From the South

William Workman - Junior Warden  

The Third Principal Tenet of Masonry: Truth

These words should sound familiar to us all:

“To be good and true are the first lessons we are taught in Masonry. We join in promoting each other’s welfare and rejoicing in each other’s prosperity. “

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Of course, George Washington had something to say about this tenant in the following quote. How blessed we are to live in such a country to have been founded by men like this who were influenced by the principles of Freemasonry and resisted all temptation to oppress and exploit. They truly were steadfast to the virtues of the Craft and to the obligation that makes good men better:

“Flattering as it may be to the human mind and truly honorable… that the milder virtues of the heart are highly respected by a Society whose liberal principles must be founded in the immutable laws of truth and justice…to enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy the benevolent design of a Masonic institution; and it is most fervently to be wished, that the conduct of every member of the fraternity… that discover the principles which actuate them; may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race..” - George Washington, 1793

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Washington addressed the philosophical mind state of a Mason as being concerned with the virtues of the heart. A Mason should have a strong sense of compassion and mercy toward his fellow man.

We can see this concept echoed in the Masonic teaching of “Charity” and “Relief”. That is the position of a Mason to relieve the distress of those who are afflicted by strife and to offer a hand of charity to help those who do not have the means to stand for themselves.

This sphere of social happiness is the sphere in which this philosophy spreads into the national character. Washington also addresses that this sphere must exist upon the backbone of truth and justice. This truth and justice is the foundational belief that all man is created equal. It is not the wealth of privilege that creates a higher class of citizens; this was the belief of the world.

In the new world, the virtues of the individual would be the basis for social esteem. So this sphere of happiness could not exist within the old system of belief and government. So it is the true duty of the Mason to shield the oppressed and stand up for justice and truth.

"A Mason shall not stand idly by as his fellow man is exploited by the privileged and powerful." - James Frey

As Brothers of Washington 20, I sincerely, in heart and tongue, hope that we can support each other in building our friendships and encourage each other in our pursuit of truth and happiness as was intended by those who have gone this way before.  

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