Cable Tow
A cable tow is a rope or line for drawing or leading. Symbolically,
it represents the covenant by which all Masons are bound.
Cabul - sterile
As an expression of appreciation for the assistance given him
in the building of the Temple by Hiram, King of Tyre, Solomon
presented to him a district in northern Galilee containing twenty
small towns. The area was barren and quite poor. Hiram gave to
the district the name "Cabal," meaning "displeasing."
Cardinal Points
East represents Wisdom; West, strength; South, beauty; North,
darkness.
Cardinal Virtues
These are the pre-eminent or principal virtues of which all others
hinge. As set forth in the Entered Apprentice Degree, they are
Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice.
Carnality
Freemasonry recognizes the fact that man has certain fleshly appetites
which are natural to humanity, and admits their satisfaction in
a temperate measure through legitimate channels (marriage). Yet,
Freemasonry teaches moderation, self-control, temperateness, regularity,
and lawfulness in all carnal desires and relations.
Cedars of Lebanon
Among the finest and most perfect cedars ever known in history
of the world were those of Lebanon. Through his alliance with
Hiram, King of Tyre, Solomon secured cedars from these mountains
for use in construction of the Temple.
Chambers
In the erection of King Solomon's Temple, a series of chambers
were built on three sides of the Temple (north, south and west).
This building against the wall of the Temple were three stories
high (30 feet). These small chambers were used for Temple offices
and for storage.
Charge
Among the most beautiful and forceful features of the work of
Masonry are the solemn and exacting charges given to the candidate
as he advances from one Degree to another.
Charity - acts of inward love
The three great cardinal virtues are Faith, Hope and Love. Charity
as an act of genuine, heart-felt love is so closely related that
it is sometimes employed in the place of Love, and is regarded
as one of the three great cardinal virtues. Charity in its various
implications and forms of action hold a high place in the life
of every Freemason.
Chasity - purity in sexual relations
Freemasonry stands uncompromisingly for the purity of womanhood
and for the protection of a woman's chastity. Sacred obligations
with respect to certain phases of chastity have been assumed by
every Mason, and he is bound in honor and under severe penalties
to keep untainted these obligations.
Citizenship
Perhaps no institution or organization has contributed more to
good citizenship than Freemasonry. Democratic principles, good
government, freedom of conscience and civic liberty have always
been championed by Masons. Many of the world's great patriots
and statesmen of all nations have been members of the Fraternity.
Loyalty to one's government, faithfulness in all the duties of
citizenship, and active support of public institutions are demanded
throughout all the rituals of Freemasonry.
Clay Ground
The use of this term in Masonic work is based on the fact that
a special clay found only in the Jordan Valley was used in casting
the two great pillars, called Boaz and Jachin, which stood before
the Great Porch of Solomon's Temple. This same clay was also used
for casting ornaments and vessels used in the Temple.
Clods of the Valley
This term is used in Masonic ritual in its Biblical meaning and
signifies the sweetness of rest for the dead of the Lord.
Clothing
It has always been the custom among all peoples for designated
officers, leaders, and people of rank to wear special regalia
or a particular type of clothing which indicates a person's official
position. Based on this custom and upon Biblical examples, and
for reasons of dignity and beauty, Masons follow this practice.
Column
Three columns are employed to signify the supports of a Lodge;
the columns of Wisdom, Strength and Beauty.
Communication
A Masonic Lodge meeting is called a "communication"
because it dates back to the earliest meaning of the word -- the
having of things in common, the fellowship of men engaged in a
common purpose, governed by a common principle, and participation
in common interests and activities.
Compasses
The compasses are emblems of virtue, the true and holy measure
of a Mason's life and conduct.
Contention Among Brethren
Whenever and wherever men are grouped together for any purpose
or a brotherhood is formed, differences of opinion will arise,
conflicting interests will present themselves and the spirit of
true brotherhood can be threatened. Among Freemasons, every effort
must be put forth to prevent such circumstances from producing
contention. Masons can agree to disagree.
Cornerstone
This is usually the stone that lies at the corner of two wall
of building in which certain historic documents are placed and
on which historic inscriptions are engraved. In Masonic buildings,
it is always placed at the northeast corner, and this position
is preferred in buildings for which Masons perform the cornerstone-laying
ceremony. Beautiful and meaningful symbolisms are associated with
the laying of cornerstones as a dedication to the one living Great
Architect of the Universe.
Covenant of Masons
A covenant is a contract or agreement between two or more parties
on certain terms. In becoming a Mason, a man enters into a covenant
with the Fraternity, agreeing to fulfill certain promises and
perform certain duties. On the other hand, the Fraternity and
its members bind themselves to certain ties of friendship, brotherliness,
protection support and benefits. The breaking of a covenant is
subject to stated penalties.
Cowan
This is strictly a Masonic term; it means an intruder, and is
used especially of an eavesdropper. He is a person who seeks the
secrets and benefits of Freemasonry in a clandestine manner.
Craftsmen
The term "craft" applies to persons collectively engaged
in a trade or mechanical operation. It is used of operative Masons
and the vast number of men employed in the building of the Temple
are referred to as Craftsmen. In speculative Masonry, the entire
Fraternity is spoken of as the Craft, whereas individual members
are Craftsmen.
Creation
Freemasonry recognizes Jehovah as God and as the Great Architect
of the Universe, the creator of all things, both material and
spiritual. And it accepts the account of Creation given in the
Book of Genesis and confirmed by other Scriptures. To a Mason,
earth and the heavens declare the Glory of God.
Cubit
The sacred cubit is 36 inches; the profane cubit is 18 inches.
