Page 36 - MFM Nov Dec 2021

"As a stone cast into the placid surface of water one religion over another. Masonic ceremonies
disturbs the water in principles he has learned in describe a moral code, using basic principles that are
Masonry, may extend in widening circles, touching common to all religions.
the lives of scores and even hundreds of men and
women of whose very sincere existence he may be Freemasonry stands for the reverence of God and
wholly unaware." the proper place of individual faith in society; for
truth and justice; for fraternity and philanthropy;
and for orderly civil, religious, and intellectual liberty.
It charges each of its members to be true and loyal
The Nature of Man to the government of the country to which he owes
allegiance and to be obedient to the law of any
By and by again, the morning sun will rise state in which he may reside.
[But] the darkness never goes from some mens eyes (oh no)
It strolls the sidewalks and it rolls the streets Freemasonry forbids the discussion of religious
It's taking turf, dividing up meat matters and politics in Masonic meetings — topics
-Throwing Stones by John Barlow and Bob Weir likely to cause personal arguments. It’s also against
the fundamental principles of Freemasonry for
In all organizations and at all times, there are those Masonic organizations to take political action or
who, by their deeds, render themselves unworthy. attempt to influence elections or legislation.
This becomes especially troubling when we see it
in Freemasonry or an appendant body such as the Freemasonry regards no man for his worldly wealth,
York Rite or Scottish Rite. While we often espouse social status, or outward appearance. Kings, princes,
and enjoy the most excellent principles and precepts sultans, and potentates have been Masons. So have
that our institution propagates. We have some paperboys, garbage men, factory workers, and fast-
safeguards and methods to counter those nefarious food fry cooks.
acts perpetrated by those who employ the act of
backbiting and slander toward their brothers; this In our Coach's Handbook, Section 4 of the
is a vice that is despicable in any man, more so one Montana Masonic Manual, we are told
who claims to be a Mason. Our honorable institution,
through its laws and regulations and instruction, tells Truth - one of the three principal tenets brotherly
us to "speak well of a brother" to defend his honor love, relief and truth. In the Entered Apprentice
and reputation whenever attacked, with truth and degree, truth, "the foundation of every virtue,"
justice as our guide and not to bear false witness and obviously symbolizes honesty, sincerity, plain dealing.
refrain from contributing to condemning a brother Philosophically, truth is synonymous with ultimate
based upon unverified gossip and supposition. We knowledge and is one of the reasons for the long
must guard together against men, brothers, and life and continued existence of Freemasonry. It is, as
more especially leaders who would trod upon the a whole, a search for the causes behind the causes
characters of their brothers, fabricate and promote of things as we know them. In this sense, truth is a
misinformation and create adversity with malicious symbol of the Divine Knowledge of the G. A. O. T. U.
and mercenary motives.
Cardinal Virtues. Four hundred years before the time
of Christ, Socrates and Plato taught the four Cardinal
Principles of Freemasons Virtues of life. The early ritual makers drew much of
their material from the ancient philosophers, who
Freemasonry teaches a system of morality and set out truth that is universal. Temperance means
brotherhood by the use of symbols and dramatic moderation in all things in speech, thought and
presentations. It encourages its members to expand action. Fortitude implies moral courage, that courage
their knowledge of the world around them. to stand for the right against the wrong in every
aspect of life. Prudence means common sense and
Freemasons believe in the brotherhood of man, reason. It is a human tendency to allow our passions
under the fatherhood of God. Freemasonry isn’t and prejudices to dominate our thinking and control
a religion, but it is religious because it requires its our actions, whereas prudence would prevent our
members to have faith in a Supreme Being, according emotions from outrunning our reason. Justice is an
to the individual Mason’s belief. It does not promote essential factor in the democratic way of life and is
personal as well as a civic virtue.
Montana Freemason Page 36 Nov/Dec Volume 97 No.5