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

xxiv
Introduction.
ment. The interpretations resulting have been as
fantastic and varied as the genius of each investigator;
had any of these been possessed of a universal
key to symbolism, or a complete philosophy
of the Secret Doctrine, the result might have been
very different. The solution of this question is not
only greatly simplified, when investigation is guided
by such a philosophy, or a complete key, but the investigator
has the positive assurance at every step
that he is on firm ground.
But a far more important consideration remains to
be noted. There is a tradition in the far East, and
to be often traced more or less vaguely in the West,
that the Great Lodge of the Magi, the Adepts, the
Perfect Masters, knov^n and designated also by
many other names, has never ceased to exist; that
this Lodge has often, though secret and unknown,
shaped the course of Empire and controlled the fate
of Nations. Knowing always the line of least resistance,
and when and how to act, and having always
in view only one object, viz., the Progress of
Humanity and the Brotherhood of Man; despising
fame and worldly honors, and working "without
the hope of fee or reward," they have concealed
their labors, and either influenced those who knew