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| volume = 2 | | volume = 2 | ||
| chapter number = 8 | | chapter number = 8 | ||
| chapter title = | | chapter title = Jesuitry and Masonry | ||
| previous = v.2 ch.7 | | previous = v.2 ch.7 | ||
| next = v.2 ch.9 | | next = v.2 ch.9 | ||
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tity of meaning and purpose with those to be met with in the {{Style S-Italic|Vedas,}} the later works of the Brahmans, and the {{Style S-Italic|Kabala?}} | {{Style P-No indent|tity of meaning and purpose with those to be met with in the {{Style S-Italic|Vedas,}} the later works of the Brahmans, and the {{Style S-Italic|Kabala?}}}} | ||
Magicians, Kabalists, Mystics, Neo-platonists and Theurgists of Alexandria, who so surpassed the Christians in their achievements in the secret science; Brahmans or Samaneans (Shamans) of old; and modern Brahmans, Buddhists, and Lamaists, have all claimed that a certain power attaches to these various names, pertaining to one ineffable Word. We have shown from personal experience how deeply the belief is rooted to this day in the popular mind all over Russia, | Magicians, Kabalists, Mystics, Neo-platonists and Theurgists of Alexandria, who so surpassed the Christians in their achievements in the secret science; Brahmans or Samaneans (Shamans) of old; and modern Brahmans, Buddhists, and Lamaists, have all claimed that a certain power attaches to these various names, pertaining to one ineffable Word. We have shown from personal experience how deeply the belief is rooted to this day in the popular mind all over Russia,{{Footnote mark|*|fn1697}} that the Word works “miracles” and is at the bottom of every magical feat. Kabalists mysteriously connect {{Style S-Italic|Faith}} with it. So did the apostles, basing their assertions on the words of Jesus, who is made to say: “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed . . . nothing shall be impossible unto you,” and Paul, repeating the words of Moses, tells that “the word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the {{Style S-Italic|word of faith”}} ({{Style S-Italic|Romans}} x. 8). But who, except the initiates, can boast of comprehending its full significance? | ||
In our days it is as it was in olden times, to believe in the biblical “miracles” requires {{Style S-Italic|faith;}} but to be enabled to produce them one’s self demands a knowledge of the esoteric meaning of the “word.” “If Christ,” say Dr. Farrar and Canon Westcott, “wrought no miracles, then the {{Style S-Italic|gospels}} are untrustworthy.” But even supposing that he did work them, would that prove that gospels written by others than himself are any more trustworthy? And if not, to what purpose is the argument? Besides, such a line of reasoning would warrant the analogy that miracles performed by other religionists than Christians ought to make {{Style S-Italic|their}} gospels trustworthy. Does not this imply at least an equality between the Christian Scriptures and the Buddhist sacred books? For these equally abound with phenomena of the most astounding character. Moreover, the Christians have no longer {{Style S-Italic|genuine}} miracles produced through their priests, for they have {{Style S-Italic|lost the Word.}} But many a Buddhist Lama or Siamese Talapoin—unless all travellers have conspired to lie—has been and now is able to duplicate every phenomenon described in the {{Style S-Italic|New Testament,}} and even do more, without any pretence of suspension of natural law or divine intervention either. In fact, Christianity proves that it is as dead in faith as it is dead in works, while Buddhism is full of vitality and supported by practical proofs. | In our days it is as it was in olden times, to believe in the biblical “miracles” requires {{Style S-Italic|faith;}} but to be enabled to produce them one’s self demands a knowledge of the esoteric meaning of the “word.” “If Christ,” say Dr. Farrar and Canon Westcott, “wrought no miracles, then the {{Style S-Italic|gospels}} are untrustworthy.” But even supposing that he did work them, would that prove that gospels written by others than himself are any more trustworthy? And if not, to what purpose is the argument? Besides, such a line of reasoning would warrant the analogy that miracles performed by other religionists than Christians ought to make {{Style S-Italic|their}} gospels trustworthy. Does not this imply at least an equality between the Christian Scriptures and the Buddhist sacred books? For these equally abound with phenomena of the most astounding character. Moreover, the Christians have no longer {{Style S-Italic|genuine}} miracles produced through their priests, for they have {{Style S-Italic|lost the Word.}} But many a Buddhist Lama or Siamese Talapoin—unless all travellers have conspired to lie—has been and now is able to duplicate every phenomenon described in the {{Style S-Italic|New Testament,}} and even do more, without any pretence of suspension of natural law or divine intervention either. In fact, Christianity proves that it is as dead in faith as it is dead in works, while Buddhism is full of vitality and supported by practical proofs. | ||
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The best argument in favor of the genuineness of Buddhist “miracles” lies in the fact that Catholic missionaries, instead of denying them or treating them as simple jugglery—as some Protestant missionaries do, | The best argument in favor of the genuineness of Buddhist “miracles” lies in the fact that Catholic missionaries, instead of denying them or treating them as simple jugglery—as some Protestant missionaries do, | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1697}} See Chap. I., pp. 42, 43, note, of this volume. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
371 JESUITS DISGUISED AS TALAPOINS. | {{Page|371|JESUITS DISGUISED AS TALAPOINS.}} | ||
have often found themselves in such straits as to be forced to adopt the forlorn alternative of laying the whole on the back of the Devil. And so belittled do the Jesuits feel themselves in the presence of these genuine servants of God, that with an unparalleled cunning, they concluded to act in the case of the Talapoins and Buddhists as Mahomet is said to have acted with the mountain. “And seeing that it would not move toward him, the Prophet moved himself toward the mountain.” Finding that they could not catch the Siamese with the birdlime of their pernicious doctrines in Christian garb, they disguised themselves, and for centuries appeared among the poor, ignorant people as Talapoins, until exposed. They have even voted and adopted a resolution forthwith, which has now all the force of an ancient article of faith. “Naaman, the Syrian,” say the Jesuits of Caen, “did not dissemble his faith when he bowed the knee with the king in the house of Rimmon; {{Style S-Italic|neither do the Fathers of the Society of Jesus dissemble, when they adopt the institute and the habit of the Talapoins of Siam”}} (nec dissimulant Patres S. J. Talapoinorum Siamensium institutum vestemque affectantes.—{{Style S-Italic|Position}} 9, 30 Jan., 1693). | {{Style P-No indent|have often found themselves in such straits as to be forced to adopt the forlorn alternative of laying the whole on the back of the Devil. And so belittled do the Jesuits feel themselves in the presence of these genuine servants of God, that with an unparalleled cunning, they concluded to act in the case of the Talapoins and Buddhists as Mahomet is said to have acted with the mountain. “And seeing that it would not move toward him, the Prophet moved himself toward the mountain.” Finding that they could not catch the Siamese with the birdlime of their pernicious doctrines in Christian garb, they disguised themselves, and for centuries appeared among the poor, ignorant people as Talapoins, until exposed. They have even voted and adopted a resolution forthwith, which has now all the force of an ancient article of faith. “Naaman, the Syrian,” say the Jesuits of Caen, “did not dissemble his faith when he bowed the knee with the king in the house of Rimmon; {{Style S-Italic|neither do the Fathers of the Society of Jesus dissemble, when they adopt the institute and the habit of the Talapoins of Siam”}} (nec dissimulant Patres S. J. Talapoinorum Siamensium institutum vestemque affectantes.—{{Style S-Italic|Position}} 9, 30 Jan., 1693).}} | ||
The potency contained in the {{Style S-Italic|Mantras}} and the {{Style S-Italic|Vâch}} of the Brahmans is as much believed in at this day as it was in the early Vedic period. The “Ineffable Name” of every country and religion relates to that which the Masons affirm to be the mysterious characters emblematic of the nine names or attributes by which the Deity was known to the initiates. The Omnific Word traced by Enoch on the two deltas of purest gold, on which he engraved two of the mysterious characters, is perhaps better known to the poor, uneducated “heathen” than to the highly accomplished Grand High Priests and Grand Z.’s of the Supreme Chapters of Europe and America. Only why the companions of the Royal Arch should so bitterly and constantly lament its loss, is more than we can understand. This word of M. M. is, as they will tell themselves, entirely composed of consonants. Hence, we doubt whether any of them could ever have mastered its pronunciation, had it even been “brought to light from the secret vault,” instead of its several corruptions. However, it is to the land of Mizraim that the grandson of Ham is credited with having carried the sacred delta of the Patriarch Enoch. Therefore, it is in Egypt, and in the East alone that the mysterious “Word” must be sought. | The potency contained in the {{Style S-Italic|Mantras}} and the {{Style S-Italic|Vâch}} of the Brahmans is as much believed in at this day as it was in the early Vedic period. The “Ineffable Name” of every country and religion relates to that which the Masons affirm to be the mysterious characters emblematic of the nine names or attributes by which the Deity was known to the initiates. The Omnific Word traced by Enoch on the two deltas of purest gold, on which he engraved two of the mysterious characters, is perhaps better known to the poor, uneducated “heathen” than to the highly accomplished Grand High Priests and Grand Z.’s of the Supreme Chapters of Europe and America. Only why the companions of the Royal Arch should so bitterly and constantly lament its loss, is more than we can understand. This word of M. M. is, as they will tell themselves, entirely composed of consonants. Hence, we doubt whether any of them could ever have mastered its pronunciation, had it even been “brought to light from the secret vault,” instead of its several corruptions. However, it is to the land of Mizraim that the grandson of Ham is credited with having carried the sacred delta of the Patriarch Enoch. Therefore, it is in Egypt, and in the East alone that the mysterious “Word” must be sought. | ||
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But now that so many of the most important secrets of Masonry have been divulged by friend and foe, may we not say, without suspicion of malice or ill-feeling, that since the sad catastrophe of the Templars, no “Lodge” in Europe, still less in America, has ever known anything worth concealing. Reluctant to be misunderstood, we say {{Style S-Italic|no}} Lodge, | But now that so many of the most important secrets of Masonry have been divulged by friend and foe, may we not say, without suspicion of malice or ill-feeling, that since the sad catastrophe of the Templars, no “Lodge” in Europe, still less in America, has ever known anything worth concealing. Reluctant to be misunderstood, we say {{Style S-Italic|no}} Lodge, | ||
372 ISIS UNVEILED. | {{Page|372|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
leaving a few {{Style S-Italic|chosen}} brethren entirely out of question. The frantic denunciations of the Craft by Catholic and Protestant writers appear simply ridiculous, as also the affirmation of the Abbé Barruel that everything “betrays our Freemasons as the descendants of those proscribed Knights” Templars of 1314. The {{Style S-Italic|Memoirs of Jacobinism}} by this Abbé, an eye-witness to the horrors of the first Revolution, is devoted in great measure to the Rosicrucians and other Masonic fraternities. The fact alone that he traces the modern Masons to the Templars, and points them out as secret assassins, trained to political murder, shows how little he knew of them, but how ardently he desired, at the same time, to find in these societies convenient scape-goats for the crimes and sins of another secret society which, since its existence, has harbored more than one dangerous political assassin—the Society of Jesus. | {{Style P-No indent|leaving a few {{Style S-Italic|chosen}} brethren entirely out of question. The frantic denunciations of the Craft by Catholic and Protestant writers appear simply ridiculous, as also the affirmation of the Abbé Barruel that everything “betrays our Freemasons as the descendants of those proscribed Knights” Templars of 1314. The {{Style S-Italic|Memoirs of Jacobinism}} by this Abbé, an eye-witness to the horrors of the first Revolution, is devoted in great measure to the Rosicrucians and other Masonic fraternities. The fact alone that he traces the modern Masons to the Templars, and points them out as secret assassins, trained to political murder, shows how little he knew of them, but how ardently he desired, at the same time, to find in these societies convenient scape-goats for the crimes and sins of another secret society which, since its existence, has harbored more than one dangerous political assassin—the Society of Jesus.}} | ||
The accusations against Masons have been mostly half guess-work, half-unquenchable malice and predetermined vilification. Nothing conclusive and certain of a criminal character has been directly proven against them. Even their abduction of Morgan has remained a matter of conjecture. The case was used at the time as a political convenience by huckstering politicians. When an unrecognizable corpse was found in Niagara River, one of the chiefs of this unscrupulous class, being informed that the identity was exceedingly questionable, unguardedly exposed the whole plot by saying: “Well, no matter, {{Style S-Italic|he’s a good enough Morgan until after the election!”}} On the other hand, we find the Order of the Jesuits not only permitting, in certain cases, but actually {{Style S-Italic|teaching and inciting to}} “{{Style S-Italic|High treason and Regicide.” | The accusations against Masons have been mostly half guess-work, half-unquenchable malice and predetermined vilification. Nothing conclusive and certain of a criminal character has been directly proven against them. Even their abduction of Morgan has remained a matter of conjecture. The case was used at the time as a political convenience by huckstering politicians. When an unrecognizable corpse was found in Niagara River, one of the chiefs of this unscrupulous class, being informed that the identity was exceedingly questionable, unguardedly exposed the whole plot by saying: “Well, no matter, {{Style S-Italic|he’s a good enough Morgan until after the election!”}} On the other hand, we find the Order of the Jesuits not only permitting, in certain cases, but actually {{Style S-Italic|teaching and inciting to}} “{{Style S-Italic|High treason and Regicide.”{{Footnote mark|*|fn1698}}}} | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1698}} See “The Principles of the Jesuits, Developed in a Collection of Extracts from their own Authors,” London: J. G. and F. Rivington, St. Paul’s Churchyard, and Waterloo Place, Pall Mall; H. Wix, 41 New Bridge Street, Blackfriars; J. Leslie, Queen Street, etc., 1839. Section xvii., “High Treason and Regicide,” containing thirty-four extracts from the same number of authorities (of the Society of Jesus) upon the question, among others the opinion thereof of the famous {{Style S-Italic|Robert Bellarmine.}} So Emmanuel Sa says: “The rebellion of an ecclesiastic against a king, {{Style S-Italic|is not a crime of high treason, because he is not subject to the king”}} (“Confessarium Aphorismi Verbo Clericus,” Ed. Coloniæ, 1615, Ed. Coll. Sion). “{{Style S-Italic|The people,”}} says John Bridgewater, “{{Style S-Italic|are not only permitted, but they are required and their duty demands,}} that at the mandate of the Vicar of Christ, {{Style S-Italic|who is the sovereign pastor over all nations of the earth,}} the faith which they had previously made with such princes should not be kept” (“Concertatio Ecclesiae Catholicæ in Anglia adversus Calvino Papistas,” Resp. fol. 348). | |||
