The Philalethes

JAMES MONROE CLIFT, who was named a Life Fellow of the Philalethes Society a short time ago, was unable to enjoy the privileges of that honor, having passed away at his home in Richmond, Virginia, on October 16, 1954, before he could be notified of his election.

As Grand Secretary and Grand Secretary Emeritus of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, he made many and valuable contributions to Masonry during his lifetime, in particular as the Fraternal Correspondent of that Grand Lodge.

Nothing expresses his humility and comprehension of the task assigned to him more than his foreword in 1928 (Grand Lodge of Virginia, PROCEEDINGS 1928), when he assumed the task of writing the Foreign Correspondence. He said then:

"Observation has disclosed that nearly all youngsters who step into the company of distinguished writers . . . set forth the claim that they write primarily with the purpose in view to please and enlighten . . . I plead guilty to . . . both counts. Probably the idea that guided the Grand Master to designate me . . . was that he believed that I knew in part at least, something about Virginia Masonry".

Coroneted a thirty-third degree Mason October 25, 1901, he was more than 54 years so honored. It is with regret that we record his passing.

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FELLOWS' MASTERPIECES ARE DUE

ON BEING ACCEPTED as a FELLOW of the Philalethes Society, it became incumbent upon each one so-honored to submit his MASTERPIECE, or thesis, for publication in THE PHILALETHES. It is hoped that all of our Fellows who have not already done so, will submit a Masterpiece at the earliest possible time, that we may continue to have individual literary contributions for our readers. Don't put it off! w rite it NOW!!

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Success is full of promise until men get it; and then it is a last year's nest, from which the bird has flown.

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The Meaning of Symbols

By ARTHUR C. PARKER, Sc.D., F.P.S., (Life)

THE RITUALS OF FREEMASONRY are replete with allusions to symbols. When we ask, "What are Signs?" or repeat a definition that ends, "veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols", we touch upon one of the most vital factors affecting the mind of man.

There is often confusion between precise functions of signs and symbols and the difference between them. Once the difference is clear, however, we become aware of the true secret of human development intellectually, and we see the torch which has lighted the path of the human soul as it marched toward the Great Light of the Universe, struggling in the tangled symbolism it had created to explain that Light.

Signs may be gestures, disturbances of the natural order that to the senses indicate their origin or purpose. To a hound a rabbit's track or scent is the sign of a rabbit near by. The senses or muscular responses react to signs.

Symbols are something far different. They may be totally unlike the object or action agreed upon as the goal of what is meant. The Cross or the Seal of Solomon are symbols, but in no way do they indicate the depth of meaning intended to be drawn from them. We must educate others before they know, thereby passing on the meaning agreed upon. Sometimes the meaning is forgotten, as in the instance of certain symbols found on ancient monuments. The rabbit's track and smell is not forgotten by the dogs of any generation, because they educe the identical physical response. Reaction to the symbol on the other hand is intellectual or emotional and must be taught by means of other symbols.

With mankind, most teaching, and indeed most communication of ideas, is facilitated by means of symbols. Languages are highly complex systems of pictorial or phonetic symbols. Speaking words and writing them is symbolizing, and so is most thinking. Every letter in any language is a symbol, every vowel sound used in speaking is a symbol. Symbols linked together in numerous combinations and groupings of these combinations of vocal or graphic expressions, constitute the words by which the human mind, almost instantly, both receives impressions of ideas, and responds in a steady flow of similar combinations. Talking (or writing) is symbolizing.

So important are symbols in resolving concepts, that they may be used to indicate realities that are beyond the senses; that is, abstract ideas, such as space, time, God, eternity, good, evil, and mathematical expressions. Such words are symbols of the mind's awareness of something beyond its sight or even explanation

It is the lightning-like interaction of systems of phonetic and graphic symbols that lifts man far above animals, however similar their physical organization or chemistry. None of the lower creatures has the power to invent, modify or transmit a language. Natural signs are not the foundation of language, but may only stimulate instinctive responses, by suggestion or association. The animal does not name them.

A child is born without language and must be taught. Until it learns by parental care that things and actions have names it only "thinks" like an animal. Helen Keller tells what a revelation it was to discover that things had names. Though her tutor had often pressed a sign language upon her hand, it was not until she realized that all sources of stimuli and all objects reactions and emotions had names that her human intelligence began to function. It then began its symbolizing. Her mind developed rapidly thereafter and her soul awakened to a search for truths.

When Samuel F.B. Morse tapped out his code over the wire he was transmitting a set of agreed-upon symbols. Groups of humanity having common tongues and cemented by common religious, social or economic systems are regarded as races or nations. They transmit their ideas by word-symbols and rear their young to feel that their language is a natural thing. Yet, the origin and evolution of languages proves that they are artificial and arbitrary systems of transmitting thought, and that the system must be learned before response becomes well nigh automatic.

Thus, Masonry touches a deep spring when it stresses symbols, and extracts from each which it treasures, the utmost meaning. Listen to the admission of this when it is said of symbols " . . . which we are taught to use for more noble and glorious purposes."

The views here expressed stem from the researches of famous anthropologists and from experimental psychologists, working in our great universities. Yet not all is explained. We must ask a further question: How is it that man alone has the faculty of symbolizing? What Cosmic architect built man to receive this mind-awakening attribute? There is but one Architect.

We find his name expressed by a letter between the Square and Compasses. It is a symbol of the ultimate in the universe.

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It is with genuine sorrow that the announcement is made of the death on January 1, 1955, of Dr. ARTHUR CASWELL PARKER, F.P.S. LIFE, at his home in Naples New York.

Our Brother was an outstanding Mason, a learned and devoted scientist, and a prolific and interesting writer about Indian lore and traditions. He had expressed to the Editor, his desire to make further contributions to the pages of the Philalethes, and was extremes interested in the work and welfare of the Society.

It is probable that the article on this page, written by Brother Parker, is the last Masonic writing he ever did. In his letter of appreciation for the honor of being made a Life Fellow of the Philalethes Society, he outlined several topics upon which he was writing, indicating that the Philalethes would have a continued supply of material from his facile pen. Suitable Memorial to Brother Parker will appear in the next issue of the Philalethes.

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Chat and Comment

News, achievements and items of interest about our Fellows and Members - Discussion and comment on Mutual Topics.

REGINALD V. HARRIS, F.P.S., has been honored by the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of Canada, by being made an ACTIVE Member of that Supreme Council. He has been working in Masonry for many years, is a Past Grand Master of Nova Scotia, and present Grand Secretary of that jurisdiction.

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A POEM BY MILFORD SHIELDS, M.P.S., and Poet-Laureate of Colorado, was the inspiration for the title of a new book by Syngman Rhee, Korea's President. The poem - "Korea Flaming High," was written in 1953, and dedicated to Rhee, who wrote the author a personal letter of appreciation.

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SAM HARRIS, P.G.M. of Alberta, and M.P.S., was recently honored by being named General Grand Captain of the Guard of the General Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters, an event which took place just a short time after his election and coronation as a Thirty-third degree Mason by the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite in Canada. Brother Harris is the editor of the "Grand Lodge Bulletin" of the Grand Lodge of Alberta.

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DR. WILLIAM MOSELEY BROWN, F.P.S., during his recent visit to Europe, was awarded the GRAND DUCAL ORDER OF THE OAK WREATH, from the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, as a token of appreciation for his fine work as Commander of the Buchenwald Concentration Camp, after its liberation from the Germans.

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CLIFFORD W. PARKIN, M.P.S., North Hatley, Quebec, Canada, writes: "I particularly enjoyed your editorial "Merry Christmas." I would like to see December 24 established as "Santa Claus Day" to allow separation of the occasion for giving presents (an opportunity for general exhuberation) from that of celebrating the anniversary of the birth of Jesus. December 24 would then be a festival of "good will" and "good cheer," while December 25 would allow a quiet celebration of a great religious event."

ANY COMMENTS, readers?

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WYLIE B. WENDT, 2344 Emerson Avenue, Louisville, Ky., writes about an article in the OCTOBER issue of THE PHILALETHES by D. R. Lane, of Oakland, as follows: "On page 12, second column, the first complete paragraph in the article "The Carpenter's Theorem," is the statement 'second, the 47th Problem provided the Egyptians with the angle at which the sides of the pyramids are inclined, namely, 52 degrees: (I am unable to go along with this) ' . . . 'in that single exception (quoting again from the article) the angle is 53 degrees . . . the error amounts to only eight minutes of arc, which surely indicates 52 degrees was the goal at which they aimed'.... In my opinion, the angle 53d 08" is the angle aimed at, and not 52 degrees, as stated by the author." Here is a chance for some of the mathematicians to get their heads together and do some arguing.

