#: 29622 S1/Collation & Chats 30-Dec-93 00:05:04 Sb: #29343-#INTRODUCTION Fm: Dave Paasch 75500,2124 To: William C. Ford, Jr 73504,366 (X) Bro. Ford, Above all, make your lodge year INTERESTING TO AS MANY MEMBERS AS POSSIBLE!!!!!! Have open meetings where guests and wives attend and have a general interest speaker in such as someone from IRS, Social Security Adm., Salvation Army, or even the Geological Survey! I've always felt that Masons spend too much time looking in the rear-view mirror! And, since we know that a lot of what we were taught in grade school about American history was false, or at least embellished, I think that it may also be true that a lot of Masonic history has also been embellished. The original Masons must have used the very best tools and technology of their day to do their work. We should do no less! I think they would laugh at our continous "looking back"; they sure didn't look back when it came to designing structure! Finally, what business or organization that is healthy and growing still does things like it did in 1717? I bet you can't name one! Don't let your Lodge do things the same way it has for the past 100+ years either! S&F, Dave --- PM, Roosevelt Memorial Lodge #129 - North Dakota #: 29359 S1/Collation & Chats 27-Dec-93 09:40:17 Sb: #Rudyard Kipling's Poems Fm: Michael Segall 100275,1313 To: All The other less-known Masonic poem by Kipling that I wanted to quote was published as an "envoi" to "Life's Handicap". Its deep Masonic and philosophical meaning has much to do with "Working for the Glory of the GAOTU". "MY NEW-CUT ASHLAR" My new-cut ashlar takes the light Where crimson-blank the windows flare. By my own work before the night, Great Overseer, I make my prayer. If there be good in that I wrought Thy Hand compelled it, Master, Thine - Where I have failed to meet Thy Thought I know, through Thee, the blame was mine. One instant's toil to Thee denied Stands all Eternity's offence. Of that I did with Thee to guide, To Thee, through Thee, be excellence. The depth and dream of my desire, The bitter paths wherein I stray - Thou knowest Who hast made the Fire, Thou knowest Who hast made the Clay. Who, lest all thought of Eden fade, Bring'st Eden to the craftsman's brain - Godlike to muse o'er his own Trade And manlike stand with God again! One stone the more swings into place In that dread Temple of Thy worth. It is enough that, through Thy Grace, I saw nought common on Thy Earth. Take not that vision from my ken - Oh, whatsoe'er may spoil or speed. Help me to need no aid from men That I may help such men as need! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rudyard Kipling's Verse Definitive edition Hodder & Stoughton January 1977 London, Sydney, Auckland, Toronto The four lines which are a traditional part of the Burns Night Supper are: A last request permit me here, When yearly ye assemble a', One round, I ask it with a tear, To him, the Bard that's far awa'- Usually, someone is asked to come to the lectern at a certain point in the ceremonies and pronounce the passage, whereupon everyone raises his glass and drinks to Burns. It had never occurred to me that there was any Masonic connection, until I ran across an article in one of the libraries here on Burns and found the whole poem: THE FAREWELL TO THE BRETHREN OF ST. JAMES LODGE, TARBOLTON* Used DE94 Adieu! a heart-warm, fond adieu! Dear Brothers of the Mystic Tie! Ye favoured, ye enlighten'd few, Companions of my social joy! Tho' I to foreign lands must hie, Pursuing Fortune's slidd'ry ba', With melting heart, and brimful eye, I'll mind you still, tho' far awa'. Oft have I met your social band And spent the cheerful, festive night; Oft honoured with supreme command, Presided o'er the Sons of Light; And by that Hieroglyphic Bright, Which none but Craftsmen ever saw! Strong Memory on my heart shall write Those happy scenes, when far awa'- May Freedom, Harmony, and Love, Unite you in the Grand Design, Beneath th' Omniscient Eye above- The glorious Architect Divine- That you may keep th' Unerring Line, Still rising by the Plummet's Law, Till ORDER bright completely shine, Shall be my pray'r when far awa'. And you, FAREWELL! whose merits claim Justly the Highest Badge to wear! Heav'n bless your honour'd, noble NAME, To Masonry and Scotia dear. A last request permit me here, When yearly ye assemble a', One round, I ask it with a tear, To him, the Bard that's far awa'- (*Read to the members of St. James Lodge, Tarbolton, at a meeting of the lodge held on June 23, 1786. At this time Burns was preparing to leave Scotland for a voyage to Jamaica.) I have since looked for the poem in other Burns collections, but have not found it. Another victory for the Masonry Forum! "Ritual is useless unless it inspires human beings to come closer to God, to act in the manner in which God wants them to act, to finish creating a world in which God's presence will be obvious and the divine goal will become manifest. " Anon THE LETTER "G" He entered the Lodge and filled each chair, Was sent to the East and presided there, He could give the lecture of each degree, But fell way down on the letter "G". Tho he said each head must "in honor bow" Yet out of the Lodge he forgot, somehow, For from his careless and prayerless lips, The name of Jehova would oft times slip. He recited the lecture with solemn tone, When the letter "G" to the Lodge was shown, But we knew at once why the world did scoff, When we heard this man with his apron off. The Fellowcraft, too, when the Lodge was thru, Listened as you and I would do, But the work tho finally exemplified Was spoiled by his talk in the room outside. For no one did as the Master said, Not a humble bow from a single head, So the Fellowcraft tho't as he said good night I will talk as before and 'twill be all right. If Masonry does what we claim for it We should guard our tongues lest we forget To use that great high Name with care While employed at work or engaged in prayer. For the world is watching both you and me, To see if we honor the letter "G" And our lives and teachings they compare To see if we're plumb and on the Sguare. I think a master should have a small shovel under the podium for use when he hears the words. "When I was in the East." This should be a cue to get it out and play with it in plain sight of the brethren. Chuck Tupper #: 34409 S1/Collation & Chats 16-Feb-94 16:37:23 Sb: #There is Always Light Fm: Charles H. Tupper 73614,2643 To: Simon Justice AF&AM 100335,3556 (X) I am glad that the words helped in time of sorrow. They are a paraphrase of a part of Ecclesiasties XII. I should have included the rest of the paraphrase which I wrote for use in my lodge when an ACTIVE Brother Mason has gone to the GAOTU. We only use these when the Brother has been active in the Lodge because we feel that this is a special memorial for those who we have known and sat in Lodge with until health took them away from participation in our labors. We have another memorial for all other Brothers. There are two of them, one for the young Mason and one for the one who has lived his full span of years. They are as follows: First: Remember now my Creator in the days of my youth for I no longer have pleasure in them. The sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, have been darkened, and the clouds no longer return after the rain. I knew not the day when the keepers of the house trembled, nor the strong man who bowed himself, not the grinders that ceased because they were few, nor those that looked out of the windows that were darkened. Nor the doors that were shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding was low, nor had I the time to rise up at the voice of the bird, when all the daughters of music were brought low. Also, I was not afraid of that which is high, nor were fears in the way, and the almond tree had not the time to flourish, nor was the grasshopper a burden, nor did desire fail; For I have gone to my long home, and the mourners go about the streets: The silver cord is loosed, the golden bowl is broken, the pitcher is broken at the fountain, and the wheel is broken at the cistern. And the dust has returned to the earth as it was: and the spirit has returned unto God who gave it. Second: Remember now my Creator in the days of my youth, when the evil days came not, nor the years drew nigh, when I said, I have no pleasure in them; Now the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, are darkened, and the clouds return not after the rain: In those days the keepers of the house trembled, and I bowed myself, and my grinders ceased because they were few, and those that looked out of the windows were darkened, And the doors were shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding ceased, and I could no longer rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music are no longer heard: Also, I am no longer afraid of that which is high, and fears are no longer in the way, and the almond tree has flourished, and the grasshopper has been a burden, and my desires have failed: because I have gone to my long home, and the mourners go about the streets: The silver cord is loosed, the golden bowl is broken, the pitcher is broken at the fountain, and the wheel is broken at the cistern. And the dust has returned to the earth as it was: And the spirit has returned unto God who gave it. Chuck I SEE YOUVE TRAVELED SOME WHEREVER YOU MAY CHANCE TO BE; WHEREVER YOU MAY ROAM, FAR AWAY IN FOREIGN LANDS, OR JUST AT HOME, A SWEET HOME, IT ALWAYS GIVES YOU PLEASURE, IT MAKES YOUR HEARTSTRINGS HUM JUST TO HEAR THE WORDS OF CHEER: I SEE YOUVE TRAVELED SOME WHEN YOU GET THE BROTHERS GREETING, AS HE TAKES YOU BY THE HAND, IT THRILLS YOU WITH A FEELING