Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated - The Masonic Trowel

442 SUBLIME PRINCE OF TIlE ROTAL sECRET. INITIATION. 443
Templars took their oaths.
We may also observe, without any attempt to explain,
that the name of Aholiab appears twice, once as a Commander
of the nonagon and once as a Standard Bearer
of the pentagons The words of the degree offer: quite
as singular a mixture and among them is one that may
perhaps be found to have a peculiar significance. It is
a Hebrew word, “Hochmah.” The word means “Wisdom”
and particularly the wisdom of the Deity, or in
the Kabbala,’’ the second “Dephirah’ or Emanation
from the Deity, the same as the mind, wisdom and word
of Plato. This is perhaps an indication that the camp
is altogether a Kabbalistie or Gnostic symbol, and if
so, its meaning is to be found in the Kabbalistie writings,
in which, so far, we have sought for it in vain, but
we know the general meaning of the symbol, and one of
the lessons, at least, which it was intended to teach us
and to all Masons. The key to that is found in two
words of the degreee, which we have already given you.
Phaal-Kol, it is said, means “separated.” Separated
as Masons have been for many years, by intestine dissensions,
the jealousies of.rival’ a. rites, and the efforts of
illegitimate bodies to exercise usurped powcrs. Separated
as mankind has l~een for ages by differences of religious
belief, by the ambition and interests of kings
by natural lines or mere imaginary boundaries that
Nate SSi.—’The Rabhsls may be defined to be a system of philosophy
nhih embraces certain m~athai interpretations of Scripture and
metaphysical speculations concerning the Deity. man, and spiritual beings.
in these interpretations and speculations, according to the Jewlab doctors.
were enveloped the most profound truths of religion, which, to he comprehended
by finite beings, are obliged to he revealed through the
medium of symbols and allegories Buxtorf (LSI. Taim.) defines the
Kabbala to be a secret science, which treats in a mystical and enigmatical
manner of things divine, angelical, theological. celeatial. and
metaphysical: the subjects being enveloped in striking symbols and
secret modes of teaching. Much use is made of it in the high degrees.
and entire Rites have been constructed on its ~rincipies Hence it
demends a place in any genersi work on Masonry. ‘—Mackey’s Racycie.
psedia of Freemasonry, Article Kabbela.
have made one people haters of another, and kept the
.world miserable with wars. Separated as men have been
from truth and knowledge, by the arts and crafts of a
scheming and selfish priesthood. Separated as man has
been from. his God by his passions and his vices, as well
as his ignorance.
And Pharash-Kol, it is said, means reunited. That
union of Masons, of all rites and degrees, of which the
camp is the apt and fitting symbol, to accomplish the
great ends of Masonry, to heal all dissensions within,
and produce peace and harmony without, to reconcile
all rites and make toleration and charitable judgment
universal; to elevate the masses of mankind and to
teach them their true interests, to substitute equality
and brotherhood in the place of despotic power and
usurped privilege; to dethrone anarchy and license and
canonize law and order, and in the place of smoking
altars of fanaticism and superstition, of bigotry and
sectarianism, to set up those of true Masonry, garlanded
with flowers and sending up toward Heaven, mingled
with the pcrfumes of their incense, the thanks and
gratitude of the human race to a beneficent father, who
loveth all the children he has made.
That my brother is the Jerusalem of which the army
of Masonry hopes to take possession; the heritage
which our father intended his children to enjoy. No
particular spot on this earth, but the blessings of free
thought, free conscience and free speech, everywhere
common as the light and air, and everywhere good government,
education and order.
The place of rendezvous of the army, you will find in
all the rituals of this degree to be at Naples, Rhodes,
Cyprus, Malta and Joppa. BuL they are merely sym-