V. •. L. •. (Fr. VraiQ Lumiere.) True

Light.
W. •. M. •. (Ger. Wurdigcr Meisier.) Worshipful Master.
]. This symbol is often substi- tuted for the word Lodge.
This symbol represents the plural — Lodges.
A. The delta is the emblem of the Chapter.
t Passion Cross. The prefix to the signature of a Knight Templar.
!j Templar's Cross, used before " the signature of an officer o£ a State Grand Cominandery.
i Patriarchal Cross, used before • the signature of an officer of
the Grand Encampment of
the United States.
Cross oi Salem, used before the signature of the Grand Mastei of Knights Templar.
When these crosses are used oa docu- ments relating to Templar Masonry, the) should be made in red ink.
Besides the generally current abbreviations given above, other short methods of statement are frequently employed in particular cases. The meaning of unexplained contrac- tions will be sufficiently obvious from the connection in which they may stand.
ABDITOEUM. In Archaeology, a secret place, where important documents may be concealed and preserved. The two columns at the entrance of Solomon's Temple were supposed to be used for this purpose.
ABELITES. So called from Abel, the son of Adam. 1. It was the appellation of a sect in Northern Africa, which professed a certain form of gnosticism. 2. This was the name also of a secret, or quasi Masonic Society, which sprang up jiu Germany about the year 1746. A pamphlet called "The Abelite," setting forth the character and purposes oi the Order, was published at Leipzig, in the same year. From this it appears that it was founded on the highest principles of Christianity, morality, and philanthropy. It had secret fiigns, ceremonies, pass-words, and symbols, and was, for a short time, remarkably popular; but it never extended beyond the country in which it originated. The motto of the Order was " Sincerity, Friendship, and Hope."
74 ABI— ACA.
ABTB- The name given to green ears of corn by the Jews, and was adopted as the name of the first month of their ecclesiastical year — our March — because, at that time, corn was in the ear. This month was afterward called Nisan.
ABIF. A Hebrew word, signifying "his father." It is often used in the Scriptures as a title of honor. It was given to Hiram, the Tyrian builder, probably on account of his distinguished skill.
ABLUTION. Washing, or, literally, a washing off, i. e., making one clean from all pollution. In the ancient myste- ries it constituted a part of the preparation for initiation, and was a symbolical representation of moral purification. The ceremony is known in some of the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted rite.
ABSENCE. The signification usually applied to this term is that of being absent by permission, for a specified time, during the regular meetings of the Lodge, and in such a manner as not to interfere with the harmony or working of the body. Long or continued absence from the Lodge meetings is contrary to the duties inculcated by the ancient charges of the Order, which prescribe, as a rule, "that no Master or Fellow could be absent from the Lodge, especially when warned to appear at it, without incurring a severe censure, until, it appeared to the Master and Wardens that pure necessity hindered him."
ACADEMIE DES ILLUMINES D'AVIGNON. Academy of the llluminati of Avignon. This society, was established at Avignon, in 1785. It admitted both sexes to membership, and the teachings of its ritual were a mixture of the Hermetic Philosophy and Swedenborgian ideas.
ACADEMIE DES SUBLIMES MAITRES DE L'AN- NEAU LUMINEUX. Academy of the Sublime Masters of the Luminous Ring. This is the name of a high degree intro- duced into the Lodge of Douay, France, in 1815, by the Scotch Baron Grant, of Blairfindy, who was a member of Contract Social Lodge, and Chief of the Scottish Philoso- phical rite. He formed the eighth and highest degree known in the Lodge of Douay into three Orders. In one of the first Orders of this Academy, they employed themselves in a study of the true history of Freemasonry, but in the third they explained the various sciences, and applied themselves to the acquirement of the highest wisdom.
ACADEMIE DES VEAIS MACONS. Academy of True Mavons. This was a French Chapter of the high degrees,
ACA— AGO. 75
with Alchemistical tendencies, which, in 1778, was founded at Montpellier, by Boileau, the distinguished pupil of Per- netti. This rite had six degrees beyond the symbolic degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, which were essential for admission, but not practiced. In it the Hermetic Science was taught. The degrees were: 1. The True Mason; 2. The True Mason in the Right Way; 3. The Knight of the Golden Key; 4. The Knight of the Rainbow;. 5. The Knight of the Argonauts; 6. The Knight of the Golden Fleece.
ACADEMY OF ANTIQUITY, OR OF THE MYSTEBIES. An Alchemistical Brotherhood, with a Masonic form, founded at Rome, by Thoux de Salverte, in the sixteenth century, and at Warsaw, Poland, in 1763.
ACADEMY OF SAGES. A society for the interpretation and propagation of the high degrees, introduced into France in 1776, by the Scotch Mother-Lodge of the Philosophical rite.
ACANTHUS. An herbaceous plant — vulgar name, bears- breech — bearing large whitish flowers, and pinnatifid leaves. A species of it is found in the East, and is supposed to be the beautiful classic plant of antiquity, to which Masonio tradition attributes the model of the Grecian architect who invented and formed the leaves of the Corinthian Capital; and the idea of so applying it was derived from the following inci- dent: "It happened that a basket, covered with a tile, was left upon the crown of the root of an Acanthus plant, which when it began to grow, finding itself unable to arrange its leaves in the usual man- ner, turned them up around the sides of the basket, until, encountering the under side of the tile, they gradually curved back in the form of a volute."
ACCHO, OR ACRE. An ancient city, situate on the coast of the Mediterranean sea, thirty miles south of Tvre. During the Crusades this place was usually known to Europeans by the name of Aeon; afterward, from the occupation of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, as St Jean d'Acre, or simply Acre. It was the last fortified place in the Holy Land wrested from the Christians by the Turks.
ACCLAMATION. An exclamation of admiration, approval, welcome, or reverence among Masons. In French Lodges the expression is "viuat." In the Ancient and Accepted rite it is "J3ou,sa," or "Hothea," and in English Lodges "So mote it be."
