masonic matters
THE 4 IMPORTANT VIRTUES OF FREEMASONRY
by Ed Halpaus
Grand Lodge Education Officer
Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of Minnesota
"Set them a good example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity,
seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who
oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."
Paul in Titus 2:7-8
"One day [Brother] Booker T. Washington was in haste to catch a train, he
hurried to a horse-stand and asked the driver of a cab to take him to the
station. 'No,' replied the driver, 'I've never driven a black man, and I never
will.' 'All right, friend,' replied [Brother] Washington cheerfully.
'Just hop into the back seat and I'll do the driving.' The astonished cabby did
as he was bidden, and [Brother] Washington caught his train." Jacob Braude
In this issue of Masonic Matters there is a paper written by Brother Ola Morken
of the Grand Lodge of Norway. Brother Ola's paper was sent to me by my good
friend and Brother John Hegge, Assistant Grand Tyler, of the Grand Lodge of
Minnesota. Brothers John and Ola are friends, and Brother John thought I would
enjoy reading what Brother Ola wrote. He was right, I did enjoy it.
Brother Ola is from the Grand Lodge of Norway, which adheres to the Swedish Rite
of Freemasonry, I think Brother Ola's writing is well worth reading. Enjoy!
"Virtue is an angel, but a blind one, and must ask of knowledge to show her the
pathway that leads to her goal." Horace Mann
THE 4 IMPORTANT VIRTUES OF FREEMASONRY.
By Brother Ola Morken VIII°
In the Swedish System of Freemasonry there are 4 important virtues that we
cherish and hold high throughout the entire system, from The St. John through
St. Andrew and finally the Chapter. In fact these Virtues are our moral and
ethic guidelines in, a set of regulations in our Masonic work. We learn about
them, we practice them during the rituals, and we are even passing tests in how
we live and think by these rules, or virtues. The 4 Virtues are:
SILENCE (from Latin) SILENTIUM.
We learn how to protect our ways of learning the rituals and symbols, used in
this connection, by not revealing anything to outsiders. In ancient times
Silence was also a token of sorrow. We are told, and reminded of, the old
proverb that Speech is Silver, while silence is golden. In our relations with
family, friends, and colleagues it can sometimes be better to keep silent
instead of criticize, or express our discontent, and not to spread slander or
rumors. Silence can mean respect, regard or consideration for others. Silence
also proves that we are trustworthy. Sometimes it is just good medicine to go
into you own private room and in silence communicate with the Great Architect of
the Universe. It is said that if we in silence listen to our inner voice, we
will eventually find the Acacia.
PRUDENCE (from Latin) PRUDENTIA.
Prudence is very much related to silence. We are taught to be careful,
considerate and prudent in our relations with other people, as well as in
business. Reckless action can do great harm to others, as well as to us, just
the way harsh or inconsiderate words can harm. Prudence and consideration shall
be the guidelines of our relations with other people. This does not mean that we
shall compromise truth and honesty, but that we shall think before we act. There
is no place written that we, and we only, possess the absolute truth or
knowledge.
MODERATION (from Latin) TEMPERANTIA.
The Latin word Temperantia may also mean to "abstain from." It means that we
shall know the art of self restraint, self command. We shall recognize our
shortcomings and humbly recognize the fact that the road to wisdom and
acknowledgement is long and bended. We shall always prepare for repercussions
and pitfalls along the road.
MERCY (from Latin) CARITAS.
We usually say that the merciful, and well-doing humans, do not feel fear,
because a good conscience will follow him everywhere. The Latin word Caritas is
the same as in English care, charity etc. These words express love. Mercy is a
virtue originating from Love. All good doing, or charity, will not be real if
these actions are not done out of love. According to Paul in the Great Book, all
our gifts, faith, and knowledge, are nothing unless they do not have love. We
can give and donate from our material abundance, but if consideration and love
are missing, it might as well be a simple transaction. In our Masonic Laws it is
written that the greatest reward a Mason can receive is that of having a good
conscience.
