Pike Morals and Dogma Scottish Rite Freemasonry

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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
4/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
5/641 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.."
6/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
7/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
10/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
11/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
12/641 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."
13/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
14/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
15/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
16/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
18/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
19/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
20/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
21/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
22/641 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.
23/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
24/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
26/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
27/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
28/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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. ******
30/641 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.
31/641 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.
32/641 ****** 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. ****** WiththeCompassesandScale,wecantraceallthefiguresusedinthemathematicsofplanes,orin EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
33/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
34/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
35/641 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.
36/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
37/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
38/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
42/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
45/641 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.
46/641 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.
47/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
48/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
49/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
50/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
51/641 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.
52/641 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: , ,, ,,, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
53/641 ,,,, 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
54/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
55/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
56/641 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. ****** EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
58/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
59/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
60/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
61/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
64/641 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.
65/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
66/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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.
68/641 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." EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
69/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
71/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
72/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
73/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
74/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
75/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
76/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
77/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
78/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
79/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
80/641 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.
81/641 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.
82/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
83/641 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.
84/641 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.
85/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
86/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
87/641 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
88/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
89/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
90/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
91/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
92/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
93/641
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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
94/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
95/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
96/641 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)
97/641 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.
98/641 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.
99/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
100/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
101/641
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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
102/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
103/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
104/641
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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
105/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
106/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
107/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
108/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
109/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
110/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
111/641 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.
112/641 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.
113/641 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.
114/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
115/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
116/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
117/641 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.
118/641
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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
119/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
120/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
121/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
122/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
123/641 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.
124/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
125/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
126/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
127/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
128/641 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,andIrenus;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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
129/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
130/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
131/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
132/641 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."' EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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.
134/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
135/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
136/641 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."
137/641 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.
138/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
139/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
140/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
141/641 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.
142/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
143/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
144/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
145/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
146/641 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! EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
148/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
149/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
151/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
152/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
154/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
155/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
156/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
157/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
158/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
159/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
160/641 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; EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
161/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
162/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
163/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
164/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
165/641 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.
166/641 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; EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
167/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
168/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
169/641 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.
170/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
171/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
172/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
173/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
174/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
175/641 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; EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
176/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
177/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
178/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
179/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
180/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
181/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
182/641 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.]
183/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
184/641 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; EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
185/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
186/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
187/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
188/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
189/641 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.
190/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
191/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
192/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
193/641 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.
194/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
195/641 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.
196/641 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," EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
197/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
198/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
199/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
200/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
201/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
204/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
205/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
206/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
207/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
208/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
209/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
210/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
212/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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.
214/641 "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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
215/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
217/641 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." EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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." EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
220/641 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." EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
222/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
223/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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.
225/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
226/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
227/641 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.
228/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
229/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
230/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
232/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
233/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
234/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
235/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
236/641 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.
237/641 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.
238/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
239/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
240/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
241/641 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.
242/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
243/641 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.
244/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
245/641 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.
246/641 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.
247/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
248/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
250/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
251/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
252/641 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.
253/641 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.
254/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
255/641 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: EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
256/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
257/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
258/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
260/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
261/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
262/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
263/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
264/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
265/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
266/641 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? EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
267/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
268/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
270/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
271/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
272/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
273/641 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.
274/641 "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.
275/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
276/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
277/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
278/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
279/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
280/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
281/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
282/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
283/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
284/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
286/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
288/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
289/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
290/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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.
292/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
293/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
294/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
295/641 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."
296/641 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."
297/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
298/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
299/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
300/641
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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
301/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
302/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
303/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
304/641 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.
305/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
306/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
307/641
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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
308/641 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.
309/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
310/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
311/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
312/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
313/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
314/641 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.
315/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
316/641 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.
317/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
318/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
319/641
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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
320/641 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.
321/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
322/641 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.
323/641 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.
324/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
325/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
326/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
327/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
329/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
330/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
