T H E P A S T M A S T E R
In ordinary colloquial speech the term past master is generally used to describe someone who is really expert

at his craft, a little more than master of it. In the same way in the mercantile marine an officer may obtain a

further certificate known as his extra master's certificate; it gives him a qualification beyond the minimum

required for taking charge of a ship.

The Master of a Masonic Lodge is in many ways supreme. The power and the dignity are his: he is the ruler

and the representative of the Lodge. This is so from the moment he is installed, after his period of training as

a Warden. During his term of office he may make any number of mistakes, and there is much of the job he

can learn only by doing it. While the experience of being Master is an exhilarating and demanding one, and

calculated to get the best out of a man, it is still probable that he will in many ways be better equipped to see

and understand the problems of the Lodge on his last day in office than he was on his first.

Little is made of the outgoing Master on the night of Installation, although increasingly his last night in the

Chair at a regular meeting has become an occasion for thanks and congratulation. The night of Installation is

the new Master's night, and no one, least of all his predecessor, would want to detract from it.

Although a man's departure from the Chair may seem a little flat there are various ways in which his

Brethren may express their appreciation of a job well done, and they are all the more heart-warming because

they are not prescribed or automatic. The Brethren may or may not choose to express their feelings in any of

these ways. It is a proud Master who is presented with a bound set of the Lodge publications for his year of

office; an equally proud Master who is called out unexpectedly to receive a jewel with his Past Master's

certificate. Sometime the occasion for this presentation is during a visit from the Provincial Grand Master, or

some other distinguished Brother who can speak of the work the Master has done beyond the confines of his

own Lodge, and so enlighten the Brethren about the part of his work of which they have least first-hand

knowledge.

Whether or not the Brethren choose to honour him particularly, the retiring Master will know himself how

far he has done his best, how far he has carried out his Masonic duties with the utmost skill and ability and

dedication of which he is capable; and how honestly he has held the balance between Masonic work and the

demands of his public and private vocations. He has learned the lesson of the ashlars, and is dependent far

more on the voice of his own self-convincing conscience than he is on the approbation of his fellows.

There is one right he has, and that is recognised when he is received formally into the company of Past

Masters of the Lodge by his investiture as Immediate Past Master. He may retain on his apron the insignia of

a Master, and he has the further right, rarely exercised in New Zealand, to wear at any time the collar and

jewel of a Past Master.

Simply because he has served the office of Master he is entitled to be heard on any lodge matter as, indeed,

he was before his Installation, but he will speak with a new authority and in a new capacity. He has become

part of the reservoir of knowledge and experience which any good Master knows is his main asset.

Many Masters in a sense only begin their real work for the Lodge after they have left the Chair. The kind of

ritual work and administration and general care for his fellows that the Master's position requires may,

although it has been within his compass, very well never been the long suit of a particular Mason. He may

turn out to be a born Secretary, Treasurer, Organist, Almoner or Director of Ceremonies, and all of us have

known Brethren who have served these offices with distinction, with great satisfaction to themselves and to

the enormous advantage of their Lodges, . sometimes for very many years.

These offices may be held by Brethren who have never attained the Chair, and the duties of them may be

well and competently discharged. It remains true that a year spent in the direction and control of the Lodge

gives a perspective and a knowledge of the relative dependency of the several parts of the work of the Lodge

which cannot be obtained in any other way. A man may be a good Treasurer before he has been Master: he

will inevitably be a better one afterwards.

The year of a man's Mastership is a critical one, and it is the years which follow, other things being equal,

which reveal the extent of his interest in the Craft. Once his foot is on the ladder of office, what in the United

States is called "the line", a man is very likely to go through the various offices until he reaches the Chair.

This is the supreme reward; the office of Master is the highest the lodge can bestow. Of course he may go on

to Grand Lodge rank: Masonry has rewards at all stages; but Grand Lodge rank rarely comes quickly after

one has been Master, and time has had a chance to sort the sheep from the goats. It is true of some Past

Masters, as of some old soldiers, that they never die; they simply fade away. It is not so true of most of them.

