Each and every time a Freemason starts wearing his Masonic regalia, it is probably impossible not to think about the great Masons that came before you, the ones who have worked at making this brotherhood even more sacred and far-reaching to all. Of course, one of the greatest Masons who will probably be part of these realizations is Benjamin Franklin.
It was probably Ezra Stiles, a past president of Yale College, who received one of the most in-depth look at how Benjamin Franklin lived, especially when it comes to his religious beliefs and his take on immortality.
"Here is my Creed," Franklin wrote to Stiles. "I believe in one God, Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That he ought to be worshipped. That the most acceptable Service we render to him, is doing Good to his other Children. That the Soul of Man is immortal, and will be treated with Justice in another Life respecting its Conduct in this.” 1
Here, Franklin acknowledges that there truly is an afterlife, and that the common man’s soul will bear the brunt of his actions here on earth once he gets there.
One of his more famous quotes also say, “If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth writing."
It seems like Franklin advises everyone, especially his Masonic brothers, not to waste a minute of their time being idle. He pushes everyone to do everything that they believe is important while there is still time, because failing to do so would only result in them being forgotten once they are gone, presumably when their soul has entered the afterlife.
This is why each time each Mason wears his Masonic regalia, it is of utmost importance to think about Franklin’s challenge and ask yourself an important question the moment you start your day: “What important things am I doing today?”
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