Book review section
Media
Part of The Cabletow
- Title
- Book review section
- Language
- English
- Source
- The Cabletow Volume XLIV (Issue No.1) January 1968
- Year
- 1968
- Rights
-
- Fulltext
- BOOK REVIEW SECTION WB Juan C. Nabong, Jr., PM (80) MASONIC SYMBOLISM by Juan Causing Cebu City, June 21, 1965 VW Juan Causing is a member and Past Master of Maktan Ledge No. 30, F. & A.M., situated in Cebu City and PDDGM of the 14th Maso nic district. He calls his work Ma sonic Symbolism, a "handbook'... a compilation, based upon an inspired study and research on volumes of Ma sonic books and literature.” Dr. Dimaya of the University of Southern Philippines characterizes ‘he organi zation of the book as “masterly.” He says the book is a "splendid rcseaich work.” VW Causing begins with a defini tion of symbolism and symbols. He gives Mackey’s definition of symbol ism as "the science which is engaged in the investigation of ‘he -meaning of symbols and the application <>f their interpretation to moral, religious and philosophical instruction.’ Mr. Coon says that “a symbol may be a sign, mark, figure, picture or storv which brings or suggests to the imnd some fact or idea other than that which appears.” A symbol is a “visible re presentation of certain reality,” a “vi sible manifestation of an idea, thought or something which it represents.” Bro. Causing calls upon Masons to give a little of their time to study and meditate upon Masonic symbolism— Freemasonry being “essentially a sci ence of symbolism.” The next part deals cn symbols found in the Lodge: its form, orien tation, covering, the altar, pedestal and columns, two pillars, ornaments (mosaic pavement, the blazing star and the "tessellated border”), furni ture (Holy Bible, the square and the compasses—Great Lights in Mason ry), jewels (“immovable”—square, level, and the plumb; and "movable” —trestle board, and the rough and perfect ashlars). The next portion refers to sym bols of the working took and certain emblems such as the gavel of the Master of the Lodge, the twenty-four inch gauge, compasses, trowel, apron cabletow, and the hoodwink. Bro. Causing then treats of other symbols such as the All-Seeing Eye, the letter “G”. the interlaced triangles, the point and the circle, the "Sacred Word,” the sprig of acacia, Jacob’s ladder, the corner stone, the thresh ing floor, the Lion of the tribe of Ju dah, the lamb, pulling off the shoes, the Masonic ring, the double-headed eagle, and the cross. Other symbol isms such as the reason whv the Lodge is tyled, the legend of the Third Deg ree, the temple, the "Lost Word,” light, and death, are then discussed. The symbolic teachings of the Scot tish Rite Degree (up to the 32°) and an analytical summary of the teach ings of the several degrees are also given. The author completes his reseach by giving "The Mas..me Creed ” “The Masonic Belief,” " The Masonic Teaching,” and some brev ies. He the places his bibliographical entries. The book freshly re-examines the values, meanings, and ideals in Ma sonry. Masonry is action; one use ful action that a Mason can do is to seek to develop and continue the love Turn to pogo 32 28 The Cabletow OFFICIAL SECTION DIRECTIVES TO MASTERS AND SECRETARIES REGARDING PETITIONS FOR DEGREES: December 7, 1967 1. At least 50% of the Degree Fees, as required by Article VIII of the Lodge By-laws, MUST accompany the petition for Degrees, (Par. 176) else same shall not be read before, nor received by, the Lodge. 2. The petition MUST be accomplished in the handwriting of the petitioner; al) questions therein MUST be answered and ALL blanks filled or crossed when not applicable. (Par. 162) 3. The petition must state the full names of the petitioner — (NO INITIALS) but may be signed by the petitioner with his usual signature. (G.L. Fortm No. 369) 4. If the petitioner lacks the qualification of residence, (Par. 171) or has been previously rejected within less than 12 months (Pars. 161 & 170) the Lodge CANNOT receive nor act on the petition unless at a Stated Meeting by un animous vote by ballot the Lodge should approve to request for a dispen sation to receive and act on the petition; and it is only when dispensation there for has been obtained that the Lodge may, at a Stated Meeting, receive and act on the petition. If the Lodge so desires, BUT only in the case of a previously rejected can didate, the request for dispensation may include a statement that it wishes to receive and act on the petition at a special meeting to be held for the purpose on a certain specified date and time, (Par. 139) and accordingly, (Par. 170) the Secretary shall give all members of the Lodge due and timely notice of the date, time and purpose of said special meeting. 5. In the case of a previously rejected petitioner, his present petition shall bo addressed to the Lodge that rejected him, AND TO NO OTHER, (Par. 163) if petitioner presently maintains his residence within its jurisdiction. 6. Immediately after receipt and action by the Lodge giving the petition ita due and usual course, BUT NOT BEFORE, (G.L. Form No. 368) the Secre tary shall forward to the Grand Secretary a duplicate of the petition for publication in the Grand Lodge Circular No. 12. 7. Balloting on the petition may be held at any Stated Meeting after the Com mittee on Investigation shall have given their respective reports to the Worshipful Master, (Par. 164) irrespective of publication. 3. NO VALID INITIATION can be held before publication. (Edict No. 49) JOSEPH E. SCHON, DGM Chairman Committee on Administration of Lodges BOOK REVIEW. . From pago 26 for research and study in Masonic symbolisms and symbols. The author’s style is that of a rc searcher and scholar. His inclusion of gems of thought adds .<■; ke to the book. There is a picture of the Ma sonic Temple on Borromeo St., Cebu City, on the leaf after the title heading of the book. A After years of watching the progress of Nature I can no more doubt the exist ence of an Intelligence that is running things than I can doubt the existence of myself. — Thomas A. Edison Miserable . . . is he who in his homo had no place where he can be his sole company; where he can invite his mind; where he can lurk secure. — Michael de Montaigne 32 The Cabletow