Post by Tamrin on Jul 28, 2012 9:44:08 GMT 10
A Freemason With the Square and Compasses in 1598
This is a reproduction of an illustration in a very rare book entitled The Mirror of Policie published by Adam Islip in 1598 ... the very year that Love's Labour's Lost was published by "Shake-speare," the Masonic Play which enfold's the genesis of the Order. This noteworthy and significant illustration has never hitherto been noticed by anyone. Here is printed proof at last that Freemasonry as we know it to-day was actually in being in 1598. It serves as a clinch to the Masonic Secrets in "Shake-speare's" wonderful Play. He holds the Compasses quite correctly, one point being held in his hand, the other being pointed to his nib. Our Ancient Brethren in the days of Elizabeth were even then moralizing on Tools and spiritualizing Temples.
The illustration indicates that Freemasonry is directly associated with the Mysteries. Two Acacia Shrubs stood on either side of the Temple in the Egyptian Legends and served as Pillars. The Crown of the Pillar lying on the ground indicates that the Shrubs are to be understood as the Two Pillars of Masonry, their origin a Nature Myth of the Mysteries. They are directly connected with Grove Worship. The Rule at the Mason's feet are to remind him how his hours are to b spent... "Part in..." etc.
It is absurd for anyone to suggest that men never learned to moralize on Tools, etc., until 1717-23.
Is it not abundantly clear that they were taught the way they should go by Francis Bacon?
The illustration indicates that Freemasonry is directly associated with the Mysteries. Two Acacia Shrubs stood on either side of the Temple in the Egyptian Legends and served as Pillars. The Crown of the Pillar lying on the ground indicates that the Shrubs are to be understood as the Two Pillars of Masonry, their origin a Nature Myth of the Mysteries. They are directly connected with Grove Worship. The Rule at the Mason's feet are to remind him how his hours are to b spent... "Part in..." etc.
It is absurd for anyone to suggest that men never learned to moralize on Tools, etc., until 1717-23.
Is it not abundantly clear that they were taught the way they should go by Francis Bacon?
Alfred Dodd, Francis Bacon's Personal Life-story, Rider & Co., n.d., illustration p.139, text p.358