In “De Rege et Regis Institutione, Libri Tres,” 1640 (Edit. Mus. Brit.), John Mariana goes even farther: “If the circumstances will permit,” he says, “it will be lawful to destroy with the sword the prince who is declared a public enemy. . . . {{Style S-Italic|I shall never consider that man to have done wrong, who, favouring the public wishes, should attempt to kill him}},” and “{{Style S-Italic|to put them to death is not only lawful, but a laudable and glorious action.”}} Est tamen salutaris cogitatio, ut sit principibus persuasum si rempublicam oppresserint, si vitiis et fæditate intolerandi erunt, {{Style S-Italic|ea conditione vivere, ut non jure tantum, sed cum laude et gloria perimi possint”}} (Lib. i., c. 6, p. 61). | In “De Rege et Regis Institutione, Libri Tres,” 1640 (Edit. Mus. Brit.), John Mariana goes even farther: “If the circumstances will permit,” he says, “it will be lawful to destroy with the sword the prince who is declared a public enemy. . . . {{Style S-Italic|I shall never consider that man to have done wrong, who, favouring the public wishes, should attempt to kill him}},” and “{{Style S-Italic|to put them to death is not only lawful, but a laudable and glorious action.”}} Est tamen salutaris cogitatio, ut sit principibus persuasum si rempublicam oppresserint, si vitiis et fæditate intolerandi erunt, {{Style S-Italic|ea conditione vivere, ut non jure tantum, sed cum laude et gloria perimi possint”}} (Lib. i., c. 6, p. 61). | ||
But the most delicate piece of Christian teaching is found in the precept of this Jesuit when he argues upon the best and surest way of killing kings and statesmen. “In my own opinion,” he says, “deleterious drugs should not be given to an enemy, neither should a deadly poison be mixed with his food or in his cup . . . Yet {{Style S-Italic|it will indeed be lawful to use this method}} in the case in question (that {{Style S-Italic|he who should kill the tyrant would be highly esteemed, both in favor and in praise,”}} for “{{Style S-Italic|it is a glorious thing to exterminate this pestilent and mischievous race from the community of men),}} not to constrain the person who is to be killed to take of himself the poison which, inwardly received, would deprive him of life, {{Style S-Italic|but to cause it to be outwardly applied by another}} without his intervention; as, when there is so much strength in the poison, that if spread upon a seat or on the clothes it would be sufficiently powerful to cause death” (Ibid., lib. i., c. f., p. 67). “It was thus that Squire attempted the life of Queen Elizabeth, at the instigation of the Jesuit Walpole.”—Pasquier: “Catechisme des Jesuites” (1677, p. 350, etc.), and “Rapin” (fol., Lond., 1733, vol. ii., book xvii., p. 148). | But the most delicate piece of Christian teaching is found in the precept of this Jesuit when he argues upon the best and surest way of killing kings and statesmen. “In my own opinion,” he says, “deleterious drugs should not be given to an enemy, neither should a deadly poison be mixed with his food or in his cup . . . Yet {{Style S-Italic|it will indeed be lawful to use this method}} in the case in question (that {{Style S-Italic|he who should kill the tyrant would be highly esteemed, both in favor and in praise,”}} for “{{Style S-Italic|it is a glorious thing to exterminate this pestilent and mischievous race from the community of men),}} not to constrain the person who is to be killed to take of himself the poison which, inwardly received, would deprive him of life, {{Style S-Italic|but to cause it to be outwardly applied by another}} without his intervention; as, when there is so much strength in the poison, that if spread upon a seat or on the clothes it would be sufficiently powerful to cause death” (Ibid., lib. i., c. f., p. 67). “It was thus that Squire attempted the life of Queen Elizabeth, at the instigation of the Jesuit Walpole.”—Pasquier: “Catechisme des Jesuites” (1677, p. 350, etc.), and “Rapin” (fol., Lond., 1733, vol. ii., book xvii., p. 148). | ||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
373 JESUIT FATHER MARIANA APPROVES POISONING. | {{Page|373|JESUIT FATHER MARIANA APPROVES POISONING.}} | ||
A series of {{Style S-Italic|Lectures}} upon Freemasonry and its dangers, as delivered in 1862, by James Burton Robertson, Professor of Modern History in the Dublin University, are lying before us. In them the lecturer quotes profusely as his authorities the said Abbé (Barruel, a natural enemy of the Masons, {{Style S-Italic|who cannot be caught at the confessional),}} and Robison, a well-known apostate-Mason of 1798. As usual with every party, whether belonging to the Masonic or anti-Masonic side, the traitor from the opposing camp is welcomed with praise and encouragement, and great care is taken to whitewash him. However convenient for certain political reasons the celebrated Committee of the Anti-Masonic Convention of 1830 (U. S. of America) may have found it to adopt this most Jesuitical proposition of Puffendorf that “oaths oblige not when they are absurd and impertinent,” and that other which teaches that “an oath obliges not if God does not accept it,” | A series of {{Style S-Italic|Lectures}} upon Freemasonry and its dangers, as delivered in 1862, by James Burton Robertson, Professor of Modern History in the Dublin University, are lying before us. In them the lecturer quotes profusely as his authorities the said Abbé (Barruel, a natural enemy of the Masons, {{Style S-Italic|who cannot be caught at the confessional),}} and Robison, a well-known apostate-Mason of 1798. As usual with every party, whether belonging to the Masonic or anti-Masonic side, the traitor from the opposing camp is welcomed with praise and encouragement, and great care is taken to whitewash him. However convenient for certain political reasons the celebrated Committee of the Anti-Masonic Convention of 1830 (U. S. of America) may have found it to adopt this most Jesuitical proposition of Puffendorf that “oaths oblige not when they are absurd and impertinent,” and that other which teaches that “an oath obliges not if God does not accept it,”{{Footnote mark|*|fn1699}} yet no truly honest man would accept such sophistry. We sincerely believe that the better portion of humanity will ever bear in mind that there exists a moral code of honor far more binding than an oath, whether on the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}}, {{Style S-Italic|Koran}}, or {{Style S-Italic|Veda}}. The Essenes never swore on anything at all, but their “ayes” and “nays” were as good and far better than an oath. Besides, it seems surpassingly strange to find nations that call themselves Christian instituting customs in civil and ecclesiastical courts diametrically opposed to the command of their God,{{Footnote mark|†|fn1700}} who distinctly forbids any swearing at all, “neither by heaven . . . | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1699}} Puffendorf: “Droit de la Nat.,” book iv., ch. 1. | |||
{{Footnote return|†|fn1700}} “Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, thou shalt not forswear thyself. . . . But I say unto you, swear not at all,” etc. “But let your communication be yea, yea; nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (Matthew v. 33, 34, 37). | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
374 ISIS UNVEILED. | {{Page|374|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
nor by the earth . . . nor by the head.” It seems to us that to maintain that “an oath obliges not if God does not accept it,” besides being an absurdity—as no man living, whether he be fallible or infallible, can learn anything of God’s secret thoughts—is {{Style S-Italic|anti-Christian}} in the full sense of the word. | {{Style P-No indent|nor by the earth . . . nor by the head.” It seems to us that to maintain that “an oath obliges not if God does not accept it,” besides being an absurdity—as no man living, whether he be fallible or infallible, can learn anything of God’s secret thoughts—is {{Style S-Italic|anti-Christian}} in the full sense of the word.{{Footnote mark|*|fn1701}} The argument is brought forward only because it is convenient and answers the object. Oaths will never be binding till each man will fully understand that humanity is the highest manifestation on earth of the Unseen Supreme Deity, and each man an incarnation of his God; and when the sense of {{Style S-Italic|personal}} responsibility will be so developed in him that he will consider forswearing the greatest possible insult to himself, as well as to humanity. No oath is now binding, unless taken by one who, without any oath at all, would solemnly keep his simple promise of honor. Therefore, to bring forward as authorities such men as Barruel or Robison is simply obtaining the public confidence under false pretenses. It is not the “spirit of {{Style S-Italic|Masonic malice}} whose heart coins slanders like a mint,” but far more that of the Catholic clergy and their champions; and a man who would reconcile the two ideas of honor and perjury, in any case whatever, is not to be trusted himself.}} | ||
Loud is the claim of the nineteenth century to preëminence in civilization over the ancients, and still more clamorous that of the churches and their sycophants that Christianity has redeemed the world from barbarism and idolatry. How little both are warranted, we have tried to prove in these two volumes. The light of Christianity has only served to show how much more hypocrisy and vice its teachings have begotten in the world since its advent, and how immensely superior were the ancients over us in every point of honor. | Loud is the claim of the nineteenth century to preëminence in civilization over the ancients, and still more clamorous that of the churches and their sycophants that Christianity has redeemed the world from barbarism and idolatry. How little both are warranted, we have tried to prove in these two volumes. The light of Christianity has only served to show how much more hypocrisy and vice its teachings have begotten in the world since its advent, and how immensely superior were the ancients over us in every point of honor.{{Footnote mark|†|fn1702}} The clergy, by teaching the helplessness of man, his utter dependence on Providence, and the doctrine of atonement, have crushed in their faithful followers every atom of self-reliance and self-respect. So true is this, that it is becoming an axiom that the most honorable men are to be found among atheists and the so-called “infidels.” We hear from Hipparchus that in the days of {{Style S-Italic|heathenism}} “the shame and disgrace that justly attended the violation of his oath threw the poor wretch into a fit of madness and despair, so that he cut his throat and perished by his own hands, and his memory was so abhorred after his death that his body lay upon the shore of the island of Samos, and had no other burial than the sands of the sea.”{{Footnote mark|‡|fn1703}} But in our own | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1701}} Barbeyrac, in his notes on Puffendorf, shows that the Peruvians used no oath, but a simple averment before the Inca, and were never found perjuring themselves. | |||
{{Footnote return|†|fn1702}} We beg the reader to remember that we do not mean by Christianity the {{Style S-Italic|teachings of Christ,}} but those of his alleged servants—the clergy. | |||
{{Footnote return|‡|fn1703}} Dr. Anderson’s “Defence,” quoted by John Yarker in his “Notes on the Scientific and Religious Mysteries of Antiquity.” | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
375 DOES FREEMASONRY INHERIT THE SECRET WISDOM? | {{Page|375|DOES FREEMASONRY INHERIT THE SECRET WISDOM?}} | ||
century we find ninety-six delegates to the United States Anti-Masonic Convention, every one doubtless a member of some Protestant Church, and claiming the respect due to men of honor and gentlemen, offering the most Jesuitical arguments against the validity of a Masonic oath. The Committee, pretending to quote the authority of “the most distinguished guides in the philosophy of morals, and claiming the most ample support of {{ | {{Style P-No indent|century we find ninety-six delegates to the United States Anti-Masonic Convention, every one doubtless a member of some Protestant Church, and claiming the respect due to men of honor and gentlemen, offering the most Jesuitical arguments against the validity of a Masonic oath. The Committee, pretending to quote the authority of “the most distinguished guides in the philosophy of morals, and claiming the most ample support of ''the inspired''{{Footnote mark|*|fn1704}} . . . who wrote before Freemasonry existed,” resolved that, as an oath was “a transaction between man on one part and the Almighty Judge on the other,” and the Masons were all infidels and “unfit for civil trust,” therefore their oaths had to be considered illegal and not binding.{{Footnote mark|†|fn1705}}}} | ||
But we will return to these {{Style S-Italic|Lectures}} of Robertson and his charges against Masonry. The greatest accusation brought against the latter is that Masons reject a {{Style S-Italic|personal}} God (this on the authority of Barruel and Robison), and that they claim to be in possession of a “secret to make men better and happier than Christ, his apostles and his Church have made them.” Were the latter accusation but half true, it might yet allow the consoling hope that they had really found that secret by breaking off entirely from the mythical Christ of the Church and the official Jehovah. But both the accusations are simply as malicious as they are absurd and untrue; as we shall presently see. | But we will return to these {{Style S-Italic|Lectures}} of Robertson and his charges against Masonry. The greatest accusation brought against the latter is that Masons reject a {{Style S-Italic|personal}} God (this on the authority of Barruel and Robison), and that they claim to be in possession of a “secret to make men better and happier than Christ, his apostles and his Church have made them.” Were the latter accusation but half true, it might yet allow the consoling hope that they had really found that secret by breaking off entirely from the mythical Christ of the Church and the official Jehovah. But both the accusations are simply as malicious as they are absurd and untrue; as we shall presently see. | ||
