THE FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES
Grand Lodge of Texas
In the Entered Apprentice Degree, the new brother is
introduced to the Four Cardinal Virtues during the close of the
explanatory lecture. These virtues are Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence,
and Justice and are very briefly explained to the new Entered Apprentice.
Unfortunately, these virtues have no connection to the rite of initiation
experienced by the new Mason and the lecture does little to clarify their
introduction at this time. From an esoteric standpoint, one must go to
great lengths to manipulate these virtues to make a connection to the
ritual.
Up to at least 1750, none of the early Masonic manuscripts or
ritual exposures contains any reference to the Four Cardinal Virtues.
Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia states, “It is probable that this peculiar
part of the lectures goes back beyond the dawn of symbolic Masonry and
that what we have is a distorted remnant of a much more meaningful
symbolism or has been built up in modern times out of a brief and
unimportant part of the old pre-Grand Lodge working.” In addition, one
must realize that the Masonic ritual is a combination of many ideas that
have come from the distant past and woven into a ritual. Over time, ideas
have been added, removed or merged with other concepts to form the current
Masonic ritual. Based on the evidence, the Cardinal Virtues were not added
to the Masonic ritual until after the middle of the eighteenth century.
Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia suggests that the Cardinal Virtues were “taken
from the Christian Church, which derived them from Plato and to which the
Church had added the three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity,
which Freemasonry also borrowed.”
In any event, the Cardinal Virtues have intrinsic value to the Mason
and are certainly essential to Freemasonry. They can stand on their own
within the ritual without any direct connection to the initiatic
experience or to Masonic symbolism. The Texas Monitor of the Lodge
provides an explanation of each of the four virtues.
“Temperance is that due restraint upon
our affections and passions which renders the body tame and governable,
and frees the mind from the allurements of vice. This virtue should be the
constant practice of every Mason, as he is thereby taught to avoid excess,
or the contracting of any licentious or vicious habit, the indulgence of
which might lead him to disclose some of those valuable secrets which he
has promised to conceal and never reveal, and which would consequently
subject him to the contempt and detestation of all good Masons.”
Temperance represents restraint. The Mason must control his passions and
desires. He must practice restraint in all things and avoid excess. He
must exercise caution in his action, speech, thought, feeling, judgment,
and life.
“Fortitude is that noble and steady
purpose of mind, whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain, peril, or
danger, when prudentially deemed expedient. This virtue is equally distant
from rashness and cowardice; and, like the former, should be deeply
impressed upon the mind of every Mason, as a safeguard against any illegal
attack that may be made, by force or otherwise, to extort from him any of
those valuable secrets with which he has been so solemnly entrusted, and
which were emblematically represented upon his first admission into the
Lodge.” Courage is another name for fortitude. For the Mason, fortitude
symbolizes more than physical courage. It also represents moral courage.
The Mason must have the strength and ability to make a decision based upon
his own moral convictions and stick to it regardless of the consequences.
The Mason must exhibit the highest moral and ethical principles in his
life and standby those principles when society looks unfavorably upon
those principles.
“Prudence teaches us to regulate our
lives and actions agreeably to the dictate of reason, and is that habit by
which we wisely judge, and prudentially determine, on all things relative
to our present, as well as our future happiness. This virtue should be the
peculiar characteristic of every Mason, not only for the government of his
conduct while in the Lodge, but also when abroad in the world. It should
be particularly attended to in all strange and mixed companies, never to
let fall the least sign, token, or word, whereby the secrets of Masonry
might be unlawfully obtained.” In its most comprehensive sense, prudence
implies not only caution but also the ability to judge in advance the
probable consequences of one’s actions. It also symbolizes wisdom in the
conduct of one’s activities. Wisdom of mind and soul comes from thought,
study and circumspection. It brings the Mason closer to God. Prudence
reminds the Mason to reflect upon the moral and social consequences of his
activities and his relationship to his Creator.
“Justice is that standard, or boundary
of right, which enables us to render to every man his just due, without
distinction. This virtue is not only consistent with Divine and human
laws, but is the very cement and support of civil society; and as justice
in a great measure, constitutes the real good man, so should it be the
invariable practice of every Mason never to deviate from the minutest
principles thereof.” Justice symbolizes equality for the Mason. The Mason
should govern his own actions, have them judged openly, and his conduct
towards others should be without deception. He should undertake actions
because he desires to and not because he is forced to. His actions should
be unselfish and self-sacrificing.
The Four Cardinal Virtues of Freemasonry provide a framework for
daily living and serve as a guide for our relationship with God and our
fellow man. Thus these virtues are essential to Freemasonry. Perhaps this
is why they are introduced in the Entered Apprentice Lecture, to provide a
foundation upon which to build the lessons of Freemasonry. As new Masons
we must begin to develop and strengthen these virtues, which will help us
grow and develop into better men. As experienced Masons, we should
constantly remind ourselves of these virtues and their importance in our
lives. If we strive to perfect the Four Cardinal Virtues in our lives, we
will grow closer to God, be content with our station in life, and
influence society for the better.
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