I am a Mason because:
1. It gives me a greater opportunity to work with like-thinking men.
2. It teaches tolerance and harmonious living with all men. Thus, it helps all men to cooperate with each other without rancor or jealousy.
3. The brotherhood of Freemasonry, based on a belief in God, provides an aim in life to which all men should subscribe.
4. It helps one to get to that certain point of self-confidence which will help him to become an effective instrument in society.
5. Freemasonry teaches the doctrine of the dignity of the human individual and the sacredness of his work.
6. Freemasonry develops leaders who can stand up and express their ideas with beauty and precision.
7. Freemasonry asks no member to believe in anything which his mind does not tell him is reasonable.
Brethren, the Craft does not write out its lessons in great letters for all to see. It conceals them in symbol and allegory. Symbolism and allegory are a language that is old and universal. It is always alive. It sets the mind free and hopefully makes every man think for himself. In this manner we hope to learn the TRUTH, which none of us may learn from another and no one may learn alone. To draw aside the veil from these symbols and allegories is Masonic work, and he who applies the working tools of his trade to this purpose will receive great reward.
Masonry cannot teach; it can only point the way. Each one must, by his own study and contemplation, decide what it means to him. Each of us has a duty to assist in this great work.
1. It gives me a greater opportunity to work with like-thinking men.
2. It teaches tolerance and harmonious living with all men. Thus, it helps all men to cooperate with each other without rancor or jealousy.
3. The brotherhood of Freemasonry, based on a belief in God, provides an aim in life to which all men should subscribe.
4. It helps one to get to that certain point of self-confidence which will help him to become an effective instrument in society.
5. Freemasonry teaches the doctrine of the dignity of the human individual and the sacredness of his work.
6. Freemasonry develops leaders who can stand up and express their ideas with beauty and precision.
7. Freemasonry asks no member to believe in anything which his mind does not tell him is reasonable.
Brethren, the Craft does not write out its lessons in great letters for all to see. It conceals them in symbol and allegory. Symbolism and allegory are a language that is old and universal. It is always alive. It sets the mind free and hopefully makes every man think for himself. In this manner we hope to learn the TRUTH, which none of us may learn from another and no one may learn alone. To draw aside the veil from these symbols and allegories is Masonic work, and he who applies the working tools of his trade to this purpose will receive great reward.
Masonry cannot teach; it can only point the way. Each one must, by his own study and contemplation, decide what it means to him. Each of us has a duty to assist in this great work.