The Lost Key: An Explanation of Masonic Symbols

98The Lost Keyof the clothing was never really learned and taken to heart. Onewould think that it would not be necessary to enjoin upon astudent to lay aside his prejudice, nevertheless it is true that it isprejudice and pre-conceived opinions based upon fallacies whichare today the most potent factors in delaying the progress of theworld. We ordinarily use the instance of Galileo or Morse orLangley to illustrate this point since the more any man is encasedin prejudice and dogma the more highly is he offended when thefact is pointed out to him, but the truth remains that even in thestudy of Masonic Symbolism we have to contend against the thickcoats of prejudice and the cloaks of dogma and blind, unreasoningbelief which utterly prevent the wearer from even considering anyexplanation other than the wornout one which he is compelled, inthe depths of his own heart, to recognize as not correct.283. So, when we come to consider the Drama of the Third Degreewe are approaching ground surrounded by the triple fence ofIgnorance, Prejudice and Dogma. With the rest of the Rituals thisdifficulty was not so prominent as it is in dealing with that wonderfuldramatic presentation of the ending of Hiram Abif and theconsequent loss of the Mystic Word.284. The Drama of the Third Degree, however, resembles theScriptures in this, that it has more than one interpretation. Thereis the simpler and surface meaning fitted for those still unpreparedto receive the mysteries of Masonry and there is also the deepermeaning. Both are true, and in giving the simpler explanation ofthe Third Degree as well as that of the great Symbols of the Pillars,the Mosaic Pavement, the Blazing Star, the Cable Tow and others,there is no violence done to Truth.285. There are a number of Myths which have practically the samestory as that given in the Third Degree of Masonry, and we maynaturally infer that, since they are so much alike, they either hadthe same source or else the similarity might be accounted for by a