A Peculiar System Of Morality

Something badly needed in our time

“It is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason; more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle; and, when worthily worn, more honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other Order that could be conferred upon you, at this time, or at any future period, by King, Prince, Potentate, or any other person, except he be a Mason.”

“…but never again by mortal hands, never again until your enfranchised spirit shall have passed upward and inward though the gates of pearl, shall any honor so distinguished, so emblematic of purity and all perfection, be bestowed upon you as this, which I now confer.”

-Monitorial excerpts from the Apron Lecture as contained in the Standard Work of Washington

Castle Rock Masonic Lodge

Those are some mighty strong words that we tell to a man within seconds of his becoming a Freemason.

We tell him that his Masonic Apron is a greater honor than the rarest of knighthoods. That it is of more value than honors dispensed by kings.

In essence, we are telling him that he has become one with the elite of the elite.

But is that true?

I’ll argue that it is true. With a caveat.

A man who has become a Mason must work to accept the moral teachings of Freemasonry into his heart, and strive to live his life according to the high moral standards Masonry teaches. Simply going through the ceremonies is not enough, the teachings of Masonry must be integrated by the Mason into his character and being.

But if they are, and if he lives according to the principles of Masonry, then yes, his Apron becomes exactly what we say it is, and he is one of the very best in our society.

No matter what his position within the profane world might be.

The good Mason, the Bright Mason is to be counted among the very best of men.

For he lives a good and moral life, expanding happiness around himself, and bringing good into our world.

No matter his wealth, occupation, or social standing, he should rightfully hold his head high, understanding that he walks with the best of men.

I’ve been contemplating this over the past few days, ever since we saw the Presidents of Harvard, Penn, and MIT testify before Congress.

These are of course considered to be the most important and elite universities in the world. Their Presidents in turn are supposed to be the very best and brightest, among the most elite individuals on earth.

But these Presidents aren’t. They are each morally bankrupt.

Each of them are spreading rot through the institutions they are supposed to be leading.

They are not worthy of honor.

Assuming that everyone has seen their testimony, I won’t repeat their words here, other than to say that they declared that calling for genocide is not harassment or bullying unless those calls turn into action.

In other words, by their own words, given under oath, it is OK to call for the annihilation of an entire race of people, within a University setting, and it only becomes a problem if one actually begins the process of murdering an entire race of people.

It’s been a few days since this hateful rot was dumped upon the Congress, and one President has already resigned. Hopefully the other two are on their way out the door as well.

But imagine spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for the ‘privilege’ of turning your children over to these immoral monsters in order to further their ‘education.’ For that matter imagine holding a degree from one of these institutions, how badly has it been devalued over the past months?

It may well be that a degree from Harvard will help open doors to wealth and material success, it may result in tremendous opportunities in the profane world. Indeed, one may learn in that place the methods and means of outward success.

But one can not learn morality, or honor, or greatness in an institution led by those who are morally bankrupt. The most mediocre among us.

It is easy to forget that when we die, no one at all will care how much money we had while we were alive.

Do we care that Thomas Jefferson and Winston Churchill both had extreme difficulty keeping their financial heads above water?

No, we remember them for their greatness.

Do we think that any man on his deathbed wishes that he’d made more money?

No, we can properly imagine that he regrets not getting to spend enough time with those he loves.

The committed Mason, who came to the Craft a good man, and who works on himself every day, seeking to become a better man. Though he be an unskilled laborer by trade. Who treats his family and those around him well, who gives what he can to those in need and who strives to make some small difference for good in the world…

Well, he is the elite in our society.

He is the very best of men.

It is he who will be honored by the Grand Architect when the day comes. Not the morally bankrupt who proclaim themselves to be the best of the best. Theirs is but an illusion here on earth, an illusion that will not outlive themselves.

The next time you are in Lodge, take a moment to look around. Truly see the men sitting in that room with you.

Allow yourself to realize that the good men in that room with you truly are the very best men this world has to offer.

Through your own good acts cultivate their good opinion of you. Emulate what you see as praiseworthy in them. Grow together.

Realize that being a good man and true, a man who lives respected and dies regretted is all that is important.

Tie on your Apron, and remember that when worthily worn, it is the very highest honor that can be bestowed upon a man. Of immeasurably more value than anything one could be given from any worldly and corrupt institution.