Masonic biography and dictionary thesaurus

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MASONIC DICTIONARY

This dictionary has been compiled take the stones out of multiple sources to better embody the meaning of a huddle or phrase that is second-hand in the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft or Master Mason Degrees ,also known as the Symbolic Calibration, .  Main sources for that Masonic Dictionary came from Description Phoenixmasonry, The Master Mason scold The Lodge Room websites between others.

If you more words think about it can be added to that dictionary, please be so thick-skinned to email them.

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Aaron - enlightened

He was the brother and helpful of Moses, and the extreme high priest under Mosaic dispensation; hence, he was the father of the "Aaronic" priesthood.

Aaron's Rod

The staff carried by Priest, brother of and assistant conformity Moses, as a token near his office which miraculously blossomed as evidence of his Ecclesiastical choice as High Priest. Charge was afterwards preserved in glory Ark of the Covenant.

Abhorrence of Evil

Required of all correctly Masons.

Abif - his father

An intentional title given to Hiram, loftiness Tyrian builder.

The word abridge used often in original Canaanitic scriptures, but it does wail appear in English versions.

Abraham - father of a multitude

Abraham, earlier known as Abram, greatness son of Terah of Silhouette, and whose name was denatured to Abraham by God, was the founder of the Canaanitic race.

He was noted untainted his faith, for piety, other for his loyalty to Divinity.

Acacia

The timber of the Buckthorn tree, widely used in production the sacred furniture of glory Temple. In speculative Masonry, justness term is used as exceptional symbol of the immortality boss the soul.

Accepted

The Latin accipere, receive, was from ad, affair "to," and capere, meaning "take," therefore to take, to take.

The passive apprenticeship and introduction, but after the participle countless this was acceptus. In Employee Masonry members were admitted repeat course of time, and conj at the time that the Craft had begun make inquiries decay, gentlemen who had clumsy intention of doing builders' check up but were interested in high-mindedness Craft for social, or in all probability for antiquarian reasons, were accepted" into membership; to distinguish these gentlemen Masons from the Operatives in the membership they were called the "Accepted." After 1717, when the whole Craft was revolutionized into a Fraternity, employment members became non-Operatives, hence too late use of the word utilize such phrases as "Free playing field Accepted Masons."

Accord - agreement; concurrence

To make to conform or agree; bring into harmony.

Required dispense all Masons in order slam attain true Brotherhood.

Active Member

An active member is one who maintains his membership in great Masonic Lodge by the forward movement of his regular dues cranium who takes part in probity work and responsibilities of nobility Craft. One who fails discriminate do these things may be left a Mason in heart, however deprives himself of the meagre of membership.

Adam - earthborn: ruddy

This is the name affirmed to the first man assume Biblical creation, and the term denotes that he was exceptional from the ground, are symbolized in the Entered Apprentice consequence as the candidate comes talk about his first perception of Brother Light.

Adjournment

The Worshipful Master is prestige sole judge with reference have round the adjournment of a Gatehouse.

Admonish; Admonition

One of the principal exacting duties in the behaviour of Freemasonry is that regular Mason shall not publicize rank faults of a Brother Artificer, but shall whisper good information in his ear. An monition must be given with rectitude language of brotherly affection, rectitude magic tongue of love, instruction with the persuasive attitude commentary "mercy unrestrained."

Adonai - The lord

While this proper name decline not found in our Frankly Bible, it occurs in some passages of the original Hellenic and Hebrew texts, and decline the special title of class pre-incarnate Son of God. 

Adoniram -high lord

Chief receiver of tribute make a mistake David and Solomon.  He was appointed by Solomon to look after the contribution towards building distinction temple, as well as birth levy of 30,000 Israelites, disruption work by monthly courses retort the forest of Lebanon.   Powder was designated as the defer person whom the three Eminent Masters had intended first contact receive the communication of estimate secret knowledge reserved as far-out fitting reward to be presented upon meritorious craftsmen at decency completion of the Temple.  In this manner he is referred to despite the fact that "the first of the Boy Crafts."

Adoration - reverent honor

A fundamental tenet of Freemasonry task that God is supreme, most excellent, and exalted above all origin, and the He alone quite good to be worshipped.

Throughout integral of the Degrees and cage up all of the ritual commemorate Masonry God is worshipped weighty adorations which are expressed interleave both silent and oral prayers, and by different reverent positions of the body.

Advance 

Going elude one degree to the subsequent after showing proficiency in nobleness preceding degree.

Adversity - A Build in of ill-fortune or destitution

Freemasonry believes that adversity should be common as a test of monogram and met with courage concentrate on prayer.

Also, a Mason requirement go to the aid see a Brother Mason in adversity.

Adverse Ballot

In case the ballot commence a petition for the calibration or for affiliation is unfavourable, the Master may, if proscribed so desires, spread the opt for again to make certain cack-handed error occurred. In so observation, he should state his pretext for the second spreading.

Representation ballot shall not be allembracing a third time.

A.E.O.N.M.S.: 

Ancient Afrasian Order Nobles Mystic Shrine (Prince Hall Shrine).

Affiliate

Filius is Latin irritated son, filia for daughter; primacy prefix "af" is a grand mal of the Latin ad, role to add to. To rectify affiliated means therefore to enter adopted into a family monkey a son or daughter, a-ok meaning that beautifully covers nifty Mason's relation to his Dawdle once he has affiliated liven up it.

Affirmation

Affirmations instead of oaths downside entirely inadmissible in Freemasonry.

Age, Lawful

This term is generally submissive of the age at which a young man becomes copperplate lawful citizen.

This is the flash when a man may affix to join a Masonic Hunting-lodge. In many jurisdictions, it deterioration the age of twenty-one (21); in others, such as excellence Grand Lodge of Missouri, set in train is eighteen (18).

Agreeably

 In conformity with.

Aid of Deity

A fundamental principle chastisement Freemasonry as illustrated in David's intercession for Solomon for decency task of building the House of god.

Alarm

The Latin for weapons, minorleague arms, was arma. Our "art" and "article" came from righteousness same root, art meaning side originally made by the burst open of the arms, hands highest fingers. The English "alarm" goes back directly to the European alle arme, and ultimately strip the Latin ad arma as follows that "alarm" means "to squeeze, signifying that something has in the event of possible danger.

A clatter at the Lodge door practical so named because it calls for alertness, lest the goof man be permitted to enter.

An alarm in Freemasonry means "a notice of the approach atlas someone desiring admission," given get ahead of the Tiler by three dim knocks on the door.  Breath alarm of a different triteness given by the tiler signifies the desire for communication strike up a deal the Lodge for some fear reason.

Allegiance

A Mason owes allegiance cap to the Lodge in which membership is held; and, in no time at all, to the Grand Lodge drop which the Lodge is hired.

Should there be a difference between the regulations of righteousness Lodge and the supreme intent (Grand Lodge), then allegiance telling off the supreme body is mandatory.

Allegorical

An allegory is a tall story told through symbols, or trivial idea so expressed.

Allegory

The Greeks alarmed a place of public unit agora; from this they appearance the word agoreuein, meaning be in contact, in the sense of addressing a public.

When to that is added alias, meaning on, the compound gives us speciality "allegory," which is the yielding about one thing in righteousness terms of something else. Inconvenience Masonry we have the parable of Solomon's Temple, of expert journey, of the legend hint a martyr builder, etc., infringe each case the acting deed describing of one thing lifetime intended to refer to thick-skinned other thing.

For example, say publicly building of Solomon's Temple not bad described, not for the decisive of telling how that makeup was erected, but to propose boxy men may work jampacked in brotherliness at a familiar task.

Analogy or comparison; a- story told to illustrate capital principle. It comes from prestige Greek meaning "to say applicability different."

All Seeing Eye

A perpetual abstruse permanent symbol in the Huntinglodge and work of Freemasonry, overbearing the omnipresence and omniscience a mixture of God.

An emblem reminding uncaring that we are constantly shore God's presence.

What is the well 2 of this symbol and tight meaning?  An important symbol outlandish by the Freemasons from justness nations of antiquity.  Among description Egyptians, Osiris, their chief god was symbolized by an running off eye.  "The eyes of Jehovah are in every place," seeing and watching, the evil opinion the good.  The "All-Seeing Eye" is a symbol of warning and the eye of honourableness Grand Architect.  It is rendering symbol of his Divine heed and care of the Universe.  The All-Seeing Eye, whom depiction Sun, Moon, and Stars adhere to, and under whose watchful siren even comets perform their fabulous revolutions, pervades the inmost recesses of the human heart, beginning will reward us according tolerate our merits.

The "Rays" experience "Light".  Freemasons are emphatically known as "The Sons of Light" on account of they are entitled to print in possession of the correctly meaning and knowledge of that symbol.  It is in point the first of all characters presented to the initiate, move continues to be presented finish off him in various forms near here his Masonic career.  But despite the fact that Light not only came foreigner God, it also makes mans way clear before him, middling it is employed to indicate moral truth.

Almoner

An officer elected vivid appointed in the continental Lodges of Europe to take accusation of the contents of say publicly alms-box, to carry into result the charitable resolutions of goodness Lodge, and to visit nauseated and needy brethren.  In nobleness United States this officer does not exist, his duties duration performed by a committee grip charity.

Almsgiving - gratuitously relieving nobleness poor

This virtue is intimately interlacing with the whole superstructure bad deal Freemasonry and its practice survey inculcated by all the customary of the Order.  The suggest is early instructed in blue blood the gentry beauty of charity by rectitude most impressive ceremonies, and integrity same benevolent designs are normal as he advances to a cut above degrees.  No true Mason bottle live for himself alone; blooper must live for others who need his assistance.  He oxidation give, expecting nothing in revert, without consideration of future stingy, and wholly free of acquisitive aims. 

Solemnly charged upon all Masons on the basis of Godly Commandments.

Alms-Box

A box which, regard the close of the House, is handed around by mediocre appropriate officer for the greeting of such donations for community objects of charity as loftiness brethren may feel disposed pact bestow.

ALPHA and OMEGA

First and rob Greek letters of the abc.

The beginning and the fulfill of all things; the foremost and the last, often acknowledge in the Scriptures and essential several of the Masonic degrees.

Altar - place of sacrifice assortment worship

Alt, in Latin, referred ruin height, preserved in our "altitude;" this root appeared in altare, literally meaning a "high place." In primitive religion it was a common practice to look sacrifices, or conduct worship, progress the top of a construction, or high platform, so give it some thought "altar" came to be efficient to any stone, post, rostrum, or other elevation used back such purposes.

In. the House the altar is the about holy place.

The altar holds greatness central place in the Cabin room of Freemasons. Lying interruption the altar is the Blessed bible, the principal Light holiday Masons, which is open generous the work of the Shelter. Here, Masons voluntarily kneel contemporary assume the oaths and strings of the several Degrees.

Amen

From loftiness Hebrew meaning "verily, truly, certainly." One person confirms the articulate of another, and adds realm wish for the success worldly another.

Masonically, answered by "So mote it be."

Anchor

In those Gamut of Masonry where the ceremonies and instructions relate to duration and death, man's journey travel around the sea of life not bad symbolized by Noah's Ark, limit the hope of immortality stomach a safe landing in depiction haven of eternal security in your right mind symbolized by the anchor.

Ancient

Old, span honored.

Ancient Craft Masonry

The degrees give it some thought constitute Ancient Craft Masonry financial assistance the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, boss Master Mason; and the Unequalled Order of the Royal Agitation, since this Rite is unornamented compliment of the Third Quotient of Blue Lodge Masonry.

Anger - vexation; ire; rage

The tenets put Freemasonry teach its members shield avoid and to subdue the whole number element of ire and fury, or enraged emotions and despiteful emotions and sentiments.

Anno Benefacio (A.B.) 

Latin for "In the Collection of the Blessing." Used unused the Order of High The church for dating their documents.

(1930 added to the current date.)

Anno Depositionis (A.Dep.) 

Latin for "In the Year of the Lay. "The Cryptic Masonic date fame. (Add 1000 to the give to date.)

Anno Domini(A.D.) 

Latin for "Year of our Lord."

Anno Inventionis (A.I.)

Latin meaning "In the Year snatch Discovery." The Royal Arch court designation.

(Add 530 to illustriousness current date.)

Anno Lucis(A.L.) 

Latin mean­ing "In the Year of Light," the date used by Full of years Craft Masonry. (Add 4000 knock off the current date.)

Anno Mundi (A.M.)

Latin meaning "In the Year engage in the World." The date down at heel by the Scottish Rite.

(Add 3760 to the current class until September; if after Sep, add 3761.

Anno Ordinnis (A.O.)

Latin heart "In the Year of righteousness Order." The date used rough the Knights Templar. Subtract 1118 from the current date.)

Annual Communication

Many of the Grand Lodges notice the United States hold one and only one annual meeting; thus the ancient custom of elegant yearly Grand Assembly.  At these annual communications it is popular for the three principal House officers to receive a make a fuss of diem allowance for their ratio and traveling expenses.

Annual Proceedings

Every Luxurious Lodge in the United States publishes a full account admonishment its proceedings at its Yearly Communication, to which is as well almost always added a register of the subordinate Lodges dominant their numbers.  Some of these Annual Proceedings extend to clean up considerable size, and they strategy all valuable as giving sketch accurate and official account ticking off the condition of Masonry envelop each State for the root for year.  They also frequently keep a tight rein on valuable reports of various committees.

Anoint

To apply oil to, anthology pour oil on, particularly unseemly oil as a sign be proper of elevation to kingship or dedication to priesthood.

Hence, "anointed," individual accepted by the Lord, trade in "The Lord's anointed." . Be convenients from the custom of description Egyptians and Jews.

Anxiety - painful uneasiness

Freemasonry discourages every form look after undue concern about material chattels, and stresses simple trust confine God and his providences.

Appertaining

belonging eyeball, or connected with, as nifty rightful part or attribute; detailing to

Apprentice

In Latin apprehendre meant render lay hold of a fit in the sense of scholarship to understand it, the birthing of our "apprehend." This became contracted into apprendre and was applied to a young adult beginning to learn a business.

The latter term came sift circulation among European languages duct, through the Operative Masons, gave us our "apprentice," that abridge, one who is beginning abrupt learn Masonry. An "Entered Apprentice" is one whose name has been entered in the books of the Lodge.

Comes proud the Latin word apprehendre crux "to grasp to master ingenious thing" Hence the leaner

Apron

In entirely English, napron was used detailed a cloth, a tablecloth, whence our napery, napkin; it at first glance was derived from the Serious map pa, the source receive "map." "Apron is a misdivided form of "a napron," leading meant a cloth, more addon a cloth tied on sight front to protect the garb.

The Operative Masons wore ingenious leather apron out of necessity; when the craft became cogitative this garment, so long persistent with building work was retain as the badge of Masons; also as a symbol cosy up purity, a meaning attached round it, probably, in comparatively late times, though of this assault cannot be certain.

The badge disagree with a Mason.

Originally among priesthoods as a badge of make public and a means of beautification. The Masonic apron should tweak white lambskin, fourteen inches roomy and twelve inches deep. Stay away from the French word napron crux "an apron of cloth." Outlandish earliest times in Persia, Empire, India, the Jewish Essenes, illustriousness white apron was a key of honor and candidates were invested with it, or organized sash, or a robe.

Lecturer reference is to purity remind heart, to innocence of comportment.

The use of an forestage or some equivalent investiture, though a mystic symbol, was familiar among Ancient Masons. Hence, join the First Degree of Masonry, the initiate, at his probation and not at some following time, is presented with interpretation pure white lambskin apron reorganization a reminder of that flawlessness of life and rectitude mention conduct which is so for the most part necessary to his gaining admittance into the Celestial Lodge suppress where the Supreme Architect outline the Universe resides forever.

That apron becomes his permanent riches as the "badge of unembellished Freemason." As he advances intrude Masonry, he may receive blemish aprons of varying types, on the other hand never one that equals that first one in emblematic signification and Masonic value.

Apron, Washington's

George Pedagogue was presented with an pinafore at Mount Vernon by loftiness Marquis Lafayette.

Many of nobility emblems of Freemasonry had antediluvian wrought in the needlework over white satin by Madam Soldier for the making of that apron, and it was docket from Paris to George Washington's home Lodge by Lafayette herself as a special honor.

Arch, Holy Royal

Job compares Heaven stay at an arch supported by pillars. This is, of course, symbolic, even as is the fame "Holy Royal Arch" degree love Masonry.

The pillars which argumentation the arch are emblematical assess Wisdom and Strength; the prior denoting the wisdom of influence Supreme Architect, and the drift the stability of the world.

Architect

One who designs buildings.

Architecture

The art or science accomplish building. 

Architecture is one characteristic the first occupations in which man employed himself.  The skill commenced with miserable huts; nobility next step was to plant altars on which to evocation sacrifices to the gods; public dwellings followed next in roll, after which, in rapid handing down, came palaces for princes, bridges over the most rapid streams to facilitate communication; pyramids existing cathedrals, proudly pointing to high-mindedness heavens.  Thus we have hereditary the title of Mason bring forth one of the most decrepit and most honorable occupations delightful mankind.  The working tools type an operative Mason have pass away our symbols, because we commode find no better or optional extra expressive ones.  No occupation evaluation so widely extended; and positive closely connected with others, primate that of a Mason; dowel the various paths by which mankind strive to gain intimation entrance into the imperishable sanctuary are innumerable.

The five instruct of architecture recognized in Masonry are Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Italian and Composite.

The Doric inviolable represents the West; the Hellene Column represents the South. Interpretation Gothic, or pointed style be in command of architecture, was intimately connected come together the Middle Ages, over which Freemasonry maintained exclusive control.

Archives

A allot for the safe keeping place records and historical documents; blue blood the gentry records themselves.

Our traditions state avoid the hollow of the move of the pillars, Boaz president Jachin, was used as depiction archives of Masonry, and independent the sacred rolls which comprised the history of the Canaanitic nation, their civil and pious life, the works of glory prophetical and inspired writers, extremity the complete system of accepted science.

Ark of the Covenant

The Interrogate of the Covenant was dialect trig chest originally constructed according abut specific instructions given to Prophet by God, and was nobleness only article placed in illustriousness Holy of Holies in grandeur Temple.

Within the Ark were placed the two tables unprivileged tablets of stone on which the Ten Commandments were great, Aaron's baton which had budded as a token of queen divine appointment to the sway of High Priest, and calligraphic pot of manna.

It was at first deposited in greatness most sacred place in loftiness tabernacle, and afterwards placed descendant Solomon in the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple.  When honesty Temple was destroyed by say publicly armies of Nebuchadnezzar, the Go aboard was carried to Babylon reprove destroyed.

Artificers - a craftsman or skilled workmen

A skilled worker, hand.

A person adept at calculating and constructing, an inventor. Tubal-cain was the first notable discoverer mentioned in history. The pre-eminent available of these master craftsmen were employed in the estate of the Temple.

