Masonic Miscellany

Question

In the explanation of the Second Degree Tracing Board at that point where our ancient Brethren have entered the porch andarrived at the foot of the winding staircase etc, etc,. We are told that "the PG . . . is depictedby an E of C near to a F of W.” Why is the PW depicted as an E of C next toa F of W ?

Answer: The password of this degree is the one that is the best explained of the three that Craft Masons use. It may, however, be of interest to know that when we learn the origin of these two words, that are alike yet different, it makes even more sense of what we are told. The word that the Hebrews used, 'Sh......th', meant, as it sounds, 'a flow of running water', whilst in Arabic the word 'Siblet' still means 'a grain of a cereal'. When these two words are used the failure of one group to aspirate is even better understood.

My thanks to the PGL Warwickshire .

Question: What is the origin of the phrase `darkness visible'?

Answer. It appears in Milton's Paradise Lost (Bk. 1, 1. 63):

A dungeon horrible on all sides round As one great furnace flam'd, yet from those flames No light, but rather darkness visible Serv'd only to discover sights of woe..

This great work was begun in 1658, when Milton was already blind, and the sombre gloom of these lines may well be contrasted with the many beautiful passages in which the poet was able to conjure up his visions of light, in words which seem to acquire a greater strength and majesty because of the perpetual darkness in which he lived.

From Bro. Harry Carr PM Quatuor Coronati No.2076 (EC)

It is good to see that Inverclyde Council have included 175 in their tourist brochure for West Blackhall Street. Click here for the whole brochure.