The 4 kinds of attitude you can develop to handle your own mind

1) Friendliness: Be friendly with people who are happy. If you are not friendly with happy people, you will be jealous. This is because you think that your enemy is happy, and you cannot tolerate your enemy being happy. So, shake hands with happy people. Such an attitude does a lot of good to your mind.

2) Compassion: Do not be friendly with people who are miserable, instead, have compassion for them. If you are friendly with unhappy people you will become unhappy. And if you become unhappy, you can never help them to come out of their misery. 

Many people have gotten into trouble by being friendly with unhappy people; both become miserable. It is like a doctor going to a patient who is sick, and the doctor also becomes sick. If the doctor also thinks, ‘How can I alone be healthy? Let me also share the patient’s misery’, then who will help the patient then?

So, what should be the attitude with people who are miserable? Compassion, not pity.

3) Happiness: For people who are doing good work or who are successful in the world, you should feel happy as though you are doing it.

For example, someone is a good singer, singing and bringing joy to everybody, seeing him you should think, ‘I feel so happy that this person is singing so well, and making everyone happy.’

If someone is a good entertainer and he entertains everybody you should feel happy about it. If someone is a great architect and builds beautiful buildings you should feel happy about it.Whenever someone does a good job, share that happiness with them; we need to have this attitude.

4) Indifference: For people who are doing horrible things in the society, destroying themselves, we usually get angry at them. When you are angry, your mind suffers a huge loss. You lose so much energy, you lose your mood, and your enthusiasm. When energy and enthusiasm goes away from you, you become angry and are no better than the other person. You do not know what you are doing. So, what should you do in such a situation? Have a sort of indifference in your mind.

For example, there are thieves in the world, they are there, what can you do about them? First accept, be indifferent. However, this does not mean you do not take any action. Your mind is indifferent (unaffected), but you act on it.

These are the four attitudes that will help us to save our mind. This is what we need to do, save our mind at all costs.

Diwali and dhan teras symbolism

At this time of the year people around the world are getting ready to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. One of the biggest festivals of the East. 

And today is called “Dhanteras” – Dhanteras means the day of wealth.

It means feeling a sense of abundance, and whatever is needed will come!  Remember all the blessings you have received in life and feel grateful for it.

The tradition is to put all the wealth you have earned in front of you and feel the abundance. When you feel lack, the lack grows but when you put your attention on abundance, then the abundance grows. In the Arthashastra, Chanakya says, “Dharmasya Moolam Arthah,” which means, “prosperity is the root of righteousness.”

Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance

 For an oil lamp to burn, the wick has to be partially immersed in the oil. If the wick is completely drowned in oil, it cannot bring light. Life is like the wick of the lamp, you have to be in the world and yet remain untouched by it. If you are drowned in the materialism of the world, you cannot bring joy and knowledge in your life. By being in the world, yet not drowning in the worldly aspect of it, we can be the light of joy and knowledge.

 Diwali is the commemoration of the light of wisdom in our lives.

Lamps are lit on this day not just to decorate homes, but also to communicate this profound truth of life. Light the lamp of wisdom and love in every heart and bring a radiant smile on every face. Diwali is also called Deepavali, which literally means rows of lights. Life has many facets and stages to it and it is important that you throw light on each of them, for life to be fully expressed. The rows of lights remind you that every aspect of life needs your attention and the light of knowledge.

Every human being has some good qualities. And every lamp that you light is symbolic of this. Some people have forbearance, some have love, strength, generosity, while others have the ability to unite people. The latent values in you are like a lamp. Don’t be satisfied with lighting just one lamp; light a thousand! You need to light many lights to dispel the darkness of ignorance. By lighting the lamp of wisdom in yourself and acquiring knowledge, you awaken all facets of your being. When they are lit and awakened, it is Diwali.
Diwali means to be in the present

So drop the regrets of the past and the worries of the future and live in the moment. It is a time to forget the bickering and negativities that have happened through the year. It is a time when you throw light on the wisdom you have gained and welcome a new beginning.

When true wisdom dawns, it gives rise to celebration.

Celebration is the nature of the spirit. The ancient sages brought sacredness in every celebration, so that you don’t lose the focus in the hustle-bustle of the activity. Observing rituals and religious practices (called Puja) is simply showing one’s gratitude to the Divine. This brings depth to the celebration. 

