Signs, tokens, and words do not constitute Freemasonry, but are local marks whereby Masons know each other, and may be altered, or entirely done away, without the least injury to scientific Freemasonry. It is with many Freemasons too absurd a belief, and still more absurd practice, to build our science upon so shallow a foundation as signs, tokens, and words, which I fear constitute with some the only attainment they look for in Freemasonry. That certain signals may be necessary, I do readily allow; but deny that such mechanism shall constitute a principal part of our Institution. — ( Genesis 9:12 - Genesis 17:11 - Job 21:29 )
A token is generally a numismatic item similar to a coin and unofficially issued as a unit of exchange or for advertising or other purposes.
Biblical References
Genesis 9:12
And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
Genesis 17:11
And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
Job 21:29
Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,
~~ooOoo~~
This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.
