One friend and brother told me, "There are things old men need to teach young men, including the rules for living." There is a website that's been around a long time called The Art of Manliness. Here is a link https://www.artofmanliness.com/
Thanks for providing that link, it is indeed a good website. Through the years the Lodge in my little City has developed discussions/programs based on things there from time to time. It is, I think, an excellent resource.
Interesting, thank you for this. I agree, empathy is important to this discussion, and the good man.
I hadn't however thought about it when I wrote this post. Off the top of my head, I don't recall it from our rituals, but I could well be missing something.
Do you find it there?
How can we teach empathy to new Masons?
I'm eager to hear your thoughts on this if you would like to share them.
I do find it in our rituals, as I believe that it is at the heart of both brotherly love and relief. In my jurisdiction, we aim to teach empathy at a very high level with the rite of destitution, where we put the candidate in a situation and admonish them to remember how it feels if they encounter another person in a similar position. I think we continue to educate new Masons and even old Masons with our expressions of brotherly love and exercise of relief on a daily basis if we're truly living Masonic lives.
I think you are right, the Rite of Destitution can communicate this in a really impactful way. If it is performed in such a way as to give it meaning, and not just rushed/mumbled through.
We talked recently on Rummer & Grapes about a couple of different ways that it can be made more impactful, one that would require a change to our Standard Work here in Washington, and one that does not.
The one that would need a formal change is being pursued by some Masons here, I don't know if they will find success or not. I also don't know if the change they suggest has already been incorporated into the ritual of some other Jurisdictions. I believe that I've heard of it being practiced elsewhere before.
I love this discussion. If we are to be any thing, be a father architype according to Jung. It represents authority, intellect, and will. It often seen as a protector and provider. Children need to see these traits as a positive thing.
I agree, 100%. I think that we are all called to fatherhood. Most of us through the natural process, but even those who do not have children. The old man leading and mentoring the young man. The wise man imparting his wisdom to a group. &c.
But, I don't think that men in general are doing a good job modeling this at all in today's world. A couple of examples:
A man I've known for quite a few years now, and whom I know to in his daily life to be what I could consider to be a good man, has through the years, hinted to me that he'd like to become a Mason. I've never invited him to any of our activities, or introduced him to the Masons in my City. Because I know that he has a child that he abandoned as an infant, I know his reasons for doing so and they are ridiculously absurd reasons. (He didn't like the mother anymore.) That, to my mind, completely negates the entire 'good man' thing, and overshadows everything else.
Very recently I was sitting in fellowship following a Masonic meeting with a small number of Brothers. A Brother, late middle age, long single, was bragging about the number of his sexual conquests, and the fact that he doesn't know if he has additional children out in the world. Normally I would just chalk this up to immature locker room talk, but in this case I could not because a few years ago he actually found a one of his children, a child whom he had no idea existed.
It is deeply disturbing to me that our society has reached a point that a man would see it as a good thing to be bragged about that he knows not how many children he may have fathered.
Agreed "That, to my mind, completely negates the entire 'good man' thing, and overshadows everything else." "t is deeply disturbing to me that our society has reached a point that a man would see it as a good thing to be bragged about that he knows not how many children he may have fathered."
Hearing some one speak of this it makes me think they have the mentality of the child. Voicing some thing like this to people around you is looking for affirmation of your own self worth at the expense of your character. Feeling the need to boast this, likely fills a hole in his on self image. Its narcissistic, and perhaps an exhibit of psychopathy if it was genuine. "A Brother, late middle age, long single, was bragging about the number of his sexual conquests"
At the expense of others "found a one of his children, a child whom he had no idea existed."
I'm not, and have never been, a sexual prude. What people do in their own bedrooms is no concern of mine.
But, I think that sexual activity is tied to responsibilities. I'd argue that we have a responsibility to ensure that it is a good and enjoyable experience for our partner. I'd argue that we don't leave our partner to feel cheap or used.
Most importantly though, I'd argue that we have really profound and life altering responsibilities if sex results in the creation of life. I can not fathom walking away from a child, nor can I fathom not knowing that I had a child.
I do agree that this sort of boasting is done to fill a hole, to puff up the ego. But, it is boasting for adolescent boys in locker rooms, trying to prove their manliness, not for middle aged men in Masonic Lodges. In that context it doesn't prove manliness, it just makes one look like a dirt bag.