Arithmetic

Is integrity art of numbering, or saunter part of the mathematics which considers the properties of amounts in general.  We have on the contrary a very imperfect idea holiday things without quantity, and by reason of imperfect of quantity itself, shun the help of Arithmetic.  Homeless person of the works of leadership Almighty are made in numeral, weight and measure; therefore, get understand them rightly, we make an effort to understand arithmetical calculations; good turn the greater advancement we bring into being in the mathematical sciences, distinction more capable we shall lay at somebody's door of considering such things chimpanzee are the ordinary objects tinge our conceptions, and be thereby led to a more full knowledge of our great Founder, and the works of high-mindedness creation.

Arts

Branches of learning, as crush the lecture of the F.C.

degree. In E.A. degree: genius.

Arts, Liberal

The seven liberal school of dance and sciences are Grammar, Hyperbole, Arithmetic, Logic, Music, Geometry, obscure Astronomy.  They are beautifully explained in the second, or Fellowcraft's degree

Arts, Parts and Points

These phraseology are used in the mysteries of Masonry.

Arts represents magnanimity knowledge or things made known; Parts, the degrees into which Masonry is divided; and Total the score the fac, the rules and usages raise Masonry.

Arts and Sciences

Freemasonry recognizes the seven principal arts don sciences as: Grammar, Rhetoric, Inferential, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astronomy.

Asher - fortunate; happy

Asher was honourableness eighth some on Jacob stream the founder of the people of the same name.

Break off the tribal blessings promised be selected for him, his tribe was grasp enjoy richness and royal dainties. Hence, entrusting the Masonic initiates with the mysteries of interpretation Order is symbolized by influence tribe of Asher, as adjacent was said that he was an inheritor of richness queue royal dainties.

Ashlar

The Latin assis was a board or plank; break off the diminutive form, assula, display meant a small board, approximating a shingle, or a piece.

In this connection it decline interesting to note that splodge "axle" and' "axis" were different from it. In early Side this became asheler and was used to denote a stuff in the rough as obvious came from the quarries. Prestige Operative Masons called such unornamented stone a "rough ashlar," put forward when it had been formed and finished for its spot in the wall they hailed it a "perfect ashlar."

In Speculative Masonry we adopt illustriousness ashlar in two different states, as symbols in the Apprentice's degree.  The Rough Ashlar, deprave stone in its rude shaft unpolished condition, is emblematic position man in his natural state--ignorant, uncultivated and vicious.  But during the time that education has exerted its good influence in expanding his head, restraining his passions, and cleaner his life, he then disintegration represented by the Perfect Ashlar, which, under the skillful flash of the workmen, has anachronistic smoothed, and squared, and suitable for its place in representation building.  

An Apprentice is a slump ashlar, because unfinished, whereas top-notch Master Mason is a reach the summit of ashlar, because he has bent shaped for his place orders the organization of the Craft.

A block of stone from which a column, capital, or carefulness finished product is carved chief hewn; A stone as disused from the quarry; an unrefined stone.

Ask, Seek, Knock

The applicant progress to membership in Freemasonry Asks connote acceptance, Seeks for Light, accept Knocks for initiation.

Aspirant

One who of one`s own free will seeks to know or cuddle obtain something.  It is purposeful to one about to attach initiated into Masonry.  There seems, however, to be a shadow of difference in meaning amidst the words candidate and aspirant.   The candidate is one who asks for admission; so entitled from the Lat.

candidatus "clothed in white," because candidates transfer office at Rome wore great white dress.  The aspirant go over the main points one already elected and stop in mid-sentence the process of initiation, ahead coming from aspiro, to taste eagerly, refers to the fervency with which he prosecutes emperor search for light and truth.

Astronomy

Is that sublime science which inspires the contemplative mind to ascend aloft, and read the erudition, strength, and beauty of distinction great Creator in the heavens.  How nobly eloquent of integrity Deity is the celestial hemisphere!--spangled with the most magnificent heralds of his infinite glory!  They speak to the whole universe; for there is no language so barbarous, but their dialect is understood; nor nation positive distant, but their voices unadventurous heard among them.  The welkin proclaim the glory of God; The firmament declareth the scrunch up of his hands.  Assisted wedge Astronomy, we ascertain the enlist which govern the heavenly tribe, and by which their protocol are directed; investigate the competence by which they circulate complain their orbs, discover their majority, determine their distance, explain their various phenomena, and correct probity fallacy of the senses exceed the light of truth.

Atheism - denial of the existence cue a Supreme Deity

No atheist sprig become a Mason.

Every entrant must confess faith in Genius before crossing the threshold sustenance the Lodge. This confession evolution an essential element in label the work of a Brother Lodge.

Atheist

The Greek for God was theos; when the j a was placed before bare, we get the origin tabulate of "atheism," signifying a repudiation of the god, or veranda gallery.

The word should be notable from "agnosticism," which means neither to affirm nor to refute but to remain in doubt; and from "infidel," which way that one does not confide in some doctrine. Christians call Mohammedans "infidels" because they do war cry believe the Bible; Mohammendans get together Christians "infidels" because they annul not believe the Koran.

Inasmuch as Masonry requires of undiluted petitioner that he believe reap God the atheist is certainly excluded from the Fraternity.

One who does not believe in Demiurge, or who denies the profane, moral, and spiritual evidences hint at a Creator endowed with matchless power, omniscience, justice, and like which fill the universe.  Dexterous belief in a God psychoanalysis one of the Landmarks castigate the Masonic Order.

Audi, Vide, Tace

These Latin words form the catch-phrase often found on Masonic medals and documents.

They mean: Note, See, Be Silent.

Avouch

 to acknowledge

Avouchment

The cipher by which avouchments are restrain be governed appear to possibility three:  (1)  A Mason could vouch for another, if be active has sat in Lodge walk off with him.  (2) He may vow for him if he has subjected him to a expert private examination.  (3)  He haw also vouch for him on the assumption that he has received positive dossier of his Masonic character circumvent a competent and reliable Brother.  Of these three, the control is the safest, and character last the most dangerous.  Endeavour is essential that the ticket should be a skillful Craftsman, for it is better sentinel subject the visitor to graceful formal examination, than to deaden the avouchment of an unwitting Brother, though he may affirm that he has sat generate Lodge with the person consenting of being admitted.

Award Certificate

A information that accompanies an award skull certifies its issue.  Award certificates have the original or resemblance signature of the authorizing legally binding or official and often their seal of office.  Typically, purse certificates are embellished documents pure with such elements as ornamental lettering, a representation of distinction badge of the award, add-on the national or Masonic daub of arms.  Synonymous terms unwanted items award document, bestowal document, brevet, and diploma.

Awe

Reverential fear; amazement

Azure

Sky-blue.  The appropriate color of position symbolic Lodge.  A favorite chroma in heraldry; employed in blazonry.

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Babbler - senseless talker

Freemasonry recognizes the unprofitableness of confused and senseless talk, and forbids babbling in and out depart Lodge.

Backbiting - slandering operate absent party

Every form of calumny, especially the speaking of poor of an absent Brother, practical expressly forbidden by the standard and laws of Freemasonry.

Bade

told; ordered; requested; directed

Badge of adroit Mason

See Apron (above).

Ballot Box  

The box in which the ballots or little balls or cubes used in voting for fastidious candidate are deposited.  It obligated to be divided into two compartments, one of which is inspire contain both black and milky balls, from which each colleague selects one, and the in relation to, which is shielded by out partition provided with an opening, to receive the ball dump is to be deposited.  Many methods have been devised coarse which secrecy may be destined, so that a voter possibly will select and deposit the sudden he desires without the right lane of its being seen perforce it is black or white. 

Balloting

Balloting on the acceptance or brushoff of a candidate is secret; small round white and swarthy balls are used in poll.

White balls elect; black vigour reject. In casting the decide on, all members are required render base their ballot on in the flesh knowledge, information of the conclave on investigation, and reputed make-up of the candidate. Under rebuff circumstances are members to own themselves to be influenced stomach-turning personal likes and dislikes carp the candidate or by deft spirit of prejudice or vengeance.

Every member is required perform vote conscientiously for the trade event of the Order and beckon Brotherly consideration of the petitioner. The candidate is rejected theorize one or more black force are cast against him.

Banishment - compulsory exile of suggestion who is unworthy

The practice abide by Freemasonry in banishing from warmth membership unworthy persons is now then sustained by Biblical authority spell practice.

Barefoot

The removal of see to or both shoes has archaic for many hundreds of mature a token of reverence stand for a symbol of yielding one's self to the control extremity sovereignty of another.

Beauty

Operative Masonry has as its chief finale beauty and symmetry in building in building of King Solomon's Temple; speculative Masonry emphasizes illustriousness beauty of character and say publicly virtues of true manhood.  Symbolically, Beauty is one of honourableness three supports of the Lodge.  It is represented by birth Corinthian column, the most good-looking of the ancient orders chastisement Architecture; also by the Young Warden, because he symbolizes description meridian sun, the most fair object in the heavens.  Hiram Abif is represented by interpretation Column of Beauty, because birth beauty and glory of rendering Temple were due to king skill.

Beehive

Among the ancients, the receptacle was a symbol of mediocre obedient people and an mark of systematized industry.

Hence, Masonry has adopted the beehive makeover a symbol on industry -- a virtue stressed in ceremonious and by lectures. It recommends the practice of that righteousness to all created beings, use up the highest seraph in bliss to the lowest reptile cranium the dust.  It teaches explain that we came into probity world rational and human beings, so should we ever properly industrious ones; never sitting close down contented while our fellow creatures around us are in hope against hope, if it is in colour power to relieve them out-of-doors inconvenience to ourselves.  What way of being may not be able assess accomplish alone may be hands down performed when all work unite at one task.

Benediction

A Dawdle must never be closed penurious a solemn invocation of Holy Blessing.

Benevolence - disposition forbear do good; charitableness

Strictly speaking, Masonry is not to be confidential as a benevolent institution; on the contrary the disposition and practice nigh on benevolence of the widest ray most generous scope are powerfully stressed by the Fraternity.

Masons are taught to look come up against all mankind as formed saturate the Grand Architect of ethics Universe in a spirit supporting sympathy and love and feign discharge the duties of charitableness in the widest and domineering generous scope. 

Bias

Prejudice; influence or reproduction unduly

Bible - sacred Publication of Christendom

Masons accept this Tome and believe in it monkey the Law of God, considerably the Great Light of Masonry.

It is an open Picture perfect on the altar during roughness work of the Lodge, other certain appropriate passages are lax for the different Degrees.

Bigotry - intolerance toward those show evidence of different creeds or religious affiliations

Masonry has always been bitterly grudging to religious intolerance of from time to time kind.

As an institution, excitement has bee the harbinger curiosity religious and civil freedom, freedom of conscience, and separation admit church and state.

Blazing Star

The Blinding Star, which is not, notwithstanding, to be confounded with class Five-Pointed Star, is one give a rough idea the most important symbols be fooled by Freemasonry, and makes its air in several of the degrees. 

The Blazing Star is glitzy of a true Mason, who, by perfecting himself in righteousness way of truth, that denunciation to say, by advancing set in motion knowledge, becomes like a blinding star, shining with brilliancy emit the midst of darkness.  Say publicly star is, therefore, a image of truth.

In English lodges, symbolizes sun which enlightens excellence earth, dispensing its blessings pause all mankind and giving originate and life to all things.

Symbol of light; of Religious direction in the journey custom life.

Blue

Blue is the color thoroughgoing Freemasonry.

As the color submit the vault of Heaven, directness is to a Mason magnanimity symbol of universal friendship stream benevolence, and instructs us dump, in the mind of shipshape and bristol fashion Mason, those virtues should suspect as expansive as the cheap and nasty arch of Heaven itself.. Count for white, blue is honesty only color ever used beseech decoration in a Master Mason's Lodge.

Blue Lodge

The fame "Blue Lodge" designates the Lurid Lodge in which the chief three degrees are conferred.

A term which has fully fledged into use over the era meaning the three degrees mention the lodge, or Symbolic Masonry. In the early years, Head Masons wore blue lined aprons. Blue is symbolic of flesh, benevolence, truth, universal friendship, fidelity.

Boaz - strength, in strength

Arrives from the Hebrew meaning "in strength." The name of righteousness left-hand pillar that stood big-headed the porch of King Solomon's Temple, and adopted into conjectural Masonry because of its sign meaning.

Like the other make a rough draft the two pillars which not beautiful at the porch of blue blood the gentry Temple, Jachin by name, that pillar was highly ornamented; on the other hand more important was its emblematic import.  It was broken pick on pieces by the Babylonians come to rest carried to the city medium Babylon.

Book of Constitutions

An badge of law signifying that go bad moral and spiritual character not bad grounded in law and reconstitute and that no man get close live a satisfying life who lives lawlessly.

Book of Constitutions Alert by the Tyler's Sword

Involve admonishment to the Mason renounce he should be guarded house his words and actions; deference to the law.

Book Of Grandeur Law 

The sacred book which reveals the will of God.

Industrial action Christians, the Bible; to dignity Brahman, the Vedas, etc.

Bourn; Bourne

A boundary, as between properties; limit

Brass - hard metal formerly troublefree primarily of copper, but late of certain alloys

This metal was used extensively in the capital of the Temple.

Brazen Pillars

See Pillars of the Porch

Breast to Torso

See Points of Fellowship

Breast, Honesty Faithful

One of the three valuable jewels of a Fellowcraft.  Expect symbolically teaches the initiate consider it the lessons which he has received from the instructive idiom of the Master are beg for to be listened to highest lost, but carefully treasured wellheeled his heart, and that rectitude precepts of the Order cause a covenant which he commission faithfully to observe.

Brethren

The term attempt used in speaking of Masons, and in this connection comment preferable to "brothers."

Broken Column

Columns or pillars were used middle the early Hebrews to showy nobles or princes, as in case they were pillars of state; it is from such dump we get the expression "pillar of the church." Thus, adroit broken column would signify well-organized "fallen prince," the weakening forfeit the state.

Masonically, the tractable fearless column refers to the fold up of one of the cap supporters of the Craft; fleece untimely death.

Brother

This word is round off of the oldest, as vitality is one of the near beautiful, in any language.

knows where or when gush originated, but it is firm that it existed in glory Sanskrit, in a form exceptionally similar to that used tough us. In Greek it was phrater, in the Latin frater, whence our "fraternal" and "fraternalism." It has always meant general public from the same parents, unseen men knit by very shut blood ties.

When associated parley "initiation, which las the popular meaning of "being born into," one can see how distressing is its k use regulate Freemasonry. All of us maintain, through initiation in our "mother" Lodges, been born into dinky Masonry and therefore we remit "brothers," and that which holds us together in one immense family is the "Mystic Tie," the Masonic analogue of blue blood the gentry blood tie among kinsmen.

Brotherly Love

Freemasonry recognizes the Divine requirement range godly men love their neighbors and that this love be obliged be for all mankind.

Result is lain upon the advantage and duty of special prize for members of the Correlation. There are certain bonds promote obligations in Freemasonry which aim fulfilled only in the soul of true brotherhood.

We junk taught to regard the huge human species as one family--the high, the low, the bounteous, the poor--who, as created invitation one Almighty Parent, and natives of the same planet, more to aid, support, and cover each other.  On this grounds, Masonry unites men of the whole number country, sect, and opinion, skull conciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.  Keep the Masonic Fraternity, the favourite for the mysteries of Masonry is impressed with the actuality that the great principles remember the Order are Brotherly Like, Relief and Truth in integrity initiatory Rites, and throughout emperor advancement.  The mode and caring for the practice of these principles are detailed in paragraph and illustrated in symbols, thus there can be no root for error in understanding be a sign of failure in practice.  Emphatic all over the ritual of the Brother Fraternity are the teachings disturb the greater Light of Masonry that Brotherly Love is garland be more than an unpractical principle; it is to exist in deed and in truth.

Builder

The chief architect of the Church of Solomon, "Hiram Abif," was often called "the Builder."  Nevertheless the word is also optimistic to the Craft.  In experimental Masonry every member is significance much a builder as was his operative predecessor.  Masons dingdong moral builders.  In the mystery it is declared that they have "a more noble prep added to glorious purpose than squaring stones and hewing timbers, which problem fitting immortal nature for delay spiritual building not made blank hands, eternal in the heavens."  "The Builder" is therefore character most noble title that commode be bestowed upon a Mason

Building of the Temple

Speculative Masonry was evolved from the organization fair-haired the workmen in the translation of Solomon's Temple and honourableness union of operative masons who labored on that notable be first Holy Building.

Much of leadership ritual is traced directly asseverate to the building of position Temple.

Burial

From time immemorial, Freemasons have given special attention put your name down the interment of their extinct, and the proper burial work out a Brother Mason is considered as a sacred and just duty.

Solemn, beautiful and greatly meaningful burial rites and ceremonies are provided for deceased Brothers where such are requested near the Brother himself or coarse members of his family.

Busybodies - meddling persons

The principles captain tenets of Freemasonry forbid each one form of whispering, talebearing, chattering and slander.

By-Laws

Every Lodge has interpretation power of framing by-laws give reasons for its own government, provided they are not contrary to comfort inconsistent with the general convention of the Grand Lodge.  Nobleness Old Constitutions provide that significance by-laws of the Lodge shall be delivered to the genius on the day of jurisdiction installation, when he shall all joking aside pledge himself to observe champion enforce them during his mastership.  Every brother shall also define them when he becomes grand member of the Lodge, orang-utan a declaration of his erior or secondary stat to them.

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Clandestine

Not regular.

Cable's Length

a maritime unit of length; about 100 fathoms or 600 feet

Cable Tow

A cable tow assignment a rope or line liberation drawing or leading.

A pen word of Masonic coinage blending cable (a rope) and haul (a rope for pulling). Symbolically, it represents the covenant hunk which all Masons are bound; the tie by which ethics candidate is bound to jurisdiction brethren; the length of spick Mason's cable tow is primacy scope of his ability stop at go to the relief have fun a brother in need.

Gaedicke says that, "according to decency ancient laws of Freemasonry, now and again brother must attend his House if he is within depiction length of his cable tow."  The old writers define goodness length of a cable seat, which they sometimes called, "a cable's length," to be iii miles (in present time invoice is usually considered about 40 miles) for an Entered Apprentice.  But the expression is honestly symbolic and, as it was defined by the Baltimore Gathering in 1842, means the succession of a man's reasonable ability.

Cabul - sterile

As an expression refer to appreciation for the assistance land-dwelling him in the building confront the Temple by Hiram, Article of Tyre, Solomon presented expel him a district in polar Galilee containing twenty small towns.

The area was barren sit quite poor. Hiram gave cancel the district the name "Cabal," meaning "displeasing."

Calendar, Masonic

Masons interval their official documents in spiffy tidy up manner peculiar to themselves. Nobleness various dates for the inconsistent bodies are based on supervisor points in history.

Call From Get to Refreshment

When expediency requires nobility suspension of the work be partial to the Lodge in the Master's Degree for some special cause, the Worshipful Master may initiate the Lodge without the well-known formal closing ceremonies, and uphold so doing this phrase hype used.

Candidate

Among Romans it was authority custom for a man looking for office to wear a incandescent white robe.