Some Masons who attain the Chair early in life find that their later life is busier, domestically and from the

point of view of their daily work. Others find the burden becomes lighter. One's Masonic observance may

fluctuate in volume from stage to stage.

The year in the Chair is usually the watershed. Other things being equal, and this is an important

qualification, the man who is fully imbued with the spirit and philosophy of the Craft, who loves it for its

own sake and for what it can do in the hearts and minds of men, will never cut himself off altogether from

the Craft, will never become an inactive Freemason. The man who has been concerned about his own image,

who has attained the Chair, served his year and then lost interest, will become increasingly embarrassed

about the Craft, and this is in the nature of things.

The Master is supreme. A great deal is in his hands. Even crusty old Past Masters are as much small children

as the rest of us. They respond to attention, appreciation and deference. If they receive these at the hands of

the Master and the Brethren a great deal is done to retain their interest in the Lodge and in the Craft, and the

Lodge is inevitably the stronger for it. Happy the

Master who has the strength to rule the Lodge, while

at the same time knowing he is able to call on a

strong, happy and well-disposed body of Past

Masters to assist him in his work.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Journals bearing the following addresses have been returned to this office marked, "Gone, No Address".

Should any Lodge Secretary or Brother know the present address of any of these Brethren, we would be

pleased to receive their advice

R. D. Bachelor, Karariki, No. 9 R.D.. Halcombe

R. R. Butler, Galatea, R.D., Murupara,

K. A. Faulkner, 30 Landview Rd., Tauranga

E Fleming, 207 Riverside Drive. Lower Hutt

G. A. Lindsay, 18 Melrose Pl., Tokoroa.

1'. W. J. Matthews, 245 Edmonton Rd., Te Atatu

R. McGregor, 22 Lydia Ave., Northcote

W. R. Morgan, 2/4 Osborne St., Newmarket. Auckland

W. Morrow, Box 44, Ranfurly

George F. W. Parks, 3 Argyle Grove, Upper Hutt.

A. M. Poole, 50 Waimapu St., Greerton, Tauranga.

J. G. Prescott, 21 Hinton Ave., Beerescourt, Hamilton.

P. H. Tomlins, c/o Box 489, Hastings.

E. Whineray, Ohaupo Rd., Te Awamutu.

g g g

WELLINGTON

OBITUARY

THE LATE WOR. BRO. M. C. HAMLIN, P.M., P.G.S.,

LODGE MAMA, No. 352

At the August meeting of Lodge Mana, No. 352, a large gathering of Brethren and visitors assembled to pay

tribute to the memory of one of their outstanding Brethren, the late Wor. Bro. M. C. Hamlin, P.G.S., whose

recent sudden death came as a severe shock and a tragic loss to the Lodge and to Freemasonry.

Included in the many visitors was R.W. Bro. H. G. Girdlestone, Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by

Grand Lodge Officers.

The Worshipful Master, W. Bro. D. S. Clark, spoke with feeling reference to very sad occasion which had

brought gloom to this happy Lodge and expressed deep sympathy to Mrs Hamlin and family.

Then followed an oration by V.W Bro C. E. Tanner. P.G.Lec.

"Worshipful Master, R.W. Provincial Grand Master and Brethren, we are assembled this evening to pay

tribute to our late Brother, W. Bro. M. C. Hemlin, P.M., P.G.S., who passed to the Grand Lodge above on

Tuesday 23 June last. The suddenness of his death came as a staggering blow to the community and to his

friends, all of whom were shocked with profound grief.

"The esteem in which our late Brother was held was amply displayed at the funeral service on 26 June when

the Presbyterian Church at Paremata was filled to capacity by the general public, business associates, friends

and members of our Fraternity. Later, at the Crematorium Chapel at Karori another large crowd had

gathered, including many representatives of the various branches of Freemasonry with which he was

connected.