In my travel through adulthood though, I have come to know a number of men who seem to get 'stuck' at a certain point of emotional development, no matter how much their bodies age. I knew one fellow, pretty darn well, who was elderly, but clearly had the emotional development, and emotional control of a teenager. He was the most extreme I'd ever seen to be 'stuck' like this, but not the only one.
True. I know a lot of them as well. I see a lot of them in the news, on TV, tik tok especially and especially those constantly seeking validation everywhere.
My favorite part of our closing ritual is the Closing Charge, and I think it says just about everything that one should do to become a positive role model. Be diligent, prudent, temperate, and discrete. Provide assistance to those who need it. Do good unto all. Live in peace.
Maybe this makes one a positive role model. Regardless of whether or not I'm a good role model I try to abide by this charge every day. I wish everyone did.
I too love our closing charge and find it a really powerful exhortation for us to live rightly.
I know a Mason or two who have decided to recite it when asked "What's Freemasonry?" instead of trying to develop an elevator speech of their own. You are certainly right, if everyone lived by it, we would have a much different, and better world.
Masonically, what is character? The best example I would point towards is the well known symbol of Jacob's Ladder. Here, it can be undertood that a persons character is in the name. Jacob is a name meaning "heal grabber." Where as 'Israel', his new title comes from the root words "Sarah" and "El". Sarah- Meaning to prevail, contend, strive, and persist. El- meaning mighty, leader, God, power. Specifically Jacob contended against men and Elohim (pluaral; gods) and prevailed. [Gen 32:28] There's a lot to unpack here with this story, much which has gone unknown or misunderstood, until one thinks about what the words are conveying.
For further reference another structure was built to reach the heavens, by Nimrod. The rebel against YHWH, and first Grand Master of Masons. Again, a lot to unpack, and perhaps unsettling viewpoint for some?
Thank you for this Brother. I've long found Jacob's Ladder, as portrayed in our ritual, to be a really meaningful symbol for myself. Directing my mind to what I feel is a good way of contemplating the afterlife (and the beforelife, if that makes sense.) But, I had not considered the personal names and their meanings. I look forward to exploring it further now!
"What are the most important characteristics that a good man should or must possess?"
OK, I'll take a crack at this:
Honor. A somewhat outmoded concept in the world today. As a trait, the modern dictionary defines it as " adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct." I think that misses the mark, and I prefer an older definition. Honor is not just "doing what is right," because "what is right" is a slippery thing these days. It's more complex than that. It consists of several facets in no particular order:
Integrity, meaning your word is your bond. You do not commit or promise anything you can't deliver, and if somehow you fail to deliver by no fault of your own, or by unforeseen events, you explain immediately and make it right.
Fair play, you do not seek unfair advantage, you play by the rules. This does not mean you don't play to win, of course you do. (I'm going to use a fencing analogy here, because it's easy) It means if your opponent hits a wet spot on the ground and falls, you stand back and let him get up to continue the fight, instead of rushing over and sticking your sword in his guts. Of course, in an actual survival of yourself or your people situation, this rule slides a bit... If your opponent decides that the rules allow an action, well, he made the tune, dance to it, but don't be the first one to change "the rules."
Charity, you help the helpless, assist the fallen, and aid those less fortunate than yourself.
Veracity, simply, you tell the truth, even if it hurts you.
Humility, In social settings, you treat those of lower status as your equals, and your equals as your superiors. You do not brag, or boast, you ensure credit is given to those who deserve it. (You pay the craft their wages, if ought be due.)
You hold others to the standard that you expect of yourself, and assist them in making that standard.
You will do what ever is needed to assist a friend, if it be within your cable tow. This can be anything from giving someone a ride, because they called and their car broke down, to coming over and helping rebuild a house. That whole "if the likelihood of saving their life is greater" piece.
If you can't help, you help find someone who can.
You do not speak words to someone's back that you do not speak to their face, and you attempt to correct problems and issues with the principal before going over their heads, or starting a war.
You avoid wrath, and all of the other "deadly sins." No matter what your faith (and I speak as a non Christian) they're a good ruler to measure by.
You won't always live up to all of this, but this should be your goal, and when you fall short, you should examine why, and rededicate yourself to the goal. Do this, and all else will fall into place.
Thank you very much for this Brother. I really appreciate it, and must agree with every characteristic you have explained here.
Certainly we all, most especially me, fail to live up to these standards from time to time, but by as you say, holding them as a goal, we will continue to strive and grow.
