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

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Chapter 6 - Peculiarities of Masonic Language
are the "silk stocking lodges," which are composed of conceited brethren who
make up the elite of a certain area: "Masonry, being a human institution, must
necessarily at times partake of the nature of the foibles of human nature. Hence
there are, here and there, 'silk stocking' lodges, with very large initiation fees
and unduly heavy dues, to which only those who 'belong' are really
welcome." 1154
The following category contains metaphors that are used in connection with
tenets and rules of Freemasonry. One of these laws is that Masons are forbidden
to talk with profanes about internal lodge affairs. Especially if something went
wrong, it is of no concern to the outer world. It is a matter of secrecy. One
Masonic writer has expressed this idea using the metaphor of "dirty linen" that
should not be waved in front of an un-Masonic audience: "Never talk lodge
matters over with the profane [...]. The 'dirty linen' which all lodges must
wash once in a while when some member makes a bitter mistake, is not to be
aired in public." 1155
Now, we shall proceed to general and fixed Masonic metaphors, such as for
God, death, heaven, and the last judgement day:
6.13.1 God
We have already met with the expression "Great Architect of the
Universe," which is the English standard Masonic denomination for God.
However, there exist slight variations of this form, sometimes due to the
different degrees, in accordance with the there used phraseology. Mostly, high
Masonic officers' names are used to refer to God, such as Master, Warden, etc.,
often in combination with the adjective "Grand." Thus, one of God's other names
is "Grand Artificer of the Universe," as quoted by Simons in his manual: "By it
[i.e. geometry], we discover the power, wisdom and goodness of the GRAND
ARTIFICER of the universe and view with delight the proportions which
connect this vast machine." 1156 In the same line is the expression "Divine
Artist." 1157 A strange term, obviously pseudo-Hebraic, is quoted in TRMC:
"Algabil. - A name of God, signifying the Builder [...]." 1158 Another expression
is "Grand Master of the Universe," also quoted from the same source: "[...] when
at last it shall please the Grand Master of the universe to summon us into his
eternal presence [...]." 1159 A climax of this is "Supreme Grand Master": "Then let
us imitate the good man in his virtuous conduct [...], that we may welcome the
grim tyrant Death, and receive him as a kind messenger from our Supreme
1154 Ibid, p. 106.
1155 Cf. Simons, p. 92.
1156 Ibid, p. 93. Bold print added. For the same expression, see Sickels, p. 155.
1157 Sickels, p. 155. Cf. also Dove, p. 114.
1158 TRMC, p. 30. Bold print added.
1159 Simons, p. 179. Bold print added.