We have all been subjected to many pious talks and discussions about the
lessons of Freemasonry. We have all seen acts of kindness and helpfulness
by masons which caused us to feel pride in our membership in this great
fraternity. We have all promised to dedicate ourselves to improving our
tendencies toward virtue and morality. Many of us are being successful in
the endeavour.The fact which upsets us is that so often we witness Masons acting in
non-Masonic ways, Masons complaining about Masons, Masons acting like
politicians, and Masons looking the other way rather than doing the virtuous
thing. Yes, from time immemorial, it seems, Masons have acted in ways
which are not in keeping with their vows and protestations.
It should never happen that a whisper campaign is mounted to discredit a
worthy Mason whose name has been put forward for elective office, but it does.
It should never happened that a Mason neglects his family in his pursuit of
social enhancement or self-centered satisfaction, but it does. It should
never happen that Masons participate in angry discussion over some point of
order, but it does. It should never happen that a lodge or chapter is
split into factions by the support of opposing concepts, but it does.
If we followed all the lessons of our beloved craft, there would never be
such anti-virtues as vindictiveness, anger, frustration, or distrust with in
these hallowed halls, but they exist... you know it!
What are we to do?
Freemasonry tells us what to do. The fact is one of the treasures of the
fraternity. It doesn't just say be good, it tells us how to be good, and
what to do when we see a Mason who is not being good.
As a Royal Arch Chapter is closed, in this jurisdiction, with the
disarrangement of the sacred word, the past principal reiterates our promise, "to
remind him in the most gentle matter of his failings, to aid his reformation."
In other words, it is our duty to tactfully point out to our brethren and
companions that we are aware of their failings, even if they are not, and of
course, it is contingent upon us to offer our suggestions and services in
improving the situation.
My brethren and companions, there is no Mason who has reached the plateau of
perfection, but there is 'The Perfect Mason'. The Perfect Mason is the man
who not only listens to, but hears and internalize the lessons of the ritual.
The perfect Mason is the man who is first by your side when you have erred.
The perfect Mason is the man who should readily admit his own failings and set
out to improve himself.
The perfect Mason should be the man who is sitting to the left of the man on
your right.