The New Zealand Craftsman Wellington, New Zealand, April 1, 1946

MASONRY AND YOU.
————

(By W. Bro. G. B. Hoernel.)

Masonry to the world is the character of Masons. In a community where the personnel is of high order, the
fraternity stands in high repute. The character of the 1Vlasons as a whole speaks more eloquently than all the
books written on Masonry—which books few even know the titles of. In a community in which there are
some Masons who do not have the respect of the public, Masonry has no show of being accepted as a
beautiful system of morals.

The reputation of the fraternity to a greater or lesser degree is in the keeping of each member. It is within the
power of every Mason to glorify or nullify the institution. The public never reads Masonic books nor
Masonic philosophy. Its idea of the fraternity is not well defined, and the sole basis of judgment it falls back
upon, is the character of the men who are supposed to exemplify its teachings.

While it does not read books, it does read men.

The man who is an unfaithful Mason brings discredit upon the fraternity as a whole, One sorry member can
do it much harm. When he occupies himself with some discreditable business, the public takes it for granted
that Masonry, for all its beautiful system of morality, either condones it or is too weak to manifest any
influence in the matter.

The Mason who lives up to the teachings of the ritual and the monitor will be a man without reproach, not
only among his brethren, but among his neighbours who do not know Masonry.

He will be noted as an exemplary citizen in all relations.

He may not be a member of any church; he may not profess faith in any particular creed, but he must profess
faith and trust in God.

He will deal honourably, justly and generously with his neighbours.

He will be true to his family, and if need be sacrifice every personal and selfish gratification that he may the
better protect and provide in every way for those dependent upon him.

He will be careful in his business dealings and always make his word and his bond of equal value in the esti-
mation of those with whom he has business connections.

He will ever be courteous and considerate with others, ready to assist as the case may require when and
where assistance is needed.

He will show his moral discipline by never having his name connected with any transaction of a questionable
character.

Therefore, Masonry asks of you, the individual Mason, that you shall recognise and live without as well as in
our sacred portals. those divine principles so clearly and beautifully set forth in our teaching. Masonry
rightly looks to you, as its emissary, to carry the glory of the institution into life; into the minds and hearts of
men everywhere, —"Masonic Tidings."