Tag:

apprentice

Symbolism of the First Degree & a Poem

by MasterMason

Symbolism of the First Degree Being a reprint from “The Builder” The Official Journal of the National Masonic Research Society, Anamosa, Iowa.            (circa 1915)

In searching through my Masonic Education Library, I uncovered the attached lecture and was impressed by the fact that the writer’s comments are as valid today as in 1915.  I do trust your will enjoy.

In the beginning the seeker for truth must be duly and truly prepared.  In the usually accepted sense, this talk is unprepared and yet, I spent five years a line officer in the Lodge, observing, thinking about and studying Masonry. It is this study and my later contemplations that are my preparation to speak on the symbolism of the first degree.

It seems to me that the essence of every Masonic lesson is presented in the symbolism of the first degree.

An entered apprentice is a Mason. The second, third and so-called higher degrees are elaborations. All Masonic business was, and in most cases still is, transacted in a Lodge opened only in the first degree.

The Masonic lessons are practical lessons.  They have a dollar and cents value.  The Senior Warden tells us that he became a mason in order that he might receive master’s or larger wages. That there be no misunderstanding as to his meaning monetary wages, he further says, in order to “better support himself and family.”  If we will look honestly into our own hearts, we will see that we paid the price for the Masonic degrees because we hoped to receive the equivalent or a greater return.  If we have not received a return equal to our original and annual investment, it is because we have not applied ourselves to the study of Masonry with freedom, fervency & zeal.

But let us understand each other. There is little chance of our making much headway unless we agree on a clear and definite meaning of the terms we use. It is not only good and pleasant, but it is necessary for us to dwell together in unity of thought, if we would arrive at a harmonious conclusion. We should therefore endeavour to clearly define our subject.

The word “symbol” is derived from the Greek, meaning “to compare”. A symbol is the expression of an idea by comparison. Often, an abstract idea may be best conveyed by a comparison with a concrete object. A dictionary definition of a symbol would be, a sign or representation which suggests something else.

Symbolism, therefore, is the science of symbols or signs. It is the philosophy, or art of representing abstract truths by concrete things. Symbolism is suggestion; in sculpture and painting by form and colour, in language by words, in music by sounds. What allegory and parable are in literature; what figurative speaking is in language; the same is symbolism.

The symbolism of the first degree is for the apprentice. An apprentice Mason is one who has begun the study of Masonry. Certain qualifications of a Masonic apprentice are a belief in God, a desire for knowledge, and a sincere wish to be of service to his fellow creatures.

Possessing these qualifications, the candidate follows a course of ancient hieroglyphic moral instruction, taught agreeably to ancient usages, by types, emblems and allegorical language. This is symbolism, and symbolism is universal language. It is the language in which God reveals himself to man. The manifestations of nature are only symbolic expressions of God.

Children learn best from symbols. Blocks and toys are crude symbolic representations of the more complicated things of life. Most of us learned our alphabet and almost everything else by the relationship or correspondence to things with which we were familiar. We are only children after all. Older children call themselves scientists and make their experiments in laboratories. Each experiment is a symbol of what is taking place in the real outside world.

The apprentice in moral science should give up the rags of his own righteousness and also all precious metals, symbolical of worldly wealth and distinction, and all baser metals, symbolical of offense and defence, in order that he may realize his dependence upon moral forces only.

He should be clad in a garment signifying that he comes with pure intentions to learn the noble art and profit by its lessons, not to proselyte among others, but to develop and improve himself. He is carefully examined to ascertain whether he is worthy and well qualified to receive and use the rights and benefits of Masonry.

Being satisfied that he is worthy and well qualified, he is admitted and immediately impressed with the fact that he must undergo sacrifice and suffering if he would attain the end he seeks. Realizing that the good intentions of the candidate, his own righteousness or even the lodge organization, are not sufficient, we invoke the blessing and aid of God upon our search for knowledge and truth.

We follow the system of symbolism. When we would know the truth in regard to things too great for our minds to comprehend, we take as a symbol that which is within our mental grasp. We know that the truth about the things we cannot comprehend is identical with the truth in relation to the symbol which we do comprehend.

