The Illustrated History
Of Free Masonry.
THIS WORK CONTAINS
An Authentic History of the Institution from its Origin to the Present Time. Traced from the Secret Societies of Antiquity to King Solomon's Temple at Jerusalem, thence through the Roman Colleges of Builders, Travelling Bands of Masons, and the Guilds to Free Masonry.
Embellished with over 100 fine engravings, 73 of which are full-page plates.
By MOSES W. REDDING,
AUTHOR OF RUINS AND RELICS OF THE HOLY CITY - MASONIC ANTIQUITIES OF THE ORIENT UNVEILED,
SCARLET BOOK OF FREE MASONRY - STANDARD AHIMAN REZON, AND COMPENDIUM
OF MASONIC LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE, ETC., ETC.
NEW YORK
REDDING & CO.
212 BROADWAY.
1908.
PREFACE AND INTRODUCTION.
ALL historians, the scope of whose works extends back of the age they live in, are dependent upon those who have gone before them for data; and as authorities, from prejudice, may pervert the information in their possession, it devolves on the faithful historian to critically examine the data, he uses; or, in other words, he should constitute himself a tribunal, and summon every accessible witness, and from their testimony endeavor to find the facts. In this investigation he should exercise great discrimination in judging of both the competency and motives of witnesses.
In the preparation of this work, recourse has been had, not only to all the principal Masonic histories, old and new, but to much contemporaneous general history. And not the least among the difficulties to be overcome in the preparation of a work of this hind are the discrepancies between writers of different nationalitie,4, caused by the strife to give their respective countries priority as to the origin of the Order.
The German writer conclusively shows (to himself) that the order originated in his country, and that the symbols are of Norse origin. While the Englishman, with a few strokes of his pen, demolishes the German's structure, and demonstrates that Guild Masonry originated in Britain. The greatest contention is found between English and German writers.
Where national pride is great, nothing is more certain than that the writers of each nation will claim priority and superiority as to the antiquity and value of its important institutions; therefore, we find on the question of the origin of Free Masonry, a great diversity of views on important points between such writers. As a sample of this, see the following from R. Freeke Gould, in The History of Free Masonry, vol i., p. 108:
4
PREFACE AND INTRODUCTION.
Early Masonic writers have merely compared their institutions with those of the English Free Masons (Vogel, Krause, Kloss, Heldmann, etc.), and the first of this class to attempt to unravel their early history is Fallow, in his ` Mysterien der Freimaurer.'
" In many points this author is untrustworthy, as he has sacrificed every other consideration to his grand aim of proving that our present system of Free Masonry is directly attributable to the German stone-masons. In hardly any one case of importance is his testimony strengthened by a reference to any authority, and many of his statements are, to say the least, so startling, that without such reference they must be charily used. Winzer has walked in his footsteps with even greater hardihood of assertion; and Findel, Steinbredner, and Fort have more or less placidly followed their lead without any attempt at verification."
Another peculiarity of a portion of Masonic history is the spirit of exaggeration and adulation manifested, as it has been the practice of a certain class of writers to reach out in every direction for material to call Free Masons and Free Masonry. Therefore, meetings of mechanics, held for purposes in no way relating to Free Masonry, have been called Lodges of Free Masons, larger meetings Grand Lodges, and the presiding officers, W. Master and Grand Master. Sprigs of nobility have been in great demand by these historians, as they have constantly been made to pose as Grand Masters-noble patrons, etc.-giving the world the impression that Free Masonry was such a beggarly institution as to be highly honored by such association.* This flunkeyism will be a missing factor in this work, as the essential elements, the principles of the old institution, are as much al)ove all considerations of that kind as truth is above fiction, and no more needs such bolstering than does the sun to maintain its course in the firmament.
In reference to the origin of the Order, we find a great diversity of opinion as to the time and place, differing as to time over four thousand years, and as to place as many miles.
Several Masonic writers have placed the origin in the Garden of Eden, and designated the fig - leaf as the first Masonic apron. One far-seeing writer gives his imagination full scope, and 'looks beyond our little earth and
*See Mitchell, pp. 288-388.
PREFACE AND INTRODUCTION 5
declares his belief that Free Masonry existed among the earlier planets before the earth was in a condition for occupancy by man. But coming down out of aerial space, out of the realms of wild fancy, and carefully tracing up the stream of ancient history, we find that Egypt, instead of the mythical garden, Mars, or Saturn, is undoubtedly the source of the stream. For, viewed fiat by the light of tradition, later by history, as revealed on her imperishable monuments, it will be seen that the civilization of Egypt was far advanced before any other nation had emerged from barbarism; and that her mysteries, mythology, and symbolism were copied by all of the later societies of antiquity.
And when we consider that her wonderful attainments were due to her erudite prie4hood, we are led to the conclusion that minds capable of achieving such stupendous results were sufficiently far-reaching and comprehensive to perceive the divine truths of religion and morality, and fully adequate to the task of instituting their renowned mysteries and symbolism.
In dealing with a subject that antedates written history, we necessarily have to depend to a certain extent upon traditions, therefore it will be well to consider their nature and value compared with inscribed or written history. Tradition signifies to transmit knowledge, customs, and observations from father to son orally. In the ancient writings of the Hebrews it is stated that " the words of the Scribes are lovely above the words of the law; that the words of the law are all weighty; that the words of the elders are weightier than the words of the prophets." By which is meant that the traditions delivered to them by the Scribes and Elders, in the Mishna and Tal. mud, are considered to be of more value than the. Holy Scriptures. Without the aid of tradition, said the Rabbins, we should not have been able to know which was the first month of the year, or which the seventh day of the week. It is related of a Caraite that lie tauntingly interrogated Hillil, the greatest of the Rabbins, as to what evidence traditions rested on. The sage, pausing a moment, asked the skeptic to repeat the three first letters of the alphabet. This done, the Rabbin asked, "How do you know how to pronounce these letters in this way, and no other? " " I learned them from my father," was the reply. " And your son shall learn them from you," rejoined Hillil; (4 and this is tradition."
PREFACE AND INTRODUCTION
Previous to the advent of literature, and a knowledge of the art of writing or transmitting history by engraved characters on monuments and tablets, it was necessarily done orally; consequently, if history was divested of all traditional authority, it would leave us but a meagre account of the earlier affairs of the human race.
It was the positive and earnest faith of the ancients in the spiritual-in Deity-that led them to blend religion with the affairs of life. Therefore the Mysteries were instituted for the instruction of man in all that could conduce to his physical and moral welfare.
While the Egyptians were advancing toward a higher civilization, they passed through several stages of culture in the arts and sciences, and their religious system kept pace with their intellectual advancement.
The results of their system are to be seen is the remain-, of Egyptian art among the ruins of structures throughout Egypt. The ruins of Memphis and Thebes alone exhibit astonishing attainments in architecture and sculpture.
The Egyptian system was the admiration of philosophers and scholars, and attracted the wisest and best men from all nations; who in turn dissem. inated the knowledge of the Egyptians throughout the world. Greece and Rome received ideas in art, science, philosophy, and religion from Egypt, and Hebrew Christianity owes to the Egyptians much of its knowledge of the attributes of Deity.
The Greek Philosophers, Magi of Persia, and Jewish Patriarchs all learned from the Egyptian priests their doctrines, mysteries, arts, and sciences. In short, many of the philosophers and rulers who made antiquity illustrious were pupils of initiation.
Therefore to Egypt, the land of speaking monoliths, the first great teacher of matters terrestrial and celestial, Masons have always looked with great interest as being the cradle of their initiation rites and ceremonies, and symbolism. On this point the best Masonic authorities agree.
The popular belief is, that the earlier ages of antiquity were buried in ignorance. But the history of the past, inscribed upon the monuments and tablets of the East, is confirmatory of the fact that art, if not science, exist e(l in as great perfection during the continuance of the Egyptian, Assyrian, and Babylonian monarchies as at any period since.
PREFACE AND INTRODUCTION. 7
For the sculptor may, in the exhumed figures of Thebes, Babylon, and Nineveh, behold the finest productions of the chisel, executed many centuries before Phidias or Canova were born. Deep under the mounds of ruins in the royal palace at Nineveh paintings have been found whose colors are bright after an interment of four thousand years; and though not rivalling the works of Raphael or Angelo, yet they exhibit great artistic skill.
The origin of language and the art of alphabetical writing may be studie(l in Assyrian and Egyptian inscriptions made long before Moses received the God-inscribed Tables of Law on the summit of Sinai. From the astronomical tables of Egypt and Babylon the astronomer may read important observations on the heavenly bodies, made five hundred years before Galileo gave to the world the system of planetary revolution.
The ancient tables of Nineveh and Babylon, inscribed a thousand years before the Old Testament was written, furnish the theologian with historical narratives illustrating and confirming the Bible history and prophecy. From the mythological inscriptions and hieroglyphic symbols he may also learn the doctrine of the Divine existence and of the soul's immortality.
ORIGIN.
To reach the origin of Free Masonry two lines of investigation are open to us, either of which leads to a satisfactory conclusion. First, the institution in its present form is mainly the outgrowth of the ancient Secret Soci eties, and of ancient Operative Masonry, both of which originated in Egypt. The important features of the initiation ceremonies and many of the symbols of Free Masonry are nearly identical. with those of the ancient Societies, and plainly traceable back to Greece and Egypt. In showing the connection between ancient and modern practices it is immaterial which way we proceed, whether from the head of the stream toward its mouth, or trace it from its mouth.to its source. But believing that it will render the subject more intelligible, I shall take the former course, and commence with the origin of the initiation ceremonies, as practiced in the secret societies of the earliestknown civilization, and follow by a sketch of the origin of architecture and
8 PREFACE AND INTRODUCTION.
9
its progress under the Roman Colleges, and their successors the Guilds Guildic or Operative Masonry, to Free Masonry.
On the subject of the origin of the Order we have three classes of writers The first, having the courage of its convictions, places the origin in Egypt and Greece; the second assigns it to the Roman Colleges and the Guilds; while the thiNI, and last class-the Uriah Heap family, beg to name 1717 as the date, and London as the place of the origin of the Institution. Therefore the Masonic student who is travelling East in search of light, and finds himself in Egypt, can take the train there, at the commencement of the great Masonic Route. Others, according to where they find themselves, can step on the train at the way stations-the Temple of Eleusis, Greece; King Solomon's Temple, Jerusalem; the Colleges of Builders, Rome; at some of the stations of the Guild,, or meet the train on its arrival at its terminus in London.
As life is too short to complacently contemplate, much less read, masses of dry historical details, I have, so far as is compatible with an intelligent understanding of the subject, systematized and condensed this work, and have thus been able to present a large amount of information in a moderate compass.
THE AUTHOR.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I PAGE
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES; 19
The Secret Societies of Egypt, Greece, Syria, and Rome.-Origin of Initiation.-Thrilling Scenes through which the Candidate passed in the Ancient Mysteries.-The Ritual, and Judgment of the Dead.-Description of a Temple Devoted to the Mysteries.-The Wonderful Labyrinth.
CHAPTER II.
IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS, . 61
Origin of Masonic Symbols, Astronomical and Mechanical.-Their Original Signification.
CHAPTER III.
ARCHITECTURE, MASONRY, 89
Origin of the Builders' Art in Egypt.-Origin of the Pyramids, and Obelisk.-Their Original Purpose.-Remarkable Revelations from tile Interior of the Pyramids.The Magnificent Temple at Karnak.-Its Ruins.-Ancient Egyptian Houses. Course of Architecture from Egypt.-Origin of the Different Styles. -Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Romanesque, Saracenic, etc.-Progress of Architecture under the Colleges of Builders and the Guilds.-Guildic Masonry.
CHAPTER IV. KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE, 150
The Building of this Remarkable Edifice.-Preparing the Timber in the Forests of Lebanon.-Cutting the Stone in the Great Subterranean Quarry.-Secret Meetings of the Master Workmen.-Completion and Dedication of the Temple.-Its Destruc tion and Commencement of the Captivity.-Ancient Tyre, Home of the Two Hirams.
CHAPTER V. THE COLLEGES OF BUILDERS, 182
Their Lodges, Officers, and Practices closely Analogous to those of Free Masons.They Carry on most of the Architecture, Engineering, and Masonry of their Time. -Build Splendid Public Edifices, Bridges, and Military Works.-From Rome, the Colleges Accompany the Roman Armies into Gaul, Germany, and Britain, where they Disseminate their Arts and Ethics.-Singular Remains of their Structures in those Countries.
10
CONTENTS:
CHAPTER VI. GERMANY AND VICINITY, PAGE 199
The Romans Invade Germany, but Meet with a Stubborn Resistance, which Gave the Colleges of Builders Plenty of Occupation in Building Bridges, Forts, and Entrenched Camps.-B.C. 10 they cut a Canal through, between the Rhine and Issel, which Opened a Passage to the Zuider Zee.-Fighting Step by Step, the Romans so far Established Themselves ill A.D. 100 that not only Markets, but Towns lead Sprung Up in Various Places, and by 225, Manufactories, Temples, and Theatres were becoming Numerous.-Salzburg, Rtitisbon, Augsburg, Strasburg, Basle, Baden, Cologne, and other Noted Cities were Founded.-All under the Supervision of the Colleges of Builders, whose Arts and Creed were so well Appreciated by the more Intelligent Natives, that they Eagerly Sought Initiation into this Roman Society, and thus its Arts and Creeds were Perpetuated Here under the Name of Guilds.
CHAPTER VII. THE COLLEGES IN GAUL, FRANCE, 212
With the Roman Armies of Invasion they Enter Gaul.-Construct the Military Works and Bridges.-Build Vessels, Villages, Edifices, etc. -U1tiulately Known as Compagnons.-Guilds, with Practices and Traditions very Similar to Ancient Masonry.
CHAPTER VIII. ADVENT OF THE COLLEGES IN BRITAIN, . 262
They enter the Country with Caesar's Army of Invasion, 55 R.C.-The Natives Make a Determined Resistance.-Bloody B Lttles are Fought. -Fate of the Brave Caractacus, and of Queen Boadicea and her Beautiful Daughters.-Military Camps are Con structed at Different Places.-Under the Supervision of the Colleges, Towns grow up Around or Near these Camps.-Cities are Founded, notably London, Exeter, Dover, Chester.-After an Occupation of the Country for over Four Hundred Years the Romans leave it, but Everywhere leave the Strong Impress of Civilization, principally through the Operations of the Colleges.-Many Members of the Latter Remain and Continue their Organizations, which were Subsequently Known as Guilds, and Lastly as Free Masons:-Remarkable Remains of Roman Structures in Many Places. -1717, Free Masonry as it had Existed for Centuries, is now Freed from its Operative Domination, and its Doors are Thrown Open to Good and True Men, without Regard to Occupation or Religion.-Singular Ancient Masonic Documents.
CHAPTER IX.
ANCIENT Y, IRK, ENGLAND, 375
This was the Chief Town of One of the Native Tribes when the Romans Landed in Britain. -It was Remodelled by the Colleges of Builders.-Several Roman Emperors Resided Here while Visiting the Island.-The First English Parliament was Held in this City.-King Edwin Resided near Here.-The City was also the Scene of the First General Assembly of Masons ever Held, and it has Held a Conspicuous Place in Masonic History since the Tenth Century.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER X. SCOTLAND.-EARLY HISTORY, 395
Free Masonry Makes its Appearance in this Country in the Fourteenth Ceutnry.-Quaint and Highly Interesting Documents of the Old Lodges at Perth, Scoou, and Aberdeen.-Old Documents, in which the Novel Ideas of the Ancient Scotch Craftsmen are expressed in the Rich Dialect of that Period.-A Singular Ancient Masonic Seal.-Robert Burns Master of a Lodge.-A Masonic Relic Left by Him.
CHAPTER XI. RAPID SPREAD OF FREE MASONRY, 422
Its Introduction into the Countries of Europe, Asia, and Africa.-Free Masonry in Egypt, Greece, Turkey, Persia, Bombay, Calcutta, Australia, China, Japan, etc.
CHAPTER XII INTRODUCTION OF FREE MASONRY INTO NORTH AND SOUTH AvERICA AND ADJACENT ISLANDS, . 461
The First Lodges in the United States.-The First Lodges and Grand Lodges in all the Different States and Territories.-Primitive Proceedings in Early LodgesRemarkable Masonic and Social Career of a Prominent Mason.-He Builds a Castle and Marries a Beautiful Indian Girl.-Destruction of his Castle by the Indians.Establishment of a Lodge at Crown Point in the Stirring Days oŁ the Revolution.A Mason B:>und to the Stake by the Indians to be Burnt, but is Saved by Making the Sign of Distress.-Ori-inal and. Highly Interesting Records of Various Old Lodges:-Washington's Headquarters at Morristown, N. J., in the Winters of 1777 and 1779.-A Lodge Opened there in which General Lafayette was Initiated.Establishment of Lodges and Gland Lodges in the Countries of Soutll America and the West India Islands.-Statistics of Free Masonry throughout the World.
CHAPTER XIII. THE 'INIARRS OF THE ANCIENT BUILDERS, 563
Marks Used at the Building of King Solomon's Temple.-Marks Found at Tyre and Sidon.-Marks Found in the Crypts of Old Churches and Cathedrals in Various Parts of Europe.
CHAPTER XIV. ROYAL ARCH MASONRY.-ITS ORIGIN, ETC., 571
Origin of the Royal Arch Decrees.-The Captivity.-The Vaults Discovered Under the Site of King Solomon's Temple.-Remains of the Citadel and Tomb of Cyrus, King of Persia, at Ecbatana.-Establishment of the First Royal Arch Chapters in the United States.
12
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XV. THE A. AND A. SCOTTISH RITE, 33', 592
Origin of this Rite.-Its Development and R-tpid Spread in the East and West.-Its Advent ill the West Indies and the United States.-Formation of the Different Bodies Representing the A. and A. Rite in this Country.-The Southern Jurisdiction.Northern Jurisdiction. -Cerneau bodies.
CHAPTER XVI. THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARs. 619
Origin of this Ancient Order.-Tlie Knights of Chivalry.-Origin of the Crusades.Peter the Hermit and His Hosts Set Out for Jerusalem, but are Nearly Annihilated by the Turks in Asia Minor.-Subsequent Crusades.-Tile Knights Templars and Knights Hospitalers, their Desperate Valor, and Wonderful Career of over Two Hundred Years.-They Defeat file Mohammedans in many Bloody Battles, but were Finally Overwhelmed by Numbers and afterward Robbed and Suppressed by the Pope an(l Kill- of France.-De Molay and Two Hundred Knights Put to Death.Suppressed, but Still Undaunted, They Maintain Their Organization in Different Countries. -Ultimately they Unite with the Free Masons and Hospitalers and thus Give Rise to Modern Knight Ternplary-Establishment of the First Encampments in North America.-Grandeur of the Organization.
CHAPTER XVII. THE MYSTIC SHRINE. 675
Reported Origin and History of the New Organization.-Institution of Mecca Temple in New York.-Establishment of Other Temples.-Growth of the Order in America.-List of Temples.
CHAPTER XVIII.
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS CONNECTED WITH THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY, 679
Unique Old Documents.-Tlie Grand Mystery of the Free Masons as Revealed by an Outsider in 1725. - Examination of Craftsmen in the Olden Time.-Dr. Plott's Account of the Free Masons.-The Four Crowned Martyrs.-Tomb of Adoniram at Saguntum.-Concerning King Canute, the Dane.-The Punishment of a Cowan in the Fifteenth Century.-Kitt's Cotti House, Its Symbolic Signification.-Bagdad, a Singular Old City Built by the Masonic Craftsmen.-Allallabacl, Masonic Marks on its Ancient Walls.-Satirical Lecture Given to a Young Craftsman in 1350.-Ancient Mexico, Its Mysteries.-Masonic Symbols Found on the Ruins of its Old Temples.-Ancient Peru, Its Hieroglyphics.-Masonry Among the Aborigines of North America.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Masonic Temple, Chicago, . frontispiece.
CHAPTER I.
PAGE
An Ancient Hall of Ceremonies,-Preparing for Initiation, 27
Graphic Initiation Scene, 31
The Third Degree,-Death and Resurrection, 35
Karnak, its Splendid Ruins, 43
The First Great Obelisk, . 47
Judgment of the Dead, 53
CHAPTER II.
Apron Worn by Egyptian Kings, 63
The Ancient Ladder of Three Rounds, 66
The Lion's Paw, 75
Ancient Symbolism, Azoph,. 78
CHAPTER III.
Monuments and Pyramids, showing bow the Latter were Built, 91-93
The Temple at Karnak, Its Magnificent Hypostyle Hall, 97
Ancient Egyptian Houses, 99, 100
The Rameseum, . 102
Columns of the Different Orders of Architecture, . . 107
A View in Pompeii, and the Mosque at Diarbeker, .111-113
Ruins of the Mashita Palace, . . 114
The Great Mosque at Constantinople, St. Sophia, . 116
Interior of St. Sophia, . 117
St. Mark's Cathedral, Venice, 122
The Sulemanie Mosque, . . 123
The Alhambra, . 127
Beautiful Interiors of English Cathedrals, . 130,131
The Great Cathedrals, Cologne and Ratisbon, 134, 135
Dwellings of the Different Ancient Peoples, . . 139-143
Old Irish Architecture, 144
14 ILLUSTRATIONS.
15
CHAPTER IV.
Getting out the Cedar Timber in the Forest of Lebanon,
The Great Subterranean Quarry.-Cutting Stone for the Temple, Conveying the Timber in Floats to Joppa,
Ancient Joppa, Building the Temple, Destruction of the Temple.-Beginning of the Captivity, The Clay Grounds, .
The Mohammedan Mosque of Omar on the Site of the Temple, . Tomb of Hiram, King of Tyre,
PAGE 152 153 159 160 166 167 172 173 177
CHAPTER V.
Remains of the Temple, Jupiter Stator, Rome,
The Appian V4 ay, , Ancient Catacombs, Rome, . Roman Bridge across the Danube,
186 187 191 203
CHAPTER VL
St. Goar, Trent, . Oberwesel, , Hildesheim,
Cathedral at Worms, Mayence,
Salzburg, . . Rostock,
Nuremberg,
A Travelling Band of Masons in the Twelfth Century, , CHAPTER VII.
202 204 207 210 213 217 221 225 231 237
Mounted Gauls, ,
Ruins at Nismes,. ,
Ancient Roman Gateway, ,
245 248 250
CHAPTER VIII.
Caractacus and His Wife before the Roman Emperor, , Roman Squadron on the Coast of Britain,
Roman Prisoner Before a British Chief, . , Travel in England in the Fourth Century, . , Remains of Ancient Chester,
265 '262 269 272 273
ILLUSTRATIONS. 15
Druid Altars, . , , PAGE
277
Last of the Druids, , 281
Canterbury Cathedral, , 285
The Tower of London, , 289
Chichester Cathedral, , 293
Au Old Street, London, , 299
St. Paul's, 321
CHAPTER X.
Remains of Melrose Abbey, , 398
A Relic Left by Robert Burns, , 408
Holyrood Abbey, , 414
Singular Symbolic Seal of the Ancient Abbey of Arbroath, . , 420
CHAPTER XI,
Amsterdam, The Montalbans Tower, , 425
The Three Globes, Berlin, . , 431
Prison of the Inquisition, Barcelona, , 445
A Relic of East Indian Fanaticism and Torture, . , 453
CHAPTER XII.
St. John's Hall, City of New York, 1760, , 476
Tontine Tavern, . 477
The Old Masonic Hall, Broadway and Duane Streets, . 478
Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, . 495
Masonic Temple, Boston, : 503
Freeman's Tavern, Morristown, N. J.-A Relic of the Revolution and of Free Masonry, 513
Masonic Temple, Cincinnati, O., . 529
An Old Trading Post and Lodge Room, 536
Masonic Temple, Denver, . 539
The Great Cathedral, Mexico, 547
Mexican Types, , 548
CHAPTER XIII.
Marks of the Ancient Craftsmen, 565
Ali Abraxas Stone, now in the British Museum, . 569
CHAPTER XIV.
Tomb of Cyrus, King of Persia, 577
Vaults Under the Temple, 581
Remains of Ecbatana, the Persian Capitol in the Time of Cyrus, , 585
The Royal Arch of Heaven, . 589
I 16 ILLUSTRATIONS.
CHAPTER XVI.
Preaching the First Crusade,
The Four Leaders of the First Crusade, Malta,
PAGE 617 621 633
CHAPTER XVIII.
Bagdad, A.D. 762, . . 690
Fortress and City of Allahabad, , 691
E-~ptian Kings, . 707
Chicken Itza, Yucatan, 714
House of Manco Capac, Peru, . , 4 . . . 715
Saguntum, . e 695
DIRECTIONS TO THE READER.
For greater convenience, and to present the testimony of authorities in a cumulative form, the notes, instead of being placed at the bottom of the pages, were carried 'to the end of each chapter, and are there indicated key numbers. Therefore, a star, or other mark in the text, is answered at the bottom of the page by the same mark, and by numbers corresponding to the numbers of notes as they will be found at the end of the chapter.
The following are among the authorities consulted
History of Aucient Egypt .................................... ....... Rawliuson. Egypt's Place in History .............................................. Bunsen. Ancient Egyptians..................................................Willcinson. Records of the Past..................... ............................Birch. Egypt from the Earliest Times........................................ Birch. Secret Societies of all Ages and Countries.............................. Heckethorn. The Esseues........................................................Ginsburg. The Guostics....................._..................................Kin;.
The Mysteries of Free Masonry..................................... .Fellows. Alphabets of the Seven Planets ........................................ Von Hammer History of Architecture............................................... Fergusson. On Architecture.....................................................Hope. History of Art...................................................... Lubke. Archoeologia........................................................
Acta Latomorum.................................................... Thory. Historie des anciennes Corporations.................................... Ouin Lacroix. The Romans in Britain............... .............................. H. C. Coote. History and Development of the Guilds.... ... ........................ Brentano. English Guilds......................................................Smith.
The History of Free Masonry, London Edition ........................ R. Freeke Gould. American Edition of the Same ................................... ... Carson.
Masonic Sketches and Reprints ........................................ Hughan.
18 DIRECTIONS TO THE READER.
Elirly History and Antiquities of Free Masonry.......... ............... Fort. History of Free Masonry in Europe.................................... Rebold. Historv of Free Masonry ............................................. Laurie. History of Free Masonry ............................................. Findel. History of Free Masonry ............................................. Krause. History of Free Masonry and Concordant Orders........................ Various Authors. Masonic History and Digest.......................................... Mitchell.
Origin and Early History of Free Masonry....... , ....................... Steinbrenner. Masonic History-The A. and A. Scottish Rite.......................... Folger.
a
History of the Knights Templars...................................... Addison. History of the Knights Templars...................................... De Vogue. a Tile Illustrations of Free Masonry..................................... Preston. The Traditions of Free Masonry....................................... Pierson. Land Marks of Free Masonry......................................... Oliver. Constitutions.......................................................Aii(lerson. Ahiman Rezon................................................ ,Dermott. Multa Paucis........................................................ Eucyclopaediaof Free Masonry................................ ........Mackey. Royal Cyclopaedia of Free Masonry .................................... Encyclopaedia Britannica.............................. :.............. Chambers's Encyclopaedia.
Dictionary of the Bible............................................... Smith. Cvclopeedia of Biblical Literature............................ ......... Kitto. Clark's Commentaries................................................ Adam Clark. Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire................................. Gibbon. History of Germany.................................................. Kolrauscli. History of England.................................................. Hume. History of England .................................................. Mdcaulay.
When referring to the principal authorities in this work, only the names of the au. thors will be given, as follows
Rawlinson, Heckethorne, Chambers, Mackey, Addison, Gould, Folger, Rebold, Fergusson, Findel, etc.
"The Illustrated History of Freemasonry"
19
CHAPTER I
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES
The Secret Societies of Egypt, Greece, Syria, and Rome - Origin of Initiation and Symbols - Thrilling Scenes through which the Candidate passed in the Ancient Mysteries - The Ritual and Judgment of the Dead - Description of a Temple devoted to the Mysteries - The Wonderful Labyrinth.
To establish the fact that the civilization of Egypt is the oldest known to history, and thereby reach the origin of the ancient societies of which Free Masonry is a descendant,* it will be necessary to compare the dates of the first appearance of the nations of antiquity in the great drama of life. While dealing with a subject that reaches back to the very twilight of time, reliable data is lacking to accurately fix dates so remote, yet from the results of modern research we gather the following: that the advent of Egypt in history was, at least, as early as 4500 B.C.; of Chaldea Babylonia, not earlier than 3000 B.C.; India, 2500 B.C. ; China, 2600 B.C.
