UGLE Inscriptions on Building, What Are They Telling Freemasons & Others?

D. W. Brown · 09-04-2007, 05:35 PM

I'm curious about two inscriptions on the United Grand Lodge of England's building.

First: Hebrew
See Attached Picture (Translated: 'Holiness to the Lord')

Second: Latin
Vide, Audi, Tace (Translated: 'Listen, see, be silent - if you wish to live in peace')

My question is, for what reason were these two inscriptions placed there? Anyone care to speculate?

D. W. Brown · 09-11-2007, 07:51 PM

Ok no one wants to attempt this one?

David Herman · 09-11-2007, 10:52 PM

I thought your post was rhetorical. Where did you get that "if you wish to live in peace" bit?

'Holiness to the Lord' is probably inscribed because historically, the Holy Royal Arch was considered the completion of the Craft degrees. The Royal Arch is set during the rebuilding of the Temple of Solomon, and (per Exodus 28:36, KJV), this was to be inscribed upon the breastplate of the High Priest.

"Vide, Audi, Tace" is probably inscribed because it is the motto of the UGL of England. See http://www.grandlodge-england.org/ugle/coatof-arms.htm

D. W. Brown · 09-12-2007, 09:24 AM

I got the translastion from here:

http://www.extrospection.com/archive...ll_london.html

As far as the moto, yes I see that part but what is the meaning behind it. I'm especially curious what does the "be silent" part mean?

Parisfred · 06-30-2008, 02:33 PM

"Holiness to the Lord"

maybe it's a related to a reply of the WM in the 3rd degrees of emulation ritual,
its supposed to be the exclamation of KS and the prince of the court the first time they see the Temple.

Fraternally
Fred

Qweevox · 06-30-2008, 03:53 PM

Philosophically speaking one who searches for “Truth” and finds it would be more at “peace” if he remained silent. Revealing a “truth” is disturbing. Some of the Gnostic gospels, as well as other philosophy schools speak to this fact a great deal. History itself is filled with examples of what happens when “TRUTH” is revealed.

Listen
SEE
…and be silent. IF you wish to live in peace…

chgregory · 06-30-2008, 08:07 PM

"Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto bCaesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s" ... shortened into "Holiness onto God" which in the Christian Church equals also "Holiness to the Lord". The motto of the UGLE it seems ot me could be read "Listen, See and hold in silence" or as I see the term "learn (by seeing and hearing the ritual) and hold within you in silence (because that which belongs in the lodge stays in the lodge). Just my opinion, but it is a super question.

F&S

D. W. Brown · 07-01-2008, 11:05 PM

That adds an interesting twist to my thinking there Brother Cliff. Thought provoking answer.

chgregory · 07-02-2008, 04:46 PM

Thank You Dale, and again I echo, this is a great place to just talk through the questions. I have a lot of opinions, and I hope I never offend others by simply saying what is on my mind. I love the way that masons approach one another in open and constructive fashion. It is what made me want te become involved and why I like to attend lodge and meet with my brothers.

Best,