While witnessing the Master Mason degree a couple of words were used frequently and they are words that I have heard always in a Masonic setting.
Sublime......raised to the sublime degree......also in Scottish Rite the word sublime is used in the ultimate degree of Scottish Rite Masonry. Here is what was found regarding sublime.
In aesthetics, the sublime (from the Latin sublīmis) is the quality of greatness, whether physical, moral, intellectual, metaphysical, aesthetic, spiritual or artistic. The term especially refers to a greatness beyond all possibility of calculation, measurement or imitation.(wikipedia on-line)
[French sublimer, from Latin sublimare] a (1) : to elevate or exalt especially in dignity or honor (2) : to render finer (as in purity or excellence) b : to convert (something inferior) into something of higher worth(merriam-webster on-line)
sub·lime
adj.
1. Characterized by nobility; majestic.
2.
a. Of high spiritual, moral, or intellectual worth.
b. Not to be excelled; supreme.
3. Inspiring awe; impressive.
4. Archaic Raised aloft; set high.
5. Obsolete Of lofty appearance or bearing; haughty: "not terrible,/That I should fear . . . /But solemn and sublime" (John Milton). (free on-line dictionary)
So, this term sublime that gets batted around in Masonry has some very significant meaning behind it. Also, we are taught that there is no higher degree than that of Master Mason. All too often this term and the significance of the degree gets lost in the shuffle.
I think you will agree that the Master Mason degree is majestic and awe inspiring.
The innocent little word tidings means; news, information, or intelligence. So when the party that traveled near the port of Joppa returned news, information and intelligence in regards to the three ruffians. It's amazing that this innocent little word carries such a deep and profound meaning.
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