HENRY W. COIL, M.P.S., Box 512, Riverside, California, writes, relative to the same article by D.R. Lane in the October PHILALETHES MAGAZINE: "The article by D.R. Lane in the October Philalethes reminds me that, when my house (frame) was built in 1937, the carpenters squared the corners of the foundation (concrete) by using the 47th Problem. In the erection of larger edifices in the business districts, I am sure the lines would be run and corners turned with the transit. So, I doubt that the 47th Problem can be said to belong to one craft more than another.

Brother Coil goes on to elaborate on his idea, and it may be that these two Members of the Society can get together for a discussion.

Brother David R. Lane can be reached at 115 Oxford Street, Berkeley 7, California. Does anyone else have any comments about this matter of angles and degrees? Discussion is always interesting.

JEROME A. Moss, M.P.S., Liberty, Missouri, writing about "Christmas," says: "I would like to quote John Greenleaf Whittier, 'The outward symbols disappear from him whose inward sight is clear, and small must be the choice of days, to him that keeps them each with praise. Keep while thou may, Brother mine, with honest zeal your Christmas sign, but judge not him who every morn, feels in his heart the risen Christ born' . . . seems like Mr. Whittier caught the vision of the Christ . . .". Another thought for some of our readers to ponder and make comment.

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LAWTON E. MEYER, F.P.S., our Executive Secretary, comments that in the article in the December issue of the PHILALETHES by a Past Grand Master who speaks of the fraternization of the Masons from the "Mayflower" with the Indians being prohibited because the Indians practiced Cernauism, probably meant that these same Indians were of the "Prince Hall" variety. What about it, Brother Past Grand Master, who wrote the article? Personally, we are open to conviction .

Several of our Fellows and Members assigned to the task of gathering the material for the articles on THE VIGILANTES, have written to say that they are already busy on the task assigned, and that by the middle of the year, the data should be compiled and ready for publication. We look forward with much pleasure to this accomplishment, and urge any who are willing to do so, to join in the search for new material and information.

Comments, discussion and material for discussion are welcome for this page. - THE EDITOR.

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Knights Templars

Commanderies of Templars consist of two orders, Knight of the Red Cross, and Knight Templar, to which is sometimes added Knight of Malta, although this is not a regular Templar order.

Templarism is not Freemasonry, but its orders are conferred on none but Royal Arch Masons who believe in the Christian religion.

Masonic Templarism is a modern institution founded on the Knights Templars of which James de Molay was the last Grand Master elected in the year 1297, and suffered death by torture rather than betray his trust. - The Masonic Tribune

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The Three Steps and Their Attributes

BY WILLIAM A. THAANUM, M.P.S.

Billings, Montana

WE HAVE KNOCKED at the door and after satisfactory interrogation, have been admitted to the Entered Apprentice ceremony.

Having also given proper assurance of our understanding and proficiency, we were passed on to the Fellow Craft and the middle chamber. Then, having exhibited further knowledge, we were raised to the rank of a Master Mason. Having followed this procedure, we are now presumed to be well-informed, and privileged to take part in Masonic relations wherever dispersed. We entered upon this journey because, if we could attain to the stature of those who had travelled before us, we had evidence of great benefits to be gained. We embarked of our own free will and accord. having sought the permission of fellow travellers to accompany them, willing to share in the burdens for the privilege of receiving part of the rights and benefits. We but dimly understood where our journey would lead us and we entered upon it, blind and helpless, relying on the helping hand of a friend to guide us. Possibly but little impression was made on us by our three steps, since our single objective was to receive the honor, be admitted to the society and entitled to the respect and endorsement, which the outside world freely acknowledges due our members. Many, but possibly too few, travel this journey with much greater reward in understanding the meaning of the landmarks and places of beauty, strength and establishment, which mark every step of the way. May we submit to our readers one of the many facets of each of the three steps.

When we first approached the outer door, we were in a situation similar to our entry upon our span of life, into which we came in a state of blind helplessness, but containing within the embryo the undeveloped heritage of characteristics transmitted to us by the union of man and woman from the beginning of time. However, on our launching into life, we had no choice. Any plan contributing to our birth was not of our devising, but conceived upon the trestle board of the Omnipotent Creator. That wise plan prepared for our reception by implanting, inherent in those to whose care we were consigned, an enduring affection. An affection that, from the day we first saw light, enveloped us in its tender care, nurtured our needs, provided us with shelter and guided us in our development through the incidents of childhood on to adolescence. An affection on which we could rely for its fidelity and which, we learned to know, would endure, always ready to help in time of trouble. Sustained by this enduring affection throughout the formative years, the environment so created and the guiding influence so firmly established moulded our personality, agreeable to the plan conceived by those in whose charge we were placed. In the favorable climate of such an enduring affection, there developed the dignity of man, his aspirations to higher and better things. Here, too, extending its influence beyond the immediate family to encompass men of all families, has the brotherhood of man blossomed and bloomed. From such an enduring affection has come the will to help, aid and assist in time of trouble, those upon whom has fallen the burden of sickness. want or misfortune. The bonds, by which man pledges fidelity to man, uniting them into a band of friends and brothers facing in union their common hazards, in union promoting the good of each and all, would not be binding except by the grace of enduring affection. If, from our journey along the path to Light, we gain nothing more than being admitted into the privilege of equally sharing and showing enduring affection, which is the attribute of all who follow that path surely we are amply repaid.

But, as we continue to travel and the passing years bring us from youth to manhood, we move on from the Entered Apprentice and Enduring Affection to the second step, to grow in spiritual and mental capacities. Here we no longer rely on the guiding hand to which we were entrusted in the beginning. Here we are no longer as a novice, strange and on unknown footing, but as one among our equals, we go forward with confidence. Here we accept our responsibilities and become workmen entitled to our wages. Here we direct our energies towards the attainment of useful knowledge, that we may have the needed skill properly to complete our work, learning that slurred imperfection must lead to disastrous results. Here we learn the rewards of work faithfully and truly directed towards the finished perfection. Here we learn that work, without the peace of contented satisfaction in giving our best, without the joy of sharing in mutual accomplishments, and without the refreshment of experience in sharing our conscience to bring to our couch the sleep of complete rest and relaxation. Our conscience is the guide of our character and our character establishes the works by which we are judged. So then, if our works are to be good, our conscience must be so fortified in strength, that our character may display to the world in our works not only the beauty of design but also the wisdom of structure in our daily undertakings in every word and deed. If we have been blessed with enduring affection, and have fortified our consciences to withstand the ravages of passion, prejudice and greed, we have truly made good progress on our journey in the first two steps in youth and manhood. But, we have not yet journeyed so far as to find that, of which we are in search. We advance on the third stage knowing that there must be added to our experiences, to our acquired knowledge, to our efforts as workmen worthy of their wages, a more complete understanding of the strains and stresses, which we must be able to bear and overcome. We must learn to place a higher value on ideals than on material things. We must learn that it is not enough to share in enduring affection, unless the bonds, which bind us in that affection will withstand the onslaught of envy malice and all the forces of evil to which we are continually exposed. We must also learn to bury deep, that they may never again appear, all the discordant passions and unhealthy desires, which can only lead to division and dissension. We must resurrect, to live constantly in our hearts and minds, not only a fortified conscience, but a mature morality, by which that conscience may be circumscribed and directed in its control of our character. It is not enough that we fulfill the obligations of affection mutually shared and mutually responsible, that we do our work well, but, we must be certain, that standing alone we can, with mature morality, recognize that there can be no surrender to the demands of anything that might tarnish our honor, our fidelity or our integrity. Our standard of morality must be mature in its complete comprehension of what things are good and what must be avoided. Mature, so that we may extend to our fellows a true brotherhood, tolerant and forgiving, whispering good counsel, ever willing to stretch forth the hand of friendship and charity, always ready to put forth special effort, even though inconvenient, whether it be by an opened purse, an open home, or extending the cloak of influence on a brother's behalf. Finally, to always remember the Fatherhood of God and in asking His aid remember, too, a brother's need. Reaching the third step will bring to each of us a great pleasure and a great satisfaction as, accepting the guidance of the precepts of the Great Light, we fulfill the plans laid down by the plumb level and square, consistent with the designs of a mature morality. As Master Masons, if we do achieve this mature morality, we can then expect to be honored by admission to that place, where to us will be confided the meaning of that which was lost and which, on our journey we had hoped to find. The three steps, Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, Master Mason, if embellished with the attributes of Enduring Affection. Fortified Conscience and Mature Morality, will not only gain for us a place within the honored circle of the Craft but will gain for us the added satisfaction of work well done and wages rightly due.

