ECCLESIASTES 12
In the Holy Bible there are countless descriptions of men's souls. This is to be expected in the Holy Writ. It is interesting, therefore, to encounter in these writings a passage devoted to a careful case description of physical illness. In the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes of the Old Testament a remarkable exposition is set forth concerning the rigours of the ageing process. Exhibiting keen awareness of the symptoms involved, the ancient Biblical writer has fashioned a poetic description of the inevitable toll of old age that reads as follows :-
"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, While the evil days come not, nor the times draw nigh, When thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. While the sun, or the light, or the moon or the stars be not darkened, Nor the clouds return after the rain;
In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, And the strong men shall bow themselves, And the grinders cease because they are few, And those that look out of the windows be darkened, And the doors shall be shut in the streets, When the sound of the grinding is low.
And he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, And all the daughters of music shall be brought low; Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, And fears shall be in the way,
And the almond tree shall flourish,
And the grasshopper shall be a burden,
And desire shall fail:
Because man goeth to his long home,
And the mourners go about the streets:
Or ever the silver chord be loosed,
Or the golden bowl be broken,
Or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, Or the wheel broken at the cistern.
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; And the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."
Often attributed to King Solomon, the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes was actually written by a Jewish teacher known only as KOHELETH. Canonical students are in agreement that the book was written some time between 300 and 200 years BC. The author is believed to have lived in Palestine and therefore exemplifies the influence of the contemporary Wisdom Schools of Egypt and of Greece. At the time Koheleth was writing, Hippocrates had been dead less than 100 years. The original writings and the unwritten principles of Hippocrates were collected and published in a series of volumes by an Alexandrian commission of scholars. This monumental work forms the essence of medical knowledge before the birth of Christ and was preserved through the centuries of darkness to serve as the foundation stone for the building of the science of medicine in the Renaissance. Knowledge of the basic medical sciences in this era was scanty, and the disciplines of observation and analysis formed the basis for the practice of medicine. These early physicians showed meticulous attention to clinical detail and wrote descriptions of disease that resemble case reports in current medical journals. During the third century B.C., the teachings of Hippocrates were carried on in the Alexandrian school by the rival physicians Herophilus and Erasistratus. Herophilus was the first to count the pulse accurately, and he recognised the significance of alterations of the pulse in disease. Erasistratus founded the study of anatomy, and was nearer to the great discovery of William Harvey than the celebrated Galen. He accurately described the great vessels and the chambers of the heart and perceived the function of the valves. He recognised the heart as the central force of the circulation, but failed to realise that the arteries carried anything but vapours from the lungs to the periphery of the body.
Such was the understanding and practice of medicine in the third century before Christ when Koheleth undertook the allegorical description of senility now recorded in Ecclesiastes. The Biblical clinician demonstrates a piercing insight into the true feelings of the patient that is in keeping with this era of careful clinical recording. Interpretation of the allegory is intriguing, and it's analysis reveals the subjective and objective changes of the degenerative process with startling reality. Although the passage has provoked much argument among canonical interpreters, certain aspects of the poem that have not been discussed in the Biblical commentaries are apparent to any physician. Figuratively, this poem constitutes one of the loveliest descriptions of a clinical eternity in all literature.
"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth."
The well-worn theme, "gather the harvest while young," has been the subject of many a commencement address. The hindsight of age is ever the genesis of advice to youth. Apparently, the "retrospectoscope" was already in use in the early time of this writing.
"While the evil days come not, nor the times draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them."
This description of the unhappy state of mind that often coexists with the infirmities of old age characterises the attitude that has surrounded the elderly person for countless centuries. As the age of the population increases, every physician is called upon to contribute some measure of his particular skill to prevent the description of old age as "the evil days ..... no pleasure in them."
"While the sun, or the light, or the moon or the stars be not darkened."
Dimming light is an expansive metaphor frequently used to symbolise old age and is to be found in literature with such phrases as "the twilight years" and "sunset of life."
"The clouds return after the rain."
With remarkable insight the poet clinician has identified the loss of elastic response characteristic of the aged patient. In aged tissues, no longer does rest refresh or recuperation renew.
"The keepers of the house shall tremble."
To name the hands "the keepers of the house" is metaphorical eloquence. This will have particular appeal to the surgeon whose hands have often brought order to "the house." That ageing fingers must tremble until they are incapable of "keeping the house" is perhaps the saddest of these similes.
"And the strong men shall bow themselves."
