Patience is a Virtue

Within each degree there are virtues which the initiate
discovers and which are to serve as guideposts toward building his
Spiritual Temple. The Entered Apprentice finds that Temperance,
Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice are paramount to his advancement as
a man and Mason. He must control his life, apply his efforts with
steady purpose, regulate his life with reason, and respect each man,
regardless of distinction.

Likewise as a Fellowcraft, he is to gain knowledge and apply
that knowledge in advancing himself through work. By using his five
senses and learning the seven liberal arts he is to advance his
understanding of morality, the nature of a good life, and his duties
as a Mason.

At last he progresses to knowledge of Masonry's philosophy
and teachings. As a Master he comes to understand the common bond of
the Fraternity and Craft. Brotherly love and affection work toward
happiness upon the level of time. Such is the nature of becoming a
Master Mason.

It is said that "time, patience, and perseverance will
enable us to accomplish all things, and perhaps at last to find the
True Word." Time and perseverance are clearly expectations of the
Craft; patience sometimes is forgotten or not given its just due. To
be patient is to bear trials or pain calmly and without complant, to
be steadfast despite the challenges, the difficulties, and
adversities. The challenges at each step of the Degrees are to test
the character, the commitment, and desire of men who want to be
Masons and who understand being better than themselves. These are not
easy tasks or lessons.

Each Brother is charged to be patient with his Brothers, to
admonish with candor, assist with care, and guard the integrity of
the Fraternity as whole. The Legend of Hiram illustrates what
impatience can do in search of the True Word, but also how patient
understanding can point the way to a better life through faith. So,
when we are challenged, let us remember the patience the Great
Architect has with us and let us extend that same patience to those
about
us.

No stone begins with perfection. Through work and patient
industry, the rough edges fall away until the beauty within shines
forth. Perfection is a goal and journey, so it is with each of us and
each Mason.

The Masonic Ring

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