The History of Initiation - The Masonic Trowel

DOCTRINES OF THE DRUIDS. 163
The possession of the orchard containing one hundred
and forty-seven apple trees above noticed was, however,
figurative. The orchard represented the place of initia-
tion ; the apple trees were the Druids ; the white blossoms,
their garments; the fruit, their doctrine, while
the strong and vigorous branches represented their power
and authority, which, in many cases, exceeded that of
the monarch. They were the sole interpreters of reli-
gion, and consequently superintended all sacrifices, for
no private person was allowed to offer a sacrifice without
their sanction. They possessed the power of excommunication,
which was the most horrible punishment that
could be inflicted ; and, from the effects of this curse, the
highest magistrate was not exempt. They resided in
sumptuous palaces, and sat on thrones of gold. 14 The
great council of the realm was not competent to declare
war or conclude without their concurrence.
peace They
determined all disputes by a final and unalterable de-
15
cision and even had the ;
power of inflicting the punishment
of death.
visible from this consecrated spot ; lending alike their aid to light up
the fire of religion in his soul and to ; expand his mind with veneration
for the powerful author of such stupendous imagery.
w Dion. Chrys., cited by Borlase. Ant. Corn., p. 79.
15 The Logan, or rocking stone, was a fearful engine of Druidical
judgment, and erected for the purpose of imposing a degree of reverence
for the persons of the Druids, which was unattainable by ordi-
nary means. This kind of artificial curiosity is of great antiquity.
Faber (Mys. Cab., vol. i., p. Ill,) says, that it was in allusion to the
scriptural Bethel (Gen. xxviii., 19), that Sanchoniatho mentions
'' that Uranus contrived stones, called Betulia, which possessed the
power of motion as if they were instinct with life. These were, in all
probability, sacred Rocking Stones numbers of ; which, erected by
the Druids, are to be found in various parts of our own island." The
people were impressed with an idea that no power but the all-controlling
fiat of the divinity could move these stones upon their basis,
and hence they were referred to as oracles to determine the innocence
or guilt of an accused person. A stupendous specimen of the Logan
is found at Brimham Craggs in Yorkshire, which is thus described by
"
Mr. Rock in the :
Archaeology (vol. viii.) It rests upon a kind of
pedestal, and is supposed to be about one hundred tons in weight on
each side. On examining the stone, it appears to have been shaped
to a small knob at the bottom to give it motion, though my guide,
who was about seventy years old, born on the moors, and well acquainted
with these rocks, assured me that the stone had never been
known to rock; hoAvever, upon my making trial round when 1
it,
came to the middle of one side, I found it moved with great ease.
The astonishing increase of the motion with the little force I gave it,