| Line 502: | Line 510: | ||
How far gone is the Masonic Fraternity in this direction, we can judge | How far gone is the Masonic Fraternity in this direction, we can judge | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1704}} Epiphanius included, we must think, after that, in violation of his oath, he had sent over seventy persons into exile, who belonged to the secret society he betrayed. | |||
{{Footnote return|†|fn1705}} United States Anti-Masonic Convention: “Obligation of Masonic Oaths,” speech delivered by Mr. Hopkins, of New York. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
376 ISIS UNVEILED. | {{Page|376|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
from the words of one of its highest authorities. John Yarker, Junior, of England; Past Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Greece; Grand Master of the Rite of Swedenborg; also Grand Master of the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Masonry, and Heaven only knows what else, | {{Style P-No indent|from the words of one of its highest authorities. John Yarker, Junior, of England; Past Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Greece; Grand Master of the Rite of Swedenborg; also Grand Master of the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Masonry, and Heaven only knows what else,{{Footnote mark|*|fn1706}} says that Masonry could lose nothing by “the adoption of a higher (not pecuniary) standard of membership and morality, with exclusion from the ‘purple’ of all who {{Style S-Italic|inculcate frauds, sham, historical degrees, and other immoral abuses”}} (page 158). And again, on page 157: “As the Masonic Fraternity is now governed, the Craft is fast becoming the paradise of the {{Style S-Italic|bon vivant;}} of the ‘charitable’ hypocrite, who forgets the version of St. Paul, and decorates his breast with the ‘charity jewel’ (having by this judicious expenditure obtained the ‘purple’ he metes out judgment to other brethren of greater ability and morality but less means); the manufacturer of paltry Masonic tinsel; the rascally merchant who swindles in hundreds, and even thousands, by appealing to the tender consciences of those few who do regard their O. B.’s; and the Masonic ‘Emperors’ and other charlatans who make power or money out of the aristocratic pretensions which they have tacked on to our institution—{{Style S-Italic|ad captandum vulgus.”}}}} | ||
We have no wish to make a pretence of exposing secrets long since hawked about the world by perjured Masons. Everything vital, whether in symbolical representations, rites, or passwords, as used in modern Freemasonry, is known in the Eastern fraternities; though there seems to be no intercourse or connection between them. If Medea is described by Ovid as having “arm, breast, and knee made bare, left foot slipshod;” and Virgil, speaking of Dido, shows this “Queen herself . . . now resolute on death, having one foot bare, etc.,” | We have no wish to make a pretence of exposing secrets long since hawked about the world by perjured Masons. Everything vital, whether in symbolical representations, rites, or passwords, as used in modern Freemasonry, is known in the Eastern fraternities; though there seems to be no intercourse or connection between them. If Medea is described by Ovid as having “arm, breast, and knee made bare, left foot slipshod;” and Virgil, speaking of Dido, shows this “Queen herself . . . now resolute on death, having one foot bare, etc.,”{{Footnote mark|†|fn1707}} why doubt that there are in the East {{Style S-Italic|real}} “Patriarchs of the sacred Vedas,” explaining the esotericism of pure Hindu theology and Brahmanism quite as thoroughly as European “Patriarchs”? | ||
But, if there are a few Masons who, from study of kabalistic and other rare works, and coming in personal communication with “Brothers” from the far-away East, have learned something of {{Style S-Italic|esoteric}} Masonry, it is not the case with the hundreds of American Lodges. While engaged on this chapter, we have received most unexpectedly, through the kindness of a friend, a copy of Mr. Yarker’s volume, from which passages are quoted above. It is brimful of learning and, what is more, of {{Style S-Italic|knowledge,}} | But, if there are a few Masons who, from study of kabalistic and other rare works, and coming in personal communication with “Brothers” from the far-away East, have learned something of {{Style S-Italic|esoteric}} Masonry, it is not the case with the hundreds of American Lodges. While engaged on this chapter, we have received most unexpectedly, through the kindness of a friend, a copy of Mr. Yarker’s volume, from which passages are quoted above. It is brimful of learning and, what is more, of {{Style S-Italic|knowledge,}} | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1706}} John Yarker, Junr.: “Notes on the Scientific and Religious Mysteries of Antiquity; the Gnosis and Secret Schools of the Middle Ages; Modern Rosicrucianism; and the various Rites and Degrees of Free and Accepted Masonry.” London, 1872. | |||
{{Footnote return|†|fn1707}} Ibid., p. 151. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
377 IS MASONRY JEHOVISTIC OR PAGAN? | {{Page|377|IS MASONRY JEHOVISTIC OR PAGAN?}} | ||
as it seems to us. It is especially valuable at this moment, since it corroborates, in many particulars, what we have said in this work. Thus, we read in it the following: | {{Style P-No indent|as it seems to us. It is especially valuable at this moment, since it corroborates, in many particulars, what we have said in this work. Thus, we read in it the following:}} | ||
“We think we have sufficiently established the fact of the connection of Freemasonry with other speculative rites of antiquity, as well as the antiquity and purity of the old English Templar-Rite of {{Style S-Italic|seven degrees,}} and the spurious derivation of many of the other rites therefrom.” | “We think we have sufficiently established the fact of the connection of Freemasonry with other speculative rites of antiquity, as well as the antiquity and purity of the old English Templar-Rite of {{Style S-Italic|seven degrees,}} and the spurious derivation of many of the other rites therefrom.”{{Footnote mark|*|fn1708}} | ||
Such high Masons need not be told, though Craftsmen in general do, that the time has come to remodel Masonry, and restore those ancient landmarks, borrowed from the early sodalities, which the eighteenth century founders of speculative Freemasonry meant to have incorporated in the fraternity. There are no longer any secrets left unpublished; the Order is degenerating into a convenience for selfish men to use, and bad men to debase. | Such high Masons need not be told, though Craftsmen in general do, that the time has come to remodel Masonry, and restore those ancient landmarks, borrowed from the early sodalities, which the eighteenth century founders of speculative Freemasonry meant to have incorporated in the fraternity. There are no longer any secrets left unpublished; the Order is degenerating into a convenience for selfish men to use, and bad men to debase. | ||
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It is but recently that a majority of the Supreme Councils of the Ancient and Accepted Rite assembled at Lausanne, justly revolting against such a blasphemous belief as that in a personal Deity, invested with all human attributes, pronounced the following words: “Freemasonry proclaims, as it has proclaimed from its origin, the existence of a {{Style S-Italic|creative principle,}} under the name of the great Architect of the universe.” Against this, a small minority has protested, urging that “belief in a {{Style S-Italic|creative principle}} is not {{Style S-Italic|the belief in God, which Freemasonry requires of every candidate}} before he can pass its very threshold.” | It is but recently that a majority of the Supreme Councils of the Ancient and Accepted Rite assembled at Lausanne, justly revolting against such a blasphemous belief as that in a personal Deity, invested with all human attributes, pronounced the following words: “Freemasonry proclaims, as it has proclaimed from its origin, the existence of a {{Style S-Italic|creative principle,}} under the name of the great Architect of the universe.” Against this, a small minority has protested, urging that “belief in a {{Style S-Italic|creative principle}} is not {{Style S-Italic|the belief in God, which Freemasonry requires of every candidate}} before he can pass its very threshold.” | ||
This confession does not sound like the rejection of a personal God. Could we have had the slightest doubt upon the subject, it would be thoroughly dispelled by the words of General Albert Pike, | This confession does not sound like the rejection of a personal God. Could we have had the slightest doubt upon the subject, it would be thoroughly dispelled by the words of General Albert Pike,{{Footnote mark|†|fn1709}} perhaps the greatest authority of the day, among American Masons, who raises himself most violently against this innovation. We cannot do better than quote his words: | ||
“This {{Style S-Italic|Principe Createur}} is no new phrase—it is but an old term revived. {{Style S-Italic|Our adversaries, numerous and formidable,}} will say, and will have the right to say, that our {{Style S-Italic|Principe Createur}} is identical with the {{Style S-Italic|Principe Genateur}} of the Indians and Egyptians, and may fitly be symbolized as it was symbolized anciently, by the Lingæ. . . . To accept this, in lieu of a personal God, is TO ABANDON CHRISTIANITY, and {{Style S-Italic|the worship of Jehovah,}} and return to wallow in the styes of Paganism.” | “This {{Style S-Italic|Principe Createur}} is no new phrase—it is but an old term revived. {{Style S-Italic|Our adversaries, numerous and formidable,}} will say, and will have the right to say, that our {{Style S-Italic|Principe Createur}} is identical with the {{Style S-Italic|Principe Genateur}} of the Indians and Egyptians, and may fitly be symbolized as it was symbolized anciently, by the Lingæ. . . . To accept this, in lieu of a personal God, is TO ABANDON CHRISTIANITY, and {{Style S-Italic|the worship of Jehovah,}} and return to wallow in the styes of Paganism.” | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1708}} John Yarker: “Notes, etc.,” p. 150. | |||
{{Footnote return|†|fn1709}} Proceedings of the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors-General of the Thirty-third and Last Degree, etc., etc. Held at the city of New York, August 15, 1876,” pp. 54, 55. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
378 ISIS UNVEILED. | {{Page|378|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
And are those of {{Style S-Italic|Jesuitism,}} then, so much cleaner? “Our adversaries, numerous and formidable.” That sentence says all. Who these so formidable enemies are, is useless to inquire. They are the Roman Catholics, and some of the Reformed Presbyterians. To read what the two factions respectively write, we may well ask which adversary is the more afraid of the other. But, what shall it profit any one to organize against a fraternity that does not even dare to have a belief of its own for fear of giving offense? And pray, how, if Masonic oaths mean anything, and Masonic penalties are regarded as more than burlesque, can any adversaries, numerous or few, feeble or strong, know what goes on inside the lodge, or penetrate beyond that “brother terrible, or the tiler, who guards, with a drawn sword, the portals of the lodge”? Is, then, this “brother terrible” no more formidable than Offenbach’s {{Style S-Italic|General Boum,}} with his smoking pistol, jingling spurs, and towering {{Style S-Italic|panache?}} Of what use the millions of men that make up this great fraternity, the world over, if they cannot be so cemented together as to bid defiance to all adversaries? Can it be that the “mystic tie” is but a rope of sand, and Masonry but a toy to feed the vanity of a few leaders who rejoice in ribbons and regalia? Is its authority as false as its antiquity? It seems so, indeed; and yet, as “even the fleas have smaller fleas to bite ‘em,” there are Catholic alarmists, even here, who pretend to fear Masonry! | And are those of {{Style S-Italic|Jesuitism,}} then, so much cleaner? “Our adversaries, numerous and formidable.” That sentence says all. Who these so formidable enemies are, is useless to inquire. They are the Roman Catholics, and some of the Reformed Presbyterians. To read what the two factions respectively write, we may well ask which adversary is the more afraid of the other. But, what shall it profit any one to organize against a fraternity that does not even dare to have a belief of its own for fear of giving offense? And pray, how, if Masonic oaths mean anything, and Masonic penalties are regarded as more than burlesque, can any adversaries, numerous or few, feeble or strong, know what goes on inside the lodge, or penetrate beyond that “brother terrible, or the tiler, who guards, with a drawn sword, the portals of the lodge”? Is, then, this “brother terrible” no more formidable than Offenbach’s {{Style S-Italic|General Boum,}} with his smoking pistol, jingling spurs, and towering {{Style S-Italic|panache?}} Of what use the millions of men that make up this great fraternity, the world over, if they cannot be so cemented together as to bid defiance to all adversaries? Can it be that the “mystic tie” is but a rope of sand, and Masonry but a toy to feed the vanity of a few leaders who rejoice in ribbons and regalia? Is its authority as false as its antiquity? It seems so, indeed; and yet, as “even the fleas have smaller fleas to bite ‘em,” there are Catholic alarmists, even here, who pretend to fear Masonry! | ||