Menes is, by historians styled the first king of Egypt, yet who or what Menes was we have no certain information for determining. We know that the name "Menes " indicates the first Egyptian king, the beginning of the first dynasty of the old kingdom of pyramid-builders, whose capitol was Memphis. These, after a period of decadence, were superseded by kings of a different race from the south, 2571 B.C., and these in turn, after a brief rule, were conquered by an Asiatic race of Shepherd Kings, 1840 B.C.
The so-called Shepherd invasion was not completely successful, as Theban and Xoite dynasties coexisted with the Shepherds during the period of their stay.
* See notes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 14, pp. 53, 54, 56.
20 ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
Finally the Shepherds were expelled, and the new kingdom was founded about 1640 B.C. From that time, to the present, the pathway of history is comparatively plain.
In the third century B.C. Manetho,* an Egyptian priest, by order of the king wrote a history of Egypt. He divided the history of the Egyptian kings into thirty dynasties, covering a period of 5000 years.
B.C.
But Bockh places the accession of the first Egyptian king at .............. 5702 Unger.............................................……………………………............... 5613
Mariette Bey................…………………………..................................... 5004 Lenormant............…………………………............................................ 5004
Brugsch Bey........…………………………............................................. 4458 Lauth...............…………………………….............................................. 4157
Ferguson.....................…………………………….................................. 3906 Lepsius.......................……………………………................................... 3852 Bunsen.........................……………………………..................................3623
As the above comprises some of the best and most recent authorities on this subject it would place the beginning of the first dynasty as early cer tainly as 4500 B.C.
The only country that has seriously competed with Egypt for the first mention in history is Chaldea-Babylonia. But the antiquity of Chaldean ' civilization compared with the Egyptian will be seen from the following carefully prepared table:
Years. Commencing B.C.
I....................……………...1 Chaldean, 25 2438
II............................………...8 Medes, 224 2418
III............................……….11 Chaldeans, 258 2234
IV............................……….49 “ 458 1976
V............................………...9 Arabians, 245 1518
VI............................……….45 Assyrians, 526 1273
VII.............................………..8 “ 122 747
VIII.............................……….6 Chaldeans, 87 625
Persian conquest.- 538
As inscriptions on tablets recently discovered among the ruins have confirmed the correctness of this table, it may be assumed to closely approximate the true chronology of that country from Nimrod to Cyrus.
* Rawlinson : Hist. An. Egypt, vol. ii., p. 6 ; Herodotus, xi., 100, 142; Ferguson, vol. i., p. 112. t Ferguson, vol. i., pp. 144, 145.
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES. 21
Rawlinson says (vol. ii., p. 22) : "The Old Empire of Manetho is a reality. It lives and moves before us in the countless tombs of Ghizeh, Saccarah, and Beni-Hassan, on the rocks of Assouan and the Wady-Magharah, on the obelisk of Heliopolis, and in numerous ancient papyri; its epochs are well Marked; its personages capable in many cases of being exhibited distinctly; its life as clearly portrayed as that of the classical nations. And that life is worth studying. It is the oldest presentation to us of civilized man which the world contains, being certainly anterior, much of it, to the time of Abraham; it is given with a fullness and minuteness that are most rare, and it is, intrinsically most curious."
Intelligent man has, in all ages, realized the existence of two unseen but potent spirits-one, the spirit of good, from whom all blessings are derived, and the other the spirit of darkness, the evil 'spirit. Nowhere was the religious spirit so early and so fully manifested as in the Orient, the land of the Bible. This was especially true of Egypt, where the religious feeling was so strong that it entered into and mingled with all the affairs of life.*
The conditions under which the Egyptians lived also rendered them astronomers, as a knowledge of the movements of the principal planets was necessary to enable them to regulate their tillage, so strangely crossed by that disposition peculiar to their country.
From her wise men, astronomers, and leaders in religion came the priesthood of Egypt, and by the priesthood was developed the ancient system of science and religion designated the " Mysteries; " and prior to the Christian era all progress made in civilization was due to organizations known by the general name of Mysteries. The most noted of these societies were, first, the Egyptian, commencing 2500 B.C., followed by the Eleusinian; Samothracian, Gnostics, Dionysian, and Mithraic.
The doctrine of the Egyptian Mysteries embraced Cosmogony, Astronomy, the Arts, Sciences, Religion, and the Immortality of the Soul.
By impressive rites and ceremonies they endeavored to lead the neophyte from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge, morality, and religion.
*See pp. 50 to 53 ; also notes 37, 38, 41, pp. 59, 60. t Notes 6, 11, 15, 32, pp. 54, 55, 56, 59.
1 Notes 9, 39, 42, pp. 55, 60 ; also Mysteries, p. 116.
22 ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
At first only the better class, including candidates for the priesthood, were admitted into the Mysteries. Later, however, many from the ranks of the common people were initiated, but before proceeding further, they had to pass an examination so rigid, that comparatively but few could reach the greater Mysteries.
The priests, seeing that it was impossible for the neophyte to perceive the truths of science and religion except when illustrated by symbols, used symbols adapted to that purpose. Consequently two forms of ethics and religion began to prevail, one for the initiates in the higher Mysteries, and the other for the mass, who could perceive nothing beyond the symbol or image with which they were instructed. Therefore they naturally came to worship the image, hence became Pagans, with all that that term signifies, including the orgies charged to the Mysteries at large.
The knowledge of the symbolic language in which the priesthood concealed the real truths was carefully kept within the sacred circle of those who had been advanced to the highest grade of the Mysteries, but the public rites and ceremonies were open to all the people.
The great reverence shown the priests was due to their erudition, and the fact that the sacerdotal functions were hereditary. In fact, the Hierophants of Egypt constituted a sacred caste, which exercised such a controlling influence in the government that even the kings were to a great extent subject to its domination. The priests were divided into castes, and the castes were divided into different ranks. Their dress and mode of living were governed by strict rules, regulating and directing every act of the lives of kings and people.
Concerning the functions of the different ranks of the priesthood, we learn from Clemens of Alexandria that in their holy processions the Singer occupied the first place, carrying in his bands an instrument of music. He was obliged to learn two of the books of Hermes, one of which contained hymns addressed to the gods and the other the rules by which a prince ought to govern.
Next came the tree, which were the master of the four Horoscopus, holding a clock and a branch of a palm-symbols of astrology. He was required to be a complete books of Hermes, which treat of that science. One of
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES
23
these explained the order of the fixed stars, the second the motion and phases of the sun and moon, the other two determined the times of their periodical rising.
Then followed the Hierogrammatist, or Sacred Scribe, with a book and rule in his hand, to which were added the instruments of writing, ink and a reed. He had to know the hieroglyphics and those branches of science which belonged to cosmography-geography and astronomy, especially the laws of the sun, moon, and five planets; he should be thoroughly acquainted with the geography of Egypt, the course of the Nile, the furniture of the temples and of all consecrated places.
After these was an officer denominated Stolistes, who bore a square rule, as the emblem of justice, and the cup of libations. His charge included everything which belonged to the education of youth, as well as to sacrifices, first-fruits, hymns, prayers, religious pomp and festivals, and commemorations, the rules of which were contained in ten books. This functionary was succeeded by one called the Prophet, who displayed on his bosom a jar or vessel for carrying water, a symbol thought to represent the sacred character of the Nile. He was attended by persons bearing bread cut in slices. The duty of the Prophet, as President of the Mysteries, made it necessary for him to be perfectly acquainted with the ten books called sacerdotal, and which treated of the laws of the gods and of the whole discipline of the priesthood. He also presided over the distribution of the sacred revenue dedicated to the support of religious institutions.
Thoth was represented bearing in his hands a tablet and reed pen, sometimes - a palm-branch and pen. It was his special office to be present in Amenti when souls were judged, to see their deeds weighed in the balance and record the result. It was he who composed the "Ritual of the Dead," at least its more important portions. He also wrote a book filled with wisdom and science.
There were altogether forty-two books of Hermes, the knowledge of which was necessary; of these thirty-six contained the philosophy of the Egyptians, and were carefully studied by the officers mentioned, and the remaining six comprised medicine and surgery.'
*See Mysteries, p. 95.
24 ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES
Egyptian mythology comprised a certain number of divinities, principal among which, were Osiris, Isis, Serapis, Hermes, Amun, Ptha, and Typhon.
Isis was the personification of universal nature, the parent of all things, the sovereign of the elements. On the front of the temple of Isis was cut this inscription: “Isis, am all that has been, is, or shall be, and no mortal hath ever unveiled me." This goddess was symbolized in different forms; first and principally, as the moon and as queen of the ocean. As queen of the ocean Isis is represented on ancient Egyptian coins as a girl holding a sistrum and unfurling a sail. Around her are the stars of heaven.
Osiris, the sun god, represented the abstract idea of the divine goodness or the attributes of Deity.
Serapis represented the principal attributes of the judge of the dead and the keeper of Hades.
Hermes was the god of science, art, and eloquence.
Amun was also a god of the sun; he was subsequently the Jupiter Ammon of the Romans and Zeus of the Greeks.
Ptha was the god of fire and life, and afterward the Prometheus of the Greeks.
Typhon represented the spirit of evil. His attributes were similar to those of Serapis.
In nearly all the earlier forms of religious worship God was worshipped under the symbol of the sun. We also find the sun alluded to in the Scriptures as the most perfect and appropriate symbol of the Creator.
The Mysteries, in their primitive form, taught the unity of God and the immortality of the soul of man as their cardinal doctrines, and that the sun was the symbol of Him whom the firmament obeys.*
The Ritual of the Mysteries was founded upon the legend of the death and resurrection of the sun-god, Osiris.
The Mysteries were in the form of a tragic drama, representing the singular death of Osiris, the search for his body by Isis, and its discovery and resurrection to life and power.
The attack of Typhon, the spirit of darkness, upon Osiris, who is slain, * Note 10, p. 55 ; Mackey, pp. 514, 515; Macoy, p. 137 ; Stellar Theology, p. 20.
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
25
was enacted amid terrible scenes, during which the judgment of the dead and the punishments that the wicked suffered were represented as realities to the neophyte. Following this was the search for the body of Osiris, which was at last found concealed in the mysterious chest, after which the mutilated remains were interred amid exclamations of sorrow and despair. The ceremony closed with the return of Osiris to life and power, and amid effulgent beams of light, were seen the resplendent plains of Paradise.
Therefore the ceremonies represented a mystical death and descent into the infernal regions, where sin was purged away by the elements, and the initiated were said to be regenerated and restored to a life of light and purity. The ordeal was also a test of fortitude.
The Mysteries were celebrated once a year, when candidates were inducted into the degrees, viz. : of Isis, Serapis, and Osiris.*
THE FIRST DEGREE - ISIS
Of the ceremonies pertaining to these degrees we know but little, except that due inquiry was made as to the candidate's previous life, and at the time of initiation he was required to make confession. He was then taken charge of by a guide, who conducted him down through a low, dark passage to a subterranean apartment, where he met guards representing the tutelary deities of the temple, who demanded answers to certain questions, which, being given, he was conducted through another passage to the apartments for initiation, where he was subjected to severe trials, at the conclusion of which he was required to take a solemn and binding oath of secrecy and fidelity.
THE SECOND DEGREE - SERAPIS
This degree, like the first, was preparatory to the third, and the adept was required to take an additional obligation.
THE THIRD DEGREE - OSIRIS.
After due time had passed, and the adept had given an exhibition of the requisite proficiency, he was raised to the third or highest degree, in which he
* See notes 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, p. 57; Mackey, pp. 242, 243.
26 ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
represented Osiris, his death and resurrection. The conclusion of the obligation of this degree was as follows: "May my departed spirit wander in eternal misery, without a place of rest, should I ever violate the obligations conferred upon me by the Hierophants of the Sacred Mysteries."
Many of 'those who were initiated into the Mysteries entered the corporations of architects and builders, who erected the temples and other splendid edifices designed for the worship of Deity; in short, from this class came the rulers, priests, and architects of Egypt, its warriors and statesmen.
As the Eleusinian Mysteries were copied from the Egyptian, they constituted a complete reflex of them; and the Eleusinian having been practised down to A.D. 389 (see Hayden, p. 306), we have authentic data for a fuller description of their ceremonies-a description that will apply to the Egyptian Mysteries, as well as to the latter society.
THE ELEUSINIAN MYSTERIES
This institution was established in Greece, 1800 B.C., and when Eleusis was conquered by Athens, the inhabitants, while surrendering everything else, would not yield their mythologies and Mysteries.
The Mysteries were of two kinds - the Greater and the Less, the latter being preparatory to the Greater; and, like the Egyptian, they were celebrated once a year. For their purposes a magnificent temple of vast extent was erected at Eleusis. This edifice consisted of the sanctuary, or hall for the ceremonies of the Mysteries, the anactoron, or Holy of Holies, and a vast subterranean labyrinth for the ordeals pertaining to the induction of candidates into the degrees. The ceremonies were grand and impressive throughout. The Hierophant (High Priest) sat in the east upon a magnificent throne and was arrayed in a splendid robe. Around him were seven brilliant lights representing the seven planets. The principal officers in attendance were the Priest, at the altar, the Dadochus, and the Herald. Over the head of the Hierophant a beautiful arch was represented, above which the moon and seven stars were seen. From his neck was suspended a golden globe. In addition to the officers, he had twenty-four attendants, clad in white
*Royal Masonic Cyclopxdia, p. 193 ; also see note 16, p. 56.
t Note 33, p. 59; Mackey, p. 248.
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIEITG'S AND MYSTERIES. 29
robes, all wearing golden crowns, representing the twenty-four ancient constellations of the upper hemisphere.*
Rhea, who led the procession in search of the body of her lost companion, represented the moon.
The duty of the Dadochus - Torchbearer, was to impose silence on the assembly, and command the profane to withdraw.
The Priest officiated at the altar and wore a symbol of the moon. The Herald preserved order, compelled the uninitiated to retire at the command of the Dadochus, and punished all those who disturbed the sacred rites.
Bondmen and those with bodily defects were not admitted into the Mysteries.
THE FIRST DEGREE
Previous to the initiation of a candidate due inquiry was made concerning his previous life; be was required to pass through a period of probation, make confession, and undergo lustration. t Finally, at the time appointed for the ceremonies, he was clothed in a dark robe and blindfolded. After being thus prepared he was conducted down through a dark and circuitous passage, into a cavern, where he heard the roar of wild beasts, the hissing of serpents, and was startled by terrible thunder and lightning. At length he was confronted by a massive door, on which was an inscription signifying that "he who would attain to the perfect state must be purified by the three great elements." Immediately after reading this the door slowly swung open and he was thrust into a place shrouded in darkness, where he was tossed about by a whirlwind. He was next compelled to cross a hall into which darted flames of fire, threatening his life. This ordeal passed, he was thrown into a dark and swift stream of water, across which he had to swim or drown. If the candidate had thus far exhibited manly courage and fortitude he was conducted to the great hall of the Mysteries, where, in the presence of the assembled priests and adepts, he took the oath of fidelity and secrecy. He then received the instructions and benediction.
* Stellar Theology, p. 12; Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia, p. 194; Mackey, p. 247. t See Mysteries of Free Masonry, pp. 137, 159; see notes 27-29, p. 58.
j See Gould, vol. i., p. 14 ; Stellar Theology, p. 10 ; also notes 13-24, 25, 26, pp. 55, 56, 57, 58.
30 ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
THE SECOND DEGREE
After a twelve-month's probation the candidate - adept was advanced to a higher degree.
In the ceremonies of this degree sacrifice was made for the candidate and he took another oath or obligation. He was then invested with the sacred cloak, and mystic scarfs, a crown of palm-leaves was placed upon his head, and he was called Mystae.
THE THIRD DEGREE
This degree represented the death of Bacchus (Osiris), the search for his body, and its resurrection. At the termination of another period of probation the adept was accorded a second advance-was raised to the third degree of the Mysteries. Therefore, after due preparation, he was conducted through a labyrinth amid horrible scenes into an apartment, the walls of which were draped in black and hung with emblems of death.
Scenes of terror multiplied, and the horrors of Tartarus were seen in the distance. A tragic drama was enacted, in which a murder was committed by three ruffians, a bier rose before him on which lay a dead body. A funeral dirge was chanted, dusky phantoms (Rhea and attendants in search of the dead) passed before him, the corpse was missed from the bier, then suddenly a flood of dazzling light burst through the gloom, and standing in its centre the candi date in amazement saw the resurrected body. Exclamations of triumph and joy were now heard on every side, the fearful ordeal was over, and the brilliant spectacle of the Elysian fields and the bliss of the purified was presented.* In conclusion the candidate was conducted to the altar and took upon himself the obligation of this degree and was instructed in the Ritual. He was then called Epoptae.
The horrors exhibited at the commencement of these ceremonies were intended to represent the condition of the wicked in another life, and the closing scene portrayed the abode of the blessed. The miseries of Tartarus and the happiness of Elysium were contrasted, being pronounced by the priests to be a true picture of what actually takes place in the future place of existence.
* See notes 28, 30, p. 58 ; also see Mackey, pp. 247, 248, 249; Stellar Theology, pp, 13,14; Royal Cyclopiedia, p. 188 ; Macoy, pp, 124-129 ; Gould, vol. i., pp. 13, 14.
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES. 33
THE CABIRI OF SAMOTHRACIA
The three principal figures of the Egyptian ceremonial were carried to Berytus, in Phoenicia, and thence into several islands of the Agean Sea. Their worship became very famous, especially in Lemnos, and in the island of Samothracia, which lies near it.
They were called the Cabiri (cabirim, potentes), meaning the powerful gods.*
Many noted persons were initiated into these Mysteries, among whom we find such names as Orpheus, Hercules, and Ulysses.
Speaking of the Samothraciau Mysteries, Voltaire asked (“Dict. Philo.") : "Who were the Hierophants - those sacred Free Masons who celebrated their ancient Mysteries - and whence came they?"
GNOSTICS
The Gnostics were divided into many sects, and their Mysteries reach back to an early date. The best authorities agree that Gnosticism was an attempt to solve the problems of theology by combining the elements of the Egyptian Mysteries with the Jewish and Christian traditions.
THE DIONYSIAN MYSTERIES AND ARCHITECTS
These Mysteries, like the others, comprised a tragedy-a murder, search for the body, its discovery and restoration to life. They were celebrated throughout Greece, Asia Minor, and Syria. Their Egyptian origin is shown by the fact that the Dionysian priests devoted themselves to the study and practice of architecture. About 1000 B.C. they established a society known as the Dionysian Architects, and were accorded the exclusive privilege of erecting the temples, and other public edifices. They were divided into companies, each one of which was governed by officers corresponding to the officers of a Masonic Lodge.
They practised charity, had a system of secret words, and used several of the implements of Free Masonry.
That a branch of this society was located at Tyre, at the time of the
* Note 31, p. 59; also Mysteries, p. 58.
t See Mackey, p. 222 ; Royal Masonic Cyclopsedia, pp. 157, 158.
3
34
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
building of King Solomon's Temple, is well attested by history. In 300 B.C. they settled at Teos, where for centuries they practised their arts and Mysteries, making journeys to adjoining countries when their services were called for. In this way it is believed that at least a part of the traveling bands of Free Masons originated.
MITHRAISM
The Mithraic Mysteries were essentially the same throughout as the Eleusinian, except that there were seven grades of the initiates. After passing through trying ordeals the neophyte was presented with an engraved amulet as a token of his admission into the brotherhood. He was also offered a crown, which, however, he was instructed to refuse, saying, “My only crown is Mithras."
He was also marked in some indelible manner, the exact nature of which has not been ascertained.
The worship of Mithras was introduced into Rome at a very early date, and it soon became so popular in connection with the Serapis worship as to usurp the place of the ancient Roman deities, and during the second and third centuries of the empire Serapis and Mithras became the sole objects of worship, from the centre to the circumference of the Roman world.* From Rome the Mysteries soon found their way to Gaul, Germany, and Britain, and from inscriptions on tablets and tombs, and from other sources, we learn that they were practised in those countries as late as the tenth century. t
The Mithraism of the period to which the Roman Mithraic monuments belong have both a mythological and an astronomical character.
From the foregoing it appears that while the Mysteries embraced the arts and sciences, yet the great central idea of them all was, as previously stated, the unity of God and the immortality of the soul. Aspirations for purity and a higher lie are everywhere manifest in their history.
In all the Mysteries regeneration was represented; an assassination took place, followed by a search for the body, its recovery and resurrection. In all such ceremonies grief and mourning are immediately followed by the most lively joy.
* See Gould, vol. i., p. 23.
t Stellar Theology, p. 106; note 17, p. 56; Gould, vol. i., p. 13; Mackey, p. 503.
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
37
As the Mysteries were practised in different parts of Europe to the time of the Guilds and bands of travelling Masons, a complete line of descent from the Egyptian Mysteries down to the Free Masonry of 1717 is shown. But the main line we shall see led through the Mysteries of Greece, the Roman Colleges of Builders, and the Guilds.*
THE ESSENES
These peculiar people were a secret society of the Jews. They always rose before sunrise, assembled, and prayed with their faces turned toward the sun. Some were occupied in healing the sick, others in instructing the young, and all of them devoted certain hours to studying the mysteries of nature, revelation, and of the celestial hierarchy.
The labor of the forenoon terminated at eleven, when they partook of their midday meal, each member taking his seat according to age. t
Every candidate passed through a novitiate which extended over three years. In the first stage, of twelve months, lie had to turn all his property into the common treasury.
He then received a copy of the ordinances, a spade, an apron (to be used at the lustrations), and a white robe. After the probation he was admitted into the second stage, which lasted two years. During this period he was admitted to a closer fellowship, and shared in the lustral rites, but could not hold an office or sit at the common table. After passing through the second stage of probation he was admitted to the third rank or degree. On his admission to this rank the candidate had to take a solemn oath to practise charity, and not to reveal the secrets of the order.
It is even claimed by ancient and modern authority that Christ was an Essene. This conclusion was arrived at from the following facts: As a sect they were distinguished for an aspiration after ideal purity, so as to ultimately attain an absolute standard of hgliness.
They observed the sabbath with singular strictness, and they believed that to lead a pure and holy life, to mortify the flesh, and to be meek and lowly in spirit would bring them into closer communion with the Creator, therefore Christ would naturally associate himself with an order that was so congenial to his nature.
* Note 18, p. 56.
t See Gould, vol. i., pp. 26 to 34 ; also Laurie and Ginsburg.
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ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
Again Christ not being heard in public but once until he was thirty years old implies that he lived in seclusion with this fraternity.* And while be frequently denounced the Scribes and Pharisees, he never denounced, or in any way reflected, on the Essenes. Yet as their most important doctrines were taught in secret, and they having had grips and pass-words by which they recognized one another, Christ's association with them could only have been of a general nature.
Pliny states that, "Toward the west of the Dead Sea are the Essenes. They are a hermitical society, marvelous beyond all others throughout the whole earth. They live without women, without money, and in groves of palm-trees. Their ranks are daily made up by multitudes of new-comers who resort to them, and who, being weary of life, and driven by the surges of ill-fortune, adopt their manner of life. Thus it is that through thousands of ages (per saeculorum millia), incredible to relate, those people prolonged their existence without anyone being born among them, so fruitful to them are the weary lives of others."
Their existence under the name of Essenes is so fully attested by Jo. sephus as to render it certain that they originated as early as 200 B.C.
In the earliest Masonic Ritual, or the one mentioned in the " York Constitutions," there is evidence of ceremonies that were obviously taken from the Roman colleges and that agree with the practices of the Essenes, and Soofes of Persia.
It has been claimed that there was a close similarity between the Essenes and the Pythagoreans; but the Pythagoreans were essentially polytheists, while the Essenes were monotheistic Jews. The Pythagoreans believed in the doctrine of metempsychosis, the Essenes did not believe in it.
Pythagoras taught that man could control his fortune; Essenism maintained that fate governs all things.
The Pythagoreans were aristocratic and exclusive, the Essenes were so meek and so friendly that all joined in bestowing great-praise upon them.
* Mackey, p. 261.
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND - MYSTERIKS
39
PYTHAGORAS
This renowned philosopher was a native of - Samos, and a pupil of Pherecydes. He flourished, says Bayle, about five hundred years before Christ, in the time of Tarquin, last king of Rome.*
Pythagoras regarded music as something celestial and divine, and had such an opinion of its power over the human affections that he ordered his disciples to be wakened every morning and lulled to sleep every night by sweet sounds. He likewise considered it as greatly conducive to health, and made use of it in disorders of the body, as well as in those of the mind.
The first journey of Pythagoras from his native island was into Egypt, which was celebrated in his time for that kind of wisdom which best suited his genius and temper. On his way thither Jamblichus asserts that he visit ed Phoenicia and conversed with the prophets and philosophers who were the successors of Mochus, the Physiologist.
While in Egypt he was introduced to Amasia, the king, a distinguished patron of literary men, and thus obtained access to the colleges of the priests. He passed twenty-two years in Egypt, availing himself of all possible means of information with regard to the recondite doctrines of the priests, as well as of their astronomy, geometry, and other branches.
The brethren of the Pythagorean College at Crotona, called Coniobion, Ccenobium, about six hundred in number, lived together as in one family with their wives and children, and the whole business of the society was conducted with "perfect regularity. Every day commenced with a deliberation upon the manner in which it should be spent, and concluded with a retrospect of the events which had occurred and of the business transacted. Their dinner consisted chiefly of bread, honey, and water; for after they were fully initiated they denied themselves the use of wine. The remainder of the day was devoted to civil and domestic affairs, conversation, bathing, and religious ceremonies.
The Esoteric disciples of Pythagoras were taught after the Egyptian manner, by images and symbols, obscure and unintelligible to those who were
* Mysteries, p. 187. t Ibid., p. 194.
40
ANCIENT SŁ7RET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
not initiated into the mysteries of the school; and those who were admitted to this privilege were under the strictest obligation of secrecy with regard to the secret doctrines of their master.
He taught that the first step toward wisdom was the study of mathematics - a science which contemplates objects that lie midway between corporeal and incorporeal beings, and, as it were, on the confines of both, and which most advantageously inures the mind to contemplation.
The monad or unity is that quality which, being deprived of all numbers, remains fixed; whence called monad from to menein. It is the fountain of all numbers. The duad is imperfect and passive and the cause of increase and division. The triad, composed of the monad and duad, partakes of the nature of both. The tetrad is the most perfect. The decal, which is the sum of the four former, comprehends all arithmetical and musical proportions.
Next to mathematics, music had the chief place in the teachings of Pythagoras; lie believing that music elevated the mind above the dominion of the passions, and inured it to contemplation. He considered music not only an art to be judged of by the ear, but as a science to be reduced to mathematical principles and proportions.
Besides arithmetic and music, Pythagoras cultivated geometry, which he had learned in Egypt, but he greatly improved it by investigating many new theorems, and by digesting its principles in an order more perfectly systematical than had before been done. Several Grecians about the time of Pythagoras applied themselves to mathematical learning, particularly Thales, in Ionia. But Pythagoras seems to have done more than any other philosopher of this period toward reducing geometry to a regular science.
He also taught that God is a soul, everywhere in nature ; that the souls of men are derived from his supreme soul, which is immortal; that the principle of all things being unity, he believed that between God and man there is an infinite number of spiritual agents ministering from one to another, and to the great Supreme Soul.
He was killed in a riot, B.C. 506, after having lived, according to the most probable statement of his birth, to the age of eighty years. After his death his followers paid a superstitious respect to his memory. They erected
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
41
statues in his honor, and converted his house at Crotona into a temple of Ceres, and appealed to him as a divinity, swearing by his name.
After the death of the philosopher, the care and education of his children and the charge of his school devolved upon Aristoeus of Crotona, who, having taught the doctrines of Pythagoras twenty-nine years, was succeeded by Mnesarchus, the son of Pythagoras. Pythagorean schools were afterward conducted in Heraclia by Clinias and Philolaus, at Metapontum by Theorides and Eurytus, and at Tarentum by Archytas, who is said to have been the eighth 'in succession from Pythagoras. The first person who divulged the Pythagorean doctrine was Phialorus.*
THE FIRST TEMPLES OF EGYPT
Although not of vital importance to this subject, yet it will be of interest to indicate, as near as possible, the commencement of the Egyptian Mysteries; therefore, as the weight of evidence gives Memphis t the greatest antiquity in Egyptian history, that city and its temples will be noticed first.