>>>You hold others to the standard that you expect of yourself, and assist them in making >>>that standard.
I do fear that while our ritual really plainly called upon us to do this, I'm not sure that Freemasonry as a whole is very good at actually doing it. It is calling out for improvement in our Craft, I think. Maybe we worry about being tolerant so much that we end up tolerating that which should not be tolerated.
You mention that the word "Honor" doesn't really have the same understanding now as it had in the past, and I certainly agree with that. The watering down of our language is certainly a negative in our society today. It seems like more and more words are made to mean things different from what they meant when I was a younger man.
Yes, you're absolutely right, and it's our job to fight that. I'm not saying we'll win, but the boys at this little place called the Misión San Antonio de Valero didn't win either... They did fight the good fight, and their fight enabled the ultimate victory, as have many other 'last stands' over the centuries. The Gods do not promise victory, but they demand that you fight for the right as you see it. We can do no more, we should desire no less.
>>>The Gods do not promise victory, but they demand that you fight for the right as >>>you see it.
Excellent sentiment, thank you Brother!
I sometimes wonder if my little granddaughters will grow up into a world where they don't have the opportunities that I had when I was a young adult. It's sad to contemplate, but I often presume that they will not, unless our society makes a really quick U-Turn.
But, I think we can take comfort in the knowledge that we fought, as we were able, against the intellectual barbarians attacking all that is good and right in our world today. As you point out, we might not win, but at least we can look those who come after us in the eye.
"Directing my mind" Funny you said that. The place Jacob was in, was called Peniel. Incidentally the singular gland in the center of the mind is called the Pineal. Some refere to this as the obsever, mystical gateway,and the third eye. This gland is regulated by both darkness and light.
I clearly don't know the biblical story as well as I should, particularly given the meaning I find in the symbol as explained in our ritual. I can see that I have much studying to do!
The thing I love about stories is the purity of example that can be created textually. Though I can only think of one book that claims the story of a life perfectly lived. I think stories can enable us to create idealized role models that can inspire us to overcome our circumstances. Though they sometimes shy away from the darker elements of the story that are required for meaningful growth.
The role models that we see promoted today are drastically different than my childhood, and I imagine this is a cyclical thing experienced by any that live long enough and care enough to look. I think we are starting to see the rising echoes of demand for a world of purpose and opportunity, and an increase in those rising to meet it.
I think that the challenge is having to learn that real life heroes and role models are human at the end of the day. Additionally, learning that our own actions, or lack thereof, can impact those around us as well. That we all have our mantles to bear with their benefits and responsibilities. Much like the emblem of our Craft that we all share and respect, agreeing to maintain it in its pristine condition as it was presented.
We often become what we needed to survive in life, if we can but rise above the conditions of our circumstances, only then can we can create better.
I think the consideration of how to select a mentor, and the effect it can have in our lives, is something that should be a more consistent talking point. Given that the tradition of our Craft is from mouth to ear, the expectation seems to me that we should find, or become, the best example capable of presenting that message for our future and present Brethren possible.
If we regularly consider our position in relation to the circle of company that we keep, I imagine we would find it difficult to materially error in the selection of a mentor or establishing one’s self as a model for others to emulate.
Really great topics of discussion MWB Bailey, I look forward to more of your writings.
You're right of course, stories can be a wonderful medium in which to find characteristics which should be adopted. I hadn't considered that before you mentioned it though, so thank you very much!
As for Mentors within our Craft, I tend to think that (for me anyway) mentoring a new Mason is the most fulfilling thing we can do within Freemasonry. The time's I've done it stand out among my fondest Masonic memories.
And of course it works in the other direction as well. If we mentor a new Mason well, we have a really good chance of making a Mason for life. If we fail to do so, he will slowly fade away from the Lodge in almost every case.
That's why I think that Worshipful Masters need to put a good deal of thought into whom they will appoint as Mentors, making that decision prior to conferring a Degree, and then make an immediate connection between the Mentor and the new Mason just as soon as the degree is finished.
I still remember the Scout Law well, even after all these decades. The song that started out "Baden Powell, our great chief, for whom we give three mighty cheers..." as well!
One friend and brother told me, "There are things old men need to teach young men, including the rules for living." There is a website that's been around a long time called The Art of Manliness. Here is a link https://www.artofmanliness.com/
Thanks for providing that link, it is indeed a good website. Through the years the Lodge in my little City has developed discussions/programs based on things there from time to time. It is, I think, an excellent resource.
