Page 25 - Montana Freemason Feb 13

Montana Freemason February 2013
divisive and decline results. Remember, what we do
today has a significant impact on our future.
To remain, or once again become, obedient to our
rules cannot be accomplished solely by urging or by
enforcement, but by our own self-control as well.
To be unwilling to commit or tolerate a violation
must originate from dislike of the violation, not
from indifference or fear of the consequences of
being caught. Motivation comes from within and is
limited only by the mind. No law is real until it is
inscribed in the heart. Only when our pure principles
and mandatory duties become the reigning reality
of our thoughts and the inspiration or our acts can
Freemasonry be the influence intended – to make us
masters of ourselves.
Thomas Jefferson’s observation – “Always commit an
act as though the world were looking at you” should
be our watchword. To secure the inward blessing of
our own consciences rather than submitting to the
pressure of our peers or the expediency of the moment
should be the guideline of our actions. Ralph Waldo
Emerson suggested that the integrity of our own mind
is the only thing that is sacred.
Whether it be in conjunction with a Lodge or a
concordant or appendant body, or even independent
of a Masonic setting, all of us must abide fully by
the same high standards that are required of us as
Master Masons by our Constitutions, ordinances and
obligations.
Intentional failure to prevent violations can be as
corrupt as a direct violation itself. Our second degree
instructs that we are not to palliate, condone nor
aggravate the offenses of our brethren.
A Persian proverb reminds us that weakness is
indicated by being silent when it is proper to speak.
We must not continue to allow another enemy
of Freemasonry to weaken us from within by the
decadence of our own members. We must accept the
burdens and responsibilities of our great Fraternity as
well as enjoy its benefits.
The Master poet said it well – “Keep the young
generation in hail, bequeath to them no tumbled
house.”
Volume 86 Number 1
The Lodge was founded in 1884 with the intent
on using an evidence based approach to the study
of Masonic history and research into Freemasonry.
This innovative approach was intended to replace the
imaginative writings of earlier authors of Freemasonry.
This new style and approach was later to be referred
to as the authentic school of Masonic research.
The Founders planned to develop an interest in
research among Brethren everywhere, to have papers
read and discussed in Lodge and published in its
transactions Ars Quatuor Coronatorum. The Lodge
thus hoped to attract the attention and enlist the
cooperation of Masonic scholars in all parts of the
world.
The Correspondence Circle exists so that as wide
an international audience as possible may enjoy and
benefit from the research efforts of its members.
Membership of the Correspondence Circle is open to
all those interested in Masonry.
Questions on any subject related to Freemasonry
are most welcome and should be addressed to:
6LDCQ0oorC.nvGCRdernooetngaetGWrQaBrCudue2ereBntn, 5SSBetcrAereettary
ENGLAND
or
email: secretary@qccircle.org.uk
or
go to: http://qccircle.org. uk
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