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The President's Message

By ALPHONSE CERZA, F.P.S.

President Philalethes Society

IN VIEW OF THE FACT that Brother John B. Vrooman, our Treasurer and Editor, was to be in Chicago on December 8th, I asked the members in the Chicago area to meet at the Bismark Hotel for dinner. The purpose of the meeting was to get acquainted and to have a general discussion of matters pertaining to the affairs of the Society. It was also hoped that from the discussion that ensued a number of research and literary projects might be started.

The following brethren were present: L.B. Blakemore, Alphonse Cerza, Cecil Ellis, Ralph Davis, James Scofield, John B. Vrooman, and Albert L. Woody.

Brother Woody made the observation that we were meeting on the day which operative Masons set aside to honor the Four Crowned Martyrs. If two additional members had been present we would have had the exact number of the two sets of early Masonic martyrs.

During the dinner hour the folks got very well acquainted and a pleasant time was had by all. We then retired to an office not too far from the hotel where the meeting continued for several hours. Those present expressed their views freely and several agreed to work on projects that will in due course result in some valuable manuscripts being submitted to The Philalethes for publication.

It is hoped that similar meetings will be held where a number of members of the Society live within reasonable distance. The exchange of views, the asking of questions of one another, the give and take of such a meeting will be exhilarating. When such meetings are held, it is hoped that the Editor may be advised and that the officers may receive a report of the views expressed so that all may profit thereby.

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Welcome To Our New Members

(EDITOR'S NOTE)

In the re-organization of the Society, it has been difficult to determine who is a member at the time of re-organization, and who has "joined" since its revitalization. The names herein listed are those known to be new members.

We are happy to welcome the following Brethren as Members of the Philalethes Society, assure them that we are happy to have their co-operation in our work, and urge that each of them take an active part in our research, discussion and Fellowship.

Floyd Frederick Bayer, 3322 Verdugo Road, Los Angeles 65, California.

Philip William Dasch, Box 263, Colfax, Washington.

Glenn Everett Johnson, 2836 Fourth Street, Peru, Illinois.

John Holmes, 6301 Hermitage Avenue, Chicago 26, Illinois.

Roy J. W. Ely, 309 Beverly Avenue, Missoula, Montana.

John Vanderwood, Ewan, Washington.

Calvin L. Baker, 134, S.E. King Street, Camas, Washington.

Claude G. Stotts, P. O. Box 958 Coos Bay, Oregon.

Rev. George M. Cordner, Box 1438 Toledo 3, Ohio.

Alvin L. Crump, 2701 Payne Street, Evanston, Illinois.

David Ravin, 501 Cascada Way, Los Angeles 49, California.

Sydney C. Leslie, Cdr., USN, Qrtrs "W" - USN CB Center, Davisville, R. I.

Walter C. Marshall, 55 Payson Avenue, New York 34, N.Y.

George William Tucker, 1004 Blandon Place, University City 17, Missouri.

Captain William F. Spalding, "Alymerton," 123 The Chine Grange Park, London N 21, Eng.

Grand Lodge A.F.&A.M. of Pennsylvania - William J. Paterson,

Librarian, Broad & Fillmore Streets, Philadelphia, Pa.

Grand Lodge, A.F.&A.M. of Massachusetts, 51 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass.

Scottish Rite Bodies, Oakland, California - David R. Lane, Secretary (2 subscriptions) 1547 Oak Street, Oakland, California.

Harry B. DePriest, Boite Postale N227, Dakar, (Senegal), French West Africa.

Dr. George E. Elliott, 419 East Broadway, Cushing, Oklahoma.

Wallace T. Masters, 860 Indian Rock Avenue, Berkley 7, California.

Albert Augustus Steer, P.O. Box 331, Ancon, Canal Zone.

Walter E. Faith, 1225 Griefield Avenue, Pagedale 24, Mo.

William M. Mizell, 1351/2 Whitehall Street, Atlanta, Georgia.

Kenneth Smith, Stone Road, Elma, New York.

Alfred V. Swartz, 103 North Ridgewood Place, Los Angeles 4, California.

Leon Godown, Oxford Masonic Orphanage, Oxford, North Carolina.

Herbert Albert Gast, 9743 Tesson Ferry Road, St. Louis 23 Mo.

Alfred V. Cassiet, 6006 Vine Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

William James Walker, 1877 Truman Avenue, Jacksonville 2, Florida.

Joseph Greeley Blick, 204 South Eastern Avenue, Joliet, Ill.

Charles Alfred Brown, 415 Agnes Street, New Westminster B.C., Canada .Henry O. Hartman, P. O. Box 213, Monroe, Louisiana.

George F. Whitman, 421-2 Fulton County Court House, Atlanta, Georgia.

Jerome A. Moss, P. O. Box 211, Liberty, Mo.

Roscoe Henry McIlnay, 6534 South Claremont Ave., Chicago 36, Ill.

Clifton Stroud, 1190 Seward Avenue, Detroit 2, Michigan.

Wendell Carnahan, 7208 Forsythe, University City, Mo.

John F. Zietlow, Jr., 37 Berkeley Place, Buffalo 9, N.Y.

Harold H. Thom, 2315 Ogden Avenue, Omaha, 11, Neb.

Thomas R. Shannon, 1100 East Colledge Avenue, East St. Louis Illinois.

Jose Oller, Apartado 183, Panama City, Panama.

Alva H. Sweet, 8516 - 32nd Avenue, N.W., Seattle, Washington.

Robert G. Cole, 1922 West Hood Avenue, Chicago, Ill.

Masonic Library of Southern California (2 subscriptions ) C. D. Ives, Secretary, 1841 South Welton Place, Los Angeles 19, California.

Masonic library Association of Cleveland, G. A. McComb, Archivist, 3615 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio.

United Masters Lodge No. 167 - Richard Francis Newton, Secretary, Selwyn Road, Howick, New Zealand .

G. Andrew McComb, 1880 Roxbury Road, East Cleveland 12, Ohio.

Vilas J. Brown, 1131 Maplecrest Drive, Portland 1, Oregon.

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Lodge of the Nine Sisters

By DR. WILLIAM MOSELEY BROWN, F.P.S.

THE LODGE OF THE NINE SISTERS (Loge des Neuf Soeurs), which was one of the most famous of all Masonic Lodges in existence in the latter half of the 18th century in trance, had such a wide reputation that even now members of the Masonic fraternity throughout the world are still interested in its history. It owes its origin to a literary organization in Toulouse, France, at the time of its celebration of the anniversary of the birth of Nicolas Dalayrac, who was one of the great composers of the 18th century and who was born June 13, 1753 and who was widely celebrated for his comic operas, one of the best known being "Le Corsaire." Innumerable melodies and 56 larger compositions gained for Dalayrac almost a world-wide reputation.

Dalayrac was a Freemason and was one of the leading lights of the Lodge of the Nine Sisters (named for the Nine Muses of ancient Greece), of which he became, in 1778, the Director of Concerts (an office seldom found in Masonic Lodges of any period). In the same year he directed the orchestra, which performed in a Masonic festival given at Auteuil, in the home of a Madame Helvetius in honor of Benjamin Franklin. However, it was not he who conducted the musical numbers rendered at the initiation of the famed philosopher Voltaire, but the illustrious Puccini in person.

Among the celebrities, who were included in the membership of the Lodge of the Nine Sisters, may be mentioned Benjamin Franklin; his compatriot, Commodore John Paul Jones; Elie de Beaumont; Pastoret, who was destined to become the last Chancellor of France; Romain de Seze, who defended Louis XVI before the Convention and died while first Presiding Officer of the Court of Cassation; the philosophers Condorcet, Cabanis, and Lacepede, the last being the future Grand Chancellor of the French Legion of Honor; Francois de Neufchateau, future president of the Imperial Senate; Fontanes, future president of the legislative body and Grand Master of the University; the literary lights Delille, Chamfort, Lemierre, and Florian; the painters Joseph Vernet and Greuze; the sculptor Houdon; the designer Moreau the younger; the engraver Goucher; the poet Roucher; the musicians Puccini, Petillot, Tirot, both Salletins, Capron, Hivart, Lemaire, Jeanson, and Lays, of the Royal Academy of Music; Dalayrac, both Caravoglios, Parseval of Grandmaison, and the Abbe of Audimont, who was Master of Music of St. Germain-l'Auxerrois. The membership also included many diplomats, military personages, and even members of the clergy.