Memphis was the first capital of Egypt, was situated in the delta of the Nile, or Lower Egypt, and was founded in the first dynasty. According to Herodotus, the bed of the Nile was changed and an embankment made from one hundred stadia above Memphis to a short distance below the city, to protect it against inundations. The remains of this bank still exist. The city was composed of two portions, one being built of bricks and the other, in which was the citadel, of calcareous stone-" White Wall." In the citadel were some of the principal buildings.
The most remarkable features of the city were its temples and its necropolis, in which was the great pyramid, towering high in its centre.
Up to 1500 B.C. Memphis remained the religious capital of the old worship, and down to the death of Unas this city was the great seat of the Egyptian empire; but with the accession of the sixth dynasty there was a shift of power to the southward, to Abydos.
* Mysteries, p. 198.
t The principal seat of the Mysteries was at ?Memphis, in the neighborhood of the Great Pyramid. They were of two kinds, the Greater and the Less (Mackey, p. 242; also see 'Macoy, P. 124; Royal Cyclopredia, p. 188).
42
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
The temples of Memphis were numerous and magnificent, the first of which was near the centre of old Memphis. There was a temple of Isis, a temple dedicated to Proteus, a temple of the Apis having a peristyle and court, ornamented with figures, opposite the south propylaeum of the temple of Ptha, and the temple of Ra. Some of the temples flourished in all their glory till the Persian conquest.
At Memphis were also the shrine of the Cabiri and the statues of Rameses II, one of which exists as the Fallen Colossus.
THEBES - ITS FIRST TEMPLES
It is believed by writers of note * that this city, as well as Memphis, was founded in the first Egyptian dynasty. But no remains of so early a date have yet been discovered. We find, however, that Sesonchosis, of the first dynasty of Theban kings, commenced to reign 2518 B.C., and its first temple was also erected soon after that time.
Thebes was situated on both sides of the Nile, and its remarkable ruins are divided into four principal groups - Karnak and Luxor on the east side of the river, and Medinet Habou, and Gournou on the west side. The distance between Karnak and Luxor is about two miles, which is also the distance between Medinet Habou and Gournou. In each of these quarters are the ruins of one or more splendid temples. This is especially the case at Karnak, where the remains show that over four thousand years ago there stood a temple at that place that was vast in its dimensions and magnificent in its architectural design and finish.
Half way between Medinet Habou and Gournou are the retrains of still another temple belonging to Thebes-the Ramesseum, which in many of its details is equal to the great. temple at Karnak. Next in importance among the temples of Egypt was the temple of Edfou, south of Thebes.
At Soan, near the mouth of the Nile, the ruins of a temple and of thirteen obelisks can still be traced. At Soleb, qn the borders of Nubia, a temple now stands which is also scarcely inferior in magnificence to those of Thebes.
At Sedinga, not far below the third cataract, are the remains of a temple erected by Amenophis III., of the eighteenth dynasty.
* See Niebuhr, Dr. Thompson, Smith and Barnum's Dictionary of the Bible, p. 1103.
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
45
At Abydos the-remains of two great temples of Osiris have been'-partially disinterred from the sand which overwhelmed them.
On the walls of one of these, the tablets of Abydos were, discovered, which first gave connected lists of the kings. These lists nearly confirm those of Manetho, the second of which contains the names of seventy-six kings, ancestors of Manephthah, who reigned about 2000 B.C. But among the best preserved and most remarkable of the ruins of Egyptian edifices are those of the Temple of DENDERA (Tentyra). They present striking examples not only of practices in the ceremonies of the Mysteries, but of the advanced state that Egyptian architecture had attained to. The gateway in particular, which leads to the Temple of Isis, excites universal admiration.
Each front, as well as the interior, is covered with sculptured hieroglyphics, which were executed with a richness, elegance of form, and variety of ornament surpassing in many respects similar edifices found at Thebes and Philae.
Advancing along the ruins," says Dr. Richardson, " we came to an elegant gateway or propylon, which is of sandstone neatly hewn, and completely covered with sculpture and hieroglyphics remarkably well cut. Immediately over the centre of the doorway is the beautiful Egyptian ornament called the globe with wings,* emblematical of the glorious sun poised in the airy firmament of heaven, supported and directed in his course by the eternal wisdom of the Deity. The sublime phraseology of Scripture, “The Sun of Righteousness shall rise with healing on his wings,' could not be more emphatically or more accurately represented to the human eye than by this elegant device."
The temple itself still retains much of its original magnificence. The centuries which have elapsed since the era of its foundation have scarcely affected it in any important part, and have impressed upon it no greater appearance of age than serves to render it more venerable and imposing. Another writer, who had seen innumerable monuments of the kind throughout the Thebaid, declared that these ruins exhibited the highest degree of architectural excellence that had ever been attained on the border of the Nile.
The portico consists of twenty-four columns, in three rows, each about twenty-two feet in circumference, thirty-two feet high, and covered with *Mysteries, p. 97.
46 ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES' AND 311-STERIES.
hieroglyphics. On the architrave are represented two processions of men and women bringing to Isis and to Osiris emblematical offerings. The interior of the pronaos is adorned with sculptures, most of them preserving part of the paint with which they had been, covered. Those on the ceiling were peculiarly rich and varied, all illustrative of the union between the astronomical and religion, creeds of the ancient Egyptians. The sekos, or interior of the temple, consists of several apartments, the walls and ceilings of which are like\vise covered with religious and astronomical representations.
The rooms were lighted by perpendicular apertures in the ceilings, and, where it was possible to introduce them, by oblique ones in the sides. Therefore, the perpetual gloom in which the apartments on the ground floor of the sekos must have been buried was well calculated for the mysterious practices of the religion to which it was consecrated.
The ceiling of an adjoining room is divided into two compartments by a figure of Isis in very high relief. In one of them is the circular zodiac,* in the other a variety of boats, with four or five figures in each. Near this scene is a large lion, supported by four dog-headed figures, each carrying a knife. The walls of the third room are covered with several representations of a person; the first, at the point of death, lying on a couch, then stretched out lifeless upon a bier. T
The western wall of the great temple is particularly interesting for the extreme elegance of the sculpture.
In the centre of the ceiling of a chapel behind the temple is the face of Isis in high relief, illuminated by a body of rays issuing from the mouth of a long figure, which, in the other temples, appears to encircle the heavenly bodies.
About two hundred yards eastward from this chapel is a propylon of small dimensions, resembling in form that which conducts to the great temple, and,-like it, built in a line with the wall which surrounds the sacred enclosure.
Still farther toward the east is another propylon, equally well preserved with the rest, about forty feet in height and twenty feet square at the base.
* Notes 34, 35, p. 59; Mysteries, p. 99.
t Traditions and Early History of Free Masonry, p. 220.
ANCIENT bYECRET SOCIETIES A1VL hf YSTERIE& 49
Among the sacred figures on this building is an Isis pointing with a reed to a graduated staff held by another figure of the same deity.
Another remarkable structure was the LABYRINTH or Tower situated close to Lake Moeris, in which the priests were at one time lodged, and where the characters of the several works and the symbols of the public regulations were delineated.
“The remains of this building, recently discovered by Lepsius, shows that it was founded by Amenemha I., of the twelfth Egyptian dynasty, about 1800 B.C. This monarch was probably buried in it. This wonderful structure was built of Parian marble, Syenite granite, and porphyry-much of the work being beautifully polished. It contained three thousand chambers and passages said to be vaulted, half of the apartments were under ground and the others above. The upper chambers were decorated with reliefs, the lower were plain, and contained, according to tradition, the bodies of the founders of the building. When Herodotus and Strabo visited this edifice it was difficult to pass through it without the aid of a guide, and the opening of the doors echoed like the reverberation of thunder. For a long time great doubt prevailed whether any remains of the building existed, but it was discovered by Lepsius, who found part of the foundation or lower chambers close to the site of the Moeris lake, or modern Birket el-Keroun." *
THE OBELISK
The first of these monuments to find place in history was that of Usurtasen I, erected at Heliopolis at least 2000 B.C. Referring to this obelisk, Rawlinson says: " Originally it was beyond all doubt one of a pair placed in front of the great entrance to the Temple of the Sun-the Jachin and Boaz of the Egyptian sanctuary."
Thotmes I erected two obelisks of large size before the sanctuary of the temple at Karnak. His daughter Hatasu erected two others before the second propyloeon.
Thotmes III erected several obelisks 1500 B.C., the first of which was set up to commemorate his conquest of Naharania, Mesopotamia. One of his
'* See Chambers's Encyclopaedia, vol. vii., p. 352; Rawlinson, vol. ii., p.170.
t Ibid., vol. ii., p. 154. 4
50 ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIL'S AND MYSTERIES.
Theban obelisks found its way to Rome, and stands in front of the church of
St. John Lateran.
Of the other obelisks that Thotmes erected at Heliopolis, two at least were taken by Augustus to Alexandria, where they long remained, known as Cleopatra's Needles.
Finally, in 1877, one of these ancient monuments was shipped to England, where, after severe vicissitudes it arrived, and was set up on the Thames Embankment. Another one was taken down by Commander Gorringe and brought to New York in 1880 and now adds its historic interest to Central Park.*
When lowering this obelisk at Alexandria, preparatory to shipping it, there was found under, or rather in, the pedestal the following Masonic emblems cut in the stone: The two Ashlars, an Apron, a Trowel, iron or steel, and a Trestle-board. What the original purpose of the obelisk was, is uncertain, but on this one, as on most of the others there were inscriptions hieroglyphics setting forth the achievements of the reigning monarch.
RELIGION
Herodotus visited Egypt in the middle of the fifth century, and concerning their devotion, said:
“The Egyptians are religious to excess, far beyond any other race of men."
“Writing was so full of sacred symbols, and of allusions to their mythology, that it was scarcely possible to employ it on any subject which lay outside of religion."
From their architectural remains it is seen that the temple dominates over the palace, both the temple and the tomb being the expression of religious ideas. The great temple of each city was the centre of its life.
That the Egyptians had correct conceptions of the attributes of God will be seen from the following quotations First, from a hymn inscribed on Egyptian papyri, now in the British Museum
"He is not beheld;
His abode is not known.
No shrine is found with painted figures of him;
Note 36, p. 59; Chambers's Encyclopaedia, vol. viii., p. 714; Bawlinson, vol. ii, pp. 248, 260. fi Scarlet Book of Free Masonry, pp. 458 - 463.
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
51
“There is no building that can contain him.
Unknown is his name in Heaven;
He does not manifest his forms;
Vain are all representations of him."
In another place God is thus described: "He bath made the world with his hand-its waters, its atmosphere, its vegetation, all its flocks, and birds and fish, and reptiles, and beasts of the field " (Translation by Chabas).
"He is their father, and they sons beloved of their father. He is the giver of life, teucher of the hearts, and Searcher of the Inward Parts is his name." " Let not thy face be turned away from us; the joy of our hearts is to contemplate thee."
Chase all anguish from our hearts.
The spirits thou hast made exalt thee,
Father of the father of all the Gods,
Who raises the heavens, who fixes the earth,
Maker of beings, author of existences,
Sovereign of life, health, and strength, Chief of the Gods,
We worship thy spirit, who alone hast made us;
We whom thou bast made thank thee that thou hast given us birth.
We give thee praise for thy mercy toward us."
Inscribed on the tombs is found this formula:
"I have given bread to the hungry, water to the thirsty, clothes to the naked, shelter to the stranger." This tenderness for suffering humanity is characteristic of the nation - Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
An oracle of Apollo, quoted by Eusebius, says that the Egyptians were the first who disclosed by infinite actions the path that leads to the gods. The oracle is as follows:
“The path by which to deity we climb
Is arduous, rough, ineffable, sublime;
And the strong massive gates, through which we pass
In our first course, are bound with chains of brass.
Those men the first, who of Egyptian birth,
Drank the fair waters of Nilotic earth,
Disclosed by actions infinite this road,
And many paths to God Phoenicians showed.
This road the Assyrians pointed out to view,
And this the Lydians and Chaldeans knew."
Showing that the religion of the Egyptians originally comprised the essentials of Christianity, and that their moral code was both pure and exalted. But the real nature and attributes of God could only be communicated to such as were initiated into the Mysteries, and gave, unquestionable proofs of their fidelity and zeal. And to the initiate it was a startling and solemn revelation.
" It was difficult," says Plato, " to attain, and dangerous to publish the knowledge of the true God."
THE JUDGMENT OF THE DEAD
This singular ceremony was also embraced in the Mysteries, and was founded on the funeral rites of the Egyptians; and from its judgment in this world no Egyptian was exempt, be his position high or low; on this trial depended the right to an honorable burial.
The dead person was brought to the place of judgment, and to the foot of the tribunal, consisting of several judges, who inquired into his life and conversation. All whom the deceased had wronged, or who knew of his evil deeds, could testify to the same over his dead body. The decision was determined by the weight of evidence, without regard to the position of the deceased; therefore, at one time even a king who had led a wicked life might be excluded from burial in 'his own sepulchre and be buried among the rabble. The judgment at the funeral was believed to be the same as the deceased received in the invisible world at the same time.
When no accuser appeared, they ceased to lament the dead person, and his encomium was made. They commended his respect for religion, equity, moderation, chastity, and other virtues. His birth, which was supposed to be the same with all men, was never allowed as any virtue in him. All the assistants applauded these praises and congratulated the deceased on account of his being ready to enjoy an eternal repose with the virtuous.
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
53
The ceremony ended by thrice sprinkling sand over the openings of the vaults wherein they had put the corpse, bidding him thrice adieu.
These practices were almost everywhere copied, and were so many instructions to the people, giving them to understand that death was followed by an account of which they were to give of their life before an inflexible tribunal; and that which was dreadful to the wicked was only a passage into a happier state for the good. Wherefore death was called the deliverance.*
NOTES FROM AUTHORITIES
1. Documentary evidence, Craft symbolism, and oral - relations alike take us back to Egypt and the East.
" One of the most learned of English Masons, the late Dr Leeson, in a lecture delivered at Portsmouth, on July 25, 1862, states: that Egypt was the cradle of Masonry. The Egyptians were the first to establish a civilized society and all the sciences must necessarily have been derived from this source." Gould, in History of Free Masonry, vol. iii., pp. 222-232.
2. “Egypt, remarkable for its historical interests, still retains in her wonderful monuments the earliest records of civilization. A land so ancient, that, even in the early days of Greece, it was considered to be of wondrous and remote antiquity.
* Note 40, p. 60.
Learning appears to have been pursued with great diligence and the education of an ancient philosopher was hardly considered complete until lie had journeyed to Egypt, the cradle of the arts and sciences, and received from the lips of her priests some portion of their traditional lore. The mode of writing of the Egyptians was singular-they had three kinds of characters. The hieratic letters were used by the priests on sacred occasions; the demotic in all civil and secular matters; and the hieroglyphic to describe actions in a mysterious manner. The last-named consisted of pictures of every description of men,
beasts, flowers, and instruments. The whole system of instruction was purely symbolic.
Their philosophers concealed their particular tenets and principles oŁ policy and philosophy under hieroglyphic fib ures, and expressed their ideas of government by signs and symbols." From an oration by J. Flavius Adams, M.D.
3. It has been forcibly observed, " that in all the legends of Free Masonry, the line of ascent leads with unerring accuracy through Grecian corporations back to the Orient." Fort, p. 183.
4. Says Adam Clark: "All knowledge, all religion, and all arts and sciences have travelled according to the course of the sun from east to west." Bazot tells us (in his Man uel du FrancMa,on, p. 154) that "the veneration which Masons entertain for the East confirms an opinion previously announced, that the religious system of Masonry came from the East."
5. We are not to search for our antiquity in the mythology of Greece or Rouie, Nve advance into remoter ages. We discover in the Ammonian and Egyptian rites the most perfect remains of these originals to whom our society refers. Traditions, p. 34 ; The Mysteries of Free Masonry, p. 220.
6. The irradiation of the Mysteries of Egypt shine and animate the secret doctrines of Phoenicia, Asia Minor, Greece and Italy. Heckethorn, Secret Societies of all Ages and Countries, vol. i., p. 78 ; Gould, iii., p. 223.
7. I see no reason why any pause should be made in our inquiry when we reach the Middle Ages. That era, no doubt, as well as the societies and associations coeval with it, is interestin- to the archaeolo-ist, if it fixes a date, or channel, calculated to elucidate the transmission of Masonic science from the more remote past. Yet the. greater number, not to go further, of the analogies or similarities which are so much dwelt upon have their examplers in the Mysteries to the extent flint they are identical-we mil-lit with as much justice claim Egypt as the land of Masonic origin as limit our pretensions to a derivation from the Vehemic Tribunals of Westphalia. In the Mysteries we meet with dialogue, ritual, darkness, light, death, and reproduction. It admits of no doubt that the rites and theological expressions of the Egyptians were of universal acceptation. Gould, vol. iii., p. 236.
8. Ferguson, in History of Architecture, vol. i., p. 147, speaking of Assyrian architecture and the Egyptian pyramids, says: "It does not, it is true, rival that of Egypt in antiquity, as the pyramids still maintain a pre-eminence of 1,000 years beyond anything that has yet been discovered in the Valley of the Euphrates. There is nothing certain in India, that nearly approaches these monuments in antiquity, nor in China or the rest of Asia."
9. Pythagoras, Zoroaster, and Confucius drew their doctrines from the Mysteries. Clemens of Alexandria, speaking of the greater Mysteries, says: "Here ends all instruction. Nature and all things are seen and known." Had mortal truths alone been taught the initiate, the mysteries could never have deserved or received the magnificent eulogiuws of the most enlightened men of antiquity ; of Pindar, Plutarch, Isocrates, Diodorus, Plato, Euripides, Socrates, Aristophanes, Cicero, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and others. Traditions of Free Masonry, p. 225.
10. Our chief emblems originally from Egypt. . . . We have retained the Egyptian symbols of the sun and moon), as the emblems of God's power, eternity, omnipresence, and benevolence; and thereby we signify that we are the children of light, and that the first foundation of our profession is the knowledge and adoration of almighty Mesouraneo, who seateth himself in the centre of the heavens; and we have saved from oblivion many of their religious rites, ill our initiation into the First Degree of Masonry, which otherwise would have slept in eternity. Mysteries of Free Masonry, p. 21.9.
11. The identity of the Masonic institutions with the ancient Mysteries is obvious from between them. The latter were a secret religious science, and art. Tradition dates the origin of the time, and males it coeval with the organization of the striking coincidences found to exist worship, and the depository of religion, Mysteries back to the earliest period of society. Traditions, p. 13.
12. Albert Pike, in the Review, vol.
ii., p. 33, says: " Such were the Mysteries and such the old thought, as in scattered fragments it has come clown to us. The human mind still speculates on` the great mysteries of nature, and still finds its ideas anticipated by the ancients, whose profoundest thoughts are to be looked for, not in their philosophies, but in their symbols, by which they endeavored to express the great ideas that vainly struggled for utterance in words, as they viewed the great circle of phenomena-birth, life, death or decomposition, and new life out of death--to their the great mysteries. Remember, while you study their symbols, that they have a profounder sense of those wonders than we have."
13. St. Cyril, of Alexandria, who was made bishop in A.D. 412, and (lied ill 444, says in his seventh book against Julian: "These Mysteries are so profound and so exalted that they can be comprehended by those only who are enlightened. I shall not therefore attempt to speak of what is so admirable in them, lest by discovering them to the' uninitiated I should offend against the injunctions not to give what is holy to the impure, nor cast pearls before such as cannot estimate their worth."
St. Clirysostom and St. Augustine frequently refer to the Mysteries of initiation. St. Augustine, 400 A.D., says : -I wish to speak openly of the Mysteries, but dare not on account of those who are uninitiated. I must therefore avail myself of disguised terms designating in a shadowy manner (where the whole Mysteries are celebrated) so as to exclude all uninitiated persons. Then guard the doors."
St. Auustine says to the initiated : "Having dismissed the Catechumenes, we have retained 56 ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
you only to be our hearers, because, besides those things which belong to all Christians in common, we are now to discuss to you of the sublime Mysteries which none are qualified to give except those who by the Master's sanction have the right to be present."
St. Gregory Narianzen, Bishop of Constantinople, A.D. 379, says: " You have heard as much of the Mystery as we are allowed to speak openly in the ears of all; the rest will be communicated to you in private and that you must retain yourself. . . . Our Mysteries are not to be made known to strangers."
St. Ambrose, Archbishop of Milan, who was born in 340 and died 393, says in his work De Mysteriis : " ° The Mysteries should be kept concealed, guarded by faithful silence, lest it should be inconsiderately divulged to the ears of the profane. . . . It is not given to all to contemplate the depths of our Mysteries; . . . that they may not be seen by those who ought not to behold them nor received by those who cannot preserve them."
14. The belief that Free Masonry derived its origin from the ancient Mysteries prevails
in Europe and America. This theory was ably sustained by the learned antiquary Alexander Lenoir, in his celebrated work on the antiquity of Free Masonry, and his views were adopted by most of the Masonic writers of France.
15. Wheresoever the Mysteries were introduced they retained their primitive form, adapted to the customs and usages of the national religion. Hence, the same or similar ceremonies- which were applied to Osiris and Isis in Egypt, the great source of secret and mysterious rites, were celebrated in Greece in honor of Bacchus and Rhea; at Eleusis they were applied to Ceres and Proserpine; in Tyre and Cyprus, to Adonis and Venus; in Persia, to Mithras and Mithra; in India, to Maha Deva and Sita; in Britain, to Hu and Ceridwin; in Scandinavia, to Odin and Frea; and in Mexico, to Tialoc and the Great Mother. These appear to be but different names for the deities. Oliver, in Signs and Symbols.
16. In discoursing, therefore, of the Mysteries in general, we shall be forced to take our ideas of them chiefly from what we find practised in the Eleusiniau. Nor need we fear to be mistaken ; the end of all being the same, and all having their common original from Egypt. Herodotus, Diodorus, and Plutarch, who collect from ancient testimonies, expressly affirm, and in this all antiquity concurs, that the Eleusinian mysteries particularly retained the very Egyptian gods in whose honor they were celebrated.
Mysteries of Free Masonry, pp. 106, 133.
17. Says Mr. King: “There is every reason to believe that, as in the East, the worship of Serapis was at first combined with Christianity, and gradually merged into it with an entire change of name, not substance, carrying with it many of its ancient notions and rites; so in the West a similar influence was exerted by the Mithraic religion." And as there is no account of their decline, many have supposed that the worship of, and faith in, Mithras had survived down to comparatively modern times. Mysteries, p. 17.
18. Egypt has always been considered the birthplace of the Mysteries. It was there that the ceremonies of initiation were first established. It was there that truth was first veiled in allegory, and the dogmas of religion were first imparted under symbolic forms.
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES. 57
This system of symbols was disseminated through Greece and Rome and other countries of Europe and Asia, giving origin, through many intermediate steps, to that mysterious association which is now represented by the institution of Free Masonry. Mackey, p. 242.
19. The Isiac Mysteries would seem to be the First Degree among the Egyptians. The Second consisted of the Mysteries of Serapis. Of their nature we know scarcely anything. In the Mysteries of Osiris, which completed the series of Egyptian esoteric teaching, the lesson of death and resurrection were symbolically conveyed; the legend of the murder and restoration of Osiris was displayed to the affiliate in a scenic manner. Royal Masonic Cyclopoedia, pp. 188, 189.
20. The First Degree, as we may term it, of Egyptian initiation was that into the Mysteries of Isis. The Mysteries of Serapis constituted the Second Degree of the Egyptian initiation. In the Mysteries of Osiris, which were the consummation of the Egyptian system, the lesson of death and resurrection was symbolically taught; and the legend of the murder of Osiris, the search for the body, its discovery and restoration to life is scenically represented. Mackey, pp. 242, 243.
21. Samuel L. Knapp, Esq., in a work entitled "The Genius of Masonry," says: " Behind this veil of Isis I have long thought was concealed our Masonic birth. I now fully believe it." Mysteries, p. 121.
22. “The Mysteries of Osiris," says Heckethorn, “formed the Third Degree, or summit of Egyptian initiation."
23. In these, the legend of the murder of Osiris by his brother Typhon, was represented, and the god was personated by the candidate. Secret Societies of all Ages and Countries, vol. i, p. 75; Gould, iii., 249.
24. Apuleius (Met., book xi.), who had been initiated into all the Mysteries, speaks of those of Isis in the following way: "The priest, all the profane being removed to a distance, taking hold of me by the hand, brought me into the inner recesses of the sanctuary itself, clothed in a new linen garment. I approached the confines of death and having trod on the threshold of Proserpine, I returned therefrom, being borne through all the elements. At midnight I saw the sun shining with its brilliant light; and I approached the presence of the gods beneath, the gods above, and stood near and worshipped them. Behold I have related to you things of which, though heard by you, you must necessarily remain ignorant."
"This happy moment (de l' autopsia) was introduced," says Dupuis, “by frightful scenes, by alternate fear and joy, by light and darkness, by the glimmer of light, by the terrible noise of thunder, which was imitated, and by the apparitions of spectres, of magical illusions, which struck the eye and ears all at once." Royal Masonic Cyclopoedia, p. 188; Mysteries, p. 144; also see Moore's Epicurean.
25. Dupuis says, in his "Recherches sur les Initiations:" "They exercised the candidates to cross by swimming a large extent of water; they threw them into it, and it was with great difficulty that they extricated themselves. They applied a sword and fire to their bodies; they made
58 ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIES AND MYSTERIES.
them pass over flames. The aspirants were often in considerable danger, and Pythagoras, we are told, nearly lost his life in the trials. It was also at the same period that they celebrated the Pyrrhic or fire dance. And this illustrates the origin of the purification by fire and water, for having denominated the tropic of Cancer gate of heaven and of heat or celestial fire, and that of Capricorn gate of deluge or of water, it was imagined that the spirits of souls who passed through the gates on their way to and from heaven, were scorched or bathed ; hence the baptism of Mithra and the passage through the flames, observed throughout the East long before." Mysteries, p. 147.
26. Volney says: "The truly grand tragedies, the imposing and terrible representations, were the sacred Mysteries, which were celebrated in the greatest temples in the world, in the presence of the initiated only. It was there that the habits, the decorations, the machinery were proper to the subjects; and the subject was, present and future life."
27. Confession was one necessary preparative for initiation. Those who were initiates also gave further security for their discretion; for they were obliged to make confession to their priests of all the most private actions of their lives; so that by this means they became the slaves to their priests, that their own secrets might be kept. It was upon this sort of confession that a Lacedemonian, who was going to be initiated into the Mysteries of Samothrace, spoke roundly thus to the priest: " If I have committed any crimes, surely the gods are not ignorant of them." Another answered almost after the same manner, "Is it to you or to God we ought to confess our crimes?" “It is to God," says the priest. "Well then, retire thou," answered the Lacedemonian, "and I will confess there to God." These Lacedemonians were not very full of the spirit of devotion - to man. Hist. of Oracles, p. 114, London, 1688, edit. ; also Mysteries, p. 153.
28. The Scholiast on the Range of Aristophanes says : "It was a universal opinion that he who had been initiated into the great Mysteries should obtain divine honors after death." Again, Isocrates affirms (Panegyr.): "The mysteries teach the initiated to entertain the most lively hopes touching death and immortality." Cicero also (De Leg., 1, ii., c. 14) praises these institutions for the same thing : "From them," says he, "we not only reap the advantage of greater happiness in this world, but we are instructed to hope for a better existence hereafter." Oliver, in Historical Landmarks of Free Masonry, vol: ii., p. 100.
29. They used as significant emblems the Theological Ladder; the triple support of the universal lodge, called by Masons Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty; the point within a circle, and many other legitimate emblems of Masonry; they used the same form of government, the same system of secrecy, allegory, and symbolic instructions, all tending to the same point, the practice of moral virtue. None were admitted without previous probation and initiation ; the candidates were bound by solemn oaths, united by invisible ties, taught symbols, distinguished by signs and tokens, and compelled, by a conscientious adherence to the rules of the order they professed, to practise the most rigid morality, justice toward men, and piety to the gods. Oliver, in Signs and Symbols
30. To disclose the Mysteries was a heinous offence, and the offender if caught was
ANCIENT SECRET SOCIETIF_S AND MYSTERIES. 59
doomed. The betrayers of the Mysteries were punished capitally and with merciless severity. Diagoras, the Melian, had revealed the Orphic and Eleusinian Mysteries, on which account he passed with the people as an atheist, and the city of Athens proscribed him and set a price on his head. The poet Aeschylus had like to have been tore in pieces by the people on the mere suspicion that in one of his scenes he had given a hint of something in the Mysteries.
