"MASONRY IS USEFUL TO ALL MEN:
TO THE LEARNED IT AFFORDS HIM THE CHANCE TO PRACTICE HIS TALENTS ON THOSE WHO ARE EMINENTLY WORTHY OF THEIR ATTENTION;
TO THE ILLITERATE IT OFFERS IMPORTENT INSTRUCTION;
IT PRESENTS TO THE YOUNG SALUTARY PRECEPTS AND GOOD EXAMPLES AND ACCUSTOMS THEM TO REFLECT ON THE PROPER MODE OF LIVING;
IT FURNISHES THE MEN OF THE WORLD WITH NOBLE AND USEFUL RECREATION AND THE TRAVELER FRIENDS AND BROTHERS IN COUNTRIES WHERE ELSE HE WOULD BE ISOLATED AND SOLITARY;
THE WORTHY MAN IN MISFORTUNE, ASSISTANCE;
THE AFFLICTED, CONSOLATION AND THE CHARITABLE MAN A CHANCE TO DO BETTER
BY UNITING WITH OTHERS WHO ARE AS CHARITABLE AS HE.
ALL THIS IS TO THOSE WHOSE SOULS ARE CAPABLE OF APPRECIATING ITS IMPORTANTS
AND OF ENJOYING THE CHARMS OF FRIENDSHIP FOUNDED ON THE PRINCIPLES OF RELIGION,MORALITY AND PHILANTHROPY."
--Albert Pike
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