A little later some of the great actors of the drama of the French Revolutionary period were received into membership, e. g., Sieyes, Bailly, Brissot, Petion, Rabaut-Saint-Etienne, Cerutti, and Fourcroy.

It may be added, that, after its being active from 1792 to 1805, Dalayrac was able to get together approximately forty of the old members of the Lodge, who had survived the terrors of the Revolution and who, like himself, had achieved to new pinnacles of fame and honor in spite of the troublous times, through which they had passed.

(From Les Lettres M., August-September, 1954, Paris).

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Birthstones and Breastplates

By Cecil H. Ellis, M.P.S.

"AND HE MADE THE BREASTPLATE foursquare . . . and ...... set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz and a carbuncle . . . and the second row, an emerald, a sapphire and a diamond . . . and the third row, a ligure, an agate and an amethyst . . . and the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx and a jaspar: they were enclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings." Exodus 39, 8-13.

The custom of marking one's birthdate started almost as soon as the invention of the calendar made it possible - back in ancient Egypt and Babylon. Nearly as old is the belief that a particular jewel brings good fortune to those born at a certain time. Astrologers of the East assigned each gem they knew to a period of the year - periods determined by the yearly appearance of certain stars and corresponding roughly to our months. The ancients believed the gems, lying in the earth, were magnetized by the star of their period. Persons born in that period could acquire some of the star's power by wearing their birthstone.

The ancient birthstones were with few exceptions, the same gems as those in the High Priest Aaron's breastplate. This breastplate is described in detail in the 39th chapter of Exodus, and an imitation of it, together with it's history, is familiar to every Royal Arch Mason

Most of these same stones are still used today for approximately the same birth month as in ancient times, but the discovery of new stones, changes in gem names and in jewel fashions have somewhat altered the original list.

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WITH REVERENCE

By V.M. BURROWS, M.P.S

We are taught in Masonry to have proper respect for the name of God.

Nothing is more offensive to the good Mason than to hear rough language and words in disrespect for the Deity, coming from one who wears the pin or the ring bearing the emblems of our Order.

We must not only never speak the offending words on the street; we must also never speak them in private or think them; for if we do, the unconscious habit thus formed will certainly sooner or later crop up at some unguarded moment and nullify our good work.

We are taught to subdue our passions and improve ourselves in Masonry. Let us show evidence of our diligence in that employment.

And if it seems irksome to be bound and restricted as to what you think or say, remember it is self-binding, and consider who it was who told us that "He who conquereth his own spirit is greater than he who taketh a city."

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My Philosophy of Life

By WILLIS J. BRAY, M.P.S., P.G.M., P.G.H.P. (Mo.)

Former Professor of Chemistry,

State Teachers College, Kirksville. Mo.

"EVERY ONE HAS SOME kind of philosophy of life, though few ever take time or pains to reduce it to words. Very early in life I formulated in my mind my philosophy of life, which has remained substantially unchanged in any essential through the years. By means of this philosophy I have endeavored to plan my life. There have been many failures. There have been mountains of adversity and sorrow, of doubt and disappointment, but this philosophy has brought me safely through. I have stumbled many times, and have gotten off the road, as it were, but somehow it has always kept the goal before my eyes. Life has been full and rich for me as I have tried in my feeble way to follow this pattern of life. I do not present this as being something to be taken bodily by others, but in the hope that each one who reads it may be led to formulate for himself his own philosophy of life with great care and meditation, and then to follow that plan as it leads to higher and nobler living and greater achievements. The eighteen points of my philosophy are as follows:

God is the Supreme Architect of the Universe, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.

God rules the world in righteousness and justice, notwithstanding the wilfulness and perverseness of man.

Man is a free moral agent, endowed with a will over which God never exercises compulsion, though He does invite, entreat, and plead with man to follow His divine will and plan.

God, in His infinite love for man, sent His Son, the God-man, to be our Savior and Redeemer, through Him we have eternal life.

I am my brother's keeper. I am not free to be selfish or indifferent to the welfare, needs and interests of others.

The only real solution to the ills and problems of the world lies in man's acceptance of the Fatherhood of God, and the Brotherhood of man. Any other policy is fallacious, and will lead to disaster.

I must serve myself by serving others, and by serving God. One's days on earth are too brief to be spent in following selfish interest, and pursuits.

I must be diligent in my pursuit of my vocation, seeking always to be the best, and to render the best service that it is possible for me to render, leading the youth of the land in their search for light and truth.

I must be kind and courteous to those with whom I come in contact and especially with members of my own family.

I must live my precepts every day, that those who may follow me may not be misled by following my footsteps.

I must be reasonably industrious and frugal that I may be able to furnish myself and family with comforts and necessities of life and assist those who are less fortunate than I am, holding the material values of life to be merely means to an end, and never an end in themselves.

I must seek always to invest my talents, be they one or ten, wisely and well, that the Master may be honored by my stewardship.

I must have and keep faith in myself, in my neighbor, and in God, no matter what may occur to weaken or shatter that faith.

I must set myself the highest ideals in life, and then be true to those ideals under all circumstances, without any compromise or deviation.

I must honor my own body as the temple wherein the Spirit of the living God may dwell, never stooping to defile or dishonor it.

I must be prepared for any service which God or man may require of me if it is within my power to do it.

I must be cheerful always, radiating the joy of the Christian life every day.

I must seek truth with all diligence all my life, that I may honor and disseminate truth and never error or falsehood."

----o----

The Origin of the Three Degrees

By RABBI H. GEFFEN, 32d, F.P.S.

The three degrees of initiation into the ancient mysteries of Egypt and Greece, were without doubt, derived from the doctrine of discrete degree. Among various nations the number three always conveys the idea of fulness and perfection.

The signs, symbols and three degrees of Freemasonry, are a peculiar compound of a few correspondences, adapted from the ancient cavern mysteries, and phrases and figures borrowed from the symbolic sculpture, painting, etc. of more modern times, and incorporated into ceremonies which on mere assumption, within the slightest evidence, are said to have originated with the building of King Solomon's temple. A large proportion of Masonic ceremonies were derived from heathen mythologies and Jewish traditions.

They were founded upon some fanciful associations or resemblances, which particular objects and their habitudes, mystic words and signs, arbitrary marks and combinations, the forms and properties of the vestments, utensils and instruments connected with religious worship, and the various professions and trades etc., severe supposed to bear to certain moral rules and sentiments, regarded as necessary qualifications for the direction and conduct.

This symbolism was further used to designate the presumed or ad mitted qualities of persons; or was applied to distinguish them from each other!

Even in the most remote periods of history, three was considered a mystic number, and regarded with reverence.

The Assyrians had their triads.

In ancient Egypt every town and district had its own triad, which is worshiped.

The Holy Scriptures contain a triple sense, analogous to the triple constitution of man, represented by the three symbolical Masonic Degrees.

The sentiments of the Holy Scriptures are to be impressed upon our minds in a threefold manner, in order that whosoever belongs to the simpler sort of persons, may receive edification from the flesh of the Scripture; in analogy with the E.A., whom you can only impress by torturing his flesh with a sharp instrument; but who is somewhat mote advanced receives edification from the soul; it alludes to the F.C., who first saw the Godhead: but whosoever is perfect, sublime, receives edification from the spiritual law which contains a shadow of good things to come, of a hereafter, of Immortality, which is first demonstrated in the M.M. Degree; for as man consists of spirit, body and soul, so also is the Holy Writ which God has planned to be granted for the salvation of mankind.

A clear understanding of the subject of the Masonic Degrees, is of so much importance to a right comprehension of the Bible, and the intelligent Masonic student must ponder over it.

----o----

Share with Your Brother

By ARTHUR H. TRIGGS, F.P.S.

DEAR PHILALETHEANS:

PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST pleasant experiences in life is sharing with others those things we have found to be stimulating to us. In fact, sharing the good things of life often increases our pleasure. Many Philaletheans have enjoyed this elevating experience over the years and some quite recently when they have proposed interested Masons for membership in the Society and have seen their nominees not only quickly join but take the time to write and express their deep appreciation of the opportunity to share in our work.