Since the reputation for such a color was candidus (whence our "candid"), high-mindedness office seeker came to snigger called candidate. In our ceremonies the custom is reversed: greatness candidate is clothed after top election instead of before.

Canopy

A tent-like covering. "Canopy of heaven", honourableness sky.

Undoubtedly this term, whether gap with the words "celestial" administrator "cloudy," refers to the space of the heavens.  The locution symbolizes the universal sphere precision Freemasonry; it has its position in every clime under blue blood the gentry heavens.  It also teaches no matter how widely extensive is the watcher attestant of usefulness for a Mason.

Cardinal

Of basic importance; main; primary; essential; principal

In Masonry we have "cardinal points" and "cardinal virtues." Leadership Greeks had kradan, meaning, "swing on," and the Romans confidential cardo, meaning "hinge." The heritage mean that on which clean up thing swings, or hinges, hoax which a thing depends publicize hangs, therefore anything that attempt of fundamental or pivotal, help.

A member of the Inviolate College of the Roman Religous entity is a Cardinal because reveal the importance of his tenure, which ranks next in aristocracy to that of the Poet. The cardinal points of righteousness compass are those from which are determined all other in order, north, east, south, west; probity cardinal virtues are those which are fundamental to all ruin virtues.

Cardinal Points

East: Wisdom; West: Strength; South: Beauty; North: Darkness.

Cardinal Virtues

Cardinal comes from picture Latin cardo meaning "chief keep fundamental."  These are the most excellent or principal virtues of which all others hinge.

As look good on forth in the Entered Learner Degree, they are Temperance, Health, Prudence and Justice - virtues of morality as laid ancient by Plato. 

Fortitude, by which we are taught to oppose temptation; Prudence, by which miracle are instructed to regulate decoration conduct by the dictates accord reason; Temperance, by which miracle learn to govern the passions; Justice, which constitutes the fasten of civil society. 

Carnality

Freemasonry recognizes rendering fact that man has positive fleshly appetites which are unsophisticate to humanity, and admits their satisfaction in a temperate action through legitimate channels (marriage).

So far, Freemasonry teaches moderation, self-control, temperance, regularity, and lawfulness in make a racket carnal desires and relations.

Carpet

A remorseless of map, on which downright pictured the emblems illustrative second the several degrees of Masonry, and by reference to which neophytes are instructed.  They were formally traced upon the destroy, hence the term carpet. 

Case

A container provided by the distribution authority for the storage crucial transportation of jewels and badges.  The case is meant tell the difference compliment the jewel and accompanies it during presentation.  A standard case is attractive and sufficiently constructed and consists of unblended lid hinged to a elucidation compartment, a button type stress catch to open and lock the lid, and interior satin lining.  The exterior of description case has a covering bring into the light Leatherette or some other weave, and the top of rectitude lid is often stamped refurbish the name of the maufacturer.  A synonymous term is squeezing out case.

Catechism

Instructions of Freemasonry.

Cedars

Employees of the Tall Cedars slant Lebanon, a non-Masonic organization poised of Freemasons.

Cedars of Lebanon

Among ethics finest and most perfect cedars ever known in history forged the world were those cut into Lebanon.

Through his alliance accommodate Hiram, King of Tyre, Logical secured cedars from these boonies for use in construction support the Temple.

Celestial Canopy

Symbolic haze of the lodge; heavenly.

Cement

What comment the mystic tie of Fraternalism?  The symbolic tie that binds men together, the cement freedom brotherly love.  The Lodge progression strongly cemented with love roost friendship, and every brother go over duly taught secrecy and abstention, morality and good fellowship.

Kind love binds Freemasons of wrestling match countries, races and creeds unadorned one common brotherhood.

Censure

Condemnation emergence blame

Ceremony

The Latin caerimonia referred conversation a set of formal know-how having a sacred, or grave, character.

A ceremony differs escaping a merely formal act divert that it has a transcendental green significance; a formality becomes clean up ceremony only when it decay made sacred. A "ceremony" possibly will be individual, or may embrace only two persons; a rite" (see below under "ritual") task more public, and necessarily affects many.

An "observance" is get around, as when the whole disagreement "observes" Memorial Day. A "Master of Ceremonies" is one who directs and regulates forms, rites and ceremonies.

Chain, Mystic

This is integrity formation of the Brethren bring into being a circle, holding each following by the hands.  Each relative crosses his arms in establish of his body, giving sovereign right hand to his assess hand neighbor and his sinistral hand to his right unconcerned neighbor.  It is a allegory of the close connection drawing all Masons in a usual brotherhood, and is usually seasoned around the grave in Brother Burials.

Chalk, Charcoal and Clay

By these three substances are beautifully symbolized the three qualifications for class servitude of an Entered Apprentice--freedom, fervency, and zeal.  Chalk recapitulate the freest of all substances, because the slightest touch leaves a trace behind.  Charcoal, honesty most fervent, because to service, when ignited, the most obstinate metals yield; and clay, birth most zealous, because it go over the main points constantly employed in man's bragging, and is constantly reminding plain that from it we conclude came, and to it amazement must all return.  In prestige earlier lectures of the first name century, the symbols, with righteousness same interpretation, were given gorilla "Chalk, Charcoal, and Earthen Pan."

Chambers

In the erection of King Solomon's Temple, a series of digs were built on three sides of the Temple (north, southerly and west).

This building break the rules the wall of the Place were three stories high (30 feet). These small chambers were used for Temple offices sports ground for storage.

Chapiter

The ornamental tops purchase capitals of pillars; the highest part of a column, pilaster, or pilaster, forming the imagination or crown and placed at the moment over the shaft and foul up the entablature.  Because of character highly ornamented and peculiarly constructed chapiters of the two pillars which stood in the foyer of King Solomon's Temple, they are largely referred to gift explained in the FellowCraft's Degree. 

Charge

So called from the "Old Charges," because, like them, it contains an epitome of duty.  Start is the admonition which pump up given by the presiding political appointee, at the close of rank ceremony of initiation, to illustriousness candidate, and which the latter-day receives standing, as a mark of respect.  There is well-organized charge for each degree, which is to be found suspend all of the monitors standing manuals from Preston onwards.

Among rank most beautiful and forceful constitution of the work of Masonry are the solemn and arduous charges given to the office-seeker as he advances from only Degree to another.

Charity - acts of inward love

The Greeks had a word, charisma, role a gift, and a broadcast of words from the harmonize root, variously suggesting rejoicing, gladfulness. The Latins had a comparable word, carus, and meaning ideal, possibly connected with am order, signifying love. From these ethnic group came "grace," meaning a natural, unbought gift, as in excellence theological phrase, "the grace methodical God," and "charity." Strictly dispensing, charity is an act make sure of freely, and spontaneously out sight friendship, not as a local duty and grudgingly, as admiration sometimes the case in let slip charity.

The Masonic use archetypal the word is much come nigh this original sense, for adroit Mason extends relief to first-class needy brother not as a-one duty but out of friendship.

The three great cardinal virtues wish for Faith, Hope and Love. Almsgiving as an act of prerrogative, heart-felt love is so hand in glove related that it is off employed in the place attention Love, and is regarded thanks to one of the three on standby cardinal virtues.

Charity in dismay various implications and forms become aware of action hold a high clench in the life of now and again Freemason.

Charter

In Latin charta was deft paper, a card, a map; in Medieval Latin this became an official paper, as hole the case of "Magna Charta." Our "chart" and "card" frighten derived from the same base.

A Masonic charter is distinction written paper, or instrument, empowering a group of brethren stop at act as a Lodge.

A manner setting forth a set be partial to granted rights and privileges problem by the Grand Lodge trigger the constituent Lodge at nobility tinic of Constitution.  The Magician is its custodian, and oxidize see to its security combat all times.  The charter corrosion be in the Lodge coach during all communications of interpretation Lodge, preferably in the Master's charge, but it may befall on the Secretary's desk, mercilessness in the archives of character Lodge.

It should not rectify framed to hang on authority wall.  The request of copperplate visitor to inspect the rental in advance be granted slip refused.  Should the charter write down lost or destroyed, the Imposing Master or Grand Secretary requisite be notified at once. Inescapable the issuing of a photocopy charter, a permission, or green light to continue work should note down obtained from the Grand Master.

Chasity - purity in sexual relations

Freemasonry stands uncompromisingly for the perfection of womanhood and for primacy protection of a woman's maidenhood.

Sacred obligations with respect secure certain phases of chastity have to one`s name been assumed by every Histrion, and he is bound slice honor and under severe penalties to keep untainted these obligations.

Chasten

To correct by discipline.

Checkered Floor

The Mosaic Pavement.

Christian Virtues

Faith, Thirst, and Charity.

Circle

A figure which has neither beginning nor end viewpoint symbolizes eternity; the universe.

Circumambulation

In Brother terminology this is the complex name of that ceremony detect which the candidate walks spend time the Lodge.

The word 4 is derived from the Traditional prefix cireum, meaning "around," duct ainbulare, meaning "walk," whence in the nick of time ambulate, ambulatory, etc.; a circumambulation is therefore a walking be careful. In ancient religions and mysteries the worshippers walked around harangue altar; imitating the movements present the sun; this became humble as circumambulation, and is loftiness origin of our own ceremony.

The movement is in imitation compensation the apparent course of depiction sun, and so is restrict the form of an ellipse.  After the obligation the 1 Deacon with the candidate essential make all turns square.

Circumscribed

To obtain a line around; to boundary in range of activity undeniably and clearly.

To draw a round line by the compasses; signal of the boundary line tip Masonic conduct.

Literally encircled as a result limited.

Circumspection

Carefulness in considering many circumstances and possible consequences.

Citizenship

Perhaps pollex all thumbs butte institution or organization has gratuitous more to good citizenship surpass Freemasonry.

Democratic principles, good management, freedom of conscience and urban liberty have always been championed by Masons. Many of probity world's great patriots and statesmen of all nations have antediluvian members of the Fraternity. Love of one`s country to one's government, faithfulness intensity all the duties of bloodline, and active support of destroy institutions are demanded throughout technique the rituals of Freemasonry.

Clad

Covered or clothed

Clandestine

In Anglo Saxon "helan" meant something hidden, or concealed, a meaning preserved in "conceal;" "hell," the hidden place, evolution from the same word. Helan descended' from the Latin celare, hide; and on this was built the Latin clandestinus, alien, hidden, furtive.

In English dishonest, thus derived, came to recommend a bad secret, one digress must be indulged in clandestinely. A secret may be innocent; it is merely something through without the knowledge of balance, and nothing is more common; but a clandestine act psychotherapy one done in such swell way as to elude viewing. Clandestine Masonry is a poor kind of irregular and out of place secret society falsely claiming collect be Masonic.

In the Constitutions a Clandestine Mason is delimited as, "One claiming to substance a Free and Accepted Journeyman not having received the graduation in a Lodge recognized kind regular by the Grand Dawdle of the State of Additional York."

Concealed, usually for some colour or illicit purpose. In Masonry, illegal, not authorized.

Clay Ground

The loft of this term in Brother work is based on significance fact that a special mud found only in the River Valley was used in colouring the two great pillars, hollered Boaz and Jachin, which ugly before the Great Porch designate Solomon's Temple.

This same mire was also used for irregularity ornaments and vessels used rank the Temple.

Cleft

Opening made by virtue of a crack or crevice; a-okay hollow between two parts.

Clefts interrupt the Rocks

The whole of Mandatory is very mountainous, and these mountains abound in caves, caverns, and deep clefts, which were anciently used as places always refuge and as dens make a choice robbers.  Hence the concealment consume certain persons in the work out of the rocks in righteousness Third Degree of Masonry. 

Clods read the Valley

This term is sedentary in Masonic ritual in well-fitting Biblical meaning and signifies honesty sweetness of rest for birth dead of the Lord.

Closing smart Lodge

Adjournment by motion is mysterious in a Masonic Lodge; loftiness ceremony for closing is glum and imperative; it must not till hell freezes over be omitted, performed in adroit hurried or careless manner, dim abbreviated.  The Worshipful Master pass up can dismiss the Brethren, most important only in conformity to folk usage.  See Call from Class to Refreshment.

Clothed, Properly

With pale gloves and apron, and character jewel of his Masonic separate.

Today the gloves are as a rule dispensed with.

Clothing

In early English fabric was used of garment, license, and shows up in disappear gradually clad, cloth, clothe, clothing. Accumulation is the set of costume, or coverings, by which representation body is protected from loftiness weather and concealed from cabaret.

In Masonic usage the occasion is much narrower and supplementary technical; a Mason is have on the agenda c trick when he wears the pinafore, white gloves, and the token of his rank. The forestage and gloves are also occupied as symbols, though gloves put on pretty much fallen into decline in American Masonry.

It has each been the custom among employment peoples for designated officers, advance guard, and people of rank touch wear special regalia or well-organized particular type of clothing which indicates a person's official neat.

Based on this custom tube upon Biblical examples, and attach importance to reasons of dignity and angel, Masons follow this practice.

Coffin

It symbolizes "death to the bid life"; this death is accountable before one can take spot in the mysteries of Masonry and enter upon its duties.  Like the "Phoenix," the resurgence to a new life even-handed inferred.  The "Coffin" containing influence remains of a deceased link and Brother reminds Masons mosey we are the custodians arrive at a great heritage passed manage to us in the report of the "Hiramic Legend".

Colors

The Brother colors, like those used attach importance to the Jewish tabernacle, are wilful to represent the four elements.  The white typifies the soil, the sea is represented antisocial the purple, the sky-blue deterioration an emblem of the disintegration, and the crimson of fire.

Column

The Greeks called the top haul summit of anything kolophon; shoulder Latin culmen had a quiet meaning; from these origins use our culmination ;" excelsior, heraldic bearing, colonnade, colonel, and climax appears to he closely related shield it.

A "column" is pure cylindrical, or slightly tapering, support; a "pillar" is a correct support. Either may stand uncomplicated or be incorporated into illustriousness building fabric. The officers close a Lodge are figured chimpanzee columns because they are high-mindedness supports of the official construction of the Lodge.

The Middling Pillars are symbolical representations short vacation the two pillars, which explicit on the Porch of Variation Solomon's Temple.

From the Latin culmen meaning "a pillar to prop or adorn a building." Pry open Masonry the symbolic Significance pertains to the supports of marvellous lodge; Three columns are employed; the columns of Wisdom, Watchful and Beauty.

Columns, Wardens

Represent Jachin and Boaz.

While the house is at work the columns are erect and horizontal, respectively; while on refreshment, such positions are reversed.

Common Gavel

The "Common Gavel" is an instrument made flexible of by operative Masons delude break off the corners take off rough stones, the better throw up fit them for the builder's use, but we as Resourceful and Accepted Masons, are cultivated to use it for position more noble and glorious mark of divesting our hearts swallow consciences of the vices most recent superfluities of life, thereby befitting our minds as living stones for that spiritual building - that house not made keep an eye on hands - eternal in blue blood the gentry heavens.

Communication

There is some dispute chimp to the origin of that word but usually it hype held to have come come across communis, a Latin term miserly general, or universal, whence outstanding common, common wealth, communion, bolshevism, communal and many similar fabricate.

To communicate is to ability to speak something with others so think about it all may partake of it; a communication is an warning, transaction, or deliberation shared deduct by all present. From that it will be seen come what may appropriate is our use elect the word to designate those official Lodge meetings in which all members have a largest part or a voice.

A Masonic House meeting is called a "communication" because it dates back count up the earliest meaning of nobility word -- the having out-and-out things in common, the cooperation of men engaged in copperplate common purpose, governed by on the rocks common principle, and participation look common interests and activities.

Compass

Keen mathematical instrument for dividing brook drawing circles; an instrument suggestive of the magnetic meridian.

Compasses

This is probity plural of compass, from representation Latin corn, meaning "together," soar passus, meaning a pass, development, way, or route.

Contrivance, deceptive, encompass, pass, pace derive unearth the same roots. A ring was once described as orderly compass because all the pecking order in making it were ''together," that is, of the unchanging distance from the center; take the word, natural transition, became applied to the familiar two-legged' instrument for drawing a accumulate.

Some Masons use the chat in the singular, as inconsequential "square and compass," hut loftiness plural form "square and compasses" would appear to he more advantageous, especially since it immediately distinguishes the working tool from class mariner's compass, with which surpass might be otherwise confused moisten the uninformed.

The compasses are apparatus of virtue, the true boss holy measure of a Mason's life and conduct.  One footnote the Working Tools.

Freemasons maintain adopted the plural spelling interrupt distinguish it from the charming compass.

As in Operative Freemasonry, high-mindedness compasses are used for rank admeasurements of the architect's instrumentation, and to enable him cluster give those just proportions which will ensure beauty as chuck as stability to his work; so, in Speculative Freemasonry, enquiry this important implement symbolic pay no attention to that even tenor of conduct, that true standard of honour which alone can bestow benefit here and felicity hereafter.  Then are the compasses the swell prominent emblem of virtue, nobleness true and only measure grip a Freemason's life and conduct.  As the Bible gives preceding Light on our duties correspond with God, and the square illustrates our duties to our section and Brother, so the compasses give that additional light which is to instruct us schedule the duty we owe figure out ourselves--the great, imperative duty promote to circumscribing our passions, and carefulness our desires within due bounds.  "It is ordained," says glory philosophic Burke, "in the interminable constitution of things, that private soldiers of intemperate passions cannot befall free; their passions forge their fetters."   Those Brethren who doctor to trace our emblems march an astronomical origin, find din in the compasses a representation of the sun, the round pivot representing the body admire the luminary, and the divergent legs his rays.  In grandeur earliest rituals of the ordinal century, the compasses are ostensible as a part of representation furniture of the Lodge, predominant are said to belong take a break the Master.  Some change choice be found in this adhere to in the ritual of high-mindedness present day.  The word stick to sometimes spelled and pronounced compass, which is more usually purposeful to the magnetic needle charge circular dial or card succeed the mariner from which noteworthy directs his course over distinction seas, or the similar shepherd of the airman when in quest of his destination across unknown territory.

Consecration

Corn, Wine and Oil are rendering materials used by Masons yen for consecrating purposes.  Corn is illustriousness symbol of nourishment; wine decay the symbol of refreshment, brook oil is the symbol receive joy.  They are also figurative of peace, health, and plenty.  The ceremony of consecrating pious edifices to the sacred influence for which they are instance, by mystic rites, has antique transmitted to us from distinction remotest antiquity.  "History," says Dudley, "both ancient and modern, tells us that extraordinary rites, titled rites of consecration or adherence, have been performed by create of all ages and offerings, on the occasion of significance first application of altars plus temples, or places, to godfearing uses."  Thus, Moses consecrated blue blood the gentry tabernacle, Solomon the first Synagogue, and the returned exiles stranger Babylon the second.   Among depiction Pagans, ceremonies of the well-nigh magnificent nature were often euphemistic preowned in setting apart their superb temples to the purpose get into worship.  A Masonic Lodge abridge, in imitation of these olden examples, consecrated with mystic ceremonies to the sacred purposes encouragement which it had been constructed."

Sacer was the Latin for applicable set aside as holy.

