Masonic Morality

Freemasonry teaches Freemasons to strive for truth, high moral standards, and to achieve them in their own lives.

". . . the individual's moral growth is more important to the Fraternity than any nationwide or international program of public relations or influence. The sum total of any organization's public relations is the image created by each individual member in the eyes of his immediate and distant neighbors." (Be Particularly Careful, The Short Talk Bulletin, vol. XLI, no. 3, March 1963, page 7)

"Freemasonry is sometimes described as a school which teaches men a way of life which has met the test of time. We do not have a monopoly on the teaching of moral Truths, but we do have a special way of teaching which is both interesting and effective. Freemasonry teaches its members all the cardinal virtues which are designed to make its members better men . . ." (Temperance, Fortitude and Prudence, The Short Talk Bulletin, vol. LV, no. 11, November 1977, page 3)

"The whole aim of Freemasonry is to take a good man -- one at a time -- and to make him better, by inspiring him to live according to the universally accepted tenets of morality and brotherly love, such as friendship, relief, truth, temperance, fortitude, prudence, justice, and civic responisibility." (Be Particularly Careful, The Short Talk Bulletin, vol. XLI, no. 3, March 1963, page 6)

Robert Macoy, "Let us ever remember that the great objects of our association are, the restraint of improper desires and passions, the cultivation of an active benevolence, and the promotion of a correct knowledge of the duties we owe to God, our neighbor and ourselves." (Masonic Manual, pages 09-10)

George Oliver, ". . . all good Masons should be pious, prudent, just, temperate, and resolutely virtuous.
From what I have advanced, and from these our ancient charges, I hope it is evident to every one present, that it is the duty of every Mason to live soberly, righteously, and godly; or, according to the words of the Evangelist, he should walk in the light, and do the truth." (Universal Masonic Library, vol. 18, page 346)

George Oliver, "A Freemason ought to distinguish himself from other men out of the lodge, as well as in it, by uprightness and friendship to the brethern, by a free and unconstrained manner of thinking, and by an unimpeachable purity of living." (A Dictionary of Symbolical Masonry)

Robert Macoy, "It is also necessary, that all who would be true Masons should learn to abstain from all malice, slander and evil speaking; from all provoking, reproachful and ungodly language; keeping always a tongue of good report." (Masonic Manual, page 14

Rex Hutchens, "Duty within the Scottish Rite system has as its foundation some form of action. It is not enough to know and understand; a Mason must consciously and conscientously improve himself and the world in which he lives. We see Pike expressing this idea in his lecture for the 16th Degree, Prince of Jerusalem: 'That which we do in our intervals of relaxation, our church-going, and our book-reading, are especially designed to prepare our minds for the action of Life. We are to hear and read and meditate, that we may act well, and the action of Life is itself the great field of spiritual improvement (p. 243)'." (A Bridge to Light, page 4)


George Oliver wrote, "The Freemason is also especially exhorted to imprint indelibly on his mind the sacred dictates of truth, of honour, and of virtue." (Universal Masonic Library, vol. 18, page 211)

There are three great duties which Masons are charged to perform -- to God, neighbor, and family. To God, in never mentioning His name, except with that reverence which characterizes a trustful heart and through his faith and religious practice. To neighbor, in doing unto him as you would have him do unto you.

Freemasonry teaches that Freemasons will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.

Freemasonry teaches Freemasons to practice charity, and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts, and works as individuals. From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today.

Albert Mackey, "Charity is the chief corner-stone of our temple, and upon it is to be erected a superstructure of all the other virtues, which make the good man and the good Mason. The charity, however, of which our order boasts, is not above that sentiment of commiseration, which leads us to assist the poor with pecuniary donations. Like the virtue described by the apostle . . . its application is more noble and more extensive. 'It suffereth long and is kind.' The true Mason will be slow to anger and easy to forgive. He will stay his falling brother by gentile admonition, and warn him with kindness, of approaching danger. He will not open his ear to his slanderers, and will close his lips against all reproach. His faults and his follies will be locked in his breast, and the prayer for mercy will ascend to Jehovah for his brother's sin. Nor will these sentiments of benevolence be confined to those who are bound to him, by ties of kindred or worldly friendship alone; but extending them throughout the globe, he will love and cherish all who sit beneath the broad canopy of our universal lodge." (Lexicon of Freemasonry, pages 75-76)

