The Lost Key: An Explanation of Masonic Symbols

Chapter I. 17almost impossible to trace back from any particular effect ariddiscover the real cause which generated it. Yet these Laws, thoughslow of action, are none the less immutable and their effect uponman is just as great as is the effect of any other Law. One of theobjects of any religious system is to teach humanity what these“slow action” Laws are, their importance, and the way to obeythem or to live in conformity with them.42. In the early days of humanity there were various forms ofreligiori which were originally iritended to teach such things butthese religions became corrupted until their teachings were oftenin the very opposite direction. There were also great “Schools” ofwhat were then called the “Mysteries” but which were nothingmore than schools which taught the nature and effect of these“slow acting” Laws of Nature. Masonry is the remnant of one ofthese Schools and that its teaching was just what has been outlinedabove will be shown in the following pages. But Masonry has lostthe explanation of the symbols which contain its teaching and therestoration of this explanation will make Masonry once more agreat School of the Mysteries of Nature or rather of what wereonce “Mysteries” but which are mysteries no longer. The informationthat the earth revolves around the sun was once one of themost arcane of the mysteries. Now every school boy knows it to bea fact.43. We need no elaborate system of allegory and symbol to teachus not to step off a cliff or not to submerge our heads under water,or not to step on a sharp stone. But we do need teaaching in thenature and effect of the “slow acting” Laws of Nature almost asmuch now as in the early days of the race. The moral teachings ofMasonry are in perfect conformity with the teachings of Christand, as they put the same things in a different and dramaticmanner, are of extraordinary value. They are not, however,religious teachings. They are moral teachings. Morality is the basis