New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-07-04
WHO rs A MASTER MASONf

Latitude and longitude on the earth's surface are
measured by degrees minutes and seconds. and
the smaller divisions-the minutes and seconds-are
to the geographer equally important. as they domi-
nate tho degrees and absolutely indispensable
in the perfection Of measurement. 30 that he who
places undue emphasis the grades which radi-
ate or raise within the circle and dignity OF pro-
hciency in their attainment will be regarded as
unskilful and defective In his calculus; and So In
computing Masonic latitude and longitude. It Is
to be feared great has been laid upon the
degrees as such. while too little Importance has
been attached to the minutes and seconds. or what
Masonry enjoins upon between the degrees II
Is by this detection that the omission or failure TO
count the little minutes and seconds shows the
want or need Of attention to what have been false
ly called may be called the lesser lights because
they are seldom explained or brought within the
radius Of our ritual TO be known and taught as
material In a literal sense to the yc' g Masonic
student and aid him to estimate the ,aracter and
task Of our ancient institution. Use who are
not of and with us by adopt ave said ana
are often heard to say: "Masons are no better
than other people" This is due to the proper
bending OF the twig or child committed 10 us 10
rear and educate In the theory and spirit OF
Masonry In its fundamental elements-justice, pru-
dence temperance and fortitude-and emblemzed
by Its symbols.
II we exemplify our principles and live up to
them others will be constrained TO seek admission
TO our rights lights and benefits.
But I hasten to the consideration. VINO Is
Master Mason? Is he one who is regularly IN
itiated passed and raised according 10 the due ana
ancient form? Does this really make a Master
Mason? No! No more than the abecedarian is
master of his spelling book and the laws OF syn
Masonry is the literature of the sciences ana the
philosophy Of the moral law and "a me tbe
fertilization OF law and order; ana Is the esseaoe ~,
form and spirit that constitutes the universaiiy
nth
so long as the earth has star TO herald its ms
sion administer relief and 10 MAKE AJAX co los the
pilgrim on his way the great city Of sll ess
and prepare, him for an entrance into the Cees-
who has sm anG 1ha sups
t buIe o 81 our 81 giorioUs Old temple
penetrated far enough 10 pSe0m in chrstan coun
try. 10 profess the Christian religion and "join
church necessarily makes man n, makes shss
a man genuine Mason. but. the premise being
i, s s fqshsF osa
tons OF Christianity. and never have conception
If Ho We're eor to an ask dea ro what
a Mason. and he were TO answer, Ny onlisaeo,hi,
he wsa but a ssf hm Ma9o ony
not de- facto Il is the working out OF his obliga
ton into the life that makes him such in reality i
works cause and effect that illustrate MasO h
heart is always on the right side, where justice Is
the balance. and whose conscience Is sensltive ana
the he osye 70 Of the w to its trust
the needle TO the magnet Who icon. comes up eutaS
onisrns OF daily life. unsullied. with his soul per-
pendicuar to the zenith. ,,...s T., ,,,o-
IN 5hf 9sa
with the suffering sons and daughters OF mortality
Such is my IDEAL Of Master Mason ,r an Ideal
which, j am glad 70 know has many iIlustriou'
s Rny 4 in the he 5oS