Bro. Gerry Kendle
Registered User
Brothers, I thought I would set up a place where those of us enrolled in the master craftsman program can post our essays for everyones review and enjoyment. Here is my second essay. Quotes are from the Ritual Monitor and Guide.
I have taken another step into a larger world. . . “A man is not fit to commence the ascent toward the heights on which truth sits enthroned without first appreciating and embracing the value of truth itself and of virtue.â€
Duty to my fellow man, my country and humanity as a whole can only be accomplished by using the three great pillars of Wisdom, Strength and Beauty as a strong foundation. The nine great virtues of masonry, Truthfulness, Endurance, Independence, Justice, Mercy, Equity, Silence, Devotion and Attainment are the key to self knowledge. The key can only be turned if the mason has the heart to turn the key. A man who has learned about duty, selflessness and honor has the ability to turn the key but he still needs the desire. When a man has learned that all men are brothers, regardless of race, religion and political ideals then he will have the desire.
I have begun my journey into the world of masonry, a world where equity, justice and respect are commonplace among its members. I have traveled the world far and wide during my life and I have seen many great and wonderful things. I have also seen the horrors of war, the disease of drugs, malice, fear and hatred. From the smile and first steps of a young child to a drug ravaged addict bent on getting their next fix. There is hope for man, but masons need to help with the hand up to help, to gently correct others when is necessary and to always give a pat on the back when it is warranted.
The lessons learned in the Lodge of Perfection are just the beginning. “Knowledge without its application is of little value†- Knowledge of oneself is important. As man gains knowledge, he gains the ability to appreciate his liberty and is able to affect equality to all men.
It is simple. The more knowledge a man seeks, the more self aware he becomes. Aware of his own mortality and the mark he desires to leave on this earth. To be remembered for his accomplishments or forgotten. Man, when self aware, becomes aware of others and when supported by his brothers, finds the best in men and in turn finds the best in himself.
As I read through the degrees, more and more is revealed but it seems for every question answered another question needs asked. In the twelfth degree, in the reception, Wisdom is explained and expounded. Wisdom, Strength and Beauty, to contrive, support and adorn are the very building blocks of a stable society. Most things built by man follow these precepts, sometimes on purpose sometimes not. Everything imagined, built and made attractive follow these precepts sometimes the builder, such as an architect has these principle in mind others such as a child build their first play fort do not. Our job as masons is to help everyone move from a child’s play fort to a mansion built by God.
I have taken another step into a larger world. . . “A man is not fit to commence the ascent toward the heights on which truth sits enthroned without first appreciating and embracing the value of truth itself and of virtue.â€
Duty to my fellow man, my country and humanity as a whole can only be accomplished by using the three great pillars of Wisdom, Strength and Beauty as a strong foundation. The nine great virtues of masonry, Truthfulness, Endurance, Independence, Justice, Mercy, Equity, Silence, Devotion and Attainment are the key to self knowledge. The key can only be turned if the mason has the heart to turn the key. A man who has learned about duty, selflessness and honor has the ability to turn the key but he still needs the desire. When a man has learned that all men are brothers, regardless of race, religion and political ideals then he will have the desire.
I have begun my journey into the world of masonry, a world where equity, justice and respect are commonplace among its members. I have traveled the world far and wide during my life and I have seen many great and wonderful things. I have also seen the horrors of war, the disease of drugs, malice, fear and hatred. From the smile and first steps of a young child to a drug ravaged addict bent on getting their next fix. There is hope for man, but masons need to help with the hand up to help, to gently correct others when is necessary and to always give a pat on the back when it is warranted.
The lessons learned in the Lodge of Perfection are just the beginning. “Knowledge without its application is of little value†- Knowledge of oneself is important. As man gains knowledge, he gains the ability to appreciate his liberty and is able to affect equality to all men.
It is simple. The more knowledge a man seeks, the more self aware he becomes. Aware of his own mortality and the mark he desires to leave on this earth. To be remembered for his accomplishments or forgotten. Man, when self aware, becomes aware of others and when supported by his brothers, finds the best in men and in turn finds the best in himself.
As I read through the degrees, more and more is revealed but it seems for every question answered another question needs asked. In the twelfth degree, in the reception, Wisdom is explained and expounded. Wisdom, Strength and Beauty, to contrive, support and adorn are the very building blocks of a stable society. Most things built by man follow these precepts, sometimes on purpose sometimes not. Everything imagined, built and made attractive follow these precepts sometimes the builder, such as an architect has these principle in mind others such as a child build their first play fort do not. Our job as masons is to help everyone move from a child’s play fort to a mansion built by God.