The apprentice in his search for Light must start from the North with the Easter Sun in the East, and travel by way of the South to the West, and back into darkness. He again comes out of the North in the East and passes through the same course again and again in his development. Obstacles are met by the apprentice in his progress, so similar that they appear identical. The little occurrences of life may seem unimportant, but they determine whether we will be permitted to advance.  The apprentice must ever be worthy and well qualified.

The apprentice must advance on the square by regular upright steps. This symbolism is so common and universal that it is used in the slang of the street.

Obligations are duties assumed. We must assume them if we would advance and having assumed them we are bound by them whether we will or not. Then the Light breaks and we begin to see. We find that others, even the most learned, stand like beginners. The Master is on the level with the apprentice, and extends a hand which is grasped fraternally, and the candidate is raised. There is the key to the Master’s word,  an OPEN BOOK, but he may never find the word itself.

Then as before, the apprentice must follow the course of the Sun. As is the greatest, so is the smallest. In the drop of water are all the laws of the Universe. If we study carefully, we will find in the dew drop the particles revolving and whirling in their little circles exactly the same as we find the heavenly bodies revolving and turning in their great orbits, circle within circle and circle upon circle. The seeker after Light always emerges from the North to the East and passes by way of the South to the West and again into darkness, with full faith and perfect confidence that day will follow night. He is continually subjected to tests and trials and always held responsible for what he has learned and for that which has gone before.

God’s Holy Book, His revelation to us, is the guide in our search for light.  To the Jew this Holy Book is the history of Israel substantially the Old Testament. To the Christian it is the Old and New Testament.  To the Mohammedan, it is the Koran, to the Hindu, the Veda.  But whatever book it is, it is the Holy Book of the seeker for Light and that which he believes to be the word of God.  The Holy Book together with the square and the compasses are the great lights of Masonry.

The lesser lights are the Sun, Moon and Master of the Lodge.  The Sun symbolizes the great active principle, the Moon the great passive principle.  This symbolism is so commonly accepted that even the uninitiated refer to the Sun as masculine and the Moon as feminine.  The Master is symbolical of the offspring of the great Active and Passive Principles.  He is the mediator, the child of the two great forces.  He sets the craft to work upon their symbolic studies which is no light responsibility to be assumed by the uninformed.  Only chaos and disaster can overtake him who attempts the work he is not qualified to perform.  When the apprentice has received his degree he is given his working tools and primary or elementary instructions as to how to go to work.

The working tools of an apprentice are the 24 inch gauge and the common gavel.  The gavel symbolizes strength or force.  Force undirected is the flood devastating all in its path or the idle puff of the unconfined powder which accomplishes nothing.  Undirected force is the gavel without the rule.

But intelligently controlled, and directed along a proper line by the rule of intellect, the force of the torrent grinds the grain and does the work of many men.  The force of the exploding powder pries the rock loose so that the work of months is accomplished in a moment.

The operation of universal laws in the moral world is just as ascertainable and understandable as in the physical world.  Morals are as susceptible of scientific study as physics.

The lambskin apron, a most ancient symbol, signifies that it is only by honest conscientious toil that the moral laws can be learned and applied, and that this toil must be done in purity and innocence.

In the lectures which follow the ceremony of the first degree, the apprentice is given preliminary information.  It would be too tedious to analyze these lectures at this time.  Suffice it to say they are very superficial and of little worth in themselves.  They must be understood and felt, if they are to be of any value.  Briefly we may describe a Lodge as a place to work, a place to study, analyze, and master the moral science so that we may make use of the moral laws and principles in our every-day life.  Symbolically, it is representative of the world, our daily working place.

The foundation of the Lodge and its teaching is squareness.  It is, however, supported by three pillars, Wisdom, Strength and Beauty.  From which we may learn that in every undertaking, when intelligence or wisdom directs, and strength or power works, then beauty and harmony result.

The Lodge is covered with the blue vault of Heaven.  Blue is the symbol of equality, it is a proper mingling of all colors, it is perfect concord.  It is also symbolical of the universality of that charity, which should be as expansive as the blue vault of Heaven itself.  Charity is not the giving of money alone.  It is also necessary to have charity toward the weaknesses and mistakes of others.

