The Wilmingtonian., 1886-02-13
rhe Mysteries OF Isis, serapis ana osiris


tages to contend with that are not found in
the study Of the exact sciences. Important
truths are taught by symbols. Practical
duties are represented allegorically. His
torical events are veiled by traditions re-
quiring severe application and intense study,
bofore they are fully comprehended. There
being no royal road to learning in masonry,
there are many who have but indistnct
ideas Of the force aud character of their
obligations, and understand less Of masonic
symbolism, ON the probable origin of the
fraternity. There are those who confidently
assert that masonry dates from the early part
of the eighteenth century. This class of
persons conclude that as the grand lodge OF
England was formed A. d. 1717, and as
much of the language of the ritual is of the
English, spoken about that period of time,
that it is conclusive evidence Of its modern
origin. There are others who express the
belief that masonry came into existence dur.
ing the crusades, and that Hugh De Payens
Baldwin, and their compeers instituted the
fraternity and practiced the same rite as do
the Craft at the present time. There are
still others, who firmly believe that Solomon,
King of Israel, was the author ofthe masonic
system. 70 such, we say, 'reflect for
moment upon the tradition of the masters
degree, and then endeavour to reconcile its
language with probability that it emanated
from King Solomon, or either of the Hir-
ans" We think any rejecting mind will,
at once, admit that it demonstrates the i'm
| possibility Of any of these men, being its
author. That the origin of freemasonry can
| be positively determined, we do not believe.
| But that it arose in the east and was prac-
ticed by the Egyptians, under different
forms, and was known by other names, is
extremely probable. Egypt has always
| been cons dered the birth place ot the
mysteries. The ceremonies of initiation
were here first established Truth was here
for the first time yelled in aIeegory, and tht
tenets of religion were impaired nnder sym
holic form. This land of science and phil
osophy, of magnificent temples, and stately
monuments ; this land that arrived at matur
ity in art, and civilization, ages before otheI
nations had won empire and fame, or haC
been called into existence. The symbolism
of Egypt was transmitted to Greece ant
Rome, by them disseminated among the var
ious nations of the old world. And, not
withstandiug the variations effected by time
and the changes made by TRANSACTIONS, W,
believe the symbolism of frecmasonry can b
traced back to the "Mysteres of Eleusis.
These ceremonies were called by way o
eminence, 'The Mysteries" A writer of tina
age, declaring them to be "as far above al
others as were the gods above men," Tn
origin and institution of these mysteries ar
attributed to Ceres, who while in search 4
her daughter Proselpine, whom Pluto ha
carried away, coming into Eleusis, town il
Attica, and Dudiug the people afflicted wit
famine, Invented corn as a remedy for tina
evil, with which she rewarded the inhab!t
ants. Tradition teaches that she nc
only taught them the use of corn, but in
structed them in the principles Of probity
charity aud humanity from thence he
mysteries were called by names signilyin,
lawgiving, and first principles to these fabu
lous antiqn ty, ascribed the polteuess am
, pie of Athens. The initiation into Il,
mysteries were severe aud impressive. Til
Greeks at EleusiS, initiated in part, bl
never ached the imaginable of its forms
nor the scvert'es Of IFS discipline. Til
priests were the explaimrrs Of the mysieIi,
TO which they wee admitted in rlildhuod
they with the initiates alone, possessed Ill
secrets the acqniS tim thereof was 50 diff
cult that none bnt tile most handy, and lhus
whose thirst for Knowledge was most ardent
dared undertake Them or adrccrded ii sub
hitting to them These mysteries wcr
t divided int" the less aud the greater II
less was celebrated ii the month OF NOyem
Der: the greater in the month o! Acgust
The greater were the mysteries of Osiris an
: Scraps: The less those of Isis. OIly Ather
5 ians were admitted, consequently Hercules
4 Castor, aud PoInx we've compelled TO b
adopted as AthGu;aus hrflrr being partic
patols in the my,t,nrs Those who suugl
= admSs ON wrr" "a Inc! "a give prof OF
bllmclcHs f., To i've ~ ~tlia' ciusnrnce, t
purify Themselves with IL, qu nj ablutiun!
aud To abstain from 'li animal f,ot. Th
!. mysteries o! isis we're tile first or nitatol
degree AT this distant day it is impUssibl
to give it's exact mpnt. From Plutarcl
) we learn that the Inscription upon the ten
a pie of Isis read ~, Isis am all that has bat
+ that is, or shall be, aud no mortal bath CIV,
r unveiled me" Apuleius speaking of I'll
mysteries Of Isis says "thc priest, all IL
pr ofanc bcirg removed TO a exstance, takir
hold of me by the hand, brought me into Il
5 inner reces, of the sanctuary itself, cl ,thrd
1 new linen garment"
n Perhaps, curious reader, you may be Gag,
, to know what was then said aud done
: would tell you, were it lawful for me to te
J you you should know itilit WEI e lawful fl
: you to hear. But, bot. the ears that heard,ths,
# things and the tongue that told them woul
a reap the evil results Of their rasnness. Still
however kept in suspense as you probabl
: are with religious longing, vii! rot tormer
i You with long protracted anxiety
N he I,Uyf.,t.5