31. The names of the Cabiri, with their significations, are thus given in Anthon's Class. Dictionary: Axieros is said to have signified in Egyptian tire All-powerful One; Axiokersos is made to denote the Great Foundator; Axeokersa is consequently the Great Fecundatrix; and Casmilus, he who stands before the Deity, or he who beholds the face of the Deity.
Mysteries, p. 59.
32. "Nor was it at Athens only that the worship and Mysteries of Isis, metamorphosed into Ceres, were established. The Boeotian worshipped the Great or Cabiric Ceres, and the ceremonies and traditions of their Mysteries were connected with those of the Cabiri in Samothrace. So in Argos, Phocis, Arcadia, Archia, Messenia, Corinth, and many other parts of Greece, the Mysteries were practised, revealing everywhere their Egyptian origin. Albert Pike, in Review; also see Rev. A. C. Arnold's History of Secret Societies; Bishop Warburton on the Mysteries; Oliver's History of Initiation ; Apuleius Metamorphoses.
33. Ruins of ancient temples have been discovered in which the secret arrangement for
carrying on the ceremonies of initiation were found complete. A temple of Isis which had these secret chambers has been uncovered at Pompeii, and now lies open to the day. Some English explorers who examined the ruins of the Temple of Eleusis discovered many evidences of the fact that the lower part had been arranged for secret ceremonies, there being deeply indented grooves to receive the pulleys which were probably used in the Mysteries to raise “a moving floor " with places for wedges, to fix it immovable at the desired height. There were also eight holes in blocks of marble raised above the floor; four on the right, and four on the left, adapted to receive pins of large dimensions. See Stellar Theology and Masonic Astronomy, p. 104.
34. In a room of the Temple of Tentyra the ceiling is divided into two compartments by a figure of Isis in very high relief. The wall of an adjoining room is covered with representations of an individual; first lying on a couch at the point of death, then stretched out lifeless upon a bier. Masonic readers will understand this without comment. Chambers 's Encyclopaedia, vol. iv., p. 295.
35. The signs of the zodiac portrayed in the centre of the roof of the Free Masons' Hall, London, are in accordance with the astronomical decorations of the ancient temples of Egypt. Celestial and terrestrial globes also compose a part of the Mason's emblems. Mysteries, pp. 97-99 ; Historical Landmarks, Oliver, p. 101.
36. As early as the twelfth dynasty the obelisk was invented and became an adjunct of the temple, its ordinary position being at either side of a doorway.
37. Religious laws and precepts were so numerous, so multiplied, that it was impossible to exercise a profession, or even to obtain subsistence and provide for one's daily wants, without having constantly present to the memory the regulations established by the priests.
38. The gods of the popular mythology were understood in the esoteric religion to be either personified attributes of Deity, or parts of the nature which be had created, considered as informed and inspired by him.
39. No educated Egyptian priest certainly, no educated layman, conceived of the popular
gods as really separate and distinct beings. All knew that there was but one God.
40. It was the universal belief that, immediately after death, the soul descended into the lower world and was conducted to the Hall of Truth (or " of the two Truths "), where it was judged in the presence of Osiris and the forty-two daemons, the "Lords of Truth" and judges of the dead. Rawlinson, vol. i., pp. 321-329 ; Ritual of the Dead, ch. cxxv. (Bunsen, vol. v., p. 252) ; Herodotus, ii., 37, 60.
41. The most ancient of profane historians, and he who speaks in the most learned manner of the religion of the Egyptians, is Herodotus. According to him the Egyptians were the first people in the world who erected altars to the gods, made representations of them, raised temples to them, and had priests for their service. Never was any people, continues he, more religious. Mysteries, p. 218.
42. The sacred texts taught that there was a single Being, “the sole producer of all things both in heaven and earth. Himself not produced of any," “the only true living God, self-originated," "who exists from the beginning," "who has made all things, but has not himself been made." Rawlinson, vol. i., p. 324.
From "The Illustrated History of Freemasonry"
61
CHAPTER II.
IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS.
Origin of Masonic Symbols, Astronomical and Mechanical; Their Original Signifacation.
LANGUAGE was at first, extremely crude and equivocal, so that people would constantly be at a loss, on new conceptions or unusual occurrences, to render themselves intelligible to one another.
This necessarily set them to supplying the deficiencies of speech by significant signs; therefore, in the primitive ages of the world, conversation was carried on both by words and actions; from this came the phrase " voice of the sign." Improving upon what had arisen from necessity, they naturally came to expressing their ideas by objects, symbols, and pictures, and what was obscure in them was rendered clear by the simplicity and propriety of the name given each piece.
The necessity of personifying the objects the Egyptians wished to paint also suggested the use of allegorical pictures. Furthermore, they at that time had no knowledge of writing otherwise than by delineating the figures of objects intended.
Subsequently, when language had become sufficiently intelligible for the ordinary affairs of life; the material accessories were dispensed with by all except the priests, who, perceiving the advantages of symbols in illustrating religious ideas, retained them, making such changes as would adapt them to their purpose. From this was developed the symbolism of the Sacred Mysteries.
A symbol is a sign or representation of something moral or intellectual age of material things. Another definition is that it is a visible * See notes 1, 2, 3, p. 86.
62 IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS.
sign by which a spiritual, feeling or idea is communicated or expressed. The sun is a symbol of Deity; the acacia is a symbol of immortality, and the lamb is a symbol of innocence and meekness.
The ancient Mysteries comprised a series of symbols, and what was spoken consisted of accessory explanations of the image or act. Deity, in his revelations to man; used material images for the purpose of enforcing divine truths. Christ taught by symbols and parables. The cross is the vital and impressive symbol of Christianity.
CABLE-TOW.
The Masonic term "Cable-tow" was derived from the Hebrew word Kha Ble Tu, his pledge * (see Ezekiel xviii., 7). In the ancient Mysteries the initiate was invested with a sacred sash, which was said to possess the power of preserving the wearer from danger. It consisted of a cord of three times three strands, twisted together and fastened at the ends. It was a symbol of the Triune Deity.
CIRCUMAMBULATION.
This word is derived from the Latin circum, around, and ambulare, to walk; therefore to walk around the altar or some sacred shrine. The rite of circumambulation was a prominent feature of the ceremonies of the Mysteries. T This rite was in imitation of the apparent course of the sun from east to west by way of the south, and was accompanied by the chanting of a hymn to the sun-god.
In ancient Greece, when the priests were engaged in the rites of sacrifice, they walked three times around the altar, commencing at the east, then toward the south, the west, the north, and then to their starting-point, always following the course of the sun.
Among the ancient Hindoos circumambulation was always practised and always moving with the sun-to the right.
* See Traditions, p. 29 ; Mackey, p. 136. t Notes 7, 8, pp. 86, 87.
IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS
63
THE APRON-LAMB-SKIN.
The lamb-skin, or white leather apron, was an article of paraphernalia, worn by the kings, priests, and scribes of Egypt. The apron of the king was of a prescribed and peculiar form, belonged exclusively to his rank, and was richly ornamented in front. The priests and the scribes, or hierogromats, likewise wore aprons appropriate to their sacerdotal functions.
MYSTIC APRON WORN BY THE KINGS OF EGYPT
When a candidate was initiated into the ancient Mysteries he was deemed regenerated and was invested with a white apron. The investment was very impressive and succeeded the communication of light. Since that time the lamb-skin apron has been used as an emblem of purity and distinction. With the ancient Essenes, the investiture of the apron formed an important part of the ceremony of initiation. It was the belief of the Essenes that purity and rectitude of conduct were most strikingly evinced by white raiment, particularly the white apron. When Aaron was consecrated he was invested with
64 IVAGE8, FIGURES, SYMBOLS.
an apron. Samuel was girdled with an ephod or apron. St. John the Baptist went girdled with an apron of white leather. The apron is frequently found on Egyptian monuments.*
THE TWENTY-FOUR INCH GAUGE
The twenty-four inch gauge was an Egyptian implement for measuring; it was also an emblem of a day divided into three parts, for labor, refreshment, and reflection and sleep.
THE NORTHEAST CORNER, AND THE CORNER-STONE
As it was the practice of the ancients to build their temples facing the east and lay the corner-stone at the northeast corner, it is believed that the cornerstone of King Solomon's Temple was laid at the northeast corner. Therefore the northeast corner has since been deemed the right place for the cornerstone of an edifice. t
The design, strength, and durability of the corner-stone are eminently symbolical. As the foundation and support of a massive building whose erection it precedes, it is, or should be, of material which will outlast all other parts of the edifice, so that when the ocean of time shall have overwhelmed all who were present at its laying, and the ruined edifice shall exhibit the ravages of centuries, the corner-atone will remain to tell, by its form, inscriptions, and deposit, that there once stood on that spot a building consecrated to a noble or sacred purpose by the zeal and liberality of men long since passed away. Likewise the durability of the corner-stone, in contrast with the decay of the building it helped to uphold, reminds the Mason that when his earthly tabernacle shall have passed away he has remaining a corner-stone of immortality-a spark from that Divine Spirit which pervades all nature, and which will survive the tomb and rise triumphant from the dust of death find the grave.
* Stellar Theology, p. 62 ; Mackey, p. 83 ; Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia, p. 48. t Stellar Theology, p. 78.
EYIAGES, FIGURES, Sr1'IBOIS. 65
THE LODGE - ITS FORM, LIGHTS, ETC.
The name, lodge, comes from the German, Hutten-loge; Italian, loggia; and the Anglo-Saxon logian, and signified huts or cabins in which the ancient Masons lived when engaged upon a piece of work.* The form of the Ma sonic Lodge is, however, copied from the Tabernacle; and the Tabernacle was copied by Moses from the Egyptian temples. t It was a double cube, an emblem of the united powers of darkness and light in the creation. King Solomon's Temple and the altar of incense were double cubes, therefore Masonic Lodges are, or should be, of the same form.
Lodges should be situated due east and west, because " the sun, the emblem and glory of God, rises in the east and sets in the west." All ancient Temples faced the east.
Allegorically, the dimensions of the Lodge are without limit, and "its covering no less than the clouded canopy or starry-decked heavens." A Lodge has three lights, situated east, west, and south. They are so situated "in allusion to the sun, which rises in the east, reaches the meridian in the south, and disappears in the west."
THE SQUARE
This implement and symbol originated in Egypt, its form being suggested by the division of a circle into four equal parts by lines drawn at right angles to each other. It was the Egyptian land measure, and it also became an emblem of justice, because by its aid the boundaries of land that were in dispute were adjusted and determined. There was an officer of justice who bore a square as an emblem of his office, and for use. The square was the first geometrical and artificial figure brought into use by operative masons.1
THE COMPASSES
The angle of 60° alludes to the zodiac, being equal to two signs thereof. Sixty multiplied by the sacred number, three, becomes 180-the dimensions of the Royal Arch; hence the Craft when using the compasses as a symbol, set them at an angle of 60.°
* Mackey, p. 472, 473. t Note 4, p. 86; Masonic world, vol. iv., No. 5. 1 Notes 5, 6, p. 86.
5
66 IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS.
THE LADDER OF SEVEN ROUNDS
One of the principal symbols of the ancient Mysteries was a ladder of se:-eii rounds or steps. "The seven stages or steps were colored so as to represent the seven planetary spheres, according to the tints regarded by the ancients as appropriate to the seven luminaries, the basement being black, the color assigned to Saturn; the next orange, Jupiter; the third a bright red, Mars; the fourth the golden hue of the sun; the fifth pale yellow, the hue of Venus; the sixth dark blue, Mercury; the seventh silver, the moon."
THE LADDER OF THREE ROUNDS
This symbol is but a modification of the ladder of seven rounds, and is of the same general signification.
IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS. 67
This mystic ladder leads, first, to the " Seven Stars," or Pleiades, in the constellation Taurus, at the golden gates of spring; thence onward and up. ward to the Royal Arch of heaven, emblematically teaching that by the ladder of virtue the soul will at last pass the " cloudy canopy," even to the inmost circle of 11 the starry-decked heavens."
In the Masonic system the three principal rounds of the ladder are de. nominated Faith, Hope, and Charity. This symbol in the Mysteries is, however, universally furnished with seven rounds.
MASONIC PAVEMENT
This pavement was originally used as flooring in Egyptian temples, and in other places where religious assemblies were held. It then represented the variegated face of the earth. The banqueting hall in the palace at Shushan was richly decorated with gold and silver, and was floored with a mosaic pavement of marble in four symbolical colors-red, white, blue, and black.
THE BLAZING STAR
says a learned writer, " refers to the sun, which lightens the earth with its refulgent rays, dispensing its blessings to mankind, and giving light and life to all things here below." This is the definition of the Blazing Star in the Grand Lodge of England.*
THE ASHLARS
represent the rough material and the finished work, both in a building and in a Mason.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
From a well-authenticated tradition we learn concerning St. John the Baptist that his father and mother died when he was quite young, and that lie was then adopted by the Essenes and finally became their Rabin. In that capacity he performed the duty of baptizing the initiates, and thus acquired the cognomen of John the Baptist. His stern integrity, continued preaching
*Notes 12, 13, p. 87.
68 IljIAGEs FIGURES, SYMBOLS.
against vice, and the unshaken firmness with which he met martyrdom rather than betray his duty to his master, made him a proper patron of the Masonic institution. The festival of St. John the Baptist occurs on the 24th of June.
ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST
The mystical nature of his apocalyptic visions and his constant cultivation of brotherly love are the principal reasons that commend him to the veneration of the Fraternity. The festival in his honor is celebrated on the 27th of December.
ST. JOHN THE ALMONER
was the son of the King of Cyprus, and was born on that island in the sixth century. Early in life he gave up his prospects of succeeding his father on the throne, and went to Jerusalem, where he united with the Knights in works of charity; and to increase his facilities in this direction he erected a hospital for the accommodation of sick and indigent pilgrims. Ronne canonized him under the name of St. John the Almoner, or St. John of Jerusalem. The days of his festival are January 23d and November 11th. St. John the Almoner was selected by the Knights Templars as their patron.
THE POINT WITHIN A CIRCLE
represents the earth as the centre around which the sun appears to annually revolve among the constellations of the zodiac. The parallel lines are the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. The summer solstice is on the 21st of June, and the winter solstice on the 21st of December. These points are always marked by two parallel lines representing the tropics, as may be seen on any terrestrial map or globe.
Most of the ancient nations, when viewing the heavens, considered the east, the direction of the rising sun, as the starting-point. Consequently, the left hand would be north and the right hand south.
This ancient custom accounts for the fact that in this symbol the two lines representing the tropics are placed in a perpendicular instead of a horizontal position. In the Indian cave-temples the circle is found actually in-
IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMB0LS 69
scribed with the signs of the zodiac, in accordance with the practice of the ancients. Which is the most probable, that the Masons of the Middle Ages invented a symbol like this, suggested by their art, or that they inherited or adopted it from Eastern sources?
Another explanation is, that the point within the circle represents the Supreme Being; the circle indicates the annual circuit of the sun; and the parallel lines mark the solstices within which the circle is limited. The Mason who subjects himself to due bounds in imitation of that great luminary will not wander from the path of duty.
THE WINDING STAIRS
There are two versions of the origin of this legend. The first is principally derived from I. Kings vi., 5, 6. The second is the astronomical version.*
The seven signs of the zodiac, from the vernal equinox to the first point of Scorpio, which wind in a glittering curve about the heavens, is emblematic of seven winding steps, leading to the place where corn, wine, and oil are brought forth to reward the husbandman. The sun reaches Aries on the 21st of March and Scorpio the 21st of October, passing successively through Seven emblematic steps, corresponding with the ancient version of the Fellowcraft legend; also with the " seven semicircular steps " of the ancient 11 tracing-board " mentioned by Dr. Oliver.
In reference to the " winding stairs " conducting 'between the two pillars of the porch, Oliver further says: " The equinoctial points are called pillars because the great semicircle, or upper hemisphere, seems to rest upon them."
THE PILLARS AND GLOBES
Boaz is derived from Bo, and az, fire-the sun, the great morning fire. Jachin was derived from Jarac, the moon. t
The primitive signification of the words Jachin and Boaz will also be seen from Psalms lxxxix., 36, 37, speaking of David: " His seed shall endure for
* See Mackey's Symbolism, chapter xxvi. ; also, Stellar Theology, pp. 56-57.
t See Macoy's Cyclopaedia, p. 246; Josephus, in Antiquities, Book viii., chapter iii., and note; Psalms xix.; and Gen. i., 14; Isaiah xi., 12; the Apocalypse xx., 9 ; also Mackey's Symbolism, chapter xiii. ; Stellar Theology, pp. 75, 76; also Dr. Adam Clark.
70 IMAGES; FIGURES, SYMBOLS.
ever, and his throne as the sun before me. It shall be established forever as
the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah."
It will be noticed in the text of I. Kings vii., 21, and in II. Chi-on. iii., 17, that only the names of those Pillars are given, and without any authentic explanation as to their significance; as " He shall establish," " In it is strength," are translators' notes, and at best can have only a collateral signification. That neither of the Globes would have been designed to represent the earth the following will show.
At the era of the building of King Solomon's Temple the world was supposed to be of an oblong form-a double cube. This was the belief of the Rabbins and the most enlightened of the Jewish nation, not only at that period but for centuries after.
The same description applied to representations of the face of the heavens, which, according to the belief of the ancients, was of the same form and size of the earth ; the earth being the base, the sky or heavens the upper surface.
That the Globes represented the sun and moon will further be seen from a Masonic medal struck in 1798.*
From the foregoing it appears that the Pillars and the Globes must be considered collectively, and that they were symbols of Deity and his attributes. The Sun, as previously shown, was among all the ancient nations the emblem of God. The Moon was an emblem of wisdom, while the Pillars, with their crowning ornaments, were symbols of strength and beauty.
Further, from the definite description given in the Bible, in I. Kings vii., 15-24 ; II. Chron. iii., lei-17; Jer. iii., 21, 22, it is evident that they were made after Egyptian models. The "lily-work" on the capitals corresponded with the lotus-headed capitals of Egyptian architecture. The pomegranate was also a product of Egypt. The pomegranate-tree, with its beautiful fruit, is often seen on Egyptian sculptures.
THE LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
In an ancient Masonic manuscript the origin of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences was attributed to Euclid in the following: " He commensd yn the
* See Macoy's Cyclopeedia-Medals.
IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS. 71
synes seven; gramatica ys the furste synes, y-wysse, dialectia the secunde so have y blysse, rethrica the thyrdde without nay, musica ys the fourthe as yow say, astromia ys the v., by my snowte, arsmetica vi., without dowte, gemetria the seventhe maketh an ande." "'
A record preserved in the Bodleian Library thus alludes to the arts in. vented by the Masons: " Whatte artes haueth the Maconnes techedde mankynde?"
11 Ans. The antes, architectural astronomia, geometri, numeres, musica, poesie, kymestrye, governmente, relygonne, and agricultura."
“How cometh the Maconnes more teachers than other menue?"
“Thehemselfe haueth alleine in arte of fyndynge new artes, whyche art the fyrste Maconnes receaud from Godde ; by the whyche they fynde the whatte antes hero plesethe and the treu way of techynge the same."
THE LEGEND OF EUCLID
Euclid, being master of the liberal sciences, was consulted by the rulers of Egypt as to the best way of increasing the resources of the country so as to meet the demands of the rapidly increasing population for sustenance. His advice was that the intelligent sons of the nobility should be instructed in the liberal sciences, especially in geometry. This advice was immediately acted upon, and Euclid was empowered both to teach those young men the necessary arts and to superintend their labors after they became proficient. To render his plan more complete and acceptable to the rulers, he gave his skilled band charges that they should be loyal to the King and to the Lord for whom they worked, that they should call each other brother, and that the wisest and most skilled among them should be selected as Master.
THE EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE, LETTER G
The Triangle is the true symbol of the Masonic science, geometry, for without a knowledge of its properties and use that science is impossible.
The Triangle is the same in form as the ancient Egyptian D, and the Greek delta, or letter D, and the equilateral triangle in the Greek tongue, *'Masonic Register, p. 30-Halliwell MS.; Mitchell vol. i., p. 177.
72 IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS,
as well as in other ancient languages, was the initial letter of the name of Deity. In the time of Pythagoras, oaths of importance were administered on the equilateral triangle, by which the name of God was directly invoked.
In the Middle Chamber of King Solomon's Temple, in plain view of all who entered, was a triangle, in which was inscribed ~, signifying the ineffable name. The triangle with a Yod in the centre was also one of the original symbols of Free Masonry; but finally the explanation of this symbol was lost, and the initial of the English word " God," took its place, and a new explanation given.
As architecture could not be carried on without a knowledge of geometry, and G being the initial letter of that word, it also came to be a part of the Masonic signification of that letter.*
SIBOLA - SHIBBOLETH
The Eleusinian Mysteries, being derived from the Mysteries of Isis, were known to the Greeks by the name of Ceres, also Cybele. Ceres was the Goddess of Harvest, and, like the beautiful virgin of the zodiac, was repre. sented bearing spears of ripe corn. Isis, in the Egyptian zodiac, occupied the place of Virgo, and was represented with three spears of wheat in her hand.
The Syrian name for an ear of corn was sibola, identical with shibboleth, which the Ephraimites pronounced sibboleth-nearly correct. This word also signified " a stream of water." A sheaf of wheat near a river was one of the emblems of the Eleusinian and Dionysian Mysteries. The river originally referred to was the Nile, whose overflow enriched the soil and brought forth the harvest of Egyptian grain, which was at that time symbolically represented by the ears of corn (wheat) hanging by a river. This version of the emblem is much more rational than the tradition describing the brutal slaughter of forty-two thousand men by a barbarian, who offered up his own innocent daughter as a burnt offering. Would the Guild Masons of the Middle Ages have been likely to invent such an emblem?
The CORNUCOPIA, or Horn of Plenty, alludes to the constellation Capri* See Mackey, p. 379; Stellar Theology, p. 71.
IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS. 73
cornus - to the arrival of the sun among the star's of that constellation. At that time the fruits of the earth - Corn, Wine, and Oil, have been gathered in and stored, so that although the frosts of winter come to destroy vegetation, the husbandman is still blessed with plenty.*
Another explanation is, that Bacchus, with other mythological deities, being attacked by Typhon, they at once assumed different shapes and plunged into a river, Pan, or Bacchus, leading the way, the part of his body which was under water taking the form of a fish, and the other part that of a goat. This god presided over the flocks and herds; be was also the god of plenty. Subsequently, the Horn of Capricornus, the Goat, became a symbol of plenty.
THE BROKEN COLUMN
Rhea was represented as Coelus and Terra, daughter of Sky and Earth. She was also represented as the mother of Jupiter, and the wife of Saturn, with his Scythe, or Time. In the Dyonysian Mysteries, Dyonysius, identical with Osiris, is represented as being slain.
Rhea, identical with Isis and Virgo, goes in search of his body, which she at last finds, and causes it to be buried with great honors.
In the left hand Virgo holds a spear oŁ ripe wheat, for which Masons have substituted the sprig of acacia, as an emblem of immortality. Her right rests on the broken column, because the ancients figured Virgo, under the name of Rhea, with her right hand resting on a column. t
THE TROWEL
This was one of the first implements used by the ancient craftsmen in Egypt. A Trowel and Square were found under the pedestal of the ancient Egyptian Obelisk when it was taken down at Alexandria a few years since, to be brought to this country.
THE THREE RUFFIANS
in the tragedy of the Third Degree are the three autumnal months-the end of the year. The mystical Hiram, the Sun, was said to be slain by these
* Note 14, p. 88. t Stellar Theology, pp. 68, 69.
74 IMAGES, .FIGURES, SYMBOLS.
three months, which he successively meets on his way to the winter solstice, or southern quarter of the zodiac; and on the 23d of December, the shortest day in the year, the Sun was said to lie dead, buried beneath the rubbish of the dead vegetation of summer, in the midst of which, however, still blooms the evergreen, emblematic of spring-renewed life.
In Egypt the search for the slain Master, Osiris, the Sun, was said to be carried on by Isis, and in Syria by twelve Fellowcrafts, representing the twelve signs of the zodiac, and it was found by Aries, the first of the three western signs. Proceeding west, the next sign after Capricorn is Aquarius, the Waterman, anciently known as the Sea-faring Man, and this is also the next to the three western signs, the three Fellowcrafts, who are searching for the three Ruffians, the autumn months.
The month of April is represented by the Junior Warden, who fails to raise the body as April fails to raise the sun. May represents the Senior Warden, who also fails to raise it.
June is represented by the Master, who raises it-as June raises the sun to its highest elevation of the year.*
THE LION'S PAW
This emblem was found in the sarcophagus of one of the great kings of Egypt, entombed in the pyramid erected to his memory. It brings to mind the representation of the king's initiation into those greater mysteries of Osiris held to be the highest aim of the wise and devout Egyptian."
The emblem may be thus explained: The form that lies dead before the altar is that of
Osiris, the personified Sun God, whom the candidate represents in the drama of raising, lying dead at the winter solstice, slain by the grim Archer-November, the fatal month of the year, for the Sun. The figure of the Lion grasping the dead Sun God alludes to the constellation Leo, which prevailed 4,000 years ago, raised the Sun God to his place of power and glory on the summit of the grand royal arch of heaven at the summer solstice, and denoted then, as it does now, that the Sun and the candidate are raised from a symbolical death to life and power by the strong grip of the Lion's Paw, or, as it has later been termed, " the Lion of the tribe of Judah." * Notes 8-10, p. 87.
IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS. 75
The cross which the Lion holds in his other paw is the ancient Egyptian symbol of eternal life. The figure erect at the altar is doubtless that of the Grand Hierophant, with his hand raised in an attitude of command, forming a right angle, with eyes fixed upon the emblematic lion as he gives the sign of command that Osiris, or the candidate, be raised from death and darkness to light and life.*
From all of which it appears that the Lodge, its position, form, dimensions,
Lion's Paw.
lights, and furniture, also its principal officers, their stations and duties-the movements of the candidate, in fact, much of the important symbolism of Free Masonry have an astronomical significance and are of Egyptian derivation.
Masons are also instructed to travel toward the east in search of light, because the sun rises in the east and is the great source of light.
WISDOM, STRENGTH, AND BEAUTY
In the ancient mysteries these three pillars represented the great emblematical triad of Deity. In the Hindu mysteries, Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva were considered a triune god and designated " Tri Muti." Brahma was said to be the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Siva the Judge or Destroyer. Hence in their ceremonies the representative of Brahma was seated in the East, that of Vishnu in the West, and that of Siva in the South.
* See Stellar Theology, p. 48 ; note 15, p. 88.
76 IMAGES FIGURES, SYMBOLS.
THE ALL-SEEING EYE
The ancient Egyptians emblematically and hieroglyphically represented the Sun God, Osiris, by the figure of an open eye, emblematic of the sun, which from the midst of the heavens beholds all things, and by whose heat and light we are enabled to live and see.
This emblem was found engraved over the entrance to temples and tombs, and was peculiar to Omniscience.
THE ANCHOR
was stamped on ancient Syrian coins and signified Hope-hope fog security at the termination of a voyage, and hope for the happy life to come.
THE FORTY-SEVENTH PROBLEM OF EUCLID
The invention of this problem was attributed to the noted philosopher, Pythagoras.
THE HOUR-GLASS
was one of the first-known implements for measuring time. Its lesson is time past and future, the present being the point of union between the upper and lower cells. The Greeks held it as symbolic of Zeus-god of the present instant of time, as Kronos was of the past.
Clemens of Alexandria, describing one of the religious processions of the Egyptians, informs us that the Singer went forth bearing the symbol of music, and that he was followed by the Horoscopus bearing an hour-glass as the measure of time, showing that the hour-glass was one of the sacred astronomical emblems of the Egyptians.
THE SCYTHE
The scythe is an emblem of the great leveler - Time.
THE COFFIN
is an Egyptian emblem of the womb of the universe. The Egyptian coffin was usually inscribed with the history, creed, and character of the dead; a judgment on the life of the departed.
I1VAG-ES, FIGURES, 5 Yi't1BOLS. 77
THE ACACIA
is an emblem of a continuation of life while the rest of the vegetable world is dead or dying. It is also an-emblem of innocence. The species referred to is the sensitive acacia which shrinks from the touch, and therefore is a symbol of that innocence which shrinks from the rude touch of the world. The acacia is a native of Egypt and Syria; it is also the acanthus of Herodotus and Strabo.*
The thickets of acanthus, alluded to by Strabo, still grow above Memphis, at the base of the low Lybian hills. In going from the Nile to Abydos the traveller rides through a grove of acacia, once sacred to Apollo, and sees the canal traversing it the ,ame as when the geographer visited that city. (Wil. kinson's Ancient Egyptians, chapter vi.).
