Page:Manual of the Lodge.pdf/128

Rh Here a symbol of Plenty is introduced, and proper explanations are given as to the proper answers to the following questions:

The passages of Scripture which are referred to in this part of the section will be found in Judges xii. 1–6. The Vulgate version gives a paraphrastic translation of a part of the 6th verse, as follows: "Say, therefore, Shibboleth, which being interpreted is an ear of corn." The same word also in Hebrew signifies a rapid stream of water, from the root SHaBaL, to flow copiously. The too common error of speaking, in this part of the ritual, of a "water-ford" instead of a "water-fall," which is the correct word, must be carefully avoided. A water-fall is an emblem of plenty, because it indicates an abundance of water. A water-ford, for the converse reason, is, if any symbol at all, a symbol of scarcity.