"Our deep and sincere sympathy has already been extended to Mrs Hamlin and to their son, and I was very

proud of the Master and Brethren, and particularly W. Bro Holloway, the Lodge Almoner, for the way in

which they promptly brought aid and consolation to the widow, so that from the outset she knew that the

great organisation which her husband had loved and served was with her in her hour of trial and she was not

alone.

'Martyn Cameron Hamlin was born at Masterton or 12 December 1906. Shortly afterwards he moved to

Auckland with his parents where he was brought up, and educated at the Grey Lynn School and at the

Auckland Grammar School. He was then apprenticed to the electrical trade and subsequently was employed

in Auckland, in Wellington and in Porirua. Then in 1950 he branched out on his own account as an electrical

contractor in the Paremata and surrounding district.

"Of his Masonic career, 'Mart' as he was affectionately known, was initiated in Mokoia Lodge, No. 213 on

22 April 1941, passed on 24 June and raised to the S.D., on 26 August, that same year. On 6 December 1949

he became a Charter Member of this Lodge Mana, and was installed as its fifth Master in 1953. He joined the

Research Lodge of Wellington in 1954 and at Auckland on 23 November 1936 he was elected a Grand

Steward in the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. In addition to all this, 'Mart' was a member of the Brooklyn

Royal Arch Chapter, holding Grand Chapter Rank in that Order. He held rank also in several other branches

of Freemasonry, and in all his pursuits he was an active and valued member.

"But it was in this Lodge that he showed intense interest and gave outstanding service. It was his great

concern, as Preceptor, to have this an efficient Lodge; and among other duties performed, he was its able

representative on the Board of Enquiry. He was a quiet type of man who spoke little of his own efforts, he

was a valued friend and will be sadly missed.

"Brethren, on occasions like this when we lose a loved one or a close friend, there is always a wrench in

human relationships and our hearts are heavy with a sense of grevious loss; but through it all we should be

grateful that we have been associated with such a fine fellow who was expendable in his service to others,

and I am sure that the movements in which he invested himself must have influenced many people in many

ways.

" 'Mart' and I spent a lot of happy times together, we both enjoyed our Masonry and together we travelled

extensively in the district. When I went to pay my last respects to him, as he lay peacefully at rest, a number

of thoughts came to my mind. I could not help thinking how very insecure life is, and what is there to be

gained by harbouring ill feeling, fostering hatred, acting with meanness, being intolerant, and the words by

Thomas Bracken came to mind:

This life's an hour we borrow from eternity's tomorrow,

Our souls wear for a little time the mortal garb of man,

Ere they, in robes supernal

Soar away to the eternal;

Then while our lives are vernal let's do all the good we can.

This earth's a place of meeting, or rejoicing and of greeting,

Where spirits waltz together in a masquerade of clay;

We've but a short vacation in this earthly habitation,

Then thankful for its blessings, let us live and love today.

"Is there any of us who have not thought about what lies beyond the veil which separates the seen from the

unseen? How much do we think about the eternal destination and what we will find there? As Freemasons,

we have been taught in this peculiar way, and to the Freemason who has taken the teachings to his heart,

there is no fear of death for him—the only thing a Freemason should fear is the stain of falsehood and

dishonour.

"In the practise of our Art we work to execute a Grand Design, and so, if there be a design in the universe

and in the world, it necessarily follows that there is a Designer, because we cannot consider the mysteries of

the universe without believing that there is. In the VSL we are told that the Great Architect designed and

created the Heaven and the Earth—that He gave Light to the dark and shapeless mass—that He created the

Planets, the living creatures, the plants and the flowers, and to complete the Design He created Man. Man

with dominion over all other living things, with the capacity for inspiration, ambition, nobility and dignity.

