The Duties of a Mason
T.F.S.
Three, five, and seven
3 5 7
By Ed Halpaus, Grand Lodge Education Officer.
Number 111 – November 20, 2007
“None of us are responsible for our birth. Our responsibility is the use we make of life.”
Joshua Henry Jones
This publication, while it is printed with the permission of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F. & A. M. of Minnesota, contains the writings and opinions of Ed Halpaus and is not in any way the opinion of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota.
“The only prize which is infallibly gained by performing one duty well is the power of performing another duty.” F.H.W. Myers
What are the Duties of a Mason?
The answer to this question can be found in booklets most Grand Lodges provide to men who are elected to receive the degrees of Freemasonry. These booklets will vary slightly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but they are not that different from each other, in the messages they convey.
The reference for what follows is from a booklet called “Your quest for Masonic Light: Some background for the Aspirant.” [This is what the GL of MN calls Quest Book #2.] Other references are noted below.
Your Duties
You will become a member of this Lodge when you have received the three degrees, proved your proficiency in them, and have signed the bylaws. It will always be your duty to be loyal to the Fraternity, faithful to your superior officers, and obedient to Masonic law. You will be expected to pay your dues promptly and regularly, to stand ready to help a worthy brother Mason in sickness or distress, and to support the charities of the Lodge as your conscience shall direct and your means permit. You are also expected to attend the communications as regularly as possible, and to discharge promptly and efficiently such specific Masonic duties as may be assigned to you.
Being a Mason means being a good citizen, loyal to your government, and conducting yourself as a wise and upright man, charged with an individual responsibility for maintaining the world's respect for Masonry.
From Quest Book #3 – You are now an Entered Apprentice.
Duties, Privileges, and Limitations of An Entered Apprentice.
As an Entered Apprentice you have an immediate and personal interest in this subject, but you should also realize that it has a permanent interest for every Mason, however long it may have been since he received the First Degree. In a sense we always remain Entered Apprentices: the teachings of the degree remain always in effect; its obligations and charge, subject to additions in the succeeding degrees, continue to be binding. As Masons we associate with Apprentices, work with them, perhaps are sought by them for counsel. Therefore, it is important for us to have as clear an understanding as possible of the duties, privileges and limitations of Apprentices.
Duties
Complete faithfulness to his obligation and implicit obedience to the charge are among his important and lasting responsibilities.
It is also the duty of the Entered Apprentice to learn the required portions of the degree with thoroughness, not only because he must prove himself proficient in order to advance, but also because it contains Masonic teachings of fundamental importance that remain forever binding on every Mason. In a measure, the degree is complete within its own field, and its teachings should be permanently incorporated as a part of his Masonic life.
Reference; Charge of the Second Degree and Quest Book #4
Duties of the Fellow Craft
The duties of this degree are similar to the duties mentioned above as the duties of a Mason in general and that of the Entered Apprentice, and he is admonished to adhere to them. However, a Fellow Craft, who represents a man in his prime, carries maximum responsibilities, and he must equip himself with the tools that will help him prove equal to his tasks; these tools are: Experience, Education and Wisdom. Thus the Fellow Craft has the obligation to study and to endeavor to have a regular and daily advancement in knowledge – Masonic knowledge, and self knowledge.
Duties
Freemasonry’s Laws and Regulations you are strenuously to support; and be always ready to assist in seeing them duly executed. The Fellow Craft is not to palliate or aggravate, the offenses of his brethren; but in the decision of every trespass against our rules, he is to judge with candor, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with justice.
Reference; quest book #5
Duties of the Master Mason
A Master Mason has greater rights and privileges, but also greater responsibilities. The Master Mason is obliged to abide by the Constitution, Laws, and Edicts of his Grand Lodge, and by the by-laws of his particular Lodge. Also he must maintain and support the Landmarks, and the "ancient usages and customs of the Fraternity." He is also subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which he may be at the moment, and also to the laws of his home jurisdiction.
He is to guard himself against committing a Masonic offense, which has been defined as being, "Any act unbecoming a good man and true." Being found guilty of a Masonic offense a Mason may be punished in any one of four ways: by reprimand; by definite suspension; by indefinite suspension; or by expulsion, which constitutes "Masonic Death."
Among a Master Mason’s duties are strict compliance with his obligation; loyalty to his Lodge and the Fraternity; paying his dues promptly; obedience to the laws, written and unwritten, of Freemasonry, and always to maintain an affiliation with a lodge – that is, to remain a member in good standing.
