepenaltiesdenouncedforworshippingother
godsoftenseemdictatedratherbyajealousregardforHisowngreatnessinDeity,thanbythe
immoralityanddegradednatureoftheworshipitself.InHerodotusandotherwritersitassumesamore
philosophicalshape,asastrictadherencetoamoralequilibriuminthegovernmentoftheworld,inthe
punishmentofpride,arroganceandinsolentpretension.

GodactsprovidentiallyinNaturebyregularanduniversallaws,byconstantmodesofoperation;andso
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takescareofmaterialthingswithoutviolatingtheirconstitution,actingalwaysaccordingtothenature
ofthethingswhichHehasmade.Itisafactofobservationthat,inthematerialandunconsciousworld,
Heworksbyitsmaterialityandunconsciousness,notagainstthem;intheanimalworld,byitsanimality
andpartialconsciousness,notagainstthem.Sointheprovidentialgovernmentoftheworld,Heactsby
regularanduniversallaws,andconstantmodesofoperationandsotakescareofhumanthingswithout
violatingtheirconstitution,actingalwaysaccordingtothehumannatureofman,notagainstit,working
inthehumanworldbymeansofman'sconsciousnessandpartialfreedom,notagainstthem.

Godactsbygenerallawsforgeneralpurposes.Theattractionofgravitationisagoodthing,foritkeeps
theworldtogetherandifthetowerofSiloam,therebyfallingtothegroundslayseighteenmenof
Jerusalem,thatnumberistoosmalltothinkof,consideringthemyriadmillionswhoareupheldbythe
samelaw.Itcouldnotwellberepealedfortheirsake,andtoholdupthattower;norcoulditremainin
force,andthetowerstand.

ItisdifficulttoconceiveofaPerfectWillwithoutconfoundingitwithsomethinglikemechanism;
sincelanguagehasnonameforthatcombinationoftheInexorablewiththeMoral,whichtheoldpoets
personifiedseparatelyinAnankeorEimarmeneandZeus.HowcombineunderstandinglythePerfect
FreedomoftheSupremeandAllSovereignWillofGodwiththeinflexiblenecessity,aspartofHis
Essence,thatHeshouldandmustcontinuetobe,inallHisgreatattributes,ofjusticeandmercyfor
example,whatHeisnowandalwayshasbeen,andwiththeimpossibilityofHischangingHisnature
andbecomingunjust,merciless,cruel,fickle,orofHisrepealingthegreatmorallawswhichmake
crimewrongandthepracticeofvirtueright?

ForallthatwefamiliarlyknowofFreeWillisthatcapriciousexerciseofitwhichweexperiencein
ourselvesandothermen;andthereforethenotionofSupremeWill,stillguidedbyInfallibleLaw,even
ifthatlawbeselfimposed,isalwaysindangerofbeingeitherstrippedoftheessentialqualityof
Freedom,ordegradedundertheillnameofNecessitytosomethingofevenlessmoralandintellectual
dignitythanthefluctuatingcourseofhumanoperations.

Itisnotuntilweelevatetheideaoflawabovethatofpartialityortyranny,thatwediscoverthattheself
imposedlimitationsoftheSupremeCause,constitutinganarrayofcertainalternatives,regulating
moralchoice,aretheverysourcesandsafeguardsofhumanfreedom;andthedoubtrecurs,whetherwe
donotsetalawaboveGodHimself;orwhetherlawsselfimposedmaynotbeselfrepealed:andifnot,
whatpowerpreventsit.

TheZeusofHomer,likethatofHesiod,isanarrayofantitheses,combiningstrengthwithweakness,
wisdomwithfolly,universalparentagewithnarrowfamilylimitation,omnipotentcontroloverevents
withsubmissiontoasuperiordestiny,DESTINY,anamebymeansofwhichthetheologicalproblem
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wascastbackintotheoriginalobscurityoutofwhichthepowersofthehumanmindhaveproved
themselvesasincapableofrescuingit,astheeffortsofaflycaughtinaspider'swebtodomorethan
increaseitsentanglement.

TheoldestnotionofDeitywasratherindefinitethanrepulsive.Thepositivedegradationwasoflater
growth.TheGodofnaturereflectsthechangefulcharacteroftheseasons,varyingfromdarktobright.
Alternatelyangryandserene,andlavishingabundancewhichsheagainwithdraws,natureseems
inexplicablycapricious,andthoughcapableofrespondingtothehighestrequirementsofthemoral
sentimentthroughageneralcomprehensionofhermysteries,moreliablebyapartialorhastyviewto
becomedarkenedintoaSiva,aSaturn,oraMexitli,apatronoffierceorgiesorbloodstainedaltars.All
theolderpoeticalpersonificationsexhibittracesofthisambiguity.Theyareneitherwhollyimmoralnor
purelybeneficent.

NopeoplehaveeverdeliberatelymadetheirDeityamalevolentorguiltyBeing.Thesimplepietywhich
ascribedtheoriginofallthingstoGod,tookallingoodpart,trustingandhopingallthings.The
SupremeRulerwasatfirstlookeduptowithunquestioningreverence.Nostartlingdiscordsor
contradictionshadyetraisedadoubtastoHisbeneficence,ormademendissatisfiedwithHis
government.Fearmightcauseanxiety,butcouldnotbanishhope,stilllessinspireaversion.Itwasonly
later,whenabstractnotionsbegantoassumethesemblanceofrealities,andwhennewormoredistinct
ideassuggestednewwordsfortheirexpression,thatitbecamenecessarytofixadefinitebarrier
betweenEvilandGood.

Toaccountformoralevil,itbecamenecessarytodevisesomenewexpedientsuitedbothtothepiety
andselfcomplacencyoftheinventor,suchastheperversityofwoman,oranagentdistinctfromGod,a
TyphonorAhriman,obtainedeitherbydividingtheGodsintotwoclasses,orbydethroningthe
AncientDivinity,andchanginghimintoaDevorDaemon.

Throughasimilarwant,theOrientalsdevisedtheinherentcorruptionofthefleshyandmaterial;the
HebrewtransferredtoSataneverythingillegalandimmoral;andtheGreekreflection,occasionally
adoptingtheolderandtruerview,retorteduponmantheobloquycastonthesecreaturesofhis
imagination,andshowedhowhehastothankhimselfaloneforhiscalamities,whilehisgoodthingsare
thevoluntarygifts,nottheplunderofHeaven.HomerhadalreadymadeZeusexclaim,intheAssembly
ofOlympus,"GrievousitistohearthesemortalsaccusetheGods;theypretendthatevilscomefrom
us;buttheythemselvesoccasionthemgratuitouslybytheirownwantonfolly"."Itisthefaultofman",
saidSolon;inreferencetothesocialevilsofhisday,"notofGod,thatdestructioncomes"and
Euripides,afteraformaldiscussionoftheoriginofevil,comestotheconclusionthatmenactwrongly,
notfromwantofnaturalgoodsenseandfeeling,butbecauseknowingwhatisgood,theyyetfor
variousreasonsneglecttopracticeit.
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Andatlastreachingthehighesttruth,Pindar,Hesiod,AEschylus,AEsopandHoracesaid,"Allvirtueis
astruggle;lifeisnotasceneofrepose,butofenergeticaction.Sufferingisbutanothernameforthe
teachingofexperience,appointedbyZeushimself,thegiverofallunderstanding,tobetheparentof
instruction,theschoolmasteroflife.Heindeedputanendtothegoldenage;hegavevenomtoserpents
andpredacitytowolves;heshookthehoneyfromtheleaf,andstoppedtheflowofwineintherivulets;
heconcealedtheelementoffire,andmadethemeansoflifescantyandprecarious.Butinallthishis
objectwasbeneficent;itwasnottodestroylife,buttoimproveit.Itwasablessingtoman,notacurse,
tobesentencedtoearnhisbreadbythesweatofhisbrow;fornothinggreatorexcellentisattainable
withoutexertion;safeandeasyvirtuesareprizedneitherbygodsnormenandtheparsimoniousnessof
natureisjustifiedbyitspowerfuleffectinrousingthedormantfacultiesandforcingonmankindthe
inventionofusefulartsbymeansofmeditationandthought".

Ancientreligiousreformerspronouncedtheworshipof"idols"tobetherootofallevilandtherehave
beenmanyiconoclastsindifferentagesoftheworld.Themaximstillholdsgood;fortheworshipof
idols,thatis,offancifulconceits,ifnotthesourceofallevil,isstillthecauseofmuch;anditprevails
asextensivelynowasiteverdid.Menareeverengagedinworshippingthepicturesquefanciesoftheir
ownimaginations.

Humanwisdommustalwaysbelimitedandincorrectandevenrightopinionisonlyasomething
intermediatebetweenignoranceandknowledge.Thenormalconditionofmanisthatofprogress.
Philosophyisakindofjourney,everlearning,yetneverarrivingattheidealperfectionoftruth.A
Masonshould,likethewiseSocrates,assumethemodesttitleofa"loverofwisdom"forhemustever
longaftersomethingmoreexcellentthanhepossesses,somethingstillbeyondhisreach,whichhe
desirestomakeeternallyhisown.

Thusthephilosophicsentimentcametobeassociatedwiththepoeticalandthereligious,underthe
comprehensivenameofLove.BeforethebirthofPhilosophy,Lovehadreceivedbutscantyand
inadequatehomage.Thismightiestandmostancientofgods,coevalwiththeexistenceofreligionand
oftheworld,hadbeenindeedunconsciouslyfelt,buthadneitherbeenworthilyhonorednordirectly
celebratedinhymnorpaean.Intheolddaysofignoranceitcouldscarcelyhavebeenrecognized.In
orderthatitmightexerciseitsproperinfluenceoverreligionandphilosophy,itwasnecessarythatthe
GodofNatureshouldceasetobeaGodofterrors,apersonificationofmerePowerorarbitraryWill,a
pureandsternIntelligence,aninflictorofevil,andanunrelentingJudge.ThephilosophyofPlato,in
whichthischargebecameforeverestablished,wasemphaticallyamediationofLove.Withhim,the
inspirationofLovefirstkindledthelightofartsandimpartedthemtomankindandnotonlytheartsof
mereexistence,buttheheavenlyartofwisdom,whichsupportstheUniverse.Itinspireshighand
generousdeedsandnobleselfdevotion.

Withoutit,neitherStatenorindividualcoulddoanythingbeautifulorgreat.Loveisourbestpilot,
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confederate,supporterandsaviour;theornamentandgovernorofallthingshumananddivine;andhe
withdivineharmonyforeversoothesthemindsofmenandgods.

ManiscapableofahigherLove,which,marryingmindwithmindandwiththeUniverse,bringsforth
allthatisnoblestinhisfacultiesandliftshimbeyondhimself.Thishigherloveisneithermortalnor
immortal,butapowerintermediatebetweenthehumanandtheDivine,fillingupthemightyinterval,
anbindingtheUniversetogether.Heischiefofthosecelestialemissarieswhocarrytothegodsthe
prayersofmenandbringdowntomenthegiftsofthegods."Heisforeverpoor,andfarfrombeing
beautifulasmankindimagine,forheissqualidandwithered;heflieslowalongtheground,ishomeless
andunsandalled;sleepingwithoutcoveringbeforethedoorsandintheunshelteredstreets,and
possessingsofarhismother'snatureasbeingeverthecompanionofwant.Yet,sharingalsothatofhis
father,heisforeverschemingtoobtainthingsgoodandbeautiful;heisfearless,vehementandstrong;
alwaysdevisingsomenewcontrivancestrictlycautiousandfullofinventiveresource;aphilosopher
throughhiswholeexistence,apowerfulenchanter,andasubtlesophist."

TheidealconsummationofPlatonicscienceisthearrivalatthecontemplationofthatofwhichearth
exhibitsnoexpressimageoradequatesimilitude,theSupremePrototypeofallbeauty,pureand
uncontaminatedwithhumanintermixtureoffleshorcolour,theDivineOriginalitself.Tooneso
qualifiedisgiventheprerogativeofbringingforthnotmereimagesandshadowsofvirtue,butvirtue
itself,ashavingbeenconversantnotwithshadows,butwiththetruthandhavingsobroughtforthand
nurturedaprogenyofvirtue,hebecomesthefriendofGod,and,sofarassuchaprivilegecanbelong
toanyhumanbeing,immortal.

Socratesbelieved,likeHeraclitus,inaUniversalReasonpervadingallthingsandallminds,and
consequentlyrevealingitselfinideas.Hethereforesoughttruthingeneralopinion,andperceivedinthe
communicationofmindwithmindoneofthegreatestprerogativesofwisdomandthemostpowerful
meansofadvancement.Hebelievedtruewisdomtobeanattainableidea,andthatthemoral
convictionsofthemind,thoseeternalinstinctsoftemperance,conscientiousness,andjustice,implanted
initbythegods,couldnotdeceive,ifrightlyinterpreted.

Thismetaphysicaldirectiongiventophilosophyendedinvisionaryextravagance.Havingassumedtruth
tobediscoverableinthought,itproceededtotreatthoughtsastruths.Itthusbecameanidolatryof
notions,whichitconsideredeitherasphantomsexhaledfromobjects,orasportionsofthedivine
preexistentthought;thiscreatingamythologyofitsown,andescapingfromonethraldomonlyto
enslaveitselfafresh.

Theoriesandnotionsindiscriminatelyformedanddefendedarethefalsegodsor"idols"ofphilosophy.
Forthewordidolonmeansimage,andafalsemindpictureofGodisasmuchanidolasafalsewooden
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imageofHim.Fearlesslylaunchingintotheproblemofuniversalbeing,thefirstphilosophyattempted
tosupplyacompendiousanddecisivesolutionofeverydoubt.Todothis,itwasobligedtomakethe
mostsweepingassumptions;andaspoetryhadalreadyfilledthevastvoidbetweenthehumanandthe
divine,bypersonifyingitsDeityasman,sophilosophyboweddownbeforethesupposedreflectionof
thedivineimageinthemindoftheinquirer,who,inworshippinghisownnotions,hadunconsciously
deifiedhimself.Naturethuswasenslavedtocommonnotions,andnotionsveryoftentowords.

Bytheclashingofincompatibleopinions,philosophywasgraduallyreducedtotheignominious
confessionofutterincapacity,andfounditscheckorintellectualfallinskepticism.Xenophanesand
Heraclitusmournfullyacknowledgedtheunsatisfactoryresultofallthestrugglesofphilosophy,inthe
admissionofauniversalityofdoubtandthememorableeffortofSocratestorallythediscomfited
championsoftruth,endedinasimilarconfession.

TheworshipofabstractionscontinuedtheerrorwhichpersonifiedEvilordeifiedFortune;andwhen
mysticalphilosophyresigneditsplacetomysticalreligion,itchangednotitsnature,butonlyitsname.
Thegreattaskremainedunperformed,ofreducingtheoutwardworldanditsprinciplestothedominion
oftheintellect,andofreconcilingtheconceptionofthesupremeunalterablepowerassertedbyreason,
withtherequisitionsofhumansympathies.

Ageneralideaofpurposeandregularityinnaturehadbeensuggestedbycommonappearancestothe
earliestreflection.Theancientsperceivedanaturalorder,adivinelegislation,fromwhichhuman
institutionsweresupposedtobederived,lawsemblazonedinHeavenandthencerevealedtoearth.But
thedivinelawwaslittlemorethanananalogicalinferencefromhumanlaw,takeninthevulgarsenseof
arbitrarywillorpartialcovenant.Itwassurmisedratherthandiscovered,andremainedunmoral
becauseunintelligible.Itmatteredlittle,underthecircumstances,whethertheUniverseweresaidtobe
governedbychanceorbyreason,sincethelatter,ifmisunderstood,wasvirtuallyonewiththeformer.

"Betterfar"saidEpicurus,"acquiesceinthefablesoftradition,thanacknowledgetheoppressive
necessityofthephysicists"andMenanderspeaksofGod,Chance,andIntelligenceas
undistinguishable.LawunacknowledgedgoesunderthenameofChance;perceived,butnot
understood,itbecomesNecessity.ThewisdomoftheStoicwasadoggedsubmissiontothearbitrary
behestsofone;thatoftheEpicureananadvantagesnatchedbymoreorlessdexterousmanagement
fromtheequaltyrannyoftheother.

Ignoranceseesnothingnecessaryandisselfabandonedtoapowertyrannicalbecausedefinedbyno
rule,andparadoxicalbecausepermittingevil,whileitselfassumedtobeunlimited,allpowerful,and
perfectlygood.Alittleknowledge,presumingtheidentificationoftheSupremeCausewiththe
inevitablecertaintyofperfectreason,butomittingtheanalysisorinterpretationofit,leavesthemind
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chainboundintheasceticfatalismoftheStoic.Freewill,coupledwiththeuniversalruleofChance;or
FatalismandNecessity,coupledwithOmniscienceandfixedandunalterableLaw,thesearethe
alternatives,betweenwhichthehumanmindhaseternallyvacillated.TheSupernaturalists,
contemplatingaBeingactingthroughimpulse,thoughwithsuperhumanwisdom,andconsideringthe
bestcourtiertobethemostfavoredsubject,combinescontradictoryexpedients,inconsistentlymixing
tlleassertionoffreeactionwiththeenervatingserviceofpetition;whileheadmits,inthewordsofa
learnedarchbishop,that"iftheproductionofthethingsweaskfordependonantecedent,natural,and
necessarycauses,ourdesireswillbeanswerednolessbytheomissionthantheofferingofprayers,
which,therefore,areavainthing."

Thelaststageisthatinwhichthereligionofactionismadelegitimatethroughcomprehensionofits
properobjectsandcontiditions.Manbecomesmorallyfreeonlywhenbothnotions,thatofChanceand
thatofincomprehensibleNecessity,aredisplacedbythatofLaw.Law,asappliedtotheUniverse,
meansthatuniversal,providentialprearrangement,whoseconditionscanbediscernedand
discretionallyactedonbyhumanintelligence.Thesenseoffreedomariseswhentheindividual
independencedevelopsitselfaccordingtoitsownlaws,withoutexternalcollisionsorhindrance;thatof
constraint,whereitisthwartedorconfinedbyotherNatures,orwhere,bycombinationofexternal
forces,theindividualforceiscompelledintoanewdirection.Moralchoicewouldnotexistsafely,or
evenatall,unlessitwereboundedbyconditionsdeterminingitspreferences.Dutysupposesaruleboth
intelligibleandcertain,sinceanuncertainrulewouldbeunintelligible,andifunintelligible,therecould
benoresponsibility.NolawthatisunknowncanbeobligatoryandthatRomanEmperorwasjustly
execrated,whopretendedtopromulgatehispenallaws,byputtingthemupatsuchaheightthatnone
couldreadthem.

Mancommandsresults,onlybyselectingamongthecontingentthepreordainedresultsmostsuitedto
hispurposes.Inregardtoabsoluteordivinemorality,meaningthefinalcauseorpurposeofthose
comprehensivelawswhichoftenseemharshtotheindividual,becauseinflexiblyjustandimpartialto
theuniversal,speculationmusttakerefugeinfaith;theimmediateandobviouspurposeoftenbearing
sosmallaproportiontoawiderandunknownone,astoberelativelyabsorbedorlost.Therainthat,
unseasonabletome,ruinsmyhopesofanabundantcrop,doessobecauseitcouldnototherwisehave
blessedandprosperedthecropsofanotherkindofawholeneighboringdistrictofcountry.Theobvious
purposeofasuddenstormofsnow,oranunexpectedchangeofwind,exposedtowhichIlosemylife,
bearssmallproportiontothegreatresultswhicharetoflowfromthatstormorwindoverawhole
continent.

Soalways,ofthegoodallillwhichatfirstseemedirreconcilableandcapriciouslydistributed,theone
holdsitsground,theotherdiminishesbybeingexplained.Inaworldofamultitudeofindividuals,a
worldofactionandexertion,aworldaffording,bytheconflictofinterestsandtheclashingofpassions,
anyscopefortheexerciseofthemanlyandgenerousvirtues,evenOmnipotencecannotmakeit,that
thecomfortandconvenienceofonemanaloneshallalwaysbeconsulted.
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Thustheeducatedmindsoonbeginstoappreciatethemoralsuperiorityofasystemoflawoveroneof
capriciousinterferenceandasthejumbleofmeansandendsisbroughtintomoreintelligible
perspective,partialorseeminggoodischeerfullyresignedforthedisinterestedanduniversal.

Selfrestraintisfoundnottoimplyselfsacrifice.ThetruemeaningofwhatappearedtobeNecessityis
foundtobe,notarbitraryPower,butStrengthandForceenlistedintheserviceofIntelligence.God
havingmadeusmen,andplacedusinaworldofchangeandeternalrenovation,withamplecapacity
andabundantmeansforrationalenjoyment,welearnthatitisfollytorepinebecausewearenotangels,
inhabitingaworldinwhichchangeandtheclashingofinterestandtheconflictsofpassionare
unknown.

Themysteryoftheworldremains,butissufficientlycleareduptoinspireconfidence.Weare
constrainedtoadmitthatifeverymanwouldbutdothebestinhispowertodoandthatwhichheknows
heoughttodo,weshouldneednobetterworldthanthis.Mansurroundedbynecessity,isfree,notina
doggeddeterminationofisolatedwill,becausethoughinevitablycomplyingwithnature'slaws,heis
able,proportionatelytohisknowledge,tomodify,inregardtohimself,theconditionsoftheiraction,
andsotopreserveanaverageuniformitybetweentheirforcesandhisown.

Sucharesomeoftheconflictingopinionsofantiquityandwehavetosomeextentpresentedtoyoua
pictureoftheAncientThought.Faithful,asfarasitgoes,itexhibitstousMan'sIntellectever
strugglingtopassbeyondthenarrowboundsofthecircleinwhichitslimitedpowersanditsshort
visionconfineit,andeverwefindittravellingroundthecircle.likeonelostinawood,tomeetthe
sameunavoidableandinsolubleditfficulties.Sciencewithhermanyinstruments,Astronomy,
particularly,withhertelescope,Physicswiththemicroscope,andChemistrywithitsanalysesand
combinations,havegreatlyenlargedourideasoftheDeity,bydiscoveringtousthevastextentofthe
Universeinbothdirections,itsstarsystemsanditsinvisibleswarmsofminutestanimallife;by
acquaintinguswiththenewandwonderfulForceorSubstancewecallElectricity,apparentlyalink
betweenMatterandSpiritandstilltheDeityonlybecomesmoreincomprehensibletousthanever,and
wefindthatinourspeculationswebutreproduceoverandoveragaintheAncientThought.

Where,then,amidalltheseconflictingopinions,istheTrueWordofaMason?

MyBrother,mostofthequestionswhichhavethustorturedmen'sminds,itisnotwithinthereachand
graspoftheHumanIntellecttounderstand;butwithoutunderstanding,aswehaveexplainedtoyou
heretofore,wemayandmustbelieve.
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TheTrueWordofaMasonistobefoundintheconcealedandprofoundmeaningoftheIneffable
NameofDeity,communicatedbyGodtoMosesandwhichmeaningwaslonglostbythevery
precautionstakentoconcealit.Thetruepronunciationofthatwasintruthasecret,inwhich,however,
wasinvolvedthefarmoreprofoundsecretofitsmeaning.Inthatmeaningisincludedallthetruththan
canbeknownbyus,inregardtothenatureofGod.

LongknownasAL,ALSCHADAI,ALOHAYIM,andADONAI;astheChieforCommanderofthe
HeavenlyArmies;astheaggregateoftheForces[ALOHAYIM]ofNature;astheMighty,the
Victorious,theRivalofBalandOsiris;astheSoulofNature,Natureitself,aGodthatwasbutMan
personified,aGodwithhumanpassions,theGodoftheHeathenwithbutamerechangeofname,He
assumes,inHiscommunicationstoMoses,thenameIHUH,andsaystoHim,AHIHASHRAHIH,I
AMWHATIAM.Letusexaminetheesotericorinner,meaningofthisIneffableName.

HIHistheimperfecttenseoftheverbTOBE,ofwhichIHIHisthepresent;AHIbeingthepersonal
pronoun"I"affixedthefirstpersonbyapocope;andIHIthethird.Theverbhasthefollowingforms:
Preterite,3rdperson,masculine,singular,HIHdidexist,was3rdpersoncom.plural,HIUPresent,3rd
person,masculine,singular.IHIH,onceIHUA,byapocopeAHI,IHIInfinitive,HIH,HIU
Imperative,2ndperson,masculine,singular.HIH,feminine,HUIParticiple,masculine,singular;
HUH,ENSEXISTING,EXISTENCE.

Theverbisneverused,asthemerelogicalcopulaorconnectingword,is,was,etc.,isusedwiththe
Greeks,Latins,andourselves.Italwaysimpliesexistence,actuality.Thepresentformalsoincludesthe
futuresense,shallormaybeorexist.AndHUHandHUAChaldaicformsoftheimperfecttenseofthe
verbarethesameastheHebrewHUHandHIHandmeanswas,existed,became.

NowHUAandHIAarethePersonalPronoun[MasculineandFeminine],HE,SHE.ThusinGen.iv.20
wehavethephrase,HUAHIH,HEWAS:andinLev.xxi.9,ATHABIHHIA,HERFather.This
femininepronoun,however,isoftenwrittenHUA,andHIAoccursonlyeleventimesinthePentateuch.
SometimesthefeminineformmeansIT;butthatpronounisgenerallyinthemasculineform.

WheneitherYod,Vav,He,orAlephterminatesawordandhasnovoweleitherimmediatelypreceding
orfollowingit,itisoftenrejected;asinGI,forGIA,avalley.

SoHUAHIA,HeShe,couldproperlybewrittenHUHI;orbytranspositionoftheletters,common
withtheTalmudists,IHUH,whichistheTetragrammatonorIneffableName.

InGen.i.27,itissaid,"SotheALHIMcreatedmaninHisimage;intheimageofALHIMcreatedHe
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him:MALEandFEMALEcreatedHethem."

Sometimesthewordwasthusexpressedtriangularly:

AndwelearnthatthisdesignationoftheIneffableNamewas,amongtheHebrews,asymbolof
Creation.ThemysteriousunionofGodwithHiscreatureswasintheletter,whichtheyconsideredto
betheAgentofAlmightyPower;andtoenablethepossessoroftheNametoworkmiracles.

ThePersonalPronounHUA,HE,isoftenusedbyitself,toexpresstheDeity.Leesaysthatinsuch
cases,IHUH,IH,orALHIM,orsomeothernameofGod,isunderstood;butthereisnonecessityfor
that.ItmeansinsuchcasestheMale,Generative,orCreativePrincipleorPower.

ItwasacommonpracticewiththeTalmudiststoconcealsecretmeaningsandsoundsofwordsby
transposingtheletters.

Thereversalofthelettersofwordswas,indeed,ancientlycommoneverywhere.ThusfromNeitha,the
nameofanEgyptianGoddess,theGreeks,writingbackward,formedAthene,thenameofMinerva.In
ArabicwehaveNahid,anameoftheplanetVenus,which,reversed,givesDihan,Greek,inPersian,
Nihad,Nature;whichSirWilliamJoneswritesalsoNahid.StraboinformsusthattheArmenianname
ofVenuswasAnaitis.

Tien,Heaven,inChinese;reversedisNeitorNeith,worshippedatSaisinEgypt.ReverseNeitha,drop
thei,andaddane,andwe,asbeforesaid,Athene.MitrawasthenameofVenusamongtheancient
Persians.Herodotus,whotellsusthis,alsoinformsusthathername,amongtheScythians,wasArtim
pasa.ArtimisMitra,reversed.So,byreversingit,theGreeksformedArtemis,Diana.

OneofthemeaningsofRama,inSanscrit,isKama,theDeityofLove.Reversethis,andwehave
Amar,andbychangingaintoo,Amor,theLatinwordforLove.Probably,astheverbisAmare,the
oldestreadingwasAmarandnotAmor.SoDipaka,inSanscrit,oneofthemeaningswhereofislove,is
oftenwrittenDipuc.Reversethis,andwehave,adding"o",theLatinwordCupido.

InArabic,theradicallettersrhm,pronouncedrahm,signifythetrunk,compassion,mercy;this
reversed,wehavemhr,inPersic,loveandtheSun.InHebrewwehaveLab,theheartandinChaldee,
Bal,theheart;theradicallettersofbothbeing"b"and"l".
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ThePersicwordforheadisSar.Reversed,thisbecomesRasinArabicandHebrew,RaishinChaldee,
RashinSamaritan,andRyasinEthiopic;allmeaninghead,chief,etc.InArahicwehaveKid,inthe
senseofrule,regulation,articleofagreement,obligation;which,reversed,becomes,adding"e",the
Greekdikejustice.InCopticwehaveChlom,acrown.Reversed,wehaveinHebrew,MolochorMalec,
aKingorhewhowearsacrown.

IntheKouonenoroldestChinesewriting,byHieroglyphics,Ge[HiorKhi,withtheinitialletter
modified],wastheSun;inPersic,Gaw:andinTurkishGiun.YuewastheMoon;inSanscritUh,andin
TurkishAi.ItwillberememberedinEgyptandelsewhere,theSunwasoriginallyfeminine,andthe
Moonmasculine.InEgypt,Iohwasthemoon:andinthefeaslofBacchustheycriedincessantly,Euoi
Sabvi!EuoiBakhe!IoBakhe!IoBakhe!

Bunsengivesthefollowingpersonalpronounsforheandshe:

He,SheChristianAramaicHuHi.JewishAramaicHuHi.HebrewHu'Hi'.
ArabicHuwaHiya

ThustheIneffableNamenotonlyembodiestheGreatPhilosophicalIdea,thattheDeityistheENS,the
ToON,theAbsoluteExistence,thatofwhichtheEssenceisToExist,theonlySubstanceofSpinoza,
theBEING,thatnevercouldnothaveexisted,ascontradistinguishedfromthatwhichonlybecomes,
notNatureortheSoulofNature,butthatwhichcreatedNature;butalsotheideaoftheMaleand
FemalePrinciples,initshighestamostprofoundsense;towit,thatGodoriginallycomprehendedin
Himselfallthatis:thatmatterwasnotcoexistentwithHim,orindependentofHim;thatHedidnot
merelyfashionashapeapreexistingchaosintoaUniverse;butthatHisThoughtmanifesteditself
outwardlyinthatUniverse,whichsobecame,andbeforewasnot,exceptascomprehendedinHim:that
theGenerativePowerorSpirit,andProductiveMatter,everamongtheancientsdeemedtheFemale,
originallywereinGod;andthatHeWASandISallthatWas,thatIS,andthatShallbe;inWhomall
elselives,moves,andhasitsbeing.

ThiswasthegreatMysteryoftheIneffableNameandthistruearrangementofitsletters,andofcourse
itstruepronunciationanditsmeaning,soonbecamelosttoallexceptselectfewtowhomitwas
confided;itbeingconcealedfromcommonpeople,becausetheDeitythusmetaphysicallynamedwas
notthatpersonalandcapricious,andasitweretangibleGodinwhomtheybelieved,andwhoalone
waswithinthereachoftheirrudecapacities.

DiodorussaysthatthenamegivenbyMosestoGodwasIAQ,TheodorussaysthattheSamaritans
termedGodIABE,buttheJewsIAQ.PhiloBybliusgivestheformIEYQandClemensofAlexandria
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IAOY.MacrobiussaysthatitwasanadmittedaxiomamongtheHeathen,thatthetriliteralIAQwasthe
sacrednameoftheSupremeGod.AndtheClarianoraclesaid:"LearnthouthatIAQisthegreatGod
Supreme,thatrulethoverall".Theletter"I"signifiedUnity."A"and"Q"arethefirstandlastlettersof
theGreekAlphabet.

Hencethefrequentexpression:"IamtheFirst,andIamtheLastandbesidesMethereisnootherGod.
IamAandQ,theFirstandtheLast.Iam"A"and"Q",theBeginningandtheEnding,whichIS,and
Was,andIStocome;theOmnipotent".Forinthisweseeshadowedforththesamegreattruth;thatGod
isallinalltheCauseandtheEffectthebeginning,orImpulse,orGenerativePower:andtheEnding,or
Result,orthatwhichisproduced:thatHeisinrealityallthatis,allthateverwas,andallthateverwill
be;inthissense,thatnothingbesidesHimselfhasexistedeternally,andcoeternallywithHim,
independentofHim,andselfexistent,orselforiginated.

Andthusthemeaningoftheexpression,ALOHAYIM,apluralnounusedintheaccountofthe
CreationWithwhichGenesiscommences,withasingularverb,andofthenameortitleIHUHALHIM,
usedforthefirsttimeinthe4thverseofthe2dchapterofthesamebook,becomesclear.TheALHIM
istheaggregateunityofthemanifestedCreativeForcesorPowersofDeity,HisEmanations;and
IHUHALHIMistheABSOLUTEExistence,orEssenceofthesePowersandForces,ofwhichtheyare
ActiveManifestationsandEmanations.

Thiswastheprofoundtruthhiddenintheancientallegoryandcoveredfromthegeneralviewwitha
doubleveil.ThiswastheesotericmeaningofthegenerationandproductionoftheIndian,Chaldean,
andPhoeniciancosmogniesandtheActiveandPassivePowers,oftheMaleandFemalePrinciples;of
HeavenanditsLuminariesgenerating,andtheEarthproducing;allhidingfromvulgarview,asabove
itscomprehension,thedoctrinethatmatterisnoteternal,butthatGodwastheonlyoriginalExistence,
theABSOLUTE,fromWhomeverythinghasproceeded,andtoWhomallreturnsandthatallmoral
lawspringsnotfromtherelationofthings,butfromHisWisdomandEssentialJustice,asthe
OmnipotentLegislator.AndthisTRUEWORDiswithentireaccuracysaidtohavebeenlost;because
itsmeaningwaslostevenamongtheHebrews,althoughwestillfindthename(itsrealmeaning
unsuspected),intheHuoftheDruidsandtheFoHIoftheChinese.

WhenweconceiveoftheAbsoluteTruth,Beauty,orGood,cannotstopshortattheabstractionof
either.WeareforcedtorefereachtosomelivingandsubstantialBeing,inwhichtheyhavetheir
foundations,somebeingthatisthefirstandlastpricipleofeach.

MoralTruth,likeeveryotheruniversalandnecessarytruth,cannotremainamereabstraction.
Abstractionsareunrealities.Inourselves,moraltruthismerelyconceivedof.Theremustbesomewhere
aBeingthatnotonlyconceivesof,butconstitutesit.Ithasthischaracteristic;thatitisnotonly,tothe
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eyesofourintelligence,anuniversalandnecessarytruth,butoneobligatoryonourwill.ItisALAW.
Wedonotestablishthatlawourselves.Itisimposedonusdespiteourselves:itsprinciplemustbe
withoutus.Itsupposesalegislator.Hecannotbethebeingtowhomthelawapplies;butmustbeone
thatpossessesinthehighestdegreeallthecharacteristicsofmoraltruth.Themorallaw,universaland
necessary,necessarilyhasasitsauthoranecessarybeing;composedofjusticeandcharity,itsauthor
mustbeabeingpossessingtheplenitudeofboth.

Asallbeautifulandalltruethingsreferthemselves,theseaUnitywhichisabsoluteTRUTH,andthose
toaUnitywhichabsoluteBEAUTY,soallthemoralprinciplescentreinasingleprinciple,whichis
THEGOOD.ThuswearriveattheconceptionofTHEGOODinitself,theABSOLUTEGood,
superiortoallparticularduties,anddeterminateinthoseduties.ThisAbsoluteGoodmustnecessarily
beanattributeoftheAbsoluteBeing.

TherecannotbeseveralAbsoluteBeings;theoneinwhomisrealizedAbsoluteTruthandAbsolute
BeautybeingdifferentfromtheoneinwhomisrealizedAbsoluteGood.TheAbsolutenecessarily
impliesabsoluteUnity.TheTrue,theBeautiful,andGoodarenotthreedistinctessences:buttheyare
oneandsameessence,consideredinitsfundamentalattributes;thedifferentphaseswhichinoureyes,
theAbsoluteandInfinitePerfectionassumes.

ManifestedintheWorldoftheFiniteandRelative,thesethreeattributesseparatefromeachother,and
aredistinguishedbyourminds,whichcancomprehendnothingexceptbydivision.ButintheBeing
fromWhomtheyemanate,theyareindivisiblyunited;andthisBeing,atoncetripleandone,Who
sumsupinHimselfperfectBeauty)perfectTruth,andtheperfectGood,isGOD.

GodisnecessarilytheprincipleofMoralTruth,andofpersonalmorality.Manisamoralperson,thatis
tosay,oneendowedwithreasonandliberty.Heiscapableofvirtueandvirtuehaswithhimtwo
principalforms,respectforothersandloveofothers,justiceandcharity.

ThecreaturecanpossessnorealandessentialattributewhichtheCreatordoesnotpossess.Theeffect
candrawitsrealityandexistenceonlyfromitscause.Thecausecontainsinitself,atleast,whatis
essentialintheeffect.Thecharacteristicoftheeffectisinferiority,shortcoming,imperfection.
Dependentandderivate,itbearsinitselfthemarksandconditionsofdependence;anditsimperfection
provestheperfectionofthecause;orelsetherewouldbeintheeffectsomethingimmanent,withouta
cause.

GodisnotalogicalBeing,whoseNaturemaybeexplainedbydeduction,andbymeansofalgebraic
equations.When,settingoutwithaprimaryattribute,theattributesofGodarededucedonefromthe
other,afterthemanneroftheGeometriciansandScholastics,wehavenothingbutabstractions.We
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mustemergefromthisemptydialetic,toarriveatatrueandlivingGod.Thefirstnotionwhichwehave
ofGod,thatofanInfiniteBeing,isnotgivenusapriori,independentlyofallexperience.Itisour
consciousnessofourself,asatonceaBeingandalimitedBeing,thatimmediatelyraisesustothe
conceptionofaBeing,theprincipleofourbeing,andHimselfwithoutlimits.Iftheexistencethatwe
possessforcesustorecurtoacausepossessingthesameexistenceinaninfinitedegree,allthe
substantialattributesofexistencethatwepossessequallyrequireeachaninfinitecause.God,then,is
nolongertheInfinite,Abstract,IndeterminateBeing,ofwhichreasonandtheheartcannotlayhold,but
arealBeing,determinatelikeourselves,amoralpersonlikeourself;andthestudyofourownsoulswill
conductus,withoutresorttohypothesis,toaconceptionofGod,bothsublimeandhavingaconnection
withourselves.

Ifmanbefree,Godmustbeso.Itwouldbestrangeif,whilethecreaturehasthatmarvellouspowerof
disposingofhimself,ofchoosingandwillingfreely,theBeingthathasmadehimshouldhesubjecttoa
necessarydevelopment,thecauseofwhich,thoughinHimself,isasortofabstract,mechanical,or
metaphysicalpower,inferiortothepersonal,voluntarycausewhichweare,andofwhichwehavethe
clearestconsciousness.Godisfreebecauseweare;butheisnotfreeasweare.

Heisatonceeverythingthatweareandnothingthatweare.Hepossessesthesameattributesaswe,
butextendedtoinfinity.Hepossesses,then,aninfiniteliberty,unitedtoaninfiniteintelligence;andas
Hisintelligenceisinfallible,exemptfromtheuncertaintyofdeliberation,andperceivingataglance
wheretheGoodis,soHislibertyaccomplishesitspontaneouslyandwithouteffort.

AsweassigntoGodthatlibertywhichisthebasisofourexistence,soalsowetransfertoHischaracter
fromourown,justiceandcharity.InmantheyarevirtuesinGod,Hisattributes.Whatisinusthe
laboriousconquestofliberty,isinHimHisverynature.Theideaoftheright,andtherespectpaidto
theright,aresignsofthedignityofourexistence.

Ifrespectofrightsistheveryessenceofjustice,thePerfectBeingmustknowandrespecttherightsof
thelowestofHiscreatures;forHeassignedthemthoserights.InGodresidesasovereignjustice,that
renderstoeveryonewhatisduehim,notaccordingtodeceitfulappearances,butaccordingtothetruth
ofthings.Andifman,alimitedbeing,hasthepowertogooutofhimself,toforgethisownperson,to
loveanotherlikehimself,anddevotehimselftohishappiness,dignity,andperfection,thePerfectBeing
musthave,inaninfinitedegree,thatdisinterestedtenderness,thatCharity,theSupremevirtueofthe
humanperson.ThereisinGodaninfinitetendernessforHiscreatures,manifestedinHisgivingus
existence,whichHemighthavewithheldandeverydayitappearsininnumerablemarksofHisDivine
Providence.

PlatowellunderstoodthatloveofGodandexpressesitinthesegreatwords:"Letusspeakofthecause
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whichledtheSupremeArrangeroftheUniversetoproduceandregulatethatUniverse.Hewasgood
andhewhoisgoodhasnokindofillwill.Exemptfromthat,Hewilledthatcreatedthingsshouldbe,
asfaraspossible,likeHimself".AndChristianityinitsturnsaid,"GodhassolovedmenthatHehas
giventhemHisonlySon".

Itisnotcorrecttoaffirm,asisoftendone,thatChristianityhasinsomesortdiscoveredthisnoble
sentiment.Wemustnotlowerhumannature,toraiseChristianity.Antiquityknew,described,and
practisedcharity;thefirstfeatureofwhich,sotouching,andthankGod!socommon,isgoodness,asits
loftiestoneisheroism.Charityisdevotiontoanother;anditisridiculouslysenselesstopretendthat
thereeverwasanageoftheworld,whenthehumansoulwasdeprivedofthatpartofitsheritage,the
powerofdevotion.ButitiscertainthatChristianityhasdiffusedandpopularizedthisvirtueandthat
beforeChrist,thesewordswereneverspoken:LOVEONEANOTHER;FORTHATISTHEWHOLE
LAW.CharitypresupposesJustice.Hewhotrulyloveshisbrotherrespectstherightsofhisbrother;but
hedoesmore,heforgetshisown.Egoismsellsortakes.Lovedelightsingiving.InGod,loveiswhatit
isinus;butinaninfinitedegree.GodisinexhaustibleinHischarity,asHeisinexhaustibleinHis
essence.ThatInfiniteOmnipotenceandInfiniteCharity,which,byanadmirablegoodwill,drawsfrom
thebosomofitsimmenselovethefavorswhichitincessantlybestowsontheworldandonhumanity,
teachesusthatthemorewegive,themorewepossess.

Godbeingalljustandallgood,Hecanwillnothingbutwhatisgoodandjust.BeingOmnipotent,
whateverHewillsHecando,andconsequentlydoes.TheworldistheworkofGod;itistherefore
perfectlymade.

Yetthereisdisorderintheworld,thatseemstoimpugnthejusticeandgoodnessofGod.

Aprincipleindissolublyconnectedwiththeveryideaofgood,tellsusthateverymoralagentdeserves
rewardwhenhedoeswell,andpunishmentwhenhedoesill.Thisprincipleisuniversalandnecessary.
Itisabsolute.Ifitdoesnotapplyinthisworld,itisfalse,ortheworldisbadlyordered.

Butgoodactionsarenotalwaysfollowedbyhappiness,norevilonesbymisery.Thoughoftenthisfact
ismoreapparentthanreal;thoughvirtue,awaragainstthepassions,fullofdignitybutfullofsorrow
andpain,hasthelatterasitscondition,yetthepainsthatfollowvicearegreater;andvirtueconduces
mosttohealth,strength,andlonglife;thoughthepeacefulconsciencethataccompaniesvirtuecreates
internalhappiness;thoughpublicopiniongenerallydecidescorrectlyonmen'scharacters,andrewards
virtuewithesteemandconsideration,andvicewithcontemptandinfamy;andthough,afterall,justice
reignsintheworld,andthesurestroadtohappinessisstillthatofvirtue,yetthereareexceptions.
Virtueisnotalwaysrewarded,norvicepunished,inthislife.
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Thedataofthisproblemarethese:1st.Theprincipleofmeritanddemeritwithinusisabsolute;every
goodactionoughttorewarded,everybadonepunished;2nd.GodisjustasHeisalpowerful;3rd.
Thereareinthisworldparticularcases,contradictingthenecessaryanduniversallawofmeritand
demerit.Whatistheresult?

Torejectthetwoprinciples,thatGodisjust,andthelawmeritanddemeritabsolute,istorazetothe
foundationsthewholeedificeofhumanfaith.

Tomaintainthem,istoadmitthatthepresentlifeistoterminatedorcontinuedelsewhere.Themoral
personwhoactswellorill,andawaitsrewardorpunishment,isconnectedwithabody,liveswithit,
makesuseofit,dependsuponitinameasbutisnotit.Thebodyiscomposedofparts.Itdiminishesor
increases,itisdivisibleeventoinfinity.Butthissomethingwhichhasaconsciousnessofitself,and
says"I,ME";thatfeelsitselffreeandresponsible,feelstoothatitisincapableofdivision,thatitisa
beingoneandsimple;thattheMEcannotbehalved,thatifalimbiscutoffandthrownaway,nopart
oftheME,goeswithit;thatitremainsidenticalwithitselfunderthevarietyphenomenawhich
successivelymanifestit.Thisidentity,indivisibility,andabsoluteunityoftheperson,areitsspirituality,
theveryessenceoftheperson.

Itisnotintheleastanhypothesistoaffirmthatthesouldiffersessentiallyfromthebody.Bythesoul
wemeantheperson,notseparatedfromtheconsciousnesoftheattributeswhichconstituteit,thought
andwill.TheExistencewithoutconsciousnessisanabstractbeing,andnotaperson.Itistheperson,
thatisidentical,one,simple.Itsattributes,developingit,donotdivideit.Indivisible,itisindissoluble,
andmaybeimmortal.Ifabsolutejusticerequiresthisimmortality,itdoesnotrequirewhatis
impossible.Thespiritualityofthesoulistheconditionandnecessaryfoundationofimmortality;the
lawofmeritanddemeritthedirectdemonstrationofit.Thefirstisthemetaphysical,thesecondthe
moralproof.AddtothesethetendencyofallthepowersofthesoultowardtheInfinite,andthe
principleoffinalcauses,andtheproofoftheimmortalityofthesouliscomplete.

God,therefore,intheMasoniccreed,isINFINITETRUTH,INFINITEBEAUTY,INFINITE
GOODNESS.HeistheHolyofHolies,asAuthoroftheMoralLaw,asthePRINCIPLEofLiberty,of
Justice,andofCharity,DispenserofRewardandPunishment.SuchaGodisnotanabstractGod;but
anintelligentandfreeperson,WhohasmadeusinHisimage,fromWhomwereceivethelawthat
presidesoverourdestiny,andWhosejudgmentweawait.ItisHislovethatinspiresusinouractsof
charity.ItisHisjusticethatgovernsourjustice,andthatofsocietyandthelaws.Wecontinuallyremind
ourselvesthatHeisinfinite;becauseotherwiseweshoulddegradeHisnature;butHewouldbeforus
asifHewerenot,ifHisinfinitenaturehadnotformsinherentinourselves,theformsofourownreason
andsoul.
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WhenweloveTruth,Justice,andNobilityofSoul,weshouldknowthatitisGodweloveunderneath
thesespecialforms,andshouldunitethemallintoonegreatactoftotalpiety.Weshouldfeelthatwego
inandoutcontinuallyinthemidstofthevastforcesoftheUniverse,whichareonlytheForcesofGod;
thatinourstudies,whenweattainatruth,weconfrontthethoughtofGod;whenwelearntheright,we
learnthewillofGodlaiddownasaruleofconductfortheUniverse;andwhenwefeeldisinterested
love,weshouldknowthatwepartakethefeelingoftheInfiniteGod.Then,whenwereverencethe
mightycosmicforce,itwillnotbeablindFateinanAtheisticorPantheisticworld,buttheInfinite
God,thatweshallconfrontandfeelandknow.ThenweshallbemindflllofthemindofGod,conscious
ofGod'sconscience,sensibleofHissentiments,andourownexistencewillbeintheinfinitebeingof
God.

Theworldisawhole,whichhasitsharmony;foraGodwhoisOne,couldmakenonebutacomplete
andharmoniouswork.TheharmonyoftheUniverserespondstotheunityofGod,astheindefinite
quantityisthedefinitesignoftheinfinitudeofGod.TosaythattheUniverseisGod,istoadmitthe
worldonly,andOntheotherhand,tosupposethattheUniverseisvoidofGod,andthatHeiswholly
apartfromit,isaninsupportableandalmostimpossibleabstraction.Todistinguishisnottoseparate.I
distinguish,butdonotseparatemyselffrommyqualitiesandeffects.SoGodisnottheUniverse,
althoughHeiseverywherepresentinspiritandintruth.

Tous,astoPlato,absolutetruthisinGod.ItisGodHimselfunderoneofHisphases.InGod,astheir
original,aretheimmutableprinciplesofrealityandcognizance.InHimthingsreceiveatoncetheir
existenceandtheirintelligibility.ItisbyparticipatingintheDivinereasonthatourownreason
possessessomethingoftheAbsolute.Everyjudgmentofreasonenvelopesanecessarytruth,andevery
necessarytruthsupposesthenecessaryExistence.

Thus,fromeverydirection,frommetaphysics,aesthetics,anmoralityaboveall,werisetothesame
Principle,thecommoncentre,andultimatefoundationofalltruth,allbeauty,allgood.TheTrue,the
Beautiful,theGood,arebutdiverserevelationsofoneandthesameBeing.Thuswereachthethreshold
ofreligionandareincommunionwiththegreatphilosophieswhichallproclaimaGod;andatthe
sametimewiththereligionswhichcovetheearth,andallreposeonthesacredfoundationofnatural
religion;ofthatreligionwhichrevealstousthenaturallightgivetoallmen,withouttheaidofa
particularrevelation.Solongaphilosophydoesnotarriveatreligion,itisbelowallworshipseventhe
mostimperfect;fortheyatleastgivemanaFather,aWitness,aConsoler,aJudge.Byreligion,
philosophyconnectsitselfwithhumanity,which,fromoneendoftheworldtotheother,aspirestoGod,
believesinGod,hopesinGod.Philosophycontainsinitselfthecommonbasisofallreligiousbeliefs;
it,asitwere,borrowsfromthemtheirprinciple,andreturnsittothemsurroundedwithlight,elevated
aboveuncertainty,secureagainstallattack.

FromthenecessityofHisNature,theInfiniteBeingmustcreateandpreservetheFinite,andtothe
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Finitemust,initsforms,giveandcommunicateofHisownkind.Wecannotconceiveofanyfinite
thingexistingwithoutGod,theInfinitebasisandgroundthereof;norofGodexistingwithout
something.Godisthenecessarylogicalconditionofaworld,itsnecessitatingcause;aworld,the
necessarylogicalconditionofGod,Hisnecessitatedconsequence.ItisaccordingtoHisInfinite
Perfectiontocreate,andthentopreserveandblesswhateverHecreates.

Thatistheconclusionofmodernmetaphysicalscience.Thestreamofphilosophyrunsdownfrom
AristotletoHegel,andbreaksoffwiththisconclusionandthenagainrecurstheancientdifficulty.Ifit
beofHisnaturetocreate,ifwecannotconceiveofHisexistingalone,withoutcreating,withouthaving
created,thenwhatHecreatedwascoexistentwithHimself.IfHecouldexistaninstantwithout
creating,Hecouldaswelldo,soforamyriadofeternities.Andsoagainconlesroundtoustheold
doctrineofaGod,theSouloftheUniverse,andcoexistentwithit.

ForwhatHecreatedhadabeginningandhoweverlongsincethatcreationoccurred,aneternityhad
beforeelapsed.Thedifferencebetweenabeginningandnobeginningisinfinite.

Butofsomethingswecanbecertain.Weareconsciousofourselvesofourselvesifnotassubstances,
atleastasPowerstobe,todo,tosuffer.Weareconsciousofourselvesnotasselforiginatedatalloras
selfsustainedalone;butonlyasdependent,firstforexistence,eversinceforsupport.

