Post by Tamrin on Nov 11, 2008 20:00:57 GMT 10
Darkness Visible
by E.H.N. Zillman
by E.H.N. Zillman
The expression comes from Milton's great epic poem "Paradise Lost". Possibly few parts of the Masonic Ritual have raised more question and comment than these few words. Regularly we ask just what is meant by "Darkness Visible". One of the simplest explanations is by picturing a dim light burning amid surrounding darkness. The weak rays of light would not reach far, but there would be a relatively brightly illuminated circle in the centre of a mass of darkness, making it appear like a solid wall immediately beyond the radius of the light rays - so solid that it appears concrete and tangible, giving the impression that it would be possible to go out and actually feel it. Actually, it is a matter of relativity - the darkness showing up in sharp contrast to the light. This, of course, can be regarded as having an allegorical meaning, and it might be of interest to attempt an explanation of the passage from that aspect. The Light then is Knowledge, feeble and dim at first, but nevertheless making visible and comprehensible some things which were first veiled in darkness and ignorance. The new knowledge makes our figurative light burn more brightly and the walls of darkness or ignorance are pushed back and the process goes on.
However, we have to remember that as the "Light" becomes stronger, the circumference of the illuminated area, that is, the bounds of our field of knowledge makes greater contact with the surrounding darkness. We can put it this way - The more we know, the greater is our contact with the unknown, and up to a point, the greater is our opportunity of piercing even more of the blackness. Lest in our vanity we think all is within the reach of mankind, we are reminded that there is something outside our mortal ken. No matter what we know and learn, there is still something veiled from our view - the prospect or view of futurity. It is hardly necessary to say here that the word "gloom" used in the passage is synonymous with "blackness", which we cannot penetrate unless assisted by the "Light" which is from above. It is an expression of our Masonic Faith in the True and Living God Most High.
However, we have to remember that as the "Light" becomes stronger, the circumference of the illuminated area, that is, the bounds of our field of knowledge makes greater contact with the surrounding darkness. We can put it this way - The more we know, the greater is our contact with the unknown, and up to a point, the greater is our opportunity of piercing even more of the blackness. Lest in our vanity we think all is within the reach of mankind, we are reminded that there is something outside our mortal ken. No matter what we know and learn, there is still something veiled from our view - the prospect or view of futurity. It is hardly necessary to say here that the word "gloom" used in the passage is synonymous with "blackness", which we cannot penetrate unless assisted by the "Light" which is from above. It is an expression of our Masonic Faith in the True and Living God Most High.