DEGREES AND LIFE
We cannot introduce innovations in Masonry. However, this does not mean that
we cannot put something of ourselves into Masonry. It is the responsibility and
duty of everyone who has a part in conferring the degrees to not only speak the
words but to deliver their meaning. His own heart must reach the heart of the
candidate. Together with the words there must be a feeling that the lessons are
not related to life, but are life.
Moral lessons are taught men by good mothers and good fathers. Men are
morally qualified before they are qualified to become Masons. The great purpose
of Masonry then is to make possible a system of moral development which will
widen the path of improvement. When the lessons of Masonry fail in the objective
of creating a living philosophy, a philosophy that helps to make life a richer,
fuller experience, then the greatest good is lost.
A great poem becomes even greater when one takes the time and effort to study
the state of mind of the author, and to clearly understand the thought and
inspiration behind the printed words.
So it is with the lessons of Masonry. We must take that which is warm,
pulsating, alive, and drive it into the heart of the candidate.
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