Masonic Code of Conduct
T.F.S.
Three, five, and seven
3 5 7
By Ed Halpaus, Grand Lodge Education Officer.
Number 117 – February 20, 2008
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.
“All men have their frailties, and whoever looks for a friend without imperfections will never find what he seeks.”’ Cyrus the Elder
A fine Mason I am associated with, (the Master of my Lodge,) refers to the Book of Constitutions, which is better known as ‘the Masonic Code,’ in our jurisdiction, as the Code of Conduct: (His choice of words for the Code caused me to think, and I’m glad they did; thanks Worshipful.) On reflection it is an apt name to use because the Masonic Code certainly contains information a Mason should become familiar with, and those who have will attest that there is valuable information in it that will direct a Mason to proper action: A Code of Conduct.
Another part of Freemasonry that could be referred to as a Code of Conduct would be our degrees. The degrees I am primarily referring to are the three degrees of the Blue Lodge, but all the degrees of Freemasonry, (i.e. the Scottish and York Rite degrees,) are also lessons in proper conduct for a Freemason. For those who may not be aware; the degrees of the Rites are all built (more information, if you will) on the degrees of the Blue Lodge. It is important to study the three degrees of the Blue Lodge, but it is also important to become familiar with and study the other degrees, (of the Rites,) as well. Masonic Study is truly a productive hobby that will last and be enjoyable for a Mason’s entire lifetime.
The way to study a degree is to take a part of it and learn about all the symbolism and the meaning of any allegory that is contained in that part; doing it this way is much more interesting and effective that trying to learn about the entire degree, and if it is done in, and by, parts of the degree, before you know it you will have studied and learned a great deal about the entire degree. Studying Freemasonry can be done in small amounts of time when the time is available. I began to study in this way was when I was put into a position in my company where I needed to do some traveling: Business travel might seem exciting to some younger men, but I’m here to tell you that is isn’t all that much fun being away from your family to be somewhere to do a job. Spending time in a hotel or motel, no matter how nice it is, does not compare to being in your own home with your family close at hand. After my first day and night of business travel, with hotel/motel life, which consisted of constant business, a strait back chair, a desk, and a TV; I learned I needed something better to do with my small amount of free time. I went out to my car and got my Masonic Bible, luckily I had the habit of always having it in my car, also luckily since I was going to be on the road for a while I had also tossed a Masonic book into the car, ‘just in case.’ Sharon always kids me about how I pack for any emergency. This is how and when I began to become a Masonic Student; I found I really loved studying Freemasonry and I still do.
I have always maintained that the first place to go and look for the lessons of Freemasonry is in our degree work, that doesn’t mean one needs to become a ritualist; you can learn about the degrees of Masonry without becoming expert at the memorization of them.
When it comes to a Code of Conduct one of the best places in ritual to look is at the Ashlars, especially the Perfect Ashlar. Most of us, when we go into our Lodge Rooms, don’t seem to pay much attention to the Ashlars, much less ponder about them. Thankfully some Masons have, and we can learn from them. One such Mason is our late Brother Charles C. Hunt, who was the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Iowa from 1924 to 1945; he was also quite a Masonic scholar, many Masons are familiar with his work. One of the books he wrote/edited is the Masonic Concordance of the Holy Bible: this book was reprinted in 1984 by the Masonic Book Club; this is a good book club to be a member of.[i]
Another good book to have is a good dictionary; you can find information on the Ashlars in a dictionary; not the perfect and rough as such, but ashlars, and if you read in a Masonic book about the Perfect Ashlar you’ll find another name for it is - Perpend Ashlar, and Perpend is in the dictionary:[ii] “Perpend: In Masonry, a large stone passing through the entire thickness of a wall so as to show on both sides, and forming a bonder.” Brother Hunt tells us that the word ‘Perfect’ is not used in the early Masonic lectures, as it is today, but that the word ‘Perpend’ is, so the Perpend Ashlar is worth knowing about. Since it is a binding stone the Operative Mason needs to know the nature of the building and the wall it is to be placed in, so he can prepare it properly;[iii] i.e. all the exposed surfaces need to be finished properly and the stone needs to be plumb, square, and level.
