.
I believe this is the time for us to reflect once again, on the beneficial influence of Freemasonry on our lives, and rededicate ourselves anew, for practicing and the spreading of Masonic principles. It is also an occasion for us to concentrate on some of the problems facing us today. One of these is adherence to the ethics, and code of conduct.
What has happened to the ethics revered and generally followed in the past? Code sections and various regulations are being misinterpreted or ignored in attempts to increase membership. Lack of respect for the views of others and like matters, is disturbing the harmony in Lodges, and is becoming more frequent.
Not too long ago, conduct was self-imposed. It sprang from core beliefs. Agreements used to be made solely, by the shaking of hands, and a Freemason’s word was his bond. Trust and adherence to truth was the standard of conduct for most Freemasons. This sense of honor is largely unobserved and probably not comprehended by much of our fraternity nowadays. Freemasons, however, are supposed to be ethical before they become Masons and, as such, are taught to think, and act, ethically.
Honor, along with duty, form the bedrock of human character. Today, many who see an injustice or are dissatisfied with a status do nothing. Others betray the right. Toleration of misconduct makes the person who tolerates equally guilty of malfeasance. Ethics, rules, unlike most laws, are observed only by ethical people, who do not need them. Honor codes are meaningless to individuals without a sense of honor.
Freemasons, who breach the Constitution, Laws and Edicts of the Grand Lodge, or the By-Laws of their own Lodges, not only violate their obligations, but are individuals without a sense of honor. Those who have knowledge of those breaches, and do nothing, are likewise guilty of wrongful conduct. An observation of such inherently immoral action is set forth in the Volume of Sacred Law, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Freemasonry sets a higher standard to always do right. Its ritual includes references to purity of life and conduct; being good and true; practicing the domestic and public virtues; squaring our actions by the Square of virtue; and displaying discretion, virtue, and dignity. But even the most explicit laws or lists of do’s and don’ts, or standards of conduct, are futile, if those they apply to, lack the basic character to abide by them.
Since Freemasons are urged to live by Masonic principles and thus, by precept and example, encourage others to emulate their actions, they must abide by their obligations and not palliate the offenses of their Brethren. They must realize that the teachings of the Craft are designed to improve society, as well as each member, just as Aristotle knew that, though it is worthwhile to obtain the end merely for one man, it is fine and more Godlike, to attain it for a nation.
We must recognize, that if anyone loses interest in Freemasonry after he becomes a Mason, the fault does not necessarily lie with him, but with the other Brethren who are associated with him in his Lodge and outside, for not helping him to sustain the interest. I for one do not believe that Freemasonry has let anyone down. If anything, it is we, who often let Freemasonry down, by not following its principles.
I urge the Brethren to take the tenets of Freemasonry seriously and adopt them as a way of life. Let us remember the charge given to the Worshipful Master after his installation, where he is asked to ensure that the Brethren, “practice outside the Lodge those duties they are taught in it, and also to forcibly impress on them the serious importance, and dignity of Freemasonry, and seriously admonish them never to disgrace it.”
The charge further adds, “…that this is necessary, so that the world may know that a Freemason, is one to whom the burdened heart may pour its sorrow; to whom the distressed may depend on; whose hand is guided by justice, and whose heart is expanded by benevolence.”
I am sure, if all Masons act upon this message, it will provide an abiding influence in our lives, and in the lives of those around us.
Sticking to the principles that takes a good man & makes him better.
Hiram Abiff
The Widow’s Son
"No man has ever knelt at our altar of Obligation an arose the same man."
************************ click comment tab below to leave one! ********************
-
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
My Brother,
ReplyDeleteAn excellent piece. Really brings home where Freemasonry stands in the Masonic Grand jurisdictions across the USA.
Too often our long held beliefs are compromised for the "hope" of membership. Today that means money. That applies not just to Freemasonry, BUT to ALL organizations, even churches.
But too much compromising can come with a high price tag. . . the soul of the organization.
I must stop here to add this disclaimer...
The following is MY OPINION, I do not speak for the Grand Lodge of Ohio in ANY WAY! While some rank & file share my views they are not "official".
The more we compromise to get new membership, the more we become like any other organization; we become less special. To be a Freemason used to be something special, something that distinguished you from the pack. But we have made it easier to become a Mason, but is it as special?
That is where I think your message of rededication comes into play. We must rededicate ourselves to making our Fraternity as special as it once was. The joking around at inspections by DDGM's no less, MUST stop! The brethren must also act better. We must return to the level of respect we owe the Fraternity AND each other.
Then and only then, can we call ourselves the GREATEST FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION out there!
While we work toward that goal, I am STILL PROUD to be a Mason. Thank-you Brother Hiram for another interesting relevant blog. I hope others will have the courage to respond.
I must also add one more thing... (he said in his best Lt.Columbo impersonation)
ReplyDeleteYou said, "We must recognize, that if anyone loses interest in Freemasonry after he becomes a Mason, the fault does not necessarily lie with him, but with the other Brethren who are associated with him in his Lodge..."
My brother you are SO right. We must continue to encourage our new members. We are our Fraternity's BEST promoters and representatives. WE can only do this by letting our new members know what it is to be a Mason, we must be the example they follow. Be positive & enthusiastic.