With our grand masters...

Title

Creator

Shortlegs, Sonny

Language

English

Year

1957

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

> Utilh OuJt fyiand TYUtiisiAA . . . > Sonny Shortlegs I would call attention to the attitude frequently adopted by certain Masons to criticize and find faults with the other, a bad habit which some of these Brethren have carried to the extreme of speaking ill of others. They forget too easily and often that tolerance is one of the virtues that should adorn the Mason, and that frankness and sincerity towards the Brother are essential to good understanding and harmony. If a Mason cannot say anything good of his Brother, he should at least keep silent. We must whisper good counsel into the ear of our erring Brother and not slander or insult him or speak ill of him. — Quintin Paredes, Grand Master, 1922. Men have entered our fraternity who never should have been allowed to cross our' threshold, and it has been the unpleasant duty of your Grand Master to insist that a number of Lodges start proceedings to oust such members. This is not a pleasant task and, in certain quarters, met with considerable opposition, for it is difficult for some men to adopt corrective measures when a member happens to be a “good fellow.” But it is time the Masonic Fraternity wake up to the fact that no man should be allowed to remain in our organization if he violates our laws and forgets his vows, simply because he happens to be popular. I hold with Grand Master Gianz of Iowa that “Masonry is bigger than any man.” — Frederic Harper Stevens, Grand Master, 1923. Throughout the ages and everwhere, the Royal Art has had a refining influence upon the customs of men, making them remember their common origin and establishing between them bonds of love and mutual agreement. There is not a nation or community in which Masonic societies have flourished that has not been the beneficiary of the salutary influence of our hobitual exercise of benevolence, charity, tolerance and secrecy in word and action. Masonry has been provoked, excommunicated and persecuted in many parts of the world; but has at all times endeavored to keep aloof from religious and political contention and has insisted upon rejecting all that which may cause or provoke discord among men. — Rafael Palma, Grand Master, 1926. Page 130 THE CABLETOW

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