Now that the Society has been roused from its enforced dormancy and is "back in business" of dispensing light, we find more and more members of the Craft being attracted and intrigued by the opportunities presented by a worldwide grouping of Masonic students and scholars banded together for laudable purposes.

If you have not been fortunate in being in a position to know one or more brothers who would add to the Society, it is likely your chance to recommend someone will present itself soon. Just mentally run through the names of Masons you know who might be interested in the Society and have a personal talk with them and if they show the proper interest, hand them an application blank.

Some of our people are using two types of approach to secure new members. One method is as outlined above - the personal contact, either by phone or at the first chance meeting - the other, is to select one or more prospects and send the names and addresses to the Society's Representative nearest them, or to send them to me. In either event, the prospect will receive a letter inviting him to fill in the application blank which is enclosed along with other printed matter telling the Society's objectives.

The Society has a limited number of previous issues of the magazine which will be sent in specially designated cases where it is difficult to explain the full program to the prospect. This can be done as long as the supply lasts.

While necessary emphasis is being placed on membership as the new year begins and as the Society's re-birth is assured, let me say that this emphasis will be soon diminished and put in its proper niche in the scheme of things and the matter of new members left to a large extent in the hands of the individual member, which is you. In this way, we will have more time to pursue the purposes which brought our distinguished predecessors together in 1928.

All of us, I am sure, have pleasant recollections of our first contact with the Society: how we were pleased to know a brother thought well enough of us to sign as a recommendor, and how we envisioned the broader horizon unlocked for us by sharing the Society's activities. We read, and still read, with enthusiasm the magazine, looking forward to each succeeding issue. Let us, each one of us, then see that our brothers are given the opportunity to share this same joy.

Some we recommend will not have the desire or time to join with us but will, nevertheless, appreciate our consideration, and if only one of several you may recommend follows through, your efforts will be amply rewarded when they thank you for the honor and pleasure.

Please address me at 2117 Funston Place, Oakland 2, California, for any help I may be in the matter.

Sincerely and fraternally,

ARTHUR H. TRIGGS.

----o----

Pertinent Facts For Prospects

ITS NAME - THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY.

ITS PURPOSE - To give opportunity for Masonic Fellowship and Research. A means of Masonic Discussion

ITS MEMBERSHIP - Fellows, Members elected for merit. Members, All Masons who are interested in exchanging ideas and studying Masonry. Subscribers, Groups and persons interested in the activities of the Society.

HOW TO JOIN - Membership is by recommendation of a Member, the submission of an application blank, and the payment of fees and dues.

ITS COST - Joining fee (all groups) $3.00.

Annual dues:

Members $5.00 annually.

Subscribers $3.00 annually.

ITS BENEFITS - Receipt of all publications of the Society, including THE PHILALETHES Magazine, published bimonthly.

WHO TO CONTACT - Any Fellow or Member of the Society, Arthur H Triggs, First Vice President, 2117 Funston Place, Oakland 2, Calif

WHO TO PAY - LAWTON E. MEYER, Executive Secretary, P. O. Box 402, St. Louis, Missouri.

FOR FURTHER HELP - See list attached herewith, of REPRESENTATIVES in each State and Foreign country, from whom additional information may be obtained without obligation. These are YOUR representatives - make use of them !

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THESE ARE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

Arizona - James R. Malott, Box 351, Globe.

Arkansas - Dr. Francis J. Scully, Medical Arts Bldg., Hot Springs.

California - Victor L. Jones, 226 E. Alameda Ave., Burbank, Cal.

Colorado - Edward E. Hedblom, 1770 Sherman Ave., Denver 5.

Connecticut - Robert H. Nisbet South Kent

Dist. of Columbia - Carl H. Claudy, 700 - 10th St., N.W. Washington D.C.

Georgia - William B. Shwartz, P.O. Box 1123, Atlanta.

Illinois - Ralph S. Davis, 315 Wisconsin Ave., Oak Park.

Indiana - James Scofield, 722 Conkey Street, Hammond.

Iowa - Realff Ottesen, 910 Davenport Bank Bldg. Davenport.

Kansas - Floran A. Rodgers, P.O. Box 707 Wichita 1.

Kentucky - Wylie B. Wendt, 2346 Emerson Ave Louisville.

Louisiana - Lee Harris, P.O. Box 404 Alexandria, La.

Massachusetts - Frank H. Wilson, 27 Beverly St, Melrose 76.

Mexico - William M. Coddington, P.O. Box 111, Edinburg, Texas

Michigan - James Fairbairn Smith, New Masonic Temple, Detroit.

Minnesota - William E. Pool, 207 Van Brunt St., Mankato, Minn.

Montana - Frank E. Von Demark Cut Bank.

New Jersey - Norman 1. Morris, 330 Sit, Prospect Ave., Newark 4.

New Hampshire - Nick A. Karagianis, 17 Warren St. Concord.

New Mexico - John C. Kist, Jr., Roswell.

Ohio - G.A. McComb, 3616 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland.

Oklahoma - Dr. John C. Hubbard 1501 N.E. 11th St., Oklahoma City.

French West Africa - Harry B. DePriest Boite Postale N 227, Dakar, (Senegal)

Oregon - Victor E. Vieira, P.O. Box 51, Grants Pass.

Pennsylvania - William J. Patterson, Library, Masonic Temple, Broad & Filbert Sts., PhiladeIphia.

Texas - Ethan A. Wells, Scottish Rite Temple, El Paso.

Utah - Stuart Dobbs, 812 David Eccles Bldg. Ogden.

Philippines - Antonio Gonzales, 138 Gunao St..

New Zealand - Dr. Ross Henburn, 50 Pam Road. Rigcarton, Christchurch, N.W. 3, N. Z.

Eastern Canada - Charles E. Holmes, 294 St. Catherine St.,W., Montreal 18.

South Africa - James Stephen Dunn, P.O. Box 111, Kimberley. S.A.

Scotland - George Prentice, 10 Roman Drive, Motherwell Road, Bellshill, Lanarkshire Scotland.

South Dakota - E.F. Strain, Lanarkshire

Tennesse - Charles A. Rond, 3200 Cowden Ave. Memphis.

West Canada - L. Healey, 1138 Nelson St., Vancouver 5, B. C.

England - Captain William F. Spalding. Aylmerton, 123 The Chine, Grange Park, London. N. 21. England.

----o----

The Wolcott Foundation Scholarships For Foreign Affairs Careers

HIGH TWELVE International, a Masonic organization with emphasis on leadership, has recently sponsored, through the Wolcott Foundation, several scholarships in the field of Foreign Affairs, looking towards the training and development of young men in the Diplomatic and Consular Service of the United States by specialized study in George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

Created in honor of E.C. Wolcott, founder and President-Emeritus of High Twelve, International, the Foundation will select outstanding young men and women who have given indication of the qualities necessary for leadership, and give them full scholarships in George Washington University, at Washington, D. C., to train them for responsible positions in the United States Government, where they can serve in maintaining the prestige and leadership of this country in its foreign relations.

"The leadership and protection of the Western civilization and the democratic form of government, " says the Foundation, "are largely in the hands of the American people. Upon these men and women who go abroad as diplomatic representatives, rests the great responsibility of exemplifying to the world the fundamental principles of freedom in successful action."

The field of foreign affairs has not been emphasized in endeavers to prepare men and women to participate in an intelligent way in its activities, and in this co-operation between the High Twelve Clubs, International and George Washington University, is the first step in the direction of getting youth interested in and trained for service in foreign fields.

The Wolcott Foundation is set up by High Twelve International, is supported by gifts, and created to administer a scholarship in the field of Foreign Affairs.

George Washington University was first made possible by the suggestion of George Washington, who advocated such a University, and who interested national leaders in the establishment of such a school at the Nation's capitol.

George Washington University, located at Washington, D.C., is the center of activities in government close to national leadership, and otters abundant opportunities for practical and interesting work in this phase of activity.

The Graduate School of Government at George Washington University has specialized training in all fields of governmental activity, research facilities, and abundant talent in personnel who can give practical emphasis to selected study.

The Wolcott Foundation Scholarship provides one year of study at George Washington University and eligible graduates of the University may also do advanced work in the special field of their choice, with additional funds from the Wolcott Foundation, on proper certification.

High Twelve International is a non-political, non-sectarian organization. It hopes to encourage young men and women to enter Government service, and every application for a scholarship will receive equal attention.

