Freemasons must live the principles they espouse.

In an on-line discussion recently, the question came up regarding famous Masons and Masonic participation in the founding of the United States. There have been a number of books published on the activities of Freemasons in the Revolutionary War period, and some of the stories are, no doubt, apocryphal. The fact remains, however, that many, if not a majority, of those involved in beginning the Revolution against England were Freemasons. Most had tried for years to get a redress of grievances from the mother country in order to heal the breach, but when it became obvious that there would not be anything forthcoming save more oppression, they took a lead in declaring our national independence.

As clearly, the system of morals and the ideals which formed our nation are Masonic, and every Mason today can take pride in that fact. If our nation were still dedicated to the values of Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love that were espoused by our Founding Fathers, we would be living in a different and better world than we find ourselves in today.

Here is a proposal. Masons and Scottish Rite Masons are found in all walks of life in every corner of the world. National leaders and humble working men meet upon the Level and part upon the Square. Let every Mason, wherever placed, consciously keep before him his Masonic and Scottish Rite obligations and, most importantly, act upon them. Let each of us base his actions, in whatever his field of endeavor, on the values we espouse, not on profit or power, but on how our actions will benefit our Brothers and our fellowmen.

Assume, in fact, the stewardship we talk about, to leave this poor, beleaguered planet a better place than we found it. Weigh our decisions not on the bottom line, not upon gaining maximum power or profit, but on how our fellowman can be alleviated in his distress. If we can do this in our private, corporate, political, and public lives, we cannot help but set an example and better the world in some small way.