76 ACC— ADO.
ACCOLADE. An interesting ceremony formerly used in conferring the h jnors of knight- hood, by the King, the Grand Master, or other authorized per- son laying his arms about the neck of the young knight, and embracing him. This familiar expression of regard was the practice before the introduction of the more stately act of touch- ing, or gently striking, with the sword, the neck or shoulder of the kneeling knight. The present ceremony of conferring the hon- ors of Masonic knighthood, is evidently derived from it. The custom is of great antiquity, and is regarded by some writers as the blow which the Roman slave received on manumission.
ACELDAMA. Field of Blond. A small piece of land, lying on the south side of Jerusalem, called also Potter's Field, which was used as a cemetery for strangers. In the time of the crusades it was appropriated as a burial-place for pil- grims, and since, it has been used for the same purpose by the Armenians. It is referred to instructively in the les- sons of the Templars' degree.
ACHISHAR. An officer having charge of the household of Solomon. Allusion is made to him in the degree of Select Master.
ADEPT, from the Latin Adeptus. A name given to mem- bers of the Order of the Uluniinati. The Rosicrucians also employed the titles of Adeptus Adoptatus, Adeptus Coronatus, and Adeptus Exemptus. The title of Prince Adept is given to the chief of the Consistory of the 28th degree.
ADHUC STAT. Tt stands yet. A Latin motto which is often found on Masonic medallions.
ADONIS, THE MYSTERIES OF. Adonis is supposed by some to be identified with Osiris, the grand figure in the Egyptian mysteries; and the mystical rites, celebrated by his priests, and performed at initiations, are thought to be the same as, or a reproduction of, the mysteries of Isis. There are, indeed, some points of resemblance; but there are also radical differ- ences. They were both slain, but Osiris met his death by the deliberate machinations of Typhon, or Evil, while Adonis was killed by a wild boar. The meaning of the myth cA
ADO. 77
Osiris is plain enough. The struggle between Osiris and Typhon was the eternal struggle between Truth and Error, the destruction of Osiris by Typhon represents the tem- porary triumph of Evil over the Good, and his return to life and the downfall of Typhon show forth the final triumph of virtue over vice, of life over death. The myth of Adonis is not so comprehensive, and all parts of the legend are not so readily interpreted. The mysteries of Adonis were cele- brated throughout all the countries of Syria, and formed a part of the ceremonies of the Tyrian architects, by whom they were introduced into Judea. Duncan, in his " Religions of Profane Antiquity," says: "The objects reprssented in these mysteries were the grief of Venus and the death and resurrection of Adonis. An entire week was consumed in these ceremonies; all the houses were covered with black drapery; funeral processions traversed the streets, while the devotees scourged themselves, uttering frantic cries. The orgies were then commenced, in which the mystery of the death of Adonis was depicted. During the next twenty- four hours, all the people fasted, at the expiration of which time the priests announced the resurrection of the god. Joy now prevailed, and music and dancing concluded the festivals." Some writers regard the story of Adonis as an astronomical allegory, representing the seasons of the year, and the transition through which the earth passes, in conse- quence of these changes. But the rites had, undoubtedly, a deeper meaning, and related to the supreme ideas of religion. The early Christian writers evidently regarded them as having relation to the great Christian mystery. Fermicius, who lived in the fourth century, says: "On a certain night an image is placed upon a bed, and is mourned over by many with sorrowful cries. Then, when wearied by this simulated grief, light is brought in, and the mouths of those who were weeping are anointed by a priest, who breathes forth in a low murmur: 'Trust ye, disciples! for the god having been saved, out of his sufferings, salvation shall be ours.' "
ADOPTIVE MASONRY. A name given to certain degrees resembling Masonry, and Masonic in spirit, which have, at times, been invented for ladies who have claims upon the Order of Freemasonry, through relatives who are members of it. Adoptive Masonry first made its appearance in France, in the early part of the 18th century, and there is still a legaJ and regular branch of the institution in that country. The French rite has four degrees: 1. Apprentice; 2. Companion; 3. Mistress; 4. Perfect Mistress. The officers of a Lodge of Adoption are a Grand Master and a Grand Mistress; an 7
IS ADO.
Orator; an Inspector, and Inspectress; a Depositor and Depositrex; a Conductor and Conductress. They wear blue collars, with a gold trowel pendant therefrom, white aprons, and gloves. The members also wear the jewel of the Order, which is a golden ladder with five rounds, on the left breast. Many of the most distinguished ladies of Europe have been, and are now, members of this Order. Among them were the Duchess of Bourbon, the Empress Josephine, Lady Montague, Duchess Elizabeth Chesterfield, and the Empress Eugenie. The Adoptive Lodges were at first rapidly diffused throughout all the countries of Europe except the British empire. But the American Adoptive rite is better adapted to the United States, and has excited considerable interest, and found many powerful advocates in this country. It con- sists of five degrees, as fol- lows: 1. Jephthah's daughter, or the Daughter's degree, illustrating respect to the binding force of a vow; 2. Buth, or the Widow's de- gree, illustrating devotion to religious principles; 3. Esther, or the Wife's degree, illus- trating fidelity to kindred and friends ; 4. Martha, or the Sister's degree, illustrating undeviating faith in the hour of trial; 5. Electa, or the Benevolent degree, illustrat- 8EAL OF THE OBDE !AS™ STAB-
ing charity and courage, with patience and submission under wrongs. All the degrees together are called the " Rite of the Eastern Star," and are very beautiful and impres- sive. Ladies who have received these degrees have a ready and efficient means of commanding the services of Freemasons whenever and wherever they may need them. The moral teachings of the Eastern Star degrees are excellent, and cannot fail to make a good impression. Notwithstand- ing there is among some Masons a strong feeling against any form of Adoptive Masonry, it cannot be questioned that the spirit of the age demands something of the kind. Masons cannot find a surer safeguard and protection for their wives, sisters, arid daughters, than is furnished by the American Adoptive rite or Order of the Eastern Star. To the objec- tion that the degrees are not Masonic, it may be replied that they are as much so as any degree outside of the Sym- bolical Lodge. All degrees above the first three are Masonic, only by adoption.
