We are forced to admit that there are men in the Masonic Order whose characters and lives reflect no credit upon the Institution, whose hearts are untouched by its sublime moral and religious teachings, and to whom Masonry means nothing in its higher and nobler aims and purposes. They are in the Temple, but not of the Temple; members of our household, but not of us; they are of Israel, but have not the faith of Israel. Some Lodges may have been remiss in conferring on them the Degrees. Masons persist in the hope of making them better. But the Institution is not responsible for what they are, and should not be unduly criticized. The merciful thing is to bear with them and hope and pray for the regeneration of their heart by God, who alone can perform such miracles.
~~ooOoo~~
This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.
