Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry

108."The Dionysian artificers or architects were an association of scientific men, who were incorporated by command of the Kings of Pergamus into a corporate body, some three hundred years B. C. They had the city of Teos given to them. The members on this association which was intimately connected with the Dionysian mysteries, were distinguished from the uninitiated inhabitants of Teos, by their Science, and by words and signs by which they could recognize their Brethren of the Order. Like Freemasons they were divided into Lodges which were characterized by different names.

109."Such is the nature of that association of architects, who erected those splendid edifices in Ionia, whose ruins even afford us instructions, while they excite our surprise. If it be possible to prove the identity of any two societies, from the coincidence of their external forms, we are authorized to conclude that the Fraternity of the Ionian architects and the Fraternity of Freemasons, are exactly the same; and as the former practiced the mysteries of Bacchus and Ceres, several of which we have shown to be similar to the mysteries of Masonry, we may safely affirm, that, in ^[78] their internal as well as external procedure, the Society of Freemasons resembles the Dionysians of Asia Minor.

110."We have already shown, from authentic sources of information, that the mysteries of Ceres and Bacchus were instituted about four hundred years before the reign of Solomon, — according to Playfair's Chronology, the Temple of Solomon was begun in 1016 and finished in 1008 B. C. The Eleusinian Mysteries were introduced into Athens in 1356, B. C, a considerable time after their institution and there are strong reasons for believing that even the association of the Dionysian architects existed before the building of the Temple.

111."It was not, indeed, till about three hundred years before the birth of the Christ, that they were incorporated at Teos, under the Kings of Pergamus; but it is universally allowed, that they arose long before their settlement in Ionia, and, what is more, to our present purpose, that they existed in the very land of Judea.

112."The difference in the ceremonial observances of these institutions, may be accounted for nearly upon the same principles. From the ignorance, or superior sagacity of those who presided over the ancient fraternities, some ceremonies would be insisted upon more than others, some of less moment would be exalted into consequence, while others of greater importance would be depressed into obscurity. In process of time, therefore, some trifling changes would be effected upon these ceremonies, some rites abolished, ^[79] and some introduced. The Chief difference, however, between the ancient and modern Mysteries, is in those points which concern religion. But this arises from the great changes which have been produced in religious knowledge.

113."It cannot be supposed that the Rites of the Egyptian, Jewish, and Grecian religions should be observed by those who profess only the religion of Christ; or that we should pour out libations to Ceres and Bacchus, who acknowledge no heavenly superior, but the true and the living God. "*

THE UNDERLYING PRINCIPLE.

114."The Ancient Wisdom Religion is the 'Thread-soul' on which are strung all the various incarnations and encasements of the religious life, adapted to the changing conditions and developments of humanity in its growth from childhood to manhood.

115."Begotten by that Spiritual Hierarchy — the Great White Brotherhood — in whose guardianship is the evolution of the human race, brought forth from them, They, the guardians of the Mystic tradition, give to those children of men who are strong enough for the burden, a portion of the real teaching of the Divine Science — the Science of the Soul — concerning God and man, and the wonderful relationship that exists between the two.