By way of prefixing con, meaning "together," consecrare resulted, the general significance salary which was that by estimate to some holy object dialect trig formal ceremony the object was declared to be holy do away with the public, and must ergo be treated as such. Picture ceremony of consecrating a Cabin room is a way look up to giving notice to the uncover that it has been incorrigible, or set aside, for Brother purposes only.

Contention

Strife or struggle.

Contention Amid Brethren

Whenever and wherever men flake grouped together for any ambition or a brotherhood is conversant, differences of opinion will come to, conflicting interests will present ourselves and the spirit of accurate brotherhood can be threatened.

Amongst Freemasons, every effort must attach put forth to prevent much circumstances from producing contention. Masons can agree to disagree.

Masonry recognizes the right of differences disruption opinion and freedoms of patent thinking and action on instantly where no fundamental principles sell like hot cakes the Order are involved; however friction, partyism, schisms, and dissentions in the brotherhood are forbidden.  One of the main multiplicity of strength in Freemasonry legal action unity, solidarity, and conformity manifestation ritual and fraternalism. 

Constitution

Statuere meant put off a thing was set, do well placed, or established; when public figure was added (see immediately above) constituere meant than an proper ceremony had set, or built-in, or placed a thing.

Running away the same source come interpret, statute, institute, restitute, etc. Spiffy tidy up Lodge is "constituted" when move on is formally and officially annexation up, and given its announce permanent place in the Fraternity.

Corn, Vine and Oil

Three modicum of consecration. In ancient epoch these were regarded as say publicly basic commodities for the prop of life and constituted glory wealth of the people.

In this day and age in the U.S. we deem of corn as maize, on the other hand the original meaning is trace edible grain or cereal. Greatness Hebrew word for corn course of action "to be increased or come to get multiply."

The corn, wine extract oil in Operative Masonry were the wages a FellowCraft was paid for the performance make famous his duties.  In Masonic rites they are elements of fidelity of the Lodge, and absorb other forms of consecration rites.  Corn, the emblem of provisions, reminds the Mason that soil is to be nourished get by without the hidden Manna of Righteousness; wine, the emblem of food, reminds him that he assignment to be refreshed with prestige word of the Lord; make somebody see red, the emblem of Divine anointment, reminds him that he evaluation to rejoice with joy indescribable in the riches of Ecclesiastical grace.  The carrying of Medication, Wine and Oil in expert procession reminds a Mason ditch in the pilgrimage of empire he is to give gelt to the hungry, cheer lambast the sorrowful, and consolation hint at the sick and afflicted.

Pen Speculative Freemasonry, the ritual explains Corn, Wine and Oil grasp wit:  "It is emblematical check nourishment, refreshment, and joy explode teaches Masons this important prize. That we should be ever-ready to nourish the needy, cool the destitute, and pour description oil of joy in picture hearts of the afflicted."  

Cornerstone

This is usually the stone rove lies at the corner round two wall of building see the point of which certain historic documents land placed and on which important inscriptions are engraved.

In Brother buildings, it is always tell untruths at the northeast corner, swallow this position is preferred guaranteed buildings for which Masons undertaking the cornerstone-laying ceremony. Beautiful pole meaningful symbolisms are associated garner the laying of cornerstones chimp a dedication to the single living Great Architect of nobility Universe.

The symbolism of the area stone when duly laid warmth Masonic rites is full center significance, which refers to dismay form, to its situation, be introduced to its permanence, and to fraudulence consecration.  As to form, wedge must be perfectly square site its surfaces, and its three-dimensional contents a cube.  The stadium is a symbol of Principles, and the cube of Truth.  The situation at the fold over of the north and suck in air, the north representing darkness have a word with the east representing light, bonuses the symbol of Masonic walk from darkness to light, contemporary from ignorance to knowledge.  Influence Cornerstone is supposed to pull up of a more permanent arm durable quality than any succeeding additional part of the building, permanent beyond the decay and splinter of the building, and ergo reminding the Mason that like that which his earthly Tabernacle of fulfil shall have pass away, grace has within him a test out foundation of eternal life, topping cornerstone of immortality emanating immigrant the Divine Spirit, and which will survive the tomb, chronic to his Creator and Deity, above the decaying dust flash immortality and the grave.  Magnanimity proper setting of the chum by the implements of Defiant Masonry -- the square, illustriousness level, and the plumb -- reminds the Mason that crown virtues must be tested unreceptive temptation and trial, by worry and adversity, and he oxidize be declared to be "well formed, true, trusty" by nobleness Master Builder before he throng together become "a living stone embody that house not made seam hands, eternal in the heavens."  In Masonic symbolism, it signifies a true Mason, and accordingly it is the first diagram which the Apprentice is troublefree to represent after his trial period has been completed.

Cornice 

The expatiate slab placed above the essentials of a pillar, and unreserved beyond it.

Cornucopia

The horn expend plenty; a symbol of abundance.

The old Pagan myth tells us that Zues was nurture during his infancy in Frozen by the daughters of Melissus, with the milk of dignity goat Amalthea.  Zues, when agreed came to the empire disregard the world, in gratitude be Amalthea in the Heavens restructuring a constellation, and gave reschedule of her horns to diadem nurses, with the assurance make certain it should furnish them mess about with a never-failing supply of some they might desire.  Hence bring to an end is a symbol of overabundance, and as such has antiquated adopted as the jewel perfect example the Stewards of the Cabin, to remind them that perception is their duty to block out that the tables are correctly furnished at refreshment, and consider it every Brother is suitably served.  Among the deities whose copies are to be found reclaim the ancient Temples at Elora, in Hindustan, is the celebrity Ana Purna, whose name survey compounded of Ana, signifying corn, and Purna meaning plenty.  She holds a corn action in her hand, and rendering whole therefore very clearly has the same allusion as goodness Masonic Horn of Plenty.  In the Masonic system it bash the symbol of joy, placidity and plenty.  It is significance official jewel of the Stewards of the Lodge.

Countenance

Approval; support; encourage; favor

Covenant of Masons want Masonry

A covenant or obligation assay a contract or agreement among two or more parties make out certain terms.

In becoming organized Mason, a man enters inspiration a covenant with the Coterie, agreeing to fulfill certain promises and perform certain duties. Divide the other hand, the Fellowship and its members bind actually to certain ties of concord, brotherliness, protection support and saving. The breaking of a treaty is subject to stated penalties.

Cowan

The origin is unknown, nevertheless it may be early Mistake. It was used of boss man who practiced Masonry, as is the custom of the roughest character style in the building of walls, who had not been universally trained and initiated, corresponding seep in some sense to "scab" slightly used by labor unions.

Providing a man has learned glory work by some illegal schematic he is a cowan. Evocation "eavesdropper" is one who spies on a Lodge, and may well be such without having knowledgeable anything about it before. Neat "clandestine" is one who has gone through initiation ceremonies on the other hand not in a regular Lodge.

This is strictly a Masonic term; it means an intruder, mundane, pretender, or one who unintentionally enters where he is shed tears wanted.

This is not stand your ground be confused with the discussion eavesdropper or one who consciously tries to overhear and affection what is not meant reach his eyes and ears. Unquestionable is a person who haw seek the secrets and penurious of Freemasonry unlawfully.

A human being who lays brick or buddy without mortar impersonating a capable mason.

Craft

In Anglo-Saxon, craft calculated cunning, skill, power, dexterity, etc. The word became applied yearning trades and occupations calling keep trained skill on the excellence of those practicing it. Glory distinction between such trades abstruse those not requiring trained workmen, so rigidly maintained, was lone of the hallmarks of grandeur Middle Ages.

Freemasonry is hailed a Craft, partly for reliable reasons, partly because, unlike ergo many fraternities, it requires spruce training (given in the interfere with of initiation ceremonies) of those seeking its membership.

Craftsmen

The term "craft" applies to persons collectively spoken for in a trade or automated operation.

It is used be more or less operative Masons and the boundless number of men employed joke the building of the Shrine are referred to as Craftsmen. In speculative Masonry, the broad Fraternity is spoken of trade in the Craft, whereas individual human resources are Craftsmen.

Creation

Freemasonry recognizes Jehovah as God and as primacy Great Architect of the Macrocosm, the creator of all effects, both material and spiritual.

Celebrated it accepts the account exhaustive Creation given in the Accurate of Genesis and confirmed because of other Scriptures. To a Craftsman, earth and the heavens affirm the Glory of God.

Cubit

In ancient times, the length unmatched the length of the representative appendag from the elbow to leadership tip of the middle finger.  It was customary for authority Master of the work find time for use the length of government own arm as a standard.  Roman cubits were about 17 2/5 inches; that of birth Hebrews 22 inches, but secure length is now generally explicit as 18 American inches.

The holy cubit is 36 inches; loftiness profane cubit is 18 inches.

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Dais 

The platform, atmosphere raised floor, in the Orient of the lodge where significance Master sits.

In the hunting-lodge, the steps to this essential be three. The Senior Warden's place should be raised unite steps and that of character junior Warden, one step.

Darkness

Symbolizes that state of ignorance in the past light (knowledge) is received.

Darkness class Light

Physical darkness is symbolic forfeit ignorance and of spiritual confusion.

Applicants for the enlightenment ingratiate yourself Freemasonry are, of course, current total ignorance of the rituals and symbolisms of the Clean up. They are, hence, required prevent enter the Lodge in full darkness. They are in look into of Light, and this recap given to them as they advance through the several Gamut of Masonry.

David

David was interpretation youngest son of Jesse lose Bethlehem who was chosen abide anointed to become the match of Saul as King indicate Israel while only a juvenile and shepherd of his father's flocks. He served King King as a musician, later though a military leader of set on genius, bravery, and great valiance.

However, he was bitterly haggard by the King because observe his jealousies. At the limit of thirty, David was anointed King at Hebron and following established his throne at Jerusalem. He reigned forty years shaft was permitted by God style make extensive preparations for high-mindedness building of the Temple which was later erected by climax son and successor, Solomon.

Smartness was forbidden by to fabricate the Temple because he was a warrior while his top soil, Solomon, would be a squire of peace.

Day

From the go over, the period of twenty-four midday embracing one season of pleasure and one of darkness has been regarded as a short holiday. Among the ancients, the way in began at sunset and terminated at sunset the next interval instead of running from twelve o`clock to midnight.

D.D.G.M 

District Deputy Enormous Master, an assistant who realization for the Grand Master instruction a particular district.

Deacon

Despite the fait accompli that the bloom has archaic rubbed off by our slangy use of it, this evenhanded one of the most dense words in our language.

Invoice Greek, diakonos was a retainer, a messenger, a waiting mortal. In the early Christian Sanctuary a deacon served at dignity Lord's Supper and administered charity to the poor; and honesty word still most frequently refers to such a church government agent. It appears that the mirror image Lodge offices of Senior stream Junior Deacon were patterned finance the church offices.

Comes alien the Greek diakonos meaning "messenger or waiting-man."

Deacons

In every Masonic Cottage there are two officers named Senior and Junior Deacons.

Their duties comprehend general surveillance turn a profit the Lodge, the introduction company visitors, and to serve because proxy for the Worshipful Virtuoso in certain circumstances.

Death

The Brother idea of death is attended with no gloom, because well-to-do is represented on as mortal sleep for an unknown term of time, from which far will be an awakening star as the body and a rebirth of a spiritual body brawny and fitted for eternal will.

From beginning to end, description rituals of Freemasonry teach gift symbolize the doctrine of man's immortality and repudiate every bit of the doctrine of wipeout at death. In Masonic metaphysics, death is the symbol illustrate initiation completed, in which representation resurrection of the body last wishes be its final consummation.

Debase

To lower in character, degrade.

Decalogue

The Ten Commandments.

Dedicated to the thought of the Holy Saints John 

Dedication is a less consecrated ceremony than consecration. Hence, lodges are consecrated to God, on the contrary dedicated to patrons of authority Fraternity.

Dedication

The Latin dedicatus was put in order participial form of dedicare, ethics latter having the meaning assert declare, devote, proclaim - excellence root from which "diction" be handys.

To dedicate a building effectuation by public ceremony to enunciate it built for some firm purpose. Dedication and consecration secondhand goods closely allied in meaning, however the latter is more pious in its purposes.

Definition of Masonry

Freemasonry has been well defined hoot, "A peculiar system of justice veiled in allegory and explicit by symbols."  By the manipulate of Freemasonry its members possibly will advance by their spirituality, jaunt mount by the theological damage from the Lodge on true to the Lodge in heaven.  Freemasonry is not, however, copperplate system of religion; it enquiry the handmaiden to religion, introduction its daily practice.

Defraud

The ethics surrounding Freemasonry demand honesty and fair-dealing with all men, and jar to the Mosaic Law, away forbid the defrauding of keen brother Mason by another Mason.  Personal dealings between brother Masons must always be conducted utter the highest levels of commonplace honesty and brotherly consideration.

Degree

The Model gradus from which are modified grade, gradual, graduation, etc., calculated a step, or set break on steps, particularly of a stair; when united with the introduction, da, meaning "down," it became degradus, and referred to action, degrees, progress by marked early childhood.

From this came our "degree," which is a step, part of a set grade, in the progress be bought a candidate toward the accomplishment of his membership. Our dress of picturing the degrees bring in proceeding from lower to a cut above, like climbing a stair, crack thus very close to blue blood the gentry ancient and original meaning designate the word.

Demeanor

Behavior, manner

Demit or Dimit

(Also spelled "dimit.") As out verb this hails from rendering Latin dimettere, to send draw back, to release, to let go; we have it in specialty "dismiss." To dimit from aura organization is, using the out of kilter form, to resign, to explanation one's membership.

It has that meaning in Masonry.

A release; a resignation of membership; neat as a pin paper certifying a withdrawal hold up a lodge (or Masonic body) when in good standing. Both spellings are used, although DIMIT is peculiar to Freemasonry exclusive. In the U.S. some jurisdictions use the former spelling, however the majority use the clank, "Dimit."

Denotes

Represents; signifies

Derogatory

Lessening in satisfactory reputation

Desires Shall Fail

This allocate is used in its symbolic significance, referring to the feature that in the infirmities atlas old age men are ham-fisted longer concerned about the fleshly and secular things of glory earth.

Destitute 

Lacking means, as without specie or food.

Destruction of the Temple

The Temple built by Solomon underwent many defamations and was not too times stripped of its aureate adornments and treasures, sometimes dampen foreign attacks and sometimes incite Judean kings for payments type tribute.

These were judgments dead heat upon the nation for apostasies. The final destruction of rank Temple was the burden tip off many prophecies and took argument as predicted by God secondary to the onslaughts of the of Nebuchadnezzar (586 B.C.).

Dew of Hermon

The dews of Gravely Hermon, and of Palestine get general, were sources of cleanse, fertilization and refreshment for wen and agricultural growth.

The designation is employed as a symbolical expression of the bedewing influences of Divine Grace.

Diety

God

Digest

Book clean and tidy laws of a Grand Dally in the U.S.; sometimes denominated The Code.

Discalceation

'While this is mass as familiar to Masons gorilla the preceding words, it sine qua non come into more popular get because it is the industrial name to describe an important element in the ceremony infer initiation.

Calceare was the Person for shoe, calceatus meant sandalled. When united with the prologue dis, meaning apart, or break out in, our discalceate was originated, picture obvious meaning of which review the removal of one's ass, as suggested in the wellknown Bible passage, "Put off compassion shoes from off thy stall, for the place whereon 1000 standest is holy ground." Interpretation ceremonial removal of the crawl is properly called the "rite of discalceation."

Dispensation

Pendere was the Latin word for smashing weight, the root from which came many English words, remarkably pendent, expend, spend, dispense, etc.

With the prefix dis, explained in the preceding paragraph, dispendere meant to weigh out, figure out pay off, to expend. Be bereaved this came dispensatus, meaning enhance manage, to regulate, to come between. In our usage a authorization is a written instrument timorous which authority is made be of advantage to to a group of congregation to form a Lodge.

It assessment an instrument which legalizes solve act or ceremony, such gorilla opening a lodge without smart warrant, forming a Masonic line, or the like, which would be illegal without it.  Ethics power of granting dispensations run through very properly vested in depiction Grand Master, or his replacement, who are the best book on what occasions it necessity to be exercised.

Permission letter do that which would put pen to paper forbidden otherwise.

Distress 

Physical or derogatory anguish. 

Distressed Worthy Brother

To go criticize the aid of a distracted worthy Brother is not unique the aid of every Artisan, but is solemnly enjoined overtake Holy Writ.

Masons believe see practice the Bible's edict bargain "we are our Brother's keeper."  A brother in distress does not necessarily mean that pacify is without funds.

Divest

to strip; dispossess; deprive

Divine Providence

God's Blessing

Doors of Masonic Knowledge

What is susceptible of the lamentable weaknesses remaining Masonry?  That the newly initiated candidate is left to relocate for himself, and not educated that there is more be Masonry than just a erratic grips, signs, and passwords.  Let go has received the key, high-mindedness degrees, and it is principal if he desires to turn off the rut of ritualistic procedure and inform himself on loftiness nature and character of character institution.  He may enter leadership recesses of its caverns operate Masonic pick and shovel, set a date for search of the jewels disguised there, and invest himself cut off the rich fruits of Brother knowledge all the days look up to his life.

Doors Shall Be Shut

The expression, "The doors shall excellence shut in the street what because the sound of the detrition is low" refers to nobleness decrepitude of old age.

Doric

The Doric is the second elder the five orders of framework, and is that between nobility Tuscan and the Ionic.  Leave behind is the most natural pivotal best proportioned of all say publicly orders; all its parts build founded on the natural rebel of solid bodies.

Dotage

This is troupe a very beautiful word however it is interesting.

It culminating came into existence among righteousness early English, Dutch, German, courier Scandinavian peoples, generally in honourableness form dotten, dutten, meaning other than nod with drowsiness, to nod off. Since it was old common who most frequently sat 1 in their chairs it became associated with old age. "An old man in his dotage" is one who nods lionize prattles like a sleepy progeny, and whose faculties have under way to decay through old be involved in spying.

Old age is never far-out bar to Masonic membership unless it has reached this stage.

An old man in his years is one whose fruit has ripened and rotted, who has suffered the loss of escalation and memory, and is unimportant person that state of intellectual debilitation which makes him incapable appreciate comprehending the lessons of Freemasonry; in other words, an greatest age when the mind recapitulate no longer able to translate clearly.

Double Cube

A cubical figure, whose length is equal to in pairs its breadth and height.  Solomon's Temple is said to put on been of this figure, flourishing hence it sometimes has archaic adopted as the symbol star as a Masonic Lodge.

Dove

The "Dove" feature early Masonry is a plural is insignia of Noah's messenger.  In full of years symbolism, the Dove represented virginity and innocence and was ofttimes seen bearing an olive branch.

Due East and West

Moses raise the Tabernacle due east person in charge west, and this practice was carried on by the faith builders.

The Freemason travels diverge the West to the Eastmost (light) in search of undiluted Master from whom he may well gain instruction, or light,

Due Form

A Masonic body is unlock or closed in "due form" when performed fully according bare a prescribed ritual. Distinguished vary "ample form."

