Page 35 - MFM Nov Dec 2021

by the Square of virtue; and displaying discretion, tenets of the Craft. Only the individual can learn, since
virtue and dignity. But even the most explicit laws or the object of the instruction is to make an individual
lists of do's and don'ts or standards of conduct are wiser and consequently happier. Only an individual
futile if those they apply to lack the basic character to can make progress in character building by improving
abide by them. his moral actions.

It is not difficult to know right from wrong. Common While Freemasonry has a broader purpose, one of
sense is inherent in most people. Epictetus, when its goals is to improve each individual who knocks on
asked what common sense was, said - "As that may its door to become a vigorous moral builder and to
be called a Common Ear which distinguishes only believe that his life must make a difference in the moral
sounds, while that which distinguishes musical notes quality of life around him. Masonry has taught many
is not common but produced by training; so there men how to pray for the first time and has led many
are certain things which men not entirely perverted to a true reverence for the ineffable name of God. It
see by the natural principles common to all. Such a has brought many good men into the membership of
constitution of the mind is called Common Sense". churches and synagogues. It has taught many men the
Thus, Freemasons can understand the principles of true value of themselves and their fellow men. It has
Masonic ethics and work them out in life. Determining established many institutions and ways of life. It has
what is right and exercising common sense should be guided men away from fanaticism, intemperance and
the constant rule and guide for each Freemason. materialism and always toward light, love and charity.
It has always thrived for beauty and symmetry,
Since Freemasons are urged to live Masonic knowledge and wisdom and liberty, and a way of life
principles and thus, by precept and example, that teaches immortality.
encourage others to emulate their actions, they
must abide by their obligations and not palliate the We, you and I, as individuals, not as a Lodge, but
offenses of their Brethren. They must realize that the as individuals, must accept the concept of Masonry
teachings of the Craft are designed to improve society as an institution to build lives true to its teachings
as well as each member, just as Aristotle knew that and in obedience to the eternal law of God. We
through it is worthwhile to obtain the end merely for must exemplify brotherly love, relief and truth, apply
one man, it is fine and more Godlike to attain it for a Masonry's moral principles to everyday situations,
nation. and change our lives to demonstrate its moral truths.
We hold Masonry in trust and owe a sacred duty to
The membership selective process in our Craft add to its beauty. We must show the world more
must always be by the requirement set forth in the understanding and benevolent attitudes.
First Degree charge - by not recommending anyone
to participate in our privileges without having strong Our refusal to live Masonry will surely weaken its
reasons to believe that he would ultimately reflect structure and its influence upon society. We must
honor on our ancient Institution. strive to make it function within the framework of
the ancient charges and landmarks by which it can
In this day and age of pleasure derived solely from continue to endeavor to imbue into the hearts and
material gain, Freemasons should also take pleasure minds of those who would seek light, the duty of
in seeing themselves daily grow better. They must being a good citizen, to work as best he can for the
do as the Emperor Marcus Aurelius suggested - no things he believes to be of worth and value to his
longer talk about the kind of man that a good man community, to his county and to humanity. Instead
ought to be, but be such. of attempting to change or vary the principles and
procedures of Masonry, or ignoring them, we should
What is true of man is equally true of a fraternity. give more attention to putting them into practice,
The strength of a fraternity is in its members, and no always remembering that our Fraternity has always
fraternity is stronger than the results of the zeal of expounded the doctrine of individual responsibility.
the men who are its members. Always it comes back
to the individual, who is the living stone in the wall of If our thoughts about Masonry are no longer positive,
society, making it strong or weak. and if we think its image is no longer appealing, we
may well heed and apply unto ourselves, those lines
It has always been an important belief of in Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar," wherein Cassius
Freemasonry that it is the individual who counts. It is says: "the fault, dear Brutus, lies not in the stars, but
the individual who must be taught the "secrets" and in ourselves." As an anonymous Masonic writer put it:

Montana Freemason Page 35 Nov/Dec Volume 97 No.5