The Guiding Light
Issue #2 August 2014
From The East
How Long Is The Cabletow?
This is an often discussed precept in Masonry and one that is interpretive, at best. Symbolically, we learn that the cabletow can be used to escort us from the Lodge Room if found unworthy. In the Fellowcraft and Master Mason degree the candidate avows to abide within its ‘length’, but what does all this really mean?
In the early days of American Freemasonry a cabletow was considered to be as long as an hour’s journey – roughly, 3 miles. The Baltimore Masonic Convention of 1843 declared that the length of a cabletow is “the scope of a Brother’s reasonable ability”, and this is the generally accepted meaning today. If we are to accept this as a proper definition by today’s standards, then the question remains, “what is my reasonable ability?”
We often incur situations within Masonry, as well as in the ‘outside world’, where we are challenged to define within ourselves the length and use of our cabletow. Should I help this person even though he might not be a Mason? How much should I help this person? Does help include money? Are they worthy to receive my help? Do they really need, or want my help? These are but just a few of the questions that can erode away at the very basic principles of benevolence, charity, relief, brotherly love and good will.
One must remember the ceremony of the Rite of Destitution in the Entered Apprentice degree. Through this lesson of metallic deposit we are taught to remember that there are other persons about us who are actually without resources. Masonic charity is not confined to money, however. It encompasses thought and time devoted to those in need; visiting the sick; assuring the unfortunate of our interest and concern; sympathizing with those who suffer, or who are grieved; and particularly in exercising tolerance toward those whose opinions or beliefs may differ from ours.
Masonry teaches us that before entering upon any great and laudable undertaking we should first invoke the aid of deity. Masonry also teaches us to exercise power, physical, mental and moral strength to stand for the right; strength on occasion to say no; control, that our power may not be wasted, but bring only good to ourselves and to our fellow man. Thus, the answer can be very simple. When in doubt, my brother, pray, and be willing to listen to that small, still voice of discernment deep within your heart. Just be prepared to unconditionally accept the answer because sometimes you might not understand, or like what the answer might be.
In other words, a Mason is bound to his fellow man, Mason and non-Mason alike, by a tie which is as long and as strong as his own conscience dictates. He alone, with the guidance of the Great Architect, must determine for himself what constitutes his “reasonable ability.”
Duke Davis, Worshipful Master
