What Masonry is		What Masonry is not
It is a voluntary association of men.		It does not solicit members.
It is a system of moral conduct.		It is not an insurance or benefit society.
It is a way of life.		It is neither a religion nor creed, nor a religious order.
It is a fraternal society.		It is not a charity organization but makes charity a duty.
It is religious in charactor.		It is not organized for profit.
It teaches the Golden Rule.		It dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular.
It seeks to make good men better men.		It seeks no advantages for its members through business or politics.
It teaches morality through symbolism.		It is not a forum for discussion of religion, politics or other partisan affairs.
It uses rites and ceremonies to instruct its members.		It is not a secret society as it does not conceal its existance or purposes.

It is based on a firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of Man and the Immortality of the Soul.