Page 43 - MML - Journal - Centenary Edition - Vol. 01 / 2023

Freemasonry and Brotherhood of Man
By R W Bro. Abraham Markos, OSM, P.DY.G.M., P.R.G.M.
Masonry according to the general concept of the term, that is operative, practical Masonry, is an Art founded upon the principles of geometry, and is directed towards the use and the service of mankind, in so far only as their physical and material needs, and comforts are concerned. Freemasonry, on the contrary, being purely speculative, and having higher aims, namely, the cultivation of the moral virtues, and the general instruction and improvement of the minds of its members, may with strictest propriety be denominated a science. In accordance however, with the immemorial wisdom of the order, its lessons generally are veiled in allegory and illustrated by an appropriate and expressive system of symbols. To draw aside this mingled veil of allegory and symbolism and to penetrate more deeply into our mysteries than the ordinary routine work of the Lodge enables us to do, is the object and intent of our Masonic Lectures, and it is only by a careful and diligent study of those lectures that we can hope to become acquainted with the true interpretation of our symbols, and to gain in some measure a clear knowledge and understanding of our more recondite mysteries.
Freemasonry is founded in the very wants of the human nature. When man emerged from the hand of the Divine Being, there was implanted within him a desire for society and for social intercourse. Through the ages, this longing for social interaction has maintained its position in the human breast, and inspired man with noble aspirations and desires to elevate himself and his fellowmen in the scale of moral and social being. Man should not live for himself alone, for he is a member of one great family or brotherhood, each member of which derives its support and assistance from the whole and is therefore a
dependent being. Needless to say, that this dependence is true of all created things and is beautifully exemplified in all works of the Great Architect of the Universe. The harmony of nature is produced by the organisation and order which prevail. The more perfect the organization, the greater the harmony. If there is perfect organisation, the entire harmony exists therein. This is so beautifully illustrated in freemasonry where within our Lodges we find men of every shade of opinion, political and religious, yet notwithstanding those differences, peace and tranquility prevail, and while assembled in the Lodge room at least, the Brethren dwell together in unity.
We never claim that freemasonry is of divine origin. On the contrary, it is an institution founded by man upon those divine principles which underlie all that is truly noble and good in humanity. Its object is to educate man and to develop him to the fullest extent in all those faculties of nature that tend to harmonize the human family and to elevate mankind to the highest tangible condition to which it is possible for human agencies and institutions to raise him. Its teachings are pure and holy, designed to fill the soul of the initiate with higher conceptions of those duties which every man owes to himself, to his fellowman and to his God. He is taught that to himself he owes the sacred duty of refraining from all those indulgences which tend to impair his faculties and degrade his being, to be temperate in all his desires and chaste in all his actions and to place such restraint upon all his affections and options as shall most effectually free his mind from the allurements of vice. To his fellowman, he is taught to act upon the principles of brotherly love, and throughout the degrees in freemasonry he is constantly reminded to
Madras Masonic Journal Vol. 01 / 2023 - Centenary Year Edition
A Publication of Madras Masters Lodge No. 103, GLI
42