ADO— AGA. 79
ADORATION. Worship, the expression of that supreme reverence which a man should feel toward his Creator. Although in different parts of the world the attitudes oi worship differ, in some respects, yet there is a strong resem- blance between them. One may bow his head, another may kneel, and others may bend the body toward the earth, or throw themselves prostrate thereon, with the face downward, the act is still the same, a symbol most expressive of de- pendence, and reverence, and filial obedience.
AFFILIATED. A word that designates a Mason as a member of some Lodge. A Mason who does not belong to any Lodge is styled " Non- Affiliated."
AFFILIATION. Initiation indicates the first reception of a person into a Masonic Lodge ; affiliation denotes the recep- tion of one already a Mason into some other Lodge than the one in which he received the Light.
AFRICAN MASTER BUILDERS. A secret society with a Masonic form which came into being about the year 1756, and ceased to exist in 1786. It professed to be devoted to the discovery of truth, and the cultivation of virtue, and was a very worthy and respectable order. They set forth that: " When the architects were by wars reduced to a very small number, they determined to travel together into Europe, and there to form, together, new establishments. Many oi them came to England with Prince Edward, son of Henry III., and were shortly afterwards called into Scotland by Lord Stewart. Their installation in this kingdom falls about the Masonic year 2307." They received the protection of the King of Sweden in 1125, of the King of England in 1190, and of Alexander III., of Scotland, in 1284. There were five initiations into their Apprentice's degree: 1. The Appren- tice to the Egyptian Secret, Menes Musae; 2. The Initiation into the Egyptian Secret; 3. The Cosmopolite; 4. The Christian Philosopher; 5. The Lover of Truth. The higher degrees followed these, of which there were three. They had Chapters, whose officers were chosen for life.
AGAPE. Love-feast. A banquet of charity, among the early Christians. St. Chrysostom thus describes its origin and purpose: "At first Christians had all things in common; but when that equality of possession ceased, as it did even in the Apostle's time, the Agape, or love-feast, was instituted instead of it. Upon certain days, after the religious services were closed, they met at a common feast, the rich bringing provisions, and the poor, who had nothing, being invited. These meetings were held in secret." The Agape cannot b.it
80 AGA— ALC.
call to mind the Table-lodges of Freemasonry, and, in truth, these owe their origin to the love-feasts of the primitive Christians. A distinguished German scholar, A. Kestner, professor of Theology at Jena, published a work in 1819, entitled, "The Agape, or the Secret World-Society — Welt- bund, of the primitive Christians" — i.e., a society apart from their spiritual organization — "founded by Clemens, at Rome, in the reign of Domitian, having a hierarchical constitution, and a ground system of Masonic symbolism, and mysteries." In this work he establishes the fact of a direct connection between the Agape and the Tablo-loge of Freemasons.
AGATHOPADES, THE ORDEB OF. This Order was founded in Brussels about the middle of the fifteenth century, and aimed to avoid, equally, the fanaticism of both the Catholic and Protestant churches. Many persons, distinguished by rank and talent, became members. Among them, it is claimed, were the Prince of Epinoi, the Duke of Bournon- ville, Marshal Moritz, of Saxony; P. P. Rubens and Voltaire. The old Brotherhood became extinct in 1837, at the death of the Advocate, Pins, who, a few months before that event, initiated his friend Schayes, through whom the Order of the New-Agathopades was constituted Sept. 29, A. D. 1846. The Chief of the Society bears the peculiar name of " Hog," and all the members are called by the name of some wild beast. The motto of the Order is " Amis camme cochons," and the Pentastigma f . '. . \ is the holy sign.
AGENDA. A Latin participle, signifying "things to be done." In Masonry it means small books in which certain virtues or precepts are written, and which it is the duty of all Masons to inculcate and practice.
AGNUS DEI. Lamb of God. The name of an amulet, and also of the seal of the old Order of Knights Templar, and the jewel of the Generalissimo.
ALCHEMY. The art of changing base metals into gold. Among the things that men the most earnestly desire are the means of physical comfort or luxury — that is to say wealth, and freedom from disease, and long life. The hope of discovering among the secrets of Nature the art of making gold, and that magic liquor, which would secure perpetual youth, called the Elixir of Life, gave birth to the science of Alchemy. A class of Hermetic philosophers arose who prosecuted their researches with ardor and seriousness; for it is not necessary to assume that the Alchemists were imposters. They were enthusiasts, and taught their doc- trines through mystical images and symbols. To transmute
ALC— ALM. 81
metals they thought it necessary to find a substance which, containing the original principle of all matter, should pos- sess the power of dissolving all its elements. This general solvent, or menstruum universal^, which, at the same time, was to possess the power of removing all the seeds of disease out of the human system, and renewing life, was called the " Philosopher's Stone " — Lapis Philosophorum — and its pos- sessors were styled Adepts. The more obscure the ideas the Alchemists themselves had of the appearances resulting from their experiments the more they endeavored to express themselves in symbolical language, which they afterward employed to conceal their secrets from the uninitiated. The science of Alchemy is as old as the history of philosophy itself. The Egyptian Hermes, the son of Anubis, who was ranked among the heroes, has been claimed as its author, and many books on the subject of magic are to be attributed to him, though not on sufficient grounds. The name, how- ever, is Arabian, and it is well known that the Arabs pro- secuted the science with ardor, and to their labors many valuable discoveries in chemistry are to be attributed. Paracelsus, Roger Bacon, Basilius, Valentinus, and many other distinguished men were believers in the art. And even to this day science cannot positively decide that the Philosopher's Stone is not within the circle of possibilities. Alchemy has been more or less connected with Freemasonry since the middle of the last century, chiefly through the Rosicrucians. One of the most interesting degrees in Free- masonry— " Adepts, or Knights of the Eagle and the Sun " — is founded on this Hermetic Philosophy, and cannot be understood without a study of the mystic science of the Alchemists.