THAT YOU CANNOT UNDERSTAND; YOU FEEL THAT BOND OF BROTHERHOOD, THAT AID THATS SURE TO COME WHEN YOU HEAR HIM SAY IN A FRIENDLY WAY, I SEE YOUVE TRAVELED SOME AND IF YOU ARE A STRANGER, IN STRANGE LANDS ALL ALONE, IF FATE HAS LEFT YOU STRANDED.... DEAD BROKE AND FAR FROM HOME; OH, ITS A GRAND AND GLORIOUS FEELING IT THRILLS YOU; MAKES YOU NUMB... WHEN HE SAYS WITH A GRIP OF FELLOWSHIP: I SEE YOUVE TRAVELED SOME AND WHEN YOUR FINAL SUMMONS COMES, TO MAKE THAT LAST LONG TRIP, ADORNED WITH LAMBSKIN APRON WHITE AND GEMS OF FELLOWSHIP, THE TYLER AT THE GOLDEN GATE, WITH SQUARE AND RULE AND PLUM WILL SIZE UP YOUR PIN, AND SAY: WALK IN; I SEE YOU TRAVELED SOME -Anonymous- THE FAREWELL by Robert Burns To the Brethren of St. James's Lodge, Tarbolton Tune - "Goodnight, and joy wi' you a'" Adieu! a heart-warm fond adieu; Dear brothers of the mystic tie! Ye favoured, enlighten'd few, Companions of my social joy; Tho' I to foreign lands must hie, Pursuing Fortune's slidd'ry ba'; With melting heart, and brimful eye, I'll mind you still, tho' far awa. Oft have I met your social band, And spent the cheerful, festive night; Oft, honour'd with supreme command, Presided o'er the sons of light: And by that hieroglyphic bright, Which none but Craftsman ever saw! Strong Mem'ry on my heart shall write Those happy scenes, when far awa. May Freedom, Harmony, and Love, Unite you in the grand Design Beneath th' Omniscient Eye above, The glorious Architect Divine, That you may keep th' unerring line, Still rising by the plummet's law, Till Order bright completely shine, Shall be my pray'r when far awa. And you, farewell! whose merit claim Justly that highest badge to wear: Heav'n bless your honour'd noble name, To Masonry and Scotia dear! A last request permit me here, -- When yearly ye assemble a', One round, I ask it with a tear, To him, the Bard that's far awa. "Masonic labor is purely a a labor of love. He who seeks to draw Masonic wages in gold and silver will be disappointed. The wages of a Mason are in the dealings with one another; sympathy begets sympathy, kindness begets kindness, helpfulness begets helpfulness, and these are the wages of a Mason." -- Benjamin Frankin MY INITIATION I heard three knocs at the Temple door And then it was opened wide. I felt the grip of a Masons hand As I slowly passed inside. I was lowered on bended knees, As a prayer was said for me, And then I was helped to pass around For the Brethern all to see. all to me was like black of night, As my leader took me round, And my racing heart I heard more clear Than the organs solem sound. My faltering footstep here and there Were halted on my way, As several questions were put to me As I struggled not to sway. Then moving on I took three steps And again I had to kneel Whilst my left hand pressed a compass point For my naked breast to feel. With my right resting on The Law I took my obligation And I swore Id be a Mason true At my initiation. Some word were said which I could not hear Though wishing that I could see, Then after a knock that echoed wide My sight was restored to me. I shall not tell more of what I saw Or much of what was spoken But I saw the sign and heard the word And felt the Masons token. Ill tell you this that I heard a charge ( Which later I learned by heart ) As it told me all that a man should do As a Mason, from the start. It matters not if You Pass the Chair Or reach the highest station, The best event in a Masons life Is his initiation. Freemasonry is not a charity, but it teaches men to be charitable and exhorts them to use their best endeavours to relive the wants of the necessitious. Freemasonry is not a religion, but it encourages men to honour their creator in the rites and practices of whatever Church he follows and that he should never be an irrelgious libertine. Freemasonry is not a service organisation, but it teaches its members that to be of service to ones fellow creature is possible the highest ideal to which we can aspire. Freemasonry is not a political organisation, but it teaches us to be observant of the laws of the country which from time to time provides us with a residence and a due respect for that land which gave us our infant nurture. Freemasonry is not a publicity organisation, instead it teaches us that to seek clamorously after rewards will do little for us in the long run. Freemasonry is not a social society, but its precepts will tend to equip Freemasons with an ability to relate to and understand his fellow man to the benefit of all. FREEMASONRY IS - A SYSTEM OF MORALITY, VEILED IN ALLEGORY AND ILLUSTRATED BY SYMBOLS! (used ap 94) TO A MASON'S FAMILY When a man joins Masonry something special is added to his life. He now shares membership in a fraternity dedicated to such things as morality, worldwide brotherhood, obedience to the law, the practice of charity and belief in a Supreme Being. And it means much more. No wonder Masons, and newer members in particular, find it difficult to discuss Masonry with others, even with their families. But family interest and support in this special part of his life means a great deal to every Mason, to his lodge and to Masonry in general. The purpose of this publication is to help him share Masonry with you, and to extend sincere appreciation for your continued interest and support. WHAT DOES MASONRY OFFER ITS MEMBERS? High on the list is encouragement to lead a more rewarding life by being a good citizen and neighbour; a good husband, father, son or brother; a friend to those in need; and to be a man of honour and of good morals. Masonry also offers a place where every member, regardless of age or occupation, can enjoy a sense of brotherhood in an evening of fellowship. Teachings of Masonry are of a serious nature, but lodge meetings and social events are meant to be enjoyed. Masonic lodges can also provide ways in which a member can serve his community through a variety of charitable activities. IOW MUCH TIME DOES BEING A MASON REQUIRE? To most new members and their families the first months in Masonry seem full of memory work and meetings. After the member receives his degrees things settle down to one, or sometimes two monthly meetings. If a member joins a committee or becomes an officer the time required naturally increases. In making such decisions, a Mason is expected to consider the needs of his family and of his work. WHAT ABOUT SECRECY? Masonry has no secrets to come between a member and his family, his religion or his occupation. Many lodges hold "open-house" events and other occasions to show and explain Masonry to member's families and to the public. Most organizations manage their affairs in private and membership almost always provides privileges. So it is with Masonry. HOW RELIGIOUS ARE THE MASONS? Each Mason's personal religion or denomination is considered private and the subject of religion, as well as that of politics, is not discussed in a Masonic lodge. Masonry, on the other hand, is religious in nature. Members are encouraged to support whatever religion they follow. Each candidate must state his belief in a Supreme Being before he may become a member. The letter 'G" in the Masonic symbol refers to God. A volume of religious writings, acceptable to the members of the lodge or to an incoming member is open at every regular meeting. These volumes include the Bible, the Granth, the Koran and the Torah. WHO ELSE ARE MASONS? Worldwide, there are probably four million members. An exact number is difficult as each of the 150 Grand Lodges is separate and manages its own affairs. In our jurisdiction, Ontario, there are 653 lodges and about 90,000 members. Masons are in all walks of life, professions and occupations; characteristics that are set aside when they enter the lodge building. To become a Mason, our lodges require that a man be at least 21 years old, be recommended by two members of the lodge, and be of good moral character. A man's race or religion is not a factor. When he joins, he is initiated in the same ceremony that has been used for several hundred years. published by Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario 363 King Street West Hamilton, Ontario L8P IB4 Someone told me the following joke: How many MM's does it take to change a light bulb - 3: one to change it, one to find in the minutes when it was last changed, and one to sit on the side lines and continually mumble, "They just don't change light bulbs like they used to!" (ducking and running .....) (used ma 94) To: ALL Schlemo was having financial problems and his business was going down the tubes. One evening after Lodge meeting he was having coffee with a group of the Brethren in the cafeteria. He explained his plight to the group and asked for some suggestions. The Lodge Chaplain advised that he could find solace in the writings in the Bible. He even went as far as to suggest that Schlemo go home that evening and take out his Bible, open it at random and follow the writings of the first thing he saw as he opened the Book. As their Lodge was dark for the summer they didn't reconvene till three months later. He was quite anxious to attend the first stated meeting and report his news. He stated his business was back on track, and that he had reduced his obligations, and he could now see light at the end of the tunnel.. Quite naturally the brethren were concerned about how he had accomplished this fete in a short time.They inquired as to whether he had taken the advice of the Chaplain. He replied in the affirmative and was immediately asked what he saw at first glance as he opened the Bible.. He replied " Chapter Eleven". Reminds me so much of the religious wars. The assumption of superiority based on the posession of access to the one truth. When there just might be multiple truths. Our Grand Lecturer IS a joy to talk to! Whenever he explains ritual, it is a new and different explaination. It reminds me of the IRS... If you call often enough, you will get the same answer twice. \ I guess that when the cypher became official, he had to start changing the floor work. Otherwise he might be out of a job. When you stop to think about it, there are three times in the life of a MM that are extremely important when it comes to his Lodge. 