Applicants should make contact with local High Twelve Clubs, or with the Wolcott Foundation, Inc. 2683 Big Bend Boulevard, St. Louis 17, Missouri.

A great deal has been written about Foreign Service in which our representatives carry on the policies of our Government abroad. The pay is good, the work is interesting, and above all, it offers opportunity to keep in close touch with the persons and events which are making the modern world today.

In order to accomplish this very necessary work, there are more than 10,000 Americans in the Foreign Service - from Ambassadors and Ministers to clerks, stenographers and messengers, all of whom have their own important task to perform in conjunction with the work of others with whom they are working.

These men and women are stationed in 300 posts in 75 countries. They come from every part of the United States, and are no different from those whom we find in the offices and shops of our cities and towns - they are America's representatives wherever they go.

High Twelve International, through the Wolcott Foundation has inaugurated a very much worthwhile project, and one which can develop in importance and value as it is brought to a careful fruition.

----o----

READ THE PROCEEDINGS

To the interested Masonic reader, there is no better place to go for Masonic information than to the Proceedings of his Grand Lodge. A mine of information, not only about what was done in the jurisdiction during the period covered, but comments of visitors, a resume of what happened in other Grand Lodges, and an outline of the business of the Craft for the year.

In earlier years more space was given the Foreign Correspondent in which to report his observations of happenings in other Grand Lodges, but this has been somewhat curtailed, leaving but a brief review and hurried comment.

Proceedings of Grand bodies Scottish Rite bodies, and other state and national groups, when read and assimilated, will furnish a remarkable source of unusual and interesting reading. Just to browse thru these volumes will give much pleasure.

----o----

Freemasonry is a life to be lived, not a formality to be observed. It is a life to be lived, not a set of empty creeds. It is life grounded in religion, organized in morality, mellowed by good fellowship, humanized in character and dedicated to service.

----o----

Masonry and Poetry

By CHARLES GOTTSHALL REIGNER

Litt.D., LL.D, 33d, F.P.S.

Continued From December Issue

AS YOU CAN READILY see, I am not arguing the principle of Brotherhood as Freemasonry seeks to body it forth. On the contrary, I am bringing to my aid the poetsingers who were Masons and who wrote about the practice of Masonic Brotherhood. Of our modern poets who trod the checkered floor and knelt at the altar of Freemasonry, Rudyard Kipling has given us poems and many stories which breathe the very spirit of fraternity.

Let me recall to your minds some stanzas from Kipling's poem, "The Mother Lodge." It describes a Masonic Lodge in India. The narrator is an ordinary English soldier, "dropping his h's and it's but goodhearted at bottom and with a certain dim ideal dawning upon his consciousness." Besides the Englishmen there were in the Lodge Masons of other nationalities and different religions. Several quotations will illustrate my point.

There was Rundle, Station Master,

An' Beazeley of the Rail,

An' 'Ackman, Commissariat,

An' Donkin' of the Jail;

An' Blake, Conductor Sergeant,

Our master twice was 'e,

With 'im that kep' the Europe-shop,

Old Framjee Eduljee.

Outside - "Sergeant! Sir ! Salute ! Salaam ! "

Inside - "Brother," an' it doesn't do no 'arm.

We met upon the Level an' we parted on the Square,

An' I was Junior Deacon in my Mother-Lodge out there.

* * * *

For monthly, after Labor,

We'd all sit down and smoke

(We dursn't give no banquits

Lest a Brother's caste were broke);

An' man on man got talkin'

Religion an' the rest,

An' every man comparin'

Of the God 'e knew the best.

* * * *

Full oft on Guv'ment service

This rovin' foot 'ath pressed,

An' bore fraternal greetin's

To the Lodges east and west,

Accordin' as commanded

From Kohat to Singapore,

But I wish that I might see them

In my Mother-Lodge once more!

Shall we, in the midst of a world of fear and uncertainty, say that the whole idea of the Brotherhood of Man is such stuff as dreams are made of? Kipling has the answer. One generation builds a part of the structure. The storms of tyranny destroy it - bury it deep beneath the earth. The next generation builds on the ruins of the temple that the hands of tyrants have torn down. Such is the symbolism of Kipling's poem, "The Palace," and we do well to pay heed to its lessons; for we listen to the poet, if we listen at all, not because he argues more clearly, but because he feels more deeply - and perhaps more truly.

When I was a King and a Mason-

A Master proven and skilled-

I cleared me ground for a Palace

Such as a King should build.

I decreed and dug down to my levels

Presently, under the silt,

I came on the wreck of a Palace

Such as a King had built.

Down through the ages men have known what it is to build for peace and brotherhood. Time and again they have seen what they have builded wrecked by tyranny and hate. But the building ceases not. Let us, then, build and faint not, confident that after us shall come builders and builders, until shall be fulfilled the prophecy of Tennyson -

When the war-drum throbs no longer

And the battle flags are furled;

In the parliament of man,

The federation of the world.

Love of native land, faith in the Grand Architect of the Universe, a profound belief in human brotherhood - these form the trinity of concepts in "The Poetry in Freemasonry." I have tried, oh so inadequately, to body forth the sublime faith of Freemasonry in these lines which I call -

MASONIC WORK

Masonic tenets teach our hearts and minds

That virtue is the strongest chain that binds

The human race; that noble thoughts and acts

Are more important than the outward facts;

That true success lies not in selfish gain;

That pride and bitterness will leave their stain;

That Masonry has one outstanding plan-

To hold aloft the Brotherhood of Man.

So be the ceremonies what they may;

Through drama, legend, and symbolic way

They teach one basic truth by word and deed-

Belief in God is still the Mason's creed.

The square, the level, all the working tools

Are used to teach the everlasting rules

By which to build the Temple of the Soul,

The Work that forms the true Masonic goal.

RUDYARD KIPLING

Masonic Poet and Writer

Born - Bombay, India. December 30, 1865.

Educated - United Service College, England.

Sub-Editor - Lahore (India) "Civil & Military Gazette" at 17 years.

Initiated - Hope & Perseverance Lodge No. 782, Lahore, 1886.

Initiated - By Hindu.

Passed - By Mohammadan.

Raised - By Englishman.

Joined - Independence & Philanthropy No. 391, Allahabad Bengal, 1888.

Secretary - Hope & Peserverance many years.

Named Poet Laureate of England.

Nobel Prize - winner for Literature 1907.

Fellow, Philalethes, 1930.

Died - 1936.

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The Mausoleum of Books

By LAWTON E. MEYER, F.P.S.

Executive Secretary, Philalethes Society

IN THE LIBRARY are a thousand doors through which we can escape the St. Vitus Dance of civilization. It. is a room peopled by gallant shades in a dim wandering somnolent silence. All about us are the mute rulers of the world - you are in the Privy-Council of all Mankind.

Their dossiers are there for you to examine. The Library is the real universal Valhalla, for here is all that remaining of the restless malignity of the Attilas, the Neros and the Hitlers. Here is all that Is - the sum total of what heroes have lived for were martyred for and died for.

Books have done for them what the artistry of embalmers and Mausoleum builders could not do. Their bones have been stolen from their proud tombs - or are as dust in some forgotten and neglected grave. Time folds into itself accordion-wise - and the book is the memorandum summoning a long neglected pageant of the past.

The humble author judges them all - allots them to their Heaven in the house of Fame, or damns them to oblivion - or even misspells their name. For the author looks not at the things which are seen - for the things which are seen are temporal; but at things which are not seen, for things that are not seen are eternal.

Sculptors and painters picture the external; the author pictures Man as seen by his God.

Look at the Bible - the Man who believed and the Man who disbelieved have fallen as the autumn leaves - Yet, the Bible remains ever green.

Books are the Prophets - the idea-kindlers and the spiritual helpers of Life. And as they constitute the veriest democracy, let them not be gaudily-garbed as a soliciting harlot, (though not as well thumbed,) but let them be bound in simple dignity - as Franklin G. Pitt.

In the crypt of the Library lie the garments of majesty. It is well to enter and garb one's soul. Books should never be left too long on the shelves - they should come out and mingle with the people, for as pearls take on lustre from the vitality of the wearer, so does a book come alive as it become One with the reader.

Even Libraries become musty and aloof through not having visitors come in more often.

----o----

"If with pleasure you are viewing

What another man is doing . . .

Tell Him Now!" - anonymous poem.

