On Judgment

by Seth Anthony, 32°, HGA Valley of Reading

While this concept is readily accepted and easy to follow, it’s not terribly realistic. Men err. In an attempt to correct one flaw in our stone, we may apply our tools incorrectly, thereby creating a larger blemish than the one we were originally trying to clean. At its heart, this is the important lesson that the 10th degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite teaches: even the greatest and most talented workman can make a mistake. He may be the most skilled in the use of his tools, but hubris, impatience, and neglect can lead him to create a previously unfounded flaw in his character.

The 10th degree follows Solomon, who having been established on the throne of Israel and long reigned in wisdom and glory, has made a profound mistake. His marriages to several wives have become the butt of jokes amongst his sons and subjects, leaving Solomon weakened in the world and debased in character. But, it is his marriage to the Pharaoh’s daughter that causes the most consternation. In an effort to win her favor and the favor of her family, Solomon authorizes the construction of an altar to her deities, forgetting his vows to the one living and true God. Solomon stands perilously close to committing idolatry because of a woman.

But not everyone is unhappy with the situation. Zadok, ever a loyal subject, defends the King’s methods. He cites that the world is peaceful and that Israel has entered a golden age under his rule. Who are the meek to question the will of the mighty, especially when it appears to be working? Nathan, however, is not convinced, citing an important Bible verse that is at the heart of this allegory:

“It makes no difference how high a man might rise as a leader if he does not obey the commandments of the Lord his God; and then fails to make atonement for his transgressions, and receive absolution from the Lord; then his punishment shall be swift and certain, and shall follow him all of the remaining days of his life, even unto his children and his children’s children.”

With these conflicting views in mind, Zadok and Nathan ask for an audience with Solomon and attempt to provide wise counsel. Of course, Solomon, unused to being questioned, does not take kindly to their insinuations. Solomon furthermore asks them why they had failed to stop him before he made a mistake. The conversation turns ugly with the King ordering the advisors to be seized, and he nearly puts them to death. But, at the last moment, an Oracle appears to Solomon, admonishing him not to justify his actions to lesser men. No, Solomon need only make amends with one being, God, who is not pleased with his servant. The degree goes on to depict the demise of the King and his regret at not having followed the commandments given by the Lord. But, for the purpose of this analysis, and what I believe to be the central tenant of the degree, we have the information we need.

While the overt lesson of this degree is a reminder that a Mason should follow the commandments of his faith and be true to his God (or suffer the consequences), the more important lesson is a reminder that all men make mistakes in life. Rather than trying to justify those mistakes to his fellow man or the Brothers of his lodge, a Mason should first make himself right with God. Once that is complete and he has taken actions to rectify the situation he has caused, only then can his Brother believe that he is again working to smooth his ashlar. lead men astray. As the Pennsylvania Masonic ritual states, in paraphrase: it is our duty to remind our Brothers, in the most tender manner possible, of their errors and to assist them in correcting them for the future.

Every Mason, regardless of rank, title, livelihood, or experience, is going to fail in life from time to time. We, as his Brothers, shouldn’t be so hasty to judge. It is not our job to condemn or admonish his actions—only God can do that. Yes, sometimes our Brothers err so far that they must be removed from the Fraternity, for they have failed to learn the basic tenants we aim to instill. But those errors are few and far between. More common are the everyday failures of judgment that lead men astray. As the Pennsylvania Masonic ritual states, in paraphrase: it is our duty to remind our Brothers, in the most tender manner possible, of their errors and to assist them in correcting them for the future.

Rather than trying to justify those mistakes to his fellow man or the Brothers of his lodge, a Mason should first make himself right with God.

The Scottish Rite has oft been referred to as the “College of Freemasonry.” This comparison is true, especially when one considers the importance of a liberal arts education. I say this not in reference to the Masonic liberal arts but rather those courses in life that teach us deep-seated truths of reasoning, logic, and philosophy. The 10th degree is one of the best examples of such a course in the Rite. It imparts an important lesson that many Masons need to hear: judge not unless ye be judged, for your own ashlar still has imperfections for you to smooth.

To learn more about HGA and sign up for the waitlist, visit ScottishRiteNMJ.org/ hauts-grades-academy