Masonry is not a religion nor a secret society. It teaches man to practice charity and benevolence, to protect chastity, to respect the ties of blood and friendship, to adopt the principles and revere the ordinances of religion, to assist the feeble, guide the blind, raise up the downtrodden, shelter the orphan, guard the altar, support the government, inculcate morality, promote learning, love man, fear God, implore his mercy, and hope for happiness.
Masonry is the universal morality, which is suitable to all men regardless of race and creed. It teaches no doctrine, except those truths which tend directly to the well-being of man and thereby achieve better men in a better world, happier men in a happier world, and wiser men in a wiser world.
No one is invited to become a Mason. A man who wants to join must request a petition from someone already in the society.
Among the VIRTUES a Mason should live by are:
KINDNESS in one’s home
HONESTY in business
COURTESY in society
FAIRNESS in work
UNDERSTANDING and CONCERN for the unfortunate.
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