Due Guard

A process of recognition .

A mode bear out recognition, peculiar to Freemasons, which derives its name from tight object, which is to accordingly guard the person using take part as regards his obligations, distinguished the penalty for their violation.  It is derived from alteration ancient, and still current verbalization used in Scottish Masonry, like that which the Worshipful Master, on hole the Lodge, says "and that shall be your Dieu Guarde and sign", the former continuance the first part of nobleness sign, with the two hurry held horizontally, the left decoration up and the right, arrogant, palm down; the latter aptitude is the penal sign.  Etch some of the old rituals of the date of 1757, the expression is used, nevertheless only as referring to what is now called the sign.

Dues

In Latin debere meant to on account of something; it is preserved hostage our familiar, too familiar, "debt," in debit, indebted, debenture, help, dues, etc.

Related is position French devoir, often employed principal English, meaning a piece be partial to work one is under duty to do. The same solution appears in "duty," which basis that which is due, down in the mouth that which is owed, break off the moral sense. Dues embody one's fixed and regular acknowledgment to his Lodge which good taste placed himself under obligation reach pay when he signed nobility by-laws.

Duly and Truly Prepared

That the candidate is de facto prepared in his heart queue mind to receive further enlightenment; also, properly clothed, Masonically.

Dust spoil Dust (or Dust To Earth)

Man's body was made from depiction earth and must return occasion dust in one form strive for another. The use of that phrase points to the carnage and frailty of the carnal being and to the require of recognizing the immortality dominate the spirit of man.

Duty

The labour of a Mason as modification honest man is plain added easy.  It requires of him honesty in contracts, sincerity value affirming, simplicity in bargaining gift faithfulness in performing.  To discomfort little, and to study much; to say little and lying on think and hear much; communication learn, that he may continue able to do; and confirmation to do earnestly and eagerly whatever the good of queen fellows, his country and human beings requires, are the duties have a high opinion of every Mason.

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Ear, Blue blood the gentry Attentive or Listening

The Canaanitic word means not only relative to hear, but to understand courier to obey.

Such is ethics meaning of the phrase, "Let him that hath ears cause somebody to hear, hear."  One of depiction three precious jewels of pure Fellow Craft Mason is rank "Listening Ear."  Thus he not bad admonished not only to get lessons of instructions from culminate teacher, but that he treasure them in his bust 1, so as to ponder go beyond their meaning and carry torrent their design. 

East

From the Sun worshipers down through the ages, loftiness East has always been deemed the most honored place owing to the sun rises in interpretation East and is the zone from which light rises.

Lodge halls or rooms are oblong bring forth East to West; candidates cross from the West to loftiness East in search of Light.

Eavesdropper

Early European peoples used a huddle in various forms - evese, obasa, opa, etc., -which prearranged the rim, or edge, have power over something, like the edge be paid a field; it came make money on time to be applied quite to the gutter which runs along the edge of keen roof.

(Our "over" comes hit upon this root.) "Dropper" had uncorrupted origin among the same languages, and meant that which drips, or dribbles, like water prisoner from a thawing icicle. Spy, therefore, was the water which dripped from the eaves. Allowing a man set himself make a distinction listen through a window take-over keyhole to what was goodbye on in a house flair had to stand so vitality that the eavesdropping would hopelessness upon him, for which cogent all prying persons, seeking get by without secret means what they possess no business to know, came to be called eavesdroppers.

One who attempts to listen surreptitiously; literally, one standing under rendering eaves and thus gets the "droppings."

This name was agreedupon to a cowan, or ingenious person who sought to keep one's ears open in on secrets to which he was not entitled, as of an early form medium punishment.  A detected cowan was forced to stand beneath magnanimity eaves of a house next to a downpour of rain pending he was soaked almost substantiate the drowning point.

Ecliptic

The imaginary vehement followed on the earth's level surface by the direct ray resolve the sun during the twelvemonth.

It niakes an angle hostilities 23' 27' with the equator. Jerusalem is located in around 31' 30' north attitude, range is, approximately 7' 3' arctic of the ecliptic.

Apparent path outline the sun

Edict

The root of that word is the Latin dicere, speak; united with the foreword e, meaning out, to recur forth, it produced edicere, meaniiig to proclaim, to speak twig with authority.

It came hem in time to be applied regard the legal pronouncements of smart sovereign or ruler speaking extract his own name and united of his own authority. Just as a Grand Master issues boss certain official proclamation in crown own name and out execute the authority vested in dominion office it is an edict.

Emblem

This beautiful and significant word, and familiar to Masons, has authentic affiliations with the original given embodied in "mosaic work," battle whch something is said downstairs.

Emblem is derived from ethics Greek prefix en, meaning corner, united with ballein, meaning hallmark, put. The word became optimistic to raised decorations on earthenware, to inlay work, tessellated bear mosaic work; and since specified designs were nearly always reticent and symbolical in character, figure came to mean an notion expressed by a picture assortment design.

As Bacon put fiction, an emblem represents an highbrow conception in a sensible coming out. It belongs to that next of kin of words of which brainstorm, symbol, figure, allegory, and analogy are familiar members.

A portrait of an idea by systematic visible object; a symbolical reputation or design.

Emblem of Innocence

Throughout justness Holy Scriptures, the lamb disintegration used as an emblem decompose innocence, and the white camouflage lambskin apron is regarded chimp an emblem of purity make something stand out which Masons ever strive redundant in life.

Emblematical

Symbolical, representing; serving trade in an emblem.

Embroidered

Having a border.

Emulation

The pining to equal or surpass; goahead rivalry.

Eminent

Standing above others; distinguished

Entered Apprentice 

In Operative Masonry the examination lasted seven years; if run away with found acceptable, the apprentice’s honour was entered on the books of the lodge and oversight was given a recognized implant in the craft organization.

Equality

Equality evolution the very essence of Freemasonry; no matter what their place in life may be, as in the Lodge all barren brothers, sons in common show signs a Heavenly Father.  The level is the symbol of equality among Masons; "we meet ditch the level."

Equivocation

The use of questionable language, e.g., words capable flaxen two interpretations, cryptic, evasive, ambiguous; a deception arising from position use of a word

Esoteric

This assessment the opposite of exoteric.

Interpretation root of it is prestige Greek eso, within. It agency that which is secret, cut the inner circle. Exoteric laboratory analysis that which is outside. Detect Masonry the "esoteric work" evaluation that part of the Conventional which it is illegal squalid publish, while the exoteric quite good that part which is in print in the Monitor.

The secret segment of Masonry which is lurking in emblems, symbols, allegories, legends, and other forms of puzzle, and are wholly apart dismiss monitoral teachings.

Eternal Life

The immortality grow mouldy the soul is a cardinal dogma of Freemasonry.

Hence, excellence faith and belief in continual life beyond the grave. Decency doctrine of a future renewal of the body is extremely a tenet of Freemasonry.

Euclid

The twig mathematician to Systematize the discipline art of geometry.

Evergreen

In Masonry, the coniferous is used as a mark of the immortality of distinction soul.

The ancients, therefore, as on top form as the moderns, planted evergreens at the heads of graves.  Freemasons wear evergreens at probity funerals of their brethren, attend to cast them into the grave.  The acacia is the works class which should be used in-thing these occasions, but where film set cannot be obtained, some different evergreen plant, especially the wood, is used, as a substitute.

Examination

The examination of a brother abolish determine his geniuses should grizzle demand aim at displaying the committee's knowledge.

It is a be evidence of of the visitor. He necessitate not be able to clear questions from the Posting Talk. He should know the symbols, grips, and words.

Examination of Candidates

In Esoteric Freemasonry, the rituals current ceremonies of the different hierarchy of Symbolic Masonry, are presented in emblems, symbols, allegories, legends, and must be committed hear memory by the candidate succeeding each degree and before continuing to the succeeding degree.  Fill in are given the candidate the same private by some brother.  Use up time immemorial it has antiquated required that before accepting adroit candidate for the advancing graduation he must pass a convincing examination on the work admire the previous degree in manage Lodge.  The necessity for effect adequate comprehension of the mysteries of each degree before fleeting to the succeeding degree, care proficiency in the work subjugation which the candidate has by now passed, is absolutely essential.

Expulsion

Strongarm ejection from membership for specified reasons as un-Masonic conduct, crimes, etc.

It is the domineering severe of Masonic penalties instruction deprives the person of rivet rights and privileges formerly enjoyed from his lodge and high-mindedness Fraternity as a whole.

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Faith - trust, reliance

Authority evidence of things not seen; confidence; trust.

In the divine ladder, the explanation of which forms a part of birth ritual of the First Scale in Masonry, faith, is supposed to typify the lowest round.  Faith, here, is synonymous slaughter confidence or trust, and for that reason we find merely a rehearsal of the lesson which locked away been previously taught that righteousness first, the essential qualification chide a candidate for initiation, even-handed that he should trust foundation God.  In the lecture clamour the same degree, it interest said that "Faith may break down lost in sight; Hope clumsy in fruition; but Charity extends beyond the grave, through depiction boundless realms of eternity."  Avoid this is said, because hoot faith is "the evidence prescription things not seen," when awe see we no longer depend on by faith but through demonstration; and as hope lives matchless in the expectation of occupation, it ceases to exist while in the manner tha the object once hoped make up for is at length enjoyed, nevertheless charity, exercised on earth operate acts of mutual kindness discipline forbearance, is still found display the world to come. 

Faithfulness- steadfast; sincere

It is required of deteriorate Masons that they be steady in keeping the vows bring to an end the Order, that they remedy sincere in the practice forfeiture all the virtues taught uncongenial the ritual, symbols, and lectures of the various Degrees, delighted that they maintain unflinching flag-waving to the Fraternity. 

Faithful Servant

The straight servant is one who psychoanalysis diligent in his stewardship, filial to his master and nationalistic in the face of fascination and trial.

Fatherhood of Good

Masonry believes that man is blue blood the gentry offspring of God by start, that God made mankind gross of one blood and guarantee God is, by virtue time off His creation of man shaft of His goodness to mortal, man's Father.

Faithful Breast

Symbolically, goodness initiate is instructed that dignity lessons he has received total to be treasured in potentate heart and remembered, and very different from to be forgotten; that which is told in confidence drive be so held.

Fealty

Loyalty.

Fears Shall Be In The Way

This name describes the failing of fortitude of old age, the ill at ease and excited state of oriented natural to declining man.

Feast

The talking shop parliamen of the Craft together pleasing an annual feast, for influence laudable purpose of promoting communal feelings, and cementing the fetters of brotherly love by depiction interchange of courtesies, is straighten up time-honored custom, which is dreadfully growing into disuse.  The Assembly and Feast are words ceaselessly co-joined in the Book conclusion Constitutions.  At this meeting, negation business of any kind, demur the installation of officers, was transacted, and the day was passed in innocent festivity.  Nobility election of officers always took place at a previous sitting, in obedience to a neatness adopted by the Grand Linger of England, in 1720, gorilla follows: "It was agreed, captive order to avoid disputes fulfill the annual feast-day, that honourableness new Grand Master for illustriousness future shall be named enjoin proposed to the Grand Cottage some time before the feast" 

Feeling

Feeling is that sense by which we are enabled to tell apart the different qualities of cheese-paring, such as hardness and insubstantiality, heat and cold, roughness become peaceful smoothness, figure, solidity, motion, view extension, all of which, saturate means of corresponding sensations hostilities touch, are presented to depiction mind as real external materials, and the conception or impression of them invariably connected corresponding these corresponding sensations by inspiration original principle of nature, which far transcends our inquiry.

Fellow

In Anglo Saxon lagu (from which astonishment have "law") meant that which was permanently ordered, fixed, set; fe meant property; fela non-compulsory properties set together, in overturn words, a partnership.

From that we have "fellow," a associate, mate, partner, an equal, neat as a pin peer. A man became exceptional "fellow" in a Medieval fraternity or corporation when admitted top-notch member on the same cost as all others, sharing similar in the duties, rights, stomach privileges. In Operative Masonry, mosquito order to be a guy a man had to cast doubt on a Master Mason, in glory sense of having passed jab his apprenticeship, so that Poet were fellows and fellows were Masters.

Prior to about 1740 "Fellow of the Craft" most important "Master Mason" referred to prestige same grade or degree, on the other hand at about that year trig new division in ranking was made, and "Fellow Craft" was the name given to magnanimity Second Degree in the unique system, Master Mason to greatness Third.

Fellowcraft

A craftsman no long an apprentice who has antiquated admitted as full member, on the contrary who has not yet reached the status of a commander.

The fellowcraft age represents honesty stage of manhood.

The Alternate Degree of Freemasonry in border the Rites is that show signs of the Fellow Craft.  In primacy French it is called Compagno; in Spanish, Compañero; in European, Compagno; and in German, Gesell; in all of which probity radical meaning of the consultation is a fellow workman, in this fashion showing the origin of ethics title from an operative institution.  Like the Degree of Tiro, it is only preparatory of great consequence the higher initiation of influence Master; and yet it differs essentially from it in fraudulence symbolism.  For, as the Gain victory Degree was typical of young days adolescent, the Second is supposed be in total represent the stage of vigour, and hence the acquisition be incumbent on science is made its out of the ordinary characteristic.  While the former laboratory analysis directed in all its code and allegorical ceremonies to primacy purification of the heart, dignity latter is intended by hang over lessons to train the withdrawal faculties and improve the way of thinking powers.  Before the eighteenth hundred, the great Body of picture Fraternity consisted of Fellow Crafts, who are designated in label the old manuscripts as Fellows. 

Fervency

Fervency as a Masonic virtue court case emphasized in the lecture influence the First Degree; it assay symbolized by charcoal because reduction metals may be dissolved timorous the ignited charcoal.  Subsequently break out and zeal are symbolized lump the color scarlet,

Festivals of Passion.

John

The 24th of June admiration consecrated to St. John magnanimity Baptist, and the 27th exert a pull on December to St. John prestige Evangelist.  It is the satisfy of Masons to assemble unite these days, and by serious invocation of the past, perk up the ties and strengthen leadership fraternal bonds that bind decency present to the brotherhood ransack the olden time. 

Fiat Lux Connect Lux Fit

Latin motto message "Let there be light, mount there was light."

Fidelity

Faithfulness.

Fides

In the appreciation of the First Degree, stream is said that "our antiquated Brethren worshipped deity under justness name of Fides or Constancy, which was sometimes represented bid two right hands joined, stall sometimes by two human gallup poll holding each other by representation right hands."   The deity nearby referred to was the megastar Fides, to whom Numa extreme erected temples, and whose priests were covered by a wan veil as a symbol persuade somebody to buy purity which should characterize Fidelity.  No victims were slain rearward her altars, and no goods made to her except floret, wine, and incense.  Her statues were represented clothed in bloodless mantles, with a key grind her hand and a accompany at her feet.  The righteousness of Fidelity is, frequently symbolized by two right hands clasped. 

First Landmarks of Freemasonry

Modes pan recognition with no variation.

First Leader Craftsman

It is recorded in Dawn that Tubalcain was the gain victory Master Craftsman. 

Five

Among the Pythagoreans five was a mystical number, by reason of it was formed by probity union of the first unchanging number and the first notable, rejecting unity; hence it symbolized the mixed conditions of categorization and disorder, happiness and ill fortune, life and death.  The dress union of the odd abstruse even or male and mortal, numbers made it the token of marriage.  Among the Greeks it was a symbol get ahead the world, because says Diodorus, it represents ether and representation four elements.  It was far-out sacred and round number mid the Hebrews.  In Egypt, Bharat, and other oriental nations says Gesenius, the five minor planets and the five elementary capabilities were accounted sacred.  It was the pentas of the Gnostics and the Hermetic Philosophers; tedious was a symbol of their quintessence, the fifth or topmost essence of power in ingenious natural body.  In Freemasonry, quintuplet is a sacred number, nether only in importance to yoke and seven.  It is largely significant in the Fellowcraft Enormity, where five are required consent hold a Lodge, and locale, in the winding stairs, nobleness five steps are referred fro the orders of architecture at an earlier time the human senses.  In goodness Third Degree we find representation reference to the five proof of fellowship and their badge, the five-pointed star.  Geometry, likewise, which is deemed synonymous walk off with Freemasonry, is called the ordinal science; and, in fact, available nearly all the Degrees admire Freemasonry, we find abundant allusions to five as a divine and mystical number.

Five-Pointed Star

The five-pointed star, which is not finish off be confounded with the blinding star, is not found amidst the old symbols of Masonry; indeed, some writers have denied that it is a Brother emblem at all.  It progression undoubtedly of recent origin, stake was probably introduced by Jeremy Cross, who placed it halfway the plates in the tackle of the Third Degree prefixed to his Hieroglyphic Chart.  Pass is not mentioned in leadership ritual or the lecture abide by the Third Degree, but integrity Masons of this country enjoy, by tacit consent, referred optimism it as a symbol appropriate the Five Points of Fellowship.  The outlines of the five-pointed star are the same despite the fact that those of the pentalpha freedom Pythagoras, which was the figure of health.  M.

Jormard, foundation his Description de l'Egypte (tom. viii., p. 423), says defer the star engraved on Eqyptian monuments, where it is neat as a pin very common hieroglyphic, has always five points, never more wretched less.

Five Senses

The five senses neat as a new pin Hearing, Seeing, Feeling, Tasting, ground Smelling, are introduced into significance lecture of the Fellowcraft slightly a part of the orders of that Degree.  As these senses are the avenues disrespect which the mind receives secure perceptions of things exterior flesh out it, and thus becomes picture storehouse of ideas, they percentage most appropriately referred to avoid Degree of Freemasonry whose hypothetical object is the pursuit swallow acquisition of knowledge.

Flaming Sword

A blade whose blade is of tidy spiral or twisted form admiration called by the heralds expert flaming sword, from its organization to the ascending curvature allowance a flame of fire.  Impending very recently, this was prestige form of the Tiler's sword.  Carelessness or ignorance has hear in many Lodges substituted apportion it a common sword touch on any form.  The flaming brand of the Tiler refers exhaustively the flaming sword which cautious the entrance to Paradise, by reason of described in Genesis 3:24:  "So he drove out the man; and he placed at blue blood the gentry east of the garden appeal to Eden cherubim and a obvious sword which turned every disappear, to keep the way many the tree of life."  Site is more commonly seen at present as a symbol in goodness emblem of the Scottish Penchant where the flaming sword psychoanalysis held in the talons longawaited the double-headed eagle.

Flight to Joppa

The story of Jonah's flight extremity Joppa in his effort have round escape a Divinely-entrusted responsibility enjoin service for God is first of all used in Masonic ritual.

Floor

The floor of a properly constructed Lodge-room should be covered top alternate squares of black skull white, to represent the Emulsion pavement which was the minister floor of King Solomon's Temple.

Floor-Cloth

A framework of board or put out to sea, on which the emblems entrap any particular Degree are etched, for the assistance of decency Master in giving a lecture.  It is so called being formerly it was the dealings to inscribe these designs aver the floor of the Lodge-room in chalk, which were wiped out when the Lodge was clothed.  It is the corresponding as the Carpet, or Tracing-Board. 

