The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

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Chapter 7 - Rituals
This introduction summarizes all the candidate has learned in the two
previous degrees, this textual structure being common to many of the fraternal
orders analyzed here. The Junior Warden presents the candidate to the Senior
Warden who tells him that from the cradle to the grave, all is turmoil. The
candidate has to take his obligation, and afterwards is provided with a "Guide of
the wilderness" to conduct him on the journey through life. The blindfolded
candidate might feel a little at unease for his guide is of bad reputation, however,
the latter assures him that "though if you hear me spoken of, no terms of flattery
will be used" (p. 208), he will lead him safely. The candidate later learns that it
was but prejudice, because men find it difficult to consider the beam in their own
eyes (cf. p. 213) and rather criticize others.
We can shorten a discussion of the following travels by the observation that
the candidate and his Guide have to pass several obstacles and Four Watches,
accompanied by the Guide's solemn descriptions of how beset with dangers the
paths are before them. From every corner there are lurking mirth and revelry,
lust, intemperance, sensuality - briefly, vices in all their odious forms, which
manifest themselves in physical burdens, like dangerous bridges and roads.
Suddenly, the candidate hears sweet music, which comes from the harvesters
who keep their annual festival, and he arrives at the High Priest's tent. The High
Priest explains to the candidate that this journey was symbolic of life, his
"earthly pilgrimage," at the end of which stands the eternal joy of heaven. Then,
he imparts to the candidate the secret work of this degree, as well as new
symbols.
To summarize the teachings of this degree and in order to give a last parallel
to the Masonic fraternity, it is helpful to hear Blanchard's criticism of the Royal
Purple Degree, in which he compares the mimicry journey through life with the
ceremonies of all "secret religious orders," including Masonry:
And when the candidate has been badgered and bamboozled over the
'stones, brush, stumps,' etc., in the night, across a 'bridge two feet wide,
with rough poles as railings,' over a swollen stream, amid home-made
'thunder' and other frights, he is brought by the guide into the Oddfellows'
mimic heaven, his ears filled with sweet music, and he is told
that he is among 'people full of joy!'
It is not a happen-so that, from the old Egyptian and Greek Mysteries
down through Freemasonry and Odd-fellowship to little secret college
clubs, this 'mimicry' of the struggle with sin and sorrow through to
peace with God is kept up. 'Our rites,' says Grosh, 'begin in gloom and
end in joy.' And in this he says Odd-fellowship is a copy of all secret
religious orders. (p. 226/227)