The Historical Landmarks and Other Evidences of Freemasonry (Volume 1); Explained in a Series of Practical Lectures, with Copious Notes

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1867. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... LECTURE XVII. THE SYMBOLICAL REFERENCE OF THE TWO PILLARS AT THE ENTRANCE OF SOLOMON'S PORCH CONSIDERED. "Pharaoh perceiving this, his heart was hardened, and he attempted 'jo follow them; but the Almighty continued his protection by a miraculous pillar, which had two wonderful effects, one of light to the Israelites by night, to conduct them through the Red Sea, and the other as a cloud and smoke by day, which proved a darkuess to the Egyptians, and prevented their pursuit."--Ashe. "Just so it is when a candidate is initiated in a certain mystical Lodge, excelling in beauty and magnificence, where he sees many wonderful sights, and hears a multitude of voices; where darkness and light alternately affect his senses; and a thousand other uncommon things present themselves before him."--Dion Chrysostom. "A lightsome cloud it was to the Israelites, but to the Egyptians a grievous darkness; so our Saviour, represented in this cloud, is to some a savour of life unto life in the preaching of the Gospel; to others the savour of death unto death; to the Grecians foolishness, a stumbling block to the Jews; but to the faithful, the power of God and the wisdom of God."--Wiixett. In my last lecture I have endeavoured to explain, by a series of general references, the Tracing-Board of the second degree. But there are certain designs there depicted which possess a symbolical application so extensive and important as to demand a more particular illustration. Of this kind are the pillars of the porch.1 At the period of public redemption from bondage, as related in the Lectures of Freemasonry, God's chosen people the Jews, were led by a divine pillar2 during the whole period of their peregrina tions before they were established in the promised land. This remarkable appearance wa...