Amongtheprimaryideasofconsciousness,thatareinseparablefromit,theatomsofself
consciousness,wefindtheideaofGod.Carefullyexaminedbythescrutizingintellect,itistheideaof
Godasinfinite,perfectlypowerful,wise,just,loving,holy;absolutebeingwithnolimitation.This
madeus,madeall,sustainsus,sustainsall;madeourbody,notbyasingleact,butbyaseriesofacts
extendingoveravastsuccessionofyears,forman'sbodyistheresultantofallcreatedthings,madeour
spirit,ourmind,conscience,affections,soul,will,appointedforeachitsnaturalmodeofaction,set
eachatitsseveralaim.ThusselfconsciousnessleadsustoconsciousnessofGod,andatlastto
consciousnessofaninfiniteGod.Thatisthehighestevidenceofourownexistence,anditisthehighest
evidenceofHis.

IfthereisaGodatall,Hemustbeomnipresentinspace.BeyondthelastStarsHemustbe,asHeis
here.Therecanbenomotethatpeoplesthesunbeams,nolittlecelloflifethatthemicroscope
discoversintheseedsporuleofamoss,butHeisthere.

Hemustalsobeomnipresentintime.TherewasnosecondoftimebeforetheStarsbegantoburn,but
Godwasinthatsecond.InthemostdistantnebulousspotinOrion'sbelt,andineveryoneofthe
millionsthatpeopleasquareinchoflimestone,Godisalikepresent.Heisinthesmallestimaginableor
evenunimaginableportionoftimeandineverysecondofitsmostvastandunimaginablevolume;His
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HereconterminouswiththeAllofSpace,HisNowcoevalwiththeAllofTime.

Throughallthisspace,inallthisTime,HisBeingextends,spreadsundivided,operatesunspent;Godin
allHisinfinity,perfectlypowerful,wise,just,loving,andholy.Hisbeingisaninfiniteactivity,a
creatingandsoagivingofHimselftotheWorld.TheWorld'sbeingisabecoming,abeingcreatedand
continued.Itissonow,andwasso,incalculableandunimaginablemillionsofagesago.

Allthisisphilosophy,theunavoidableconclusionofthehumanmind.ItisnottheopinionofColeridge
andKant,buttheirscience;notwhattheyguess,butwhattheyknow.

InvirtueofthisindwellingofGodinmatter,wesaythattheworldisarevelationofHim,itsexistence
ashowofHis.HeisinHiswork.ThemanifoldactionoftheUniverseisonlyHismodeofoperation,
andallmaterialthingsareincommunionwithHim.AllgrowandmoveandliveinHim,andbymeans
ofHim,andonlyso.LetHimwithdrawfromthespaceoccupiedbyanything,anditceasestobe.Let
HimwithdrawanyqualityofHisnaturefromanything,anditceasestobe.AllmustpartakeofHim,
Hedwellingineach,andyettranscendingall.

Thefailureoffancifulreligiontobecomephilosophy,doesnotprecludephilosophyfromcoinciding
withtruereligion.Philosophy,orratheritsobject,thedivineorderoftheUniverse,istheintellectual
guidewhichthereligioussentimentneeds;whileexploringtherealrelationsofthefinite,itobtainsa
constantlyimprovingandselfcorrectingmeasureoftheperfectlawoftheGospelofLoveandLiberty,
andameansofcarryingintoeffectthespiritualismofrevealedreligion.Itestablisheslaw,by
ascertainingitsterms;itguidesthespirittoseeitswaytotheameliorationoflifeandtheincreaseof
happiness.Whilereligionwasstationary,sciencecouldnotwalkalone;whenbothareadmittedtobe
progressive,theirinterestsandaimsbecomeidentified.Aristotlebegantoshowhowreligionmaybe
foundedonanintellectualbasis;butthebasishelaidwastoonarrow.Bacon,bygivingtophilosophya
definiteaimandmethod,gaveitatthesametimeasaferandselfenlargingbasis.

Ourpositionisthatofintellectualbeingssurroundedbylimitationsandthelatterbeingconstant,have
tointelligencethepracticalvalueoflaws,inwhoseinvestigationandapplicationconsiststhat
seeminglyendlesscareerofintellectualandmoralprogresswhichthesentimentofreligioninspiresand
ennobles.ThetitleofSainthascommonlybeenclaimedforthosewhoseboastithasbeentodespise
philosophy;yetfaithwillstumbleandsentimentmislead,unlessknowledgebepresent,inamountand
qualitysufficienttopurifytheoneandtogivebeneficialdirectiontotheother.

Scienceconsistsofthosematuredinferencesfromexpericewhichallotherexperienceconfirms.Itisno
fixedsystemperiortorevision,butthatprogressivemediationbetweenignoranceandwisdominpart
conceivedbyPlato,whoseimmediateobjectishappiness,anditsimpulsethehighestkindoflove.
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Sciencerealizesandunitesallthatwastrulyvaluableinboththeoldschemesofmediation;theheroic,
orsystemofactionandeffortandthemysticaltheoryofspiritual,contemplativecontemplative
communion."Listentome",saysGalen"astothevoiceoftheEleusinianHierophant,andbelievethat
thestudyofnatureisamysterynolessimportantthantheirs,norlessadaptedtodisplaythewisdom
andpoweroftheGreatCreator.Theirlessonsanddemonstrationswereobscure,butoursareclearand
unmistakable".

Toscienceweoweitthatnomanisanylongerentitledtoconsiderhimselfthecentralpointaround
whichthewholeUniverseoflifeandmotionrevolvestheimmenselyimportantindividualorwhose
convenienceandevenluxuriouseaseandindulgencethewholeUniversewasmade.Ononesideithas
shownusaninfiniteUniverseofstarsandsunsandworldsatincalculabledistancesfromeachother,in
whosemajesticandawfulpresencewesinkandevenourworldsinksintoinsignificance;while,onthe
otherside,themicroscopehasplacedusincommunicationwithnewworldsoforganizedlivings
beings,giftedwithsenses,nerves,appetites,andinstincts,ineverytearandineverydropofputrid
water.

Thusscienceteachesusthatwearebutaninfinitesimalportionofagreatwhole,thatstretchesouton
everysideofus,andaboveandbelowus,infiniteinitscomplications,andwhichinfinitewisdomalone
cancomprehend.Infinitewisdomhasarrangedtheinfinitesuccessionofbeings,involvingthenecessity
ofbirth,decay,anddeath,andmadetheloftiestvirtuespossiblebyprovidingthoseconflicts,reverses,
trials,andhardships,withoutwhicheventheirnamescouldneverhavebeeninvented.

Knowledgeisconvertibleintopowerandaxiomsintorulesofutilityandduty.Modernscienceissocial
andcommunicative.Itismoralaswellasintellectual;powerful,yetpacificanddisinterested;binding
mantomanaswellastotheUniverse;fillingupthedetailsofolbligation,andcherishingimpulsesof
virtue,and,byaffordingclearproofoftheconsistencyandidentityofallinterests,substitutingco
operationforrivalry,liberalityforjealousy,andtendingfarmorepowerfullythananyothermeansto
realizethespiritofreligion,byhealingthoseinveteratedisorderswhich,tracedtotheirrealorigin,will
befoundrootedinanignorantassumptionastothepenuriousseverityofProvidence,andthe
consequentgreedofselfishmentoconfinewhatseemedasifextortedfromittothemselves,ortosteal
fromeachotherratherthanquietlytoenjoytheirown.

Weshallprobablyneverreachthosehigherformscontainingthetruedifferencesofthings,involving
thefulldiscoveryandcorrectexpressionoftheirveryselforessence.Weshalleverfallshortofthe
mostgeneralandmostsimplenature,theultimateormostcomprehensivelaw.Ourwidestaxioms
explainmanyphenomena,butsotooinadegreedidtheprinciplesorelementsoftheoldphilosophers,
andthecyclesandepicyclesofancientastronomy.Wecannotinanycaseofcausationassignthewhole
oftheconditions,northoughwemayreproducetheminpractice,canwementallydistinguishthemall,
withoutknowingtheessencesofthethingsincludingthem;andwethereforemustnotunconsciously
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ascribethatabsolutecertaintytoaxioms,whichtheancientreligionistsdidtocreeds,norallowthe
mind,whicheverstrivestoinsulateitselfanditsacquisitions,toforgetthenatureoftheprocessby
whichitsubstitutedscientificforcommonnotions,andsowithoneaswiththeotherlaythebasisof
selfdeceptionbyapedanticandsuperstitiousemploymentofthem.

Doubt,theessentialpreliminaryofallimprovementanddiscovery,mustaccompanyallthestagesof
man'sonwardprogress.Hisintellectuallifeisaperpetualbeginning,aprepetualbeginning,a
preparationforabirth.Thefacultyofdoubtingandquestioning,withoutwhichthoseofcomparison
andjudgmentwouldbeuseless,isitselfadivineprerogativeofthereason.Knowledgeisalways
imperfect,orcompleteonlyinaprospectivelyboundlesscareer,inwhichdiscoverymultipliesdoubt
anddoubtleadsontonewdiscovery.Theboastofscienceisnotsomuchitsmanifestedresults,asits
admittedimperfectionandcapacityofunlimitedprogress.Thetruereligiousphilosophyofanimperfect
beingisnotasystemofcreed,but,asSocratesthought,aninfinitesearchorapproximation.Finalityis
butanothernameforbewildermentordefeat.Sciencegratifiesthereligiousfeelingwithoutarrestingit
andopensouttheunfathomablemysteryoftheOneSupremeintomoreexplicitandmanageableForms,
whichexpressnotindeedHisEssence,whichiswhollybeyondourreachandhigherthanourfaculties
canclimb,butHisWill,andsofeedsanendlessenthusiasmbyaccumulatingforevernewobjectsof
pursuit.Wehavelongexperiencedthatknowledgeisprofitable,wearebeginningtofindoutthatitis
moral,andweshallatlastdiscoverittobereligious.

Godandtruthareinseparable;aknowledgeofGodispossessionofthesavingoraclesoftruth.In
proportionasthethoughtandpurposeoftheindividualaretrainedtoconformitywiththeruleofright
prescribedbysupremeIntelligence,sofarishishappinesspromoted,andthepurposeofhisexistence
fulfilled.Inthiswayanewlifearisesinhim;heisnolongerisolated,butisapartoftheeternal
harmoniesaroundhim.Hiserringwillisdirectedbytheinfluenceofahigherwill,informingand
mouldingitinthepathofhistruehappiness.

Man'spowerofapprehendingoutwardtruthisaqualifiedprivilege;thementallikethephysical
inspirationpassingthroughadilutedmediumandyet,evenwhentruth,imparted,asitwere,by
intuition,hasbeenspecious,oratleastimperfect,theintoxicationofsuddendiscoveryhaseverclaimed
itasfull,infallible,anddivine.Andwhilehumanweaknessneededevertorecurtothepureandperfect
source,therevelationsoncepopularlyacceptedandvaluedassumedanindependentsubstantiality,
perpetuatingnotthemselvesonly,butthewholemassofderivitiveformsaccidentallyconnectedwith
them,andlegalizedintheirnames.Themistsoferrorthickenedundertheshadowsofprescription,
untilthefreelightagainbrokeinuponthenightotages,redeemingthegenuinetreasurefromthe
superstitionwhichobstinatelydotedonitsaccessories.

EventotheBarbarian,Naturerevealsamightypowerandawondrouswisdom,andcontinuallypoints
toGod.Itisnowonderthatmenworshippedtheseveralthingsoftheworld.Theworldofmatterisa
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revelationoffeartothesavageinNorthernclimes;hetremblesathisdeitythronediniceandsnow.The
lightning,thestorm,theearthquakestartletherudemanandheseesthedivineintheextraordinary.

ThegrandobjectsofNatureperpetuallyconstrainmentothinkoftheirAuthor.TheAlpsarethegreat
altarofEurope;thenocturnalskyhasbeentomankindthedomeofatemple,starredalloverwith
admonitionstoreverence,trust,andlove.TheScripturesforthehumanracearewritinearthand
Heaven.Noorganormisereretouchestheheartlikethesonorousswelloftheseaortheoceanwave's
immeasurablelaugh.Everyyeartheoldworldputsonnewbridalbeauty,andcelebratesitsWhit
Sunday,wheninthesweetSpringeachbushandtreedonsreverentlyitsnewglories.

AutumnisalongAllSaints'dayandtheharvestisHallowmasstoMankind.Beforethehumanrace
marcheddownfromtheslopesoftheHimalayastotakepossessionofAsia,Chaldea,andEgypt,men
markedeachannualcrisis,thesolsticesandtheequinoxes,andcelebratedreligious
festivalstherein;eventhen,andeversince,thematerialwasandhasbeentheelementofcommunion
betweenmanandGod.

Natureisfullofreligiouslessonstoathoughtfulman.HedissolvesthematteroftheUniverse,leaving
onlyitsforces;hesolvesawaythephenomenaofhumanhistory,leavingonlyimmortalspirit;he
studiesthelaw,themodeofactionoftheforcesandthisspirit,whichmakeupthematerialandthe
humanworld,andcannotfailtobefilledwithreverence,withtrust,withboundlessloveoftheInfinite
God,whodevisedtheselawsofmatterandofmind,andtherebybearsupthismarvellousUniverseof
thingsandmen.SciencehasitsNewTestamentandbeatitudesofPhilosophyareprofoundlytouching.
Anundevourastronomerismad.

Familiaritywiththegrassandthetreesteachesusdeeperlessonsofloveandtrustthanwecanglean
fromthewritingsofFenelonandAugustine.ThegreatBibleofGodiseveropenbeforemankind.The
eternalflowersofHeavenseemtoshedsweetinfluenceontheperishableblossomsoftheearth.The
greatsermonofJesuswaspreachedonamountain,whichpreachedtoHimasHedidtothepeople,and
Hisfiguresofspeechwerefirstnaturalfiguresoffact.

IftomorrowIamtoperishutterly,thenIshallonlytakecounselfortoday,andaskforqualitieswhich
lastnolonger.Myfatherswillbetomeonlyasthegroundoutofwhichmybreadcornisgrown;dead
theyarebuttherottenmouldofearth,theirmemoryofsmallconcerntome.Posterity!Ishallcare
nothingforthefuturegenerationsofmankind!Iamoneatominthetrunkofatree,andcarenothingfor
therootsbelow,orthebranchabove.Ishallsowsuchseedonlyaswillbearharvesttoday.Passionmay
enactmystatutestoday,andambitionrepealthemtomorrow.Iwillknownootherlegislators.Morality
willvanish,andexpediencytakeitsplace.Heroismwillbegoneandinsteadofittherewillbethe
savageferocityofthehewolf,thebrutecunningoftheshefox,therapacityofthevulture,andthe
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headlongdaringofthewildbull;butnolongerthecool,calmcouragethat,fortruth'ssake,andfor
love'ssake,looksdeathfirmlyintheface,andthenwheelsintolinereadytobeslain.Affection,
friendship,philanthropy,willbebutthewildfanciesofthemonomaniac,fitsubjectsforsmilesor
laughterorforpity.

Butknowingthatweshallliveforever,andthattheInfiniteGodlovesallofus,wecanlookonallthe
evilsoftheworld,andseethatitisonlythehourbeforesunrise,andthatthelightiscoming;andsowe
also,evenwe,maylightalittletaper,toilluminatethedarknesswhileitlasts,andhelpuntiltheday
springcome.Eternalmorningfollowsthenight;arainbowscarfstheshouldersofeverycloudthat
weepsitsrainawaytobeflowersonlandandpearlsatsea.Liferisesoutofthegrave,thesoulcannot
beheldbyfetteringflesh.Nodawnishopelessanddisasterisonlythethresholdofdelight.

Beautifully,abovethegreatwidechaosofhumanerrors,shinesthecalm,clearlightofnaturalhuman
religion,revealingtousGodastheInfiniteParentofall,perfectlypowerful,wise,just,loving,and
perfectlyholytoo.BeautifularoundstretchesoffeverywaytheUniverse,theGreatBibleofGod.
MaterialnatureisitsOldTestament,millionsofyearsold,thickwitheternaltruthsunderourfeet,
glitteringwitheverlastinggloriesoverourheadsandHumanNatureistheNewTestamentfromthe
InfiniteGod,everydayrevealinganewpageasTimeturnsovertheleaves.Immortalitystandswaiting
togivearecompenseforeveryvirtuenotrewarded,foreverytearnotwipedaway,foreverysorrow
undeserved,foreveryprayer,foreverypureintentionandemotionoftheheart.Andoverthewhole,
overNature,MaterialandHuman,overthisMortalLifeandovertheeternalPastandFuture,the
infiniteLovingkindnessofGodtheFathercomesenfoldingallandblessingeverythingthateverwas,
thatis,thatevershallbe.

EverythingisathoughtoftheInfiniteGod.NatureisHisprose,andmanHisPoetry.Thereisno
Chance,noFate;butGod'sGreatProvidence,enfoldingthewholeUniverseinitsbosom,andfeedingit
witheverlastinglife.Intimespasttherehasbeenevilwhichwecannotunderstand;nowthereareevils
whichwecannotsolve,normakesquarewithGod'sperfectgoodnessbyanytheoryourfeebleintellect
enablesustoframe.Therearesufferings,follies,andsinsforallmankind,foreverynation,forevery
manandeverywoman.TheywereallforeseenbytheinfinitewisdomofGod,allprovidedforbyHis
infinitepowerandjustice,andallareconsistentwithHisinfinitelove.Tobelieveotherwisewouldbeto
believethatHemadetheworld,toamuseHisidlehourswiththefolliesandagoniesofmankind,as
Domitianwaswonttodowiththewrigglingsandcontortionsofinsectagonies.Thenindeedwemight
despairinglyuniteinthathorribleutteranceofHeine:"Alas,God'sSatireweighsheavilyonme!The
GreatAuthoroftheUniverse,theAristophanesofHeaven,isbentondemonstrating,withcrushing
force,tome,thelittle,earthly,GermanAristophanes,howmywittiestsarcasmsareonlypitiful
attemptsatjesting,incomparisonwithHis,andhowmiserablyIambeneathHim,inhumor,incolossal
mockery".
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No,no!Godisnotthusamusedwithandprodigalofhumansuffering.TheworldisneitheraHere
withoutaHereafter,abodywithoutasoul,achaoswithnoGod;norabodyblastedbyasoul,aHere
withaworseHereafter,aworldwithaGodthathatesmorethanhalfthecreaturesHehasmade.There
isnoSavage,Revengeful,andEvilGod;butthereisanInfiniteGod,seeneverywhereasPerfectCause,
everywhereasPerfectProvidence,transcendingall,yetindwellingeverywhere,withperfectpower,
wisdom,justice,holiness,andlove,providingforthefuturewelfareofeachandall,foreseeingand
forecaringforeverybubblethatbreaksonthegreatstreamofhumanlifeandhumanhistory.

Theendofmanandtheobjectofexistenceinthisworld,beingnotonlyhappiness,buthappinessin
virtueandthroughvirtue,virtueinthisworldistheconditionofhappinessinanotherlife,andthe
conditionofvirtueinthisworldissuffering,moreorlessfrequent,brieferorlongercontinued,moreor
lessintense.Takeawaysufferingandthereisnolongeranyresignationorhumanity,nomoreself
sacrifice,nomoredevotedness,nomoreheroicvirtues,nomoresublimemorality.Wearesubjectedto
suffering,bothbecausewearesensible,andbecauseweoughttobevirtuous.Iftherewerenophysical
evil,therewouldbenopossiblevirtue,andtheworldwouldbebadlyadaptedtothedestinyofman.
Theapparentdisordersofthephysicalworld,andtheevilsthatresultfromthem,arenotdisordersand
evilsthatoccurdespitethepowerandgoodnessofGod.Godnotonlyallows,butwillsthem.ItisHis
willthatthereshallbeinthephysicalworldcausesenoughofpainforman,toaffordhimoccasionsfor
resignationandcourage.

Whateverisfavorabletovirtue,whatevergivesthemorallibertymoreenergy,whatevercanservethe
greatermoraldevelopmentofthehumanrace,isgood.Sufferingisnottheworstconditionofmanon
earth.Theworstconditionisthemoralbrutalizationwhichtheabsenceofphysicalevilwould
engender.

Externalorinternalphysicalevilconnectsitselfwiththeobjectofexistence,whichistoaccomplishthe
morallawherebelow,whatevertheconsequences,withthefirmhopethatvirtueunfortunatewillnot
failtoberewardedinanotherlife.Themorallawhasitssanctionanditsreasoninitself.Itowes
nothingtothatlawofmeritanddemeritthataccompaniesit,butisnotitsbasis.But,thoughthe
principleofmeritanddemeritoughtnottobethedeterminingprincipleofvirtuousaction,it
powerfullyconcurswiththemorallaw,becauseitoffersvirtuealegitimategroundofconsolationand
hope.

Moralityistherecognitionofduty,asduty,anditsaccomplishment,whatevertheconsequences.

Religionistherecognitionofdutyinitsnecessaryharmonywithgoodness;aharmonythatmusthave
itsrealizationinanotherlife,throughthejusticeandomnipotenceofGod.
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Religionisastrueasmorality;foroncemoralityisadmitted,itsconsequencesmustbeadmitted.

Thewholemoralexistenceisincludedinthesetwowords,harmoniouswitheachother:DUTYand
HOPE.

MasonryteachesthatGodisinfinitelygood.Whatmotive,whatreasonandmorallyspeaking,what
possibilitycantherebetoInfinitePowerandInfiniteWisdom,tobeanythingbutgood?Ourvery
sorrows,proclaimingthelossofobjectsinexpressiblydeartous,demonstrateHisGoodness.TheBeing
thatmadeusintelligentcannotHimselfbewithoutintelligence;andHeWhohasmadeussotolove
andtosorrowforwhatwelove,mustnumberloveforthecreaturesHehasmade,amongHisinfinite
attributes.

Amidalloursorrows,wetakerefugeintheassurancethatHelovesus;thatHedoesnotcapriciously,or
throughindifferenceandstilllessinmereanger,grieveandafflictus;thatHechastensus,inorderthat
byHischastisements,whicharebyHisuniversallawonlytheconsequencesofouracts,wemaybe
profitedandthatHecouldnotshowsomuchloveforHiscreatures,byleavingthemunchastened,
untried,undisciplined.WehavefaithintheInfinite;faithinGod'sInfiniteLoveanditisthatfaiththat
mustsaveus.

NodispensationsofGod'sProvidence,nosufferingorbereavementisamessengerofwrath:noneofits
circumstancesareindicationsofGod'sAnger.HeisincapableofAnger;higheraboveanysuchfeelings
thanthedistantstarsareabovetheearth.BadmendonotdiebecauseGodhatesthem.Theydie
becauseitisbestforthemthattheyshoulddosoandbadastheyare,itisbetterforthemtobeinthe
handsoftheinfinitelygoodGod,thananywhereelse.

Darknessandgloomlieuponthepathsofmen.Theystumbleatdifficulties,areensnaredby
temptationsandperplexedbytrouble.Theyareanxiousandtroubled,andfearful.Painandaffliction
andsorrowoftengatheraroundthestepsoftheirearthlypilgrimage.Allthisiswrittenindeliblyupon
thetabletsofthehumanheart.Itisnottobeerased;butMasonryseesandreadsitinanewlight.It
doesnotexpecttheseillsandtrialsandsufferingstoberemovedfromlife;butthatthegreattruthwill
atsometimebebelievedbyallmen,thattheyarethemeansselectedbyinfinitewisdom,topurifythe
heartandtoinvigoratethesoulwhoseinheritanceisimmortality,andtheworlditsschool.

MasonrypropagatesnocreedexceptitsownmostsimpleandSublimeOne;thatuniversalreligion,
taughtbyNatureandbyReason.ItsLodgesareneitherJewish,Moslem,norChristianTemples.It
reiteratesthepreceptsofmoralityofallreligions.Itveneratesthecharacterandcommendsthe
teachingsofthegreatandgoodofallagesandofallcountries.Itextractsthegoodandnottheevil,the
truth,andnottheerror,fromallcreedsandacknowledgesthatthereismuchwhichisgoodandtruein
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all.

Abovealltheothergreatteachersofmoralityandvirtue,itreveresthecharacteroftheGreatMaster
Who,submissivetothewillofHisandourFather,diedupontheCross.Allmustadmit,thatifthe
worldwerefilledwithbeingslikeHim,thegreatillsofsocietywouldbeatoncerelieved.Forall
coercion,injury,selfishness,andrevenge,andallthewrongsandthegreatestsufferingsoflife,would
disappearatonce.Thesehumanyearswouldbehappy;andtheeternalageswouldrolloninbrightness
andbeautyandthestill,sadmusicofHumanity,thatsoundsthroughtheworld,nowintheaccentsof
grief,andnowinpensivemelancholy,wouldchangetoanthems,soundingtotheMarchofTime,and
burstingoutfromtheheartoftheworld.

IfeverymanwereaperfectimitatorofthatGreat,wise,GoodTeacher,clothedwithallHisfaithandall
Hisvirtues,howthecircleofLife'sillsandtrialswouldbenarrowed!Thesensualpassionswouldassail
theheartinvain.Wantwouldnolongersuccessfullytemptmentoactwrongly,norcuriositytodo
rashly.Ambition,spreadingbeforemenitsKingdomsanditsThrones,andofficesandhonors,would
causenonetoswervefromtheirgreatallegiance.Injuryandinsultwouldbeshamedbyforgiveness
"Father,"menwouldsay,"forgivethem;fortheyknownotwhattheydo".

Nonewouldseektobeenrichedatanother'slossorexpense.Everymanwouldfeelthatthewhole
humanracewerehisbrothers.Allsorrowandpainandanguishwouldbesoothedbyaperfectfaithand
anentiretrustintheInfiniteGoodnessofGod.TheworldarounduswouldbenewandtheHeavens
aboveus;forhere,andthereandeverywhere,throughalltheamplegloriesandsplendorsofthe
Universe,allmenwouldrecognizeandfeelthepresenceandthebeneficentcareofalovingFather.

However,theMasonmaybelieveastocreeds,andchurchesandmiraclesandmissionsfromHeaven,he
mustadmitthattheLifeandcharacterofHimwhotaughtinGalilee,andfragmentsofWhoseteachings
havecomedowntous,areworthyofallimitation.ThatLifeisanundeniedandundeniableGospel.Its
teachingscannotbepassedbyanddiscarded.Allmustadmitthatitwouldbehappinesstofollowand
perfectiontoimitateHim.NoneeverfeltforHimasincereemotionofcontempt,norinangeraccused
Himofsophistry,norsawimmoralitylurkinginHisdoctrines;howevertheymayjudgeofthosewho
succeededHimandclaimedtobeHisapostles.Divineorhuman,inspiredoronlyareformingEssene,
itmustbeagreedthatHisteachingsarefarnobler,farpurer,farlessalloyedwitherrorand
imperfection,farlessoftheearthearthly,thanthoseofSocrates,Plato,Seneca,orMahometorany
otherofthegreatmoralistsandReformersoftheworld.

IfouraimswentascompletelyasHisbeyondpersonalcareandselfishgratification;ifourthoughtsand
wordsandactionswereasentirelyemployeduponthegreatworkofbenefitingourkindthetruework
whichwehavebeenplacedheretodoasHiswere;ifournaturewereasgentleandastenderasHis;
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andifsociety,country,kindred,friendshipandhomewereasdeartousastheyweretoHim,weshould
beatoncerelievedofmorethanhalfthedifficultiesandthediseasedandpainfulaffectionsofourlives.
Simpleobediencetorectitude,insteadofselfinterest;simpleselfcultureandselfimprovement,instead
ofconstantcultivationofthegoodopinionofothers;singleheartedaimsandpurposes,insteadof
improperobjects,soughtandapproachedbydeviousandcrookedways,wouldfreeourmeditationsof
manydisturbingandirritatingquestions.

Nottorenouncethenoblerandbetteraffectionsofournatures,norhappiness,norourjustduesoflove
andhonorfrommen;nottovilifyourselves,nortorenounceourselfrespect,norajustandreasonable
senseofourmeritsanddeserts,norourownrighteousnessofvirtue,doesMasonryrequire,norwould
ourimitationofHimrequire;buttorenounceourvices,ourfaults,ourpassions,ourselfflattering
delusions;toforegoalloutwardadvantages,whicharetobegainedonlythroughasacrificeofour
inwardintegrity,orbyanxiousandpettycontrivancesandappliances;tochooseandkeepthebetter
part;tosecurethatandlettheworsttakecareofitself;tokeepagoodconscienceandletopinioncome
andgoasitwill;toretainaloftyselfrespect,andletlowselfindulgencego;tokeepinwardhappiness
andletoutwardadvantagesholdasubordinateplace;torenouneourselfishness,andthateternal
anxietyastowhatwearetohave,andwhatmenthinkofusandbecontentwiththeplenitudeofGod's
greatmercies,andsotobehappy.

Foritistheinordinatedevotiontoselfandconsiderationofself,thatiseveraastumblingblockinthe
way;thatspreadsquestions,snares,anddifficultiesaroundus,darkensthewayofProvidence,and
makestheworldafarlesshappyonetousthanitmightbe.

AsHetaught,soMasonryteaches,affectiontoourkindred,tendernesstoourfriends,gentlenessand
forbearancetowardourinferiors,pityforthesuffering,forgivenessofourenemies;andtowearan
affectionatenatureandgentledispositionasthegarmentofourlife,investingpainandtoil,andagony,
andevendeath,withasereneandholybeauty.Itdoesnotteachustowrapourselvesinthegarmentsof
reserveandpride,tocarenothingfortheworldbecauseitcaresnothingforus,towithdrawour
thoughtsfromsocietybecauseitdoesusnotjustice,andseehowpatientlywecanlivewithinthe
confinesofourownbosoms,orinquietcommunion,throughbooks,withthemightydead.Noman
everfoundpeaceorlightinthatway.Everyrelation,ofhate,scorn,orneglect,tomankind,isfullof
vexationandtorment.Thereisnothingtodowithmenbuttolovethem,toadmiretheirvirtues,pity
andbearwiththeirfaultsandforgivetheirinjuries.Tohateyouradversarywillnothelpyou;tokillhim
willhelpyoustillless;nothingwithinthecompassoftheUniversewillhelpyou,buttopity,forgive
andlovehim.

IfwepossessedHisgentleandaffectionatedisposition,Hisloveandcompassionforallthaterrandall
thatoffend,howmanydifficulties,bothwithinandwithoutus,wouldtheyrelieve!Howmany
depressedmindsshouldweconsole!Howmanytroublesinsocietyshouldwecompose!Howmany
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enmitiessoften!Howmanyaknotofmysteryandmisunderstandingwouldbeuntiedbyasingleword,
spokeninsimpleandconfidingtruth!Howmanyaroughpathwouldbemadesmooth,andhowmanya
crookedpathbemadestraight!Verymanyplaces,nowsolitary,wouldbemadeglad;verymanydark
placesbefilledwithlight.

Moralityhasitsaxioms,liketheothersciencesandtheseaxiomsare,inalllanguages,justlytermed
moraltruths.Moraltruths,consideredinthemselves,areequallyascertainasmathematicaltruths.
Giventheideaofadeposit,theideaofkeepingitfaithfullyisattachedtoitasnecessarily,astotheidea
ofatriangleisattachedtheideathatitsthreeanglesareequaltotworightangles.Youmayviolatea
deposit;butindoingso,donotimaginethatyouchangethenatureofthings,ormakewhatisinitselfa
depositbecomeyourownproperty.Thetwoideasexcludeeachother.Youhavebutafalsesemblance
ofpropertyandalltheeffortsofthepassions,allthesophismsofinterest,willnotoverturnessential
differences.Thereforeitisthatamoraltruthissoimperious;because,likealltruth,itiswhatitisand
shapesitselftopleasenocaprice.Alwaysthesame,andalwayspresent,littleaswemaylikeit,it
inexorablycondemns,withavoicealwaysheard,butnotalwaysregarded,theinsensateandguiltywill
whichthinkstopreventitsexisting,bydenying,orratherbypretendingtodeny,itsexistence.

Themoraltruthsaredistinguishedfromothertruthsbythissingularcharacteristicsosoonaswe
perceivethem,theyappeartousastheruleofourconduct.Ifitistruethatadepositismadeinorderto
bereturnedtoitslegitimatepossessor,itmustbereturned.Tothenecessityofbelievingthetruth,the
necessitypractisingitisadded.

Thenecessityofpractisingthemoraltruthsisobligation.Themoraltruths,necessarytotheeyeof
reason,areobligatoryonthewill.Themoralobligation,likethemoraltruthwhichisitsbasis,is
absolute.Asnecessarytruthsarenotmoreorlessnecessary,soobligationisnotmoreorless
obligatory.Therearedegreesofimportanceamongdifferentobligations;buttherearenodegreesinthe
obligationitself.Oneisnotnearlyobliged,almostobliged;butwhollyso,ornotatall.Iftherebeany
placeofrefugeagainsttheobligation,itceasestoexist.

Iftheobligationisabsolute,itisimmutableanduniversal.Forifwhatisobligationtodaymaynotbe
sotomorrow,ifwhatisobligatoryformemaynotbesoforyou,theobligationdifferingfromitself,it
wouldberelativeandcontingent.Thisfactofabsolute,immutable,universalobligationiscertainand
manifest.Thegoodisthefoundationofobligation.Ifitbenot,obligationhasnofoundation;andthatis
impossible.Ifoneactoughttobedone,andanotheroughtnot,itmustbebecauseevidentlythereisan
essentialdifferencebetweenthetwoacts.Ifonebenotgoodandtheotherbad,theobligationimposed
onusisarbitrary.

TomaketheGoodaconsequence,ofanythingwhatever,istoannihilateit.Itisthefirst,oritisnothing.
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Whenweaskanhonestmanwhy,despitehisurgentnecessities,hehasrespectedthesanctityofa
deposit,heanswers,becauseitwashisduty.Askedwhyitwashisduty,heanswers,becauseitwas
right,wasjust,wasgood.Beyondthatthereisnoanswertobemade,butthereisalsonoquestiontobe
asked.Noonepermitsadutytobeimposedonhimwithoutgivinghimselfareasonforit.Butwhenit
isadmittedthatthedutyiscommandedbyjustice,themindissatisfied;forithasarrivedataprinciple
beyondwhichthereisnothingtoseek,justicebeingitsownprinciple.Theprimarytruthsincludetheir
ownreason:andjustice,theessentialdistinctionbetweengoodandevil,isthefirsttruthofmorality.

Justiceisnotaconsequence;becausewecannotascendtoanyprincipleaboveit.Moraltruthforces
itselfonman,anddoesnotemanatefromhim.Itnomorebecomessubjective,byappearingtous
obligatory,thantruthdoesbyappearingtousnecessary.Itisintheverynatureofthetrueandthegood
thatwemustseekforthereasonofnecessityandobligation.

Obligationisfoundedonthenecessarydistinctionbetweenthegoodandtheevil;anditisitselfthe
foundationofliberty.Ifmanhashisdutiestoperform,hemusthavethefacultyofaccomplishingthem,
ofresistingdesire,passion,andinterest,inordertoobeythelaw.Hemustbefree;thereforeheisso,or
humannatureisincontradictionwithitself.Thecertaintyoftheobligationinvolvesthecorresponding
certaintyoffreewill.

Itisthewillthatisfree;thoughsometimesthatwillmaybeineffectual.Thepowertodomustnotbe
confoundedwiththepowertowill.Theformermaybelimited;thelatterissovereign.Theexternal
effectsmaybeprevented:theresolutionitselfcannot.Ofthissovereignpowerofthewillweare
conscious.Wefeelinourselves,beforeitbecomesdeterminate,theforcewhichcandetermineitselfin
onewayoranother.AtthesametimewhenIwillthisorthat,IamequallyconsciousthatIcanwillthe
contrary.IamconsciousthatIamthemasterofmyresolution:thatImaycheckit,continueit,retakeit.
Whentheacthasceased,theconsciousnessofthepowerwhichproducedithasnot.Thatconsciousness
andthepowerremain,superiortoallthemanifestationsofthepower.Whereforefreewillisthe
essentialandeversubsistingattributeofthewillitself.

Atthesametimethatwejudgethatafreeagenthasdoneagoodorabadact,weformanother
judgment,asnecessaryasthefirst;thatifhehasdonewell,hedeservescompensation;ifill,
punishment.Thatjudgmentmaybeexpressedinamannermoreorlessvivid,accordingasitismingled
withsentimentsmoreorlessardent.Sometimesitwillbeamerelykindfeelingtowardavirtuousagent
andmoderatelyhostiletoaguiltyone;sometimesenthusiasmorindignation.Thejudgmentofmerit
anddemeritisintimatelyconnectedwiththejudgmentofgoodandevil.Meritisthenaturalright
whichwehavetoberewarded;demeritthenaturalrightwhichothershavetopunishus.Butwhether
therewardisreceivedorthepunishmentundergone,ornot,themeritordemeritequallysubsists.
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Punishmentandrewardarethesatisfactionofmeritanddemerit,butdonotconstitutethem.Takeaway
theformer,andthelattercontinue.Takeawaythelatter,andtherearenolongerrealrewardsor
punishments.Whenabasemanencompassesourmeritedhonors,hehasobtainedthemereappearance
ofareward;amerematerialadvantage.Therewardisessentiallymoral;anditsvalueisindependentof
itsform.OneofthosesimplecrownsofoakwithwhichtheearlyRomansrewardedheroism,wasof
morerealvaluethanthewealthoftheworld,whenitwasthesignofthegratitudeandadmirationofa
people.Rewardaccordedtomeritisadebt;withoutmerititisanalmsoratheft.

TheGoodisgoodinitselfandtobeaccomplished,whatevertheconsequences.TheresultsoftheGood
cannotbutbefortunate.Happiness,separatedfromtheGood,isbutafacttowhichnomoralideais
attached.AsaneffectoftheGood,itentersintothemoralorder,completesandcrownsit.

Virtuewithouthappinessandcrimewithoutmisery,isacontradictionanddisorder.Ifvirtuesuppose
sacrifice(thatis,suffering),eternaljusticerequiresthatsacrificegenerouslyacceptedandcourageously
borne,shallhaveforitsrewardthesamehappinessthatwassacrificedanditalsorequiresthatcrime
shallbepunishedwithunhappiness,fortheguiltyhappinesswhichitattemptedtoprocure.

Thislawthatattachespleasureandsorrowtothegoodandtheevilis,ingeneral,accomplishedeven
herebelow.Fororderrulesintheworld;becausetheworldlasts.Isthatordersometimesdisturbed?Are
happinessandsorrownotalwaysdistributedinlegitimateproportiontocrimeandvirtue?Theabsolute
judgmentoftheGood,theabsolutejudgmentofobligation,theabsolutejudgmentofmeritand
demerit,continuetosubsist,inviolableandimprescriptibleandwecannothelpbutbelievethatHeWho
hasimplantedinusthesentimentandideaoforder,cannotthereinHimselfbewantingandthatHe
will,soonerorlater,reestablishtheholyharmonyofvirtueandhappiness,bymeansbelongingto
Himself.

TheJudgmentoftheGood,thedecisionthatsuchathingisgoodandthatsuchanotherisnot,thisis
theprimitivefact,andreposesonitself.Byitsintimateresemblancestothejudgmentofthetrueand
thebeautiful,itshowsusthesecretaffinitiesofmorality,metaphysicsandaesthetics.Thegood,so
especillyunitedtothetrue,isdistinguishedfromit,onlybecauseitistruthputinpractice.Thegoodis
obligatory.Thesearetwoindivisiblebutnotidenticalideas.Theideaofobligationreposesontheidea
oftheGood.Inthisintimatealliance,theformerborrowsfromthelatteritsuniversalandabsolute
character.

Theobligatorygoodisthemorallaw.Thatisthefoundationofallmorality.Byitweseparateourselves
fromthemoralityofinterestandthemoralityofsentiment.Weadmittheexistenceofthosefactsand
theirinfluence;butwedonotassignthemthesamerank.
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Tothemorallaw,inthereasonofman,correspondslibertyinaction.Libertyisdeducedfrom
obligation,andisafactirresistiblyevident.Man,asfree,andsubjecttoobligation,isamoralperson
andthatinvolvestheideaofrights.Totheseideasisaddedthatofmeritanddemerit;whichsupposes
thedistinctionbetweengoodandevil,obligationandlibertyandcreatestheideaofrewardand
punishment.

Thesentimentsplaynounimportantpartinmorality.Allthemoraljudgmentsareaccompaniedby
sentimentsthatrespondtothem.Fromthesecretsourcesofenthusiasmthehumanwilldrawsthe
mysteriousvirtuethatmakesheroes.Truthenlightensandillumines.Sentimentwarmsandinclinesto
action.InterestalsobearsitspartandthehopeofhappinessistheworkofGod,andoneofthemotive
powersofhumanaction.

Suchistheadmirableeconomyofthemoralconstitutionofman.HisSupremeObject,theGood;his
law,virtue,whichoftenimposesuponhimsuffering,thusmakinghimtoexcelallothercreatedbeings
knowntous.Butthislawisharsh,andincontradictionwiththeinstinctivedesireforhappiness.
WhereforetheBeneficentAuthorofhisbeinghasplacedinhissoul,bythesideoftheseverelawof
duty,thesweet,delightfulforceofsentiment.Generallyheattacheshappinesstovirtue;andforthe
exceptions,forsuchthereare,hehasplacedHopeattheendofthejourneytobetravelled.

Thusthereisasideonwhichmoralitytouchesreligion.ItisasublimenecessityofHumanitytoseein
GodtheLegislatorsuremelywise,thewitnessalwayspresent,theinfallibleJudgeofvirtue.Thehuman
mind,everclimbinguptoGod,woulddeemthefoundationsofmoralitytoounstable,ifitdidnotplace
inGodthefirstprincipleofthemorallaw.

Wishingtogivetothemorallawareligiouscharacter,weruntheriskoftakingfromititsmoral
character.WemayreferitsoentirelytoGodastomakeHiswillanarbitrarydegree.Butthewillof
God,whencewededucemorality,inordertogiveitauthority,itselfhasnomoralauthority,exccptasit
isjust.TheGoodcomesfromthewillofGodalone;butfromHiswill,insofarasitistheexpression
ofHiswisdomandjustice.TheEternalJusticeofGodisthesolefoundationofJustice,suchas
Humanityperceivesandpractisesit.TheGood,duty,meritanddemerit,arereferredtoGod,as
everythingisreferredtoHim;buttheyhavenonethelessaproperevidenceandauthority.Religionis
thecrownofMorality,notitsbase.ThebaseofMoralityisinitself.

TheMoralCodeofMasonryisstillmoreextensivethanthatdevelopedbyphilosophy.Tothe
requisitionsofthelawofNatureandthelawofGod,itaddstheimperativeobligationofacontract.
UponenteringtheOrder,theInitiatebindstohimselfeveryMasonintheworld.Onceenrolledamong
thechildrenoflight,everyMasononearthbecomeshisbrotherandoweshimtheduties,the
kindnesses,andthesympathiesofabrother.Oneveryonehemaycallforassistanceinneed,protection
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againstdanger,sympathyinsorrow,attentioninsickness,anddecentburialafterdeath.

ThereisnotaMasonintheworldwhoisnotboundtogotohisrelief,whenheisindanger,iftherebe
greaterprobabilityofsavinghislifethanoflosinghisown.NoMasoncanwronghimtothevalueof
anything,knowingly,himself,norsufferittobedonebyothers,ifitbeinhispowertopreventit.No
Masoncanspeakevilofhim,tohisfaceorbehindhisback.EveryMasonmustkeephislawfulsecrets,
andaidhiminhisbusiness,defendhischaracterwhenunjustlyassailed,andprotect,counsel,andassist
hiswidowandhisorphans.Whatsomanythousandsowetohim,heowestoeachofthem.Hehas
solemnlyboundhimselftobeeverreadytodischargethissacreddebt.Ifhefailstodoitheisdishonest
andforsworn;anditisanunparalleledmeannessinhimtoobtaingoodofficesbyfalsepretences,to
receivekindnessandservice,renderedhimundertheconfidentexpectationthathewillinhisturn
renderthesame,andthentodisappoint,withoutamplereason,thatjustexpectation.

Masonryholdshimalso,byhissolemnpromise,toapurerlifeanoblergenerosity,amoreperfect
charityofopinionandaction.Tobetolerant,catholicinhisloveforhisrace,ardentinhiszealforthe
interestofmankind,theadvancementandprogressofhumanity.

Suchare,wethink,thePhilosophyandtheMorality,suchtheTRUEWORDofaMasterMason.

Theworld,theancientsbelieved,wasgovernedbySevenSecondaryCauses;andthesewerethe
universalforces,knowntotheHebrewsbythepluralnameELOHIM.Theseforces,analogousand
contraryonetotheother,produceequilibriumbytheircontrasts,andregulatethemovementsofthe
spheres.TheHebrewscalledthemtheSevengreatArchangelsandgavethemnames,eachofwhich,
beingacombinationofanotherwordwithAL,thefirstPhoenicianNatureGod,consideredasthe
PrincipleofLight,representedthemasHismanifestations.OtherpeoplesassignedtotheseSpiritsthe
governmentoftheSevenPlanetsthenknown,andgavethemthenamesoftheirgreatdivinities.

So,intheKabala,thelastSevenSephirothconstitutedATIKYOMIN,theAncientofDays;andthese,
aswellastheSevenplanets,correspondwiththeSevencolorsseparatedbytheprism,andtheSeven
notesofthemusicaloctave.

Sevenisthesacrednumberinalltheogoniesandallsymbols,becauseitiscomposedof3and4.It
representsthemagicalpowerinitsfullforce.ItistheSpiritassistedbyalltheElementaryPowers,the
SoulservedbyNature,theHolyEmpirespokenofintheclaviculesofSolomon,symbolizedbya
warrior,crowned,bearingatriangleonhiscuirass,andstandingonacube,towhichareharnessedtwo
Sphinxes,onewhiteandtheotherblack,pullingcontraryways,andturningtheheadtolookbackward.
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ThevicesareSeven,likethevirtuesandthelatterwereancientlysymbolizedbytheSevenCelestial
bodiesthenknownasplanets.FAITH,astheconverseofarrogantConfidence,wasrepresentedbythe
Sun;HOPE,enemyofAvarice,bytheMoon;CHARITY,opposedtoLuxury,byVenus;FORCE,
strongerthanRage,byMars;PRUDENCE,theoppositeofIndolence,byMercury;TEMPERANCE,
theantipodesofGluttony,bySaturn;andJUSTICE,theoppositeofEnvy,byJupiter.

TheKabalisticbookoftheApocalypseisrepresentedasclosedwithSevenSeals.Initwefindthe
SevengeniioftheAncientMythologiesandthedoctrineconcealedunderitsemblemsisthepure
Kabala,alreadylostbythePhariseesattheadventoftheSaviour.Thepicturesthatfollowinthis
wondrousepicaresomanypantacles,ofwhichthenumbers3,4,7and12arekeys.

TheCherub,orsymbolicbull,whichMosesplacesatthegateoftheEdenicworld,holdingablazing
sword,isaSphinx,withthebodyofabullandahumanhead;theoldAssyrianSphinxwhereofthe
combatandvictoryofMithraswerethehieroglyphanalysis.ThisarmedSphinxrepresentsthelawof
theMystery,whichkeepswatchatthedoorofinitiation,torepulsetheProfane.Italsorepresentsthe
grandMagicalMystery,alltheelementswhereofthenumber7expresses,stillwithoutgivingitlast
word.This"unspeakableword"oftheSagesoftheschoolofAlexandria,thisword,whichtheHebrew
Kabalistswrote;IHUHandtranslatedbyARARITA,soexpressingthethreefoldnessoftheSecondary
Principle,thedualismofthemiddleones,andtheUnityaswellofthefirstPrincipleasoftheendand
alsothejunctionofthenumber3withthenumber4inawordcomposedoffourletters,butformedof
sevenbyonetriplicateandtworepeated,thiswordispronouncedArarita.

ThevowelsintheGreeklanguagearealsoSeveninnumberandwereusedtodesignatetheSeven
planets.

TsadokorSydycwastheSupremeGodinPhoenicia.HisSevenSonswereprobablytheSevenCabiri;
andhewastheHeptaktis,theGodofSevenRays.

Kronos,theGreeksaturn,PhilomakesSanchoniathonsay,hadsixsons,andbyAstarteSeven
daughters,theTitanides.ThePersiansadoredAhuraMasdaorOrmuzdandtheSixAmshaspandsthe
firstthreeofwhomwereLordsoftheEmpiresofLight,FireandSplendor;theBabylonians,Baland
theGods;theChineseShangtiandtheSixChiefSpiritsandtheGreeks,KronosandtheSixgreatMale
Gods,hisprogeny,Zeus,Poseidon,Apollo,Ares,HephaistosandHermes;whilethefemaledeities
werealsoSeven:Rhea,wifeofKronos,Here,Athene,Artemis,Aphrodite,HestiaandDemetei.Inthe
OrphicTheogony,GaiaproducedthefourteenTitans,SevenmaleandSevenfemale,Kronosbeingthe
mostpotentofthemalesandasthenumberSevenappearsinthese,ninebythreesorthetripletriangle,
isfoundinthethreeMoeraeorFates,thethreeCentimanes,andthethreeCyclopes,offspringof
OuranosandGaia,orHeavenandEarth.
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Themetals,likethecolors,weredeemedtobeSeveninnumber,andametalandcolorwereassignedto
eachplanet.Ofthemetals,goldwasassignedtotheSunandsilvertotheMoon.

ThepalaceofDeiocesinEcbatanahadSevencircularwallsofdifferentcolors,thetwoinnermost
havingtheirbattlementscoveredrespectivelywithsilveringandgilding.

AndtheSevenSpheresofBorsippawererepresentedbytheStories,eachofadifferentcolor,ofthe
towerortruncatedpyramidofBelatBabylon.

Pharaohsawinhisdream,whichJosephinterpreted,Sevenearsofwheatononestalk,fullandgood,
andafterthemSevenears,withered,thin,andblastedwiththeEastWind;andtheSeventhinears
devouredtheSevengoodears;andJosephinterpretedthesetomeanSevenyearsofplentysucceededby
Sevenyearsoffamine.

ConnectedwiththisEbnHeshamrelatesthatafloodofrainlaidbaretoviewasepulchreinYemen,in
whichlayawomanhavingonherneckSevencollarsofpearls,andonherhandsandfeetbraceletsand
ankleringsandarmlets,Sevenoneach,withaninscriptiononatabletshowingthat,afterattemptingin
vaintopurchasegrainofJoseph,she,Tajah,daughterofDzuShefar,andherpeople,diedoffamine.

Hearagainthewordsofanadept,whohadprofoundlystudiedthemysteriesofscience,andwrote,as
theAncientOraclesspoke,inenigmas;butwhoknewthatthetheoryofmechanicalforcesandofthe
materialityofthemostpotentagentsofDivinity,explainsnothing,andoughttosatisfynoone!

Throughtheveilofallthehieraticandmysticallegoriesoftheancientdogmas,underthesealofallthe
sacredwritings,intheruinsofNinevehorThebes,onthewornstonesoftheancienttemples,andon
theblackenedfaceofthesphinxofAssyriaorEgypt,inthemonstrousormarvellouspictureswhichthe
sacredpagesoftheVedastranslateforthebelieversofIndia,inthestrangeemblemsofouroldbooks
ofalchemy,intheceremoniesofreceptionpractisedbyallthemysteriousSocieties,wefindthetraces
ofadoctrine,everywherethesame,andeverywherecarefullyconcealed.Theoccultphilosophyseems
tohavebeenthenurseorthegodmotherofallreligions,thesecretleverofalltheintellectualforces,the
keyofalldivineobscurities,andtheabsoluteQueenofSociety,intheageswhenitwasexclusively
reservedfortheeducationofthePriestsandKings.