Speaking of the Ashlar and Operative Masonry I remember the first time I heard part of a talk on it from a Grand Lodge line officer years ago when he mentioned that Speculative Masonry, like Operative Masonry, cannot make a Perfect Ashlar out of an imperfect specimen: Speculative Masonry admits only good men; just as the Operative Mason will work only with good stone; flawed material cannot be made perfect. ‘A rough stone can be made smooth, but it must be capable of taking the polish or the work will be in vain.’[iv] Making a stone perfect, much like perfecting a man, or carving a statue, is not done by adding something; it is done by taking away: Removing the superfluous, brings out what is within and thus is found what is closer to perfection; this takes time and patience. Mentoring a Masonic Brother takes our time and patience too.
I don’t know if you’ve attended many Masonic Cornerstone Ceremonies. When we’re attending one it’s easy to just enjoy it, but it does pay to learn about it. When we think about it, and what we are told in the degree about the Perfect Ashlar, we will recall that the ‘Perfect’ is made ready by the hands of the workman to be adjusted by the tools of the Fellowcraft. The cornerstone ceremony is partly to verify that the stone has been prepared properly. In fact, one of the lines repeated by the Masons in the positions of the Grand Senior Warden, Grand Junior Warden, and the Deputy Grand Master, when they make their report to the Grand Master[v] regarding the stone and the tools they have and use on the stone, (the Level, Plumb, and Square, respectively,) say: “The Craftsmen have done their duty.” It is after the cornerstone ceremony is completed that the Perfect Ashlar is symbolically and sometimes actually, placed in the corner. Brother Hunt says that it is when the Perpend Ashlar is finally made ready to be placed in the building that it gains the name of the ‘Perfect Ashlar.’
A Bible reference to the Perfect Ashlar as a Cornerstone can be found in the different translations of the Holy Bible; of the translations I have the one I like better is found in the New King James version where in Isaiah 28:16 it says: “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.” The verse that follows says in part: “Also I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plummet;” etc. The rest of that verse and the rest that follow are worth reading as well. One Bible commentary tells us that one of the meanings of Isaiah 28:14-22 is that a man of faith will not be alarmed and that God will test men’s response by the standard of justice and righteousness.[vi] Brother Hunt, Masonically, describes this passage of scripture in this way: “The plumb, square and level try it; the working tools fashion it; the checkered pavement illustrates it; the Great Architect calls for it. When the craft has fashioned it, it is complete, perfect.” Now that description gives the Masonic Student much to study, and think about.
To understand the Masonic symbolism of the Perfect Ashlar we need to keep in mind the original term as it came to the Speculative from the Operative; the Perpend Ashlar becomes Perfect “only because it is completely adapted to its purpose, namely to exactly fit into [its] place in the building and act as a binder for the other stones.”[vii] To become perfect it must posses certain attributes and “through these attributes we are reminded ‘of that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive by a virtuous education, our own endeavors, and the blessing of God.”[viii]
The Perfect Ashlar since it extends through the wall has two faces exposed, and both need to be perfect: “It does not have one standard for the world and another for the home.” This symbolically teaches the Mason that our same ‘fair face’ with our same ‘square and true’ attitude and actions is presented in all areas of our life; our home, our work and business life, as well as to the rest of the world. The lesson of the Perfect Ashlar teaches us that ‘we should not have one code of conduct (morals) for one place and another for another.’[ix]
The symbols of Freemasonry are tools by which we can learn as we, with the help of our brethren, strive to become better men than before we entered the Lodge for our first degree; by becoming the better men we are capable of becoming we help to fulfill the purpose of Freemasonry. The purpose of Freemasonry is striving towards perfection so that we can fit our bodies as living stones for that spiritual building not made with hands eternal in the heavens, ‘which is to be our eternal home.’[x]
As Brother Hunt says: “we are concerned with our Brother’s welfare as well as our own, and only when we perform this function well can it be said that our work is good work, true work, square work.”[xi] Being concerned about our Brethren we should be mentoring each other. I think that is what Brother Hunt is talking about when he says that ‘only when we perform this function well can it be said our work is then good, true, and square.
