The Three Great Lights
The Three Great Lights
Brethren,
Brethren,
As we gather in this Lodge, there is one place to which our attention is repeatedly directed—the Altar.
As we gather in this Lodge, there is one place to which our attention is repeatedly directed—the Altar.
Upon it rest the Three Great Lights of Freemasonry: the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses.
Upon it rest the Three Great Lights of Freemasonry: the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses.
We see them at every meeting.
We see them at every meeting.
We obligate ourselves upon them.
We obligate ourselves upon them.
Yet because they are always before us, we sometimes fail to appreciate the profound lessons they teach.
Yet because they are always before us, we sometimes fail to appreciate the profound lessons they teach.
The first of these Great Lights is the Volume of the Sacred Law.
The first of these Great Lights is the Volume of the Sacred Law.
It reminds us that there is a Divine authority greater than ourselves. No Mason is expected to walk through life relying solely upon his own wisdom. We look to God for guidance, for truth, and for the moral principles by which we govern our lives.
It reminds us that there is a Divine authority greater than ourselves. No Mason is expected to walk through life relying solely upon his own wisdom. We look to God for guidance, for truth, and for the moral principles by which we govern our lives.
Resting upon that Sacred Volume is the Square.
Resting upon that Sacred Volume is the Square.
The Square reminds us to square our actions by the square of virtue, to deal honestly with all mankind, and to let fairness and integrity govern our conduct. It challenges us to ask a simple question before every decision:
The Square reminds us to square our actions by the square of virtue, to deal honestly with all mankind, and to let fairness and integrity govern our conduct. It challenges us to ask a simple question before every decision:
“Is this right?”
“Is this right?”
Above them both rest the Compasses.
Above them both rest the Compasses.
Their purpose is not to limit our freedom, but to teach us self-government. They remind us to keep our desires, passions, and ambitions within due bounds toward all mankind. For the strongest man is not always the one who can command others, but the one who has learned to command himself.
Their purpose is not to limit our freedom, but to teach us self-government. They remind us to keep our desires, passions, and ambitions within due bounds toward all mankind. For the strongest man is not always the one who can command others, but the one who has learned to command himself.
When these Three Great Lights are viewed together, they reveal a beautiful progression.
When these Three Great Lights are viewed together, they reveal a beautiful progression.
The Sacred Law teaches us what is true.
The Sacred Law teaches us what is true.
The Square teaches us what is right.
The Square teaches us what is right.
The Compasses teach us how to live according to that truth.
The Compasses teach us how to live according to that truth.
Remove any one of them, and the lesson is incomplete.
Remove any one of them, and the lesson is incomplete.
Knowledge without virtue can become dangerous.
Knowledge without virtue can become dangerous.
Virtue without self-control is difficult to sustain.
Virtue without self-control is difficult to sustain.
Self-control without a moral foundation soon loses its purpose.
Self-control without a moral foundation soon loses its purpose.
Together, they form a complete guide for living.
Together, they form a complete guide for living.
There is another thought worth considering.
There is another thought worth considering.
The Three Great Lights do not belong only upon the Altar.
The Three Great Lights do not belong only upon the Altar.
They belong in the heart of every Mason.
They belong in the heart of every Mason.
For what good is it to have the Sacred Law resting upon the Altar if it does not influence our lives?
For what good is it to have the Sacred Law resting upon the Altar if it does not influence our lives?
What value is the Square if our dealings are not honest?
What value is the Square if our dealings are not honest?
What purpose do the Compasses serve if we fail to govern our own thoughts, words, and actions?
What purpose do the Compasses serve if we fail to govern our own thoughts, words, and actions?
The Altar reminds us where these Great Lights are displayed.
The Altar reminds us where these Great Lights are displayed.
Life is where they are truly tested.
Life is where they are truly tested.
Every time we enter this Lodge, the Three Great Lights quietly wait for us.
Every time we enter this Lodge, the Three Great Lights quietly wait for us.
They ask nothing of us except that we strive to become better than we were yesterday.
They ask nothing of us except that we strive to become better than we were yesterday.
And perhaps that is why they are called the Great Lights.
And perhaps that is why they are called the Great Lights.
Not because they illuminate the Lodge room—
Not because they illuminate the Lodge room—
but because they illuminate the path of every Mason who sincerely follows them.
but because they illuminate the path of every Mason who sincerely follows them.
Thank you, my Brethren.
Thank you, my Brethren.
Tony Fain P.M.
Tony Fain P.M.
Springville Lodge #153
Springville Lodge #153
Powder Springs, Ga.
Powder Springs, Ga.