On Brotherly Love

Jacob M. Bressman Senior Grand Warden

RWB Jacob M. Bressman

We are taught as Freemasons that the Principal Tenets of our Order consist of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Oft we hear these words echoed throughout the halls of the sacred spaces of our Lodges, for they are meant to be the rule by which we govern our actions towards all mankind, more especially a Brother Mason. But what do these virtues truly mean, and how exactly are we charged to act? I would posit that these ideas, while so very universal, are perhaps seldomly understood. Thus, for the purposes of extending the Light of our Craft a bit further, I would propose that we examine more deeply the precept of Brotherly Love, and what it means for the state and future of our humble Craft.

Brotherly Love, my dear brethren, is the cement which unites us in the Mystic Tie. Without it, our sacred institution would crumble. Yet with it, we can build ever higher. The concept of Brotherly Love teaches us that we are to regard all of humanity as one family, therefore that we may aid, support, and protect each other, and remember our fellows as if they were our very selves. In our present day, this may be explained plainly as a Masonic form of the “Golden Rule,” and it most importantly subsists within the realm of speech.

At its core, the foundation of Brotherly Love amongst us Masons is that of speaking truthfully, and speaking well of our fellow Craftsmen. We are taught not to malign our Brothers behind their backs, but rather in a most kind manner to remind them of their faults. However, Brotherly Love, does not mean that we should tell others what they wish to hear, for this would violate the Principal Tenet of Truth. Rather, as our esteemed Brother Mackey is quoted as writing, we are to “with candor and kindness admonish a Brother of his faults, [and] we should never revile his character behind his back, but rather, when attacked by others, support and defend it.”

It is expected of Freemasons that we should speak plainly, truthfully, and kindly. If we find a worthy Brother erring, we must speak the truth and with kindness guide him in his return to the right path. Likewise, we must refrain from ridiculing and degrading our fellows. We must place a Tyler at the door of our lips, and circumscribe our speech. Therefore, let us always remember the wise words attributed to Shakespeare: “he who pilfers from me my good name, robs me of that which not enriches him, but makes me poor indeed.” No pleasure or profit can be derived from lowering our Brothers in their several stations, nor from trading in gossip. There is no place for rumor mongering in our gentle Craft, and we must endeavor to immediately put an end to such foolish and harmful behavior, lest we forget the precept of Brotherly Love.

My brothers, we must learn from the past, so as not to repeat it, but together by spreading the cement of Brotherly Love, we may practice the virtue of Silence, and unite as one stupendous edifice by which the Light of Masonry may become a beacon of Truth in our troubled times. We must not allow intemperate words to divide us, but rather we must labor onwards with honor and distinction, that we may always remember the love we share for each other and our most noble Order.