masonic matters
Questions Answered
by Ed Halpaus
Grand Lodge Education Officer
Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of Minnesota
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others it’s the only thing.”
Albert Schweitzer
“Example is Leadership. Albert Schweitzer
“A good example is far better than a good precept.” Dwight L. Moody
Dear Masonic Student,
“Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other.” Edmund
Burke
I received a question from a Brother that was interesting. To me the
interesting part was that it seems most Masons accept the fact that we don’t
walk between the Master and the 3 Great Lights when the Lodge is at Labor,
except, of course, some do during degree work: That was the question, ‘Why is
this allowed when the custom is not to do it?’
In some jurisdictions the Altar and the Great Lights of Masonry may not be in
the center of the Lodge Room where someone might walk between the Master and the
Great Lights, however, here it is, and that’s where the question comes from.
Another way of looking at not crossing between the Altar with The Great
Lights disposed upon it when the Lodge is at Labor, is to say we do not
interrupt the Master’s line of sight of the Holy Bible, Square, and Compass. The
reason for this custom is because; it is supposed that the Master draws
inspiration and wisdom from them when he presides over the Lodge. we also keep
this in mind when the Master steps down on the floor of the Lodge, as in a
degree, or for another purpose; we don’t cross between him and the Great Lights.
Think of a time when the Masons form lines or a circle as part of a degree. But
as far as crossing the Master’s line of sight in a degree is concerned, the
simple answer is that the Senior Deacon is doing so because he is carrying out
the Master’s orders.
The entire degree is held on the order of the Master, and to do it properly
there must be circumambulation; the S.D., as the assistant to the Master,
conducts the candidate in that circumambulation. So, for degree work there are
some allowances made by the Master to this rule of not crossing that line
between the Altar and the East.
A longer answer is that the S.D. and the Candidate are not the only ones who
cross between the Master’s line of sight and the Altar: So do a certain 3
individuals, and 9, (at least symbolically,) more, as far as circumambulation,
and degree work are concerned: Even if the Master participates he, like the rest
of us, has the altar in plain view on his right hand.
The question was a good one: It will lead the Masonic student into exploring
the symbolism of the 3 Great Lights, why they are Great Lights, the symbolism of
the Altar, Circumambulation, and the stops the candidate makes on his passage in
each of the degrees.
“I don’t know any other way to lead but by example.” Don Shula
Leadership and Mentoring by example
I have been asked a few times to write an article on attitude and how it has
an impact on our lives. I have mentioned attitude in passing from time to time
in some articles. I was asked again recently. The question came up after the
Brother was telling me about quite a bit of strife in a couple of Lodges, how it
was affecting the entire Lodge, and the devastating effect it was having on the
‘younger’ Masons in the Lodge.
If you would like to read some great papers, or hear some great talks on
attitude check out those by Earl Nightingale. Even though Mr. Nightingale has
passed many years ago his company and his books and CD’s can still be found at:
http://www.nightingale.com/
William James wrote: “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human
being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.” The Great Light of
Masonry reinforces what he wrote. Rev. Mac Hammond says that the apostle Paul
“exhorts us to keep our attitudes humble, positive and pure. For those who do,
the Bible promises peace, increase and fulfilling relationships.” John Maxwell,
Minister and motivational speaker, calls attitude “the speaker of your present
and the prophet of your future.” So as Earl Nightingale has said: The Magic Word
is Attitude.
You may remember that great poem of Brother Edgar Guest, called “Sermons We
See.” It’s a wonderful poem, and it conveys a very good message to Masons and
non-Masons alike on being an example. An example – that’s what we all are most
of the time; sometimes we’re good examples and possibly there are times we
aren’t. Being a good example is an important part of being a good and effective
mentor and leader. Every Mason will have his attitude manifest itself in the
words and actions he chooses. As a friend and Brother of mine says ‘ the newer,
and some not-so-new Masons tend to emulate what they see us ‘older’ and more
seasoned Masons do and say.
Thankfully, most of us ‘older Masons’ don’t present anything other than what
is right and proper for younger Masons to see and hear. But there are times when
one observes words and actions by Masons in and out of Lodge that make one
wonder what kind of example we are giving our younger Masons.
I don’t think that this is a modern problem because the “Old Charges,”
written Rev. and Brother James Anderson back in 1723, address behavior by Masons
both in and out of Lodge. I won’t go into the Old Charges here, because they can
be read in Many Masonic Books and also on-line. However, I will say that they
are well worth reading, and I think as a minimum they should be read at least
once a year by all of us; sometimes we need to be reminded of what we already
know.
I mentioned that poem by Brother Guest, and you may know it, but when you
read it as a Freemason you will likely see that it could be called a Masonic
Poem: It speaks about lectures and information on conduct, which to me seems
applicable to our Masonic degrees and charges. I truly believe it speaks to
those of us who have been initiated prior to the Brothers we have initiated into
our Lodges over the past few years: Those of us who are supposed to have learned
the lessons of Freemasonry. There are not many who would argue against mentoring
our Brethren who are ‘younger’ in the craft, but argue or not, our attitudes and
actions can be supportive of teaching the lessons and meanings of the allegories
in Freemasonry, or they can have the opposite effect. It’s up to us individually
every day: It’s true, we can and do choose our attitude; every Freemason gives
to those he interacts with an impression of Masons and Freemasonry.
Before I reproduce the poem below I’d like to remind us all of a quote by
Emerson; “What you are stands over you the while, and thunders so that I cannot
hear what you say to the contrary.”
Sermons We See
Edgar Guest
I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day; / I’d rather one should walk
with me than merely tell the way. / The eye’s a better pupil and more willing
than the ear, / Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear; / And the
best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds, / For to see good
put in action is what everybody needs. / I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let
me see it done; / I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may
run. / And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true, / But I’d rather
get my lessons by observing what you do; / For I might misunderstand you and the
high advice you give, / But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you
live. / When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind. / When a weaker
brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind / Just to see if he can help him,
then the wish grows strong in me / To become as big and thoughtful as I know
that friend to be. / And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
/ Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way. / One good man
teaches many, men believe what they behold; / One deed of kindness noticed is
worth forty that are told. / Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his
honor dear, / For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear. /
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say, / -I’d rather see a
sermon than to hear one, any day.
Words to live by: Precept guides, but example draws.
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