This life is a checkered pavement of good and evil, but in the center is the blazing star which is the seed and the source of all life and eternal life.

The parallel lines have a symbolism analogous to that of the two pillars, Jachin and Boaz, which is more fully developed in other degrees.

The point in the center of the circle between the parallels is sometimes compared to the individual member and sometimes to God who is the center of all things.  The circumference may suggest the boundary of man’s conduct, or God’s creatures, all equally distant and all equally near to Him.  Sometimes the circumference is used to depict the endless course of God’s power and His existence without end.  This is all speculation, it is symbolism, the contemplation of which will develop the individual.

If the apprentice pursues his studies in the moral art with freedom, fervency and zeal, he will receive Master’s or large wages, and be thereby the better enabled to support himself and family and to contribute to the relief of the distressed.

Comment

On occasion I observe Masons who seem to be upset & discouraged that there is no system in hand whereby he can be trained to be a Mason. Unfortunately these Brethren have not yet discovered that Masonry is a school wherein lessons are taught and the onus is on the pupil to learn and grow.  It is my belief that Masonry is a “Personal Spiritual Journey” and our development along that path is an entirely personal matter.

Poem on Sharing; Friendship & Living

He shall never live long enough who serves only himself.

He shall never be great who thinks only of self.

Though he grow to be grey in his own narrow way

He shall find that the gold he has laboured to hold

Is an empty reward for his long years of strife

And too late he shall learn he has wasted his life.

He shall never be wise who thinks only of gain

And toils for what he himself may attain.

He shall sigh at the end for the smile of a friend

And shall reap from years only hatred and sneers

And alone he shall sit at the end of his days

And wish he traveled by kindlier ways.

He shall never be big who has never been kind

But shall always be little of soul and of mind

He may scramble and fight for everything in sight

And may get to the peak by destroying the weak

There he shall find that his conquests are spoiled

And robbed of their charm by the way he has toiled.

The service worthwhile is the service men give

That others in sunshine and laughter may live.

The big men are they who will pause on the way

To play for another the role of a Brother

The great men are they who are gentle and kind

They live when they die in the presence left behind.

–          poem by John R. Rodgers (circa 1944)

 

0 comment
0 FacebookLinkedinWhatsappEmail

The Twelve Days of Christmas & Attitudes

by MasterMason

The Christmas Carol  known as “The Twelve Days of Christmas”

History informs us that from 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly and had to resort to discrete forms of communication.

It is believed that this particular Carol, fell into this category and was written anonymously for the purpose of providing a catechism for young Roman Catholics. The thought apparently was that by singing the Carol they would be able to state & reinforce their beliefs.

Being Freemasons we are very familiar with these TWO levels of communication: namely the Exoteric (apparent to all) and the Esoteric (requiring an in-depth search for the hidden meaning)

The information provided below has been shared with me, and while I have no way of verifying its validity, it is a beautiful story and as such very worth sharing.

You will note that I have not seen it necessary to place numbers beside each verse.

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

Two turtle Doves were the Old Testament and New

Three French Hens stood for Faith, Hope & Love.

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, (Pentateuch) the first five books of the Old Testament.

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans-a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit (Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy)

The eight maids-a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit- i.e. (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control)

The ten lords-a-leaping were the ten commandments.

The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.

Comment It seems to me that each time human beings are faced with intolerance and discrimination they seem to be able to come up with very unique ways to manage, and still get their message across. Possibly this Carol would not exist today if it were not for the conditions in place at that time, however, it does speak to the conviction of Freemasonry regarding the “Universality of Man”

OUR ATTITUDES

Our attitudes are like our shadows, they follow every thinking individual in his total activities.  They are impelling forces in action, they shape our purposes. They largely determine our policies and practices. They are the very foundation of our many decisions, decisions which affect us personally, our families, our relations to others in society and our actions as citizens. They are to human conduct what gunpowder is to shot, yet how many times do we given them much thought?

