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

Chapter 7 - Rituals 611
partly in clouds, and that there remains much to learn: "[i]t teaches us that as
light is dispersing those clouds, so may our light aid in dissipating the ignorance
which yet obscures those true relations that bind man to his Creator and to his
fellow-man." (p. 131, in a footnote quoted from Grosh's Manual). Thus, the Odd
Fellows interpret their mission of advancing knowledge through their fraternal
order.
On the other hand, there is the "Globe in Full Light," an emblem of the
regenerated world, as beheld in the Creator's purpose: "By contrast with the
world in clouds, it reminds us of the world as it is, with the world as it should be,
and of our solemn duty to 'go on,' and still 'onward,' under such guidance as will
bring us through all darkness, temptation and trial, to light, and virtue, and
victory, at last." (p. 131, in a footnote quoted from Grosh's Manual).
The Ark of the Covenant is an emblem of the presence of God, and is also
employed in Freemasonry. In Odd Fellowship, it is a reminder of the tables of
stone upon which the ten commandments were written, that were placed in the
ark. This symbol denotes that, as the prosperity of the Israelites depended upon
their observance of the ten commandments, so the happiness of the Odd Fellows
depends upon the observance of their laws (cf. p. 133).
The Serpent, depicted together with a rod, commonly known as a medical
symbol (caduceus), represents as an emblem of wisdom the brazen serpent
erected by Moses to heal the Israelites bitten by poisonous serpents in order to
chastise them for their sins. Thus, as an ancient symbol of wisdom connected
with healing, it also denotes salvation. It figures among the Odd Fellow symbols
to indicate the necessity of wise caution, which shall protect their mysteries from
disclosure (cf. p. 133). The emblem is further meant to guide the brethren in the
proper regulation of life and conduct.