The History of Initiation - The Masonic Trowel

102 HISTORY OF INITIATION.
was taken out at the skirts of his robe; 38 and being conducted
onwards, without time to reflect, the descent into
39
the infernal regions was the next adventure he was to
accomplish. On the banks of a sluggish stream he was
shewn a multitude of disembodied spirits, thronging to
procure a passage over the river, and clamorous at being
refused which ; represented the turbulent race of antediluvians
who perished
in the Flood. 40 Then the aspirant,
having crossed the river in a boat, was shewn the torments
of those miserable wretches, who, for their vices,
41
had been condemned to everlasting punishment. Here,
during the intervals of howling and lamentation, and the
shrieks of woe by which those lost creatures vented the
unavailing sorrows of repentance, his attendant explained
the nature of the crimes which led to this dreadful ter-
mination; amongst which, the highest degree of punishment
was assigned to the impious race who either refused
initiation, or betrayed the mysteries. 42 But he was not
allowed to ask any questions, or even to speak during
the ceremonies. 43
Leaving this place of horror and despair,
the aspirant was conducted forward to the sound of
heavenly music, and soon entered on the plains of ravishing
delight, which are the reward of the virtuous initia-
ted. 44 The perturbation of his spirits was here allayed
38 This ceremony was said to be commemorative of the ravishment
of Proserpine by Jupiter in the form of a serpent ; (Euseb. praep.
evan.) or more properly to signify that as the parent of the present
race of men was regenerated by his confinement in the ark, symbolized
by a serpent, which possesses the power of self -regeneration by
emerging periodically from its old skin and coining forth in all the
beauty and vigour of youth ; so the aspirant was purified and born
anew by the sympathetic efficacy of the same animal brought into
close contact with his naked body, when delivered from the Pastos.
39 Thus Hercules, before his descent into hell, was initiated into
the mysteries of Ceres. (Apollod. Bibl., 1. ii-> c. 5.)
40 Fab. Mys. Cab., vol. i., p. 278,
41
JEn., 1. vi., v. 752, 838.
12 Warb. Div. Leg., vol. i., p. 225.
43 "
Let no petitionary address be made at the mysteries." (Andoc.
de My st.)
4441 The first stage of initiation," says an ancient writer, preserved
by Stobaeus, "is nothing but errors and uncertainties; laborious
wanderings ; a rude and fearful march through night and darkness.
And now arrived on the verge of death and initiation, everything wears
a dreadful aspect. It is ail horror, trembling, sweating, and affrightinent.
But this scene once past, a miraculous and divine light dis-
closes itself ;
and shining plains and flowery meads open on all hands