The development of the human race, its civilizations with their structural and mechanical improvements is a history of the development of the human mind. One person’s idea leading to the improvement of the means of achieving a task triggers a response in another and so refinement of that particular item begins.
I can imagine primitive man using a log roller to move a heavy tree trunk over rough ground to construct a dwelling. I can also see a bystander thinking it would be smoother to roll over two logs but this would require three logs and the effort of continually dragging a log forward. Another recognizes a need of keeping the two logs together, etc., and so the development continues until you have the motor car.
We also apply this hypothesis to the development of our spiritual beliefs.
The cycle of nature, the appearance of plant life during spring; the period of flowering leading to the maturity of crops over the summer period; the falling leaves of autumn; the withering and rotting of matter to be absorbed into the ground during winter only to flower again in the spring, led man to contemplate his own life.
Just as the sun and moon govern the cycle of plant life so must it apply to his own life, but what about the regeneration of next spring? Where are we to bloom again?
So then came was the understanding of a higher level where the soul would bloom forever & thus was born Masonry.
Following this tradition brings a candidate out of the cold darkness of the north, a stone recovered from deep underground, a mind completely devoid of all understanding and begins the development that will prepare him for his final destination, i.e. a higher level where the Great Architect of the Universe resides forever.
The theme of his education follows that of a workman on a building. Starting as an apprentice he has to learn the purpose of the basic tools and skills required of him. He then progresses to the journeyman stage where he hones his skills and so becomes a useful member of the workforce and then proceeds to the level of a master builder. The tools of trade are handed to him with an explanation, both for the purpose of building and as a vehicle of moral instruction.
The construction drawings are treated in like manner, at each section the workman is given an insight into, and the significance, of his task. There are two salient points that should be referred to here. The first, being the depiction of the ladder with its staves (steps) being symbolic of those cardinal virtues necessary to attain a higher level.
The second, being the appearance of an article completely foreign to the building trade, a sprig of acacia, the evergreen symbolizing eternal life.
Author unknown
Comment.
I have found this simple explanation of Freemasonry very interesting and rewarding & thus decided to share it with you, the Reader,
Have a wonderful Day & God Bless
Norm