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HPB-IU v.2 ch.8: Difference between revisions
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{{Page|351|JOB AND REVELATION INITIATION ALLEGORIES.}} | {{Page|351|JOB AND REVELATION INITIATION ALLEGORIES.}} | ||
tles—at least, those who are said to have produced “miracles” ''at will''{{Footnote mark|*|fn1651}}—had to be acquainted with this science. It ill-behooves a Christian to look with horror or derision upon “magic” gems, amulets, and other talismans against the “evil eye,” which serve as charms to exercise a mysterious influence, either on the possessor, or the person whom the magician desires to control. There are still extant a number of such charmed amulets in public and private collections of antiquities. Illustrations of convex gems, with mysterious legends—the meaning of which baffles all scientific inquiry—are given by many collectors. King shows several such in his {{Style S-Italic|Gnostics,}} and he describes a white carnelian (chalcedony), covered on both sides with interminable legends, to interpret which would ever prove a failure; yes, in every case, perhaps, but that of a Hermetic student or an adept. But we refer the reader to his interesting work, and the talismans described in his plates, to show that even the “Seer of Patmos” himself was well-versed in this kabalistic science of talismans and gems. St. John clearly alludes to the potent “white carnelian”—a gem well-known among adepts, as the “{{Style S-Italic|alba petra}},” or the stone of initiation, on which the word {{Style S-Italic|“prize”}} is generally found engraved, as it was given to the candidate who had successfully passed through all the preliminary trials of a neophyte. The fact is, that no less than the {{Style S-Italic|Book of Job}}, the whole {{Style S-Italic|Revelation}}, is simply an allegorical narrative of the Mysteries and initiation therein of a candidate, who is John himself. No high Mason, well versed in the different degrees, can fail to see it. The numbers {{Style S-Italic|seven}}, {{Style S-Italic|twelve}}, and others are all so many lights thrown over the obscurity of the work. Paracelsus maintained the same some centuries ago. And when we find the “one like unto the Son of man” saying (chap. ii. 17): “{{Style S-Italic|To him that overcometh}}, will I give to eat of the {{Style S-Italic|hidden manna}}, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written”—the word—which {{Style S-Italic|no man knoweth}} saving {{Style S-Italic|he that receiveth it}}, what Master Mason can doubt but it refers to the last head-line of this chapter? | {{Style P-No indent|tles—at least, those who are said to have produced “miracles” ''at will''{{Footnote mark|*|fn1651}}—had to be acquainted with this science. It ill-behooves a Christian to look with horror or derision upon “magic” gems, amulets, and other talismans against the “evil eye,” which serve as charms to exercise a mysterious influence, either on the possessor, or the person whom the magician desires to control. There are still extant a number of such charmed amulets in public and private collections of antiquities. Illustrations of convex gems, with mysterious legends—the meaning of which baffles all scientific inquiry—are given by many collectors. King shows several such in his {{Style S-Italic|Gnostics,}} and he describes a white carnelian (chalcedony), covered on both sides with interminable legends, to interpret which would ever prove a failure; yes, in every case, perhaps, but that of a Hermetic student or an adept. But we refer the reader to his interesting work, and the talismans described in his plates, to show that even the “Seer of Patmos” himself was well-versed in this kabalistic science of talismans and gems. St. John clearly alludes to the potent “white carnelian”—a gem well-known among adepts, as the “{{Style S-Italic|alba petra}},” or the stone of initiation, on which the word {{Style S-Italic|“prize”}} is generally found engraved, as it was given to the candidate who had successfully passed through all the preliminary trials of a neophyte. The fact is, that no less than the {{Style S-Italic|Book of Job}}, the whole {{Style S-Italic|Revelation}}, is simply an allegorical narrative of the Mysteries and initiation therein of a candidate, who is John himself. No high Mason, well versed in the different degrees, can fail to see it. The numbers {{Style S-Italic|seven}}, {{Style S-Italic|twelve}}, and others are all so many lights thrown over the obscurity of the work. Paracelsus maintained the same some centuries ago. And when we find the “one like unto the Son of man” saying (chap. ii. 17): “{{Style S-Italic|To him that overcometh}}, will I give to eat of the {{Style S-Italic|hidden manna}}, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written”—the word—which {{Style S-Italic|no man knoweth}} saving {{Style S-Italic|he that receiveth it}}, what Master Mason can doubt but it refers to the last head-line of this chapter?}} | ||
In the pre-Christian Mithraïc Mysteries, the candidate who fearlessly overcame the “{{Style S-Italic|twelve}} Tortures,” which preceded the final initiation, received a small round cake or wafer of unleavened bread, symbolizing, {{Style S-Italic|in one of its meanings,}} the solar disk and known as the heavenly bread or “manna,” and having figures traced on it. A {{Style S-Italic|lamb,}} or a {{Style S-Italic|bull}} was killed, and with the blood the candidate had to be sprinkled, as in the case of the Emperor Julian’s initiation. The {{Style S-Italic|seven}} rules or mysteries | In the pre-Christian Mithraïc Mysteries, the candidate who fearlessly overcame the “{{Style S-Italic|twelve}} Tortures,” which preceded the final initiation, received a small round cake or wafer of unleavened bread, symbolizing, {{Style S-Italic|in one of its meanings,}} the solar disk and known as the heavenly bread or “manna,” and having figures traced on it. A {{Style S-Italic|lamb,}} or a {{Style S-Italic|bull}} was killed, and with the blood the candidate had to be sprinkled, as in the case of the Emperor Julian’s initiation. The {{Style S-Italic|seven}} rules or mysteries | ||
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{{Footnotes end}} | {{Footnotes end}} | ||
{{ | {{Page|362|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
And far older, perhaps. It dates from the time when the soul was an {{Style S-Italic|objective}} being, hence when it could hardly be denied by {{Style S-Italic|itself;}} when humanity was a spiritual race and death existed not. Toward the decline of the cycle of life, the ethereal {{Style S-Italic|man-spirit}} then fell into the sweet slumber of temporary unconsciousness in one sphere, only to find himself awakening in the still brighter light of a higher one. But while the spiritual man is ever striving to ascend higher and higher toward its source of being, passing through the cycles and spheres of individual life, physical man had to descend with the great cycle of universal creation until it found itself clothed with the terrestrial garments. Thenceforth the soul was too deeply buried under physical clothing to reassert its existence, except in the cases of those more spiritual natures, which, with every cycle, became more rare. And yet none of the pre-historical nations ever thought of denying either the existence or the immortality of the inner man, the real “self.” Only, we must bear in mind the teachings of the old philosophies: the spirit alone is immortal—the soul, {{Style S-Italic|per se,}} is neither eternal nor divine. When linked too closely with the physical brain of its terrestrial casket, it gradually becomes a {{Style S-Italic|finite}} mind, a simple animal and sentient life-principle, the {{Style S-Italic|nephesh}} of the Hebrew Bible.{{Footnote mark|*|fn1680}} | And far older, perhaps. It dates from the time when the soul was an {{Style S-Italic|objective}} being, hence when it could hardly be denied by {{Style S-Italic|itself;}} when humanity was a spiritual race and death existed not. Toward the decline of the cycle of life, the ethereal {{Style S-Italic|man-spirit}} then fell into the sweet slumber of temporary unconsciousness in one sphere, only to find himself awakening in the still brighter light of a higher one. But while the spiritual man is ever striving to ascend higher and higher toward its source of being, passing through the cycles and spheres of individual life, physical man had to descend with the great cycle of universal creation until it found itself clothed with the terrestrial garments. Thenceforth the soul was too deeply buried under physical clothing to reassert its existence, except in the cases of those more spiritual natures, which, with every cycle, became more rare. And yet none of the pre-historical nations ever thought of denying either the existence or the immortality of the inner man, the real “self.” Only, we must bear in mind the teachings of the old philosophies: the spirit alone is immortal—the soul, {{Style S-Italic|per se,}} is neither eternal nor divine. When linked too closely with the physical brain of its terrestrial casket, it gradually becomes a {{Style S-Italic|finite}} mind, a simple animal and sentient life-principle, the {{Style S-Italic|nephesh}} of the Hebrew Bible.{{Footnote mark|*|fn1680}} | ||
