The Moral Teachings of Freemasonry

The Moral Teachings of Freemasonry
by J.S.M. Ward
CHAPTER 1.
"A peculiar system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated
by symbols."
The above phrase is often quoted as if it supplied a complete and
adequate definition of Freemasonry, but this is a mistake. It
occurs in a certain catechism addressed to an E. A. and should be
regarded merely as an explanation of Freemasonry intended for the
initiate.
Freemasonry is something much wider than a school of purely moral
instruction, as becomes manifest when we study the second and third
degrees, which to a large extent consist of mystical teaching of a
more complex and spiritual nature than that usually designated by
the term, "moral instruction."
The true significance of the above quoted phrase lies in the fact
that it is given to an E.A., and the first degree teaches the
important lesson that spiritual progress is only possible to those
who have conformed rigidly to the moral law. Indeed, it is only
when the apprentice has satisfied his instructors that he has made
himself acquainted with the principles of moral truth and virtue
that he is permitted to extend his researches into the hidden
mysteries of nature and science.
Now, "The hidden mysteries of nature and science" are clearly
something quite different from the principles of moral truth and
virtue. These, we are told, form a necessary qualification for
advancement in the search for further knowledge, and this fact
should put us on our guard against assuming that Freemasonry is a
peculiar system of morality, and nothing more.
Let us, however, consider the phrase in more detail, for at first
sight it strikes us as unusual in form. Many students have jumped
to the conclusion that it indicates that the morality of Freemasons
is peculiar, but even a cursory glance through the rituals, not
only of the first but also of the second and third degrees, reveals
nothing at all unusual in the type of morality taught. It is,
indeed, hardly distinguishable from the ordinary code of morality
proclaimed by all the various Christian churches.
What is peculiar, however, is that much of it is taught by
allegories and symbols instead of by didactic phrases. Not that
the latter are entirely lacking, but in so far as they exist they
do not fall under the terms of this definition, and although well
deserving of study are obviously for the most part 18th century
additions.
It is this system of moral instruction which is accurately
described as peculiar and it may, indeed, be regarded as almost
unique or at least as characteristic of Freemasonry. It is,
moreover, especially marked in the first degree, whereas in the
second and third degrees, though not entirely lacking, it is clear
that we are dealing with a rather different subject, including the
nature of God, the initials of Whose name we are supposed to
discover in the second degree.
ln this book we hope to set forth some of the moral lessons of
Freemasonry which are taught by her to the candidates by means of
allegories and symbols, but we shall not entirely ignore some of
the definite moral precepts declaimed during the ceremony itself,
although, as a rule, these require much less elucidation.
It may be argued, however, that it is necessary to prove that moral
instruction is given, even in the first degree, by means of
allegories and symbols, as distinct from obvious and perfectly
intelligible admonitory phrases. This we will proceed to do.
The manner in which the candidate is brought into the lodge is
intended to symbolise the fact that man is by nature the child of
ignorance and sin, and would ever have remained so had it not
pleased the Almighty to enlighten him by the Light which is from
above. We are truly taught that but for Divine inspiration and
teaching we should not even be able to perceive what is right and
what is wrong. This inspiration may come from our own consciences,
which are sparks of the Divine Spirit within us, or from t he
instruction contained in the V.S.L., but without it we should ever
have remained in a state of moral darkness.
Thus at the very commencement of our Masonic career we are taught
in a peculiar way, by means of allegory and symbol, that the moral
laws are not man-made conventions but Divine commands, which man
should be able to recognise as such by means of the Divine Light
within him.
This is by no means an unimportant lesson to a world wherein some
doubters are loudly proclaiming that there is no such thing as
absolute right and wrong, and that all moral codes are but the
accumulated experience of past ages as to what is expedient or
convenient. To those who would argue that there is no moral
turpitude in theft, since no one has any real right to possess
property, and that at the most all that can be said is that it is
convenient for the community to punish theft, as otherwise the vict
im might take the law into his own hands and create a disturbance,
the Mason replies by placing his hand on the V.S.L.. Remembering
the most dramatic incident in the first degree, he declares that
the Divine Wisdom sets forth in that sacred book the definite
command, "Thou shalt not steal," for having been taught to look to
the V.S.L. as the great Light in Freemasonry, he has no alternative
but to accept this as a definite and binding instr uction,
disobedience to which must be accounted for before the thron e of
God Himself.
In like manner, the first regular step inculcates the important
moral lesson that we must subdue our passions and trample the flesh
under our feet. In one of my other books* I have shown that
*The E.A. Handbook, published by The Baskerville Press, Ltd.
this st. represents a tau cross, a symbol which stands for the
phallus, and that the latter not unnaturally represents our
passions, which therefore must be brought into due subjection. In
the Lectures this fact is carefully stressed in unequivocal
language, for to the question,-
".... what do you come here to do?"
The reply is,
"To learn to rule and subdue my passions, and make a further
progress in Freemasonry."
Now it should be noted that the candidate has not had the
significance of the f.r.st. explained to him in the initiation
ceremony, yet, from the above answer in the Lectures, it is clear
that he is supposed to have sufficient intelligence to understand
the significance of this piece of symbolism and apply it to his own
character.
The above two examples, out of many possible ones, are sufficient
to prove that the definition, given, be it remembered, by the
candidate previous to his being passed to the second degree, is a
true and accurate definition of Freemasonry as revealed to an E.
A.. Namely, a peculiar system of teaching morality, based on the
use of allegories and symbols. It is thus that today we should no
doubt word the definition, but for all that its true significance
is easily discernable. Let us then try and discover si milar
pieces of moral, as distinct from mystical, instruction contained
in our rituals.
CHAPTER II.
"That virtue which may justly be denominated the distinguishing
characteristic of a Freemason's Heart - Charity."
It is very significant that one of the first lessons taught to the
initiate is charity, and when using this word we must remember that
in its original sense, which was still in use in the 18th century,
the word charity meant far more than the mere giving of money or
relief to a person in distress. This, indeed, is but the outward
expression of the true charity, which today can be best translated
by the phrase, "Brotherly Love."
