more light #268
Masonry’s Plan
by Ed Halpaus
Grand Lodge Education Officer
Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of Minnesota
The following is an article by our late Brother
Dewey H. Wollstein, PGM of the jurisdiction of Georgia.
Progress is growth. An institution cannot be great
unless its objective is great. It cannot exert an influence unless its own
purpose is directed toward physical, mental and moral growth. With all the
sublime teachings of Freemasonry, our philosophy, out history, Masonry could not
have long lived through the ages because of these alone. Practical application,
the interpretation of ideals into action, into life – these are responsible for
the perpetuation of our Fraternity. A system represents the blue prints; deeds
and acts, the work on the building.
Krause, the founder of a great school of Masonic
thought, expressed it in terms of Philosophy: “Masonry has to deal with the
internal conditions of life governed by reason. Hence, its fundamental
principles are measurement and restraint – measurement by reason and restraint
by reason – and it teaches these as a means of achieving perfection.”
Masonry looks upon life as it is – views man
divinely created, yet in a state of constant struggle to rise above himself step
by step, from superstition, idolatry, hate, brutality. Often it seems that the
struggle is of no avail, that never will man be willing to cast off the shackles
by which he binds himself.
What is Masonry’s plan in this struggle? Is it the useless one of standing by
and reprimanding human nature, raising its voice above the tumult to demand
“Order”? NO. Masonry’s plan is to walk with men on the crowded squares of life;
to enter the struggle; to make men – which can be done only by natural growth.
Masonry’s doors are not open to the world, but its light shines for all
humanity. Masonry does not attempt to enforce morality, but only to point out
the natural blessings and happiness that arise from obedience to and harmony
with Spiritual Laws.
The question is asked: Will Freemasonry have a place in the future? Can you
imagine a world without Masonry? There will be readjustments, because ours is a
progressive science, and changes consistent with today’s requirements will be
made. But never will there be a change in the fundamental plan of Masonry.
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