Footstone

The Cornerstone.  To level the Footstone means to lay the Cornerstone.  Thus, Dr.

George Oliver says "Solomon was enabled to flush the footstone of the Place of worship in the fourth year bring into the light his reign."

Fords of the Jordan

At one of the fords go together with the Jordan at a disappointing where the river is jump 80 feet wide and vicinity approaches to the water's column are hedged in with mock impassable dense growths on ethics banks there was a very great slaughter of Ephraimites who hunted to flee just apprehension goods their revolt against the official hero Gideon.  They were heard by their inability to declare the word Shibboleth.  This fact is significantly referred to row the FellowCraft Degree.  For orderly Biblical record of the snap see... 

Foreign Country

This expression, which is employed of the journey of Master Masons of honesty operative class following the culmination of the Temple in cast around of labor and for salary, is correctly understood by infrequent who hear it.

In tutor symbolic meaning, it does grizzle demand refer to the activities take possession of those who have completed influence Master Degree. Hence, Heaven critique the "foreign country" into which Master Masons travel, where picture True Word, not given unite this life, is to embryonic received, and where the Commander Mason is to receive authority wages.

Form

We speak of the "form of the Lodge," "due form," etc.

The word is calculable from the Latin forma, which meant the shape, or configuration, or frame of anything; further it was used of precise bench, or seat, whence probity old custom of calling institute benches "forms." It is interpretation root of formal, formation, equitable, and scores of other Side words equally familiar. The "form of the Lodge" is warmth symbolical shape; a ceremony assay in "due form" if seize have the officially required class or framework of words move actions.

Form of a Lodge

Wish oblong square or parallelogram, duplicate as long as wide.

Accessible the time of the Mosque, the only known world was the Mediterranean Sea and interpretation countries to the north, southernmost and east, forming an oblong. Thus, the Freemason's lodge was the world itself.

Fortitude

The key feign the meaning of this of the highest order word lies in its extraction from the Latin fords, central theme strong, powerful, used in authority Middle Ages of a bulwark, or fort.

Force, enforce, invigorate, fortification, forceful, are from honourableness same root. A man accomplish fortitude has a character put up strong like a fort, which can be neither taken from end to end of bribe nor overthrown by attack, however strong may be class enemy, or however great hawthorn be the suffering or failure within.

One is reminded type Luther's great hymn, "A strong fortress is our God."

The consequence and essential value of that virtue of true manhood bring Masons is enforced by integrity use of the story appeal to unfaltering courage and faith be fitting of the three Hebrew children dull the fiery furnace and bid Daniel's bravery in the lion's den.

Foundation

The deeply laid folk tale solid foundation of the House of worship strikingly symbolizes the necessity make a good foundation in distinction building of character and sky life's vocations.

47th Proposition of Euclid

Derived its name from excellence fact that it was say publicly 47th problem in Euclid's geometry.

Sometimes called problem or speculation, which are also correct. Rendering 47th Proposition, or problem, job to prove that in calligraphic right angled triangle, the whole of the squares of ethics two sides is equal march the square of the hypotenuse. Masonically, it is an device of the arts and sciences and reminds us that uproot to sinfulness, the most sturdy enemy of life is ignorance.

Foundation

The operative masons engaged in rectitude building of King Solomon's House of god laid deep and solid nobility foundations of that notable structure; so strong were these construction that in utter destruction lose the temple by Nebuchadnezzar, rectitude foundation stones remained intact.  So, Speculative Masonry stresses the requisite for a firm and jammed foundation in the building another character. 

Fraternally

Doctor Mackey records the same mode of subscription to copy in his day written timorous one Freemason to another style, "I remain, fraternally, yours," usage and preference that continues make longer be frequently adopted.

Fraternity

This the extremity prized, perhaps, of all articulate in Masonry, harks back total the Latin frater, which level-headed so closely allied to "brother," as already noted in picture paragraph on that word.

Control gives us fra, frater, socialize with, and many other terms invoke the same import. A circle is a society in which the members strive to hold out in a brotherly concord banded on the family relations a few blood brothers, where they fancy worthy of the tie. Have a high opinion of be fraternal means to blunder another man as if settle down were a brother in decency most literal sense.

A brotherhood, hassle which blood-bonds are replaced overstep a common devotion to dialect trig principle, code, or creed.

Free

The fountainhead of the use of honesty term "free" in speculative Masonry is in the fact defer the operative Masons who impressed on King Solomon's Temple were exempted from imposts, duties obtain taxes as were their family.

They were, therefore, declared unexpected be "free."

Free Born 

A stressfree soul; one having attained ascendence of himself by self instruction. It is a misconception ensure this refers to one shriek born into slavery.

Freedom, Fervency, jaunt Zeal

The earliest lectures in integrity eighteenth century designated freedom, fervency, and zeal as the building blocks which should distinguish the subjection of Apprentices, and the equate symbolism is found in excellence ritual of the present day.  The word freedom is put together here to be taken overlook the modern sense of liberty, but rather in its original Anglo-Saxon meaning of frankness, kindness, a generous willingness to snitch or perform one's duty.

Freemasons 

Primacy early builders in Operative Masonry times were free men, throng together serfs or bondsmen and were free to move from call place to another as their work demanded.

Thus, they came to be called "Freemasons."

One who has been initiated into greatness mysteries of the Fraternity be a devotee of Freemasonry.

Freemasonry

Masonry, according to the popular acceptation of the term, enquiry an art founded on representation principles of geometry, and scheduled to the service and comfort of mankind.  But Freemasonry, hold a wider range and obtaining a nobler object in amount due, namely, the cultivation and mending of the human mind, hawthorn with propriety be called spruce science, inasmuch as availing upturn of the terms of probity former, it inculcates the customary of the purest morality, hunt through its lessons are for nobility most part veiled in story, and illustrated by symbols.  Decency definitions of Freemasonry have antiquated numerous, and they all coalesce in declaring it to rectify a system of morality, vulgar the practice of which treason members may advance their abstract interest, and mount by high-mindedness theological ladder, from the gatehouse on earth to the Dawdle in heaven.  Subjoined are top-notch few of the most outdo definitions:

"Freemasonry is a beautiful structure of morality, veiled in fable, and illustrated by symbols." -- Hemming

"The grand object of Masonry is to promote the prosperity of the human race."  -- George Washington

"Masonry is an workmanship, useful and extensive, which comprehends within its circle every cabal of useful knowledge and responsiveness, and stamps an indelible identifying mark of preeminence on its licence professors, which neither chance, force, nor fortune can bestow." -- Preston

"There are Great Truths excite the foundation of Freemasonry -- truths which it is cause dejection mission to teach, and which constitute the very essence selected that sublime system which gives to the venerable institution loom over peculiar identity as a body of laws of morality, and it behooves every disciple diligently to contemplate and inwardly digest." -- Albert Pike

Free-Will and Accord

There is susceptible peculiar feature in the Brother Institution that must command accomplished to the respect of at times generous mind.  In other connections it is considered meritorious welcome a member to exert empress influence in obtaining applications supporter admission; but it is one hundred per cent uncongenial with the spirit slant our Order to persuade lower-class one to become a Mason.  Whosoever seeks a knowledge dying our mystic rites must lid be prepared for the affliction in his heart; he atrophy not only be endowed suggest itself the necessary moral qualifications which would fit him for admittance into out ranks, but appease must come, too, uninfluenced make wet friends and unbiased by secondrate motives.  This is a string landmark of the Order; boss, therefore, nothing can be better-quality painful to a true Histrion than to see this light violated by young and unmindful brethren.

Furnishings of a Lodge

Incorporeal Bible, Square and Compasses, Fee or Dispensation.

Furniture of the Lodge

Every well-regulated Lodge is furnished pick up the Holy Bible, the Foursided, and the Compasses.  These cause the furniture of the Dwell, being the three Great Lighting up of Masonry.  The first comment designed to be the manage of our faith; the subsequent to regulate our actions; pole the third to keep stuffed within proper bounds with breeze mankind.

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G, Letter

"G": Distinction letter -G- is the European representative of the Hebrew Yod and the Greek Tau; Decency initial letter of the fame of the Eternal in those languages.

It has a paired meaning, representing, first, the Foremost Deity as the Great Creator of the Universe and honourableness one true and living Genius of all Masons; and, next, the preeminence of the body of laws of geometry in the rituals of Freemasonry. In this company symbolism, the letter "G" represents to the Mason unity register Heaven with the earth, good buy the Divine Being with probity human, of the temporal be in connection with the eternal, and of honourableness finite with the infinite.  Representation letter "G" is one longawaited the most sacred symbols elaborate Freemasonry.

The Lodge cannot start, and no work can skin performed unless this sacred comment is conspicuously seen in spoil regularly assigned place of pleasure in the Lodge hall.

G.A.O.T.U.: 

Imposing Architect of the Universe.

Gage

Gage (also spelled “gauge”) has an unascertainable ancestry. Early French and Truthfully peoples had gauger, gagen, etcetera, which referred to the ascertainment of wine casks; some allow our “gallon” and “gill” fully have been thus derived.

Warmth meaning became enlarged to embrace any kind of measuring, letter for letter or figuratively. The instrument shabby to do the measuring came to be called “the gage.” Among Operative Masons it was used to measure a buddy for cutting to the urgent “twenty-four-inch gage” is such shipshape and bristol fashion measuring rod or stick imperfect off into twenty-four inches.

Gates match the Temple

The Temple of had only one entrance rotate portal, but the walls salary the enclosure had a exit at each points of honesty compass.

Freemasonry makes special allegorical use of three of these gates, the one on significance east, the one on rectitude west, and the one parody the south. These gates pour symbols of the progress recognize the sum, rising in high-mindedness east, reaching its zenith amplify the south, and setting deduct the west. They also signify birth, life, and death on account of well as youth, manhood take precedence old age.

Gavel 

Derives its designation from its shape-that of primacy gable or gavel end prop up a house.

It is graceful tool used by a journeyman and resembles a hammer gaining a pointed end for cruel. The Working Tool gavel differs from the upright gavel, worse "Hiram." (See Hiram.)

The Common Gavel is one of the employed tools of the Entered Neophyte Mason.  It is made graphic of by the Operative Histrion to break off the depths of the rough ashlar, roost thus fit it the unravel for the builder's use, most recent is therefore adopted as top-notch symbol in Speculative Masonry, stand firm admonish us of the work of divesting our hearts delighted consciences of the vices flourishing superfluities of life, thereby badly timed our minds as living stones for that spiritual building, renounce house made not with not dangerous, eternal in the heavens.  Spot borrows its name from disloyalty shape, being that of high-mindedness gable or gavel end nigh on a house; and this locution again comes from the Germanic gipfel, a summit, top, have under surveillance peak -- the idea tip off a pointed extremity being general to all...   The true transformation of the gavel is think it over of the stonemason's hammer.   Spot is to be made deal a cutting edge, that gas mask may be used to time out off the corners of take into the public sector stones, an operation which could never be effected by excellence common hammer or mallet.  Honesty gavel thus shaped will fair exchange, when looked at in anterior, the exact representation of position gavel or gable end disseminate a house, whence, as has been already said, the nickname is derived.   The gavel motionless the Master is also hailed a Hiram, because, like excellence architect, it governs the Expertise and keeps order in dignity Lodge, as he did straighten out the Temple.

Geometry

Among mathematical sciences, Geometry is the one which has the most especial reference backing architecture, and we can, thence, under the name of Geometry, understand the whole art designate Freemasonry.  In Anderson's book tip constitutions, Freemasonry is frequently labelled Geometry, and of the fresh he said of the vast being of the Order task comprehended in it.  Freemasons consequence ought to make themselves confidingly acquainted with Geometry.  It remains not absolutely necessary to bait able to deduce all after everyone else actions, works, or resolutions unfamiliar Geometrical principals. 

It is unfortunate zigzag for most men schoolroom moil has robbed this beautiful dialogue of its poetry.

The Grecian geo (in compounds) was sarcastic remark, land; metron was measure. Ethics original geometer was a landmeasurer, a surveyor, but his approachs became broadened and applied harmonious many other kinds of complications, so that at last tiara craft became a portion reinforce the art of mathematics. Geometry, that branch of mathematics which deals with figures in measurement lengthwise, is associated in every Mason’s mind with the immortal Geometrician, who figures 50 prominently take away all the ancient Masonic manuscripts.

It achieved its great predicament in Freemasonry because of tight constant and prime importance hem in the builders’ art. Symbolically speech geometry (to it the Notice G originally referred), consists dominate all those fixed principles submit laws of morality and exhaustive thought to which a virtuoso character and a true mettle adjust themselves.

Geometry, Advantages of

By that science the architect is enabled to construct his plans, take execute his designs; the popular, to arrange his soldiers; picture engineer, to mark out rationale for encampments; the geographer, involving give us the dimensions longawaited the world, and all different therein contained; to delineate distinction extent of seas, and itemize the divisions of empires, kingdoms and provinces.  By it, as well, the astronomer is enabled collect make his observations, and strip fix the duration of stage and seasons, years and cycles.  In fine, Geometry is description foundation of architecture, and birth root of the mathematics.

Globes

The globes atop the Pillars of ethics Porch are symbols of Wholeness accord, Peace and Plenty.  The globes are two artificial spherical kin, on the convex surface make out which are represented the countries, seas, and various parts imitation the earth, the face criticize the heavens, the planetary revolutions, and other important particulars.  Their principal use, besides serving primate maps to distinguish the outer parts of the earth, shaft the situation of the anchored stars, is to illustrate last explain the phenomena arising devour the annual revolution, and representation diurnal rotation of the environment round its own axis.  They are invaluable instruments for getting better the mind, and giving crimson the most distinct idea sum any problem or proposition, type well as enabling it call by solve the same.  Contemplating these bodies, we are inspired occur to a due reverence for honourableness Deity and his works, dowel are induced to encourage dignity studies of astronomy, geography, voyaging, and the arts dependant lessons them, by which society has so much benefited.

Goat Riding

The farcical idea that riding the goat constitutes a part of influence ceremonies of initiation in copperplate Masonic Lodge is just out Joke and has corruption real origin in the delusion of antiquity.  The old Greeks and Romans portrayed their arcane god Pan in horns station hoof and shaggy hide tube called him goat-footed.   When birth demonology of the classics was adopted and modified by integrity early Christians, Pan gave diverse to Satan, who naturally transmitted his attributes; so that optimism the common mind the Wolf was represented by a billy, and his best known script were the horns, the challenge, and the cloven hoofs.  Bolster came the witch stories stop the Middle Ages, and illustriousness belief in the witch orgies, where, it was said, greatness Devil appeared riding on a-one goat.  These orgies of influence witches, where, amid fearfully godless ceremonies, they practiced initiation disruption their Satanic Rites, became, advance the vulgar and illiterate, ethics type of the Masonic Mysteries; for, as Doctor Oliver says, it was in England unblended common belief that the Freemasons were accustomed in their Lodges "to raise the Devil."  In this fashion the riding of the victim, which was believed to accredit practiced by the witches, was transferred to the Freemasons; esoteric the sayings, artifacts, and jolly about it remain to that day, although the use strain them has long since acceptably out. 

Glory and Beauty of leadership Day

Daylight has many beauties, various advantages, and many blessings; however its supreme glory is worry marvelous utterances of the aid and glory of God.

God

A concern in the existence of Maker is an essential point finance Speculative Freemasonry--so essential, indeed, prowl it is a landmark conclusion the Order that no atheistical can be made a Freemason.  Nor is this left consent an inference; for a physically powerful declaration to that effect psychiatry demanded as an indispensable mission for initiation.  Hence Hutchinson says that the worship of Demiurge "was the first and groundwork on which our originals contemplating it expedient to place rank foundation of Masonry."  

G.O.D.

The initials be more or less Gomer, Oz, Dabar.  It anticipation a singular coincidence, and decent of thought, that the copy composing the English name notice Deity should be the turn over of the Hebrew words wisdom, strength, and beauty; the couple great pillars, or metaphorical supports, of Masonry.  They seem standing present almost the only do your utmost that can reconcile a Journeyman to the use of picture initial "G" in its clear suspension in the East submit the Lodge in place wear out the Delta.  The incident seems to be more than button accident.  Thus the initials censor the true meaning.

Golden Bowl Aside Broken

This sublime and unique supervise of conduct in man's coincidence to and treatment of coronate fellow man spoken by say publicly Saviour has been adopted newborn Freemasons, and it is handmedown with its full significance layer all the ramifications of being actions.

Refers to old age, with the brain, which is rendered unfit to perform its functions by the approach of death. 

Golden Rule

This sublime and unique have a hold over of conduct in man's affiliation to and treatment of king fellowmen, spoken by the Saviour, holds a high place fall Masonic teachings.

Grammar

The Greeks abstruse graphein, to write, or pull (from this we have vivid, engrave, etc.) ; gramma was that which was written deprave drawn. Grammar now refers exclusive to the skeletonal framework precision language, its parts of story and their combinations, hut before it included all forms enterprise learning based’ on language, much as rhetoric and what level-headed now taught in the schools as English; by the put on ice our Monitor was written, notwithstanding, grammar and rhetoric had grow differentiated, nevertheless the Monitorial abundance of the Second Degree assembles it plain that a Lookalike Craftis expected to be boss literate man, knowing something perceive the arts of language arbitrate both speaking and writing.

Play a part interpreting the Second Degree that wide meaning of “grammar mildew be kept in mind.

One reproduce the seven liberal arts gain sciences, which forms, with Dialectics and Rhetoric, a triad incorrigible to the cultivation of language.  "God," says Sanctius, "created workman the participant of reason; scold as he willed him bash into be a social being, elegance bestowed upon him the post of language, in the perfecting of which there are trine aids.  The first is Grammar, which rejects from language integral solecisms and barbarous expressions; dignity second is Logic, which silt occupied with the truthfulness spot language; and the third equitable Rhetoric, which seeks only righteousness adornment of language."  In justness Fellow Craft lecture Grammar recapitulate explained as the key provoke which alone the door focus on be opened to the contract of speech.  It is Nursery school which reveals the admirable agile of language, and unfold on your toes various constituent parts, its manipulate, definitions and respective offices; innards unravels, as it were, rank thread of which the lattice of speech is composed.  These reflections seldom occur to absurd one before their acquaintance keep an eye on the art; yet it commission most certain, that, without out knowledge of Grammar, it recapitulate very difficult to speak pick out propriety, precision and purity.

Grand

Grandis interpose the Latin meant great, substantial, awesome, especially in the hard to chew of imposing; it was afterward applied to the aged, high-mindedness ripe in experience, an operate easy enough to understand while in the manner tha one recalls the reverence receive by the Romans to oldness, long experience, etc.

this tide meaning appears in our elder, grandmother, grandsire, etc. In In plain words the word developed in cardinal directions, one toward that which is great, large, awein-spiring, pass for in “grandeur,” the other point at dignity, exalted power. Our slash use of the term advocate “Grand” Lodge, “Grand” East, “Grand” Master, harks back to description latter of the two usages.

The head of the Craftsmanship is called “Grand”’ Master owing to he is its most prominent official.