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And yet, these same Catholics, in all the serenity of their traditional impudence, publicly threaten America, with its 500,000 Masons, and 34,000,000 Protestants, with a union of Church and State under the direction of Rome! The danger which threatens the free institutions of this republic, we are told, will come from “the principles of Protestantism logically developed.” The present Secretary of the Navy—the Hon. R. W. Thompson, of Indiana, having actually dared, in his own free Protestant country, to publish a book recently on {{Style S-Italic|Papacy and the Civil Power,}} in which his language is as moderate as it is gentlemanly and fair, a Roman Catholic priest, at Washington, D. C.—the very seat of Government—denounces him with violence. What is better, a representative member of the Society of Jesus, Father F. X. Weninger, D. D., pours upon his devoted head a vial of wrath that seems to have been brought direct from the Vatican cellars. “The assertions,” he says, “which Mr. Thompson makes on the necessary antagonism between the Catholic Church and free institutions, are characterized by pitiful ignorance and blind audacity. He is reckless of logic, of history, of common sense, of charity; and presents himself before the loyal American people as a narrow-minded bigot. No scholar would venture to repeat the stale calumnies which have so often been refuted. . . . In answer to his accu- | And yet, these same Catholics, in all the serenity of their traditional impudence, publicly threaten America, with its 500,000 Masons, and 34,000,000 Protestants, with a union of Church and State under the direction of Rome! The danger which threatens the free institutions of this republic, we are told, will come from “the principles of Protestantism logically developed.” The present Secretary of the Navy—the Hon. R. W. Thompson, of Indiana, having actually dared, in his own free Protestant country, to publish a book recently on {{Style S-Italic|Papacy and the Civil Power,}} in which his language is as moderate as it is gentlemanly and fair, a Roman Catholic priest, at Washington, D. C.—the very seat of Government—denounces him with violence. What is better, a representative member of the Society of Jesus, Father F. X. Weninger, D. D., pours upon his devoted head a vial of wrath that seems to have been brought direct from the Vatican cellars. “The assertions,” he says, “which Mr. Thompson makes on the necessary antagonism between the Catholic Church and free institutions, are characterized by pitiful ignorance and blind audacity. He is reckless of logic, of history, of common sense, of charity; and presents himself before the loyal American people as a narrow-minded bigot. No scholar would venture to repeat the stale calumnies which have so often been refuted. . . . In answer to his accu- | ||
379 IMPERTINENCE OF THE JESUIT WENINGER. | {{Page|379|IMPERTINENCE OF THE JESUIT WENINGER.}} | ||
sations against the Church as the enemy of liberty, I tell him that, if ever this country should become a Catholic country, that is, if Catholics should ever be in the majority, and {{Style S-Italic|have the control of political power,}} then he would see the principles of our Constitution carried out to the fullest extent; he would see that these States would be in very deed {{Style S-Italic|United.}} He would behold a people living in peace and harmony; joined in the bonds of one faith, their hearts beating in unison with love of their fatherland, with charity and forbearance toward all, and respecting the rights and consciences even of their slanderers.” | {{Style P-No indent|sations against the Church as the enemy of liberty, I tell him that, if ever this country should become a Catholic country, that is, if Catholics should ever be in the majority, and {{Style S-Italic|have the control of political power,}} then he would see the principles of our Constitution carried out to the fullest extent; he would see that these States would be in very deed {{Style S-Italic|United.}} He would behold a people living in peace and harmony; joined in the bonds of one faith, their hearts beating in unison with love of their fatherland, with charity and forbearance toward all, and respecting the rights and consciences even of their slanderers.”}} | ||
In behalf of this “Society of Jesus,” he advises Mr. Thompson to send his book to the Czar, Alexander II., and to Frederick William, Emperor of Germany. He may expect from them, as a token of their sympathy, the orders of St. Andrew and of the Black Eagle. “From clear-minded, self-thinking, patriotic Americans, he cannot expect anything but the {{Style S-Italic|decoration}} of their contempt. As long as American hearts {{Style S-Italic|will}} beat in American bosoms, and the blood of their fathers {{Style S-Italic|shall}} flow in their veins, such efforts as Thompson’s {{Style S-Italic|shall}} not succeed. True, genuine Americans will protect the Catholic Church in this country and {{Style S-Italic|will finally join it.”}} After that, having thus, as he seems to think, left the corpse of his impious antagonist upon the field, he marches off emptying the dregs of his exhausted bottle after the following fashion: “We leave the volume, whose argument we have killed, as a carcass to be devoured by those Texan buzzards—those stinking birds—we mean that kind of men who love to feed on corruption, calumnies, and lies, and are attracted by the stench of them.” | In behalf of this “Society of Jesus,” he advises Mr. Thompson to send his book to the Czar, Alexander II., and to Frederick William, Emperor of Germany. He may expect from them, as a token of their sympathy, the orders of St. Andrew and of the Black Eagle. “From clear-minded, self-thinking, patriotic Americans, he cannot expect anything but the {{Style S-Italic|decoration}} of their contempt. As long as American hearts {{Style S-Italic|will}} beat in American bosoms, and the blood of their fathers {{Style S-Italic|shall}} flow in their veins, such efforts as Thompson’s {{Style S-Italic|shall}} not succeed. True, genuine Americans will protect the Catholic Church in this country and {{Style S-Italic|will finally join it.”}} After that, having thus, as he seems to think, left the corpse of his impious antagonist upon the field, he marches off emptying the dregs of his exhausted bottle after the following fashion: “We leave the volume, whose argument we have killed, as a carcass to be devoured by those Texan buzzards—those stinking birds—we mean that kind of men who love to feed on corruption, calumnies, and lies, and are attracted by the stench of them.” | ||
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Moral: This will teach fair-minded, sober, and gentlemanly writers that even so well-bred an antagonist as Mr. Thompson has shown himself in his book, cannot hope to escape the only available weapon in the Catholic armory—Billingsgate. The whole argument of the author shows that while forcible, he intends to be fair; but he might as well have attacked with a Tertullianistic violence, for his treatment would not have been worse. It will doubtless afford him some consolation to be placed in the same category with schismatic and infidel emperors and kings. | Moral: This will teach fair-minded, sober, and gentlemanly writers that even so well-bred an antagonist as Mr. Thompson has shown himself in his book, cannot hope to escape the only available weapon in the Catholic armory—Billingsgate. The whole argument of the author shows that while forcible, he intends to be fair; but he might as well have attacked with a Tertullianistic violence, for his treatment would not have been worse. It will doubtless afford him some consolation to be placed in the same category with schismatic and infidel emperors and kings. | ||
While Americans, including Masons, are now warned to prepare themselves to join the Holy Apostolic and Roman Catholic Church, we are glad to know that there are some as loyal and respected as any in Masonry who support our views. Conspicuous among them is our venerable friend, Mr. Leon Hyneman, P. M., and a member of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. For eight or nine years he was editor of the | While Americans, including Masons, are now warned to prepare themselves to join the Holy Apostolic and Roman Catholic Church, we are glad to know that there are some as loyal and respected as any in Masonry who support our views. Conspicuous among them is our venerable friend, Mr. Leon Hyneman, P. M., and a member of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. For eight or nine years he was editor of the ''Masonic'' | ||
380 ISIS UNVEILED. | {{Page|380|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
{{Style | {{Style P-No indent|''Mirror and Keystone'', and is an author of repute. He assures us personally that for over thirty years he has combated the design to erect into a Masonic dogma, belief in a {{Style S-Italic|personal}} God. In his work, {{Style S-Italic|Ancient York and London Grand Lodges,}} he says (p. 169): “Masonry, instead of unfolding professionally with the intellectual advancement of scientific knowledge and general intelligence, has departed from the original aims of the fraternity, and is apparently inclining towards a sectarian society. That is plainly to be seen . . . in the persistent determination not to expunge the sectarian innovations interpolated in the Ritual. . . . It would appear that the Masonic fraternity of this country are as indifferent to ancient landmarks and usages of Masonry, as the Masons of the past century, under the London Grand Lodge were.” It was this conviction which prompted him, in 1856, when Jacques Etienne Marconis de Negre, Grand Hierophant of the Rite of Memphis, came to America and tendered him the Grand Mastership of the Rite in the United States, and the Ancient and Accepted Rite offered him an Honorary 33d—to refuse both.}} | ||
The Temple was the last European secret organization which, as a body, had in its possession some of the mysteries of the East. True, there were in the past century (and perhaps still are) isolated “Brothers” faithfully and secretly working under the direction of Eastern Brotherhoods. But these, when they did belong to European societies, invariably joined them for objects unknown to the Fraternity, though at the same time for the benefit of the latter. It is through them that modern Masons have all they know of importance; and the similarity now found between the Speculative Rites of antiquity, the mysteries of the Essenes, Gnostics, and the Hindus, and the highest and oldest of the Masonic degrees well prove the fact. If these mysterious brothers became possessed of the secrets of the societies, they could never reciprocate the confidence, though in their hands these secrets were safer, perhaps, than in the keeping of European Masons. When certain of the latter were found worthy of becoming affiliates of the Orient, they were secretly instructed and initiated, but the others were none the wiser for that. | The Temple was the last European secret organization which, as a body, had in its possession some of the mysteries of the East. True, there were in the past century (and perhaps still are) isolated “Brothers” faithfully and secretly working under the direction of Eastern Brotherhoods. But these, when they did belong to European societies, invariably joined them for objects unknown to the Fraternity, though at the same time for the benefit of the latter. It is through them that modern Masons have all they know of importance; and the similarity now found between the Speculative Rites of antiquity, the mysteries of the Essenes, Gnostics, and the Hindus, and the highest and oldest of the Masonic degrees well prove the fact. If these mysterious brothers became possessed of the secrets of the societies, they could never reciprocate the confidence, though in their hands these secrets were safer, perhaps, than in the keeping of European Masons. When certain of the latter were found worthy of becoming affiliates of the Orient, they were secretly instructed and initiated, but the others were none the wiser for that. | ||
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No one could ever lay hands on the Rosicrucians, and notwithstanding the alleged discoveries of “secret chambers,” {{Style S-Italic|vellums}} called “T,” and of fossil knights with ever-burning lamps, this ancient association and its true aims are to this day a mystery. Pretended Templars and sham Rose-Croix, with a few genuine kabalists, were occasionally burned, and some unlucky Theosophists and alchemists sought and put to the torture; delusive confessions even were wrung from them by the most ferocious means, but yet, the true Society remains to-day as it has ever been, unknown to all, especially to its cruelest enemy—the Church. | No one could ever lay hands on the Rosicrucians, and notwithstanding the alleged discoveries of “secret chambers,” {{Style S-Italic|vellums}} called “T,” and of fossil knights with ever-burning lamps, this ancient association and its true aims are to this day a mystery. Pretended Templars and sham Rose-Croix, with a few genuine kabalists, were occasionally burned, and some unlucky Theosophists and alchemists sought and put to the torture; delusive confessions even were wrung from them by the most ferocious means, but yet, the true Society remains to-day as it has ever been, unknown to all, especially to its cruelest enemy—the Church. | ||
381 MASONIC TEMPLARISM HATCHED IN A JESUIT COLLEGE. | {{Page|381|MASONIC TEMPLARISM HATCHED IN A JESUIT COLLEGE.}} | ||
As to the modern Knights Templar and those Masonic Lodges which now claim a direct descent from the ancient Templars, their persecution by the Church was a farce from the beginning. They have not, nor have they ever had any secrets, dangerous to the Church. Quite the contrary; for we find J. G. Findel saying that the Scottish degrees, or the Templar system, only dates from 1735-1740, and “{{Style S-Italic|following its Catholic tendency, took up its chief residence in the Jesuit College of Clermont, in Paris,}} and hence was called the Clermont system.” The present Swedish system has also something of the Templar element in it, but free from Jesuits and interference with politics; however, it asserts that it has Molay’s Testament in the original, for a Count Beaujeu, a nephew of Molay, {{Style S-Italic|never heard of elsewhere—}}says Findel—transplanted Templarism into Freemasonry, and thus procured for his uncle’s ashes a mysterious sepulchre. It is sufficient to prove this a Masonic fable that on this pretended monument the day of Molay’s funeral is represented as March 11{{Style S-Italic|,}} 1313, while the day of his death was March 19, 1313. This spurious production, which is neither genuine Templarism, nor genuine Freemasonry, has never taken firm root in Germany. But the case is otherwise in France. | As to the modern Knights Templar and those Masonic Lodges which now claim a direct descent from the ancient Templars, their persecution by the Church was a farce from the beginning. They have not, nor have they ever had any secrets, dangerous to the Church. Quite the contrary; for we find J. G. Findel saying that the Scottish degrees, or the Templar system, only dates from 1735-1740, and “{{Style S-Italic|following its Catholic tendency, took up its chief residence in the Jesuit College of Clermont, in Paris,}} and hence was called the Clermont system.” The present Swedish system has also something of the Templar element in it, but free from Jesuits and interference with politics; however, it asserts that it has Molay’s Testament in the original, for a Count Beaujeu, a nephew of Molay, {{Style S-Italic|never heard of elsewhere—}}says Findel—transplanted Templarism into Freemasonry, and thus procured for his uncle’s ashes a mysterious sepulchre. It is sufficient to prove this a Masonic fable that on this pretended monument the day of Molay’s funeral is represented as March 11{{Style S-Italic|,}} 1313, while the day of his death was March 19, 1313. This spurious production, which is neither genuine Templarism, nor genuine Freemasonry, has never taken firm root in Germany. But the case is otherwise in France. | ||
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Writing upon this subject, we must hear what Wilcke has to say of these pretensions: | Writing upon this subject, we must hear what Wilcke has to say of these pretensions: | ||