Hardly, if ever, do we bother to ascertain what our attitudes are, how we acquire them, or where they are leading us. That we acquire them is a certainty. We acquire many of them unconsciously from the four corners of our existence and are not aware of them unless we are confronted with a problem or a decision. They are crystallized in our minds on the basis of what we hear, see, feel and learn by contact with our fellow man. They result from our studies and our search for knowledge.  Many of our attitudes are by necessity, transitory, temporary, and fleeting.  Many are inherited from friends, parents and associates. Others are created by our environment, some are fundamental and permanent, permeating our entire existence. They stay with us for life, and shape our acts, our thoughts and react upon our personality for good or bad.

They may constitute our philosophy whether we realize it or not, and their existence is a part of our approach to every problem or activity we confront. They are of vital importance and of immeasurable importance to us, however, we cannot possibly conceive the influence they have upon us and those surrounding us.

While we cannot trace their source we can and should at least, to some extent, attempt to analyze our attitudes toward life and direct them in paths that will be most productive for good.  Do we ever stop to ask if our attitudes are proper and wholesome?

Are they are influenced by our prejudices, or are they are tempered by intolerance?

Are they based upon unwarranted conclusions, and insufficient knowledge of facts.

It is of course impossible to catalogue all the ingredients of a proper wholesome attitude, but we can point to a few positive qualities that should be a part thereof.

They should be the result of careful thought, and they should be tempered by moderation and tolerant understanding.

They should be composed of the benevolence that readily concedes that practically every human problem has two sides and consequently at least two viewpoints.

They should be permeated by morality and seasoned by the spiritual teachings of our religion.

On the other hand our attitudes are often a matter of indifference and complacency.  They could be steeped in the notion of luck as a substitute for industry and of chance rather than planning.

They may be influenced by the growing desire among us to cultivate the idea of getting something for nothing.

They may even be are influenced by the prevalent notion that it is necessary to eliminate the struggle from life to acquire happiness.

When we reflect that, as exercise is necessary to the muscles to acquire physical strength, struggle, or degrees of it, are strengthening influences in the development of personality

and character.  Strength and struggle go together physically and spiritually.

In that connection it has occurred to me that we are attempting, to a greater degree than is good for us, to eliminate struggle from life.

While the attitude of average individuals may not change the course of great events, they are greatly important.

Many great examples could be cited to show that the attitude of one man or woman has effectively changed not only the course of that individual’s life, but the course of life for his fellowmen, for his or her state, or nation.

Attitudes defy description, they are as varied as the thoughts of men, yet they are ever present and determinative of our actions.

The assertion, or expression of an attitude, no matter how worthy of attainment sometimes is delayed for years while it takes roots in the hearts of men.

But an individual attitude if pervaded by conviction, born of truth, based on morality and right will ultimately prevail.

I know of no more important job in our lives than developing attitudes. The moral and spiritual aspects of these attitudes do not only influence us individually but they affect our marriage, our business successes, our ability to rear families and have an influence our friends and our neighbors.

Let’s take a hard look at our own personal attitudes, they are much more important than we think.  The attitudes we develop as we proceed through life can either become stumbling blocks or great building materials.

Which shall they be? With God’s help we can make them wonderful building materials.

Adapted from a paper by: Bro. Carl Brigg, Beacon Lodge, No. 190, Red Deer, Alberta Canada      September, 1969.

Comment

In uncovering this paper I thought that it would make a suitable admonition to us all as Freemasons & as we approach the beginning of another year. Hopefully I am not wrong!!!

On a very personal note, I have a sweat shirt that has the following saying on it:-

ATTITUDES ARE CONTAGIOUS ==IS YOURS WORTH CATCHING

Norm

0 comment
0 FacebookLinkedinWhatsappEmail

Working Tools of a Master Mason

by MasterMason

THE WORKING TOOLS OF A MASTER MASON 

The Working Tools of the Master Mason Degree, are the Skirret, the Pencil and the Compasses – characteristically and unmistakably the tools of the Architect, the Designer and the Master builder himself.

THE SKIRRET.