SIGN AND WORD OF MASTER MASON
The first sign of a Master Mason alludes to the sun, when raised to the third sign of the zodiac from the vernal equinox, the point of its brightest light. The Mason who has taken the third degree has attained an equal Masonic elevation.
MASONIC COLORS
1. Blue, azure blue, the color of the vast vault of Heaven, is symbolic of universal friendship. With the Egyptians, Chaldeans, Chinese, and the Druids, blue was a sacred color. It was the color of one of the Vails of the Tabernacle, also of one of the great Vails of the Temple.
2. Purple (red and blue combined). This was also the color of one of the Vails of the Tabernacle, and of the great curtain over the entrance to the Holy of Holies in the Temple. In the American Rite, purple is symbolical of union, from the mixture of red and blue-Mark Master, Past Master, and Most Excellent Master.
3. Red-scarlet. As the image of fire it was used by the Egyptians to designate life, love, and zeal. Scarlet was the color of the third Vail of the Tabernacle, and one of the colors of the curtain of the Sanctuary of the Temple.
* Stellar Theology, p. 70.
78
IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS
4. White. This is one of the most ancient and most generally diffused of all the colors. In the Mysteries it constituted, as it does in Masonry, the investiture of the candidate. It has always had the signification of innocence and purity. In Egypt, the spirits of the dead were supposed to be clothed in white because that color was the symbol of the regeneration of the soul. The Essenes wore white robes.* Black has always been a symbol of mourning. Still the colors for mourning differ in different countries.
Yellow. This color was anciently symbolical of light - Divine light.
Green. With the Egyptians this color symbolized the Creator, Preserver, and Instructor of man.
ANCIENT SYMBOLISM
An evidence of the transmission of Egyptian symbols through the Gnostics the Azoth
Philosophorum of Basil in the seventh century. This piece is afforded by a singular engraving Valentine, a philosopher who flourished is mostly occupied by Masonic Symbolism. It shows a winged globe inscribed with a triangle within a square and compasses on which reposes a dragon. On the dragon stands a human figure with two heads, surrounded by the sun, moon, and stars. One hand of the figure holds a square, the other holds a In the globe is seen a point within a circle.
in
compass.
* Light, pp. 6, 10; Note 11, p. 32; Mackey's Cyclopaedia, p. 174, etc. f See Mackey, p. 789.
IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS
79
ASTRONOMY
To enable the reader to understand the relation of Masonic Symbolism to Astronomy, a sketch of the leading facts of that science will be given. As the attributes of God and the immortality of the soul are the most exalted and sublime of all truths, they could only be symbolized by the most glorious and sublime objects in nature-tire sun, moon, and stars. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork."
FIRST, THE ECLIPTIC
This is an imaginary circle in the heavens surrounding the earth, and rep. resents the apparent path of the sun each year among the stars.
THE ZODIAC
is a belt of stars, extending 8° on each side of the ecliptic, and is therefore 16° wide. This glittering belt is a complete circle of 360° in circumference, divided into twelve equal parts of 30°, each marking the place which the sun occupies during each of the twelve months of the year. Each division of the zodiac is marked by a separate group of stars, called a constellation. Each constellation was named after a certain " living creature,," originally emblematic of the month in which the sun enters that constellation.
The word zodiac was derived from the Greek zodiakos, from zo-on, an animal, compounded directly from the primitive Egyptian zo, life, and on, a being.
THE TWELVE CONSTELLATIONS
Aries, the Ram ; Leo, the Lion ; Sagittarius, the Archer;
Taurus, the Bull ; Virgo, the Virgin ; Capricornus, the Goat ;
Gemini, the Twins ; Libra, the Scales ; Aquarius, the Waterbearer ;
Cancer, the Crab ; Scorpio, the Scorpion ; Pisces, the Fishes.
96
signs of the zodiac," and are as follows
These constellations are designated by certain characters, known as the signs of the zodiac," and are as follows -
80 IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS.
The sign Aries is a remaining representation of the head and horns of a ram. Taurus of the face and horns of a bull. Gemini denotes the twins seated side by side; the ancient statues of Castor and Pollux consisted of two upright pieces of wood united by two cross-pieces. Cancer still resembles the claws of a crab. Leo resembles a crouching lion. In Virgo the resemblance is lost. Libra is a picture of a scale-beam. The sign Scorpio displays the sting of that creature. Sagittarius, the Archer, is well represented by
his sign. Again in Capricornus the resemblance is lost. The sign Aquarius resembles the waves of the sea. In Pisces the resemblance of two fishes joined is seen.
In process of time, from convenience in writing, the original pictorial representations denoting the constellations were changed to the present arbitrary signs.
.
ARIES
Twenty-two hundred years ago this was the first constellation of the zodiac; but by reason of the precession of the equinoxes it is now the second. It is known by two bright stars, about 4° apart, which are in the horns of the ram.
TAURUS
is next to Aries in the zodiac, and is one of the most celebrated and splendid of all the constellations. The Pleiades are in Taurus. The face of the bull is known by five bright stars forming the letter V, called the Hyades: the most brilliant of these is Aldebaran, which is much used by navigators. The tips of the horns of the bull are indicated by two bright stars. The Pleiades shine brightly near his shoulder. Orion faces the bull, and is known by four bright stars which form a large parallelogram; in the centre of this is a diagonal row of stars, known as the belt of Orion. Two stars of the parallelogram indicate his shoulders, and two his feet. A line of smaller stars and a beautiful nebula form his sword. A short distance below Orion is the sun-star Sirius, the Sothis of the Egyptians. These two stars with Betelgeux, in the shoulder of Orion, form a nearly perfect and beautiful triangle whose sides are each 26°. They are frequently alluded to by Virgil in the " Georgics," and these constellations render this quarter of the heavens sublime and brilliant.
IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS. 81
GEMINI
is the next constellation in the zodiac, and its principal stars are Castor and Pollux.
They are of the first and second magnitude, and about 4 1/2° apart.
CANCER
is composed of a group of small stars of the third and fourth magnitudes.
LEO.
This is a beautiful and celebrated constellation. It is known by six bright stars situated in the neck and head of the lion, in the form of a sickle. One of its most brilliant stars is Regulus, and being situated almost exactly in the ecliptic, it is of great importance to navigators in determining their longitude. The remarkable meteoric showers of November proceed from the constellation Leo.
VIRGO.
This is known as the beautiful virgin of the zodiac. She is represented as holding a spear of wheat in her left hand, marked by a brilliant star, called Spica. In the Egyptian zodiac Isis occupied the place of Virgo.
LIBRA
is represented by the figure of a person holding a pair of scales. This constellation contains four stars in the form of a quadrilateral.
SCORPIO
somewhat resembles the object after which it is named, and is very conspicuous in the evening sky of July.
SAGITTARIUS
the Archer, follows Scorpio, and is represented as half horse and half man, in the act of shooting an arrow from a bow. This constellation is composed of several bright stars in the form of an inverted dipper.
6
82 IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS.
CAPRICORNUS,
the Goat, is composed of fifty-one small stars.
AQUARIUS.
This constellation is represented by the figure of a man pouring water from a jar. The stars are small and unimportant.
PISCES.
This is also an unimportant constellation, and is represented by two fishes. The ancients also designated the sun, moon, and planets by hieroglyphic astronomical signs, as follows:
Sun, O. Mercury, Venus, Q. Saturn, T .
Moon, ~"- . Mars, d . Jupiter, 4.
All these signs have come down to us from remote antiquity.
The zodiac has four principal points, +, the two solstitial and two equinoctial points, which divide the circle of the zodiac into four equal parts, anciently marked by the stars
Fomalhaut, Aldebaran, Regulus, and Antares.
THE SOLSTITIAL POINTS
mark the extreme northern and southern limits of the movement of the sun. When the sun reaches his extreme northern limit, the summer solstice, it is in Cancer; and the winter solstice, or his southern limit, is in Capricornus. The distance of the sun north or south of the equator is called his northern or southern declination. When the sun reaches either solstitial point he begins to turn back toward the other, at first so slowly as to seem to stand still. For this reason these points are called "solstitial," from the Latin Sol, the sun, and sistere - stiti, to cause to stand. For convenience of explanation the sun is said to move north and south; but it is really the motion of the earth, first inclining toward the north pole and then toward the south pole. In June the sun enters Cancer, and on the 21st reaches his greatest northern
IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS. 83
declination. As the sun advances north his rays fall more vertically, and thus cause the change from winter and spring to summer in all countries north of the equator. This apparent movement of the sun from one solstitial point to another is the cause of the change of the seasons.
THE EQUINOCTIAL POINTS
are where the sun crosses the celestial equator, twice yearly in his circuit of the zodiac, at two opposite points, distant from each other 180°, and in time, six months. The point where the sun crosses in March, coming north, is called the vernal equinox; and the other, where he crosses in September, going south, is called the autumnal equinox. At these periods the days and nights are of equal length, and hence are called equinoctial points, from the Latin “aequus,” equall, and “nox,” night. These two points are in the signs Aries (m) and Libra (s1).
THE PRECESSION OF THE EQUINOXES.
In the movements of the planets a gradual change of place is constantly going on as to the point where the sun crosses the celestial equator. Therefore the sun does not cross the equator at the same place each, year, but crosses a short distance back of the point of his crossing the previous year. As a consequence, the equinoctial point is annually falling back at a uniform rate. Twenty-two hundred years ago the sun crossed the equator in the constellation Aries, but in the progress of centuries the place of the sun's crossing has fallen back 30°, so that it now crosses in the constellation Pisces.
The four cardinal points of the zodiac will, however, continue to be marked by the traditional signs ( ), without regard to the constellations which the sun actually enters at those periods; otherwise astronomers would not be able to register upon the face of the heavens the apparent movement of the stars. Although the equinoctial point is constantly falling back, yet, as it causes the stars apparently to advance, it is called the precession of the equinoxes.
The rate of this motion is but little more than fifty and a quarter seconds of a degree each year; it therefore takes the equinoctial point about 2,140 years
84 IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS,
to fall back a sign, or 30°, and a period of 25,791 years to make a complete revolution of the whole circle of the zodiac. As Plato taught that at the expiration of that period the world would. begin anew, it would be interesting to know when it first took its place in the planetary system.
The ancients began the year at the vernal equinox. Starting with the sun at that point and following his progress toward the north, on the 21st of June the summer solstice is reached--the longest day in the year-and the sun has then attained its greatest brilliancy.
Through the summer months his heat and power are at the greatest, but as he approaches the sign Libra, the autumnal equinox, the days begin to shorten, and in October and November they grow short and dark with great rapidity; and finally the cold and stormy winds herald the approach of winter. The sun's rays rapidly grow weaker, until Capricorn is reached at the winter solstice, December 21st-the shortest day in the year-death of the sun.* For the next two months the sun seems to lie dead in the cold embrace of winter-the origin of the death and resurrection scenes portrayed in the Egyptian and later Mysteries.
ANCIENT ASTRONOMY.
The Egyptians had made great progress in astronomy, geometry, and other sciences, even before the time of Menes. They " were also the first to discover the solar year, and to portion out its course into twelve parts." They "obtained this knowledge from. the stars."
Caesar had recourse to the Egyptian astronomer Sosigenes for the correction of the calendar. Plato ascribes the invention of geometry to the Egyptians. Herodotus also says: " Geometry first came to be known in Egypt, whence it passed into Greece" (book ii., chap. cix.). The Egyptians knew time true system of the universe. (Wilkinson's " Ancient Egyptians; Herodotus," book ii., chap. iv.)
Their knowledge of astronomy embraced the following facts: That the sun is the centre of the solar system, and that the earth and other planets revolve about it in fixed orbits.
That the earth is round and revolves on its own axis, thus producing day and night.
That the moon revolves about the earth, and that it shines by the reflected light of the sun. The calculation . * See Stellar Theology, pp. 24-31.
IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS. 80
of eclipses; the obliquity, of the ecliptic, and that the Milky Way is a collection of stars.
The power of gravitation, and that the heavenly bodies are attracted to a centre.
Pythagoras, who introduced the true system of the universe into Greece, received it from C+ nuphis, a priest of On, in Egypt.* Ideler says: " The Chaldeans knew the main motions of the moon with an exactness which induced the Greek astronomers to use their calculations for the foundation of a lunar theory."
Rawlinson also says : " We are informed by Simplicius that Calistlienes, who accompanied Alexander to Babylon, sent to Aristotle from that capital a series of astronomical observations, which he had found preserved there, extending back to a period 2234 B.C."
The Romans used Chaldean observations which extended back to 721 B. C. Diodorus Siculus says the Chaldeans attributed comets to natural causes, and could foretell their reappearance. He stated that their recorded observations of the planets were very ancient and very exact.
From their great proficiency in astronomy it follows that the ancients possessed the telescope, as the discovery of many of the astronomical facts known to the Egyptians and Chaldeans would be impossible without it. j
Layard, speaking of the discovery of a lens among the ruins of Babylon, says: "This lens was found in a chamber of the ruins called Nimroud. It is plano-convex, an inch and a half in diameter and nine-tenths of an inch thick. It gives a focus of four and a half inches from the plane side." Pliny says that in his time " artificers used emeralds to assist the eye," and that " they were concave, the better to collect the visual rays." I
* Rawlinson's Herodotus, Appendix to chapter vii., book ii., and authorities there quoted. t Stellar Theology, pp. 31-33.
$ Layard's Nineveh and Babylon, chapter viii., pp. 16, 17.
86 IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS.
NOTES FROM AUTHORITIES
1. Heckethorn, in his valuable work on the Secret Societies of all Ages and Countries, says: " From the first appearance of man on the earth, there was a highly favored and civilized race, possessing a full knowledge of the laws and properties of nature, and which knowledge was embodied in mystical figures and schemes, such as were deemed appropriate emblems for its preservation and propagation. These figures and-schemes are preserved in Free Masonry, though their full meaning is no longer understood by the fraternity. The aim of all secret societies was to preserve such knowledge as still survived, or to recover what had been lost. Free Masonry is the resume of the teachings of all these societies."
2. "The first learning of the world," says Dr. Stukeley, "consisted chiefly of symbols." Gould, i., p. 21.
3. According to Dr. Armstrong, the symbols and emblems of Free Masonry are divided into three different species: first, such as are derived from the various forms of the ancient Mysteries; secondly, such as are derived from the Mason's craft, as the Square and Compasses; and, thirdly, those which are derived from the Temple of Solomon, the East, the Ladder of Jacob, etc. Gould, iii., p. 229.
4. From an oration delivered by Frederick Dalcho, M.D., before the Grand Lodge of South Carolina, 1801: " It must be evident to every Free Mason, that the situation of the Lodge and its several parts are copied after the Tabernacle and Temple, and represents the universe as the Temple in which the Deity is everywhere present."
5. In the works of the oldest of the Chinese classics we find distinct allusions to the symbolism of the Mason's art. In the writings of Mencius (s.c. 280) it is taught that men should apply the Square, Compasses, and the Level, figuratively to their own lives, and if they would walk in the straight paths of wisdom, they must keep themselves within the bounds of honor and virtue. In Book VI, of his Philosophy, be says : "A Master Mason, in teaching his apprentices, makes use of the Compasses and the Square. Ye who are engaged in the pursuit of wisdom must also make use of the Compasses and Square." Gould, vol. i., pp. 22, 23.
6. The Masonic Square, the Level, and the Mallet, all carefully displayed upon the memorial of the Roman architect, shows how important a feature the mechanical practice of the art was considered, in estimating the calling to which the Master belonged. Gould, vol. i., p. 44.
7. "The Masonic Rite of circumambulation strictly agrees with the ancient one," and that as " the circumambulation is made around the Lodge just as the sun was supposed to move round the earth, we are brought back to the original symbolism" of the sun's apparent course about the earth. Mackey, Symbolism of Freemasonry, chap. xxi.
IMAGES' FIGURES, SYMBOLS. 87
8. In tile Indian Mysteries, the Candidate made three circuits around tile hall to the right, crossing each time when he reached the south, saying: " I copy tile example of the sun, and follow his beneficent course." Masonry has retained tile circuits but lost the explanation, which is: "That in the Mysteries the Candidate represents the sun, both in his course from east to west, and in his declination southward toward the reign of Typhon (darkness and winter) there to be slain figuratively, and after a brief period to rise again from the dead and commence his ascent northward," typical of a new life, a new year. Stellar Theology, p. 59.
9. "In the Mysteries all was astronomical, but a deeper meaning lay hid under the astronomical symbols. While the bewailing the loss of the sun, the Epopts were in reality mourning the loss of that light whose influence is life. The passing of the sun through the zodiac gave rise to the myths of the incantations of Vishnu, tile Labors of Hercules, etc.; his apparent loss of power during tile winter season, and the restoration thereof at tile winter solstice, to the story of tile death, descent into hell, and resurrection of Osiris and of Mithras." Heckethorn, Secret Societies of all Ages and Countries, vol. i., pp. 19, 20 ; Gould, vol. iii., p. 225
10. "The ancient Egyptians, says Julius Firmicus (Astron., lib. 2, c. 4.), divide each si;-n of the zodiac into three different sections ; and each section was under the direction of an imaginary being, whom they called Decan, or chief of ten. Among the Greeks, also, tile youths who served the tables were called diaconi, deacons; that is, ministers, attendants." Mysteries, p. 300.
11. Speaking of the ancient Priesthood, Dupuis says: "The priests clothe themselves in white, a color assigned to Aromaze, the god of light."
That white as an emblem of purity and innocence descended to the aborigines of America is shown by tile fact that the Prophet who accompanied Black Hawk and other chiefs to Washington, as hostages for the faithful performance of the treaty made with their nation (1833), thus addressed the President: " Father, I have come this day clothed in white (pointing to his leather doublet), in order to prove that my intentions are of the most pacific nature, and (raising his hands to heaven) I call upon tile Great Spirit of myself and forefathers to witness the purity of my heart on this occasion." Mysteries, pp. 218, 219.
12. "The Blazing Star " must not be considered merely as the creature which heralded the appearance of T. G. A. O. T. U., but tile expressive symbol of that Great Being himself, who was described by the magnificent appellations of the Day Spring, or Rising Sun, the Morning Star, and the Bright and Blazing Star." Oliver, Symbol of Glory, p. 292.
13. In tile lectures revised by Dr. Hemming and adopted by the Grand Lodge of England, at the union in 1813, and now constituting the authorized lectures of that jurisdiction, we find the following definition: "The Blazing Star, or glory in the centre, refers us to the sun, which enlightens the earth with its refulgent rays, dispensing its blessings to mankind at large, and giving life and light to all things here below." Mackey, p. 117.
88
IMAGES, FIGURES, SYMBOLS.
14. Corn was employed in the elucidation of the Mysteries of Eleusis, dedicated to Ceres, hence popularly regarded as the Goddess of Agriculture, furnishing mortals with the `1 staff of life." Wine," the blood of the Sun," venerated by the ancients as a universal medicinal remedy for bodily ills, was a significant feature in the Mysteries of Bacchus, or the Deity of Prolific Fecundity. Oil was a substitute for water in the work of purification and consecration in all religious rites, memory of which is conserved in the title of Messiah, "The Christ, or the Anointed of the Lord." Masonic Chronicle, 1888, p. 266.
15. The twelve Fellowcrafts who were deputed for this service (search for Grand Master Hiram) represented the twelve signs of the zodiac; one of whom would be sure to find their Grand Master Hiram-the personification of Osiris, the Sun.
It may be remarked that the lamentations uttered for the death of the Grand Master Hiram is in exact accordance with the customs of the Egyptians, in their celebrations of the fabled death of Osiris, the Sun; of the Phoenicians, for the loss of Adonis, and of the Greeks, in their mystic rites of the Eleusinian Ceres.
The strong paw of the Lion wrests Osiris from the clutches of Typhon and places him in his wonted course, the archetype of the rising of Grand Master Hiram by the Strong Grip of Lion's Paw. Mysteries of Freemasonry, pp. 267, 281, 283, 284.
88
89
CHAPTER III
ARCHITECTURE.-MASONRY
Origin of the Builders' Art in Egypt.-Origin of the Pyramids and Obelisk. -Their Original Purpose.-Remarkable Revelations from the Interior of the Pyramids.-Tlee Hagnifacent Temple at Karnak.-Its Ruirts. Ancient Egyptian Houses.-Co?t-r.ye of Architectvre fi°om Egypt.-Origin of the Daffevent Styles.-Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Romanesque, SaraCeltic, etc.-Progress of Architectui-e Under the Colleges of Builders.
As the Egyptian Mysteries comprised religion, art, and science, architecture was associated \with religion from the first. Subsequently, upon the increased demand for the, services of architects, minor organizations of the Mysteries were established, and at points more and more remote from the old centre of .Egyptian worship. Into, those societies not only Egyptians but foreigners were initiated ; and in this way a knowledge of the Mysteries soon reached other countries, notably Greece and Rome. Thug religion and art came early to walk hand in hand : and among the fiat and grandest works of art were the temples of religion-expressions of the adoration of man for Deity.
Finally, when the Mysteries were generally discontinued, after Christianity had become the State religion of the Roman Empire, the architects who were iiiitiates in the Mysteries, in order to retain a monopoly of the higher secrets of their art, decided to keep up-perpetuate the old society, and from that date until the eighteenth century, architecture-masonry was the principal repositary of the religious elements of the Mysteries. Therefore we will now consider architecture, and trace its course from the banks of the Nile to Rome, where its connection with religion was fully disclosed in the colleges of builders, Nvho transmitted this union of science and religion to their successors, the Guilds.
00 ARCHITECTURE.-MASONR Y
In all inquiries as to the origin of Masonic institutions by writers who assign to it an ancient, or a comparatively modern, origin, architecture is necessarily the subject in and through which their investigations are principally carried on. And it is through this channel that the essentials of the institution have reached us.
The civilization of Egypt, being the oldest, the first advance in the builders' art was necessarily made by her people.*
The architecture of Egypt originated principally in the construction of the monumental tombs of its kings; the first being those of Aleydoun and Saccarah, in the first dynasty, in the second century of Egyptian history.
The Egyptians believing that the preservation of the body after death contributed to the duration of spiritual existence in the future life, conceived the idea of enbalming the dead and placing the bodies in repositories con strutted for pernianence. f The general form of their tombs ;-vas that of a truncated pyramid.
External embellishments were confined to the doorways or entrances, which were curiously carved and the lintels rounded. Door-posts were represented in stone on the sides of the doorway; an imitation of lattice Nvork appears above; and at the sides are alternate pilasters and depressions adorned with panelling.
The interior is often found to be elaborately decorated with colored basreliefs, representing either mystic ceremonies, or scenes of daily life.
It was but a small advance on the pyramidal tombs to conceive the idea of adding to their height, solidity, and durability, by the superimposition of further stories constructed on a similar plan. An example of this stage of construction is seen in the singular monument at llleydoun. This structure stands upon a rocky knoll, has a square base about 200 feet each way, and rises in three stages at an angle of 74° 10", to an elevation of nearly 125 feet.
The gratifying effect of elevation, gained by means of stages, and the increased durability by greater extent, soon suggested a larger structure. An example of this is seen at Saccarah, where stands an edifice similar in general clin.racter to that of Meydoun, but built in six instead of three stages; the stone decreasing in size from the first stage to the top of the pyramid. It i-+ * See notes 1, 2, 3, 4, pp. 146, 147. t See note 5, p. 147.
ARCHITECTURE.-MASONR Y 91
also considerably larger on the ground, and its altitude 75 feet higher than the Meydoun monument.
Beneath this pyramid, and almost under its apex, is a chamber paved with granite blocks, which, when discovered, contained a sarcophagus, and was connected with the external world by concealed passages_
Leading into a small chamber, is a doorway ornamented at the sides by green cubes of baked clay with enamelled surfaces, alternating with blocks of limestone. On the lintels which covered the doorway, at the top, were hieroglyphics.
A PYRAMID BEFORE ITS SIDES WERE FINISHED.
The next thing that would naturally suggest itself to an artistic mind would be the external finish, by smoothing the exterior, either by cutting down the angles of the stages to a uniform level, or by filling up the spaces between the top of each step and the side of the succeeding one ; both of which plans the Egyptians subsequently followed.
The next advance in the size of these structures is found in one of the pyramids of Ghizeh. It exceeds the Saccarah structure in its height by eigh teen feet. It was built in steps or stages, like the Saccarah monument. The lower half of the pyramid was covered with several layers of a beautifid red granite, bevelled at the joints.
*Note 7, p. 147. See Bunsen, Egypt's Place in Universal History, vol. ii., p. 166; RaWlin-,OD, vol. i., pp. 190 to 217; Fergusson, vol. i., P. 100.
9 2 -zI R CHITEOT UR E-MAS'O-VR Y.
Under the apex, sunk down in the native rock on which the pyramid stands, is a series of chambers, in one of which was found the sarcophagus of the monarch whom tradition pointed out as the builder of the monument.*
The roof of this chamber was composed of huge blocks, set obliquely and extending front the side walls, on which they rested, to the centre, where they met at an obtuse angle. (The incipient arch.) The granite slabs covering the sides were fastened to the rock and to each ether by iron clamps, two of which were found in sit-a.
This sarcophagus was remarkable. With the exception of the lid, it Nvas formed of a block of blue-black basalt, and still exhibited marks of the saw which was used in quarrying it. At the ends were reproduced doorways, which were imitations of woodwork, while the sides represented the facade of a palace. The dimensions of the sarcophagus were 8 feet long, 3 feet high, and 3 feet wide. It was carved and polished with great care, and was a beautiful object.
Passing over the many intermediate pyramids, we come to the great pyramid of Ghizeh, the largest edifice which the world contains. It is 200 yards northeast of the second pyramid.
Its original height is estimated it 485 feet, or higher than fit. Pam's, London. The length of its side was 764 feet, and its area a little over thirteen acres.t
The stones in the lowest course were 30 feet in length, by 5 feet in thickness, but as in the other pyramids, they decreased in size in the different courses, until at the top they were only• 18 inches thick.
In the middle of its northern front is an entrance front the thirteenth stage up from the base, which conducts by in incline to a subterranean chamber; deep in the rocks, and nearly under the apex of the pyramid. This chamber° measures 46 feet by 27, and is 11 feet high. The passage is so low and narrow that it is necessary to creep through it in a stooping position. Over the entrance are two stones, placed at an angle which meet at the top, so that they support each other and act as an arelb by supporting the superincurnbent masonry. This construction continues along the passage until it enters the
*Rawlinson, vol. i., note 3, p. 197.
t See note 6, p. 147; also Rawlinson, vol. i., p. 204.
AR CHITECT L'BE.-MASONIC Y 95
reek at a distance of about 40 yards from the outside. It continues on through the rock in the same line 70 yards, then horizontally 9 yards to a subterranean chamber.
Again, at the distance of 21 yards from the entrance, an ascending passage leads from the descending one 124 feet toward the heart of the pyramid, then divides, and a low horizontal gallery, 110 feet long, leads to a room called the " Queen's Chamber," which is 19 feet by 17 in size, and is roofed in with sloping blocks at a height of 20 feet in the centre. Proceeding again, in the line of the ascending passage, a longer and much loftier gallery is reached, which is joined by a short passage to the great central chamber, where was found the sarcophagus of Cheops, or Khufu. The dimensions of this chamber are 34 feet by 14 feet in height. It is wholly composed of granite, and is beautifully polished.
In the construction of the chambers and passages of these pyramids, the Egyptian architects exhibited great skill and technic powers.*
Near the base of the great pyramid are found numerous tombs, whose walls bear the cartouche of the same ring-Suphis. His name was also found in one of the chambers of the great pyramid. These are adorned with paintings so artistic as to enable us to fully realize the state of ancient Egyptian society. Still more striking than the paintings are the portrait statues which have recently been discovered; nothing more realistic has been achieved since the invention of photography.t
THE GREAT TEMPLE AT KARNAK-ITS WONDERFUL RUINS.
This immense edifice was commenced by Sesostris-Osortasen, of the Twelfth Dynasty, 2435 B.c., who erected a sanctuary here. Then came the Shepherd domination, which lasted over five centuries, after which the work was resumed, and prosecuted by successive monarchs-Amenophis, Thotmes I., Thotmes HL, Maneptha, Rhamesis the First, and the Bubasite Kings, until completed-occupying many centuries of time; each century contribut. ing its advance in art; so that when completed, it fully exemplified the culurination of Egyptian architecture.
