The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1852-07-29
Eleusinian Mysteries. This Society
will now proceed to describe.

VIII now prOceeu W uescIipo' r..uI.
It was composed of both sexes,
perhaps an improvement OF modern
secret societies, who exclude the fair
sex, with some exception. All ages
and conditions had right to be received.
The only exception to membership was
the candidate must be an Athenian. So
that Hercules, Castor and Pollux were
obliged to be adopted as Athenians
previous to their admission, which ex-
tended only to the lesser mysteries for
this society had two divisions at least.
All candidates previous to initiation
had to purify themselves by bathing in
the river Ilissus. Each candidate had
to bathe whether it was hot or cold, con-
sequently all the members must have
been clean, at least when they first join.
The Society was kind Of Hydropathic.
In addition to bathing and scrubbing in
the Ilissus, each one had to pray. This
was most important prerequisite for
had the gods not been invoked, they
would have been highly displeased.
Prayer therefore was enjoined upon all
who asked for admission. 1t is to be
feared that this prerequisite is not al
ways required of candidates for men,
bcrship at the present day. But per-
haps it is thought to have been only a
hethenish custom and ought not to be
required of Christians.
In connection with prayer was the
offering of sacrifices by the candidates,
and what was more strictly cnjoined,
was confluence for certain period Of
time. Pretty severe discipline, We
should think now a-days. During all this
time for preparation the candidates were
receiving Instructions in the principles
of the sacred mysteries, all of which had
tendency to impress the mind with
solemnity and even terror. 1t required
much courage to be initiated. For the
candidates was made to believe that
smoothing dreadful must be experienced
while entering the secret conclave.
When the proper time for reception
came the candidates were conducted
into the temple. In order to increase
the terrors of the already terrified per-
son, the ceremony of reception was per-
formed in the night. Wonderful things
now took place. Visions were seen,
voices heard whether any rappings, |
am not certain) apparitions, claps of
thunder, earthquakes, all conspired to
render the scene appallingly awful !;
flashes of light suddenly dispelled the
oppressive darkness, and then as sud-
denly disappeared. During all this time
the poor candidate stands trembling like
a Belshamar, while the sweat poured in
profuse torrents from his brow, his hair
stands erect, bis eyes (could they have
| been seen) rolling wildly in their sock
| cts, while the Most Worshipful Patri-
archal Hierophantes, whose name was
Eumolphus, reads to him the Constitu-
ton and Bylaws of the Order. If
after passing the ordeal of initiation, the
| candidate was alive, he was welcomed
by the brothers and sisters of the order,
and permittea-so enjoy all the privileges
Of the institution, if dead (for we may
well suppose that many died through
) fright), his body was probably thrown
into the river. Such was the way of
introduction into that ancient Order of
Secrecy.
i Think of this ye who turn pale at the
thought of modern acquisitions laid upon
candidates. To climb an oiled pole or
rail naked, to ride old Aries in the same
state, backwards, to be broiled on a
] pridiron, or to have halter round the
neck, and then be led blindfolded
against the point Of sword, is mere
puerility, child's play, compared with
I that ancient and perhaps more honorable
way of receiving members. How would
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