By: Bro. J. McKay; Oyen Lodge, No. 104;
Adapted for use in this format by V.W. Bro, Norman McEvoy
No man can draw a free breath who does not share with other men a common and worthwhile ideal.
Life has taught us that love does not consist of gazing at each other, But, in looking outward together in the same direction.
There is no comradeship except through union in the same high effort.
One of the first necessities to bring about this union is leadership, and contrary to the old saying that leaders are born, the art of leading can be taught &/or developed.
The qualities or characteristics necessary are, First of all is confidence in one’s self.
If a leader, does not believe in himself, it is quite probable that no one else will.
There must be teaching, experience, and skill in his development.
The next requirement is energy, a leader must be willing to do everything he asks of his followers, and even more.
Following these he must have a firm unshakeable faith in the principles, he stands for, and in the Masonry we have in place.
Those principles are beyond any doubt, worthy of that faith.
One of the first principles in Masonry is faith in one Supreme
Being, faith in the teachings of the V.O.S.L. from which is derived the tenets and precepts of our Order.
Following faith we have love, love of our fellowman regardless of race, colour, creed, or station.
I am sure all will agree that this principle is not practiced to the extent that it could and should be in the world today, but, were it is practiced to its fullest, all the bickering, squalor, and misery will soon disappear.
In a lodge a man need no longer be a stranger, he finds that there are other men, who, like himself, are eager to establish friendships, engage in social intercourse, and pool the resources of all for the needs of each.
The fraternal tie redeems a man from loneliness and a sense of helplessness.
In the fraternal circle is the warmth and security which every man needs.
Brotherly love is the substitution of a friend for a previous stranger, it is a spirit that circles around a man and adds the comforts and securities of love.
When a worthy Brother in distress is aided, it is not as a pauper, but the kindly assistance which one neighbour/brother is always glad to extend to another.
Masonic charity is strong, kind, and tender, and not charity as seen to be in some narrow grudging sense of the word.
Friendship, Fraternity, Fellowship, this is the soul of Freemasonry.
The man who understands that brotherhood is one form of wisdom, and that
it is necessary in the world today, will not be troubled by sentimentalism.
Neither will he permit a few accidental private experiences to sour him of all brotherly love ; striving & assistance.
It may be that my neighbour and I, have personal natures that are entirely different, and what I may admire he detests, & what I love he hates & my vocation is one that is opposed to his interests. We cannot hold social intercourse because we have too many differences. Such a matter has nothing to do with brotherhood.
Brotherhood does not demand that we privately like people who are obnoxious to us, or that others should like us even though they find our company distasteful.
Such things are of one’s intimate likes and dislikes and speak to private friendship, rather than brotherhood.
If I cannot like, this neighbour of mine, I can still be a brother to him.
I can give him exact justice in all my dealings with him.
I can refuse to do evil to him, or speak evil of him,
I can always maintain an attitude of good will to him,
I can wish for him good fortune and happiness.
I can stand ready to help him to the fullness of life so far as circumstances
make that possible, and I can always refuse to place any obstacles in his way.
I can differ as one man to another, honestly and openly, without argument.
Such an attitude is the brotherly spirit, and it can flourish when private friendship
is not possible.
Comment
It is quite common to find Masonic papers which speak to the fellowship of one brother to
another, and so, when I discovered this paper which deals with everyone, I felt that it could act as an education paper for each of us to open, absorb, and apply as and where we see the need.
Have a Wonderful Day & God Bless
Norm