For the one who does not have spiritual knowledge, Diwali comes only once a year, but for the wise, Diwali is every moment and every day.

Masonic etiquette

*Masonic Etiquette*

*Learn the Do's and Don'ts of Masonic Etiquette*

Unfortunately, Masonic Etiquette ...or Blue Lodge Etiquette, (as it is called in the United States) is largely unpublished as well as unspoken, therefore, up until now, it has been more difficult to learn its rules and nuances.

You may study ritual work, degree work, floor work and know all Masonry’s glorious history, Masonic symbols, jewels, etc. but there is very little written about how to comport yourself so you do not look foolish or be regarded as disrespectful.

Some are small things, and some are not, but your Lodge conduct is continually on display.

Few Masonic mentors include a list of proper Lodge behavior, as they have learned it, themselves, incident-by-incident, and usually learned by them after their having made an error and being kindly informed by another member as to the correct Masonic etiquette of the situation.

*CONFORMING TO MASONIC ETIQUETTE*

Over time, and by watching others, members conform themselves to exhibit proper Masonic etiquette behavior to learn lodge customs.

As a newly Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft or Master Mason, it is expected that you will exhibit the proper decorum and propriety in observance of the formal requirements which govern behavior in polite societies... BEFORE someone takes you aside to explain your errors...or you wouldn’t be reading this. 

*RULES OF MASONIC ETIQUETTE*

*THE MASTER'S AUTHORITY:*

During his term in office, the brother who has been elected as Master is the most powerful member of the Lodge. He also shoulders all of its many responsibilities.

The Worshipful Master has the authority to:

*1.* Rule any brother out of order on any subject at any time.

*2.* Decide what can and cannot be discussed. Should a brother believe that the Master is arbitrary, unjust or unfair or is acting in an illegal manner, he can appeal to the District Deputy Grand Master.

If that officer agrees that the appeal is a valid one, he will forward the complaint to the Grand Master.

If, however, that brother insists on speaking after the Master has ruled that he is out of order, he may be committing a Masonic offense.

Courteous brethren accept the requests made by the Master to serve on various committees such as the examination committee, the investigation committee and other duties, as determined by the Lodge’s needs.

The following items are not Masonic offenses, They are simply a lack of Masonic Etiquette…or in other words, considered to be “bad form” or bad manners.

So… Let’s begin:

*1. WALKING BETWEEN THE ALTAR AND THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER:*

Brethren do not pass between the Altar and the East when the lodge is open.

*Why?* As a courtesy to the Master, it is necessary that the three Great Lights which shine their eternal light and wisdom upon the Master to help him govern the lodge should never be in shadow, not even for a millisecond, during the processes of an initiation or degree work. 

*2. SITTING IN THE EAST:*

Brethren do not take a seat in the East without an invitation... even if all other seats are full.

*Why?* While all Brethren within a tiled room are equal to one another, and the officers are servants of the brethren, all lodge officers have worked and studied long and hard for their lodge.

It is, therefore, the Master’s prerogative to recognize this devotion and their loyalty by inviting distinguished visitors or a special member whom the Master wishes to honor to sit with him in the East.

In other words, if you were in church, synagogue or mosque and the pews were full, would you go up and sit beside the Pastor, Rabbi or Imam (Muslim Priest)?

*3. ALWAYS FULLY DRESSED:*

Brethren do not enter their Lodge room either without their apron nor while putting on that apron…not even the tying of its strings.

*Why?* In respect to the formalities of their Lodge, officers expect that the Brethren will have the courtesy to enter it fully dressed and ready for the labor.

They should not have to wait for a member to be fully "dressed", even just tying or adjusting their apron, to salute that member. It is expected that you will be properly and entirely dressed when you pass by the Tiler and enter your lodge room.

*4. STAND WHEN YOU SPEAK:*

No man sits while speaking in the lodge room, no matter if he addresses an officer or another brother.

*Why?* All lodge activity is based on each man in the lodge as being a servant of the Brethren. This includes the Worshipful Master and his officers.

While the man, himself, who has been elected Worshipful Master does not gain any special honor, personally, as the Worshipful Master, it is to the Worshipful Master as the Master of the Lodge that a member stands to address.

It is simply a form of respect ...and no different than attending a shareholder’s meeting or a City Council meeting.

It is expected that if you wish to address the audience, you will stand so all may see who is speaking.

