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Level Three: Universal Brotherhood Larry Duane Horath 32° Valley of Pittsburgh May 31, 2018 1 Level Three Topic: Universal Brotherhood Statement of the Problem and Significance of Research It has often been said that Freemasonry is the brotherhood of men under the fatherhood of God. The purpose of this paper was to determine the nature and characteristics of universal brotherhood in Masonry. Freemasonry depends on the universality of brotherhood to attract members of all religions, faiths and beliefs, regardless of wealth or status. This is often confusing to those outside the fraternity and even some members within it. This research paper helps explain the need and essential nature of universal brotherhood. Further, this research illustrates the common nature of universal brotherhood through ritual, principles and practices both within and outside of Freemasonry. In addition, it analyzes the concept of universal brotherhood which forms the foundation of modern Freemasonry as supported by its core values. Literature Review and Methodology It is my opinion that as Masons we have a moral imperative to study, understand and apply the principles of universal brotherhood in order to fulfill the stated vision of Scottish Rite Masonry of caring for its members.1 Through a review of pertinent literature both within and outside of Masonry, the universal nature of brotherhood was defined, described and it was determined how it relates to and supports the core values and mission of Scottish Rite Masonry. What do Masonic authors have to say about universal brotherhood? Several Masonic authors, including Manley Hall, Albert Mackey, Allen Roberts, Chris Hodapp and Albert Pike, all agreed on the common nature and content of the tenets of Freemasonry. Brotherhood is one of these universal concepts, espoused by fraternities and social groups alike worldwide. ________________________ 1. David Glattly, “A Conversation with David Glattly, Sovereign Grand Commander, SRNMJ,” Supreme Council NMJ, May 24, 2018, https://scottishritenmj.org/blog/a-conversation- with-david-glattly-sovereign-grand-commander-srnmj. 2 Literature on the subject includes famous writers such as Mark Twain who wrote: “The universal brotherhood of man is our most precious possession.”2 In addition, philosophers such as Thomas Carlyle recognized the nature of the “mystic tie”, a term first popularized by Robert Burns and the title of a book by Allen Roberts, stating that “the mystical bond of brotherhood makes all men brothers.”3 While Masonic author Manly Hall in his book entitled The Lost Keys of Freemasonry defined the universal nature of brotherhood as: “Above all other relationships he [the Mason] recognizes the universal brotherhood of every living thing.”4 On the qualifications of a Mason, Hall continues by stating that: “Every true Mason has come into the realization that there is but one Lodge – that is, the Universe – and but one Brotherhood, composed of everything that moves or exists in any of the planes of Nature. He realizes that his vow of brotherhood and fraternity is universal….”5 Much of Freemasonry is based on custom and tradition. Throughout time, there have been many attempts to list the Landmarks of Freemasonry, some of which are based on the Old Charges, and these differ depending on the jurisdiction. We are taught to uphold and protect these Landmarks which are ancient, unalterable precepts of the fraternity. One author who attempted to list these Landmarks was Albert Mackey. In 1858, Mackey, in his listing of twenty- five Landmarks of Freemasonry, listed as the twenty-second of twenty-five landmarks: ________________________ 2. Mark Twain, “Brotherhood of Man,” AZQuotes, May 24, 2018, http://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/brotherhood-of-man.html. 3. Thomas Carlyle, “Brotherhood of Man,” AZQuotes, May 24, 2018, http://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/brotherhood-of-man.html. 4. Manly Hall, The Lost keys of Freemasonry, 4th ed., (Dover Publications: Mineola, NY, 1923), xxiv. 5. Hall, 63. 3 The equality of all Masons is another Landmark of the Order. This equality has no reference to any subversion of those gradations of rank which have been instituted by the usages of society. The monarch, the nobleman or the gentleman is entitled to all the influence, and receives all the respect which rightly belongs to his exalted position. But the doctrine of Masonic equality implies that, as children of one great Father, we meet in the Lodge upon the level - that on that level we are all traveling to one predestined goal, that in the Lodge genuine merit shall receive more respect than boundless wealth, and that virtue and knowledge alone should be the basis of all Masonic honors, and be rewarded with preferment. When the labors of the Lodge are over, and the brethren have retired from their peaceful retreat, to mingle once more with the world, each will then again resume that social position, and exercise the privileges of that