Rex Hutchens, ". . . he [Albert Pike] charges all men to be modest and humble in their treatment of their fellows and slow to entertain evil thoughts of others or their intentions. He also instructs us to be humble and modest toward the Deity and His great plans." (A Bridge to Light, page181)

To self, in throwing that restraint around himself so as to guard well all the passions, that he may not become into disrepute. These duties properly observed and carried into effect, is what constitutes the true Mason. They yield obedience to those in authority, give aid to the needy, vindicate the right, condemn the wrong, ever looking to God for aid and succor, thereby exemplifying the true spirit of Freemasonry.

". . . a Speculative Fellowcraft typifies the mature man who reverences knowledge, especially moral knowledge, and seeks to acquire more understanding of it through an 'attentive ear.' Speculative Masons become true Fellows of the Craft when they exemplify attentiveness to the application of useful moral knowledge, particularly in the areas of social and community affairs. A Mason cannot be a benevolent man merely with his Lodge. He should be a man to whom his fellow citizens instinctively turn for leadership in benevolent undertakings. Only then does he really build on the temple of universal brotherhood." (The Attentive Ear, The Short Talk Bulletin, pages 7-8)

George Oliver wrote, "'Pure religion, and undefiled before God and the Father,' says St. James, 'is this - to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.' Who will deny that this is the very basis on which Masonry is founded? Let him who would do so, look to our schools for the nurture of the young, our asylum for the shelter of the aged, and the countless acts of individual charity whose very fount and spring is Masonry." (Universal Masonic Library, vol. 18, page 216)

Robert Macoy wrote, "Let us ever remember that the great objects of our association are the restraint of improper desires and passions, the cultivation of an active benevolence, and the promotion of a correct knowledge of the duties we owe to God, our neighbor and ourselves." (The Masonic Manual)

Robert Macoy wrote, "It is also necessary, that all who would be true Masons should learn to abstain from all malice, slander and evil speaking; from all provoking, reproachful and ungodly language; keeping always a tongue of good report. A Mason should know how to obey those who are set over him . . ." (The Masonic Manual)

Robert Macoy wrote, "Masons ought to be moral men. Consequenrtly they should be good husbands, good parents, good sons and good neighbors; avoiding all excess, injurious to themselves or families, and wise as to all affairs, both of their own household and of the Lodge, for certain reasons known to themselves." (The Masonic Manual, page 16)

Rex Hutchens, ". . . it is the duty of every Mason to provide for his family and loved ones." (A Bridge to Light, page 24)

Albert Pike, "Be faithful to your family, and perform all the duties of a good father, a good son, a good husband, and a good brother." (Morals and Dogma, 112)

Albert Pike, "Weigh well what it is you promise; but once the promise and pledge are given remember that he who is false to his obligation will be false to his family, his friends, his country, and his God." (Morals and Dogma, pages 111-112)

Albert Pike, "Lie not at all, neither in a little thing nor in a great, neither in the word nor deed: . . . A Perfect Master must avoid that which deceives, equally with that which is false." (Morals and Dogma, page 116)

Robert Macoy, "The principal tenets of our profession are threefold, including the inculcation and practice of those truly commendable virtues, BROTHRLY - LOVE, RELIEF and TRUTH. By the exercise of Brotherly Love, we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family; the high, the low; the rich, the poor; who, as created by one Almighty Parent and in habitants of the same planet, are to aid, support and protect each other." (Masonic Manual, page 33)

Robert Macoy, "OF RELIEF. To relieve the distressed, is a duty incumbent on all men; but particularly on Masons, who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To soothe the unhappy; to sympathize with their misfortunes; to compassionate their miseries, and to restore peace to their troubled minds, is the great aim we have in view. On this basis, we form our friendships and establish our connections. (Masonic Manual, Page 34)

Robert Macoy, "OF TRUTH. Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of every virtue. To be good and true, is the first lesson we are taught in masonry. On this theme we contemplate, and by its dictates endeavor to regulate our conduct: hence, while influenced by this principle, hypocrisy and deceit are unknown among us; sincerity and plain dealing distinguish us; and the heart and tongue join in promoting each other's welfare, and rejoicing in each other's prosperity." (Masonic Manual, page 33)


