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

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Chapter 6 - Peculiarities of Masonic Language
the test of the Great Grand Master of the Universe shall be clothed in the
garments of Immortality, and be permitted to enter that Lodge where He
forever sitteth in the East." 1169 Other Masonic metaphors compare heaven to
the lodge (earthly lodge versus celestial lodge) or to the Sanctum Sanctuorum of
King Solomon's temple, for example "Celestial Lodge above," 1170 or "Holy of
Holies above," 1171 the corresponding diction of Royal Arch Masonry.
A beautiful Masonic metaphor states that the "trestleboard" of the Mason's
life is a record read by God at the death of the Mason to show whether he was
good or bad:
[...] when at last it shall please the Grand Master of the universe to
summon us into his eternal presence, may the trestle-board of our whole
lives pass such inspection that it may be given unto each of us to 'eat of
the hidden manna,' and to receive the 'white stone with a new name'
[...]." 1172
The white stone with the sacred name on it is the symbol of Mark Masonry,
and he who finds it finds divine truth. The pot of manna, as will be shown in the
ritual of the Royal Arch Degree, was hid in the Ark of the Covenant.
In Sickels' The General Ahiman Rezon, there is another expression for God,
seeing him as the supreme judge at judgement day: "And when your trembling
soul stands free and alone before the Great White Throne, may it be your
portion, oh, my brother, to hear from Him, who sitteth as the Judge Supreme,
the welcome words: [...]." 1173
6.14 Numbers
This section deals with the symbolic character of numbers in Freemasonry.
Why do Masons knock one time on the door in one degree, and three times in
another? Why are there three "great lights" (Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty)?
Why do Masons have a special rhythm in their toasting and drinking
ceremonies? Why are "batteries" (clapping of hands, glasses, rods, or swords)
and acclamations given three times? Why is the candidate led three times
through the lodge room? The explanation concerning the number three is in
Masonic dictionary dated 1869:
A sacred number in Freemasonry, with which all labour is commenced
and finished. This number reminds us of the three great lights, the three
1169 Quoted in Myler, p. 640.
1170 Duncan, p. 132.
1171 Cf. Ritual of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of California, p. 117.
1172 Simons, p. 179.
1173 Sickels, p. 67.