Can any of us, therefore, believe that the noble design and the work of the Great Architect comes to an end

when our spirit forsakes its earthly temple? Again I am reminded of the lines by Robert Louis_Stevenson:

He is not dead, this friend, not dead,

But in the path we mortals tread,

Gone some few trifling steps ahead

And nearer to the end,

So that you, too, once past the bend,

Shall meet again, as face to face, this friend

You fancy dead. . .

"It is only 'Mart's' framework that has gone—remember the words, 'Then shall the dust return to the earth as

it was, and the Spirit shall return to God who gave it. .

"His consideration for the welfare of this Lodge was paramount, especially was he looking forward to this

year in office .as the Deputy Master, not solely for service as such, but to be at the right hand of the Brother

whom he had seconded into Freemasonry, your Worshipful Master.

"Alas, it was not to be. Behind me now stands his vacant chair. On it rests the Collar and Jewel with which

he was so recently Invested. At the Will of the Great Architect he has laid it down, leaving the work for

others to complete. In the years to come may those who hold this office carry out their duties as Martyn

Hamlin would have done, and may they wear this Collar and Jewel with Sincerity and Dignity, realising that

it was once worn by a Brother who served his fellow-men and Freemasonry well, and of whom Lodge Mana

was justly proud.

"In remembering our friend and Brother, let us remember, too, that:

Over our hearts and into our Lives,

Shadows will sometimes fall,

But the sunshine is never wholly dead,

And Heaven is shadowless overhead,

And God is over all.

—————————————————————

Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever

course you decide upon, there is always someone to

tell you are doing wrong. There are always

difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that

your critics are right. To map out a course of action

and follow it to the end, requires some of the same

courage which a soldier needs. Peace has its

victories, but it takes brave men to win them.

—Emerson

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HAWKE'S BAY DISTRICT NOTES

Extracts from Heretaunga R.A. Chapter's Newsletter, August 1970

Visits

During the month of June our Chapter visited Gisborne and Bedford on their Installations. It is a great

pleasure to plan these visits and renew friendships. In Gisborne the warmth of welcome easily dispelled the

nine degrees of frost and the Comps who were able to make the trip were well rewarded for the effort. We

were also amongst the guests of Bedford's Installation on 25 June and again that warm feeling of welcome

engulfed us on arrival. At the conclusion of the Installation ceremony, a very simple and impressive

Dedication Service was carried out by M.E. Comp. J. Hyde, P.G.Z., to honour the memory of the late R.E.

Comp. W. Williams, P.G.T. In the terms of the late Comp.'s will, Bedford Chapter inherited a sum of money,

so the Comps. in their wisdom decided to perpetuate his memory by dedicating a Scribe E.'s table in the

Temple. M.E. Comp. Hyde spoke feelingly of the life of our late Comp. and we, who had not been privileged

in knowing him, felt we had, indeed, lost a valued friend.

R. Ex. Comp W. Williams was exalted in Bedford Chapter in 1915, enthroned as First Principal in 1928, and

was Treasurer for many years until ill health more recently forced him to retire from active office. He held

with distinction every office, and his undoubted vast fund of knowledge and information was every freely

and cheerfully given for the betterment of Masonry. In 1966 the Grand Z of that year, M. Ex Comp P. A.

Kusabs accompanied by many Grand Chapter Officers and Companions, called on V.E. Comp Williams at

his home and invested him with the rank of Past Grand Treas. (H.C.). This was a very fitting tribute to such a

stalwart, who had given so unsparingly of his talents to his beloved Chapter for over 50 years. When he

ceased labour early this year many, indeed had lost a friend, and Bedford Chapter, when its "Treasure Chest

of Memories" will ever find one of its most brilliant jewels has passed to the G.L.A.—W.S.