To be a mason is a life long commitment. Our Masonic duties shall follow us
every day, not just during Lodge meetings. And to measure our success we should
every day; consult our most qualified consultant - our conscience, and ask the
question: Have we today fulfilled our Masonic duties? So mote it be! Ola Morken,
Saturday March 6, 2004. Thanks Brother Ola that was great.
"Make no judgments where you have no compassion." Anne McCaffrey
I recently bought a book of the poetry of Brother Robert Service. I bought it
because it was a very nicely done oversize illustrated edition. It's a nice book
to have by my chair in the living room, to look at and enjoy. I like to look at
the old photos in the book which depict some of the life in the gold mines of
the Klondike in the late 1800's.
One of the photos shows 4 men outside a log cabin in some newly cleared land;
one of them is sitting on the ground with a sandwich in his hand, another is
writing in a notebook resting on his knee with his foot up on a stump, and then
there are two men in the foreground facing each other with their two right hands
joined in what appears to be a Masonic Grip.
When I think of that I think of something that is important to me, and that is
Fidelity. In the second degree there is a line that refers to being in the
charge of a trusted friend and having no need to fear any danger. That's what
fidelity is - Trustworthiness. Fidelity also refers to being faithful and loyal
with our strict adherence to our promises and vows, and thoroughness in the
performance of duty.
Prior to what we now call the Common Era there was a deity called "Fides or
Fidelity, which was sometimes represented by two right hands joined and
sometimes by two human figures holding each other by the right hands."i
Fides was the goddess Fides. There were no sacrifices made to her on her altars,
and the only offerings made to her were flowers, wine, and incense. Her statues
were represented clothed in white, with a key in her hand and a dog at her feet.
In ancient medals the virtue of Fidelity is symbolized by a heart in an open
hand, but more usually by two right hands clasped.
Horace says she is the sister of Justice. Cicero says, "That which is religion
toward God and piety toward our parents is fidelity toward our fellowmen." The
Romans had a God named Fidus, and in ancient Rome there was an old piece of
Marble to Fidus on which were depicted two figures clasping each others hands as
the representatives of honor and truth, without which there can be no fidelity
or truth among men.
There is a lot communicated from one Mason to another in the grip of a Mason.
When we feel the grip that you and I give to each other we are telling each
other that we can trust one another. We communicate silently that we are safe in
each others company; safe from harm, physically, mentally, and financially. We
communicate to each other that we are brothers under the skin, and that
Brotherly Love will prevail.
It is important that we live up to our status as a Mason in all our actions.
When we wonder what that should be, all we need to do is to read again the
Charge that is sometimes given at the closing of a Lodge of Freemasons.
Charge at Closing
Brethren, you are now to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue to
mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and employments, forget not the
duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and forcibly recommended in this
Lodge. Be diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. Remember that around this
altar you have promised to befriend and relieve every brother who shall need
your assistance. Remember that you have promised to remind him, in the most
tender manner, of his failings, and aid his reformation; to vindicate his
character when wrongfully traduced; suggest, in his behalf, the most candid and
favorable circumstances. Is he justly reprehended? Let the world observe how
Masons love one another.
These generous principles are to extend further. Every human being has a claim
upon your kind offices. Do good unto all. Recommend it more especially "to the
household of the faithful." By diligence in the duties of your respective
callings; by liberal benevolence and diffusive charity; by constancy and
fidelity in your friendships, discover the beneficial and happy effects of this
ancient and honorable Institution.
Let it not be supposed that you have here labored in vain and spent your
strength for naught; for your work is with the Lord and your recompense with
God. Finally, brethren, be ye all of one mind; live in peace, and may the God of
love and peace delight to dwell with and bless you!
"Wisdom is knowing when you can't be wise." Paul Engle
"Understanding a person does not mean condoning; it only means that one does not
accuse him as if one were God or a judge placed above him." Erich Fromm
"The Holy Bible gives us our duty to God; the Square, our duty to ourselves; and
the Compass, our duty to our fellows."
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