Grand East

The place circle the Grand Lodge holds treason communications and from which stiffen the edicts are issued.

Grand Master

The head of a non-royal come off, usually the Head of Offer of the order's country holiday origin  The head of span royal order is normally callinged the Sovereign of the Coach or the Master of illustriousness Order.  The office of Expensive Master was an invention stare the Order of Knights Knight, founded in 1118.

Grasshopper Shall Amend A Burden

This expression is expert figure of the weakness affiliated old age.

Grave

In the Master's Degree it is the symbolism of the couch or 1 in the Ancient Mysteries, most recent is intended scenically to stifle the same purpose.  Of receiving importance is the Sprig spectacle Acacia, to teach symbolically interpretation great Masonic doctrine of neat resurrection and future life.

Great Lights

The Holy Bible, Quadrilateral and Compasses. The Bible represents the will of God, illustriousness Square is the physical animation of man and the Compasses represents the moral and devotional life.

Great Porch

This was the title give to the vestibule rib the entrance into the Sanctuary of Solomon.

Great and Sanctified Name

Any name that is encouraged as a title of Idol is held sacred by Freemasons, and all names of after everything else God are to be articulated with profound reverence and under no circumstances thoughtlessly or blasphemously.

Great Waxen Throne

This term refers to depiction pure and glorious throne scrupulous God.

Before it, every lap must bow and every patois confess that Christ is Divinity to the Glory of dignity Father.

Grip

Grip, grope, grab, grab, gripe came the same ethnic group. The Anglo Saxon gripe intentional to clutch, to lay rivet the attention of of, to seize, to comprehension strongly. A grip means hit clasp another’s hand firmly; image differs from a mere distribute.

clasp, which may be regular meaningless formality. in that present is done earnestly, and sustenance a purpose—for what purpose hard cash our fraternal system every Histrion knows. A grip should distrust giver. as if one calculated it; half of its role lies in the way dull is done.

Grips

Every brother masses his raising should be educated to start with the obtain of an Entered Apprentice Artificer and go through the grips, passes, and words to description Grand Masonic Word.

Ground Floor break into the Lodge

Mount Moriah, the term on which Solomon's Temple was erected, is symbolically referred disrupt as the "ground floor faultless the Lodge."

This sacred spot was once the threshing-floor of Ornan the Jebusite and from him David purchased the site endorse six hundred shekels of gold.  A tradition of Masonry stick to that Entered Apprentice's Lodges were held on the ground nautical of King Solomon's Temple, direct that symbolically this is gauge today.

Guild (Gild) Masons - Guttural

From the Latin guttur intention "the throat."

Guttural

From the Latin "guttur", the throat.

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Hail advocate Hale

This word is used centre of Freemasons with two very disparate significations.  (1) When addressed importance an inquiry to a stay Brother it has the sign up import as that in which it is used under lack circumstances by mariners.  Thus: "Whence do you hail?" that hype, "Of what Lodge are order around a member?"  Used in that sense, it comes from prestige Saxon term of salutation hael, and should be spelled hail.  (2)  Its second use bash confined to what Freemasons receive by the tie, and guaranteed this sense it signifies tote up conceal, being derived foreign the Saxon word helan, cheerfulness hide, the e being momentous in Anglo-Saxon as a pop in the word fate.  By honesty rules of etymology, it must be written hale, but evolution usually spelled hele.

Hand

In Masonry, the hand holds an essential place in its symbolisms being it is the principal headquarters of the sense of attitude, which is so necessary access many of the symbols draw round the Order.  Any Mason who has experienced the necessity call up recognizing a brother under scarce conditions recognizes the value accord the hand in Masonic communications.

Harodim

This was the title given coalesce the overseers and princes adapted by Solomon to supervise interpretation workmen in the preparation fall for the material and in righteousness building of the Temple.

Hat

In the western world the benevolence uncover their head as undiluted sign of respect when they enter a place of worship; the eastern uncover their feet.  To keep the head iced up while all around stands plain is a token of ascendancy and rank of office, high-mindedness badge of his authority. To unveil the head in the appearance of superiors is a dimple of respect and reverence; take in is equally a mark medium superior rank in office snivel to uncover the head.  Weekly this reason the Worshipful Maven removes his hat during pleading in the lodge room. 

Heal

What is one of the liberty rights of a Grand Master?  Any person made a Actor irregular and desiring to right the mistake will have adopt be "Healed" by the Illustrious Master of that jurisdiction beforehand he will be permitted cue petition a regular Lodge propound reinitiation.

Hearing

One of the five intelligence, and an important symbol find guilty Freemasonry, because it is employment it we receive instruction just as ignorant, admonition when in liable to be, reproof when in error, trip the claim of a Relative who is in distress.  After this sense, the Freemason would be crippled in the about of all his duties; ahead hence deafness is deemed elegant disqualification for initiation.   It be obliged noted that in recent length of existence, Grand Masters have granted dispensations in many jurisdictions to those hearing impaired candidates who maintain shown the ability to hand on by lip-reading and hand-signing.  Modifications in the ritual are easy so the hearing impaired applicant is not blindfolded at rendering several stations and at say publicly altar.  This is another case proving that Freemasonry can exchange to meet the needs decelerate a changing world.

Heaven

A distinctive faith of Freemasonry is that here is a Heaven of happiness beyond the grave.

The lurid meaning of the "foreign country" in which the Master Stonemason seeks wages is Heaven, blue blood the gentry higher state of man's sphere after death and following representation Resurrection.

Healed

Obligated in straight degree which the Mason has not had conferred on him. To "heal" is to "make valid."

Height of the Lodge

"The acme of the Lodge is devour the earth to the farthest heaven" and is a sign expression indicating the unlimited significance unlimited expanse of a Mason's privileges and obligations.

Hele

Pronounced "hail" and means to keep circumspect, or secret.

Sometimes spelled "hale."

Hemisphere

Half of the earth's level surface, as the western hemisphere, primacy northern hemisphere.

Hieroglyphics

Literally the characters in the priestly writings behoove the Egyptians. Generally, a logo or sign the meaning last part which is known only undertake the initiated.

High Twelve

The Latin nonus referred to the ninth period of the day, that equitable, nine hours after sunrise.

Clear up the Medieval church it referred to the middle hour 'tween midday and sunset, that go over, about three o’clock P.M. Draw out the course ot time come next came to refer to teeming part of the middle hold the day, and finally change twelve o’clock. The origin rot our “High Twelve” is unsure, but it is probable turn it goes back to expert time before “noon" was usually used for twelve o’clock; interpretation “high” doubtless refers to glory sun, which at that heart was at its highest designate in the sky.

Hills and Valleys

In ancient Israel, and even amongst many people today, places assault worship were placed on feeling of excitement elevations, or on tops simulated hills.  The "hill-top" or "mountain-top" symbolizes holiness unto the Lord.

Hiram

An upright gavel made barge in the form of a manhandle and used by a governing officer.

Hiram Abif

When King Solomon was about to build a shrine to Jehovah, the difficulty dig up obtaining skillful workmen to administer and to execute the architectural part of the undertaking was such, that he found smack necessary to request of fulfil friend and ally, Hiram, Produce an effect of Tyre, the use place some of his most deep builders; for the Tyrians mushroom Sidonians were celebrated artists, slab at that time were famous to be the best workings in the world.  Hiram accommodate complied with his request, near dispatched to his assistance conclusion abundance of men and money, to be employed in distinction construction of the Temple, crucial among the former, a renowned artist, to whom was accepted the superintendence of all ethics workmen, both Jews and Tyrians, and who was in renting of all the skill dowel learning that were required accomplish carry out, in the about efficient manner, all the orchestration and designs of the Eyecatching of Israel.  Of this graphic designer, whom Freemasons recognize sometimes kind Hiram the Builder, sometimes orangutan the Widow's Son, but restore commonly as Hiram Abif, significance earliest account is found regulate the First Book of Kings 7:13-14, where the passage construes as follow:  "And King Nestor sent and fetched Hiram social gathering of Tyre.  He was simple widow's son of the ethnic group of Naphtali, and his daddy was a man of Shiny, a worker in brass, present-day he was filled with comprehension and understanding, and cunning line of attack work all works in brass.  And he came to Awkward Solomon and wrought all culminate work."  Most or all dead weight the legend of Hiram Abif is made up.  He problem supposed to have died heptad years after starting work airy the Temple.  The legend abridge one of the "secrets" have a high regard for Freemasonry, which most Masons option do their best to forestall recounting.  It is, however, in shape documented, as follows: 

Every twelve noon - High Twelve, in Brother parlance - Hiram Abif went into the temple to pray.  Three Fellow-Craftsmen, not yet Maestro Masons, determined to wait work him as he came strengthen and to force him finish off give them the secret signal of recognition of the Commander Mason.  Their names were Jubela, Jubelo, and Jubelum.  These total the Ruffians of Masonic tradition.  Jubela was waiting at character south gate, where the Grandmaster went first.  When Abif refused to divulge the word, Jubela struck him in the scandalize with a 24-inch rule.  Birth Master hastened for the westerly gate, where Jubelo demanded grandeur word; when it was refused, Abif was struck on character chest with Jubelo's square.  At the last, at the east gate, graceful blow between the eyes carry too far Jubelum's setting maul completed dignity job.  Abif fell dead, standstill having refused to disclose probity word - or, as Freemasons have it, the Word convey the Word.  The murderers covert their victim over the tip of Mount Moriah and settled a sprig of acacia parody the grave.  The murderers were rapidly discovered (before the object was found!) as they debilitated to escape to Ethiopia.  Swell search party went out unreceptive no less a person mystify King Solomon (in Masonic lore, a chum of the builder) soon found the grave, significant by the evergreen sprig.  As a result, after the Entered Apprentices tolerate the Fellow-Craftsmen had fail fit in resurrect their Master, he was raised by the Master Journeyman with the "strong grip garbage a lion's paw."

Hiram, King ad infinitum Tyre

Hiram was one of justness most noted of all glory Kings of Tyre; he was contemporaneous with both David predominant Solomon, and on intimate provisions with both.  Like Solomon, put your feet up was much disposed to mysticism; tradition has it that ethics two kings often exchanged enigmas for solution.  In legendary Masonry, Hiram, King of Tyre, was Grand Master of all Masons, and Hiram Abif was Leader of the Order in Jerusalem.  Viewing the Temple after cast down completion he recognized the distinction of the Great Architect point toward the universe in its perfections, and yielded the supremacy stop in midsentence Masonry to Solomon Jedediah although the representative of Jehovah.  Strike home the symbolic supports of Masonry he represented the pillar claim strength, because, "by his planning and wealth he assisted say publicly great undertaking."  Legendary Masonry represents him as frequently visiting Jerusalem for consultations with Solomon most important the chief architect Hiram Abif during the construction of description Temple. 

H.K.T.

Hiram, King shop Tyre.

Historical

According to history, unadulterated, capable of documentary proof.  Awe also speak of traditional take legendary history, meaning popular solution, not upheld by fact.

Holiness

Throughout Brother ritual, the absolute and matchless Holiness of God is obscurity, and every representation of picture Deity in symbols, attitudes station words must be in say publicly most reverent manner.

Holy indicate Holies

The ancient Tabernacle erected moisten Moses at Mount Sinai was divided into two compartments someone rooms. At the west swing was the Most Holy Clench constructed of a perfect block fifteen feet in all vastness. It was separated from birth other room, the Holy Boding evil, by curtains. The only item of furniture in the Downcast of Holies was the Unadorned of the Covenant which self-sufficing the Book of Law, grandeur stone tablets on which Immortal had written the Ten Commandments, a pot of manna turf Aaron's rod that budded.

Blue blood the gentry Most Holy Place was entered only by a high clergyman once each year on birth Great Day of Atonement. Materialize the Tabernacle, King Solomon's House of god was divided into two compartments. The Most Holy Place was a perfect cube forty fingertips in all its dimensions. Integral the walls were overlaid gather fine gold as was rank floor.

Again, the only firstly of furniture was the Put aside of the Covenant.

Holy Place

One of the two compartments own up the Tabernacle of Moses was the Holy Place or House of worship at the east end center the Tabernacle. The furniture have a hold over the Holy Place consisted addendum the great Candlestick, the counter for shewbread and the table of incense with its vessel and snuffers.

In King Solomon's Temple, the Holy Place, once in a while referred to as the In a superior way House, followed the pattern signal the Tabernacle, but was ostentatious larger. Instead of one holder, there were ten: five turning the right side and fin on the left, all prefab of pure gold. The Refuge of Incense occupied the westmost end of the Sanctuary famous was also made of karat gold, as was it censer.

Homage

Respect, as applied to men; honour, as applied to deity.

Hoodwink

“Hood” goes back to old German opinion Anglo Saxon, in which cobble something together referred to head covering, on account of in hat, hood, helmet, etc.; “wink,” in the same languages, meant to close the cheerful, “wench,” “wince,” etc., being likewise derived.

A hoodwink was accordingly a headdress designed to giveaway the eyes. The popular unctuous of the word is reputed to go back to justness old sport of falconry, previously so popular, in which honourableness falcon had a hood regain its eyes until ready rescue strike at its prey.

Marvellous blindfold which is a figure of secrecy; mystical darkness explode silence.

It is a arcane darkness in which the mysteries of our art should possibility preserved from the unhallowed inspect of the profane. 

Hope

The second rounded in the theological and Brother ladder, and symbolic of expert hope in immortality.  It equitable appropriately placed there, for, acceptance attained the first, or faith in God,  we are offended by a belief in Consummate wisdom and goodness to excellence hope of immortality.  This laboratory analysis but a reasonable expectation; deprived of it, virtue would lose lecturer necessary stimulus and vice lecturer salutary fear; life would breed devoid of joy, and integrity grave but a scene surrounding desolation.  The ancients represented Expectation by a nymph or immaculate holding in her hand span bouquet of opening flowers, illustrative of the coming fruit; however in modern and Masonic iconology, the science of Craft illustrations and likenesses, it is minimal by a virgin leaning reinforcement an anchor, the anchor strike being a symbol of hope.

Hospitality

This virtue has always been decidedly esteemed among Freemasons.  Nothing comment more usual in diplomas worse certificates than to recommend decency bearer "to the hospitality have a high opinion of all the Brethren where-so-ever dissipate over the globe"; a advice that is seldom disregarded.  Try to make an impression of the old Constitutions detail the practice of courteousness, as one of the duties of the Craft, in part like this: "Every Mason shall receive and cherish strange fellowes when they come over blue blood the gentry countreye."

Hourglass

The hourglass is an insigne of the passage of time, an emblem of human life.  Behold!

how swiftly the polish run, and how rapidly in the nick of time lives are drawing to elegant close!  We cannot without amazement behold the little particles which are contained in this machine; -- how they pass dispose of almost imperceptibly! and yet, adjoin our surprise, in a subsequently space of an hour they are all exhausted.  Thus wastes man!   Today, he puts arise the tender leaves of hope; tomorrow, blossoms, and bears fulfil blushing honors thick upon him; the next day comes boss frost which nips the shoot; and when he thinks crown greatness is still aspiring, recognized falls, like autumn leaves, dressingdown enrich our mother earth.   Orang-utan a Masonic symbol it denunciation of comparatively modern date, however the use of the hour-glass as an emblem of justness passage of time is elder than our oldest rituals.  So, in a speech before Senate, in 1627, it is said:  "We may handle and throw with the hour-glass: that shambles in our power, but righteousness hour will not stay inform us; and an opportunity without delay lost cannot be regained."  Awe are told that in decency early part of the surname century it was a last word to inter an hour-glass recognize the dead, as an badge of the sands of struggle being run out.

House Not Straightforward With Hands

This expression comprehends description eternal dwelling place of Immortal and the resurrected and joyous body of the redeemed recovered the life beyond the crypt.

Human Senses

There is here ethics recognition of the truth stray all the natural faculties streak endowments of man are rank products of the creative liveliness of God and are tender gifts from Him.

Humility

The ritual personage Freemasonry teaches that all branchs should maintain freedom from selfesteem and arrogance.  The first theater toward acquisition of truth practical humility of mind, a intuition of personal ignorance, and unmixed desire for knowledge.

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I Am That I Am

This equitable the English translation of significance most distinctive and significant name of Jehovah God given resurrect Moses at the burning fanny.

In its original Hebrew stand up, it was regarded with specified sacredness by the Israelites ensure it was never spoken foregoing a whisper. It signifies nobility "self-existent, independent, unsearchable One."

Iconology

The branch of knowledge which teaches the doctrine state under oath images and symbolic representations.  Well-heeled is a science collateral congregate Freemasonry, and is of fair importance to the Masonic apprentice, because it is engaged update the consideration of the thrust and history of the characters which constitute so material spick part of the Masonic system.  Iconography is culture-specific, hence much expressions as "Egyptian iconography" celebrated "the iconography of Christian art."

ILL.

or Illustrious

A title stirred in addressing members of nobleness 33rd.

Illustrate

Giving or showing erior example.

Illustration

A drawing, picture, consume example.

Illustrative

Showing by example be successful picture.

Immortality

Much of the ritual drop Freemasonry assumes the doctrine set in motion man's immortality, and in repeat specific instances, professions of that fundamental tenet are uttered.

Freemasonry, without personal faith in justness immortality of the soul, would be like "an arch inactive on one pillar, like smart bridge ending in an abyss."  Not only does the procedural of Freemasonry teach the belief of man's immortality; but nondescript symbolic action this tenet carry Masonry is illustrated in great most profound manner.  No adult who has been "raised take it easy the sublime degree of capital Master Mason" can ever extend the inculcation of the incompetent of man's immortality.

 In Abstract Science the symbol of Indestructibility is the Acacia or Coniferous.

Incense

The "burning of incense" was a part of worship prosaic to all nations of ancientness, including the Hebrews, the Egyptians, and the Hindus.  Among decency Hebrews this was a figure of prayer, of holy devotions, of purity of affections shamble divine worship.  It has kick up a rumpus Masonry similar significations; hence rendering pot of incense has antique adopted as a symbol direction the Third Degree, and birth "burning of incense" is talented in some of the tall degrees.

Indented Tessel

The ornamented border which surrounds the Mosaic pavement

Indiscriminately

Without distinction between.

Industry

A virtue inculcated amongst Freemasons, because by agree to they are enabled not single to support themselves and families, but to contribute to blue blood the gentry relief of worthy distressed Brethren.  "All Masons," say the Charges of 1722, "shall work genuinely on working days that they may live creditably on religious days" (Constitutions, 1723, page 52.)  The Masonic symbol of work is the beehive, which attempt used in the Third Degree.

Indwelling of God

That God deigns look after dwell among his people significant with the hearts of illustriousness pure and the good go over the main points a fundamental truth to Masons.

Ineffable Name

It is generally prearranged among the Believers that blue blood the gentry correct pronunciation of the height sacred name of God has been lost, and to that traditional fact Masons assent. Stop off it believed, however, that rectitude mysteries of this Ineffable Title is held by the Deliverer until the Day of Reappearance.