Although many of my readers will instinctively turn to a certain
incident towards the end of the ceremony as the occasion when they
first had the importance of charity forcibly, and somewhat
dramatically, impressed upon their minds, as a matter of fact the
method of their preparation and the manner of their progression
round the lodge were intended to impress this lesson on them at the
very beginning of their advance towards the Light. It is as if
they were compelled to enact the Part of one of the most pi tiable
spectacles in our great cities some poor, blind, old beggar,
dressed in rags, through which his naked flesh can be seen, led by
someone eke through the bustling streets, weak and penniless. A
figure fortunately seldom seen in all its grim penury in England
today, but still common enough in Eastern countries.
That it is intended to convey this lemon and so stimulate our
sympathy for others is shown by this answer in the Lectures:-
Ques. "Why were you led round in this conspicuous manner?"
Ans. "It was figuratively to represent the seeming state of poverty
and distress in which I was received into M., on the miseries of
which (if realised) were I for a moment to reflect, it could not
fail to make that impression on my mind, as to cause me never to
shut my ears unkindly to the cries of the distressed, particularly
a brother Mason, but listening with attention to their complaints,
pity would flow from my breast, accompanied with that relief their
necessities required and my ability could afford ."
Now it is important to notice that we are definitely told that the
manner of progression is intended to make us realise the meaning of
poverty and distress in others, and further that we should not
merely assist the unfortunate financially, but listen to their
sorrows with a sympathetic ear and pour the balm of Consolation
into the bosom of the afflicted.
It is often sympathy, not financial assistance, that a brother
requires, a fact which was forcibly brought to my mind by an
incident which occurred in a lodge I recently visited. A brother
rose and said:-
"Many years ago I lived in a boarding house in Bloomsbury and among
the other Boarders was a Roman Catholic, who seemed to be a
hard-fisted, unsympathetic sort of man, and by profession was a
money-lender. One night, however, I obtained an entirely new light
on his real character, which left a profound impression on my mind.
At 10.30 p.m. there was a knock at the hall door. It was a
message for this man who, as soon as lie received it, got up from
his comfortable armchair, put on his hat, and went out in to the
sleet and rain, for it was a vile night. I discovered that he did
not return until breakfast time next morning and drew him into
conversation that evening. It seems that he was a member of a
certain Roman Catholic Society, the members of which took it in
turn to visit members of their church who were sick so as to cheer
them up. That night he had been summoned to the bedside of a dying
man, a stranger, and had remained with him until the e nd. Now
brethren, I thought that that was a truly Christi an and brotherly
act.
"On the other hand, a member of this lodge has been seriously ill
for six months. I knew him long before he was a Mason and because I
am an old friend I have visited him. He is now well on the road to
good health, but I am sorry to say that not a single member of the
lodge, other than myself, has ever been near him or shown the
slightest sympathy or interest in him. I suggest that this is not
right, and therefore I beg to propose that the following be entered
on our minutes:-
"'That, in the event of the illness of any member of this lodge,
the secretary shall make a point of ascertaining whether the
invalid would like to receive visits from the members, and if so he
shall arrange that various members from time to time shall call
upon our sick brother in order to cheer him up and evince their
genuine interest and sympathy'."
To the credit of the lodge, be it said, the proposal was
unanimously approved, and it was clear that the former invalid had
not been neglected from mere callousness, but simply because many
were not aware of his illness and it had never occurred to others
that he would like visitors.
The incident shows, however, a very practical method of putting
into practice our protestations of brotherly love, and one which
might well be adopted in all lodges. It is useless to preach
brotherly love unless we take steps to apply its precepts. In this
particular case there was no real lack of sympathy but there was a
defect in organisation, a defect probably existing in most lodges,
namely, the lack of a link between the sufferer and his friends.
The Secretary is the obvious official to supply this link, and he
should make it his duty to keep in touch with the various members
of the lodge. Then as soon as he learns that one is sick, or in
trouble, he should communicate with the other members who, when
thus informed, should feel in duty bound to visit the brother and
do what they can to alleviate his distress or inspire him with hope
and confidence.
It may be thought that the average secretary already has his hands
full with the multitudinous duties thrust on his devoted shoulders,
and there is much truth in such an objection. This difficulty
could be surmounted, however, if the Secretary made it a rule that
if any brother be absent from lodge without sending an explanation
showing that he is in good health and happy, after the close of
lodge he should pass on the name of such a brother to an old Past
Master, who would make it his duty to get in touch with the absent
one and ascertain whether all is well.
There are many Past Masters who would be only too pleased to have
allocated to them a definite piece of work of such practical
utility.
We have seen that the lesson of true charity is dramatically
inculcated at the very beginning of the ceremony, and so that it
shall not be obliterated from the mind of the candidate by the
subsequent incidents in the ritual, it is again emphasised towards
the end of the ceremony by the test for m. s. As soon as the full
significance of this has been explained to the candidate he is told
to retire in order to restore himself to his per. c.. The object of
this latter procedure is that there may be a distinct break in the
ceremony, during which the candidate can meditate on the important
lesson thus conveyed to him, before resuming his further course of
instruction, while the emphasis laid on the loss of his former
comfort reminds him of the feelings of the poor blind beggar whom
he has thus symbolised.
In conclusion, let us not forget what the Lectures themselves say
concerning charity, for therein we are taught that it is the best
test and surest proof of the sincerity of our religion. Moreover,
since Charity and Brotherly Love are but different words for the
same all embracing sentiment, let us remember that by the exercise
of Brotherly Love we are taught to regard the whole human species
as one family high and low, rich and poor created by One Almighty
Being and sent into the world for the aid, supp ort and protection
of each other. Hence, to soothe the unhappy, sympathise in their
misfortunes, compassionate their miseries and restore peace to
their troubled minds, is the grand aim we should have in view.
These are indeed lofty aspirations, and form the very basis of
Masonic morality. They are taught to the initiate by means of
allegories and symbols as soon as he enters a lodge, with the
definite implication that until he has comprehended them he is not
properly prepared to be passed to a higher degree.