ALCORAN. The sacred book of the Mahommedans, or rather a sacred book; for they recognize the old Hebrew Scriptures as of greater authority. The Alcoran contains the revelations made to Mahommed, his doctrines and pre- cepts. In a Masonic Lodge of Mahommedans it should lay on the altar as the Bible does- in a Lodge of Christians.
ALLAH. The Arabic name of Grod. The Alcoran de- scribes his character and attributes thus: "He alone is self-existent ; has no rival ; is from everlasting to ever- lasting; fills the universe with his presence; is the center in which all things unite, as well the visible as the invisible; is infinite; Almighty, all-wise, all-merciful, tender-hearted, and his decrees are unchangeable."
AT MOND-TKEE. The tree of which Aaron's rod, that budded, was a branch. Its flowers were pure white.
82 ALM— AMU.
ALMONER. A name formerly applied to an official in re- ligious and monastic orders, whose business was to distribute alms. It is also the title of an officer in the Templar System.
ALOADIN. Prince of the Assassins, or Arsacides, com- monly called the Old Man of the Mountain. He was Sheik of a Syrian tribe, professing the Mahornrnedan religion, but blindly devoted to the will of their chief. Many fabulous stories are related of him, from whose followers the word assassin is derived. [See art. ASSASSIN.]
ALPHABET OF ANGELS. The Jewish mystics affirmed that the patriarchs had a knowledge of such an alphabet, communicated to them by the angels themselves. Several degrees in the Scottish rite allude to this alphabet.
AMALTHEA. The name of the horn of the Cretan goat. It is the mythological horn of plenty — " Cornu Copia" — which signifies an abundance of things necessary to life. It is the jewel of the stewards of a Lodge of Master Masons.
AMAZONS, ORDER or. A system of Androgyne Masonry, which for a time excited some interest in South America during the last century.
AMBURVALIA. Religious festivals among the Romans. They had an agricultural reference. The rites were cele- brated in the latter part of May, and consisted of processions through the fields, and solemn invocations of the goddess Ceres, that she would bless the labors of the husbandmen, and grant them an abundant harvest.
AMENTHES, OR AMENTI. In the Egypthian Mythology, the place of departed spirits, corresponding to the Hades oi the Greeks. It was also the place of judgment where Osiris presided, and announced the decisions of eternal justice.
AMERICAN MYSTERIES. There unquestionably existed among the more enlightened of the Aborigines of the Western Continent fraternities which were bound together by mystic ties and formed a kind of rude Freemasonry. • The Peruvian and Mexican mysteries resembled very strongly the rites of the ancient nations of Northern Europe.
AMULET. A piece of stone or metal, or other substance, marked with certain figures, which people wear about their persons as a protection against danger, etc. The name, as well as the thing, comes from the East. It is from the Arabic, hamail, a locket — anything hung around the neck. A.mong the Turks and other nations every person thinks an
AND. 83
A-mulet necessary to safety. Amulets were in voguo among tue Greeks, the Egyptians, and Eomans. They were intro- duced into Christendom by the Basilideans. The Amulets of this sect were stones with the mystic word Abraxas engraved upon them. They were highly valued by the Jews; and in past times Christians have worn them, having the mark of a fish or a symbol of the Savior. In many qiiasi Masonic societies they have been largely used, and are not wholly unknown in Masonry itself — e. g., the Tyriau Signet, H. T. W. S. S. T. K. S.
ANDERSON, JAMES, D. D., was born at Edinburg, Scot- land, August 5, 1662. The time of his death is uncertain; but, from the most reliable sources at our command, it is believed that he died in 1738. He was a man of a high order of literary talent. His first work was an " Essay showing that the Crown of Scotland is Imperial and Inde- pendent," for which the Parliament of Scotland gave him a vote of thanks. At what time, or in what Lodge, Bro. An- derson became a Mason is not known. At the meeting of the Grand Lodge at London, September 29, 1721, he was ordered to arrange and more fully digest the old Gothic Constitutions into a new and better method than had before existed. This duty he performed most satisfactorily to the Grand Lodge and the Fraternity, and the work was issued in 1723, under the title, " The Constitutions of the Free- masons; containing the History, Charges, Regulations, etc of that most Ancient and Right Worshipful Fraternity. Foi the use of the Lodges." In 1738, a second edition, enlarged and corrected, was published under his supervision. These are regarded as the basis of Masonic Constitutions for the government of the Fraternity to the present time. He was, for many years, Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge. His most elaborate work was a folio volume entitled, " Royal Genealo- gies; or, the Genealogical Tables of Emperors, Kings, and Princes, from Adam to these times. London, 1732."
ANDREW, DAY OF ST. November 30 is sacred to this Saint, and on this day the Scottish Lodges, and many others, hold their festivals and elect their officers. The Grand Lodge of Scotland was organized Nov. 30, 1736.
ANDREW DEGREE, OR ANDREW'S MASONRY. Degrees ol Scottish Masonry, introduced into France and Germany by the followers of the Pretender, in 1736. " The Apprentice of St. Andrew," and " the Companions of St. Andrew," form the 4th degree of the Swedish system; " Master of Si Andrew " is the 5th degree of the same. " The Favorit
84 AND— API.
Brothers of St. Andrew," and also " The Knights of the Purple Band/ make the 9th degree of Swedish Masonry.
ANDREW, ST. Brother of St. Peter, one of the Twelve Apostles. The Russians hold him in the highest reverence, as also do the people of Scotland, and the Freemasons of that country honor him as one of their patrons. Tradition says that he was crucified on a cross, shaped thus X. In both countries there is an order of knighthood named in his honor.