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{{Page|389|A HIGH MASON’S STRICTURES UPON MASONRY.}} | {{Page|389|A HIGH MASON’S STRICTURES UPON MASONRY.}} | ||
{{Style P-Quote|work as a civilizer hampered. Fortunately the great anti-Masonic excitement that raged in the United States during a portion of this century, forced a considerable band of workers to delve into the true origin of the Craft, and bring about a healthier state of things. The agitation in America also spread to Europe and the literary efforts of Masonic authors on both sides of the Atlantic, such as Rebold, Findel, Hyneman, Mitchell, Mackenzie, Hughan, Yarker and others well-known to the fraternity, is now a matter of history. One effect of their labors has been, in a great measure, to bring the history of Masonry into an open daylight, where even its teachings, jurisprudence, and ritual are no longer secret from those of the ‘profane,’ who have the wit to read as they run. | {{Style P-Quote|{{Style P-No indent|work as a civilizer hampered. Fortunately the great anti-Masonic excitement that raged in the United States during a portion of this century, forced a considerable band of workers to delve into the true origin of the Craft, and bring about a healthier state of things. The agitation in America also spread to Europe and the literary efforts of Masonic authors on both sides of the Atlantic, such as Rebold, Findel, Hyneman, Mitchell, Mackenzie, Hughan, Yarker and others well-known to the fraternity, is now a matter of history. One effect of their labors has been, in a great measure, to bring the history of Masonry into an open daylight, where even its teachings, jurisprudence, and ritual are no longer secret from those of the ‘profane,’ who have the wit to read as they run.}} | ||
“You are correct in saying that the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}} is the ‘great light’ of European and American Masonry. In consequence of this the theistic conception of God and the biblical cosmogony have been ever considered two of its great corner-stones. Its chronology seems also to have been based upon the same pseudo-revelation. Thus Dr. Dalcho, in one of his treatises asserts that the principles of the Masonic Order were presented at and coëval with the creation. It is therefore not astonishing that such a pundit should go on to state that God was the first Grand Master, Adam the second, and the last named initiated Eve into the Great Mystery, as I suppose many a Priestess of Cybelé and ‘Lady’ Kadosh were afterward. The Rev. Dr. Oliver, another Masonic authority, gravely records what may be termed the minutes of a Lodge where Moses presided as Grand Master, Joshua as Deputy Grand Master, and Aholiab and Bezaleel as Grand Wardens! The temple at Jerusalem, which recent archæologists have shown to be a structure with nothing like the pretended antiquity of its erection, and incorrectly called after a monarch whose name proves his mystical character, Sol-Om-On (the name of the sun in three languages), plays, as you correctly observe, a considerable share in Masonic mystery. Such fables as these, and the traditional Masonic colonization of ancient Egypt, have given the Craft the credit of an illustrious origin to which it has no right, and before whose forty centuries of legendary history, the mythologies of Greece and Rome fade into insignificance. The Egyptian, Chaldean, and other theories necessary to each fabricator of ‘high degrees’ have also each had their short period of prominence. The last ‘axe to grind’ has consecutively been the fruitful mother of unproductiveness. | “You are correct in saying that the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}} is the ‘great light’ of European and American Masonry. In consequence of this the theistic conception of God and the biblical cosmogony have been ever considered two of its great corner-stones. Its chronology seems also to have been based upon the same pseudo-revelation. Thus Dr. Dalcho, in one of his treatises asserts that the principles of the Masonic Order were presented at and coëval with the creation. It is therefore not astonishing that such a pundit should go on to state that God was the first Grand Master, Adam the second, and the last named initiated Eve into the Great Mystery, as I suppose many a Priestess of Cybelé and ‘Lady’ Kadosh were afterward. The Rev. Dr. Oliver, another Masonic authority, gravely records what may be termed the minutes of a Lodge where Moses presided as Grand Master, Joshua as Deputy Grand Master, and Aholiab and Bezaleel as Grand Wardens! The temple at Jerusalem, which recent archæologists have shown to be a structure with nothing like the pretended antiquity of its erection, and incorrectly called after a monarch whose name proves his mystical character, Sol-Om-On (the name of the sun in three languages), plays, as you correctly observe, a considerable share in Masonic mystery. Such fables as these, and the traditional Masonic colonization of ancient Egypt, have given the Craft the credit of an illustrious origin to which it has no right, and before whose forty centuries of legendary history, the mythologies of Greece and Rome fade into insignificance. The Egyptian, Chaldean, and other theories necessary to each fabricator of ‘high degrees’ have also each had their short period of prominence. The last ‘axe to grind’ has consecutively been the fruitful mother of unproductiveness. | ||
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{{Page|390|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | {{Page|390|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
{{Style P-Quote|ferred to as having—‘formed a great lodge, at Crotona, and made many Masons, some of whom travelled into France, and there made many, from whence, in process of time, the art passed into England.’ Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, often called the ‘Grand Master of Freemasons,’ was simply the Master or President of the London Operative Masons Company. If such a tissue of fable could interweave itself into the history of the Grand Lodges which now have charge of the first three symbolical degrees, it is hardly astonishing that the same fate should befall nearly all of the High Masonic Degrees which have been aptly termed ‘an incoherent medley of opposite principles.’ | {{Style P-Quote|{{Style P-No indent|ferred to as having—‘formed a great lodge, at Crotona, and made many Masons, some of whom travelled into France, and there made many, from whence, in process of time, the art passed into England.’ Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, often called the ‘Grand Master of Freemasons,’ was simply the Master or President of the London Operative Masons Company. If such a tissue of fable could interweave itself into the history of the Grand Lodges which now have charge of the first three symbolical degrees, it is hardly astonishing that the same fate should befall nearly all of the High Masonic Degrees which have been aptly termed ‘an incoherent medley of opposite principles.’}} | ||