Darkness to Light
Physical darkness is symbolic of ignorance and of spiritual blindness.
Applicants for the enlightenment of Freemasonry are, of course,
in total ignorance of the rituals and symbolisms of the Order.
They are, hence, required to enter the Lodge in complete darkness.
They are in search of Light, and this is given to them as they
advance through the several Degrees of Masonry.
David
David was the youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem who was chosen
and anointed to become the successor of Saul as King of Israel
while only a lad and shepherd of his father's flocks. He served
King Saul as a musician, later as a military leader of some genius,
bravery, and great heroism. However, he was bitterly persecuted
by the King because of his jealousies. At the age of thirty, David
was anointed King at Hebron and later established his throne at
Jerusalem. He reigned forty years and was permitted by God to
make extensive preparations for the building of the Temple which
was later erected by his son and successor, Solomon. He was forbidden
by to build the Temple because he was a warrior while his son,
Solomon, would be a man of peace.
Day
From the beginning, the period of twenty-four hours embracing
one season of light and one of darkness has been regarded as a
day. Among the ancients, the day began at sunset and ended at
sunset the next day instead of running from midnight to midnight.
Deacons
In every Masonic Lodge there are two officers called Senior and
Junior Deacons. Their duties comprehend general surveillance over
the Lodge, the introduction of visitors, and to serve as proxy
for the Worshipful Master in certain circumstances.
Death
The Masonic idea of death is accompanied with no gloom, because
it is represented on as physical sleep for an unknown period of
time, from which there will be an awakening of the body and a
resurrection of a spiritual body capable and fitted for eternal
life. From beginning to end, the rituals of Freemasonry teach
and symbolize the doctrine of man's immortality and repudiate
every iota of the doctrine of annihilation at death. In Masonic
philosophy, death is the symbol of initiation completed, in which
the resurrection of the body will be its final consummation.
Decalogue
The Ten Commandments.
Desires Shall Fail
This quotation is used in its figurative significance, referring
to the fact that in the infirmities of old age men are no longer
concerned about the carnal and secular things of the earth.
Destruction of the Temple
The Temple built by Solomon underwent many defamations and was
several times stripped of its golden adornments and treasures,
sometimes by foreign attacks and sometimes by Judean kings for
payments of tribute. These were judgments sent upon the nation
for apostasies. The final destruction of the Temple was the burden
of many prophecies and took place as predicted by God under the
onslaughts of the armies of Nebuchadnezzar (586 B.C.).
Dew of Hermon
The dews of Mount Hermon, and of Palestine in general, were sources
of irrigation, fertilization and refreshment for vegetation and
agricultural growth. The phrase is employed as a symbolic expression
of the bedewing influences of Divine Grace.
Distressed Worthy Brother
To go to the aid of a distressed worthy Brother is not only the
aid of every Mason, but is solemnly enjoined by Holy Writ. Masons
believe and practice the Bible's edict of "we are our Brother's
keeper."
Doors Shall Be Shut
The expression, "The doors shall be shut in the street when
the sound of the grinding is low" refers to the decrepitude
of old age.
Dotage
An old man in his dotage is one whose fruit has ripened and rotted,
who has suffered the loss of judgment and memory, and is in that
state of intellectual decrepitude which makes him incapable of
comprehending the lessons of Freemasonry.
Dust to Dust (or Dust To Earth)
Man's body was made from the earth and must return to dust in
one form or another. The use of this phrase points to the mortality
and frailty of the physical being and to the need of recognizing
the immortality of the spirit of man.
Emblem of Innocence
Throughout the Holy Scriptures, the lamb is used as an emblem
of innocence, and the white leather lambskin apron is regarded
as an emblem of purity after which Masons ever strive for in life.
Eternal Life
The immortality of the soul is a fundamental dogma of Freemasonry.
Hence, the faith and belief in eternal life beyond the grave.
The doctrine of a future resurrection of the body is also a tenet
of Freemasonry.
Evergreen
In Masonry, the evergreen is used as a symbol of the immortality
of the soul.
Faithful Servant
The faithful servant is one who is diligent in his stewardship,
dutiful to his master and loyal in the face of temptation and
trial.
Fatherhood of Good
Masonry believes that man is the offspring of God by creation,
that God made mankind all of one blood and that God is, by virtue
of His creation of man and of His goodness to man, man's Father.
Fears Shall Be In The Way
This phrase describes the failing of courage of old age, the nervous
and excited state of mind natural to declining man.
Flight to Joppa
The story of Jonah's flight to Joppa in his effort to escape a
Divinely-entrusted responsibility and service for God is strikingly
used in Masonic ritual.
Foreign Country
This expression, which is employed of the travels of Master Masons
of the operative class following the completion of the Temple
in search of labor and for wages, is correctly understood by few
who hear it. In its symbolic meaning, it does not refer to the
activities of those who have completed the Master Degree. Hence,
Heaven is the "foreign country" into which Master Masons
travel, where the True Word, not given in this life, is to be
received, and where the Master Mason is to receive his wages.
Fortitude
The importance and essential value of this virtue of true manhood
for Masons is enforced by the use of the story of unfaltering
courage and faith of the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace
and by Daniel's bravery in the lion's den.
Foundation
The deeply laid and solid foundation of the Temple strikingly
symbolizes the necessity for a good foundation in the building
of character and in life's vocations.
Free
The origin of the use of the term "free" in speculative
Masonry is in the fact that the operative Masons who worked on
King Solomon's Temple were exempted from imposts, duties and taxes
as were their descendants. They were, therefore, declared to be
"free."
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© 1998. Missouri Masonic Lodge of Research. All rights reserved.