REMEMBER THE OLD QUESTION in Physics - "Is there a sound, if a rock falls and there is no ear to hear it?" Sound is the vibration of the falling rock, and the human ear drum must receive the vibration in order to make it a sound.

In like manner, authors write, they work diligently and beat their brains out, all to no avail if there is not a response from those who read their efforts. Controversy, discussion, comment - all these are a necessary aftermath of research.

Do the readers of Tile Philalethes care about what is in it? Is there reason for our students and scholars to present further data, or is it just wasted effort, unappreciated toil?

On another page (Chat and Comment), is a page dedicated to those who have something to say, good or bad, just or unjust, of what has been presented to our readers. It is sincerely hoped that every reader will find that article which causes him to think, criticise it if need be, and comment on it for common good - but say something - be a part of the discussion group.

----o----

Research is not a thing that you do in the laboratory. It is a state of mind. Research is an organized method of trying to find out what you are going to do after you can't keep on doing what you are doing now.

----o----

Examining Visiting Masons

By HAROLD V.B. VOORHIS. F.P.S.

THE RIGHT OF VISITATION by a Master Mason to a Lodge in a jurisdiction in which he is a stranger, by custom, gives him the expectancy of an honest and legitimate examination by the Lodge visited, to let him prove this right of admission. Too often the examination is an inquisition and not conducted by means of properly conceived plans.

The Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of New Jersey, and its committee on Education and Service, has, through Worshipful Brother Harold Van Buren Voorhis, F.P.S., outlined a plan of examination procedure for visitors which is both practical and dignified. This article by Worshipful Brother Voorhis, is here printed, for the benefit of those who read it.

- THE EDITOR.

Examination of Visiting Masons in New Jersey Lodges Suggestions for use of the Examining Committee

FOREWORD:

The Examining Committee is appointed by the Worshipful Master to represent him as he is responsible for the admission of Brethren visiting the Lodge.

The function of the Committee is to ascertain and report to the Worshipful Master that the visitor is a Master Mason in good standing in a regular and duly constituted lodge. Examinations may be as extensive as necessary to establish that fact, having in mind slight jurisdictional differences in verbiage. Allowances may be made for infrequent visits to home lodge.

The examination should be conducted in an ante-room completely tyled. The Committee should be supplied with a small Holy Bible, a Square and Compasses, a piece of blank paper and a pencil or pen.

PROCEDURE

1. The Chairman should introduce himself to the Visiting Brother and then present the other members of the Committee to him.

2. Check the Lodge in which the Visiting Brother holds his membership for regularity in the "Lodge Book of Lodges," which contains a list of regular lodges throughout the world which are constituent lodges of Grand Lodges which New Jersey recognizes.

3. The Visiting Brother is requested to present his credentials (dues card if a member of a lodge in the U.S.A.; certificate and receipt for dues if from a jurisdiction without the U.S.).

4. Request the signature of the Visiting Brother on the piece of blank paper and compare it with the signature on his credentials.

5. The Visiting Brother then takes the Tyler's Oath with all members of the Committee participating.

6. The Committee should then determine that the Visiting Brother has an accurate knowledge of the due guards, signs, grips and words. Proficiency in these items should be sufficient assurance that the brother is a Master Mason. If however, there is any doubt in the minds of the Committee they should proceed to satisfy themselves fully by such further questions as they may deem necessary.

7. If the Visiting Brother is qualified, report so to the Tyler and advise him that the Committee is prepared to return to the lodge room. Upon entrance the full Committee will proceed to the West of the altar and salute the Worshipful Master. The Chairman of the Committee will then report and the Committee will be seated.

8. It is desirable for the Worshipful Master to request the Senior Deacon to meet the Visiting Brother at the inside of the outer door and to escort him to the West of the altar.

9. At the altar the Senior Deacon presents the Visiting Brother giving full name and symbolic titles, if any, (such as Wor., R.W. or M.W.) and the name and number of his lodge.

10. The Worshipful Master greets the Visiting Brother and invites him to be seated with the Brethren, unless by reason of his rank, the Worshipful Master desires to have him seated in the East, in which case he requests the Senior Deacon to escort him to the East. Upon the completion of his duties the Senior Deacon returns to his place.

NOTES:

a. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES is a Visiting Brother to be examined if he has no or unsatisfactory credentials.

b. Remember, the Committee is appointed for but ONE OBJECT - To ascertain if the Visiting Brother is a Master Mason in good standing in a lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey - and NOT how much the Brother knows about Freemasonry.

c. The Committee should NOT return to the LODGE WITH the Visiting Brother. This Brother is not entitled to visit (enter) the lodge until the Worshipful Master so directs. The practice of having the Visiting Brother enter with the Examining Committee at the time it reports to the Worshipful Master is a common error and should not be countenanced.

----o----

A MASON

By Milford E. Shields, M.P.S.

A Mason's hand is on the plow,

His heart is in the sky;

With honest sweat upon his brow

He prays to God on high.

A Mason labors for mankind,

He tills the common soil

Wherein the world may truly find

God's minute-men of toil.

A Mason sings the ringing song

Of truth and brotherhood;

All men can hear it loud and long,

This ringing song of good.

A Mason dreams the simple dreams

That brighten up life's way,

The dreams where light of heaven gleams

Across the night and day.

A Mason turns the human sod

With all his humble might;

A Mason points man up to God

With dignity and light.

----o----

Masonry brings to us philosophies evolved by men of other ages, who were unhampered by the complexity of modern living. We need the ability to interpret the ancient wisdom and apply it to the understanding and needs of our day.

----o----

Youth - The Entered Apprentice

BY J.E. SWIFT TEAL, M.P.S.

Wilmette, IIIinois

IT IS THE HABIT of the poets, and many who are poets neither in vision nor faculty, to speak of Youth as if it were a period of unshadowed gaiety and pleasure, with no consciousness of responsibility and no sense of care. The freshness of feeling, the delight in experience, the joy of discovery, the unspent vitality which welcomes every morning as a challenge to one's strength, invest youth with a charm which art is always striving to preserve, and which men who have parted from it remember with a sense of pathos; for the morning of life comes but once, and when it fades something goes which never returns. There are ample compensations, there are higher joys and deeper insights; but a magical charm which touches all things and turns them to gold, vanishes with the morning. In reaching its perfection of beauty the flower must part with the dewy promise of its earliest growth.

All this is true of youth, which in many ways symbolizes the immortal part of man's nature, and must be, therefore, always beautiful and sacred to him. But it is untrue that the sky of youth has no clouds and the spirit of youth no cares; on the contrary, no period of life is in many ways more painful. The finer the organization and the greater the ability, the more difficult and trying the experiences through which the youth passes. There has been pointed out a striking peculiarity of childish grief in the statement that the child has no background of other griefs against which the magnitude of its present sorrow may be measured. While that sorrow lasts it is complete, absolute, and hopeless, because the child has no memory of other trials endured, of other sorrows survived. In this fact about the earliest griefs lies the source also of the pains of youth. The young man is an undeveloped power; he is largely ignorant of his own capacity, often without inward guidance towards his vocation; he is unadjusted to the society in which he must find a place for himself. He is full of energy and aspiration, but he does not know how to expand the one or realize the other. His soul has wings, but he cannot fly, because, like the eagle, he must have space on the ground before he rises in the air. If his imagination is active he has moments of rapture, days of exaltation, when the world seems to lie clear before him from horizon to horizon. His hours of study overflow with the passion for knowledge, and his hours of play are haunted by beautiful or noble dreams. The world is full of wonder and mystery, and the young explorer is impatient to be on his journey. No plan is then too great to be accomplished, no mitral height too difficult to be attained. After all that has been said, the rapture of youth, when youth means opportunity, remains unexpressed. No poet will ever entirely compass it, as no poet will ever quite ensnare in speech the measureless joy of those festival mornings in June when Nature seems on the point of speaking in human language.

But this rapture is inward: it has its source in the earliest perception of the richness of life and man's capacity to appropriate it. It is the rapture of discovery, not of possession; the rapture of promise, not of achievement. It is without the verification of experience or the corroborative evidence of performance. Youth is possibility; that is its charm, its joy, its power; but it is also its limitation. There lies before it the real crisis through which every man of parts and power passes: the development of the inward force and the adjustment of the personality to the order of life. The shadow of that crisis is never absent from those radiant skies which the poets love to recall; the uncertainty of that supreme issue is never quite out of mind.

