The Masonic Trowel

... to spread the cement of brotherly love and affection, that cement which unites us into one sacred band or society of brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble emulation of who can best work or best agree ...


[What is Freemasonry] [Leadership Development] [Education] [Masonic Talks] [Masonic Magazines Online]
[
Articles] [Masonic Books Online] [E-Books] [Library Of All Articles] [Masonic Blogs] [Links]
 [
What is New] [Feedback]

 Masonic quotes by Brothers



Search Website For


Add To Favorites

Help Me Maintain OUR Website!!!!!!


List of Contributors


PDF This File


Print This Page


Email This Site To ...


more light #297

Be the Candidate

by Ed Halpaus
Grand Lodge Education Officer
Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of Minnesota


Dear Masonic Student,

I have many books in my library, but one of the best books by a Mason about Freemasonry is by M.W. Brother Dewey H. Wollstein, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Georgia. The book is long out of print, but if you’re fortunate enough to find a copy to read you will enjoy every page of it. Below is another fine essay from the book, which I’m certain you will get a lot out of.  – Ed

Be the Candidate
By Dewey H. Wollstein, P.G.M. of the G.L. of Georgia

There is a danger line in every Mason’s life. That is the point at which we cease to be the Candidate. It is when we become the audience of Masonry instead of remain­ing the participant. It is the point at which we lose the viewpoint of the Candidate and no longer seek a New Light.

We must witness the conferring of every degree through the eyes of one who has just knocked at the door of Masonry, and every word spoken to the Candi­date should strike a responsive note with us. It is in this way only can one hope to be progressive in Masonry, and to catch again and again the inspiration that he re­ceived when he was really the Candidate. Any Mason who truly seeks Light will find something new in Ma­sonry every time a degree is conferred. But he must be the Candidate. He must have the freshness of mind, the eager seeking for Light, that was his when he first en­tered Masonry.

If we look upon the degrees of Masonry in an im­personal way, and consider the ceremonies only as cold repetitions, then we can gain nothing from them. If we attain a small spiritual insight and refuse to grow in vision and wisdom, then even that First Light becomes extinguished. We cease to grow when we no longer seek the source that inspired us at the beginning.

Forever we must have an open mind, the courage, the desire to advance, the longing for More Light, all that we had when we first offered ourselves as candidates for the Mysteries of Freemasonry.

Forever and ever we must be the Candidate.

back to top


[What is Freemasonry] [Leadership Development] [Education] [Masonic Talks] [Masonic Magazines Online]
[
Articles] [Masonic Books Online] [E-Books] [Library Of All Articles] [Masonic Blogs] [Links]
 [
What is New] [Feedback]


This site is not an official site of any recognized Masonic body in the United States or elsewhere.
It is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinion
of Freemasonry, nor webmaster nor those of any other regular Masonic body other than those stated.

DEAD LINKS & Reproduction | Legal Disclaimer | Regarding Copyrights

Last modified: March 22, 2014