1st is the night he is raised, 2nd is the night he is elected to the South (or the 1st elected position in the line) and 3rd is the night he is installed as WM of the Lodge. You have now received the second of these three honors. Cherish the memory. "There is something unique about Masonry, a tie unlike any other, uniting men of all ranks, types, temperaments into a closely-knit fellowship; something deep and tender -- one could call it mystical, if the word had not been so badly used -- which all of us fee, but which no one can analyze. We sit in Lodge together, each knowing exactly what will come next; we meet upon the level and part upon the square -- old and simple and familiar symbols -- and somehow, no one knows how, a tie is woven light as air yet stronger than steel. It is very strange, very wonderful -- to attempt it is like trying to draw a rim round a perfume." -- Joseph Fort Newton One favorite is entitled "In Fellowship" by C.M. Boutelle My foot to thy foot, howe'er thy foot may stray; Thy path for my path, however dark the way. My knee to thy knee, whatever be thy prayer; Thy plea my plea, in every need and care. My breast to thy breast, in every doubt or hope; Thy silence mine too, whate'er thy secret's scope. My strength is thy strength, whenever thou shall call; Strong arms stretch love's length, through darkness, toward thy fall! My words shall follow thee, kindly warning, fond, Though life, through drear death -- and all that lies beyond. Here's one to start: The City Seal of Franklin, New Hampshire features the Masonic Temple! When Franklin became a city many years ago, it created an emblem which centered on the clock tower that predominated the skyline of this small, country town and could be seen from nearly any part of the city. Being a church tower, it also for decades struck a large bell to toll the hour. As the congregation diminished in size, it was decided that they would move into the smaller "summer" church which was right across the street - but they wanted to have the beautiful old building preserved in much the same way as when they owned it. The Church Trustees suggested to the Masons of the city that it would make a wonderful lodge location and since the bank over which their then lodge hall was located was about to sell _that_ property, it was voted by the lodge to move. Appropriate renovations were made (including one which would cover the beautiful stained glass window of Jesus the Shepherd so that it would not be seen from inside the lodge room thereby creating erroneous impressions of the universality of Masonry!) and today, the brethren of Meridian Lodge #60 can proudly point to the city seal and say, "That's our lodge building!". "The teachings of Freemasonry are veiled in allegory" Recently I saw a Studebaker at an antique auto show. A real gussied up 1948 Studebaker bullet nosed sedan. The model that was the peak of Studebaker styling - shortly before it ceased all vehicle production. It looked mint. The body panels were fair and smooth. The paint was perfect and well shined. The tires new. The windows clear and unblemished. I asked the owner how it ran---He said seldom!! He explained that replacement parts were hard to find and buy, it did not meet current emission standards, and, as a showpiece, he was unwilling to subject it to use and exposure that might result in damage. Further he explained, he was not willing to substitute parts, like an engine, transmission or rear end, from other manufacturers that would enable him to use the car, or at least keep it running. These parts, he said, even though unseen, would change the car from what it was to something else even though it would be more usable and give it a longer life. As I listened to the owner's remarks, I suddenly thought "This guy is talking about Masonry." The setting was appropriate-a collection of antiques assembled so that the curious could appreciate the craftsmanship of a bygone era, at least the outside part they could see. The situation similar-A prestigious name but the supply of parts inadequate to replace those lost to the ravages of age, and unable to operate without restriction in its current environment. The attitude of the owner was true antiquarian--Limit exposure that might result in damage, and NO SUBSTITUTION OF PARTS----even though they would strengthen the structure and add to it's life. The similarities between the Studebaker and Masonry were startling. It was apparent the owner and I were of different philosophies: The owner desired to maintain a museum piece which chronicled the perfection of a certain vehicle and manufacturer at a certain time; while I, on the other hand, would retain the outward appearance and the basic structural elements used as a foundation for the vehicle, and substitute new parts and materials necessary to extend it's usable life. These differences are reflected in Masonic thought today. Is Masonry to become the Studebaker of Fraternities? __________________________________________________________ Bro. Charles Munro, WM, Canton Lodge, No. 98, Tyler, Texas #: 50038 S11/Philalethes/CCC 15-Jul-94 09:12:02 Sb: #49693-#Masonic Metaphor Fm: Michael Segall 100275,1313 To: Ron Boutwell 71031,3373 (X) Dear Bro. Ron, I once saw two ruined cathedrals, not too far from each other. Their roofs had long caved in, the stained glass was gone, no seats or any other woodwork was left. Well-meaning people came to one of them, and replaced the roof with a steel structure covered in gleaming, lacquered brass. But the walls were to weak to support it, so the original heavy stone flying buttresses were replaced with elegant, riveted steel ones. The stained glass windows were replaced with the work in acrylic plastic of a very famous and expensive local artist. The seats were replaced with rows upon rows of blue synthetic- fabric- covered tip-up seats, theater style. The main door was replaced with plate glass doors. The bells were replaced with the newest and most expensive bell synthesizers, amplifiers and loudspeakers. It just took six months, as the assembly and rebuilding were totally done by skilled, professional hands. The new cathedral was unusual, and great to look at. Many people came to see it and hear the paying lectures and explanations about how and why it was all done, then went away, marveling. Other people went and looked at the other cathedral, and started by spending many months to locate and copy the original plans. Then, they looked for craftsmen capable of redoing the stonework, the glasswork, the woodwork and found them often in their own ranks. Others wanted to help and learned how to do the job by actually doing it. Rotten ashlars were replaced with new ones, cut and brought from the same quarries as the old ones. A wooden roofing structure was tiled with thin slate shingles. New stained glass windows, as close as possible to the design and meaning of the original ones, were assembled in the empty sockets. Wooden doors and pews and benches were made and sculpted with loving care. Actually each of the smallest details of the new cathedral glowed with the love and the care of its builders and rebuilders. The bells were recuperated in the museums where they lay voiceless. It all took ten years, during which the rebuilders learned very much. The cathedral was great to look at and many came to see it, then went in to pray. Friendly and fraternally, Mike used in 94 My second grader spends a lot of time memorizing spelling words. The other night he came into the den where I was memorizing my part for a First Degree lecture. Noticing I was concentrating very hard, eyes closed, talking to myself, he said, "Dad can you memorize your spelling words somewhere else, I want to watch TV." My Brother: You have now received all the light which this Lodge may impart to you of our secrets, our ritual, our procedure and our work. But possessing these, you will be the last to think that we have taught you all that a Master Mason can learn. In this book, the Holy writings, which is the volume of the sacred law to Freemasons, is the wisdom of the ages. It is given you here not as the special book of any religion. No matter what your faith may be, you will find in this book of books counsel, advice, instruction, help and inspiration. You may worship the God you know by any name you wish and yet find here the story of His wishes and His hopes, His mercy and His goodness. Sixty-six books are within this book. These were written at diverse times by many hands. In these books are history and hope, mystery and miracle, hell and heaven, promise and performance, prayer and peace, comfort and courage. If you are troubled, here you shall find ease. If you are joyful, in these pages will you find triumphant songs to sing. If grief visits your house, here is comfort. To Masons this book is "THE RULE AND GUIDE OF OUR FAITH." Much of our ritual is based upon it. All of our truths are taken from it. On it we have all taken our obligations. On all Masonic Altars it lies open when Lodge is open: Nowhere may a Lodge be held without it. The Holy writings belong to man, but Freemasons have an especial reverence for it as law as well as revealed religion. This copy is presented to you by ___{Lodge name & number}___ in the hope that you will use it, read it, learn it, love it and thus make yourself a better and squarer stone for that temple not made with hands into which this, your Lodge, endeavors to build of all its Master Masons. May the Great Architect bless you and cause His peace to come to you through the pages of His book. ESSENCE OF THE TEACHINGS OF THE MASTERS 1. Be present at every breath. Do not let your attention wander for the duration of a single breath. Remember yourself always and in all situations. 