From what I recall, I think Brett McKay, who runs that site, is a Freemason.
Cool! I didn't know that.
"What are the most important characteristics that a good man should or must possess?"
As it is with humanity in general, it all starts with empathy.
Interesting, thank you for this. I agree, empathy is important to this discussion, and the good man.
I hadn't however thought about it when I wrote this post. Off the top of my head, I don't recall it from our rituals, but I could well be missing something.
Do you find it there?
How can we teach empathy to new Masons?
I'm eager to hear your thoughts on this if you would like to share them.
I do find it in our rituals, as I believe that it is at the heart of both brotherly love and relief. In my jurisdiction, we aim to teach empathy at a very high level with the rite of destitution, where we put the candidate in a situation and admonish them to remember how it feels if they encounter another person in a similar position. I think we continue to educate new Masons and even old Masons with our expressions of brotherly love and exercise of relief on a daily basis if we're truly living Masonic lives.
Thank you for this follow-up, I appreciate it.
I think you are right, the Rite of Destitution can communicate this in a really impactful way. If it is performed in such a way as to give it meaning, and not just rushed/mumbled through.
We talked recently on Rummer & Grapes about a couple of different ways that it can be made more impactful, one that would require a change to our Standard Work here in Washington, and one that does not.
The one that would need a formal change is being pursued by some Masons here, I don't know if they will find success or not. I also don't know if the change they suggest has already been incorporated into the ritual of some other Jurisdictions. I believe that I've heard of it being practiced elsewhere before.
I love this discussion. If we are to be any thing, be a father architype according to Jung. It represents authority, intellect, and will. It often seen as a protector and provider. Children need to see these traits as a positive thing.
I agree, 100%. I think that we are all called to fatherhood. Most of us through the natural process, but even those who do not have children. The old man leading and mentoring the young man. The wise man imparting his wisdom to a group. &c.
But, I don't think that men in general are doing a good job modeling this at all in today's world. A couple of examples:
A man I've known for quite a few years now, and whom I know to in his daily life to be what I could consider to be a good man, has through the years, hinted to me that he'd like to become a Mason. I've never invited him to any of our activities, or introduced him to the Masons in my City. Because I know that he has a child that he abandoned as an infant, I know his reasons for doing so and they are ridiculously absurd reasons. (He didn't like the mother anymore.) That, to my mind, completely negates the entire 'good man' thing, and overshadows everything else.
Very recently I was sitting in fellowship following a Masonic meeting with a small number of Brothers. A Brother, late middle age, long single, was bragging about the number of his sexual conquests, and the fact that he doesn't know if he has additional children out in the world. Normally I would just chalk this up to immature locker room talk, but in this case I could not because a few years ago he actually found a one of his children, a child whom he had no idea existed.
It is deeply disturbing to me that our society has reached a point that a man would see it as a good thing to be bragged about that he knows not how many children he may have fathered.
Agreed "That, to my mind, completely negates the entire 'good man' thing, and overshadows everything else." "t is deeply disturbing to me that our society has reached a point that a man would see it as a good thing to be bragged about that he knows not how many children he may have fathered."
Hearing some one speak of this it makes me think they have the mentality of the child. Voicing some thing like this to people around you is looking for affirmation of your own self worth at the expense of your character. Feeling the need to boast this, likely fills a hole in his on self image. Its narcissistic, and perhaps an exhibit of psychopathy if it was genuine. "A Brother, late middle age, long single, was bragging about the number of his sexual conquests"
At the expense of others "found a one of his children, a child whom he had no idea existed."
I'm not, and have never been, a sexual prude. What people do in their own bedrooms is no concern of mine.
But, I think that sexual activity is tied to responsibilities. I'd argue that we have a responsibility to ensure that it is a good and enjoyable experience for our partner. I'd argue that we don't leave our partner to feel cheap or used.
Most importantly though, I'd argue that we have really profound and life altering responsibilities if sex results in the creation of life. I can not fathom walking away from a child, nor can I fathom not knowing that I had a child.
I do agree that this sort of boasting is done to fill a hole, to puff up the ego. But, it is boasting for adolescent boys in locker rooms, trying to prove their manliness, not for middle aged men in Masonic Lodges. In that context it doesn't prove manliness, it just makes one look like a dirt bag.