“It is curious to note too that most of the bodies which work these, such as the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, the Rite of Avignon, the Order of the Temple, Fessler’s Rite, the ‘Grand Council of the Emperors of the East and West—Sovereign Prince Masons,’ etc., etc., are nearly all the offspring of the sons of Ignatius Loyola. The Baron Hundt, Chevalier Ramsay, Tschoudy, Zinnendorf, and numerous others who founded the grades in these rites, worked under instructions from the General of the Jesuits. The nest where these high degrees were hatched, and no Masonic rite is free from their baleful influence more or less, was the Jesuit College of Clermont at Paris. “That bastard foundling of Freemasonry, the ‘Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite,’ which is unrecognized by the Blue Lodges was the enunciation, primarily, of the brain of the Jesuit Chevalier Ramsay. It was brought by him to England in 1736-38, to aid the cause of the Catholic Stuarts. The rite in its present form of thirty-three degrees was reorganized at the end of the eighteenth century by some half dozen Masonic adventurers at Charleston, South Carolina. Two of these, Pirlet a tailor, and a dancing master named Lacorne, were fitting predecessors for a later resuscitation by a gentleman of the name of Gourgas, employed in the aristocratic occupation of a ship’s clerk, on a boat trading between New York and Liverpool. Dr. Crucefix, {{Style S-Italic|alias}} Goss, the {{Style S-Italic|inventor}} of certain patent medicines of an objectionable character, ran the institution in England. The powers under which these worthies acted was a document claimed to have been signed by Frederick the Great at Berlin, on May 1st, 1786, and by which were revised the Masonic Constitution and Status of the High Degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Rite. This paper was an impudent forgery and necessitated the issuing of a protocol by the Grand Lodges of the Three Globes of Berlin, which conclusively proved the whole arrangement to be false in every particular. On claims supported by this supposititious document, the Ancient and Accepted Rite have swindled their confiding brothers in the Americas and Europe out of thousands of dollars, to the shame and discredit of humanity. | “It is curious to note too that most of the bodies which work these, such as the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, the Rite of Avignon, the Order of the Temple, Fessler’s Rite, the ‘Grand Council of the Emperors of the East and West—Sovereign Prince Masons,’ etc., etc., are nearly all the offspring of the sons of Ignatius Loyola. The Baron Hundt, Chevalier Ramsay, Tschoudy, Zinnendorf, and numerous others who founded the grades in these rites, worked under instructions from the General of the Jesuits. The nest where these high degrees were hatched, and no Masonic rite is free from their baleful influence more or less, was the Jesuit College of Clermont at Paris. “That bastard foundling of Freemasonry, the ‘Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite,’ which is unrecognized by the Blue Lodges was the enunciation, primarily, of the brain of the Jesuit Chevalier Ramsay. It was brought by him to England in 1736-38, to aid the cause of the Catholic Stuarts. The rite in its present form of thirty-three degrees was reorganized at the end of the eighteenth century by some half dozen Masonic adventurers at Charleston, South Carolina. Two of these, Pirlet a tailor, and a dancing master named Lacorne, were fitting predecessors for a later resuscitation by a gentleman of the name of Gourgas, employed in the aristocratic occupation of a ship’s clerk, on a boat trading between New York and Liverpool. Dr. Crucefix, {{Style S-Italic|alias}} Goss, the {{Style S-Italic|inventor}} of certain patent medicines of an objectionable character, ran the institution in England. The powers under which these worthies acted was a document claimed to have been signed by Frederick the Great at Berlin, on May 1st, 1786, and by which were revised the Masonic Constitution and Status of the High Degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Rite. This paper was an impudent forgery and necessitated the issuing of a protocol by the Grand Lodges of the Three Globes of Berlin, which conclusively proved the whole arrangement to be false in every particular. On claims supported by this supposititious document, the Ancient and Accepted Rite have swindled their confiding brothers in the Americas and Europe out of thousands of dollars, to the shame and discredit of humanity. | ||
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{{Page|391|SOLOMON’S TEMPLE ONLY AN ALLEGORY.}} | {{Page|391|SOLOMON’S TEMPLE ONLY AN ALLEGORY.}} | ||
{{Style P-Quote|such great undertakings in the future, for human, religious, and political improvement. In the last century the Illuminati taught, ‘peace with the cottage, war with the palace,’ throughout the length and breadth of Europe. In the last century the United States was freed from the tyranny of the mother country by the action of the Secret Societies more than is commonly imagined. Washington, Lafayette, Franklin, Jefferson, Hamilton, were Masons. And in the nineteenth century it was Grand Master Garibaldi, 33, who unified Italy, working in accordance with the spirit of the faithful brotherhood, as the Masonic, or rather carbonari, principles of ‘liberty, equality, humanity, independence, unity,’ taught for years by brother Joseph Mazzini. | {{Style P-Quote|{{Style P-No indent|such great undertakings in the future, for human, religious, and political improvement. In the last century the Illuminati taught, ‘peace with the cottage, war with the palace,’ throughout the length and breadth of Europe. In the last century the United States was freed from the tyranny of the mother country by the action of the Secret Societies more than is commonly imagined. Washington, Lafayette, Franklin, Jefferson, Hamilton, were Masons. And in the nineteenth century it was Grand Master Garibaldi, 33, who unified Italy, working in accordance with the spirit of the faithful brotherhood, as the Masonic, or rather carbonari, principles of ‘liberty, equality, humanity, independence, unity,’ taught for years by brother Joseph Mazzini.}} | ||
“Speculative Masonry has much, too, within its ranks to do. One is to accept woman as a co-worker of man in the struggle of life, as the Hungarian Masons have done lately by initiating the Countess Haideck. Another important thing is also to recognize practically the brotherhood of all humanity by refusing none on account of color, race, position, or creed. The dark-skinned should not be only theoretically the brother of the light. The colored Masons who have been duly and regularly raised stand at every lodge-door in America craving admission, and they are refused. And there is South America to be conquered to a participation in the duties of humanity. | “Speculative Masonry has much, too, within its ranks to do. One is to accept woman as a co-worker of man in the struggle of life, as the Hungarian Masons have done lately by initiating the Countess Haideck. Another important thing is also to recognize practically the brotherhood of all humanity by refusing none on account of color, race, position, or creed. The dark-skinned should not be only theoretically the brother of the light. The colored Masons who have been duly and regularly raised stand at every lodge-door in America craving admission, and they are refused. And there is South America to be conquered to a participation in the duties of humanity. | ||
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Now, the alphabet consists of twenty-six letters, and these two signs being dissected, form thirteen distinct characters, thus: | Now, the alphabet consists of twenty-six letters, and these two signs being dissected, form thirteen distinct characters, thus: | ||
A point placed within each gives thirteen more, thus: | A point placed within each gives thirteen more, thus: | ||
Making a total of twenty-six, equal to the number of letters in the English alphabet. | Making a total of twenty-six, equal to the number of letters in the English alphabet. | ||
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The alphabet, according to the first method, stands thus: | The alphabet, according to the first method, stands thus: | ||