2. Keep your intention before you at every step you take. You wish freedom and must never forget it. 3. Your journey is towards your home land. Remember that you are traveling from the world of appearance to the world of Reality. 4. Solitude in the crowd. In all your outward activity remain inwardly free. Learn not to identify yourself with anything whatsoever. 5. Remember your friend, i.e. God. Let the prayer of your tongue be the prayer of your heart. 6. Return to God. No aim but to attain Reality. 7. Struggle with all alien thoughts. Keep your mind on what you are doing whether outwardly or inwardly. 8. Be consistently aware of the quality of the Divine Presence. Become used to recognizing the Presence of God in your heart. Another Poem, Brothers from your friendly Temple Terrace Lodge #330 Tampa, Fl.[same one as"White Leather Apron" came from] Again, no author. Can you supply the Author and/or source? I SEE...YOU'VE TRAVELED SOME Wherever you may chance to be Wherever you may roam, Far away in foreign lands, Or just at Home, Sweet Home; It always gives you pleasure It makes your heart strings hum Just to hear the words of cheer "I see you've traveled some." When you get the brother's greeting And he takes you by the hand. It thrills you with a feeling That you cannot understand. You feel that bond of Brotherhood That tie that's sure to come When you hear him say in a friendly way "I see you've traveled some." And if you are a stranger, In strange lands all alone, If fate has left you stranded- Dead broke and far from home, It thrills you - makes you dumb When he says, with a grip of fellowship, "I see you've traveled some." And when your final summons comes, to take a last long trip, Adorned with Lambskin Apron White And gems of fellowship; The Tiler at the Golden Gate, With square and rule and plumb Will size up your pin, and say, "Walk in- I see you've traveled some." ***** #: 51476 S1/Collation & Chats 02-Aug-94 11:31:22 Sb: #White Leather Apron Fm: David Meade 74627,1256 To: All 74627,1256 (X) WHITE LEATHER APRON The white leather apron is more ancient by far Than the eagles of Rome, a symbol of war' Or the fleece of pure gold, by emperors given, A rich decoration for which many have striven. The Garter of England, an Order most rare, Although highly prizes, cannot with it compare; It is an emblem of innocence, symboled in white, And purity ever brings the greatest delight; With pure thoughts and actions, how happy the life How care-free the conscience, unclouded by strife. No Potentate ever can upon us bestow An honor go great as this apron doth show; No king on his throne in his high estate Ca give us an emblem so cherished or great; 'Tis the Badge of a Mason more noble to wear Than the gold of a mine, or the diamond most rare. So here's to the lambskin, the apron of white, That lifts up all equals and all doth unite, In the Order so aancient that man cannot say When it's teachings began or name it's birthday. Since it's birth, nations young have gone to their tomb And cities once great turned to ashes and gloom; Earth's greatest achievements have long passed away And peoples have risen and gone to decay. Outliving all these, never changing with time Are the principles taught in our order sublime. And now, my good brother, this apron's for you, May you worthily wear it and ever be true All the vows you have made to the lessons most grand For these, home and country, we ever will stand. REPRINTED:August 1994 Temple Terrace Lodge #330 Tampa, Fl Trestleboard. This apron presentation staes no author. If anyone is familliar with it, please let us know. I plan on using it in Lodge. How about you? Dave Meade P.M. Holyrood #257 Tampa There are 5 Replies. #: 51492 S1/Collation & Chats 02-Aug-94 15:42:48 Sb: #51476-#White Leather Apron Fm: Charles H. Tupper 73614,2643 To: David Meade 74627,1256 (X) I have never seen that particular presentation but we, in Washington, are required to give the following in the EA degree: Lambskin or White Leather Apron "It is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason; more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle; and, when worthily worn, more honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other Order that could be conferred upon you, at this time, or at any future period, by King, Prince, Potentate, or any other person, except he be a Mason. "It is yours; yoiurs to wear throughout an honorable life and, at your death, to be placed upon the coffin that shall contain your mortal remains, and be with them laid in their final resting-place. Let its pure and spotless surface be to you an ever-present reminder of a purity of life and rectitude of conduct, a never-ending inspiration for nobler deeds, for higher thoughts, for greater achievements; and when at last your weary feet shall have come to the end of life's toilsome journey, may the record of your life and actions be as pure and spotless as this fair emblem." The following is from our old ritual and is not longer in regular use. I like it though and use it on Christians occasionally. And when your soul shall appear before the Great White Throne, there to receive judgment for the deeds done while here on earth, may it be your portion to hear from Him who sitteth as the Judge Supreme: "Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Chuck "Last Night I Knelt Where Hiram Knelt" Last night I knelt where Hiram knelt And took an obligation Today I'm closer to my God, And I'm a Master Mason. To' heretofore my fellow men Seemed each one like the other, Today I search each one apart; I'm looking for "My Brother." And, as I feel this friendly grip, It fills my heart with pride; I know that while I'm on the square That he is on my side. His footsteps on my errand go If I should such require; His prayers will plead in my behalf If I should so desire. My words are safe within his breast As though within my own; His hand forever at my back To help me safely home. Good Council whispers in my ear And warns at any danger; By square and compass, Brother now! Who once would call me stranger. I might have lived a moral life And risen to distinctions Without my Brother's helping hand And fellowship of Masons. But God, who knows how hard it is To resist life's temptations, Knows why I knelt where Hiram knelt And took that obligation. My Brother: You have now received all the light which this Lodge may impart to you of our secrets, our ritual, our procedure and our work. But possessing these, you will be the last to think that we have taught you all that a Master Mason can learn. In this book, the Holy writings, which is the volume of the sacred law to Freemasons, is the wisdom of the ages. It is given you here not as the special book of any religion. No matter what your faith may be, you will find in this book of books counsel, advice, instruction, help and inspiration. You may worship the God you know by any name you wish and yet find here the story of His wishes and His hopes, His mercy and His goodness. Sixty-six books are within this book. These were written at diverse times by many hands. In these books are history and hope, mystery and miracle, hell and heaven, promise and performance, prayer and peace, comfort and courage. If you are troubled, here you shall find ease. If you are joyful, in these pages will you find triumphant songs to sing. If grief visits your house, here is comfort. To Masons this book is "THE RULE AND GUIDE OF OUR FAITH." Much of our ritual is based upon it. All of our truths are taken from it. On it we have all taken our obligations. On all Masonic Altars it lies open when Lodge is open: Nowhere may a Lodge be held without it. The Holy writings belong to man, but Freemasons have an especial reverence for it as law as well as revealed religion. This copy is presented to you by ___{Lodge name & number}___ in the hope that you will use it, read it, learn it, love it and thus make yourself a better and squarer stone for that temple not made with hands into which this, your Lodge, endeavors to build of all its Master Masons. May the Great Architect bless you and cause His peace to come to you through the pages of His book. Rome, 186 bc Come With Me to Macedonia "Commanders should be counseled chiefly by persons of known talent, by those who have made the art of war their particular study, and whose knowledge is derived from experience, by those who are present at the scene of action who see the enemy, who see the advantages that occasions offer, and who, like people embarked in the same ship, are sharers of the danger. If therefore, anyone thinks himself qualified to give advice respecting the war I am to conduct, let him not refuse his assistance to the State, but let him come with me into Macedonia. He shall be furnished with a ship, a tent, even his travelling charges will be defrayed, but if he thinks this too much trouble, and prefers the repose of a city life to the toils of war, let him not on land assume the office of a Pilot. The city in itself, furnishes abundance of topics for conversation; let him confine his passion for talking to its own precincts, and rest assured that we shall pay no attention to