IthadreignedinPersiawiththeMagi,whoperishedonedayasthemastersoftheworldhadperished,
forhavingabusedtheirpower.IthadendowedIndiawiththemostmarvelloustraditions,andan
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incredibleluxuryofpoetry,grace,andterrorinitsemblems;ithadcivilizedGreecebythesoundsof
thelyreofOrpheus;ithidtheprinciplesofallthesciences,andofthewholeprogressionofthehuman
spirit,intheaudaciouscalculationsofPythagoras:fableteemedwithitsmiraclesandhistory,whenit
undertooktojudgeofthisunknownpower,confoundeditselfwithfable;itshookorenfeebledempires
byitsoracles;madetyrantsturnpaleontheirthronesandruledoverallmindsbymeansofcuriosityor
fear.Tothisscience,saidthecrowd,nothingisimpossible.Itcommandstheelements,knowsthe
languageoftheplanetsandcontrolsthemovementsofthestars.Themoon,asitsvoicefalls,reeking
withblood,fromHeaven;thedeadriseuprightontheirgravesandshapeintofatalwordsthewindthat
breathesthroughtheirskulls.ControllerofLoveorHate,thissciencecanatpleasureconferonhuman
heartsParadiseorHell.Itdisposesatwillofallformsanddistributesbeautyordeformityasitpleases;
itchangesinturn,withtherodofCirce,menintobrutesandanimalsintomen.ItevendisposesofLife
orofDeathandcanbestowonitsadeptsrichesbythetransmutationofmetalsandimmortalitybyits
quintessenceandelixir,compoundedofgoldandlight.

Thisiswhatmagichadbeen,fromZoroastertoManes,fromOrpheustoApolloniusThyaneus;when
positiveChristianity,triumphingoverthesplendiddreamsandgiganticaspirationsoftheschoolof
Alexandria,publiclycrushedthisphilosophywithitsanathemasandcompelledittobecomemore
occultandmoremysteriousthanever.

Atthebottomofmagic,nevertheless,wasscienceasatthebottomofChristianitytherewaslove;andin
theEvangelicSymbolsweseetheincarnateWORDadoredinitsinfancybythreemagiwhomastar
guides(theternaryandthesignofthemicrocosm),andreceivingfromthemgold,frankincense,and
myrrh;anothermysteriousternary,undertheemblemwhereofareallegoricallycontainedthehighest
secretsoftheKabala.

ChristianityshouldnothavehatedMagic;buthumanignorancealwaysfearstheunknown.Sciencewas
obligedtoconcealitself,toavoidtheimpassionedaggressionsofablindlove.Itenvelopeditselfinnew
hieroglyphs,concealeditsefforts,disguiseditshopes.Thenwascreatedthejargonofalchemy,a
continualdeceptionforthevulgarherd,greedyofgoldandalivinglanguageforthetruedisciplesof
Hermesalone.

ResortingtoMasonry,thealchemiststhereinventedDegreesandpartlyunveiledtheirdoctrinetotheir
Initiates;notbythelanguageoftheirreceptions,butbyoralinstructionafterward;fortheirrituals,to
onewhohasnotthekey,arebutinconprehensibleandabsurdjargon.

AmongthesacredbooksoftheChristiansaretwoworkswhichtheinfalliblechurchdoesnotpretendto
understand,andneverattemptstoexplain,theprophecyofEzekielandtheApocalypse;twocabalistic
clavicules,reserved,nodoubt,inHeaven,fortheexpositionoftheMagiankings;closedwithSeven
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sealsforallfaithfulbelieversandperfectlycleartotheunbelieverinitiatedintheoccultsciences.

ForChristiansandintheiropinion,thescientificandmagicalclaviculesofSolomonarelost.
Nevertheless,itiscertainthat,inthedomainofintelligencegovernedbytheWORD,nothingthatis
writtenislost.Onlythosethingswhichmenceasetounderstandnolongerexistforthem,atleastas
WORD;thentheyenterintothedomainofenigmasandmystery.

ThemysteriousfounderoftheChristianChurchwassalutedinHiscradlebythethreeMagi,thatisto
saybythehieraticambassadorsfromthethreepartsoftheknownworld,andfromthethreeanalogical
worldsoftheoccultphilosophy.

IntheschoolofAlexandria,MagicandChristianityalmosttakeeachotherbythehandunderthe
auspicesofAmmoniusSaccosandPlato.ThedogmaofHermesisfoundalmostentireinthewritings
attributedtoDionysiustheAreopagite.Synesiustracestheplanofatreatiseondreams,whichwas
subsequentlytobecommentedonbyCardan,andcomposeshymnswhichmightservefortheliturgyof
theChurchofSwedenborg,ifachurchofilluminaticouldhavealiturgy.

Tothisepochofardentabstractionsandimpassionedlogomachiesbelongsthephilosophicalreignof
Julian,anilluminatusandInitiateofthefirstorder,whobelievedintheunityofGodandtheuniversal
DogmaoftheTrinity,andregrettedthelossofnothingoftheoldworldbutitsmagnificentsymbolsand
toogracefulimages.HewasnoPagan,butaGnostic,infectedwiththeallegoriesofGrecian
polytheism,andwhosemisfortuneitwastofindthenameofJesusChristlesssonorousthanthatof
Orpheus.

WemaybesurethatsosoonasReligionandPhilosophybecomedistinctdepartments,themental
activityoftheageisinadvanceofitsFaith;andthat,thoughhabitmaysustainthelatterforatime,its
vitalityisgone.

ThedunceswholedprimitiveChristianityastray,bysubstitutingfaithforscience,reveriefor
experience,thefantasticfortherealityandtheinquisitorswhoforsomanyageswagedagainsMagism
awarofextermination,havesucceededinshroudingindarknesstheancientdiscoveriesofthehuman
mind;sothatwenowgropeinthedarktofindagainthekeyofthephenomenaofnature.Butallnatural
phenomenadependonasinglealimmutablelaw,representedbythephilosophalstoneanditssymbolic
form,whichisthatofacube.Thislaw,expressedintheKabalabythenumber4,furnishedthe
HebrewswithallthemysteriesoftheirdivineTetragram.

Everythingiscontainedinthatwordoffourletters.ItistheAzotoftheAlchemists,theThotofthe
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Bohemians,theTarooftheKabalists.ItsuppliestotheAdeptthelastwordofthehumanSciencesand
theKeyoftheDivinePower:buthealoneunderstandshowtoavailhimselfofitwhocomprehendsthe
necessityofneverrevealingit.IfOedipus,inplaceofslayingtheSphynx,hadconqueredit,anddriven
itintoThebesharnessedtohischariot,hewouldhavebeenKing,withoutincest,calamities,orexile.If
Psyche,bysubmissionandcaresses,hadpersuadedLovetorevealhimself,shewouldneverhavelost
him.Loveisoneofthemythologicalimagesofthegrandsecretandthegrandagent,becauseit
expressesatonceanactionandapassion,avoidandplenitude,anarrowandawound.TheInitiates
oughttounderstandthis,and,lesttheprofaneshouldoverhear,Masonryneversaystoomuch.

WhenSciencehadbeenovercomeinAlexandriabythefanaticismofthemurderersofHypatia,it
becameChristian,or,ratheritconcealeditselfunderChristiandisguises,withAmmoniusSynosius,
andtheauthorofthebooksofDionysiustheAreopagite.Thenitwasnecessarytowinthepardonof
miraclesbytheappearancesofsuperstitionandofsciencebyalanguageunintelligible.Hieroglyphic
writingwasrevived,andpantaclesandcharacterswereinvented,thatsummedupawholedoctrineina
sign,awholeseriesoftendenciesandrevelationsinaword.Whatastheobjectoftheaspirantsto
knowledge?Theysoughtforthesecretofthegreatwork,orthePhilosophalStone,ortheperpetual
motion,orthesquaringofthecircle,ortheuniversalmedicine;formulaswhichoftensavedthemfrom
persecutionandgeneralillwill,byexposingthemtothechargeoffolly;andeachofwhichexpressed
oneoftheforcesofthegrandmagicalsecret.ThislasteduntilthetimeoftheRomandelaRose,which
alsoexpressesthemysteriousandmagicalmeaningofthepoemofDante,borrowedfromtheHigh
Kabalah,thatimmenseandconealedsourceoftheuniversalphilosophy.

Itisnotstrangethatmanknowsbutlittleofthepowersofthehumanwill,andimperfectlyappreciates
them;sinceheknowsnothingastothenatureofthewillanditsmodeofoperation.Thathisownwill
canmovehisarm,orcompelanothertoobeyhim;thathisthoughts,symbolicallyexpressedbythe
signsofwriting,caninfluenceandleadothermen,aremysteriesasincomrehensibletohim,asthatthe
willofDeitycouldeffectthecreaionofaUniverse.

Thepowersofthewillareasyetchieflyindefiniteandunknown.Whetheramultitudeofwell
establishedphenomenaaretobeascribedtothepowerofthewillalone,ortomagnetismorsomeother
naturalagent,isapointasyetunsettled;butitisagreedbyallthataconcentratedeffortofthewillisin
everycasenecessarytosuccess.

Thatthephenomenaarerealisnottobedoubted,unlesscreditisnolongertobegiventohuman
testimonyandiftheyarereal,thereisnoreasonfordoubtingtheexerciseheretofore,bymanyadepts,
ofthepowersthatwerethentermedmagical.Nothingisbettervouchedforthantheextraordinary
performancesoftheBrahmins.Noreligionissupportedbystrongertestimony;norasanyoneevereven
attemptedtoexplainwhatmaywellbetermedtheirmiracles.
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Howfar,inthislife,themindandsoulcanactwithoutandindependentlyofthebody,nooneasyet
knows.Thatthewillcanactatallwithoutbodilycontact,andthephenomenaofdreams,aremysteries
thatconfoundthewisestandmostlearned,whoseexplanationsarebutaBabelofwords.

Manasyetknowslittleoftheforcesofnature.Surrounded,controlled,andgovernedbythem,whilehe
vainlythinkshimselfindependent,notonlyofhisrace,buttheuniversalnatureandherinfinite
manifoldforces,heistheslaveoftheseforces,unlesshebecomestheirmaster.Hecanneitherignore
theirexistennorbesimplytheirneighbor.

Thereisinnatureonemostpotentforce,bymeanswhereofsingleman,whocouldpossesshimselfof
it,andshouldknowhowtodirectit,couldrevolutionizeandchangethefaceoftheworld.

Thisforcewasknowntotheancients.Itisauniversalagewhosesupremelawisequilibrium;and
whereby,ifsciencecanbutlearnhowtocontrolit,itwillbepossibletochangetheorderofthe
Seasons,toproduceinnightthephenomenaofday,tosendathoughtinaninstantroundtheworld,to
healorslayatadistance,togiveourwordsuniversalsuccess,amakethemreverberateeverywhere.

Thisagent,partiallyrevealedbytheblindguessesofthedisciplesofMesmer,ispreciselywhatthe
Adeptsofthemiddleagescalledtheelementarymatterofthegreatwork.TheGnosticsheldthatit
composedtheigneousbodyoftheHolySpirit;aitwasadoredinthesecretritesoftheSabbatorthe
Temple,underthehieroglyphicfigureofBaphometorthehermaphrodicgoatofMendes.

ThereisaLifePrincipleoftheworld,auniversalagent,whereinaretwonaturesandadoublecurrent,
ofloveandwrath.Thisambientfluidpenetrateseverything.Itisaraydetachedfromthegloryofthe
Sunandfixedbytheweightoftheatmosphereandthecentralattraction.ItisthebodyoftheHoly
Spirit,theuniversalAgent,theSerpentdevouringhisowntail.Withthiselectromagneticether,this
vitalandluminouscaloric,theancientsandthealchemistswerefamiliar.Ofthisagent,thatphaseof
modernignorancetermedphysicalsciencetalksincoherently,knowingnaughtofitsaveitseffectsand
theologymightapplytoitallitspretendeddefinitionsofspirit.Quiescent,itisappreciablebyno
humansense;disturbedorinmovement,nonecanexplainitsmodeofactionandtotermita"fluid"
andspeakofits"currents",isbuttoveilaprofoundignoranceunderacloudofwords.

Forceattractsforce,lifeattractslife,healthattractshealth,isalawofnature.

Iftwochildrenlivetogetherandstillmoreiftheysleeptogetherandoneisfeebleandtheotherstrong,
thestrongwillabsorbthefeeble,andthelatterwillperish.
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Inschools,somepupilsabsorbtheintellectoftheothers,andineverycircleofmensomeone
individualissoonfound,whopossesseshimselfofthewillsoftheothers.

Enthralmentsbycurrentsisverycommonandoneiscarriedawaybythecrowd,inmoralsasin
physics.Thehumanwillhasanalmostabsolutepowerindeterminingone'sactsandeveryexternal
demonstrationofawillhasaninfluenceonexternalthings.

Tissotascribedmostmaladiestodisordersofthewill,ortheperverseinfluencesofthewillsofothers.
Webecomesubjecttothewillsofothersbytheanalogiesofourinclinations,andstillmorebythoseof
ourdefects.Tocaresstheweaknessesofanindividual,istopossessourselfofhim,andmakeofhiman
instrumentintheorderofthesameerrorsordepravations.Butwhentwonatures,analogicalindefects,
aresubordinatedonetotheother,thereiseffectedakindofsubstitutionofthestrongerinsteadofthe
weaker,andagenuineimprisonmentofonemindbytheother.Oftentheweakerstrugglesandwould
fainrevoltandthenfallslowerthaneverinservitude.

Weeachhavesomedominantdefect,bywhichtheenemycangraspus.Insomeitisvanity,inothers
indolence,inmostegotism.Letacunningandevilspiritpossesshimselfofthisandyouarelost.Then
youbecome,notfoolish,noranidiot,butpositivelyalunatic,theslaveofanimpulsefromwithout.You
haveaninstinctivehorrorforeverythingthatcouldrestoreyoutoreasonandwillnotevenlistento
representationsthatcontraveneyourinsanity.

Miraclesarethenaturaleffectsofexceptionalcauses.

Theimmediateactionofthehumanwillonbodies,oratleastthisactionexercisedwithoutvisible
means,constitutesamiracleinthephysicalorder.

Theinfluenceexercisedonwillsorintellects,suddenlyorwithinagiventime,andcapableoftaking
captivethethoughts,changingthefirmestresolutions,paralyzingthemostviolentpassions,constiuttes
amiracleinthemoralorder.

Thecommonerrorinrelationtomiraclesis,toregardthemaseffectswithoutcauses;ascontradictions
ofnature;assuddenfictionsoftheDivineimagination;andmendonotreflectthatasinglemiracleof
thissortwouldbreaktheuniversalharmonyandreplungetheuniverseintoChaos.
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TherearemiraclesimpossibletoGodHimself;absurdmiraclesareso.IfGodcouldbeabsurdfora
singleinstant,neitherHenortheUniversewouldexistaninstantafterward.ToexpectoftheDivine
FreeWillaneffectwhosecauseisunacknowledgedordoesnotexist,iswhatistermedtemptingGod.
Itistoprecipitateone'sselfintothevoid.

GodactsbyHisworksinHeaven,byangels;onearth,bymen.

Intheheavenofhumanconceptions,itishumanitythatcreatesGodandmenthinkthatGodhasmade
theminHisimage,becausetheymakeHimintheirs.

Thedomainofmanisallcorporealnature,visibleonearthandifhedoesnotruletheplanetsorthe
stars,hecanatleastcalculatetheirmovement,measuretheirdistances,andidentifyhiswillwiththeir
influence;hecanmodifytheatmosphere,acttoacertainpointontheseasons,cureandafflictwith
sicknessothermen,preservelifeandcausedeath.

Theabsoluteinreasonandwillisthegreatestpowerwhichitisgiventomentoattainanditisby
meansofthispowerthatwhatthemultitudeadmiresunderthenameofmiracles,areeffected.

POWERisthewiseuseofthewill,whichmakesFatalityitselfservetoaccomplishthepurposesof
Sages.

OmnipotenceisthemostabsoluteLibertyandabsoluteLibertycannotexistwithoutaperfect
equilibrium;andthecolumnsJACHINandBOAZarealsotheunlimitedPOWERandSPLENDOROF
PERFECTIONoftheDeity,theseventhandeighthSEPHIROTHoftheKabalah,fromwhose
equilibriumresulttheeternalpermanenceandStabilityofHisplansandworks,andofthatperfect
Successandundivided,unlimitedDominion,whicharetheninthandtenthSEPHIROTH,andofwhich
theTempleofSolomon,initsstatelysymmetry,erectedwithoutthesoundofanytoolofmetalbeing
heard,istousasymbol."ForThine",saystheMostPerfectofPrayers,"istheDOMINION,the
POWERandtheGLORY,duringalltheages,Amen!"

TheABSOLUTEistheverynecessityofBEING,theimmutablelawofReasonandofTruth.Itis
THATWHICHIS.BUTTHATWHICHISisinsomesortbeforeHEWHOIS.GodHimselfisnot
withoutareasonofexistence.HedoesnotexistaccidentallyHecouldnotnothavebeen.HisExistence,
then,isnecessitatedisnecessary.HecanexistonlyinvirtueofasupremeandinevitableREASON.
ThatREASON,then,isTHEABSOLUTE;foritisinITwemustbelieve,ifwewouldthatourfaith
shouldhaveareasonableandsolidbasis.Ithasbeensaidinourtimes,thatGodisaHypothesis;but
AbsoluteReasonisnotone;itisessentialtoExistence.
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SaintThomassaid,"AthingisnotjustbecauseGodwillsit,BUTGODWILLSITBECAUSEITIS
JUST".Ifhehaddeducedalltheconsequencesofthisfinethought,hewouldhavediscoveredthetrue
Philosopher'sStone;themagicalelixir,toconvertallthetrialsoftheworldintogoldenmercies.
PreciselyasitisanecessityforGodtoBE,soitisanecessityforHimtobejust,loving,andmerciful.
Hecannotbeunjust,cruel,merciless.Hecannotrepealthelawofrightandwrong,ofmeritand
demerit;forthemorallawsareasabsoluteasthephysicallaws.

Thereareimpossiblethings.Asitisimpossibletomaketwoandtwobefiveandnotfour;asitis
impossibletomakeathingbeandnotbeatthesametime;soitisimpossiblefortheDeitytomake
crimeamerit,andloveandgratitudecrimes.So,too,itwasimpossibletomakeManperfect,withhis
bodilysensesandappetites,asitwastomakehisnervessusceptibleofpleasureandnotalsoofpain.

Therefore,accordingtotheideaofSaintThomas,themorallawsaretheenactmentsoftheDivine
WILL,onlybecausetheyarethedecisionsoftheAbsoluteWISDOMandREASON,andthe
RevelationsoftheDivineNATURE.InthisaloneconsiststherightofDeitytoenactthem;andthus
onlydoweattainthecertaintyinFaiththattheUniverseisoneHarmony.

TobelieveintheReasonofGod,andintheGodofReason,istomakeAtheismimpossible.Itisthe
IdolaterswhohavemadetheAtheists.

AnalogygivestheSagealltheforcesofNature.ItisthekeyoftheGrandArcanum,therootoftheTree
ofLife,thescienceofGoodandEvil.

TheAbsolute,isREASON.ReasonIS,bymeansofItself.ItISBECAUSEITIS,andnotbecausewe
supposeit.ITIS,wherenothingexistsbutnothingcouldpossiblyexistwithoutIT.ReasonisNecessity,
Law,theRuleofallLiberty,andthedirectionofeveryInitiative.IfGodIS,HEISbyReason.The
conceptionofanAbsoluteDeity,outsideof,orindependentof,Reason,istheIDOLofBlackMagic,
thePHANTOMoftheDemon.

TheSupremeIntelligenceisnecessarilyrational.God,inphilosophy,canbenomorethana
Hypothesis;butaHypothesisimposedbygoodsenseonHumanReason.TopersonifytheAbsolute
Reason,istodeterminetheDivineIdeal.

NECESSITY,LIBERTYandREASON!BeholdthegreatandsupremeTriangleoftheKabalists!
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FATALITY,WILLandPOWER!Suchisthemagicalternarywhich,inhumanthings,correspondswith
theDivineTriangle.

FATALITYistheinevitablelinkingtogether,insuccession,ofeffectsandcauses,inagivenorder.

WILListhefacultythatdirectstheforcesoftheIntellect,soastoreconcilethelibertyofpersonswith
thenecessityofthings,

Theargumentfromthesepremisesmustbemadebyyourself.Eachoneofusdoesthat."Seek"saythe
HolyWritings,"andyeshallfind".Yetdiscussionisnotforbidden;andwithoutdoubtthesubjectwill
befullytreatedofinyourhearinghereafter.Affirmation,negation,discussion,itisbythesethetruthis
attained.

ToexplorethegreatMysteriesoftheuniverseandseektosolveitsmanifoldenigmas,isthechiefuseof
Thought,andconstitutestheprincipaldistinctionbetweenManandtheanimals.Accordingly,inall
agestheIntellecthaslaboredtounderstandandexplaintoitselftheNatureofthesupremeDeity.

ThatoneReasonandoneWillcreatedandgovernedtheUniversewastooevidentnottobeatonce
admittedbythephilosophersofallages.Itwastheancientreligionsthatsoughttomultiplygods.The
NatureoftheOneDeity,andthemodeinwhichtheUniversehaditsbeginning,arequestionsthathave
alwaysbeentheracksinwhichthehumanintellecthasbeentorturedandischieflywiththesethatthe
Kabalistshavedealt.

Itistruethat,inonesense,wecanhavenoactualknowledgeoftheAbsoluteItself,theveryDeity.Our
meansofobtainingwhatiscommonlytermedactualknowledge,areoursensesonly.Iftoseeandfeel
beknowledge,wehavenoneofourownSoulofelectricity,ofmagnetism.Weseeandfeelandtastean
acidoranalkali,andknowsomethingofthequalitiesofeach;butitisonlywhenweusethemin
combinationwithothersubstances,andlearntheireffects,thatwereallybegintoknowtheirnature.It
isthecombinationandexperimentsofChemistrythatgiveusaknowledgeofthenatureandpowersof
mostanimalandvegetablesubstances.Asthesearecognizablebyinspectionbyoursenses,wemay
partiallyknowthembythatalonebuttheSoul,eitherofourselforofanother,beingbeyondthat
cognizance,canonlybeknownbytheactsandwordswhichareitseffects.Magnetismandelectricity,
whenatrest,areequallybeyondthejurisdictionofthesensesandwhentheyareinaction,wesee,feel,
hear,tasteandsmellonlytheireffects.Wedonotknowwhattheyare,butonlywhattheydo.Wecan
knowtheattributesofDeityonlythroughHismanifestations.Toaskanythingmore,istoask,not
knowledge,butsomethingelse,forwhichwehavenoname.GodisaPowerandweknownothingof
anyPoweritself,butonlyitseffects,results,andaction,andwhatReasonteachesusbyanalogy.
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Intheselaterdays,inlaboringtoescapefromallmaterialideasinregardtoDeity,wehavesorefined
awayournotionsofGOD,astohavenoideaofHimatall.InstrugglingtoregardHimasapure
immaterialSpirit,wehavemadethewordSpiritsynonymouswithnothing,andcanonlysaythatHeis
aSomewhat,withcertainattributes,suchasPower,Wisdom,andIntelligence.TocompareHimto
LIGHT,wouldnowbedeemednotonlyunphilosophical,buttheequivalentofAtheism;andwefindit
necessarytoexcuseandpitytheancientsfortheirinadequateandgrossideasofDeity,expressedin
consideringHimastheLightPrinciple,theinvisibleessenceorsubstancefromwhichvisibleLight
flows.

YetourownholywritingscontinuallyspeakofHimasLightandthereforetheTsabeansandtheKabala
maywellbepardonedfordoingthesame;especiallysincetheydidnotregardHimasthevisibleLight
knowntous,butasthePrimordialEtherOceanfromwhichlightflows.

Beforethecreation,didtheDeitydwellaloneintheDarkness,orintheLight?DidtheLightcoexist
withHim,orwasitcreated,afteraneternityofdarkness?Ifitcoexisted,wasitaneffluencefrom
Him,fillingallspaceasHealsofilledit,HeandtheLightatthesametimefillingthesameplaceand
everyplace?

MILTONsays,expressingtheHebraicdoctrine:

"Hail,HolyLight,offspringofHeavenfirstborn,Orofth'Eternal,coeternalbeam!MayIexpress
theeunblamed,sinceGodisLight.AndneverbutinunapproachedLightDweltfromEternity;dwelt
theninThee,BrighteffluenceofbrightEssenceuncreate".

"TheLIGHT"saystheBookOmschim,orIntroductiontotheKabala,"supremestofallthings,and
mostLofty,andLimitless,andstyledINFINITE,canbeattaineduntobynocogitationorspeculation
anditsVERYSELFisevidentlywithdrawnandremovedbeyondallintellection.ItWAS,beforeall
thingswhatever,produced,created,formed,andmadebyEmanationandinitwasneitherTime,Head,
orBeginning;sinceitalwaysexisted,andremainsforever,withoutcommencementorend".

"BeforetheEmanationsflowedforth,andcreatedthingswerecreated,theSupremeLightwasinfinitely
extended,andfilledthewholeWHERE;sothatwithreferencetoLightnovacuumcouldbeaffirmed,
noranyunoccupiedspace;buttheALLwasfilledwiththatLightoftheInfinite,thusextended,
wheretoineveryregardwasnoend,inasmuchasnothingwas,exceptthatextendedLight,whichwitha
certainsingleandsimpleequality,waseverywherelikeuntoitself".
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AINSOPHiscalledLight,saystheIntroductiontotheSoharbecauseitisimpossibletoexpressitby
anyotherword.

ToconceiveofGodasanactualityandnotasamerenonsubstanceorname,whichinvolvednon
existence,theKabala,liketheEgyptians,imaginedHimtobe"amostoccultLight,"AUR:notour
materialandvisibleLight,buttheSubstanceoutofwhichLightflows,thefire,asrelativetoitsheat
andflame.OfthisLightorEther,theSunwastotheTsabeanstheonlymanifestationoroutshining,
andassuchitwasworshipped,andnotasthetypeofdominionandpower.GodwasthePhosNoeton,
theLightcognizableonlybytheIntellect,theLightPrinciple,theLightEther,fromwhichsouls
emanate,andtowhichtheyreturn.

Light,FireandFlame,withthePhoenicians,werethesonsofKronos.TheyaretheTrinityinthe
ChaldaeanOracles,theAORoftheDeity,manifestedinflame,thatissuesoutoftheinvisibleFire.

InthefirstthreePersianAmshaspands,LordsofLIGHT,FIREandSPLENDOR,werecognizethe
AOR,ZOHARandZAYO,Light,SplendorandBrightness,oftheKabalah.Thefirstoftheseistermed
AORMUPALA,WonderfulorHiddenLight,unrevealed,undisplayedwhichisKETHERthefirst
EmanationorSephirah,theWillofDeity:thesecondisNESTAR,ConcealedwhichisHAKEMAH,
thesecondSephirah,ortheIntellectualPotenceoftheDeity:andthethirdisMETANOTSATS,
coruscatingwhichisBINAH,thethirdSephirah,ortheintellectualproducingcapacity.Inotherwords,
theyareTHEVERYSUBSTANCEoflight,intheDeity.Fire,whichisthatlight,limitedandfurnished
withattributes,sothatitcanberevealed,butyetremainsunrevealedanditssplendororoutshining,or
thelightthatgoesoutfromthefire.

MasonryisasearchafterLight.Thatsearchleadsusdirectlyback,asyousee,totheKabalah.Inthat
ancientandlittleunderstoodmedleyofabsurdityandphilosophy,theInitiatewillfindthesourceof
manydoctrinesandmayintimecometounderstandtheHermeticphilosophers,theAlchemists,allthe
AntipapalThinkersoftheMiddleAges,andEmanuelSwedenborg.

TheHansavatiRich,acelebratedSanscritStanza,says:"HeisHansa(theSun),dwellinginlight;Vasu,
theatmospheredwellinginthefirmament;theinvokerofthegods(Agni),dwellingonthealtar(i.e.,
thealtarfire);theguest(oftheworshipper).Dwellinginthehouse(thedomesticfire);thedweller
amongstmen(asconsciousness);thedwellerinthemostexcellentorb,(theSun);thedwellerintruth;
thedwellerinthesky(theair);borninthewaters,intheraysoflight,intheverity(ofmanifestation),
intheEasternmountains;theTruth(itself)".

"Inthebeginning,"saysaSanskrithymn,"arosetheSourceofgoldenlight.HewastheonlybornLord
ofallthatis.Heestablishedtheearthandthesky.WhoistheGodtoWhomweshallofferour
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sacrifice?"

"Hewhogiveslife,Hewhogivesstrength;Whoseblessingallthebrightgodsdesire;Whoseshadowis
immortality;Whoseshadowisdeath;WhoistheGod,etc?"

"HethroughWhomtheskyisbrightandtheearthforus;HethroughWhomtheHeavenwas
established,nay,thehighestHeaven;Hewhomeasuredoutthelightintheair;WhoistheGod,etc?"

"HetoWhomtheHeavenandearth,standingfirmbyHiswill,lookuptremblinginwardly;Heover
Whomtherisingsunshinesforth;WhoistheGod,etc?"

"Wheneverthemightywatercloudswent,wheretheyplacedtheseedandlitthefire,thencearoseHe
Whoistheonlylifeofthebrightgods;WhoistheGod!etc?"

TheWORDofGod,saidtheIndianphilosophy,istheuniversalandinvisibleLight,cognizablebythe
senses,thatemitsitsblazeintheSun,Moon,Planets,andotherStars.Philocallsitthe"Universal
Light,"whichlosesaportionofitspurityandsplendorindescendingfromtheintellectualtothe
sensibleworld,manifestingitselfoutwardlyfromtheDeity;andtheKabalahrepresentsthatonlyso
muchoftheInfiniteLightflowedintothecircularvoidpreparedforcreationwithintheInfiniteLight
andWisdom,ascouldpassbyacanallikealineorthread.TheSephiroth,emanatingfromtheDeity,
weretheraysofHissplendor.

TheChaldeanOraclessaid:"TheintellectoftheGenerator,stirredtoaction,outspoke,formingwithin
itself,byintellectionuniversalsofeverypossibleformandfashion,whichissuedout,flowingforth
fromtheOneSource.ForDeity,impersonatedasDonlinion,beforefabricatingthemanifoldUniverse,
positedanintellectedandunchangeableuniversal,theimpressionoftheformwhereofgoesforth
throughtheUniverseandthatUniverseformedandfashionedaccordingly,becomesvisiblybeautified
ininfinitelyvaryingtypesandforms,theSourceandfountainwhereofisone.Intellectualconceptions
andformsfromtheGenerativesource,succeedingeachother,consideredinrelationtoeverprogressing
Time,andintimatelypartakingofTHEPRIMALETHERorFIRE;butyetalltheseUniversalsand
PrimalTypesandIdeasflowedforthfrom,andarepartof,thefirstSourceoftheGenerativePower,
perfectinitself."

TheChaldeanstermedtheSupremeDeityARAOR,FatherofLight.FromHimwassupposedtoflow
thelightabovetheworld,whichilluminatestheheavenlyregions.ThisLightorFirewasconsideredas
theSymboloftheDivineEssence,extendingitselftoinferiorspiritualnatures.HencetheChaldean
oraclessay:"TheFathertookfromHimselfanddidnotconfineHisproperfirewithinHisintellectual
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potency","AllthingsarebegottenfromoneFire."

TheTsabeansheldthatallinferiorspiritualbeingswereemanationsfromthesupremeDeityand
thereforeProclussays:"Theprogressionofthegodsisoneandcontinuous,proceedingdownwardfrom
theintelligibleandlatentunitiesandterminatinginthelastpartitionoftheDivinecause".

ItisimpossibletospeakclearlyoftheDivinity.WhosoeverattemptstoexpressHisattributesbythe
helpofabstractions,confineshimselftonegatives,andatoncelosessightofhisideas,inwandering
throughawildernessofwords.ToheapSuperlativesonSuperlativesandcallHimbest,wisest,greatest,
isbuttoexaggeratequalitieswhicharefoundinman.ThatthereexistsoneonlyGod,andthatHeisa
PerfectandBeneficentBeing,Reasonlegitimatelyteachesus;butoftheDivineNature,ofthe
SubstanceoftheDeity,ofthemannerofHisExistence,orofthemodeofcreationofHisUniverse,the
humanmindisinadequatetoformanyjustconception.WecanaffixnoclearideastoOmnipotence,
Omniscience,InfinityorEternityandwehavenomorerighttoattributeintelligencetoHim,thanany
othermentalqualityofourselves,extendedindefinitely;orthanwehavetoattributeoursensestoHim
andourbodilyorgans,astheHebrewwritingsdo.

WesatisfyourselveswithnegativingintheDeityeverythingthatconstitutesexistence,sofarasweare
capableofconceivingofexistence.ThusHebecomestouslogicallynothing,NonEns.TheAncients
sawnodifferencebetweenthatandAtheismandsoughttoconceiveofHimassomethingreal.Itisa
necessityofHumanNature.Thetheologicalidea,orrathernonidea,oftheDeity,isnotsharedor
appreciatedbytheunlearned.Tothem,GodwillalwaysbeTheFatherWhoisinHeaven,aMonarchon
HisThrone,aBeingwithhumanfeelingsandhumansympathies,angryattheirmisdeeds,lenientif
theyrepent,accessibletotheirsupplications.ItistheHumanity,farmorethantheDivinity,ofChrist,
thatmakesthemassofChristiansworshipHim,farmorethantheydotheFather.

"TheLightoftheSubstanceofTheInfinite,"istheKabalisticexpression.Christwas,accordingto
SaintJohn,"theLightthatlightetheverymanthatcomethintotheworld"and"thatLightwasthelife
ofmen.""TheLightshoneinthedarkness,andthedarknesscomprehendeditnot."

TheancientideasinrespecttoLightwereperhapsquiteascorrectasourown.Itdoesnotappearthat
theyascribedtoLightanyofthequalitiesofmatter.ButmodernSciencedefinesittobeafloodof
particlesofmatter,flowingorshotoutfromtheSunandStarsandmovingthroughspacetocometous.
Onthetheoriesofmechanismandforce,whatforceofattractionhereorrepulsionattheSunoratthe
mostdistantStarcoulddrawdrivetheseimpalpable,weightless,infinitelyminuteparticles,appreciably
bytheSenseofsightalone,sofarthroughspace?Whathasbecomeoftheimmenseaggregateof
particlesthathavereachedtheearthsincethecreation?Havetheyincreaseditsbulk?Whycannot
chemistrydetectandanalyzethem?Ifmatter,whycantheytravelonlyinrightlines?
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NocharacteristicofmatterbelongstoLight,orHeat,orflameortoGalvanism,Electricity,and
Magnetism.Theelectricsparkislightandsoisthatproducedbytheflint,whenitcutsoffparticlesof
steel.Iron,meltedorheated,radiateslight;andinsects,infusoriaanddecayedwoodemitit.Heatis
producedbyfrictionandbypressure;toexplainwhich,SciencetellsusoflatentCaloric,thus
representingittousasexistingwithoutitsonlyknowndistinctivequality.Whatqualityofmatter
enableslightningblazingfromtheHeavens,torendtheoak?Whatqualityofmatterenablesittomake
thecircuitoftheearthinascoreofseconds?

ProfoundlyignorantofthenatureofthesemightyagentsofDivinePower,weconcealourignoranceby
wordsthathavenomeaning;andwemightwellbeaskedwhyLightmaynotbeaneffluencefromthe
Deity,ashasbeenagreedbyallthereligionsofalltheAgesoftheWorld.

AlltrulydogmaticreligionshaveissuedfromtheKabalahandreturntoit.Everythingscientificand
grandinthereligiousdreamsofalltheilluminati,JacobBoehme,Swedenborg,SaintMartinand
others,isborrowedfromtheKabalah;alltheMasonicassociationsowetoittheirSecretsandtheir
Symbols.

TheKabalahaloneconsecratestheallianceoftheUniversalReasonandtheDivineWord;it
establishes,bythecounterpoisesoftwoforcesapparentlyopposite,theeternalbalanceofbeing;it
alonereconcilesReasonwithFaith,PowerwithLiberty,SciencewithMystery;ithasthekeysofthe
Present,thePastandFuture.

TheBible,withalltheallegoriesitcontains,expresses,inanincompleteandveiledmanneronly,the
religiousscienceoftheHebrews.ThedoctrineofMosesandtheProphets,identicalatbottomwiththat
oftheancientEgyptians,alsohaditsoutwardmeaninganditsveils.TheHebrewbookswerewritten
onlytorecalltomemorythetraditionsandtheywerewritteninSymbolsunintelligibletotheProfane.
ThePentateuchandthepropheticpoemsweremerelyelementarybooksofdoctrine,morals,orliturgy;
andthetruesecretandtraditionalphilosophywaswrittenafterward,underveilsstilllesstransparent.
ThuswasasecondBibleborn,unknownto,orratheruncomprehendedby,theChristians;acollection,
theysay,ofmonstrousabsurdities;amonument,theadeptsays,whereiniseverythingthatthegeniusof
philosophyandthatofreligionhaveeverformedorimaginedofthesublime;atreasuresurroundedby
thorns;adiamondconcealedinaroughdarkstone.

Oneisfilledwithadmiration,onpenetratingintotheSanctuaryoftheKabalah,atseeingadoctrineso
logical,sosimple,andatthesametimesoabsolute.Thenecessaryunionofideasandsigns,the
consecrationofthemostfundamentalrealitiesbytheprimitivecharacters;theTrinityofWords,Letters,
andNumbers;aphilosophysimpleasthealphabet,profoundandinfiniteastheWord;theoremsmore
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completeandluminousthanthoseofPythagoras;atheologysummedupbycountingonone'sfingers;
anInfinitewhichcanbeheldinthehollowofaninfant'shand;tenciphers,andtwentytwoletters,a
triangle,asquare,andacircle,thesearealltheelementsoftheKabalah.Thesearetheelementary
principlesofthewrittenWord,reflectionofthatspokenWordthatcreatedtheworld!

ThisisthedoctrineoftheKabalah,withwhichyouwillnodoubtseektomakeyourselfacquainted,as
totheCreation.

TheAbsoluteDeity,withtheKabalists,hasnoname.ThetermsappliedtoHimareAORPASOT,the
MostSimple[orPure]Light,"calledAYENSOPHI,orINFINITE,beforeanyEmanation.Forthen
therewasnospaceorvacantplace,butallwasinfiniteLight."

BeforetheDeitycreatedanyIdeal,anylimitedandintelligibleNature,oranyformwhatever,Hewas
alone,andwithoutformorsimilitude,andtherecouldbenocognitionorcomprehensionofHiminany
wise.HewaswithoutIdeaorFigureanditisforbiddentoformanyIdeaorFigureofHim,neitherby
theletterHenorbytheletterYodthoughthesearecontainedintheHolyName;norbyanyotherletter
orpointintheWorld.

ButafterHecreatedthisIdea[thislimitedandexistinginintellectionNature,whichtheten
Numerations,SEPHIROTHorRaysare],oftheMedium,theFirstManADAMKADMON,He
descendedtherein,that,bymeansofthisIdea,Hemightbecalledbythename
TETRAGRAMMATON;thatcreatedthingsmighthavecognitionofHim,inHisownlikeness.

WhentheInfiniteGodwilledtoemitwhatweretoflowforth,HecontractedHimselfinthecentreof
Hislight,insuchmannerthatmostintenselightshouldrecedetoacertaincircumference,andonall
sidesuponitself.Andthisisthefirstcontraction,andtermedTsemsum.

ADAMKADMON,thePrimalorFirstMan,isthefirstAziluthicemanantfromtheInfiniteLight,
immittedintotheevacuatedSpace,andfromwhich,afterward,alltheotherdegreesandsystemshad
theirbeginnings.ItiscalledtheAdampriortoallthefirst.Initareimpartedtensphericalnumerations;
andthereafterissuedforththerectilinearfigureofamaninhissephirothicdecade,asitwerethe
diameterofthesaidcircles;asitweretheaxisofthesespheres,reachingfromtheirhighestpointto
theirlowestandfromitdependallthesystems.

Butnow,astheInfiniteLightwouldbetooexcellentandgreattobeborneandendured,exceptthrough
themediumofthisAdamKadmon,itsmostSecretNaturepreventingthis,itsilluminatinglighthad
againtoemanateinstreamsoutofitself,bycertainapertures,asitwere,likewindows,andwhichare
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termedtheears,eyes,nostrilsandmouth.

ThelightproceedingfromthisAdamKadmonisindeedbutone;butinproportiontoitsremoteness
fromtheplaceofoutflowingandtothegradesofitsdescent,itismoredense.

FromthewordATSIL,toemanateorflowforth,comesthewordATSILOTHorAziluth,Emanation,or
thesystemofEmanants.Whentheprimalspacewasevacuated,thesurroundingLightoftheInfinite
andtheLightimmittedintothevoid,didnottoucheachother;buttheLightoftheInfiniteflowedinto
thatvoidthroughalineorcertainslendercanalandthatLightistheEmanativeandemittingPrinciple,
ortheoutflowandoriginofEmanation:buttheLightwithinthevoidistheemanantsubordinateand
thetwocohereonlybymeansoftheaforesaidline.

AziluthmeansspecificallyandprincipallythefirstsystemofthefourOlamoth,worldsorsystems;
whichisthencecalledtheAziluthicWorld

ThetenSephirothofthegeneralAziluthicsystemaretenNekudothorPoints.

AINSOPH,AENSOPH,orAYENSOPH,isthetitleoftheCauseofCauses,itsmeaningbeing
"endless,"becausethereisnolimittoItsloftinessandnothingcancomprehendit.Sometimes,also,the
nameisappliedtoKETHER,ortheCROWN,thefirstemanation,becausethatistheThroneofthe
Infinite,thatis,itsfirstandhighestSeat,thanwhichnoneishigher,andbecauseAinsophresidesandis
concealedtherein:henceitrejoicesinthesamename.

Beforeanythingwas,saystheEmechHammelech,He,ofHismerewill,proposedtoHimselftomake
worlds.Butatthattimetherewasnovacantspaceforworlds;butallspacewasfilledwiththelightof
HisSubstance,whichHehadwithfixedlimitsplacedinthecentreofHimselfandofthepartswhereof
andwherein,Hewasthereaftertoeffectafoldingtogether.

WhatthendidtheLordoftheWill,thatmostperfectlyfreeAgent,do?ByHisownestimation,He
measuredoffwithinHisownSubstancethewidthandlengthofacircularspacetobemadevacantand
whereinmightbepositedtheworldsaforesaid;andofthatLightwhichwasincludedwithinthecircle
someasured,HecompressedandfoldedoveracertainportionandthatLightHeliftedhigherup,and
soaplacewasleftunoccupiedbythePrimalLight.

ButyetwasnotthisspaceleftaltogetheremptyofthatLight;forthevestigesofthePrimalLightstill
remainedintheplacewhereItselfhadbeenandtheydidnotrecedetherefrom.
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BeforetheEmanationsoutflowedandthingswerecreated,thesupremeLightwasinfinitelyextended
andfilledthewholewherenothingwas,exceptthatextendedlightcalledAORH'AINSOPH,theLight
ofthenonfinite.

WhenitcameintothemindoftheExtendedtowilltomakeworldsandbyforthflowingtoutter
Emanations,andtoemitasLighttheperfectionofHisactivepowers,andofHisaspectsandattributes,
whichwastheimpellingcauseofthecreationofworlds;thenthatLight,insomemeasurecompressed,
recededineverydirectionfromaparticularcentralpointandonallsidesofitdrewbackandsoa
certainvacuumwasleft,calledvoidspace,itscircumferenceeverywhereequidistantfromthatpoint
whichwasexactlyinthecentreofthespace;acertainvoidplaceandspaceleftinMidInfiniteacertain
WherewastherebyconstitutedwhereinEmanationsmightBEandtheCreated,theFashionedandthe
Fabricated.

Thisworldofthegarmenting,thiscircularvacantspace,withthevestigesofthewithdrawnlightofthe
Infiniteyetremaining,istheinmostgarment,nearesttoHissubstanceandtoitbelongsthenameAOR
PENAIAL,LightoftheCountenanceofGod.

Aninterspacesurroundsthisgreatcircle,establishedbetweenthelightoftheverysubstance,
surroundingthecircleonitsoutside,andthesubstancecontainedwithinthecircle.Thisiscalled
SPLENDOREXCELSUS,incontradistinctiontoSimpleSplendor.

Thislight"ofthevestigeofthegarment,"issaidtoberelativelytothatofthevestigeofthesubstance,
likeapointinthecentreofacircle.Thislight,apointinthecentreoftheGreatLight,iscalledAuir,
Ether,orSpace.

ThisEtherissomewhatmoregrossthantheLightnotsoSubtlethoughnotperceptiblebytheSensesis
termedthePrimalEtherextendseverywhere;PhilosopherscallittheSouloftheWorld.

TheLightsoforthshownfromtheDeity,cannotbesaidtobeseveredordiversefromHim."Itis
flashedforthfromyetallcontinuestobeperfectunity.TheSephiroth,sometimescalledthePersonsof
theDeity,areHisrays,bywhichHeisenabledmostperfectlytomanifestHimself.

TheIntroductiontotheBookSOHARsays:
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Thefirstcompressionwaseffected,inorderthatthePrimalLightmightbeupraised,andaspace
becomevacant.ThesecondcompressionoccurredwhenthevestigesoftheremovedLightremaining
werecompressedintopoints;andthatcompressionwaseffectedbymeansoftheemotionofjoy;the
Deityrejoicing,ithadalreadybeensaid,onaccountofHisHolyPeople,thereaftertocomeintobeing;
andthatjoybeingvehementandacommotionandexhilarationintheDeitybeingcausedbyit,sothat
HeflowedforthinHisdelightandofthiscommotionanabstractpowerofjudgmentbeinggenerated,
whichisacollectionofthelettersgeneratedbythepointsofthevestigesofLightleftwithinthecircle.
ForHewritesthefiniteexpressions,orlimitedmanifestationsofHimselfupontheBook,insingle
letters.

Likeaswhenwaterorfire,ithadbeensaid,isblownuponbythewind,itiswonttobegreatlymoved,
andwithflasheslikelightningtosmitetheeyesandgleamandcoruscatehitherandthither,evensoThe
InfinitewasmovedwithinHimselfandshoneandcoruscatedinthatcircle,fromthecentreoutwardand
againtothecentreandthatcommotionwetermexhilaration;andfromthatexhilaration,variously
dividedwithinHimself,wasgeneratedthepotencyofdeterminingthefashioningoftheletters.

Ofthatexhilaration,ithadalsobeensaid,wasgeneratedthedeterminationofforms,bywhich
determinationtheInfinitedeterminedthemwithinHimself,asifbysaying:"LetthisSpherebethe
appointedplace,whereinletallworldsbecreated!"

He,byradiatingandcoruscating,effectedthepoints,sothattheirsparklingshouldsmitetheeyeslike
lightning.ThenHecombineddiverselythesinglepoints,untilletterswerefashionedthereof,inthe
similitudeandimageofthosewherewithTHEBLESSEDhadsetforththedecreesofHisWisdom.

Itisnotpossibletoattaintoanunderstandingofthecreationofman,exceptbythemysteryofletters
andintheseworldsofTheInfiniteisnothing,exceptthelettersoftheAlpllabetandtheircombinations.
AlltheworldsareLettersandNames;butHeWhoistheAuthorofall,hasnoname.

Thisworldofthecovering[orgarmentvestimenti],[thatis,thecircularvacantspace,withthevestiges
oftheremovedLightofTheInfinitestillremainingafterthefirstcontractionandcompression],isthe
inmostcovering,nearesttoHissubstanceandtothiscoveringbelongsthegeneralnameAURPENIAL,
LightoftheCountenanceofGod;bywhichwearetounderstandtheLightofTheSubstance.

Andafterthiscoveringwaseffected,Hecontractedit,soastoliftupthelowermoietyandthisisthe
thirdcontractionandinthismannerHemadevacantaspacefortheworlds,whichhadnotthecapacity
tousethegreatLightofthecovering,theendwhereofwaslucidandexcellentasitsbeginning.Andso
[bydrawingupthelowerhalfandhalftheletters],aremadetheMaleandFemale,thatistheanterior
andposterioradheringmutuallytooneanother.
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ThevacantspaceeffectedbythisretractioniscalledAUIRKADMON,thePRIMALSPACE;foritwas
thefirstofallSpaces;norwasitallowabletocallitcovering,whichisAURPENIBAL,theLightof
theCountenanceofGod.

ThevestigesoftheLightoftheGarmentstillremainedthere.Andthisworldofthegarmenthasaname
thatincludesallthings,whichisthenameIHUH.Beforetheworldofthevacantspacewascreated,HE
wasandHisNameandtheyalone;thatis,AINSOPHandHisgarmenting.

TheEMECHHAMMELECHsaysagain:

Thelowerhalfofthegarment[bythethirdretraction],wasleftemptyofthelightofthegarment.Rut
theveitigesofthatlightremainedintheplacesovacatedandthisgarmentiscalledSHEKINAH,God
indwelling;thatis,theplacewhereYodHe,oftheanterior[ormale],andVavHe,oftheposterior[or
female],combinationsoflettersdwelt.

ThisvacantspacewassquareandiscalledthePrimalSpaceandinKabalahitiscalledAuiraKadmah,
orRasimuAilah,ThePrimalSpace,orTheSublimeVestige.ItisthevestigeoftheLightofthe
Garment,withwhichisintermingledsomewhatofthevestigeoftheVerySubstance.ItiscalledPrimal
Ether,butnotvoidSpace.TheLightoftheVestigestillremainsintheplaceitoccupied,andadheres
there,likesomewhatspiritual,ofextremetenuity.

InthisEtheraretwoLights;thatis,theLightoftheSUBSTANCE,whichwastakenaway,andthatof
theGarment.Thereisavastdifferencebetweenthetwo;forthatoftheVestigeoftheGarmentis,
relativelytothatoftheVestigeoftheSubstance,likeapointinthecentreofacircle.Andastheonly
appropriatenamefortheLightoftheVestigeofAinsophisAUR,Light,thereforetheLightofthe
VestigeoftheGarmentcouldnotbecalledbythatname;andsowetermitapoint,thatis,Yod,which
isthatpointinthecentreofLightandLight,apointinthecentreoftheGreatLight,iscalledAuir,
EtherorSpace.

ThisEtherissomewhatmoregrossthanTheLightnotsosubtle,thoughnotperceptiblebythesensesis
termedthePrimalEtherextendseverywhere;whencethePhilosopherscallitTheSouloftheWorld
Lightisvisible,thoughnotperceptible.ThisEtherisneitherperceptiblenorvisible.

TheIntroductiontotheBookSoharcontinues,intheSectionoftheLetterYod,etc:
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WorldscouldnotbeframedinthisPrimalEther,onaccountofitsextremetenuityandtheexcessof
LightandalsobecauseinitremainedthevitalSpiritoftheVestigeoftheLightAinsophandthatofthe
VestigeoftheLightoftheGarment;wherebysuchmanifestationwasprevented.

WhereforeHEdirectedtheletterYod,sinceitwasnotsobrilliantasthePrimalEther,todescend,and
taketoitselfthelightremaininginthePrimalEther,andreturnabove,WiththatVestigewhichso
impededthemanifestation;whichYoddid.

