The Lost Key: An Explanation of Masonic Symbols

Chapter I. 15which it teaches. The symbols interlock. No real explanation ofMasonry takes one symbol and tries to explain it without showingwhat are the relations between that symbol and other symbols.Masonry is not a religion nor does it take the place of a religion.Masonry is a system of ethics or moral conduct. Genuine religionmust include morality but the science of morality does not includereligion.35. The allegory of the building of the Temple is the frameworkupon which the Symbolism is hung. It is a very appropriate choiceand it fits the needs of the teaching exactly. Each one of us isbuilding the Temple of his own character and also we are allbuilding the greater Temple of Humanity. In the one, each of ourcharacteristics and qualities is a stone or “ashlar.” In the other,each one of us is an “ashlar,” rough at first but gradually smoothedand polished and perfected until we are fit to be built into the greattemple of the Human Race.36. Now as to the symbolic meaning of the Lodge. In commonwith most symbols, the Lodge has more than one meaning but, inorder to avoid confusion we shall take up but one meaning atpresent, remembering, however that this explanation does notcontradict the fact that the Lodge has also other meanings.37. The Masonic Lodge, when properly constructed, is an “oblongsquare,” with a low platform along the two sides which is raised ahalf step or slightly less than a full step, above the level of the floor.The floor of the Lodge symbolizes or stands for or represents theordinary level of humanity, the mental and moral level of the “manin the street.” The platform which lines the sides and which israised a half-step above the floor is where the Master Masons sitduring the proceedings and it symbolizes the fact that those who sitthere are supposed to have, to a certain extent at least, gainedcontrol of their lower natures or risen slightly above the level of the