In my travel through adulthood though, I have come to know a number of men who seem to get 'stuck' at a certain point of emotional development, no matter how much their bodies age. I knew one fellow, pretty darn well, who was elderly, but clearly had the emotional development, and emotional control of a teenager. He was the most extreme I'd ever seen to be 'stuck' like this, but not the only one.
True. I know a lot of them as well. I see a lot of them in the news, on TV, tik tok especially and especially those constantly seeking validation everywhere.
My favorite part of our closing ritual is the Closing Charge, and I think it says just about everything that one should do to become a positive role model. Be diligent, prudent, temperate, and discrete. Provide assistance to those who need it. Do good unto all. Live in peace.
Maybe this makes one a positive role model. Regardless of whether or not I'm a good role model I try to abide by this charge every day. I wish everyone did.
I too love our closing charge and find it a really powerful exhortation for us to live rightly.
I know a Mason or two who have decided to recite it when asked "What's Freemasonry?" instead of trying to develop an elevator speech of their own. You are certainly right, if everyone lived by it, we would have a much different, and better world.
Masonically, what is character? The best example I would point towards is the well known symbol of Jacob's Ladder. Here, it can be undertood that a persons character is in the name. Jacob is a name meaning "heal grabber." Where as 'Israel', his new title comes from the root words "Sarah" and "El". Sarah- Meaning to prevail, contend, strive, and persist. El- meaning mighty, leader, God, power. Specifically Jacob contended against men and Elohim (pluaral; gods) and prevailed. [Gen 32:28] There's a lot to unpack here with this story, much which has gone unknown or misunderstood, until one thinks about what the words are conveying.
For further reference another structure was built to reach the heavens, by Nimrod. The rebel against YHWH, and first Grand Master of Masons. Again, a lot to unpack, and perhaps unsettling viewpoint for some?
Thank you for this Brother. I've long found Jacob's Ladder, as portrayed in our ritual, to be a really meaningful symbol for myself. Directing my mind to what I feel is a good way of contemplating the afterlife (and the beforelife, if that makes sense.) But, I had not considered the personal names and their meanings. I look forward to exploring it further now!
"What are the most important characteristics that a good man should or must possess?"
OK, I'll take a crack at this:
Honor. A somewhat outmoded concept in the world today. As a trait, the modern dictionary defines it as " adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct." I think that misses the mark, and I prefer an older definition. Honor is not just "doing what is right," because "what is right" is a slippery thing these days. It's more complex than that. It consists of several facets in no particular order:
Integrity, meaning your word is your bond. You do not commit or promise anything you can't deliver, and if somehow you fail to deliver by no fault of your own, or by unforeseen events, you explain immediately and make it right.
Fair play, you do not seek unfair advantage, you play by the rules. This does not mean you don't play to win, of course you do. (I'm going to use a fencing analogy here, because it's easy) It means if your opponent hits a wet spot on the ground and falls, you stand back and let him get up to continue the fight, instead of rushing over and sticking your sword in his guts. Of course, in an actual survival of yourself or your people situation, this rule slides a bit... If your opponent decides that the rules allow an action, well, he made the tune, dance to it, but don't be the first one to change "the rules."
Charity, you help the helpless, assist the fallen, and aid those less fortunate than yourself.
Veracity, simply, you tell the truth, even if it hurts you.
Humility, In social settings, you treat those of lower status as your equals, and your equals as your superiors. You do not brag, or boast, you ensure credit is given to those who deserve it. (You pay the craft their wages, if ought be due.)
You hold others to the standard that you expect of yourself, and assist them in making that standard.
You will do what ever is needed to assist a friend, if it be within your cable tow. This can be anything from giving someone a ride, because they called and their car broke down, to coming over and helping rebuild a house. That whole "if the likelihood of saving their life is greater" piece.
If you can't help, you help find someone who can.
You do not speak words to someone's back that you do not speak to their face, and you attempt to correct problems and issues with the principal before going over their heads, or starting a war.
You avoid wrath, and all of the other "deadly sins." No matter what your faith (and I speak as a non Christian) they're a good ruler to measure by.
You won't always live up to all of this, but this should be your goal, and when you fall short, you should examine why, and rededicate yourself to the goal. Do this, and all else will fall into place.
Thank you very much for this Brother. I really appreciate it, and must agree with every characteristic you have explained here.
Certainly we all, most especially me, fail to live up to these standards from time to time, but by as you say, holding them as a goal, we will continue to strive and grow.
>>>You hold others to the standard that you expect of yourself, and assist them in making >>>that standard.