According to the second method, thus: | According to the second method, thus: | ||
Besides these signs, the French Masons, evidently under the tuition of their accomplished masters—the Jesuits, have perfected this cipher in all its details. So they have signs even for commas, diphthongs, accents, dots, etc., and these are: | Besides these signs, the French Masons, evidently under the tuition of their accomplished masters—the Jesuits, have perfected this cipher in all its details. So they have signs even for commas, diphthongs, accents, dots, etc., and these are: | ||
398 ISIS UNVEILED. | {{Page|398|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
Let this suffice. We might, if we chose, give the cipher alphabets with their keys, of another method of the Royal Arch Masons, strongly resembling a certain Hindu character; of the G ∴ El ∴ of the Mystic City; of a well-known form of the Devanagari script of the (French) Sages of the Pyramids; and of the Sublime Master of the Great Work, and others. But we refrain; only, be it understood, for the reason that some of these alone of all the side branches of the original Blue Lodge Freemasonry, contain the promise of a useful future. As for the rest, they may and will go to the ash-heap of time. High Masons will understand what we mean. | Let this suffice. We might, if we chose, give the cipher alphabets with their keys, of another method of the Royal Arch Masons, strongly resembling a certain Hindu character; of the G ∴ El ∴ of the Mystic City; of a well-known form of the Devanagari script of the (French) Sages of the Pyramids; and of the Sublime Master of the Great Work, and others. But we refrain; only, be it understood, for the reason that some of these alone of all the side branches of the original Blue Lodge Freemasonry, contain the promise of a useful future. As for the rest, they may and will go to the ash-heap of time. High Masons will understand what we mean. | ||
We must now give some proofs of what we have stated, and demonstrate that the word Jehovah, if Masonry adheres to it, will ever remain as a substitute, never be identical with the lost mirific name. This is so well known to the kabalists, that in their careful etymology of the יהוה they show it beyond doubt to be only one of the many substitutes for the real name, and composed of the two-fold name of the first androgyne—Adam and Eve, Jod (or Yodh), Vau and He-Va—the female serpent as a symbol of Divine Intelligence proceeding from the One-Generative or {{Style S-Italic|Creative}} Spirit. | We must now give some proofs of what we have stated, and demonstrate that the word Jehovah, if Masonry adheres to it, will ever remain as a substitute, never be identical with the lost mirific name. This is so well known to the kabalists, that in their careful etymology of the {{Style S-Hebrew|יהוה}} they show it beyond doubt to be only one of the many substitutes for the real name, and composed of the two-fold name of the first androgyne—Adam and Eve, Jod (or Yodh), Vau and He-Va—the female serpent as a symbol of Divine Intelligence proceeding from the One-Generative or {{Style S-Italic|Creative}} Spirit.{{Footnote mark|*|fn1724}} Thus, Jehovah is not the sacred name at all. Had Moses given to Pharaoh the {{Style S-Italic|true}} “name,” the latter would not have answered as he did, for the Egyptian King-Initiates knew it as well as Moses, who had learned it with them. {{Style S-Italic|The}} “name” was at that time the common property of the adepts of all the nations in the world, and Pharaoh knew certainly the “name” of the Highest God mentioned in the {{Style S-Italic|Book of the Dead.}} But instead of that, Moses (if we accept the allegory of {{Style S-Italic|Exodus}} literally), gives Pharaoh the name of {{Style S-Italic|Yeva,}} the expression or form of the Divine name used by all the {{Style S-Italic|Targums}} as passed by Moses. Hence Pharaoh’s reply: “And who is that ''Yeva''{{Footnote mark|†|fn1725}} that I should obey his voice?” | ||
“Jehovah” dates only from the Masoretic innovation. When the Rabbis, for fear that they should lose the keys to their own doctrines, then written exclusively in consonants, began to insert their vowel-points in their manuscripts, they were utterly ignorant of the true pronunciation of the name. Hence, they gave it the sound of | “Jehovah” dates only from the Masoretic innovation. When the Rabbis, for fear that they should lose the keys to their own doctrines, then written exclusively in consonants, began to insert their vowel-points in their manuscripts, they were utterly ignorant of the true pronunciation of the name. Hence, they gave it the sound of ''Adonah'', and made it read {{Style S-Italic|Ja-ho-vah.}} Thus the latter is simply a fancy, a perversion of the Holy Name. And how could they know it? Alone, out of all their nation the high priests had it in their possession, and respectively passed it to their successors, as the Hindu Brahmâtma does before his death. Once a year only, on the day of atonement, the high priest was | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|fn1724}} See Eliphas Levi’s “Dogme et Rituel,” vol. i. | |||
{{Footnote return|fn1725}} Yeva is {{Style S-Italic|Heva,}} the feminine counterpart of Jehovah-Binah. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
399 THE PRIEST BEHIND THE VEIL. | {{Page|399|THE PRIEST BEHIND THE VEIL.}} | ||
allowed to pronounce it in a whisper. Passing behind the veil into the inner chamber of the sanctuary, the Holy of Holies, with trembling lips and downcast eyes he called upon the dreaded name. The bitter persecution of the kabalists, who received the precious syllables after deserving the favor by a whole life of sanctity, was due to a suspicion that they misused it. At the opening of this chapter we have told the story of Simeon Ben-Iochaï, one of the victims to this priceless knowledge, and see how little he deserved his cruel treatment. | {{Style P-No indent|allowed to pronounce it in a whisper. Passing behind the veil into the inner chamber of the sanctuary, the Holy of Holies, with trembling lips and downcast eyes he called upon the dreaded name. The bitter persecution of the kabalists, who received the precious syllables after deserving the favor by a whole life of sanctity, was due to a suspicion that they misused it. At the opening of this chapter we have told the story of Simeon Ben-Iochaï, one of the victims to this priceless knowledge, and see how little he deserved his cruel treatment.}} | ||
The {{Style S-Italic|Book of Jasher,}} a work—as we are told by a very learned Hebrew divine, of New York—composed in Spain in the twelfth century as “a popular tale,” and that had not “the sanction of the Rabbinical College of Venice,” is full of kabalistical, alchemical, and magical allegories. Admitting so much, it must still be said that there are few popular tales but are based on historical truths. The {{Style S-Italic|Norsemen in Iceland,}} by Dr. G. W. Dasent, is also a collection of popular tales, but they contain the key to the primitive religious worship of that people. So with the {{Style S-Italic|Book of Jasher.}} It contains the whole of the {{Style S-Italic|Old Testament}} in a condensed form, and as the Samaritans held, {{Style S-Italic|i.e}}., the five {{Style S-Italic|Books of Moses,}} without the Prophets. Although rejected by the orthodox Rabbis, we cannot help thinking that, as in the case of the apocryphal {{Style S-Italic|Gospels,}} which were written earlier than the canonical ones, the {{Style S-Italic|Book of Jasher}} is the true original from which the subsequent Bible was in part composed. Both the apocryphal {{Style S-Italic|Gospels}} and {{Style S-Italic|Jasher,}} are a series of religious tales, in which miracle is heaped upon miracle, and which narrate the popular legends as they first originated, without any regard to either chronology or dogma. Still both are corner-stones of the Mosaic and Christian religions. That there was a {{Style S-Italic|Book of Jasher}} prior to the Mosaic {{Style S-Italic|Pentateuch}} is clear, for it is mentioned in {{Style S-Italic|Joshua, Isaiah,}} and 2 {{Style S-Italic|Samuel.