You are unlikely to discover the word “skirret” in any modern dictionary or encyclopedia – at least, not in the context with which we, as Freemasons, are familiar.  It seems to have disappeared from the language of the operative builder.  But if the word has been forgotten, the instrument itself has not, and it is in as general use as ever.  It is better known as the “chalk line” – a length of cotton string impregnated with French chalk, and contained on a spindle similar to the “skirret” of our ritual.  The line is drawn out in exactly the manner described in our Master Mason Degree, and stretched between the previously determined points on the floor.  It is then given a slight “flip”, and as it strikes the ground along its length,

It leaves a line of chalk, which is subsequently rendered permanent with paint, or with a tightly stretched steel wire.  This line becomes the centre-line from which all principal dimensions are measured.  Any serious inaccuracy in its position could lead to chaos at subsequent stages in the work, therefore the responsibility for determining, verifying and approving this line is that of the Chief Engineer, or Architect – ” “The Master Builder himself”.

Our ritual leaves us in no doubt as to the symbolical significance of the skirret and its line, –

“a straight and undeviating line of conduct laid down for our guidance in the Volume of the Sacred Law.” 

How familiar to us are some of the points along this straight and undeviating line, –

Thou shalt not steal.

Thou shalt no bear false witness.

Honor thy father and thy mother.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy mind, with all thy soul, and with all thy strength and thy                    neighbor as thyself.

We well know how any serious deviation from this line leads unfailingly to social chaos of one kind or another.  In a time of permissiveness and moral laxity, this “straight and undeviating line of conduct” is more than a guideline, it is a life-line.

THE PENCIL

The Pencil, in the sense that it is the instrument of original design, is again demonstrably an implement of the architect or master-builder, the means whereby his inspired talents are set down for the instruction of the workmen and the guidance of the supervisors.  On a recent visit to England, I saw, in a book, a copy of a beautiful drawing, executed in pencil on vellum, by the master builder Hans. V. Kohn, in 1442 – his design for the great open-work twin spires for Cologne Cathedral.  The work was not immediately undertaken, perhaps for financial reasons, but in the meantime Hans was offered an assignment in Spain, where he took his drawings and used them in building the almost identical open work twin spires of the great cathedral at Burgos. Hans subsequently died, and the drawings, like the “genuine secrets” of our traditional history, were lost. But,“time and circumstance eventually restored them after several centuries, for they were discovered in 1817, and the lovely spires of Cologne Cathedral, as they exist today, were faithfully completed to Hans’ original design.  Truly, the pencil of the Master Builder is an impressive tool.

Our ritual reminds us, however, that the pencil is an instrument, not only of design, but also or record,

“that all our words and actions are not only observed but are recorded by the Most High, to whom we must render an account”.

The shabby act, the unkind word, the dishonest deal, may be forgiven and forgotten by him upon whom it is perpetrated, and he is blessed by his act of forgiveness.  But it will not be easily forgotten by the perpetrator, on whose character it is an ugly stain.

“The moving finger writes, and having writ Moves on; not all the piety and or wit shall lure it back to cancel half a line. Nor all the tears wash out a word of it!”

THE COMPASSES.

Although the Compasses, together with the Square are said to

“convey the abstract means and end of the science in the most clear and comprehensive Manner”,                            the symbolic significance of this familiar instrument of design is perhaps a little more obscure.

To the schoolboy, the compasses is an instrument of two hinged legs, with a pencil on one end and a point on the other, which enables him to draw circles with a degree of accuracy he could not achieve by freehand efforts.  But the compasses of our Masonic Ritual have points on both legs.  They are of the type known to Architects, geometricians and navigators as “dividers”.

They are not drawing, but measuring, instruments and their function is proportion and symmetry.  By means of the compasses, a distance of one side of a centre-line can be readily marked off on the other side of the line, and thus the designer is enabled to maintain balance and symmetry in his design.