* Notes 8 and 9, pp. 147, 148. t Note 13, p. 148.
i
96 AJ~CHITECTUli'E.-HASONR Y.
The grand entrance was througli a long avenue of Crio sphinxes facing each other. This led to a portal between two lofty pylons, one of which re. mains nearly complete, and is 135 feet high. The portal led into a great colu-t, which was supported by round pillars and a double line of columns clown the centre. This court and the corridors are 275 feet long by 329 feet wide-comprising an area of over 90,000 feet.
Adjoining, and forming a hart of the Great Temple, was a shrine or sanctuary, 160 by 80 feet. This was ornamented throughout with sculptures and inscriptions which exhibit great skill and care in their execution.*
On the side of the court facing the great entrance were two more pylons eve]] higher than the first, and from them projected two masses like the antoe of a portico, between which a flight of seven steps led up to a vestibule 50 by 20 feet. From this, a broad and lofty passage conducted to the hypostyle
hall, the climax of this vast edifice. Its length was 340 feet by 170 feet in width.
This superb hall was supported by massive and beautiful columns (see illustration), which were divided into three groups. Twelve columns, each 66 feet high and 11 feet in diameter, formed the main or central avenue, while each of the great wings was supported by 61 smaller columns.
These were arranged in seven rows of seven columns in a row, and two rows of six each ; making the internal area of this hall 56,000 feet, and the -area externally of the main edifice over 90,000 feet.
The main avenue was illumined by light from the Clerestory-light as bright as from the noonday sim, but without its heat. The arrangement of the columns in the wings was such, that they appeared to be gradually fad ing into obscurity, and finally lost in space. This, with the massiveness and beauty of the form-,, and the brilliancy of their colored decorations, demonstrated the astonishing possibilities of the science of architecture.
Projecting into the great hall was a vestibule enclosed by thick walls, flanked at the angles by square piers. Beyond this was a long corridor, open to the sky, and on each side stood a lofty obelisk of rose-colored granite, covered with hieroglyphics.
* See note 12, p. 148; also Rawlinson, vol. i., pp. 230 to 241 ; and Fergusson, vol. i., pp. 118 to 121.
Apt, CHITE'CT UPE.-MASONIP Y.
Still further on was another vestibule, beyond which was a, cloistered court, 240 by 62 feet. Its roof was supported by square piers with colossi in
HALL OF THE GREAT TEMPLE, KARNAx.
front. Just inside of this court, on each side of the entrance, stood two more obelisks, 100 feet in height and 8 feet square at the base.
Proceeding again, anotlier short flight of stairs led up to a portal opposite 7
98 AR CHITECTUR.E.-MASONR Y.
to that at the main entrance of the cloistered court. This portal opened into a vestibule 40 by 20 feet, with a doorway in the middle of each side which conducted to the adytum.
This apartment was about 120 feet square and comprised a central hall of finely polished granite, 02 by 1>4 feet, 'Which was flanked on either side by a set of small apartments.
Both the large and small rooms were everywhere adorned with painted sculptures and hieroglypliical legends.
Passing from this, a porch or ante-room was reached, and from this room a doorway 8 feet wide led into the Holy Place, 20 by 14 feet, from which another passage of the same width as the last conducted into the Holy of Holies-the great objective point toward which all the arrangements of this immense temple tended.
This sacred place was 27 feet by 14, and its walls and ceiling were decorated in a manner appropriate to its purpose.
This sanctum sanctorum, with its inner and outer apartments, its porch and larger approaches, will suggest to both the Masonic student, and the student of Architecture, that this snperb Egyptian Temple was the prototype of the Temple of Solomon at Jerusalem. The old temple at Edfou, Upper Egypt, also affords important points of similarity to the Jewish Temple, so that there is no doubt but that the latter was copied from one or both of these edifices.
This immense structure, considered as a whole, presents the following remarkable particulars
Its length, outside of all, was 1,200 feet, and its width about 340-nearly an oblong, and giving an area of 396,000 feet. It comprised two great courts, one of which was colonnaded ; an oblong cloister, supported by piers, orna mented with colossi-two great pillared halls-one of them with its pylons covering more ground than the Cathedral at Cologne--the largest of all the northern cathedrals; and compared with this edifice, the mass comprising St. Peters and the Vatican is insignificant.
Altogether, this vast and magnificent edifice at Karnak was the crowning glory of Egyptian architecture, and in many respects surpassed the grandest achievements of the Mediaeval Craftsmen.
AR CHIZEC1'URE--MASOIVR Y. . 99
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN HousFs.
Among the pictorial representations which ornament Egyptian structures are illustrations of private residences. In one, there is a representation of the facade of a house, the centre, and two wings. The centre, which is higher than the rest, is crowned by a roof shaped like a truncated pyramid ; at the base of this is a projecting cornice, and below the cornice a plain \-all, through which is a door at the right hand corner. At the right of the door is a wing,
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SECTION OF AN EGYPTIAN HOUSE.
which consists of two stories, each ornamented with four pillars, forming in the one case a colonnade, in the other a gallery. The left wing is similar to the other, but shorter, and is ornamented with two pillars to each story. The wings have an architrave above the pillars, and are then crowned with a double cornice.*
Another picture exhibits the courtyard of a three-story mansion of much elegance, and apparently decorated for a festival. The central doorway is supported on either side by slender pillars representing a lotus-plant. Inside the doorway is seen a staircase, which conducts to the upper apartments. The
* Fergusson, vol. i., p. 131; Itawlinson, vol. i., pp. 258, 259.
100 A_R CHITECT URE.--MASONR Y.
staircase is represented as being carpeted, and having a mat at the foot of the first step. To the left is seen a doorway and three small windows protected by perpendicular bars. Over this rises a story built of wood or bricks, and broken by two windows, with the blinds drawn nearly to the bottom.
At the top is an open gallery with painted cornice, supported by four pillars. On the right of the main entrance the wall is plain, with the
- - - ._---~ -- .=-_ exception of a low door,
way. Above it a -drap
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EGYPTIAN HOUSE, WITH COURT.
ery or awning is seen. The next floor exhibits pillars at either end, and between them appears to be another awning. Above this is a range of short pillars supporting an upper gallery or half-story, but too low to have been inhabited. The front is crowned by a cornice painted in stripes of red, blue, and white, and resting at either end of the house on a lotus pillar.
GLASS.
Among the arts known to the Egyptians was that of making glass. From remains of glass articles, and from hieroglyphics, it appears that they were proficient in this manufacture at a very early period of their national existence. The process is represented in the paintings of Beni Hassan, exe
cuted in the reign of that monarch. Ornaments of glass have been found having the same specific gravity as that of English glass. Many glass bottles and vases have been found in the tombs, some of them of very remote
A.R CHITEOT URE-MASONIC Y. 101
antiquity. Such was their skill in this art that they successfully counterfeited the amethyst and other precious stones.
Winckelmann believes that glass was more generally used in ancient than in modern times, being used by the Egyptians even for coffins.
BABYLONIA.-ASSYRIA.
As early as 2000 B.C.,* the builders' art was sufficiently advanced in the Euphrates Valley to entitle it to a place in the history of architect-ire; this is demonstrated by the remarkable ruins recently discovered and uncovered at Wurka Mughear, Abu Shuhrein7 Kaleli Sliergat, at Khorsabad, Koyunjik, and Nimroud. In the mounds of these places the remains of structures have been found that are in many respects wonderful. This is especially true of the great observatory and palace at Khorsabad, the Temple, Birs Nimroud, and the palace of Ashurbanipal at Nimroud. The materials used were mostly sun-dried brick and alabaster slabs.
But of vastly greater importance than the architecture of this country, are the records-history engraved on- tablets-that were found near 'Where they bad once been systematically arranged around the halls of noted struct ures. These tablets supply a long stretch of ancient history that otherwise would have been lost.
Assyrian architecture may he said to have reached doNffn to the destruction of Babylon by Cyrus, 538 B.c.; yet the only impression it made on subsequent civilization was to the east and south of the Euphrates, as but little, if any, connection between it and western, or European, architecture has yet been proved.
Having now reached the domain of classical architecture, a definition of the term, and an explanation of its primary elements, are in order. Architecture, according to Webster, is the art or science of building. Another definition is : ornamental construction. Its primary elements are the Column, the Arch, and the Dome.
* Fergusson, vol. i., p. 150.
102 ARCHITECTURE.-T1Y.
COLUMNS.
The first dwellings of mankind were caves, and tents made of bark, and the skins of animals. The first improvement on this where timber was plenty, was wooden structures: either of logs laid horizontally one upon the other- log-houses-or buildings supported by posts; with posts for doorways, etc. Where timber was scarce, recourse was had to stone and brick. Therefore, the first pillars made of the durable materials might, or might not, have been suggested by the posts or pillars used in wooden buildings.
From the oldest of the rock-cut tombs in Egypt, the pillar can be traced from a plain pier to a Doric Column. At first it was a mere pier, square or rect angular; then the projecting angles were cut away, and the shape became octagonal; finally the octagon was rounded off into a circle. For greater strength and elegance, the base and entablature were added. Next, ornamentation was attempted, and that sort of fluting appears which subsequently characterized the Doric order of the Greeks.'
In the tombs of Beni Hassan, in Middle Egypt, there are pillars having sixteen shallow curved indentations, which are carried in straight lines from the top to the bottom of the columns, streaking them with delicate varieties of shade and lightadding greatly to their richness and effect.
RHAMESSION COLUMN, THEBEs.
There is another still more elegant column which is found occasionally in the early tombs, which deserves notice. This column imitates four reed or lotus stalks, bound with a ligature over the top, above which they swell out and form a capital. It ,vas sometimes delicately colored with streaks and bars of blue, and other colors, which rendered its appearance very effective.
* See Rawlinson, vol. i., pp. 219, 220; Fergusson, vol. i., p. 248.
i
AIRCRITECTURE-MASUNR Y. 103
THE ARCH; ITS ORIGIN.
The first appearance of the arch was in Egypt, in the arches: ~,,ofs of tombs, and small chambers, in the vicinity of the pyramids. The arch is also found in the chambers and passages in the pyramids, notably the third. As this pyramid was erected in the fourth dynasty, or nearly 3,000 years B.C., it places the arch among the first inventions of the ancient builders.'"
In the rear of the Rharnession, at Thebes, there are a series oy arches built of brick, and evidently of the same age as the building itself. In Ethiopia, the porches of some of the pyramids, built as early as the tenth century B.C., have arched roofs built of stone, in both the round and pointed forms.t Other early examples of the pointed arch have been found in the ruins of Khorsabad, in the arched gateways of that city. The facade of one, in particular, was beautiful, and all of these arches were constructed in accordance with the true principle of the arch. Just when or by whom the pointed arch was introduced in Europe, is uncertain, but all churches in Provence (France), from the time of Charlemagne to that of St. Louis, were vaulted, and the pointed arch was introduced by Abbot Suger, at St. Denis, in 1144.
THE DOME
Was invented by the Romans about 400 B.C. The Romans being familiar with the arch, its form suggested to them the Dome. It was first used in Italy as a roof for churches, but later it took its proper place as the crowning glory of temples and other edifices. This is illustrated by the Dome of the Pantheon, one of the grandest expressions of architecture in existence. Other noted domes are St. Peter's, Rome; St. Paul's, London ; St. Sophia, Constantinople ; St. Vitale, Ravenna ; San Marco, Venice; and the Capitol, at Washingg ton.
GRFCIAN ARCHITECTURE.
Tradition alleges that a colony of Egyptians under Cecrops were among the fiat settlers of Attica ; but the predecessors, if not the ancestors, of the
*Notes 10 and 11, p. 148; Rawlinson, vol. i., pp. 198-206.
t Hope, pp 122-146. $ Fergusson, vol. i., p. 448.
~ See Fergusson, vol. ii., pp. 436-438 ; Chambers, vol. iv., p. 504.
104 AR CHITfC7'UR-E.-MASONR Y.
Helenes were the Pelasgians (1184 B.C.),* and they were the first people to develop art in Greece. In consequence, however, of the length of time that has elapsed since the Pelasgic races ruled in that country, the architectural remains of their structures are few. The most remarkable of these yet discovered are the tombs of the kings of Mycenoe, which, in Homeric times, was one of the most important of their cities. The largest and most perfect of these tombs is that of Aretus. The largest chamber is 48 feet 6 inches in diameter, and was of the shape of a regular equilateral-pointed arch. The dome was lined internally with plates of brass or bronze, nails of which metals are now found there ; and the holes from which other nails have heen drawn, or have dropped out, are still to be seen all over the place.
Larrissa, Argos, and Ephyra, were three of their fortified cities. They
constructed dams, water-works, and canals that exhibited great skill. They were also familiar with navigation. Of their sculpture, the principal relics are the head of Medusa and the image of Orpheus.
Grecian architecture, however, as we kno\v it, first appeared at Corinth nearly under the Cypselidae (650 B.C. ), having undergone a great transformation in the meantime. On its reappearance it was no longer characterized by the ornate art of Myceme, but had assumed the characteristics of Egyptian art, and with more. than Egyptian massiveness.
Grecian architecture was originally divided into three styles: the Doric, Ionic, and the Corinthian. As the Doric art progressed the early massive forms gave place to more elegant and slender proportions.
The Doric was the order that the Greeks specially cultivated, so as to make it exclusively their own. When first introduced from Egypt, it partook of Egyptian solidity; but it gradually became attenuated to the lean form of the Roman order of the same name. The columns of this order were
at first 4.47 diameters high, then 6.025, and at last 7.015.1 It has no orna ments on its capital except triglyphs. Notwithstanding this, the Doric order will doubtless always be admitted to belong to a higher class of art, because all its forms and details are better adapted to their purpose than those of either of the other styles.
* Fergusson, vol. i., pp. 241, 242; Chambers, vol. i., p. 845 ; vol. vi., p. 169; vol. Xi., p. 1026. t Fergusson, vol. i., pp. 243, 244, 248, 249.
i
AR CHITECTURE.--MASOIVR Y. 105
The oldest example of the Doric style is a temple at Corinth, of the age of Cypselus (about 650 B.C.). The remains of this temple show that the various members of the style were fully developed, all being of a massive and heavy description, strongly resembling its prototype at Beni Hassan, in Egypt.
The temple of Theseus (438 B.C.) and that of Jupiter at Olympia (440 B.c.), Apollo Epicurius at Bas&e, and Minerva at Sunium, are examples of the Doric style.
But of all the great temples of Greece, the most celebrated was the Parthenon; the only octastyle Doric temple in that country, and of its class the most beautiful building in the, world. This edi five was built entirely of white marble; and the masonry in this, as in other Doric works of importance, is put together with the most perfect workmanship.
L0N1C.
This style took its rise about 500 B.C., and to a certain extent depends upon ornamental carving for its effects. Its columns are nine diameters high, and its entablature is adorned with volutes, and its cornices have modillions. These exhibit the most perfect execution and Nvorkmaiiship, all being dralvn and cut with the greatest possible exactness.
Those details and ornaments which were only painted in the Doric, were carved in the Ionic order, and therefore remain visible to the present day.' Yie oldest example of the Ionic style was the temple on the Ilissus, dating from about 484 B.C. Following this is the beautiful little temple dedicated to Nike Apteros, the Wingless Victory, which stood in front of the Propylw at Athens. The last and most perfect example of this order is the Erechthenm, on the Acropolis, its date being about 420 B.C., the great epoch of Athenian art.
In the Ionian and other colonies of Asia Minor many fine examples of this style were erected, among which was the celebrated temple of Diana, at Ephesu5.
* Chambers, vol. vi., pp. 169, 170; also notes, 14, 15, and 16, p. 149. t Fergusson, vol. i., p. 254; Chambers, vol. vi., pp. 170, 171.
106
This was the next style introduced in Greece, and combines to some extent the characteristics of both the preceding. The capitals of this order were copied from the bell-shaped capitals of Egypt, as the Doric was from their oldest pillars.
But like everything in art that the Grecians touched, they soon dered it Greek by the freedom and elegance with which they treated it. column is ten diameters high, and its capital is adorned with two rows of leaves and eight volutes or scrolls, which sustain the abacus. The cornice has modillions, and the frieze is beautifully ornamented.
The Corinthian is the most florid of the styles invented by the Greeks, and from its richness and splendor, it afterward because a great favorite with the Romans, in whose hands Greek art spread over the Empire. One of the oldest and most beautiful example of the Corinthian order is the Choragic monument of Lysicrates, built 335 B.C. It is one of the most striking works of art of the merely ornamental class to be found in any part of the world.
The largest example of this order is the temple of Jupiter Olympius at Athens. This, however, may be called a Roman building on Grecian soil, having been commenced in its present form under Antiochus Epiphanes, by the Roman architect Cossutius, and finished by Hadrian.
Greek columns were at first supposed to be bounded by straight lines, but it has been ascertained 'that they have an entasis or convex profile in the Parthenon to the extent of yh of the height. While this cannot be perceived in ordinary positions, yet the lack of it gives that rigidity and poverty to columns so observable in modern edifices.*
The technical classification and designation of Greek temples is determined by the mode in which the columns of the porticos are arranged. The cella, or temple proper, is a square chamber contained within four walls; the simplest form of portico is called distyle in antis, the two side walls being continued past the end wall, and terminated with antae, with two columns
re nThis
between.
AR CHITECT URE.-MASONR Y.
CORINTHIAN.
* Fergusson, vol. i., pp. 250-259 ; Chambers, vol. vi., p. 170.
.ARCHITECTURE.--llfA`801VR Y. 109
Where the portico has four columns between the antoe, it is called tetrastyle. These temples generally had the same arrangement at both ends. In front of both ends of the plan distyle in antis, there was frequently placed a range of six columns, and from the flank column a row was continued along both sides. This arrangement is called peripteral, and the temple is designated hexastyle and peripteral.
The Parthenon is an exception to the above, as it had a hexastyle portico at each end of the cella, in front of which is placed an octastyle portico, and
seventeen columns on each side.
A range of columns around a temple, or square, is called peristyle.*
CARYATIDES.
The name, as well as their being used only in conjunction with the Ionic order and its details, all point to an Asiatic origin for this questionable form of art.
ROMAN ARCHITECTURE.
We next come to the culminating period of ancient civilization. We first saw art originate and become thoroughly established in Egypt. Early Pelasgic art has been indicated in Asia, Greece, and Etruria. Next in Greece, under the Cypselidae, we see all these elements gathered together, the best qualities taken from each, so that the whole formed the most perfect and beautiful combination of intellectual power and architectural science that the world had yet witnessed. After a brilliant but brief domination over the arts by Greece, all the different styles of architecture were collected in Rome, and thence spread their influence over the world. t
The earliest inhabitants of Rome were also Pelasgians ; these were followed by Aryans. Their principal neighbor on one side was Etruria, also a Pelasgian nation; on the other side was Magna Grwcia, originally colonized by Hellenic settlers of kindred origin. Therefore, Rome derived her architecture directly and indirectly from Greece. Indirectly, at first, through the Pelasgians and Etruscans, and later directly from Greece.
* Chambers, vol. vi., p. 171 ; Fergusson, vol. i., pp. 259-261. t Fergusson, vol. i., pp. 294-303.
110 ARCHITECTURE.--MASONR Y.
The advance made at first in architecture by the Etruscans is exhibited by the remains and representations of their bridges, gates, and aqueducts; and many examples of Etruscan art are found in their tumuli, which still exist in
great numbers.
Time has reduced most of them to nearly the level of the ground, while a few of the larger ones still retain an imposing appearance. Although nearly all have been rifled at some early period, yet treasure and curiosities are still discovered in them.
One of the most remarkable of these structures, opened in modern times, is at Cervetere, known as the Regulini Galeassi Tomb.
Bedsteads, shields, arrows, and vessels were hung in a curious recess in the roof, doubtless representing a place for hanging such vessels in the house of the living. The treasures found in this tomb are in the oldest style of Etruscan art.*
Roman architecture may be said to have been the transition form between the Greek and Gothic. The Romans adopted the Greek form of decoration; they decorated their exteriors with columns crowned by straight architraves and cornices, and inside these they formed the real construction with arches and vaults.
The use of the latter gradually extended, especially in the construction of the interiors. By means of arches the Romans were able to roof in large areas without encumbering the floor with pillars. This was carried out in many important structures, such as the baths of Caracalla, Diocletian, and the Basilica of Constantine. In their works of public '.til-ty-aqueducts, bridges, etc., the Romans always used the arch as the fittest mode of construction.
The arcuated form came more and more into use, until it was universal The Romans also conformed the Greek decoration to the circular arches by I bending the entablature around the curves, as in the palace of Diocletian, at Spalatro.
To the Romans, therefore, is due a great improvement, if not the perfection, of the arcuate construction, together with a well-developed internal decoration. The early Christians adopted the Roman forms of construction and *Fergusson, vol. i., pp. 286-290.
ARCHITECTURE.-MASONRY. t I1
decoration, and this was particularly conspicuous in their sacred edifices built during the Middle Ages.
In Egypt, architecture was applied to palaces, temples, and tombs; in Greece, almost wholly to temples and theatres; and in Etruria, to tombs. But in Roman cities we find temples basilicas theatres, amphitheatres, baths,
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AN INTERIOR VIEW, POMPEII.
tombs, arches of triumph, bridges, and aqueducts, all equally objects of architectural skill.
One of the first strides in advance made by the Romans was by developing the arch and using it as a vault. The inost perfect example of this was the rotunda of the Pantheon.
But with the primitive orders of the Greeks, they not only added nothing to the Doric or Ionic, but the latter suffered at their hands. With the Corinthian they were more successful, as they added fulness and strength to its
112 ARCHITECTURE.-MA S0-Y Y.
capital,, and thereby contributed to the perfection of an order which, for richness, proportion, and architectural fitness, has hardly been surpassed.
Among the Roman examples of this style are the temple of Jupiter Stator., the Pantheon, and the Maison Carree at Nimes.*
COMPOSITE ORDER.
But, not satisfied with the Corinthian, the Romans attempted to improve it, and in doing this they hit upon what is known as the Composite Order. Its columns were ten diameters high, and its capital has two rows of leaves of the Corinthian and the volutes of the Ionic:° Its cornices have modillions.
A decidedly Roman order is the Composite. Arcade. This was a combination of Grecian and Etruscan architecture, Etruscan with a Grecian front.
SASSANIAN ARCHITECTURE.
For the sake of maintaining the sequence of this history, the architecture of Persia, and its vicinity, will be noticed here.
The Sassanidre dynasty derived its name from Sassan, grandfather of Ardisher, the king who ascended the throne of Persia A.D. 226.
As their religion required no temples, their public buildings were mostly palaces. These structures were built principally of sun-dried brick and wood, and were profusely ornamented with gold, silver, and rich hangings, beautiful in color and embroidery. An example of this style is the great Mosque at
Diarbekr. This building was originally a palace, and was erected in the lat ter part of the third century. Another beautiful example, was the palace at Mashita, built early in the seventh century.
Not only in the early, but in the middle, ages, artists from Constantinople were eagerly sought after by both the monarchs of the Orient and the sovereigns of the Occident.
During the reign of the Sassanide dynasty, Greek artisans were in demand at the Persian court. A prince of this royal race, Nashervan by name, made the singular request of some Grecian philosopher to come and instruct young men of distinction in Greek theology.
* See Chambers, vol. x., p. 360 ; Fergusson, voL i., pp. 300, 301.
A.P G''.F,~ITECT Ul~ '.-T-MA,SO.NI~ ~' 113
ROMANESQUE-CHRISTIAN.
This style was introduced between the reigns of Constantine and Justinian, and was a modification of the classical Roman form. To the eastward it merged into the Byzantine style during the reign of Just-inian, A.D. 527 to 564. In Italy and the South of France, the Romanesque continued to be prac.
RUINS OF THE GREAT MOSQUE AT DIARBEKR.
tised till the seventh century, and finally was merged into what came to be known as the Gothic.*
Among the noted examples of this style in Rome are St. Peter's, A.D. 330; St. Paul's, 386 ; Quattro Coronati, 625 ; and St. Clement's, 1118.
There were also octagon and circular churches ; the latter were the prototypes of the Christian Baptisteries.
The earliest churches of the Christians at Constantinople and elsewhere, were closely imitated after the Basilica-Hall of Justice-such changes only having been made as the exigencies of the rites and ceremonies of the Christians required.
* Fergusson, vol. i., pp. 396-399.
114 AR UHIZ'WCT URA.-MASONR Y.
They not only adopted the plans and mode of construction of the Romans, but used the actual materials of Roman buildings which had been destroyed by the barbarians.
In remote districts, where the builders had to prepare, new material, they followed as closely as they could the Roman plans of construction. In process of time, when decorations were again desired, the new styles retained some of the original forms; each style depending for its peculiar character on the particular Roman form it retained and developed.
The style of architecture known as Byzantine, arose in the East, soon after Constantine transferred the government of the Roman Empire to Byzantium, and, until the seventh century, is said to be the Byzantine. The second, or Neo-Byzantine, included those forms which were practised in the East from the eighth century, till it was superseded by the Renaissance.
The Byzantine style was principally established by the church of St. Sophia-the great mosque of Constantinople.
ARCHITECTURE.-MASONR 2 . 119
The fundamental principles of this style, as applied to churches, was a varied application of the Roman arch; its exhibition in the form of the dome being its most characteristic feature.* In the St. SOJ)hia, the dome covered the principal central portion of the church, and was supported by strong and lofty pillars, held together by bold arches. To this central space was joined others of smaller size, which were covered by half cupolas or arches of more ordinary construction.
Frequently churches were erected in the form of a Greek. cross, with the cupola rising in the centre, and smaller or semi-cupolas surmounting the four arms.
Many other details, such as the square capitals tapering downward, and the bold projecting mouldings ornamented with foliage seemed to have owed their strength and origin entirely to the ingenuity of Byzantine architects. The constant use of the apse is, after the cupola, their most marked feature.
ST. SOPHIA.
The original church of St. Sophia was erected by Constantine, and was burned to the ground in the fifth year of Justinian (A.v. 532). It was . rebuilt by the colleges of builders and Greek craftsmen, by order of Justinian ; the architects being Anthemius of Thralles, and Isodorus the elder. It was completed 537 A.D.
In the same year a part of the dome fell, in consequence of an earthquake; but this damage was soon repaired, leaving the structure very nearly as it now stands.
While viewing his completed work, Justinian exclaimed, ~~ I have surpassed thee, O Solomon! " He did not realize the extent to which his edifice excelled King Solomon's Temple, nor that in some respects he had surpassed the Pantheon at Rome. It is even now an open question whether a Christian church exists whose interior is equal to this marvellous creation of Byzantine art.
Of the other beautiful mosques erected in Constantinople, that of Suleimanie,
* Note 17, p. 149.
t Ferousson, vol. ii, p. 443; Rebold, pp. 283-287.
120 ARC'HITECTURE.-MASONl~ Y.
completed in 1555, remains unsurpassed, and compares favorably with the church of St. Sophia.*
For several centuries Byzantium continued to be the centre of art and literature ; the relation of Constantinople to the rest of the world being the same as Atlie,ps was to remote antiquity.
Byzantine architecture found its way into foreign lands, and one of the first edifices erected in this style was built at Ravenna. It was constructed in the form of a Greek cross, and was erected about the middle of the fifth century.
The cathedrals of Angoulerne, Worms, Speyer, Mayence, and the church of St. Castor, at Coblenz, Santa Maria, of Cologne, all betray the singular characteristics of Byzantine -architecture.
A large and prominent example of the Byzantine style, is the Doge's Palace, Venice. Its erection was commenced in 813, and through all its additions and alterations it retained its Byzantine character until 1301, but from that time until 1423, the alterations were principally executed in Gothic.
CATHEDRAL or, ST. Manx's.
The present edifice was commenced in 9:17, the original building leaving been burnt down in a riot the previous year. It was completed, including the mosaics and internal decorations, in 1094. The first part erected, was the interior, covered by the five great domes which are arranged in the form of a Latin cross. The central one, and that in front, are 42 feet in diameter in
ternally ; the other three, 33 feet each. This cathedral is Byzantine with Gothic and Renaissance additions. Its interior is said to be the most impressive in Western Europe.t Subsequently Byzantine edifices profited by the example of St. Mark's.
