WHO ARE THE MASONS?
by A. F. Melchers
THE MASONIC CHRONICLE -1888
According to the profane world, all who belong to the mystic
crew are denominated as Masons, but within the privacy of
its sacred circle, a line is drawn not observable to the
common populace. A true Mason is one who abides by its
principles, its tenets, and strives to unfold himself in accord
with the moral that exists in connection with, or arises from
them. These morals are often enough elucidated to be
known by heart, as it were, if the members would but attend
regularly and give an "attentive ear" to the lectures and
charges propounded to the newly initiated, and in the event
of knowing them, analyze their true significance.
The Lord's Prayer, for example, is a formulated supplication
known to the entire civilized world, and yet how few,
comparatively, ever analyze it, or think over what they are
uttering. So the formulae and expressions used in Masonry
are known, and capable of being repeated mechanically, but
their true meaning is seldom cognized, even by the
"brightest." To follow these morals blindly is very well, when
followed out, and in which respect the laborer and mechanic
deserves the most credo; but the
would-be-more-enlightened members of the craft, in a large
measure, overlook this as an unnecessary obligation. Not
that they disregard its tenets as unworthy, or as something
beneath them, but due rather to the atheistical tendency of
the age, which, in discovering a superior intelligence, also
belittles the method of elevating man through moral culture,
and thereby contaminates many who would otherwise be
more conscientious in their Masonic behavior. But there are
some who allow self-sufficiency to step between them and
their Masonic principles, and such we would denominate the
really would-be-more-enlightened ones, because a true
perception of morality would never allow itself to be
governed by any outside pressure, however universal it may
become for a period of time. Thus a little earnest reflection is
in order by this class, for, as well as catching on to the
prevailing ideas that are afloat in the profane world, they can
comprehend some of the truths existing in Masonry, and by
a little mental exertion, or an earnest desire, will find much
that is in favor of Masonry over many of the popular ideas of
the day. Simply believing that the tenets are very well for
some one also to follow out, practically is not Masonic. Every
member must constitute an example himself, and especially
if he imagines himself to be superior to another. The en-
lightened ones should lead the wary, as it is in their power to
do so. Having a clearer insight into the Masonic teachings,
they should become the teachers and not the revilers in
heart, as many appear to be on certain occasions, and
occasions which should be regarded as the most sacred
moments in the life of every true Mason, and for the simple
reason that he thought it such at one time himself. The more
earnestness that a candidate displays, the greater will be the
reaction when his eyes are opened to the truth that frivolity
exists in conjunction with Masonry. It is true that such cases
are rare, but one fool makes many where conditions are
favorable for this effect, and irreparable damage is done -
the ignorant very easily imitating the example of those above
him intellectually, and under which conditions he fools that
ho has a right to join in. And when the unenlightened
accompanies his superior, it is a well known fact that he over
does it - carrying ridicule to the other extreme, and becoming
emotional or enthusiastic on anything that has an opposite
tendency, both often deviating from reason and doing more
harm than good. Thus a leader should always act cautiously
and with foresight, and handle the reins with due judgment
and perspicuity; and every intelligent Mason should regard
himself as a leader in the above named instance, by
conducting himself in a manner worthy of imitation by his
supposed inferiors or unenlightened brethren, intellectually
considered. As a brotherhood, of course, there is no
distinction - neither rank, station nor wealth ever being taken
in consideration in Masonic affairs. But intellectual distinction
cannot be amalgamated, nor is it demanded, for this asserts
itself unwillingly and governs unconsciously, as it were. Only,
where it does exist, it should be well guarded by the
possessor and used for a good purpose on the moat trivial
occasion; and when arrogated it should at least be kept up
by a sober exterior (which offer passes for wisdom) and not
expose the really earnest ones to the disrespect of the
ignorant by their folly.
But we are not fault finding, only we cannot help from
observing facts that come under our notice at times, and by
calling attention to them it may lead to good results - many of
the above probably being unconscious of their little unwilling
inconsistency, or folly, either. However, Masons understand
us, and will pardon us for calling attention to the same, for
we feel assured that all who have the welfare of the Order at
heart will approve of what we've said. We regard Masonry as
a sacred trust, and only desire that all should think as we do
in this respect, even if they do not agree with us in our other
little observances. But to be a Mason, man should be one at
heart as well as at the head, i.e, give himself out for one.
The outside world has a good opinion of the craft, and every
member should endeavor to substantiate this belief by his
acts and the expression of his thoughts, and prove himself to
be a true Mason within its ranks by following out its tenets
and principles conscientiously and without fear of the world's
opinions, whichever direction they may be temporarily
wafting. Morality will triumph in the end, and whatever strife
or mutual warfare may exist outside, Masonry will hold its
own, as it has done throughout the past. When discord
swayed without, harmony reigned within; and as it was in the
past, so let it be in the present. Peace is our desire, so let it
be the aim of the individual; and when meeting on this level
the brotherhood is perfected - this being the precursor to that
universal brotherhood to which the world at large is aiming,
but as yet only attained by Masonry; and therefore let
brotherly love prevail, that the world may know by this who
are the Masons.
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