| St. Johns Masonic Lodge No 788 Cairncastle. (Province of Antrim) |
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| Are Maconnes Gudder Men than Odhers? This thought - Provoking question is found in an old English Manuscript which claims to have been written by the hand of King Henry VI. and seems to be a transcript of an oral examination taken by a member of the `Brotherhood of Masons', possibly in the presence of the King. To what extent Henry was influenced by this examination we shall never know. However, in 1450, he was initiated to the mysteries of Masonry and immediately put a stop to a persecution of the Craft, whose assemblies had been prohibited by Parliament since 1425. `Are maconnes gudder than odhers?' The question seems to be a fair one, especially if asked, whether five hundred years ago or in our own day, by one who is trying to make an honest appraisal of the Craft. Are Masons better men than others? No thoughtful Mason would answer the question by a mere `Yes' or `No'. There have always been, and no doubt always will be many good men, and alas, some evil men, both in and out of the fraternity. Our unknown brother who stood before the King and answered the questions put to him was well aware of this fact. He dared not say that Masons are better than others. What then was his reply? `Some maconnes are not so virtuous as some odher menne; but in the most parte, they be more gude than they would be if they were not maconnes'" In other words while he would not claim that Masons were better men than others and admitted that some Masons were not as virtuous as some other men of one fact he was indeed sure:- That in most part, Masons are better men than they would be if they were not Masons. In this truth we find much of the glory of Freemasonry Its influence through the centuries has been such that, in the most part, those who have followed its teachings have become better men than they would have been otherwise. If this were all that could be said in its favour, surely this alone would be sufficient reason for its being. Taken from the Pennsylvania Freemason with thanks to Rt W Bro George Power. |
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