The Lost Key: An Explanation of Masonic Symbols

Chapter V. 63understand the real meaning of the scientific and logical definitionof the word “Love.”187. LOVE IS THE CONSCIOUS REALIZATION OF IDENTITY WITH THEOBJECT LOVED.188. Even in the lower phases of what is commonly termed “love”we find this sense of or desire for unity, identity. The mother lovesher child—because she feels that the child is a part of herself—thefeeling of identity. She may adopt and grow to love a child not herown but the feeling then is like that electric current which is“induced” in a wire by the close proximity of a charged wire. It is afeeling growing out of the subconscious mind. The lover desires topossess the object of his affections again that feeling of or desire foridentity. Members of a family love each other BECAUSE they are ofthe same family and again the feeling is based upon the idea ofIDENTITY or UNITY. Notice that this family love usually weakens asthe identity grows fainter. Second cousins usually do not have sostrong a feeling of identity as do brothers.189. The test of this definition win show its truth. Christ commandedthat we love one another—all humanity. Now suppose thatyou are walking down the street and you see a cripple sellingpencils out of a hat. He is dirty and ragged and his face is seamedwith lines which show, not age alone but also things more pitiful,the footsteps of passions and vices. His eyes are bleared andleering. His whole personality is repulsive and disgusting.190. Ah—there is the key! His personality. Look back at the pastchapters and refresh your memory as to just exactly what the personalityis and what it means. How can you love this pitiful wreckof humanity? Yet—Christ said, “LOVE.” He did not tell us to lovethose who are beautiful and altogether pleasing to the eye. He didnot tell us to love those who love us. We knew enough for thatalready. He did not tell us to serve and help others where that