CHAPTER III.
"That excellent key, a Freemason's tongue which should speak well
of a Brother, absent or present, but when unfortunately that cannot
be done with honour, and propriety, should adopt that excellent
virtue of the Craft, which is Silence."
The above paragraph constitutes the charge at the end of the first
section of the First Lecture and inculcates a lesson which is
particularly needed in a Society such as Freemasonry. A group of
men constantly meeting together are only too prone to indulge in
idle chatter and mild scandal-mongering. It is not necessary to
assume that when Bro. A relates to Brother B the latest stories he
has heard about Bro. C he is actuated by malice. As likely as not
he is merely passing the time between lodge and refre shment, and
hardly realises that he may be doing a real injury to a brother by
passing on some tale which reflects no credit on the victim. It is
clear that the reorganisers of Freemasonry in the 18th century
realised how easy it was for petty scandals to pass from month to
mouth, to the detriment of real brotherly affection, for there is
little doubt that the moral lesson that you should speak well of a
brother or else remain silent is dramatically tau ght on two
occasions during the ceremony.
Soon after his entrance into Lodge the candidate is led to two of
the chief Officers, and is only allowed to pass when each Officer
in turn is satisfied that the tongue of good report has spoken in
his favour. Here at once we have an important hint of this
precept, for seeing that the candidate only gained admission
because no one spoke unkindly of his past career, he should
remember this fact and not speak unkindly of other brethren. If
there were any doubt on this point, the similar testing which takes
place towards the end of the ceremony would remove it. Therein the
candidate is with much elaboration taught the important lesson of
Caution ostensibly it is caution with regard to Masonic secrets,
but though, no doubt, it has this object in view, there is hardly
an incident in Freemasonry which does not teach more than one
lesson at the same time.
Let us then consider what is meant by the secrets of Freemasonry.
Obviously, they are something more important than a few test "words
and signs whose chief utility, apparently, is to enable brethren to
recognise each other. There would be no use in having such signs
unless Freemasonry itself contained some hidden secrets which these
guarded, and we do know that hidden in her symbolism, particularly
in the second and third degrees, is a system of mystical teaching
and possibly, even, a certain amount of occ ult training.
But in the first degree we perceive that the main object of the
ceremony is moral training, notwithstanding the fact that there are
also mystical secrets hidden therein. From the standpoint of moral
training, why then this emphasis on the necessity for silence and
secrecy, and why should the first section of the Lectures close on
this note ?
The explanation is surely that Masonry aims at developing Brotherly
Love and in order that this may be achieved one of the first
essentials is confidence in each other. If one brother finds that
another has been passing on unkind remarks about him, the fact is
sufficient to mar the harmony of the lodge and destroy mutual
confidence. It is not merely that a trifling incident passed by
word of mouth from man to man tends to be distorted and
exaggerated, although this is a fact which cannot be denied, but ev
en more that as brothers we ought to avoid doing anything which may
harm another's reputation or hurt his feelings. At a later date
the Candidate definitely promises to keep a brother's lawful
secrets, but even thus early in his career the importance of
caution and silence when dealing with the affairs of others is
impressed upon his mind. Is it not a golden rule that when we
cannot speak well of a brother we should at least remain silent ?
There may be exceptions to this rule, occasions when we must prote
st against a certain line of conduct, but these are far fewer than
at first sight one may be inclined to think. Moreover, in a higher
degree the duty, if needs be, of reproving a brother is recognised,
but that instruction is not given to an E.A., who is only at the
beginning of his masonic career and is in the position of a junior
among seniors.
It should be noted, however, that while there may be good reasons
for reproving a brother to his face, there are none for telling
tales about him behind his back, and the very school boy's code
which lays it down that one must not sneak shows that Masonry is
not unique in stressing the fact that we should speak well of a
brother absent or present, but when that is unfortunately
impossible should adopt that excellent virtue of the Craft, which
is silence. If this were always done much bitterness and bickeri
ng which at present disfigures the social life of the world would
automatically vanish.
CHAPTER IV.
"Ever remember that Nature hath implanted in your breast a sacred
and indissoluble attachment towards that country whence you derived
your birth and infant nurture."
This is, perhaps, one of the most beautiful phrases in the first
degree and truly depicts one of the most unselfish characteristics
of the human heart. In patriotism we have a virtue wherein
personal interest plays a smaller part than in almost any other
guiding principle of life in fact, it may be considered as one of
the most altruistic of all the virtues.
It is a striking example of that practical commonsense which lies
behind Freemasonry that it should thus recognise the important
influence that patriotism exerts in every well-balanced human
being, while at the same time holding up the banner of an
enlightened internationalism.
Freemasons are taught that a Mason is a brother whatever his
country, colour or religion, wherein the Craft transcends all
frontiers and prejudices, but in the above phrase she acknowledges
the fact that every man has a particular affection for his native
land. Herein she is both wiser and more human than those idealists
who think that man in his present stage of evolution can cast aside
affection for his Motherland and replace it by a kind of world
citizenship. Indeed, many of these idealists go further and
suggest that a man cannot be both a patriot and a good citizen of
the world. No view could be more mistaken. If we cannot love our
own fellow citizens, whose language we speak and whose ideals we
can understand, how can we possibly hope to comprehend the
aspirations of men of a different race or religion? To abuse our
country and to decry it in the supposed interests of
internationalism, merely shows ignorance of the fundamentals of
human life.
There are, of course, different types of patriotism, and this
virtue must not be made an excuse for narrow-minded bigotry or for
an arrogant claim to over-ride the just rights of other races.
Such an attitude, even it if resulted in temporary gain to our
country, would be bought at a heavy price indeed, since nations,
like individuals, have moral obligations and cannot ignore them
without prejudice to their spiritual well-being. The true patriot
will, in fact, be the better enabled to understand the attit ude of
a man of another nation if he realises that he, too, has an
indissoluble attachment to that country whence he derived his birth
and infant nurture.