“The present Knight Templars of Paris will have it, that they are direct descendants from the ancient Knights, and endeavor to prove this by documents, interior regulations, and secret doctrines. Foraisse says the Fraternity of Freemasons was founded in Egypt, Moses communicating the secret teaching to the Israelites, Jesus to the Apostles, and thence it found its way to the Knight Templars. Such inventions are necessary . . . to the assertion that the Parisian Templars are the offspring of the ancient order. All these asseverations, unsupported by history, were fabricated {{Style S-Italic|in the High Chapter of Clermont}} (Jesuits), and preserved by the Parisian Templars as a legacy left them by those political revolutionists, the Stuarts and the Jesuits.” Hence we find the Bishops Gregoire | “The present Knight Templars of Paris will have it, that they are direct descendants from the ancient Knights, and endeavor to prove this by documents, interior regulations, and secret doctrines. Foraisse says the Fraternity of Freemasons was founded in Egypt, Moses communicating the secret teaching to the Israelites, Jesus to the Apostles, and thence it found its way to the Knight Templars. Such inventions are necessary . . . to the assertion that the Parisian Templars are the offspring of the ancient order. All these asseverations, unsupported by history, were fabricated {{Style S-Italic|in the High Chapter of Clermont}} (Jesuits), and preserved by the Parisian Templars as a legacy left them by those political revolutionists, the Stuarts and the Jesuits.” Hence we find the Bishops Gregoire{{Footnote mark|*|fn1710}} and Munter{{Footnote mark|†|fn1711}} supporting them. | ||
Connecting the modern with the ancient Templars, we can at best, therefore, allow them an adoption of certain rites and ceremonies of purely {{Style S-Italic|ecclesiastical}} character after they had been cunningly inoculated into that grand and antique Order by the clergy. Since this desecration, it gradually lost its primitive and simple character, and went fast to its final ruin. Founded in 1118 by the Knights Hugh de Payens and | Connecting the modern with the ancient Templars, we can at best, therefore, allow them an adoption of certain rites and ceremonies of purely {{Style S-Italic|ecclesiastical}} character after they had been cunningly inoculated into that grand and antique Order by the clergy. Since this desecration, it gradually lost its primitive and simple character, and went fast to its final ruin. Founded in 1118 by the Knights Hugh de Payens and | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1710}} “Histoire des sectes religieuses,” vol. ii., pp. 392-428. | |||
{{Footnote return|†|fn1711}} “Notitia codicis græci evangelium Johannis variatum continentis,” Havaniæ, 1828. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
382 ISIS UNVEILED. | {{Page|382|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
Geoffrey de St. Omer, nominally for the protection of the pilgrims, its true aim was the restoration of the primitive secret worship. The true version of the history of Jesus, and the early Christianity was imparted to Hugh de Payens, by the Grand-Pontiff of the Order of the Temple (of the Nazarene or Johanite sect), one named Theocletes, after which it was learned by some Knights in Palestine, from the higher and more intellectual members of the St. John sect, who were initiated into its mysteries. | {{Style P-No indent|Geoffrey de St. Omer, nominally for the protection of the pilgrims, its true aim was the restoration of the primitive secret worship. The true version of the history of Jesus, and the early Christianity was imparted to Hugh de Payens, by the Grand-Pontiff of the Order of the Temple (of the Nazarene or Johanite sect), one named Theocletes, after which it was learned by some Knights in Palestine, from the higher and more intellectual members of the St. John sect, who were initiated into its mysteries.{{Footnote mark|*|fn1712}} Freedom of intellectual thought and the restoration of one and universal religion was their secret object. Sworn to the vow of obedience, poverty, and chastity, they were at first the true Knights of John the Baptist, crying in the wilderness and living on wild honey and locusts. Such is the tradition and the true kabalistic version.}} | ||
It is a mistake to state that the Order became only later anti-Catholic. It was so from the beginning, and the red cross on the white mantle, the vestment of the Order, had the same significance as with the initiates in every other country. It pointed to the four quarters of the compass, and was the emblem of the universe. | It is a mistake to state that the Order became only later anti-Catholic. It was so from the beginning, and the red cross on the white mantle, the vestment of the Order, had the same significance as with the initiates in every other country. It pointed to the four quarters of the compass, and was the emblem of the universe.{{Footnote mark|†|fn1713}} When, later, the Brotherhood was transformed into a Lodge, the Templars had, in order to avoid persecution, to perform their own ceremonies in the greatest secresy, generally in the hall of the chapter, more frequently in isolated caves or country houses built amidst woods, while the ecclesiastical form of worship was carried on publicly in the chapels belonging to the Order. | ||
Though of the accusations brought against them by order of Philip IV., many were infamously false, the main charges were certainly correct, from the stand-point of what is considered by the Church, {{Style S-Italic|heresy}}. The present-day Templars, adhering strictly as they do to the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}}, can hardly claim descent from those who did not believe in Christ, as God-man, or as the Saviour of the world; who rejected the miracle of his birth, and those performed by himself; who did not believe in transubstantiation, the saints, holy relics, purgatory, etc. The Christ Jesus was, in their opinion, a false prophet, but the man Jesus a Brother. They regarded John the Baptist as their patron, but never viewed him in the light in which he is presented in the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}}. They reverenced the doc- | Though of the accusations brought against them by order of Philip IV., many were infamously false, the main charges were certainly correct, from the stand-point of what is considered by the Church, {{Style S-Italic|heresy}}. The present-day Templars, adhering strictly as they do to the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}}, can hardly claim descent from those who did not believe in Christ, as God-man, or as the Saviour of the world; who rejected the miracle of his birth, and those performed by himself; who did not believe in transubstantiation, the saints, holy relics, purgatory, etc. The Christ Jesus was, in their opinion, a false prophet, but the man Jesus a Brother. They regarded John the Baptist as their patron, but never viewed him in the light in which he is presented in the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}}. They reverenced the doc- | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1712}} This is the reason why unto this day the fanatical and kabalistic members of the Nazarenes of Basra (Persia), have a tradition of the glory, wealth, and power of their “Brothers,” agents, or {{Style S-Italic|messengers}} as they term them in Malta and Europe. There are some few remaining yet, they say, who will sooner or later restore the doctrine of their Prophet Iohanan (St. John), the son of Lord Jordan, and eliminate from the hearts of humanity every other false teaching. | |||
{{Footnote return|†|fn1713}} The two great pagodas of Madura and Benares, are built in the form of a cross, each wing being equal in extent (See Mauri: “Indian Antiquities,” vol. iii., pp. 360-376). | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
383 THE SPURIOUS ORDER OF MALTA. | {{Page|383|THE SPURIOUS ORDER OF MALTA.}} | ||
trines of alchemy, astrology, magic, kabalistic talismans, and adhered to the secret teachings of their chiefs in the East. “In the last century,” says Findel, “when Freemasonry erroneously supposed herself the daughter of Templarism, great pains were taken to regard the Order of Knights-Templars as innocent. . . . For this purpose not only legends and unrecorded events were fabricated, but pains were taken to repress the truth. The Masonic admirers of the Knights-Templars bought up the whole of the documents of the lawsuit published by Moldenwaher, because they proved the culpability of the Order.” | {{Style P-No indent|trines of alchemy, astrology, magic, kabalistic talismans, and adhered to the secret teachings of their chiefs in the East. “In the last century,” says Findel, “when Freemasonry erroneously supposed herself the daughter of Templarism, great pains were taken to regard the Order of Knights-Templars as innocent. . . . For this purpose not only legends and unrecorded events were fabricated, but pains were taken to repress the truth. The Masonic admirers of the Knights-Templars bought up the whole of the documents of the lawsuit published by Moldenwaher, because they proved the culpability of the Order.”{{Footnote mark|*|fn1714}}}} | ||
This culpability consisted in their “heresy” against the Roman Catholic Church. While the real “Brothers” died an ignominious death, the spurious Order which tried to step into their shoes became exclusively a branch of the Jesuits under the immediate tutelage of the latter. True-hearted, honest Masons, ought to reject with horror any connection, let alone descent from these. | This culpability consisted in their “heresy” against the Roman Catholic Church. While the real “Brothers” died an ignominious death, the spurious Order which tried to step into their shoes became exclusively a branch of the Jesuits under the immediate tutelage of the latter. True-hearted, honest Masons, ought to reject with horror any connection, let alone descent from these. | ||
“The Knights of St. John of Jerusalem,” writes Commander Gourdin, | “The Knights of St. John of Jerusalem,” writes Commander Gourdin,{{Footnote mark|†|fn1715}} “sometimes called the Knights Hospitallers, and the Knights of Malta, were not Freemasons. On the contrary, they seem to have been inimical to Freemasonry, for in 1740, the Grand Master of the Order of Malta caused the Bull of Pope Clement XII. to be published in that island, and forbade the meetings of the Freemasons. On this occasion several Knights and many citizens left the island; and in 1741, the Inquisition persecuted the Freemasons at Malta. The Grand Master proscribed their assemblies under severe penalties, and six Knights were banished from the island in perpetuity for having assisted at a meeting. In fact, unlike the Templars, they had not even a secret form of reception. Reghellini says that he was unable to procure a copy of the secret Ritual of the Knights of Malta. The reason is obvious—there was none!” | ||
And yet American Templarism comprises three degrees. 1, Knight of the Red Cross; 2, Knight Templar; and 3, Knight of Malta. It was introduced from France into the United States, in 1808, and the first {{Style S-Italic|Grand Encampment General}} was organized on June 20, 1816, with Governor De Witt Clinton, of New York, as Grand Master. | And yet American Templarism comprises three degrees. 1, Knight of the Red Cross; 2, Knight Templar; and 3, Knight of Malta. It was introduced from France into the United States, in 1808, and the first {{Style S-Italic|Grand Encampment General}} was organized on June 20, 1816, with Governor De Witt Clinton, of New York, as Grand Master. | ||
| Line 600: | Line 618: | ||
This inheritance of the Jesuits should hardly be boasted of. If the Knights Templar desire to make good their claims, they must choose between a descent from the “heretical,” anti-Christian, kabalistic, primitive Templars, or connect themselves with the Jesuits, and nail | This inheritance of the Jesuits should hardly be boasted of. If the Knights Templar desire to make good their claims, they must choose between a descent from the “heretical,” anti-Christian, kabalistic, primitive Templars, or connect themselves with the Jesuits, and nail | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1714}} Findel: “History of Freemasonry,” Appendix. | |||
{{Footnote return|†|fn1715}} “A Sketch of the Knight Templars and the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem,” by Richard Woof, F.S.A., Commander of the Order of Masonic Knight Templars. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
384 ISIS UNVEILED. | {{Page|384|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
their tesselated carpets directly on the platform of ultra-Catholicism! Otherwise, their claims become a mere pretense. | their tesselated carpets directly on the platform of ultra-Catholicism! Otherwise, their claims become a mere pretense. | ||
| Line 610: | Line 630: | ||
So impossible does it become for the originators of the {{Style S-Italic|ecclesiastical}} pseudo-order of Templars, invented, according to Dupuy, in France, by the adherents of the Stuarts, to avoid being considered a branch of the Order of the Jesuits, that we are not surprised to see an anonymous author, rightly suspected of belonging to the Jesuit Chapter at Clermont, publishing a work in 1751, in Brussels, on the lawsuit of the Knights Templar. In this volume, in sundry mutilated notes, additions, and commentaries, he represents the {{Style S-Italic|innocence}} of the Templars of the accusation of “heresy,” thus robbing them of the greatest title to respect and admiration that these early free-thinkers and martyrs have won! | So impossible does it become for the originators of the {{Style S-Italic|ecclesiastical}} pseudo-order of Templars, invented, according to Dupuy, in France, by the adherents of the Stuarts, to avoid being considered a branch of the Order of the Jesuits, that we are not surprised to see an anonymous author, rightly suspected of belonging to the Jesuit Chapter at Clermont, publishing a work in 1751, in Brussels, on the lawsuit of the Knights Templar. In this volume, in sundry mutilated notes, additions, and commentaries, he represents the {{Style S-Italic|innocence}} of the Templars of the accusation of “heresy,” thus robbing them of the greatest title to respect and admiration that these early free-thinkers and martyrs have won! | ||
This last pseudo-order was constituted at Paris, on the 4th of November, 1804, by virtue of a {{Style S-Italic|forged Constitution,}} and ever since it has “contaminated genuine Freemasonry,” as the highest Masons themselves tell us{{Style S-Italic|. La Charte de transmission}} (tabula aurea Larmenii) presents the outward appearance of such extreme antiquity “that Gregoire confesses that if all the other relics of the Parisian treasury of the Order had not silenced his doubts as to their ancient descent, the sight of this charter would at the very first glance have persuaded him.” | This last pseudo-order was constituted at Paris, on the 4th of November, 1804, by virtue of a {{Style S-Italic|forged Constitution,}} and ever since it has “contaminated genuine Freemasonry,” as the highest Masons themselves tell us{{Style S-Italic|. La Charte de transmission}} (tabula aurea Larmenii) presents the outward appearance of such extreme antiquity “that Gregoire confesses that if all the other relics of the Parisian treasury of the Order had not silenced his doubts as to their ancient descent, the sight of this charter would at the very first glance have persuaded him.”{{Footnote mark|*|fn1716}} The first Grand Master of this spurious Order was a physician of Paris, Dr. Fahre-Palaprat, who assumed the name of Bernard Raymond. | ||