Itdescendedbelowfivetimes,toremovethevitalSpiritoftheVestigeoftheLightAinsoph;andthe
VestigeoftheLightandvitalSpiritoftheGarmentfromtheSphereofSplendor,soastomakeofit
ADAM,calledKADMON.Andbyitsreturn,manifestationiseffectedinthespacebelowandaVestige
oftheSublimeBrillianceyetremainsthere,existingasaSphericalShape,andtermedintheSohar
simplyTehiru,thatisSplendoranditisstyledTheFirstMatter....itbeing,asitwere,vaporandasit
were,smoke.Andassmokeisformless,notcomprehendedunderanyfixeddefiniteform,sothis
Sphereisaformlesssomewhat,sinceitseemstobesomewhatthatisspherical,andyetisnotlimited.

TheletterYod,whileadheringtotheShekinah,hadadheringtohimselftheLightoftheShekinah,
thoughhislightwasnotsogreatasthatoftheShekinah.Butwhenhedescended,heleftthatlightof
hisownbelowandtheSplendorconsistedofit.AfterwhichtherewasleftinYodonlyavestigeofthat
light,inasmuchashecouldnotreascendtotheShekinahandadheretoit.WhereforeTheHolyand
BlesseddirectedtheletterHe[thefemaleletter],tocommunicatetoYodofherLight;andsenthim
forth,todescendandsharewiththatlightintheSplendoraforesaidandwhenheredescendedintothe
SphereofSplendor,hediffusedabroadinittheLightcommunicatedtohimbytheletterHe.

AndwhenheagainascendedheleftbehindhimtheproductivelightoftheletterHe,andthereofwas
constitutedanotherSphere,withintheSphereofSplendor;whichlesserSphereistermedinSohar
KETHERAILAH,CORONASUMMA,TheSupremeCrown,andalsoATIKADEATIKIM,Antiquus
Antiquum,TheAncientofAncients,andevenAILITH'AILIT,CausaCausarum,theCauseofCauses.
ButtheCrownisveryfarsmallerthantheSphereofSplendor,sothatwithinthelatteranimmense
unoccupiedplaceandspaceisstillleft.

TheBETHALOHIMsays:

BeforetheInfiniteGod,theSupremeandFirstGood,formedobjectivelywithinHimselfaparticular
conception,definite,limitedandtheobjectofintellection,andgaveformandshapetoanintellectual
conceptionandimage.HEwasalone,companionless,withoutformorsimilitude,utterlywithoutIdeal
orFigure.ItisforbiddentomakeofHimanyfigurewhatever,byanyimageintheworld,neitherbythe
letterHenorbytheletterYod,norbyanyotherletterorpointintheworld.
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ButafterHehadformedthisIdea,theparticularconceptionlimitedandintelligible,whichtheTen
Numerationsare,ofthemediumoftransmission,AdamKadmon,thePrimalorSupremeMan,Heby
thatmediumdescended,andmay,throughthatIdea,becalledbythenameIHUH,andsocreatedthings
havecognizanceofHim,bymeansofHisproperlikeness.

WoeuntohimwhomakesGodtobelikeuntoanymodeorattributewhatever,evenwereittooneof
HisownandstillmoreifhemakeHimlikeuntotheSonsofMen,whoseelementsareearthly,andso
areconsumedandperish!

TherecanbenoconceptionhadofHim,exceptinsofarasHemanifestsHimself,inexercising
dominionbyandthroughsomeattribute.Abstractedfromthis,therecanbenoattribute,conception,or
idealofHim.HeiscomparableonlytotheSea,fillingsomegreatreservoir,its
bedintheearth,forexample;whereinitfashionsforitselfacertainconcavity,sothattherebywemay
begintocomputethedimensionsoftheSeaitself.

Forexample,theSpringandSourceoftheOceanisasomewhat,whichisone.IffromthisSourceor
springthereissuesforthacertainfountain,proportionedtothespaceoccupiedbytheSeainthat
hemisphericalreservoir,suchasistheletterYod,theretheSourceofSpringisthefirstsomewhat,and
thefountainthatflowsforthfromitisthesecond.

Thenlettherebemadeagreatreservoir,asbyexcavationandletthisbecalledtheOcean,andwehave
thethirdthing,avessel[Vas].Nowletthisgreatreservoirbedividedintosevenbedsofrivers,thatis,
intosevenoblongreservoirs,sothatfromthisoceanthewatersmayflowforthinsevenriversandthe
Source,FountainandOceanthusmaketeninall.

TheCauseofCausesmadetenNumerationsandcalledtheSourceofSpringKETHER,Corona,the
Crown,inwhichtheideaofcircularityisinvolved,forthereisnoendtotheoutflowofLight;and
thereforeHecalledthis,likeHimself,endless;forthisalso,likeHim,hasnosimilitudeor
configuration,norhathitanyvesselorreceptaclewhereinitmaybecontained,orbymeanswhereof
anypossiblecognizancecanbehadofit.

AfterthusformingtheCrown,Heconstitutedacertainsmallerreceptacle,theletterYod,andfilledit
fromthatsourceandthisiscalled"TheFountaingushingwithWisdom"andmanifestedinthis,He
calledHimselfWISEandthevesselHecalledHAKEMAH,Wisdom,Sapientia.
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ThenHealsoconstitutedagreatreservoir,whichHecalledtheOceanandtoitHegavethenameof
BINAH,Understanding,Intelligentia.InthisHecharacterizedHimselfasIntelligentorConceiver.HE
isindeedtheAbsolutelywiseandIntelligent,butHakemahisnotAbsoluteWisdomofitself,butis
wisebymeansofBinah,whofillsHimselffromitandifthissupplyweretakenfromit,wouldbedry
andunintelligent.

Andthereuponsevenpreciousvesselsbecome,towhicharegiventhefollowingnames:GEDULAH,
MagnificenceorBenignity[orKHASED,Mercy];GEBURAH,Austerity,RigororSeverity;
TEPHARETH,Beauty;METSAKH,Victory;HOD,Glory;YESOD,FoundationorBasis;and
MALAKOTH,Rule,Reign,Royalty,DominionorPower.AndinGEDULAHHetookthecharacterof
GreatandBenignant;inGEBURAH,ofSevere;inTEPHARETH,ofBeautiful;inNETSAKH,of
Overcoming;inHOD,ofOurGloriousAuthor;inYESOD,ofJust,byYesodallvesselsandworlds
beingupheldandinMALAKOTHHeappliedtoHimselfthetitleofKing.

ThesenumerationsorSephirothsareheldintheKabalatohavebeenoriginallycontainedineachother;
thatis,Kethercontainedthenineothers,HakemahcontainedBinahandBinahcontainedthelastseven.

Forallthings,saysthecommentaryofRabbiJizchakLorja,inacertainmostahstrusemanner,consist
orresideandarecontainedinBinahanditprojectsthemandsendsthemdownward,speciesbyspecies,
intotheseveralworldsofEmanation,Creation,FormationandFabrication:allwhereofarederived
fromwhatareabovethemandaretermedtheiroutflowings;forfromthepotencywhichwastheirstate
there,theydescendintoactuality.

TheINTRODUCTIONsays:

ItissaidinmanyplacesintheSohar,thatallthingsthatemanateorarecreatedhavetheirrootabove.
HencealsotheTenSephirothhavetheirrootabove,intheworldofthegarment,withthevery
SubstanceofHIM.AndAINSOPHhadfullconsciousnessandappreciation,priortotheiractual
existence,ofalltheGradesandImpersonationscontainedunmanifestedwithinHimself,withregardto
theessenceofeachanditsdominationtheninpotency.WhenHecametotheSephirahofthe
ImpersonationMalakoth,whichHethencontainedhiddenwithinHimself,Heconcludedwithin
himselfthatthereinworldsshouldbeframed;sincethescaleofthefirstnineSephirothswasso
ccnstituted,thatitwasneitherfitnornecessaryforworldstobeframedfromthem;foralltheattributes
ofthesenineSuperiorSephirothcouldbeassignedtoHimself,evenifHeshouldneveroperate
outwardly;butMalakoth,whichisEmpireorDominion,couldnotbeattributedtoHim,unlessHe
ruledoverotherExistences;whencefromthepointMalakothHeproducedalltheworldsintoactuality.

Thesecirclesareteninnumber.Originatedbypoints,theyexpandedincircularshape.TenCircles,
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underthemysteryofthetenSephiroth,andbetweenthemtenSpaces;whenceitappearsthatthesphere
ofSplendorisinthecentreofthespaceMalakothoftheFirstOccultAdam.

TheFirstAdam,inthetencirclesabovetheSplendor,iscalledtheFirstoccultAdam;andineachof
thesespacesareformedmanythousandworlds.ThefirstAdamisinvolvedinthePrimalEtherandis
theanalogueoftheworldBinah.

AgaintheIntroductionrepeatsthefirstandseconddescentofYodintothevacatedspace,tomakethe
lighttherelessgreatandsubtle;theconstitutionoftheTehiru,Splendor,fromthelightleftbehindthere
byhim;thecommunicationofLighttohimbythefemaleletterHe;theemissionbyhimofthatLight,
withinthesphereofSplendorandtheformationthereof,withinthesphere,"ofacertainspherecalled
theSupremecrown,"CoronaSumma,KETHER,"whereinwerecontained,inpotence,allthe
remainingNumerations,sothattheywerenotdistinguishablefromit.Preciselyasinmanexistthefour
elements,inpotencespecificallyundistinguishable,sointhisCoronawereinpotencealltheten
Numerations,specificallyundistinguishable."ThisCrown,itisadded,wascalled,aftertherestoration,
TheCauseofCauses,andtheAncientoftheAncients.

Thepoint,Kether,addstheIntroduction,wastheaggregateofalltheTenwhenitfirstemanated,it
consistedofalltheTenandtheLightwhichextendedfromtheEmanativePrinciplesimultaneously
flowedintoitandbeheldthetwoUniversals[thatis,theUnitiesoutofwhichmanifoldnessflows;asfor
example,theideawithintheDeity,ofHumanityasaUnit,outofwhichtheindividualsweretoflow],
theVesselorReceptaclecontainingthisimmittedLight,andtheLightItselfwithinit.AndthisLightis
theSubstanceofthepointKether;fortheWILLofGodistheSoulofallthingsthatare.

TheAinsophicLight,ithadsaid,wasinfiniteineverydirectionandwithoutendorlimit.Topreventit
fromflowingintoandrefillingthequasivacantspace,occupiedbyaninfinitelylessSplendor,a
partitionbetweenthegreaterandlesserSplendorwasnecessaryandthispartition,theboundaryofthe
sphereofSplendor,andalikeoneboundingthesphereKether,werecalledVesselsorReceptacles,
containing,includingandenclosingwithinthemselvesthelightofthesphere.Imagineaseaofpellucid
water,andinthecentreofitasphericalmassofdenseranddarkerwater.Theoutersurfaceofthis
sphere,oritslimitseveryway,isthevesselcontainingit.TheKabalahregardsthevessels"asbytheir
naturesomewhatopaque,andnotsosplendidasthelighttheyenclose."

ThecontainedLightistheSoulofthevesselsandisactiveinthem,liketheHumanSoulinthehuman
body.TheLightoftheEmanativePrinciple[Ainsoph]inheresinthevessels,astheirLife,internal
Light,andSoul.Ketheremanated,withitsVerySubstance,atthesametimeasSubstanceandVessel,
inlikemannerastheflameisannexedtothelivecoalandastheSoulpervadesandiswithin,thebody.
AlltheNumerationswerepotentiallycontainedinit.
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Andthispotentialityisthusexplained:Whenawomanconceives,aSoulisimmediatelysentintothe
embryowhichistobecometheinfant,inwhichSoularethen,potentially,allthemembersandveinsof
thebody,whichafterward,fromthatpotencyoftheSoul,becomeinthehumanbodyofthechildtobe
born.

ThenthewisdomofGodcommandedthattheseNumerationspotentiallyinKether,shouldbeproduced
frompotentialityintoactuality,inorderthatworldsmightconsistandHEdirectedYodagainto
descend,andtoenterintoandshinewithinKether,andthentoreascend;whichwassodone.From
whichilluminationandreascension,alltheothernumerations,potentiallyinKether,weremanifested
anddisclosed;buttheycontinuedstillcompactedtogether,remainingwithinKetherinacircle.

WhenGodwilledtoproducetheotheremanationsornumerationsfromKether,itisadded,HEsent
Yoddownagain,totheupperpartofKether,onehalfofhimtoremainwithoutandonehalfto
penetratewithinthesphereofKether.ThenHEsenttheletterVavintotheSplendor,topouroutits
lightonYodandthus,YodreceivedlightfromVav,andtherebysodirectedhiscountenancethatit
shouldilluminateandconferexceedinggreatenergyonHakemah,whichyetremainedinKether;so
givingitthefacultytoproceedforththerefrom;andthatitmightcollectandcontainwithinitselfand
therereveal,alltheothereightnumerations,untilthattimeinKether.

ThesphereofKetheropened,andthereoutissuedHakemah,toremainbelowKether,containingin
itselfalltheothernumerations.

Byasimilarprocess,Binah,illuminatedwithinHakemahbyasecondYod,"issuedforthoutof
Hakemah,havingwithinitselftheSevenlowerNumerations."

AndsincethevesselofBinahwasexcellentandcoruscatedwithraysofthecolorofsapphire,andwas
sonearlyofthesamecolorasthevesselofHakemahthattherewasscarcelyanydifferencebetween
them,henceitwouldnotquietlyremainbelowHakemah,butrose,andplaceditselfonhisleftside.

AndbecausethelightfromaboveprofuselyflowedintoandaccumulatedinthevesselofHakemah,to
sogreatanextentthatitoverflowedandescaped,coruscating,outsideofthatvesselandflowingoffto
theleft,communicatedpotencyandincreasetothevesselofBinah;forBinahisfemale.Binah,
therefore,bymeansofthisenergythatflowedintoitfromtheleftsideofHakemah,byvirtueofthe
secondYod,cametopossesssuchvirtueandpotency,astoprojectbeyonditselftheSevenremaining
vesselscontainedwithinitselfandsoemittedthemall,continuously,oneaftertheotherallconnected
andlinkedonewiththeother,likethelinksofachain.
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Threepointsfirstemanated,oneundertheother;Kether,HakemahandBinahandsofar,therewasno
copulation.ButafterwardthepositionsofHakemahandBinahchanged,sothattheyweresidebyside,
Ketherremainingabovetheml;andthenconjunctionoftheMaleandFemale,ABAandIMMA,Father
andMother,aspoints.

He,fromWhomallemanated,createdAdamKadmon,consistingofalltheworlds,sothatinhim
shouldbesomewhatfromthoseaboveandsomewhatfromthosebelow.HenceinHimwas
NEPHESCH[PSYCHE,animainfima,thelowestspiritualpartofman,Soul],fromtheworldASIAH,
whichisoneletterHeoftheTetragrammaton;RUACH[SPIRITUS,animamedia,thenexthigher
spiritualpart,orSpirit],fromtheworldYEZIRAH,whichistheVavoftheTetragrammaton;
NESCHAMAH[thehighestspiritualpart,mensoranimasuperior],fromtheworldBRIAH,whichis
theotherletterHeandNESCHAMAHLENESCHAMAH,fromtheworldATSILUTH,whichisthe
YODoftheTetragrammaton.

Andtheseletters[theSephiroth]werechangedfromthesphericalformintotheformofaperson,the
symbolofwhichpersonistheBALANCE,itbeingMaleandFemale;Hakemahononeside,Binahon
theotherandKetheroverthemandsoGedulahononeside,Geburahontheother,andTepharethunder
them.

TheBookOmschimsays:someholdthatthetenSephirothsucceededoneanotherintendegrees,one
abovetheother,inregulargradation,oneconnectedwiththeotherinadirectline,fromthehighestto
thelowest.

Othersholdthattheyissuedforthinthreelines,parallelwitheachother,oneontherightand,oneon
theleft,andoneinthemiddle;sothat,beginningwiththehighestandgoingdowntothelowest,
Hakemah,Khased[orGedulah]andNetsachareoneovertheother,inaperpendicularline,ontheright
hand;Binah,GeburahandHodontheleftandKether,Tephareth,YesodandMalakothinthemiddle
andmanyholdthatallthetensubsistincircles,onewithintheotherandallhomocentric.

Itisalsotobenoted,thattheSephirothictablescontainstillanothernumeration,sometimescalledalso
aSephirah,whichiscalledDaath,cognition.Itisinthemiddle,belowHakemahandBinahandisthe
resultoftheconjunctionofthesetwo.

ToAdamKadmon,theIdeaoftheUniverse,theKabalahassignsahumanform.Inthis,Ketheristhe
cranium,HakemahandBinahthetwolobesofthebrain,GedulahandGeburahthetwoarms,Tephareth
thetrunk,NetsachandHodthethighs,Yesodthemaleorgan,andMalkuththefemaleorgan,of
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generation.

YodisHakemahandHeBinah;VavisTepharethandthelastHe,Malkuth.

Thewhole,saytheBooksMysteriiorofOccultation,isthussummedup:TheintentionofGodThe
BlessedwastoformImpersonations,inordertodiminishtheLight.WhereforeHEconstituted,in
Macroprosopos,AdamKadmon,orArikAnpin;threeHeads.Thefirstiscalled,"TheHeadwhereofis
nocognition";thesecond,"TheHeadofthatwhichisnonexistent"andthethird,"TheVeryHeadof
Macroprosopos";andthesethreeareCorona,Sapientia,andInformatio,Kether,Hakemah,andBinall,
existentintheCoronaoftheWorldofEmanation,orinMacroprosopos;andthesethreearecalledin
theSoharATIKAKADISCHA,SenexSanctissimus,TheMostHolyAncient.ButtheSeveninferior
RoyaltiesofthefirstAdamarecalled"TheAncientofDays"andthisAncientofDaysistheinternal
part,orSoul,ofMacroprosopos.

Thehumanmindhasneverstruggledhardertounderstandandexplaintoitselftheprocessofcreation,
andofDivinemanifestationandatthesametimetoconcealitsthoughtsfromallbuttheinitiated,than
intheKabalah.Hence,muchofitseemsatfirstlikejargon.MacroprosoposorAdamKadmonis,we
havesaid,theideaorintellectualaggregateofthewholeUniverse,includeandcontainedunevolvedin
themanifestedDeity,HimselfyecontainedunmanifestedintheAbsolute.TheHead,Kether"whereof
isnocognition,"istheWilloftheDeity,ortheDeityasWill.Hakemah,thehead"ofthatwhichisnon
existent,"theGenerativePowerofbegettingorproducingThought;yetintheDeity,notinactionand
thereforenonexistent.Bina"theveryoractualhead"ofMacroprosopos,istheproductiveintellectual
capacity,which,impregnatedbyHakemah,istoproducetheThought.ThisThoughtisDaath;orrather,
theresultisIntellection,Thinking;theUnity,ofwhichThoughtsarethemanifoldoutflowings.

Thismaybeillustratedbyacomparison.Pain,inthehumanbeing,isafeelingorsensation.Itmustbe
produced.Toproduceit,theremustbe,notonlythecapacitytoproduceit,inthenerves,butalsothe
powerofgeneratingitbymeansofthatcapacity.ThisgenerativePower,thePassiveCapacitywhich
produces,andthepainproduced,arelikeHakemah,Binah,andDaath.

ThefourWorldsorUniversals,Aziluth,Briah,YetzirahandAsiah,ofEmanation,creation,Formation,
andFabrication,areanotherenigmaoftheKabalah.ThefirstthreearewhollywithintheDeity.The
firstistheUniverse,asitexistspotentiallyintheDeity,determinedandimagined,butasyetwholly
formlessandundeveloped,exceptsofarasitiscontainedinHisEmanations.Thesecondisthe
universeinidea,distinctwithintheDeity,butnotinvestedwithforms;asimpleunity.Thethirdisthe
sameUniverseinpotenceintheDeity,unmanifested,butinvestedwithforms;theideadevelopedinto
manifoldnessandindividuality,andsuccessionofspeciesandindividuals;andthefourthisthe
potentialitybecometheActuality,theUniversefabricated,andexistingasitexistsforus.
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TheSephiroth,saysthePortaCoelorum,bythevirtueoftheirInfiniteEmanator,whousesthemasa
workmanuseshistools,andwhooperateswithandthroughthem,arethecauseofexistenceof
everythingcreated,formed,andfashioned,employingintheirproductioncertainmedia.Butthesesame
Sephiroth,PersonsandLights,arenotcreaturesperse,butideas,andRaysofTHEINFINITE,which,
bydifferentgradations,sodescendedfromthesupremeSourceasstillnottobeseveredfromIt;butIt
throughthem,isextendedtotheproductionandgovernmentofallEntitiesandistheSingleandPerfect
UniversalCauseofAll,thoughbecomingdeterminateforthisortheotheroperation,throughthisor
thatSephirothorMODE.

GodproducedallthingsbyHisIntellectandWillandfreeDetermination.Hewilledtoproducethem
bythemediationofHisSephiroth,andPersonsbywhichHeisenabledmostperfectlytomanifest
Himselfandthatthemoreperfectly,byproducingthecausesthemselves,andtheCausesofCauses,and
notmerelythevilereffects.

Godproduced,inthefirstOriginate,alltheremainingcausates.For,asHeHimselfismostsimplyOne
andfromOneSimpleBeingOneonlycanimmediatelyproceed,henceitresultsthatfromtheFirst
SupremeInfiniteUnityflowedforthatthesametimeAllandOne.One,thatisinsofarasflowing
fromtheMostSimpleUnity,andbeinglikeuntoIt;butalsoAll,insofaras,departingfromthatperfect
SinglenesswhichcanbemeasuredbynootherSingleness,itbecame,toacertainextent,manifold,
thougllstillAbsoluteandPerfect.

Emanation,saysthesame,istheResultingdisplayedfromtheUnresulting,theFinitefromtheInfinite,
theManifoldandCompositefromthePerfectSingleandSimple,PotentialityfromthatwhichisInfinite
PowerandAct,themobilefromthatwhichisperenniallypermanentandthereforeinamoreimperfect
anddiminishedmodethanHisInfinitePerfectionis.AstheFirstCauseisallthings,inanunresulting
andInfinitemode,sotheEntitiesthatflowfromHimaretheFirstCauses,inaresultingandfinite
mode.

THENECESSARYENTITY,subsistingofItself,asItcannotbedisseveredintothemanifold,yet
becomes,asitwere,multipliedintheCausates,inrespectoftheirNature,oroftheSubsistences,
Vesselsandopeningsassignedtothem;wherebytheSingleandInfiniteEssence,beinginclosedor
comprehendedintheselimits,bounds,orexternalnesses,takesonItselfDefinitenessofdimensionand
becomesItselfmanifold,bythemanifoldnessoftheseenvelopes.

Asman[theunitofHumanity]isamicrocosm,soAdamKadmonisamacrocosm,containingallthe
CausatesoftheFirstCauseastheMaterialManistheendandcompletionofallcreation,sointhe
DivineManisthebeginningthereof.AstheinferiorAdamreceivesallthingsfromall,sothesuperior
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Adamsuppliesallthingstoall.Astheformeristheprincipleofreflectedlight,sothelatterisofDirect
Light.TheformeristheterminusoftheLight,descending;thelatteritsterminus,ascending.Asthe
InferiormanascendsfromthelowestmattereventotheFirstCause,sotheSuperiorAdamdescends
fromtheSimpleandInfiniteAct,eventothelowestandmostattenuatedPotence.

TheTernaryisthebringingbackofdualitytounity.

TheTernaryisthePrincipleofNumber,becausebringingbackthebinarytounity,itrestorestoitthe
samequantitywherebyithaddepartedfromunity.Itisthefirstoddnumber,containinginitselfthe
firstevennumberandtheunit,whicharetheFatherandMotherofallNumbers;andithasinitselfthe
beginning,middleandend.

Now,AdamKadmonemanatedfromtheAbsoluteUnityandsoishimselfaunit.Buthealsodescends
andflowsdownwardintohisownNatureandsoisduality.Again,hereturnstotheUnity,whichhehath
inhimself,andtoTheHighest,andsoistheTernaryandQuaternary.

AndthisiswhytheEssentialNamehasfourletters,threedifferentones,andoneofthemonce
repeated;sincethefirstHeisthewifeoftheYod,andthesecondHeisthewifeoftheVav.

ThosemediawhichmanifesttheFirstCause,inHimselfprofoundlyhidden,aretheSephiroth,which
emanateimmediatelyfromthatFirstcauseandbyItsNaturehaveproducedanddocontrolalltherest.

TheseSephirothwereputforthfromtheOneFirstandSimple,manifestingHisInfiniteGoodness.They
arethemirrorsofHisTruthandtheanaloguesofHisSupremestEssence,theIdeasofHisWisdomand
therepresentationsofHiswill;thereceptaclesofHisPotency,andthe
instrumentswithwhichHeoperates;theTreasuryofHisFelicity,thedispensersofHisBenignity,the
JudgesofHisKingdomandrevealHisLawandfinally,theDenominations,Attributes,andNamesof
HimWhoisaboveallandtheCauseofallthetencategories,whereinallthingsarecontained;the
universalgenera,whichinthemselvesincludeallthingsandutterthemoutwardlytheSecondCauses,
wherebytheFirstCauseeffects,preservesandgovernsallthings;theraysoftheDivinity,wherebyall
thingsareilluminedandmanifested;theFormsandIdeasandspecies,outwhereofallthingsissue
forth;theSoulsandPotencies,wherebyessence,life,andmovementaregiventoallthings;the
Standardoftimes,wherebyallthingsaremeasured;theincorporealSpaceswhich,inthemselves,hold
andinclosetheUniverse;theSupernalMonadstowhichallmanifoldsarereferred,andthroughthemto
TheOneandSimpleandfinallytheFormalPerfections,flowing,forthfromandstillconnectedwith
theOneEminentLimitlessPerfection,aretheCausesofalldependentPerfections,andsoilluminate
theelementaryIntelligences,notadjoinedtomatter,andtheintellectualSouls,andtheCelestial,
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ElementalandElementproducedbodies.

TheIDRASUTAsays:

HetheMostHolyHiddenEldest,separatesHimselfandisevermoreandmoreseparatedfromallthat
are;noryetdoesHeinverydeedseparateHimself;becauseallthingscoherewithHimandHEwith
All.HEisAllthatis,theMostHolyEldestofAll,theOccultbyallpossibleoccultations.

WhenHEtakesshape,HEproducesnineLights,whichshineforthfromHim,fromHisoutforming.
AndthoseLightsoutshinefromHimandemitflames,andgoforthandspreadoutoneveryside;as
fromoneelevatedLamptheRaysarepouredforthineverydirectionandtheseRaysthusdiverging,are
foundtobe,whenoneapproachinghascognizanceofthem,butasingleLamp.

TheSpaceinwhichtocreateisfixedbyTHEMOSTHOLYANCIENTandilluminatedbyHis
inflowing,whichistheLightofWisdomandtheBeginningfromwhichmanifestationflows.

AndHEisconformedinthreeHeads,whicharebutoneHeadandthesethreeareextendedinto
Microprosoposandfromthemshinesoutallthatis.

ThenthisWisdominstitutedinvestiturewithform,wherebytheunmanifestedandinformousbecame
manifested,puttingonformandproducedacertainoutflow.

WhenthisWisdomisthusexpandedbyflowingforth,thenitiscalled"FatherofFathers"thewhole
UniverseofThingsbeingcontainedandcomprehendedinit.ThisWisdomistheprincipleofallthings
andinitbeginningandendarefound.

TheBookoftheAbstruse,saystheSiphradeZeniutha,isthatwhichdescribestheequilibriumofthe
Balance.BeforetheBalancewas,facedidnotlooktowardface.

AndtheCommentaryonitsays:TheScalesoftheBalancearedesignatedasMaleandFemale.Inthe
SpiritualworldEvilandGoodareinequilibrio,anditwillberestored,whenoftheEvilGoodbecomes,
untilallisGood.AlsothisotherworldiscalledtheWorldoftheBalance.For,asintheBalancearetwo
scales,oneoneithersideandthebeamandneedlebetweenthem,sotoointhisworldofrestoration,the
Numerationsarearrangedasdistinctpersons.ForHakemahisontherighthand,onthesideof
Gedulah,andBinahontheleft,onthesideofGeburahandKetheristhebeamoftheBalanceabove
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theminthemiddle.SoGedulahorKhasedisononehand,andGeburahontheother,andunderthese
TepharethandNetsachisononesideandHodontheotherandundertheseYesod.

TheSupremeCrown,whichistheAncientMostHoly,themostHiddenoftheHidden,isfashioned,
withintheoccultWisdom,ofbothsexes,MaleandFemale.

BakemahandBinah,theMother,whomitimpregnates,arequantitativelyequal.Wisdomandthe
MotherofIntellectiongoforthatonceanddwelltogether;forwhentheIntellectualPoweremanates,
theproductiveSourceofintellectionisincludedinHim.

BeforeAdamKadmonwasfashionedintoMaleandFemaleandthestateofequilibriumintroduced,the
FatherandMotherdidnotlookeachotherintheface;fortheFatherdenotesmostperfectLoveandthe
MothermostperfectRigorandsheavertedherface.

Thereisnoleft[female],saystheIdraRabba,intheAncientandHiddenOne;butHistotalityisRight
[male].ThetotalityofthingsisHUA,HEandHEishiddenoneveryside.

Macroprosopos[AdamKadmon]isnotsonearuntousastospeaktousinthefirstperson;butis
designatedinthethirdperson,HUA,HE.

Ofthelettersitsays:

Yodismale,Heisfemale,Vavisboth.

InYodarethreeYods,theupperandthelowerapexandVavinthemiddle.Bytheupperapexis
denotedtheSupremeKether;byVavinthemiddle,Hakemahandbythelowerapex,Binah.

TheIDRASUTAsays:

TheUniversewasoutformedintheformofMaleandFemale.Wisdom,pregnantwithallthatis,when
itflowedandshoneforth,shonealtogetherundertheformofmaleandfemale.HakemahistheFather
andBinahistheMotherandsothetwoareinequilibriumasmaleandfemaleandforthisreason,all
thingswhatsoeverareconstitutedintheformof
maleandfemaleandifitwerenotsotheywouldnotexist.
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ThisPrinciple,Hakemah,istheGeneratorofallthingsandHeandBinahconjoinandsheshineswithin
Him.Whentheythusconjoin,sheconceivesandtheoutflowisTruth.

YodimpregnatestheletterHeandbegetsasonandshe,thuspregnant,bringsforth.ThePrinciple
calledFather[theMaleorGenerativePrinciple]iscomprehendedinYod,whichitselfflowsdownward
fromtheenergyoftheAbsoluteHolyOne.

Yodisthebeginningandtheendofallthingsthatare.ThestreamthatflowsforthistheUniverseof
things,whichalwaysbecomeshavingnocessation.AndthisbecomingworldiscreatedbyYod;forYod
includestwoletters.AllthingsareincludedinYodwhereforeitiscalledtheFatherofall.

AllCategorieswhatevergoforthfromHakemahandinitarecontainedallthings,unmanifested;and
theaggregateofallthings,ortheUnityinwhichthemanyare,andoutofwhichallflow,istheSacred
NameIHUH.

IntheviewoftheKabalists,allindividualsarecontainedinspecies,andallspeciesingenera,andall
particularsinaUniversal,whichisanidea,abstractedfromallconsiderationofindividuals;notan
aggregateofindividuals;but,asitwere,anEns,EntityorBeing,idealor
intellectual,butnonethelessreal;priortoanyindividual,containingthemall,andoutofwhichthey
areallinsuccessionevolved.

Ifthisdiscontentsyou,reflectthat,supposingthetheorycorrect,thatallwasoriginallyintheDeity,
andthattheUniversehasproceededforthfromHim,andnotbeencreatedbyHimoutofnothing,the
ideaoftheUniverse,existingintheDeitybeforeitsoutflow,musthavebeenas
realastheDeityHimself.ThewholeHumanrace,orHumanity,forexample,thenexistedintheDeity,
notdistinguishedintoindividuals,butasaUnit,outofwhichtheManifoldwastoflow.

Everythingactualmustalsofirsthavebeenpossible,beforehavingactualexistence;andthispossibility
orpotentialitywastotheKabalistsarealEns.BeforetheevolvementoftheUniverse,ithadtoexist
potentially,thewholeofit,withallitsindividuals,includedina
singleUnity.ThiswastheIdeaorPlanoftheUniverseandthishadtobeformed.Ithadtoemanate
fromtheInfiniteDeity,andbeofHimself,thoughnotHisVerySelf.

Geburah,Severity,theSephirahoppositetoandconjoinedsexuallywithGedulah,toproduce
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Tephareth,HarmonyandBeauty,isalsocalledintheKabalah"Judgment,"inwhichtermareincluded
theideasoflimitationandconditioning,whichoftenseems,indeed,tobeitsprincipalsense;while
BenignityisasoftenstyledInfinite.Thusitisobscurelytaughtthatineverythingthatis,notonlythe
FinitebutalsotheInfiniteispresentandthattherigorofthesternlawoflimitation,bywhich
everythingbeloworbesidetheInfiniteAbsoluteislimited,bounded,and
conditioned,istemperedandmodifiedbythegrace,whichsorelaxesitthattheInfinite,Unlimited,
Unconditioned,isalsoeverywherepresentandthatitisthustheSpiritualandMaterialNaturesarein
equilibrio,GoodeverywherecounterbalancingEvil,LighteverywhereinequilibriumwithDarkness;
fromwhichagainresultstheUniversalHarmonyofthings.

Inthevacantspaceeffectedforcreation,thereatlastremainedafaintvestigeortraceofAinsophic
Light,oftheLightoftheSubstanceoftheInfinite.Manisthusbothhumananddivine:andthe
apparentantagonismsinhisNaturearearealequilibrium,ifhewillsitshallbeso;fromwhichresults
theHarmony,notonlyofLifeandAction,butofVirtueandPerfection.

TounderstandtheKabalisticideaoftheSephiroth,itmustbeborneinmindthattheywereassigned,
notonlytotheworldofEmanation,Aziluth,butalsotoeachoftheotherworlds,Briah,Jezirah,and
Asiah.TheywerenotonlyattributesoftheUnmanifestedDeity,notonlyHimselfinlimitation,butHis
actualmanifestations,orHisqualitiesmadeapparentasmodes;andtheywerealsoqualitiesofthe
UniversalNatureSpiritual,Mental,andMaterial,producedandmadeexistentbytheoutflowof
Himself.

IntheviewoftheKabalah,GodandtheUniversewereOneandintheOneGeneral,asthetypeor
source,wereincludedandinvolvedandfromithavebeenevolvedandissuedforth,themanifoldandall
particulars.Where,indeed,doesindividualitybegin?IsittheHiddenSourceandSpringalonethatis
theindividual,theUnit,orisittheflowingfountainthatfillstheocean,ortheoceanitself,oritswaves,
orthedrops,orthevaporousparticles,thataretheindividuals?TheSeaandtheRivertheseareeach
One;butthedropsofeacharemany.Thetreeisone;butitsleavesareamultitude:theydropwiththe
frosts,andfalluponhisroots;butthetreestillcontinuestogrowandnewleavescomeagaininthe
Spring.IstheHumanRacenottheTree,andarenotindividualmentheleaves?Howelseexplainthe
forceofwillandsympathy,andthedependenceofonemanateveryinstantofhislifeonothers,except
bytheonenessoftherace?ThelinksthatbindallcreatedthingstogetherarethelinksofasingleUnity,
andthewholeUniverseisOne,developingitselfintothemanifold.

ObtusecommentatorshavesaidthattheKabalahassignssexualcharacteristicstotheveryDeity.There
isnowarrantforsuchanassertion,anywhereintheSoharorinanycommentaryuponit.Onthe
contrary,thewholedoctrineoftheKabalahisbasedonthefundamentalproposition,thattheVery
DeityisInfinite,everywhereextended,withoutlimitationordetermination,andthereforewithoutany
conformationwhatever.Inordertocommencetheprocessofcreation,itwasnecessaryforHim,firstof
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all,toeffectavacantspacewithinHimself.TothisendtheDeity,whoseNatureisapproximately
expressedbydescribingHimasLightfillingallspace,formless,limitless,contractsHimselfonall
sidesfromapointwithinHimselfandthuseffectsaquasivacantspace,inwhichonlyavestigeofHis
LightremainsandintothiscircularorsphericalspaceHeimmitsHisEmanations,portionsofHisLight
orNature;andtosomeofthese,sexualcharacteristicsaresymbolicallyassigned.

TheInfinitefirstlimitsHimselfbyflowingforthintheshapeofWill,ofdeterminationtoact.ThisWill
oftheDeity,ortheDeityaswill,isKether,ortheCrown,thefirstSephirah.Initareincludedallother
Emanations.Thisisaphilosophicalnecessity.TheInfinitedoesnotfirstwill,andthen,asasequence
to,orconsequenceof,thatdetermination,subsequentlyperform.TowillandtoactmustbewithHim,
notonlysimultaneous,butinrealitythesame.NordoesHe,byHisOmniscience,learnthataparticular
actionwillbewiseandthen,inconsequenceofbeingsoconvinced,firstdeterminetodotheact,and
thendoit.HisWisdomandHisWill,also,actsimultaneouslyandwithHim,todecidethatitwaswise
tocreate,wastocreate.ThusHiswillcontainsinitselfalltheSephiroth.Thiswill,determiningHimto
theexerciseofintellection,tothought,toframetheIdeaoftheUniverse,causedthePowerinHimto
excitetheintellectualFacultytoexercise,andwasthatPower.ItsSELF,whichhadflowedforthfrom
AinsophasWill,nowflowsforthastheGenerativePowertobegetintellectualactionintheIntellectual
Faculty,orIntelligence,Binah.TheActitself,theThought,theIntellection,producingtheIdea,is
Daath;andasthetextoftheSiphradeZeniuthasays,ThePowerandFaculty,theGenerativeand
Productive,theActiveandPassive,theWillandCapacity,whichunitetoproducethatActofreflection
orThoughtorIntellection,arealwaysinconjunction.AsiselsewheresaidintheKabalah,bothofthem
arecontainedandessentiallyinvolvedintheresult.AndtheWill,asWisdomorIntellectualPowerand
theCapacityorFacultyarereallytheFatherandMotherofallthatis.Fortothecreationofanything,it
wasabsolutelynecessarythatTheInfiniteshouldformforHimselfandinHimself,anideaofwhatHE
willedtoproduceorcreate.AsthereisnoTimewithHim,towillwastocreate,toplanwastoWilland
tocreate;andintheIdea,theUniverseinpotence,theuniversalsuccessionofthingswasincluded.
Thenceforwardallwasmerelyevolutionanddevelopment.

NetsachandHod,theSeventhandEighthSephiroth,areusuallycalledintheKabalah,Victoryand
Glory.NetsachistheperfectSuccess,whichwiththeDeitytoWhomtheFutureispresent,attends,and
toHiscreaturesistoresult,fromtheplanofEquilibriumeverywhereadoptedbyHim.Itisthe
reconciliationofLightandDarkness,GoodandEvil,FreewillandNecessity,God'somnipotenceand
Man'slibertyandtheharmoniousissueandresultofall,withoutwhichtheUniversewouldbeafailure.
ItistheinherentPerfectionoftheDeity,manifestedinHisIdeaoftheUniverse,andinallthe
departmentsorworlds,spiritual,mental,ormaterial,ofthatUniverse;butitisthatPerfectionregarded
asthesuccessfulresult,whichitbothcausesorproducesandis,theperfectionoftheplanbeingits
success.ItistheprevailingofWisdomoverAccident;andit,inturn,bothproducesandistheGlory
andLaudationoftheGreatInfiniteContriver,whoseplanisthusSuccessfulandVictorious.

Fromthesetwo,whichareone,fromtheexcellenceandperfectionoftheDivineNatureandWisdom,
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consideredasSuccessandGlory,astheoppositesofFailureandMortification,resultswhatthe
Kabalah,stylingitYesod,FoundationorBasis,characterizesastheGenerativememberofthe
SymbolicalhumanfigurebywhichthetenSephirotharerepresentedandfromthisflowsMalakoth,
Empire,Dominion,orRule.YesodistheStabilityandPermanence,whichwould,inordinarylanguage,
besaidtoresultfromtheperfectionoftheIdeaorIntellectualUniversal,outofwhichallparticularsare
evolved;fromthesuccessofthatschemeandtheconsequentGloryorSelfSatisfactionoftheDeity;
butwhichStabilityandPermanencethatPerfection,SuccessandGloryreallyIs;sincetheDeity,
infinitelyWise,andtoWhomthePast,PresentandFuturewereandalwayswillbeoneNow,andall
spaceoneHERE,hadnottoawaittheoperationandevolutionofHisplan,asmendotheresultofan
experiment,inordertoseeifitwouldsucceed,andsotodeterminewhetheritshouldstandandbe
stableandpermanent,orfallandbetemporary.ItsPerfectionwasitsSuccess;HisGlory,its
permanenceandstabilityandtheAttributesofPermanenceandStabilitybelong,liketheothers,tothe
Universe,material,mental,spiritual,andreal,becaliseandastheybelongtotheInfiniteHimself.

ThisStabilityandPermanencecausescontinuanceandgeneratessuccession.ItisPerpetuity,and
continuitywithoutsolutionandbythiscontinuoussuccession,wherebyoutofDeathcomesnewLife,
outofdissolutionandresolutioncomesreconstruction.NecessityandFatalityresultasaconsequence;
thatistosay,theabsolutecontrolanddominion(Malakoth)ofTheInfiniteDeityoverallthatHe
producesandoverchanceandaccidentandtheabsolutenonexistenceintheUniverse,inTimeandin
Space,ofanyotherpowersorinfluencesthanthosewhich,proceedingfromHim,areandcannotnotbe
perfectlysubmissivetoHiswill.Thisresults,humanlyspeaking;butinreality,thePerfectionofthe
plan,whichisitssuccess,Hisglory,anditsstability,isalsoHisAbsoluteAutocracy,andtheutter
absenceofChance,Accident,orAntagonism.And,astheInfiniteWisdomorAbsoluteReasonrulesin
theDivineNatureitself,soalsoitdoesinitsEmanationsandintheworldsorsystemsofSpirit,Soul,
andMatter;ineachofwhichthereisaslittleChanceorAccidentorUnreasoningFate,asintheDivine
Natureunmanifested.

ThisistheKabalistictheoryastoeachofthefourworlds;1stoftheDivineNature,orDivinityitself,
quantitativelylimitedanddetermined,butnotmanifestedintoEntities,whichistheworldof
Emanation,2ndofthefirstEntities,thatisofSpiritsandAngels,whichistheworldofcreation;3rdof
thefirstforms,souls,orpsychicalnatures,whichistheworldofFormationorFashioningand4thof
MatterandBodies,whichistheworldofFabrication,orasitwere,ofmanufacture.Ineachofthesethe
Deityispresent,asinandthroughtheTenSephiroth.Firstofthese,ineach,isKether,theCrown,ring,
orcirclet,theHEAD.Next,inthatHead,asthetwoHemispheresoftheBrain,areHakemahandBinah
andtheirresultandprogeny,Daath.

ThesethreearefoundalsointheSpiritualworldandareuniversalsinthepsychicalandmaterialworld,
producingthelowerSephiroth.Thenfollow,inperfectEquilibrium,LawandEquity,JusticeandMercy,
theDivineInfiniteNatureandtheHumanFiniteNature,GoodandEvil,LightandDarkness,Benignity
andSeverity,theMaleandtheFemaleagain,asHakemahandBinahare,mutuallytemperingeach
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other,andbytheirintimateunionproducingtheotherSephiroth.

ThewholeUniverse,andallthesuccessionofentitiesandeventswerepresenttoTheInfinite,before
anyactofcreationandHisBenignityandLeniency,temperingandqualifyingthelawofrigorous
JusticeandinflexibleRetribution,enabledHimtocreate.BecausebutforitandifHecouldnotbut
haveadministeredthestrictandsternlawofjustice,thatwouldhavecompelledHimtodestroy,
immediatelyafteritsinception,theUniverseHepurposedtocreate,andsowouldhavepreventedits
creation.ThisLeniency,thereforewasasitwere,theveryessenceandquintessenceofthePermanence
andStabilityoftheplanofCreationandpartoftheVeryNatureoftheDeity.TheKabalah,therefore,
designatesitasLightandWhiteness,bywhichtheVerySubstanceofDeityissymbolized.Withthis
agreePaul'sideasastoLawandGrace;forPaulhadstudiedtheKabalahatthefeetofGamalielthe
Rabbi.

WiththisBenignity,theAutocracyofthedominionandcontroloftheDeityisimbuedand
interpenetrated.Theformer,poured,asitwere,intothelatter,isanintegralandessentialpartofitand
causesittogivebirthtothesuccessionandcontinuanceoftheUniverse.ForMalakoth,intheKabalah,
isfemaleandthematrixorwomboutofwhichallcreationisborn.

TheSephirothmaybearrangedasonpage770.

TheKabalahistheprimitivetraditionanditsentiretyrestsonthesingledogmaofMagism,"thevisible
isforustheproportionalmeasureoftheinvisible".TheAncients,observingthatequilibriumisin
physicstheuniversallaw,andthatitresultsfromtheapparentoppositionoftwoforces,concludedfrom
thephysicaltothemetaphysicalequilibriumandthoughtthatinGod,thatistosay,inthefirstliving
andactivecause,twopropertiesnecessarytoeachother,shouldberecognized;stabilityandmovement,
necessityandliberty,orderdictatedbyreasonandtheselfruleofSupremeWill,Justice,andLoveand
consequentlySeverityandGrace,MercyorBenignity.

Theideaofequilibriumamongalltheimpersonations;ofthemaleononesideandthefemaleonthe
other,withtheSupremeWill,whichisalsotheAbsoluteReason,aboveeachtwo,holdingthebalance,
is,accordingtotheKabalah,thefoundationofallreligionsandallsciences,theprimaryandimmutable
ideaofthings.TheSephirothareatripletriangleandacircle,theideaoftheTernaryexplainedbythe
balanceandmultipliedbyitselfintheSupremacyandabsolutecontroloftheDivineWillinallthings,
domainoftheIdeal;thentherealizationofthisIdeainforms.

UnitycanonlybemanifestedbytheBinary.UnityitselfandtheideaofUnityarealreadytwo.
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Thehumanunityismadecompletebytherightandleft.Theprimitivemanwasofbothsexes.

TheDivinity,oneinitsessence,hastwoessentialconditionsasfundanlentalbasesofitsexistence
NecessityandLiberty.

ThelawsoftheSupremeReasonnecessitateandregulatelibertyinGod,Whoisnecessarilyreasonable
andwise.

Knowledgesupposesthebinary.Anobjectknownisindispensabletothebeingthatknows.

ThebinaryisthegeneratorofSocietyandthelaw.Itisalsothenumberofthegnosis,awordadopted
inlieuofScience,andexpressingonlytheideaofcognizancebyintuition.ItisUnity,multiplyingitself
byitselftocreateandthereforeitisthattheSacredSymbolsmakeEveissuefromtheverychestof
Adam.

AdamisthehumanTetragram,whichissummedupinthemysteriousYodoftheKabalah,imageofthe
KabalisticPhallus.AddtothisYod,theternarynameofEve,andyouformthenameofJehova,the
DivineTetragram,thetranscendentKabalisticandmagicalword.

ThusitisthatUnity,completeinthefecundityoftheTernaryformswithittheQuaternary,whichisthe
keyofallnumbers,movementsandforms.

TheSquare,turninguponitselfproducesthecircleequaltoitselfandthecircularmovementoffour
equalanglesturningaroundonepoint,isthequadratureofthecircle.

TheBinaryservesasameasureforUnityandtherelationofequalitybetweentheAboveandthe
Below,formswiththemtheTernary.

Tous,CreationisMechanismtotheAncientsitwasGeneration.Theworldproducingeggfiguresinall
cosmogoniesandmodernsciencehasdiscoveredthatallanimalproductionisoviparous.Fromthisidea
ofgenerationcamethereverenceeverywherepaidtheimageofgenerativepower,whichformedthe
StaurosoftheGnostics,andthephilosophicalCrossoftheMasons.

Alephistheman;Bethisthewoman.OneisthePrinciple;twoistheWord.A.'.istheActive;B.'.isthe
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Passive.UnityisBoazandtheBinaryisJachin.

Thetwocolumns,BoazandJachin,explainintheKabalahallthemysteriesofnatural,political,and
religiousantagonism.

Womanisman'screationanduniversalcreationisthefemaleoftheFirstPrinciple.WhenthePrinciple
ofExistencemadeHimselfCreator,HeproducedbyemanationanidealYodandtomakeroomforitin
theplenitudeoftheuncreatedLight,Hehadtohollowoutapitofshadow,equaltothedimension
determinedbyHiscreativedesireandattributedbyHimtotheidealYodofradiatingLight.

ThenatureoftheActivePrincipleistodiffuseofthePassivePrinciple,tocollectandmakefruitful.

CreationisthehabitationoftheCreatorWord.Tocreate,theGenerativePowerandProductive
Capacitymustunite,theBinarybecomeUnityagainbytheconjunction.TheWORDistheFirst
BEGOTTEN,notthefirstcreatedSonofGod.

SANCTASANCTIS,werepeatagain;theHolythingstotheHolyandtohimwhoisso,themysteries
oftheKabalahwillbeholy.Seekandyeshallfind,saytheScriptures;knockanditshallbeopened
untoyou.IfyoudesiretofindandtogainadmissiontotheSanctuary,wehavesaidenoughtoshowyou
theway.Ifyoudonot,itisuselessforustosaymore,asithasbeenuselesstosaysomuch.

TheHermeticphilosophersalsodrewtheirdoctrinesfromtheKabalahandmoreparticularlyfromthe
TreatiseBethAlohimorDomusDei,knownasthePneumaticaKabalistica,ofRabbiAbrahamCohen
Irira,andtheTreatiseDeRevolutionibusAnimarumofRabbiJitzchakLorja.

ThisphilosophywasconcealedbytheAlchemistsundertheirSymbolsandinthejargonofarude
Chemistry,ajargonincomprehensibleandabsurdexcepttotheInitiates;butthekeytowhichiswithin
yourreachandthephilosophy,itmaybe,worthstudying.Thelaborsofthehuman
intellectarealwaysinterestingandinstructive.

Tobealwaysrich,alwaysyoungandnevertodie;suchhasbeeninalltimesthedreamofthe
Alchemists.

Tochangeintogold,lead,mercuryandalltheothermetals;topossesstheuniversalmedicineandelixir
oflife;suchistheproblemtoberesolved,inordertoaccomplishthisdesireandrealizethisdream.
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LikealltheMysteriesofMagism,theSecretsof"theGreatWork"haveathreefoldsignification:they
arereligious,philosophicalandnatural.

ThephilosophalgoldinreligionistheAbsoluteandSupremeReasoninphilosophy.ItistheTruth;in
visiblenature,theSun;inthesubterraneanandmineralworld,themostperfectandpuregold.

ItisforthisthatthepursuitoftheGreatWorkiscalledtheSearchfortheAbsoluteandtheworkitself,
theworkoftheSun.

AllthemastersoftheScienceadmitthatitisimpossibletoattainthematerialresults,unlessthereare
foundinthetwohigherDegreesalltheanalogiesoftheuniversalmedicineandofthephilosophal
stone.

Then,theysay,theworkissimple,easyandinexpensive;otherwiseitconsumesfruitlesslythefortune
andlivesoftheseekers.

TheuniversalmedicinefortheSoulistheSupremeReasonandAbsoluteJustice;forthemind,
mathematicalandpracticalTruth;forthebody,theQuintessence,acombinationoflightandgold.

TheprimamateriaoftheGreatWorkintheSuperiorWorldisenthusiasmandactivity;inthe
intermediateworld,intelligenceandindustry;inthelowerworld,laborandinScience;itistheSulphur,
MercuryandSalt,whichbyturnsvolatilizedandfixed,composetheAZOTHoftheSages.

TheSulphurcorrespondswiththeelementaryformoftheFireMercurywiththeAirandWaterandSalt
withtheEarth.