*5. TALKING:*

"Side" talk while a degree is being conferred is considered bad manners.

*Why?* The lodge room is a Temple of the Great Architect of the Universe. The brethren within are working to make the best ashlars (stones) for His spiritual temple.

Just as it is impolite to talk in a church, synagogue or mosque service, so it is improper to distract the officers, the workers in the degree or the candidate.

Talking without asking to do so shows irreverence for the proceedings. God’s house is not for social conversation within the lodge room. It is for worship and learning the lesson of the day which is being taught.

Unless you have requested of the Master to speak, silence is the rule. This also means no whispering.

*HOW?* If you have something of interest to say, raise your hand. When the Master recognizes you, you must stand up, and be recognized by the Master to speak. To address the brethren, you should say:

“Worshipful Master, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren”.

If the Most Worshipful Master is in attendance, you should say:

“Worshipful Master, Most Worshipful, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren.

*6. SPEAKING:*

If you wish to offer a predetermined motion or matter for discussion, advise the Master beforehand.

*Why?* Advising the Master before the meeting that you intend to bring up a specific motion or a matter for discussion is an important courtesy.

You may, indeed, do it without advising him in advance, but the Master may have plans of his own for that meeting, for which your proposed motion or discussion may not easily fit into the allotted time frame.

As a courtesy to him, his work, and his dedication to the members, it is best to ask him privately, beforehand, if he will be able to recognize you to speak your purpose. This saves "face" for both of you.

You will not publicly be refused and he will not have to seem disagreeable or arrogant in his refusal of your motion. If you wish to speak, (see number 6.), above.

*7. OBEY THE GAVEL:*

You must immediately obey the gavel.

*Why?* Failure to immediately obey the gavel is a GRAVE DISCOURTESY and VERY poor Masonic Etiquette.

The Master is all powerful in the lodge and his word is final.

He can put or refuse to put any motion.

He can rule any brother out of order on any subject at any time.

He can say what he will, and what he will not, permit to be discussed.

Brethren who think him unfair, arbitrary, unjust, or acting illegally have redress.

The Grand Lodge can be appealed to on any such matter. However, in the lodge, the Master’s gavel, which is his emblem of authority, is supreme.

When a brother is rapped down, he should obey at once, without any further discussion. It is VERY bad manners to do otherwise. In fact, it is perilously close to the line between bad manners and a Masonic offense.

Masonic etiquette decries anyone who does not obey the gavel.

*8. TURNING YOUR BACK:*

Never turn one’s back on the Master to address the lodge without first receiving permission from the Master to speak.

*Why?* Any debates that are in motion must be conducted using proper Masonic etiquette. One always stands to order when addressing the chair.

Customs differ in various jurisdictions as to the method of salute, however some salute should always be given when addressing the Master.

Two brethren, both on their feet, simultaneously arguing a motion, who are facing each other and ignoring the Master is unacceptable.

*9. SALUTE:*

Some lodges (not all) offer salutes to the Master. Each of the brethren will salute the Master when they enter and when they leave their Masonic Mother lodge room or any other Masonic lodge room.

Some lodges offer salutes to the Senior Warden.

*Why?* The Masonic etiquette of saluting the Master is your renewed pledge of fealty and service. It is your public display of decorum before all other brothers of your obligation.

It shows your courteous respect for all that the Master stands for and shows that you acknowledge his authority.

Salutes should reflect your heart-felt respect for all that for which he stands.

The salute to the Master is your pledge of honor and service, your publicly shown obligation. A lazy, sloppy or improper salute is to be Masonically impolite and, thus, to exhibit poor Masonic etiquette.

*10. BALLOTING:*

Do not enter or leave the lodge room during a ballot.

*Why?* It is discourteous to leave the lodge room during a speech, during a degree, etc. There are several natural periods, such as at the end of one section and before the next begins, or when the Master puts the lodge at ease until the sound of the gavel. Then, and only then, you may leave the lodge without being considered rude.

It is Masonic Etiquette that all brethren are expected to vote when requested to do so.

Failure to cast your ballot not only results in your failure to share in your duties, but is in direct disobedience of the Master’s request.

*11. VOTING IS MANDATORY:*

When an issue is put to a vote, all brethren should vote.

*Why?* A brother who does not vote is discourteous because he skews the ballot. He becomes the weak link in a strong chain.