}} | The {{Style S-Italic|Book of Jasher,}} a work—as we are told by a very learned Hebrew divine, of New York—composed in Spain in the twelfth century as “a popular tale,” and that had not “the sanction of the Rabbinical College of Venice,” is full of kabalistical, alchemical, and magical allegories. Admitting so much, it must still be said that there are few popular tales but are based on historical truths. The {{Style S-Italic|Norsemen in Iceland,}} by Dr. G. W. Dasent, is also a collection of popular tales, but they contain the key to the primitive religious worship of that people. So with the {{Style S-Italic|Book of Jasher.}} It contains the whole of the {{Style S-Italic|Old Testament}} in a condensed form, and as the Samaritans held, {{Style S-Italic|i.e}}., the five {{Style S-Italic|Books of Moses,}} without the Prophets. Although rejected by the orthodox Rabbis, we cannot help thinking that, as in the case of the apocryphal {{Style S-Italic|Gospels,}} which were written earlier than the canonical ones, the {{Style S-Italic|Book of Jasher}} is the true original from which the subsequent Bible was in part composed. Both the apocryphal {{Style S-Italic|Gospels}} and {{Style S-Italic|Jasher,}} are a series of religious tales, in which miracle is heaped upon miracle, and which narrate the popular legends as they first originated, without any regard to either chronology or dogma. Still both are corner-stones of the Mosaic and Christian religions. That there was a {{Style S-Italic|Book of Jasher}} prior to the Mosaic {{Style S-Italic|Pentateuch}} is clear, for it is mentioned in {{Style S-Italic|Joshua, Isaiah,}} and 2 {{Style S-Italic|Samuel.}} | ||
Nowhere is the difference between the Elohists and Jehovists so clearly shown as in {{Style S-Italic|Jasher.}} Jehovah is here spoken of as the Ophites held him to be, a Son of Ilda-Baoth, or Saturn. In this Book, the Egyptian Magi, when asked by Pharaoh “Who is he, of whom Moses speaks as the {{Style S-Italic|I am?”}} reply that the God of Moses “we have learned, is the Son of the Wise, the Son of ancient kings” (ch. lxxix. 45). | Nowhere is the difference between the Elohists and Jehovists so clearly shown as in {{Style S-Italic|Jasher.}} Jehovah is here spoken of as the Ophites held him to be, a Son of Ilda-Baoth, or Saturn. In this Book, the Egyptian Magi, when asked by Pharaoh “Who is he, of whom Moses speaks as the {{Style S-Italic|I am?”}} reply that the God of Moses “we have learned, is the Son of the Wise, the Son of ancient kings” (ch. lxxix. 45).{{Footnote mark|*|fn1726}} Now, those who assert that {{Style S-Italic|Jasher}} is a forgery of the twelfth century—and we readily believe it—should nevertheless explain the curious fact that, while the above text is {{Style S-Italic|not}} to be found in the {{Style S-Italic|Bible,}} the answer to it {{Style S-Italic|is,}} and is, | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|fn1726}} We find a very suggestive point in connection with this appellation of Jehovah, “Son of ancient Kings,” in the Jaïna sect of Hindustan, known as the Sauryas. They admit that Brahma is a Devatâ, but deny his creative power, and call him the “Son of a King.” See “Asiatic Researches,” vol. ix., p. 279. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
400 ISIS UNVEILED. | {{Page|400|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
moreover, couched in unequivocal terms. At {{Style S-Italic|Isaiah}} xix. 11, the “Lord God” complains of it very wrathfully to the prophet, and says: “Surely the princes of Zoan {{Style S-Italic|are fools,}} the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish; how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the Son of the Wise, the Son of ancient kings?” which is evidently a reply to the above. At {{Style S-Italic|Joshua}} x. 13{{Style S-Italic|, Jasher}} is referred to in corroboration of the outrageous assertion that the sun stood still, and the moon stayed until the people had avenged themselves. “Is not this written in the {{Style S-Italic|Book of Jasher?”}} says the text. And at 2 {{Style S-Italic|Samuel,}} i. 19, the same book is again quoted. “Behold,” it says, “it is written in the {{Style S-Italic|Book of Jasher.”}} Clearly, {{Style S-Italic|Jasher}} must have existed; it must have been regarded as authority; must have been older than Joshua; and, since the verse in {{Style S-Italic|Isaiah}} unerringly points to the passage above quoted, we have at least as much reason to accept the current edition of {{Style S-Italic|Jasher}} as a transcription, excerpt, or compilation of the original work, as we have to revere the Septuagint {{Style S-Italic|Pentateuch,}} as the primitive Hebraic sacred records. | {{Style P-No indent|moreover, couched in unequivocal terms. At {{Style S-Italic|Isaiah}} xix. 11, the “Lord God” complains of it very wrathfully to the prophet, and says: “Surely the princes of Zoan {{Style S-Italic|are fools,}} the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish; how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the Son of the Wise, the Son of ancient kings?” which is evidently a reply to the above. At {{Style S-Italic|Joshua}} x. 13{{Style S-Italic|, Jasher}} is referred to in corroboration of the outrageous assertion that the sun stood still, and the moon stayed until the people had avenged themselves. “Is not this written in the {{Style S-Italic|Book of Jasher?”}} says the text. And at 2 {{Style S-Italic|Samuel,}} i. 19, the same book is again quoted. “Behold,” it says, “it is written in the {{Style S-Italic|Book of Jasher.”}} Clearly, {{Style S-Italic|Jasher}} must have existed; it must have been regarded as authority; must have been older than Joshua; and, since the verse in {{Style S-Italic|Isaiah}} unerringly points to the passage above quoted, we have at least as much reason to accept the current edition of {{Style S-Italic|Jasher}} as a transcription, excerpt, or compilation of the original work, as we have to revere the Septuagint {{Style S-Italic|Pentateuch,}} as the primitive Hebraic sacred records.}} | ||
At all events, Jehovah is not the ancient of the ancient, or “aged of the aged,” of the {{Style S-Italic|Sohar;}} for we find him, in this book, counselling with God the Father as to the creation of the world. “The work-master spoke to the Lord. Let us make man after our image” ({{Style S-Italic|Sohar}} i., fol. 25). Jehovah is but the Metatron, and perhaps, not even the highest, but only one of the Æons; for he whom Onkelos calls {{Style S-Italic|Memro,}} the “Word,” is not the {{Style S-Italic|exoteric}} Jehovah of the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}}, nor is he Jahve יַהְוֶה the Existing One. | At all events, Jehovah is not the ancient of the ancient, or “aged of the aged,” of the {{Style S-Italic|Sohar;}} for we find him, in this book, counselling with God the Father as to the creation of the world. “The work-master spoke to the Lord. Let us make man after our image” ({{Style S-Italic|Sohar}} i., fol. 25). Jehovah is but the Metatron, and perhaps, not even the highest, but only one of the Æons; for he whom Onkelos calls {{Style S-Italic|Memro,}} the “Word,” is not the {{Style S-Italic|exoteric}} Jehovah of the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}}, nor is he Jahve יַהְוֶה the Existing One. | ||