Symbolically, a balanced viewpoint and a sense of proportion are essential attributes of good and sound judgment and of the mature, sterling character which is our Masonic ideal.  We are told in our ritual that the Compasses “remind us of His (God’s) unerring and impartial justice.”  The ideal Master Mason is a well balanced  and just man, and one in whom, to quote Shakespeare, “mercy seasons justice.”  Perhaps this is what we mean when we say to the Fellowcraft, about to be raised, as he enters the darkened porch way and the points of the compasses are applied to his breast, that

“the most essential points of Freemasonry, which are Virtue, Morality, and Brotherly Love, are contained within the points of the Compasses.”

And so, Brethren, as we have each progressed through these three Degrees of Masonry, we have been presented, at the appropriate intervals with these nine simple tools, common implements by which physical material may be measured, cut and finished in accordance with a master craftsman’s design.  And, as we have been taught, each has been accompanied by a corresponding symbolic tool, to be employed by us, figuratively, to measure, cut and finish the all too frail material of our human nature, in our efforts to erect “an Edifice, perfect in its’ parts, and honorable to the builder.”

By Bro. Phil J. Croft, King David Lodge No. 93, BCR;

Published in MASONIC BULLETIN, BCR; January and February, 1974

Friendship

Just a few little quotes that struck a chord with me, I do trust they may do the same for you.

“One is taught by experience to put a premium on those few people who can appreciate you for what you are”       Gail Godwin  1937

“Of what help is anyone who can only be approached with the right words”  Elizabeth Bibesco 1897-1945

Thank you all again for allowing me into your homes, Have a wonderful Day & God Bless.

Norm.  (in friendship and brotherly love)

0 comment
0 FacebookLinkedinWhatsappEmail

Fellowcraft Working Tools

by MasterMason

Fraternal Greetings Brethren

In preparing this month’s edition I have been grappling with the length of the paper I have chosen to share with you, feeling it was rather long , however, I have come to the conclusion that to split it would lessen it’s message and impact on each and every one of us.  As such, it is now presented in its entirety.

THE WORKING TOOLS –

The working tools in the Fellowcraft Degree, so it appears to me, the Square, the Level, and the Plumb-rule, are intimately related one with the other, and all concern themselves with one basic moral quality – honesty.  In the field of activity of the operative builder, architect, or engineer, these three implements are also intimately related one to the other, and concern themselves with a single technical quality – namely, accuracy, precision, or truth.

Lacking their aid it is not possible, so it seems to me, for the engineer to assemble a structure, or the builder to execute the design of his architect.  Similarly, lacking these symbolic moral tools, and the standards of rectitude they represent, it is not possible for the Free and Accepted Mason to bring into reality in his life the great design laid down for us by the Grand Geometrician of the Universe.

For, just as the physical instruments represent adherence to standards, the horizontal standard, the vertical standard, and the angle of ninety degrees contained between them, so the symbolic working tools of the Fellowcraft degree represents the inseparable moral standards of level steps, upright bearing, and square conduct, which we are enjoined to maintain.  Let us, then, look at these tools individually.

THE SQUARE

The Square, as we are taught, and as we all well know, is an instrument having an angle of ninety degrees – exactly ninety degrees, not “about” ninety degrees, for no approximations are allowable in this instrument of precision.

That which is not square is crooked, and that which is not honest is dishonest, for we cannot place our reliance upon a partially-honest man. The value of this basic instrument, the square, lies in its accuracy, and the value of our standard of honesty depends wholly upon uncompromising strictness in maintaining it.

THE LEVEL

The level is, in some ways, the most interesting symbolic instrument of all.  The modern operative builder thinks naturally of the level in terms of the spirit-level.  But this is a device of quite modern introduction, not known to our Ancient brethren.

In the tool which we see and handle in our Masonic work, the level surface of reference is derived from the plumb-rule, and the device itself is, in fact, a plumb-rule supported between two squares, and the level surface thus depends upon a combination of the infallible plumb-rule and the uncompromising accurate angle of ninety degrees, being the fourth-part of a circle.  In this way are these three instruments of precision, symbols of uncompromising truth, intimately related to one another.  The Level, derived from the Infallible Plumb rule and the Angle of Ninety Degrees.

