So that you may not have a mistaken idea of what Freemasonry is, it may be well to point out some of the things which Freemasonry is NOT, and which it has never claimed to be.
Freemasonry is neither a religion nor a substitute for religion. It has a philosophy of its own which it believes to be compatible with the teachings of the Church and other similar religious institutions. The teachings of Freemasonry transcend all denominational and sectarian divisions. In the field of human conduct it is complementary to religion. But religious topics may not be discussed in any Lodge.
Contrary to the opinion held by many, Freemasonry is NOT a charitable institution, as such. It is true that one of the fundamental principles of Freemasonry is the practice of relief, and a Freemason will necessarily minister to the "widows and fatherless in their afflictions". But these and other similar modes of conduct, must proceed from that "purity of life and conduct" which is one of the great objectives of all Masonic teachings.
Freemasonry does NOT insure its members against the vicissitudes of old age; provides no sick benefits as such; issues no insurance policies on the lives of its members and pays no death benefits of any kind. Not that Freemasonry disbelieves in these and other means by which modern civilisation undertakes to reduce suffering and privation, quite the contrary. But it confines the matter of individual relief to all the efforts of a Brother or his family to maintain their economic independence. Your part in this work is far more likely to be that of a contributor than a beneficiary, except in the larger sense, in which every man benefits from the fact that "it is more blessed to give than to receive".
Freemasonry does NOT lend itself to the promoting of selfish or mercenary interests. Any underlying purpose of such a nature in your mind will eventually become apparent to your Brethren and you will inevitably suffer the loss of their respect. A Freemason may support any good cause that he will, but he may not persuade or try to persuade his Lodge to lend their support to his chosen charitable work.
Freemasonry is NOT connected in any way with a political creed. A Freemason's political views are his own and a Lodge may well have members belonging to many different political parties. For that reason, no discussion of a political nature is permitted in a Lodge. A Brother may not seek to persuade his Brethren in Lodge to adopt this or that view in matters of Government, local, national or international.
