Note from the Editor: This editorial from Joseph Fort Newton, the editor of "The Builder" Magazine, is taken from the November 1915 edition of the magazine and chronicles a message for the "Masters of Tomorrow". Enjoy!
Naturally, in a Society of more than ten thousand members one finds men of varying types of thought, as well as of different degrees of interest and training; and it is not easy to edit a journal in which all will find equal inspiration and value. What will appeal to the veteran student is often over the head of the young man who, though he is the Master of his Lodge, is really an Apprentice in the study of the history and philosophy of Masonry. Many men, many minds; but we are finding the range, and while it is difficult to hit so many marks at the same time, our aim is to reach every man who has an interest in Masonry.
Frankly, as we have more than once confessed, our chief concern is for the young men - the shock-heads, God bless them ! - who are to take our places and lead the Fraternity forward in the days to come. Sixty years ago Robert Lowe, in the beginning of the University Extension movement in England, made the slogan, "We must educate our masters;" and that is also a necessity in the development of Masonry. More young men new to the study of Masonry are enrolled in this Society than in any other body of Masonic students on earth; and it is of vital importance to the future of the Order that they be started right, not only as to the facts of Masonic history, but also, and much more, as to its spirit, its meaning, and its mission among men.
Unless the masters of tomorrow are led to see clearly what Masonry is, what it is trying to accomplish, and in what spirit it labors, the future will suffer from a misunderstanding, if not a misuse, of Masonry. Once they really see what Masonry is, they will not think of it as a kind of secret annex to the club-life of the day, or what is still worse, as a mere weapon with which to fight a party or a sect.
They will know that it is a great fellowship of free men for the practice of righteousness and the culture of good-will, seeking to train men for the service of humanity, to heal the bitterness of the world, and to promote its peace !
In this behalf we toil, seeking the truth for the love of it and the freedom which it gives, insisting that facts be distinguished from conjectures, and history from tradition; granting to the occultist every liberty to exploit his fantastic philosophy, but reminding him that the glory of Masonry is its simplicity, its moral teaching, its spiritual faith and its practical value.
Nor can we ever be turned aside one iota from the path wherein our fathers walked, in whose tradition we stand and upon whose foundation we build; keeping in mind the young men who are to make the future greater than today, and loving Masonry more than we love any theory of it.
Bro. Joseph Fort Newton
Editor, The Builder Magazine
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