Masonic Themes in the Declaration of Independence

George Washington was one of 13 U.S. presidents confirmed as a member of the Freemasons.

Public fascination about the Society of Freemasons has increased since the organization became the subject of several recently published novels. A sense of the mysterious surrounds the fraternity. Several historically significant men who were Masons, including 9 of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. However, many myths about Masonic activities and rituals are founded on rumor and suspicion alone. Influential Freemasons helped to further the 18th century intellectual movement known as The Enlightenment that promoted ideas such as equality, freedom and tolerance.

Honor and Truth

The public is sometimes mystified by the ambiguous symbolism used by the Freemasons including nine-point stars, the Egyptian all-seeing eye and two-headed eagles, but Masons are generally open about the principles that guide their organization. These values include honor and truth which are referenced in the Declaration of Independence through the condemnation of certain acts committed by the British including "mock trials," the creation of false legislation, and injustice. Authors of the Declaration found fault with the practice of tenure and salary increase for judges with the king's permission alone.

Humanitarianism

After Congress debated and revised the Declaration of Independence, the final document contained a list of grievances for acts contrary to the principles held sacred by Masons as well as all other men who signed the document. These grievances included the suffering of American citizens at the hands of British soldiers who "harassed the people and ate out their substance." The authors of the Declaration also protested against the British choice of gathering places for legislative meetings which were difficult for colonial representatives to attend, denying their involvement and forcing them into compliance.

Brotherly Love and Equality

Brotherhood is a primary value held by the Freemasons. Although African-American men developed a separate Lodge in the 18th century, petition for membership is not based on wealth or ethnicity. Mason's hold that each man should be judged on personal character. The authors of the Declaration pledged their lives and their fortunes to each other to accomplish their goal. Representatives who signed the Declaration claimed the crown denied the brotherhood of American citizens with the capture of American seamen who were captured and forced to serve as British soldiers.

Duty to Men and to God

The members of the the Freemasons must conduct themselves with duty and honor. The Declaration described the English king as a tyrant because he persecuted the States who petitioned for redress. As representatives of the States of America, they claimed it was their duty to separate from a tyrannical government that persecuted its subjects and denied them their freedom. Freemasons must follow their own faith and place duty to God before all other responsibilities. The Declaration of Independence closes with the statement that the authors relied on divine protection.

References

• Smithsonian Magazine; The Lost Symbol's Masonic Temple; David A. Taylor; April 2007
• The Masonic Service Association of North America: Statement on Freemasonry and Religion
• Freemasons Victoria: Myths about Freemasonry
• U.S. History.org: The Declaration of Independence
• The Masonic Service Association of North America: Freemasonry and Brotherhood
• The Masonic Service Association of North America: History of Freemasonry