“A man would do nothing, if he waited until he could do it so well that no one at all would find fault with what he has done.” Cardinal Newman
From the Great Light of Masonry: “From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler.” Zechariah 10:4 NIV
Lapis philosophorum = [Latin] = The Philosopher’s stone.
“When a man imagines, even after years of striving, that he has attained perfection, his decline begins.” Theodore Martin
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 www.mn-masons.org under Masonic Monday Q&A When you have an answer send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com the Masonic Monday question for the week of 02/18/08 is: "When was the use of gloves by Masons confirmed by documentary evidence?"
More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by Email 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 erhmasonic@gmail.com with Subscribe in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publications.
Some past issues of Ed’s publications can be read on the Web at: http://www.halpaus.net some past issues of T.F.S. can be viewed on the web site for the Grand Lodge of Minnesota at: http://www.mn-masons.org
With “Brotherly Love”,
Ed Halpaus
Grand Lodge Education Officer
“Always two there are, a master and an apprentice.” Yoda
[i] Masonic Book Club P.O. Box 1563 Bloomington, IL 61702-1563 - $20. annual dues Robin Carr Secretary rlcarr1@msn.com 309-452-4769
[ii] New Century Dictionary
[iii] Masonic Concordance of the Holy Bible
[iv] Ibid
[v] Cornerstone Ceremony – Masonic Manual of Minnesota
[vi] Interpreter’s One-Volume Commentary
[vii] Masonic Concordance of the Holy Bible
[viii] Ibid
[ix] Ibid
[x] Ibid
[xi] Ibid
Three, five, and seven
3 5 7
By Ed Halpaus, Grand Lodge Education Officer.
Number 117 – February 20, 2008
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.
“All men have their frailties, and whoever looks for a friend without imperfections will never find what he seeks.”’ Cyrus the Elder
A fine Mason I am associated with, (the Master of my Lodge,) refers to the Book of Constitutions, which is better known as ‘the Masonic Code,’ in our jurisdiction, as the Code of Conduct: (His choice of words for the Code caused me to think, and I’m glad they did; thanks Worshipful.) On reflection it is an apt name to use because the Masonic Code certainly contains information a Mason should become familiar with, and those who have will attest that there is valuable information in it that will direct a Mason to proper action: A Code of Conduct.
Another part of Freemasonry that could be referred to as a Code of Conduct would be our degrees. The degrees I am primarily referring to are the three degrees of the Blue Lodge, but all the degrees of Freemasonry, (i.e. the Scottish and York Rite degrees,) are also lessons in proper conduct for a Freemason. For those who may not be aware; the degrees of the Rites are all built (more information, if you will) on the degrees of the Blue Lodge. It is important to study the three degrees of the Blue Lodge, but it is also important to become familiar with and study the other degrees, (of the Rites,) as well. Masonic Study is truly a productive hobby that will last and be enjoyable for a Mason’s entire lifetime.
The way to study a degree is to take a part of it and learn about all the symbolism and the meaning of any allegory that is contained in that part; doing it this way is much more interesting and effective that trying to learn about the entire degree, and if it is done in, and by, parts of the degree, before you know it you will have studied and learned a great deal about the entire degree. Studying Freemasonry can be done in small amounts of time when the time is available. I began to study in this way was when I was put into a position in my company where I needed to do some traveling: Business travel might seem exciting to some younger men, but I’m here to tell you that is isn’t all that much fun being away from your family to be somewhere to do a job. Spending time in a hotel or motel, no matter how nice it is, does not compare to being in your own home with your family close at hand. After my first day and night of business travel, with hotel/motel life, which consisted of constant business, a strait back chair, a desk, and a TV; I learned I needed something better to do with my small amount of free time. I went out to my car and got my Masonic Bible, luckily I had the habit of always having it in my car, also luckily since I was going to be on the road for a while I had also tossed a Masonic book into the car, ‘just in case.’ Sharon always kids me about how I pack for any emergency. This is how and when I began to become a Masonic Student; I found I really loved studying Freemasonry and I still do.