Without any knowledge of the pathophysiology of osteoporosis or the degeneration of muscle and cartilage, the author has clearly pictured the degeneration of the ageing musculoskeletal system. Although ageing in skin, teeth and hair, and even in the organs of special sense may occur without affecting the total body, ageing in muscle and bone "bites into man's pride, and gives him a sense of the passage of time which he fain would conceal even from himself."
"The grinders cease because they are few."
The ancient physician did not understand that the teeth are extruded further from the alveolar ridge as the enamel wears down, and with atrophy of the mucous membranes, the loss of teeth is closely related to old age. Yet his concise aphorism leaves no doubt about his clinical observation.
"And those that look out of the windows be darkened."
Again the poet has achieved a metaphor that not only is in accord with biologic occurrence, but also imparts a vivid feeling of the ghostly creeping of time. Failing eyesight is presented as more than presbyopia; the impression is adroitly created that the soul is peering anxiously from within at overt signs of decay of the temple. The image thus drawn brings to mind Cicero's description of the eyes: "Tanquam in arce collocati . . . tanquam speculatares altissimum locum obtinent" ( Placed as in a citadel, like watchmen, they hold the highest place)."
"And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low."
The market streets of the cities of the Near East have always been characteristically depicted as crowded, noisy, confused hubbub. The quite peace that supervenes on such a scene, when the bazars are closed at the day's end, is clearly apropos of the hushed world of the deaf. When the sound of the grinding of one's teeth is decreased, the deafness of old age must be inescapable.
"And he shall rise up at the voice of the bird."
It is the trait of most old people to be early risers.
"And the daughters of musick shall be brought low."
Musical notes are expressed in the Hebrew idiom as "daughter's of song." Changes of vocal chords, with resultant coarseness and decrease in the musical quality of the voice, are alluded to in this instance.
"When they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way."
Acrophobia is a frequent and understandable finding in the aged population. The fears that are "In the way" have to do with the speed and complexity of each new era, and depict the unfamiliarity of elderly people with the changing patterns of the world. In a larger sense, the infirmities of age exact cautious behaviour, and imperfect reflexes create fear of many things that once were tackled with abandon.
"And the almond tree shall flourish."
A large, delicate, snow-white blossoms of the almond tree have long been used as a poetic symbol for the dignity of white hair.
"And the grasshopper shall be a burden."
It may be that Koheleth's intention was the representation of so light an object as a single grasshopper as a heavy load. Certainly, when "the strong men bow themselves," the least demand of extra effort is burdensome. The grasshopper had far greater significance for the farmers of Mesopotamia, for a locust plague was capable of annihilating the season's crop. A young man could withstand such a loss and build towards the following season, but the loss of a year's harvest might devastate an elderly farmer.
"And desire shall fail."
The gradual decrease in physical desire is another attendant of age in both male and female. It is possible that Koheleth looked deeper than this physiologic decline to a broader, more telling concept of old age. The desire to dream dreams and to plan accomplishments is dimmed with advancing years because of the diminishing likelihood of their fruition. Such acknowledgement may well have been the writer's intention.
"Or ever the silver chord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken."
Two interpretations may be drawn from this passage. The most popular among Biblical scholars is the interpretation made with the use of ancient symbolism; the lamp of life was envisioned as a lamp hung in a golden bowl suspended by a silver cord. The figure then pertains to the total being, with a climatic reference to the end result of the ageing phenomenon. A second view is possible that is in keeping with the anatomic allegory that has been so precisely drawn. The silver cord thus becomes the spinal cord, and the golden bowl the cranial vault. The breaking of the bowl need not connote a violent death. Rather, for most older people the "loosed chord" and the "broken bowl" picture the deterioration of the highest powers that distinguish man's being and are housed in the "golden bowl". It is the gradual decline of the mental powers that has come to be accepted as senility.
"Or the pitcher be broken at the fountain."
The fountains in ancient Palestine were artesian wells, offering a constant water source except during drought. With the symbol of the broken pitcher, the old clinical recorder has conveyed the "drying up of urine" of elderly persons who suffered from renal disease, with anuria or vesical-neck obstruction with urinary retention. Again a more general application is feasible. All old things can be described as "withered". The skin of old people is often likened to parchment. In the arid desert lands people literally dried up, and water balance must continue to be a problem in the aged in that area.
"Or the wheel broken at the cistern."
With this grand concluding simile, the clinical recorder has suggested in graphic fashion the concept of cardiac failure. Although Erasistratus and his contemporaries stood at the fringe of understanding, and viewed the heart with awe, William Harvey's demonstration of the circulation occurred in the sixteenth century, almost 2000 years later!
"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."
