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

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Chapter 10 - Conclusion
Cardinal Virtues. The reference to the passage of Scripture is retained in
our Lecture, but separated from the perfect points of Entrance. 2045
The four cardinal virtues are fortitude, prudence, temperance, and justice.
Lawrence further observes that the word "Entrance" is used in a wider sense in
the American Lecture; here, it covers the whole ceremony of initiation, while in
the English lecture it is confined to the actual point of time of entering the lodge.
However, he concludes with the statement that both systems are rightful and that
this difference can do no damage to the universality of the whole concept:
So much for the discrepancy between our Lecture and that of our
English Brethren. It does not affect, in any way, the legality of either
system, nor the universality of the Institution. So pliant are the
materials it uses, and so plastic is the hand of Freemasonry, that,
without touching the landmarks, it may draw from the whole field of
Religion and Science, of Art and Morals [...]. 2046
10.4 The Customs
An important Masonic custom is the way to prove oneself a Mason when
travelling and attempting to visit a foreign lodge. Here, the brother will
encounter different procedures, from light statements that he is a Mason to
difficult examinations and tests, depending on the country. Sometimes, the
brother will have to show a dues card or a certificate, in other cases he will have
to answer ritualistic questions. For example, when visiting an Irish lodge today,
[i]t is unusual for a visitor's receipt for dues (Dues Card, to a North
American), or similar document, to be called for when he presents
himself at an Irish lodge. [...] Of course, his Master Mason's Certificate
(Diploma) will be called for [...]. A common feature of Irish visiting is
that the visitor will be required to take 'The Tyler's Oath' during his
Masonic examination. This simple procedure is one whereby the visitor
affirms that he is, indeed, a Freemason. [...] a similar system is used in
the United States of America. 2047
Testing in Scotland is a little different. Here, the candidate is taken aside to
be checked in privacy, so as not to embarrass him if he is not fluent in his ritual:
"In many East Coast lodges [...] it is more common to take an unknown brother
aside and 'test' him as to his Masonic knowledge. Again lodge practice varies but
2045 Lawrence, p. 20.
2046 Ibid, p. 21; bold print added.
2047 Henderson and Pope, vol. II, p. 124.