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 o£ 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.</
