The New Zealand Craftsman Wellington, New Zealand, June 2, 1913

CHIEF GLORY OF FREEMASONRY.
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The chief glory of Masonry is that it levels all the barriers that intervene between individuals and
communities, and brings together upon a plane of common equality persons of the most diverse opinions,
occupations, and interests. Overleaping all the boundaries of selfishness and exclusiveness; overruling all
social and class distinctions, breaking down all the partitions of bigotry and intolerance, it unites in common
work and common object the good and true of all pursuits, opinions and languages. The Lodge can never
become the exclusive creature of any social, political, or religious class or sect, because it is the joint
possession of the best representatives of all classes and conditions. Here upon the level—the symbol of
equality—the rich and poor, the high and low, the titled prince and the sturdy yeoman, forgetting all
differences of rank and station, unite their best endeavours for the highest good of each and all. Here the best
representatives of the various church creeds, and the most diverse theological sentiments stand side by side
without a single test between them ! Here the leaders of opposing parties and rival factions forget their
intrigues, and catching the spirit of loyal sympathy and philanthropy breathed from every lesson of the
Order, their hearts are melted into responsive love and fraternal peace. Here nobility of birth and blood is
superseded by that higher nobility which is disposition and life, Here the crown of loyalty and the sceptre of
authority belongs to those most distinguished for virtue and honour. Here all languages are melted into words
and symbols conveying the same meaning to all minds, and bearing the same significance in all circles. Of
course, it is not assumed that these noble and honourable aims are never lost sight of by persons who have
sought and obtained the fellowship of the Order. Bad men sometimes conceal their selfish designs so
skilfully that the closest scrutiny may fail to unmask them.

But the object of Freemasonry to unite and harmonise in a benevolent work the best representatives of all
theological and governmental opinions is not the less apparent on this account. And that its influence in this
direction has been exceedingly potential and beneficent no one acquainted with the facts in the case will
pretend to deny.

The most important incorrigible political zealot, and the most intolerable bigot meet in the Lodge-room, and
heartily fraternise with others of the most dissimilar associations and convictions. Here upon the Level the
antipodes of political and theological sentiment meet and join hands; and here the good and true of all classes
and conditions have realised, in the fullest and sweetest sense, the Psalmist's words : " Behold how good and
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." —" Masonic Selections."