Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry

258."In all the ancient systems of Initiation the candidate was shrouded in darkness, as a preparation for the reception of light. The duration varied in the different rites. In the Celtic Mysteries of Druidism, the period in which the aspirant was immersed in darkness was nine days and nights; among the Greeks, at Eleusis, it was three times as long; and in the still severer rites of Mithras, in Persia, fifty ^[139] days of darkness, solitude and fasting were imposed upon the adventurous neophyte, who by these excessive trials, was at length entitled to the full communication of the light of knowledge.

259."Darkness, like death, is the symbol of Initiation. It was for this reason that all the ancient initiations were performed at night. The same custom prevails in Freemasonry, and the explanation is the same. Death and the Resurrection were taught in the Mysteries, as they are in Freemasonry. The initiation was the lesson of death. The full fruition or autopsy, the reception of light, was the lesson of Regeneration or Resurrection."

260."Light is, therefore, a fundamental symbol in Freemasonry. It is, in fact, the first important symbol that is presented to the neophyte in his instructions, and contains within itself the very essence of Speculative Masonry, which is nothing more than the contemplation of intellectual light or truth. "*

261."A laudable thirst after knowledge prompted the youth of all ranks to aspire to the ambition of deciphering the meaning and illustration of those obscure symbols, which were said to have been communicated to the priests by the revelation from the celestial Deities. Initiation was the only means of acquiring this knowledge, and it is therefore no wonder that initiation was so much in request.

262."There was also another quality of the mind which served to recommend the mysteries: — that ^[140] strange attachment to the marvelous by which every grade of human nature is swayed. To excite this sentiment in all its sublimity of horror, the initiations were performed at the dead of night. No severity of probation could deter the bold and determined aspirant from encountering terrors and actual dangers which led to the gratification of his curiosity; and the shades of darkness imparted vigor to the passion which looked forward to a recompense of such an exalted nature. "*

263."In the Old Lectures it is said, 'He that is truly square, well polished, and uprightly fixed, is qualified to be a member of our most honorable society. He that trusteth such a person with any engagement is freed from all trouble and anxiety about the performance of it, for he is faithful to his trust; his words are the breathings of his heart, and he is an utter stranger to deceit. '

264."In the Mysteries of India, the aspirant was invested with a consecrated sash or girdle, which he was directed to wear next his skin. It was manufactured with many mysterious ceremonies, and said to possess the power of preserving the wearer from personal danger. It consisted of a cord composed of three times three threads twisted together and fastened at the end with a knot, and was called Zennar. Hence comes our Cable-tow. It was an emblem of their triune Deity, the remembrance of ^[141] whom we also preserve in many of our symbols. "*

265."The rite of discalceation, or uncovering the feet on approaching holy ground, is derived from the Latin word discalceare, to pluck off one's shoes. The usage has the prestige of antiquity and universality in its favor.