Wisdom-strength-beauty [editorial]

Title

Language

English

Year

1957

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

WISDOM — STRENGTH — BEAUTY “x x x Ihcre must be wisdom to contrive, strength to support and beauty to adorn x x x.” In the course of our investitures we were informed that the principal supports of King Solomon's Temple were WISDOM, STRENGTH and BEAUTY. They .were so strong that the great edifice erected to his memory has survived the ages and has become convenient for all generations to come. Wisdom and knowledge are two different qualities. While one may know plenty, vet he may not have converted that knowledge into something tangible. The conversion displays wisdom. Man is subject to many laws in his relationship with his fellowmen; so also in his conduct with nature. Those made to regulate his behaviour in his dealing with his kind are flexible while those governing his behaviour with nature — the nature laws — are more or less fixed. The manner we observe and execute iheni helps determine our position in life. Open disregard or indifference may work against us. Il becomes important then to us to observe cautiously the laws — of nature, of men: obedience to them is wisdom demonstrated. Strength is of different kinds. There is strength of the will. There is strength of the muscles. There is strength of character. Among lhe many kinds, the strength of character is most needed to steer one's course in life. We are not counted as men of unsullied integrity simply because the Institution we are in is a venerable one, rather the worthy things we do show the godliness of our Fraternity. Unblemished integrity vouchsafes strength of character. To admire is instinctive of every man. It may be the form, the color, the smell and even the sound of a ceriain object that prompts admiration. Prompting characteristics may reveal the beauty of the object, also, its ills which are repugnant to goad taste. The latter' negates that needed support of life — beauty. Beauty is a eharacteiistic of life essential to its building. There is beauty in rendering assistance October, 1957 Page 123 to the needy, in rejoicing in others’ welfare as there is beauty in the exercise of freedom — of worship, .of speech. When these are sup* pressed, beauty is suppressed; when Masons do things that suppress these essential attributes of Freemasonry, they suppress Freemasonry by themselves. Obedience to the laws of God and men, unsullied integrity, and goodwill and love to our fellowmen demonstrate wisdom, strength and beauty which are the principal supports of the temple of life. — Jose E. Racela. ---------0O0--------BROTHER! YOU ARE BEHIND THAT EMBLEM YOU WEAR Many Craftsmen carry* along Masonic emblems or insignias which may be readily seen on their coat’s lapel, or as necktie clips or on their fingers. There are, however, those who do not put on anything at all. Whatever may prompt a Craftsman to put on one around his body readily reveals his fraternal connections. It may he the simple balls with a cane, square and compass, a diamond studed Shriner’s pin, am elaborate Keystone, or a Scottish Rite ring indicative of the last degree attained. Generally, to the public and fellow-Craftsmen, the individual is a Mason. And because of such adornment in the. absence of adverse circumstances, the wearer is usually taken as trustworthy, judicious, tolerant, charitable and God-fearing. The profane as well who is not familiar with the Fraternity takes him in high esteem. An unsuspecting neighbor is in all sincerity grateful when one comes around to sympathize with his misfortune, compassionate in his miseries and restore that peace of mind, and may yet be amazed when he recognizes that the too willing helping soul is a Mason. It becomes incumbent then upon every feIIow*Craftsmau to be ever mindful of the Charges entrusted to his care that acts committed may not bring disgrace to our Venerable Institution. There is no doubt that Masonry stands above other institutions, yet it is not safe to' assume that because one belongs to it that the member is also above others of his breed. On the other hand, the behaviour of every member should be an index that reveals the prominence of the institution, as1 one goes along in his daily life. Brother! you are behind that emblem von wear. Remember the duties you owe to God and country, the duties you owe to your neighbor as well as the duties you owe to yourself and family. When you join the Fraternity you voluntarily surrender yourself — before, ?veryPage 124 THE CABLETOW

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