Rights and Privileges of a Master Mason
Among the many rights and privileges are these:
The privilege of visiting other lodges;
The privilege of being vouched for;
The right to ask for Masonic relief;
The privilege of demitting and affiliating with a different Lodge;
The right to trial by your peers should you transgress the laws of Masonry;
The right of appeal if found guilty of Masonic misconduct;
The right of Masonic burial;
The right to appear in public Masonic processions;
The right to join in the discussions in his Lodge, to vote, and to hold office;
The right and privilege of giving Masonic service;
The right to be taught all that Masonry includes, and to enjoy all the privileges it offers to the spirit, the mind, and the heart.
It is also his privilege to recommend a man for Masonry, but once more the Master Mason is cautioned not to recommend someone for the degrees or for membership unless he is satisfied that he will conform to the principles of our Fraternity and be a credit to the Craft.
A Mason's Responsibilities
The most valuable contribution of Freemasonry to the world is to be found in the lives of its individual members. If Masonic ideals are eventually to reach the legislative halls of our country, the houses of commerce and trade, and the shops of industry, they must be carried there by individual Masons; and whatever good Masonry may accomplish in the world will be the sum of the worth of its individual members. Look not at a brother's failure to live up to our high ideals – look well to thyself!
“I slept, and dreamed that life was beauty; I woke, and found that life was duty.”
Ellen Sturgis Hooper
From the Great Light of Masonry: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV
Faites voire devoir et laissez faire aux dieux = [French] = Do your duty, and leave the issue to the gods.
“What we must look for here is, 1st, religious and moral principles: 2ndly, gentlemanly conduct: 3rdly, Intellectual ability.” Dr. Thomas Arnold
Please remember: if you would like to participate in the latest Masonic Monday Question, please go to http://www.lodgebuilder.org/ and click on the Lodge Education forum. Past Masonic Monday Questions and the current one may also be read on the Web Site for the G.L. of MN at http://www.mn-masons.org/ under Masonic Monday Q&A When you have an answer send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com This weeks question is: “Is Freemasonry the One Surviving Medieval Craft Esotery?”
More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to ed@halpaus.net with Subscribe in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publications.
With “Brotherly Love”,
Ed Halpaus
Grand Lodge Education Officer
Three, five, and seven
3 5 7
By Ed Halpaus, Grand Lodge Education Officer.
Number 111 – November 20, 2007
“None of us are responsible for our birth. Our responsibility is the use we make of life.”
Joshua Henry Jones
This publication, while it is printed with the permission of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F. & A. M. of Minnesota, contains the writings and opinions of Ed Halpaus and is not in any way the opinion of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota.
“The only prize which is infallibly gained by performing one duty well is the power of performing another duty.” F.H.W. Myers
What are the Duties of a Mason?
The answer to this question can be found in booklets most Grand Lodges provide to men who are elected to receive the degrees of Freemasonry. These booklets will vary slightly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but they are not that different from each other, in the messages they convey.
The reference for what follows is from a booklet called “Your quest for Masonic Light: Some background for the Aspirant.” [This is what the GL of MN calls Quest Book #2.] Other references are noted below.
Your Duties
You will become a member of this Lodge when you have received the three degrees, proved your proficiency in them, and have signed the bylaws. It will always be your duty to be loyal to the Fraternity, faithful to your superior officers, and obedient to Masonic law. You will be expected to pay your dues promptly and regularly, to stand ready to help a worthy brother Mason in sickness or distress, and to support the charities of the Lodge as your conscience shall direct and your means permit. You are also expected to attend the communications as regularly as possible, and to discharge promptly and efficiently such specific Masonic duties as may be assigned to you.
Being a Mason means being a good citizen, loyal to your government, and conducting yourself as a wise and upright man, charged with an individual responsibility for maintaining the world's respect for Masonry.
From Quest Book #3 – You are now an Entered Apprentice.
Duties, Privileges, and Limitations of An Entered Apprentice.
As an Entered Apprentice you have an immediate and personal interest in this subject, but you should also realize that it has a permanent interest for every Mason, however long it may have been since he received the First Degree. In a sense we always remain Entered Apprentices: the teachings of the degree remain always in effect; its obligations and charge, subject to additions in the succeeding degrees, continue to be binding. As Masons we associate with Apprentices, work with them, perhaps are sought by them for counsel. Therefore, it is important for us to have as clear an understanding as possible of the duties, privileges and limitations of Apprentices.
Duties
Complete faithfulness to his obligation and implicit obedience to the charge are among his important and lasting responsibilities.