Presentation

It was an inspiring thought when the Companions of Heretauriga decided to honour R.E. Comp S. I. Jones

with a jewel in appreciation for his outstanding services as Scribe E. and Cyril Dillon in a very happy mood

made the most of it; the surprise and pleasure which radiated from Jonah's face amply repaid the Camps for

the thought. Congratulations, Jonah, from the T.I.M and Companions of Russell Cryptic Council, especially

from Tom.

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AT THE N.-E. CORNER

By Bro. Leslie E. Kitchen

From the Candidate's point of view, the Ceremony of Initiation must at its conclusion appear somewhat

devoid of sequence and unity. Certain outstanding elements have necessarily imprinted themselves indelibly

upon his memory, the most impressive probably being the Charge, especially if he has been fortunate enough

to receive it from the lips of a sincere brother, capable of expressing the depths of the human soul through

the medium of the spoken word. It is a matter of opinion whether this magnificent exhortation comprises the

climax of the Ceremony although it certainly is difficult to regard it as secondary to anything that has gone

before. Certain it is that the Charge supplies the Candidate with a concise epitome of Masonic teachings,

hopes and aspirations.

There is little doubt however, that its immediate effect is somewhat moderated by the existence of two

factors. By his withdrawal in order to make certain restoration, a break is occasioned such as may suggest to

the Candidate that what is to follow may be regarded in the nature of an addendum rather than as an intrinsic

portion of the Ceremony. Secondly, he has already been the recipient of a Charge whilst stationed in the N.-

E. Corner of the Lodge, an experience which he clearly remembers as containing more than an element of

discomfort to himself, however momentary it may have been.

This portion of the Ceremony has possibly been the nearest approach to any pre-conceived opinion which he

may have entertained. Certain it is that the Masonic fraternity has ever been associated with charitable

enterprise. It has never attempted to conceal its philanthropic aspect, neither has it restricted its bounty to

projects associated with Masonry alone. Our particular charities are ornaments indeed. The giver makes his

personal contribution in the same spirit that a member of a team makes his effort, for the general welfare of

the cause, such as circumstances and ability may determine, and impelled by altruistic motives. In this

particular sphere the score gives place to the length of the Lodge List, to the total of a Province, or even to

the establishment of a festival record. Here, as in all Masonic dealings with our fellow men, the idea of self is

submerged in the more insistent aim of service.

It would be interesting to learn from the lips of a number of individuals chosen quite at random, what exactly

they understood by the term Charity. Their replies could doubtless be summarised as the idea of giving,

either to the support of some commendable object, or to the relief of undeserved distress. This is of course,

purely material charity to which we are exhorted not to restrict ourselves. The sincere Mason does not limit

his philanthropy to the writing of an annual cheque or to the giving of specific alms. His higher aim is to be

in Charity with all men.

A trial is made, not with the idea of sporting with the feelings of anyone, but primarily as an appeal to the

Candidate's own heart. There is no need to attempt to put his principles to the test. The tongue of good report

has already been heard in his favour; and obviously a man not actuated by charitable motives, according to,

the extent of his resources, could not have been entitled to proposal and approval in open Lodge. The same

reasoning when extended suggests that he who now as a Candidate stands in a certain symbolic place must

necessarily be endowed with the desire-to redeye the wants of others. It is not stated why it should be

necessary to evince to the brethren the lack of

certain possessions, neither does the penalty for

having them appear in any way related to the

business in hand. Certain it is that it could not in any

way be carried out in a sincere and dignified

manner. In any case it is very doubtful whether the

divesting has been thorough. Upon this point the

seekers after symbolism may well employ themselves. Circumstances allied to the building of a material

Temple may have little in common with the plight of a Candidate who has already been enjoined to rear a

mystical superstructure, perfect in its parts and honourable to the builder.

We certainly may congratulate our brother on the possession of the honourable sentiments by which he is

actuated; but why any inability to gratify them may be deemed praiseworthy seems difficult to comprehend.

We may well take it that this lack is a necessary condition of his being before us as a candidate which

circumstance being one in which he will rejoice until his last hour, we extend our congratulations on this

account.

