The Origin of Freemasonry and Knights Templar ... - Lodge Prudentia

FREEMASONRY AND KNIGHTS TEMPLARConclusionFreemasonry presents itselfunder two differentaspects: First, as a secret society distinguishedby a peculiar ritual and; secondly, as a society havinga philosophy on which it is founded, and whichitproposes to teach to its disciples. These by wayof distinction may be called the ritualistic and philosophicalelements of Freemasonry.The ritualistic clement of Freemasonryis thatwhich relates to the due performance of the ritesand ceremonies of the Order. It belongs entirelyto the inner organization of the Institution, or tothe manner in which its services shall be conducted,and isinteresting or important only to its ownmembers.The philosophical element of Freemasonry is oneof much importance. For it, and through it, theInstitution is entitled to the respect, and even veneration,of allgood men, and is well worth the carefulconsideration of scholars.This Society, or Confraternity as itmight moreappropriately be called, is distinguished from allother associations by the possession of certain symbols,myths, and above all else, a Golden Legendallof which are directed to the purification of theheart, to the elevation of the mind, to the developmentof the great doctrine of immortality.Hut whence came these symbols, myths and legends?Who invented them? How and why havethey been preserved? Looking back into the remotestdays of recorded history, we find a priesthoodon the banks of the Nile, thousands of yearsbefore the light of Christianity dawned upon theworld, teaching the existence in a future life by74