I have always maintained that the first place to go and look for the lessons of Freemasonry is in our degree work, that doesn’t mean one needs to become a ritualist; you can learn about the degrees of Masonry without becoming expert at the memorization of them.
When it comes to a Code of Conduct one of the best places in ritual to look is at the Ashlars, especially the Perfect Ashlar. Most of us, when we go into our Lodge Rooms, don’t seem to pay much attention to the Ashlars, much less ponder about them. Thankfully some Masons have, and we can learn from them. One such Mason is our late Brother Charles C. Hunt, who was the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Iowa from 1924 to 1945; he was also quite a Masonic scholar, many Masons are familiar with his work. One of the books he wrote/edited is the Masonic Concordance of the Holy Bible: this book was reprinted in 1984 by the Masonic Book Club; this is a good book club to be a member of.[i]
Another good book to have is a good dictionary; you can find information on the Ashlars in a dictionary; not the perfect and rough as such, but ashlars, and if you read in a Masonic book about the Perfect Ashlar you’ll find another name for it is - Perpend Ashlar, and Perpend is in the dictionary:[ii] “Perpend: In Masonry, a large stone passing through the entire thickness of a wall so as to show on both sides, and forming a bonder.” Brother Hunt tells us that the word ‘Perfect’ is not used in the early Masonic lectures, as it is today, but that the word ‘Perpend’ is, so the Perpend Ashlar is worth knowing about. Since it is a binding stone the Operative Mason needs to know the nature of the building and the wall it is to be placed in, so he can prepare it properly;[iii] i.e. all the exposed surfaces need to be finished properly and the stone needs to be plumb, square, and level.
Speaking of the Ashlar and Operative Masonry I remember the first time I heard part of a talk on it from a Grand Lodge line officer years ago when he mentioned that Speculative Masonry, like Operative Masonry, cannot make a Perfect Ashlar out of an imperfect specimen: Speculative Masonry admits only good men; just as the Operative Mason will work only with good stone; flawed material cannot be made perfect. ‘A rough stone can be made smooth, but it must be capable of taking the polish or the work will be in vain.’[iv] Making a stone perfect, much like perfecting a man, or carving a statue, is not done by adding something; it is done by taking away: Removing the superfluous, brings out what is within and thus is found what is closer to perfection; this takes time and patience. Mentoring a Masonic Brother takes our time and patience too.
I don’t know if you’ve attended many Masonic Cornerstone Ceremonies. When we’re attending one it’s easy to just enjoy it, but it does pay to learn about it. When we think about it, and what we are told in the degree about the Perfect Ashlar, we will recall that the ‘Perfect’ is made ready by the hands of the workman to be adjusted by the tools of the Fellowcraft. The cornerstone ceremony is partly to verify that the stone has been prepared properly. In fact, one of the lines repeated by the Masons in the positions of the Grand Senior Warden, Grand Junior Warden, and the Deputy Grand Master, when they make their report to the Grand Master[v] regarding the stone and the tools they have and use on the stone, (the Level, Plumb, and Square, respectively,) say: “The Craftsmen have done their duty.” It is after the cornerstone ceremony is completed that the Perfect Ashlar is symbolically and sometimes actually, placed in the corner. Brother Hunt says that it is when the Perpend Ashlar is finally made ready to be placed in the building that it gains the name of the ‘Perfect Ashlar.’