Justice
Robert Macoy, "OF JUSTICE. JUSTICE is that standard, or boundary of right, which enables us to render unto every main his just due, without distinction. This virtue is not only consistent with divine and human laws, but is the very cement and support of civil society; and as justice in a great measure constitutes the really good man, so should it be the invariable practice of every Mason, never to deviate from the minutest principles thereof." (Masonic Manual, page 38)

Henry Clausen, "Masonry endeavors to restrain men from injustice, wrong and outrage, and when this restraint fails, seeks for the fallen the type of justice that is tempered with mercy and pity." (Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma, page 39)

Henry Clausen, "Our goal is finding the most effectual means of preventing and dealing with wrong and injustice, and of enforcing the laws of God and man." (Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma, page 40)

Henry Clausen, "As we all act as judges from time to time, we should endeavor to do justice in decisions, in judgments, and in our intercourse and dealings with other people. Since what is done or omitted in assessing and determining justice can never be undone, we must always act with deliberation and impartiality, and decide with a single eye on equity." (Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma, page 40)

Henry Clausen, "Thus, we also can put into practice in our daily lives our devotion to justice, which has for its heart a reverence for the brotherhood of the individual man, a Masonic teaching for the conditions of human life." (Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma, page 44)


Temperance
". . . Temperance is that due restraint upon our affections and passions which renders the body tame and governable, and frees the mind from the allurements of vice." (Temperance, Fortitude and Prudence, The Short Talk Bulletin, vol. LV, no. 11, November 1977, page 3)

". . . one must exercise a degree of self-restraint and self-control at all times, in all the activities of life, including both words and deeds." (Temperance, Fortitude and Prudence, The Short Talk Bulletin, vol. LV, no. 11, November 1977, page 4)

Robert Macoy, "OF TEMPERANCE. TEMPERANCE is that due restraint upon our affections and passions, which renders the body tame and governable, and frees the mind from the allurements of vice. This virtue should be the constant practice of every Mason; as he is thereby taught to avoid excess, or contracting any licentious or vicious habit . . ." (Masonic Manual, page 35)

George Oliver, "Temperance. by temperance, we are instructed to govern the passions, and check unruly desires." (A Dictionary of Symbolical Masonry)


Fortitude
"Fortitude, therefore, is that quality of character which gives a person strength to withstand temptation and to bear all suffering in silence. Fortitude is a virtue, for it permits one to do his duty undisturbed by evil distractions. It is in great measure a frame of mind to regulate one's words and deeds with courage and with determination." (Temperance, Fortitude and Prudence, The Short Talk Bulletin, vol. LV, no. 11, November 1977, page 5)

Robert Macoy, "OF FORTITUDE. FORTITUDE is that noble and steady purpose of the mind, whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain, peril or danger, when prudentially deemed expedient. This virtue is equally distant from rashness or cowardice; and should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every mason, as a safeguard or security against any illegal attack that may be made, by force or otherwise, to extort from him any of those valuable secrets with which he has been so solemnly intrusted, and which were emblematically represented upon his first admission into the Lodge." (Masonic Manual, pages 33-34)


Prudence
"Freemasonry defines Prudence as that principle which teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeably to the dictates of reason, and is that habit by which we wisely judge, and prudently determine, the effect of all things relative to our present as well as our future happiness." (Temperance, Fortitude and Prudence, The Short Talk Bulletin, vol. LV, no. 11, November 1977, page 6)

"The application of Prudence to our everyday life means that we will use discretion in our acts and words; that we will use good judgment in what we say and do; and that we will use self-control and foresight in all such matters. It also means that we will act intelligently and with conscious regard of what the consequences will be." (Temperance, Fortitude and Prudence, The Short Talk Bulletin, vol. LV, no. 11, November 1977, page 6)

Robert Macoy, "OF PRUDENCE. PRUDENCE teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeably to the dictates of reason, and is that habit by which we wisely judge, and prudentially determine, on all things relative to our present, as well as to our future happiness. This virtue should be the peculiar characteristic of every Mason, not only for the government of his conduct while in the Lodge, but also when abroad in the world." (Masonic Manual, page 35)


