MYSTIC MASON, RITE OF THE. The eighteenth century, if considered in connection with its intellectual activity, the immense pro,gress made in the sciences and arts, and in rela tion to the general advancement of the human mind, must bo recognized as the most remarkable epoch in the history of the world. It was the golden age of science, and of scientific men. And yet, such were the negative character of its speculations, and the habit that prevailed, of studying the mysteries of the universe, and investigating the laws of nature, apart from the ideal, or without reference to a higher sphere of thought, that the human mind became almost entirely materialized, and at last sunk into the abyss of skepticism. But unbelief is not natural to the heart of mall; and even when the intellect is cursed with the demon of infidelity, the heart yearns with deeper intensity to penetrate the occult realms of nature, and hold communion with the awful mysteries of those invisible regions which have no boundaries, and on which philosophy and science, that are simply material, can throw no light. Thus, toward the end of the last century—an age noted at the same time for its splendid achievements in science, and its fearful harvest irreligion—numerous sects of Mystics arose, particularly on the European continent, whose doctrines, however crude and extravagant, were the solemn protest of the heart against the skeptical spirit of the times, and the agonizing cry of the soul for a more intimate communion with the infinite. Many of the first minds of the age were moved by this impulse, and sought peace and quiet, and consolation, and hope, in the golden realm of the ideal. The Bosicrucians, Illuminati, the Order of St. Martin, and many bodies strictly Masonic, entered with ardor into these high speculations, which were so well calculated to exalt, refine, and expand the soul, and fill it with a divine enthusiasm. To these men the worlds revolved in a sea of light—the emanation from the infinite mind—the. natural and spiritual were united in an everlasting embrace. Myriads of spiritual beings walked the earth, and dwelt with men, and occupied themselves with human affairs, as in the days of old. Whatever we may think of some of their theories and operations, it cannot be denied that they accomplished a great work in arresting that furious tide of atheism which threatened, at one time, to sweep all things into its horrible abysses of darkness and despair, and in establishing a harmony between reason and the profoundest mysteries of religion. It was at this time
that the "Rite of the Mystic Mason" made its appearance.
Its character is strictly Masonic. It recognizes the three symbolical degrees as the groundwork of its system. It has a strong infusion of Swedenborgian ideas, repudiates all Sadducean doctrines, and asserts the existence of angels and spirits, their Constant presence with men, and invokes them in the Lodge, at the commencement of labor. Like the 28th degree of the Scotch rite, it is somewhat alchemistical. It believes the Philosopher's Stone and the Elixir of Life among the possibilities of science. Thus, in the instructions of the 2d degree, the disciple is informed that Solomon learned, by the opening of the first and second circles, the art of purifying—that is, transmuting metals, wherewith to enrich and embellish his temple. This rite consists of three degrees: 1. Mystic Apprentice; 2. Mystic Fellow-Craft; 3. Mystic Master. Something of their character may be learned from the following extracts taken from the lectures: Ques. Are you a Mystic Apprentice ? Ans. I know the northern part of the Temple of Solomon, and the four quarters of the circle.
Ques. How were you received a Mystic Apprentice? Ans. By striking three blows with the gavel upon Ques. What else have you done ? Ans. I have invoked the spirits who preside there, by pronouncing their names.
Ques. Can you repeat them Ans. Mahir is that of the East, over the part of the South; Haouzay is spirit of the West, over the part of the North; and Mahal Marainto is the spirit of the East, over the same part.
Ques. What is Masonry? Ans. The knowledge of the covenants of God with men.
Ques. What signify the four spirits? Ans. Tkey represent to us that without the assistance of the guardian angels, that God has given to all men to direct their conduct, we cannot succeed in any undertaking.
In the instructions of the 2d degree we find the following: Ques. Are you a Mystic Fellow-Craft? 4ns. I know the column of Boaz.
Ques. What are the five perfect points of Masonry? Ans. To build temples to virtue, and dungeons to vice; to know the relations of man with his creator; to practice faithfully his precepts; penetrate into those mysteries it is permitted us to discover, and to umploy our knowledge for the instruction and improvement of mankind.