Count Ramsay, a Jesuit, was the first to start the idea of the Templars being joined to the Knights of Malta. Therefore, we read from his pen the following: | Count Ramsay, a Jesuit, was the first to start the idea of the Templars being joined to the Knights of Malta. Therefore, we read from his pen the following: | ||
| Line 622: | Line 642: | ||
In 1743, the Kadosh degree was invented at Lyons (so writes Thory, at least), and “it represents the {{Style S-Italic|revenge of the Templars.”}} And here we find Findel saying that “the Order of Knights Templars had been abolished in 1311, and to that epoch they were obliged to have recourse | In 1743, the Kadosh degree was invented at Lyons (so writes Thory, at least), and “it represents the {{Style S-Italic|revenge of the Templars.”}} And here we find Findel saying that “the Order of Knights Templars had been abolished in 1311, and to that epoch they were obliged to have recourse | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1716}} Findel: “History of Freemasonry,” Appendix. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
385 THE LAST REAL TEMPLAR PRINCE POISONED. | {{Page|385|THE LAST REAL TEMPLAR PRINCE POISONED.}} | ||
when, after the banishment of several Knights from Malta, in 1740, because they were Freemasons, it was no longer possible to keep up a connection with the Order of St. John, or Knights of Malta, then in the plenitude of their power {{Style S-Italic|under the sovereignty of the Pope.”}} | {{Style P-No indent|when, after the banishment of several Knights from Malta, in 1740, because they were Freemasons, it was no longer possible to keep up a connection with the Order of St. John, or Knights of Malta, then in the plenitude of their power {{Style S-Italic|under the sovereignty of the Pope.”}}}} | ||
Turning to Clavel, one of the best Masonic authorities, we read: “It is clear that the erection of the French Order of the Knight Templars is not more ancient than the year 1804, and that it cannot lay any legitimate claim to being the continuation of the so-called society of ‘la petite Resurrection des Templiers,’ nor this latter, either, extend back to the ancient Order of the Knights Templars.” Therefore, we see these pseudo-Templars, under the guidance of the worthy Father Jesuits, forging in Paris, 1806, the famous charter of Larmenius. Twenty years later, this nefast and subterranean body, guiding the hand of assassins, directed it toward one of the best and greatest princes in Europe, whose mysterious death, unfortunately for the interests of truth and justice, has never been—for political reasons—investigated and proclaimed to the world as it ought to have been. It is this prince, a Freemason himself, who was the last depository of the secrets of the true Knights Templar. For long centuries these had remained unknown and unsuspected. Holding their meetings once every {{Style S-Italic|thirteen}} years, at Malta, and their Grand Master advising the European brothers of the place of {{Style S-Italic|rendezvous}} but a few hours in advance, these representatives of the once mightiest and most glorious body of Knights assembled on the fixed day, from various points of the earth. {{Style S-Italic|Thirteen}} in number, in commemoration of the year of the death of Jacques Molay (1313), the now Eastern brothers, among whom were crowned heads, planned together the future religious and political fate of the nations; while the Popish Knights, their murderous and bastard successors, slept soundly in their beds, without a dream disturbing their guilty consciences. | Turning to Clavel, one of the best Masonic authorities, we read: “It is clear that the erection of the French Order of the Knight Templars is not more ancient than the year 1804, and that it cannot lay any legitimate claim to being the continuation of the so-called society of ‘la petite Resurrection des Templiers,’ nor this latter, either, extend back to the ancient Order of the Knights Templars.” Therefore, we see these pseudo-Templars, under the guidance of the worthy Father Jesuits, forging in Paris, 1806, the famous charter of Larmenius. Twenty years later, this nefast and subterranean body, guiding the hand of assassins, directed it toward one of the best and greatest princes in Europe, whose mysterious death, unfortunately for the interests of truth and justice, has never been—for political reasons—investigated and proclaimed to the world as it ought to have been. It is this prince, a Freemason himself, who was the last depository of the secrets of the true Knights Templar. For long centuries these had remained unknown and unsuspected. Holding their meetings once every {{Style S-Italic|thirteen}} years, at Malta, and their Grand Master advising the European brothers of the place of {{Style S-Italic|rendezvous}} but a few hours in advance, these representatives of the once mightiest and most glorious body of Knights assembled on the fixed day, from various points of the earth. {{Style S-Italic|Thirteen}} in number, in commemoration of the year of the death of Jacques Molay (1313), the now Eastern brothers, among whom were crowned heads, planned together the future religious and political fate of the nations; while the Popish Knights, their murderous and bastard successors, slept soundly in their beds, without a dream disturbing their guilty consciences. | ||
“And yet,” says Rebold, “notwithstanding the confusion they had created (1736-72), the Jesuits had accomplished but one of their designs, viz.: {{Style S-Italic|denaturalyzing and bringing into disrepute the Masonic Institution.}} Having succeeded, as they believed, in destroying it in one form, they were determined to use it in another. With this determination, they arranged the systems styled ‘Clerkship of the Templars,’ an amalgamation of the different histories, events, and characteristics of the crusades mixed with the reveries of the alchemists. {{Style S-Italic|In this combination Catholicism governed all, and the whole fabrication moved upon wheels, representing the great object for which the Society of Jesus was organized.” | “And yet,” says Rebold, “notwithstanding the confusion they had created (1736-72), the Jesuits had accomplished but one of their designs, viz.: {{Style S-Italic|denaturalyzing and bringing into disrepute the Masonic Institution.}} Having succeeded, as they believed, in destroying it in one form, they were determined to use it in another. With this determination, they arranged the systems styled ‘Clerkship of the Templars,’ an amalgamation of the different histories, events, and characteristics of the crusades mixed with the reveries of the alchemists. {{Style S-Italic|In this combination Catholicism governed all, and the whole fabrication moved upon wheels, representing the great object for which the Society of Jesus was organized.”{{Footnote mark|*|fn1717}}}} | ||
Hence, the rites and symbols of Masonry which though “Pagan” in | Hence, the rites and symbols of Masonry which though “Pagan” in | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1717}} “General History of Freemasonry,” p. 218. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
386 ISIS UNVEILED. | {{Page|386|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
origin, are all applied to and all flavor of Christianity. A Mason has to declare his belief in a {{Style S-Italic|personal}} God, Jehovah, and in the Encampment degrees also in Christ, before he can be accepted in the Lodge, while the Johanite Templars believed in the unknown and invisible Principle, whence proceeded the Creative Powers misnamed {{Style S-Italic|gods,}} and held to the Nazarene version of Ben-Panther being the sinful father of Jesus, who thus proclaimed himself “the son of god and of humanity.” | {{Style P-No indent|origin, are all applied to and all flavor of Christianity. A Mason has to declare his belief in a {{Style S-Italic|personal}} God, Jehovah, and in the Encampment degrees also in Christ, before he can be accepted in the Lodge, while the Johanite Templars believed in the unknown and invisible Principle, whence proceeded the Creative Powers misnamed {{Style S-Italic|gods,}} and held to the Nazarene version of Ben-Panther being the sinful father of Jesus, who thus proclaimed himself “the son of god and of humanity.”{{Footnote mark|*|fn1718}} This also accounts for the fearful oaths of the Masons taken {{Style S-Italic|on the Bible,}} and for their lectures servilely agreeing with the Patriarcho-Biblical Chronology. In the American Order of Rose Croix, for instance, when the neophyte approaches the altar, the “Sir Knights are called to order, and the captain of the guard makes his proclamation.” “To the glory of the sublime architect of the universe (Jehovah-Binah?), under the auspices of the Sovereign Sanctuary of {{Style S-Italic|Ancient}} and {{Style S-Italic|Primitive}} Freemasonry,” etc., etc. Then the Knight Orator strikes 1 and tells the neophyte that the antique legends of Masonry date back forty centuries; claiming no greater antiquity for the oldest of them than 622 a.m., at which time he says Noah was born. Under the circumstances this will be regarded as a liberal concession to chronological preferences. After that Masons{{Footnote mark|†|fn1719}} are apprised that it was about the year 2188 b.c., that Mizraim led colonies into Egypt, and laid the foundation of the Kingdom of Egypt, which kingdom lasted 1,663 years (!!!). Strange chronology, which, if it piously conforms with that of the {{Style S-Italic|Bible,}} disagrees entirely with that of history. The mythical nine names of the Deity, imported into Egypt, according}} | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1718}} See Gaffarel’s version; Eliphas Levi’s “La Science des Esprits;” Mackenzie’s “Royal Masonic Cyclopædia;” “Sepher Toldos Jeshu;” and other kabalistical and Rabbinical works. The story given is this. A virgin named Mariam, betrothed to a young man of the name of Iohanan, was outraged by another man named Ben Panther or Joseph Panther, says “Sepher Toldos Jeshu.” “Her betrothed, learning of her misfortune, left her, at the same time forgiving her. The child born was Jesus, named Joshua. Adopted by his uncle Rabbi Jehosuah, he was initiated into the secret doctrine by Rabbi Elhanan, a kabalist, and then by the Egyptian priests, who consecrated him High Pontiff of the Universal Secret Doctrine, on account of his great mystic qualities. Upon his return into Judea his learning and powers excited the jealousy of the Rabbis, and they publicly reproached him with his origin and insulted his mother. Hence the words attributed to Jesus at Cana: ‘Woman, what have I to do with thee?’ (See John ii. 4.) His disciples having rebuked him with his unkindness to his mother, Jesus repented, and having learned from them the particulars of the sad story, he declared that “My mother has not sinned, she has not lost her innocence; she is immaculate and yet she is a mother. . . . As for myself I have no father, in this world, I am the Son of God and of humanity”! Sublime words of confidence and trust in the unseen Power, but how fatal to the millions upon millions of men murdered because of these very words being so thoroughly misunderstood! | |||
{{Footnote return|†|fn1719}} We speak of the American Chapter of Rose Croix. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
387 THE “WORD” OF ADEPTS NOT POSSESSED BY MASONS. | {{Page|387|THE “WORD” OF ADEPTS NOT POSSESSED BY MASONS.}} | ||
to the Masons, only in the twenty-second century b.c., are found on monuments reckoned twice as old by the best Egyptologists. Nevertheless we must take at the same time into consideration, that the Masons are themselves ignorant of these names. | {{Style P-No indent|to the Masons, only in the twenty-second century b.c., are found on monuments reckoned twice as old by the best Egyptologists. Nevertheless we must take at the same time into consideration, that the Masons are themselves ignorant of these names.}} | ||
The simple truth is that modern Masonry is a sadly different thing from what the once universal secret fraternity was in the days when the Brahma-worshippers of the AUM, exchanged grips and passwords with the devotees of TUM, and the adepts of every country under the sun were “Brothers.” | The simple truth is that modern Masonry is a sadly different thing from what the once universal secret fraternity was in the days when the Brahma-worshippers of the AUM, exchanged grips and passwords with the devotees of TUM, and the adepts of every country under the sun were “Brothers.” | ||
| Line 656: | Line 682: | ||
But who of the modern Masons has ever heard it pronounced? In their own {{Style S-Italic|Ritual,}} they confess that they never have. The “Sir Orator” tells the “Sir Knight,” that the passwords which he received in the preceding degrees are all “so many corruptions” of the true name | But who of the modern Masons has ever heard it pronounced? In their own {{Style S-Italic|Ritual,}} they confess that they never have. The “Sir Orator” tells the “Sir Knight,” that the passwords which he received in the preceding degrees are all “so many corruptions” of the true name | ||
388 ISIS UNVEILED. | {{Page|388|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
of God engraved on the triangle; and that therefore they have adopted a “substitute” for it. Such also is the case in the Blue Lodge, where the Master, representing King Solomon, agrees with King Hiram that the Word * * * “shall be used as a {{Style S-Italic|substitute}} for the Master’s word, until wiser ages shall discover the true one.” What Senior Deacon, of all the thousands who have assisted in bringing candidates from darkness to light; or what Master who has whispered this mystic “word” into the ears of supposititious Hiram Abiffs, while holding them on the five points of fellowship, has suspected the real meaning of even this substitute, which they impart “at low breath”? How few new-made Master Masons but go away imagining that it has some occult connection with the “marrow in the bone.” What do they know of that mystical personage known to some adepts as the “venerable Mah,” or of the mysterious Eastern Brothers who obey him, whose name is abbreviated in the first syllable of the three which compose the Masonic substitute—The Mah, who lives at this very day in a spot unknown to all but initiates, and the approaches to which are through trackless wildernesses, untrodden by Jesuit or missionary foot, for it is beset by dangers fit to appall the most courageous explorers? And yet, for generations this meaningless jingle of vowels and consonants has been repeated in noviciate ears, as though it possessed even so much potency as would deflect from its course a thistledown floating in the air! Like Christianity, Freemasonry is a corpse from which the spirit long ago fled. | {{Style P-No indent|of God engraved on the triangle; and that therefore they have adopted a “substitute” for it. Such also is the case in the Blue Lodge, where the Master, representing King Solomon, agrees with King Hiram that the Word * * * “shall be used as a {{Style S-Italic|substitute}} for the Master’s word, until wiser ages shall discover the true one.” What Senior Deacon, of all the thousands who have assisted in bringing candidates from darkness to light; or what Master who has whispered this mystic “word” into the ears of supposititious Hiram Abiffs, while holding them on the five points of fellowship, has suspected the real meaning of even this substitute, which they impart “at low breath”? How few new-made Master Masons but go away imagining that it has some occult connection with the “marrow in the bone.” What do they know of that mystical personage known to some adepts as the “venerable Mah,” or of the mysterious Eastern Brothers who obey him, whose name is abbreviated in the first syllable of the three which compose the Masonic substitute—The Mah, who lives at this very day in a spot unknown to all but initiates, and the approaches to which are through trackless wildernesses, untrodden by Jesuit or missionary foot, for it is beset by dangers fit to appall the most courageous explorers? And yet, for generations this meaningless jingle of vowels and consonants has been repeated in noviciate ears, as though it possessed even so much potency as would deflect from its course a thistledown floating in the air! Like Christianity, Freemasonry is a corpse from which the spirit long ago fled.}} | ||
