From the Office of the Right Worshipful Grand Lecturer
MASONIC CONDUCT
There are many lessons contained in the Entered Apprentice Degree, but few more dramatic and as important as those communicated to the Mason when placed in the Northeast corner. Standing between the darkness of the North and the absolute light of the East, the new Mason is instructed as to his importance to the Craft, his future moral and Masonic conduct, and his responsibilities to his Brothers. While frequently a brief part of the degree, this moment is of critical importance and significance.
THE BOUNDARY LINE OF OUR CONDUCT: I would like for each of you to go back with me in your thoughts to the night that you first entered a Masonic Lodge to be initiated. Probably each of us have different events of that memorable evening that stand out, but I can remember how deeply impressed I was to realize that I was recognized as a just and upright Mason and henceforth should walk and act accordingly. Now, it's true that I had previously signed an application promising that, if found worthy, I would conform to all the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity, and I had confirmed this promise to the Marshal before entering the Lodge, but this had been in the nature of signing a blank check. Now, for the' first time I was told that Masonry expected a higher standard of conduct from its members than was expected of other men. Later in the same evening this was spelled out still further by the allegory of the point within a circle; the point representing an individual brother, and the circle, the boundary line of his conduct beyond which he should never suffer his passions, his prejudices, or his interests, to betray him. Just as the scientist studies the orbit of the satellite spinning around the earth, so should we study this circle that bounds our conduct, so that we will know of what it is composed and how far it extends? The difficulty that always occurs in a paper of this kind is that the readers are made up in part of those officers and older members who are interested in and support all things Masonic; and partly of those who are new to the Craft and are anxious to learn. If we who prepare the material aim at the first group and leave out the more elementary concepts of our subject, we do the newcomers to Masonry an injustice. For this reason I hope that you of the first group, who might be referred to as graduate students, will forgive me if I include points which may seem obvious to you, but still may not have occurred to the undergraduate. First, let us consider the fiber out of which this circle that bounds our conduct is woven. Where are the restrictions found that govern us? Primarily, of course, we must look to the ritual. Here we find the basic obligations that we have solemnly promised to obey. In addition to these obligations, we find the charges and lectures filled with lessons designed to improve our lives and actions. Finally, we come to a realization that we should renounce our own wills in all things appertaining to Freemasonry and should conform to and abide by all the rules and regulations of the Fraternity. These include the legislation and by-laws of our own Lodge, the Constitution and Edicts of the Grand Lodge, and also those Ancient Landmarks and Constitutions of the Craft that have been passed down to us through the ages. All of these, taken together, set the boundaries that govern our conduct. These regulations can be broken down into several categories: 1) Those that govern our conduct toward the Lodge and its officers; 2) Those that govern our dealings with other Masons; and 3) Those that govern our conduct in the outside world.
It has been said that the purpose of Freemasonry is the pursuit of excellence. All of the teachings of Masonry are directed to excellence in performing our duties to God, our country, our neighbors and ourselves. The continuing effort to improve oneself is the true mark of a Mason. This principle is well stated: "We must constantly remember that in every moment of our life - in public - at work - at pleasure - with our families - even when you are alone - You are a Mason! "
The non-Masons who know us will judge each of us, and Masonry itself, by the way in which we conduct ourselves. We have in trust the reputation of Masonry. Let us not betray that trust! Masonry will flourish if we follow the tenets of Freemasonry , which are: the dogmas; principles, beliefs, doctrines; teachings of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. "Before we can expect to attract good men to the fraternity by our conduct and reputation in public, we must learn to conduct ourselves with propriety in the Lodge. One of our first duties is loyalty to the fraternity and obedience to its laws. This is a fundamental requirement.
"Propriety is not the result of law, but rather of tradition, custom and usage.
TERENCE JACKSON
RW Grand Lecturer
Author: Kenneth L. Hemphill