Our Masonic organisation aptly illustrates the ideal at which we
should aim. Every man feels a peculiar attachment to his Mother
Lodge. He probably thinks it is the best lodge in the world, but
this in no way prevents him from working for the general good of
all branches of the Grand Lodge to which he belongs, and in like
manner the true patriot, while being loyal to his Motherland, will
strive to work for peace and harmony between the various nations
which constitute the whole world.
We are, no doubt, far distant from the day when all the nations of
the earth will be joined in one vast federation, but we can each
and all of us do our best to assuage asperities of feeling between
different nations. When we travel abroad and bear fraternal
greetings to a lodge and another jurisdiction, even the humblest of
us is an ambassador of peace and goodwill, and we may be assured
that the members of that foreign lodge will think no worse of us
because we show we are proud of being Englishmen, whil e we on our
part by a tactful speech, and, above all, by the obvious sincerity
of our fraternal feelings, will do much to remove misunderstandings
and help to create a focal point of good fellowship for our own
native land in the country we are visiting.
This, indeed, is patriotism of the highest order, as well as good
masonry.
CHAPTER V
"Be careful to perform your allotted task while it is yet day."
How often in life do we meet the man who says, "I am too busy
earning my living to spend time in doing good or helping those less
fortunate than myself, but in a few years things will be easier and
even if I don't retire from business I shall have more time to
devote to others." The tragedy is that that time never comes, for
the more a man becomes immersed in his own personal interests the
less time does he find for helping others. This, indeed, has been
the burden of every teacher since the dawn of man. " Do good
to-day, for tomorrow may never come."
It is so easy to put off doing the altruistic deed which our
conscience tells us is required but which necessitates some
self-sacrifice of time, if not of money. There is much to be said
for the maxim of the boy scout, that we should not be content to
lie down to rest at night unless we have at least one fresh good
deed to our credit, but we should remember that not only is this a
minimum qualification, but it is one intended for boys, not men.
The Mason, if he is sincere, should strive to do his duty and , if
that were possible, a little more than his duty, on every day which
he lives.
It may be asked what is our allotted task? Until we have
satisfactorily answered that question we cannot successfully
perform that task. The simplest answer is to do whatever our hand
findeth to do and do it with all our might, not for our own
advantage, but to the glory of the G. A. O. T. U. and for the
welfare of our fellow creatures. But every mason should consider
that as a member of the Craft he has a special piece of work to do.
He hopes to be a perfect ashlar in the Temple of the Most High, and
e very ashlar in a building has an allotted place and a definite
function.
Therefore, as soon as he enters the Order a man should seriously
ask himself what task he can perform for the good of Freemasonry.
He has stated that he has entered the Order so as to make himself
more generally serviceable to his fellow men, and this being so it
is clearly his duty to render service in some fashion.
In particular, what service will he give to the Order which has
received him? He has a multitude of tasks from which he can make
his choice. Will he study the significance of the ceremonies and
as he grows older try to teach the younger brethren what they
really mean? There is considerable need for a body of men in
Masonry who would undertake this task. At present thousands enter
the Order and no one gives them a hint as to the significance of
the ceremonies or the valuable lessons they inculcate. In con
sequence many of these members either drift out of Freemasonry or
merely attend it for its social side. If, however, a brother has no
aptitude for this line of work but says that the Social side
appeals to him, this does not preclude him from rendering valuable
service.
Not merely can he be a supporter of the charities, wherein he can
do most useful work, both by contributing himself and by keeping
alive the active interest of the whole lodge in these charities,
but he can extend the social usefulness of the Lodge itself by
seeing to it that every newcomer gets to know all the members. In
our modern civilisation, with its speed and turmoil, men are often
extremely isolated. It is no longer as easy to make friends or to
get to know each other intimately as it was in the days when people
were born in small towns and lived there most of their lives. In a
City like London the members of a lodge often come from far distant
suburbs and meet at a restaurant in town, perhaps six times in the
year, and unless someone makes it his special task to bring the
members into close touch with each other the new initiate is likely
to remain a brother in name only, for the rest of his life.
Numerous other tasks will occur to thoughtful readers, and the real
value of them depends largely on the fact that a brother has
thought them out for himself. Of this we may be sure, that if each
of us earnestly desires to find some task to do we shall find it
without much difficulty.
Nevertheless, we ought not to be content to restrict our service to
members of our own fraternity. After all, we said that we wished to
render ourselves more generally serviceable to our fellowmen, and
in no way can we enhance the prestige of our beloved Order more
adequately than by so acting as to lead the outside world to say
"He is always willing to help because he is a mason." Here, again,
a fine example has been set by the Boy Scout movement.
Many of my readers must have seen a reference in the papers to the
fact that some years ago an American citizen was helped by a boy
scout when in difficulty. He did not even find out the name of the
boy, but he discovered that the ideal of a boy scout was to do at
least one good turn every day. This so impressed him that when he
got back to the United States he started a boy scout movement
there. Now would it not be a fine thing if we had men coming into
Freemasonry because they had found masons so will ing to help that
they felt it to be an institution which they would like to support
and spread throughout the whole globe? This, indeed, would be
performing our allotted task while it is yet day, and at the end of
our earthly career we should have no need to fear the night when no
man can work.
CHAPTER VI.
"The Common Gavel is to knock off all superfluous knobs and
excrescences, and the chisel is to further smooth and prepare the
stone for the hands of the more expert craftsman."
Before considering the moral significance of this sentence it is
perhaps desirable to point out that the gavel is not strictly the
same tool as the mallet or the setting maul. The tool with which
the Master and the other Officers keep order is really a mallet.
The gavel is the same as the Adze, which was the principal tool
used by Asiatic workmen and by European masons up to the close of
the Norman period. Norman work in stone was dressed and carved
with this implement, and it was the introduction of the chisel in
the 12th century which enabled the craftsmen to produce the more
finished carvings and mouldings which constitute one of the
characteristic features of early English architecture.
