PLENTY

In the second degree, we hear of the significance of the word 'plenty'. We symbolize it in Freemasonry by an ear of corn, or sheaf of wheat. Mackey informs us that in ancient symbolism, the goddess was depicted as a young nymph crowned with flowers and holding in her right hand the horn of Amalthea, the goat that suckled Jupiter; and in her left a bundle of wheat sheaves. Referring to the story told in the floorwork of the passes of the Jordan, he further quotes Burder, that, in Arabian countries dialectic differences of pronunciation are much greater between regional groups than they are in other parts of the world, thus making the pronunciation of the original work a much simpler distinction than might be at first expected. Mackey further quotes other similar incidents of pronunciation as a password in history. I refer the interested student to that entry for some food for thought.

My interests this evening, however, are more philosophical. Oxford defines the word 'plenty' as 'Abundance, as much as one could desire . . . ' In the second degree we are told of how the craftsmen were paid their wages and of their pleasant employment at the temple. I wish to juxtapose that image of well employed and well cared for workmen with the images in the first degree where we learn much of the Masonic art of charity. Benevolence has formed an important part of the teachings and organization of our craft and the committees of benevolence at Lodge, District and- Grand Lodge levels have an important role to play. We have all been reminded poignantly, in the first degree, of the role that this virtue is to play in our lives and in our Masonic character. Perhaps it is fitting to look at it in light of to how much 'plenty' we enjoy. A number of years ago, my neighbours helped me to erect a garden shed. We placed it carefully on a level, clean patio laid for the purpose. We congratulated ourselves on how weatherproof it was and snug, and that night I found myself reflecting gloomily that a very great portion of the world's people would thrill to have that small shed as their principal dwelling.

A provocative statistic came to me a year or so ago: that the very poorest earning Canadian, he who has the very lowest annual income of welfare, is still in the top 10% of the world's wage earners. Plenty indeed! We have it! A clerical brother once told me with a spark of fervour in his eye, that I should be careful when I pray 'Thy will be done’, for I was likely praying for a much lower standard of living when the world's income was equitable distributed by the will of the Grand Geometrician of the Universe. I have no doubt that he was right.

Let us not forget either, that the principal analogy of our gentle craft is that of work. Our talents are many. I look about our Lodge room and see an awesome array of abilities, skills, knowledge and influence. Do we share these? I know of a good number of Masons whose interests and involvements extend far beyond the walls of the Lodge and who contribute their talents with great vigour and energy to others in this world. There are others whose outreach is less extensive but who, through Masonic Art, extend knowledge of this philosophy to their younger brethren, influencing them to make contributions in the community and the world at large outside our portals.

What should a man do with the plenty that is his? I think that our brothers know that answer.

Masonic Education presented by W. Bro. Wm. M. White of Oakridge Lodge, No. 708, G.R.C.

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