There is no test of character more severe or difficult to bear than the suspense of waiting. The man who can act eases his soul under the greatest calamities; but he who is compelled to wait, unless he be of hardy fibre, eats his heart out in a futile despair. Troops will endure losses when they are caught up in the stir of a charge which would demoralize and scatter them if they were compelled to halt under the relentless guns of masked batteries. Now, the characteristic trial of youth is this experience of waiting at a moment when the whole nature craves expression and the satisfaction of action. The greater volume of energy in the man who has yet to find his vocation and place, the more trying the ordeal. There are moments in the life of the young imagination when the very splendour of its dreams fills the soul with despair, because there seems no hope of giving them outward reality; and the clearer the consciousness of the possession of power, the more poignant the feeling that it may find no channel through which to add itself to the impulsion which drives forward the work of society.

The reality of this crisis in spiritual experience - the adjustment between the personality and the physical, social, and industrial order in which it must find its place and task - is the measure of its possible painfulness. It is due, perhaps to the charm which invests youth, as one looks back upon it from maturity or age, that its pain is forgotten and that sympathy withheld which youth craves often without knowing why it craves. A helpful comprehension of the phase of experience through which he is passing is often the supreme need of the ardent young spirit. His pain has its roots in his ignorance of his own powers and of the world. He strives again to put himself in touch with organized work; he takes up one task after another in a fruitless endeavor to succeed. He does not know what he is fitted to do, and he turns helplessly from one form of work for which he has no faculty to another for which he has less. His friends begin to think of him as a ne'er-do-well; and, more pathetic still, the shadow of failure begins to darken his own spirit. And yet it may be that in this halting stumbling, ineffective human soul, vainly trying to put its hand to its task, there is some rare gift, some splendid talent, waiting for the ripe hour and the real opportunity! In such a crisis comprehension is invaluable, but it is rarely given, and the youth works out his problem in isolation. If he is courageous and persistent he finds his place at last; and work brings peace, strength self-comprehension

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Whatever you win in life, you must conquer by your own efforts, and then it is yours, a part of yourself. - Garfield.

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Our Book Shelf

BACON MASONRY, By George V. Tudhope, M.P.S.

Many books have been written in which it has been suggested that both Lord Bacon and William Shakespeare were members of the Masonic Fraternity. It has been said that the writings of each show Masonic inferences, and that both were active in Masonry.

The book written by Brother Tudhope is interesting, especially from his treatment of Bacon’s connection with a secret society - what he has written has reason, and the reader will agree with him at least in part, as to his conclusions - but not that Bacon was a Mason.

The book may be obtained (Price $3.50) from George V. Tudhope, 2801 Shattuck Avenue. Berkeley 5, California.

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THE DEGREES OF MASONRY, by Dr. Charles Gottschall Reigner, F.P.S., is one of those publications which strip the difficulties from the explanatory material give simple, authentic facts, and leave the reader with a knowledge and understanding of Masonry that is not often found in Masonic "Primers."

Dr. Reigner has personalized his subject, put meat on dry bones, and clothed his writing with interesting every-day facts. Copies may be obtained from George W. C. Fischer, 734 South Decker, Baltimore 24, Maryland.

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FACTS FOR FREEMASONS, By Harold V. B. Voorhis, F.P.S.

Too often it is the more common facts of Freemasonry that are least known. History, personalities, philosophy and other generally-publicised matter is understood and digested by the average Mason.

Biblical References, Negro Masonry, Masonic regalia, and a host of other Masonic facts are too-little known, and the new book by Brother Voorhis is one which gives added light on these topics. It is a handy reference volume for thousands of questions that are interesting. It is a book that is mighty handy to have at one's elbow when he wants to get the facts.

Macoy Publishing Company, New York has this book for sale, at a cost of $3.00 postpaid.

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WASHINGTON IN FEBRUARY

The city of Washington, our National Capitol, is always an interesting place to visit, but from a Masonic point of view, the week of February 19, through February 26 - called Masonic Week, is one of unusual significance to Masons.

Prior to the annual meeting of the Grand Masters' Conference George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association and the Masonic Service Association, which attract world-wide attention and which meet Monday Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the week of February 22nd Washington's birthday, are held the meetings of the Allied Masonic Bodies.

These groups, mostly research and closely-knit and specially-integrated associations of student, and workers in Masonry, have come to be a colorful part of the meetings at this time - Grand College of Rites, Allied Masonic Degrees, Convent General K.Y.C.H. Ye Antient Order of Corks, Order of the Bath, Blue Friars, Grand College of America Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests. Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, and others, all with the aim of fellowship, good will and Masonic advancement, hold meetings, publish their proceedings of work done, and give added opportunity for Masonic understanding.

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All riches, of whatsoever nature, begin as a state of mind; and let us remember that a state of mind is the one and only thing over which any person has complete, unchallenged right of control.

- Napoleon Hill.

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Bureau of Masonic Information

A CLEARING HOUSE FOR MASONIC STUDENTS

(Letters Addressed to this Department Will Receive Prompt Attention)

The Valley of Dry Bones

By JOHN BLACK VROOMAN, F.P.S.

". . . the Lord . . . set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones . . . and lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of Man, can these bones live? . . . say unto them. O ye dry bones, hear . . . behold I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live . . . so I prophesied as I was commanded, and as I prophesied . . . behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone . . . and I prophesied . . . and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceeding great army".

Ezekiel - Chapter XXXVII; 1-10 (part).

The Mason who seeks knowledge must first have an incentive to study, then capable and inspirational leadership, then adequate working tools with which to work. Finally, he must have a sympathetic and under standing supervision and companionship in his efforts.

The Mason who lovingly, reverently and patiently searches out the facts and traditions of Masonry, and studies their meaning and application, revitalizes them, puts flesh on dry bones, and gives them life and vigor.

Masonry is but dormant, and has been lulled into inactivity by disuse. It is waiting for the enthusiasm and energy of devoted and intelligent students who will revive it and give it utility as well as beauty.

The great Masons of the past have made history - have written their challenge to action, and dared the Men of today to put their precepts to use.

Masonry is not static. Masonry is not passive. It is active and militant in its endeavor to become practical and helpful.

As a building must be constructed on strong foundations, so Masonic advancement must likewise be built on a basis of firmness and strength of character.

As the skeleton of a building with its steel girders, innumerable rivets and exactly-fitting parts, is the foundation of a beautiful and useful building, so Masonic knowledge and study are the basis upon which a strong and useful Brotherhood are built.

Let the dry bones be brought to life. Let the mouldering skeletons of indifference, decay and dry dust be raised as living organisms. Let the Valley of Dry Bones become a verdant field and fertile meadow.

The dry bones of Masonry today are found in the apathy or unwillingness of Masonic students to take time to get all the facts of the Masonry they are studying to verify these facts, and to compile them in an accurate and interesting way.

The dry bones of Masonry today are found in the lack of study methods of the average Masonic student. He will not apply himself to his task, will not take time to classify and study his subject, nor do the necessary reading to complete his study.

The dry bones of Masonry today are the superficial methods set up for the guidance of zealous Masons who want to study Masonry.

The dry bones of Masonry today, are most of all, the inadequate working tools furnished by Masonic leaders to those who want to become Masons and not simply members of the Fraternity.

We are fortunate in having Masonic leaders who are devoting their time experience and talents to making Masonry better, but there are too few Masonic leaders for the large number of those who need encouragement in seeking Masonic light.

The vitality of Masonic Life can be breathed into Masonry only when its members are given means and inspiration by which to find Masonic knowledge in an intelligent manner.

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More is got from one book on which the thought settles on a definite end in knowledge, than from libraries skimmed over by a wondering eve. - Lytton.

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Revitalize the Valley of Dry Bones

Acquire the habit of doing a little Masonic reading every day. It will stimulate your thinking, help you become acquainted with Masonic lore, and form a good method of keeping in touch with Masonic topics.

Keep a note book and jot down some of the things you find of especial interest to you. Set down all details that you do not fully understand, that you may later get them explained to you.

Cultivate those Masons whom you know to be well-read, listen to their wisdom and observe their methods of treating Masonic topics.

Pick out some particular phase of Masonry, study it diligently; find out all you can about it, and become the master of its essential facts and essence.

Discuss Masonry with those who are active, take part in Masonic discussions, analyse Masonic facts, that you may become better informed.

Ask your Chairman of the Committee of the Grand Lodge on Masonic Education for material to study, methods of study and help in Masonry.

LIVE MASONRY, so that you may thrill to all its beauty, that you and your fellow-Man may benefit by the practical application of its philosophy.