Post by Tamrin on Jun 23, 2009 14:31:00 GMT 10
Masonry, however, is not only the most ancient, but the most moral institution that ever existed, as every character, figure, and emblem depicted in the Lodge has a moral tendency, and serves to inculcate the practice of virtue in all it genuine professors.
Explanation of the First Tracing Board
These genuine professors are to be found in every lodge, often quietly serving in the kitchen or diligently performing some necessary but thankless task. Seeking no rank or honours and accepting such only when needs must. The character featured in the Old Tyler Talks comes to mind as an exemplar of such Masons.
Sadly, not all Brethren are genuine professors of the Craft. Many years ago I was given a booklet by a friend who was going through a fundamentalist Christian phase and was concerned for the welfare of my soul because of my involvement in Freemasonry. The booklet, entitled Freemasonry in the Church: Death in the Temple, was written by a disgruntled local crank and former Mason, James Wilson. It was a disjointed collection of the usual anti-masonic claptrap, but one comment rang uncomfortably true (p.15):
At twin petrol bowsers I childed a fellow because of his filthy language as he joked with a third party. I enquire what spirit let him presume he could be as foul-mouthed in public, without shame; I mentioned who the Lord Jesus was to me. This man threatened to douse me with petrol as his vehemence increased. I was not aware that I had said anything about eternal life but he said he "knew where he was going." As I began to drive out a thought came: I stopped and called out to him, "Are you a Freemason?" He replied, "Too b..well right I am."From my own experience, I could understand what led the author to make that guess. I wouldn't say there are a significant number of such Masons but they do tend to stand out, make a lot of noise and often hold high office, as they covet such positions. We need to put them in the wider context and bear in mind that we are only a human institution, "Suffice it to say that what you have seen praiseworthy in others you should carefully imitate, and what in them may have appeared defective, you should yourselves amend."
As a pattern for your imitation, consider that great luminary of nature, which, rising in the E., regularly diffuses light and lustre upon all within its circle. In like manner, it is your province to communicate light and instruction to the Brethren of your Lodge. Forcibly impress on them the dignity and high importance of Freemasonry, and seriously admonish them never to disgrace it. Charge them to practice out of the Lodge those duties they are taught within it, and by amiable, discreet, and virtuous conduct, to convince mankind of the goodness of the Institution, so that, when a man is said to be a Mason, the world may know that he is one to whom the burthened heart may pour forth its sorrows, to whom distress may prefer its suit, whose head is guided by justice, and whose heart is expanded by benevolence.
Installation, Address to the W.M.