Definition of Freemason

Ancient Definition

In The Farmers Almanac for 1823 published at Andover, Mass., the

following was printed under the heading, "Character of a Freemason":

The real Freemason is distinguished from the rest of Mankind by the

uniform unrestrained rectitude of his conduct. Other men are honest in

fear of punishment which the law might inflect; they are religious in

expectation of being rewarded, or in dread of the devil, in the next

world. A Freemason would be just if there were no laws, human or

divine except those written in his heart by the finger of his Creator.

In every climate, under every system of religion, he is the same. He

kneels before the Universal Throne of God in gratitude for the

blessings he has received and humble solicitation for his future

protection. He venerates the good men of all religions. He disturbs

not the religion of others. He restrains his passions, because they

cannot be indulged without injuring his neighbor or himself. He gives

no offense, because he does not choose to be offended. He contracts no

debts which he is certain he cannot discharge, because he is honest

upon principal.