April,
2008
Page 8
¡±and improve myself in
Masonry¡±
Nothing¡¯s wrong with Masonry. It¡¯s what¡¯s wrong with Masons
There are many things that are part of the decline in attend ¨C ance and enthusiasm of Masons for their tenants and the building of better men and making better men out of good men. They have lost sight of their goals that were theirs when they first became Master Masons.
They have accepted the negative philosophy that the end of Masonry, as we know it, is inevitable. It is very easy to do this. It is the past of least resistance. Stay home and watch telev- vision. You think that your presence is of no value in the Lodge room. You won¡¯t be missed.
Brother, how wrong can you be? Did you not enjoy the fellowship that the Lodge and members offer? Have you forgotten how nice it was to have a friend on the sidelines when you were raised? Did you not have goals of becoming a better man through the teachings of Masonry and making a better world for our sons and daughters?
Have you forgotten your oaths and obligations to yourselves and your Brother Masons?
Our ancient Brethren used their craft to build, not to let things deteriorate. Use our craft to build your own character, as a man of distinction. Integrity, and as a man who serves his fellow man.
How do we do this? First, we change our attitude. It won¡¯t be easy, but we can if we try. Second, we can set realistic goals. Third, we must proselytize Masonry to our friends and acquain- tences to let them know that we are here and proud to be Masons, that our craft is respected and recognized throughout the world.
It is not only our goal, but it is our duty to serve not only our fellow man, but also to serve our Great Creator. What better way can we do this than by attending Lodge meetings to share our tenants of Brotherly love, friendship, and charity.
Taken from the February,
2008 issue of the Northern Light.
Anyone who
stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning, stays
young. Henry
Ford