The Lost Key: An Explanation of Masonic Symbols

CHAPTER TENThe Drama of the Third Degree280. In the Third Degree we have, besides the regular dramaticpresentation of the moral lessons in continuation and conclusionof the teachings of the other two Degrees, a dramatic presentationof the death and bringing to life again of Hiram Abif, the GrandMaster and Architect of the Temple of Solomon. There have beenmany explanations of the meaning of this Drama presented to theCraft and to the world at large, but in each and every one of theseexplanations there has been some logical and fatal defect. It is afrequent happening that some Mason, disappointed because themysteries of Masonry do not fall at once into his mind after havingbaffled the Masonic researchers for ages, flies to the other extremeand insists that there can be no explanation of the symbolisms or ofthe allegory because, indeed, he has failed to comprehend theirmeaning or because he has detected some of the usual contradictions.281. And yet there should be no difficulty whatever incomprehending the meaning of the great bulk of the symbolism.The symbols, with their shifting meanings are not at all difficult tounderstand. On the contrary, they are very easy, infinitey easierthan is the learning of a. new game of cards. To the Masonicstudent they appear so very simple and almost childish that hewonders how they could have kept their secrets from searchersduring so many centuries.282. The answer to this conundrum is, of course, that the meaning97