I do fear that while our ritual really plainly called upon us to do this, I'm not sure that Freemasonry as a whole is very good at actually doing it. It is calling out for improvement in our Craft, I think. Maybe we worry about being tolerant so much that we end up tolerating that which should not be tolerated.
You mention that the word "Honor" doesn't really have the same understanding now as it had in the past, and I certainly agree with that. The watering down of our language is certainly a negative in our society today. It seems like more and more words are made to mean things different from what they meant when I was a younger man.
Yes, you're absolutely right, and it's our job to fight that. I'm not saying we'll win, but the boys at this little place called the Misión San Antonio de Valero didn't win either... They did fight the good fight, and their fight enabled the ultimate victory, as have many other 'last stands' over the centuries. The Gods do not promise victory, but they demand that you fight for the right as you see it. We can do no more, we should desire no less.
>>>The Gods do not promise victory, but they demand that you fight for the right as >>>you see it.
Excellent sentiment, thank you Brother!
I sometimes wonder if my little granddaughters will grow up into a world where they don't have the opportunities that I had when I was a young adult. It's sad to contemplate, but I often presume that they will not, unless our society makes a really quick U-Turn.
But, I think we can take comfort in the knowledge that we fought, as we were able, against the intellectual barbarians attacking all that is good and right in our world today. As you point out, we might not win, but at least we can look those who come after us in the eye.
"Directing my mind" Funny you said that. The place Jacob was in, was called Peniel. Incidentally the singular gland in the center of the mind is called the Pineal. Some refere to this as the obsever, mystical gateway,and the third eye. This gland is regulated by both darkness and light.
I clearly don't know the biblical story as well as I should, particularly given the meaning I find in the symbol as explained in our ritual. I can see that I have much studying to do!
The thing I love about stories is the purity of example that can be created textually. Though I can only think of one book that claims the story of a life perfectly lived. I think stories can enable us to create idealized role models that can inspire us to overcome our circumstances. Though they sometimes shy away from the darker elements of the story that are required for meaningful growth.
The role models that we see promoted today are drastically different than my childhood, and I imagine this is a cyclical thing experienced by any that live long enough and care enough to look. I think we are starting to see the rising echoes of demand for a world of purpose and opportunity, and an increase in those rising to meet it.
I think that the challenge is having to learn that real life heroes and role models are human at the end of the day. Additionally, learning that our own actions, or lack thereof, can impact those around us as well. That we all have our mantles to bear with their benefits and responsibilities. Much like the emblem of our Craft that we all share and respect, agreeing to maintain it in its pristine condition as it was presented.
We often become what we needed to survive in life, if we can but rise above the conditions of our circumstances, only then can we can create better.
I think the consideration of how to select a mentor, and the effect it can have in our lives, is something that should be a more consistent talking point. Given that the tradition of our Craft is from mouth to ear, the expectation seems to me that we should find, or become, the best example capable of presenting that message for our future and present Brethren possible.
If we regularly consider our position in relation to the circle of company that we keep, I imagine we would find it difficult to materially error in the selection of a mentor or establishing one’s self as a model for others to emulate.
Really great topics of discussion MWB Bailey, I look forward to more of your writings.
You're right of course, stories can be a wonderful medium in which to find characteristics which should be adopted. I hadn't considered that before you mentioned it though, so thank you very much!
As for Mentors within our Craft, I tend to think that (for me anyway) mentoring a new Mason is the most fulfilling thing we can do within Freemasonry. The time's I've done it stand out among my fondest Masonic memories.
And of course it works in the other direction as well. If we mentor a new Mason well, we have a really good chance of making a Mason for life. If we fail to do so, he will slowly fade away from the Lodge in almost every case.
That's why I think that Worshipful Masters need to put a good deal of thought into whom they will appoint as Mentors, making that decision prior to conferring a Degree, and then make an immediate connection between the Mentor and the new Mason just as soon as the degree is finished.
MWPGM Bailey, as I've read, Lord Baden Powell helped start Boy Scouts! These words help us remember for what we should strive:
* Trustworthy
* Loyal
* Helpful
* Courteous
* Kind
* Obedient
* Cheerful
* Thrifty
* Brave
* Clean
* Reverent
I still remember the Scout Law well, even after all these decades. The song that started out "Baden Powell, our great chief, for whom we give three mighty cheers..." as well!
Especially * Friendly
Right after 'helpful' if memory serves.