Objects Of Brotherhood

by Reggie Estialbo
Logia Bonifacio#2
Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas
Kawit, Cavite

The Universal Brotherhood of men seeks to propagate the true light to all the people of the world. “Masonry possesses its universality, the character which has been peculiar to it from its origin”. It is not confined to any particular country but to all parts of the world inhabited by human beings. Albert G. Mackey, in his Manuals of the Lodge, says, that by the exercise of brotherly love, we are taught to regard the whole species as one family; the high and low, the rich and poor; who as created by one Almighty Parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support, and protect each other. On this principle, Masonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion, and conciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at perpetual distance.

At present, there are at least four known jurisdictions of Masonic Order in the Philippines: the Gran Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines which emanated from the Grand Lodge of California, the Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas and the Soberana Gran Logia del Archipielago de Fiipinas, both progeny of Gran Oreinte Espanol, and the latest addition is the Independent Grand Lodge of Philippine Islands, which resulted from their secession from the first. Although the symbolic lodges of the first and the last use the York Rite ritual while the second adopted the same rite as the third, that is the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, nevertheless, their aims and purposes are similar and identical; the same as those practiced and diffused by all other Masonic jurisdictions throughout the world. Following the tenets of the Universal Family, that we belong to the same Almighty Parent, it is incumbent for each jurisdiction to cultivate friendly and brotherly relation toward each other. They must have mutual understanding for they are linked and bound by the same belief, faith and affection. Charity begins at home, runs the wise saying that, which we have learned from the instructions given and inculcated in our hearts and minds, must first be practiced within the Universal Family and then to world outside.

Unhappily what we observed from certain quarters of our world is the exact opposite. There are some who displayed their egoistic deeds, as if theirs are the only one worthy of consideration and accolade. Their appraisal of their own work is so great that made us quiver. We believe that the greatness of a thing depends generally and irrevocably to its usefulness and the wise impressions that it renders to every one. It is the deeds but not the words or winks of an eye or gestures that bear good fruits. From a learned man, we found a very good advice which runs thus: “Above all, be in conscious communion with cosmic love which is expressed in all nature’s developing creatures, in every realm of creation. Cultivate health of mind with its continuity of youth, beauty of soul and heartfelt sympathy and live temperately and naturally. Always be searching for the greater good, for the best in everything, never wasting valuable time on negatives and non- essentials which never help us to achieve success”.

The Golden Rule is that “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart.” (Leviticus 19:17) We agree and adhere to this teaching. This precept might be explained to mean only that you must not injure him, nor insult him, nor vex him, and so the words “in thine heart” are added to forbid us even to harbor hatred in our heart without giving it outward expression. Causeless hatred ranks with the three capital sins: Idolatry, Immorality and Murder. The Second Temple, although in its time study of the law and good works flourish and God’s commandments were obeyed, was destroyed because of causeless hatred, one of the deadly sins.

It is a fact, nobody can deny, that, the benevolent affections will not revolve around selfishness; the cold-hearted must expect to meet coldness; the passionate, anger; and the violent, rudeness. Those who forget the right of others must not be surprised if their own are forgotten; and those who stooped to the lowest embraces of sense must not wonder, if others are not concerned to find their prostrate honor, and lift it up to the remembrance and respect of the world.

Let us mend our own ways. Let us be true to our tenets and make fraternal relations sweeter than ever. There is no place for egotism in Masonry. Masonry teaches only and has preserved in their purity, the cardinal tenets of the old primitive faith. It has taught no doctrines, except those truths that tend to direct to the well-being of men; and those “those who attempted to direct it toward useless vengeance, political ends, and Jesuitism, have merely perverted it to purpose foreign to the pure spirit and real nature.”

The history and literature of this jurisdiction has been made clear to the whole world. The Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas under the auspices of Supremo Consejo de 33 para Filipinas, First in the Far East has been founded and constituted for the purpose of making it an effective instrument for the unification of all masons in the Philippines, in general, and of all Filipino masons, in particular. The unity of the Philippine Masonic Family, which is still most anxiously awaited, perhaps is one of the remedies to unite our country. The United States has long line of Presidents and public officials who are affiliated with Masonry, and actively performing their duties according to the Masonic interpretation, who have made their country prosperous and progressive. It is wise to follow examples of this nature that will give our country the lasting peace, progress and contentment.

It is the aim and purpose of masonry to alleviate and enlighten all the people in all parts of the world. Ours is not an exception, nor certain distinct race of people: white, red, black, yellow, and others, all are children of a Mighty Parent and should therefore share equally to the most sublime teachings and benefits derived from the Universal Brotherhood of men. Our lodges must be opened to all these brethren, who have nothing in their heart and mind but the sacred love for T. G. A. O. T. U. The commandment of Masonry is this: “that ye love one another! He that saith he is in light and hateth his brother remaineth still in the darkness.”

The objects of Brotherhood of men are to comfort, protect, and aid each other in our journey through the labyrinth of human life and to make its hardships lighter by means of cheerful companionship and social pleasures. The realization of such loving kindness is through the effective adherence to and observation of all Masonic tenets and the practice and application of all moral virtues if we wish to give glory to masonry and light and life to the world, the true spirit of Universal Brotherhood.In all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths.

My Fraternal Embrace of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity,

Reggie Estialbo
Logia Bonifacio#2
Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas
Kawit, Cavite

logia_bonifacio@hotmail.com

0905-3257343

*** this article was a response to previously posted article. Brother Reggie's article deserved to be read as stand alone posting rather than a footnote/comment. Well Done, my Brother.

So Mote It Be.