Masonry's method of teaching is unlike that of the schools. Instead of employing teachers and textbooks and lessons in didactic form-instead, that is, of expounding and enforcing its teachings in plain words - it uses the method of ritual, symbol, emblem and allegory. This is not as easy to follow as the school-room method, but over that or any similar method it has this one great advantage: it makes a Mason study and learn for himself, forces him to search out the truth, compels him to take the initiative, as a grown man should, so that the very act of learning is itself of great educational value. The purpose of secrecy is not to keep a candidate in the dark, but to stimulate him to seek the light; the symbols and emblems do not conceal the teaching, they reveal it, but they reveal it in such a manner that a man must find it for himself; and it is only when a man finds the truth for himself that it can be or remain a living and permanent possession. I can only suggest to you what you will find by your own efforts, how you will find it, and where you will find it. Necessarily there cannot be any exhaustive exposition of Masonic truth, because in its nature it is something each man must discover for himself.
Freemasonry has three tenets, or great teachings, which are presupposed throughout; these are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. By Brotherly Love is meant that the relationship of blood brothers is a type of the relations of Masons with one another. By Relief is meant the principle of benevolence and charity. By Truth is meant, not only that which satisfies the mind, but also sincerity of conscience and soundness of character-truthfulness in act as well as in thought and speech.
Freemasonry is a Fraternity devoted to Brotherhood, exists to furnish opportunities to its members to enjoy it, for its own sake and not as a means to something beyond it; but this Brotherhood must be understood in a special sense. Freemasonry 's position is that Brotherhood rests on a religious basis; we are all Brothers, or should be, because God is the Father of us all.
Masonry, like all else in its teaching, is not set forth in written creeds, or in any other form of words; the Mason must come upon it for himself, and put it in such form as will satisfy his own mind, leaving others to do likewise. This is Masonic tolerance, which is one of the prime principles of the Craft, and one protected by the Ancient Landmark that forbids all sectarian discussion in our assemblies.
Masonry teaches the necessity of morality, requiring of its members that they be good men and true, their passions kept in due bounds, just in their dealings with their fellows, patient with the erring, charitable, truthful and honorable. Nor are these the words of a high-sounding but empty aspiration; a candidate must possess such a character to be qualified for admittance, and a Mason must persevere in it to retain his membership.
Of the theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, the greatest of these is Charity. Through the agency of the Lodge and of the Grand Lodge each of us is to give support to the charities maintained by the Jurisdiction, District or Lodge; but at the same time, and over and above this, each of us must stand ready at any and all times privately to extend a helping hand in relief of an unfortunate Brother, or of his dependents. Masonry, however, does not advocate a charity carried to the limits of fanaticism; there is such a thing as a Cable Tow, the extent of ability and opportunity, and we are not asked to give relief beyond the point where it would work damage to ourselves or hardship to our families.
Another of Masonry's great teachings is Equality. This does not represent that impossible doctrine which would erase all distinctions, and holds that in all respects all men are the same, for it is evident that in many respects men are very unequal, as in talent, in gifts, in abilities, and in character; it is, rather, the principle that we owe goodwill, charity, tolerance, and truthfulness equally to each and all, and that within our Fraternity all men travel the same road of initiation, take the same obligations, pay the same dues, and have the same duties, rights and privileges.
A like importance is attached to the need for enlightenment. The motto of Masonry is "Let there be light"; the Work of Masonry is called the Royal Art, and it is expected that our candidates beginning as Apprentices shall study to learn its practice, consulting with well-informed Brethren and making use of the Working Tools. Truth is one of the tenets. There is a Masonry of the mind as well as of the heart and of the hand. To reverence the wise, to respect teachers, to value and uphold schools, and to encourage the Liberal Arts and Sciences is one of our most ancient traditions.
Outside the Lodge the Mason is to be a good citizen, loyal to his government, taking no part in plots and rebellions, conducting himself as a moral and wise man, remembering in all things that he has in his keeping the good name of his Fraternity.
These teachings arise out of, and at the same time are bound together into, an organic unity by the nature and needs of that Brotherhood for the sake of which the whole system of the Craft exists. To endure through all vicissitudes, and to satisfy our natures, Brotherhood must have a spiritual basis, hence the necessity of a belief in a Supreme Being. Brotherhood requires that men must be held together by unbreakable ties, hence the necessity for morality, which is a name for the forces that bind us in the relations of amity and accord. Differences of beliefs and opinions must not be permitted to rupture those bonds, hence the need for tolerance. Men cannot come together or remain together except they have the same rights and privileges, hence the necessity of equality.
Masonry teaches man to practice charity and benevolence, to protect chastity, to respect the ties of blood and friendship, to adopt the principles and revere the ordinances of religion, to assist the feeble, guide the blind, raise up the downtrodden, shelter the orphan, guard the altar, support the Government, inculcate morality, promote learning, love for God and man, implore His mercy and hope for happiness.