New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-11-13
DEPARTMENT
MASONIC ACTIVITY 4 MASONIC DUTY.

No man can Justly expect something Tor noth-
Ing When q candidate pays his initiation fec
he does so mot" for Masonry. but for the lodge.
In order TO assist in creating fund for the
purpose OF charity. and the member pays his
annual dues to defray the running expenses OF
the lodge pay rent gas and all that g neces-
sary. especially in q large city, TO keep up the
good work Of the craft. But when man enters
our circle it is his DUTY to take some active
part in the affairs Of his lodge and in Masonry.
Some seem to think that the lodge can do with
out them. and let every one else do the WORK
Man was not made 10 rust out; and you were
not made a Mason to idle Your time away IN
our vineyard 1t was expected Of you. and it Is
now expected Of you. that you do something for
the good OF Masonry You have duty TO per-
form; you have work 70 10. You were not ad-
United to the lodge and TO Masonry TO pass
through the degrees. and Their stand aside and
remain idle without doing anything for the
benefit Of the craft.
Our duty our principles. our teachings de-
mand some return for the honor conferred by
the lodge-for the honorable title Of Free Mason
and II is the duty OF every member 10 contribute
his share TO the success OF the lodge and for the
benefit Of Masonry. lie does not fulfil his obi
cations which he voluntarily took upon him
self who stands idly by and does nothing
toward the good of our institutions There are
certain duties for each OF us 10 porform-every
one can do something for the gOoo or all ana lot
the benefit of the whole.
DO something be somebody; don't be a drone-
You may depend upon your present Master or
your present members. but what OF tomorrow.
or next year? The lodge may need you then
1t needs YOU now; IL needs every one or US.
Don't depend upon others 10 do your work.
Pursue that course in the lodge for which you
are by nature or by inclination best fitted, take
part in the ritual or serve upon the committees.
Help along the good work act we'll your chosen
part and you VIII earn Gas you will deserved
hO11 tha nf
and Of the world at large Every body Is capani
OF doing something. Of learning something, ana
best fitted and which will most rebound 10 his
credit and for the good and benefit OF the craft
|, needs no orator to rise and advocate or
oppose motion before the lodge or II you
can't talk" vou can serve all sorts OF COM
mittees: possibly you are good a. visiting the
sick and II ausht Else falls. you Certain.y can
hold down a chair, I'LL seat, attend regularly
at meetings, and thus encourage the Mast.r
and officers, and at the same time do your duty
toward your lodge and 10 Masonry
Thus you will gradually become interested
and you will gradually but surely assert your
self among your brethren and your services VIII
be appreciated by them, and after dong some
thing you certainly will become "sOmebody
and all Will be benefited by your endeavors, and
IL you do not become Master or an officer you
Will be- what is Of much more account, goo1
and faithful brother Mason, and you will be
esteemed by your brethren and by the world at
large. because all faithful performance Of duty
Of whatever nature is appreciated by all right-
minded men and MasOns.