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It was the secresy of the early kabalists, who were anxious to screen the real Mystery name of the “Eternal” from profanation, and later the prudence which the mediæval alchemists and occultists were compelled to adopt to save their lives, that caused the inextricable confusion of divine names. This is what led the people to accept the Jehovah of the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}} as the name of the “One living God.” Every Jewish elder, prophet, and other man of any importance knew the difference; but as the difference lay in the vocalization of the “name,” and its right pronunciation led to death, the common people were ignorant of it, for no initiate would risk his life by teaching it to them. Thus the Sinaitic deity came gradually to be regarded as identical with “Him whose name is known but to the wise.” When Capellus translates: “Whosoever shall pronounce the name of Jehovah, shall suffer death,” he makes two mistakes. The first is in adding the final letter {{Style S-Italic|h}} to the name, if he wants this deity to be considered either male or androgynous, for the letter makes the name feminine, as it really should be, considering it is one of the names of Binah, the third emanation; his second error is in asserting that the word {{Style S-Italic|nokeb}} means only to pronounce {{Style S-Italic|distinctly.}} It means to pronounce {{Style S-Italic|cor}}- | It was the secresy of the early kabalists, who were anxious to screen the real Mystery name of the “Eternal” from profanation, and later the prudence which the mediæval alchemists and occultists were compelled to adopt to save their lives, that caused the inextricable confusion of divine names. This is what led the people to accept the Jehovah of the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}} as the name of the “One living God.” Every Jewish elder, prophet, and other man of any importance knew the difference; but as the difference lay in the vocalization of the “name,” and its right pronunciation led to death, the common people were ignorant of it, for no initiate would risk his life by teaching it to them. Thus the Sinaitic deity came gradually to be regarded as identical with “Him whose name is known but to the wise.” When Capellus translates: “Whosoever shall pronounce the name of Jehovah, shall suffer death,” he makes two mistakes. The first is in adding the final letter {{Style S-Italic|h}} to the name, if he wants this deity to be considered either male or androgynous, for the letter makes the name feminine, as it really should be, considering it is one of the names of Binah, the third emanation; his second error is in asserting that the word {{Style S-Italic|nokeb}} means only to pronounce {{Style S-Italic|distinctly.}} It means to pronounce {{Style S-Italic|cor}}- | ||
401 THE DOUBLE SEX OF JEHOVAH. | {{Page|401|THE DOUBLE SEX OF JEHOVAH.}} | ||
{{Style S-Italic|rectly}}. Therefore, the biblical name Jehovah may be considered simply a {{Style S-Italic|substitute,}} which, as belonging to one of the “powers” got to be viewed as that of the “Eternal.” There is an evident mistake (one of the very many), in one of the texts in {{Style S-Italic|Leviticus}}, which has been corrected by Cahen, and which proves that the interdiction did not at all concern the name of the exoteric Jehovah, whose numerous other names could also be pronounced without any penalty being incurred. | {{Style P-No indent|{{Style S-Italic|rectly}}. Therefore, the biblical name Jehovah may be considered simply a {{Style S-Italic|substitute,}} which, as belonging to one of the “powers” got to be viewed as that of the “Eternal.” There is an evident mistake (one of the very many), in one of the texts in {{Style S-Italic|Leviticus}}, which has been corrected by Cahen, and which proves that the interdiction did not at all concern the name of the exoteric Jehovah, whose numerous other names could also be pronounced without any penalty being incurred.{{Footnote mark|*|fn1727}} In the vicious English version, the translation runs thus: “And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall surely be put to death,” {{Style S-Italic|Levit}}. xxiv. 16. Cahen renders it far more correctly, thus: “And he that blasphemeth the name of the {{Style S-Italic|Eternal}} shall die,” etc. The “Eternal” being something higher than the exoteric and personal “Lord.”{{Footnote mark|†|fn1728}}}} | ||
As with the Gentile nations, the symbols of the Israelites were ever bearing, directly or indirectly, upon sun-worship. The exoteric Jehovah of the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}} is a {{Style S-Italic|dual}} god, like all the other gods; and the fact that David—who is entirely ignorant of Moses—praises his “Lord,” and assures him that the “Lord {{Style S-Italic|is}} a great God, and a great King above all gods,” may be of a very great importance to the descendants of Jacob and David, but their national God concerns us in no wise. We are quite ready to show the “Lord God” of Israel the same respect as we do to Brahma, Zeus, or any other secondary deity. But we decline, most emphatically, to recognize in him either the Deity worshipped by Moses, or the “Father” of Jesus, or yet the “Ineffable Name” of the kabalists. Jehovah is, perhaps, one of the {{Style S-Italic|Elohim,}} who was concerned in the {{Style S-Italic|formation}} (which is not creation) of the universe, one of the architects who built from pre-existing matter, but he never was the “Unknowable” Cause that created “bara,” in the night of the Eternity. These Elohim first form and bless; then they {{Style S-Italic|curse}} and {{Style S-Italic|destroy;}} as one of these Powers, Jehovah is therefore by turns beneficent and malevolent; at one moment he punishes and then repents. He is the antitype of several of the patriarchs—of Esau and of Jacob, the allegorical twins, emblems of the ever manifest dual principle in nature. So Jacob, who is Israel, is the left pillar—the feminine principle of Esau, who is the right pillar and the male principle. When he wrestles with Malach-Iho, the Lord, it is the latter who becomes the {{Style S-Italic|right}} pillar, and Jacob-Israel names God; although the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}}-interpreters have endeavored to transform him into a mere “angel of the Lord” ({{Style S-Italic|Genesis}} xxxii.), Jacob conquers him—as matter will but too often conquer spirit—but his {{Style S-Italic|thigh}} is put out of joint in the fight. | As with the Gentile nations, the symbols of the Israelites were ever bearing, directly or indirectly, upon sun-worship. The exoteric Jehovah of the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}} is a {{Style S-Italic|dual}} god, like all the other gods; and the fact that David—who is entirely ignorant of Moses—praises his “Lord,” and assures him that the “Lord {{Style S-Italic|is}} a great God, and a great King above all gods,” may be of a very great importance to the descendants of Jacob and David, but their national God concerns us in no wise. We are quite ready to show the “Lord God” of Israel the same respect as we do to Brahma, Zeus, or any other secondary deity. But we decline, most emphatically, to recognize in him either the Deity worshipped by Moses, or the “Father” of Jesus, or yet the “Ineffable Name” of the kabalists. Jehovah is, perhaps, one of the {{Style S-Italic|Elohim,}} who was concerned in the {{Style S-Italic|formation}} (which is not creation) of the universe, one of the architects who built from pre-existing matter, but he never was the “Unknowable” Cause that created “bara,” in the night of the Eternity. These Elohim first form and bless; then they {{Style S-Italic|curse}} and {{Style S-Italic|destroy;}} as one of these Powers, Jehovah is therefore by turns beneficent and malevolent; at one moment he punishes and then repents. He is the antitype of several of the patriarchs—of Esau and of Jacob, the allegorical twins, emblems of the ever manifest dual principle in nature. So Jacob, who is Israel, is the left pillar—the feminine principle of Esau, who is the right pillar and the male principle. When he wrestles with Malach-Iho, the Lord, it is the latter who becomes the {{Style S-Italic|right}} pillar, and Jacob-Israel names God; although the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}}-interpreters have endeavored to transform him into a mere “angel of the Lord” ({{Style S-Italic|Genesis}} xxxii.), Jacob conquers him—as matter will but too often conquer spirit—but his {{Style S-Italic|thigh}} is put out of joint in the fight. | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|fn1727}} As, for instance, Shaddai, Elohim, Sabaoth, etc. | |||
{{Footnote return|fn1728}} Cahen’s “Hebrew Bible,” iii., p. 117. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
402 ISIS UNVEILED. | {{Page|402|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