Henry Clausen, "Industry and honesty are homely virtues that become a Perfect Master. Life is far too short and fleeting to waste time in idleness, follies or dissipation. To learn and to do combine and develop the potential human soul with inherent force and power. Satan finds mischief for idle hands. Honesty still is the best policy and an honest man still is the noblest work of God. This virtue should be reflected in contracts, business dealings, payment for services and acceptance of an honest day's pay only for an honest day's work. So live and deal and act that when you go before God no man was poorer because you were riches; no man had less rank, influence, reputation or affection because you had more." (Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma, page 25)

Henry Clausen, "In this Degree [Sixth Degree] we learn to reject the worldly, the covetous and the sensual, the severe, the censorious and the injurious in favor of duty, charity and toleration. In our personal lives we should practice those virtues and the Golden Rule, with peace and loving kindness toward our parents, children, friends, neighbors, employees and business associates, not for popular acclaim but for our own inner satisfaction." (Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma, page 31)

Henry Clausen, ". . . he who merely eats and breathes and sleeps, and who strives always to satisfy only his own needs, is afflicted with an unhealthy greed. He is in a ruthless quest for gratification. The selfish man seeking public office, or climbing over unfortunate victims for money, or striving unfairly for status, or existing solely for personal pleasure, will awake in the end to a realization of self defeating futility." (Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma, pages 34-36)

Henry Clausen, "A distinguishing characteristic of every true Mason is the key word of this Degree [Eleventh Degree] -- sympathy. He should manifest this not only toward his Brethren, but toward all mankind." (Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma, page 63)

Henry Clausen, "Our lives should scorn the base and selfish, and make manifest the knightly attributes of character and charity, truth and honor, rather than be examples of accumulation of wealth and worldly power. This is practical Masonry in action, as when we perform our duties to the poor and helpless, the weak and unhappy, the distraught and infirm." (Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma, page 166)

Henry Clausen, "In days of old, the knights held virtue, truth and honor the greatest qualities of personal character. Love of God, loyalty to superiors, faithful adherence to promise, and active resistance to unfair judgment were steadfastly observed." (Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma, page 177)


Bad Masons
Anti-Mason William Whalen wrote, "Masonry deserves to be judged by its basic principles and by its dedicated members." (Christianity and American Freemasonry, page 14)

L. Carroll Judson wrote, "The character of an institution should be determined by its principles, and those of its members who live up to, and fully exemplify, those principles." (Objections to Freemasonry Answered. page 39)

"It is the individual who makes or mars the Fraternity's honor, glory, and reputation. It is the individual who strengthens its activities and achievements at any time or place. It is the individual who can destroy its usefulness by lack of moral growth and spiritual understanding." (Be Particularly Careful, The Short Talk Bulletin, vol. XLI, no. 3, March 1963, page 8)

Rob Morris wrote, ". . . I have heard, and I have seen, some who prentended to be Masons, in some unwary moments talk unadvisedly with their lips, and act unfaithfully in and about their religion, their morals, and their politics. It is, therefore, my first and last wish, to be always found in the duty of detecting all such defective characters to every stranger, and thereby also to assure them that these are not Masons, at least that they are neither good, nor wise, nor prudent Masons. No, my friends, give me leave to assure you that an ungodly man cannot be a Mason; an immoral man cannot be a Mason; a bad, an unfaithful, and disaffected citizen cannot be a Mason, anymore than can be a lying, a swearing, a drucken, a sabbah-breaking, a defrauding, or an uncharitable Christian." (The True Character of a Freemason, page 169)

George Oliver wrote, "And here I cannot help regretting, that much is the depravity of the human heart, there is no religion or society free from bad professors, or unworthy members; for as it is impossible for us to read the heart of men, the best regulated societies may be imposed on, by the insinuations of the artful and hypocricy of the abandoned. It should, therefore, by no means lessen the dignity and excellency of the royal craft, because it is our misfortune to have bad men among us, any more than the purity and holiness of the Christian religion should be doubted, because too many of the wicked and profigate approach the holy altar." (Universal Masonic Library, vol. 18, page 342)


Anti-Mason Donald Prout wrote, "A part of the Lodge -- and included in the ritual -- is the 'call from labour to refreshment.' And in the majority of Lodges -- this includes liquour. Many a young fellow has that first disatrous drink when he is initiated into Masonry." (Freemasonry: Friend or Foe, page 45)

Here is another case where an anti-Mason has created a fraudulent story to prove his point about Freemasonry. Allow me to be blunt, Mr. Prout has lied about Freemasonry. His statement is cleverly designed to leave the reader with the impression that regular drinking is the norm at Masonic gatherings.

