EXCERPT from 1932 GRAND ORATION - MASONIC DOCTRINES OF LUNA, DEL PILAR, AND RIZAL

By: MOST WORSHIPFUL TEODORO M.  KALAW, PGM

There is a body of principles, teachings, and practices which Masons respect and obey as their law of laws, known as the Ancient Landmarks.  Not all agree as to their number, because these precepts have been gathered from the oral and written traditions of our Institution, dating back to its infancy, and some authorities on the history of Freemasonry include in them provisions of a secondary nature which others consider improper to be embodied in a fundamental code.  However, all agree with respect to the essential features, the strictly esoteric part, the pure and genuine tradition, which constitute the most characteristic portion of Freemasonry, being its spirit, its vital essence, its basic law.

If we cast a retrospective look over the years when the indigenous brand of our Fraternity was first established here, the resplendent, majestic figures of three eminent Filipinos present themselves to our view, those of the three local founders of our Institution.  They not only introduced Masonic Lodges, which is merely the material and personal part of the work; but they gave us an interpretation of the Masonic doctrine and established the code of precepts of the Freemason in its most genuine purity and splendor.

Because I am a Freemason . . .

#. . . I believe that freedom of religion is an inalienable human right and tolerance an indispensable trait of human character; therefore, I will stand in my Lodge with Brothers of all faiths, and respect their beliefs as they respect mine, and I will demonstrate the spirit of Brotherhood in all aspects of my life.

#. . . I know that education and the rational use of the mind are the keys to facing the problems of humanity; therefore, I will bring my questions and my ideas to my Lodge, and strive to advance the growth of my mind alongside my Brothers.

#. . . I know that the rich tradition of Freemasonry and its framework of Ritual are important platforms for growth and learning; therefore, I vow to stand upon these platforms to improve myself as a human being, and I vow to help in the mission of the Craft to provide tools, atmosphere, challenges and motivation to help each Brother do the same.

#. . . I know that charity is the distinguishing human virtue, and that personal community service is the best demonstration of one's commitment to humanity; I acknowledge that words without deeds are meaningless, and I vow to work with my Lodge to provide service to the community, and to promote charity, friendship, morality, harmony, integrity, fidelity and love.

#. . . I know that my obligation to community extends beyond my local sphere and is partly fulfilled in my patriotism: love of my country, obedience to its laws and celebration of the freedoms and opportunities it symbolizes.

#. . . I know that leadership is best demonstrated by commitment to serving others; I will therefore participate in, and help work at improving individual leadership skills, and serve the Brothers of my Lodge to the best of my ability.

#. . . I know that friendship, fidelity and family are the foundations of a well-lived life; I therefore vow to be a faithful friend to my Brothers, as I expect my Lodge to respect my personal obligations, and to treat my family as though my family were their own.

#. . . I know that the last great lesson of Freemasonry—the value of personal integrity and the sanctity of one's word—is a lesson for all people in all times; I therefore vow to be a man of my word.

#. . . I know that Masonry's power is best exercised when its Light is shared with the world at large; I therefore vow to bring the best of myself to my Lodge, in order that my growth might be fostered and nurtured, and to present myself to the world as a working Freemason, on the path to building a more perfect temple. Because I am a Freemason, these values and aspirations are guideposts for my progress through life.

THE NORTHERN LIGHT

AUGUST 2007 Volume 38 No. 3 

THE BADGE OF A MASON

by Judge C. Clyde Myers 32 degree

Each and every Mason treasures a white lambskin as a badge to remind him of that purity of life and conduct in which it is necessary for him to live a good and upright life. We wear our emblems and say our Masonic rituals with great éclat, but we too often say them without thought. We do not try to understand what is meant by this or that emblem or pronouncement. We do not worry too much about our privileges and duties as Masons.

It takes a lifetime of thought and study for anyone to know and understand our privileges and duties as Masons and what Masonry means, but I am sure Masonic rights and privileges are not to be interpreted as they were the other day by a litigant in my court.

I was hearing a lawsuit that was quite important to the parties involved. Of course, all lawsuits are important to the parties involved. I finally indicated that my decision would be and actually was against the accused. His attorney later told me what then happened. He said the accused poked his attorney in the back and whispered angrily, “What’s the matter with that damned Judge. I’m a Mason the same as he is, and I’ve been giving him the grand hailing sign of distress for half an hour and he pays no attention to me.”