ly anticipated. When the rites of initiation into this degree were completed, the striped robe was exchanged for a vestment of Green. In the second degree he was clothed in Blue; and having fearlessly surmounted all the difficulties and actual dangers of the third, or degree of perfection, the aspirant was received triumphantly on May-day, by the Archdruid and his companions, who invested him with a red tiara, and a flowing robe of the purest White, ornamented with amulets and gems of gold, as badges of the highest order that could be conferred; for none were admitted to the honour of this clothing, but such as were deemed absolutely cleansed from all impurities both of body and mind, which could only be effected by the process of initiation.* Such, in all nations, has been the importance attached to investiture, as a significant completion of the formula of initiation. To detail the ceremonies in use amongst us, would be equally presumptuous and unnecessary; I return therefore to the Masonic Apron itself, and shall endeavour to illustrate its several properties, by considering their symbolical application. The Apron is made of a Lamb's Skin; its colour, White. These are understood amongst us as joint emblems of Innocence; by which we are properly and constantly reminded, that while clothed in Owen's Dict.-Davies's Druids.-Borlase's Cornwall.-Maurice's Ind. Ant. vol. vi. P that distinguishing badge, our conduct should be uniformly marked by the corresponding duties of innocence and integrity. The lamb was always esteemed an emblem of the purest innocence; and hence the Redeemer of mankind received the significant appellation of "the Lamb of God," because he was immaculate, and without spot or blemish.* And the colour White, as an unequivocal symbol of Light and Purity, has been honoured and venerated in all ages, by every nation and every people since the creation of light out of darkness. Even the primitive christians adopted a custom so universally prevalent, so consonant with reason, sanctioned by the usage of all antiquity, and authorized by the solemn ordinances of a religion which had been instituted by the deity himself; for not only did the Jewish Prophets symbolize purity and impeccability by this colour; but the spotless Author of our religion is said to have been clad in raiment White as Light at his transfiguration,§ and White as snow after his resurrection. And the angelic messenger who appeared to the holy women at the sepulchre, was invested with a garment of the same colour.¶ Many years after this, the divinity condescended to promise that every christian who should overcome the temptations of the world, should be re John i. 29.-1 Peter i. 19. § Matthew xvii. 2. Daniel xi. 35.-xii. 10. Ibid. xxviii. 3. ¶ Mark xvi. 5. warded with a WHITE STONE,* as an undeniable passport into the paradise of God, In a region blest with everlasting perfections, this colour receives its final and most exalted mark of distinction. The glorified inheritors of those heavenly mansions, after being washed and purified in the blood of the LAMB,† shall be clothed in White Raiment, ride on White horses,§ and be seated on White thrones for ever and ever. Supported and encouraged by these animating authorities, the early followers of Jesus Christ, invested the catechumens with a White Robe, like that worn by the heavenly vision which encouraged Judas Maccabeus to purge his country of its impurities, accompanied by this solemn charge; "Receive the White and undefiled Garment, and produce it without spot before the tribunal of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you may obtain eternal life."** In like manner Free Masons, when they invest a candidate with this distinguishing badge of their profession, tell him that it is the most exalted dignity that can be conferred; and exhort him not to disgrace it by actions which may reflect discredit on the Order into which he has had the honour to be admitted. The Masonic Apron is said to be more ancient than the badge of any other honourable institution. * Revelations ii. 17. § Ibid. xix. 14. T2 Maccabees xi. 8. Ibid. iii. 5.—vi. 11. + Ibid. vii. 14. It was used before the Greeeks or Romans had a name. The Argonautic expedition is now generally believed to be only a figurative account of the Deluge; and the Apron is unquestionably more ancient than that event; is was therefore worn before the establishment of the idolatrous mysteries. We are certain, from undeniable authority, that the Apron was the first species of clothing with which mankind were acquainted, and was adopted before the expulsion of our great progenitors from the garden of Eden. When they had violated the original compact, their eyes were opened to a sense of guilt and shame, and they saw that they were naked. Decency suggested the necessary expedient of covering themselves with Aprons.* The Apron worn by the Levitical Priesthood, was composed of the three masonic colours, blue, purple, and crimson.† An all the ancient statues of the heathen gods, which have been discovered in Egypt or Greece, Persia, Hindustan, or America, are uniformly decorated with superb Aprons.‡ Hence is deduced the antiquity of this article of apparel. It is further declared to be "more honourable, &c." The Apron appears to have been, in ancient times, an honorary badge of distinction. In the + Exodus xxxix. 1. Genesis iii. 7. Vid. the Plates to Belzoni's Operations and Discoveries in Egypt. -Humboldt's Researches in America. vol. i. p. 133, &c. Jewish economy, none but the superior orders of the priesthood were permitted to adorn themselves with ornamented Girdles, which were made of blue, purple, and crimson, decorated with gold upon a ground of fine white linen;* while the inferior priest wore only plain white. The Indian, the Persian, the Jewish, the Ethiopian, and the Egyptian Aprons, though equally superb, all bore a character distinct from each other. Some were plain white, others striped with blue, purple, and crimson; some were of wrought gold, others adorned and decorated with superb tassels and fringes.† In a word, though the principal honour of the Apron may consist in its reference to innocence of conduct and purity of heart, yet it certainly appears, through all ages, to have been a most exalted badge of distinction. In primitive times it was rather an ecclesiastical than a civil decoration, although in some cases the Apron was elevated to great superiority as a national trophy. The Royal Standard of Persia, (Durufsh-e-Kawanee,) was originally an Apron in form and dimensions.‡ At this day it is connected with ecclesiastical honours; for the chief dignitaries of the Christian Church; wherever a legitimate establishment, with the necessary degrees of rank and subordination is formed, are invested with Aprons, as a peculiar badge of distinction; which is a collateral proof of Exodus xxviii. 8. |