TheGreatWorkis,aboveallthings,thecreationofmanbyhimself;thatistosay,thefullandentire
conquestwhichheeffectsofhisfacultiesandhisfuture.Itis,aboveall,theperfectemancipationofhis
will,whichassureshimtheuniversalempireofAzoth,andthedomainofmagnetism,thatiscomplete
powerovertheuniversalMagicalagent.

ThisMagicalagentwhichtheAncientHermeticphilosophersdisguisedunderthenameof"Prima
Materia,"determinestheformsofthemodifiableSubstance;andtheAlchemistssaidthatbymeansof
ittheycouldattainthetransmutationofmetalsandtheuniversalmedicine.
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TherearetwoHermeticoperations,onespiritualandtheothermaterial;dependenttheoneontheother.

ThewholeHermeticScienceiscontainedinthedogmaofHermes,engravenoriginally,itissaid,ona
tabletofemerald.ItssentencesthatrelatetooperatingtheGreatWorkareasfollows:

"Thoushaltseparatetheearthfromthefire,thesubtilefromthegrossgentlywithmuchindustry.

"ItascendsfromearthtoHeavenandagaindescendstoearthandreceivestheforceofthingsaboveand
below.

"Thoushaltbythismeanspossessthegloryofthewholeworldandthereforeallobscurityshallflee
awayfromthee.

"Thisisthepotentforceofallforce,foritwillovercomeeverythingsubtileandpenetrateeverything
solid.

"Sotheworldwascreated."

AlltheMastersinAlchemywhohavewrittenoftheGreatWork,haveemployedsymbolicand
figurativeexpressions;beingconstrainedtodoso,aswelltorepeltheprofanefromaworkthatwould
bedangerousforthem,astobewellunderstoodbyAdepts,inrevealingtothemthewholeworldof
analogiesgovernedbythesingleandsovereigrdogmaofHermes.

Sointheirlanguage,goldandsilveraretheKingandQueen,ortheSunandMoon;Sulphur,theflying
Eagle;Mercury,theManwomanwinged,bearded,mountedonacube,andcrownedwithflames;
MatterorSalt,thewingedDragon;theMetalsinebullition,Lionsofdifferentcolorsand,finally,the
entireworkhasforitssymbolsthePelicanandthePhoenix.

TheHermeticArtistherefore,atthesametimeareligion,aphilosophy,andanaturalscience.Asa
religion,itisthatoftheAncientMagiandtheInitiatesofallages;asaphilosophy,wemayfindits
principlesintheschoolofAlexandriaandthetheoriesofPythagoras;asascience,wemustinquirefor
itsprocessesofParacelsus,NicholasFlamel,andRaymondLulle.
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TheScienceisarealoneonlyforthosewhoadmitandunderstandthephilosophyandthereligion.Its
processwillsucceedonlyfortheAdeptwhohasattainedthesovereigntyofwillandsobecomethe
Kingoftheelementaryworld.ForthegrandagentoftheoperationoftheSun,isthatforcedescribedin
theSymbolofHermes,ofthetableofemerald;itistheuniversalmagicalpower;thespiritual,fiery,
motivepower;itistheOd,accordingtotheHebrews,andtheAstrallight,accordingtoothers.

Thereinisthesecretfire;livingandphilosophical,ofwhichalltheHermeticphilosophersspeakwith
themostmysteriousreserve.TheUniversalSeed;thesecretwhereoftheykeptandwhichthey
representedonlyunderthefigureoftheCaduceusofHermes.

ThisisthegrandHermeticarcanum.WhattheAdeptscalldeadmatterarebodiesasfoundinnature;
livingmattersaresubstancesassimilatedandmagnetizedbythescienceandwilloftheoperator.

SothattheGreatWorkismorethanachemicaloperation;itisarealcreationofthehumanword
initiatedintothepoweroftheWordofGod.

ThecreationofgoldintheGreatWorkiseffectedbytransmutationandmultiplication.

RaymondLullesays,thattomakegold,onemusthavegoldandmercury;andtomakesilver,silverand
mercury.Andheadds:"Imeanbymercury,thatmineralspiritsofineandpurethatitgildseventhe
seedofgold,andsilversthatofsilver."Hemeantbythis,eitherelectricity,orOd,theastrallight.

TheSaltandSulphurserveintheworkonlytopreparethemercuryanditistothemercuryespecially
thatwemustassimilateandasitwere,incorporatewithitthemagneticagent.Paracelsus,Lulle,and
Flamelaloneseemtohaveperfectlyknownthismystery.

TheGreatWorkofHermesistherefore,anoperationessentiallymagical,andthehighestofall,forit
supposestheAbsoluteinScienceandinWill.Thereislightingold,goldinlight,andlightinall
things.

ThedisciplesofHermes,beforepromisingtheiradeptstheelixiroflonglifeorthepowderof
projection,advisedthemtoseekforthePhilosophalStone.

TheAncientsadoredtheSun,undertheformofablackStone,calledElagabalus,orHeliogabalus.The
faithfularepromised,intheApocalypse,awhiteStone.
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ThisStone,saystheMastersinAlchemy,isthetrueSaltofthephilosophers,whichentersasonethird
intothecompositionofAzoth.ButAzothis,asweknow,thenameofthegrandHermeticAgentand
thetruephilosophicalAgent;whereforetheyrepresenttheirSaltundertheformofacubicalStone.

ThePhilosophicalStoneisthefoundationoftheAbsolutephilosophy,theSupremeandunalterable
Reason.BeforethinkingoftheMetallicwork,wemustbefirmlyfixedontheAbsoluteprinciplesof
Wisdom;wemustbeinpossessionofthisReason,whichisthetouchstoneofTruth.Amanwhoisthe
slaveofpreiudiceswillneverbecometheKingofNatureandtheMasteroftransmutations.The
PhilosophalStone,therefore,isnecessaryaboveallthings.Howshallitbefound?Hermestellsus,in
his"TableofEmerald,"wemustseparatethesubtilefromthefixed,withgreatcareandextreme
attention.Soweoughttoseparateourcertaintiesfromourbeliefs,andmakeperfectlydistinctthe
respectivedomainsofscienceandfaithandtocomprehendthatwedonotknowthethingswebelieve,
norbelieveanythingthatwecometoknowandthatthustheessenceofthethingsofFaitharethe
unknownandindefinite,whileitispreciselythecontrarywiththethingsofScience.Whenceweshall
conclude,thatSciencerestsonreasonandexperienceandFaithhasforitsbasessentimentandreason.

TheSunandMoonoftheAlchemistsconcurinperfectingandgivingstabilitytothePhilosophalStone.
TheycorrespondtothetwocolumnsoftheTemple,JachinandBoaz.TheSunisthehieroglyphical
signofTruth,becauseitisthesourceofLight;andtheroughStoneisthesymbolofStability.Hence
theMediaevalAlchemistsindicatedthePhilosophalStoneasthefirstmeansofmakingthe
philosophicalgold,thatistosay,oftransformingallthevitalpowersfiguredbythesixmetalsintoSun,
thatis,intoTruthandLight;whichisthefirstandindispensableoperationoftheGreatWork,which
leadstothesecondaryadaptation,andenablesthecreatorsofthespiritualandlivinggold,the
possessorsofthetruephilosophicalSalt,Mercury,andSulphur,todiscover,bytheanalogiesofNature,
thenaturalandpalpablegold.

TofindthePhilosophicalStone,istohavediscoveredtheAbsolute,asalltheMasterssay.Butthe
Absoluteisthatwhichadmitsofnoerrors,istheFixedfromtheVolatile,istheLawoftheImagination,
istheverynecessityofBeing,istheimmutableLawofReasonandTruth.TheAbsoluteisthatwhich
IS.

TofindtheAbsoluteintheInfinite,intheIndefiniteandintheFinite,thisistheMagnumOpus,the
GreatWorkoftheSages,whichHermescalledtheWorkoftheSun.

TofindtheimmovablebasesoftruereligiousFaith,ofPhilosophicalTruth,andofMetallic
transmutation,thisisthesecretofHermesinitsentirety,thePhilosophalStone.
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Thisstoneisoneandmanifold;itisdecomposedbyAnalysisandrecompoundedbySynthesis.In
Analysis,itisapowder,thepowderofprojectionoftheAlchemists;beforeAnalysis,andinSynthesis,
itisastone.

ThePhilosophalStone,saytheMasters,mustnotbeexposedtotheatmosphere,nortothegazeofthe
Profane;butitmustbekeptconcealedandcarefullypreservedinthemostsecretplaceofthelaboratory
andthepossessormustalwayscarryonhispersonthekeyoftheplacewhereitiskept.

HewhopossessestheGrandArcanumisagenuineKingandmorethanaking,forheisinaccessibleto
allfearandallemptyhopes.Inallmaladiesofsoulandbody,asingleparticlefromthepreciousstone,
asinglegrainofthedivinepowder,ismorethansufficienttocurehim."Lethimhear,whohathearsto
hear!"theMastersaid.

TheSalt,Sulphur,andMercuryarebuttheaccessorialelementsandpassiveinstrumentsoftheGreat
Work.Alldepends,aswehavesaid,ontheinternalMagnetofParacelsus.Theentireworkconsistsin
projectionandtheprojectionisperfectlyaccomplishedbytheeffectiveandrealizableunderstandingof
asingleword.

Thereisbutasingleimportantoperationinthework;thisconsistsinSublimation,whichisnothing
else,accordingtoGeberthantheelevationofdrymatter,bymeansoffire,withadhesiontoitsproper
vessel.

HewhodesirestoattaintotheunderstandingoftheGrandWordandthepossessionoftheGreatSecret,
oughtcarefullytoreadtheHermeticphilosophersandwillundoubtedlyattaininitiation,asothershave
done;buthemusttake,forthekeyoftheirallegories,thesingledogmaofHermes,containedinhis
tableofEmerald,andfollow,toclasshisacquisitionsofknowledgeanddirecttheoperation,theorder
indicatedintheKabalisticalphabetoftheTarot.

RaymondLullehassaidthattomakegold,wemustfirsthavegold.Nothingismadeoutofnothing;we
donotabsolutelycreatewealth;weincreaseandmultiplyit.Letaspirantstosciencewellunderstand
then,thatneitherthejuggler'stricksnormiraclesaretobeaskedoftheadept.TheHermeticscience,
likealltherealsciences,ismathematicallydemonstrable.Itsresults,evenmaterial,areasrigorousas
thatofacorrectequation.

TheHermeticGoldisnotonlyatruedogma,alightwithoutShadow,aTruthwithoutalloyof
falsehood.Itisalsoamaterial;gold,real,pure,themostpreciousthatcanbefoundintheminesofthe
earth.
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Butthelivinggold,thelivingsulphur,orthetruefireofthephilosophers,istobesoughtforinthe
houseofMercury.Thisfireisfedbytheair:toexpressitsattractiveandexpansivepower,nobetter
comparisoncanbeusedthanthatofthelightning,whichisatfirstonlyadryandearthlyexhalation,
unitedtothemoistvapor,butwhich,byselfexhalation,takesafierynature,actsonthehumidity
inherentinit,whichitattractstoitselfandtransmutesinitsnature;afterwhichitprecipitatesitself
rapidlytowardtheearth,whitheritisattractedbyafixednaturelikeuntoitsown.

Thesewords,informenigmatic,butclearatbottom,distinctlyexpresswhatthephilosophersmeanby
theirMercury,fecundatedbySulphurandwhichbecomestheMasterandregeneratoroftheSalt.Itis
theAZORTH,theuniversalmagneticforce,thegrandmagicalagent,theAstrallight,thelightoflife,
fecundatedbythementalforce,theintellectualenergy,whichtheycomparetosulphur,onaccountofits
amnitieswiththeDivinefire.

AstotheSalt,itisAbsoluteMatter.Whateverismattercontainssaltandallsalt[nitre]maybe
convertedintopuregoldbythecombinedactionofSulphurandMercury,whichsometimesactso
rapidly,thatthetransmutationmaybeeffectedinaninstant,inanhour,withoutfatiguetotheoperator,
andalmostwithoutexpense.Atothertimes,andaccordingtothemorerefractorytemperofthe
atmosphericmedia,theoperationrequiresseveraldays,severalmonths,andsometimesevenseveral
years.

Twoprimarylawsexistinnature;twoessentiallawswhichproducebycounterbalancingeachother,the
universalequilibriumofthings.Thesearefixednessandmovement,analogous,inphilosophy,toTruth
andFictionandinAbsoluteConception,toNecessityandLiberty,whicharetheveryessenceofDeity.
TheHermeticphilosophersgavethenamefixedtoeverythingponderable,toeverythingthattendsby
itsnaturaltocentralreposeandimmobility;theytermvolatileeverythingthatmorenaturallyandmore
readilyobeysthelawofmovementandtheyformtheirstonebyanalysis,thatistosaybythe
volatilizationoftheFixedandthenbysynthesis,thatisbyfixingthevolatile,whichtheyeffectby
applyingtothefixed,whichtheycalltheirsalt,thesulphuratedMercury,orthelightoflifedirectedand
madeomnipotentbyaSovereignWill.ThustheymasterentireNatureandtheirstoneisfoundwherever
thereissalt,whichisthereasonforsayingthatnosubstanceisforeigntotheGreatWork,andthateven
themostdespicableandapparentlyvilemattersmaybechangedintogold,whichistrueinthissense,
thattheyallcontaintheoriginalsaltprinciple,representedinouremblemsbythecubicalstone.

Toknowhowtoextractfromallmatterthepuresaltconcealedinit,istohavetheSecretoftheStone.
WhereforethisisaSalinestone,whichtheOdoruniversalastrallightdecomposesorrecompounds:it
issingleandmanifold;foritmaybedissolvedlikeordinarysaltandincorporatedwithothersubstances.
Obtainedbyanalysis,wemighttermittheUniversalSublimate:foundbywayofsynthesis,itisthetrue
panaceaoftheancients,foritcuresallmaladiesofsoulandbody,andhasbeenstyled,parexcellence,
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themedicineofallnature.Whenone,byabsoluteinitiation,comestocontroltheforcesoftheuniversal
agent,healwayshasthisstoneathisdisposal,foritsextractionisthenasimpleandeasyoperation,
verydistinctfromthemetallicprojectionorrealization.Thisstone,wheninastateofsublimation,must
notbeexposedtocontactwiththeatmosphericair,whichmightpartiallydissolveitanddepriveitofits
virtue;norcoulditsemanationsbeinhaledwithoutdanger.TheSagepreferstopreserveitinitsnatural
envelopes,assuredasheisofextractingitbyasingleeffortofhiswill,andasingleapplicationofthe
UniversalAgenttotheenvelopes,whichtheKabalistscallcortices,theshells,barkorinteguments.

Hieroglyphicallytoexpressthislawofprudence,theygavetheirMercury,personifiedinEgyptas
Hermanubis,adog'sheadandtotheirSulphur,representedbytheBaphometoftheTemp!e,thatgoat's
headwhichbroughtintosuchdisreputetheoccultMediaevalassociations.

LetuslistenforafewmomentstotheAlchemiststhemselvesandendeavortolearnthehiddenmeaning
oftheirmysteriouswords.

TheRITUALoftheDegreeofScottishElderMASTERandKnightofSaintAndrew,beingthefourth
DegreeofRamsay,itissaiduponthetitlepage,oroftheReformedorRectifiedRiteofDresden,has
thesepassages:

"OhowgreatandgloriousisthepresenceoftheAlmightyGodwhichgloriouslyshinesfrombetween
theCherubim!

"HowadorableandastonishingaretheraysofthatgloriousLight,thatsendsforthitsbrightand
brilliantbeamsfromtheHolyArkofAllianceandCovenant!

"LetuswiththedeepestvenerationanddevotionadorethegreatSourceofLife,thatGloriousSpirit
WhoistheMostMercifulandBeneficentRuleroftheUniverseandofallthecreaturesitcontains"!

"ThesecretknowledgeoftheGrandScottishMasterrelatestothecombinationandtransmutationof
differentsubstances;whereofthatyoumayobtainaclearideaandproperunderstanding,youareto
knowthatallmatterandallmaterialsubstancesarecomposedofcombinationsofthreeseveral
substances,extractedfromthefourelements,whichthreesubstancesincombinationare,Salt,Sulphur
andSpirit.ThefirstoftheseproducesSolidity,thesecondSoftness,andthethirdtheSpiritual,
vaporousparticles.Thesethreecompoundsubstancesworkpotentlytogetherandthereinconsiststhe
trueprocessforthetransmutationofmetals".
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"Tothesethreesubstancesalludethethreegoldenbasins,inthefirstofwhichwasengravedtheletter
M.'.,inthesecond,theletterG.'.,andinthethirdnothing.Thefirst,M.'.,istheinitialletterofthe
HebrewwordMalakh,whichsignifiesSaltandthesecond,G.'.,oftheHebrewwordGeparaith,which
signifiesSulphur;andasthereisnowordinHebrewtoexpressthevaporousandintangibleSpirit,there
isnoletterinthethirdbasin".

"Withthesethreeprincipalsubstancesyoumayeffectthetransmutationofmetals,whichmustbedone
bymeansofthefivepointsorrulesoftheScottishMastership".

"ThefirstMaster'spointshowsustheBrazenSea,whereinmustalwaysberainwaterandoutofthis
rainwatertheScottishMastersextractthefirstsubstance,whichisSalt;whichsaltmustafterward
undergoasevenfoldmanipulationandpurification,beforeitwillbeproperlyprepared.Thissevenfold
purificationissymbolizedbytheSevenStepsofSolomon'sTemple,whichsymbolisfurnishedusby
thefirstpointorruleoftheScottishMasters".

"Afterpreparingthefirstsubstance,youaretoextractthesecond,Sulphur,outofthepurestgold,to
whichmustthenbeaddedthepurifiedorcelestialSalt.TheyaretobemixedastheArtdirectsandthen
placedinavesselintheformofaSHIP,inwhichitistoremain,astheArkofNoahwasafloat,one
hundredandfiftydays,beingbroughttothefirstdamp,warmdegreeoffire,thatitmayputrefyand
producethemineralfermentationThisisthesecondpointorruleoftheScottishMasters."

IfyoureflectmyBrother,thatitwasimpossibleforanyonetoimaginethateithercommonsaltornitre
couldbeextractedfromrainwater,orsulphurfrompuregold,youwillnodoubtsuspectthatsome
secretmeaningwasconcealedinthesewords.

TheKabalahconsiderstheimmaterialpartofmanasthreefold,consistingofNEPHESCH,RUACH,
andNESCHAMAH,Psyche,Spiritus,andMens,orSoul,Spirit,andIntellect.ThereareSevenHoly
Palaces,SevenHeavensandSevenThrones;andSoulsarepurifiedbyascendingthroughSeven
Spheres.AShip,inHebrew,isAni;andthesamewordmeansI,Me,orMyself.

TheRITUAL,continues:

"Multiplyingthesubstancethusobtained,isthethirdoperation,whichisdonebyaddingtothemthe
animate,volatileSpiritwhichisdonebymeansofthewateroftheCelestialSalt,aswellasbytheSalt,
whichmustdailybeaddedtoitverycarefullyandstrictlyobservingtoputneithertoomuchnortoo
little;inasmuchas,ifyouaddtoomuch,youwilldestroythatgrowingandmultiplyingsubstanceandif
toolittle,itwillbeselfconsumedanddestroyedandshrinkaway,nothavingsumcientsubstantialityfor
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itspreservation.ThisthirdpointorruleoftheScottishMastersgivesustheemblemofthebuildingof
theTowerofBabel,usedbyourScottishMasters,becausebyirregularityandwantofdueproportion
andharmonythatworkwasstoppedandtheworkmencouldproceednofurther.

"Nextcomesthefourthoperation,representedbytheCubicalStone,whosefacesandanglesareall
equal.Assoonastheworkisbroughttothenecessarypointofmultiplication,itistobesubmittedto
thethirdDegreeofFire,whereinitwillreceivethedueproportionofthestrengthandsubstanceofthe
metallicparticlesoftheCubicalStoneandthisisthefourthpointorruleoftheScottishMasters.

"Finally,wecometothefifthandlastoperation,indicatedtousbytheFlamingStar.Aftertheworkhas
becomeadulyproportionedsubstance,itistobesubjectedtothefourthandstrongestDegreeoffire,
whereinitmustremainthreetimestwentysevenhours;untilitisthoroughlyglowing,bywhichmeans
itbecomesabrightandshiningtincture,wherewiththelightermetalsmaybechanged,bytheuseof
oneparttoathousandofthemetal.WhereforethisFlamingStarshowsusthefifthandlastpointofthe
ScottishMasters".

"YoushouldpasspracticallythroughthefivepointsorrulesoftheMaster,andbytheuseofonepartto
athousand,transmuteandennoblemetals.Youmaytheninrealitysaythatyourageisathousand
years."

IntheorationoftheDegree,thefollowinghintsaregivenastoitstruemeaning:

"ThethreedivisionsoftheTemple,theOuterCourt,SanctuaryandHolyofHolies,signifythethree
PrinciplesofourHolyOrder,whichdirecttotheknowledgeofmorality,andteachthosemostpractical
virtuesthatoughttobepractisedbymankind.ThereforetheSevenStepswhichleaduptotheOuter
CourtoftheTemple,aretheemblemoftheSevenfoldLightwhichweneedtopossess,beforewecan
arriveattheheightofknowledge,inwhichconsisttheultimatelimitsofourorder".

"IntheBrazenSeawearesymbolicallytopurifyourselvesfromallpollutions,allfaultsandwrongful
actions,aswellthosecommittedthrougherrorofjudgmentandmistakenopinion,asthoseintentionally
done;inasmuchastheyequallypreventusfromarrivingattheknowledgeofTrueWisdom.Wemust
thoroughlycleanseandpurifyourheartstotheirinmostrecesses,beforewecanofrightcontemplate
thatFlamingStar,whichistheemblemoftheDivineandGloriousShekinah,orpresenceofGod;
beforewemaydareapproachtheThroneofSupremeWisdom."

IntheDegreeofTheTrueMason[LeVraiMacon],styledinthetitlepageofitsRitualthe23dDegree
ofMasonry,orthe12thofthe5thclass,theTracingboarddisplaysaluminousTriangle,withagreat
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Yodinthecentre.

"TheTriangle,"saystheRitual,"representsoneGodinthreePersonsandthegreatYodistheinitial
letterofthelastword".

"TheDarkCirclerepresentstheChaos,whichinthebeginningGodcreated".

"TheCrosswithintheCircle,theLightbymeanswhereofHedevelopedtheChaos".

"TheSquare,thefourElementsintowhichitwasresolved".

"TheTriangle,again,thethreePrinciples[Salt,SulphurandMercury],whichtheinterminglingofthe
elementsproduced".

"Godcreates;Natureproduces;Artmultiplies.GodcreatedChaos;Natureproducedit;God,Nature
andArt,haveperfectedit".

"TheAltarofPerfumesindicatestheFirethatistobeappliedtoNature.Thetwotowersarethetwo
furnaces,moistanddry,inwhichitistobeworked.Thebowlisthemouldofoakthatistoinclosethe
philosophalegg".

"ThetwofiguressurmountedbyaCrossarethetwovases,NatureandArt,inwhichistobe
consummatedthedoublemarriageofthewhitewomanwiththeredServitor,fromwhichmarriagewill
springamostPotentKing".

"Chaosmeansuniversalmatter,formless,butsusceptibleofallforms.FormistheLightinclosedinthe
seedsofallspeciesanditshomeisintheUniversalSpirit".

"Toworkonuniversalmatter,usetheinternalandexternalfire;thefourelementsresult,thePrincipia
PrincipiorumandInmediata;Fire,Air,Water,Earth.Therearefourqualitiesoftheseelements:the
warmanddry,thecoldandmoist.Twoappertaintoeachelement:Thedryandcold,totheEarth;the
coldandmoist,toWater;themoistandwarm,totheAir;andthewarmanddry,toFire;wherebythe
FireconnectswiththeEarth;alltheelements,asHermessaid,movingincircles".
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"FromthemixtureofthefourElementsandoftheirfourqualities,resultthethreePrinciples,Mercury,
Sulphur,andSalt.Thesearethephilosophical,notthevulgar".

"ThephilosophicalMercuryisaWaterandSPIRIT,whichdissolvesandsublimatestheSun;the
philosophicalSulphur,afireandaSOUL,whichmollifiesandcolorsit;thephilosophicalSalt,an
EarthandaBODY,whichcoagulatesandfixesitandthewholeisdoneinthebosomoftheAir".

"FromthesethreePrinciplesresultthefourElementsduplicated,ortheGrandElements,Mercury,
Sulphur,Salt,andGlass;twoofwhicharevolatile,theWater[Mercury]andtheAir[Sulphur],whichis
oil;forallsubstancesliquidintheirnatureavoidfire,whichtakesfromtheone[water]andburnsthe
other[oil];buttheothertwoaredryandsolid,towit,theSalt,whereinFireiscontained,andthepure
Earth,whichistheGlass;onbothofwhichtheFirehasnootheractionthantomeltandrefinethem,
unlessonemakesuseoftheliquidalkali.For,justaseachelementconsistsoftwoqualities,sothese
greatduplicatedElementspartake,eachoftwoofthesimpleelements,or,moreproperlyspeaking,of
allthefour,accordingtothegreaterorlessdegreeofeach,theMercurypartakingmoreoftheWater,to
whichitisassigned;theOilorSulphur,moreoftheAir;theSalt,oftheFireandtheGlass,ofthe
Earth;whichisfound,pureandclear,inthecentreofalltheelementarycomposites,andisthelastto
disengageitselffromtheothers".

"ThefourElementsandthreePrinciplesresideinalltheCompounds,Animal,Vegetable,andMineral;
butmorepotentlyinsomethaninothers".

"TheFiregivesthemMovement;theAir,Sensation;theWater,Nutriment;andtheEarth,Subsistence".

"ThefourduplicatedElementsengenderTHESTONE,ifoneiscarefulenoughtosupplythemwiththe
properquantityoffireandtocombinethemaccordingtotheirnaturalweight.TenpartsofAirmake
oneofWater;tenofWater,oneofEarthandtenofEarth,oneofFire;thewholebytheActiveSymbol
oftheone,andthePassiveSymboloftheother,wherebytheconversionoftheElementsiseffected".

TheAllusionoftheRitual,here,isobviouslytothefourWorldsoftheKabalah.ThetenSephirothof
theworldBriahproceedfromMalakoth,thelastofthetenEmanationsoftheworldAziquth;theten
SephirothoftheworldYezirah,fromMalakothofBriahandthetenoftheworldAsiah,fromMalakoth
ofYezirah.ThePasswordoftheDegreeisgivenasMetralon,whichisacorruptionofMETATRON,
theCherub,whoandSandalphonareintheKabalahtheChiefoftheAngels.TheActiveandPassive
SymbolsaretheMaleandFemale.

TheRitualcontinues:
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"Itistherebyevidentthat,intheGreatWork,wernustemploytenpartsofphilosophicalMercuryto
oneofSunorMoon".

"ThisisattainedbySolutionandCoagulation.Thesewordsmeanthatwemustdissolvethebodyand
coagulatethespirit;whichoperationsareeffectedbythemoistanddrybath".

"Ofcolors,blackistheEarth;white,theWater;blue,theAirandred,theFire;whereinalsoare
involvedverygreatsecretsandmysteries".

"Theapparatusemployedin'TheGreatWork'consistsoftheMoistbath,theDrybath,theVasesof
NatureandArt,thebowlofoak,lutumsapientiae,theSealofHermes,thetube,thephysicallamp,and
theironrod".

"Theworkisperfectedinseventeenphilosophicalmonths,accordingtothemixtureofingredients.The
benefitsreapedfromitareoftwokindsoneaffectingthesoulandtheotherthebody.Theformer
consistinknowingGod,Nature,andourselfandthosetothebodyarewealthandhealth".

"TheInitiatetraversesHeavenandEarth.HeavenistheWorldmanifesttotheIntelligence,subdivided
intoParadiseandHell;EarthistheWorldmanifesttotheSenses,alsosubdividedintotheCelestialand
thatoftheElements".

"ThereareSciencesspeciallyconnectedwitheachofthese.Theoneisordinaryandcommon;the
other,mysticandsecret.TheWorldcognizablebytheIntellecthastheHermeticTheologyandthe
Kabalah;theCelestialAstrology;andthatoftheElements,Chemistry,whichbyitsdecompositionsand
separations,effectedbyfire,revealsallthemosthiddensecretsofNature,inthethreekindsof
CompoundSubstances.Thislastscienceisstyled'Hermetic,'or'TheoperatingoftheGreatWork.'"

TheRitualoftheDegreeofKabalisticandHermeticRosehasthesepassages:

"ThetruePhilosophy,knownandpractisedbySolomon,isthebasisonwhichMasonryisfounded".

"OurAncientMasonshaveconcealedfromusthemostimportantpointofthisDivineArt,under
hieroglyphicalcharacters,whicharebutenigmasandparables,toalltheSenseless.theWicked,andthe
Ambitious".
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"Hewillbesupremelyfortunate,whoshall,byarduouslabor,discoverthissacredplaceofdeposite,
whereinallnakedthesublimeTruthishidden;forhemaybeassuredthathehasfoundtheTrueLight,
theTrueFelicity,theTrueHeavenlyGood.ThenmayittrulybesaidthatheisoneoftheTrueElect;for
itistheonlyrealandmostSublimeScienceofallthosetowhichamortalcanaspire:hisdayswillbe
prolongedandhissoulfreedofallvicesandcorruption;intowhich"(itisadded,tomislead,asiffrom
feartoomuchwouldbedisclosed),"thehumanraceisoftenledbyindigence".

AsthesymbolismoftheHallandthelanguageoftheritualmutuallyexplaineachother,itshouldbe
notedhere,thatinthisDegreethecolumnsofthehall,12innumber,arewhitevariegatedwithblack
andred.Thehangingsareblack,andoverthatcrimson.

OverthethroneisagreatEagle,ingold,onablackground.InthecentreoftheCanopytheBlazing
Staringold,withtheletterYodinitscentre.OntherightandleftofthethronearetheSuningoldand
theMooninsilver.ThethroneisascendedtobythreeSteps.Thehallandanteroomareeachlightedby
tenlights,andasingleoneattheentrance.Thecolors,black,white,andcrimsonappearintheclothing
andtheKeyandBalanceareamongthesymbols.

ThedutyoftheSecondGrandPriorsaystheRitualis"toseeiftheChapterishermeticallysealed;
whetherthematerialsareready,andtheelements;whethertheBlackgivesplacetotheWhiteandthe
WhitetotheRed."

"Belaborious,"itsays,"liketheStarandprocurethelightoftheSagesandhideyourselffromthe
StupidProfaneandtheAmbitiousandbeliketheOwl,whichseesonlybynightandhidesitselffrom
treacherouscuriosity."

"TheSun,onenteringeachofhishouses,shouldbereceivedtherebythefourelements,whichyou
mustbecarefultoinvitetoaccompanyyou,thattheymayaidyouinyourundertaking;forwithout
themtheHousewouldbemelancholy;whereforeyouwillgivehimtofeastuponthefourelements".

"Whenheshallhavevisitedhistwelvehousesandseenyouattentivetheretoreceivehim,youwill
becomeoneofhischiefestfavoritesandhewillallowyoutoshareallhisgifts.Matterwillthenno
longerhavepoweroveryou;youwill,sotosaybenolongeradwellerontheearth;butaftercertain
periodsyouwillgivebacktoitabodywhichisitsown,totakeinitssteadonealtogetherSpiritual.
Matteristhendeemedtobedeadtotheworld".
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"Thereforeitmustberevivifiedandmadetobebornagainfromitsashes,whichyouwilleffectby
virtueofthevegetationoftheTreeofLife,representedtousbythebranchofacacia.Whoevershall
learntocomprehendandexecutethisgreatwork,willknowgreatthings,saytheSagesofthework;but
wheneveryoudepartfromthecentreoftheSquareandtheCompassyouwillnolongerbeabletowork
withsuccess.

"AnotherJewelisnecessaryforyouandincertainundertakingscannotbedispensedwith.Itiswhatis
titledtheKabalisticpantacle.Thiscarrieswithitthepowerofcommandingthespiritsoftheelements.
Itisnecessaryforyoutoknowhowtouseitandthatyouwilllearnbyperseveranceifyouarealoverof
thescienceofourpredecessorstheSages".

"AgreatBlackEagle,theKingofBirds.HealoneitisthatcanfiretheSun,materialinitsnature,that
hasnoform,andyetbyitsformdevelopscolor.Theblackisacompleteharbingerofthework.It
changescolorandassumesanaturalform,outwhereofwillemergeabrilliantSun".

"ThebirthoftheSunisalwaysannouncedbyitsStar,representedbytheBlazingStar,whichyouwill
knowbyitsfierycoloranditisfollowedinitscoursebythesilverylustreoftheMoon".

"AroughAshlaristheshapelessstonewhichistobepreparedinordertocommencethephilosophical
workandtobedeveloped,inordertochangeitsformfromtriangulartocubic,aftertheseparationfrom
itofitsSalt,Sulphur,andMercury,bytheaidoftheSquare,Level,PlumbandBalanceandallthe
otherMasonicimplementswhichweusesymbolically".

"Heremeputthemtophilosophicaluse,toconstituteawellproportionededifice,throughwhichyou
aretomakepassthecrudematerial,analogoustoacandidatecommencinghisinitiationintoour
Mysteries.Whenwebuildwemustobservealltherulesandproportions;forotherwisetheSpiritof
Lifecannotlodgetherein.Soyouwillbuildthegreattower,inwhichistoburnthefireoftheSages,or
inotherwords,thefireofHeaven.AsalsotheSeaoftheSages,inwhichtheSunandMoonareto
bathe.ThatisthebasinofPurification,inwhichwillbethewaterofCelestialGrace,waterthatdoth
notsoilthehands,butpurifiesallleprousbodies".

"LetuslabortoinstructourBrother,totheendthatbyhistoilshemaysucceedindiscoveringthe
principleoflifecontainedintheprofundityofmatterandknownbythenameofAlkahest".

"ThemostpotentofthenamesofDeityisADONAI.ItspoweristoputtheUniverseinmovement;and
theKnightswhoshallbefortunateenoughtopossessit,withweightandmeasure,shallhaveattheir
dispositionallthepotencesthatinhabitit,theElements,andthecognizanceofallthevirtuesand
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sciencesthatmaniscapableofknowing.Byitspowertheywouldsucceedindiscoveringtheprimary
metaloftheSun,whichholdswithinitselfthePrincipleofthegerm,andwherewithwecanputin
allianceandsixothermetals,eachofwhichcontainstheprinciplesandprimitiveseedofthegrand
philosophicalwork".

"ThesixothermetalsareSaturn,Jupiter,Mars,Venus,MercuryandLuna;vulgarlyknownasLead,
Tin,Iron,Copper,Quicksilver,andSilver.Goldisnotincluded;becauseitisnotinitsnatureametal.It
isallSpiritandincorruptible;whereforeitistheemblemoftheSun,whichpresidesovertheLight".

"ThevivifyingSpirit,calledAlkahest,hasinitselfthegenerativevirtueofproducingthetriangular
CubicalStone,andcontainsinitselfallthevirtuestorendermenhappyinthisworldandinthatto
come.ToarriveattheeompositionofthatAlkahest,webeginbylaboringatthescienceoftheunionof
thefourElementswhicharetobeeducedfromthethreeKingdomsofNature,Mineral,Vegetableand
Animal;therule,measure,weightandequipoisewhereofhaveeachtheirkey.Wethenemployinone
worktheanimals,vegetables,andminerals,eachinhisseason,whichmakethespaceoftheHousesof
theSun,wheretheyhaveallthevirtuesrequired".

"SomethingfromeachofthethreeKingdomsofNatureisassignedtoeachCelestialHouse,totheend
thateverythingmaybedoneinaccordancewithsoundphilosophicalrulesandtheeverythingmaybe
thoroughlypurifiedinitspropertimeandplaceinordertobepresentedattheweddingtableofthe
Spouseandthesixvirginswhoholdthemysticshovel,withoutacommonfire,butwithanelementary
fire,thatcomesprimarilybyattractionandbydigestioninthephilosophicalbedlightedbythefour
elements".

"AtthebanquetoftheSpouses,theviands,beingthoroughly,purified,areservedinSalt,Sulphur,
SpiritandOil;asufficientquantitythereofistakeneverymonth,andtherewithiscompounded,by
meansoftheBalanceofSolomon,theAlkahest,toservetheSpouses,whentheyarelaidonthenuptial
bed,theretoengendertheirembryo,producingforthehumanraceimmensetreasures,thatwilllastas
longastheworldendures.

"Fewarecapableofengaginginthisgreatwork.OnlythetrueFreeMasonsmayofrightaspiretoitand
evenofthem,veryfewareworthytoattainit,bccausemostofthemareignorantoftheClaviculesand
theircontents,andofthePantacleofSolomon,whichteacheshowtolaboratthegreatwork".

"TheweightraisedbySolomonwithhisbalancewas1,2,3,4,5;whichcontains25timesunity,2
multipliedby2;3multipliedby3;4multipliedby4;5multipliedby5,andonce9;thesenumbersthus
involvingthesquaresof5and2,thecubeof2,thesquareofthesquareof2,andthesquareof3".
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ThusfartheRitual,inthenumbersmentionedbyit,isanallusiontothe47thproblemofEuclid,a
symbolofBlueMasonry,entirelyoutofplacethereanditsmeaningunknown.Thebaseoftheright
angledtrianglebeing3andtheperpendicular4,thehypothenuseis5,bytherulethatthesumofthe
squaresofthetwoformerequalsthesquareofthelatter,3X3being9;and4X4,16,and9+16being
25,thesquareof5.Thetrianglecontainsinitssidesthenumbers1,2,and3.ThePerpendicularisthe
Male;theBase,theFemale;theHypothenuse,theproductofthetwo.

Tofixthevolatile,intheHermeticlanguage,meanstomaterializethespirit;tovolatilizethefixedisto
spiritualizematter.

Toseparatethesubtilefromthegross,inthefirstoperation,whichiswhollyinternal,istofreeoursoul
fromallprejudiceandallvice.ThisiseffectedbytheuseofthephilosophicalSALT,thatistosay,of
WISDOM;ofMERCURY,thatistosay,ofpersonalaptitudeandlaborandofSULPHUR,which
representsthevitalenergyandtheardorofthewill.Thuswesucceedinchangingintospiritualgold
suchthingsevenasareofleastvalueandeventhefoulthingsoftheearth.

ItisinthissensewearetounderstandtheparablesoftheHermeticphilosophersandtheprophetsof
Alchemy;butintheirworks,asintheGreatWork,wemustskillfullyseparatethesubtilefromthe
gross,themysticfromthepositive,allegoryfromtheory.Ifyouwouldreadthemwithpleasureand
understandingly,youmustfirstunderstandthemallegoricallyintheirentiretyandthendescendfrom
allegoriestorealitiesbywayofthecorrespondencesoranalogiesindicatedinthesingledogma:

"Whatisaboveislikewhatisbelowandwhatisbelowislikewhatisabove."

Thetreatise"MinervaMundi,"attributedtoHermesTrismegistus,contains,underthemostpoetical
andprofoundallegories,thedogmaoftheselfcreationofbeings,orofthelawofcreationthatresults
fromtheaccordoftwoforces,thesewhichtheAlchemistscalledtheFixedandtheVolatileandwhich
are,intheAbsolute,NecessityandLiberty.

WhentheMastersinAlchemysaythatitneedsbutlittletimeandexpensetoaccomplishtheworksof
Science,whentheyaffirm,aboveall,thatbutasinglevesselisnecessary,whentheyspeakoftheGreat
andSinglefurnace,whichallcanuse,whichiswithinthereachofalltheworldandwhichmenpossess
withoutknowingit,theyalludetothephilosophicalandmoralAlchemy.Infact,astrongand
determinedwillcan,inalittlewhile,attaincompleteindependenceandweallpossessthatchemical
instrument,thegreatandsingleathanororfurnace,whichservestoseparatethesubtilefromthegross
andthefixedfromthevolatile.Thisinstrument,completeastheworld,andaccurateasthemathematics
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themselves,isdesignatedbytheSagesundertheemblemofthePentagramorStarwithfivepoints,the
absolutesignofhumanintelligence.

TheendandperfectionoftheGreatWorkisexpressed,inalchemy,byatrianglesurmountedbyacross:
andtheletterTau,thelastoftheSacredalphabet,hasthesamemeaning.

The"elementaryfire"thatcomesprimarilybyattraction,isevidentlyElectricityortheElectricForce,
primarilydevelopedasmagnetismandinwhichisperhapsthesecretoflifeorthevitalforce.

Paracelsus,thegreatReformerinmedicine,discoveredmagnetismlongbeforeMesmer,andpushedto
itslastconsequencesthisluminousdiscovery,orratherthisinitiationintothemagicoftheancients,
whounderstoodthegrandmagicalagentbetterthanwedoanddidnotregardtheAstralLight,Azoth,
theuniversalmagnetismoftheSages,asananimalandparticularfluid,emanatingonlyfromcertain
specialbeings.

ThefourElements,thefoursymbolicanimalsandthereduplicatedPrinciplescorrespondwitheach
otherandarethusarrangedbytheHermeticMasons.

TheAirandEarthrepresenttheMalePrincipleandtheFireandWaterbelongtotheFemalePrinciple.

Tothesefourformscorrespondthefourfollowingphilosophicalideas:

Spirit,Matter,Movement,Repose

Alchemyreducesthesefourthingstothree:

TheAbsolute,theFixed,theVolatile

Reason,Necessity,Libertyarethesynonymsofthesethreewords.

AsallthegreatMysteriesofGodandtheUniversearethushiddenintheTernary,iteverywhere
appearsinMasonryandintheHermeticPhilosophyunderitsmaskofAlchemy.Itevenappearswhere
Masonsdonotsuspectit;toteachthedoctrineoftheequilibriumofContraries,andtheresultant
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Harmony.

ThedoubletriangleofSolomonisexplainedbySaintJohninaremarkablemanner:Thereare,hesays,
threewitnessesinHeaven,theFather,theWord,andtheHolySpiritandthreewitnessesonearth,the
breath,water,andblood.HethusagreeswiththeMastersoftheHermeticPhilosophy,whogivetotheir
SulphurthenameofEther,totheirMercurythenameofphilosophicalwater,totheirSaltthatofblood
ofthedragon,ormenstruumoftheearth.Theblood,orSalt,correspondsbyoppositionwiththe
Father;theAzothic,orMercurialwater,withtheWord,orLogosandthebreath,withtheHolySpirit.
ButthethingsofHighSymbolismcanbewellunderstoodonlybythetruechildrenofScience.

AlchemyhasitsSymbolicTriadofSalt,Sulphur,andMercury,manconsisting,accordingtothe
Hermeticphilosophers,ofBody,SoulandSpirit.TheDove,theRaven,andthePhoenixarestriking
SymbolsofGoodandEvil,LightandDarkness,andtheBeautyresultingfromtheequilibriumofthe
two.

IfyouwouldunderstandthetruesecretsofAlchemy,youmuststudytheworksoftheMasterswith
patienceandassiduity.Everywordisoftenanenigmaandtohimwhoreadsinhaste,thewholewill
seemabsurd.EvenwhentheyseemtoteachthattheGreatWorkisthepurificationoftheSoulandsoto
dealonlywithmorals,theymostconcealtheirmeaning,anddeceiveallbuttheInitiates.

YodistermedintheKabalahtheopifex,workmanoftheDeity.Itis,saysthePortaCoelorum,single
andprimal,likeone,whichisthefirstamongnumbersandlikeapoint,thefirstbeforeallbodies.
Movedlengthwise,itproducesaline,whichisVauandthismovedsidewiseproducesasuperficies,
whichisDaleth.ThusVaubecomesDaleth;formovementtendsfromrighttoleftandall
communicationisfromabovetobelow.TheplenitudeofYod,thatis,thenameofthisletter,spelled,is
YOD.Vau[whichrepresents6]andDaleth[4]are10;likeYod,theirprinciple.

Yod,saystheSiphradeZeniutha,istheSymbolofWisdomandoftheFather.

ThePrinciplecalledFather,saystheIdraSuta,iscomprehendedinYod,whichflowsdownwardfrom
theHolyinfluence,whereforeYodisthemostoccultofalltheletters;forheisthebeginningandend
ofallthings.TheSupernalWisdomisYodandallthingsareincludedinYod,whoisthereforecalled
FatherofFathers,ortheGeneratoroftheUniversal.ThePrincipleofallthingsiscalledtheHouseofall
things:whereforeYodisthebeginningandendofallthings;asitiswritten:"Thouhastmadeallthings
inWisdom".ForTheAllistermedWisdomandinitTheAlliscontainedandthesummaryofall
thingsistheHolyName.
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Yod,saystheSiphradeZeniutha,signifyingtheFather,approachestheletterHe,whichistheMother
andbythecombinationofthesetwoisdenotedthatluminousinfiuencewherewithBinahisimbuedby
theSupernalWisdom.

Inthename,saysthesame,areincludedtheFather,MotherandMicroprosopos,theirissue.He,
impregnatedbyVau,producedMicroprosopos,orSeirAnpin.

Wisdom,Hakemah,isthePrincipleofallthings.ItistheFatherofFathersandinitarethebeginning
andendofallthings.Microprosopos,thesecondUniversal,istheissueofWisdom,theFatherand
Binah,theMother,andiscomposedofthesixNumerations,Geburah,GedulahandTephareth,Netsach
Hod,andYesod;isrepresentedundertheformofaman,andsaidtohaveatfirstoccupiedtheplace
afterwardfilledbytheworldBriah[ofCreation],butafterwardtohavebeenraisedtotheAziluthic
sphereandreceivedWisdom,IntelligenceandCognition[Daath]fromtheSupernalWisdomand
Intellectuality.

Vau,inthetriliteralword,denotesthesesixmembersofMicroprosopos.Forthislatterisformedafter
thefashionofMacroprosopos,butwithoutKether,thewill,whichremainsinthefirstprototypeor
Universal;thoughinvestedwithaportionoftheDivineIntellectualPowerandCapacity.Thefirst
Universaldoesnotusethefirstperson,andiscalledinthethirdperson,HUA,HE:butthesecond
Universalspeaksinthefirstperson,usingthewordANI,I.

TheIDRARABBA,orSynodusMagna,oneofthebooksoftheSohar,says:

TheEldestoftheEldest[theAbsoluteDeity]isinMicroprosopos.Allthingsareone:allwas,allis,all
willbe:thereneitherwillbe,noris,norhasbeen,mutation.

ButHeconfirmedHimself,bytheformings,intoaformthatcontainsallforms.inaformwhich
comprehendsallgenera.ThisformisinthelikenessofHisformandisnotthatformbutitsanalogue;
whereforethehumanformistheformofallaboveandbelow,whichareincludedinitbecauseit
embracesallaboveandbelow.TheMostHolysotookform,andsoMicroprosoposwasconfigured.All
thingsareequallyone,ineachofthetwoUniversals;butinthesecondHiswaysaredividedand
judgmentisonoursideandonthesidethatlookstowardus,also,theydiffer.

TheseSecretsaremadeknownonlytothereapersintheHolyField.

TheMostHolyAncientisnotcalledATHAU,Thou,butHUA,He;butinMicroprosopos,whereisthe
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beginningofthings,HehasthenameATHAH,andalsoAB,Father.FromHimisthebeginning,and
HeiscalledThou,andistheFatherofFathers.HeissuesfromtheNonEns;andthereforeisbeyond
cognition.

WisdomisthePrincipleoftheUniverseandfromitthirtytwowaysdiverge:andinthemthelawis
contained,intwentytwolettersandtenwords.WisdomistheFatherofFathersandinthisWisdomis
foundtheBeginningandtheEnd:whereforethereisawisdomineachUniversal,oneabove,theother
below.

TheCommentaryofRabbiChajunVital,ontheSiphradeZeniutha,says:Atthebeginningof
emanation,MicroprosoposissuedfromtheFather,andwasintermingledwiththeMother,underthe
mysteriesoftheletter[He],resolvedthatis,DalethandVau;bywhichVauisdenotedMicroprosopos;
becauseVauissix,andheisconstitutedofthesixpartsthatfollowHakemahandBinah.And,
accordingtothisconception,theFatheriscalledFatherofFathers,becausefromHimtheseFathers
proceed,Benignity,Severity,andBeauty.MicroprosoposwasthenliketheletterVauintheletterHe,
becauseHehadnohead;butwhenHewasnowborn,threebrainswereconstitutedforHim,bytheflow
ofDivineLightfromabove.

Andastheworldofrestitution[afterthevesselsoftheSephirothbelowBinahhadbeenbroken,that
fromthefragmentsevilmightbecreated]isinstitutedafterthefashionoftheBalance,soalsoisit
formedthroughoutinthehumanform.ButMalakoth,Regnum,isacompleteandseparateperson,
behindMicroprosopos,andinconjunctionwithhimandthetwoarecalledman.

Thefirstworld[ofInanity]couldnotcontinueanddidnotsubsist,becauseithadnohuman
conformationnorthesystemoftheBalance,theSephirothbeingpoints,onebelowtheother.Thefirst
Adam[Microprosopos,asdistinguishedfromMacroprosopos,thefirstOccultAdam]wasthe
beginning,whereinthetenNumerationsproceededforthfrompotenceintoact.

Microprosoposisthesecondgarmentorinterposedmedium,withrespecttotheElderMostHoly,who
isthenameTetragrammatonandheiscalledAlohim;becausetheformerisAbsoluteCommiseration;
whileinMacroprosoposhislightshavethenatureofSeverities,withrespecttotheelderUniversal;
thoughtheyareCommiseration,withrespecttothelightsofMalakothandthethreelowerworlds.

AlltheconformationsofMacroprosoposcomefromthefirstAdam;whotointerposeasecond
covering,causedasinglesparktoissuefromthesphereofSeverity,ofwhosefivelettersisgenerated
thenameAlohim.Withthisissuedfromthebrainamostsubtleair,whichtakesitsplaceontheright
hand,whilethesparkoffireisontheleft.Thusthewhiteandreddonotintermix,thatis,theAirand
Fire,whichareMercyandJudgment.
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MicroprosoposistheTreeoftheKnowledgeofGoodandEvil,hisSeveritiesbeingtheEvil.

REGNUM,towhichisgiventhenameofWordofTheLord,superinvestsHeaven,asthesixmembers
oftheDegreeTepharetharecalledandthesebecomeandareconstitutedbythatsuperiorvestiture.For
everyconformationandconstitutioniseffectedbymeansofveiling,becauseoccultationhereisthe
sameasmanifestation,theexcessoflightbeingveiled,sothat,diminishedinintensityanddegree,it
maybereceivedbythosebelow.ThosesixmembersconceivedofascontainedinBinah,aresaidtobe
intheWorldofCreation;asinTephareth,inthatofFormationandasinMalakoth,inthatof
Fabrication.

Beforetheinstitutionofequilibrium,facewasnottowardface;Microprosoposandhiswifeissuing
forthbacktoback,andyetcohering.Soabove;beforethepriorAdamwasconformedintomaleand
female,andthestateofequilibriumestablished,theFatherandMotherwerenotfacetoface.Forthe
FatherdenotesthemostperfectLoveandtheMotherthemostperfectRigor.Andthesevensupernal
sonswhoproceededfromher,fromBinah,whobroughtforthseven,wereallmostperfectrigors,
havingnoconnectionwitharootintheMostHolyAncient;thatis,theywerealldead,destroyed,
shattered;buttheywereplaeedinequilibrium,intheequipoiseoftheOccultWisdom,whenitwas
conformedintomaleandfemale,RigorandLove,andtheywerethenrestored,andtherewasgiven
themarootabove.

TheFatherisLoveandMercyandwithapureandsubtleAurorBenignityimpregnatestheMother,
whoisRigorandSeverityofJudgmentsandtheproductisthebrainofMicroprosopos.

