What Freemasonry does for Society
What has Freemasonry given to mankind and society? It paved the way for freedom of speech. It has ever been the enemy of any power that suppressed free thought and the enslavement of the mind. It rejects the bigotry and superstition that erected inquisitions and persecution of all types; and the ignorance and fanaticism that invented instruments of torture and deprivation. It points out to man that free thought and free speech, and the study of the sciences, are necessary for mankind’s mental and intellectual emancipation; that the study of nature brings man’s soul nearer to his Creator; and that knowledge drives out ignorance and superstition. It has taught mankind that, after he has emancipated himself from the vices that tyrannize and oppress, he must learn to govern himself wisely by practicing the Cardinal Virtues of Freemasonry: Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice.
Man is a social creature. As such, our nature compels us to seek the companionship of others. We, therefore, see our Brothers and their families, animated by the same noble purpose, meeting in the Lodge where they can feel the hearty touch of the hand, hear words of inspiration and encouragement, and enjoy the pleasure, entertainment, and fellowship of this time-honored institution. While gathered in these great assemblies, we confer our ceremonial degrees, provide relief to the indigent, assistance to the worthy, and administer systems of care to those who are less fortunate. Freemasonry is all of this and much, much more. Beneath and beyond all of these is the deep, permanent passion for the betterment of the Brotherhood of Man. Freemasonry, as the ardent supporter of religion, benevolence, and morality places before man the incentives to goodness through the contemplation of the Holy Principles of Divine Truth.
The tenets our Ancient Order are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth -– and first among them is Brotherly Love. It is the very cement which holds together the social edifice of this world. No one can measure the extent of human sympathy or brotherly love, but we know it to be one of the mightiest social forces of all time, and that without it, life would be a merciless and cruel existence. We know that when there is an unselfish love in the hearts of men, the better nature within each of us responds in kind. It is this kindly spirit of Brotherhood, the gentle touch of the hand, and the sympathetic word that brings forth a harvest of good deeds, noble thoughts, and the highest aspirations of mankind.
Freemasonry has ever been the patron of learning. Its votaries long ago discovered that ignorance was the mother of nearly all of the evils and dangerous environments that afflicted humanity; that education dispelled this evil, set free the victims of its influence, and put a smile where terror and despair had planted sorrow. In its unending efforts to eliminate such human afflictions, Freemasonry has perhaps performed its greatest labor, breaking down the walls of religious hatred and intolerance that for too long divided men into opposing sects and hostile camps. The great religious ecumenical councils of today, and the religious tolerance and mutual understanding they endeavor to convey, has been the foundation and practice of Freemasonry since time immemorial. The Freemason is thus prepared through ceremonies, ritual and moral lessons to undertake his grand mission to teach, by precept and example, all that is beautiful and useful in this life, and to prepare for life hereafter.
After all of the great lectures on philosophy have been delivered, when the wisest statesmen shall have done their utmost to alleviate what is harsh and cruel in social conditions, and science shall have unraveled the mysteries of the universe, there will still be the necessity for a kindly smile, a helping hand, a cup of cool water, and a quiet word of encouragement. It is because Freemasonry has ever given the cup of cool water, extended a hand to one who has fallen, and spoken the words of comfort and cheer, that millions of good men of every religion and culture, and from every corner of the world have knelt at its altar.
It is these same men, Brothers in spirit and deed, with eyes uplifted and hearts responsive to the needs of those who are journeying through life with them that form the Masonic Fraternity throughout the world. It is the good and true men of this Brotherhood that live with the great satisfaction which comes only from relieving suffering, dispensing happiness, and to aid the unification of mankind.
This, my friends, is Freemasonry. May it live on through us for countless ages, and may we be ever worthy to spread Masonic Light for the generations yet to come. To these, our principal beliefs and poetic truths, we say as our forefathers did before us: “So mote it be.”
We hope that men of a higher character who seek to share in our Brotherly Love, who wish to contribute to the relief of others less fortunate, and who use Divine Truth as the cornerstone of all their endeavors will consider joining the oldest, largest, and most prestigious fraternal organization in the world – Freemasonry.
