The Legacy Bequeathed by Freemasonry

The legacy bequeathed by Freemasonry to the world has been and will continue to be a rich one. Its survival through its long period of history is due to the ever- lasting principles which run through all its operations.

Newton, in his book 'The Men's House', has a chapter on Practical Brotherhood. In it there are three headings;

1) Individual Brotherhood,

2) Organized Brotherhood, and

3) Applied Brotherhood.

In the section on Organized Brotherhood there is a paragraph which states; Masonry is organized patriotism. Neither a political party nor a religious sect, it nevertheless stands for just laws and the spirit of loyalty and co-operation without which the State cannot be stable and effective. Patriotism is the translation of private faith and individual righteousness into terms of public virtue and social service. Nothing less than this is worthy of the name. The crying need of today is to extend the spirit and principles of Masonry to the whole life and transactions of Masons. The failure to do this accounts for the deficit between private morality and public morality.

Freemasonry's greatest asset is in the type of member it is producing. What kind of a contribution is each one of us making of it? When a man makes his exit of life, the question is often asked, 'What has he left?' Unfortunately this often suggests property and money mentioned in his legacy, rather than the influence he has left for the enrichment of mankind by his intellectual, moral and spiritual gifts. Brethren, let us pause awhile to consider the vital question, 'When we are gone, what will be the nature of our legacy to Freemasonry and to the world?'

The V.S.L. being so realistic makes this statement: 'We brought nothing into this world and we carry nothing out'. Arising from that truth, we can reasonably ask, 'What have we done in between the entry and exit?' All of us are endowed with talents - those singular gifts which one has. Each one of us is or has been making some contribution, be it insignificant or great. These impressions are of tremendous importance. They reveal our character. Creating an image is not only a challenge, but a romantic adventure that will surely supply dividends of satisfaction beyond our fondest expectations.

A man doesn't 'join' Masonry. It is an act of will, a deep desire to be more than an 'ordinary' man and be willing to undergo close scrutiny of character. The act of will - his own free will - is the indication that something within has responded to a desire to become a Mason. No one asked, suggested, begged or promised some kind of inducement.

Masonry doesn't compete with anything, anyone at any time. It lives. It speaks. It challenges us. A Mason is never a negative force in the community. He is a positive power. A Mason will always aspire for the highest and best in life. If he settles for anything less, he has lost the spark, the fire, the very motivation of a Master Craftsman.

Fidelity Highlights summons, Lodge of Fidelity 231, G.R.C.

Reprinted from 'The Tracing Board of Saskatchewan'.

Editor: V.W. Bro. James A. Ham.

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