Plutarch says that to die is to be initiated into the greater Mysteries; and the Greek word [Greek:  teleuta~|n], which signifies to die, means also to be initiated.  But black, which is the symbolic color of darkness, is also the symbol of death.  And hence, again, darkness, like death, is the symbol of initiation.  It was for this reason that all the ancient initiations were performed at night.  The celebration of the Mysteries was always nocturnal.  The same custom prevails in Freemasonry, and the explanation is the same.  Death and the resurrection were taught in the Mysteries, as they are in Freemasonry.  The initiation was the lesson of death.  The full fruition or autopsy, the reception of light, was the lesson of regeneration or resurrection.

Light is, therefore, a fundamental symbol in Freemasonry.  It is, in fact, the first important symbol that is presented to the neophyte in his instructions, and contains within itself the very essence of Speculative Masonry, which is nothing more than the contemplation of intellectual light or truth.[106]

XXIII.

Symbolism of the Corner-Stone.

We come next, in a due order of precedence, to the consideration of the symbolism connected with an important ceremony in the ritual of the first degree of Masonry, which refers to the north-east corner of the lodge.  In this ceremony the candidate becomes the representative of a spiritual corner-stone.  And hence, to thoroughly comprehend the true meaning of the emblematic ceremony, it is essential that we should investigate the symbolism of the corner-stone.

The corner-stone,[107] as the foundation on which the entire building is supposed to rest, is, of course, the most important stone in the whole edifice.  It is, at least, so considered by operative masons.  It is laid with impressive ceremonies; the assistance of speculative masons is often, and always ought to be, invited, to give dignity to the occasion; and the event is viewed by the workmen as an important era in the construction of the edifice.[108]

In the rich imagery of Orientalism, the corner-stone is frequently referred to as the appropriate symbol of a chief or prince who is the defence and bulwark of his people, and more particularly in Scripture, as denoting that promised Messiah who was to be the sure prop and support of all who should put their trust in his divine mission.[109]

To the various properties that are necessary to constitute a true corner-stone,—­its firmness and durability, its perfect form, and its peculiar position as the connecting link between the walls,—­we must attribute the important character that it has assumed in the language of symbolism.  Freemasonry, which alone, of all existing institutions, has preserved this ancient and universal language, could not, as it may well be supposed, have neglected to adopt the corner-stone among its most cherished and impressive symbols; and hence it has referred to it many of its most significant lessons of morality and truth.