Itwasdetermined,saystheIntroductiontotheBookSohar,bytheDeity,tocreateGoodandEvilinthe
world,accordingtowhatissaidinIsaiah,"whomakestheLightandcreatestheEvil."ButtheEvilwas
atfirstoccult,andcouldnotbegeneratedandbroughtforth,exceptbythesinningoftheFirstAdam.
WhereforeHedeterminedthatthenumerationsfirstemanated,fromBenignitydownward,shouldbe
destroyedandshatteredbytheexcessiveinfluxofHisLight;Hisintentionbeingtocreateofthemthe
worldsofEvils.Butthefirstthreeweretoremainandsubsist,thatamongthefragmentsshouldbe
neitherWill,IntellectualPower,northeCapacityofIntellectionoftheDivinity.Thelastseven
numerationswerepoints,likethefirstthree,eachsubsistingindependently,unsustainedby
companionship;whichwasthecauseoftheirdyingandbeingshattered.

TherewasthennoLovebetweenthem,butonlyatwofoldFear;Wisdom,forexample,fearinglestit
shouldascendagaintoitsSourceinKether;andalsolestitshoulddescendintoBinah.Hencetherewas
nounionbetweenanytwo,exceptHakemahandBinah,andthisimperfect,withavertedfaces.Thisis
themeaningofthesaying,thattheworldwascreatedbyJudgment,whichisfear.Andsothatworld
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couldnotsubsistandtheSevenKingsweredethroned,untiltheattributeofCompassionwasadjoined
toitandthenrestorationtookplace.ThencecameLoveandUnionandsixofthepartswereunitedinto
oneperson;forLoveistheattributeofCompassionorMercy.

BinahproducedtheSevenKings,notsuccessively,butalltogether.TheSeventhisRegnum,calleda
stone,thecornerstone,becauseonitarebuildedthepalacesofthethreelowerworlds.

Thefirstsixwereshatteredintofragments;butRegnumwascrushedintoaformlessmass,lestthe
malignantdemonscreatedfromthefragmentsoftheothersshouldreceivebodiesfromit,sincefromit
camebodiesandvitality[Nephesch].

FromthefragmentsofthevesselscameallEvils;judgments,turbidwaters,impurities,theSerpent,and
AdamBelial[Baal].ButtheirinternallightreascendedtoBinahandthenfloweddownagainintothe
worldsBriahandYezirah,theretoformvestigesoftheSevenNumerations.TheSparksofthegreat
Influenceoftheshatteredvasesdescendingintothefourspiritualelements,Fire,Air,Water,andEarth
andthenceintotheinanimate,vegetable,livingandspeakingkingdoms,becameSouls.

Selectingthesuitablefromtheunsuitablelightsandseparatingthegoodfromtheevil,theDeityfirst
restoredtheuniversalityoftheSevenKingsoftheWorldAziluth,andafterwardthethreeotherWorlds.

Andthoughinthemwerebothgoodandevil,stillthisevildidnotdevelopitselfinact,sincethe
Severitiesremained,thoughmitigated;someportionofthembeingnecessarytopreventthefragments
oftheintegumentsfromascending.Thesewerealsoleft,becauseconnectionoftwoisnecessaryto
generation.AndthisnecessityfortheexistenceofSeverityisthemysteryofthepleasureandwarmthof
thegenerativeappetite;andthenceLovebetweenhusbandandwife.

IftheDeity,saystheIntroduction,hadnotcreatedworldsandthendestroyedthem,therecouldhave
beennoevilintheworld,butallthingsmusthavebeengood.Therewouldhavebeenneitherreward
norpunishmentintheworld.Therewouldhavebeennomeritinrighteousness,fortheGoodisknown
bytheevil,norwouldtherehavebeenfruitfulnessormultiplicationintheworld.Ifallcarnal
concupiscencewereenchainedforthreedaysinthemouthofthegreatabyss,theeggofoneofthedays
wouldbewantingtothesickman.IntimetocomeitwillbecalledLaban,becauseitwillbewhitened
ofitsimpurity,andwillreturntotherealmIsrael,andtheywillpraytheLordtogivethemtheappetite
ofcarnalconcupiscence,forthebegettingofchildren.

TheintentionofGodwas,whenHecreatedtheworld,thatHiscreaturesshouldrecognizeHis
existence.ThereforeHecreatedevils,toafflictthemwithalwhentheyshouldsinandLightand
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Blessingtorewardthejust.Andthereforemannecessarilyhasfreewillandelection,sinceGoodand
EvilareintheWorld.

Andthesekingsdied,saystheCommentary,becausetheconditionofequilibriumdidnotyetexist,nor
wasAdamKadmonformedmaleandfemale.Theywerenotincontactwithwhatwasalive:norhad
anyrootinAdamKadmon;norwasWisdomwhichoutflowedfromHim,theirroot,nordidthey
connectwithit.ForallthesewerepuremerciesandmostsimpleLove;butthosewererigorous
judgments.Whencefacelookednottowardface;northeFathertowardtheMother,becausefromher
proceededjudgments.NorMacroprosopostowardMicroprosopos.AndRegnum,thelastnumeration,
wasemptyandinane.Ithasnothingofitselfandasitwere,wasnothing,receivingnothingfromthem.
Itsneedwas,toreceiveLovefromtheMale;foritismererigorandjudgment;andtheLoveandRigor
musttempereachother,toproducecreation,anditsmultitudesaboveandbelow.Foritwasmadetobe
inhabitedandwhenrigorousjudgmentsruleinit,itisinanebecauseitsprocessescannotbecarriedon.

WhereforetheBalancemustneedsbeinstituted,thattheremightbearootabove,sothatjudgments
mightberestoredandtemperedandliveandnotagaindie.AndSevenConformationsdescendandall
thingsbecomeinequilibrium,andtheneedleoftheBalanceistherootabove.

IntheworldYezirah,saysthePneumaticaKabalistica,denotesKether;HakemahandBinah;and
Gedulah,Geburah,andTepharethandthusVauisBeautyandHarmony.TheManisHakemah;the
Eagle,Binah;theLion,GedulahandtheOx,Geburah.Andthemysteriouscircleisthusformedbythe
SoharandalltheKabalists.MichaelandthefaceoftheLionareontheSouth,andtherighthand,with
theletterYod,andWater;GabrielandthefaceoftheOx,ontheNorth,andlefthand,withthefirstof
theTetragrammatonandFire;UrielandthefaceoftheEagle,ontheEastandforward,withandAir;
andRaphaelandthefaceoftheMan,ontheWest,andbackwardwiththelastEarth.Inthesameorder,
thefourlettersrepresentthefourworlds.

RabbiSchimeonBenJochaisaysthatthefouranimalsoftheMysteriousChariot,whosewheelsare
NetsachandHod,areGedulah,whosefaceistheLion's;Geburah,withthatoftheOx;Tephareth,with
thatoftheEagleandMalakoth,withthatoftheMan.

TheSevenlowerSephiroth,saystheAEschMezareph,willrepresentSevenMetals;Gedulahand
Geburah,SilverandGold:Tephareth,Iron;NetsachandHod,TinandCopper;Yesod,Leadand
MalakothwillbethemetallicWomanandMornoftheSages,thefieldwhereinaretobesowedthe
SeedsoftheSecretMinerals,towittheWaterofGold;butinthesesuchmysteriesareconcealedasno
tonguecanutter.

ThewordAmas,iscomposedoftheinitialsofthethreeHebrewwordsthatsignifyAir,Water,andFire;
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bywhich,saytheKabalists,aredenotedBenignity,JudicialRigor,andMercyorCompassion
mediatingbetweenthem.

Malakoth,saystheApparatus,iscalledHaikal,TempleorPalace,becauseitisthePalaceoftheDegree
Tephareth,whichisconcealedandcontainedinit,andHaikaldenotestheplaceinwhichallthingsare
contained.

ForthebetterunderstandingoftheKabalah,rememberthatKetherortheCrown,istreatedofasa
person,composedofthetenNumerationsandassuchtermedArikAnpin,orMacroprosopos:

ThatHakemahisaperson,andtermedAbba,orFather:

ThatBinahisapersonandtermedMother,Imma:

ThatTephareth,includingalltheNumerationsfromKhasedorGedulahtoYesod,isaperson,called
SeirAnpin,orMicroprosopos.TheseNumerationsaresixinnumberandarerepresentedbythe
interlacedtriangle,ortheSealofSolomon.

AndMalakothisapersonandcalledthewifeofMicroprosopos.VaurepresentstheBeautyor
Harmony,consistingofthesixpartswhichconstituteSeirAnpin.

ThewifeMalakoth,issaidtobebehindthehusband,Seirandtohavenoothercognitionofhim.And
thisisthusexplained:Thateverycognizableobjectistobeknownintwoways;apriori,whichiswhen
itisknownbymeansofitscause,orofitself;oraposterioriwhenitisknownbyitseffects.Themost
nearlyperfectmodeofcognitionis,whentheintellectknowsthethingitself,initselfandthroughitself.
Butifitknowsthethingbyitssimilitudeoridea,orspeciesseparatefromit,orbyitseffectsand
operations,thecognitionismuchfeeblerandmoreimperfect.AnditisthusonlythatRegnum,thewife
ofSeir,knowsherhusband,untilfaceisturnedtoface,whentheyuniteandshehasthemorenearly
perfectknowledge.ForthentheDeity,aslimitedandmanifestedinSeirandtheUniverseareone.

VauisTephareth,consideredastheUnityinwhicharethesixmembers,ofwhichitselfisone.
Tephareth,Beauty,isthecolumnwhichsupportstheworld,symbolizedbythecolumofthejunior
WardenintheBlueLodges.TheworldwasfirstcreatedbyJudgmentandasitcouldnotsosubsist,
MercywasconjoinedwithJudgment,andtheDivineMerciessustaintheUniverse.
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God,saystheIdraSuta,formedallthingsintheformofmaleandfemale,sinceotherwisethe
continuanceofthingswasimpossible.TheAllembracingWisdom,issuingandshiningfromtheMost
HolyAncient,shinesnototherwisethanasmaleanfemale.WisdomastheFather,Intelligencethe
Mother,areinequilibriumasmaleandfemale,andtheyareconjoined,anoneshinesintheother.Then
theygenerateandareexpandedintheTruth.ThenthetwoarethePerfectionofallthings,whenthey
arecoupled;andwhentheSonisinthem,thesummaryofallthingsisinone.

ThesethingsareintrustedonlytotheHolySuperiors,whohaveenteredandgoneoutandknownthe
waysoftheMostHolyGod,soasnottoerrinthem,totherighthandortothelefForthesethingsare
hiddenandtheloftyHolinessesshineinthem,aslightflowsfromthesplendorofalamp.

Thesethingsarecommittedonlytothosewhohaveenteredandnotwithdrawn;forhewhohasnotdone
sohadbetterneverhavebeenborn.

AllthingsarecomprehendedinthelettersVauandHe;anallareonesystemandthesearetheletters,
TabunahIntelligence.

XXIX.GRANDSCOTTISHKNIGHTOFST.ANDREW

AMIRACULOUStradition,somethinglikethatconnectedwiththelabarumofConstantine,hallows
theAncientCrossofSt.Andrew.Hungus,whointheninthcenturyreignedoverthePictsinScotland,
issaidtohaveseeninavision,onthenightbeforeabattle,theApostleSaintAndrew,whopromised
himthevictory;andforanassuredtokenthereof,hetoldhimthatthereshouldappearoverthePictish
host,intheair,suchafashionedcrossashehadsufferedupon.Hungus,awakened,lookingupatthe
sky,sawthepromisedcross,asdidallofbotharmies;andHungusandthePicts,afterrenderingthanks
totheApostlefortheirvictory,andmakingtheirofferingswithhumbledevotion,vowedthatfrom
thenceforth,aswelltheyastheirposterity,intimeofwar,wouldwearacrossofStAndrewfortheir
badgeandcognizance.

JohnLeslie,BishopofRoss,saysthatthiscrossappearedtoAchaius,KingoftheScots,andHungus,
KingofthePicts,thenightbeforethebattlewasfoughtbetwixtthemandAthelstane,KingofEngland,
astheywereontheirkneesatprayer.

EverycrossofKnighthoodisasymboloftheninequalitiesofaKnightofSt.AndrewofScotland;for
everyorderofchivalryrequiredofitsvotariesthesamevirtuesandthesameexcellencies.
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Humility,Patience,andSelfdenialarethethreeessentialqualitiesofaKnightofSt.Andrewof
Scotland.TheCross,sanctifiedbythebloodoftheholyoneswhohavedieduponit;theCross,which
JesusofNazarethbore,fainting,alongthestreetsofJerusalemanduptoCalvary,uponwhichHecried,
"NotMywill,OFather!butThinebedone,"isanunmistakableandeloquentsymbolofthesethree
virtues.Hesuffereduponit,becauseHeconsortedwithandtaughtthepoorandlowly,andfoundHis
disciplesamongthefishermenofGalileeandthedespisedpublicans.HislifewasoneofHumility,
Patience,andSelfdenial.

TheHospitallersandTemplarstookuponthemselvesvowsofobedience,poverty,andchastity.The
Lamb,whichbecamethedeviceoftheSealoftheOrderofthePoorFellowSoldieryoitheTempleof
Solomon,conveyedthesamelessonsofhumilityandselfdenialastheoriginaldeviceoftwoKnights
ridingasinglehorse.TheGrandCommanderwarnedeverycandidatenottobeinducedtoenterthe
Orderbyavainhopeofenjoyingearthlypompandsplendor.Hetoldhimthathewouldhavetoendure
manythings,sorelyagainsthisinclinations;andthathewouldbecompelledtogiveuphisownwill,
andsubmitentirelytothatofhissuperiors.

ThereligiousHousesoftheHospitallers,despoiledbyHenrytheEighth'sworthydaughter,Elizabeth,
becausetheywouldnottaketheoathtomaintainhersupremacy,hadbeenAlmshouses,and
Dispensaries,andFoundlingasyla,relievingtheStateofmanyorphanandoutcastchildren,and
ministeringtotheirnecessities,God'sravensinthewilderness,breadandfleshinthemorning,bread
andfleshintheevening.TheyhadbeenInnstothewayfaringman,whoheardfromafarthesoundof
theVesperbell,invitinghimtoreposeanddevotionatonce,andwhomightsinghismatinswiththe
MorningStar,andgoonhiswayrejoicing.AndtheKnightswerenolessdistinguishedbybraveryin
battle,thanbytendernessandzealintheirministrationstothesickanddying.

TheKnightsofSt.Andrewvowedtodefendallorphans,maidens,andwidowsofgoodfamily,and
wherevertheyheardofmurderers,robbers,ormasterfulthieveswhooppressedthepeople,tobring
themtothelaws,tothebestoftheirpower.

"Iffortunefailyou,"soranthevowsofRougeCroix,"indiverslandsorcountrieswhereveryougoor
ridethatyoufindanygentlemanofnameandarms,whichhathlostgoods,inworshipandKnighthood,
intheKing'sservice,orinanyotherplaceofworship,andisfallenintopoverty,youshallaid,and
support,andsuccorhim,inthatyoumay;andheaskofyouyourgoodstohissustenance,youshall
givehimpartofsuchgoodsasGodhathsentyoutoyourpower,andasyoumaybear."

ThusCHARITYandGENEROSITYareevenmoreessentialqualitiesofatrueandgentleKnight,and
havebeensoinallages;andsoalsohathCLEMENCY.Itisamarkofanoblenaturetosparethe
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conquered.Valoristhenbesttempered,whenitcanturnoutasternfortitudeintothemildstrainsof
pity,whichnevershinesmorebrightlythanwhensheiscladinsteel.Amartialman,compassionate,
shallconquerbothinpeaceandwar;andbyatwofoldway,getvictorywithhonor.Themostfamed
menintheworldhavehadinthembothcourageandcompassion.Anenemyreconciledhathagreater
valuethanthelongtrainofcaptivesofaRomantriumph.

VIRTUE,TRUTH,andHONORarethethreeMOSTessentialqualitiesofaKnightofSt.Andrew."Ye
shallloveGodaboveallthings,andbesteadfastintheFaith,"itwassaidtotheKnights,intheircharge,
"andyeshallbetrueuntoyourSovereignLord,andtruetoyourwordandpromise.Also,yeshallsitin
noplacewherethatanyjudgmentshouldbegivenwrongfullyagainstanybody,toyourknowledge."

Thelawhathnotpowertostrikethevirtuous,norcanfortunesubvertthewise.VirtueandWisdom,
only,perfectanddefendman.Virtue'sgarmentisasanctuarysosacred,thatevenPrincesdarenot
strikethemanthatisthusrobed.ItistheliveryoftheKingofHeaven.Itprotectsuswhenweare
unarmed;andisanarmorthatwecannotlose,unlesswebefalsetoourselves.Itisthetenurebywhich
weholdofHeaven,withoutwhichwearebutoutlaws,thatcannotclaimprotection.Noristhere
wisdomwithoutvirtue,butonlyacunningwayofprocuringourownundoing.

PeaceisnighWhereWisdom'svoicehasfoundalisteningheart.Amidthehowlofmorethanwinter
storms,Thehalcyonhearsthevoiceofvernalhours,Alreadyonthewing.

SirLauncelotthoughtnochivalryequaltothatofVirtue.Thiswordmeansnotcontinenceonly,but
chieflymanliness,andsoincludeswhatintheoldEnglishwascalledsouffrance,thatpatientendurance
whichisliketheemerald,evergreenandflowering;andalsothatothervirtue,droicture,uprightness,a
virtuesostrongandsopuissant,thatbymeansofitallearthlythingsalmostattaintobeunchangeable.
EvenourswordsareformedtoremindusoftheCross,andyouandanyotherofusmaylivetoshow
howmuchmenbearanddonotdie;forthisworldisaplaceofsorrowandtears,ofgreatevilsanda
constantcalamity,andifwewouldwintruehonorinit,wemustpermitnovirtueofaKnightto
becomeunfamiliartous,asmen'sfriends,coldlyentreatedandnotgreatlyvalued,becomemere
ordinaryacquaintances.

Wemustnotviewwithimpatienceorangerthosewhoinjureus;foritisveryinconsistentwith
philosophy,andparticularlywiththeDivineWisdomthatshouldgoverneveryPrinceAdept,tobetray
anygreatconcernabouttheevilswhichtheworld,whichthevulgar,whetherinrobesortatters,can
inflictuponthebrave.ThefavorofGodandtheloveofourBrethrenrestuponabasiswhichthe
strengthofmalicecannotoverthrow;andwiththeseandageneroustemperandnobleequanimity,we
haveeverything.TobeconsistentwithourprofessionsasMasons,toretainthedignityofournature,
theconsciousnessofourownhonor,thespiritofthehighchivalrythatisourboast,wemustdisdainthe
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evilsthatareonlymaterialandbodily,andthereforecanbenobiggerthanabloworacozenage,thana
woundoradream.

Looktotheancientdays,SirE,forexcellentexamplesofVIRTUE,TRUTH,andHONOR,andimitate
withanobleemulationtheAncientKnights,thefirstHospitallersandTemplars,andBayard,and
Sydney,andSaintLouis;inthewordsofPlinytohisfriendMaximus,Reveretheancientglory,andthat
oldagewhichinmanisvenerable,incitiessacred.Honorantiquityandgreatdeeds,anddetract
nothingfromthedignityandlibertyofanyone.Ifthosewhonowpretendtobethegreatandmighty,
thelearnedandwiseoftheworld,shallagreeincondemningthememoryoftheheroicKnightsof
formerages,andinchargingwithfollyuswhothinkthattheyshouldbeheldineternalremembrance,
andthatweshoulddefendthemfromanevilhearing,doyourememberthatifthesewhonowclaimto
ruleandteachtheworldshouldcondemnorscornyourpoortributeoffidelity,stillitisforyoutobear
therewithmodestly,andyetnottobeashamed,sinceadaywillcomewhenthesewhonowscornthose
whowereofinfinitelyhigherandfinernaturesthantheyare,willbepronouncedtohavelivedpoorand
pitifullives,andtheworldwillmakehastetoforgetthem.

Butneithermustyoubelievethat,eveninthisverydifferentage,ofcommerceandtrade,ofthevast
richesofmany,andthepovertyofthousands,ofthrivingtownsandtenementhousesswarmingwith
paupers,ofchurcheswithrentedpews,andtheatres,operahouses,customhouses,andbanks,ofsteam
andtelegraph,ofshopsandcommercialpalaces,ofmanufactoriesandtradesunions,theGoldroom
andtheStockExchange,ofnewspapers,elections,Congresses,andLegislatures,ofthefrightful
struggleforwealthandtheconstantwrangleforplaceandpower,oftheworshippaidtothechildrenof
mammon,andcovetousnessofofficialstation,therearenomenoftheantiquestampforyoutorevere,
noheroicandknightlysouls,thatpreservetheirnoblenessandequanimityinthechaosofconflicting
passions,ofambitionandbasenessthatweltersaroundthem.

ItisquitetruethatGovernmenttendsalwaystobecomeaconspiracyagainstliberty;or,wherevotes
giveplace,tofallhabituallyintosuchhandsthatlittlewhichisnobleorchivalricisfoundamongthose
whoruleandleadthepeople.Itistruethatmen,inthispresentage,becomedistinguishedforother
things,andmayhavenameandfame,andflatterersandlacqueys,andtheoblationofflattery,who
would,inaknightlyage,havebeendespisedforthewantinthemofalltruegentilityandcourage;and
thatsuchmenareaslikelyasanytobevotedforbythemultitude,whorarelyloveordiscernorreceive
truth;whorunafterfortune,hatingwhatisoppressed,andreadytoworshiptheprosperous;wholove
accusationandhateapologies;andwhoarealwaysgladtohearandreadytobelieveevilofthosewho
carenotfortheirfavorandseeknottheirapplause.

Butnocountrycaneverbewhollywithoutmenoftheoldheroicstrainandstamp,whosewordnoman
willdaretodoubt,whosevirtueshinesresplendentinallcalamitiesandreversesandamidall
temptations,andwhosehonorscintillatesandglittersaspurelyandperfectlyasthediamondmenwho
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arenotwholly,heslavesofthematerialoccupationsandpleasuresoflife,whollyengrossedintrade,in
thebreedingofcattle,intheframingandenforcingofrevenueregulations,inthechicaneryofthelaw,
theobjectsofpoliticalenvy,inthebasetradeofthelowerliterature,orintheheartless,hollowvanities
ofaneternaldissipation.Everygeneration,ineverycountry,willbequeathtothosewhosucceedit
splendidexamplesandgreatimagesofthedead,tobeadmiredandimitated;thereweresuchamongthe
Romans,underthebasestEmperors;suchinEnglandwhentheLongParliamentruled;suchinFrance
duringitsSaturnaliaofirreligionandmurder,andsomesuchhavemadetheannalsofAmerica
illustrious.

Whenthingstendtothatstateandconditioninwhich,inanycountryunderthesun,themanagementof
itsaffairsandthecustomsofitspeopleshallrequirementoentertainadisbeliefinthevirtueandhonor
ofthosewhomakeandthosewhoarechargedtoexecutethelaws;whenthereshallbeeverywherea
spiritofsuspicionandscornofallwhoholdorseekoffice,orhaveamassedwealth;whenfalsehood
shallnolongerdishonoraman,andoathsgivenoassuranceoftruetestimony,andonemanhardly
expectanothertokeepfaithwithhim,ortoutterhisrealsentiments,ortobetruetoanypartyortoany
causewhenanotherapproacheshimwithabribe;whennooneshallexpectwhathesaystobeprinted
withoutadditions,perversions,andmisrepresentations;whenpublicmisfortunesshallbeturnedto
privateprofit,thepresspandertolicentiousness,thepulpitringwithpoliticalharangues,longprayers
toGod,eloquentlydeliveredtoadmiringauditors,bewrittenoutforpublication,likepoemsand
politicalspeeches;whentheuprightnessofjudgesshallbedoubted,andthehonestyoflegislatorsbea
standingjest;thenmenmaycometodoubtwhethertheolddayswerenotbetterthanthenew,the
MonasterythantheOperaBouffe,thelittlechapelthanthedrinkingsaloon,theConventsthanthe
buildingsaslargeasthey,withouttheirantiquity,withouttheirbeauty,withouttheirholiness,true
AcherusianTemples,wherethepasserbyhearsfromwithintheneverceasingdinandclangand
clashingofmachinery,andwhere,whenthebellrings,itistocallwretchestotheirworkandnotto
theirprayers;where,saysananimatedwriter,theykeepupaperenniallaudationoftheDevil,before
furnaceswhichareneversufferedtocool.

Ithasbeenwellsaid,thatwhateverwithdrawsusfromthepowerofoursenses,whatevermakesthe
Past,theDistant,ortheFuture,predominateoverthePresent,advancesusinthedignityofthinking
beings.ThemodernrivalsoftheGermanSpa,withtheirflauntingpretencesandcheapfinery,their
folliesandfrivolities,theirchroniclesofdancesandinelegantfeasts,andtheirbulletinsofwomen's
namesanddresses,arepoorsubstitutesfortheMonasteryandChurchwhichourancestorswouldhave
builtinthedeepsequesteredvalleys,shutupbetweenruggedmountainsandforestsofsombrepine;and
amanofmeditativetemper,learned,andofpoeticfeeling,wouldbegladifhecouldexchangethe
showyhotel,amidtheroarandtumultofthecity,orthepretentioustavernofthecountrytown,forone
oldhumbleMonasterybythewayside,wherehecouldrefreshhimselfandhishorsewithouthavingto
feareitherpride,impertinence,orknaverytopayforpomp,glitter,andgaudyornamentation;then
wherehecouldmakehisorisonsinachurchwhichresoundedwithdivineharmony,andtherewereno
pewsforwealthtoisolateitselfwithin;wherehecouldbeholdthepoorhappyandedifiedand
strengthenedwiththethoughtsofHeaven;wherehecouldthenconversewithlearnedandholyand
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gentlemen,andbeforehetookhisdeparturecouldexaltandcalmhisspiritsbyhearingtheevening
song.

EvenFreeMasonryhassomultiplieditsmembersthatitsobligationsarelessregardedthanthesimple
promiseswhichmenmaketooneanotheruponthestreetsandinthemarkets.Itclamorsforpublic
noticeandcourtsnotorietybyscoresofinjudiciousjournals;itwranglesinthese,or,incorporatedby
law,carriesitscontroversiesintotheCourts.Itselectionsare,insomeOrients,conductedwithallthe
heatandeagerness,theofficeseekingandmanagementofpoliticalstrugglesforplace.Andanempty
pomp,withsemimilitarydressanddrill,ofpeacefulcitizens,glitteringwithpaintedbanners,plumes,
andjewels,gaudyandostentatious,commendstothepublicfavorandfemaleadmirationanOrderthat
challengescomparisonwiththenobleKnights,theheroicsoldieryencasedinsteelandmail,stern
despisersofdangeranddeath,whomadethemselvesimmortalmemories,andwonJerusalemfromthe
infidelsandfoughtatAcreandAscalon,andwerethebulwarkofChristendomagainsttheSaracenic
legionsthatswarmedafterthegreenbanneroftheProphetMohammed.

Ifyou,SirE,wouldberespectableasaKnight,andnotameretinselledpretenderandKnightofstraw,
youmustpractise,andbediligentandardentinthepracticeof,thevirtuesyouhaveprofessedinthis
Degree.HowcanaMasonvowtobetolerant,andstraightwaydenounceanotherforhispolitical
opinions?HowvowtobezealousandconstantintheserviceoftheOrderandbeasuselesstoitasifhe
weredeadandburied?WhatdoesthesymbolismoftheCompassandSquareprofithim,ifhissensual
appetitesandbaserpassionsarenotgovernedby,butdomineeroverhismoralsenseandreason,the
animaloverthedivine,theearthlyoverthespiritual,bothpointsofthecompassremainingbelowthe
Square?Whatahideousmockerytocallone"Brother,"whomhemalignstotheProfane,lendsmoney
untoatusury,defraudsintrade,orplundersatlawbychicanery?

VIRTUE,TRUTH,HONOR!possessingtheseandneverprovingfalsetoyourvows,youwillbeworthy
tocallyourselfaKnight,towhomSirJohnChandosmight,ifliving,givehishand,andwhomSt.
LouisandFalkland,TancredandBaldassarCastiglionewouldrecognizeasworthyoftheirfriendship.

Chivalry,anobleSpaniardsaid,isareligiousOrder,andthereareKnightsinthefraternityofSaintsin
Heaven.Thereforedoyouhere,andforalltimetocome,layasidealluncharitableandrepiningfeeling;
beproofhenceforwardagainstthesuggestionsofundisciplinedpassionandinhumanzeal;learntohate
thevicesandnotthevicious;becontentwiththedischargeofthedutieswhichyourMasonicand
Knightlyprofessionsrequire;begovernedbytheoldprinciplesofhonorandchivalry,andreverence
withconstancythatTruthwhichisassacredandimmutableasGodHimself.Andaboveall,remember
always,thatjealousyisnotourlife,nordisputationourend,nordisunionourhealth,norrevengeour
happiness;butlovingkindnessisallthese,greaterthanHope,greaterthanFaith,whichcanremove
mountains,properlytheonlythingwhichGodrequiresofus,andinthepossessionofwhichliesthe
fulfillmentofallourduties.
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[ByIll.'.Bro.'.Rev.'.W.W.Lord,32d.]

Weareconstrainedtoconfessittobetrue,thatmen,inthisAgeofIron,worshipgodsofwoodandiron
andbrass,theworkoftheirownhands.TheSteamEngineisthepreeminentgodofthenineteenth
century,whoseidolatersareeverywhere,andthose,whowielditstremendouspowersecurelyaccount
themselvesgods,everywhereinthecivilizedworld.

Othersconfessiteverywhere,andwemustconfesshere,howreluctantlysoever,thattheagewhichwe
representisnarrowedandnotenlargedbyitsdiscoveries,andhaslostalargerworldthanithasgained.
Ifwecannotgoasfarasthesatiristwhosaysthatourselfadoredcenturyitsbroadclown'sbackturns
broadlyonthegloryofthestars,wecangowithhimwhenheadds,

Wearegodsbyourownreckoning,andmayaswellshutupourtemplesAndwieldonamidstthe
incensesteam,thethunderofourcars.Forwethrowoutacclamationsofselfthanking,selfadmiring
With,ateverystep,"Runfaster,Othewondrous,wondrousage!"Littleheedingifoursoulsare
wroughtasnoblyasouriron,Orifangelswillcommendusatthegoalofpilgrimage.

Deceivedbytheirincreasedbutstillveryimperfectknowledgeandlimitedmasteryofthebruteforces
ofnature,menimaginethattheyhavediscoveredthesecretsofDivineWisdom,anddonothesitate,in
theirownthoughts,toputhumanprudenceintheplaceoftheDivine.Destructionwasdenouncedby
theProphetsagainstTyreandSidon,Babylon,andDamascus,andJerusalem,asaconsequenceofthe
sinsoftheirpeople;butiffirenowconsumesorearthquakeshattersorthetornadocrushesagreatcity,
thosearescoffedatasfanaticsandsneeredatforindulgingincant,orrebukedforPharisaic
uncharitableness,whoventuretobelieveandsaythattherearedivineretributionsandGod'sjudgment
intheruinwroughtbyHismightyagencies.

Science,wanderinginerror,strugglestoremoveGod'sProvidencetoadistancefromusandthe
materialUniverse,andtosubstituteforitssupervisionandcareandconstantoverseeing,whatitcalls
ForcesForcesofNatureForcesofMatter.ItwillnotseethattheForcesofNaturearethevariedactions
ofGod.HenceitbecomesantagonistictoallReligion,andtoalltheoldFaiththathasfromthe
beginningilluminatedhumansoulsandconstitutedtheirconsciousnessoftheirowndignity,their
divineorigin,andtheirimmortality;thatFaithwhichistheLightbywhichthehumansoulisenabled,
asitwere,toseeitself.

Itisnotonereligiononly,butthebasisofallreligions,theTruththatisinallreligions,eventhe
religiouscreedofMasonry,thatisindanger.Forallreligionshaveowedalloflifethattheyhavehad,
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andtheirverybeing,tothefoundationonwhichtheywerereared;theproposition,deemedundeniable
andanaxiom,thattheProvidenceofGodrulesdirectlyinalltheaffairsandchangesofmaterialthings.
TheScienceoftheagehasitshandsuponthepillarsoftheTemple,androcksittoitsfoundation.As
yetitsdestructiveeffortshavebuttornfromtheancientstructurethewormeatenfretworkof
superstition,andshakendownsomeincoherentadditionsowlinhabitedturretsofignorance,and
massivepropsthatsupportednothing.Thestructureitselfwillbeoverthrown,when,inthevivid
languageofalivingwriter,"HumanreasonleapsintothethroneofGodandwaveshertorchoverthe
ruinsoftheUniverse."

Sciencedealsonlywithphenomena,andisbutcharlatanismwhenitbabblesaboutthepowersorcauses
thatproducethese,orwhatthethingsare,inessence,ofwhichitgivesusmerelythenames.Itnomore
knowswhatLightorSoundorPerfumeis,thantheAryancattleherdersdid,whentheycountedthe
DawnandFire,FlameandLightandHeatasgods.AndthatAtheisticScienceisnotevenhalfscience,
whichascribestheUniverseanditspowersandforcestoasystemofnaturallawsortoaninherent
energyofNature,ortocausesunknown,existingandoperatingindependentlyofaDivineandSupra
naturalpower.

Thattheorywouldbegreatlyfortified,ifsciencewerealwayscapableofprotectinglifeandproperty,
and,withanythinglikethecertaintyofwhichitboasts,securinghumaninterestsevenagainstthe
destructiveagenciesthatmanhimselfdevelopsinhisendeavorstosubservethem.Fire,thefourth
element,astheoldphilosophersdeemedit,ishismostusefulandabjectservant.Whycannotman
preventhiseverbreakingthatancientindenture,oldasPrometheus,oldasAdam?Whycanhenotbe
certainthatatanymomenthisterriblesubjectmaynotbreakforthandtowerupintohismaster,tyrant,
destroyer?Itisbecauseitalsoisapowerofnature;which,inultimatetrialofforces,isalwayssuperior
toman.Itisalsobecause,inadifferentsensefromthatinwhichitistheservantofman,itisthe
servantofHimWhomakesHisministersaflameoffire,andWhoisovernature,asnatureisoverman.

Therearepowersofnaturewhichmandoesnotevenattempttocheckorcontrol.Naplesdoesnothing
againstVesuvius.Valparaisoonlytrembleswiththetremblingearthbeforethecomingearthquake.The
sixtythousandpeoplewhowentdownaliveintothegravewhenLisbonburiedherpopulationunder
bothearthandseahadnoknowledgeofthecauses,andnopossiblecontro1overthepower,that
effectedtheirdestruction.

Butheretheservant,and,inasense,thecreatureofman,thedrudgeofkitchenandfactory,thehumble
slaveofthelamp,engagedinhismostservileemployment,appearingasalittlepointofflame,or
perhapsafeeblespark,suddenlysnapshisbrittlechain,breaksfromhisprison,andleapswith
destructivefury,asiffromtheverybosomofHell,uponthedoomeddwellingsoffiftythousand
humanbeings,eachofwhom,butamomentbefore,conceivedhimselfhismaster.Andthosedaring
firebrigades,withtheirwaterartillery,hisconquerors,itseemed,uponsomanymidnightfields,stand
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paralyzedinthepresenceoftheirconqueror.

Inothermattersrelativetohumansafetyandinterestswehaveobservedhowconfidentscience
becomesuponthestrengthofsomeslightsuccessinthewarofmanwithnature,andhowmuch
inclinedtoputitselfintheplaceofProvidence,which,bytheveryforceofthetern,istheonlyabsolute
science.Nearthebeginningofthiscentury,forinstance,medicalandsanitarysciencehadmade,inthe
courseofafewyears,greatandwonderfulprogress.ThegreatplaguewhichwastedEuropeinthe
fourteenthandfifteenthcenturies,andreappearedintheseventeenth,hadbeenidentifiedwithadisease
whichyieldstoenlightenedtreatment,anditsancientvirulencewasattributedtoignoranceofhygiene,
andthefilthyhabitsofaformerage.Anotherfatalanddisfiguringscourgehadtoagreatextentbeen
checkedbythediscoveryofvaccination.FromSangradotoSydenham,fromParacelsustoJenner,the
healingarthadindeedtakenalongstride.TheFacultymightbeexcusedhaditthensaid,"Manis
mortal,diseasewillbeoftenfatal;butthereshallbenomoreunresistedandunnecessaryslaughterby
infectiousdisease,nomoregeneralcarnage,nomorecarnivalsofterrorandhighfestivalsofdeath".

Theconceitedboastwouldhardlyhavedieduponthelip,when,fromthemysteriousdepthsofremotest
Indiaaspectrestalkedforth,orratheramonstercrept,morefearfulthanhumaneyehadeveryet
beheld.Andnotwithsurerinstinctdoesthetigerofthejungles,wherethisterriblepestilencewasborn,
catchthescentofbloodupontheair,thandidthisinvisibleDestroyer,thisfearfulagentofAlmighty
Power,thistremendousConsequenceofsomeSufficientCause,scentthetaintedatmosphereofEurope
andturnWestwardhisdevastatingmarch.ThemillionsofdeadleftinhispaththroughAsiaproved
nothing.Theywereunarmed,ignorant,defenceless,unaidedbyscience,undefendedbyart.Thecholera
wastotheminscrutableandirresistibleasAzrael,theAngelofDeath.

ButitcametoEuropeandsweptthehallsofscienceasithadswepttheIndianvillageandthePersian
khan.Itleapedasnoiselesslyanddescendedasdestructivelyuponthepopulationofmanyahigh
towered,widepaved,purified,anddisinfectedcityoftheWestasuponthePariahs
ofTanjoreandthefilthystreetsofStamboul.InVienna,Paris,London,thescenesofthegreatplague
werereenacted.

ThesickmanstartedinhisbedThewatcherleapeduponthefloorAtthecry,Bringoutyourdead,The
cartisatthe!door!

WasthisthejudgmentofAlmightyGod?Hewouldbeboldwhoshouldsaythatitwas;hewouldbe
bolderwhoshouldsayitwasnot.ToParis,atleast,thatEuropeanBabylon,howoftenhavethefurther
wordsoftheprophettothedaughteroftheChaldaeans,theladyofkingdoms,beenfulfilled?"Thy
wisdomandthyknowledgehavepervertedthee,andthouhastsaidinthyheartIamandnoneelse
besideme.Thereforeshallevilcomeuponthee;thoushaltnotknowwhenceitriseth;andmischief
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shallfalluponthee;thoushaltnotbeabletoputitoff;desolationshallcomeupontheesuddenly."

AndastoLondonitlookedlikejudgment,ifitbetruethattheAsiaticcholerahaditsorigininEnglish
avariceandcruelty,astheysupposewhotraceittothetaxwhichWarrenHastings,whenGovernor
GeneralofIndia,imposedonsalt,thuscuttingoffitsusefrommillionsofthevegetableeatingracesof
theEastjustasthatdiseasewhosespectralshadowliesalwaysuponAmerica'sthreshold,originatedin
theavariceandcrueltyoftheslavetrade,translatingtheAfricancoastfevertothecongenialclimateof
theWestIndiesandSouthernAmericatheyellowfeveroftheformer,andthevomitonegroofthe
latter.

ButweshouldbeslowtomakeinferencesfromourpettyhumanlogictotheethicsoftheAlmighty.
Whateverthecrueltyoftheslavetrade,ortheseverityofslaveryonthecontinentsorislandsof
America,weshouldstill,inregardtoitssupposedconsequences,bewiser,perhaps,tosaywiththat
greatandsimpleCasuistWhogavetheworldtheChristianreligion:"SupposeyethattheseGalileans
weresinnersabovealltheGalileansbecausetheysufferedsuchthingsorthoseeighteenuponwhomthe
towerofSiloamfellandslewthem,thinkyethattheyweresinnersaboveallthementhatdweltin
Jerusalem?"

Retributionbarsretaliation,eveninwords.Acityshattered,burned,destroyed,desolate,alandwasted,
humiliated,madeadesertandawilderness,orwearingthethornycrownofhumiliationand
subjugation,isinvestedwiththesacredprerogativesandimmunitiesofthedead.Thebase
humanrevengeofexultationatitsfallandruinshouldshrinkbackabashedinthepresenceofthe
infiniteDivinechastisement."Forgivenessiswiserthanrevenge,"ourFreemasonryteachesus,"andit
isbettertolovethantohate."LethimwhoseesingreatcalamitiesthehandofGod,besilent,andfear
Hisjudgments.

MenaregreatorsmallinstatureasitpleasesGod.Buttheirnatureisgreatorsmallasitpleases
themselves.Menarenotborn,somewithgreatsoulsandsomewithlittlesouls.Onebytakingthought
cannotaddtohisstature,buthecanenlargehissoul.Byanactofthewillhecanmakehimselfamoral
giant,ordwarfhimselftoapigmy.

Therearetwonaturesinman,thehigherandthelower,thegreatandthemean,thenobleandthe
ignoble;andhecanandmust,byhisownvoluntaryact,identifyhimselfwiththeoneorwiththeother.
Freemasonryiscontinualefforttoexaltthenoblernatureovertheignoble,thespiritualoverthe
material,thedivineinmanoverthehuman.InthisgreateffortandpurposethechivalricDegrees
concurandcooperatewiththosethatteachthemagnificentlessonsofmoralityandphilosophy.
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Magnanimity,mercy,clemency,aforgivingtemper,arevirtuesindispensabletothecharacterofa
perfectKnight.Whenthelowandevilprincipleinournaturesays,"Donotgive;reserveyour
beneficenceforimpoverishedfriends,oratleastunobjectionablestrangers,Donotbestowiton
successfulenemies,friendsonlyinvirtue,ofourmisfortunes,"thedivinerprinciplewhosevoicespake
bythedespisedGalileansays,"Dogoodtothemthathateyou,forifyelovethem(only)wholoveyou,
whatrewardhaveyou?Donotpublicansandsinnersthesame"thatis,thetaxgathersandwicked
oppressors,armedRomansandrenegadeJews,whomyecountyourenemies?

XXX.KNIGHTKADOSH

Weoftenprofitmorebyourenemiesthanbyourfriends."Wesupportourselvesonlyonthatwhich
resists,"andoweoursuccesstoopposition".ThebestfriendsofMasonryinAmericaweretheAnti
Masonsof1826,andatthesametimetheywereitsworstenemies.Menarebuttheautomataof
Providence,anditusesthedemagogue,thefanatic,andtheknave,acommontrinityinRepublics,asits
toolsandinstrumentstoeffectthatofwhichtheydonotdream,andwhichtheyimaginethemselves
commissionedtoprevent.

TheAntiMasons,traitorsandperjurorssome,andsomemerepoliticalknaves,purifiedMasonryby
persecution,andsoprovedtobeitsbenefactors;forthatwhichispersecuted,grows.Tothemitspresent
popularityisdue,thecheapeningofitsDegrees,theinvasionofitsLodges,thatarenolonger
Sanctuaries,butthemultitude;itspompandpageantryandoverdonedisplay.

AnhundredyearsagoithadbecomeknownthattheKadoshweretheTemplarsunderaveil,and
thereforetheDegreewasproscribed,and,ceasingtobeworked,becameamerebriefandformal
ceremony,underanothername.Now,fromthetombinwhichafterhismurdersherotted,Clementthe
Fifthhowlsagainstthesuccessorsofhisvictims,intheAllocutionofPioNonoagainsttheFree
Masons.TheghostsofthedeadTemplarshaunttheVaticananddisturbtheslumbersoftheparalyzed
Papacy,which,dreadingthedead,shrieksoutitsexcommunicationsandimpotentanathemasagainst
theliving.Itisadeclarationofwar,andwasneededtoarouseapathyaninertnesstoaction.

AnenemyoftheTemplarsshalltellusthesecretofthisPapalhostilityagainstanOrderthathasexisted
forcenturiesindespiteofitsanathemas,andhasitsSanctuariesandAsylaeveninRome.

Itwillbeeasy,asweread,toseparatethefalsefromthetrue,theaudaciousconjecturesfromthesimple
facts.
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"Apowerthatruledwithoutantagonismandwithoutconcurrence,andconsequentlywithoutcontrol,
provedfataltotheSacerdotalRoyalties;whiletheRepublics,ontheotherhand,hadperishedbythe
conflictoflibertiesandfranchises,which,intheabsenceofalldutyhierarchicallysanctionedand
enforced,hadsoonbecomemeretyrannies,rivalsoneoftheother.Tofindastablemediumbetween
thesetwoabysses,theideaoftheChristianHierophantswastocreateasocietydevotedtoabnegation
bysolemnvows,protectedbysevereregulations;whichshouldberecruitedbyinitiation,andwhich,
soledepositaryofthegreatreligiousandsocialsecrets,shouldmakeKingsandPontiffs,without
exposingittothecorruptionsofPower.InthatwasthesecretofthatkingdomofJesusChrist,which,
withoutbeingofthisworld,wouldgovernallitsgrandeurs.

"Thisideapresidedatthefoundationofthegreatreligiousorders,sooftenatwarwiththesecular
authorities,ecclesiasticalorcivil.ItsrealizationwasalsothedreamofthedissidentsectsofGnostics
orIlluminatiwhopretendedtoconnecttheirfaithwiththeprimitivetraditionoftheChristianityof
SaintJohn.ItatlengthbecameamenacefortheChurchandSociety,whenarichanddissoluteOrder,
initiatedinthemysteriousdoctrinesoftheKabalah,seemeddisposedtoturnagainstlegitimate
authoritytheconservativeprincipleofHierarchy,andthreatenedtheentireworldwithanimmense
revolution.

"TheTemplars,whosehistoryissoimperfectlyknown,werethoseterribleconspirators.In1118,nine
KnightsCrusadersintheEast,amongwhomwereGeoffroideSaintOmerandHuguesdePayens,
consecratedthemselvestoreligion,andtookanoathbetweenthehandsofthePatriarchof
Constantinople,aSeealwayssecretlyoropenlyhostiletothatofRomefromthetimeofPhotius.The
avowedobjectoftheTemplarswastoprotecttheChristianswhocametovisittheHolyPlaces:their
secretobjectwastherebuildingoftheTempleofSolomononthemodelprophesiedbyEzekiel.

"Thisrebuilding,formallypredictedbytheJudaizingMysticsoftheearlierages,hadbecomethe
secretdreamofthePatriarchsoftheOrient.TheTempleofSolomon,rebuiltandconsecratedtothe
Catholicworshipwouldbecome,ineffect,theMetropolisoftheUniverse;theEastwouldprevailover
theWest,andthePatriarchsofConstantinoplewouldpossessthemselvesofthePapalPower.

"TheTemplars,orPoorFellowSoldieryoftheHolyHouseoftheTempleintendedtoberebuilt,took
astheirmodels,intheBible,theWarriorMasonsofZorobabel,whoworked,holdingtheswordinone
handandthetrowelintheother.ThereforeitwasthattheSwordandtheTrowelweretheinsigniaof
theTemplars,whosubsequently,aswillbeseen,concealedthemselvesunderthenameofBrethren
Masons.[Thisname,FreresMaconsintheFrench,adoptedbywayofsecretreferencetotheBuilders
oftheSecondTemple,wascorruptedinEnglishintoFreeMasons,asPythagoredeCrotonewasinto
PeterGowerofGrotoninEngland.KairumorKhurum(anamemisrenderedintoHiram)froman
artificerinbrassandothermetals,becametheChiefBuilderoftheHaikalKadosh,theHolyHouse,of
theTemple,the'IerosDomos;andthewordsBonaiandBanaimyetappearintheMasonicDegrees,
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meaningBuilderandBuilders.]

"ThetroweloftheTemplarsisquadruple,andthetriangularplatesofitarearrangedintheformofa
cross,makingtheKabalisticpantacleknownbythenameoftheCrossoftheEast.TheKnightofthe
East,andtheKnightoftheEastandWest,haveintheirtitlessecretallusionstotheTemplarsofwhom
theywereatfirstthesuccessors.

"ThesecretthoughtofHuguesdePayens,infoundinghisOrder,wasnotexactlytoservetheambition
ofthePatriarchsofConstantinople.ThereexistedatthatperiodintheEastaSectofJohannite
Christians,whoclaimstobetheonlytrueInitiatesintotherealmysteriesofthereligionoftheSaviour.
ThepretendedtoknowtherealhistoryofYesustheAnointed,and,adoptinginparttheJewish
traditionsandthetalesoftheTalmud,theyheldthatthefactsrecountedintheEvangelsarebut
allegories,thekeyofwhichSaintJohngives,insayingthattheworldmightbefilledwiththebooks
thatcouldbewrittenuponthewordsanddeedsofJesusChrist;wordswhich,theythought,wouldbe
onlyaridiculousexaggeration,ifhewerenotspeakingofanallegoryandalegend,thatmightbevaried
andprolongedtoinfinity.

"TheJohannitesascribedtoSaintJohnthefoundationoftheirSecretChurch,andtheGrandPontiffsof
theSectassumedthetitleofChristos,Anointed,orConsecrated,andclaimedtohavesucceededone
anotherfromSaintJohnbyanuninterruptedsuccessionofpontificalpowers.Hewho,attheperiodof
thefoundationoftheOrderoftheTemple,claimedtheseimaginaryprerogatives,wasnamedTheoclet;
heknewHuguesdePayens,heinitiatedhimintotheMysteriesandhopesofhispretendedchurch,he
seducedhimbythenotionsofSovereignPriesthoodandSupremeroyalty,andfinallydesignatedhimas
hissuccessor.

"ThustheOrderofKnightsoftheTemplewasatitsveryorigindevotedtothecauseofoppositionto
thetiaraofRomeandthecrownsofKings,andtheApostolateofKabalisticGnosticismwasvestedin
itschiefs.ForSaintJohnhimselfwastheFatheroftheGnostics,andthecurrenttranslationofhis
polemicagainstthehereticalofhisSectandthepaganswhodeniedthatChristwastheWord,is
throughoutamisrepresentation,ormisunderstandingatleast,ofthewholeSpiritofthatEvangel.

"ThetendenciesandtenetsoftheOrderwereenvelopedinprofoundmystery,anditexternallyprofessed
themostperfectorthodoxy.TheChiefsaloneknewtheaimoftheOrdertheSubalternsfollowedthem
withoutdistrust.

"Toacquireinfluenceandwealth,thentointrigue,andatneedtofight,toestablishtheJohanniteor
GnosticandKabalisticdogma,weretheobjectandmeansproposedtotheinitiatedBretheren.The
Papacyandtherivalmonarchies,theysaidtothem,aresoldandboughtinthesedays,becomecorrupt,
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andtomorrow,perhaps,willdestroyeachother.AllthatwillbecometheheritageoftheTemplethe
WorldwillsooncometousforitsSovereignsandPontiffs.Weshallconstitutetheequilibriumofthe
Universe,andberulersovertheMastersoftheWorld.

"TheTemplars,likeallotherSecretOrdersandAssociations,hadtwodoctrines,oneconcealedand
reservedfortheMasters,whichwasJohannism;theotherpublic,whichwastheRomanCatholic.Thus
theydeceivedtheadversarieswhomtheysoughttosupplant.HenceFreeMasonry,vulgarlyimagined
tohavebegunwiththeDionysianArchitectsortheGermanStoneworkers,adoptedSaintJohnthe
Evangelistasoneofitspatrons,associatingwithhim,inordernottoarousethesuspicionsofRome,
SaintJohntheBaptist,andthuscovertlyproclaimingitselfthechildoftheKabalahandEssenism
together."