rank, to which the customs of society entitle him.6 Although these Landmarks of Freemasonry are not recognized by any grand lodge jurisdiction, they illustrate what Mackey and others felt were important ancient and universal principles of the fraternity at that time. Mackey felt these needed to be regarded by Masons throughout the world. Allen Roberts in his book entitled The Craft and Its Symbols wrote that “Brotherly Love symbolizes the universality of man. It regards the whole human species as one family, regardless of race, religion or creed.”7 Roberts describes the importance of the universal nature of Masonry later by commenting on the Volume of Sacred law, interpreted as whatever sacred writings the initiate holds revered in their faith: “As the Volume of the Sacred Law, it proves Masonry’s claim that men of all faiths, creeds, and races may travel the Masonic road together in harmony.”8 Roberts finishes by providing this charge: “These are some of the important lessons to be found in the symbolism of the three degrees in Freemasonry. Learn them well. Teach them to all men everywhere.”9 6. Albert Mackey, A Textbook of Masonic Jurisprudence, 7th ed., (Macoy & Sickels Publishers: NY, 1865), 34-5. 7. Allen Roberts, The Craft and Its Symbols: Opening the Door to Masonic Symbolism, (Macoy Publishing: Richmond, VA, 1974), 21. 8. Roberts, 23. 9. Roberts, 90. 4 Chris Hodapp in his book Freemasons for Dummies describes Brotherly Love as: “Simply put, Masons believe in the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule is part of every great world religion, so it qualifies as the single, unifying theme of all faiths. Its most basic concept is the cornerstone of Freemasonry, no matter how it is phrased.”10 On the subject of brotherhood, Hodapp described this relationship as: “The Scottish poet Robert Burns described Masonry as a mystic tie, and it mythically and symbolically binds its members to millions of Masons around the globe, spanning the centuries.”11 He further describes the universal brotherhood of Masonry as: “Freemasonry brings together men who might otherwise never have met, and it cuts across all social, economical, racial, religious, and political lines.”12 Finally, Albert Pike in Morals and Dogma commented on brotherhood by stating: There can be no genuine Brotherhood without mutual regard, good opinion and esteem, mutual charity, and mutual allowance for faults and failings. It is those only who learn habitually to think better of each other, to look habitually for the good that is in each other, and expect, allow for, and overlook, the evil, who can be Brethren one of the other, in any true sense of the word. (Pike, p. 856)13 What do other individuals consider when they think of brotherhood? Faith Baldwin, American author, said this about brotherhood: “You cannot contribute anything to the ideal condition of mind and heart known as Brotherhood, however much you preach, posture, or agree, ________________________ 10. Christopher Hodapp, Freemasons for Dummies, (Wiley Publishing: Hoboken, NJ, 2005), 56. 11. Hodapp, 62. 12. Hodapp, 264. 13. Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Reprint, (L.H. Jenkins, Inc.: Richmond, VA, 1945), 856. 5 unless you live it.”14 Therefore, brotherhood is an applied principle that requires the actor to internalize the concept while externally living up to its expectations. Carlos Romulo, a Filipino statesman, explained that “Brotherhood is the very price and condition of man’s survival.”15 He was addressing the need for world peace and the dependent nature of all countries upon one another. On the universal brotherhood of man, Chief Joseph, Nez Perce Native American leader, stated: “All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers.”16 Chief Joseph served as an advocate of peace and an adamant spokesman for freedom and equality for his people. And, on the responsibility of being a brother, Jolene Perry, novelist, explained: “Because brothers don’t let each other wander in the dark alone.”17 Perry is a contemporary novelist who explores controversial topics for young adults. On the universal nature of brotherhood Thomas Carlyle, philosopher, in his essays on Goethe’s works stated that: “The mystical bond of brotherhood makes all men brothers.”18 Stephen Vincent Benet, poet and author, is quoted as: “Grant us brotherhood, not only for this day but for all our years -- a brotherhood not of words but of acts and deeds.”19 This was also quoted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his radio 14. Faith Baldwin, “Brotherhood,” Wise Old Sayings, May 25, 2018, http://www.wiseoldsayings.com/brotherhood-quotes/. 15. Carlos Romulo, “Brotherhood,” Wise Old Sayings, May 25, 2018, http://www.wiseoldsayings.com/brotherhood-quotes/. 16. Chief Joseph, “Brotherhood,” Wise Old Sayings, May 25, 2018, http://www.wiseoldsayings.com/brotherhood-quotes/. 17. Jolene Perry, “Brotherhood,” Wise Old Sayings, May 25, 2018, http://www.wiseoldsayings.com/brotherhood-quotes/.

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