The Lost Key: An Explanation of Masonic Symbols

Chapter IV. 47exactly what the originators of these lessons intended to teach, justthat and nothing more.139. That the Masonic Symbolism, in practically the same form inwhich we have it today originated many centuries before the timeof Christ is certain. Albert Pike, one of the greatest Masonicstudents who ever lived, says in Morals and Dogma, page 207, “Itwould be folly to pretend that the forms of Masonry were the samein those ages as they are now. The present name of the Order andits titles and the names of the Degrees now in use, were not thenknown. Even Blue Masonry cannot trace back its authentichistory, with its present Degrees, further than the year 1700, if sofar. But, by whatever name it was known in this or the othercountry, Masonry existed as it now exists, the same in spirit and atheart, not only when Solomon builded the Temple, but centuriesbefore—before even the first colonies emigrated into southernIndia, Persia and Egypt from the cradle of the human race.”140. Robert Freke Gould, the great Masonic Historian, says in hisConcise History, page 92, “If we assume the symbolism (or ceremonial)of Masonry to be older than the year 1717, there ispractically no limit whatever of age that can be assigned to it.”Hence, when we speak of the great antiquity of Masonry, we arenot indulging in flights of the imagination. We may not be able totrace the organization back to prehistoric times—remember that itwas always a secret Order and that its teachings were handed downfrom mouth to ear on account of the great hostility of thepriesthoods to any teaching which they could not control.141. Persecution and death by torture were frequently the lot ofMasons when they were discovered to be such, not only in thetimes before Christ but for many centuries thereafter. Even todaythe antagonism of certain religious bodies is so great that only theirlack of power prevents a repetition of the death penalty for