The name of Israel has its derivation from Isaral or Asar, the Sun-God, who is known as Suryal, Surya, and Sur. Isra-el means “striving with God.” The “sun rising upon Jacob-Israel,” is the {{Style S-Italic|Sun}}-God Isaral, fecundating {{Style S-Italic|matter}} or earth, represented by the {{Style S-Italic|female}}-Jacob. As usual, the allegory has more than one hidden meaning in the {{Style S-Italic|Kabala.}} Esau, Æsaou, Asu, is also the sun. Like the “Lord,” Esau fights with Jacob and prevails not. The God-{{Style S-Italic|Sun}} first strives against, and then rises on him in covenant. | The name of Israel has its derivation from Isaral or Asar, the Sun-God, who is known as Suryal, Surya, and Sur. Isra-el means “striving with God.” The “sun rising upon Jacob-Israel,” is the {{Style S-Italic|Sun}}-God Isaral, fecundating {{Style S-Italic|matter}} or earth, represented by the {{Style S-Italic|female}}-Jacob. As usual, the allegory has more than one hidden meaning in the {{Style S-Italic|Kabala.}} Esau, Æsaou, Asu, is also the sun. Like the “Lord,” Esau fights with Jacob and prevails not. The God-{{Style S-Italic|Sun}} first strives against, and then rises on him in covenant. | ||
“And as he passed over Penuel, {{Style S-Italic|the sun rose upon him,}} and he (Jacob) {{Style S-Italic|halted upon his thigh”}} ({{Style S-Italic|Genesis}} xxxii | “And as he passed over Penuel, {{Style S-Italic|the sun rose upon him,}} and he (Jacob) {{Style S-Italic|halted upon his thigh”}} ({{Style S-Italic|Genesis}} xxxii. 31). {{Style S-Italic|Israel}} Jacob, opposed by his brother Esau, is {{Style S-Italic|Samael,}} and “the names of Samael are Azazel and {{Style S-Italic|Satan”}} (the opposer). | ||
If it will be argued that Moses was unacquainted with the Hindu philosophy and, therefore, could not have taken Siva, the regenerator and the destroyer, as his model for Jehovah, then we must admit that there was some miraculous international intuition which prompted every nation to choose for its exoteric national deity the dual type we find in the “Lord God” of Israel. All these fables speak for themselves. Siva, Jehovah, Osiris, are all the symbols of the active principle in nature {{Style S-Italic|par excellence.}} They are the forces which preside at the formation or {{Style S-Italic|regeneration}} of matter and its destruction. They are the types of Life and Death, ever fecundating and decomposing under the never-ceasing influx of the {{Style S-Italic|anima mundi,}} the Universal intellectual Soul, the invisible but ever-present spirit which is behind the correlation of the blind forces. This spirit alone is immutable, and therefore the forces of the universe, cause and effect, are ever in perfect harmony with this one great Immutable Law. Spiritual Life is the one primordial principle {{Style S-Italic|above;}} Physical Life is the primordial principle {{Style S-Italic|below,}} but they are one under their dual aspect. When the Spirit is completely untrammelled from the fetters of correlation, and its essence has become so purified as to be re-united with its cause, it may—and yet who can tell whether it really will—have a glimpse of the Eternal Truth. Till then, let us not build ourselves idols in our own image, and accept the shadows for the Eternal Light. | If it will be argued that Moses was unacquainted with the Hindu philosophy and, therefore, could not have taken Siva, the regenerator and the destroyer, as his model for Jehovah, then we must admit that there was some miraculous international intuition which prompted every nation to choose for its exoteric national deity the dual type we find in the “Lord God” of Israel. All these fables speak for themselves. Siva, Jehovah, Osiris, are all the symbols of the active principle in nature {{Style S-Italic|par excellence.}} They are the forces which preside at the formation or {{Style S-Italic|regeneration}} of matter and its destruction. They are the types of Life and Death, ever fecundating and decomposing under the never-ceasing influx of the {{Style S-Italic|anima mundi,}} the Universal intellectual Soul, the invisible but ever-present spirit which is behind the correlation of the blind forces. This spirit alone is immutable, and therefore the forces of the universe, cause and effect, are ever in perfect harmony with this one great Immutable Law. Spiritual Life is the one primordial principle {{Style S-Italic|above;}} Physical Life is the primordial principle {{Style S-Italic|below,}} but they are one under their dual aspect. When the Spirit is completely untrammelled from the fetters of correlation, and its essence has become so purified as to be re-united with its cause, it may—and yet who can tell whether it really will—have a glimpse of the Eternal Truth. Till then, let us not build ourselves idols in our own image, and accept the shadows for the Eternal Light. | ||
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But truth is stranger than fiction; and this world-old adage finds its application in the case in hand. The “wisdom” of the archaic ages or the “secret doctrine” embodied in the {{Style S-Italic|Oriental Kabala,}} of which, as we have said, the Rabbinical is but an abridgment, did not die out with the Philaletheans of the last Eclectic school. The {{Style S-Italic|Gnosis}} lingers still on earth, and its votaries are many, albeit unknown. Such secret | But truth is stranger than fiction; and this world-old adage finds its application in the case in hand. The “wisdom” of the archaic ages or the “secret doctrine” embodied in the {{Style S-Italic|Oriental Kabala,}} of which, as we have said, the Rabbinical is but an abridgment, did not die out with the Philaletheans of the last Eclectic school. The {{Style S-Italic|Gnosis}} lingers still on earth, and its votaries are many, albeit unknown. Such secret | ||
403 ADEPTS IN PARIS AND ELSEWHERE. | {{Page|403|ADEPTS IN PARIS AND ELSEWHERE.}} | ||
brotherhoods have been mentioned before Mackenzie’s time, by more than one great author. If they have been regarded as mere fictions of the novelist, that fact has only helped the “brother-adepts” to keep their incognito the more easily. We have personally known several of them who, to their great merriment had had the story of their lodges, the communities in which they lived, and the wondrous powers which they had exercised for many long years, laughed at and denied by unsuspecting skeptics to their very faces. Some of these brothers belong to the small groups of “travellers.” Until the close of the happy Louis-Philippian reign, they were pompously termed by the Parisian garcon and trader the {{Style S-Italic|nobles étrangers,}} and as innocently believed to be “Boyards,” Valachian “Gospodars,” Indian “Nabobs,” and Hungarian “Margraves,” who had gathered at the capital of the civilized world to admire its monuments and partake of its dissipations. There are, however, some {{Style S-Italic|insane}} enough to connect the presence of certain of these mysterious guests in Paris with the great political events that subsequently took place. Such recall at least as very remarkable coincidences, the breaking out of the Revolution of ’93, and the earlier explosion of the South Sea Bubble, soon after the appearance of “noble foreigners,” who had convulsed all Paris for more or less longer periods, by either their mystical doctrines or “supernatural gifts.” The St. Germains and Cagliostros of this century, having learned bitter lessons from the vilifications and persecutions of the past, pursue different tactics now-a-days. | {{Style P-No indent|brotherhoods have been mentioned before Mackenzie’s time, by more than one great author. If they have been regarded as mere fictions of the novelist, that fact has only helped the “brother-adepts” to keep their incognito the more easily. We have personally known several of them who, to their great merriment had had the story of their lodges, the communities in which they lived, and the wondrous powers which they had exercised for many long years, laughed at and denied by unsuspecting skeptics to their very faces. Some of these brothers belong to the small groups of “travellers.” Until the close of the happy Louis-Philippian reign, they were pompously termed by the Parisian garcon and trader the {{Style S-Italic|nobles étrangers,}} and as innocently believed to be “Boyards,” Valachian “Gospodars,” Indian “Nabobs,” and Hungarian “Margraves,” who had gathered at the capital of the civilized world to admire its monuments and partake of its dissipations. There are, however, some {{Style S-Italic|insane}} enough to connect the presence of certain of these mysterious guests in Paris with the great political events that subsequently took place. Such recall at least as very remarkable coincidences, the breaking out of the Revolution of ’93, and the earlier explosion of the South Sea Bubble, soon after the appearance of “noble foreigners,” who had convulsed all Paris for more or less longer periods, by either their mystical doctrines or “supernatural gifts.” The St. Germains and Cagliostros of this century, having learned bitter lessons from the vilifications and persecutions of the past, pursue different tactics now-a-days.}} | ||