* Fergnsson, vol. ii., p. 540.
t Recently a crypt has been discovered and cleared out, which extends under the whole of the eastern part of the church, 86 feet by 74. Its vaults are supported by fifty-six monolithic columns,
5 feet 6 inches high ; the whole height from the floor to the arch crown being 9 feet. In the centre, immediately under the altar of the upper church, on a raised platform between four stone pier., originally rested the relics' of St. Mark ; this part being more highly decorated than the rest of the crypt. There seems no doubt that this crypt, in all its details, forms part of the church as re-erected in the eleventh century, and is interesting as remaining almost unaltered to the present day. Fergusson, vol. ii., pp. 362-392.
AR CEITECZ'URE.-MA SONR Y. 125
The fascinating power of Byzantine art not only extended from the Orient to the Occident, but its influence reached the land of the Cossack; and in the year 955 the Russian Princess Olga, on her return from Constantinople, built t Kieff, a church in the form of a Greek cross. Near the close of the tenth century the Grand Duke Valdimar embraced the Christian religion and adopted the Greek ritual. Immediately after this he erected at Kieff, under the supervision of a Byzantine architect, a cathedral, which was dedicated to the name, 11 Divine Wisdom."
Santa Croce, at Florence, is remarkable for the great men who lie buried beneath it, and Santa Maria Novella possesses something exceptional in that city, a fagade : but neither of these has anything to redeem its defects in the eye of an architect.
SAILACENIC.
This style was developed by the Mohammedans in the latter part of the seventh century, and it prevailed in the East, in Northern Africa, and in Spain.*
Wherever the Saracens successfully established themselves, they immediately turned their attention to beautifying the towns and villages by erecting sumptuous edifices; and for this purpose Abd-er Rallfnan, the Mussulman, ruler of Spain, procured for Cordova a Byzantine architect. In the year 820, a son of Haroun-al-Raschid, a friend of Charlemagne, applied to the Greek Empire for the best works extant, in order to have them translated into Arabic and used in the colleges of Borna, Corfu, Cairo, Tripoli, and Tunis.
Noted structures of this style were the great Mosque at Damascus, the Madrissa at Tspalian, the Khan's Palace at Khiva, the Sulelmanle Mosque in Constantinople, the Kaitbey Mosque at Cairo, a Minaret at Tunis, and the Alcazar and Alhambra in Spain.
In 936 the Caliph Abd-er Rahman determined to erect at Zara, near Seville, the royal castle known as the Alcazar, and secured the services of the most skilful architects from Bagdad and Constantinople, to design the work and superintend the craftsmen employed on it. This castle, when com. pleted, was noted for its peculiar style of architecture and its strength.
* See Fergusson, vol. ii., pp. 497, 516, 520, 540; Fort, p. 347.
126 AR CHITECTURE-MAS01YR Y
THE ALIIAMBRA.
This singular edifice was erected at Granada by the craftsmen of several nations, under Mohammed ben Alhamer, and completed by Yousouf in 1354. As a whole, this was in many respects a wonderful structure. The palace, when completed, constituted an expression of the combined styles of the architectural art of that period. In fact, in many of its details and general effect, it has not been surpassed in modern times.
The style of architecture pertaining to the tombs, which forms a prominent feature of Saracenic architecture, is missing in Spain. The Moors seem to have been of a purely Semitic race, either from Arabia, or descendants of the old Phoenician settlers on the southern coast.
B AGDAD.
In the ninth century Haroun-al-Raschid got a large number of the craft together at Bagdad, a-ad repaired, improved, and enlarged that singular old city, principally in the Saracenic style. (See p. 695.)
GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE.
Under this title are comprised the principal styles of architecture which prevailed in Western Europe from the middle of the twelfth century to the sixteenth.
But, as previously stated, the pointed arch constructed with wedge-shaped voussoirs was used by the Ethiopians as early as the tenth century B.c., and by the Assyrians in the eighth century. The Saracens also used it at Cairo in the seventh century A.D.* All the churches in Provence (France), from the time of Charlemagne to the reign of St. Louis, were vaulted on the principle of the pointed arch.
The term Gothic was at first bestowed by Renaissance architects on the mediaeval styles as a term of reproach. The name, however, outlived the reproach at first implied, and a feeling of admiration has succeeded; as the * Fergusson, vol. L, p. 448.
ARCHITECTURE.--MASONR Y. 129
Gothic now ranks as one of the noblest and most complete styles of architecture ever developed.
The first vaults constructed were simple, semi-circular tunnel vaults; but it was found that these, besides being gloomy, required massive walls to resist their thrust. An attempt was then made to obviate this difficulty by trans verse arches thrown across at intervals under the tunnel-vault, to act as strengthening arches. Buttresses -with a slight projection were supplied outside to support these,. and a beam of wood was sometimes introduced at the wall-head, from buttress to buttress, to assist in resisting the thrust of the vault.
This, with a few other improvements, was the origin of the groin rib, the development of which played so important a part in Gothic vaulting. Improvements in vaulting went on to the last of the twelfth century, when the principles of the Gothic style were fully developed.
Therefore it will be seen that this style was not the invention of a nation or an individual, but a growth from an early period--a gradual development mostly necessitated by structural requirements.
The transition from the round Gothic to the true pointed Gothic style in France took place with the revival of the National power.
One of the earliest, if not the earliest, examples we have of the fully developed Gothic style is the Cathedral of St. Denis, in which are deposited the remains of the kings of France. This cathedral was founded by the Abbe Suger, in 1144. The Cathedral of Notre Dame, the magnificent Cathedrals of Chartres, Rheims, Amiens, Beauvais, Bourges, and many others of this style soon followed.t
Following the Norman conquest, in 1066, the architecture of England made a marked stride in advance; and nearly all the great cathedrals of that country were either rebuilt or remodelled in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
The first appearance of the pointed arch in -England is believed to be at the rebuilding of the Cathedral of Canterbury, after the fire of 1174. The architect who superintended that work for the first five years was William of Sens (France). The details and arrangements are so different from anything
* See Chambers, vol. vi., pp 83-86.
t Fergusson, vol. i., p. 532; vol. ii., pp. 53, 246, 321, 407N
else of the same age in England, that his influence on the style of the building can hardly be doubted.
Yet, down to the year 1200, the round arch was currently employed in con-
j ARCHITECTURE.-1VAS0 VR Y. 131 i
junction with the pointed. At that time, however, it gave way to the lat
ter. which dominated for three centuries; and it is in the cathedrals of the
VIEW IN PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL.
twelfth and thirteenth centuries that are found the noblest developments of the Gothic style.
In Germany the Gothic style early found a congenial home, and among its grandest acnieverrnents were the Cathedrals (if Cologne and Strasburg.
132 ARCHITECTURE.-1TAASONR Y.
The great typical cathedral of Germany is that of Cologne.
Its dimensions are 466 feet in length, by 275 in width, being the largest cathedral of Northern Europe; and also one of the noblest expressions of the. adoration of man for Deity ever erected in any country.
Among the edifices-monuments of the craftsmen's skill, erected during the thirteenth century, are Westminster Abbey, the Cathedral at Lichfield, the Cathedrals of Paris, Rheims, Chartres, Rouen, Bruges, Amiens, Beauvais, Strasburg, and Cologne.
In the fourteenth century the Cathedrals of York and Exeter, and King's College at Cambridge ; the cathedrals of Metz, Perpignan, Meaux, Auxerre, Tours, Couio, Milan, Seville, Barcelona, and the Ducal Palace at Venice, were erected.
RENAISSANCE.
This style followed the Gothic, and was derived from the Venetian style of Italian architecture, which made its appearance in the fifteenth century. From Italy this style soon found its way into France, and thence into England and other countries.*
IN BRIEF.
1. Egyptian Architecture was established as early as 2500 B.c.-First Temple at Memphis erected.
The great Temple at Karnak commenced, 2435 B.C.
Scope, or field of operations of Egyptian Architecture, Egypt, Syria, and Greece.
2. Greek Architecture, established 1250 B.C.-Mycenx founded at that time. Pelasgian art, from 1200 B.C. to (355.
Greek architecture proper, commenced 650 B.C. . Cypselidae, building of Temple at Corinth at the above date.t Selinus founded, and a Temple commenced 626.
Doric order invented 650 B.C. Ionic invented 500 B.C.
* Chambers, vol. vii., p. 54, and vol. x., p. 188. t Fergusson, vol. i., p. 231.
ARCHITECTURE.-MAS0-YR Y. 137
. Corinthian invented 33.0 B.C.
Theron, at Agrigentum, commenced great Temple 480. Climon, at Athens, Temple of Thesus, built 469. Pericles, at Athens, Parthenon finished 438.
Temple of Jupiter, at Olympia, finished 436. Erectheium, at Athens, finished 335. Monument of Lysicrates, at Athens, 335. Scope of Greek architecture, Greece and Italy. 3. Roman Architecture, established 616 B.C.
The Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus commenced at that time. Pantheon erected A.D. 13.
Colosseum A.D. 70. Destruction of Pompeii, 79. Trajan's Column erected, 98. Diocletian's Palace at Spalatro, 284. Maxentius Basilica at Rome, 306. Constantine, transfer of Empire to Constantinople, 328. Scope of Roman Architecture, Southern Europe.
4. Sassanian Architecture, established 250 A.D. Scope, Persia and vicinity.
5. Romanesque, established 450 A.D., Italy and Greece.
6. Byzantine-Roman and Greek combined. Established A.D. 330.
The old Byzantine practised until the eighth century, then the .Neo-Byzantine till the twelfth century.
St. Sophia erected, and dedicated A.D. 537. Scope, Greece, Asia Minor, and Italy.
7. Saracenic Architecture. Mohammedan-dates from the Hegira, A.D. 622. Scope, Asia Minor, Northern Africa, and Spain.
8. Gothic Architecture. Developed between the seventh and twelfth centuries. Scope, Europe.
Cologne Cathedral, erected 1248. One of the grandest expressions of art in the world.
Strasburg Cathedral, first erected in 800. Destroyed by lightning 1007. Rebuilt in the fourteenth century.
138 AID CHITECT UEL:-MASONli' Y.
9. Renaissance style, established in the middle of the fifteenth century. Scope, Italy, France, and England.
NOTED STRUCTURES.
The great Pyramid of Ghizeh erected 3000 B.C. The vast Temple at Karnak, 2435 B.C.
King Solomon's Temple, 1004 B.C. Temple of Jupiter Stator, Rome, 685 B.C. Temple of Diana at Ephesus, 552 B.C. Parthenon, Athens, dedicated to Minerva, 442 B.C. Pantheon, Rome, a circular temple, 27 B.C. Colosseum, Rome, circular, 75 A.D.
CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL, founded A.D. 602. Destroyed by the Danes, 1011. Rebuilt 1130. Again burnt, and rebuilt 1184. The great tower completed 1495.
THE TOWER, London, first built 1078.
CHICHESTER CATHEDRAL, built in the thirteenth century. LINCOLN CATHEDRAL, founded 1127.
LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL, founded 1148. Notre Dame, Paris, 1163.
The Alhambra, Spain, founded 1250.
ST. PETER'S, Rome, begun 1506. Finished 1626.
ST. PAUL'S, London, begun 1675. Finished 1710.
DWELLINGS OF DIFFERENT RACES--FROM THE IRON AGE TO THE RENAISSANCE,
IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY.
No. 1. This illustration is from a dwelling of baked clay, recovered from a lake in Italy. Its immersion under water is accounted for from the fact that the lake occupies the crater of an extinct volcano.
2. An Egyptian house, 1400 B.C. 3. Hebrew, 1000 B.C.
144 ARCH-TTECTURL:-MASONR 1
From the foregoing we -find that from Egypt the builders' art proceeded north to Syria, and after manifesting itself in -ping Solomon's Temple, it proceeded westward to Greece, where it was greatly developed and perfected. Proceeding westward again, it came to the Tiber; for on the absorption of Greece by the Roman Empire, B.C. 1414, the arts and sciences of the. Greeks found a ready market in Rome. From Rome and Greece, architecture proceeded into Gaul, Germany, and the British Isles.
Although the Romans gave their iiatnes to certain styles of architecture, yet they were nearly all originally copied from, or suggested by, Greek mod. els. This will be readily understood from the fact that the Italian craftsmen were, from the first, constantly reinforced by Greek artisans. Finally, after Italy had become replete with both public and private structures; and Christianity had created a demand for church edifices beyond that country, the Corporations of Builders began to extend their operations into the northern and western portions of Europe.
The independent corporations had been preceded, however, by the Colleges of Builders, that had accompanied the Roman armies in their catupaigns of conquests.* To summarize, architecture as we know it, originated on the banks of the Nile; took its course along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, then westward to Greece, Italy, France, Germany, and Britain.
NOTES FROM AUTHORITIES.
1. In any consecutive narrative of the architectural undertakings of mankind, the description of what was clone in Egypt necessarily commences the series, not only because the records of authentic history are found in the valley of the Nile long befor# the traditions of other nations had assumed anything like tangible consistency, but because, from the earliest dawn the inhabitants of that mysterious land were essentially and pre-eminently a building race.
2. Fortunately there is hardly a building in that country which is not adorned with the name of the kin- in whose reign it was erected. In royal buildings trey are found on every wall and pillar. ` The older cartouches are simple and easily remembered, and when we find the buildings thus dated by the builders themselves, and their succession recorded by subsequent kings on the walls of their temples, we feel perfectly certain of our sequence, and nearly so of the actual dates of the buildings; they are, moreover, such a series as no other country
* Notes 14 and 15, p. 197.
ARCHITECTURE.-MASONR Y. 147
in the world can match either for historic interest or architectural magnificence. Fergusson, History of Architecture, vol. i., pp. 89, 124.
3. The history of Egypt will always be, to a very large extent, a history of art. Art bad, so far as we know, its birth and earliest development in the valley of the Nile. Rawlinson, xi., p. 33.
4. The palaces, tombs, and temples of Upper Egypt, present to us the earliest known in
stances of architecture, sculpture, and painting. Kitto, vol. i., p. 604.
5. The Egyptians had a profound belief in the reality of the life beyond the grave, and a conviction that that life was, somehow or other, connected with the continuance of the body. They embalmed the bodies of the dead in a most scientific way ; and having thus, so far as possible, secured them against the results of natural decay, they desired to secure them against the malice of enemies. Rawlinson, vol. i., p. 210.
6. The Egyptians, as stupendous in their excavations as the Hindoos, are far more so in those edifices, like the temples of Thebes and the pyramids of Memphis, raised on the surface of the ground, in which blocks of stone of immense weight, conveyed to a great distance from the quarry, elevated to a surprising height, and cut and interwoven with others in the most ingenious and solid manner, imply mechanical powers and skill of the highest description, of which the Hindoo buildings give no example.
To talk of Egyptian architecture, at least in its public monuments, is to discuss what, in respect of size, of integral component parts, and solidity of the whole, is most astonishing. Hope on Architecture, pp. 10, 14.
See also Birch, Egypt from the Earliest Times, pp. 32, 41 ; Lenormant, Manuel d'Histoire Ancienne, vol. i., pp. 537, 538; Fergusson, History of Architecture, vol. i., p. 98 ; Bruasch, Egypte, pp. 51-59, etc.
7. Herodotus (11, 125) expressly notices that the stones were raised in this way, a step at
a time, by machines placed on the step below. Mr. Perring found marks of the use of such
machines wherever the upper surface of the original steps was exposed to view. He conjec tured that the machine used was the polyspaston of Vitruvius. Vyse, Pyramids of Ghizeh, vol. i., p. 197.
8. No one can possibly examine the interior of the great Pyramid without being struck with astonishment at the wonderful mechanical skill displayed in its construction. The immense blocks of granite, polished like glass, and so fitted that the joints can scarcely be detected.
Nothing can be more wonderful than the extraordinary amount of knowledge displayed in the construction of the discharging chambers over the roof of the principal apartment, in the alignment of the sloping galleries, in the provision of ventilating shafts, and in all the wonderful contrivances of the structure. All these, too, are carried out with such precision, that
148 ARCHITECTURE.-MASONR Y.
notwithstanding the immense superincumbent weight, no settlement in any part can be detected to the extent of an appreciable fraction of an inch. Rawlinson, vol. i., p. 214, quoting Fergusson.
9. These builders were able, first of all, to emplace their construction with astronomical exactness ; secondly, to employ in them, wherever it was needed, masonry of the most massive and enduring kind ; thirdly, to secure the chambers and passages, which were essential features of such structures, by contrivances of great ingenuity, perfectly adapted to their purpose ; and fourthly, by their choice of lines and proportions, to produce works which, through their symmetry and the imposing majesty of their forms, impress the spectator, even at the present day, with the feelings of awe and admiration, such as are scarcely excited by any other architectural constructions in the whole world. Rawlinson, vol. ii., p. 82. , Vyse, Pyramids of Ghizeh, vol. i., p. 176.
10. Circumstances have come to light, one after another, tending to throw the date more and more backward, until at length it seems to be admitted that in Egypt the arch existed in the time of Joseph. The observations of Rosillini and of Sir J. G. Wilkinson led them irre
sistibly to this conclusion. In the valley of D,ty r el Medeeneh, at Thebes, are several tombs of the early date of Amenophis. Among the most remarkable of these is one whose brick roof and niche, bearing the name of the same Pharaoli, proves the existence of the arch at the remote period of B.C. 1540. Wilkinson's Topography of Tliebes, p. 8.
To the same period belong the vaulted chambers au(1 arched doorway which yet remain in the brick pyramid of Thebes (Wilkinson, Ancient Egyptians, iii., p. 317). The most ancient, actually existing, arches of stone occur at Memphis, near the modern village of Saqqara. Kitto, vol. i., p. 203.
11. It is generally supposed that the Egyptians were ignorant of the true principles of the arch, and only employed two stoues ineeting one another at a certain angle in the centre, when they wished to cover a larger space than could be conveniently done by a single block. This, however, seems to be a mistake, as many of the tombs and chambers around the pyramids and temples at Thebes are covered by stones and brick arches of a semicircular form, and perfect in every respect as far as the principles of the arch are concerned. Fergusson, vol. i., p. 204.
12. Of all the great structures of Egypt, the Temple of Karnak is the grandest expression of Egyptian art, and compares favorably with the greatest. of mediaeval cathedrals. See Rawlinson, vol. i., pp. 230-241.
13. They (the Egyptians) understand also, better than any other nation, how to use sculpture in combination with architecture, and to make their colossi and avenues of sphinxes group themselves into parts of one great desi-n, and at the same time to use historical paintings, fading by insensible degrees into hieroglyphics on the one hand, and into sculpture on
ARCHITECTURE:-MASONR Y 149
the other, linking the whole together with the highest class of phonetic utterance. With the most brilliant coloring they thus harmonized all these arts into one great whole, unsurpassed by anything the world has seen during the thirty centuries of struggle and aspiration that have elapsed since the brilliant days of the great kingdom of the Pharaohs. Fergusson, vol. i., p. 139.
14. It is hnown, from the testimony of Diodorus Sicalus, and from the conformity of the Athenian laws with those of the Egyptians, that the first inlMbitants of Attica were an Egyp tian colony. We have several proofs that it originally came from the city of Sais.
15. There is no doubt that the Doric style took its origin from the rock-cut tombs of Beni
Hassan, in Egypt. Modern discoveries have shown that Greece owed much to the earlier civi
lization of the countries which preceded it in history. To the architecture of Egypt almost
every feature of Greek architecture can be traced. See Fergusson, vol. i., pp. 110-242.
16. There exists in Egypt a class of temples called maineisi. They are of a simple peristylar form, with columns in front and rear, the latter being built into a wall and seven square piers on each flank. What renders them more than usually interesting to us is the fact that they were undoubtedly the originals of the Greek peristyle forms, that people having borrowed nearly every peculiarity of their architecture from the banks of the Nile. We possess tangible evidence of peristyle temples and protodoric pillars erected in Egypt, centuries before the old. est known specimen in Greece. Fergusson, vol. i., pp. 126, 127.
17. When the Romans transferred their capital to the shores of the Bosphorus, the semioriental nation seized on their own circular form, and, modifying and moulding it to its pur pose, wrought out the Byzantine style ; in which the dome is the great feature. Fergusson, vol. i., p. 297.
149
150
CHAPTER IV
KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE
The .Building of this Remarkable Edifice.-Preparing the Timber in the Forests of Lebanon.-Cutting the Stone in the Great Subterranean Quarry. -Striking Scenes, the Ancient Craftsmen at Work. -Secret Meetings of the Master Workmen.-Completion and Dedication of the Temple.-Its Destruction and Commencement of the Captivity.
TiaE next Masonic landmark on the grand highway of time is Mount Moriah, and the next notable expression of the builder's art after leaving Egypt was the Temple of Solomon. There also at the building of the Temple we get the first notice of a society or lodge of artisans.
The preparation of the site and the building of the Temple involved a vast amount of labor and required a multitude of workmen, therefore the Masters and Supervisors found it expedient to hold secret meetings for instruction on the work and for mutual assistance.
As Moses and other Jews of the better class who had resided in Egypt had been initiated into the Sacred Mysteries, and had transmitted the same to the Jewish people, they had entered largely into the religious rites of the Jews previous to the reign of King Solomon. The Egyptian system being both secular and religious,* its essentials soon found their way into the Masters' meetings ; and tradition says that the first meetings were held in a valley near Jerusalem, the better to guard against intrusion; but subsequently, for greater convenience, they built a cabin-lodge, on Moriah, near the work of the Temple.
This lodge was presided over by a Master of the Craft, and the meetings were held at stated periods, taking care that none entered except those who had been initiated and could snake themselves known.t
*Notes 1 to 7, pp. 180, 181. t Note 9, p. 181.
KING SOLOXON'S TEMPLE. 151
The topography of the site of Jerusalem when in a state of nature would have shown a very rough locality. The Tyropean Valley ran through it from north to south, with what was subsequently known as Mount Zion on the west and Mount Moriah on the east. Moriah is a rocky spur, extending from the mountains on the north of Jerusalem about 2,000 feet in a southeasterly direction and terminating in a sharp and nearly perpendicular point.
The height of Mount Moriah at its highest point was 140 feet above the Valley of Jehoshaphat on the east, 70 feet above the Tyropean Valley on the west, and 2,360 feet above the Mediterranean.
Rugged as was this rocky hillock, it was the scene of three remarkable events. First, Abraham here prepared to offer his son a sacrifice; second, David erected an altar here on which to offer up sacrifices to appease the de stroying angel; third, it was the site of the Temple of Solomon-Real and Mythical.
The erection of this edifice was managed by three men, noted in sacred and profane history. First, by Solomon, King of Israel, who furnished the money and precious metals and had the general supervision of the undertak ing; second, Hiram, King of Tyre, who furnished men and material, mostly cedar timber; third, Hiram Abif,* also a Tyrian, a talented and skilful artificer, who superintended the manufacture of the vessels and ornamentation of the Temple.
The friendly relations that existed between Solomon and Hiram, King of Tyre, was the natural outcome of the long period of peace that had existed between the Jews and Phoenicians. According to Phoenician historians, King Solomon also married a daughter of the King of Tyre.
Hiram Abif was of a mixed race, his father being a skilful Tyrian mechanic and his mother a Jewess. His genius and acquirements were such as to place him early in life at the head of his profession in his own country. Therefore King Hiram could see no more practical way of assisting his friend Solomon than by giving him the service of such a skilful artificer.
The first thing to be done was to prepare the top of Mount Moriah for the Temple, its porch and courts. This alone was a herculean task, as Moriah extended from the hills like a promontory, sharp at the top, with its sides *Note 7, p. 181.
152 KING SOLOMON'S TEXPLE.
and the south end falling away nearly perpendicular. Therefore to make a level area of the required size, nearly as much labor was necessary as was involved in the largest of the pyramids. As it would require a vast amount of stone and earth to level up the south end, it was decided to do it by a series of columns resting on the bed-rock and supporting a massive platform above.
TEMPLE AREA.
A better idea of the magnitude of the undertali-ing will be had when the extent of the rough hill that was to be made level is given. The Temple inclosure, or area, was 1,500 feet long, by an average of 950 feet wide, be ing widest at the north end. The surrounding walls were from eight to ten feet thick at the base by four feet at the top, and from fifty to seventy-five feet high above the surface on the Kedron Valley side. The platform over this work being so massive as to render it proof against fire and falling ruins during the destruction of the several temples above, some of the original work at the south end is still to be seen, and is minutely described by recent explorers. The entrance to it from the south end and from above was small, and known to .hut few, even in Solomon's time.
The corner-stone of King Solomon's Temple was laid in the month of May, 1012 n.c., and in the fourth year of the reign of King Solomon; and the Temple was completed in seven years, five months, and twenty-seven days.
Following the preparation of the site, the material that entered into the erection of the Temple and the sources from whence they were derived will nest be considered.
STONE.
First in order, is the large amount of stone used in such a structure. Geology discloses the fact that Mount Moriah consists of tertiary limestone, the upper strata of which is hard and compact, while the un derlying stratum is soft and white, but hardens rapidly on exposure to the air. It was of this latter stone that the mason-work of the Temple was built. But it is only a short time since, and then by accident, that this discovery was made. Dr. Barclay,* coming into the city one evening by way of * An American missionary.
KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE. 1.57
the Damascus gate, noticed that his dog acted strangely, close to the base of the ancient city wall, and on investigation discovered a small aperture extending down under the wall, through which it was evident that some animal was in the habit of passing. As Mohammedan law is very strict concerning the Temple area, forbidding any displacement of stone or soil in or about the sacred precincts, the discoverer waited until the following night, when with a small party of assistants, with implements for digging, he repaired to the hole under the wall, and as a precaution against wild animals and reptiles the dog was sent forward, and when it was evident that he had not met with anything serious. digging was commenced in earnest. Following the aperture, it led them down into the ground for a distance of ten feet, then horizontally a short distance to the southward, when they were astonished to find themselves in a large cavern, the cimmerian darkness of which was only intensified by their small lamp. Subsequent investigation, however, disclosed the fact that this was nothing less than the great quarry from which the stone for the Temple had been taken. This cavern is a short distance northwest of the Temple area, and under that part of Jerusalem now called Bezetha, the Mohammedan quarter. The largest apartment in the cavern is 750 feet by 100 feet wide and an average of 30 feet high. At intervals, pillars of rock were left to sup port the top of the cavern. From this apartment a labyrinth of smaller rooms opened in every direction, and in all of them chippings and other evidences of the work done here were found.
When this quarry was operated, it was lighted by many small lamps set in niches in the wall. This is shown both by the niches, and by streaks of soot left by the smoke of the lamps, some of the soot-lines being as black and bright as when they were made nearly three thousand years ago.
The floor of the quarry is uneven and is dverywhere littered with chip. pings, and stones split from the sides of the quarry are lying around in various states of finish, showing that for some reason the masons had suddenly quit . their work, never to return.
As the bed of this quarry was higher than the Temple area, the blocks of stone were doubtless rolled out of the southern end, and thence to that part of the site where they were to be used, but by what process of engineering these great blocks were elevated into position we have no means of knowing.
158 KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE
The illustration of this quarry at page 154 is from a sketch made by an artist on the spot, and the costumes of the workmen are in accordance with the descriptions given in the Scriptures and by contemporaneous writers.
CEDAR.
Next in importance to the stone was the cedar used in the Temple. This was cut in the renowned forests of Mount Lebanon, near two mountain streams called the Nar el Kelb and Kadisha, their head waters being about fifteen miles from the sea. Here this timber was cut, hewn, finished, and marked or numbered, and then conveyed down the course of these streams to the sea, where it was made into rafts or floats. The rafts were manned, and taken down the coast of the Mediterranean to Joppa-a very hazardous undertaking at best.
There are small harbors at the mouth of both streams, which rendered them convenient places for making up the rafts and preparing them for the sea. The harbor at the mouth of the Nar el Kelb is a short distance north of Beyrout. One side of the harbor is formed by a rocky promontory, and on the sides of the higher rocks inscriptions have been cut by invaders and con. querors from Assyria,, Macedonia, Egypt, and France.
Thirty-five miles north of this harbor is the inlet of the Kadisha. This is an ancient port, and here are ruins of very ancient buildings. What a busy and graphic scene these two harbors presented three thousand years ago! For here the many craftsmen of Hiram and King Solomon were engaged in making up the fragrant and beautiful cedar timber into rafts preparatory to its voyage to Joppa. In the forest, fifteen miles above, was
another busy scene. Clad in their peculiar costume and using their unique tools, were many thousands of men at work. Some felling the giants of the forest; groups of craftsmen, under the superintendence of skilled workmen, or Masters, were squaring and finishing the timber for the Temple; while others were conveying it down the watercourses to the harbors below.