In this connection, place may well be given to a letter from Mr. Charles Sotheran, Corresponding Secretary of the New York Liberal Club, which was received by us on the day after the date it bears. Mr. Sotheran is known as a writer and lecturer on antiquarian, mystical, and other subjects. In Masonry, he has taken so many of the degrees as to be a competent authority as regards the Craft. He is 32 ∴ A. and P. R., and P. R., 94 ∴ Memphis, K. R | In this connection, place may well be given to a letter from Mr. Charles Sotheran, Corresponding Secretary of the New York Liberal Club, which was received by us on the day after the date it bears. Mr. Sotheran is known as a writer and lecturer on antiquarian, mystical, and other subjects. In Masonry, he has taken so many of the degrees as to be a competent authority as regards the Craft. He is 32 ∴ A. and P. R., and P. R., 94 ∴ Memphis, K. R ✠, K. Kadosh, M. M. 104, Eng., etc. He is also an initiate of the modern English Brotherhood of the Rosie Cross and other secret societies, and Masonic editor of the {{Style S-Italic|New York Advocate.}} Following is the letter, which we place before the Masons as we desire that they should see what one of their own number has to say: | ||
{{Style P-Quote| | {{Style P-Quote|data=“{{Style S-Small capitals|New York Press Club}}, January 11th, 1877. | ||
“In response to your letter, I willingly furnish the information desired with respect to the antiquity and present condition of Freemasonry. This I do the more cheerfully since we belong to the same secret societies, and you can thus better appreciate the necessity for the reserve which at times I shall be obliged to exhibit. You rightly refer to the fact that Freemasonry, no less than the effete theologies of the day, has its fabulous history to narrate. Clogged up as the Order has been by the rubbish and drift of absurd biblical legends, it is no wonder that its usefulness has been impaired and its }} | |“In response to your letter, I willingly furnish the information desired with respect to the antiquity and present condition of Freemasonry. This I do the more cheerfully since we belong to the same secret societies, and you can thus better appreciate the necessity for the reserve which at times I shall be obliged to exhibit. You rightly refer to the fact that Freemasonry, no less than the effete theologies of the day, has its fabulous history to narrate. Clogged up as the Order has been by the rubbish and drift of absurd biblical legends, it is no wonder that its usefulness has been impaired and its }} | ||
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|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. | ||
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“The same writers, I think, have conclusively upset the tenability of two other documents palmed upon Masonry, namely, the spurious charter of Cologne of 1535, and he forged questions, supposed to have been written by Leylande, the antiquary, from a MS. of King Henry VI. of England. In the last named, Pythagoras is re- }} | “The same writers, I think, have conclusively upset the tenability of two other documents palmed upon Masonry, namely, the spurious charter of Cologne of 1535, and he forged questions, supposed to have been written by Leylande, the antiquary, from a MS. of King Henry VI. of England. In the last named, Pythagoras is re- }} | ||
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|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.’ | ||
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“Notwithstanding its many faults—and speculative Masonry is but human, and therefore fallible—there is no institution that has done so much, and is yet capable of }} | “Notwithstanding its many faults—and speculative Masonry is but human, and therefore fallible—there is no institution that has done so much, and is yet capable of }} | ||
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|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. | ||
| Line 700: | Line 726: | ||
“Yours most Sincerely, | “Yours most Sincerely, | ||
“Charles Sotheran.” }} | |signature=“Charles Sotheran.” }} | ||
Thus falls to ruins the grand epic poem of Masons, sung by so many mysterious Knights as another revealed gospel. As we see, the Temple of Solomon is being undermined and brought to the ground by its own chief “Master Masons,” of this century. But if, following the ingenious exoteric description of the {{Style S-Italic|Bible,}} there are yet Masons who persist in regarding it as once an actual structure, who, of the students of the esoteric doctrine will ever consider this mythic temple otherwise than an allegory, embodying the secret science? Whether or not there ever was a real temple of that name, we may well leave to archæologists to decide; but that the detailed description thereof in 1 {{Style S-Italic|Kings}} is purely allegorical, no serious scholar, proficient in the ancient as well as mediæval jargon of the kabalists and alchemists, can doubt. The building of the Temple of Solomon is the symbolical representation of the gradual acquirement of the {{Style S-Italic|secret}} wisdom, or magic; the erection and development of the spiritual from the earthly; the manifestation of the power and splendor of the spirit in the physical world, through the wisdom and genius of the builder. The latter, when he has become an adept, is a mightier king than Solomon himself, the emblem of the sun or {{Style S-Italic|Light}} himself—the light of the real subjective world, shining in the darkness of the objective universe. This is the “Temple” which can be reared {{Style S-Italic|without the sound of the hammer, or any tool of iron being heard in the house while it is “in building.”}} | Thus falls to ruins the grand epic poem of Masons, sung by so many mysterious Knights as another revealed gospel. As we see, the Temple of Solomon is being undermined and brought to the ground by its own chief “Master Masons,” of this century. But if, following the ingenious exoteric description of the {{Style S-Italic|Bible,}} there are yet Masons who persist in regarding it as once an actual structure, who, of the students of the esoteric doctrine will ever consider this mythic temple otherwise than an allegory, embodying the secret science? Whether or not there ever was a real temple of that name, we may well leave to archæologists to decide; but that the detailed description thereof in 1 {{Style S-Italic|Kings}} is purely allegorical, no serious scholar, proficient in the ancient as well as mediæval jargon of the kabalists and alchemists, can doubt. The building of the Temple of Solomon is the symbolical representation of the gradual acquirement of the {{Style S-Italic|secret}} wisdom, or magic; the erection and development of the spiritual from the earthly; the manifestation of the power and splendor of the spirit in the physical world, through the wisdom and genius of the builder. The latter, when he has become an adept, is a mightier king than Solomon himself, the emblem of the sun or {{Style S-Italic|Light}} himself—the light of the real subjective world, shining in the darkness of the objective universe. This is the “Temple” which can be reared {{Style S-Italic|without the sound of the hammer, or any tool of iron being heard in the house while it is “in building.”}} | ||
392 ISIS UNVEILED. | {{Page|392|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
In the East, this science is called, in some places, the “seven-storied,” in others, the “nine-storied” Temple; every story answers allegorically to a degree of knowledge acquired. Throughout the countries of the Orient, wherever magic and the wisdom-religion are studied, its practitioners and students are known among their craft as Builders—for they build the temple of knowledge, of secret science. Those of the adepts who are active, are styled practical or {{Style S-Italic|operative}} Builders, while the students, or neophytes are classed as {{Style S-Italic|speculative}} or theoretical. The former exemplify in works their control over the forces of inanimate as well as animate nature; the latter are but perfecting themselves in the rudiments of the sacred science. These terms were evidently borrowed at the beginning by the unknown founders of the first Masonic guilds. | In the East, this science is called, in some places, the “seven-storied,” in others, the “nine-storied” Temple; every story answers allegorically to a degree of knowledge acquired. Throughout the countries of the Orient, wherever magic and the wisdom-religion are studied, its practitioners and students are known among their craft as Builders—for they build the temple of knowledge, of secret science. Those of the adepts who are active, are styled practical or {{Style S-Italic|operative}} Builders, while the students, or neophytes are classed as {{Style S-Italic|speculative}} or theoretical. The former exemplify in works their control over the forces of inanimate as well as animate nature; the latter are but perfecting themselves in the rudiments of the sacred science. These terms were evidently borrowed at the beginning by the unknown founders of the first Masonic guilds. | ||
In the now popular jargon, “Operative Masons” are understood to be the bricklayers and the handicraftsmen, who composed the Craft down to Sir Christopher Wren’s time; and “Speculative Masons,” all members of the Order, as now understood. The sentence attributed to Jesus, “Thou art Peter . . . upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” disfigured, as it is, by mistranslation and misinterpretation, plainly indicates its real meaning. We have shown the signification of {{Style S-Italic|Pater}} and {{Style S-Italic|Petra,}} with the hierophants—the interpretation traced on the tables of stone of the final initiation, was handed by the initiator to the chosen future interpreter. Having acquainted himself with its mysterious contents, which revealed to him the mysteries of creation, the initiated became a {{Style S-Italic|builder}} himself, for he was made acquainted with the {{Style S-Italic|dodecahedron,}} or the geometrical figure on which the universe was built. To what he had learned in previous initiations of the use of the rule and of architectural principles, was added a cross, the perpendicular and horizontal lines of which were supposed to form the foundation of the spiritual temple, by placing them across the junction, or central primordial point, the element of all existences, | In the now popular jargon, “Operative Masons” are understood to be the bricklayers and the handicraftsmen, who composed the Craft down to Sir Christopher Wren’s time; and “Speculative Masons,” all members of the Order, as now understood. The sentence attributed to Jesus, “Thou art Peter . . . upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” disfigured, as it is, by mistranslation and misinterpretation, plainly indicates its real meaning. We have shown the signification of {{Style S-Italic|Pater}} and {{Style S-Italic|Petra,}} with the hierophants—the interpretation traced on the tables of stone of the final initiation, was handed by the initiator to the chosen future interpreter. Having acquainted himself with its mysterious contents, which revealed to him the mysteries of creation, the initiated became a {{Style S-Italic|builder}} himself, for he was made acquainted with the {{Style S-Italic|dodecahedron,}} or the geometrical figure on which the universe was built. To what he had learned in previous initiations of the use of the rule and of architectural principles, was added a cross, the perpendicular and horizontal lines of which were supposed to form the foundation of the spiritual temple, by placing them across the junction, or central primordial point, the element of all existences,{{Footnote mark|*|fn1720}} representing the first concrete idea of deity. Henceforth he could, as a Master builder (see 1 {{Style S-Italic|Corinthians,}} iii. 10), erect a temple of wisdom on that rock of {{Style S-Italic|Petra,}} for himself; and having laid a sure foundation, let “another build thereon.” | ||
The Egyptian hierophant was given a square head-dress, which he had to wear always, and a square (see Mason’s marks), without which he could never go abroad. The perfect | The Egyptian hierophant was given a square head-dress, which he had to wear always, and a square (see Mason’s marks), without which he could never go abroad. The perfect ''Tau'' formed of the perpendicular (descending male ray, or spirit) a horizontal line (or matter, female ray), and the mundane circle was an attribute of Isis, and, it is but at his death that the Egyptian cross was laid on the breast of his mummy. These | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1720}} Pythagoras. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
393 THE “CABLE TOW” OF LAMAS AND BRAHMAN-SANNYÂSI. | {{Page|393|THE “CABLE TOW” OF LAMAS AND BRAHMAN-SANNYÂSI.}} | ||
square hats are worn unto this day by the Armenian priests. The claim that the cross is purely a Christian symbol introduced after our era, is strange indeed, when we find Ezekiel stamping the foreheads of the men of Judah, who feared the Lord ({{Style S-Italic|Ezekiel}} ix. 4), with the {{Style S-Italic|signa Thau,}} as it is translated in the Vulgate. In the ancient Hebrew this sign was formed thus | {{Style P-No indent|square hats are worn unto this day by the Armenian priests. The claim that the cross is purely a Christian symbol introduced after our era, is strange indeed, when we find Ezekiel stamping the foreheads of the men of Judah, who feared the Lord ({{Style S-Italic|Ezekiel}} ix. 4), with the {{Style S-Italic|signa Thau,}} as it is translated in the Vulgate. In the ancient Hebrew this sign was formed thus [[File:Krest na boku.png|x20]] but in the original Egyptian hieroglyphics as a perfect Christian cross †. In the {{Style S-Italic|Revelation,}} also, the “Alpha and Omega” (spirit and matter), the first and the last, stamps the name of his Father in the foreheads of the {{Style S-Italic|elect.}}}} | ||
