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The Modern Cowan

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By Floren L. Quick

In Scotland, the operative Mason knew cowans to be ignorant builders who put stones together without mortar. They piled rough fieldstones into a wall without hewing them true, or squaring them. They masqueraded as Masters, but they did not have the Word.

Now and again, today - fortunately not too often - we find a modern equivalent of the operative imposter. One such is the Mason who manages a place in an officer's line with little or no effect of his own to deserve it. With only that exertion that is necessary to maintain his place, he continues to advance in line until he receives the jewels and honours that he prizes so highly. But he does not know the Constitution, and he does not understand the traditions and dignity of the Craft. As a presiding officer, his vocal ability is more noteworthy than his executive ability; and when his term is ended, he is seldom seen until another honour or prize appears to be within his grasp.

He is a contemporary builder who works without the benefit of the mortar of real enthusiasm or accomplishments. His structure is liken unto the rough stone wall, having little beauty of value. He is the cowans of modern speculative Masonry.

He is to be pitied, for he is a Masonic failure. His honours are shallow. Bringing no interest to his position, he received little of the satisfaction and respect that belong to the real Master.

Masonry has failed to reach him with a clear understanding of those marks of true devotion which she has to offer. He never knows the opportunities that the Craft makes available to those who diligently seek them. He misses the opportunities that the Craft makes available to strive for a just and worthy cause. He misses the opportunity for continuing fellowship and friendship. He misses the opportunity for loyalty and devotion. He misses the opportunity for development of his executive, intellectual and oratorical abilities. And most of all, he misses the opportunity for service - to God - to his community - and to his fellow man.

These are the jewels that Masonry has to offer, but in his quest for position and honours, the modern cowan misses them. Like the operative cowan, he does not have the Word.

-reprinted from the Masonic Shimbun in the GLBC Bulletin, Nov. '79
 

mrpierce17

KOP Council director / Lodge instructor
Premium Member
View attachment 5270

By Floren L. Quick

In Scotland, the operative Mason knew cowans to be ignorant builders who put stones together without mortar. They piled rough fieldstones into a wall without hewing them true, or squaring them. They masqueraded as Masters, but they did not have the Word.

Now and again, today - fortunately not too often - we find a modern equivalent of the operative imposter. One such is the Mason who manages a place in an officer's line with little or no effect of his own to deserve it. With only that exertion that is necessary to maintain his place, he continues to advance in line until he receives the jewels and honours that he prizes so highly. But he does not know the Constitution, and he does not understand the traditions and dignity of the Craft. As a presiding officer, his vocal ability is more noteworthy than his executive ability; and when his term is ended, he is seldom seen until another honour or prize appears to be within his grasp.

He is a contemporary builder who works without the benefit of the mortar of real enthusiasm or accomplishments. His structure is liken unto the rough stone wall, having little beauty of value. He is the cowans of modern speculative Masonry.

He is to be pitied, for he is a Masonic failure. His honours are shallow. Bringing no interest to his position, he received little of the satisfaction and respect that belong to the real Master.

Masonry has failed to reach him with a clear understanding of those marks of true devotion which she has to offer. He never knows the opportunities that the Craft makes available to those who diligently seek them. He misses the opportunities that the Craft makes available to strive for a just and worthy cause. He misses the opportunity for continuing fellowship and friendship. He misses the opportunity for loyalty and devotion. He misses the opportunity for development of his executive, intellectual and oratorical abilities. And most of all, he misses the opportunity for service - to God - to his community - and to his fellow man.

These are the jewels that Masonry has to offer, but in his quest for position and honours, the modern cowan misses them. Like the operative cowan, he does not have the Word.

-reprinted from the Masonic Shimbun in the GLBC Bulletin, Nov. '79

I like that
 

Bloke

Premium Member
I once asked that in lodge: I see brotherly love and I see relief, but where should I look to see truth.

There was silence.
It's one of the harder questions freemasonry offers, but ultimately i try to put my trust in the gaotu
 

Bloke

Premium Member
I once asked that in lodge: I see brotherly love and I see relief, but where should I look to see truth.

There was silence.
But on a more elementary level, I would have pointed to the VSL, working tools and finally the G hanging from the ceiling and the truth of geometry......
 
R

Ressam

Guest
I once asked that in lodge: I see brotherly love and I see relief, but where should I look to see truth.

There was silence.

Greetings, Mr.James!
It's all about outlook.
The Essence Of Humans.
Positive or Negative.
Good or Evil.
Inside.
Optimism or Pessimism.
To Be or Not To Be.
 
R

Ressam

Guest
Truth does not need to be discovered. It's just existing & just need to be understood.
Truth is something - That Independent from Human Desires. It gives us not that what we want, but, what we need. Truth is - The GAOTU's Plan. Towards Humanity. We must fullfill The Universe. Transfigure The Material World. By The Immortal Souls.
But, firstly -- satan(don't confuse with Lucifer, The Extraterrestrial Civilization Boss) must dissappear.
After that -- Doors to The Universe will be Opened to Humanity.
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
I hear you Brother, but then I always remind myself; " brotherly love, relief, and truth "....
But outside the confines of lodge?

Perhaps I've just found the complaints tiresome, and wish to hear of the joy of Freemasonry.
 
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