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The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

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226<br />

Chapter 4 - Signs & Symbols<br />

<strong>The</strong> Anchor is a no less significant symbol, and like the ark,<br />

contemplates the shadowy and stormy side <strong>of</strong> life. It has always been<br />

recognized as an emblem <strong>of</strong> Hope [...]. [...] And when the shadows <strong>of</strong><br />

the Supreme Hour gather around him, and he hears, coming nearer and<br />

nearer, the dashing <strong>of</strong> the waves on the Eternal Shore, he falters not nor<br />

fears. Hope, the Anchor <strong>of</strong> the soul, is sure and steadfast, and far<br />

through the grim shadows, and over the dark ocean, opens a track <strong>of</strong><br />

golden splendors, and unfolds glimpses <strong>of</strong> the glory to come. 649<br />

4.6.13 <strong>The</strong> Sword & Heart; the Sword & Book<br />

<strong>of</strong> Constitutions<br />

In <strong>Freemasonry</strong>, the Sword pointing to a naked heart "[d]emonstrates that<br />

justice will sooner or later overtake us," 650 because even if our thoughts, words,<br />

and deeds may be hidden from the eyes <strong>of</strong> men, the All-Seeing Eye looks deep<br />

into the human heart. In the Third Degree, the sword appears in another<br />

constellation, together with the Book <strong>of</strong> Constitutions. This time, the arm is<br />

defined as the Tyler's sword, who is the watchman guarding the outer door <strong>of</strong> the<br />

lodge. According to the Virginia Text Book, this symbol "[r]eminds us that we<br />

should ever be watchful and guarded in our words and actions, particularly when<br />

before the enemies <strong>of</strong> Masonry; ever bearing in remembrance those truly<br />

Masonic virtues, silence and circumspection." 651<br />

649 Simons, p. 139/140.<br />

650 Dove, p. 125.<br />

651 Ibid.

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