Freemasonry has been well defined as, "A peculiar system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols." By the practice of Freemasonry its members may advance by their spirituality, and mount by the theological ladder from the Lodge on earth to the Lodge in heaven. Freemasonry is not, however, a system of religion; it is the handmaiden to religion, enforcing its daily practice.
The belief in a living God is a pre-requisite to membership in the order and yet, sectarian discussions are prohibited in Lodge assembled.
Howsoever men may differ in creed or theology, Masonry unites them and assumes that all good men are agreed that within the covers of the Sacred Law are found those principles of morality, which lay the foundation upon which to build a righteous life.
Freemasonry, therefore, opens this Book upon its Altars, with the command to each of its votaries that he diligently study therein to learn the way to everlasting life.
Adopting no particular creed, forbidding sectarian discussion within its lodge rooms, encouraging each to be steadfast in the faith of his acceptance, Freemasonry takes all good men by the hand and leading them to its Altars, points to the open Volume of the Law thereon, and urges upon each that he faithfully direct his steps through life by the Light he there shall find and as he there shall find it.
~~ooOoo~~
This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.