But there are numbers of these mystic brotherhoods which have naught to do with “civilized” countries; and it is in their unknown communities that are concealed the skeletons of the past. These “adepts” could, if they chose, lay claim to strange ancestry, and exhibit verifiable documents that would explain many a mysterious page in both sacred and profane history. Had the keys to the hieratic writings and the secret of Egyptian and Hindu symbolism been known to the Christian Fathers, they would not have allowed a single monument of old to stand unmutilated. And yet, if we are well informed—and we think we are—there was not one such in all Egypt, but the secret records of its hieroglyphics were carefully registered by the sacerdotal caste. These records still exist, though “not extant” for the general public, though perhaps the monuments may have passed away for ever out of human sight. | But there are numbers of these mystic brotherhoods which have naught to do with “civilized” countries; and it is in their unknown communities that are concealed the skeletons of the past. These “adepts” could, if they chose, lay claim to strange ancestry, and exhibit verifiable documents that would explain many a mysterious page in both sacred and profane history. Had the keys to the hieratic writings and the secret of Egyptian and Hindu symbolism been known to the Christian Fathers, they would not have allowed a single monument of old to stand unmutilated. And yet, if we are well informed—and we think we are—there was not one such in all Egypt, but the secret records of its hieroglyphics were carefully registered by the sacerdotal caste. These records still exist, though “not extant” for the general public, though perhaps the monuments may have passed away for ever out of human sight. | ||
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Of forty-seven tombs of the kings, near Gornore, recorded by the Egyptian priests on their sacred registers, only seventeen were known to the public, according to Diodorus Siculus, who visited the place about sixty years b.c. Notwithstanding this {{Style S-Italic|historical}} evidence, we assert that the whole number exist to this day, and the royal tomb discovered by | Of forty-seven tombs of the kings, near Gornore, recorded by the Egyptian priests on their sacred registers, only seventeen were known to the public, according to Diodorus Siculus, who visited the place about sixty years b.c. Notwithstanding this {{Style S-Italic|historical}} evidence, we assert that the whole number exist to this day, and the royal tomb discovered by | ||
404 ISIS UNVEILED. | {{Page|404|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
Belzoni among the sandstone mountains of Biban-el-Melook (Melech?) is but a feeble specimen of the rest. We will add, furthermore, that the Arab-Christians, the monks, scattered around in their poor, desolate convents on the borderland of the great Lybian Desert, know of the existence of such unbetrayed relics. But they are Copts, sole remnants of the true Egyptian race, and the Copt predominating over the Christian monk in their natures, they keep silent; for what reason it is not for us to tell. There are some who believe that their monkish attire is but a blind, and that they have chosen these desolate homes among arid deserts and surrounded by Mahometan tribes, for some ulterior purposes of their own. Be it as it may, they are held in great esteem by the Greek monks of Palestine; and there is a rumor current among the Christian pilgrims of Jerusalem, who throng the Holy Sepulchre at every Easter, that the holy fire from heaven will never descend so {{Style S-Italic|miraculously}} as when these monks of the desert are present to draw it down by their prayers. | {{Style P-No indent|Belzoni among the sandstone mountains of Biban-el-Melook (Melech?) is but a feeble specimen of the rest. We will add, furthermore, that the Arab-Christians, the monks, scattered around in their poor, desolate convents on the borderland of the great Lybian Desert, know of the existence of such unbetrayed relics. But they are Copts, sole remnants of the true Egyptian race, and the Copt predominating over the Christian monk in their natures, they keep silent; for what reason it is not for us to tell. There are some who believe that their monkish attire is but a blind, and that they have chosen these desolate homes among arid deserts and surrounded by Mahometan tribes, for some ulterior purposes of their own. Be it as it may, they are held in great esteem by the Greek monks of Palestine; and there is a rumor current among the Christian pilgrims of Jerusalem, who throng the Holy Sepulchre at every Easter, that the holy fire from heaven will never descend so {{Style S-Italic|miraculously}} as when these monks of the desert are present to draw it down by their prayers.{{Footnote mark|*|fn1729}}}} | ||
“The kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Many are the candidates at the doors of those who are supposed to know the path that leads to the secret brotherhoods. The great majority are refused admittance, and these turn away interpreting the refusal as an evidence of the non-existence of any such secret society. Of the minority accepted, more than two-thirds fail upon trial. The seventh rule of the ancient Rosicrucian brotherhoods, which is universal among all true secret societies: “the Rosy-Crux becomes and is not {{Style S-Italic|made,”}} is more than the generality of men can bear to have applied to them. But let no one suppose that of the candidates who fail, any will divulge to the world even the trifle they may have learned, as some Masons do. None know better than themselves how unlikely it is that a neophyte should ever talk of what was imparted to him. Thus these societies will go on and hear themselves denied without uttering a word until the day shall come for them to throw off their reserve and show how completely they are masters of the situation. | “The kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Many are the candidates at the doors of those who are supposed to know the path that leads to the secret brotherhoods. The great majority are refused admittance, and these turn away interpreting the refusal as an evidence of the non-existence of any such secret society. Of the minority accepted, more than two-thirds fail upon trial. The seventh rule of the ancient Rosicrucian brotherhoods, which is universal among all true secret societies: “the Rosy-Crux becomes and is not {{Style S-Italic|made,”}} is more than the generality of men can bear to have applied to them. But let no one suppose that of the candidates who fail, any will divulge to the world even the trifle they may have learned, as some Masons do. None know better than themselves how unlikely it is that a neophyte should ever talk of what was imparted to him. Thus these societies will go on and hear themselves denied without uttering a word until the day shall come for them to throw off their reserve and show how completely they are masters of the situation. | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|fn1729}} The Greek monks have this “miracle” performed for the “faithful” every year on Easter night. Thousands of pilgrims are there waiting with their tapers to light them at this sacred fire, which at the precise hour and when needed, descends from the chapel-vault and hovers about the sepulchre in tongues of fire until every one of the thousand pilgrims has lighted his wax taper at it. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||