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As a point of departure
and a brief introduction to our new
member let us look at him as he progresses through the
various ceremonies involved in becoming a Freemason.
During the course of his initiation he was admonished to
consider the volume of the sacred law the unerring
standard
of truth and justice and to regulate his life by the
divine
precepts which it contains. As a citizen he was advised to
be
exemplary in the discharge of his civil duties and as an
individual the practice of every domestic and public
virtue
was recommended to him, as a model for him to follow.
What then should we expect to see in a man who by his own
admission sought membership in our Order because of a
general desire for knowledge and a sincere wish to render
himself more serviceable to his fellow creatures?
Many characteristics could be considered since it is clear
that we expect him to exhibit all possible virtues. The
list
could be so long as to become tedious and it is difficult
to
know where to begin or to end. When I have finished I am
sure you will all have thought of others which should have
been discussed.
The charge delivered annually at the installation ceremony
contains a very good summary of the characteristics of a
Freemason and these will now be reviewed.
The ideal Freemason has developed his basic personality
traits and has established his own fundamental approach to
the world and its stresses and strains, is secure in his
position in life and is able to live quietly and modestly.
He
does not have to put on airs to impress others. He is able
to
fulfill his duties as a man, a citizen, a husband and a
father
without fanfare.
His religious faith is firmly founded. He is able to live
piously
without being hypocritical. He is able to be benevolent
but
does not feel compelled to make a great show of it. He is
able to feel concern for others and extends help when he
recognizes the need. He does so, quietly and unobtrusively
without asking or expecting any return or recognition.
He is warm hearted and friendly and enjoys pleasurable
activity. He has his serious side as well and is
thoughtful in
his attitude toward others. He is able to withstand
difficult
times without yielding to despair and despondency.
Conversely, good fortune will not cause him to lose his
perspective and be unmindful of the needs of others. If
his
high standards are threatened he will be resolute in
maintaining them at whatever difficulty.
Because of his firm belief in the Great Architect of the
Universe he is able to perceive the high destiny of man
and
to see in nature the workmanship of God. He is ever
faithful
to his belief and this is not clouded by superstition. The
practice of the virtues, faith, hope and charity are an
active
and integral part of his life. His dedication to truth is
firmly
fixed in his being and he will defend innocence and virtue
at
whatever cost, even though his personal comfort and even
his safety may be threatened.
He has set a high standard for himself but he is not rigid
or
demanding and he will be tolerant within limits if others
fall to
measure up to it. He will endeavor to correct aberations
or
deviations in the behaviour of others but he will not be
stubborn in the upholding of his beliefs. He will advocate
an
intelligent discussion in solving differences of opinion
and
will adopt a conciliatory approach. He will have a clear
understanding of his own capabilities, will carefully
consider
his situation and problems and thereby reach a rational
decision in solving them.
He is expected to set a virtuous example himself and will
recognize virtue in others even though they are in a
humble
station. He will not condone or excuse vice even in
persons
of high rank. Merit and ability will be his standard for
judging
worm rather than position in life.
Such a man will be loved by all discerning men and he will
be respected by his superiors and revered by his
subordinates. He will not feel the need to draw attention
to
himself by courting applause nor will he boast of his
accomplishments either past or present but where he sees
the need he will quietly go to work and will do whatever
is
necessary to accomplish the task. When the work is done he
will not ask for recognition but will continue the quiet
tenure
of his ways, because he is motivated to do the good act
for
its own sake and does not expect praise.
Such a man personifies brotherly love, relief and truth,
and
embodies the attributes which we expect and admire in a
Freemason.
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