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 If
the Mason, after joining the Craft, takes to
heart that injunction laid upon him at the
close of the Charge of the Entered
Apprentice, he will naturally inquire how he
can comply with the terms.
The
Master Mason gradually realizes that he must
do more than attend the meetings of his
Lodge, if he is to appreciate truly the
value of Freemasonry, and understand the
principles underlying Craft teaching. He
must acquire an explanation and study the
principles of Masonry. As the Mason proceeds
with his studies he will perceive that all
has not been explained. We are told
correctly that Freemasonry is a progressive
science, taught by degrees only.
The
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry dramatically
presents its degrees beyond the Third Degree
so that the Mason may increase his knowledge
and understanding of Masonry. It constitutes
an advanced course—a college course—in
Freemasonry. It is indeed a liberal
education.
It
is a lesson in Geography. Almost every
country in Europe is visited in the dramatic
presentation of Masonic history and
tradition. Biblical lands appear frequently
in the fast moving panorama of scenes and
incidents.
It
is a course in History. Biblical antiquity,
with its quaint but familiar scenes and
universally known heroes, is faithfully
portrayed. There is a startling page from
the oldest book in the world, The Book of
the Dead, which plants us in the midst of
the oldest and yet most modern civilization
in the world.
Medieval
chivalry makes its stately and courteous
bow, adding mysterious atmosphere to the
picture. It is a birds-eye view of
Philosophy. The greatest thought of the
greatest thinkers of all times, the
profoundest principles and the loftiest
ideals are expressed in words, symbols and
impressive drama.
Scottish
Rite Masonry is an institution which affords
Master Masons an opportunity to give of
themselves and of their talents to the
building and beautifying of that glorious
temple of the spirit— “that house not
made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.”
The membership of the Scottish Rite is
composed of Master Masons to whom the
Symbolic Degrees have brought an
inspiration, an energy and a love for the
principles of Masonry that cause them to
seek new and larger areas of service and a
greater knowledge of that primary truth
which Masonry has given to the world.
The
Master Mason who receives the degrees of the
Scottish Rite sees Masonry not only in terms
of his membership in his own Blue Lodge, but
in terms of a great world-wide institution
that casts its shadow of influence upon
mankind within the borders of every nation
upon the face of the earth. In the degrees,
he sees dramatically portrayed humanity’s
struggle to break the chains of ignorance
and superstition that for centuries made
serfdom and slavery the lot of the common
man.
He
is made to realize, as never before, that he
is a Mason, a member of that great and noble
institution of Masonry that, in every age
and generation, has provided the leadership
which has guided mankind on the long and
painful journey from slavery to liberty,
from ignorance to knowledge, and from
despair to hope.
If
you would care to give yourself and talents
to Masonry, the Portals of the Scottish Rite
are open to you.
Reproduced
from the "Masonry Beyond the Third
Degree" pamphlet, from the Supreme
Council, S.J.
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