Page 94 - Amo Amass A-muse is some of the fruit of a lifetimes love of Freemasonry - the Lodge of Nine Muses No. 235

94 Amo Amass A-Muse - Lodge of the Nine Muses

In the world outside, an accusation is often laid against Masonry that business favours,
jobs, promotions, etc., are given between Masons because they are Masons. Never defend
or discuss such accusations. I can only say that such is strictly against Masonic Principles.
Any man, of any colour and of any religion, who believes in GOD, who can fend
for himself and has sufficient education is not barred from becoming a Freemason if
properly proposed and balloted for. However, until quite recently, strict, Roman Catholics
through Papal Bulls were forbidden by their Church from becoming Masons. Now, at
last, a Roman Catholic may become a Freemason with the permission of his Bishop, but
Catholic Priests are still barred. Previously, a Brother Officer in my Regiment who was a
Catholic, asked to become a Mason. I discussed this with his Priest who told me that be
regretted his decision but he would not be excommunicated for doing this. I initiated him
and he subsequently became Master of his Lodge. Years afterwards, he wrote to me to say
that he had just resigned all his Lodges, but would always be pleased to visit when asked.
The reason he gave for this action was that Masonry had taught him that he had a higher
duty to his church and therefore he had no choice but to resign. This is not the first time
that this has happened. A famous Grand Master of England in Queen Victoria’s reign, who
was a Catholic, did the same thing.
In politics, or as a public man one had to be very careful. Masonry must never be used
in canvassing and brethren of his Lodge should be most careful not to give him away. We,
as Freemasons, do not proselytise, advertise or in any way persuade men to become one of
us. In my view, it is more important to make better Masons than to make more Masons.
Quality is more important than quantity.
Remember that the youngest in age and the oldest, and also the last made Freemason
and the most senior, are all “Equal” and Brothers under our discipline. Use and contribute to
this wonderful atmosphere but do not abuse it. Nevertheless, in our Ceremonies and in the
administration of the Craft we are proud to have a strict discipline under our Masters and
Officers. Make certain that your salutes are not sloppy. You should be proud to give them.
In the permissive atmosphere of society today, where so much evil is masquerading as
good, our Lodges should be a haven of rest, where we can for a moment relax our vigilance.
May I wish you all most happy career as Freemasons and pray that through its influence
you may be helped “to keep straight on to the end of the road, keep straight on to the end.”
(Harry Lauder, a Scots Mason, whose only son was killed in the War.)

P.J.D. April 1979