"... if within the length of my cable-tow."

Dear Brethren,

A Cable-Tow is a very strong rope or cable used to pull a great mass or weight. The size and length of cable-tow is proportionate to the size of the object to be moved. We as Masons use it for a more symbolic purpose.

In its original application it was used as a physical means to control the candidate through the various degrees. It is still used today and its interpretation is explained to every candidate in each degree. It symbolizes the covenant to which all Masons are "tied" to. The covenant of a Mason to his God, country, family, brothers and his Lodge.

According to ancient laws of Masonry, every Brother was expected to attend his Lodge if he was within the length of his cable-tow. The old writers originally defined the length of a cable-tow to be three miles, or the distance an average man could walk in one hour. It has since been defined as being "the reasonable scope of a man's ability." This definition not only applies to attending Lodge, but also to the performance of various duties necessary for the proper functioning of the Lodge and its impendent bodies. A Brother is never asked to "come any distance" or perform any duty, however small, if it will create a hardship for him and his family or is not within his ability to do.

Most of the brethren of our Lodge do very well in operating within the length of their cable-tow. Some go beyond and even stretch it to the extreme and I applaud them! And there are others who haven't used it in quite some time. Maybe we could dig it out and see if it will works? See YOU at the next meeting?

Fraternally,
Edward T. Gasior
Worshipful Master