The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

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Chapter 7 - Rituals
warns them that the people "engaged in the busy vocations of life are not
inclined to heed the unfortunate" (p. 23). The directions note that the Neighbors
have to appear busily engaged in buying and selling. When the two wanderers
enter, all noise ceases, and the stage directions underline that "in this scene there
must be no interference with the candidate, and all tripping, shoving, or striking
the candidate is positively forbidden" (p. 23).
The Escort tells the candidate that their poverty remains unnoticed in the
busy world, but that they should enter a great banking house to recite their story.
The first character with whom they are confronted is the Banker, who, as
expected, tries to send them away: "Move on, beggars, I have no time to waste
on you! Move on, I say, or I will call the police!" (p. 24). The Escort manages to
tell a very pitiful and theatrical story:
We are, indeed, poor, and my friend is blind, but for ourselves we seek
no charity. We ask only a few dollars for the widow and family of a
friend who suddenly lost his life while in the vigor of manhood, leaving
his family without even a roof to cover their heads, raiment to clothe
them, or food to sustain their lives. We, in our poverty, sympathize with
them, but we have no money to aid them in their distress. (p. 24)
In spite of this histrionic plea, which appears a little embarrassing because of
all the exaggerations, the Banker drives them away, giving an answer which is
not unlike the one many people nowadays would give in a similar situation:
Bosh! What do I care for paupers! I pay my taxes regularly, and they
include all I am compelled to do for the poor. If people will die without
laying up something for a rainy day, it is no fault of mine that their
families suffer. Not a cent will I give to relieve such people! (p. 25)
The Escort, passing around the hall with the candidate, addresses several
Neighbors, but they all decline their help. After this disheartening experience as
charity-seekers, the Escort holds a monologue about the "cold, unsympathizing
world" (p. 25) and the fears about the thought of the future. Then, he and the
candidate approach the Adviser, who has the solution for them:
The wise seek to forestall such a calamity, and thus are brought into
being organizations to protect the home when the wage-earner is
stricken by death. In yonder forest is a Camp of Modern Woodmen of
America. In it you will find not only the protection for your home, but
also true brotherly love. (p. 27)
This quote is contrary to Freemasonry, sounding almost like the advertising
for a life insurance company, whereas the membership in a Masonic order should
not be based on social advantages or security, but on the searching for light. The