Masonic Monitor of the Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason / together with the Ceremony of Installation, Laying Corner Stones, Dedications, Masonic Burial, Etc.

by George Thornburgh

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In front of the magnificent porch were placed the two celebrated pillars—one on the left hand, and one on the right hand. They are supposed to have been placed there as a memorial to the children of Israel of the happy deliverance of their forefathers from Egyptian bondage, and in commemoration of those two miraculous pillars of fire and of cloud. The pillar of fire gave light to the children of Israel and facilitated their march. The cloud proved darkness to Pharaoh and his host and retarded their pursuit. King Solomon, therefore, ordered these pillars placed at the entrance of the Temple, as the most conspicuous place, that the children of Israel might have that happy event continually before their eyes in going to and returning from divine worship.