And when it is considered that they had then to traverse the boisterous Mediterranean for a distance of one hundred and thirty miles, it will be seen that it not only required care in putting the rafts together, but also skill in
KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE. 163
handling them on the route. Tradition says that for greater safety they secured three rafts together, one after the other, and that they were propelled by sails and oars.
On the arrival of the rafts at Joppa, another difficulty had to be overcome, as the rocky shore was so steep that each piece of timber had to be lifted twenty feet to the landing above. From the landing, the timber was carried thirty-five miles to Jerusalem on the backs of asses and mules - a difficult and tedious operation; for their lack of facilities had to be made up by a large force of men and animals, and by severe and often dangerous labor.
Over three years were occupied in cutting and preparing the timber and dressing the stone in the quarries. At length, after the material was all on, or near, the site of the Temple, the two bodies of men from the forest and quarries united for the purpose of placing it convenient for use. Finally, when everything was ready and the process of erection commenced, every piece exactly fitted the place it was designed for.
This splendid edifice consisted of three courts: the Porch, the Sanctuary, and the Holy of Holies.* Passing through the eastern entrance of the wall, the first court, or Court of the Gentiles, was reached. This court was so named because the Gentiles were permitted to go no farther. Proceeding across this court, a passage through a low wall was reached, from which fifteen steps led up into the Court of the Women, and beyond this court was that of the Men. To these two courts the Jews came daily for the purpose of offering up prayers to Deity. Beyond the last-named court was the Court of the Priests, and in the centre of this, was the Altar of Burnt Offerings. From the Court of the Priests twelve steps led to the Temple proper, which consisted, first, of the Porch; second, the Sanctuary; third, the Holy of Holies. At the entrance to the Porch was a splendid gate of Corinthian brass. On one side of this gate was-a pillar named Jachin, and on the other side one called Boaz. Passing from the Porch, the Sanctuary was reached through a portal across which hung a beautiful veil of many colors, which mystically represented the universe.
In the Sanctuary were arranged the various utensils for worship in the * Note 8, p. 181.
164 KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE.
Temple, among which were the Altar of Incense, the Ten Golden Candlesticks, and the Ten Tables of Stone ou which offerings were laid previous to sacrifice.
Crossing the broad Sanctuary, the Holy of Holies, or innermost chamber, was reached. At the entrance to this sacred place there were two doors of olive-wood, beautifully sculptured, inlaid with precious metals, and further adorned with veils of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen. The Holy of Holies contained the Ark of the Covenant, overshadowed by the Cherubim. As this place was said to have been rendered most sacred by the very presence of God, it was deemed a sacrilege worthy of death for anyone except the High Priest to enter it, and even he could only enter it once a year, On the Day of Atonement.
EAST GATE--GATE FACING THE SUN.
The ancient East Gate of the Temple enclosure was of a size and style worthy of its purpose. Its length was 70 feet, its width 55 feet, and it pro jected 6 feet outside of the wall. Two beautiful columns divided it into a double arcade, lighted at the west end by two domes. Its interior was ornamented with rich carvings, producing a grand and imposing effect. A massive stairway led up 25 feet to the platform above.
DEDICATION OF THE TEN[PLE.
From the time the corner-stone was laid, the work ou the Temple was steadily prosecuted, until it was completed, which was in a little more than seven years, so that it was dedicated in 1004 x.C., or in the year 3000 accord ing to Hebrew chronology. At its dedication there were assembled the priests, the elders, the heads of the tribes and all the men of Israel-a great multitude, to take part in the dedication of the most beautiful temple hitherto erected in Syria. The Ark of the Covenant having been brought from the City of David, it was deposited with great solemnity in its place in the Holy of Holies. "And it came to pass, when the priests came out of the Holy Place, that the Cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the Cloud : for the glory of the Lord had
KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE. 169
filled the house of the Lord. And it came to pass, ,hen Solomon had finished the house of the Lord, and the King's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do, that the Lord appeared unto Solomon a second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon. And the Lord said unto him, I have hallowed this house which thou hast built, to put my name there forever."
THE MOSQUE, DOME OF THE ROCK.
This renowned and beautiful edifice was erected by Constantine on the site of King Solomon's Temple, over the spot then believed to be the Holy Sepulchre. It is octagonal, 160 feet in diameter; its columns are of marble of the most precious kinds, and either belonged to the Temple of Herod or to that erected by Hadrian on the same spot. Its Mosaics are beautiful, though much altered in design by Mohammedans, Nvho have added painted glass of beautiful patterns and exquisite color to the windows.
HIRAM ABIF-THE HEAL AND THE MYSTICAL.
There are two accounts of the building of King Solomon's Temple. One account gives the actual history of that event and describes the three noted men who figured in it. The other account is traditional and allegorical.
In one account Hiram Abif appears as a real person, just as he was ; in the other he appears as a mystical personage. He -,vas really the cunning craftsman employed by King Solomon to beautify and adorn the actual Tem ple ; he was an emblematic being, representing the sun, who by his inagnetic power raises the Royal Arch of heaven and beautifies and adorns the terrestrial and celestial spheres. Therefore his name has a. twofold meaning, significant of his real and of his mystical character.
In the Masonic tradition the mystical Hiram is represented as being an architect, superintending the building and drawing out the plans for the Temple.
But according to the Bible and Josephus, Hiram was no architect at alldrew out none of the designs for the Temple.
* Fergusson, vol. ii., p. 432.
170 KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE.
The mystical Hiram of Masonic tradition is represented as having lost his life in a singular manner just before the completion of the Temple, and with some of his designs unfinished ; while according to the sacred Scriptures, the real Hiram lived to finish all his labors in and about the Temple, and for King Solomon. That the Hiram of history mentioned in the Bible and by Josephus is a different personage from the traditional Hiram, will be seen by the following
The designs, form, and dimensions of the Temple were all given by divine inspiration and command (II. Chron. iii.). To have altered or modified them in the smallest particular would therefore have been a sin, which would have called down the instant and terrible punishment of Jehovah. Hiram is nowhere mentioned or described in the Bible as being an architect or builder, but in I. Kings vii. he is described as being "filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass."
Josephus thus mentions Hiram : " This man was skilful in all sorts of work, but his chief skill lay in working in gold, silver, and brass, by whom were made all the mechanical works about the Temple, according to the will of Solomon " (" Antiquities," Book VIII., Chapter iii., p. 4).
Nowhere is there a word said about his having anything to do with the management of the building of the Temple ; but, for evidence on this point, see 1. Kings vii. ; 11. Chi-on. iv., 11-19; also Josephus. From which we learn what part of the work of the Temple Hiram really did do-that he made for King Solomon the two pillars of brass called Jachin and Boaz, and their ornaments; the molten sea of brass with twelve oxen under it; the ten brazen lavers with their bases, and many pots, shovels, and flesh-hooks, together with all the other altar furniture to be used in the Temple.
All of these articles were made of bright brass, and were cast in the clay grounds between Succoth and Zeredatha (II. Chi-on. iv. ; 1. Kings vii., 4546). Therefore the scene of Hiram's labors must have been over fifty miles from Jerusalem, or two days' journey. This distance, with the making of the moulds and the patterns for the great number of large and small pieces, many of them difficult of construction, renders it evident that Hiram must have been occupied most of his time at the place where he made the Temple furniture, rendering it impossible, under the circumstances, that he could
KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE. 175
have supervised the work in Jerusalem, or even visited it daily during the building of the Temple.
Besides these works in brass, we are told that Hiram made for the Temple, of pure gold, ten candlesticks for the altar, with flowers, lamps, and tongs, bowls, snuffers, basins, censers, and hinges of gold for the Holy Place and for the doors of the Temple. All being the work of a " cunning worker in metals," not of an architect or builder.
The historical Hiram lived to finish all his work. " So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he had made King Solomon for the house of the Lord " (H. Chi-on. iv.).
Therefore, as the historical Hiram was no architect, and did not suffer death before the completion of the Temple, it follows that it was the mystical Hiram-Osiris, representing the sun-who meets with that fate near the completion of the emblematic Temple, the year. (See p. 88.)
SUMMARY OF THE TEMPLES OF JERUSALEM-THE JEWS.
King Solomon's Temple commenced, 1012 B.C. ; dedicated, 1004 B.C. ; plundered by Shishak, 971 B.C. ; restored by Joash, 856 B.C. ; robbed and polluted by Ahaz, 740 B.C. ; restored by Hezekiah, 726 B.C., but he gave the treasures of the Temple as a ransom, 711 B.C. ; desecrated by Manasseh, 698 B.C. ; repaired by Josiah, 624 B.C.
Nebuchadnezzar carried a part of the sacred vessels to Babylon, 606 B.C. He plundered and burnt the Temple, and carried the principal inhabitants captive to Babylon, 588 B.C.
Cyrus gave the decree to Zerubbabel and other Jews to return and rebuild the Temple, 536 B.C.
It was completed in the second year of Darius, 515 B.C. Pillaged by Ptolemy Lagos,* 320 B.C.
Plundered by Antiochus, 170 B.C. Plundered by Crassus, 54 B.C. Rebuilt by Herod, 18 B.C.
* Chambers's Encyclopaedia, vol. ix., p. 912.
176 KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE.
Finally it was destroyed by Titus, 70 A.D.
The Mohammedan mosque of Omar now stands on its site.
The destruction of the Israelitish nationality by the Roman legions caused the Jews to disperse into Persia and other provinces of the Roman empire, and wherever they settled, they immediately became famous as astronomers, mathematicians, and geometricians. The Moors of Spain were also greatly indebted to their Jewish subjects for an institution of learning controlled by rabbis from Jerusalem. The fame of this institution was such that many scholars were attracted to it from the cities of Spain and from abroad. Several Israelites gained distinction by writing learned treatises on geometry. Later, Charlemagne commissioned a Jew of great Oriental learning to visit the East, for a special purpose; and another Jew brought him many costly foreign fabrics, which the emperor highly prized.
In Alexandria the rabbis enumerated over twenty thousand scholars to whom Judaistic theology was taught. Learned rabbis declared that all the lore of their fathers was not transmitted in writing, but that much of it had been perpetuated by Moses, in an oral form. Such traditions were recorded in books with interpretations by erudite Jews.
The Israelites were numerous in Rome during the age of Julius Caesar, and their customs and creed very largely influenced the residents of the great metropolis.
ANCIENT TYRE-THE Ho11IE OF TIDE TWO HIRAMS.
Tyre was founded in 1250 B.C., two hundred and thirty-eight years before the corner-stone of King Solomon's Temple was laid. Even in the days of David it was a stronghold for its commerce.
This ancient port is one hundred and fourteen miles north of Jerusalem and eighty-seven miles up the coast from Joppa. The old city stood on the mainland in the rear of the present town, and at first bore the name of Palm tyrus, or old Tyre. The site of the present town was an island until the invasion by Alexander the Great, 350 n C., when, in order to attack the city to greater advantage, he built a causeway out to it from the mainland. Subse.
KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE. 179
quently the action of the sea caused the sand to accumulate around and over the causeway, until it became solid land, forming a peninsula of the whole. The articles of export were the famous Tyrian dye, sugar, glass, and other manufactured goods. Sugar-cane was cultivated near Tyre, and sugar was made similar to that now made in the Southern States and in the West Indies.
The Tyrians worshipped Hercules as a god, and built and dedicated a temple to him. Tyre also possessed many other splendid edifices, but, like indi. viduals and nations, it had its birth, a period of activity, and then its death, so that the few ruins of it now to be seen may be likened to its grave-stone bearing an inscription commemorating its former greatness.
Many columns and floors of marble lie buried under the rubbish all over the site of the old city. Hundreds of beautiful columns and capitals, many of them wholes have been carried away to Joppa and other places, and built into modern structures. The large amount of such ruins attests the grandeur and wealth of this ancient commercial city. At the time of Christ, Tyre contained a population of 150,000, but it is now a miserable Arab village of 3,000 inhabitants.
Anything relating to Hiram Abif being of interest to Masons, one of the traditions which have been transmitted to us will be noticed.
A few years before the building of the Temple, Hiram Abif, as the agent of the King of Tyre, purchased some curious and valuable stones of an Arabian merchant, who told him that they had been found by accident on an island in the Red Sea. The King directed his agent to go and investigate the truth of the report, which he did; and he had the good fortune to discover many precious stones called topaz, with which the King of Tyre richly adorned his palaces and temples. Subsequently these stones were brought in the ships of Tyre for the service of King Solomon.
KING HIRAM's TOMB.
On the crest of a hill about six miles from Tyre, is a massive sarcophagus resting on a lofty pedestal of dark-gray stone. The dimensions of this sarcophagus are twelve feet eleven inches, by five feet eight inches wide,
180 KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE.
and three feet six inches deep. The lid is roof-shaped and three feet six inches high in the centre. A small hole has been broken through one end of the tomb, but whether it was done by curiosity-seekers or by robbers in search of valuables is not known. The great antiquity of this tomb, its massive proportions, and the commanding position it occupies, strongly corroborate the tradition that it is Kind Hiram's tomb. The country surrounding it is now dotted with Arab villages embowered in groves of olives, pomegran. ates, and oranges.
Carthage, so renowned in ancient history, was founded by a colony from Tyre; 869 B.C.
The skill of the Carthaginians in masonry was such as shows them to have been a highly intelligent people. Their marble temples, gold statues, splendid palaces, ships, and forts, point them out as occupying a prominent position among the nations of the earth; and when it is considered that their ships sailed on every known sea, carrying on a trade with all the known world, it is not surprising that they so long disputed with the Romans the right of universal empire.
NOTES FROM AUTHORITIES.
1. In " A brief examination of the Rev. Mr. Warburton's Divine Legation of Moses," London, 1742, are the following remarks
"We have no profane records that can reach by many hundred years so high as the ancient state and constitution of the religion and priesthood of Egypt, in and before the days of Moses. But as the Mosaic constitution itself was accommodated to the natural temper and bias of people perfectly Egyptianized, and who knew nothing but the language, religion, laws, and customs of Egypt; and as this people could never be brought off from the religion and customs to which they had been naturalized, the history of Moses and the prophets gives one almost as just and adequate a notion of the religion, priesthood, and worship of Egypt, as if their own history had been handed down to us. Mysteries, p. 118.
2. In a German work by C. L. Reinhold, entitled " The Hebrew Mysteries," or the oldest religious Freemasonry, it is affirmed that the Mosaic religion was an initiation into mysteries, the principal forms and regulations of which were borrowed by Moses from the secrets of the old Egyptians.
KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE. 181
3. Josephus says that: "The high and sublime knowledge which the Gentiles with difficulty attained in the celebration of their mysteries, was habitually taught to the Jews at all times."
Moses could not have been left in ignorance of this mysterious knowledge, because, as he himself informs us, he was acquainted with " all the learning of Egypt." Traditions, pp. 18, 19.
4. A steady and uninterrupted intercourse of the Hebrews of Egypt with those of Palestine, propagated the secret mysteries of the former among the Israelites, and ultimately gained a well-defined status in the creeds of the Jews.
5. Clemens of Alexandria affirms that Moses studied in the colleges of the priests of Egypt, and there learned arithmetic, geometry, symbols, and hieroglyphics ; which Justin Martyr called the emblematical part of the Egyptian Scriptures.
6. The method of instruction by symbols, which had been in use in Egypt from the earliest times, was subsequently adopted by the Jews, who thenceforth interpreted their sacred writings allegorically. In this way Egyptian philosophy gradually found its way into the Jew
ish schools. And the Egyptian Platonic, Pythagorean, and Oriental afterward became blended with their doctrines and ancient faith, and appears in their scriptures. See Gould, vol. iii., p. 63. Brucker's Historia Critica Philosophise; also Ginsburg.
7. To the name of Hiram, in the original Hebrew, from which Abif is taken, the affix is
Abbi, the possessive case of Abba ; which signifies father, figuratively, a superior. His proper address then is my father, in court style my lord. In this sense it is equivalent to Adonis, Baal, or Osiris, all names of the sun.
8. In reference to the pattern given to David for the Temple, Piresou, in "Traditions of Freemasonry," says : " There is another belief that the temple was built upon a plan correspond ing with one of the temples at Edfou, in Upper Egypt. This latter had its porch, the entrance to which was between two pyramidal moles ; the entrance conducted to a court surrounded with pillars, and winding stairs furnished access to a middle chamber." Traditions and Early History of Freemasonry, pp. 18, 19, 20, 176.
9. Such Fraternities had become so numerous in Rome at the commencement of the reign of Numa Pompilius, that he deemed it advisable, both for their encouragement and regula tion, to make them a ward of the state. From this period they flourished under the name of Colleges of Builders till the eigbth century, when they, with slight modifications, began to be known as Guilds, by which name they were principally known down to 1717, to the transformation from operative to speculative masonry.
181
182
CHAPTER V
COLLEGES AND GUILDS
The Colleges of Bailder.s.-Their Lodges, Ofcers, aiid Practices Closely,471alogous to Those of Free Masons.-They Carry on Most of the Architecture, Engineerhzq, and Jlasonry of Their Time.-Build Splendid Petb lic _9difaces, Bridges, and Military Works. -Froma Rome, the Colleges Accom1_)any the Roniait Armies into Gaul, Germany, and Britain.
FOLLOWING the course of architecture westward, the next grand landmark in the history of the ancient craft is Rome; for here the idea of combining for the promotion of a, connmon purpose, as manifested at the building of King Solomon's Temple, next appeared; and here the different interests of society were first represented by regular organizations, known as Colleges or Guilds.
Whenever, in the history of the world, civilization has reached that point where art and trade began to be practised, men engaged in a common pursuit have combined together for the promotion of their common and joint in terests.
Hence, in the early history of Rome we find such organizations, notably, the Colleges of Builders.*
The term " collegium " originally signified a number of persons voluntarily associated together for a particular purpose.
Among the most noted of these organizations were the Roman Colleges of Builders, established about 71.55 n.a. The object of these societies was instruction in architecture and kindred arts, in religion,- mutual advancement and assistance.
The first regulation established was, that no meeting was competent to act with less than three members present.
* Notes 1, 2, p. 195. t Notes 6-11, pp. 195, 196. $ Notes 4, 5, 9, pp. 195, 196 ; also, Ilebold, pp. 35, 259.
COLLEGES AND GUILDS. 133
Each College was presided over by a Magister, which is exactly translated by the English word "master." The next twos officers were the Decuriones, whose duties were nearly identical with those of. Masonic Wardens, the Mas ter's orders being given through them. Next in order was the Scriba, or Secretary, Atliesaureusis, or Treasurer, and lastly, a Sacerdos, or Chaplain, who conducted the religious services.
Monthly dues were imposed for the general and special purposes of each College, for the assistance of needy brethren, and for the burial of their dead, etc.
In their corporate capacity, the Colleges could hold property. They had a common chest, a common cult, and permanent places of meeting.
On the death of a member, he was publicly interred in a common sepulchre, or columbarium, all the survivors being present.
Members were not liable for the debts of their College, but the property of the College itself could be seized. They could sue or be sued by their syndicus or actor.
Each College celebrated three days, viz., its natal day, came cognationis, dies violarum and dies roses.
The members called themselves Fraters. " For among them," says Mr. Coote, " existed the dear bond of relationship which, though artificial, was that close alliance which only a common sentiment can make."
The College held secret meetings at stated periods, in which candidates were initiated, and craftsmen advanced to a higher grade and received esoteric instructions.*
The candidates for admission were elected by the voice of the members.f
When a man was admitted into the fraternity of a College, he was said to be a co-optatus in collegium. The verb " co-optare," employed to signify an election into a College, comes from the Greek optomai, " to see, to behold." This same word gives origin, in Greek, to epoptes, " a spectator or beholder," one who has attained to the first degree in the Eleusinian Mysteries. Furthermore, those Colleges that were sanctioned by the government were called " Collegia licita," or lawful Colleges, while those not authorized *Note 8, p. 196. t Note 10, p. 196.
184 COLLEGE'S AND GUILDS.
were called " Collegia illicita," equivalent to lawfully constituted, and clandestine Colleges.
In the Colleges there were three grades of initiates-apprentices, fellow workmen, and masters. Their meetings were opened by a religious ceremony -not sectarian, but recognizing Deity as the Grand Architect of the Universe.
The ritual comprised and taught certain religious ceremonies, a knowledge of the obligations and duties imposed upon the initiate, a knowledge of certain symbolisms, and secret modes of recognition, and the oath and its invio lability. The Fellowcraft was also instructed in the use of the implements of masonry, especially the square plumb, level, chisel, and mallet.
To render a member eligible for the position of Master, he had to make due proficiency in the arts and trades for the execution of civil, naval, and hydraulic architecture.
The Colleges comprised the civil and engineering science of the period in which they flourished ; _ therefore, accompanying each legion of the Roman armies, in their campaigns of conquest, was attached a brigade of the Frater nities, whose duties were to (lesign and construct the military roads, entrenched camps, and fortifications, and direct the labors of the soldiers and workmen in the execution of these works.t They were subject to the commanders of the legions only in matters pertaining to the movements of the army and military works, but otherwise they maintained all their privileges. On the return of an army, after a career of conquest, many of the Fraternities would remain in the conquered countries and engage in the erection of houses, bridges, and public edifices, disseminate their arts and doctrines, and found towns and cities. In this way several of the most noted ancient cities, both in Britain and on the Continent, were founded-notably, the cities now known as London, York, St. Albans, in England, and Strasburg, Cologne, and Paris, on the Continent.
Subsequently, the Colleges were known as Guilds; and as the centuries advanced they improved their system, and not only kept abreast of the civilization of the day, but often led it.1
* Note 3, p. 195. t Also see Rebold, pp. 71-73, 263.
Note 7, p. 195. Also notes 14-20, pp. 197, 198.
COLLEGES AND GUILDS. 189
One of the earliest works the Colleges were engaged on was a temple to Jupiter Stator.
From 610 to 500 B.C. they prosecuted the erection of several renowned temples, a great sewer, the Cloaca maxima, through Rome, a strong wall around j the Vimiual, Quirinal, and Esquiline Hills, which were then included in the city limits. They also completed two extensive circuses; and between 500 and 480 B.C. they erected the temples to Saturn, Mercury, and Castor-Pollux. The year 451 B.C. was noted for the creation of the laws of the Twelve Tables, the eighth of which was for the regulation of the Colleges of Builders. Sixty-one years later Rome was sacked by the Gauls, and a part of its monuments destroyed, but they were re-erected by the Colleges.
Between 312 and 285 B.U. the celebrated Appian Way was constructed by the Colleges, or Fraternities, as they were now often called. They also constructed the first great aqueduct. The temple to Romulus, on which was placed the first sun-dial, was also erected about this time.
During the fifty years following (275 B.c.) the Romans conquered most of Gaul, and with the army came a large number of Fraternities, who proceeded to fortify strategic points, and construct great highways. They also founded the city of Cordova, in Spain, and Empordorum, in Gaul.
After the defeat of Hannibal by the Romans, the Fraternities erected a temple to commemorate the event.
The first city hall and court of justice in Rome was erected by the Fraternities, 125 B.C.
Prior to 75 B.C. military colonies were established by the Romans throughout Gaul, one colony in the vicinity of Massillia (Marseilles) and another near Arles. Arles afterward became the capital of the Kingdom of Arles. Here the Fraternities erected an aYnpbitheatre, obelisk, and other noted works, the ruins of which are still to be seen.
Subsequently, Julius Csesar completed the conquest of Gaul, comprising what is known as France, and ordered the Fraternities to reconstruct and enlarge the cities now known as Treves, Rheims, Rouen, Bordeaux, Besangon, Lyous, Toulouse, and Paris.
They also erected in Paris two new temples, one to Isis, and one to 11 ithra.
190 COLLEGEti5 AND GUILDS.
Jewish architects in Rome were admitted into the Colleges of Builders A.D. 10. At this time particular attention was paid to teaching the Egyptian. Mysteries in the Colleges; and in the writings of Vitruvius Polliu he de scribes and extols the doctrines of the Fraternity, which, clothed in allegory and illustrated by symbols, then formed the basis of the teachings of those colleges.
F. Vespasian caused the Colleges to erect the famous Colosseum, A.D. 70. This vast structure was capable of containing 100,000 people; and under the supervision of the Fraternities 12,000 captive Jews were compelled to assist in its construction.
Marcus Aurelius caused the Colleges to construct the road from Civita to Arles? A.D. 163.
The break between the Government and the Fraternities, that had for some time existed on account of the new religion, was widened during the latter part of the reign of Aurelius, and later by Diocletian, by renewed and cruel persecutions of the proselytes, comprising a large portion of the Fraternities; and as a consequence, many of those who could not leave Rome found secure, if dismal, retreat in the vast Catacombs of the city against the bloody edicts issued against them. By sallying forth secretly by night, they man. aged to secure provisions, and thus existed in this noisome abode for years. Finally many of the more venturesome, including members of the CollegesMasons-made their escape to France and England.t
In the great procession ordered by Gallienus, in Rome (A.D. 263), the Colleges marched with shields and banners, having their place after the sacerdotal hierarchy. Later, in the triumphant march of Aurelian, celebrating his victory over Zenobia, the Colleges attached to his army appeared in the pro. cession, bearing their banners.
Under the orders of the Emperor Aurelian, the Fraternity erected two temples to the Sun at Palmyra (A.D. 275). These edifices surpassed in grandeur the temples at Heliopolis.
In A.D. 313, Constantine the Great not only stopped the persecutions of the Christians, but caused a decree to be issued which established Christianity as the religion of the state.
* Note 13, p. 196. f Rebold, pp. 277-281.
COLLEG-ES AND GUILDS. 193
The seat of government )f the Roman Empire was transferred to Byzantium, A.D. 325. And as the frequent irruptions of the northern savages rendered the occupation of the better class of artisans precarious in Rome, they soon after followed the imperial family to the new metropolis. They the more readily sought the new capital, as many of them were Greeks by nativity, and preferred to consecrate their talents to the land of their birth. Therefore, Constantinople became the headquarters of master architects and other skilled artificers; and from the Byzantine Empire art again proceeded westward-light from the east again flashed forth to remote countries.
Immediately after removing to Byzantium, Constantine, by edict, placed the Colleges under the patronage of the Empire, and gave them immunity from all civil exactions, including taxation. Thus the Colleges were estab lished by imperial recognition, and when the code was promulgated in -t38, all the privileges and immunities previously granted were confirmed to them. A.D. 330, Constantine changed the name of Byzantium to Constantino ple, and commenced immense improvements, which necessitated the assistance of many architects and workmen. Consequently, the Masonic Fraternities came here in great numbers. The foundations of the Church of Saint Sophia having already been laid, the work on this unique and splendid edifice was pushed to completion. Subsequently, this church was destroyed by fire, hat was re-erected, A.D. 550. Finally the Turks converted it into a mosque, and thus it remains at this time.
As the colleges of artificers travelled extensively in the East and Europe, they were brought into contact with all forms of national life, and were subjected to the adventitious circumstances attendant upon a sojourn in distant countries; therefore, they travelled and worked in regularly organized bodies and always maintained the Colleges-Guilds.*
RACES.
As the terms Celtic, Gaul, Picts, and Scots will frequently occur hereafter in this work, a brief explanation of them will not be amiss here.
The Celtic nations were a group of the Aryan family that came from Asia, claimed by some to be Scythians, who invaded Europe, and finally- set
* Notes 12 to 20, pp. 196-198.
194 COLLEGES AND GUILDS.
tled in Spain, France, Northern Italy, Belgium, and the British Isles. All the above countries, except Britain, were designated by the Romans as Gallia -Gaul.
The Picts, or Pictish, were a Celtic race, and were first known to history in the northeast of Scotland. Their descendants are now found in Ireland, the Highlands of Scotland, a part of Wales, and the north of France.
The Scoti, or Scots, were also a Celtic people from Ireland.
The Turanian races were the first to people the world beyond the limits of the original cradle of mankind.
In the ancient world the typical Turanians were the Egyptians ; in the modern, the Chinese and Japanese, and perhaps the Mexicans.
The Turanians existed in the valley of the Euphrates before the Semitic or Aryan races came there. The Tunguses in the north, the Mongols, Turks, and all the tribes generally described as Tartars, are Turanians.
The oldest people in Europe of this family are the Pelasgi and the Etruscans. The race also appears in the Magyars, Finns, and Lapps, but ultimately they were everywhere overpowered by the Aryans who drove them into remote corners.
THE SEMITIC RACES