The most casual glance at Norman sculpture work shows that it is
comparatively rough and shallow, and entirely lacking in the polish
and finish of the chisel-cut sculpture of the succeeding styles.
Thus the gavel, or adze, is a different tool from the mallet, which
is used with the chisel, and the general use of the term "gavel"
for the Master's mallet is almost certainly erroneous. The main
difference between the two tools is that while the gavel has at one
end a cutting edge, the mallet should be cut of f blunt at each
end.
The fact that a chisel is given to an E.A. is in itself an
anachronism for it is a tool used, not for the squaring of rough
stones, but for the finishing of a perfect ashlar, or for the
carving of a delicate piece of sculpture. This anachronism appears
very markedly in the ceremony itself, for whereas the first degree
deals practically entirely with the training of the moral
character, we are told that the chisel points out to us the
advantages of a liberal and enlightened education. Now it is the
second degree which symbolically sets before us the advantages of
education, whereby we are permitted to extend our researches into
the hidden mysteries of nature and science: thus the work of the
gavel must precede that of the chisel.
With a few deft blows of the adze (or gavel) the skilful mason
knocks off the rough knobs and excrescences and produces the rough
ashlar. It might be possible to produce the same result with
mallet and chisel, but it would be slow and laborious, and one
would probably produce no better results than with the adze. We
are told that the latter represents conscience and it is an apt
simile, for conscience enables a man to roughly shape his
character, in broad sweeping lines, and to tell in an instant
whether a particular course of action is right or wrong. If it is
wrong, he must cut it away, otherwise it will form an ugly
excrescence on his character.
A very usual figure of speech is, "So and so is a rough diamond."
It implies that he is a man of a fine disposition but lacking in
those little refinements which go to make a polished gentleman. To
acquire this polish it is necessary to apply the chisel, or, in
other words, education, and a man spoken of as a rough diamond is
so described because he lacks this polish.
Now it should be noted that if the conscience of a man is
defective, although you may produce what appears to be a polished
gentleman a closer inspection reveals the fact that there is a
serious moral defect in his character. In masonic language, the
rough ashlar has not been trimmed square, and although the chisel
of education has been applied to the block of stone, the finished
ashlar, even though the surface be smooth and polished, is not a
true square and would prove useless in the building. It may be
that one side is longer than the other or that one surface is
convex. Whatever be the defects it is not after all a "Perfect
ashlar." In other words, we must first apply the gavel of our
consciences before utilising the chisel of education.
We now perceive why symbolically it is wrong for the Master to use
the gavel. Each man must use his own conscience, it is the very
first tool he should apply, and nobody but he can use it, whereas
the Master, who represents a spiritual teacher or instructor, may
be fittingly described as using the mallet, that is to say, as
directing the education of the junior members of the Craft, for it
is with the mallet that the skilled craftsman applies the force
required for the chisel and controls the direction in which it
shall cut.
Although in a masonic lodge it is almost the universal rule that
the E.A. should pass to a F.C., in real life it is not the case,
and certainly every one is not capable of directing the education
of others. This work requires a skilled teacher, one who has
himself learnt thoroughly that which he has subsequently to teach,
and also possesses in addition the ability to impart the knowledge
he has acquired, qualities which are not by any means always found
residing in the same person. On the other hand, God has given to
every man a conscience, which will enable him to define the broad
principles of right and wrong, and although education may do much
to assist the conscience, education without a good conscience may
prove a curse instead of a blessing so far as the moral development
of the man is concerned.
Thus it will be seen that to call the Master's mallet a gavel and
to say that it is given to him as a sign of his power and rulership
is flatly to contradict the explanation of the working tools in the
first degree. Every workman must use the gavel, even if he be only
an E. A., and no man hands over his conscience to the control of
another, certainly not one who has had the benefit of our Masonic
training. On the other hand, the Master is specifically told that
it is his duty to employ and instruct the br ethren, and if we
choose for the moment to regard the brethren as chisels directed by
the Master, we shall probably obtain a true picture of the real
intentions of our Masonic system.
So far as Operative Masonry is concerned there seems no shadow of
doubt that the first tools given to an E.A. were the gavel and
straight edge the latter being merely a piece of wood five feet
long, whereby he could mark out a rough square on a piece of stone,
which he then shaped with his adze. No craftsman would place in
the hands of a beginner a delicate instrument like a chisel, a tool
more quickly damaged than almost any other builder's implement.
Nevertheless, although we can cavel at the presence of the chisel
among the working tools of all E.A. from the Operative standpoint,
there is for all that considerable justification for its presence
at this point in a Speculative Lodge. It is exceedingly probable
that by education our 18th century revisers were thinking more of
moral instruction than of technical, literary, or social training.
Although every man possess a conscience, it cannot be denied that
definite moral and religious training is necessa ry for the boy,
whereby he is helped to perceive more clearly those finer
distinctions between right and wrong which, without some such
training, might not be so apparent to him. In this sense the chisel
may fitly be regarded as a companion tool to the gavel, for it is
impossible to draw any hard and fast line between our natural
conscience and our acquired instinct of what is right and wrong,
since the latter begins to grow within us even before we can talk
or run about.
There is one point about both the chisel and the gavel which must
ever be borne in mind since it teaches an important lesson to every
sincere freemason. Both necessitate friction, and we may almost
say, wounding blows, on the raw material. Now this is precisely the
effect alike of conscience and of any system of training. It is not
always pleasant when our conscience forbids us to do something it
often means losing something we should like to have, something
perhaps which seems actually a part of ourselves . Moreover, often
it is through coming into contact, we may almost say friction, with
other human beings, that our conscience is brought into play or we
acquire education.
A solitary man on a desert island would hardly have any occasion
for consulting his conscience at all, but one living in a crowded
city is constantly brought into conflict with other men and his
conscience alone will help him to decide whether his attitude
towards them is just and unselfish. In like manner, a baby on a
desert island might grow to man's estate but would acquire little
real education without someone to teach him, even if he found a box
of books cast up from a wreck he could not read them with out being
first taught by another human being.
