What Masonry is

It is a voluntary association of men.	It is a system of moral conduct.
It is a way of life.	It is a fraternal society.
It is religious in character.	It teaches the golden rule.
It seeks to make good men better.	It teaches morality through symbolism.
It uses rites and ceremonies to instruct it's members.	It is based on a firm belief in the fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man and the immortality of the Soul.

It is not an insurance or benefit society.	It is neither a religion or creed.
It is not a charity organization, but makes charity a duty.	It is not organized for profit.
It dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular.	It seeks no advantages for it's members through business or politics.
It is not a forum for discussion of religion, politics or other partisan affairs.	It is not a secret society as it does not conceal it's existence or purposes.