Page 3 - ASHLAR - July-Sept 2020

N A L G R
I O
G E AND LODGE
The Ashlar R Vol. XVI Issue II
CHARITY THE NOBLE VIRTUE

By W.Bro.Jose Chemmassery
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto need to reflect on the same to imbibe the
the Lord And that which he hath given will he implications of this compassionate virtue for
pay him again.” (Pro 19.17) self-evaluation. Every religion preach charity
Brotherly Love, Truth and Charity are the and encourage the faithful to practice this noble
cardinal tenets taught in Freemasonry. The virtue to help relieve the sufferings and
ancient Order imparts allegorical lessons in miseries of the poor and find solace and
morality to improve refinement in individual life happiness in the charitable activity. The three
as well as to bring about peace and harmony Abrahamic religions viz. Judaism, Christianity
in society. While Freemasonry is not a religion, and Islam clearly stipulate practicing of charity
the values it upholds resembles the moral path as a measure of purifying oneself while helping
pursued by any creed. No doubt, as the poor extending an compassionate attitude..
Freemasons we have embraced charity as an Caring for one's fellow man is not merely a
invariable aspect of our lives. We are proud of generalized moral commandment in Judaism.
our achievements whenever our efforts in this It is spelled out in specific, legally binding
regard ameliorating the agonies and sufferings obligations which each man must heed. If the
of the poor and less privileged in society are poor asks you and you have nothing in your
recognized and appreciated at various forum of hand to give him, soothe him with words. It is
the Craft. Our selfless and genuine efforts forbidden to rebuke a poor man or to raise
towards extending charity continues to be the one's voice against him in a shout, for his heart
important social service we render under the is shattered and crushed and it is written, “A
shadow of Freemasonry on humanitarian broken and contrite heart , Oh God you will not
grounds. despise.” There are eight degrees in the giving
Although we are enthusiastic about this of charity, each one higher than that which
humane and generous activity we appear to follows it:
have missed the real meaning and implications 1.The highest degree, exceeded by none, is
arising from the act of charity. Charity therefore giving a gift or a loan or taking one as partner or
needs to be studied , comprehended and finding him employment by which he canbe
appreciated before we consider it as a part of self-supporting…..
our lives. According to OED the word charity 2.Giving charity to the poor without knowing to
means whom one gives, the recipient not knowing the

1.Giving voluntarily to those in need. donor's identity, for this is a good deed of
2.Organization set up to help those in need or intrinsic value , done for it's own sake.
for the common good. 3.Giving to one whose identity one knows,
3.A kindness, B. Benevolence Tolerance in although the recipient does not know the
judging others C. Love of fellow men. donor's identity.
For a Freemason Charity is more than a word 4.Giving without knowing to whom one who
found in the dictionary; it is more of a part of his give, although the recipient knows the donor's
personality emerging from a kind and identity.
compassionate heart. 5.Giving before being asked.
In Freemasonry the lesson of charity is imparted 6.Giving only after being asked.
to the candidate while he is being initiated into 7.Giving inadequately, though graciously.
the order.The circumstances in which the 8.Giving grudgingly. Giving donations and
lesson is imparted is known to the Brethren and alms are certain ways of expressing and

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