[FortheJohannismoftheAdeptswastheKabalahoftheearlierGnostics,degeneratingafterwardinto
thosehereticalformswhichGnosticismdeveloped,sothatevenManeshadhisfollowersamongthem.
ManyadoptedhisdoctrinesofthetwoPrinciples,therecollectionofwhichisperpetuatedbythehandle
ofthedaggerandthetesselatedpavementorflooroftheLodge,stupidlycalled"theIndentedTessel,"
andrepresentedbygreathangingtassels,whenitreallymeansatesseratedfloor(fromtheLatin
"tessera")ofwhiteandblacklozenges,withanecessarilydenticulatedorindentedborderoredging.
Andwherever,inthehigherDegrees,thetwocolorswhiteandblack,areinjuxtaposition,thetwo
PrinciplesofZoroasterandManesarealludedto.WithothersthedoctrinebecameamysticPantheism,
descendedfromthatoftheBrahmins,andevenpushedtoanidolatryofNatureandhatredofevery
revealeddogma.

[ToallthistheabsurdreadingoftheestablishedChurch,takingliterallythefigurative,allegorical,and
mythicallanguageofacollectionofOrientalbooksofdifferentages,directlyandinevitablyled.The
sameresultlongafterfollowedthefollyofregardingtheHebrewbooksasiftheyhadbeenwrittenby
theunimaginative,hard,practicalintellectoftheEnglandofJamestheFirstandthebigotedstolidityof
ScottishPresbyterianism.]

"Thebettertosucceedandwinpartisans,theTemplarssympathizedwithregretsfordethronedcreeds
andencouragedthehopesofnewworships,promisingtoalllibertyofconscienceandaneworthodoxy
thatshouldbethesynthesisofallthepersecutedcreeds."

[ItisabsurdtosupposethatmenofintellectadoredamonstrousidolcalledBaphomet,orrecognized
Mahometasaninspiredprophet.Theirsymbolism,inventedagesbefore,toconcealwhatitwas
dangeroustoavow,wasofcoursemisunderstoodbythosewhowerenotadepts,andtotheirenemies
seemedtobepantheistic.Thecalfofgold,madebyAaronfortheIsraelites,wasbutoneoftheoxen
underthelaverofbronze,andtheKarobimonthePropitiatory,misunderstood.Thesymbolsofthe
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wisealwaysbecometheidolsoftheignorantmultitude.WhattheChiefsoftheOrderreallybelieved
andtaught,isindicatedtotheAdeptsbythehintscontainedinthehighDegreesofFreeMasonry,and
bythesymbolswhichonlytheAdeptsunderstand.

[TheBlueDegreesarebuttheoutercourtorporticooftheTemple.Partofthesymbolsaredisplayed
theretotheInitiate,butheisintentionallymisledbyfalseinterpretations.Itisnotintendedthathe
shallunderstandthem;butitisintendedthatheshallimagineheunderstandsthem.Theirtrue
explicationisreservedfortheAdepts,thePrincesofMasonry.ThewholebodyoftheRoyaland
SacerdotalArtwashiddensocarefully,centuriessince,intheHighDegrees,asthatitisevenyet
impossibletosolvemanyoftheenigmaswhichtheycontain.Itiswellenoughforthemassofthose
calledMasons,toimaginethatalliscontainedintheBlueDegrees;andwhosoattemptstoundeceive
themwilllaborinvain,andwithoutanytruerewardviolatehisobligationsasanAdept.Masonryisthe
veritableSphynx,buriedtotheheadinthesandsheapedrounditbytheages.]

"TheseedsofdecayweresownintheOrderoftheTempleatitsorigin.Hypocrisyisamortaldisease.
Ithadconceivedagreatworkwhichitwasincapableofexecuting,becauseitknewneitherhumilitynor
personalabnegation,becauseRomewastheninvincible,andbecausethelaterChiefsoftheOrderdid
notcomprehenditsmission.Moreover,theTemplarswereingeneraluneducated,andcapableonlyof
wieldingthesword,withnoqualificationsforgoverning,andatneedenchaining,thatqueenofthe
worldcalledOpinion."[ThedoctrinesoftheChiefswould,ifexpoundedtothemasses,haveseemedto
themthebabblingsoffolly.Thesymbolsofthewisearetheidolsofthevulgar,orelseasmeaningless
asthehieroglyphicsofEgypttothenomadicArabs.Theremustalwaysbeacommonplace
interpretationforthemassofInitiates,ofthesymbolsthatareeloquenttotheAdepts.]

"HuguesdePayenshimselfhadnotthatkeenandfarsightedintellectnorthatgrandeurofpurpose
whichafterwarddistinguishedthemilitaryfounderofanothersoldierythatbecameformidabletokings.
TheTemplarswereunintelligentandthereforeunsuccessfulJesuits.

"Theirwatchwordwas,tobecomewealthy,inordertobuytheworld.Theybecameso,andin1312they
possessedinEuropealonemorethanninethousandseignories.Richesweretheshoalonwhichthey
werewrecked.Theybecameinsolent,andunwiselyshowedtheircontemptforthereligiousandsocial
institutionswhichtheyaimedtooverthrow.Theirambitionwasfataltothem.Theirprojectswere
divinedandprevented.[Rome,moreintolerantofheresythanofviceandcrime,cametofearthe
Order,andfearisalwayscruel.Ithasalwaysdeemedphilososophicaltruththemostdangerousof
heresies,andhasneverbeenatalossforafalseaccusation,bymeansofwhichtocrushfreethought.]
PopeClementV.andKingPhilipleBelgavethesignaltoEurope,andtheTemplars,takenasitwerein
animmensenet,werearrested,disarmed,andcastintoprison.NeverwasaCoupd'Etataccomplished
withamoreformidableconcertofaction.Thewholeworldwasstruckwithstupor,andeagerlywaited
forthestrangerevelationsofaprocessthatwastoechothroughsomanyages.
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"ItwasimpossibletounfoldtothepeopletheconspiracyoftheTemplarsagainsttheThronesandthe
Tiara.ItwasimpossibletoexposetothemthedoctrinesoftheChiefsoftheOrder.[Thiswouldhave
beentoinitiatethemultitudeintothesecretsoftheMasters,andtohaveupliftedtheveilofIsis.
Recoursewasthereforehadtothechargeofmagic,anddenouncersandfalsewitnesseswereeasily
found.Whenthetemporalandspiritualtyranniesunitetocrushavictimtheyneverwantfor
serviceableinstruments.]TheTemplarsweregravelyaccusedofspittinguponChristanddenyingGod
attheirreceptions,orgrossobscenities,conversationswithfemaledevils,andtheworshipofa
monstrousidol.

"Theendofthedramaiswellknown,andhowJacquesdeMolaiandhisfellowsperishedintheflames.
Butbeforehisexecution,theChiefofthedoomedOrderorganizedandinstitutedwhatafterwardcame
tobecalledtheOccult,Hermetic,orScottishMasonry.Inthegloomofhisprison,theGrandMaster
createdfourMetropolitanLodges,atNaplesfortheEast,atEdinburgfortheWest,atStockholmforthe
North,andatParisfortheSouth."[Theinitialsofhisname,J..B.'.M.'.foundinthesameorderinthe
firstthreeDegrees,arebutoneofthemanyinternalandcogentproofsthatsuchwastheoriginof
modernFreeMasonry.ThelegendofOsiriswasrevivedandadopted,tosymbolizethedestructionof
theOrder,andtheresurrectionofKhurum,slaininthebodyoftheTemple,ofKhurumAbai,the
Masterasthemartyroffidelitytoobligation,ofTruthandConscience,prophesiedtherestorationto
lifeoftheburiedassociation.]

"ThePopeandtheKingsoonafterperishedinastrangeandsuddenmanner.SquindeFlorian,the
chiefdenounceroftheOrder,diedassassinated.InbreakingtheswordoftheTemplars,theymadeofit
aponiard;andtheirproscribedtrowelsthenceforwardbuiltonlytombs."

[TheOrderdisappearedatonce.Itsestatesandwealthwereconfiscated,anditseemedtohaveceased
toexist.Neverthelessitlived,underothernamesandgovernedbyunknownChiefs,revealingitself
onlytothosewho,inpassingthroughaseriesofDegrees,hadproventhemselvesworthytobe
entrustedwiththedangerousSecret.ThemodernOrdersthatstylethemselvesTemplarshaveassumed
anametowhichtheyhavenottheshadowofatitle.]

"TheSuccessorsoftheAncientAdeptsRoseCroix,abandoningbydegreestheaustereandhierarchial
ScienceoftheirAncestorsbyinitiation,becameaMysticSect,unitingwithmanyoftheTemplars,the
dogmasofthetwointermingling,andbelievedthemselvestobethesoledepositariesofthesecretsof
theGospelofSt.John,seeinginitsrecitalsanallegoricalseriesofritespropertocompletethe
initiation.

"TheInitiates,infact,thoughtintheeighteenthcenturythattheirtimehadarrived,sometofounda
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newHierarchy,otherstooverturnallauthority,andtopressdownallsummitsoftheSocialOrderunder
thelevelofEquality."

ThemysticalmeaningsoftheRoseasaSymbolaretobelookedforintheKabalisticCommentarieson
theCanticles.

TheRosewasfortheInitiatesthelivingandbloomingsymboloftherevelationoftheharmoniesof
being.Itwastheemblemofbeauty,life,love,andpleasure.Flamel,ortheBookoftheJewAbraham,
madeitthehieroglyphicalsignoftheaccomplishmentofthegreatWork.SuchisthekeyoftheRoman
delaRose.TheConquestoftheRosewastheproblempropoundedtoSciencebyInitiation,while
Religionwaslaboringtoprepareandestablishtheuniversaltriumph,exclusiveanddefinitive,ofthe
Cross.

TounitetheRosetotheCross,wastheproblemproposedbytheHighInitiation;andinfacttheOccult
philosophybeingtheUniversalSynthesis,oughttoexplainallthephenomenaofBeing.Religion,
consideredsolelyasaphysiologicalfact,istherevelationandsatisfactionofanecessityofsouls.Its
existenceisascientificfact;todenyit,wouldbetodenyhumanityitself.

TheRoseCroixAdeptsrespectedthedominant,hierarchical,andrevealedreligion.Consequentlythey
couldnomorebetheenemiesofthePapacythanoflegitimateMonarchy;andiftheyconspiredagainst
thePopesandKings,itwasbecausetheyconsideredthempersonallyasapostatesfromdutyand
supremefavorersofanarchy.

What,infact,isadespot,spiritualortemporal,butacrownedanarchist?Oneofthemagnificent
pantaclesthatexpresstheesotericandunutterablepartofScience,isaRoseofLight,inthecentreof
whichahumanformextendsitsarmsintheformofacross.

CommentariesandstudieshavebeenmultipliedupontheDivineComedy,theworkofDante,andyet
noone,sofarasweknow,haspointedoutitsespecialcharacter.TheworkofthegreatGhibellinisa
declarationofwaragainstthePapacy,byboldrevelationsoftheMysteries.TheEpicofDanteis
JohanniteandGnostic,anaudaciousapplication,likethatoftheApocalypse,ofthefiguresand
numbersoftheKabalahtotheChristiandogmas,andasecretnegationofeverythingabsoluteinthese
dogmas.Hisjourneythroughthesupernaturalworldsisaccomplishedliketheinitiationintothe
MysteriesofEleusisandThebes.HeescapesfromthatgulfofHelloverthegateofwhichthesentence
ofdespairwaswritten,byreversingthepositionsofhisheadandfeet,thatistosay,byacceptingthe
directoppositeoftheCatholicdogma:andthenhereascendstothelight,byusingtheDevilhimselfas
amonstrousladder.FaustascendstoHeaven,bysteppingontheheadofthevanquished
Mephistopheles.Hellisimpassableforthoseonlywhoknownothowtoturnbackfromit.Wefree
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ourselvesfromitsbondagebyaudacity.

HisHellisbutanegativePurgatory.HisHeaveniscomposedofaseriesofKabalisticcircles,divided
byacross,likethePantacleofEzekiel.Inthecentreofthiscrossbloomsarose,andweseethesymbol
oftheAdeptsoftheRoseCroixforthefirsttimepubliclyexpoundedandalmostcategorically
explained.

Forthefirsttime,becauseGuillaumedeLorris,whodiedin1260,fiveyearsbeforethebirthof
Alighieri,hadnotcompletedhis"RomandelaRose,"whichwascontinuedbyChopinel,ahalfcentury
afterward.OneisastonishedtodiscoverthattheRomandelaRoseandtheDivinaCommediaaretwo
oppositeformsofoneandthesamework,initiationintoindependenceofspirit,asatireonall
contemporaryinstitutions,andtheallegoricalformulaofthegreatSecretsoftheSocietyoftheRoses
Croix.

TheimportantmanifestationsofOccultismcoincidewiththeperiodofthefalloftheTemplars;since
JeandeMeungorChopines,contemporaryoftheoldageofDante,flourishedduringthebestyearsof
hislifeattheCourtofPhilippeleBel.TheRomandellaRoseistheEpicofoldFrance.Itisa
profoundbook,undertheformoflevity,arevelationaslearnedasthatofApuleius,oftheMysteriesof
Occultism.TheRoseofFlamel,thatofJeandeMeung,andthatofDante,grewonthesamestem.

Swedenborg'ssystemwasnothingelsethantheKabalah,minustheprincipleoftheHierarchy.Itisthe
Temple,withoutthekeystoneandthefoundation.

CagliostrowastheAgentoftheTemplars,andthereforewrotetotheFreeMasonsofLondonthatthe
timehadcometobegintheworkofrebuildingtheTempleoftheEternal.Hehadintroducedinto
MasonryanewRitecalledtheEgyptian,andendeavoredtoresuscitatethemysteriousworshipofIsis.
ThethreelettersL.'.P.'D.'.onhisseal,weretheinitialsofthewords"Liliapedibusdestrue;"treadunder
thefoottheLilies[ofFrance],andaMasonicmedalofthesixteenthorseventeenthcenturyhasuponit
aswordcuttingoffthestalkofalily,andthewords"talemdabitultiomessem,"suchharvestrevenge
willgive.

ALodgeinauguratedundertheauspicesofRousseau,thefanaticofGeneva,becamethecentreofthe
revolutionarymovementinFrance,andaPrinceofthebloodroyalwentthithertoswearthedestruction
ofthesuccessorsofPhilippeleBelonthetombofJacquesdeMolai.TheregistersoftheOrderof
TemplarsattestthattheRegent,theDucd'Orleans,wasGrandMasterofthatformidableSecret
Society,andthathissuccessorsweretheDucdeMaine,thePrinceofBourbonConde,andtheDucde
CosseBrissac.
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TheTemplarscompromittedtheKing;theysavedhimfromtherageofthePeople,toexasperatethat
rageandbringonthecatastrophepreparedforcenturies;itwasascaffoldthatthevengeanceofthe
Templarsdemanded.ThesecretmoversoftheFrenchRevolutionhadsworntooverturntheThroneand
theAltarupontheTombofJacquesdeMolai.WhenLouisXVI.wasexecuted,halftheworkwas
done;andthenceforwardtheArmyoftheTemplewastodirectallitseffortsagainstthePope.

JacquesdeMolaiandhiscompanionswereperhapsmartyrs,buttheiravengersdishonoredtheir
memory.RoyaltywasregeneratedonthescaffoldofLouisXVI,theChurchtriumphedinthecaptivity
ofPiusVI.,carriedaprisonertoValence,anddyingoffatigueandsorrow,butthesuccessorsofthe
AncientKnightsoftheTempleperished,overwhelmedintheirfatalvictory.

XXXI.GRANDINSPECTORINQUISITORCOMMANDER
[InspectorInquisitor]

Tohearpatiently,toweighdeliberatelyanddispassionately,andtodecideimpartially;thesearethe
chiefdutiesofaJudge.Afterthelessonsyouhavereceived,Ineednotfurtherenlarge
uponthem.YouwillbeevereloquentlyremindedofthembythefurnitureuponourAltar,andthe
decorationsoftheTribunal.

TheHolyBiblewillremindyouofyourobligation;andthatasyoujudgeherebelow,soyouwillbe
yourselfjudgedhereafter,byOnewhohasnottosubmit,likeanearthlyjudge,tothesadnecessityof
inferringthemotives,intentions,andpurposesofmen[ofwhichallcrimeessentiallyconsists]fromthe
uncertainandoftenunsafetestimonyoftheiractsandwords;asmeninthickdarknessgropetheirway,
withhandsoutstretchedbeforethem;butbeforeWhom
everythought,feeling,impulse,andintentionofeverysoulthatnowis,oreverwas,oreverwillbeon
earth,isandeverwillbethroughthewholeinfinitedurationofeternity,presentand
visible.

TheSquareandCompass,thePlumbandLevel,arewellknowntoyouasaMason.Uponyouasa
Judge,theypeculiarlyinculcateuprightness,impartiality,carefulconsiderationoffactsand
circumstances,accuracyinjudgment,anduniformityindecision.AsaJudge,too,youaretobringup
squareworkandsquareworkonly.

Likeatempleerectedbytheplumb,youaretoleanneithertoonesidenortheother.Likeabuilding
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wellsquaredandlevelled,youaretobefirmandsteadfastinyourconvictionsofrightandjustice.Like
thecirclesweptwiththecompasses,youaretobetrue.Inthescalesofjusticeyouaretoweighthe
factsandthelawalone,norplaceineitherscalepersonalfriendshiporpersonaldislike,neitherfearnor
favourandwhenreformationisnolongertobehopedfor,youaretosmiterelentlesslywiththesword
ofjustice.

ThepeculiarandprincipalsymbolofthisDegreeistheTetractysofPythagoras,suspendedintheEast,
whereordinarilythesacredwordorletterglitters,likeit,representingtheDeity.Itsnineexternalpoints
formthetriangle,thechiefsymbolinMasonry,withmanyofthemeaningsofwhichyouarefamiliar.

Tous,itsthreesidesrepresentthethreeprincipalattributesoftheDeity,whichcreated,andnow,as
ever,support,uphold,andguidetheUniverseinitseternalmovement;thethreesupportsofthe
MasonicTemple,itselfanemblemoftheUniverse;Wisdom,ortheInfiniteDivineIntelligence;
Strength,orPower,theInfiniteDivineWill;andBeauty,ortheInfiniteDivineHarmony,theEternal
Law,byvirtueofwhichtheinfinitemyriadsofsunsandworldsflasheveronwardintheirceaseless
revolutions,withoutclashorconflict,intheInfiniteofspace,andchangeandmovementarethelawof
allcreatedexistences.

Tous,asMasonicJudges,thetrianglefiguresforththePyramids,which,plantedfirmlyasthe
everlastinghills,andaccuratelyadjustedtothefourcardinalpoints,defiantofallassaultsofmenand
time,teachustostandfirmandunshakenasthey,whenourfeetareplanteduponthesolidtruth.

Itincludesamultitudeofgeometricalfigures,allhavingadeepsignificancetoMasons.Thetriple
triangleispeculiarlysacred,havingeverbeenamongallnationsasymboloftheDeity.Prolongingall
theexternallinesoftheHexagon,whichalsoitincludes,wehavesixsmallertriangles,whosebasescut
eachotherinthecentralpointoftheTetractys,itselfalwaysthesymbolofthegenerativepowerofthe
Universe,theSun,Brahma,Osiris,Apollo,Bel,andtheDeityHimself.Thus,too,weformtwelvestill
smallertriangles,threetimesthreeofwhichcomposetheTetractysitself.

Irefrainfromenumeratingallthefiguresthatyoumaytracewithinit,butonemaynotbepassed
unnoticed.TheHexagonitselffaintlyimagestousacube,notvisibleatthefirstglance,andtherefore
thefitemblemofthatfaithinthingsinvisible,mostessentialtosalvation.Thefirstperfectsolid,and
remindingyouofthecubicalstonethatsweatedblood,andofthatdepositedbyEnoch,itteaches
justice,accuracy,andconsistency.

TheinfinitedivisibilityofthetriangleteachestheinfinityoftheUniverse,oftime,ofspace,andofthe
Deity,asdothelinesthat,divergingfromthecommoncentre,everincreasetheirdistancefromeach
otherastheyareinfinitelyprolonged.Astheymaybeinfiniteinnumber,soaretheattributesofDeity
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infinite;andastheyemanatefromonecentreandareprojectedintospace,sothewholeUniversehas
emanatedfromGod.

Rememberalso,myBrother,thatyouhaveotherdutiestoperformthanthoseofajudge.Youareto
inquireintoandscrutinizecarefullytheworkofthesubordinateBodiesinMasonry.Youaretoseethat
recipientsofthehigherDegreesarenotunnecessarilymultiplied;thatimproperpersonsarecarefully
excludedfrommembership,andthatintheirlifeandconversationMasonsbeartestimonytothe
excellenceofourdoctrinesandtheincalculablevalueoftheinstitutionitself.Youaretoinquirealso
intoyourownheartandconduct,andkeepcarefulwatchoveryourself,thatyougonotastray.Ifyou
harbourillwillandjealousy,ifyouarehospitabletointoleranceandbigotry,andchurlishtogentleness
andkindaffections,openingwideyourhearttooneandclosingitsportalstotheother,itistimeforyou
tosetinorderyourowntemple,orelseyouwearinvainthenameandinsigniaofaMason,whileyet
uninvestedwiththeMasonicnature.

Everywhereintheworldthereisanaturallaw,thatis,aconstantmodeofaction,whichseemsto
belongtothenatureofthings,totheconstitutionoftheUniverse.Thisfactisuniversal.Indifferent
departmentswecallthismodeofactionbydifferentnames,asthelawofMatter,thelawofMind,the
lawofMorals,andthelike.Wemeanbythis,acertainmodeofactionwhichbelongstothematerial,
mental,ormoralforces,themodeinwhichcommonlytheyarefoundtoact,andinwhichitistheir
idealtoactalways.Theideallawsofmatterweknowonlyfromthefactthattheyarealwaysobeyed.To
ustheactualobedienceistheonlyevidenceoftheidealrule;forinrespecttotheconductofthe
materialworld,theidealandtheactualarethesame.

Thelawsofmatterwelearnonlybyobservationandexperience.Beforeexperienceofthefact,noman
couldforetellthatabody,fallingtowardtheearth,woulddescendsixteenfeetthefirstsecond,twice
thatthenext,fourtimesthethird,andsixteentimesthefourth.Nomodeofactioninourconsciousness
anticipatesthisruleofactionintheouterworld.Thesameistrueofallthelawsofmatter.Theideal
lawisknownbecauseitisafact.Thelawisimperative.Itmustbeobeyedwithouthesitation.Lawsof
crystallization,lawsofproportioninchemicalcombination,neitherinthesenorinanyotherlawof
Natureisthereanymarginleftforoscillationofdisobedience.OnlytheprimalwillofGodworksinthe
materialworld,andnosecondaryfinitewill.

TherearenoexceptionstothegreatgenerallawofAttraction,whichbindsatomtoatominthebodyof
arotifiervisibleonlybyaidofamicroscope,orbtoorb,systemtosystem;givesunitytotheworldof
things,androundstheseworldsofsystemstoaUniverse.Atfirstthereseemtobeexceptionstothis
law,asingrowthanddecomposition,intherepulsionsofelectricity;butatlengthallthesearefoundto
bespecialcasesoftheonegreatlawofattractionactinginvariousmodes.
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Thevarietyofeffectofthislawatfirstsurprisesthesenses;butintheendtheunityofcauseastonishes
thecultivatedmind.Lookedatinreferencetothisglobe,anearthquakeisnomorethanachinkthat
opensinagardenwalkofadrydayinSummer.Aspongeisporous,havingsmallspacesbetweenthe
solidparts;thesolarsystemisonlymoreporous,havinglargerroombetweentheseveralorbs;the
Universeyetmoreso,withspacesbetweenthesystems,assmall,comparedwithinfinitespace,asthose
betweentheatomsthatcomposethebulkofthesmallestinvisibleanimalcule,ofwhichmillionsswim
inadropofsaltwater.Thesameattractionholdstogethertheanimalcule,thesponge,thesystem,and
theUniverse.EveryparticleofmatterinthatUniverseisrelatedtoeachandalltheotherparticles;and
attractionistheircommonbond.

Inthespiritualworld,theworldofhumanconsciousness,thereisalsoalaw,anidealmodeofactionfor
thespiritualforcesofman.ThelawofJusticeisasuniversalanoneasthelawofAttraction;thoughwe
areveryfarfrombeingabletoreconcileallthephenomenaofNaturewithit.Thelarkhasthesame
rightinourview,tolive,tosing,todartatpleasurethroughtheambientatmosphere,asthehawkhasto
plyhisstrongwingsintheSummersunshineandyetthehawkpouncesonanddevourstheharmless
lark,asitdevourstheworm,andasthewormdevourstheanimalcule;and,sofarasweknow,thereis
nowhere,inanyfuturestateofanimalexistence,anycompensationforthisapparentinjustice.Among
thebees,onerules,whiletheothersobeysomework,whileothersareidle.Withthesmallants,the
soldiersfeedontheproceedsoftheworkmen'slabour.Thelionliesinwaitforanddevourstheantelope
thathasapparentlyasgoodarighttolifeashe.Amongmen,somegovernandothersserve,capital
commandsandlabourobeys,andonerace,superiorinintellect,availsitselfofthestrongmusclesof
anotherthatisinferior;andyet,forallthis,nooneimpeachesthejusticeofGod.

Nodoubtallthesevariedphenomenaareconsistentwithonegreatlawofjustice;andtheonly
difficultyisthatwedonot,andnodoubtwecannot,understandthatlaw.Itisveryeasyforsome
dreamingandvisionarytheoristtosaythatitismostevidentlyunjustfortheliontodevourthedeer,
andfortheeagletotearandeatthewren;butthetroubleis,thatweknowofnootherway,accordingto
theframe,theconstitution,andtheorganswhichGodhasgiventhem,inwhichthelionandtheeagle
couldmanagetoliveatall.OurlittlemeasureofjusticeisnotGod'smeasure.

Hisjusticedoesnotrequireustorelievethehardworkingmillionsofalllabour,toemancipatetheserf
orslave,unfittedtobefree,fromallcontrol.

Nodoubt,underneathallthelittlebubbles,whicharethelives,thewishes,thewills,andtheplansof
thetwothousandmillionsormoreofhumanbeingsonthisearth(forbubblestheyare,judgingbythe
spaceandtimetheyoccupyinthisgreatandageoutlastingseaofhumankind),nodoubt,underneath
themallresidesoneandthesameeternalforce,whichtheyshapeintothisortheotherspecialform;
andoverallthesamepaternalProvidencepresides,keepingeternalwatchoverthelittleandthegreat,
andproducingvarietyofeffectfromUnityofForce.
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ItisentirelytruetosaythatjusticeistheconstitutionorfundamentallawofthemoralUniverse,thelaw
ofright,aruleofconductforman(asitisforeveryotherlivingcreature),inallhismoralrelations.No
doubtallhumanaffairs(likeallotheraffairs),mustbesubjecttothatasthelawparamount;andwhatis
rightagreestherewithandstands,whilewhatiswrongconflictswithitandfalls.Thedifficultyisthat
weevererectournotionsofwhatisrightandjustintothelawofjustice,andinsistthatGodshalladopt
thatasHislaw;insteadofstrivingtolearnbyobservationandreflectionwhatHislawis,andthen
believingthatlawtobeconsistentwithHisinfinitejustice,whetheritcorrespondswithourlimited
notionofjustice,ordoesnotsocorrespond.Wearetoowiseinourownconceit,andeverstrivetoenact
ourownlittlenotionsintotheUniversalLawsofGod.

Itmightbedifficultformantoprove,eventohisownsatisfaction,howitisrightorjustforhimto
subjugatethehorseandoxtohisservice,givingtheminreturnonlytheirdailyfood,whichGodhas
spreadoutforthemonallthegreenmeadowsandsavannasoftheworld:orhowitisjustthatwe
shouldslayandeattheharmlessdeerthatonlycropsthegreenherbage,thebuds,andtheyoungleaves,
anddrinksthefreerunningwaterthatGodmadecommontoall;orthegentledove,theinnocentkid,
themanyotherlivingthingsthatsoconfidentlytrusttoourprotection;quiteasdifficult,perhaps,asto
proveitjustforoneman'sintellectorevenhiswealthtomakeanother'sstrongarmshisservants,for
dailywagesorforabaresubsistence.

Tofindoutthisuniversallawofjusticeisonethingtoundertaketomeasureoffsomethingwithour
ownlittletapeline,andcallthatGod'slawofjustice,isanother.Thegreatgeneralplanandsystem,and
thegreatgenerallawsenactedbyGod,continuallyproducewhattoourlimitednotionsiswrongand
injustice,whichhithertomenhavebeenabletoexplaintotheirownsatisfactiononlybythehypothesis
ofanotherexistenceinwhichallinequalitiesandinjusticesinthislifewillberemediedand
compensatedfor.Toourideasofjustice,itisveryunjustthatthechildismademiserableforlifeby
deformityororganicdisease,inconsequenceofthevicesofitsfather;andyetthatispartofthe
universallaw.Theancientssaidthatthechildwaspunishedforthesinsofitsfather.Wesaythatthisits
deformityordiseaseistheconsequenceofitsfather'svices;butsofarasconcernsthequestionof
justiceorinjustice,thatismerelythechangeofaword.

Itisveryeasytolaydownabroad,generalprinciple,embodyingourownideaofwhatisabsolute
justice,andtoinsistthateverythingshallconformtothattosay,"allhumanaffairsmustbesubjectto
thatasthelawparamount;whatisrightagreestherewithandstands,whatiswrongconflictsandfalls.
Privatecohesionsofselflove,offriendship,orofpatriotism,mustallbesubordinatetothisuniversal
gravitationtowardtheeternalright."ThedifficultyisthatthisUniverseofnecessitiesGodcreated,of
sequencesofcauseandeffect,andoflifeevolvedfromdeath,thisinterminablesuccessionand
aggregateofcruelties,willnotconformtoanysuchabsoluteprincipleorarbitrarytheory,nomatterin
whatsoundingwordsandglitteringphrasesitmaybeembodied.
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Impracticablerulesinmoralsarealwaysinjurious;forasallmenfallshortofcompliancewiththem,
theyturnrealvirtuesintoimaginaryoffensesagainstaforgedlaw.Justiceasbetweenmanandmanand
asbetweenmanandtheanimalsbelowhim,isthatwhich,underandaccordingtotheGodcreated
relationsexistingbetweenthem,andthewholeaggregateofcircumstancessurroundingthem,isfitand
rightandpropertobedone,withaviewtothegeneralaswellastotheindividualinterest.Itisnota
theoreticalprinciplebywhichtheveryrelationsthatGodhascreatedandimposedonusaretobetried,
andapprovedorcondemned.

GodhasmadethisgreatsystemoftheUniverse,andenactedgenerallawsforitsgovernment.Those
lawsenvironeverythingthatliveswithamightynetworkofnecessity.Hechosetocreatethetigerwith
suchorgansthathecannotcropthegrass,butmusteatotherfleshorstarve.Hehasmademan
carnivorousalso;andsomeofthesmallestbirdsareasmuchsoasthetiger.Ineverystepwetake,in
everybreathwedraw,isinvolvedthedestructionofamultitudeofanimateexistences,each,nomatter
howminute,asmuchalivingcreatureasourself.Hehasmadenecessaryamongmankindadivisionof
labour,intellectualandmoral.Hehasmadenecessarythevariedrelationsofsocietyanddependence,
ofobedienceandcontrol.

Whatisthusmadenecessarycannotbeunjust;forifitbe,thenGodthegreatLawgiverisHimself
unjust.Theeviltobeavoidedis,thelegalizationofinjusticeandwrongunderthefalsepleaof
necessity.Outofalltherelationsoflifegrowduties,asnaturallygrowandasundeniably,astheleaves
growuponthetrees.Ifwehavetheright,createdbyGod'slawofnecessity,toslaythelambthatwe
mayeatandlive,wehavenorighttotortureitindoingso,becausethatisinnowisenecessary.We
havetherighttolive,ifwefairlycan,bythelegitimateexerciseofourintellect,andhireorbuythe
labourofthestrongarmsofothers,totillourgrounds,todiginourmines,totoilinourmanufactories;
butwehavenorighttooverworkorunderpaythem.

Itisnotonlytruethatwemaylearnthemorallawofjustice,thelawofright,byexperienceand
observation;butthatGodhasgivenusamoralfaculty,ourconscience,whichisabletoperceivethis
lawdirectlyandimmediately,byintuitiveperceptionofit;anditistruethatmanhasinhisnaturearule
ofconducthigherthanwhathehaseveryetcomeupto,anidealofnaturethatshameshisactualof
history;becausemanhaseverbeenpronetomakenecessity,hisownnecessity,thenecessitiesof
society,apleaforinjustice.Butthisnotionmustnotbepushedtoofarforifwesubstitutethisideality
foractuality,thenitisequallytruethatwehavewithinusanidealruleofrightandwrong,towhich
GodHimselfinHisgovernmentoftheworldhasnevercome,andagainstwhichHe(wesayit
reverentially)everydayoffends.Wedetestthetigerandthewolffortherapacityandloveofblood
whicharetheirnature;werevoltagainstthelawbywhichthecrookedlimbsanddiseasedorganismof
thechildarethefruitsofthefather'svices;weeventhinkthataGodOmnipotentandOmniscientought
tohavepermittednopain,nopoverty,noservitude;ouridealofjusticeismoreloftythantheactualities
ofGod.Itiswell,asallelseiswell.Hehasgivenusthatmoralsenseforwiseandbeneficentpurposes.
 619/641

Weacceptitasasignificantproofoftheinherentloftinessofhumannature,thatitcanentertainan
idealsoexalted;andshouldstrivetoattainit,asfaraswecandosoconsistentlywiththerelations
whichHehascreated,andthecircum.stanceswhichsurroundusandholduscaptive.

Ifwefaithfullyusethisfacultyofconscience;if,applyingittotheexistingrelationsandcircumstances,
wedevelopitandallitskindredpowers,andsodeducethedutiesthatoutoftheserelationsandthose
circumstances,andlimitedandqualifiedbythem,ariseandbecomeobligatoryuponus,thenwelearn
justice,thelawofright,thedivineruleofconductforhumanlife.Butifweundertaketodefineand
settle"themodeofactionthatbelongstotheinfinitelyperfectnatureofGod,"andsosetupanyideal
rule,beyondallhumanreach,wesooncometojudgeandcondemnHisworkandtherelationswhichit
haspleasedHiminHisinfinitewisdomtocreate.

Asenseofjusticebelongstohumannature,andisapartofit.Menfindadeep,permanent,and
instinctivedelightinjustice,notonlyintheoutwardeffects,butintheinwardcause,andbytheirnature
lovethislawofright,thisreasonableruleofconduct,thisjustice,withadeepandabidinglove.Justice
istheobjectoftheconscience,andfitsitaslightfitstheeyeandtruththemind.

Justicekeepsjustrelationsbetweenmen.Itholdsthebalancebetweennationandnation,betweena
manandhisfamily,tribe,nation,andrace,sothathisabsoluterightsandtheirsdonotinterfere,nor
theirultimateinterestseverclash,northeeternalinterestsoftheoneproveantagonistictothoseofall
orofanyotherone.Thiswemustbelieve,ifwebelievethatGodisjust.Wemustdojusticetoall,and
demanditofall;itisauniversalhumandebt,auniversalhumanclaim.Butwemayerrgreatlyin
definingwhatthatjusticeis.Thetemporaryinterests,andwhattohumanviewaretherights,ofmen,
doofteninterfereandclash.

Thelifeinterestsoftheindividualoftenconflictwiththepermanentinterestsandwelfareofsociety;
andwhatmayseemtobethenaturalrightsofoneclassorrace,withthoseofanother.

Itisnottruetosaythat"oneman,howeverlittle,mustnotbesacrificedtoanother,howevergreat,toa
majority,ortoallmen."Thatisnotonlyafallacy,butamostdangerousone.Oftenonemanandmany
menmustbesacrificed,intheordinarysenseoftheterm,totheinterestofthemany.Itisacomfortable
fallacytotheselfish;foriftheycannot,bythelawofjustice,besacrificedforthecommongood,then
theircountryhasnorighttodemandofthemselfsacrifice;andheisafoolwholaysdownhislife,or
sacrificeshisestate,orevenhisluxuries,toinsurethesafetyorprosperityofhiscountry.Accordingto
thatdoctrine,Curtiuswasafool,andLeonidasanidiot;andtodieforone'scountryisnolonger
beautifulandglorious,butamereabsurdity.

Thenitisnolongertobeaskedthatthecommonsoldiershallreceiveinhisbosomtheswordor
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bayonetthrustwhichotherwisewouldletoutthelifeofthegreatcommanderonwhosefatehangthe
libertiesofhiscountry,andthewelfareofmillionsyetunborn.

Onthecontrary,itiscertainthatnecessityrulesinalltheaffairsofmen,andthattheinterestandeven
thelifeofonemanmustoftenbesacrificedtotheinterestandwelfareofhiscountry.Somemustever
leadtheforlornhope:themissionarymustgoamongsavages,bearinghislifeinhishand;thephysician
mustexposehimselftopestilenceforthesakeofothers;thesailor,inthefrailboatuponthewide
ocean,escapedfromthefounderingorburningship,muststepcalmlyintothehungrywaters,ifthe
livesofthepassengerscanbesavedonlybythesacrificeofhisown;thepilotmuststandfirmatthe
wheel,andlettheflamesscorchawayhisownlifetoinsurethecommonsafetyofthosewhomthe
doomedvesselbears.

Themassofmenarealwayslookingforwhatisjust.AllthevastmachinerywhichmakesupaState,a
worldofStates,is,onthepartofthepeople,anattempttoorganize,notthatidealjusticewhichfinds
faultwithGod'sordinances,butthatpracticaljusticewhichmaybeattainedintheactualorganization
oftheworld.Theminuteandwideextendingcivilmachinerywhichmakesupthelawandthecourts,
withalltheirofficersandimplements,onthepartofmankind,ischieflyanefforttoreducetopractice
thetheoryofright.Constitutionsaremadetoestablishjustice;thedecisionsofcourtsarereportedto
helpusjudgemorewiselyintimetocome.Thenationaimstogettogetherthemostnearlyjustmenin
theState,thattheymayincorporateintostatutestheiraggregatesenseofwhatisright.Thepeoplewish
lawtobeembodiedjustice,administeredwithoutpassion.Eveninthewildestagestherehasbeena
wildpopularjustice,butalwaysmixedwithpassionandadministeredinhate;forjusticetakesarude
formwithrudemen,andbecomeslessmixedwithhateandpassioninmorecivilizedcommunities.
EveryprogressiveStaterevisesitsstatutesandrevolutionizesitsconstitutionfromtimetotime,seeking
tocomeclosertotheutmostpossiblepracticaljusticeandright;andsometimes,followingtheoristsand
dreamersintheiradorationfortheideal,byerectingintolawpositiveprincipleoftheoreticalright,
workspracticalinjustice,andthenhastoretraceitssteps.

Inliteraturemenalwayslookforpracticaljustice,anddesirethatvirtueshouldhaveitsownreward,and
viceitsappropriatepunishment.Theyareeveronthesideofjusticeandhumanity;andthemajorityof
themhaveanidealjustice,betterthanthethingsaboutthem,justerthanthelaw;forthelawisever
imperfect,notattainingeventotheutmostpracticabledegreeofperfection;andnomanisasjustashis
ownideaofpossibleandpracticablejustice.Hispassionsandhisnecessitiesevercausehimtosink
belowhisownideal.Theidealjusticewhichmeneverlookuptoandstrivetorisetoward,istrue;butit
willnotberealizedinthisworld.Yetwemustapproachasneartoitaspracticable,asweshoulddo
towardthatidealdemocracythat"nowfloatsbeforetheeyesofearnestandreligiousmen,fairerthan
theRepublicofPlato,orMore'sUtopia,ortheGoldenAgeoffabledmemory,"onlytakingcarethatwe
donot,instrivingtoreachandascendtotheimpossibleideal,neglecttoseizeuponandholdfasttothe
possibleactual.Toaimatthebest,butbecontentwiththebestpossible,istheonlytruewisdom.To
insistontheabsoluteright,andthrowoutofthecalculationtheimportantandallcontrolling
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elementofnecessity,isthefollyofameredreamer.

Inaworldinhabitedbymenwithbodies,andnecessarilywithbodilywantsandanimalpassions,the
timewillnevercomewhentherewillbenowant,nooppression,norservitude,nofearofmannofear
ofGod,butonlyLove.Thatcanneverbewhilethereareinferiorintellect,indulgenceinlowvice,
improvidence,indolence,awfulvisitationsofpestilenceandwarandfamine,earthquakeandvolcano,
thatmustofnecessitycausementowant,andserve,andsufferandfear.

Butstilltheploughshareofjusticeiseverdrawnthroughandthroughthefieldoftheworld,uprooting
thesavageplants.Everweseeacontinualandprogressivetriumphoftheright.Theinjusticeof
EnglandlostherAmerica,thefairestjewelofhercrown.TheinjusticeofNapoleonborehimtothe
groundmorethanthesnowsofRussiadid,andexiledhimtoabarrenrocktheretopineawayanddie,
hislifeawarningtobidmankindbejust.

Weintuitivelyunderstandwhatjusticeis,betterthanwecandepictit.Whatitisinagivencasedepends
somuchoncircumstances,thatdefinitionsofitarewhollydeceitful.Oftenitwouldbeunjusttosociety
todowhatwould,intheabsenceofthatconsideration,bepronouncedjusttotheindividual.General
propositionsofman'srighttothisorthatareeverfallaciousandnotinfrequentlyitwouldbemost
unjusttotheindividualhimselftodoforhimwhatthetheorist,asageneralproposition,wouldsaywas
rightandhisdue.

Weshouldeverdountootherswhat,underthesamecircumstances,weoughttowish,andshouldhave
therighttowishtheyshoulddountous.Therearemanycases,casesconstantlyoccurring,whereone
manmusttakecareofhimself,inpreferencetoanother,aswheretwostruggleforthepossessionofa
plankthatwillsaveone,butcannotupholdboth;orwhere,assailed,hecansavehisownlifeonlyby
slayinghisadversary.Soonemustpreferthesafetyofhiscountrytothelivesofherenemies;and
sometimes,toinsureit,tothoseofherowninnocentcitizens.Theretreatinggeneralmaycutawaya
bridgebehindhim,todelaypursuitandsavethemainbodyofhisarmy,thoughhetherebysurrendersa
detachment,abattalion,orevenacorpsofhisownforcetocertaindestruction.

Thesearenotdeparturesfromjustice;though,likeotherinstanceswheretheinjuryordeathofthe
individualisthesafetyofthemany,wheretheinterestofoneindividual,class,orraceis
postponedtothatofthepublic,orofthesuperiorrace,theymayinfringesomedreamer'sidealruleof
justice.Buteverydeparturefromreal,practicaljusticeisnodoubtattendedwithlosstotheunjustman,
thoughthelossisnotreportedtothepublic.

Injustice,publicorprivate,likeeveryothersinandwrong,isinevitablyfollowedbyitsconsequences.
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Theselfish,thegrasping,theinhuman,thefraudulentlyunjust,theungenerousemployer,andthecruel
master,aredetestedbythegreatpopularheart;whilethekindmaster,theliberalemployer,the
generous,thehumane,andthejusthavethegoodopinionofallmen,andevenenvyisatributetotheir
virtues.Menhonourallwhostandupfortruthandright,andnevershrink.Theworldbuilds
monumentstoitspatriots.Fourgreatstatesmen,organizersoftheright,embalmedinstone,lookdown
uponthelawgiversofFranceastheypasstotheirhalloflegislation,silentoratorstotellhownations
lovethejust.Howwereverethemarblelineamentsofthosejustjudges,JayandMarshall,thatlookso
calmlytowardthelivingBenchoftheSupremeCourtoftheUnitedStates!Whatamonument
WashingtonhasbuiltintheheartofAmericaandalltheworld,notbecausehedreamedofan
impracticableidealjustice,butbyhisconstantefforttobepracticallyjust!

Butnecessityalone,andthegreatestgoodofthegreatestnumber,canlegitimatelyinterferewiththe
dominionofabsoluteandidealjustice.Governmentshouldnotfosterthestrongattheexpenseofthe
weak,norprotectthecapitalistandtaxthelabourer.Thepowerfulshouldnotseekamonopolyof
developmentandenjoyment;notprudenceonlyandtheexpedientfortodayshouldbeappealedtoby
statesmen,butconscienceandtheright;justiceshouldnotbeforgotteninlookingatinterest,nor
politicalmoralityneglectedforpoliticaleconomy,weshouldnothavenationalhousekeepinginsteadof
nationalorganizationonthebasisofright.

Wemaywelldifferastotheabstractrightofmanythings;foreverysuchquestionhasmanysides,and
fewmenlookatallofthem,manyonlyatone.Butweallreadilyrecognizecruelty,unfairness,
inhumanity,partiality,overreaching,harddealing,bytheiruglyandfamiliarlineaments,andinorder
toknowandtohateanddespisethem,wedonotneedtositasaCourtofErrorsandAppealstorevise
andreverseGod'sProvidences.

Therearecertainlygreatevilsofcivilizationatthisday,andmanyquestionsofhumanitylong
adjournedandputoff.Thehideousaspectofpauperism,thedebasementandviceinourcities,tellus
bytheireloquentsilenceorininarticulatemutterings,thattherichandthepowerfulandtheintellectual
donotdotheirdutybythepoor,thefeeble,andtheignorant;andeverywretchedwomanwholives,
Heavenscarceknowshow,bymakingshirtsatsixpenceeach,atteststheinjusticeandinhumanityof
man.Therearecrueltiestoslaves,andworsecrueltiestoanimals,eachdisgracefultotheirperpetrators,
andequallyunwarrantedbythelawfulrelationofcontrolanddependencewhichithaspleasedGodto
create.

Asentenceiswrittenagainstallthatisunjust,writtenbyGodinthenatureofmanandinthenatureof
theUniverse,becauseitisinthenatureoftheInfiniteGod.Fidelitytoyourfaculties,trustintheir
convictions,thatisjusticetoyourself;alifeinobediencethereto,thatisjusticetowardmen.Nowrong
isreallysuccessful.Thegainofinjusticeisaloss,itspleasuresuffering.Iniquityoftenseemsto
prosper,butitssuccessisitsdefeatandshame.Afteralongwhile,thedayofreckoningevercomes,to
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nationastoindividual.Theknavedeceiveshimself.Themiser,starvinghisbrother'sbody,starvesalso
hisownsoul,andatdeathshallcreepoutofhisgreatestateofinjustice,poorandnakedandmiserable.
Whosoescapesadutyavoidsagain.Outwardjudgmentoftenfails,inwardjusticenever.Letamantry
tolovethewrongandtodothewrong,itiseatingstonesandnotbread,theswiftfeetofjusticeare
uponhim,followingwithwoolentread,andherironhandsareroundhisneck.Nomancanescapefrom
this,anymorethanfromhimself.JusticeistheangelofGodthatfliesfromEasttoWest;andwhereshe
stoopsherbroadwings,itistobringthecounselofGod,andfeedmankindwithangel'sbread.

WecannotunderstandthemoralUniverse.Thearcisalongone,andoureyesreachbutalittleway;we
cannotcalculatethecurveandcompletethefigurebytheexperienceofsight;butwecandivineitby
conscience,andwesurelyknowthatitbendstowardjustice.

Justicewillnotfail,thoughwickednessappearsstrong,andhasonitssidethearmiesandthronesof
power,therichesandthegloryoftheworld,andthoughpoormencrouchdownindespair.Justicewill
notfailandperishoutfromtheworldofmennorwillwhatisreallywrongandcontrarytoGod'sreal
lawofjusticecontinuallyendure.ThePower,theWisdom,andtheJusticeofGodareonthesideof
everyjustthought,anditcannotfail,anymorethanGodHimselfcanperish.

Inhumanaffairs,thejusticeofGodmustworkbyhumanmeans.MenaretheinstrumentsofGod's
principles;ourmoralityistheinstrumentofHisjustice,which,incomprehensibletous,seemstoour
shortvisionoftentoworkinjustice.Butwillatsometimestilltheoppressor'sbrutallaugh.Justiceis
theruleofconductwritteninthenatureofmankind.Wemay,inourdailylife,inhouseorfieldor
shop,intheofficeorinthecourt,helptopreparethewayforthecommonwealthofjusticewhichis
slowly,but,wewouldfainhope,surelyapproaching.Allthejusticewematurewillblessushereand
hereafter,andatourdeathweshallleaveitaddedtothecommonstoreofhumankind.Andevery
Masonwho,contenttodothatwhichispossibleandpracticable,doesandenforcesjustice,mayhelp
deepenthechannelofhumanmoralityinwhichGod'sjusticeruns;andsothewrecksofevilthatnow
checkandobstructthestreammaythesoonerbesweptoutandborneawaybytheresistlesstideof
OmnipotentRight.Letus,myBrother,inthisasinallelse,endeavouralwaystoperformthedutiesofa
goodMasonandagoodman.

XXXII.SUBLIMEPRINCEOFTHEROYALSECRET
[MasterofRoyalSecret]

TheOccultScienceoftheAncientMagiwasconcealedundertheshadowsoftheAncientMysteries.It
wasimperfectlyrevealedorratherdisfiguredbytheGnostics.Itisguessedatundertheobscuritiesthat
coverthepretendedcrimesoftheTemplarsanditisfoundenvelopedinenigmasthatseem
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impenetrable,intheRitesoftheHighestMasonry.

MagismwastheScienceofAbrahamandOrpheus,ofConfuciusandZoroaster.Itwasthedogmasof
thisSciencethatwereengravenonthetablesofstonebyHanochandTrismegistus.Mosespurifiedand
reveiledthem,forthatisthemeaningofthewordreveal.Hecoveredthemwithanewveil,whenhe
madeoftheHolyKabalahtheexclusiveheritageofthepeopleofIsraelandtheinviolableSecretofits
priests.TheMysteriesofThebesandEleusispreservedamongthenationssomesymbolsofit,already
alteredandthemysteriouskeywhereofwaslostamongtheinstrumentsofanevergrowingsuperstition.
Jerusalem,themurderessofherprophetsandsooftenprostitutedtothefalsegodsoftheSyriansand
Babylonians,hadatlengthinitsturnlosttheHolyWord,whenaProphetannouncedtotheMagibythe
consecratedStarofInitiation,cametorendasunderthewornveiloftheoldTemple,inordertogivethe
Churchanewtissueoflegendsandsymbols,thatstillandeverconcealsfromtheProfaneandever
preservestotheElectthesametruths.

ItwastheremembranceofthisscientificandreligiousAbsolute,ofthisdoctrinethatissummedupina
word,ofthisWord,infine,alternatelylostandfoundagain,thatwastransmittedtotheElectofallthe
AncientInitiations.Itwasthissameremembrance,preserved,orperhapsprofanedinthecelebrated
OrderoftheTemplars,thatbecameforallthesecretassociations,oftheRoseCroix,oftheIlluminati
andoftheHermeticFreemasons,thereasonoftheirstrangerites,oftheirsignsmoreorless
conventionalandaboveall,oftheirmutualdevotednessandoftheirpower.

TheGnosticscausedtheGnosistobeproscribedbytheChristians,andtheofficialSanctuarywas
closedagainstthehighinitiation.ThustheHierarchyofKnowledgewascompromittedbytheviolences
ofusurpingignoranceandthedisordersoftheSanctuaryarereproducedintheState;foralways,
willinglyorunwillingly,theKingissustainedbythePriestanditisfromtheeternalSanctuaryofthe
DivineinstructionthatthePowersoftheEarth,toinsurethemselvesdurability,mustreceivetheir
consecrationandtheirforce.

TheHermeticScienceoftheearlyChristianages,cultivatedalsobyGeber,Alfarabiusandothersofthe
Arabs,studiedbytheChiefsoftheTemplarsandembodiedincertainsymbolsofthehigherDegreesof
Freemasonry,maybeaccuratelydefinedastheKabalahinactiverealizationortheMagicofWorks.It
hasthreeanalogousDegrees,religious,philosophicaland
physicalrealization.

