There have been a great number of definitions of Freemasonry. Perhaps the best, and certainly the simplest, is Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.
Morality.
The idea of teaching by allegories and symbols is not new. All great teachers have, more or less, followed this method.
The system of morality, referred to as Freemasonry, is that which every Freemason is bound to profess and practice. If it includes principles with which he was familiar before his entrance into Freemasonry, he
The elementary principles of Freemasonry are exemplified in the three degrees worked in every regular
Each Lodge has its own Officers, headed by a Master; its own Committees and, in many cases, its own building and property – such as Palestine Lodge.
On the other hand, each Lodge is subject to the authority of the Grand Lodge under which it holds its Charter. For
In becoming a member of a Lodge under a particular Constitution, one becomes subject not only to the general customs and usages of the
However,
Freemasonry will never require anything which might conflict with ones
duty to God, his Country, his neighbor or his family.
In the
progress through Freemasonry, one is initiated as an Entered Apprentice;
passed to a Fellow Craft and raised as a Master Mason. These are
ritualistic ceremonies of a most serious character appropriate to each
stage of advancement. It may be noted that during the ceremonies, one
will not be asked to promise anything which will conflict with ones
religious, civil or other duties.
The first duty is to approach each ceremony calmly and solemnly, with mind and spirit attentive to the lessons which will be imparted.
Next: See what it is not…
Leave a Reply