any councils but such as shall be framed within our camp" General Lucius A. Poulus A WELCOME INTO MASONRY There were many with me were glad, Brother, When we read your latest thought, And to one another we said, Brother, Tis an omen of good import! For the battle of law has begun, Brother, The strife for the "good old way," And we need just such an one, Brother, As we know you of old to be! Yes, one of the daring type, Brother, Such men as they had of yore, With a head that in age is ripe, Brother, And a heart that is brimming o'er; To know what a LANDMARK is, Brother- In love to be warm and true- Oh, how have we longed for these, Brother, And tis these we shall find in you! In the day when your sands are spent, Brother, And the Craft shall your history tell, Theyll say, as their grief has vent, Brother, He has done his labor well! For you know we have Archives, Brother, And a column rent in twain, And a Name that still greenly lives, Brother, Though the dust hath its dust again! And these theyll give to you, Brother, As the guerdon of your meed; For the love that is warm and true, Brother, For the heart and for the head; For the battle of law has begun, Brother, The strife for "the good old way," And we need just such an one, Brother, As we know you of old to be! I happened to be rereading the lectures of Dr. George Oliver D.D. this evening and I came across something in his first lecture that I though was worth the perusal of all. "If you practise Masonry for the sake of its convivialities alone, it will soon pall on your mind; for these are introduced into the System, only to cheer and relieve nature after its painful and unwearied researches into the hidden stores of Masonic knowledge; but if your mind embrace the great principles of Masonry as the chief source of gratification, and use its lighter shades of enjoyment as merely temporary relaxations when the hour of graver labour has expired; you will then enjoy every benefit the science can impart; your expanding genius will soon be imbued with all the vigour of a healthy intellect, matured and ripened by a rich increase of scientific and religious knowledge; and your mind rapidly advancing to perfection, will ultimately be prepared for the full irradiations of complete and never fading glory when time shall be no more." Chuck used jan 95 History shows that any dying organization becomes rule happy. They more they die, the `more rules are passed. Those who keep in mind the ancient manuscript charges and pretty much ignore everything else have a better chance at filling the Lodgerooms with eager, knowledgeabe, Brothers than do those who dot i's and cross t's. IMO, very few GM's are adverse to forgiving an indiscretion when the good of the Lodge is the foremost aim of the transgression. Charles H. Tupper THE LEVEL AND THE SQUARE By Robert Morris We meet upon the level, and we part upon the square, What words of precious meaning those words Masonic are! Come, let us contemplate them; they are worthy of a thought, With the highest and the lowest and the rarest they are fraught. We meet upon the level, though from every station come The King from out his palace and the poor man from his home; For the one must leave his diadem without the Mason's door, And the other finds his true respect upon the checkered floor. We part upon the square, for the world must have its due; We mingle with its multitude, a cold, unfriendly crew; But the influence of our gatherings in memory is green, And we long, upon the level, to renew the happy scene. There's a world where all are equal, we are hurrying toward it fast, We shall meet upon the level there when the gates of death are past; We shall stand before the Orient, and our Master will be there, To try the blocks we offer by His own unerring square. We shall meet upon the level there, but never thence depart; There's a Mansion, 'tis all ready for each zealous, faithful heart; There's a Mansion and a welcome, and a multitude is there, Who have met upon the level and been tried upon the square. Let us meet upon the level, then, while laboring patient here, Let us meet and let us labor, tho' the labor seem severe. Already in the western sky the signs bid us prepare To gather up our working tools and part upon the square! Hands round, ye faithful Ghiblimites, the bright, fraternal chain; We part upon the square below to meet in Heaven again. O what words of precious meaning those words Masonic are, We meet upon the level, and we part upon the square. ........................................ "The above is the original form in which the poem, "We Meet upon the Level," etc., was written. Its history, as often told, is simple enough, and has none of the elements of romance. In August, 1854, as the author was walking home from a neighbor's, through the sultry afternoon, he sat upon a fallen tree, and upon the back of a letter dashed off, under a momentary impulse and in stenographic character, the lines upon this page." The Poetry of Masonry by Robert Morris Br. Ralph, Lebanon Lodge has ran a small add in a community newspaper for years. We put a small S&C and the comment thet we are looking for people who are looking for us. This add generates about 15 calls a year of which about 5 either affiliate or at least visit occasionally! If you can do it at a reasonable price it has worked for us. S & F, Bill Around the Corner by Henson Towne Around the corner I have a friend, In this great city that has no end. And before I knew it a year is gone, And I never see my old friend's face; For life is a swift and terrible race. He knows I like him just as well As in the days when I rang his bell And he rang mine. We were younger then - And now we are busy, tired men - Tired with playing a foolish game; Tired with trying to make a name. "Tomorrow," I say, "I will call on Jim, "Just to show that I'm thinking of him." But tomorrow comes - and tomorrow goes; And the distance between us grows and grows. Around the corner! - yet miles away . . . "Here's a telegram, sir." "Jim died today." And that's what we get - and deserve in the end - Around the corner, a vanished friend. TO THE SECRETARY by: Robert Morris Make thou the record duly,- Our Mason life is there; Make thou the record truly, With close and anxious care. The labors on the busy stage,- At every step,-from age to age! Make thou the record plainly,- How oft does error lurk! Herein our children mainly Will read their fathers work. Herein will trace with joy or gloom Our pathway to the closing tomb. Make thou the record kindly,- Omit the cruel words; The Mason spirit blindly A gentle shroud affords. Oh, let thy record grandly prove Freemasonrys a thing of love. Make thou the record swiftly,- Times scythe is sweeping fast; Our life, dissolving deftly, Will soon, ah, soon, be past, And may a Generous Eye o;erlook Our record in the Heavenly Book! THE SECRETARY If he writes a letter, it is too long. If he sends a post card, its too short. If he sends out a notice, he's a spendthrift. If he doesn't send a notice, he's lazy. If he attends a meeting, he is buttin in. If he stays away, he's a shirker. If attendance is slim, he should have phoned. If he does call them to attend, he's a pest. If he duns members for dues, he is insulting. If he fails to collect dues, he is slipping. If the meeting's a success, officers are praised. If it is not a success, the secretary is blaimed. If he asks for advice, he is incompetent. If he does not, he is bull-headed. If he writes complete minutes, they're too long. If he condenses them, they're too short. If he speaks up, he's trying to run things. If he remanins quiet, he has lost interest. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. If others won't do it, the Secretary must. IF Brother Squaretoes If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowances for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, or being lied about, don't deal in lies, or being hated, don't give way to hating, and yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise: If you can dream-and not make dreams your master; If you can think-and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with triumph and disaster, And treat those two imposters just the same, If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken, Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, or watch the things you gave your life to broken, And stoop and build 'em up again with worn out tools: If you can make a heap of all your winnings, and risk it all on turn of pitch and toss, And lose and start again at your beginnings, and never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew, to serve your turn long after you are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing to hold onto: except the Will that says to you: "Hold on!" If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with Kings-nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minutes, with sixty seconds worth or distance run, Yours is the earth and all that's in it, And-which is more-you'll be a man, my son! --Bro. Rudyard Kipling Masonry is not just for your own career - once you go through the chair there is plenty to do for the brethren needing support in the line-up, and apart from which, what about the tracing boards and lectures external to the normal working ritual. These quotes seem appropriate: "Masonic life is a measure to be filled, not a cup to be drained" "Learn all the lessons the Craft can teach you; veiled in allegory they may be, but look around, there are the symbols to illustrate the story. Do not be content to be merely a member of a lodge - be a Mason." NO ENEMIES "You have no enemies you say? Alas my friend the boast is poor. He that hath mingled