Now one of the great advantages of a lodge is that men rub
shoulders with each other and learn that each is not the sole
person in the lodge, but that others have their rights and are
entitled to consideration. The friendly intercourse possible
therein is undoubtedly of inestimable value in helping to mould
the character of every member of the lodge. We are taught to
subordinate our wills to the general good and to think unselfishly
and for the interest of the lodge as a whole, rather than to try
each to go our own way careless of the interests of others. In
short, we not only polish our own characters but have them polished
for us by the other members, while we in like manner render them a
similar service. If, therefore, at any time some incident should
occur which hurts our feelings or ruffles our equanimity, let us
remember that this may be a well-directed blow of The Master
Builder, which is intended to remove some excrescence from our
character and thereby mould us hearer to the perfect ashl ar.
CHAPTER VII.
"By square conduct, level steps, and upright actions we may hope to
ascend to those ethereal mansions whence all goodness emanates."
All through the ages the square has been regarded as the emblem of
justice. In ancient Egypt when the gods appear as judges they are
depicted as seated on chairs in which a square is carefully
portrayed, and even in the ordinary speech of the outside world a
square deal is the generally recognised term for a fair and just
transaction. It is not surprising therefore to find that this
implement plays a prominent part in our Masonic symbolism, in fact
it is one of the very first tools to which the attention of the
apprentice is directed after he has received the light.
It should be noticed, however, that the three working tools of a
F.C. are also the characteristic jewels of the principal officers
of the lodge, and since in every degree the candidate passes, as it
were, in review before each of them, we immediately obtain a
valuable symbolic lesson, namely, that we cannot make progress
towards the light save by square conduct, level steps and upright
actions.
There is not much difficulty in understanding the significance of
the first and last phrases of the above sentences but sometimes
there appears to be a little uncertainty as to the exact
significance of the phrase, "level steps." This implies that our
feet are planted firmly on the ground and therefore that we feel no
uncertainty as to the direction in which we are moving, neither
will the winds of adversity divert us from our path.
We know also that the level implies that there is a natural
equality between brethren, and so in the phrase, "level steps," we
are taught that we should go forward side by side with our fellow
members, not trying to push the weaker to the wall, in order to
achieve our goal irrespective of the claims of others. This fact
is more significant than appears at first sight. In real life some
men are more spiritually evolved or more intellectual than others,
but we are taught hereby that instead of selfishly has tening on,
such men should stay and help the weaker brethren, lending to them
something of their intellectual ability or their spiritual insight
so that they may keep pace with those more richly endowed. This is
peculiarly brought out in the way that Officers work in a team for
the good of the whole lodge and are promoted in rotation. It is,
indeed, a valuable lesson! The spirit of esprit de corps is a high
virtue and one which should particularly dis tinguish a Masonic
lodge, and the spirit which will lea d a more evolved brother to
pause on his journey to help a weaker one is deserving of
cultivation. Moreover, it brings its own reward, for such an
action is in the highest sense unselfish, and thus further
increases the spiritual evolution of the man himself and brings him
yet another step along the path which leads to the goal towards
which we are all striving.
When we look round the outside world and see how commercial
competition has produced a spirit wherein the weakest are thrust to
the wall and men say, "Let the devil take the hindermost," we see,
that this little phrase conveys, perhaps, one of the most important
and salutary lessons needed by the present generation, and gives
another example of the truly exalted moral teaching contained in
every word and line of our craft rituals.
Indeed, this willingness to slow down one's own spiritual progress
to help another is the essence of self-sacrifice, and has been the
guiding principle which has inspired all the great spiritual
teachers of the world in their efforts to advance the well-being of
struggling humanity.
Now it is important to realise that this spirit of self-sacrifice
succeeds to "square conduct." In other words, it is only when a man
has learnt to be just to his fellow men that he can realise the
next lesson, which is that he must be more than just, he must give
up his own rights to help others. There would be nothing unjust in
his outpacing his companions, but it would be selfish, or at any
rate self-centred. For all that, it should be remembered that the
square in some measure represents the letter G. , which stands for
God, the Grand Geometrician of the Universe, the Just Judge. There
are other aspects of the Deity which are perhaps more lofty, but,
as the old Jewish teachers perceived, you must first make man
realise that God is Just before you can convince him that He is
something even greater than this, namely, a loving father.
Once, however, we have realised that God is just and that we are
all partakers of the same nature, all equally His children, we
shall perceive that we shall hardly be acting justly to our fellow
men if we leave them behind in the race, and do not help and assist
them so that all humanity may achieve the same goal.
The above facts also help us to understand the significance of the
plumb line, itself an emblem of God's unerring justice, for they
cause us to perceive that we must show forth the lessons we have
learnt by upright actions. Unless we show by our actions in life
that we have assimilated these important teachings, our knowledge
is but vain, and herein it is interesting to note that the level
and plumb rule, or, rather, the plumb line, will themselves form a
square, thus showing that these three, symbols are a trinity and
may-be refer to the triune nature of the Supreme Being.
We may at any rate feel sure that the brother who acts up to the
principle of the square, level and plumb rule will not have
laboured in vain in the terrestrial lodge, and on quitting it may
reasonably hope that he will be permitted to enter that Temple not
built with hands, eternal in the skies.
CHAPTER VIII.
"For even at this trying moment our Master remained firm and
unshaken."
Although it is in the first degree that the candidate is made
acquainted with the principles of moral virtue, and the second and
third degrees are devoted to more recondite researches, yet all
three degrees have their appropriate moral teachings interwoven
with other allegorical instruction. If we desired to find a word
which most aptly summarises the significance of the third degree,
we could not find one more suitable than the word "loyalty,"
although, of course, this does not preclude the fact that othe r
moral lessons are inculcated during the ceremony.
The brethren will remember the peculiar nature of the ob. in this
degree, which, while containing a definite reference to the
f.p.o.f., also contains a specific promise as to the loyalty we
should show towards a brother, by respecting his secrets,
protecting his good name and maintaining his honour, both in his
absence and presence, and in particular by never injuring him
through certain of his relations.