THE PLUMB-RULE

In that long and very beautiful lecture, the Plumb-rule is referred to as “The Infallible Plumb-Rule.”  Why “infallible”?  Infallible because the Laws of Nature are infallible, and immutable, and decree that a plumb-line, hanging free with its bob at rest, can take no other position than a true vertical position, and any other position, for a plumb-rule, is a distorted or false one.

Thus, the standard of uprightness is, again, an uncompromising one, whether in a physical structure or a moral edifice.  The man whose outlook is slanted, by expediency, as well as the man who “leans over backward” is not upright.  There are no degrees of uprightness.

The precepts laid down in the lecture accompanying the presentation of the Fellowcraft working tools, are of a somewhat general nature regarding the Square, enjoining truth and moral rectitude, and concerning the Level, exhorting the candidate to fairness, justice, and equality of treatment towards people in different stations of life.  But their message is clear and unmistakable.  For who that is human has not had to resist the temptation to bend, just a little, the exact truth  of a statement or action, to present the facts a little more in his own favor?  But our Masonic conscience says, “No, this is wrong”.  The angle must be 90 degrees, not a little more or a little less!”  Or again, who has not felt the temptation to pander, or toady a little to those who are in some position of authority over us, or to adopt a slightly haughty or condescending attitude towards those who, for one reason or anther may be regarded as our subordinates.  But, here again, our Masonic teaching tells us that such an attitude is tilted, and in adopting it we are not observing the principle of the Level.

Concerning the Plumb-rule, however, the lecture deals specifically and at length with the many kinds of departure from Masonic uprightness which we are directed to shun.  Each denotes a “slant” of one kind or another.  In the “enthusiast” and the “persecutor”, a slant towards bigotry; in the reviler of religion the very opposite, a slant towards atheism; in slander, malice, revenge, and contempt of our fellow creatures, a slant towards bitterness and hatred; and in envy, avarice and injustice, a slant towards greed and self-seeking.  The Mason who does not “slant” in any of these directions is an upright Mason, and the lecture sums it up in a beautiful metaphor  –  “to steer the bark of his life over the seas of passion, without quitting the course of Rectitude, is the highest perfection to which human nature can attain.”

And the lecture continues, “As the builder raises his column by the Level and the Plumb-Rule, so ought every Freemason to carry himself uprightly in this Life.”

Thus, in the Fellowcraft Degree, we contemplate our great Masonic column, the Right-Hand Pillar, Jachin “God will Establish”.  To “establish” means “to render stable”.  The edifice whose columns are upright, whose foundations are level, and whose angles are square, is a stable edifice; the man whose bearing is upright, whose actions are square, and whose steps are level is a stable person,  fit to be a Freemason; and our Craft will be, and will remain, the stabilizing influence in the community which we all desire, so long as we, its Craftsmen, are respected as upright citizens, square in their dealings, and strictly on the level.

Let us, then, Brethren, pursue our good works with honesty softened by modesty but without “an angle”, (unless it be the true angle of ninety degrees, the fourth part of a circle), so that none shall be justified in saying, concerning us  –  “I fear the Greeks when they bring gifts!”

By: Bro. Phil J. Croft, King David Lodge No. 93, West Vancouver, B.C.;

Published in MASONIC BULLETIN, B.C.R.; December, 1972 and January, 1973.

COMMENT

On many occasions I feel it important to add comment to something that may be just a little unclear. In this instance I firmly believe that Bro. Croft’s words are perfectly clear and totally adequate.

FRIENDSHIP

“One is taught by experience to put a premium on those few people who can appreciate you for what you are.”  Gail Godwin

“When a friend speaks his mind you fear not the “nay” in your own mind, nor do you withhold the “ay”.

And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart; for without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.

When you part from your friend, you grieve not; for that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain, to the climber, is clearer from the plain”           Kahil Gibran.

IN CLOSING

Thank you all, once again, for the privilege of allowing me the opportunity to share these papers and my research with you.  I feel deeply privileged.

Have a wonderful day & God Bless You and Yours.

Norm.

 

0 comment
0 FacebookLinkedinWhatsappEmail

The Art of Getting Along

by MasterMason

The Art of Getting Along

Sooner or later, a man, if he is wise, discovers that life is a mixture of good days and bad, victory and defeat, give and take.

