While rummaging through my CD back-ups, I found a saved web site (http://www.2be1ask1.com/) of the First Masonic District, Grand Lodge of New Jersey, F & AM. Revisiting their virtual library, found the following excerpts:
On Forgiveness: The Act of Forgiveness
By Wor. Dr. Ray Schwartz, Ed.D, Harmony No. 8, Newton, NJ
"Our Masonic degrees have this element of forgiveness in their lectures and in the opening and the closing of our lodge. In a very real sense, forgiveness offers us the opportunity to practice Masonic virtues. We are taught that Charity is a central tenet of Masonry. Forgiveness is a supreme act of Charity because we overlook a brother's action and extend brotherly love to him. When we forgive a brother, we give him the opportunity to renew his oath and his obligations to the brotherhood.
Faith and Hope are also the foundations of our lodge. By forgiving, we demonstrate that we have Faith that our brother, who may have wronged us, will want to rectify his actions. We always have Hope that brotherly love will prevail against all odds."
On Circumscribing Desires: Circumscribe Our Desires
By Wor. Gary L. Worley (from the Trestleboard Collection of Harmony Lodge No. 8)
"Freemasonry teaches us a lot about "circumscribing our desires and keeping our passions within due bounds". We as individuals can very easily become so focused upon one certain topic, that we fail to see what is actually going on around us. Sometimes this focal point, can be something less that admirable. We should count any man braver who overcomes his desires, than he who conquers his enemies, for sometimes the hardest victory is the victory over self. We should attempt to continue with self introspection on an ongoing routine.
Freemasonry has a way of reminding us of this on a regular basis. By congregating with our brothers regularly, we can uplift one another with "friendly counsel" and a sharing of values and enlightenment.
Remember brother, the night we received our third degree marks but the beginning of our journey, not the end."
On Prayers: The Importance of Prayer in Freemasonry
By Melvyn Friendly, PM
"All Masonic degrees and ceremonies invoke prayer and guidance from the "Great Architect of the Universe." Commencing with the earliest Gothic Manuscripts or "Old Charges", the Regius Manuscript of 1390 A.D., all Masonic Lodge activities were begun with a Prayer of Invocation.
Masons consider Prayer the first "benefit" of Freemasonry and Initiates are required to profess a belief in the Creator as the Maker and Sovereign over us all. Masons are taught not to start any enterprise without first invoking the Guidance of Deity. The Initiate is taught that there is no place in Freemasonry for the atheist or agnostic and Belief in deity is a prerequisite to Masonic affiliation.
What is Prayer? It has been described as a Petition or solemn and humble request to God for his Blessing or in Thanksgiving. It is a communication between man and God and the means by which man can coordinate his mind with that of the Universe. It is focused on high moral elements and spiritual energy. It brings together the mind of man and the divine Spirit giving confidence to the suppliant that his petition for Divine Guidance will be granted. It creates reason and logical thinking within the mind of the suppliant..."
"Freemasonry's attitude toward things spiritual is an important part of the fabric of the Fraternity belief in a Supreme Being and in a future life. Masons believe in the reincarnation of the Soul as removed from the mortal body at death. Some even believe in the resurrection of the body at a distant judgment day.
Freemasons are bound by the "eternal truths"contained in the Volume of Sacred Laws, which may not necessarily be Christian Scriptures, and as a Candidate is bound by an obligation taken on such Book. The Sacred Truths contained in the Volume of Sacred Laws govern the rules for his life and conduct.
References in the Rituals of the Masonic Degrees to the omnipotence of Deity impresses upon the Candidates the power of prayer in Masonic work. The restriction on Masons of "refraining from discussion on religious topics" covers the dogmas of religious beliefs, creeds and sects.
The Masonic spirit of toleration dwells on the universality of all religions and espouses only the Love of God as the Father of all mankind and in the brotherhood of all mankind, both Masonic and non-Masonic."
For more Masonic Gems, please visit their website by clicking the main title. There are so many other wonderful articles in their library. To read the full article, please click the highlighted title of each articles.
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