No matter what the reason of his non-vote, he injures the lodge’s ballot, its value and its secrecy. Failure to vote can injure a lodge’s feeling of brotherhood, and by that injury, can injure the Masonic fraternity.

No matter what reason you may privately hold about voting, it is poor Masonic Etiquette to fail to vote when requested to do so by the Master.

*12. SMOKING:*

No smoking in the lodge room. 

*Why?* While there are lodges who allow smoking during the business meeting (and you must be guided by the customs of your Mother Lodge), the ceremonies you take part in and watch are solemn occasions.

In most lodge rooms, it is considered VERY disrespectful to smoke while the ceremonies are taking place. Smoking may take place in other parts of your building or outside and during refreshment.

*13. SHOULDERING THE WORK:*

It is good Masonic Etiquette to accept a request made in the name of the lodge if it is within your abilities.

*Why?* A lodge is a working "beehive of industry". A request made of you from your lodge acknowledges that the lodge trusts you to competently fulfill such a request based upon your knowledge. 

*14. CORRECTION OF VERBAL ERRORS:*

Lodge customs state that no one except for the Worshipful Master or his prearranged designee, may correct any mistake that may occur during the course of a Ceremony, and even he does so only when the error is a serious one. 

*Why?* It is discourteous to point out others mistakes in front of the lodge brethren. If you are in possession of a mind which allows you to be able to perform each and every degree and ceremony, perfectly, please advise the Worshipful Master of such that he may take advantage of your services to mentor others.

*15. EXHIBIT GOOD POSTURE:*

*Why?* Good posture is necessary while within the Lodge room. Lounging, leaning and slovenly attitudes should be avoided.

Poor posture is considered poor Masonic etiquette.

*16. NO PRACTICAL JOKES NOR OFF-COLOR STORIES:*

*Why?* The great lessons of Masonry, which are taught by our ritual, should never be demeaned by levity or pranks.

The lodge room is not a proper location for the telling of practical jokes, pranks, horseplay nor off-color stories.

*17. USE PROPER MASONIC NAMES:*

*Why?* It is common courtesy to be accurate in speaking a brother’s name, so it is proper Masonic etiquette to address officers, members, and visitors by their correct Masonic titles and addresses.

*18. ENTERING LODGE AFTER THE MEETING HAS BEGUN:*

If a brother should enter the Lodge after the opening ceremony is under way, he should go to the Altar to salute the Master.

If he must leave before the meeting is over, the correct Masonic etiquette of his departure is that he should salute the Presiding Master at the Altar before he departs.

The salute should always be given properly and not in a careless or perfunctory manner.

*19. ALL PRAYERS AT LODGE FUNCTIONS ARE NON-SECTARIAN:*

Freemasonry is worldwide and holds no sectarian views. Non-sectarian means not sectioned into one, specific religion. Freemasonry embraces all religions.

A Mason may choose the religion of his choice in his private life but should be aware and open to the fact that others among the brethren do not necessarily share nor were they brought up with the religious dogmas and beliefs that you, personally, embrace.

*Why?* Prayers at lodge functions should be scrupulously in keeping with Masonic teachings. The Masonic Etiquette of offered prayers is that they should never be an expression of specific sectarian views or dogmatic creeds.

It is a matter of courtesy that all prayers, speeches and discussions at Masonic affairs avoid sectarian, controversial or political tones.

Prayers are best directed to the Creator, the Master Architect of the Universe and not toward specific religious teachings such as Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, Muhammad, Jehovah, Allah etc.

To do so omits the religions of others within the brethren, which can cause conflict and therefore not be harmonious to the whole.

In the spirit of non-sectarianism, we must remember that since the day that our Creator found that Man created the Tower of Babel to glorify themselves; it is HE who changed man's language into the many diverse languages now spoken on Earth.

In so doing, our Creator has many names across the world. 

*20. TURN CELL PHONES OFF:*

All cell phones should be turned off before entering the lodge room so as not to disrupt the proceedings. 

*Masonic Etiquette Summary:*

Masonic etiquette is simply the rules of good manners which make lodge meetings pleasant for everyone.

The position of Worshipful Master in the East occupies the most exalted position within the lodge.

A lodge which does not honor its Master, no matter how they personally feel about the man, himself, lacks Masonic courtesy.

The honor conveyed by the brethren in electing him, ...in other words, the historical traditions and the men who have gone before you must be given the utmost respect, if the traditions of the Fraternity are to be observed and proper Masonic etiquette is to be maintained.

