Address of R.W. Bro. Michael Grima
on His Official Visit to Muskoka Lodge No. 360,
March 01, 2011

 “TEMPERANCE, FORTITUDE, PRUDENCE and JUSTICE "

On his initiation, the brethren are assured that the candidate is living in good repute amongst his friends and neighbours. He is therefore, or should be, a peaceable and law-abiding citizen who gets on well with others.

A little later on, the candidate affirms that he comes with a preconceived notion of the excellence of the order, a desire for knowledge and wishing to make himself more extensively serviceable to his fellow men.

Later again, on being charged, he is told that the foundation of Freemasonry is the practice of every social and moral virtue. He is exhorted to learn how to discharge his duty to his God, his neighbour and himself, to be an exemplary citizen and that, as an individual, he should practice every domestic as well as public virtue and maintain those truly masonic characteristics, benevolence and brotherly love.

Brethren, I feel a fundamental part of discussing what importance Freemasonry has to every candidate today, is a clear understanding of just what Freemasonry is, and what it means. During my year as DDGM, I have attempted on a regular basis, to take some of the ornaments which are in every lodge, and some of the words we say as part of our ritual and have a closer look at just what they mean.

This evening I would like to take a closer look at the four tassells which hang in the corners of our Lodges representing the four Cardinal Virtues: Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice. So what exactly does that mean? Let us look at each one a little more closely.

“Temperance”

Temperance is that due restraint upon our affections and passions which renders the body tame and governable, and frees the mind from the allurements of vice. This virtue should be the constant practice of every Freemason, as he is thereby taught to avoid excess, or the contracting of any immoral or licentious habit, the indulgence of which might lead him to disclose some of those valuable secrets which he has promised to conceal and never reveal, and which would consequently subject him to the contempt and detestation of all good Masons.

Temperance represents restraint. The Mason must control his passions and desires. He must exercise caution in his actions, his speech, thoughts, feelings, judgement, and his life. He must practice restraint in all things and avoid excess.

“Fortitude”

Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose of mind, whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain, peril, or danger, when prudentially deemed appropriate. This virtue is equally distant from rashness and cowardice. And, like the fortitude shown by our G.M.H.A. when accosted by the three ruffians, should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every Freemason, as a safeguard against any illegal attack that may be made, by force or otherwise, to extort from him any of those valuable secrets with which he has been so solemnly entrusted, and which were emblematically represented upon his first admission into the Lodge.

Courage is another name for fortitude. For the Mason, fortitude symbolizes more than physical courage. It also represents moral courage. The Mason must have the strength and ability to make a decision based upon his own moral convictions and stick to it, regardless of the consequences. A Freemason must exhibit the highest moral and ethical principles in his life, and standby those principles even when society may look unfavourably upon them.

“Prudence”

Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeably to the dictates of right reason, and is that habit by which we judge wisely, and prudentially determine, on all things relative to our present, as well as our future happiness. This virtue should be the peculiar characteristic of every Freemason, not only for the government of his conduct while in the Lodge, but also when abroad in the world. It should be particularly attended to in all strange and mixed companies, never to let fall the least sign, token, or word, whereby the secrets of Freemasonry might be unlawfully obtained. In it's most comprehensive sense, prudence implies not only caution, but also the ability to judge in advance the probable consequences of one's actions. It also symbolises wisdom in the conduct of one's activities.

Wisdom of mind and soul comes from thought, study and circumspection. It brings us closer to God. Prudence reminds us to reflect upon the moral and social consequences of our activities, and to our relationship with our Creator.

“Justice"

Justice is that standard, or boundary of right, which enables us to render to every man his just due, without distinction. This virtue is not only consistent with Divine and human laws, but is the very cement and support of civil society; and, as justice in a great measure, constitutes the real good man, so should it be the invariable practice of every Freemason, never to deviate from the minuscule principles thereof.

Justice symbolises equality for the Freemason. He should govern his own actions, have them judged openly, and his conduct towards others should be without deception. He should undertake actions because he desires to, and not because he is forced to. His actions should be unselfish and self-sacrificing.

Brethren, the Four Cardinal Virtues of Freemasonry, provide a framework for daily living, and serve as a guide for our relationship with God and our fellow man. Thus, these virtues are essential to Freemasonry in order to provide a foundation upon which to build the lessons of Freemasonry.

We have always measured success by the number of candidates we have raised each year. What we did not do was pay attention to the retention of these new members, and in some cases, they were leaving through the back door as rapidly as they came through the front.

The root of the problem is that some men who join our Fraternity are not prepared for the amount of effort they must expect to exert to become the better men we promise to make them. Many are misled in this regard. Some are surprised when we, as Masons, do not fulfil our responsibilities in helping them. We must renew the vows we have taken at the altar of Freemasonry and to the lessons contained in the Ritual.

As new Masons, we must begin to develop and strengthen these virtues, which will help us grow and develope into better men. As experienced Masons, we should constantly remind ourselves of these virtues, and their importance in our lives. If we strive to perfect the Four Cardinal Virtues in our lives, we will grow closer to God, be content with our station in life, and influence society for the better.

Brethren, for your warm hospitality, the fine banquet and your friendship, I thank you.