How Is It?—The Indian Mason says:—
"Masonry is willing to help those in need, and speaks a word of comfort in time of trouble." "Masonry is love, love toward man, love for the beautiful, brotherly love, love for the good, the honest, and the true." Now these are excellent principles; but may we not inquire, "Are they true?" "Those in need" is a broad expression, embracing all needy ones. Do these come within the field of Masonic effort? We believe the order excludes young men in their non-age, old men in their dotage, and the crippled, maimed, and deformed, all of which, save the first-named, are peculiarly apt to be needy. Is Masonry willing to help all these needy ones outside of the lodge and outside relationships with lodge members? Love is good; it is blessed. Love for man is divine. "Man" is a generic term, embracing all men, whatever their condition. Does Masonic love embrace all the race? Does it love those who are its enemies? Or are these the mere formal expression of lodge obligations?