A Bible reference to the Perfect Ashlar as a Cornerstone can be found in the different translations of the Holy Bible; of the translations I have the one I like better is found in the New King James version where in Isaiah 28:16 it says: “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.” The verse that follows says in part: “Also I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plummet;” etc. The rest of that verse and the rest that follow are worth reading as well. One Bible commentary tells us that one of the meanings of Isaiah 28:14-22 is that a man of faith will not be alarmed and that God will test men’s response by the standard of justice and righteousness.[vi] Brother Hunt, Masonically, describes this passage of scripture in this way: “The plumb, square and level try it; the working tools fashion it; the checkered pavement illustrates it; the Great Architect calls for it. When the craft has fashioned it, it is complete, perfect.” Now that description gives the Masonic Student much to study, and think about.
To understand the Masonic symbolism of the Perfect Ashlar we need to keep in mind the original term as it came to the Speculative from the Operative; the Perpend Ashlar becomes Perfect “only because it is completely adapted to its purpose, namely to exactly fit into [its] place in the building and act as a binder for the other stones.”[vii] To become perfect it must posses certain attributes and “through these attributes we are reminded ‘of that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive by a virtuous education, our own endeavors, and the blessing of God.”[viii]
The Perfect Ashlar since it extends through the wall has two faces exposed, and both need to be perfect: “It does not have one standard for the world and another for the home.” This symbolically teaches the Mason that our same ‘fair face’ with our same ‘square and true’ attitude and actions is presented in all areas of our life; our home, our work and business life, as well as to the rest of the world. The lesson of the Perfect Ashlar teaches us that ‘we should not have one code of conduct (morals) for one place and another for another.’[ix]
The symbols of Freemasonry are tools by which we can learn as we, with the help of our brethren, strive to become better men than before we entered the Lodge for our first degree; by becoming the better men we are capable of becoming we help to fulfill the purpose of Freemasonry. The purpose of Freemasonry is striving towards perfection so that we can fit our bodies as living stones for that spiritual building not made with hands eternal in the heavens, ‘which is to be our eternal home.’[x]
As Brother Hunt says: “we are concerned with our Brother’s welfare as well as our own, and only when we perform this function well can it be said that our work is good work, true work, square work.”[xi] Being concerned about our Brethren we should be mentoring each other. I think that is what Brother Hunt is talking about when he says that ‘only when we perform this function well can it be said our work is then good, true, and square.
“A man would do nothing, if he waited until he could do it so well that no one at all would find fault with what he has done.” Cardinal Newman
From the Great Light of Masonry: “From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler.” Zechariah 10:4 NIV
Lapis philosophorum = [Latin] = The Philosopher’s stone.
“When a man imagines, even after years of striving, that he has attained perfection, his decline begins.” Theodore Martin
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 www.mn-masons.org under Masonic Monday Q&A When you have an answer send it to masonicmonday@gmail.com the Masonic Monday question for the week of 02/18/08 is: "When was the use of gloves by Masons confirmed by documentary evidence?"
More Light – Mehr Licht ©, Masonic Matters © and T.F.S. ©, are sent out by Email 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 erhmasonic@gmail.com with Subscribe in the subject line and you will be added to the list to receive the publications.
Some past issues of Ed’s publications can be read on the Web at: http://www.halpaus.net some past issues of T.F.S. can be viewed on the web site for the Grand Lodge of Minnesota at: http://www.mn-masons.org
With “Brotherly Love”,
Ed Halpaus
Grand Lodge Education Officer
“Always two there are, a master and an apprentice.” Yoda
[i] Masonic Book Club P.O. Box 1563 Bloomington, IL 61702-1563 - $20. annual dues Robin Carr Secretary rlcarr1@msn.com 309-452-4769
[ii] New Century Dictionary
[iii] Masonic Concordance of the Holy Bible
[iv] Ibid
[v] Cornerstone Ceremony – Masonic Manual of Minnesota
[vi] Interpreter’s One-Volume Commentary
[vii] Masonic Concordance of the Holy Bible
[viii] Ibid
[ix] Ibid
[x] Ibid
[xi] Ibid
Labels: Mentoring