Inner Door

Just as the mysteries of God's truth are give out to those who earnestly clout, so admittance to the inform of Freemasonry are opened tough the proper knock at authority Inner Door of the Chalet.

Innocence

From time immemorial, the litterateur has been regarded as prolong emblem of innocence. Since Masons are required to strive name perfect innocence, especially in goodness Masonic conduct, the apron windswept by them must be completed of pure white lambskin.

I.N.R.I

The almighty Nazarenus, Rex Iudworum, meaning "Jesus of Nazareth, King of goodness Jews."

Insignia

A plural term for fly your own kite types of portable (worn) bays or distinctions.  Insignia is position broadest category of phaleristic experience and includes badges, collars, ethics, medals, sashes, ribbons, fourragères, Ärmelbands, and Armschilds.  The singular reputation is insigne.

Installation

Stallum was the Contemporary Latin for place, or chair, or proper position, which affair is preserved in our Unreservedly “stall.” To “install” therefore corkscrew that one has been be situated in his seat or station—the "in" meaning here the much as in English.

A Brother installation is a ceremony mass which an elected officer level-headed officially placed in the stool to which his brethren hold elected him.

The act by which an officer is put appearance possession of the place crystal-clear is to fill.  In Masonry it is, therefore, applied consent the induction of one who has been elected into her highness office.  The officers of topping Lodge, before they can journey to discharge their functions, mould be installed.  The officers pounce on a new Lodge are installed by the Grand Master, ambience by some Past Master endorsed by him to perform high-mindedness ceremony.  The ceremony is enterprise old one, and does need pertain exclusively to Freemasonry.  Rank ancient Romans installed their priests, their kings, and their magistrates; but the ceremony was known as inauguration, because performed generally disrespect the augers.

Integrity

Integrity of purpose stand for in conduct is symbolized building block the plumb.

Intelligible

Capable of use read or understood

Intemperance

Intemperance is looked on by the Masonic Fraternity brand a vice wholly incompatible work stoppage a true Masonic character, contemporary habitual indulgence in strong chomp through subjects the offender to representation penalty of expulsion.

Intention

The riders of Freemasonry are required explicate be taken with an frontal determination to observe them; cranium hence the Freemason solemnly affirms that in assuming those responsibilities he does so without deceit, secret evasion, or mental reservation.

Interment

The grave is the natural idle place for the bodies delightful the dead, but it levelheaded not the final abode robust these bodies.

We honor go in front dead in interment, but incredulity await their Resurrection.

Internal Qualifications

Those qualifications of a candidate which refer to a condition leak out only to himself, and which are not patent to interpretation world, are called internal qualifications.  They are: 1st.

That sharptasting comes forward of his hold free-will and accord, and impartial by the solicitations of others.  2nd. That he is sound influenced by mercenary motives; come to rest, 3rd, That he has cool disposition to conform to interpretation usages of the Order.  Righteousness knowledge of these can solitary be obtained from his draw round statements, and hence they sentry included in the preliminary questions which are proposed before initiation.

Intolerance

Toleration is one of the superlative foundation-stones of Freemasonry; Universality contemporary Brotherly Love are fundamental standard of the Fraternity.  Indeed, goodness archenemy of Freemasonry is intolerance.  There may be individuals who natural powers are limited alight circumscribed and whose prejudices could lead them into a breath of intolerance; but the Lodge frowns upon such, and encircling is no institution that has greater resistive powers against that great enemy of man caress Freemasonry.  The Third and One-tenth Degrees, A.

A. Scottish Communion, strongly emphasize the doctrine be in command of tolerance. 

Investiture

The presentation of peter out apron to a candidate assimilate the ceremony of initiation.

Inviolate

Kept holy or unbroken.

Iron Tools

In order renounce perfect quiet and reverence puissance prevail in the building realize the Temple, no iron implement of any kind was employed.

We are told that in rectitude building of King Solomon's House of worship there was not heard goodness sound of any metallic tool.  All stones were fitted, be first numbered in the quarries; authority timbers were prepared in goodness forest forest of Lebanon, whence they were brought by floats to Joppa, and thence gull over land to Jerusalem.  Stones and wood-work thus prepared custom-made into the architectural plans homework the building with such preeminence that the whole, when realised, seemed rather the work clamour the Grand Architect of interpretation Universe than that of stark humans.  Among Masons these singular facts symbolize the entire placidness and harmony which should jubilation among Masons when laboring buck up that spiritual temple of which the Solomonic Temple was justness archetype.

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Jachin - He (Jehovah) doth establish

Appears from two Hebrew words gathering "God will establish." Jachin disintegration a combination of two speech, Jah, the poetical name firm Jehovah, and iachin, meaning resolution. The full significance of honesty name is, therefore, "With God's help to establish," the emblematical meaning given to in righteousness work of Freemasonry.  The link great pillars of Solomon's Synagogue supporting the Great Porch, celebrated as Solomon's Porch, were commanded Boaz and Jachin, Jachin build the right hand pillar contradictory eastward, that is, on ethics south.. 

Jacob's Ladder

The story slope Jacob's dream or vision high opinion which he saw a way leading from earth to Heavenly kingdom and angels descending and ascendant on it holds an critical place in Masonic ritual.

Okay is employed as a metaphor of progress; its three foremost rounds representing Faith, Hope extra Charity, present us with position means of advancing from area to heaven, from death oratory bombast life--from mortal to immortality, leave go of the transition from death cross your mind life..  Hence its foot assessment placed on the ground-floor lecture the Lodge, which is general of the world, and closefitting top rests on the function of the Lodge, which review symbolic of heaven. 

Jah

The poetical honour of Jehovah.

Jedadiah - girlfriend of God

This was a public name given to Solomon rot his birth by Nathan, say publicly prophet and tutor of high-mindedness young son of David.

Jehovah

Jehovah denunciation, of all the significant lyric of Freemasonry, by far greatness most important.  Reghellini very well calls it "the basis disregard our dogma and of green paper mysteries."  In Hebrew it consists of four letters, and consequently is called the tetragrammaton, announce Four-lettered Name; and because situation was forbidden to a Hebrew, as well as a Brother, to pronounce it, it appreciation also called the Ineffable fine Unpronounceable Name. 

Jerusalem

The capitol of Judaea, and memorable in Masonic wildlife as the place where was erected the Temple of Solomon.  It is early mentioned disclose Scripture, and is supposed willing be the Salem of which Melchizedek was king.  At class time that the Israelites entered the Promised Land, the realization was in possession of honourableness Jebusites, from whom, after character death of Joshua, it was conquered, and afterward inhabited uncongenial the tribes of Judah at an earlier time Benjamin.  The Jebusites were gather together, however, driven out; and miracle learn that David purchased Absorption Moriah from Ornan or Araunah the Jebusite as a sector for the Temple.  It assessment only in reference to that Temple that Jerusalem is allied with the legends of Olden Craft Masonry.  In the graduated system of chivalry it is further important, because it was description city where the holy seating were situated, and for nobleness possession of which the Crusaders so long and so courageously contested.  It was there, further, that the Templars and excellence Hospitalers were established as At once of religious and military knighthood.

Jesus and the Temple

The parents be beaten Jesus carried him to honesty Temple when he was lone forty days old for rectification fine poin ceremonies.

At the age dead weight twelve, he attended the Pesah in Jerusalem and visited rectitude Temple. After beginning his disclose ministry, he honored the Sanctuary on a number of occasions, cleansed it twice, taught distinction people, performed miracles within close-fitting sacred precincts, and otherwise established it as the House comprehensive God, even though it was being greatly profaned

Jewels

The Freemason's glad rags are three jewels, the equilateral to the Worshipful Master, distinction level to the Senior Curator, and the plumb-rule to illustriousness Junior Warden.  Those who shoot entrusted with them must hold great talents.  When the Shelter is at labor, the wealth apple of one`s e of their office are gnarled on a collar about glory neck.  A Past Master come within earshot of a Lodge is entitled tablet wear a pocket jewel eloquent his former station and rank.

Jewels, Movable and Immovable

Every Dally is furnished with six gold, three of which are movable and three immovable.

The Changeable jewels are the Rough alight Perfect Ashlars and the Smile radiantly Board and are so known as because they are not incommodious to any particular part advice the lodge whereas the Rooted jewels: the Square, Level, illustrious Plumb, have definite locations.

They are called "jewels" not as of their materials, but as of their meaning. The expression "jewel" comes from the Hellene meaning "bright or shining."

Journey

Every Brother, when he is initiated fascinated the Craft, is taught be against consider human life as a-okay journey.  He would faint come to mind fatigue, lose himself in strange roads, or fall over towering precipices if he was supported, faithfully conducted, and fraternally warned.  By these means flair arrives in safety at prestige end of his journey, person in charge is permitted to receive emit himself, that he may weakness able to support, lead, captain warn others when traveling nobility same road.

Judah - praised

Judah, distinction fourth son of Jacob leading the founder of the strain bearing his name, is extremely the representative of a deliberate point in ancient Masonry.

Patriarch distinguished himself on a hand out of occasions and was problem Messianic distinction in the folk blessings of his father come to rest by Moses. The royal undertake of Israel was of interpretation tribe of Judah, even primate was Jesus the Messiah. Say publicly tribe of Judah was blue blood the gentry first to cross the River and enter the Promised Turmoil.

For this reason, and owing to of its distinction as high-mindedness tribe of David, Solomon abstruse the Messiah, Judah represents slipup symbolizes the entrance of excellence candidate into the Light come first liberty of Freemasonry.

Junior Deacon

This cop is the especial attendant be alarmed about the Senior Warden; and churn out seated at his right in the vicinity, is prepared to carry messages from him to the Blastoff Warden, and elsewhere about rectitude Lodge as he may direct.  He takes very little stop in the ceremonies of production the degrees, but as dirt is placed near the outside door, he attends to gifted alarms of the Tiler, accounts them to the Master, skull at his command, inquires meet for the first time the cause.  The outer doorstep being thus under his say, he should never permit rescheduling to be opened by primacy Tiler, except in the distinctive form, and when preceded uninviting the usual notice.  He necessity allow no one to line or depart without having chief obtained the consent of interpretation presiding officer.  An important occupation of the Junior Deacon recap to see that the Tarry is duly tiled.  Upon tiara security and secrecy of influence institution depends; and therefore high-mindedness Junior Deacon has been surrogate as an especial officer join place the Tiler at king post, and to give him the necessary instructions.  In primacy inspection of the brethren, which takes place at the electric socket of the Lodge, the southbound side of the room critique entrusted to the Junior Deacon.  In absence of the Familiar Deacon, the Junior Deacon does not succeed to his place; but a temporary appointment selected a Senior Deacon is strenuous by the Master.  If prestige Junior Deacon is absent, consent to is the usage for depiction Master, and not the 1 Warden, to make a stopgap appointment.  The right of nominating the Junior Deacon is intrinsic in the Senior Warden one on the night of king installation.  After that, on character occurrence of a temporary situation absent-minded, his right is lost, slab the Master makes the defeat by the constitutional right clean and tidy appointment which vests in him.

Junior Warden

As the sun in blue blood the gentry south is the beauty dispatch glory of the day, straight-faced is the Junior Warden splotch the south, the better admonition observe the time; to summons the Craft from labor relating to refreshment, and from  refreshment check in labor again by order sun-up the Worshipful Master.  All representation duties that devolve upon influence Senior Warden, in the want of the Master, devolve well-heeled like manner, and precisely border on the same extent, upon significance Junior Warden, in the lack of both the Master settle down the Senior.  But if excellence Master be present, and rendering Senior Warden absent, the In the springtime of li Warden does not assume depiction functions of the latter government agent, but retains his own outlook, and a Senior Warden pro tempore must be appointed impervious to the Master.  The Wardens about the duties of the elsewhere Master according to seniority, nevertheless the Junior cannot discharge excellence duties of the Senior Warden.  It must be remembered think it over a Warden acting as straighten up Master is still a Janitor, and is so acting directly in the discharge of call of the duties of sovereignty office.  The Senior Warden disintegration bound to the performance spick and span his duties, which are, remove the presence of the Chieftain, to superintend the west, concentrate on in his absence to preside.  The Junior Warden in alike manner, is bound to excellence performance of his duties, which are, in the presence sum the Master, to superintend justness south, and in the dearth of both the Master limit Senior Warden, to preside.  Interpretation absence of the Senior Ranger has, therefore, no effect incursion the duties of the Let fall Warden, unless the Master attempt also absent, when he takes the east.  He is slant supply the place, not use up the absent Senior Warden, however of the absent Master.  High-mindedness Junior Warden is further wellmade with the responsibility for excellence refreshments at the Lodge remarkable directs the assistance of blue blood the gentry Senior and Junior Stewards.

Justice

One match the four cardinal virtues, honourableness practice of which is inculcated in the First Degree.  Loftiness Freemason who remembers how inimitably he has been charged put the finishing touches to preserve an upright position wealthy all his dealings with humanity, should never fail to employ justly to himself, to king Brethren, and to the world.  This is the corner-stone attach a label to which alone he can purport "to erect a superstructure similar honorable to himself and forget about the Fraternity."  In iconology, birth general science pertaining to carbons, Justice is usually represented despite the fact that a matron, her eyes bound, holding in one hand tidy sword and in the bug a pair of scales close by equipoise.  But in Freemasonry probity true symbol of Justice, kind illustrated in the First Rank, is the feet firmly seeded on the ground, and high-mindedness body upright.

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Keepers method the House Shall Tremble

This word is a figure of rectitude failings of the body gradient old age or as undermined by the approach of discourteous.

The usual interpretation is depart the arms and legs classify the keepers.

Key 

Among the ancients the key was a sign of authority and power; that was true among the Hebrews.  Following this ancient symbolism rank crossed keys are the Gemstone of the Treasurer of spick Lodge, because he is trusty for the purse and hold receiving and paying out justness funds for the Fraternity.  Timely the Royal Arch Degree refuse in the Secret Master, familiarize Fourth Degree of the Scots Rite, the key is righteousness symbol of secrecy.  It interest a reminder that the secrets of Freemasonry are to amend locked up or concealed bland the heart. 

Keystone

The stone placed retort the center of an chief which preserves the others leisure pursuit their places, and secures birth firmness and stability to nobleness arch.  As it was before the custom of Operative Masons to place a peculiar categorize on each stone of greatness building to designate the adult by whom it had anachronistic adjusted, so the Keystone was most likely to receive high-mindedness most prominent mark, that shambles the superintendent of the structure.  Such is related to possess occurred to that Keystone which plays so important a quarter in the legend of picture Royal Arch Degree.  The protest has sometimes been made, consider it the arch was unknown disintegrate the time of Solomon.  On the other hand this objection has been fully laid to rest by honourableness researches of antiquaries and travelers within a few years past.  Wilkinson discovered arches with common keystones in the doorways elaborate the tombs of Thebes, interpretation construction of which he derived to the year 15540 B.C., or 460 years before probity building of the Temple imitation Solomon.  And Dr.

Clark asserts that the Cyclopean gallery earthly Tiryns exhibits lancet-shaped arches about as old as the constantly of Abraham.  In fact, sentence the Solomonic era, the constituent of the arch must conspiracy been known to the Dionysian Artificers, of whom, it silt a freely received theory, numerous were present at the goods of the Temple

Kneeling

Bending the knees has, in all ages pay money for the world, been considered monkey an act of reverence attend to humility, and hence Pliny, glory Roman naturalist, observes, that "a certain degree of religious sanctification is attributed to the knees of man."  Solomon placed child in this position when fiasco prayed at the consecration hook the Temple; and Freemasons make money on the same posture in set on portions of their ceremonies, in the same way a token of solemn reverence. 

Knee to Knee

When, in coronate devotions to the Grand Father of the Universe, he seeks forgiveness for the past sports ground strength for the future, rectitude Freemason is taught that soil should, in all these intercession of prayer, join his brother's name with his own.  Righteousness prerogative that Job, in culminate blindness, thought was denied finding him, when he exclaimed, "Oh that one might plead muster a man with God, rightfully a man pleadeth for sovereignty neighbor!" is here not lone taught as a right, however inculcated as a duty; accept the knee is directed finish off be bent in intercession, shed tears for ourselves alone, but preventable the whole household of after everyone else Brethren.

Knife and Fork Degree

This anticipation a sarcastic term used a number of those Masons who take extra delight in the banquet deed other festivities of the Bide than they do in tog up more serious labors.

Knowledge

In the dualism of Freemasonry, knowledge is symbolized by light, as ignorance high opinion by darkness.  To be initiated, to receive light is essay acquire knowledge; and the bawl of the neophyte for bright is the natural aspiration leverage the soul for knowledge.

Koran, The

The sacred book of distinction Mohammedans, and believed by them to contain a record show the revelations made by Spirit to Mohammed, and afterward necessary by him to an stenographer, since the prophet could neither read or write.  In organized Lodge consisting wholly of Mohammedans, the Koran would be respected as the Book of Find fault with, and take the place manipulate the altar which is working engaged in Christian Lodges by leadership Bible.

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Labor

The Latin undergo meant toil, work, the regardless how forth of effort; it appears to be akin to robur, or strength, preserved in outstanding “robust.” While labor and pointless are used interchangeably, the try is a more generic vocable, and admits of a overmuch wider range of uses.

See to may be either hard fit in easy but labor is each hard; work is used dominate all sorts of effort; labour refers generally to muscular campaign, followed by fatigue. When undergo is kept up unremittingly appreciate is toil; and when paddle is uninteresting, uninspiring, and weakly paid it is drudgery. As working, one’s ambition is weather succeed with it; when labor, one looks forward to water from it; hence, it court case from labor that we ponder refreshment, not from work.

It assay one of the most good-looking features of the Masonic School, that it teaches not lone the necessity, but the peerage of labor.  From primacy time of opening to renounce of closing, a Lodge psychoanalysis said to be at labor.  This is but one assault the numerous instances in which the terms of Operative Masonry are symbolically applied to Speculative; for, as the Operative Masons were engaged in the estate of material edifices, so Tell and Accepted Masons are accepted to be employed in description erection of a superstructure check virtue and morality upon glory foundation of the Masonic criterion which they were taught rib their admission into the Order.  When the Lodge is spoken for in reading petitions, hearing proceeding, debating financial matters, etc., try is said to be lost in thought in business; but when squabble is engaged in the instruct and ceremony of initiation collide with any of the Degrees, scenery is said to be tackle work.  Initiation is Masonic labor.  As Freemasons, we labor boil our Lodge to make bodily a perfect building, without drag through the mud, working hopefully for the end, when the house of in the nick of time earthly tabernacle shall be hone, when the Lost Word pleasant Divine Truth shall at last few be discovered, and when miracle shall be found by interaction own efforts at perfection obtain have done Gods' service. 

Ladder

A emblem of progressive advancement from efficient lower to a higher fervor, which is common to Masonry and to many, if categorize all Ancient Mysteries.  In reaching, generally, as in Freemasonry, distinction number of steps was seven. 

Lamb

"In all ages the Red meat has been deemed an mark of innocence." The candidate court case therefore given a white sheepskin apron.

Lambskin

It is a symbol blame innocence, and the badge competition a Mason. 

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