One still repeats the words "dust to dust" in the internment of the dead, a requiem as old as mortality. Beyond this even the pessimistic poet has attached a note of hope. It is a final note of triumph that overcomes the destruction of the sepulchre. As the beautiful poem moves through a description of deterioration of the individual parts, it is the background music that reflects the belief that irrespective of the state of the temple, the journey through life produces a burnished wisdom. The same ageing process that wears away the physical powers leaves a state of quiet dignity. The anxieties, physical hazards, regrets and discomforts must surely be overbalanced by the treasures of memory, reflection, comradeships and experiences. With the physician's aid in compromising the failures herein described, old age no longer need be synonymous with "the evil days," but rather "the season for reaping and storing the final harvest of life."
ABODE 191 : the place where one abides : Home.
ABSTAINING 97 : to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practices
ACCORD 127 to give consent: Assent.
ACQUIESCENCE 97 To assent tacitly, comply quietly; agree; consent.
ADHERENT (TO THE DOCTRINES THEREIN CONTAINED)106 : one that adheres: as a believer in or advocate especially of a particular idea or church.
ADMONISH 141 to indicate duties or obligations: to express warning or disapproval to especially in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner to give friendly earnest advice or encouragement to.
AFFABILITY 192 being pleasant and at ease in talking to others : characterized by ease and friendliness: Gracious.
APPROBATION 50 Approval, commendation.: an act of approving formally or officially Commendation, Praise,Proof.
ASPIRATION 146 : audible breath that accompanies or comprises a speech sound.
ASSEMBLED to bring together (as in a particular place or for a particular purpose) : to meet together; Convene.
AUSPICES 86 Patronage., favouring influence.
AVARICE 138 excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain Greediness, Cupidity .
AVOCATIONS ( PRIVATE) 172 customary employment : Vocation.
BANEFUL 174 : productive of destruction or woe : seriously harmful.
BARK 138 :a small sailing ship : a sailing ship of three or more masts with the aftmost mast fore-and-aft rigged and the others square-rigged : a craft propelled by sails or oars.
BENIFICENCE 174 :doing good or causing good to be done, conferring benefits.
CANDOUR 141 unreserved, honest, or sincere expression :Forthrightness, freedom from prejudice or malice : Fairness.
CELESTIAL 144 : of or relating to the sky or visible heavens.
CHAPITER 144 : the capital of a column.
CIRCUMSCRIBED 105 To draw a line around; encircle; surround. To enclose within bounds; limit or confine, to define or mark off carefully.
CLAMOROUS 145 noisily insistent marked by confused din or outcry : Tumultious ..
CONCORD 101 agreement by stipulation, compact, or covenant.
CONJOINED 130 to join together (as separate entities) for a common purpose.
CONSTITUTED to give due or lawful form to : to legally process .
CONVOCATION 165 A group of persons met in answer to a summons.
CORNUCOPIA 214 : a curved goat's horn overflowing with fruit and ears of grain that is used as a decorative motif emblematic of abundance : an inexhaustible store : Abundance.
CORPOREAL 96 (CORPORAL)Of the human body, bodily, personal.
COWAN 37 Scottish origin, a dry-dyker, a builder of 'dry'walls. One who is not a Freemason.
CRITERION 138 a standard on which a judgment or decision may be based.
DEIGN 51 Condescend.
DELINEATE 76 To trace the outline of; sketch or trace in outline; represent pictorially; to portray in words; describe.
DELINEATED 144 : to indicate or represent by drawn or painted lines : to mark the outline of : to describe, portray, or set forth with accuracy or in detail.
DEMEANOR 97 : behavior toward others : outward manner. DESIGN (IMPIOUS) : to create, fashion, execute, or construct according to plan.
DIADEM : Crown Specifically:royal headband : something that adorns like a crown.
DIFFIDENCE 147 :lacking confidence in one`s own ability worth or fitness.
DILATE 86 To speak at great length, expand.
DIVERS (COLOURS) 101 Various.
DIVESTED 90 To strip or deprive of anything.
D OCTRINE something that is taught : a principle or position or the body of principles in a branc
DUE 61 To ascribe proper credit to.
DUE FORM 119 Proper, adequate, or correct form according to the Ritual, according to accepted notions or procedures. Form: established method of expression or proceeding : procedure according to rule or rote
DUE GUARD To duly (properly) guard the person using it in reference to his obligations and the penalty for their violation. A keeper, a protection against the accidental loss or betrayal of the real sign of the degree.Proper and sufficient guard. Probably contraction of the French "Dieu garde".
DULY (CONSTITUTED) 127 Properly: in due manner or time.
DULY TYLED 11 Properly Tyled.