Masonic etiquette comprises lodge courtesies and proprieties. 

Good manners imply observance of the formal requirements governing man's behavior in polite society and a sense of what is appropriate for a person of good breeding with high morals and good taste.

The spirit of brotherly love and affection, by which we are bound together, will be exemplified in our conduct, our carriage and our behavior at all times.

It is my hope that you will use your trowel to cement the stones of brotherly love for the “More Noble and Glorious Purpose” of exhibiting these rules of Masonic Etiquette toward one and all within the brethren.

THE SPIRITUAL INTERPRETATION OF THE OFFICES IN THE LODGE

The Senior Warden is stationed in the West without light save by reflection from the Worshipful Master in the East, representing the Soul of Man, which, until the light shines upon and quickens it, is a thing of darkness, therefore it is likened unto the moon which governs the night. His Badge is the level of equality, symbolically showing that all Souls stand upon an equality before the Great Architect, and must be adjusted and tested by the level of Divine perfection. The teaching of this symbolic office being to present Candidates out of Darkness into Light, invest them with symbolic clothing, marking their progress thereto and indicating in emulation of the Great Architect of the Universe that it is appointed to every Soul to build a body for itself by its own energies and labour so when the Temple of its Mortality is dissolved, it may wear a body of immortality, clothed with Light as a garment.

The Cowan

THE MODERN COWAN

by Floren L. Quick

 In Scotland, the operative Mason knew cowans to be ignorant builders who put stones together without mortar. They piled rough fieldstones into a wall without hewing them true, or squaring them. They masqueraded as Masters, but they did not have the Word.
Now and again, today - fortunately not too often - we find a modern equivalent of the operative imposter. One such is the Mason who manages a place in an officer's line with little or no effect of his own to deserve it. With only that exertion that is necessary to maintain his place, he continues to advance in line until he receives the jewels and honours that he prizes so highly. But he does not know the Constitution, and he does not understand the traditions and dignity of the Craft. As a presiding officer, his vocal ability is more noteworthy than his executive ability; and when his term is ended, he is seldom seen until another honour or prize appears to be within his grasp. He is a contemporary builder who works without the benefit of the mortar of real enthusiasm or accomplishments. His structure is liken unto the rough stone wall, having little beauty of value. He is the cowans of modern speculative Masonry.
He is to be pitied, for he is a Masonic failure. His honours are shallow. Bringing no interest to his position, he received little of the satisfaction and respect that belong to the real Master.
Masonry has failed to reach him with a clear understanding of those marks of true devotion which she has to offer. He never knows the opportunities that the Craft makes available to those who diligently seek them. He misses the opportunities that the Craft makes available to strive for a just and worthy cause. He misses the opportunity for continuing fellowship and friendship. He misses the opportunity for loyalty and devotion. He misses the opportunity for development of his executive, intellectual and oratorical abilities. And most of all, he misses the opportunity for service - to God - to his community - and to his fellow man. These are the jewels that Masonry has to offer, but in his quest for position and honours, the modern cowan misses them. Like the operative cowan, he does not have the Word.