ItsreligiousrealizationisthedurablefoundationofthetrueEmpireandthetruePriesthoodthatrulein
therealmofhumanintellect.ItsphilosophicalrealizationistheestablishmentofabsoluteDoctrine,
knowninalltimesasthe"HolyDoctrine"andofwhichPLUTARCH,intheTreatise"deIsideet
Osiride,"speaksatlargebutmysteriouslyandofaHierarchicalinstructiontosecuretheuninterrupted
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successionofAdeptsamongtheInitiates.Itsphysicalrealizationisthediscoveryandapplication,inthe
Microcosm,orLittleWorldofthecreativelawthatincessantlypeoplesthegreatUniverse.

MeasureacorneroftheCreationandmultiplythatspaceinproportionalprogressionandtheentire
Infinitewillmultiplyitscirclesfilledwithuniverses,whichwillpassinproportionalsegmentsbetween
theidealandelongatingbranchesofyourCompass.Nowsupposethatfromanypointwhateverofthe
InfiniteaboveyouahandholdsanotherCompassoraSquare,thelinesoftheCelestialtrianglewill
necessarilymeetthoseoftheCompassofScience,toformtheMysteriousStarofSolomon.

Allhypothesesscientificallyprobablearethelastgleamsofthetwilightofknowledge,oritslast
shadows.FaithbeginswhereReasonsinksexhausted.BeyondthehumanReasonistheDivineReason,
toourfeeblenessthegreatAbsurdity,theInfiniteAbsurd,whichconfoundsusandwhichwebelieve.
FortheMaster,theCompassofFaithisabovetheSquareofReason;butbothrestupontheHoly
ScripturesandcombinetoformtheBlazingStarofTruth.

Alleyesdonotseealike.Eventhevisiblecreationisnot,forallwholookuponit,ofoneformandone
color.Ourbrainisabookprintedwithinandwithout,andthetwowritingsare,withallmen,moreor
lessconfused.

Theprimarytraditionofthesinglerevelationhasbeenpreservedunderthenameofthe"Kabalah,"by
thePriesthoodofIsrael.TheKabalisticdoctrine,whichwasalsothedogmaoftheMagiandof
Hermes,iscontainedintheSepherYetsairah,theSoharandtheTalmud.Accordingtothatdoctrine,the
AbsoluteistheBeing,inwhichTheWordIs,theWordthatistheutteranceandexpressionofbeingand
life.

Magicisthatwhichitis;itisbyitself,likethemathematics;foritistheexactandabsolutescienceof
Natureanditslaws.

MagicisthescienceoftheAncientMagiandtheChristianreligion,whichhasimposedsilenceonthe
lyingoracles,andputanendtotheprestigesofthefalseGods,itselfreveresthoseMagiwhocame
fromtheEast,guidedbyaStar,toadoretheSaviouroftheworldinHiscradle.

TraditionalsogivestheseMagithetitleof"Kings"becauseinitiationintoMagismconstitutesa
genuineroyaltyandbecausethegrandartoftheMagiisstyledbyalltheAdepts,"TheRoyalArt"or
theHolyRealmorEmpire,SanctumRegnum.
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TheStarwhichguidedthemisthatsameBlazingStar,theimagewhereofwefindinallinitiations.To
theAlchemistsitisthesignoftheQuintessence;totheMagists,theGrandArcanum;totheKabalists,
theSacredPentagram.ThestudyofthisPentagramcouldnotbutleadtheMagitotheknowledgeofthe
NewNamewhichwasabouttoraiseitselfaboveallnamesandcauseallcreaturescapableofadoration
tobendtheknee.

Magicunitesinoneandthesamescience,whatsoeverPhilosophycanpossessthatismostcertainand
ReligionoftheInfallibleandtheEternal.Itperfectlyandincontestablyreconcilesthesetwotermsthat
atfirstblushseemsoopposedtoeachother;faithandreason,scienceandcreed,authorityandliberty.

Itsuppliesthehumanmindwithaninstrumentofphilosophicalandreligiouscertainty,exactasthe
mathematics,andaccountingfortheinfallibilityofthemathematicsthemselves.

ThusthereisanAbsolute,inthemattersoftheIntelligenceandofFaith.TheSupremeReasonhasnot
leftthegleamsofthehumanunderstandingtovacillateathazard.Thereisanincontestableverity,there
isaninfalliblemethodofknowingthisverityandbytheknowledgeofit,thosewhoacceptitasarule
maygivetheirwillasovereignpowerthatwillmakethemthemastersofallinferiorthingsandofall
errantspirits;thatistosay,willmakethemtheArbitersandKingsoftheWorld.

Sciencehasitsnightsanditsdawns,becauseitgivestheintellectualworldalifewhichhasitsregulated
movementsanditsprogressivephases.ItiswithTruths,aswiththeluminousrays:nothingofwhatis
concealedislost;butalso,nothingofwhatisdiscoveredisabsolutelynew.Godhasbeenpleasedto
givetoScience,whichisthereflectionofHisGlory,theSealofHisEternity.

ItisnotinthebooksofthePhilosophers,butinthereligioussymbolismoftheAncients,thatwemust
lookforthefootprintsofScienceandrediscovertheMysteriesofKnowledge.ThePriestsofEgypt
knew,betterthanwedo,thelawsofmovementandoflife.Theyknewhowtotemperorintensifyaction
byreactionandreadilyforesawtherealizationoftheseeffects,thecausesofwhichtheyhad
determined.TheColumnsofSeth,Enoch,SolomonandHerculeshavesymbolizedintheMagian
traditionsthisuniversallawoftheEquilibrium;andtheScienceoftheEquilibriumorbalancingof
ForceshadledtheInitiatestothatoftheuniversalgravitationaroundthecentresofLife,Heatand
Light.

ThalesandPythagoraslearnedintheSanctuariesofEgyptthattheEarthrevolvedaroundtheSun;but
theydidnotattempttomakethisgenerallyknown,becausetodosoitwouldhavebeennecessaryto
revealoneofthegreatSecretsoftheTemple,thatdoublelawofattractionandradiationorofsympathy
andantipathy,offixednessandmovement,whichistheprincipleofCreation,andtheperpetualcause
oflife.ThisTruthwasridiculedbytheChristianLactantius,asitwaslongaftersoughttobeprovena
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falsehoodbypersecution,byPapalRome.

SothephilosophersreasonedwhilethePriests,withoutreplyingtothemorevensmilingattheirerrors,
wrote,inthoseHieroglyphicsthatcreatedalldogmasandallpoetry,theSecretsoftheTruth.

WhenTruthcomesintotheworld,theStarofKnowledgeadvisestheMagiofitandtheyhastento
adoretheInfantwhocreatestheFuture.ItisbymeansoftheIntelligenceoftheHierarchyandthe
practiceofobedience,thatoneobtainsInitiation.IftheRulershavetheDivineRighttogovern,thetrue
Initiatewillcheerfullyobey.

TheorthodoxtraditionswerecarriedfromChaldeabyAbraham.TheyreignedinEgyptinthetimeof
Joseph,togetherwiththeknowledgeoftheTrueGod.MosescarriedOrthodoxyoutofEgypt,andin
theSecretTraditionsoftheKabalahwefindaTheologyentire,perfect,unique,likethatwhichin
ChristianityismostgrandandbestexplainedbytheFathersandtheDoctors,thewholewitha
consistencyandaharmoniousnesswhichitisnotasyetgiventotheworldtocomprehend.TheSohar,
whichistheKeyoftheHolyBooks,opensalsoallthedepthsandlights,alltheobscuritiesofthe
AncientMythologiesandoftheSciencesoriginallyconcealedintheSanctuaries.Itistruethatthe
SecretofthisKeymustbeknown,toenableonetomakeuseofitandthatforeventhemostpenetrating
intellects,notinitiatedinthisSecret,theSoharisabsolutelyincomprehensibleandalmostillegible.

TheSecretoftheOccultSciencesisthatofNatureitself,theSecretofthegenerationoftheAngelsand
Worlds,thatoftheOmnipotenceofGod.

"YeshallbeliketheElohim,knowinggoodandevil"hadtheSerpentofGenesissaid;andtheTreeof
KnowledgebecametheTreeofDeath.

ForsixthousandyearstheMartyrsofKnowledgetoilanddieatthefootofthistree,thatitmayagain
becometheTreeofLife.

TheAbsolutesoughtforunsuccessfullybytheinsensateandfoundbytheSages,istheTRUTH,the
REALITYandtheREASONoftheuniversalequilibrium!

EquilibriumistheHarmonythatresultsfromtheanalogyofContraries.

Untilnow,Humanityhasbeenendeavoringtostandononefoot;sometimesonone,sometimesonthe
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other.

Civilizationshaverisenandperished,eitherbytheanarchicalinsanityofDespotism,orbythedespotic
anarchyofRevolt.

ToorganizeAnarchy,istheproblemwhichtherevolutionistshaveandwilleternallyhavetoresolve.It
istherockofSisyphusthatwillalwaysfallbackuponthem.Toexistasingleinstant,theyareand
alwayswillbebyfatalityreducedtoimproviseadespotismwithoutotherreasonofexistencethan
necessity,andwhich,consequently,isviolentandblindasNecessity.Weescapefromtheharmonious
monarchyofReason,onlytofallundertheirregulardictatorshipofFolly.

Sometimessuperstitiousenthusiasms,sometimesthemiserablecalculationsofthematerialistinstinct
haveledastraythenationsandGodatlasturgestheworldontowardbelievingReasonandreasonable
Beliefs.

Wehavehadprophetsenoughwithoutphilosophyandphilosopherswithoutreligion;theblindbelievers
andthescepticsresembleeachotherandareasfartheoneastheotherfromtheeternalsalvation.

InthechaosofuniversaldoubtandoftheconflictsofReasonandFaith,thegreatmenandSeershave
beenbutinfirmandmorbidartists,seekingthebeauidealattheriskandperiloftheirreasonandlife.

Livingonlyinthehopetobecrowned,theyarethefirsttodowhatPythagorasinsotouchingamanner
prohibitsinhisadmirableSymbols;theyrendcrowns,andtreadthemunderfoot.

LightistheequilibriumofShadowandLucidity.MovementistheequilibriumofInertiaandActivity.
AuthorityistheequilibriumofLibertyandPower.WisdomisequilibriumintheThoughts,whichare
thescintillationsandraysoftheIntellect.VirtueisequilibriumintheAffections.Beautyisharmonious
proportioninForms.Thebeautifullivesaretheaccurateones,andthemagnificencesofNaturearean
algebraofgracesandsplendors.Everythingjustisbeautiful;everythingbeautifuloughttobejust.

Thereis,infact,noNothing,novoidEmptiness,intheUniverse.Fromtheupperoroutersurfaceofour
atmospheretothatoftheSunandtothoseofthePlanetsandremoteStars,indifferentdirections,
Sciencehasforhundredsofcenturiesimaginedthattherewassimple,void,emptySpace.Comparing
finiteknowledgewiththeInfinite,thePhilosophersknowlittlemorethantheapes!Inallthat"void"
spacearetheInfiniteForcesofGod,actinginaninfinitevarietyofdirections,backandforthandnever
foraninstantinactive.Inallofit,activethroughthewholeofitsInfinity,istheLightthatistheVisible
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ManifestationofGod.TheearthandeveryotherplanetandspherethatisnotaCentreofLight,carries
itsconeofshadowwithitasitfliesandflashesroundinitsorbit;butthedarknesshasnohomeinthe
Universe.Toilluminatethesphereononeside,istoprojectaconeofdarknessontheotherandError
alsoistheShadowoftheTruthwithwhichGodilluminatestheSoul.

Inallthat"Void"alsoistheMysteriousandeverActiveElectricityandHeatandtheOmnipresent
Ether.AtthewillofGodtheInvisiblebecomesVisible.Twoinvisiblegases,combinedbytheactionof
aForceofGod,andcompressed,becomeandremainthewaterthatfillsthegreatbasinsoftheseas,
flowsintheriversandrivulets,leapsforthfromtherocksorsprings,dropsupontheearthinrains,or
whitensitwithsnowsandbridgestheDanubeswithice,orgathersinvastreservoirsintheearth's
bosom.GodmanifestedfillsalltheextensionthatwefoolishlycallEmptySpaceandtheVoid.

AndeverywhereintheUniverse,whatwecalllifeandMovementresultsfromacontinualconflictof
ForcesorImpulses.Wheneverthatactiveantagonismceases,theimmobilityandinertia,whichare
Death,result.

If,saystheKabalah,theJusticeofGod,whichisSeverityortheFemale,alonereigned,creationof
imperfectbeingssuchasmanwouldfromthebeginninghavebeenimpossible,becauseSinbeing
congenitalwithHumanity,theInfiniteJustice,measuringtheSinbytheInfinityoftheGodoffended
against,musthaveannihilatedHumanityattheinstantofitscreationandnotonlyHumanitybutthe
Angels,sincethesealso,likeallcreatedbyGodandlessthanperfect,aresinful.Nothingimperfect
wouldhavebeenpossible.If,ontheotherhand,theMercyorBenignityofGod,theMale,wereinno
wisecounteracted,Sinwouldgounpunished,andtheUniversefallintoachaosofcorruption.

LetGodbutrepealasingleprincipleorlawofchemicalattractionorsympathyandtheantagonistic
forcesequilibratedinmatter,releasedfromconstraint,wouldinstantaneouslyexpandallthatweterm
matterintoimpalpableandinvisiblegases,suchaswaterorsteamis,when,confinedinacylinderand
subjectedtoanimmensedegreeofthatmysteriousforceoftheDeitywhichwecall"heat"itisbyits
expansionreleased.

Incessantlythegreatcurrentsandriversofairflowandrushandrollfromtheequatortothefrozen
polarregionsandbackfromthesetothetorridequatorialrealms.Necessarilyincidenttothesegreat,
immense,equilibratedandbeneficentmovements,causedbytheantagonismofequatorialheatand
polarcold,arethetyphoons,tornadoes,andcyclonesthatresultfromconflictsbetweentherushing
currents.Theseandthebenigntradewindsresultfromthesamegreatlaw.Godisomnipotent;but
effectswithoutcausesareimpossibleandtheseeffectscannotbutsometimesbeevil.Thefirewould
notwarm,ifitcouldnotalsoburn,thehumanflesh.Themostvirulentpoisonsarethemostsovereign
remedies,whengivenindueproportion.TheEvilistheshadowoftheGood,andinseparablefromit.
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TheDivineWisdomlimitsbyequipoisetheOmnipotenceoftheDivineWillorPower,andtheresultis
BeautyorHarmony.Thearchrestsnotonasinglecolumn,butspringsfromoneoneitherside.Soisit
alsowiththeDivineJusticeandMercy,andwiththeHumanReasonandHumanFaith.

ThatpurelyscholasticTheology,issueoftheCategoriesofAristotleandoftheSentencesofPeter
Lombard,thatlogicofthesyllogismwhicharguesinsteadofreasoning,andfindsaresponsetoevery
thingbysubtilizingonterms,whollyignoredtheKabalasticdogmaandwanderedoffintothedrear
vacuityofdarkness.Itwaslessaphilosophyorawisdomthanaphilosophicalautomaton,replyingby
meansofsprings,anduncoilingitstheseslikeawheeledmovement.Itwasnotthehumanverbbutthe
monotonouscryofamachine,theinanimatespeechofanAndroid.Itwasthefatalprecisionof
mechanism,insteadofafreeapplicationofrationalnecessities.STTHOMASAQUINAScrushedwith
asingleblowallthisscaffoldingofwordsbuiltoneupontheother,byproclaimingtheeternalEmpire
ofReason,inthatmagnificentsentence,"AthingisnotjustbecauseGODwillsit,butGODwillsit
becauseitisjust".Theproximateconsequenceofthisproposition,arguingfromthegreatertotheless,
wasthis:"AthingisnottruebecauseARISTOTLEhassaidit;butARISTOTLEcouldnotreasonably
sayitunlessitwastrue.Seekthen,firstof,all,theTRUTHandJUSTICE,andtheScienceof
ARISTOTLEwillbegivenyouinaddition".

ItisthefinedreamofthegreatestofthePoets,thatHell,becomeuseless,istobeclosedatlength,by
theaggrandizementofHeaven;thattheproblemofEvilistoreceiveitsfinalsolution,andGoodalone,
necessaryandtriumphant,istoreigninEternity.SothePersiandogmataughtthatAHRIMANandhis
subordinateministersofEvilwereatlast,bymeansofaRedeemerandMediator,tobereconciledwith
DeityandallEviltoend.Butunfortunately,thephilosopherforgetsallthelawsofequilibriumand
seekstoabsorbtheLightinasplendorwithoutshadow,andmovementinanabsolutereposethatwould
bethecessationoflife.Solongasthereshallbeavisiblelight,therewillbeashadowproportionalto
thisLightandwhateverisilluminatedwillcastitsconeofshadow.Reposewillneverbehappiness,ifit
isnotbalancedbyananalogousandcontrarymovement.ThisistheimmutablelawofNature,the
EternalWilloftheJUSTICEwhichisGOD.

ThesamereasonnecessitatesEvilandSorrowinHumanitywhichrendersindispensablethebitterness
ofthewatersoftheseas.Herealso,Harmonycanresultonlyfromtheanalogyofcontraries,andwhat
isaboveexistsbyreasonofwhatisbelow.Itisthedepththatdeterminestheheight;andifthevalleys
arefilledup,themountainsdisappear.So,iftheshadowsareeffaced,theLightisannulled,whichis
onlyvisiblebythegraduatedcontrastofgloomandsplendoranduniversalobscuritywillbeproduced
byanimmensedazzling.EventhecolorsintheLightonlyexistsbythepresenceoftheshadow.Itisthe
threefoldallianceofthedayandnight,theluminousimageofthedogma,theLightmadeShadow,as
theSaviouristheLogosmademanandallthisreposesonthesamelaw,theprimarylawofcreation,
thesingleandabsolutelawofNature,thatofthedistinctionandharmoniousponderationofthe
contraryforcesintheuniversalequipoise.
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ThetwogreatcolumnsoftheTemplethatsymbolizestheUniverseareNecessity,ortheomnipotent
WillofGod,whichnothingcandisobeyandLiberty,orthefreewillofHiscreatures.Apparentlyand
toourhumanreasonantagonistic,thesameReasonisnotincapableofcomprehendinghowtheycanbe
inequipoise.TheInfinitePowerandWisdomcouldsoplantheUniverseandtheInfiniteSuccessionof
thingsastoleavemanfreetoactandforeseeingwhateachwouldateveryinstantthinkanddo,tomake
ofthefreewillandfreeactionofeachaninstrumenttoaidineffectingitsgeneralpurpose.Forevena
man,foreseeingthatanotherwilldoacertainact,andinnowisecontrollingoreveninfluencinghim
mayusethatactionasaninstrumenttoeffecthisownpurposes.

TheInfiniteWisdomofGodforeseeswhateachwilldoandusesitasaninstrument,bytheexertionof
HisInfinitePower,whichyetdoesnotcontroltheHumanactionsoastoannihilateitsfreedomThe
resultisHarmony,thethirdcolumnthatupholdstheLodge.ThesameHarmonyresultsfromthe
equipoiseofNecessityandLiberty.ThewillofGodisnotforaninstantdefeatednorthwarted,andthis
istheDivineVictoryandyetHedoesnottemptnorconstrainmentodoEvilandthusHisInfinite
Gloryisunimpaired.TheresultisStability,Cohesion,andPermanenceintheUniverse,andundivided
DominionandAutocracyintheDeity.Andthese,Victory,Glory,Stability,andDominion,arethelast
fourSephirothoftheKabalah.

IAM,GodsaidtoMoses,thatwhichIs,WasandShallforeverBe.ButtheVeryGod,inHis
unmanifestedEssence,conceivedofasnotyethavingcreatedandasAlone,hasnoName.Suchwasthe
doctrineofalltheancientSagesanditissoexpresslydeclaredintheKabalah.istheNameofthe
Deitymanifestedinasingleact,thatofCreationandcontainingwithinHimself,inideaandactuality,
thewholeUniverse,tobeinvestedwithformandbemateriallydevelopedduringtheeternalsuccession
ofages.AsGodneverWASNOT,soHeneverTHOUGHTnot,andtheUniversehasnomorehada
beginningthantheDivineThoughtofwhichitistheutterance,nomorethantheDeityHimself.The
durationoftheUniverseisbutapointhalfwayupontheinfinitelineofeternity;andGodwasnotinert
anduncreativeduringtheeternitythatstretchesbehindthatpoint.TheArchetypeoftheUniversedid
nevernotexistintheDivineMind.TheWordwasintheBEGINNINGwithGod,andWASGod.And
theIneffableNAMEisthat,notoftheVeryEssencebutoftheAbsolute,manifestedasBeingor
Existence.ForExistenceorBeing,saidthePhilosophers,islimitationandtheVeryDeityisnotlimited
nordefined,butisallthatmaypossiblybe,besidesallthatis,was,andshallbe.

ReversingthelettersoftheIneffableNameanddividingit,becomesbisexual,asthewordYudHeor
JAHisanddisclosesthemeaningofmuchoftheobscurelanguageoftheKabalah,andisTheHighest
ofwhichtheColumnsJachinandBoazarethesymbol."IntheimageofDeity"wearetold,"God
createdtheMan;MaleandFemalecreatedHethem"andthewriter,symbolizingtheDivinebythe
Human,thentellsusthatthewoman,atfirstcontainedintheman,wastakenfromhisside.So
Minerva,GoddessofWisdom,wasborn,awomanandinarmor,ofthebrainofJove;Isiswasthesister
beforeshewasthewifeofOsirisandwithinBRAHM,theSourceofall,theVeryGod,withoutsexor
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name,wasdevelopedMAYA,theMotherofallthatis.TheWORDistheFirstandOnlybegottenof
theFatherandtheawewithwhichtheHighestMysterieswereregardedhasimposedsilenceinrespect
totheNatureoftheHolySpirit.TheWordisLight,andtheLifeofHumanity.

ItisfortheAdeptstounderstandthemeaningoftheSymbols.

Returnnow,withus,totheDegreesoftheBlueMasonry,andforyourlastlesson,receivethe
explanationofoneoftheirSymbols.

YouseeuponthealtarofthoseDegreestheSQUAREandtheCOMPASS,andyourememberhowthey
layuponthealtarineachDegree.

TheSQUAREisaninstrumentadaptedforplanesurfacesonly,andthereforeappropriatetoGeometry,
ormeasurementoftheEarth,whichappearstobeandwasbytheAncientssupposedtobe,aplane.The
COMPASSisaninstrumentthathasrelationtospheresandsphericalsurfacesandisadaptedto
sphericaltrigonometry,orthatbranchofmathematicswhichdealswiththeHeavensandtheorbitsof
theplanetarybodies.

TheSQUARE,therefore,isanaturalandappropriateSymbolofthisEarthandthethingsthatbelongto
it,areofit,orconcernit.TheCompassisanequallynaturalandappropriateSymboloftheHeavens
andofallcelestialthingsandcelestialnatures.

Youseeatthebeginningofthisreading,anoldHermeticSymbol,copiedfromtheMATERIAPRIMA
ofValentinus,printedatFrankfurt,in1613,withatreatiseentitled"AZOTEI".Uponityouseea
TriangleuponaSquare,bothofthesecontainedinacircleandabovethis,standinguponadragon,a
humanbody,withtwoarmsonly,buttwoheads,onemaleandtheotherfemale.Bythesideofthemale
headistheSunandbythatofthefemalehead,theMoon,thecrescentwithinthecircleofthefull
moon.AndthehandonthemalesideholdsaCompassandthatonthefemaleside,aSquare.

TheHeavensandtheEarthwerepersonifiedasDeities,evenamongtheAryanAncestorsofthe
EuropeannationsoftheHindus,Zends,BactriansandPersiansandtheRigVedaSanhitacontains
hymnsaddressedtothemasgods.TheyweredeifiedalsoamongthePhoeniciansandamongthe
GreeksOURANOSandGEA,HeavenandEarth,weresungasthemostancientoftheDeities,by
Hesiod.

Itisthegreat,fertile,beautifulMOTHEREarththatproduces,withlimitlessprofusionofbeneficence,
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everythingthatministerstotheneeds,tothecomfortandtotheluxuryofman.Fromherteemingand
inexhaustiblebosomcomethefruits,thegrain,theflowers,intheirseason.Fromitcomesallthatfeeds
theanimalswhichservemanaslabourersandforfood.She,inthefairSpringtime,isgreenwith
abundantgrassandthetreesspringfromhersoilandfromherteemingvitalitytaketheirwealthof
greenleaves.Inherwombarefoundtheusefulandvaluableminerals;hersaretheseastheswarmwith
life;herstheriversthatfurnishfoodandirrigationandthemountainsthatsenddownthestreamswhich
swellintotheserivers;herstheforeststhatfeedthesacredfiresforthesacrificesandblazeuponthe
domestichearths.TheEARTH,therefore,thegreatPRODUCER,wasalwaysrepresentedasafemale,
astheMOTHER,Great,Bounteous,BeneficentMotherEarth.

Ontheotherhand,itisthelightandheatoftheSunintheHeavensandtherainsthatseemtocome
fromthem,thatintheSpringtimemakefruitfulthisbountifullyproducingEarth,thatrestorelifeand
warmthtoherveins,chilledbyWinter,setrunningfreeherstreamsandbeget,asitwere,thatgreenness
andthatabundanceofwhichsheissoprolific.Astheprocreativeandgenerativeagents,theHeavens
andtheSunhavealwaysbeenregardedasmale;asthegeneratorsthatfructifytheEarthandcauseitto
produce.

TheHermaphroditicfigureistheSymbolofthedoublenatureancientlyassignedtotheDeity,as
GeneratorandProducer,asBRAHMandMAYAamongtheAryans,OsirisandIsisamongthe
Egyptians.AstheSunwasmale,sotheMoonwasfemaleandIsiswasboththesisterandthewifeof
Osiris.TheCompass,therefore,istheHermeticSymboloftheCreativeDeityandtheSquareofthe
productiveEarthorUniverse.

FromtheHeavenscomethespiritualandimmortalportionofman;fromtheEarthhismaterialand
mortalportion.TheHebrewGenesissaysthatYEHOUAHformedmanofthedustoftheEarth,and
breathedintohisnostrilsthebreathoflife.Throughthesevenplanetaryspheres,representedbythe
MysticLadderoftheMithriacInitiationsanditbythatwhichJacobsawinhisdream(notwiththree,
butwithsevensteps),theSouls,emanatingfromtheDeity,descended,tobeunitedtotheirhuman
bodies;andthroughthosesevenspherestheymustreascend,toreturntotheiroriginandhomeinthe
bosomoftheDeity.

TheCOMPASStherefore,astheSymboloftheHeavens,representsthespiritual,intellectual,and
moralportionofthisdoublenatureofhumanityandtheSQUARE,astheSymboloftheEarth,its
material,sensualandbaserportion."TruthandIntelligence",saidoneoftheAncientIndianSectsof
Philosophers,"aretheEternalattributesofGod,notoftheindividualSoul,whichissusceptiblebothof
knowledgeandignorance,ofpleasureandpain;thereforeGodandtheindividualSoularedistinct"and
thisexpressionoftheancientNyayaPhilosophers,inregardtoTruth,hasbeenhandeddowntous
throughthelongsuccessionofages,inthelessonsofFreemasonry,whereinweread,that"Truthisa
DivineAttributeandthefoundationofeveryvirtue."
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"Whileembodiedinmatter"theysaid,"theSoulisinastateofimprisonmentandisunderthe
influenceofevilpassions;buthaving,byintensestudy,arrivedattheknowledgeoftheelementsand
principlesofNature,itattainsuntotheplaceofTHEETERNAL;inwhichstateofhappiness,its
individualitydoesnotcease".

Thevitalitywhichanimatesthemortalframe,theBreathofLifeoftheHebrewGenesis,theHindu
Philosophersingeneralheld,perisheswithit;buttheSoulisdivine,allemanationoftheSpiritofGod,
butnotaportionofthatSpirit.FortheycomparedittotheheatandlightsentforthfromtheSun,orto
arayofthatlight,whichneitherlessensnordividesitsownessence.

Howevercreated,orinvestedwithseparateexistence,theSoul,whichisbutthecreatureoftheDeity,
cannotknowthemodeofitscreation,norcomprehenditsownindividuality.Itcannotevencomprehend
howthebeingwhichitandthebodyconstitute;canfeelpainorseeorhear.IthaspleasedtheUniversal
Creatortosetboundstothescopeofourhumanandfinitereason,beyondwhichitcannotreachandif
wearecapableofcomprehendingthemodeandmannerofthecreationorgenerationoftheUniverseof
things,Hehasbeenpleasedtoconcealitfromusbyanimpenetrableveil,whilethewordsusedto
expresstheacthavenootherdefinitemeaningthanthatHecausedthatUniversetocommencetoexist.

Itisenoughforustoknow,whatMasonryteaches,thatwearenotallmortal;thattheSoulorSpirit,the
intellectualandreasoningportionofourself,isourVerySelf,isnotsubjecttodecayanddissolution,
butissimpleandimmaterial,survivesthedeathofthebody,andiscapableofimmortality;thatitis
alsocapableofimprovementandadvancement,ofincreaseofknowledgeofthethingsthataredivine,
ofbecomingwiserandbetterandmoreandmoreworthyofimmortalityandthattobecomeso,andto
helptoimproveandbenefitothersandallourrace,isthenoblestambitionandhighestglorythatwe
canentertainandattainunto,inthismomentaryandimperfectlife.

IneveryhumanbeingtheDivineandtheHumanareintermingled.IneveryonetherearetheReason
andtheMoralsense,thepassionsthatprompttoevilandthesensualappetites."Ifyeliveafterthe
flesh,yeshalldie,"saidPaul,writingtotheChristiansatRome,"butifyethroughthespiritdomortify
thedeedsofthebody,yeshalllive.ForasmanyasareledbytheSpiritofGod,theyarethesonsof
God"."Thefleshlustethagainstthespiritandthespiritagainsttheflesh"hesaid,writingtothe
ChristiansofGalatia,"andthesearecontrarytheonetotheother,sothatyecannotdothethingsthatye
would"."ThatwhichIdo,Idonotwillinglydo"hewrotetotheRomans,"forwhatIwishtodo,thatI
donotdo,butthatwhichIhateIdo.ItisnomoreIthatdoit,butsinthatdwellethinme.Towill,is
presentwithme;buthowtoperformthatwhichisgood,Ifindnot.For,IdonotdothegoodthatI
desiretodoandtheevilthatIdonotwishtodo,thatIdodo.Ifindthenalaw,thatwhenIdesiretodo
good,evilispresentwithme;forIdelightinthelawofGodaftertheinwardman,butIseeanotherlaw
inmymembers,warringagainstthelawofmymind,andbringingmeintocaptivitytothelawofsin
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whichisinmymembers.Sothen,withthemindImyselfservethelawofGod,butwiththefleshthe
lawofsin".

Lifeisabattleandtofightthatbattleheroicallyandwellisthegreatpurposeofeveryman'sexistence,
whoisworthyandfittoliveatall.Tostemthestrongcurrentsofadversity,toadvanceindespiteofall
obstacles,tosnatchvictoryfromthejealousgraspoffortune,tobecomeachiefandaleaderamong
men,torisetorankandpowerbyeloquence,courage,perseverance,study,energy,activity,discouraged
bynoreverses,impatientofnodelays,deterredbynohazards;towinwealth,tosubjugatemenbyour
intellect,theveryelementsbyouraudacity,tosucceed,toprosper,tothrive.Thusitis,accordingtothe
generalunderstanding,thatonefightswellthebattleoflife.Eventosucceedinbusinessbythat
boldnesswhichhaltsfornorisks,thataudacitywhichstakesalluponhazardouschances;bythe
shrewdnessoftheclosedealer,theboldnessoftheunscrupulousoperator,everbytheknaveriesofthe
stockboardandthegoldroom;tocrawlupintoplacebydisreputablemeansorthevotesofbrutal
ignorance,thesealsoaredeemedtobeamongthegreatsuccessesoflife.

Butthatwhichisthegreatestbattleandinwhichthetruesthonourandmostrealsuccessaretobewon,
isthatwhichourintellectandreasonandmoralsense,ourspiritualnatures,fightagainstoursensual
appetitesandevilpassions,ourearthlyandmaterialoranimalnature.Thereinonlyarethetrueglories
ofheroismtobewon,thereonlythesuccessesthatentitleustotriumphs.

Ineveryhumanlifethatbattleisfoughtandthosewhowinelsewhere,oftensufferignominiousdefeat
anddisastrousroutanddiscomfitureandshamefuldownfallinthisencounter.

YouhaveheardmorethanonedefinitionofFreemasonry.Thetruestandthemostsignificantyouhave
yettohear.ItistaughttotheenteredApprentice,theFellowCraftandtheMaster,anditistaughtin
everyDegreethroughwhichyouhaveadvancedtothis.ItisadefinitionofwhatFreemasonryis,of
whatitspurposesanditsveryessenceandspiritareandithasforeveryoneofustheforceandsanctity
ofadivinelawandimposesoneveryoneofusasolemnobligation.

Itissymbolizedandtaught,totheApprenticeaswellastoyou,bytheCOMPASSandtheSQUARE;
uponwhich,aswellasupontheBookofyourReligionandtheBookofthelawoftheScottish
Freemasonry,youhavetakensomanyobligations.AsaKnight,youhavebeentaughtitbytheSwords,
thesymbolsofHONOURandDUTY,onwhichyouhavetakenyourvows:itwastaughtyoubythe
BALANCE,thesymbolofallEquilibriumandbytheCROSS,thesymbolofdevotednessandself
sacrifice;butallthattheseteachandcontainistaughtandcontained,forEnteredApprentice,Knight
andPrincealike,bytheCompassandtheSquare.

FortheApprentice,thepointsoftheCompassarebeneaththeSquare.FortheFellowCraft,oneis
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aboveandonebeneath.FortheMaster,botharedominantandhaverule,controlandempireoverthe
symboloftheearthlyandthematerial.

FREEMASONRYisthesubjugationoftheHumanthatisinmanbytheDivine;theConquestofthe
AppetitesandPassionsbytheMoralSenseandtheReason;acontinualeffort,struggleandwarfareof
theSpiritualagainsttheMaterialandSensual.Thatvictory,whenithasbeenachievedandsecured,and
theconquerormayrestuponhisshieldandwearthewellearnedlaurels,isthetrueHOLYEMPIRE.

Toachieveit,theMasonmustfirstattainasolidconviction,foundeduponreason,thathehathwithin
himaspiritualnature,asoulthatisnottodiewhenthebodyisdissolved,butistocontinuetoexistand
toadvancetowardperfectionthroughalltheagesofeternity,andtoseemoreandmoreclearly,asit
drawsneareruntoGod,theLightoftheDivinePresence.ThisthePhilosophyoftheAncientand
AcceptedRiteteacheshimanditencourageshimtoperseverebyhelpinghimtobelievethathisfree
willisentirelyconsistentwithGod'sOmnipotenceandOmniscience;thatHeisnotonlyinfinitein
powerandofinfinitewisdom,butofinfinitemercy,andaninfinitelytenderpityandloveforthefrail
andimperfectcreaturesthatHehasmade.EveryDegreeoftheAncientandAcceptedScottishRite,
fromthefirsttothethirtysecond,teachesbyitsceremonialaswellasbyitsinstruction,thatthenoblest
purposeoflifeandthehighestdutyofamanaretostriveincessantlyandvigorouslytowinthemastery
ofeverything,ofthatwhichinhimisspiritualanddivine,overthatwhichismaterialandsensual;so
thatinhimalso,asintheUniversewhichGodgoverns,HarmonyandBeautymaybetheresultofajust
equilibrium.

YouhavebeentaughtthisinthoseDegrees,conferredintheLodgeofPerfection,whichinculcate
particularlythepracticalmoralityofFreemasonry.Tobetrue,underwhatevertemptationtobefalse;to
behonestinallyourdealings,evenifgreatlossesshouldbetheconsequence;tobecharitable,when
selfishnesswouldpromptyoutocloseyourhand,anddeprivationofluxuryorcomfortmustfollowthe
charitableact;tojudgejustlyandimpartially,eveninyourowncase,whenbaserimpulsespromptyou
todoaninjusticeinorderthatyoumaybebenefitedorjustified;tobetolerant,whenpassionprompts
tointoleranceandpersecution;todothatwhichisright,whenthewrongseemstopromiselargerprofit
andtowrongnomanofanythingthatishis,howevereasyitmayseemsotoenrichyourself;inall
thesethingsandotherswhichyoupromisedinthoseDegrees,yourspiritualnatureistaughtand
encouragedtoassertitsrightfuldominionoveryourappetitesandpassions.

ThephilosophicalDegreeshavetaughtyouthevalueofknowledge,theexcellenceoftruth,the
superiorityofintellectuallabour,thedignityandvalueofyoursoul,theworthofgreatandnoble
thoughtsandthusendeavouredtoassistyoutoriseabovetheleveloftheanimalappetitesandpassions,
thepursuitsofgreedandthemiserablestrugglesofambitionandtofindpurerpleasureandnobler
prizesandrewardsintheacquisitionofknowledge,theenlargementoftheintellect,theinterpretation
ofthesacredwritingofGoduponthegreatpagesoftheBookofNature.
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AndtheChivalricDegreeshaveledyouonthesamepath,byshowingyoutheexcellenceofgenerosity,
clemency,forgivenessofinjuries,magnanimity,contemptofdangerandtheparamountobligationsof
DutyandHonour.Theyhavetaughtyoutoovercomethefearofdeath,todevoteyourselftothegreat
causeofcivilandreligiousLiberty,tobetheSoldierofallthatisjustrightandtrue;inthemidstof
pestilencetodeserveyourtitleofKnightCommanderoftheTempleandneithertherenorelsewhereto
desertyourpostandfleedastardlikefromthefoe.Inallthis,youassertthesuperiorityandrightto
dominionofthatinyouwhichisspiritualanddivine.Nobasefearofdangerordeath,nosordid
ambitionsorpitifulgreedsorbaseconsiderationscantemptatrueScottishKnighttodishonourandso
makehisintellect,hisreason,hissoul,thebondslaveofhisappetites,ofhispassions,ofthatwhichis
materialandanimal,selfishandbrutishinhisnature.

ItisnotpossibletocreateatrueandgenuineBrotherhooduponanytheoryofthebasenessofhuman
nature;norbyacommunityofbeliefinabstractpropositionsastothenatureoftheDeity,thenumber
ofHispersons,orothertheoremsofreligiousfaith;norbytheestablishmentofasystemofassociation
simplyformutualreliefandbywhich,inconsiderationofcertainpaymentsregularlymade,each
becomesentitledtoacertainstipendincaseofsickness,toattentionthen,andtotheceremoniesof
burialafterdeath.

TherecanbenogenuineBrotherhoodwithoutmutualregardgoodopinionandesteem,mutualcharity,
andmutualallowanceforfaultsandfailings.Itisthoseonlywholearnhabituallytothinkbetterofeach
other,tolookhabituallyforthegoodthatisineachother,andexpect,allowfor,andoverlook,theevil,
whocanbeBrethrenoneoftheother,inanytrusesenseoftheword.Thosewhogloatoverthefailings
ofoneanother,whothinkeachothertobenaturallybaseandlow,ofanatureinwhichtheEvil
predominatesandexcellenceisnottobelookedfor,cannotbeevenfriends,andmuchlessBrethren.

Noonecanhavearighttothinkmeanlyofhisrace,unlesshealsothinksmeanlyofhimself.If,froma
singlefaultorerror,hejudgesofthecharacterofanother,andtakesthesingleactasevidenceofthe
wholenatureofthemanandofthewholecourseofhislife,heoughttoconsenttobejudgedbythe
sameruleandtoadmitittoberightthatothersshouldthusuncharitablycondemnhimself.Butsuch
judgmentswillbecomeimpossiblewhenheincessantlyremindshimselfthatineverymanwholives
thereisanimmortalSoulendeavouringtodothatwhichisrightandjust;aRay,howeversmall,and
almostinappreciable,fromtheGreatSourceofLightandIntelligence,whicheverstrugglesupward
amidalltheimpedimentsofsenseandtheobstructionsofthepassionsandthatineverymanthisray
continuallywageswaragainsthisevilpassionsandhisunrulyappetitesorifithassuccumbed,isnever
whollyextinguishedandannihilated.Forhewillthenseethatitisnotvictory,butthestrugglethat
deserveshonour;sinceinthisasinallelsenomancanalwayscommandsuccess.Amidacloudof
errors,offailureandshortcomings,hewilllookforthestrugglingSoul,forthatwhichisgoodinevery
oneamidtheevilandbelievingthateachisbetterthanfromhisactsandomissionsheseemstobe,and
thatGodcaresforhimstill,andpitieshimandloveshim,hewillfeelthateventheerringsinnerisstill
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hisbrother,stillentitledtohissympathyandboundtohimbytheindissolubletiesoffellowship.

Iftherebenothingofthedivineinman,whatishe,afterall,butamoreintelligentanimal?Hehathno
faultnorvicewhichsomebeasthathnotandthereforeinhisvicesheisbutabeastofahigherorder
andhehathhardlyanymoralexcellence,perhapsnone,whichsomeanimalhathnotinasgreata
degree,eventhemoreexcellentofthese,suchasgenerosity,fidelityandmagnanimity.

Bardesan,theSyrianChristian,inhisBookoftheLawsofCountries,says,ofmen,that"inthethings
belongingtotheirbodies,theymaintaintheirnaturelikeanimals,andinthethingswhichbelongto
theirminds,theydothatwhichtheywish,asbeingfreeandwithpowerandasthelikenessofGod"and
Meliton,BishopofSardis,inhisOrationtoAntoninusCaesar,says,"LetHim,theeverlivingGod,be
alwayspresentinthy,mind;forthyminditselfisHislikeness,forit,too,isinvisibleandimpalpable,
andwithoutform.AsHeexistsforever,sothoualso,whenthoushalthaveputoffthiswhichisvisible
andcorruptible,shaltstandbeforeHimforever,livingandendowedwithknowledge."

AsamatterfaraboveourcomprehensionandintheHebrewGenesisthewordsthatareusedtoexpress
theoriginofthingsareofuncertainmeaningandwithequalproprietymaybetranslatedbytheword
"generated","produced,""made"or"created"weneednotdisputenordebatewhethertheSoulorSpirit
ofmanbearaythathasemanatedorflowedforthfromtheSupremeIntelligence,orwhetherthe
InfinitePowerhathcalledeachintoexistencefromnothing,byamereexertionofItswill,andendowed
itwithimmortalityandwithintelligencelikeuntotheDivineIntelligenceforineithercaseitmaybe
saidthatinmantheDivineisunitedtotheHuman.OfthisuniontheequilateralTriangleinscribed
withintheSquareisaSymbol.

WeseetheSoul,Platosaid,asmenseethestatueofGlaucus,recoveredfromtheseawhereinithad
lainmanyyearswhichviewing,itwasnoteasy,ifpossible,todiscernwhatwasitsoriginalnature,its
limbshavingbeenpartlybrokenandpartlywornandbydefacementchanged,bytheactionofthe
wavesandshells,weedsandpebblesadheringtoit,sothatitmoreresembledsomestrangemonster
thanthatwhichitwaswhenitleftitsDivineSource.Evenso,hesaid,weseetheSoul,deformedby
innumerablethingsthathavedoneitharm,havemutilatedanddefacedit.ButtheMasonwhohaththe
ROYALSECRETcanalsowithhimargue,frombeholdingitsloveofwisdom,itstendencytoward
associationwithwhatisdivineandimmortal,itslargeraspirations,itsstruggles,thoughtheymayhave
endedindefeat,withtheimpedimentsandenthralmentsofthesensesandthepassions,thatwhenit
shallhavebeenrescuedfromthematerialenvironmentsthatnowprovetoostrongforitandbefreed
fromthedeforminganddisfiguringaccretionsthathereadheretoit,itwillagainbeseeninitstrue
nature,andbydegreesascendbythemysticladderoftheSpheres,toitsfirsthomeandplaceoforigin.

TheROYALSECRET,ofwhichyouarePrince,ifyouareatrueAdept,ifknowledgeseemstoyou
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advisableandPhilosophyisforyou,radiantwithadivinebeauty,isthatwhichtheSohartermsThe
MysteryoftheBALANCE.ItistheSecretoftheUNIVERSALEQUILIBRIUM.

OfthatEquilibriumintheDeity,betweentheInfiniteDivineWISDOMandtheInfiniteDivine
POWER,fromwhichresulttheStabilityoftheUniverse,theunchangeablenessoftheDivineLaw,and
thePrinciplesofTruth,Justice,andRightwhichareapartofitandtheSupremeObligationofthe
DivineLawuponallmen,assuperiortoallotherlawandformingapartofallthelawsofmenand
nations.

OfthatEquilibriumalso,betweentheInfiniteDivineJUSTICEandtheInfiniteDivineMERCY,the
resultofwhichistheInfiniteDivineEQUITYandtheMoralHarmonyorBeautyoftheUniverse.Byit
theenduranceofcreatedandimperfectnaturesinthepresenceofaPerfectDeityismadepossibleand
forHim,alsoasforus,toloveisbetterthantohateandForgivenessiswiserthanRevengeor
Punishment.

OfthatEquilibriumbetweenNECESSITYandLIBERTY,betweentheactionoftheDIVINE
OmnipotenceandtheFreewillofman,bywhichvicesandbaseactionsandungenerousthoughtsand
wordsarecrimesandwrongs,justlypunishedbythelawofcauseandconsequence,thoughnothingin
theUniversecanhappenorbedonecontrarytothewillofGodandwithoutwhichcoexistenceof
LibertyandNecessity,ofFreewillinthecreatureandOmnipotenceintheCreator,therecouldbeno
religion,noranylawofrightandwrong,ormeritanddemerit,noranyjusticeinhumanpunishmentsor
penallaws.

OfthatEquilibriumbetweenGoodandEvilandLightandDarknessintheworld,whichassuresusthat
allistheworkoftheInfiniteWisdomandofanInfiniteLoveandthatthereisnorebelliousdemonof
Evil,orPrincipleofDarknesscoexistentandineternalcontroversywithGodorthePrincipleofLight
andofGoodbyattainingtotheknowledgeofwhichequilibriumwecan,throughFaith,seethatthe
existenceofEvil,Sin,SufferingandSorrowintheworld,isconsistentwiththeInfiniteGoodnessas
wellaswiththeInfiniteWisdomoftheAlmighty.

SympathyandAntipathy,AttractionandRepulsion,eachaForceofnature,arecontraries,inthesouls
ofmenandintheUniverseofspheresandworldsandfromtheactionandoppositionofeachagainst
theother,resultHarmonyandthatmovementwhichistheLifeoftheUniverseandtheSoulalike.They
arenotantagonistsofeachother.TheforcethatrepelsaplanetfromtheSunisnomoreanevilforce,
thanthatwhichattractsthePlanettowardthecentralLuminary;foreachiscreatedandexertedbythe
DeityandtheresultistheharmoniousmovementoftheobedientPlanetsintheirellipticorbits,andthe
mathematicalaccuracyandunvaryingregularityoftheirmovements.
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OfthatEquilibriumbetweenAuthorityandIndividualActionwhichconstitutesFreeGovernment,by
settlingonimmutablefoundationsLibertywithObediencetoLaw,EqualitywithSubjectionto
Authority,andFraternitywithSubordinationtotheWisestandtheBestandofthatEquilibrium
betweentheActiveEnergyoftheWillofthePresent,expressedbytheVoteofthePeople,andthe
PassiveStabilityandPermanenceoftheWillofthePast,expressedinconstitutionsofgovernment,
writtenorunwritten,andinthelawsandcustoms,graywithageandsanctifiedbytime,asprecedents
andauthority;whichisrepresentedbythearchrestingonthetwocolumns,JachinandBoaz,thatstand
attheportalsoftheTemplebuildedbyWisdom,ononeofwhichMasonrysetsthecelestialGlobe,
symbolofthespiritualpartofourcompositenatureandontheothertheterrestrialGlobe,symbolof
thematerialpart.

And,finally,ofthatEquilibrium,possibleinourselvesandwhichMasonryincessantlylaboursto
accomplishinitsInitiates,anddemandsofitsAdeptsandPrinces(elseunworthyoftheirtitles),
betweentheSpiritualandDivineandtheMaterialandHumaninman;betweentheIntellect,Reason,
andMoralSenseononeside,andtheAppetitesandPassionsontheother,fromwhichresultthe
HarmonyandBeautyofawellregulatedlife.

WhichpossibleEquilibriumprovestousthatourAppetitesandSensesalsoareForcesgivenuntousby
God,forpurposesofgood,andnotthefruitsofthemalignancyofaDevil,tobedetested,mortifiedand
ifpossible,renderedinertanddeadthattheyaregivenustobethemeansbywhichweshallbe
strengthenedandincitedtogreatandgooddeedsandaretobewiselyused,andnotabused;tobe
controlledandkeptwithindueboundsbytheReasonandtheMoralSense;tobemadeuseful
instrumentsandservantsandnotpermittedtobecomethemanagersandmasters,usingourintellectand
reasonasbaseinstrumentfortheirgratification.

AndthisEquilibriumteachesus,aboveall,toreverenceourselvesasimmortalsoulsandtohaverespect
andcharityforothers,whoareevensuchasweare,partakerswithusoftheDivineNature,lightedbya
rayoftheDivineIntelligence,strugglinglikeustowardthelight;capable,likeus,ofprogressupward
towardperfectionanddeservingtobelovedandpitied,butnevertobehatednordespised;tobeaided
andencouragedinthislifestruggleandnottobeabandonednorlefttowanderinthedarknessalone,
stilllesstobetrampleduponinourowneffortstoascend.

Fromthemutualactionandreactionofeachofthesepairsofoppositesandcontrariesresultsthat
whichwiththemformstheTriangle,toalltheAncientSagestheexpressivesymboloftheDeity;as
fromOsirisandIsis,Haroeri,theMasterofLightandLifeandtheCreativeWord.Attheanglesofone
stand,symbolically,thethreecolumnsthatsupporttheLodge,itselfasymboloftheUniverse,Wisdom,
PowerandHarmonyorBeauty.Oneofthesesymbols,foundontheTracingBoardoftheApprentice's
Degree,teachesthislastlessonofFreemasonry.ItistherightangledTriangle,representingman,asa
unionofthespiritualandmaterial,ofthedivinearidhuman.Thebase,measuredbythenumber3,the
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numberoftheTriangle,representstheDeityandtheDivine;theperpendicular,measuredbythe
number4,thenumberoftheSquare,representstheEarth,theMaterial,andtheHumanandthe
hypothenuse,measuredby5,representsthatnaturewhichisproducedbytheunionoftheDivineand
Human,theSoulandtheBody;thesquares,9and16,ofthebaseandperpendicular,addedtogether,
producing25,thesquarerootwhereofis5,themeasureofthehypothenuse.

AndasineachTriangleofPerfection,oneisthreeandthreeareone,somanisone,thoughofadouble
natureandheattainsthepurposesofhisbeingonlywhenthetwonaturesthatareinhimareinjust
equilibriumandhislifeisasuccessonlywhenittooisaharmony,andbeautiful,likethegreat
HarmoniesofGodandtheUniverse.

Such,myBrother,istheTRUEWORDofaMasterMason;suchthetrueROYALSECRET,which
makespossibleandshallatlengthmakereal,theHOLYEMPIREoftrueMasonicBrotherhood.

GLORIADEIESTCELAREVERBUM.AMEN.

Editor'sNote:We'vereproducedthetextwithonlymostobiviousspellingerrorscorrected,sohereis
thewholesecretritualofFreemasonoryofScotland.
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