Irish Druids and Old Irish Religions

74 Irish Druids,
—
born as a man. " The Idea," says Jubainville, '' that a soul
could in this world re-clothe successively several different
physical forms, was a natural consequence of a Celtic
doctrine well known in antiquity. This doctrine is that
the deceased who have left in the tomb their body deprived
of life, find in exchange a living body in the mysterious
country which they go to inhabit, under the bewitching
sceptre of the powerful King of the Dead."
That there has been an esoteric learning in the Past,
which has come down to us in the form of Christian and
Masonic Symbolism, is now by many accepted as a truth.
The Mason's Tools must have been used once, though now
merely badges of the worthy Craft. We may, therefore,
be excused citing a remarkable letter, reproduced in
Melville's costly work, Veritas, professedly dealing with
the esoteric laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot
alter. The letter is signed by Mr. Henry Melville, and
by Mr. Frederick Tennyson, brother of the late Lord
Tennyson, and is addressed as follows :
" To THE Most Worshipful the Grand Master of Ireland,
His Grace the Duke of Leinster :
" Humbly Sheweth—
" The Petition of the Undersigned,
" That we, Master Masons, are in possession of the knowledge
of the Lost Secrets of Masonry.' We can prove ' that the Mysteries
were Masonic, inasmuch as by the usage of the Symbols now unwittingly
worn by Companions and Masters, Celestial Laws are framed
in accordance with the Sacred Writings, and by these Laws are
obtained the true interpretation of the Lost Mysteries.
"That in former ages the learned rulers retained the Masonic
mysteries for the use and benefit of the Craft, and these Mysteries
were not to be divulged under a lesser penalty than Death. Such
mystic secresy might have been advisable and requisite in ages past,
but such retention of knowledge your Petitioners verily believe to be
no longer necessary, as the advancement of truth is now the policy of
the civilized world, more especially so of the British nation.
" Your Petitioners, therefore, humbly pray. Most Worshipful Sir,