ANDROGYNAL MASONRY. [See ADOPTIVE MASONRY.]
ANOINTING was a custom extensively practiced among the Hebrews and other oriental nations, and its omission was significant of mourning. They anointed the hair, head, and beard, and sometimes the feet. It was a customary mark of respect to guests. Kings and High-Priests were anointed at their inauguration. This ceremony indicated their being set apart and consecrated to the service of God. The custom of anointing with oil or perfume was common among the Greeks and Romans, and is practiced in the higher myste- ries of the Masonic institution with sublime effect.
ANTIQUITY OF FREEMASONRY. Notwithstanding much that is claimed as true in Masonic history, by enthu- siastic brothers, must fall before the stern tests of sound philosophical criticism, yet the high antiquity of the institu- tion is incontestably established. A part of the ritual of Freemasonry originated in Egypt, and was engrafted on the system of the Sidonian builders. This society also adopted a portion of the rituals of Eleusis and Adonis, and through this Order Freemasonry was introduced into Judea, and con- structed Solomon's Temple. We fail to find a vestige of Masonry among the Jews previous to this period. In the time of Numa Pompilius, King of Rome, a branch of the Order of Hiram appeared in Italy, and formed the Collegia Fabrorum and Artificum. This society of builders continued in uninterrupted succession till the downfall of the Roman empire, when its members spread over all Europe, a portion of whom settled in Britain. Here the society had a plain and tangible history till 1717, when the Brotherhood laid aside its operative character, and it became entirely speculative.
APIS. A bull to which divine honors were paid in Egypt. It was necessary that he should be black, with a triangle of white on his forehead, a white spot in the shape of a crescent on his side, and sort of knot, like a beetle, u inter his tongue. When one was found, he was fed four moutuis in a building
BROS. WASHINGTON AND LAFAYETTE.
MASONIC AJfKON PRESENTED TO GEN. WASHINGTON BY MADAME LABI'S ETTE.
APR. 87
facing the East. At the new moon ho was led to a splendid ship, with great solemnity, and conveyed to Heliopolis, where he was fed forty days more by priests and women. After this no one was permitted to approach him. From Heliopolis he was taken to Memphis, where he had a temple, two chapels to dwell in, and a lai'ge court for exercise. He had the gift of prophecy. The omen was good or bad as he went into one chapel or the other. Notwithstanding all this reverence, he was not suffered to live beyond 25 years. His death caused universal mourning. He was an important symbol in the mysteries of Isis.
APRON. The pure white lambskin apron is to the opera- tive Mason an ancient and spotless emblem. The investiture of this symbol of the purity of the order, being the first gift bestowed upon the candidate, is made in behalf of the whole Fraternity, while the recipient, in return, is required to keep himself pure in all his actions, so that he may prove to the world that it is " more honorable than the star or garter," or any other order that can be conferred upon him. It is worn by operative Masons to protect their garments from injury, spot, or stain. The investiture of the candidate with the apron, among the primitive Masons, formed an essential part of the ceremony of initiation, and was attended with rites equally significant and impressive. ' This badge received
a characteinstic distinction from its peculiar color and matei'ial. With the Essenian Masons, it was accomplished by a process bearing a similar tendency, and accompanied by illustrations not less imposing and satisfactory to the neophyte. He was clothed in a long white robe, which reached to the ground, bordered with a fringe of blue ribbon, to incite personal holiness, and fastened tightly round the waist with a girdle, to separate the upper from the lower parts of the body. With feet bare and head
88
ARC.
uncovered, the candidate was considered the personification of modesty and humility, walking in the fear of God. The Masonic Apron is a pure white lambskin, 15 inches wide and 13 inches deep, with a flap of triangular shape about 5 inches deep at the point, square at the bottom. For the symbolic degrees the trimmings are blue, and in the Royal Arch degree the trimmings are scarlet, or blue and scarlet.
ARCADE DE LA PELLETERIE. A nickname of the so-called Orient of Clermont, or old Grand Lodge of France, before its union with the Grand Orient, 1799.
ARCH. Part of a circle. In architecture a construction supported by its curve. The Arch is a prominent idea in the .ritual of Royal Arch Masonry.
in the degree of the
HER
MRS
ARCH OF ENOCH explained Knights of the Ninth Arch, the ritual of which says : " Enoch was the seventh in descent from Adam, and lived in the fear and love of his Maker. Being inspired by the Most High, and in com- Si memoration of a wonderful vision, this holy man builto a nine-fold |j temple under ground, and dedi- cated the same to God. He was assisted in the construction of this subterranean temple by Ja- red, his father, and Methuselah, his son, without being acquainted with his motives. This happened in that part of the country which was afterward called Canaan, or the Holy Land." The engraving here used is copied from an old Masonic publication, and appears to allude to this event.
ARCH OF STEEL. In the Templar system, and also the French, the Arch of Steel is formed during certain ceremo- nies, by the members, arranged in two ranks, with their swords raised and crossed.
ARCHEOLOGY. From the Greek words Arche, the beginning, and Logos, word, i. e., a discourse concerning the primitive times; in other words, the science of antiquities. This science is peculiarly interesting to Freemasons, inas- much as through the investigations of Archaeologists the antiquity of Masonry is vindicated.
AEG.
89
ARCHIMAGUS. In other words, Chief of the Sages, and High-Priest of the Chaldean Mysteries. In the ceremony of initiation he represented Ormuzd, the god of beauty, light, and truth, and the rite was intended to illustrate the strug- gles of that god with Ahrirnan, the god of darkness and evil, and his final victory over him.
