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Freemasonry
is
the oldest, largest Fraternity in the world. It's members have included
Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals, Admirals,
Supreme Court Chief Justices, corporate CEOs, opera stars, movie stars,
and probably, your next door neighbor.
And
Masonry is always ready to welcome good men
into the Fraternity. It's ready to welcome YOU, if in your heart you
can answer "yes" to a few questions.
Do you believe that there
is such a thing as honor, and that a man has a responsibility to act
with honor in everything he does?
Masons teach that principle. We believe that a life
not founded on honor is hollow and empty - that a man who acts without
honor is less than a man.
Do you believe in God?
No
atheist can be a Mason. Masons do not care what
your individual faith is -that is a question between you and your God -
but we do require that a man believe in a Supreme Being.
Are you willing to allow
others the same right to their own beliefs that you insist on yourself?
Masonry insists on toleration - on the right of
each person to think for himself in religious, social and political
matters.
Do you believe that you
have a responsibility to leave the world a better place than you found
it?
Masonry teaches that each man has a duty not only
to himself but to others. We must do what we can to make the world a
better place. Whether that means cleaning up the environment, working
on civic projects, or helping children to walk or read or see - the
world should be a better place because we have passed through it.
Do you believe that it is
not only more blessed to give than to receive, it's also more fun?
Masons are involved with the problems and needs of
others because we know it gives each of us a good feeling - unlike any
other - to help. Much of our help is given anonymously. We're not after
gratitude, we're more than rewarded by that feeling which comes from
knowing we have helped another person overcome some adversity, so that
their life can go on.
Are you willing to give
help to your Brothers when they need it, and to accept their help when
you need it?
Masonry is mutual help. Not just financial help
(although that's there too) but help in the sense of being there when
needed, giving support, lending a sympathetic ear.
Do you feel
that there's
something more to life than just financial success?
Masons know that self-development is more precious
than money in the bank or social position or political power. Those
things often accompany self-development, but they are no substitute for
it. Masons work at building their lives and character, just as a
carpenter works at building a house.
Do you believe that a
person should strive to be a good citizen and that we have a moral duty
to be true to the country in which we live?
Masons believe that a country is strong so long as
freedom, equality, and the opportunity for human development is
afforded to all. A Mason is true to his government and its ideals. He
supports its laws and authority when both are just and equitably
applied. We uphold and maintain the principles of good government, and
oppose every influence that would divide it in a degrading manner.
Do you agree that man
should show compassion for others, that goodness of heart is among the
most important of human values?
Masons do. We
believe in a certain reverence
for living things, a tenderness toward people who suffer. A loving
kindness for our fellow man, and a desire to do right because it is
right. Masonry teaches that although all men are fallible and capable
of much wrong, when they discover the goodness of heart, they have
found the true essence of virtue. Masonry helps men see their potential
for deep goodness and virtue.
Do you believe that men
should strive to live a brotherly life?
Masons see brotherhood as a
form of wisdom, a
sort of bond that holds
men together - a private friendship that tells us we owe it to each
other to be just in our dealings and to refuse to speak evil of each
other. Masons believe a man should maintain an attitude of good will,
and promote unity and harmony in his relations with one another, his
family, and his community. Masons call this way of life believing in
the Brotherhood
of Man. It
really means that every Mason makes it his duty to follow the golden
rule. This is why Masonry has been called one the of greatest forces
for good in the world.
IF YOU ANSWERED "YES", YOU
SHOULD CONSIDER BECOMING A MASON.
Freemasonry offers much to its members - the
opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference, to build a better
world for our children. It offers the chance to be with and work with
men who have the same values and ideals -men who have answered "YES" to
these questions.
It's
easy to find out more. Just find a Mason and
ask him about Masonry. You probably know several Masons. Perhaps you've
seen the Square and Compasses like the one in this brochure on a pin or
tie tack or bumper sticker. If you know where the lodge is in your
community, stop by or look up the number of your local Masonic lodge in
the phone book and ask for the secretary of the lodge. He'll
be
happy to help you.
Have
you ever considered becoming a Mason? We'd
like a chance to talk with you.
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