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

The Genius of Freemasonry^ 79
The Guilds of Masons, or Builders, with which
modern Freemasonry claims connection, doubtless
suggested the name of Mason, the symbolism of a
Builder, and perhaps the form of organization or
advancement by degrees, as Apprentice, Fellowcraft
and Master, representing the three degrees of
the ancient mysteries.
The past two or three centuries at most will
include the whole of the history of modern Freemasonry.
The organization is recent, but its principles,
when clearly defined, and intelligently interpreted,
are eternal, and are in full accord with the
greater mysteries of antiquity.
The foregoing running comment on some of the
ancient landmarks will enable us to draw comparisons
and derive interpretations of Masonic symbols
and glyphs from ancient mysteries, and so to discover
the science and philosophy that constitute the
genius of Masonry. Instead of being an imitation
of the Mysteries of Antiquity, Masonry should become
their Restoration and Perpetuation through
the coming centuries, not by relaxing its discipline,
or changing its ritual, but by deepening the learning,
intensifying the zeal and elevating the aim of every
Brother throughout the world.