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Post by Tamrin on Nov 5, 2011 7:47:56 GMT 10
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Post by Tamrin on Nov 5, 2011 8:15:31 GMT 10
While the prerequisite of being free-born is today usually thought of in the context of its abuse in some southern US states, it refers, I suggest, to an important Ancient Landmark of the Order. Namely that we can honestly declare that we have joined of our own freewill and accord; that we are FREE; having freedom of will and inclination; and that we understand and accept responsibility for our own free choices. This prerequisite is even suggested by the honourable title of "Freemason." Those who willingly forsake their own essential autonomy and defer to the will and conscience of others, whose only exercise of their existential freedom is to entrust it to another, are NOT fit and proper persons to be made Freemasons. That said, the legal condition of slavery does not necessarily mean one is slavish (although the pressure is great and may require extraordinary strength of character to resist). It is submission to slavery or willing servitude that constitutes slavishness. Charles Darwin made a number of pertinent observations during his famous voyage on The Beagle. On the one hand he illustrated an instance of slavishness: And, on the other hand, he illustrated a heroic instance of defiance of those who would enslave:
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