ARCHITECTURE. The art of construction or building, according to certain proportions and rules, determined and regulated by nature, science, and taste. It is divided into
THE FIVE ORDERS OF ARCH1TECTUBE.
three distinct branches — civil, military, and naval. The art of building had its origin in the desire implanted in man to procure protection from the outward elements and the vicis- situdes of the changing seasons. There is something divine in man, which prompts him to look beyond the mere supply of his necessities, and to aim continually at higher objects. He, therefore soon expected from his habitation and hip
90 ARE— ARK.
temples more than mere utility. He aimed at elegance, and architecture became by degrees a fine art, differing essential- ly, however, from the other tine arts in these respects: I. That it is based on utility; 2. that it elevates mathematical laws to rules of beauty, correct proportion, and perfect sym- metry. It is difficult, perhaps now impossible, to fix the exact period of the invention of architecture, as everv art is perfected by degrees, and is the result of the labors of many. In the early ages of the human race, the habitation must have been rude and imperfect; yet each nation, at every age, possessed its peculiar style of architecture, and marked its character by its symbolic monuments. Among such monuments we should place, as the chief, the Temple of Sol- omon, from which the true knowledge of architecture became diffused throughout the world. Thus through ages has the institution been transmitted; and though deprived of its operative character, it is none the less efficient in its symbol- ism and importance. The working-tools of an operative Mason have, therefore, become our symbols. There are five orders of architecture, viz: The Doric, the Tuscan, the Ionic, the Corinthian, and the Composite.
AREOPAGUS. The hill of Mars, the seat of the supreme tribunal of Athens, which was also called Areopagus. This famous court had sovereign jurisdiction over all the affairs of Grecian society, and from its decrees there was no appeal. In Freemasonry, the name in France and Belgium is applied to a council or assembly of the 30th degree of the Scotch rite.
ARGENT. French for silver. An heraldic term used in describing coats of arms, thus: The arms of the Company of Freemasons in the reign of King Henry IV. "Azure, on a chevron, between three castles, Argent."
ARGONAUTS, ORDER OF. An Androgyne Masonic Society founded in Germany, in 1775, by some members of the Strict Observance. Its chief officer was called Grand Admiral, the place of meeting was called a ship, and till the appointments were named from various parts of a vessel. The motto of the Order was: " Es lebe die Freude," they live to promote happi- ness. The seal was a silver anchor inlaid with green.
ARK OF THE COVENANT. The sacred chest, or coffer, which Moses constructed by command of God, wherein were deposited the two tables of stone on which were graven the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. The ark was a symbol of the Divine presence, and a protec-
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tion to the people, so long as they adhered to the articles of the covenant, - which the ark contained. It was made of shittiin-wood, covered with plates of gold; nearly four feet in length, and two feet three inches in width and height. On the top of it, all round, ran a kind of gold crown. It had four rings of gold, two on each side, through which staves were put, whereby it was carried. These also were overlaid with the finest gold, and were not to be removed from the rings. The lid of the ark, glistening with gold, was called
the Mercy-seat; and upon its opposite ends were two golden cherubim, fronting each other, with their wings so extend- ed as to cover the Mercy-seat. It was borne from place to place during the journeys of the Israelites, with great solemnity, and deposited in the most sacred places in the tabernacle. It was finally placed by Solomon in the Holy of Holies, and was supposed to have been lost at the destruc- tion of the temple by the Chaldeans. The idea of the con- cealment of an ark and its accompanying treasures always prevailed in the Jewish sect. The use of this sacred symbol, and the important moral lessons its discovery inculcates, are exceedingly interesting to Royal Arch Masons.
ARK AND DOVE. An American degree, sometimes given as a preparation for the Royal Arch. The appellation Noachite, by which it is sometimes designated, is improperly applied. The term Noachite belongs to the 21st degree of the old English system, and the 35th of the rite of Misraim. Dr. Oliver conjectures that it was derived from a more ancient degree called the "Ark Mariner," and was of an honorary character
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ARM.
AEK MARINER, ROYAL. This is a speculative degree given in a Royal Arch Chapter. It is founded on the Mosaic account of the deluge, which is explained through questions and answers. This degree, however, is considered modern, and to have first appeared toward the end of the last century.
ARMS OF FREEMASONRY. The armorial bearings oi the order have undergone some changes in the lapse of ages, varying more or less from the original, in consonance with the country or the times. They are described in several works on heraldry as follows: " The Company of Masons, being oth- erwise termed Freemasons of ancient standing, and good reckoning, by means of affable and kind meetings, at divers times did frequent this mutual assembly in the time of King Henry IV., viz: the 12th of his reign. Their arms, azure on a chevron, between three castles, argent, a pair of com- passes somewhat extended of the first, were granted by Wil- liam Hawkslow, Clarencieux King of Arms." — GUILLAM. The Arms of the Operative or Stone Masons. Azure on a chevron between three castles argent, a pair of compasses somewhat extended of the first. Crest, an arm extended,
ASA— AST. 93
grasping a trowel, proper. Supporters, two beavers, proper. — DERMOTT. The arms of the Grand Lodge of England, and used by several of the Grand Lodges of this country, are similar to those adopted by Eoyal Arch Masons, which are described as follows: Party per cross vert, voided or; in the first quarter azure, a lion rampant or, for the tribe of Judah , in the second or, an ox passant sable, f or Ephraim ; in the third or, a man erect proper, for Reuben; in the fourth azure, a spread eagle or. for Dan. Crest, an ark of the cov- enant; supporters, two cherubim, all proper: motto, Holiness to the Lord. The banners which adorn the Royal Arch Chap- ters of England, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, are as follows: Scarlet, a lion couchaut, for Judah; blue, an asa crouching beneath its burden, for Issachar; purple, a ship, for Zebulon; yellow, a sword, for Simeon; white, a troop of horsemen, for Gad; green, an ox, for Ephraim; flesh-color, a vine, by the side of a wall, for Manasseh; green, a wolf, for Benjamin; purple, a cup, for Asher; blue, a hind, for Naph- tali; green, an eagle, for Dan.
ASAROTA. A kind of pavement in variegated colors, used by the ancients for floors of temples.
