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WHAT IS A MASON?
A Mason is a man who has decided that he likes to feel good about himself and others. He
cares about the future as well as the past, and does what he can, both alone and with
others, to make the future good for everyone.
Many men over many generations have answered the question, "What is a Mason?" One
of the most eloquent was written by the Reverend Joseph Fort Newton, an internationally
honored minister of the first half of the 20th Century and Grand Chaplain, Grand Lodge
of Iowa, 1911-1913.
WHEN IS A MAN A MASON?
When he can look out over the rivers, the hills, and the far horizon with a profound sense
of his own littleness in the vast scheme of things, and yet have faith, hope, and courage
-- which is the root of every virtue.
When he knows that down in his heart every man is as noble, as vile, as divine, as diabolic,
and as lonely as himself, and seeks to know, to forgive, and to love his fellowman.
When he knows how to sympathize with men in their sorrows, yea, even in their sins -- knowing
that each man fights a hard fight against many odds.
When he has learned how to make friends and to keep them, and above all how to keep friends
with himself.
When he loves flowers, can hunt birds without a gun, and feels the thrill of an old forgotten
joy when he hears the laugh of a little child.
When he can be happy and high-minded amid the meaner drudgeries of life.
When star-crowned trees and the glint of sunlight on flowing waters subdue him like the
thought of one much loved and long dead.
When no voice of distress reaches his ears in vain, and no hand seeks his aid without response.
When he finds good in every faith that helps any man to lay hold of divine things and sees
majestic meanings in life, whatever the name of that faith may be.
When he can look into a wayside puddle and see something beyond mud, and into the face
of the most forlorn fellow mortal and see something beyond sin.
When he knows how to pray, how to love, how to hope.
When he has kept faith with himself, with his fellowman, and with his God; in his hand
a sword for evil, in his heart a bit of a song -- glad to live, but not afraid to die!
Such a man has found the only real secret of Masonry, and the one which it is trying to
give to all the world.
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see also: 100 Questions About Freemasonry
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