Masonic Language.

MASONIC LANGUAGE .

E VEN the profane know that Freemasonry is a '" sui generis" organisation . It has its own laws . It has its own regulations . The ceremonies and ritual belong exclusively to it as an inheritance .

This the profane know . There is no secrecy as to these facts . They are known by all intelligent men . It is also as well known that the mysteries of freemasonry are only to be imparted to those who are duly qualified to receive them .

That qualification is based on the character of the applicant , his mental capacity , his moral vigour and full comprehension of the hifidi standard of morality , virtue , honesty , truth and fair dealing which make up the moral constitution of uoright men .

Morality in Masonry is neither a myth nor a sham . It is a real , existing condition , an ascertainable factor in one ' s life as he is brought into close association with society . It belongs to his family relations , his business associations , his social conduct , his value and worth as a citizen .

These are the requirements of the applicant for initiation into Masonry . When the applicant becomes tne candidate , he must be examined as to other qualifications that are essential . They are strictly Masonic qualifications that are thus to be investigated .

There is then , a Masonic language which must be learned . To express the teachings of B reemasoniy it must u ^ e its own peculiar language . This no one can acquire unless he be taught , and no one can be taught who has not proved himself capable of understanding , and can prove himself willing to learn and obey .

This , therefore , necessarily involves a mode of expression . Language is such a mode . In the earliest days signs constituted language . Now-a-days the almost universal method of

expressing , vocally , that which is to be conveyed to the mind is a spoken tongue . So in Freemasonry a language peculiar to itself is known . It is always unexceptionally used . By it the lessons of Freemasonry are taught .

Remember that at the ford of the ancient river those who wished to pass over were known to be enemies , because they were in ever so little at variance in the language , they could not be granted the permission . By this example of ignorance , of the force of exact

words , serious trouble was occasioned . This historic fact is of significance in any discussion of the use of authorised language as it is applied in . every relation of life where it has a distinctive character . The expert words in any profession or trade indicate how well the lessons were given

and how comprehended , 'tire names of tools , the terms identified with the expression of particular characteristics as the terminology of sciences , or descriptive of phenomena , or the classification of species and their separate or unified connection , all these are taught by special language .

The student must learn these languages before he can become a master in the profession or the science . The plumb , level and square , the trowel , the tools of iron , the setting maul , are terms used in the construction of buildings . Take the carpenter ' s vocation , the saw is a tool

that has a general application . Yet there are known to the expert mechanic ten . tools called saws , each different from the other , the compass saw , the pruning saw , the rip saw ,

the sweep saw , and the jig saw . These words have the significance which the master builder knows , and he adopts them , in teaching those who are to begin this business or trade .

Freemasonry has , its language ; . The profane cannot use it , for they do not know the significance of terms used in teaching the sciences which Masonry fosters .

When , therefore , it is said that Masonic language has its peculiar expressions , and the initiate must acquire a knowledge of them , it is only asserting an historic fact by all who are well informed as Masons .

The intelligent Mason , who is really impressed with the character which belongs to the lessons * that teach the esoteric mysteries of the Craft cannot fail to be anxious to become master of the Masonic language . By it he only can be taught what Freemasonry truly is in its wonderful influence on all the members of the Fraternity .

It is of the utmost importance to the integrity of the Craft and the perpetuation of its ritual arid ceremonial as it was handed down to us from the fathers , that the Masonic language should be preserved in all its strict and unaltered

Masonic Language.

expressions . Novelties , spectacular additions to the work , changes , and what are called suggestive modern innovations , must be prohibited . It would be as fatal to ancient Freemasonry as a new

language used in the teachings of the mysteries . The old Masons could not understand it ; the young initiates would not know what ancient Freemasonry was by such teachings . It is a most interesting study for a true student of Freemasonry . Learn the Masonic language . —" Keystone . "

Valuable Space Wasted.

VALUABLE SPACE WASTED .

WE agree with a contemporary that much valuable space is wasted in some Masonic publications with detailed reports of Lodge meetings . Indeed , that is practically all of a Masonic character that some papers devoted to the Fraternity contain . Why not utilise that space with a live editorial or an intelligent article on some phase of Masonry ?

It is well enough to record unusual events in connection with the meetings of Lodges , but to chronicle routine work is of little interest . And , besides , it is almost invariably the case that such papers cater to the pride of the Lodge and call the work excellent in every instance . A Masonic paper which

will not criticise justly and call attention to faults in an intelligent , albeit a brotherly manner , is a weakling which does not deserve the support it aims to secure through its very weakness . Let the Masonic press be a strong leader , pointing the Craft upward to high ideals . ' Let it use every

inch of 'Space in a valuable way . The general press uses plenty of type in the accounts of stated meetings . Let us delve deeper and have to do more with the soul of Masonry ,

rather than its outward semblance . Masonic publications , we believe , should be a factor in the education of Masons . Let them , then , realise their own value and live accordingly — " American Tyler . "

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