And if our statements are wrong, if Jesus was not an initiate, a Master-builder, or Master-Mason as it is now called, how comes it, that on the most ancient cathedrals we find his figure with Mason’s marks about his person? In the Cathedral of Santa Croce, Florence, over the main portal can be seen the figure of Christ holding a perfect square in his hand. | And if our statements are wrong, if Jesus was not an initiate, a Master-builder, or Master-Mason as it is now called, how comes it, that on the most ancient cathedrals we find his figure with Mason’s marks about his person? In the Cathedral of Santa Croce, Florence, over the main portal can be seen the figure of Christ holding a perfect square in his hand. | ||
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The surviving “Master-builders” of the {{Style S-Italic|operative}} craft of the true Temple, may go literally {{Style S-Italic|half-naked}} and wander {{Style S-Italic|slipshod}} for ever—now not for the sake of a puerile ceremony, but because, like the “Son of man,” they have not where to lay their heads—and yet be the only surviving possessors of the “Word.” Their “cable-tow” is the sacred triple cord of certain Brahman-Sannyâsi, or the string on which certain lamas hang their {{Style S-Italic|yu-stone;}} but with these apparently valueless talismans, not one of them would part for all the wealth of Solomon and Sheba. The seven-knotted bamboo stick of the fakir can become as powerful as the rod of Moses “which was created between the evenings, and on which was engraven and set forth the great and glorious Name, with which he was to do the wonders in Mizraim.” | The surviving “Master-builders” of the {{Style S-Italic|operative}} craft of the true Temple, may go literally {{Style S-Italic|half-naked}} and wander {{Style S-Italic|slipshod}} for ever—now not for the sake of a puerile ceremony, but because, like the “Son of man,” they have not where to lay their heads—and yet be the only surviving possessors of the “Word.” Their “cable-tow” is the sacred triple cord of certain Brahman-Sannyâsi, or the string on which certain lamas hang their {{Style S-Italic|yu-stone;}} but with these apparently valueless talismans, not one of them would part for all the wealth of Solomon and Sheba. The seven-knotted bamboo stick of the fakir can become as powerful as the rod of Moses “which was created between the evenings, and on which was engraven and set forth the great and glorious Name, with which he was to do the wonders in Mizraim.” | ||
But these “operative workmen” have no fear that their secrets will be disclosed by treacherous ex-high priests of chapters, though their generation may have received them through others than “Moses, Solomon, and Zerubbabel.” Had Moses Michael Hayes, the Israelite Brother who introduced Royal Arch Masonry into this country (in December, 1778), | But these “operative workmen” have no fear that their secrets will be disclosed by treacherous ex-high priests of chapters, though their generation may have received them through others than “Moses, Solomon, and Zerubbabel.” Had Moses Michael Hayes, the Israelite Brother who introduced Royal Arch Masonry into this country (in December, 1778),{{Footnote mark|*|fn1721}} had a prophetic presentiment of future treasons, he might have instituted more efficacious obligations than he has. | ||
Truly, the grand omnific Royal Arch word, “{{Style S-Italic|long lost but now found,”}} has fulfilled its prophetic promise. The password of that degree is no more | Truly, the grand omnific Royal Arch word, “{{Style S-Italic|long lost but now found,”}} has fulfilled its prophetic promise. The password of that degree is no more “{{Style S-Small capitals|I am that I am}}.” It is now simply “I was but am no more!” | ||
[[File:Шифр розенкрейцеров-2.png|500px|center]] | |||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1721}} The first ''Grand Chapter'' was instituted at Philadelphia, in 1797. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
394 ISIS UNVEILED. | {{Page|394|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | ||
That we may not be accused of vain boasting, we shall give the keys to several of the secret ciphers of the most exclusive and important of the so-called higher Masonic degrees. If we mistake not, these have never before been revealed to the outside world (except that of the Royal Arch Masons, in 1830), but have been most jealously guarded within the various Orders. We are under neither promise, obligation, nor oath; and therefore violate no confidence. Our purpose is not to gratify an idle curiosity; we wish merely to show Masons and the affiliates of all other Western societies—the Company of Jesus included—that it is impossible for them to be secure in the possession of any secrets that it is worth an Eastern Brotherhood’s while to discover. Inferentially, it may also show them that if the latter can lift the masks of European societies, they are nevertheless successful in wearing their own visors; for, if any one thing is universally acknowledged, it is that the real secrets of not a single surviving ancient brotherhood are in possession of the profane. | That we may not be accused of vain boasting, we shall give the keys to several of the secret ciphers of the most exclusive and important of the so-called higher Masonic degrees. If we mistake not, these have never before been revealed to the outside world (except that of the Royal Arch Masons, in 1830), but have been most jealously guarded within the various Orders. We are under neither promise, obligation, nor oath; and therefore violate no confidence. Our purpose is not to gratify an idle curiosity; we wish merely to show Masons and the affiliates of all other Western societies—the Company of Jesus included—that it is impossible for them to be secure in the possession of any secrets that it is worth an Eastern Brotherhood’s while to discover. Inferentially, it may also show them that if the latter can lift the masks of European societies, they are nevertheless successful in wearing their own visors; for, if any one thing is universally acknowledged, it is that the real secrets of not a single surviving ancient brotherhood are in possession of the profane. | ||
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Some of these ciphers were used by the Jesuits in their secret correspondence at the time of the Jacobin conspiracy, and when Masonry (the alleged successor to the Temple) was employed by the Church for political purposes. | Some of these ciphers were used by the Jesuits in their secret correspondence at the time of the Jacobin conspiracy, and when Masonry (the alleged successor to the Temple) was employed by the Church for political purposes. | ||
Findel says (see his {{Style S-Italic|History of Freemasonry,}} p | Findel says (see his {{Style S-Italic|History of Freemasonry,}} p. 253) that in the eighteenth century, “besides the modern Knights Templar, we see the Jesuits . . . disfiguring the fair face of Freemasonry. Many Masonic authors, who were fully cognizant of the period, and knew exactly all the incidents occurring, positively assert that then and still later the Jesuits exercised a pernicious influence, or at least endeavored to do so, upon the fraternity.” Of the Rosicrucian Order he remarks, upon the authority of Prof. Woog, that its “aim at first . . . was nothing less than the support and advancement of Catholicism. {{Style S-Italic|When this religion manifested a determination entirely to repress liberty of thought}} . . . the Rosicrucians enlarged their designs likewise to check, if possible, the progress of this widely-spreading enlightenment.” | ||
In the {{Style S-Italic|Sincerus Renatus}} (the truly converted) of S. Richter, of Berlin (1714), we note that laws were communicated for the government of the “Golden Rosicrucians,” which “bear unmistakable evidences of Jesuitical intervention.” | In the {{Style S-Italic|Sincerus Renatus}} (the truly converted) of S. Richter, of Berlin (1714), we note that laws were communicated for the government of the “Golden Rosicrucians,” which “bear unmistakable evidences of Jesuitical intervention.” | ||
We will begin with the cryptographs of the “Sovereign Princes Rose Croix,” also styled {{Style S-Italic|Knights of St. Andrew, Knights of the Eagle and Pelican, Heredom, Rosæ Crucis, Rosy Cross, Triple Cross, Perfect Brother, Prince Mason, and so on.}} The “Heredom Rosy Cross” also claims a Templar origin, in 1314. | We will begin with the cryptographs of the “Sovereign Princes Rose Croix,” also styled {{Style S-Italic|Knights of St. Andrew, Knights of the Eagle and Pelican, Heredom, Rosæ Crucis, Rosy Cross, Triple Cross, Perfect Brother, Prince Mason, and so on.}} The “Heredom Rosy Cross” also claims a Templar origin, in 1314.{{Footnote mark|*|fn1722}} | ||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1722}} See Yarker’s “Notes on the Mysteries of Antiquity,” p. 153. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
{{Page|395|SECRET CIPHERS EXPOSED.}} | |||
<center>{{Style S-Small capitals|Cipher of the}}</center> | |||
<center>S ∴ P ∴ R ∴ C ∴</center> | |||
395 | [[File:Isis 2 395 sprc code.png|400px|center]] | ||
{{Vertical space|}} | |||
S | <center>{{Style S-Small capitals|Cipher of the Knight Rose Croix of Heredom}}</center> | ||
<center>(of Kilwining).</center> | |||
{| style="text-align: center; margin: 1em auto;" | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''0'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''1'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''2'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''3'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''4'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''5'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''6'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''7'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''8'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''9'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''10'' | |||
| | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''10'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''11'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''12'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''13'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''14'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''15'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''16'' | |||
| style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''17'' | |||
|- | |||
( | | a | ||
| b | |||
| c | |||
| d | |||
| e | |||
| f | |||
| g | |||
| h | |||
| i | |||
| j | |||
| ba | |||
| (or) | |||
| k | |||
| kb | |||
| kc | |||
| kd | |||
| ke | |||
| kf | |||
| kg | |||
| kh | |||
|} | |||
The Knights Kadosh have another cipher—or rather hieroglyph—which, in this case, is taken from the Hebrew, possibly to be the more in keeping with the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}} Kadeshim of the Temple. | {| style="border-spacing:0; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; text-align: center; margin: 1em auto;" | ||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''18 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''19 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''20 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''30 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''40 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''50 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''60 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''70 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''80 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''90 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''100 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''200 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''300 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''400 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''500 | |||
|- | |||
| ki | |||
| kj | |||
| ck | |||
| dk | |||
| ek | |||
| fk | |||
| gk | |||
| hk | |||
| ik | |||
| jk | |||
| l | |||
| cl | |||
| dl | |||
| el | |||
| fl | |||
|} | |||
{| style="border-spacing:0; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; text-align: center; margin: 1em auto;" | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''600 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''700 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''800 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''900 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''1000 | |||
|- | |||
| gl | |||
| hl | |||
| il | |||
| jl | |||
| m | |||
|} | |||
{{Vertical space|}} | |||
<center>{{Style S-Small capitals|Cipher of the Knights Kadosh.}}</center> | |||
<center>(Also White and Black Eagle and Grand Elected Knight Templar.)</center> | |||
{| style="border-spacing:0; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; text-align: center; margin: 1em auto;" | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''70 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''2 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''3 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''12 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''15 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''20 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''30 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''33 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''38 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''9 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''10 | |||
|style="padding: 0 4px;" | ''40 | |||
|- | |||
| a | |||
| b | |||
| c | |||
| d | |||
| e | |||
| f | |||
| g | |||
| h | |||
| i | |||
| k | |||
| l | |||
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The Knights Kadosh have another cipher—or rather hieroglyph—which, in this case, is taken from the Hebrew, possibly to be the more in keeping with the {{Style S-Italic|Bible}} Kadeshim of the Temple.{{Footnote mark|*|fn1723}} | |||
{{Footnotes start}} | |||
{{Footnote return|*|fn1723}} See 2 Kings, xxiii. 7, Hebrew text, and English, the former especially. In the degree of Kadosh, a lecture is given upon the descent of Masonry through Moses, Solomon, the Essenes, and the Templars. Christian K. K.’s may get some light as to the kind of “Temple” their ancestors would, in such a genealogical descent, have been attached to, by consulting verse 13 of the same chapter as above quoted. | |||
{{Footnotes end}} | |||
{{Page|396|ISIS UNVEILED.}} | |||
<center>{{Style S-Small capitals|Hieroglyph of the K ∴ Kad ∴}}</center> | |||
[[Image:Ieroglif_system_rosenkreicerov.jpg|400px|center]] | |||
As for the Royal Arch cipher, it has been exposed before now, but we may as well present it slightly amplified. | As for the Royal Arch cipher, it has been exposed before now, but we may as well present it slightly amplified. | ||
| Line 767: | Line 965: | ||
This cipher consists of certain combinations of right angles, with or without points or dots. Following is the basis of its | This cipher consists of certain combinations of right angles, with or without points or dots. Following is the basis of its | ||
<center>''Formation.''</center> | |||
[[Image:Rozenkreicery_obrazovanie.png|400px|center]] | |||
397 JESUIT CRYPTOGRAPHY. | {{Page|397|JESUIT CRYPTOGRAPHY.}} | ||
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: | ||