in the fray Of duty that the brave endure Must have made foes, if you have none Small is the work that you have done. You've hit no traitor on the hip You've dashed no cup from perjured lip You've never turned the wrong to right You've been a coward in the fight." "My Brother, you have come here to improve yourself, you say. You will have countless opportunities for self-improvement in Freemasonry, yet you may fail to recognise most of them. For their is nothing flashy about the erection of a Moral edifice within the heart of a Man. It is so simple that many Masons miss the point entirely. Neither is there anything easy about it. On the contrary, the Masonic way is so difficult it is seldom tried. It will be a full time job "the hardest job you have ever tackled" but of all lifes experiences, few will be richer." You were in the dark about your first step, You put your trust in men. Well, they were standing there beside you This time as well as then. They'll still be there to help you If you're needful of a friend; Towers of strength and kindness, Fellow Masons to the end. Ross Bills If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired of waiting, Or being lied about, don't deal with lies, Or being hated don't give way to hating, And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise; If you can dream --and not make dreams your master; If you can think --and not make thoughts your aim, If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors the same: If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out-tools; If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings, And never breath a word about your loss: If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!" If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings --nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much: If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And --which is more-- you'll be a Man, my son! --------------------------------- If by Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) --------------------------------- > One cannot be a knowledgeable Christian and a Freemason > at the same time. > ======================================================== What you are telling us is that one cannot be _your kind_ of Christian and be a Freemason at the same time. In fact, what you are really telling us that you cannot be _your kind_ of Christian and be tolerant of those of other religions at the same time. Of course, this overlooks the fact that most fundamentalist groups within Christianity come from origins (Anabaptists, Hussites, etc.) who were themselves targets of persecution by the Catholic Church. Carrying your principles of religious intolerance to their logical conclusion, _as has been done so often in human history_, they justify religious warfare in the faith that God is on _your_ side. A lot of people died in the Crusades, in religious warfare in early modern times, and are still dying in India over such issues. Quite a doctrine to espouse in the name of someone you call the Prince of Peace. Roger M. Firestone, 32 KCCH Here's a differentiation between religion, science, and philosophy that has always worked for me (although just a LEETLE simplistic): 1) Science: How things work. 2) Religion: Why things work. 3) Philosophy: How things SHOULD work. Bart Lidofsky #: 100287 S1/Masonic Miscellany 27-Sep-95 06:16:28 Sb: #100198-#MASONIC HUMOUR Fm: Laurence Milton /NZ 100246,3421 To: Mark Oakley 72774,1517 (X) Hi Mark A very long time ago in Camelot the knights of the round table used to hop on their horse each evening put their black briefcases on their saddles and would ride off into the sunset to a lodge meeting. The ladies of Camelot used to stand on the battlements and watch them go. Later in the evening a very rowdy lot of knights would come galloping back to Camelot, yipping and yahooing and obviously full of the joys of a good night out. This went on for some time and the ladies decided that the knights would eventually tire of it. But no, evening after evening the knights would hop on their horse with their little black bags and would return in an excited state late in the evening. Eventually the ladies got so feed up with this that they decided to take some action. So as the knights came galloping back toward the castle the ladies raised the draw bridge. The last thing heard from the knights was Sir Lancelots voice yelling "SO MOAT IT BE". POTS Laurence Organization: University of Trondheim I'm not a freemason myself, but I think I can give you some help here anyway. When it comes to the scottish system, I will say that freemasonry does not and did not contain any information or rituals based upon the Nag Hammadi scriptures. However, if we are to say that masonry bears a gnostic tradition, it is important to define what gnosticism is. My personal belief, briefly stated, is that gnosticism is a direct mystical perception or experience of Godlyhood (might say in thelemic context the vision of your Holy Guardian Angel). This is opposite to the traditional religions - especially Christianity - which teaches us the importance of Faith and not direct experience of godhood. When it comes to this definition, Freemasonry are non-gnostic and I might add at the same time non-magic. Freemasonry is however occult and it uses symbols in order to teach mankind brotherhood and moral behaviour. Viewed in this light, the greatest secret and teaching of masonry is: universal brotherhood. I hope this was of help to you! Best regards, Fr. Augustus Th. Grunenwald. A non-mason, who likes to poke his nose around to smell the grapes and test the vine and hear the talk, and walk the walk and be like them, while not of them to understand the pain of man. And yea, those above all wonder why the man's in sin yet cannot cry to let it out, go let it out. So, shout! shout! And when you cry yet loud enough your voice will reach the highest peak and all will hear the message there for truly, truly, this heart has only just begun to seek. Then at last the dove will come and the spirit will descend on some And may you be amoung the blessed and finally find your day of rest. For many here don't see the pain nor recognise they live in vain For money is a symbol here a surrogate of currency there To test the young who cannot see for worthyness to join the rest of Gods that come from very far to plant their seeds in earth their nest. And those that wear their character well and learned respect for life we'll tell come join us in the realms above for verily, I say to you, you've been chosen by the dove. Peace. The story is told of a farmer in Africa who thought he would seek his fortune in diamonds. He sold his farm and went in search of a diamond mine. He searched throughout the country, but his hopes were never realized. He died destitue and alone. The man who had purchased the farm, set about preparing the soil to plant for the growing season ahead. As he was plowing he noticed a rock which reflected light in a peculiar manner. He picked it up and threw it in his bag, soon he found another, and another, and still another. To satify his curiousity, he called in some experts to tell him what these strange stones were. They turned out to be very large diamonds. And the farm was covered with them. The man who had first owned the land, owned one of the richest sources of diamonds in all of Africa, and lost it thinking the answers he wanted were elsewhere. He didn't look for answers where they were obvious. You are right when you say our quest needs to start with ourselves first, then expand outward. >>I have found that in times questions can be more clarifying than any answer. The answers are always there, to find them, one must ask the right questions.<< The answers are always waiting to be discovered, by asking the question, we show that we are ready to receive the answer, and it will always show itself. Sometimes as we expect, and sometimes not. Never the less, it will be there. Keep us informed of your progress towards Masonic Light. The reason totalitarian governments hate freemasons is because they represent something that they cannot control. That is, their charity, and they teach compassion and open-mindedness. Totalitarians cannot stand this, they want your hearts and minds, and so they seek to wipe them out. After all, can't let any free-thinkers walk around inside their *utopias*. It would be worse than handing out sticks of dynamite! >Someone once said that in order not to believe in a Supreme Being one >must first have an idea of what the Supreme Being is. And how can one >have an idea of something he does not believe exists? After all, as Oliver Wendell Holmes said "A man's ignorance is as much his private property and as precious in his own eyes as his family Bible" .............................................................. A story: The governor of Massachusetts, fed up with the proliferation of military style "assault weapons" within his jurisdiction, declared these weapons as contraband and even outlawed ammunition for them. When ordinary citizens refused to turn in either guns or ammunition, the governor declared them "criminals" and ordered his police to round up the guns and arrest whoever stood in the way of "law and order". Several "criminals" got wind of the operation and tried to warn other civilians, but their ringleader was caught and arrested. In the first raid, the police force confiscated many guns and moved on, but the "criminals" in the second location were warned, and few were found. A "criminal," who escaped roadblocks, tipped off gun owners in time for many to hide their guns and ammunition from the government. Still others show up with their assault rifles. The