Posts
“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, as well as those publications 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
January 1793
In its promotion of its upcoming symposium in Ontario, the Masonic Restoration Foundation is releasing hints of what the speakers will present from the lectern. MW Bro. Philip Durell, of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon, is going to talk about happiness.
Seeing that graphic above on social media really struck me hard. I can’t remember the last time I associated Freemasonry with happiness, I’m sorry and embarrassed to admit. Obviously I am missing something central to it all. For the most part, my experiences in the fraternity for many years have been characterized by negative states of mind, such as fear and anxiety, caused by worrying about the future. The shrinking membership and resulting financial woes and inevitable reconstitution of the fraternity, for which no one seems to be preparing, produce an overbearing dread that only worsens when we exit the temple to mix again with the increasingly unrecognizable and violent world.
Happiness? My God, I can’t wait to hear what the Past Grand Master has to tell us.
It’s not that I do not enjoy Freemasonry; I do, and I am grateful to be a small part of it. If it made me unhappy, I’d have been gone long ago—and I had reasons to be very unhappy years ago, but logically found the positive (Masonic Light) outweighed the negative (certain Masonic people).
We have a rule, which, if universally observed, would produce more peace and happiness in the world, than, I am afraid, is to be found amongst mankind at present. It is a golden maxim, applicable to all times and occasions, and cannot possibly fail in its operation. It was delivered by the Divinity, taught in the Gospel, recognized in Freemasonry, and is equally beneficial to all orders and descriptions of men. These are the words: Whatsoever you would that men should do unto you, do ye also unto them.
Page 75
In a Mason’s lodge, however, every thing which the candidate sees before his eyes possesses a symbolical meaning to recommend the practice of virtue in order to produce the glory of God, peace on earth, and good will towards men; a result which is considered acceptable to TGAOTU, because it cannot fail to prove a source of happiness to his creatures and lead to an abundant reward in the mansions of the blessed.
Page 130
