From the East – June 2022
Greetings Brethren,
In the May 2022 Trestle Board, I addressed some possible responses to the question, “What is a Mason?” By coincidence, I found responses to similar and related questions made by the famous composer, Franz Liszt. In 1841, Liszt was a candidate for initiation at a Masonic Lodge in Germany. As part of his examination, Liszt was asked to answer three main questions, which I believe you may find interesting and revealing about Freemasonry then and now.
Liszt was first asked to answer the question: What is the Purpose of Man in Life?
He provided the following response: “The purpose of Man is to aim at any possible perfection in Truth, Virtue, and Beauty, thereby – as far as his limitations permit – seeking a union with his creator.”
Franz Liszt was then asked: What do you expect from Freemasonry for your soul, your heart, and your material happiness?
He responded: “I believe and hope to enter into a union of good and just men, uniting in the preparation of these aims. I believe that my mind will find nourishment, and fraternal hands will give support in dangers and difficulties.”
Finally, Liszt was asked: What can Freemasonry expect from you.”
Liszt responded: “The Order will always find me ready to take part in all good causes by words and deeds, and to attend the worthy meetings. The order, in whose deep wisdom I respectfully believe, will find in me, in all which agrees with my religious and political opinions, in all which is not contrary to my honor and conscience, a willing neophyte and obedient member.”
These quotes come from Ars Quatour Coronatorum, London: Quatuor Coronati Lodge, No. 2076, 2011. https://www.quatuorcoronati.com
Brethren, how would you respond to those three questions? Please feel free to provide me with your responses so that I can include them at our next Trestle Board.
Fraternally,
WM John Quintana