ASIATIC SYSTEM, OB BROTHERS OF ASIA. A Masonic sect with somewhat mystical theories, which arose in Germany about the year 1780. It explained somewhat fancifully the symbols, rites, and words of Freemasonry. There were several degrees, all more or less tinctured with the specula- tions of the Rosicrucians and hermetic Masonry.
ASPIRANT. A seeker of Masonic light, who has applied for admission to the mysteries of the Order, and, having been accepted, is preparing himself for the induction.
ASS. An emblem of stupidity and ignorance. In the Egyptian system it represented the uninitiated, ignorant, and profane.
ASSASSINS. A secret order of Ishmaelites, professing the Mahommedan religion, and yet at heart repudiating all religions. They had a remarkable organization, were noted for their daring bravery, but were still nothing more nor less than a band of plunderers and cut-throats.
ASTROLOGY bears the same relation to astronomy as alchemy does to chemistry. It is the art of reading the future and discovering the destinies of mortals by the stars. Many learned men have been believers in thr art, as Tycho de Brahe and Kepler. It held a high place in the hermetio system of Masonry.
94: ATE— BAH.
ATELIER. French for workshop. In symbolic Masonry it is the name of the Lodge, and also in many of the higher degrees, especially in France and Germany. In the French and Scotch rites it denotes council, tribunal, consistory, college, court, and areopagus.
ATHERSADA. A Persian word meaning the strong hand. This name in the Septuagint is given to the Persian gover- nors of Jerusalem who accompanied Zerubbabel and Nehe- miah. (See Esdr. ii. 63; Neh. vii. 65-70.) In the Order of Heredom of Kilwinning, it was the appellation of the chief of the Order; and in French Masonry it is the official name of the head of a Chapter.
ATHOL MASONS. The seceders from the Grand Lodge of England, in 1739, having assumed the title of " Ancient Masons," and organized a Grand Lodge, elected the Duke of Athol, then Grand Master of Scotland, Grand Master of the new Grand body. Hence they were called Athol Masons.
AZURE. Sky-blue. The appropriate color of the sym- bolic Lodge. A favorite color in heraldry; employed in blazonry.
B.
BAAL. A Hebrew or Canaanitish name signifying lord. The Phoenicians or Sidonians who went into Judea to build Solomon's Temple carried with them the mysteries of Baal represented by the sun, and many of the decorations of the temple referred to his system of worship. The sun was a significant symbol of the Tyrian architects, and also of the Druids, as it is now of the Masonic Brotherhood.
BACHELOR. A low rank of knighthood, yet the most ancient. It does not often appear now except in heraldic description in connection with knightly or social rank. It was originally accounted the first of military dignities, and the foundation of all honors. The word was added to the dignity of knighthood by King Henry III. of England, because the title died with the person to whom it was given, and did not descend to his posterity. It is now conferred indiscriminately on persons in civil or military stations, and may be granted even to a child as soon as he is baptized.
BAHRDT'S RITE. A system of Freemasonry consisting of six degrees, introduced into some of the Lodges of Ger- many by Carl Friedrich Bahrdt, a learned divine, and author of a large number of works on theology, ethics, philology, etc. His system found for a time many adherents, but is not now practiced.
BAL— BAN.
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BALDACHIN. The canopy which is placed over the oriental chair in the Master's Lodge, and also denotes the cov- ering of the Lodge itself, which is a symbol of the star-decked heavens, and a sign of the uni- versality of Freemasonry. In Pritchard's catechism we meet with the following: "What has the Lodge for a covering ? " An- swer : "The vaulted skies of various colors, or the clouds." It is remarked by Klause that the " sense of this beautiful sys- tem of symbols is not well un- derstood. Some think that the primitive Lodge was not cov- ered above, and that the skies were literally its covering; hence
the ceiling of a Lodge-room is generally made to represent the celestial planisphere." The Baldachin, in this sense, is also a symbol of the extent of Freemasonry; for as the skies, with their troops of stars, spread over all regions of the earth, so Freemasonry holds in its embrace all the world, and reaches through all time.
BALUSTER. A small column or pilaster. In the higher degrees of the French system, proclamations and decrees are thus named.
BALUSTRADE. A row of balusters. Although archse- ological researches have failed hitherto to discover this architectural invention among the ruins of ancient buildings, "yet it is difficult to conceive that an arrangement of such obvious utility should be wholly unknown to the architects of antiquity.
BAND. A ribbon worn around the neck of the officers of Grand Lodges, and also of individual Lodges, to which are attached the official jewels. The color of the band differs in different Lodges, but blue is predominant.
BANNER-BEARER. In the high degrees of the French and English systems, a Lodge-officer whose duty is well enough described by the word itself.
BANNERET. 1. A small banner; 2. a justice of the peace; 3. in the Knight-Templar system an officer who, together with the Marshal, led all warlike enterprises; 4. in France
96 BAN— BAT.
and England the word formerly designated an order of knighthood of great dignity. The title is now extinct.
BANQUET. The custom of banqueting after Lodge meet- ings is now very generally abolished in American Lodges, except upon installation nights, or, on the festivals of the Sts. John, on the 24th June and the 27th of December, when social gatherings of the brethren take place similar to the carnival meetings of other bodies. The brethren are en- joined not to convert the hours of recreation and refreshment into that of abuse or intemperance.
BAPHOMET. Among the charges preferred against the Order of the Knights of the Temple was that of worshiping an idol or image called Baphomet. The word is probably a corruption of Mahomet, and the image itself, with its mysti- cal embellishments, was without doubt a cabalistic talisman, which the Templars had brought from the East, and which had some connection with the hermetic philosophy of the Arabians. That it was an object of worship among the members of that Order there is not a shadow of proof.
BAREFEET. Putting off the shoes has a threefold signifi- cation in Scripture. First, it was usual to put them off in token of mourning and grief, as David is said to have gone from Jerusalem barefoot, when he fled from Absalom. Secondly, it signified the yielding of one's right to another, and is so prescribed in Deuteronomy, and matured by Boaz; the third, was a token of respect and reverence, as appears by the command of God to Moses, and the reason assigned for it was that the ground whereon he stood was holy, 01 sanctified by God's immediate presence. See DISCALCEATION.