The Grand Lodge of Florida, like most other American grand lodges, firmly forbids the sale or consumption of alcohol at any lodge function. The 1954 regulation on alcoholic beverages states in
28.06 (398) No particular Lodge shall allow its properties or any part thereof to be used for the purpose of conducting or carrying on a liquor business or for the dispensing of alcoholic beverages in any form.

In 1975 the regulation was unchanged, though the following decision had been added to clarify the law. "The serving of any intoxicating beverage in Masonic Temples or Lodge Rooms or at Masonic banquets is forbidden by Masonic Law. (1969 Proc. 58, 212)"

Bro. William Wolf, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Florida, summarized the 1993 rules governing alcohol in Florida lodges.
". . . the Grand Lodge of Florida itself does not allow any alcoholic beverages in its ceremonies or the sale or dispensing of any alcoholic beverages on any property that it owns. Nor do we allow a function that is held in a particular lodge or in the Grand Lodge to have any alcoholic beverages for dispensing, such as Grand Master Homecomings, Grand Lodge Dinners, etc."

The 1953 Statutes of the Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction, "Art. XV ?24. The use of any spirituous, vinous, or malt liquors by any Body is hereby prohibited..."

The Grand Lodge of Ohio prohibits alcohol in Masonic buildings.

Arizona GM Decision No. 92 No intoxicating wines or liquors are allowed to be used as a beverage at any banquet, luncheon or other entertainment held by a Lodge of this jurisdiction within any Lodge room under its control.

District of Columbia ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES 1.—Use of alcoholic beverages limited to the following basic policies:
a. Under no circumstances is alcohol to be used where the building management forbids it.
b. At no time is alcohol to be used in a Lodge room and will not be used as regular Lodge refreshments

Kansas Grand Lodge of Kansas By-Laws
Chapter One - Duties of Masons "Section 3-619. Serving of Alcoholic Beverages -- The serving of beer or any other beverage having a recognized or indicated alcoholic content at any communication or social function of any Lodge, by the Lodge or by any committee or by any individual brother, shall be deemed an offense against the Body of Masonry. (Amended 1982)"

Montana Statutes of the Grand Lodge of Montana Section 23080. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. A Masonic Lodge may not use alcoholic beverages as a part of the refreshments provided at any banquet or other Masonic function.

Oklahoma Oklahoma Grand Lodge Uniform Code "Section U 805. Liquors with Alcoholic Content: It shall be a grave Masonic offense to introduce any intoxicating liquors into any lodge room or other rooms connected therewith
Section U 806 says it is a Masonic offense to bring beer into any lodge room or at any Masonic function or festivity.

Virginia An Edict E_1_1989
WHEREAS, on December 5, A. L. 5983, A. D. 1983, William Munford Johnson, then Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, issued his Edict declaring it illegal and un_Masonic for any Mason to bring or serve alcoholic beverages in any building or facility being used as a Masonic Lodge in this Commonwealth.


Why Join Freemasonry
Anti-Mason John Salza, "Masons also explain to nonmembers that Freemasonry provides many advantages, particularly in the business world, as well as a social support system for wives and children." (Masonry Unmasked, page 107)

Anti-Masons James Shaw and Tom McKenney, "A man called 'The Senior Deacon' then entered and asked questions of us such as 'Why do you wish to become Freemasons; do you join because you believe it will help you in your business, or help you to gain influence in your community?
Now, to such questions the candidate is supposed to answer as if he had no such selfish motivation. But it has been my experience that the vast majority of Masons enter for these very self-serving reasons. As a matter of fact, although the theory is that Masons do not recruit, or advise protects that there are business and professional advantages in being a Mason, both are commonly done." (The Deadly Deception, page 21)

Anti-Mason John Salza, "The success or failure of business relationships may hinge upon Masonic affiliation." (Masonry Unmasked, page 108)