EMBLEMATICAL 128 of, relating to, or constituting an emblem :Symbolic, Representative.
EMINENCE 137 a position of prominence or superiority, one that is eminent, prominent, or lofty, a person of high rank or attainments.
ENTHUSIAST (NOT TO BE)138 one who tends to become ardently absorbed in an interesta person filled with enthusiasm: as one who is ardently attached to a cause, object, or pursuit.
EQUIDISTANT 161 equally distant.
EQUIVOCATION The use of ambiguous expressions in order to mislead.
ERR 47 To go astray in thought or belief.To go astray morally: sin To deviate from the true course, aim or purpose.
ERR 162 : Stray (archaic) : to make a mistake : to violate an accepted standard of conduct.
ESTIMATE 136 to learn or find out by experience (archaic) .
ETHEREAL (MANSION) 102 & 104 of or relating to the regions beyond the earth Celestial, Heavenly, Unworldly, Spiritual.
EVASION 172 : to use equivocal language especially with intent to deceive :to avoid committing oneself in what one says, a subterfuge; an excuse or trick to avoid or to get round something.
EVINCE 88 To show clearly; make evident or manifest.
EXEMPLIFIED 97 : to show or illustrate by example.
EXHORTATION 180 : language intended to incite and encourage.
EXTENSIVELY SERVICEABLE 71 Of great extent; far reaching; comprehensive; thorough. Being of service; useful, capable of doing good service.
EXTORT 97 : to obtain from a person by force, intimidation, or undue or illegal power : Wring also : to gain especially by ingenuity or compelling argument.
EXUBERANCE 144 Profuse in growth or production.
FIDELITY 62, implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty : the quality or state of being faithful, the strict observance of promises, duties , etc. strict adherence to truth or fact, honesty, truthfulness.
FIGURATIVE 179: a metaphore, not literal.
FORM 119 established method of expression or proceeding : procedure according to rule or rote.
FORTITUDE 165 : strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage: Strength
HELE 75 Its origin is the Anglo-Saxon helan, meaning 'to cover and conceal'.
HIGH TIME 64 High Twelve: Twelve noon.
ILLUMINE 39 To supply with light, to enlighten as with knowledge.
IMPIOUS DESIGN 176 lacking in reverence or proper respect (as for God or one's parents) : Irreverent.
IMPORT 88 To convey as a meaning or implication.
INCLINATION 74 Exemption from external control, interference, regulation , etc. Set or bent (of the mind or will); a liking or preference.
INCULCATED 127 to teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions.
INDIGENCE 174 : a level of poverty in which real hardship and deprivation are suffered and comforts of life are wholly lacking.
INDITE : to give literary or formal expression to c : to put down in writing obsolete: Dictate.
INDUCE 141 to move by persuasion or influence from particulars.
INFALLIBLE 138 incapable of error not liable to mislead, deceive, or disappoint incapable of error in defining doctrines touching faith or morals.
INSIDIOUS 129 Intended to trap or deceive; an insidious enemy, secure from violation or profanation, secure from assault or trespass: Unassailable :to be kept free from violation of any kind, or treated as if sacred.
INVOKED 122 to make an earnest request for : Solicit.
JUST 76 Based on right; rightful; lawful.
KIND OFFICE 96 something that one ought to do or must do : an assigned or assumed duty, task, or role b : the proper or customary action of something : Function: something done for another : Service.
LAUDABLE UNDERTAKINGS 181 worthy of praise : Commendable.
LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES 135 the studies (as language, philosophy, history, literature, abstract science) in a college or university intended to provide chiefly general knowledge and to develop
LYRE 213 a stringed instrument of the harp class used by the ancient Greeks especially to accompany song and recitation.
MARK 38 An indication of position.
MATTER (RUDE)119 the substance of which a physical object is composed.
MERIDIAN 38 Of or pertaining to midday or noon.
MOLESTATION 145 to annoy, disturb, or persecute especially with hostile intent or injurious effect.
OBLATIONS 100 : the act of making a religious offering; something offered in worship or devotion : a holy gift offered usually at an altar or shrine.
ORDER 101 : to put in order :Arrange.
PALLIATE 141 to cover by excuses and apologies, to moderate the intensity of.
PARALLELEPIPEDON : Oblong Square ( so called) sometimes referred to as 'the double cube', with doubtful accuracy.Archaic.
PECULIAR(TO)146 : characteristic of only one person, group, or thing :Distinctive.
PERAMBULATION 15 To walk or travel about.
PERFECT 76 Lacking in no respect; complete.