Before his Initiaiton, the Candidate was given to understand that there were certain financial obligations

involved, and that the giving of alms has ever been one of the ornaments of our Order. He does not now

receive any specific instruction, either concerning the laudible objects identified with the philanthropic

activities of the fraternity; neither is any demand made which may be interpreted as a levy or condition of

membership. In the N.E. corner he is enjoined to be charitable when occasion may arise; but indirectly he is

charged to apply the compasses of discretion and to make no demands upon his resources which may in any

way act to the detriment of either himself or those who are near and dear to him. Prudence must stay his hand

though generosity sway his heart.

What therefore may we consider to be the immediate effect of the brief sojourn of the Candidate in the N.E.

Corner? He has no doubt been prepared for some moments of discomfort during the process of his Initiation

and to his surprise, these expectations have not been realised. At the time when his physical disability was

greater than it now is, he was continually on tenterhooks in the anticipation of all sorts of pitfalls. Somewhat

to his surprise, his predominant wish was gratified before any of these pre-conceived trials and approbations

manifested themselves. As the Ceremony progressed, his confidence became more firm though yet humble,

and by the time .that he reached the N.E. corner he felt that he was not in any sense to be made the victim of

the evening after all. Consequently it is with some degree of shock that he reacts to the test imposed, and

indeed he will ever remember the peculiar circumstances in which he was received into Masonry, and

cheerfully embrace any opportunity of ministering to the needs of others who through no fault of their own

may have been reduced to the lowest ebb of poverty and distress.

— The Freemason, London.

———————————————————————————————————————————

If we work upon marble it will perish. If we work upon brass time will efface it. If we rear temples they will

crumble to dust. But if we work upon men's immortal minds, if we imbue them with high principles, with the

just fear of God and love of their fellow men, we engrave on these tablets something which will brighten and

brighten to all eternity.

Daniel Webster

————

MASONRY AS A TRAINING AND DISCIPLINE FOR LIFE

Masonry is a living, vital power. It is not a thing for the passing hour, or one to be looked on lightly. In some

way or another it has been brought to us and we to it, and as we give to it, so will it give back to us.

In the above short sentence there are three vital words —Training, Discipline, Life. Is not the last the crux of

the whole matter? For what is the use of knowledge, research, or training unless we apply it to our actual

life?

We enter Masonry as seekers on a new path. Our work is the perfecting of ourselves that we may become

more fitted for the service of God and our fellow creatures.

Is not that the highest ideal in life, and the only one really worth a man's whole effort? Does not entrance on

the Masonic path imply that a man is prepared to sacrifice himself and dedicate all his powers to the service

of God and Humanity? Is it not only by such sacrifice that there can be any hope of true advancement?

In Masonry we have a definite system of training. We progress from one stage to another. Each stage has

special lessons, giving greater opportunities, imposing more responsibility for proper application, for all that

is gained.

What, then, is the particular training and discipline that can help us to these high ideals?

It is a difficult question to answer and one that must to a certain extent be answered differently by the

individual Mason, though there are certain fundamental principles that can be learned and applied to each

Brother, to the training of character and the bringing out of the best in himself.

Others, Not Self

Perhaps the simplest, and in one way the most easily learnt but most essential lesson, is that we should think

of others rather than of the individual—the Order first, the Lodge second, and the individual last. And yet we

have to remember that it is only through the growth of each individual member, and his co-operation in the

whole work, that a Lodge can make true progress, and that it is only through the co-operation of each

individual Lodge that the growth of the Order as a whole can be sustained.

Each Brother has some special faculty—some in a lesser degree—and one of the special lessons to be learnt

is that of using these faculties for the good of our Brethren and of our Lodge, and not for self-glorification.