Anti-Mason John Salza, "Prospective members are also solicited to join Freemasonry on the basis of potential advantages in the business world." (Masonry Unmasked, page 110)


The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Hawaii
Why Join?
If you are looking for a better way of improving yourself as a father, a friend, a servant of your faith, a member of your community or as a son, then Freemasonry is for you.
Of course, a lot of organizations can say the same thing. But no other organization has a man walk into a room full of strangers, anywhere on earth, and immediately receive welcome and honor as a friend and Brother.
Our fraternity has little or no material benefit. Yet behind the doors of Freemasonry is something greater than what money can buy: The chance to forge the strongest bonds of friendship that last a lifetime.
Freemasonry may take up a portion of your time. But the time you spend in lodge or with brethren is also time that you spend in improving yourself. By your participation in lodge you are given a chance to learn the more important truths of morality and your relationship with God and your fellow man -- something that men just like you find as a worthy endeavor.
Freemasonry is not owned by any one man, but through it you can learn how to take charge of how you live your life for the better.
 Ask Yourself.
Among millions of Masons, not one was lawfully invited to apply for membership. Our code of conduct prevents it. Thus, no faithful Mason can invite you. Any Mason can obtain a Petition for the Degrees of Freemasonry for you, but you must ask for it - and for good reason.
You must first ask yourself if you're suitably prepared to enter the "gentle craft of Masonry" ... to become a brother in the world's most exclusive fraternal order. Few men are intellectually or spiritually prepared to understand or appreciate even the more apparent meanings of Masonry.
Do you reflect on the nature of man's existence and your obligations to God, your family, and yourself?
If such ethical and moral questions hold little interest for you, then you will gain little benefit from the teachings of the Craft. But if you seek a more meaningful quality of life - and the spirit of charity and good fellowship which flow from it - then Freemasonry has much to offer.
We want you to know what we believe, how we act, and what we do...and, then, should you become a Mason, to be proud to be our Brother and to participate in our work. Only those who desire membership because of their favorable impression of us should seek a petition.
That's why you must "ask yourself."

Grand Lodge of Michigan
Some men are surprised that no one has ever asked them to become a Mason. They may even feel that the Masons in their town don't think they are "good enough" to join. But it doesn't work that way. For hundreds of years, Masons have been forbidden to ask others to join the fraternity. We can talk to friends about Freemasonry. We can tell them about what Freemasonry does. We can tell them why we enjoy it. But we can't ask, much less pressure, anyone to join.
There's a good reason for that. It isn't that we're trying to be exclusive. But becoming a Mason is a very serious thing.


Anti-Mason John Salza, ". . . most candidates are indeed influenced to join Freemasonry because of the bias of their Masonic friends." (Masonry Unmasked, page 110)

Several state monitors state, "Do you solemnly declare, upon your honor that, unbiased by friends and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries of Freemasonry."

Anti-Mason John Salza, "The candidate is stopped three times -- at the stations of the Junior Warden, Senior Warden, and Worshipful Master. As before, each officer asks the candidate if his participation is of his own free will and accord. Since the candidate does not really know what will be further required, the question is unfair." (Masonry Unmasked, page 114)

Why is it unfair? Mr. Salza has failed to give his reasons why it is unfair, he only gives his personal opinion. Mr. Salza admits there are "family and friends" there witnessing the initiation (page 111). Mr. Salza also admits the candidate professes a belief in God (page 114).

Freemasonry teaches a man that life is more than eating, drinking, sleeping and working. Life is a journey to develop the mental and spiritual, of both inside the lodge and the world without; of learning, studying, enlarging mental horizons, increasing the spiritual outlook.

Freemasonry also teaches a man how to successfully combat the evils, dangers, and misfortunes of life. It does not take courage to live a life where every step can be seen from. If there are perils on the way they can be noted and preparations made. But in life we do not know what is around the corner. To what difficulties or dangers does progress on an unseen path. It takes courage to live life. There are difficulties to surmount, dangers to overcome. Yet man continues, he continues because he is a man, a man grown, a man self sufficient, and willing, and able to face what life brings. Freemasonry as a whole is a preparation for successful manhood.


October 24, 2007