Harold R. Abelson, 33°
3490 North Key Drive, Apt. 308C, North Fort Myers, Florida, 33903

"I most solemnly promise and swear" is a phrase Freemasons learn early in their rituals. As a Brother journeys in his quest through many Degrees, he again repeats the required pledge, often with the declaration "So help me God."

A thesaurus contains many words used as synonyms for obligation. Several familiar to members of the Craft include to promise, swear, vow, pledge, take an oath. Other words listed in a thesaurus may not always be used in Masonic work, but they have similar connotations: covenant, contract, betroth, commit, warrant, assure, guarantee.

In our current social practices and often in ideological beliefs, much of the meaning of these words has been compromised, altered, or just plain ignored. Marriage vows, contract clauses, courtroom oaths, pledges of allegiance, words of honor often are adjusted or redefined to fit particular situations. Yet some obligations are kept. Which ones and why so?

Perhaps those of a secular nature are taken more seriously than those of an esoteric or religious meaning. This may be for practical reasons because of the penalty or consequence associated with breaking the secular obligation. We pay debts on time partly because many have liens or mortgages attached. In many cultures, marital fidelity is primarily honored because of the stigma that follows the adulterer. Marriages stay intact solely because of the monetary disaster a breakup may bring. The law of the land is, in many ways, an obligation its citizens assume, often in preference to speeding fines or a jail term.

More difficult to assume and perhaps to keep are obligations of an esoteric or religious belief. It is not always considered a crime against society when our misdeeds or failings occur in this area of personal commitment. Rather, such obligations are seen as private matters. Perhaps the real reason promises in this realm are more easily broken is the lack of real consequence or penalty, except to the conscience of the person breaking the obligation.

Whether symbolic or otherwise, penalties should remind us of the seriousness of an obligation. To a Mason, "Binding myself" should mean exactly that, a strong constraint on personal behavior. In effect, we're saying, "I will put reins on myself to guide my actions." That is a promise to one's self. Then we, as Masons, add, "so help me God and keep me steadfast." That should be the seal of sincerity. When Freemasons begin their fraternal journey, they profess their individual belief in a God, the Grand Architect of the Universe. That is why vows are so often invoked in God's name. It is also why we should take such vows seriously. Ecclesiastes (5:4) says: "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed."

So mote it be.