We must be ready to sink self, and to take on any work where we can be of help, not in our way, but in the

way that is desired by the Master, and considered by him to be the most beneficial to the Lodge. We must be

ready to take time and trouble to perfecting any qualities that we may already have, or to acquire others that

may be needed to help our Lodge.

A Brother who is efficient is a most valuable member of a Lodge, but the still more useful one is he who is

absolutely reliable, of whom it can be said: "A.B. is doing that, so there is no need to worry about that

particular bit of work any more."

It is comparatively easy to co-operate with those with whom we are in sympathy, but the Mason must learn

to go much further than that, and to learn to see the good in each of his Brethren—to put aside personal likes

and work with all in perfect harmony.

It can easily be said that surely there are lessons that can be learnt outside of Masonry, that there is no need

to join the Order for that purpose. But it will be found that these and other lessons can be learnt in a very

special way in our Masonic Lodges.

Thinking of Others

When we are really able to do this are not all the qualities that are needed to build a worthwhile character

brought into play? Unselfishness, thoughtfulness, consideration, tolerance, adaptability, sincerity—the list is

unending—and the greatest, which includes all others, just love, or brotherhood in its highest form. The love

that is without thought of self, the only love that is truly part of the Divine. The love that is the greatest force

in the world. Really put into practice there is no end to what could be done with it for the perfect atonement

which could be attained between individual Brethren, so actuated, would make each Lodge such a vital force

that its effects would be felt in the whole neighbourhood.

A group of Lodges truly working in that way could transform a whole city, and so through all the

ramifications, until strife between party and party, war between nation and nation would be impossible—all

starting with the first step in Masonry, taken' by the individual Brother.

Know Thyself

"Know thyself" is essential for all such training in Masonry, and the "self-knowledge, self-reverence and

self-control that alone can lead man to sovereign power" can be learnt in a very special way in our Order.

In our Masonic system we have a training which, properly applied, can in this very special way help each

Brother to unfold and evolve to the very highest level of which he is capable—unfold in a way which might

not have been thought possible when he first contacted Masonry.

But the operative words are "properly applied", for it is only in the proper application in the case of each

individual Brother that these high ideals can be achieved, and it is just here that they have, alas, so often

failed.

The First Lesson

The E.A. takes the first actual step on the Masonic path when he enters the door of the Lodge. Let us

consider for a while the lesson that has to be learnt as an E.A. Much preliminary consideration should have

been given by each individual Brother before he feels ready to take that first step which is truly vital, and

which needs courage in entering the unknown. If we look through the Initiation Ceremony I think we will

find an exemplification of the teaching, in some form or other, of every quality which is of value in life,

starting with the lesson of the dagger and c. . . . . t . . . and ending with the call, in the Charge, to be the guide

and helper of the ignorant.

The candidate for Masonry must have all the qualities and virtues of a good man. He does not need to

become a Mason to learn to be honest, truthful and courteous, though he can, as a Mason, develop these and

other qualities at their highest level.

We might take honesty or truth and see how these can be developed. The ordinary decent man would not be

deliberately deceitful, but the highest truth requires far more than that. It means absolute exactness in thought

and action as well as in word, so that he would not only tell an untruth, but would not even think one—a far

more difficult proposition. There must be constant watchfulness of the thought, then the word, and then the

action.

This idea and this training is impressed on every Mason at every opening and closing of a Lodge. The first

and constant care is to tyle the Lodge. This, as we all know but I think need constant reminding of, is the

work each one has to do in a special way during a meeting, but also in our lives, namely to keep out all vain

and unbecoming thoughts. A lifetime work in itself.

The Tyler has this work to do in a particular way, for if he is doing his job seriously a very barrage of

thought-power should be put round the Lodge.

What is greater than thought, the power that lifts man to the greatest heights, but can cast him down to the

deepest depths? If Masonry through its practical application of tyling did no more than to help its Brethren to

control and direct their thoughts, would it not be doing something worthwhile?