It is also the duty of the Entered Apprentice to learn the required portions of the degree with thoroughness, not only because he must prove himself proficient in order to advance, but also because it contains Masonic teachings of fundamental importance that remain forever binding on every Mason. In a measure, the degree is complete within its own field, and its teachings should be permanently incorporated as a part of his Masonic life.
Reference; Charge of the Second Degree and Quest Book #4
Duties of the Fellow Craft
The duties of this degree are similar to the duties mentioned above as the duties of a Mason in general and that of the Entered Apprentice, and he is admonished to adhere to them. However, a Fellow Craft, who represents a man in his prime, carries maximum responsibilities, and he must equip himself with the tools that will help him prove equal to his tasks; these tools are: Experience, Education and Wisdom. Thus the Fellow Craft has the obligation to study and to endeavor to have a regular and daily advancement in knowledge – Masonic knowledge, and self knowledge.
Duties
Freemasonry’s Laws and Regulations you are strenuously to support; and be always ready to assist in seeing them duly executed. The Fellow Craft is not to palliate or aggravate, the offenses of his brethren; but in the decision of every trespass against our rules, he is to judge with candor, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with justice.
Reference; quest book #5
Duties of the Master Mason
A Master Mason has greater rights and privileges, but also greater responsibilities. The Master Mason is obliged to abide by the Constitution, Laws, and Edicts of his Grand Lodge, and by the by-laws of his particular Lodge. Also he must maintain and support the Landmarks, and the "ancient usages and customs of the Fraternity." He is also subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which he may be at the moment, and also to the laws of his home jurisdiction.
He is to guard himself against committing a Masonic offense, which has been defined as being, "Any act unbecoming a good man and true." Being found guilty of a Masonic offense a Mason may be punished in any one of four ways: by reprimand; by definite suspension; by indefinite suspension; or by expulsion, which constitutes "Masonic Death."
Among a Master Mason’s duties are strict compliance with his obligation; loyalty to his Lodge and the Fraternity; paying his dues promptly; obedience to the laws, written and unwritten, of Freemasonry, and always to maintain an affiliation with a lodge – that is, to remain a member in good standing.
Rights and Privileges of a Master Mason
Among the many rights and privileges are these:
The privilege of visiting other lodges;
The privilege of being vouched for;
The right to ask for Masonic relief;
The privilege of demitting and affiliating with a different Lodge;
The right to trial by your peers should you transgress the laws of Masonry;
The right of appeal if found guilty of Masonic misconduct;
The right of Masonic burial;
The right to appear in public Masonic processions;
The right to join in the discussions in his Lodge, to vote, and to hold office;
The right and privilege of giving Masonic service;
The right to be taught all that Masonry includes, and to enjoy all the privileges it offers to the spirit, the mind, and the heart.
It is also his privilege to recommend a man for Masonry, but once more the Master Mason is cautioned not to recommend someone for the degrees or for membership unless he is satisfied that he will conform to the principles of our Fraternity and be a credit to the Craft.
A Mason's Responsibilities
The most valuable contribution of Freemasonry to the world is to be found in the lives of its individual members. If Masonic ideals are eventually to reach the legislative halls of our country, the houses of commerce and trade, and the shops of industry, they must be carried there by individual Masons; and whatever good Masonry may accomplish in the world will be the sum of the worth of its individual members. Look not at a brother's failure to live up to our high ideals – look well to thyself!
“I slept, and dreamed that life was beauty; I woke, and found that life was duty.”
Ellen Sturgis Hooper
From the Great Light of Masonry: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV
Faites voire devoir et laissez faire aux dieux = [French] = Do your duty, and leave the issue to the gods.
“What we must look for here is, 1st, religious and moral principles: 2ndly, gentlemanly conduct: 3rdly, Intellectual ability.” Dr. Thomas Arnold
Please remember: if you would like to participate in the latest Masonic Monday Question, please go to http://www.lodgebuilder.org/ and click on the Lodge Education forum. Past Masonic Monday Questions and the current one may also be read on the Web Site for the G.L. of MN at http://www.mn-masons.org/ under Masonic Monday Q&A When you have an answer send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com This weeks question is: “Is Freemasonry the One Surviving Medieval Craft Esotery?”
More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by E-mail at no charge to anyone who would like to receive them. If you enjoy these publications please share them with others. To subscribe to any one or all of these publications just send an E-mail to ed@halpaus.net with Subscribe in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publications.
With “Brotherly Love”,
Ed Halpaus
Grand Lodge Education Officer
Labels: Masonic Information