BASILICA. By this name market-houses and halls oi justice, erected after the fashion of religious edifices and- Christian churches, were called in the middle ages. These buildings were of an oblong rectangular form, with a narrow side suitable for a semicircular niche. Anderson, in his Book of Constitutions, remarks that " Our modern temple las arisen from the Basilica, having the same interior arch."
BATON. A staff or truncheon, about two feet long, gen- erally ornamented or gilt at each end, and the middle envel- oped in a scroll; it is usually carried in the right hand, and is the distinguishing mark or emblem of authority of Mar- shals in Masonic and other processions. The badge of a Marshal in a subordinate Lodge is two cross batons, and that of the Marshal in the Grand Lodge two cross batons encircled in a wreath.
BEA— BRA.
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BEAUSEANT. The name given to the banner which the ancient Knights Templar carried before them to battle. It was divided across the center — the upper half being black, and the lower half white, intended to signify that they were fair and favorable to the friends of Christ, but black and terrible to his enemies. The idea is quite an oriental one, white and black being always used among the Arabs meta- phorically, in the sense above indicated. Their customary sal- utation is, "May your day be white!" — i. e., May you be happy! Beauseant was not merely the name of the banner, but it was also the battle-cry and the most sacred oath of the emplars, in allusion to the seal, whereon two brethren were represented as riding on one horse, which was considered by the order as a " fair seat" — bien scant — that is, as a seal of true fraternal alliance. The seal of this Order was always accompanied with the word Beauseant — both standing in close relationship. It would seem natural, therefore, to refer the word to this token of brotherly love, where two Templars were represented as united in close friendship, and seated on one horse. This device, then, "the fair seat" "beau scant" served as a symbol of intimate union, the word was adopted as their battle-cry and the name of their banner, and finally it formed an appropriate formula of oath, signifying "By the fraternal bond of the Temple Order — Beauseant."
BELLS were the most notable ornaments on the robe of the chief pontiff of the Hebrews. " And it shall be unto Aaron to minister, and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in into the Holy Place before the Lord, and when he cometh out, that he die not."
BORDER. The ornaments of a Lodge are said to be the Mosaic pavement, the indented tessel, and blazing star- The indented tessel represents the beautiful border that embel- lished the outer edges of the Mosaic pavement^ This border consisted of small stones of various colors, artistically arranged, so as to produce the most pleasing effect.
BRAHMINS. The members of the priestly caste in Hin- dostan are thus named. They are a well educated class, for the most part, and many among them are distinguished foT
98
BRA — BRE.
learning. In this respect they are superior to many of the missionaries who have been sent there to convert them. They were early celebrated for their attainments in philoso- phy and science, and their ideas have entered largely into the various philosophical systems of the West.
BRASSART. A piece of armor worn by the Knights Templar, to protect the upper part of the arm, from the elbow to the shoulder.
BREASTPLATE. A splendid piece of ornamental em- broidered cloth, of the same material of which the ephod was made, ten inches square, and worn by the Jewish High-
Priest on his breast, when dressed in full sacerdotal vest- ments. The front was set with twelve precious stones, in golden sockets, arranged in four rows, three in each row, on
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each of which was engraved the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. On the first row a sardius, red, for Judah; a topaz, pale green, for Issachar; an emerald, green, for Zeb- ulon; on the second row a carbuncle, deep red, for Reuben; a sapphire, deep blue, for Simeon ; a jasper, green, clouded with white, for Gad; on the third row, a ligure, dull red, for Ephraim; an agate, gray, spotted with different colors, for Manasseh; an amethyst, purple, for Benjamin; on the fourth row a chrysolite, pale green, for Dan; an onyx, bluish white, for Asher; a beryl, bluish green, for Naphtali. The breast- plate was double, or composed of two pieces, forming a kind of purse or bag, in which, according to the learned rabbins, the Urirn and Thummim (Light and Truth), were inclosed. It was fastened at the four corners, those at the top to each shoulder, and a golden ring at the end of a wreathed chain; those below, to the girdle of the ephod, by four blue ribbons, two at each corner. This ornament was never to be severed from the priestly garments; and it was called the "Memo- rial," being designed to remind the priest how dear those tribes should be to him whose names he bore upon his heart. It was also named " the Breastplate of Judgment, because it was believed that by it was discovered the judg- ment and the will of God, or because the high-priest who wore it was revered as the fountain of justice, and put it on when he exercised his judicial capacity in matters of great importance, which concerned the whole nation.
BRIDGE. In the higher degrees of Freemasonry the Bridge has a Masonic u.->e, and is an important symbol.
BROTHERLY KISS. At the close of their meetings the first Christians were accustomed to kiss each other; this took place also at the holy evening banquet — agape — of the com- munity of brothers and sisters. To this practice the Apostles Paul and Peter refer in their epistles: "Greet each other with the holy kiss" — "philsmate agio," Rom. xvi., 16, 1 Pet. v., 14. This holy kiss, as a sign or token of brotherly love, is found likewise as a venerable custom in many Lodges, particularly in Europe, where the Master greets with a kiss each newly-initiated member.
BROTHERS OF THE BRIDGE. A charitable and reli- gious Brotherhood, which arose in the south of France in the mediaeval age, the members of which devoted themselves to the work of building bridges, roads, hospitals, the maintain- ing ferries, and otherwise providing for the comfort and protection of travelers and pilgrims. Two bridges, in par- ticular, are mentioned as having been constructed by tkem;
100 BUR— BYL.
that of " Bon-Pas," three miles from Avignon, and the bridge over the Rhone, "Pont-St. -Esprit," in the department ol Gard, which was commenced Aug. 21, 1265. Pope Clement