The spoken word should never be without the thought behind it, and how great can be the power of that

spoken ward! The unkind, thoughtless one that should never have been uttered. The true and helpful one

spoken at the critical moment.

The Spoken Word

Masonry teaches us the value of words' spoken with thought and intention, for the words in our Rituals are

vital and alive. But that force can only be given to them through the mind and speech of a Brother. Think,

Brethren, how our minds are directed in a meeting by the words spoken by the various Officers. It is vitally

important therefore that every Officer should realise the importance of his part in the ceremony, and having

accepted an office it behoves him to prepare himself to the utmost for the work. There should be no careless

speech in a Lodge, and each Officer in particular should make a point of learning to speak clearly and

distinctly.

A Masonic ceremony should be thought of as something vital and important—a dramatic performance in one

sense, because it demands the practise of every detail and the co-operation of all, including those in the

columns, who are privileged to take part in it.

But a Masonic ceremony is much more than merely a performance or an outward form only, which it is the

duty of those who take part in it to make as perfect as possible. The real power of the ceremony comes from

the force which is poured out, and which comes in a greater measure as the form is perfected.

Is not readiness to co-operate with one another one of the great needs of the world today? Where can this

great lesson be learnt better than in a Masonic ceremony? Through that ceremony can be learnt the control of

mind and body, of thoughts and movements.

The candidate for Masonry must be prepared to give up anything and everything that might hinder him in his

search for the truth. The divesting is symbolic of mental unclothing. His readiness to be taken where led

symbolises the meekness and docility with which his mind should be ready to follow new ideas, and to

accept them when good, and to submit to the outward discipline which is part of the Masonic training.

Silence

The E.A. sits in silence, listens and observes. Silence is a dynamic force which is much greater than we

understand. What a great lesson to learn, to be silent, to listen to the still small voice of our real self—to stop

uttering useless unnecessary words. How much idle chatter there is in the world, chatter that gets us

nowhere. How many words were far better unuttered. If we can learn the value of silence have we not taken

a further step on the way?

Each Brother in- a Lodge, from the newest E.A. to the Master, has his appointed place, his appointed work,

that of those in the columns seemingly far less than that of the Officers, but in reality of the utmost

importance. Does not this make for training in order and exactness?

Masonry also can be a very real training ground in developing self-cotnrol, in making us more efficient, and

in giving us self-confidence. No matter what innate powers we have, we can make very little use of them

until we have learnt to forget the personal ME, and think, only of the work. That again is one of the great

lessons we can learn from Masonry—to be absolutely impersonal in all our work.

—The Victorian Craftsman.

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EDGAR A. GUEST PHILOSOPHY

I have to live with myself, and so I want to be fit for myself to know; I want to be able as days go by always

to look myself straight in the eye; I don't want to stand with the setting sun and hate myself for the things I've

done. I never can hide myself from me, I see what others may never see, I know what others may never

know, I can never fool myself and so, whatever happens, I want to be self-respecting and conscience free.

—Edgar A. Guest

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THE LITTLE THINGS

In the present day of rush and drive there is serious

danger of giving way to the temptation that we have

not time to devote to the little duties of being

thoughtful and kind. Not everyone who needs a cup

of cold water is calling out to the world. The little

pauses we make by the way are not wasted time. A

word of sympathy, some little act that shows a

friendly interest, may help the next hour to move more lightly and swiftly. And it is one of the most beautiful

compensations in this life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.

—Chicago Scottish Rite Magazine

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BURDENS

I compare the troubles which we have to undergo in the course of a year to a great bundle of faggots too

large for us to carry. But God does not require us to carry the whole burden at once. He mercifully unties the

bundle, and gives us first one stick, which we are able to carry today, and then another, which we are to carry

tomorrow, and so on. This we might easily manage if we would only take the burden appointed for us each

day, but we choose to increase our troubles by carrying yesterday's stick over again today, and adding

tomorrow's burden to the load, before we are required to bear it.

—John Newton