|
When that question was asked of you
during the work of the first degree did it register
as being of great importance ? To most candidates it
doesn't. Usually it appears to be just a question that
occurs in the process of Instructions and the answer
seems to be very simple.
In statement it is simple, of course,
but as the student of Masonry progresses he discovers
that even the simplest of thoughts in Masonry have deep
meanings attached to them. Very little occurs in the
work of the Craft that is of small significance.
All of us have noted certain brethren
in our own and in other lodges who seem particularly
apt to learn and express themselves Masonically. These
men are sure to be found at the head of Lodge activities.
They are moving spiritis. They know the work and they
know how to get things done.
Moreover, they appear to be eager to
advance the interest of their Lodges. They think up
things that need doing. Sometimes their energy even
grates a little on other brothers. Once in a while criticism
may be heard, the burden of which is likely to be that
these brothers are a trifle too ambitious.
One knows himself to be a Mason when
he begins to view truth, honour, justic, and charity
not as abstract principles, but as practical everyday
virtues which he must practice and exemplify in all
of its relationships with his fellowmen. When within
him burns an intense desire to protect and advance the
welfare of his brethren and with its constant care,
that no harm or injury comes to them through acts of
his, a man may know he is developing the Masonic sprit.
Such a thing may occur once in a while
to be sure, but not often. As a rule the active brother
is one who knows he is a Mason, why he is ine, and how
he got that way.
To such a brother the question of how
he knows he is a Mason is a sort of challenge. He knows
very well the simple answer in the ritual isn't all
of it by any means. It is only the beginning. He knows
the ceremony whereby he was brought to light was merely
the lighting of the lamp. By it he was able to enter
the Lodge, to greet the brethren Masonically, but so
far as actual work was concerned he was verily an Entered
Apprentice.
The light illuminated his own character
and revealed to him obligations owing to his fellowmen.
It was then he began to understand knowing a few of
the secrets of the Craft is not what makes him a Mason.
It is true that many good men feel
these same things without being Masons. But any Understanding
Mason knows such men accomplish more and find great
joy in their service, if added to their natural goodwill
they had the encouragement, fellowship and inspiration
of a great Fraternity wholly dedicated to the same high
aspirations.
You know yourself to be a Mason first
by understanding the eternal principles upon which the
Craft is founded and then upon feeling in your heart
a clear response to their call.
When, gradually, the new brother learns
of the glorious history of the Fraternity and begins
to feel kinship with the legions who went his way before
him ; when in the events of the past he is able to discern
the fine handicraft of brothers and fellows, tracing
out their beneficent influence in the progress of mankind,
then he knows himself to be a Mason in spirit and in
truth.
The place to look for evidence that
you are Mason is not in the head, where memory of rituals,
grips, sings and tokens may be retained, but in the
heart from whence will flow the healing streams of brotherly
love, generosity, kindness, patience and goodwill.
If those are found you will know your
Masonic fellowship has borne good fruit and you are
in fact a Mason.
- "Masonic Chronicle"
Reproduced from the North Dakota Mason.
|