police-action commander demands that the gun owners surrender, but they refuse. Somebody fired a shot and all hell broke loose. In the ensuing firefight, the authorities killed eight civilians, but they are out-gunned by the "criminals". Before the day is out, 73 of the G-men are killed, and almost 200 of them are wounded. Sounds like a story following the passage of a gun control crime bill that President Clinton and many other seem to want badly, doesn't it? It's NOT fiction. These are *FACTS* and the story is TRUE. Paul Revere was the "criminal" ringleader captured as he sped out of Boston to warn patriots that their own government was trying to take away their firearms - their last means to safeguard their god-given rights to self-determination, self-protection, and freedom. The raid was in Lexington, and it was at Concord Bridge where the Minutemen made their stand. It happened April 19th, 1775 - more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was written and became known as The Shot Heard Round the World. Those who don't remember the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them. -- Many thanks to T. Paine (alias) who posted this in one of my local conferences. And to JD Filkins where I got it at ----------- PAT HAS JINED THE MASONS Me auld man's got a carazy streak, He's surely turned into a freak, I didn't think his brains could leak, But Pat has jined the Masons. Wan night he left me all alone, At ten he hadn't got back home, Think I, he's out with Tim Malone, Takin' on a good old jag. But he came home as sober as a hen, Wouldn't tell me where he had been, And swore he would go again, He had me in the air. Nix morn ye should have heard me auld man cry: Have ye seen my dawg, he's about so high? A rope around his neck I'll tie When I catch the little devil. And sure he has no dog art all Not even a pup that was that small, I couldn't get nixt to his talk at all And thought that he was batty. The second time he washed his feet, And drissed himself up so neat. Think I, on some guinea he is sweet, And I was gettin' jealous. Then the funny stunts. t'would turn your head, When he thought me out or asleep in bed, And the crazy mumbling things he said, Ye'd know he was dippy. He'd stick his left hand in the air, Like the devil a posin there to swear, And hold the other one just there, It set me skin a crawlin'. Then jerk his hand across his coat, B'Gobs it almost got me goat, And mumbling way down in his throat, And what he was jockin'. The third time he was flushed and red, Like a steer in the corn he held his head, Grabbed me and kissed me and then he said: Biddy, "I've jine the Masons." BGorra I was turned to stone, Felt like I had cracked my funny bone. I knew he was crazy by his tone, When he said:"Ive jined the Masons. Whin he's aslape he talks to me, "It's the lions mitt," say he, And crooks his finger, hully gee, Like he had the rumatiz. Talks of old king Sol and some Jew Blum, And of all the sheneys beneath the sun Thats lived since the world begun Til my mind is on the blink. He stuck his hands over his head, And jerked them up and down and said Something about a widders kid, He had me going then. I gently took him by the hair, And banged his head against a chair, I clawed his old mug up for fair, He'll monkey with no more widders. With some old crap he had a tiff, He soaked some Jew named Hi, a biff, I'll bet he gave the guy a lift For Pat is some scrapper. And then he whispered:"1:15 PMwo bulls came," And I knew the fight had not been tame, When the cops was called to stop the same, But Pat was not arrested. But then he's sober every night, Has no more jags, not even tight, For four whole months we've had no fight. It makes me almost happy. So if he don't get a funny bug, Turn cat-o-lick, get in the jug, Kapes his eyes away from the widdies mug, And is home early every night, I'll think perhaps its best at that, I know I have a better Pat, And so I think I'll let it go at that, And let him stay a Mason. Author Unknown Copied from The History of Freemasonry In Tennessee Jim W. Legate 32 Sahuarita, Ariz. Larry: As the story goes here in the east, two friends were riding the train to work. Harry said to jim, "did you ever notice the conductor never takes a ticket fronm that guy wearing that funny ring. I've seen those rings in the pawn shop in Hoboken, I think I'll get me one and see what happens". The next day Harry was flashing his new ring when the conductor came up and asked him, "will you be off or from". Harry thought for a moment then replied "I'll be off". The conductor told him he was right, He'd be off at the next station. :) Show me where I have written ALL Masons are bigots. Only some are, but many more are guilty by association and passive aquiescence to racism, letting the prejudiced do the dirty work of which they are too faint of heart to do themselves. When is a Man a Mason? by Joseph Fort Newton When he can look out over the rivers, the hills, and the far horizon with a profound sense of his own litlleness in the vast scheme of things, and yet have faith, hope and courage-which is the root of every virture. When he knows that down in his heart every man is as noble, as vile, as divine, as diabolic, and as lonely as himself, and seeks to know, to forgive, and to love his fellow man. When he knows how to sympathize with men in their sorrows, yea, even in their sins - knowing that each man fights a hard fight against many odds. When he has learned how to make friends and to keep them, and above all how to keep friends with himself. When le hoves flowers, can hunt birds without a gun, and feels the thrill of an old forgotten joy when he hears the laugh of a little child. When he can be happy and high=minded amid the meaner drudgeries of life. When star-crowned trees and the glint of sunlight on flowing waters, subdue him like the thought of one much loved and long dead. When no voice of distress reaches his ears in vain, and no hand seeds his aid without response. When he finds good in every faith that helps any man to lay hold of divine things and sees majestic meanings in life, whatever the name of that faith may be. When he can look into a wayside puddle and see something beyond the mud, and into the face of the most forlorn fellow mortal and see something beyond sin. When he knows how to pray, how to love, how to hope. When he has kept faith with himself, with his fellow man, and with his God, in his hand a sword for evil, in his heart a bit of a song - glad to live, but not afraid to die. Such a man has found the only real secret of Masonry, and the one which it is trying to give to all the world. By Bro: John Greenleaf Whittier (Born Dec. 17, 1807; died Sept. 7, 1892) O friends! with whom my feet have trod The quiet aisles of prayer, Glad witness to you zeal for God And love of man I bear. I trace your lines of argument; Your logic linked and strong I weigh as one who dreads dissent, And fears a doubt as wrong. But still my human hands are weak To hold your iron creeds: Against the words ye bid me speak My heart within me pleads. Who fathoms the Eternal Thought? Who talks of scheme and plan? The Lord is God! He needeth not The poor device of man. I walk with bare, hushed feet the ground Ye tread with boldness shod; I dare not fix with mete and bound The love and power of God. Ye praise His justice; even such His pitying love I deem: Ye seek a king; I fain would touch The robe that hath not seam. Ye see the curse which overbroods A world of pain and loss; I hear our Lord's beatitudes And prayer upon the cross. More than your schoolmen teach, within Myself, alas! I know: Too small ye cannot pain the sin, Too small the merit show. I bow my forehead to the dust, I veil mine eyes for shame, And urge, in trembling self-distrust, A prayer without a claim. I see the wrong that round me lies, I feel with guilt within; I hear, with groan and travail-cries, The World confess its sin. Yet, in the maddening maze of things, And tossed by storm and flood, To one fixed trust my spirit clings; I know that God is good! Not mine to look where cherubim And seraphs may not see, But nothing can be good in Him Which evil is in me. The wrong the pains my soul below I dare not throne above, I know not of His hate,- I know His goodness and His Love. I dimly guess from blessings known Of greater out of sight, And, with the chastened Psalmist, own His judgments too are right. I long for household voices gone, For vanished smiles I long, But God hath led my dear ones on, And He can do no wrong. I know not what the future hath Of marvel or surprise, Assured alone that life and death His mercy underlies. And if my heart and flesh are weak To bear an untried pain, The bruised read He will not break, But strengthen and sustain. No offering of my own I have, Nor works my faith to prove; I can but give the gifts He gave, And plead His love for love. And so beside the Silent Sea I wait with muffled oar; No harm from Him can come to me On ocean or on shore. I know not where His islands lift Their fronded palms in air; I only know I cannot drift Beyond His love and care. O brothers! if my faith is vain, If hopes like these betray, Pray for me that my feet my gain The sure and safer way. And Thou, O Lord! by whom are seen The creatures as they be, Forgive me if too close I lean My human heart to Thee! Goldman wrote: The REAL secrets of Masonry are, have always been and always will be - secret. Secret in the sense that they cannot be shared with a nonMason. Not because of any promise made, or rule or regulation. They cannot be shared because they are contained within the **process** of *becoming* a Mason. Secrets like opening your eyes and seeing, for the first