PRECEPTS 95 A commandment or direction given as rule of action or conduct.
PREFERMENT 141 advancement or promotion in dignity, office, or station.
PREMISED 88 To set forth beforehand, as by way of introduction.
PREVARICATED 146 : to deviate from the truth : Equivocate.
PRIVATIONS 185 The lack of the usual comforts or necessaries of life.
PROFICIENCY 156 advancement in knowledge or skill: Progress.
PROPRIETY 122 the quality or state of being proper : Appropriateness.
PROSECUTION OF WHICH.. 176 : Pursuit (obsolete).
PROVE (HORIZONTALS)137 to test the truth, validity, or genuineness of, to compare against a standard, : to check the correctness of (as an arithmetic result).
QUADRANT 22 A Quarter of a circle, an arc of 90deg. A Quarter of the Lodge Room.
RATIFICATION 90 To confirm by expressing consent, approval, or formal sanction.
RECANTED 176 : to withdraw or repudiate (a statement or belief) formally and publicly: Renounce.
RECAPITULATE 141 to repeat the principal points or stages of : Summarise; Sum Up.
RECTITUDE 138 the quality or state of being straight, moral integrity , the quality or state of being correct in judgment or procedure.
REGULAR 76 Adhering to rule or procedure.
REGULARLY (ASSEMBLED) 127 Formally correct, in a regular manner.
RENDERED (FIT)104 to cause to be or become.
REPOSITORY 128 a place, room, or container where something is deposited or stored : one that contains or stores something nonmaterial.
REPREHEND 141 : to voice disapproval of : Censure.
RETROSPECT 174 : a review of or meditation on past events- in retrospect : in considering the past or a past event.
RUDE (MATTER) 119 being in a rough or unfinished state.
RUDE MATTER 42 Unwrought, raw or crude.
SALTIRE 210 : a heraldic charge consisting of a cross formed by a bend and a bend sinister (Left) crossing in the center.
SANCTION 51 Countenance or support given to an action and to make certain or sure.
SANCTION AND CONFIRM 196 : to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to ; make valid or binding usually by a formal procedure (as ratification).
SCRIP-PURSE 211 archaic : a small bag or wallet.
SCRUPLE 147 an ethical consideration or principle that inhibits action : mental reservation. Service being of service; useful, capable of doing good service.
SOLACE 174 : alleviation of grief or anxiety : a source of relief or consolation. SOLICITATIONS 70 Enticement or allurement.
SPECULATIVE MASONS 91 The speculative mason is the symbolic mason not a practical mason.
STEADFAST 173 : firm in belief, determination, or adherence : Loyal.
SUBLIME(DEGREE)148 the highest degree or example : to elevate or exalt especially in dignity or honor . of outstanding spiritual, intellectual, or moral worth.
SUBLUNARY ABODE 191 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the terrestrial world, earth.
SUBORDINATION 137 to make subject or subservient.
SUPPLICATIONS (DAILY) 172 to ask humbly and earnestly of to pray humbly, to seek by humble entreaty; especially : to pray to God.
SYMMETRY 101 : balanced proportions; also : beauty of form arising from balanced proportions : the property of being symmetrical; especially : correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing.
TENETS 192 : a principle, belief, or doctrine generally held to be true; especially : one held in common by members of an organization, movement, or profession.
TERRESTRIAL 144 of or relating to the earth or its inhabitants.
TESSELLATED P9 Of or resembling mosaic, having a finely chequered surface. tessellated. Checkered with mosaic work. See mosaic, indented tessel.
TRANSITORY LIFE 179 : tending to pass away : not persistent, of brief duration.
TRAVERSE 123 to go or travel across or over b : to move or pass along or through to move back and forth or from side to side.
TRIALS : the action or process of trying or putting to the proof .
TURBULANT 145 : causing unrest, violence, or disturbance a : characterized by agitation or tumult: Tempestuous.
VARIEGATED 103 : to diversify in external appearance especially with different colors : to enliven or give interest to by means of variety having discrete markings of different colors.
VENERATION 141 respect or awe inspired by the dignity, wisdom, dedication, or talent of a person the act of venerating.
VESTED IN ME 198 : fully and unconditionally guaranteed as a legal right, benefit, or privilege: as a complete or fixed right.
WORSHIPFUL Derived from medieval custom, being a title of courtesy and honour then in common use. To be Worshipful is to be honourable and worthy. The Masons Company of Masons styled itself the Worshipful Company of Masons in 1655-56 and it is reasonable to assume that the speculative masons inherited from that Company.
WROUGHT 40 Archaic, a past tense and past participle of work.