Lodge Burroughs Strange No. 87
Vijayawada, India

In the eyes of God all men are born equal. But due to unexplained factors inequality exists. Some are fortunate to enjoy the blessings of God, while others are less privileged or handicapped. It is therefore one of the unwritten laws of life that the halves should share a portion of their God given blessings with their less fortunate brethren and discharge a moral debt to the community at large. Charity, the mother of a Freeman's heart and this aspect is poignantly and dramatically illustrated in the North East Charge of the Initiation Ceremony. True charity expects nothing in return and is given without any kind of attachment. The left hand knows not what the right hand doeth. Neither should it be associated with personal publicity nor to satisfy one's ego. Charity when photographed loses its soul. Charity is not confined to giving alms alone. Kind words of consolation, forgiving the fault or a brother, attending on the sick and needy, donation of blood and bequeathing of eyes are all acts of sublime charity.

Humility is another noble virtue becoming a Freemason, together with tolerance, piety and simplicity. The greatest truths in this world are the simplest and so are the greatest men. Masonic education unfolds several moral and social virtues through the media of symbolic illustrations, charges and exhortations, and these tenets find complete conformity with the Holy Scriptures of every Religion.

Apart from the moral and social virtues. I wish to highlight some of the routine virtues, which unfortunately have not received the importance they deserve. Cordial and courteous behaviour, good order, punctual attendance, respect for another's opinion, avoiding harbouring of hatred, jealousy, ill feeling towards others are all established norms of a civic and disciplined personality, and serve as best letters of recommendation for acceptance to any refined society. Knowledge of freemasonry and familiarity with the rituals alone will not necessarily make a good Mason. But to live a mason, practise the social and moral virtues, and render ourselves useful to mankind will surely identify us as worthy and befitting members of a moral and ethical society. In the present day materialistic world it cannot be denied that a wide gap exists between precept and practice. It surely lies within the compass of our attainment to narrow the gap by our own conduct and performance. "LIVE RESPECTED-DIE REGRETTED" These four significant words sum up our Life's sojourn in this mortal world.