It truly saddens me every time I see the words "irregular or clandestine" used when they refer to either the
Antient or
Modern Masons. We should look to the strengths of each other and build to a common goal. I cannot say that the
Antient version is better or the
Modern version is better, really. They are different and that is ok, as long as they can meet, discuss ideas and work together.
I am familiar with both, an expert of neither, but I see positives in both. Maybe I'm a non-conformist by nature, which has served me well so far, or maybe I just expect too much out of my fellow man or woman. I don't expect a utopia world were it would be boring, remember the non-conformist in me, but I do expect Brothers and Sisters to live up to some basic principles.
I expect that when we shake each others hand and give our word, that neither will have to worry about our agreement, it will be honored. I expect that when a Brother or Sister is in distress we all come to their relief, no matter the danger. I expect the secrets between Brothers and Sisters to remain that way, no matter what. I expect mutual respect and courtesy, no matter what the ideological, religious, or even palatable difference may be. I expect to be able to show a weakness and ask for help without ridicule, distain and Totalitarianism greeting me in return. Most of all I expect my Freedom, my Freedom from oppression, my Freedom of thought and the Freedom to live my life, as I see fit. For this, I will ensure to always do the same to my fellow Brothers and Sisters. With these basic principles followed by all the Masons,
Antient and
Modern, we could have such a beautiful and rich fraternity life ahead of us.
If we are truly honorable men, we will not allow the intolerable use of clandestine and irregular to separate us. Instead we should open our minds and gravitate towards each other, all the while mutually respecting each other, as we pass.
-- Your Humble and Resolute Brother