Greek [Greek: a)llos] and
[Greek: a)gorein], _to say something different,_ that is, to say something
where the language is one thing, and the true meaning different, exactly
expresses the character of an allegory. It has been said in the text that
there is no essential difference between an allegory and a symbol. There
is not in design, but there is this in their character: An allegory may be
interpreted without any previous conventional agreement, but a symbol
cannot. Thus the legend of the third degree is an allegory evidently to be
interpreted as teaching a restoration to life; and this we learn from the
legend itself, without any previous understanding. The sprig of acacia is
a symbol of the immortality of the soul. But this we know only because
such meaning had been conventionally determined when the symbol was first
established. It is evident, then, that an allegory which is obscure is
imperfect. The enigmatical meaning should be easy of interpretation; and
hence Lemiere, a French poet, has said, "L'allegorie habite un palais
diaphane"--_Allegory lives in a transparent palace._ All the legends of
Freemasonry are more or less allegorical, and whatever truth there may be
in some of them in an historical point of view, it is only as allegories,
or legendary symbols, that they are important.

ALL-SEEING EYE. A symbol of the third degree, of great antiquity. See
_Eye_.

ANCIENT CRAFT MASONRY. The first three degrees of Freemasonry; viz.,
Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. They are so called
because they alone are supposed to have been practised by the ancient
craft. In the agreement between the two grand lodges of England in 1813,
the definition was made to include the Royal Arch degree. Now if by the
"ancient craft" are meant the workmen at the first temple, the definition
will be wrong, because the Royal Arch degree could have had no existence
until the time of the building of the second temple. But if by the
"ancient craft" is meant the body of workmen who introduced the rites of
Masonry into Europe in the early ages of the history of the Order, then
it will be correct; because the Royal Arch degree always, from its origin
until the middle of the eighteenth century, formed a part of the Master's.
"Ancient Craft Masonry," however, in this country, is generally understood
to embrace only the first three degrees.

ANDERSON. James Anderson, D.D., is celebrated as the compiler and editor
of "The Const