Mystic masonry, or, The symbols of freemasonry and the greater ...

228 Mystic Masonry.
far nearer this old Atomic Theory, and Matter will
no longer be regarded as "dead and inert."
The Hymns of the Vedas were doubtless the
original allegorical form of the Secret Doctrine,
and the Rishis—called "gods," but really Sublime
and Perfect Masters—were their creators.
Antedating the Vedas, then, was the Great Lodge
of Adepts, who created the Religion, inspired the
Civilization, and taught the profound Science that
made old India great. If only traditions and broken
monuments remain, these still outrank all modern
achievements of man. The ancient government was
Patriarchal; the Ruler was also a Master Initiate,
and the people were regarded as his children. In
those ancient days a Reigning Prince considered it
not beneath his dignity to go into the desert alone,
and sit at the feet of some inspired recluse, in order
that he might receive more light, which he would
again dispense to his people. Instead of teaching
superstition and idolatry, when the real meaning of
the Vedic symbolism is revealed, it will, perhaps, be
found to be the thinnest veil ever imposed between
the Sublime Wisdom and the apprehension of men.
The old gods were the symbolical or personified attributes
of Nature, through which man was taught
to apprehend the existence of the Supreme Spirit.