Some masons have been inclined to criticise the last clause on the
grounds that by implication it releases the Freemason from a like
responsibility to the relations of those who are not masons. This,
however, is a gross travesty of the truth. The obligation must be
considered in its entirety, and not as if each sentence were a
separate and distinct command. The promise is one of loyalty to
the Brotherhood as a whole, and to every member thereof, as is
shown by the great stress laid on keeping inviolate th e lawful
secrets of a brother. No one has ever suggested that because a
Freemason thus promises to keep a brother's secrets, this implies
that he is thereby exempted from a like duty in the case of
non-masons. Similarly, every clause in the ob. inculcates the
virtue of loyalty, a lesson which is immediately driven home by the
dramatic incidents which follow, in connection with the Traditional
History.
After all, what is the clearest moral teaching of the incident here
related, is it not loyalty to one's duty, to the promises one has
made and to Freemasonry itself? This does not mean that there are
not more mystical meanings hidden within the story, there
undoubtedly are, but the moral instruction is nevertheless of great
importance.
Loyalty to duty. It is this which the story teaches us, and my
readers may be interested to know that the same theme is taught in
the Mahabarata, in the legend of the Last Journey of Yudisthira,
which relates how he goes on a long journey which ultimately ends
at the gates of Heaven. There he is told that he is welcome, but
his dog, who has followed him, cannot enter Heaven, for Heaven is
not the place for dogs. Whereupon the Indian king replies that the
dog has followed him loyally throughout his lone, wea ry journey,
and that to forsake a friend is as vile as to commit a murder.
Rather than do such a foul deed he is prepared to give up all hope
of Heaven. Immediately on his utterance of these words the dog
changes form and stands beside him as Dharma, the god of Duty, and
he enters into heaven.
Here, then, we have the same underlying lesson of loyalty to duty,
and it should be remembered that the F.C.s who went in search, on a
long and dreary journey, were similarly actuated by loyalty to
their lost Master, and inspired by a sense of duty.
It is probably no exaggeration to say that among us English people
loyalty to duty is considered one of the highest virtues. The pages
of our history give countless examples of this fact, and this
virtue probably appeals to us more than almost any other. It is
therefore fit and proper that the culminating degree of the Craft
should emphasise its importance in almost every line in the
ceremony.
We must be careful, however, not to give too narrow an
interpretation to the word "duty." The ceremony inculcates loyalty
in all its aspects loyalty to our fellow men loyalty to a sacred
trust reposed in us loyalty to those set in authority over us and,
above all, loyalty to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe. The lesson
is driven home by the manner in which the opposite vice is
depicted. To all right-minded men, treachery is a peculiarly
abhorrent defect. Dante places traitors in the very lowest part of
Hell and lowest of all places those who have betrayed a benefactor.
The three villains in our story are traitors first of all to a
brother, secondly, to their Master, and lastly, to their
benefactor, for, ex hypothesi, they must have received the F. C.
degree from the very man whom they subsequently treated so badly.
There is one important lesson on this subject which is apt to be
overlooked, namely, that the opportunity for the display of this
virtue seldom occurs except in times of sorrow and defeat. It is
when the foemen ring the castle round, the last food is eaten, the
last water drunk and the walls are crumbling before the assaults of
the attacking party, that the soldier is able to prove his loyalty.
It is when false friends forsake a man, when troubles creep in on
every side, that the true friend shows himself in his real colours.
It is when a cause is lost, when victory rests on the banners of
the enemy, when cowards fly and false friends prove traitors, that
loyalty shines out as a glimmering ray amid the darkness. It is
tragic, but true, to say that the real test of loyalty is usually
on the brink of an open grave, and often the loyal man does not
live to receive the reward of his virtue in this life, It is,
therefore, in some ways one of the most unselfish of virtues, but
it leaves behind it a fragrance sw eeter than myrrh and a crown
which is truly celestial.
CHAPTER IX
MASONIC PROVERBS, POEMS AND SAYINGS.
The foregoing chapters make no pretence at exhausting the subject.
To deal fully with the moral teachings of Freemasonry would
necessitate the writing of many volumes, but such is not the
purpose of this book. Herein I have endeavoured to elucidate the
moral teaching underlying certain well-known and significant
phrases in our ritual, hoping thereby to inspire others to attempt
a similar task. It is with this purpose in view that a number of
the most pregnant passages have been selected for inclusion in this
volume. All of them are worthy of the most careful consideration
by thoughtful masons, who will find them most valuable themes for
short addresses or brief speeches, wherein they can help to
instruct the junior brethren, more especially those who are only
just passing through their degrees. Let us not forget that a sound
moral basis is the very foundation of every religious system, and
Freemasonry herself declares that it is an essential qualification
for the student who would endeavour to unravel h er more secret
teachings.
Moreover, when faced by a critic from the outside world, a brother
will often find that an apt quotation will enable him to develop an
argument in defence of our Order which, without disclosing Masonic
secrets, will enable an honest critic to perceive that Masonry is
definitely a force for good in the world.
The inclusion of a few verses of Masonic poetry needs no
justification, for they enable a brother to memorise some Masonic
ideal and set it ever before his eyes.

Masonic Proverbs, Poems and Sayings.
(1) Right glad am I to find your faith so well founded.
(2) That virtue which may justly be denominated the distinguishing
characteristic of a Freemason's heart, - CHARITY.
(3) The practice of every moral and social virtue.
(4) Let me recommend to your most serious contemplation the Volume
of the Sacred Law.
(5) By looking up to Him in every emergency for comfort and
support.
(6) Ever remember that Nature hath implanted in your breast a
sacred and indissoluble attachment towards that country whence you
derived your birth and infant nurture.
(7) Let PRUDENCE direct you, TEMPERANCE chasten you, FORTITUDE
support you, and JUSTICE be the Guide in all your actions.
(8) Endeavour to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.
(9) Masonry is not only the most ancient, but also the most
honourable Society that ever existed.
(10) A Mason's Charity should know no bounds, save those of
prudence.
(11) Learning originated in the East.
