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

5. Technical Terminology
Chapter 5 - Technical Terminology 261
True Word
Used in contradistinction to the Lost Word and the Substitute Word. To
find it is the object of all Masonic search and labor. For as the Lost
Word is the symbol of death, the True Word is the symbol of life
eternal. It indicates the change that is always occurring - truth after
error, light after darkness, life after death. Of all the symbolism of
Speculative Masonry, that of the True Word is the most philosophic and
sublime. 736
This book deals with words. There appear many words in Freemasonry that
remain incomprehensible to the non-Mason. Even the word "word" has several
denotations (see quotation above) and constitutes the very sense or quest of
Freemasonry. In order to resolve the mystery of the technical terms that form this
"universal language," the whole context has to be inspected. Therefore, this
paper also discusses the history, culture, and customs of Freemasonry.
In Masonry many terms are derived from the operative craft of stonemasonry,
and also from other fields like the Bible, nature, and chivalry (which lent to
Freemasonry its pompous titles of officers and ranks, as well as its peculiar
vocabulary of table lodges). These terms have acquired a figurative meaning,
that will be illustrated in the following sections. The vocabulary terms are
organized into nine general categories: Architectural; Behaviour, Customs, and
Proceedings; Biblical; Books; Elements and Nature; Finances; Mock
Expressions; Names of Persons and Institutions; and Transcendental
Expressions. Whithin each category the terms are presented in numbered lists.
For terms that are self-explanatory, the sources where they are explained are
added in footnotes. Other terms, which need a more specific analysis, are
explained in sub-points.
5.1 Architectural Terms
Thus shall we show to all the world the benign influence of Masonry, as
wise, true, and faithful brethren before us have done from the beginning of
time; and as all who shall follow us and would be thought worthy of that
name will do, till architecture shall be dissolved, with the great fabric of the
world, in the last general conflagration. 737
736 MD, p. 673.
737 Dove, p. 34.