GOULD'S HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY THROUGHOUT THE WORLD ( 1936 ) - VOLUME 1 - By CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS

FOREWORD
OULD was the Thucydides of Masonic history . The Masonic histories
before his day belong on the shelves with books of mythology and
fairy tales . Gould also inspired real historical research and study .
Vast stores of information have been uncovered since his time which correct
some errors made by Gould, and add tremendously to the real story of the past
of Freemasonry. Moreover, much has transpired since then . All this requires
the present revision .
Outside of its own membership, Freemasonry is to-day little understood
and much misunderstood . At the outset, let us get a clear idea of what Free-
masonry is, of its purposes, and a few of its major accomplishments .
Freemasonry is a charitable, benevolent, educational, and religious secret
society, adhering to its own peculiar Ancient Landmarks . Its methods of rec-
ognition and of symbolic instruction are secret and thereby a test of membership
is provided, though a Brother be travelling in foreign countries and among
those who would otherwise be strangers .
It is religious in that it teaches monotheism, the Volume of the Sacred
Law is open upon its Altars whenever a Lodge is in Session, worship of God
is ever a part of its ceremonial, and to its neophytes and Brethren alike are con-
stantly addressed lessons of morality ; yet it is not theological nor does it at-
tempt to displace or rival the church . Masonry is not a religion; it is the hand-
maid of religion .
It is educational in that it teaches a perfect system of morality, based upon
the Sacred Law, by a prescribed ceremonial ; and it also provides libraries and
opportunities for study therein .
It is benevolent in that it teaches relief of the poor and distressed as a
duty and exemplifies that duty by relief of sick and distressed Brethren, by
caring for the widows and orphans of the Brethren, by maintaining homes for
aged and distressed Brethren and their dependents, and by many other altruistic
endeavours .
It is charitable in that none of its income inures to the benefit of any in-
dividual, but all is devoted to the improvement and promotion of the happi-
ness of mankind .
It is a social organisation only so far as it furnishes additional induce-
ment that men may forgather in numbers, thereby providing more material
for its primary work of training, of worship, and of charity .
The sole dogma (i .e ., arbitrary dictum) of Freemasonry is the Landmark
of Belief in God . No neophyte ever has been or ever will be permitted partici-
pation in the mysteries of legitimate and recognized Freemasonry until he has
solemnly asserted his trust in God . Beyond that, we inquire and require noth-
ing of sectarianism or religious belief .
Freemasonry's idea of God is universal . Each may interpret that idea in
the terms of his own creed . The requirement is solely a belief in one Supreme
Being whom we sometimes call the Great Architect of the Universe . Upon
this, the enlightened religious of all ages have been able to agree . It is pro-
claimed not only in the New Testament of the Christian, but in the Pentateuch
of the Hebrew, in the Koran of the Islamite, in the Avesta of the Magians of
Persia, in the Book of Kings of the Chinese, in the Sutras of the Buddhist, and
even in the Vedas of the Hindu .