Freemasonry Is:
+ a voluntary association of men
+ a system of moral conduct
+ a way of life
+ a fraternal society
+ religious in its character

Freemasonry:
+ teaches the Golden Rule
+ seeks to make good men better men
+ teaches morality through symbolism
+ uses rites and ceremonies to instruct its members
+ is based on a firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man, and the Immortality of the Soul
+ encourages goodwill towards all mankind

The real freemason is distinguished from the rest of mankind by the uniform unrestrained rectitude of his conduct. Other men are honest in the fear of punishment which the law might inflict; 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 the 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 principle..
- Character of a Freemason, Farmers Almanac, 1823

Freemasonry:
x does not solicit members
x is not an insurance or benefit society
x is neither a religion nor a creed nor a religious order
x is not a charity organization, but makes charity a duty
x is not organized for profit
x dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular
x seeks no advantages for its members through business or politics
x is not a forum for discussion of religion, politics or other partisan affairs
x is not a secret society, as it does not conceal its existence or purposes

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