(12) The Universe is the Temple of the Deity we serve.
(13) The Sun and Moon are messengers of His Will, and all His Law
is concord.
(14) To be in Charity with all men.
(15) CHARITY comprehendeth the whole.
(16) The distinguishing characteristics of a Good Freemason are
Virtue, Honour, and Mercy, and may they ever he found in every
Mason's breast.
(17) You are expected to make the liberal arts and sciences your
daily study, that you may the better discharge your duties as a
Mason, and estimate the wonderful works of the Almighty.
(18) "There's naught but what's good To be understood, By a Free
and an Accepted Mason."
(19) He who is placed on the lowest spoke of fortune's wheel is
equally entitled to our regard, for a time will come - and the
wisest of us knows not how soon - when all distinctions, save those
of goodness and virtue, will cease, and Death, the Grand Leveller
of all human greatness, reduce us to the same state.
(20) Steadily persevere in the practice of every virtue.
(21) Judge with candour, admonish with friendship, and reprehend
with mercy.
(22) You are to encourage industry and reward merit to supply the
wants and relieve the necessities of brethren to the uttermost of
your power.
(23) View their interests as inseparable from your own.
(24) To the just and virtuous man death hath no terrors equal to
the stain of falsehood and dishonour.
(25) The posture of my daily supplications shall remind me of your
wants.
(26) You are to inculcate universal benevolence and, by the
regularity of your own behaviour, afford the best example for the
benefit of others.
(27) You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly to obey the
moral law.
(28) Practise out of the Lodge those duties you have been taught in
it, and by virtuous, amiable, and discreet conduct prove to the
world the happy and beneficial effects of our ancient institution
so that when anyone is said to be a member of it, the world may
know that he is one to whom the Burdened Heart may pour forth its
sorrow, to whom the Distressed may prefer their suit, whose hand is
guided by Justice and whose Heart is Expanded by Benevolence.
(29) What you observe praise-worthy in others you should carefully
imitate, and what in them may appear defective you should in
yourself amend.
(30) We learn to be meek, humble, and resigned, to be faithful to
our God, our Country, and our Laws, to drop a tear of sympathy over
the failings of a Brother, and to pour the healing balm of
Consolation into the bosom of the afflicted.
(31) May all these principles and tenets be transmitted pure and
unpolluted from generation to generation.
(32) Q. What manner of man should a free and accepted mason be?
A. A free born man, brother to a King, fellow to a Prince or to a
Beggar, if a Mason and found worthy.
(33) Q. What do you come here to do?
A. To learn to rule and subdue my passions.
(34) The tongue, being an index of the mind, should utter nothing
but what the heart may truly dictate.
(35) Masonry is free and requires a perfect freedom of inclination
in every Candidate for its mysteries. It is founded on the purest
principles of piety and virtue.
(36) FAITH.
Is the foundation of Justice, the bond of Amity, and the chief
support of Civil Society. We live and walk by FAITH.
(37) HOPE.
Is an Anchor of the Soul, both sure and steady, and enters into
that which is within the Veil.
(38) CHARITY
Is the brightest ornament which can adorn our Masonic profession,
and is the best test and surest proof of the sincerity of our
religion.
(39) To-day we may travel in PROSPERITY to-morrow we may totter on
the uneven paths of Weakness, Temptation and Adversity.
(40) THE BIBLE
The Almighty has been pleased to reveal more of His Divine Will in
that Holy Book than He has by any other means.
(41) MERCY
Mercy, when possessed by the Monarch, adds a lustre to every gem
that adorns his crown.
(42) Our Mother Earth is continually labouring for our support
thence we came, and there we must all return.
(43) May Virtue, Honour and Mercy continue to distinguish Free and
Accepted Masons.
(44) Contemplate the intellectual faculty and trace it from its
development, through the paths of Heavenly science, even to the
throne of God Himself.
(45)
Let us toast every brother, Both ancient and young, Who governs his
passions And bridles his tongue.
(46) May the fragrance of Virtue, like the sprig of acacia, bloom
over the grave of every deceased brother.
(47) Our prayers are reciprocally required for each others'
welfare.
(48) May all Freemasons live in love and die in peace.
(49) May every Brother have a heart to feel and a hand to give.
(50) May we be more ready to correct our own faults than to publish
an error of a Brother.
(51) May we never condemn in a Brother what we would pardon in
ourselves.
(52).
To every true and faithful heart That still preserves the secret
art.
(53) A MASONIC DIRGE.
There is a calm for those who weep, A rest for weary pilgrims
found, They softly lie and sweetly sleep Low in the ground! Low in
the ground!
The storm, which wracks the winter sky, No more disturbs their deep
repose Than Summer evening's latest sigh That shuts the rose! That
shuts the rose!
Ah, mourner! long of storms the sport, Condemned in wretchedness to
roam, Hope, thou shalt reach a sheltering port, A quiet home! A
quiet home!
The sun is like a spark of fire, A transient meteor in the sky The
soul, immortal as its Sire, Shall never die! Shall never die!
(54)
So here's to the sons of the widow, Wherever soever they roam,
Here's to all they aspire, And if they desire, A speedy return to
their home.
R. Kipling.
(55)
We met upon the level, And we parted on the square, And I was
Junior Deacon, In my Mother Lodge out there.
R. Kipling.
(56) FROM TIME IMMEMORIAL.
From Yucatan to Java's strand We have followed thy trail o'er sea
and land. When Pharaoh lived he knew this sign, Brother of mine,
Brother of mine.
Where Vishnu sits enthroned on high I noted Hanuman passing by, And
as he passed he made this sign, Brother of mine, Brother of mine.
In the ocean of peace I came to a land Where silence broods on an
empty strand, Where ancient Gods of carven stone Gaze o'er the
waters, still and lone, And, seareh as I might, I could but find
Fragments of wood, which bring to mind Ancient writings of bygone
days . . . Whilst on the hieroglyphs I gaze I find that they also
knew the sign, Brothers now dead, yet Brothers of mine!
J.S.M. Ward.
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