time, your Brothers who accept you as you are, reguardless of your religion, reguardless of your political beliefs, reguardless of your profession, your economic status, your ethnic heritage or your taste in cloths, entertainment or friends. Secrets like the feeling of being taken by the hand, as a Brother, and made more welcome than you could imagine, by men who may be strangers in the sense that they are unknown to you, but who will soon be close friends, even if they are STILL unknown to you. Secrets like walking in the front door to the Lodge, and having every man in the room personally welcome you, when you have never been there before, are just passing through, and do not expect to ever return. Secrets like the knowledge that if any member of your family is ever in any sort of distress, help is a phone call away. Secrets like knowing that your efforts helped a crippled child walk, a dislexic read, an autistic child experience reality, a blind person see, or someone recover from or cope with cancer. These secrets cannot be read in a book, or overheard in a conversation, or even tortured out of someone. They can only be earned, as all Masons have, by believing in a Supreme Being, being of good moral character, filing the application, being elected to membership and **experiencing the Degrees of Masonry**. These secrets cannot be learned or bought. They must be earned. Some who seek to learn secrets, any secrets, just for the sake of being privy to something they have not themselves earned, fall into the "trap" of assuming the handshakes and passwords are the secrets of Masonry. They could not be more wrong. Ask any Mason, he may tell you **about** these secrets, but you still will never know them. The only way to know them, really know them, not know *about* them is to become a Mason. In the alternative, one can claim to know things that are not really secret, much less THE SECRETS, and sometimes convince others that these other things are the secrets. Be well. Travel with a light heart. Y.I.S. In Waimachtendink Gene Goldman P.*. M.*. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- What you describe above most eloquently I would call experiences of brotherly love or something of that nature. Those experiences may constitute secrets to you, but my definition of a secret is more like information whose disclosure could endanger your security, or could be of disadvantage to you, or could be embarrassing, among others. In any case the picture you paint calls to my mind an idealistic secret society. If things within the Masonic Brotherhood are really so ideal as you describe it, then it is a real pity that you have to become a Mason to be part of that paradise on Earth. If you can form such an ideal secret society, then why don't you try to transform the world in general into an ideal society? Isn't it selfish that only Masons may partake of the blessings of your form of society? Doesn't Christianity have basically the same aims? You write that "if any member of your family is ever in any sort of distress, help is a phone call away." That's really moving and most praiseworthy. But what if a member of a non-Mason family living next to you is in distress? Is help only a phone call away for that person, too? Would you do your best to help that person? If you wouldn't, what would be your excuse in front of your Creator? Would you say, my Lord, that child was of a non-Mason family, so I ignored that family's request for help? Do you think the Father of all mankind would approve of that discrimination based on membership in the Masonic Brotherhood? The point I want to make is that if you are really dedicated to serve the Supreme Being and to do good and be of service to your fellow human beings then you do not have to join any kind of secret society, religious group, or organization of any kind. I do not intend to hurt your feelings, but in my view anybody who is a member of the Masonic Brotherhood joined that organization for selfish reasons. You are willing to make sacrifices in the interest of the Brotherhood, but you are even more interested in the benefits that go with that membership in the Brotherhood. I know there are exceptions to the rule, and you may be one of them. I do not think, however, that the view I expressed is not a reflection of the basic facts. Kazmer Ujvarosy kazmer@iname.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ More people have died as a result of religious fanatacism than from Masonry. That's why no Mason professes a religion as a prerequisite of membership. QUOTE Misleading and over-simplified definitions of Freemasonry have been repeated for over a century. The most used would have one believe that Freemasonry's morality is "veiled." It is set forth clearly within the ritual. The symbols require explaining, not the literature of the Craft. It is not a science; it is not fixed or "unalterable." It is not a "religion" or the "handmaiden" of religion. To understand what a definition of Masonry should be, one must become a student of The Constitutions of the Free Masons as adopted in 1723, along with the numerous Charges These have remained, and must remain, substantially the same if the Craft is to survive and prosper. . . . . . Freemasonry is an oath-bound fraternal order of men; deriving from the medieval fraternity of operative Freemasons; adhering to many of their Ancient Charges, laws, customs and legends; loyal to the civil government under which it exists; inculcating moral and social virtues by symbolic application of the working tools of the stonemasons and by allegories, lectures, and charges; the members of which are obligated to observe principles of brotherly love, equality, mutual aid and assistance, secrecy, and confidence; have secret modes of recognizing one another as Masons when abroad in the world; and meet in lodges, each governed somewhat autocratically by a Master, assisted by Wardens, where petitioners, after particular enquiry into their mental, moral and physical qualifications, are formally admitted into the Society in secret ceremonies based in part on old legends of the Craft. Every Masonic lodge in existence or that ever has existed, so far as known, answers that description; no other order that exists or ever has existed does so. . . . . . Freemasonry is a Fraternity composed of moral men of legal age who believe in God and, of their own free will, believe in lodge degrees which depict a system of morality that, as they grow in maturity, teaches them to be tolerant of the beliefs of others, to be patriotic, law- abiding, temperate in all things, to aid the unfortunate, to practice Brotherly Love, and to faithfully accept and discharge solemn obligations. . . . . . In short, Freemasonry is a way of life. As an organization, its purpose is to make good men better. UNQUOTE ________________ 1. Can we expect Freemasonry to retain its past glory and prestige unless the level of leadership is raised above the present position? 2. How well are we guarding the West Gate? 3. Has Freemasonry become too easy to obtain? 4. Are we not worshipping at the altar of bigness? 5. What can we expect when we have permitted Freemasonry to become subdivided into a score of organizations? 6. Has the American passion for bigness and efficiency dulled the spirit of Masonic charity? 7. Do we pay enough attention to the Festive Board? 8. What has become of that "course of moral instruction, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols” that Freemasonry is supposed to be? 9. Hasn't the so-called Century of the Common Man contributed to making our Fraternity a little too common? 10. Are there not too many well-meaning Brethren who are working overtime to make Freemasonry something other than Freemasonry? The above was written by Dwight L. Smith, FPS - Masonic Editor, Author, Educator, Past Grand Master, and a Grand Secretary in 1963---yes 1963 -- 34 years ago. Dwight closed this article by stating " I shall propose no bright new ideas--not one. All I am going to advocate is that Freemasonry remain Freemasonry." When are we going to learn?????????????????????? As a Mason, my word and therefore my grip IS my bond. And if others when they give the grip do not have the intention of keeping their word and commitment, they are NO LONGER Masons and must NEVER offer the grip to a Mason. This has NOTHING to do with what is convenient. This has NOTHING to do with something that is a passing fad. It has everything to do with the foundation stones that this civilization rests upon, and that is honesty and integrity. A Mason giving the grip IS BY DEFINITION giving his word, his bond, his honor, his integrity, his virtue, his principles, his being and his essence. Honesty and integrity are NOT holdovers from some "by-gone era" as you suggest, they are as relavent today as they were 300 years ago. Some concepts such as honor and integrity are timeless and will remain so, long after you or I are around. I've never been able to hold my tongue when it comes to comprimising honesty and integrity. As far as a 'Golden Era' existing that in my opinion is characterized by opportunity and growth and if that doesn't describe the situation today in Masonry then I'd suggest those who don't see it, please take off the hoodwink ! Perspective is not necessarily a function of hindsight as you suggest. Yes, we are products of our histories, but we live in the present and we do plan ahead. Perspective is used in our day to day living as well as in the plans we make for our future. A Mason's grip and its full import is as relavent today as it was at the beginning. A Mason's grip is ONE of the FPOF and either we are Masons or we're not. S&F Harley Silver, MPS, BAFFF. .