He learns that it doesn’t pay to be a sensitive soul; that he should let some things go over his head like water off a duck’s back

He learns that he who loses his temper usually loses out.

He learns that all men have burnt toast for breakfast now and then, and that he shouldn’t take the other fellow’s grouch too seriously.

He learns that carrying a chip on his shoulder is the easiest way to get into a fight.

He learns that the quickest way to become unpopular is to carry tales and gossip about others.

He learns that buck-passing always turns out to be a boomerang, and that it never pays.

He comes to realize that the business could run perfectly well without him.

He learns that it doesn’t matter so much who gets the credit as long as the business shows a profit.

He learns that even the janitor is human and that it doesn’t do any harm to smile and say “Good Morning” even if it is raining.

He learns that most of the other fellows are as ambitious as he is, that they have brains that are as good or better, and that hard work and not cleverness is the secret of success.

He learns to sympathize with the youngster coming into the business, because he remembers how bewildered he was when he first started out.

He learns not to worry when he loses an order, because experience has shown that if he always gives his best, his average will break very well

He learns that no man ever got to first base alone, and that it is only through cooperative effort that we move on to better things.

He learns that bosses are no monsters, trying to get the last ounce of work from him for the least amount of pay, but they are usually fine men who have succeeded through hard work and who want to do the right thing.

He learns that folks are not any harder to get along with in one place than another, and that “getting along” depends about 98% on his own behaviour.

He learns that if he is fortunate enough to serve as Worshipful Master of Victoria Columbia No 1 that the Brethren are terrific—willing and able to assist whenever called upon, reliable, considerate and cooperative.

He learns that it is just and proper to thank people for their efforts on his behalf and for the many acts of kindness performed in the name of Masonry.

A Sincere Thank You

Roy. Ivan  Comrie W.M. 1970 Deceased July 2005.

Final Comment

For those of us who had the honour and privilege of knowing Roy we know it is us who should be saying “Thank You” and not the other way around. I truly hope that my ASHLAR is as polished as that fine mason when I am called to the GLA.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY & GOD BLESS YOU ALL                                              Norm

0 comment
0 FacebookLinkedinWhatsappEmail

When is a Man a Mason

by MasterMason

Fraternal Greetings Brethren.

WHEN IS A MAN A MASON

When he can look out over the rivers, the hills and the far horizon with a profound sense of his own littleness in the vast scheme of things, and yet have faith, hope and courage – which is the root of every virtue.

When he knows that, down in his heart, every man is as noble, as vile, as divine, as diabolic and as lonely as himself, and seeks to know, to forgive and to love his fellow man.

When he knows how to sympathize with men in their sorrows, yea, even in their sins-knowing that each man fights a hard fight against many odds.

When he has learned how to make friends and to keep them and above all to keep friends with himself.

When he loves flowers, can hunt the birds without a gun, and feels the thrill of an old forgotten joy and when he hears the laugh of a little child.

When he can be happy and high-minded amid the meaner drudgeries of life.

When star-crowned trees and the glint of sunlight on flowing waters subdue him like the thought of one much loved and long dead; when no voice of distress reaches his ears in vain and no hand seeks his aid without response.

When he finds good in every faith that helps any man to lay hold of divine things and see majestic meanings in life, whatever the name of that faith may be.

When he can look into a wayside puddle and see something beyond mud and into the face of the most forlorn mortal and see something beyond sin.

When he knows how to pray, how to love, how to hope.

When he has kept faith with himself, with his fellow man, with his God ; in his hand a sword for evil, in his heart a bit of a song—glad to live, but not afraid to die!

Such a man has found the only real secret of Masonry and the one which it is trying to give to all the World.

Taken from the Fall Issue of The Grand Lodge of Washington  Fall 2003 Masonic Tribune===and authored by David A. McCuistion  Newport Tennessee.

CLOSING THOUGHT

Anyone can become angry

That is easy.

But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way

That is not easy

Have a Wonderful Day & God Bless

Norm

0 comment
0 FacebookLinkedinWhatsappEmail