331/641 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.
332/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
333/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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.
335/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
336/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
337/641 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.
338/641 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.
339/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
340/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
341/641 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.
342/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
343/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
344/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
345/641
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."
346/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
347/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
349/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
351/641 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.
352/641 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.
353/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
354/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
355/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
356/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
357/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
358/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
359/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
360/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
361/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
362/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
363/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
364/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
365/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
366/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
367/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
368/641 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.
369/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
370/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
371/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
372/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
373/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
374/641 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.
375/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
376/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
377/641 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?
378/641 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? EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
379/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
380/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
381/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
382/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
383/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
384/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
385/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
386/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
387/641
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." EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
388/641 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." EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
389/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
390/641 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; EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
391/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
392/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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]. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
395/641 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......... EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
396/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
397/641 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.
398/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
399/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
400/641 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).
401/641 [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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
402/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
403/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
404/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
405/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
406/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
407/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
408/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
409/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
410/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
411/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
412/641 [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.
413/641
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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
414/641 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.
415/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
416/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
417/641 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.
418/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
419/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
420/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
421/641 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.
422/641 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.
423/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
424/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
425/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
426/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
427/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
428/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
429/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
430/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
431/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
432/641 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.
433/641 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!"
434/641 "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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
435/641 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".
436/641 "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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
439/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
440/641 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.
441/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
443/641 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.
444/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
445/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
446/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
448/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
450/641 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.
451/641 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? EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
452/641 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? EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
453/641 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? EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
454/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
455/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
456/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
458/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
461/641 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: EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
462/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
463/641 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.
464/641 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.
465/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
466/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
468/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
469/641 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? EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
471/641 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? EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
473/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
474/641 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.
475/641 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.
476/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
477/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
478/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
479/641
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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
480/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
481/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
482/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
483/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
484/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
485/641 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.
486/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
487/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
488/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
489/641 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.
490/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
491/641 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.
492/641 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." EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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.
494/641 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.
495/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
496/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
497/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
498/641 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.
499/641 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?
500/641 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.
501/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
502/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
503/641 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.
504/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
505/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
506/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
507/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
508/641
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.
509/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
510/641 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".
511/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
512/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
513/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
514/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
515/641 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.
516/641 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.
517/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
518/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
519/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
520/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
521/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
522/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
523/641 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".
524/641 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.
525/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
526/641 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; EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
527/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
528/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
529/641 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.
530/641 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.
531/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
532/641 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.
533/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
535/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
536/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
537/641 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.
538/641 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.
540/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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!
542/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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".
544/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
545/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
546/641 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? EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
548/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
549/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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:
551/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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:
553/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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.
555/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
556/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
559/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
561/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
562/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
563/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
565/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
566/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
567/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
568/641 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.
569/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
570/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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.
573/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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.
575/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
577/641 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".
578/641 "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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
579/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
580/641 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".
581/641 "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: EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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". EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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".
584/641 "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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
585/641 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". EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
587/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
588/641 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.
589/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
590/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
592/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
593/641 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; EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
594/641 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.
595/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
597/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
598/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
599/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
600/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
602/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
603/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
604/641 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.
605/641 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.
606/641 "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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
607/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
608/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
609/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
611/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
612/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
614/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
615/641 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.
616/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
620/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
621/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
622/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
623/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
624/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
625/641 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.
626/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
627/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
628/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
629/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
632/641 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, EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
633/641 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." EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
635/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
636/641 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. EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
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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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
638/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
639/641 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.
640/641 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 EbookbroughttoyoubyLeagueofExtraordinaryGentlemen
641/641 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. Dohelpusout,clickthelinkinourlogoatthebottomofeverypage,youwillbetakentoourmainsite andwiththissimplegestureyou'llhelpustokeeppublishing!

Pike Morals and Dogma Scottish Rite Freemasonry

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MoralsandDogmaoftheAncient andAcceptedScottishRiteof Freemasonry

212/641 universallyacknowledgedtruths,whichhaveinallagesbeentheLightbywhichMasonshavebeen guidedontheirway;theWisdomandStrengththatlikeimperishablecolumnshavesustainedandwill continuetosustainitsgloriousandmagnificentTemple.

260/641 himbesatisfiedthatthereisarealGod;aperson,andnotaformula;aFatherandaprotector,who loves,andsympathizes,andcompassionates;andthattheeternalwaysbywhichHerulestheworldare infinitelywise,nomatterhowfartheymaybeabovethefeeblecomprehensionandlimitedvisionof man.

Editor'sNote:We'vereproducedthetextwithonlymostobiviousspellingerrorscorrected,sohereis thewholesecretritualofFreemasonoryofScotland. Dohelpusout,clickthelinkinourlogoatthebottomofeverypage,youwillbetakentoourmainsite andwiththissimplegestureyou'llhelpustokeeppublishing!

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