-reprinted from the Masonic Shimbun in the GLBC Bulletin, Nov. '79

Masonic time and columns

Moving from east to west you have the Master, representing the Rising Sun (or beginning or opening of the day) , to the South of him is the JW; representing the Sun at its Meridian, or mid- day ( the brightest hour, or  when the Sun is overhead). Directly opposite the Master is the setting Sun, the SW or the close of the day - when the  light begins to grow dim and shadows lenghten, or Sundown. Thus far all three positions represent the daytime or diurne.  In the north we have nightime or the nocturne,  where newly initiated brethren or Entered Apprentices are placed. When they are passed they are placed in the South East, truly beginning to see the light. This position corresponds to ante meridian or a.m or, morning before  the hour of 12 noon, which is symbolized by the JW.  Between the  columns of the JW and SW  we have post meridian or pm or afternoon. Followed by night once more, after the Sun sets. The cycle starts over when the sun rises anew the next day. When the lodge is at work the columns  of the Master and SW are up and that of the JW is  down. When the lodge is closed the columns of the Master and SW are down and that of the JW is raised  up. It symbolizes going to harmony (refreshment)  or the "Festive Board" when the JW takes over. Beautifying and adorning the lodge is also understandably the purview of the JW -  the brightest hour of the day. Harmony is a continuation of our meetings with the JW and those under his column  in charge of all the arrangements. As we move from east to west we also see the checkered mosaic square pavement  with the dark squares symbolizing darkness or the sad experiences that we encounter in life and the light squares symbolizing the bright or happy experiences that we have in life.  The serrated edge of the mosaic square pavement symbolizes planetary motion or the rotation and revolution of our planet around the Sun. A complete  rotation once in every 24 hours,  and  a complete revolution around the Sun every 365 1/4 days or one year. And I  extra day every four years  or leap  year. Lines of longitude are set up in degrees corresponding to 360 degrees or a complete circle,  relating to time in hours, minutes and seconds. Lines of longitude were first set up by Bro Christopher Wren when he was President of the Royal Society. They were  approved by Bro Sir Isaac Newton who succeeded Wren as its President. The great naval power of England was aided  by its exceptional  navigational skills.   The perambulations and the Opening and Closing  Odes that we sing are also related to time. Take a closer look. The ritual of the Opening and Closing of the lodge speaks also to these relationships.  The planetary motion goes back to Copernicus and Galileo and our heliocentric solar system rather than the previously     held geocentric system. These is much more to this throughout our rituals in all three Degrees. I find  sub- lunary  abode,  especially eloquent.  In studying the liberal arts and sciences, which we are exhorted to do; astronomy is among the subjects that we are  told  to study.  There is much more that could be said. Some of this is also captured in the lyrics of our poetry and popular songs. I leave you on the note, no pun intended, of the words of one of our popular songs: "I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden, along with the sunshine there's gonna be a bit of rain sometimes".  Indeed our entire  life goes through that cycle (s) repeatedly, till the final sunset.

Columns

"what's the signification of the columns of the Warden's pedestal"?. I didn't have an answer, so I set out to research the answer to that question. I read extensively on the subject of the two columns. Most of what I read was speculative, at best. Except that their are use to identify whether the Lodge is at "labour" or "refreshment". However, nothing in Lodge seems at they are, but they have deeper meaning.  So I'm wondering if these two columns represent to two forms of man, physical and spiritual. As such, when the Lodge is a work, the physical man should work, behave and practice Freemasonry to improve himself and his Lodge, thus that physical column (SW) is raised. On the hand, when the Lodge is close, the spiritual column (JW) is raised, to remind the Brethren that in leaving the Lodge, their are to bring with them those tenets and principles of the Lodge at work, to the outer world. Brethren, your thoughts are being solicited.

The masonic obligation

Brethren, several of you are new to the fraternity, new to the brotherhood, new to the family. Like family, we love each other,  we may not always agree or might even annoy each other occasionally, but no matter what we are family.

As man, now mason, you took that obligation to be bound, to be brothers, to be family:

Obligated - To be obligated, in Masonic language, is to be admitted into the Covenant of Freemasonry. But really to say "is an obligated Freemason" is tautological, needless repetition, because there can be no Freemason who is not an obligated one.

Obligation - The solemn promise made by a Freemason on his admission into any Degree is technically called his obligation. In a legal sense, obligation is synonymous with duty. Its derivation shows its true meaning, for the Latin word obligatio literally signifies a tying or binding. The obligation is that which binds a man to do some act, the doing of which thus becomes his duty. By his obligation, a Freemason is bound or tied to his Order. Hence the Romans called the military oath which was taken by the soldier his obligation, and, too, it is said that it is the obligation that makes the Freemason.

Before that ceremony, there is no tie that binds the candidate to the Order so as to make him a part of it; after the ceremony, the tie has been completed, and the candidate becomes at once a Freemason, entitled to all the rights and privileges and subject to all the duties and responsibilities that enure in that character. The jurists have divided obligations into imperfect and perfect, or natural and civil. In Freemasonry there is no such distinction.

The Masonic obligation is that moral one which, although it cannot be enforced by the courts of law, is binding on the party who makes it, in conscience and according to moral justice. It varies in each Degree, but in each is perfect. Its various clauses, in which different duties are prescribed, are called its points, which are either affirmative or negative, a division like that of the precepts of the Jewish law. The affirmative points are those which require certain acts to be performed; the negative points are those which forbid certain other acts to be done. The whole of them is preceded by a general point of secrecy, common to all the Degrees, and this point is called the tie.