In the First Degree of Freemasonry (the Entered Apprentice Degree), the moral lessons are foundational to the journey of self-improvement, self-awareness, and moral integrity that Freemasons are encouraged to undertake. These lessons are meant to shape the candidate into a better person, both within the Masonic Lodge and in their everyday life. Here are the moral lessons imparted in the First Degree:
1. The Importance of Brotherhood
- Lesson: Freemasonry teaches that all men are brothers, regardless of race, religion, or social standing. This lesson emphasizes mutual respect, kindness, and support among all members of the fraternity.
- Moral Implication: It encourages the initiate to treat others with the same respect and consideration they would expect for themselves, thus fostering unity and peace.
2. The Value of Integrity
- Lesson: The concept of truth and honesty is central to the First Degree. The initiate is reminded that a Mason's word must be his bond, and that integrity is the foundation of trustworthiness in all relationships.
- Moral Implication: This lesson calls for the initiate to live a life of honesty and to always act in a manner that reflects their inner truth, avoiding deceit and hypocrisy.
3. The Pursuit of Knowledge
- Lesson: The candidate is encouraged to seek knowledge and enlightenment through education and self-reflection. The symbolism of light, which is a key theme in the degree, represents the enlightenment gained through wisdom.
- Moral Implication: This lesson urges the initiate to constantly strive for intellectual and spiritual growth, understanding that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey.
4. Self-Improvement
- Lesson: The working tools of the Entered Apprentice (like the gavel and the square) symbolize the need for self-improvement. The gavel is used to strike away rough edges from stones, just as one must strike away imperfections from their own character.
- Moral Implication: This lesson encourages the initiate to work on their own flaws, removing selfishness, pride, and other vices, and replacing them with virtues like humility, charity, and kindness.
5. Humility
- Lesson: The candidate is reminded of the importance of humility in their personal life. The First Degree encourages the initiate to approach the journey with a sense of modesty, recognizing that they are at the beginning of a long path of growth and that they are not yet perfect.
- Moral Implication: This lesson teaches the initiate to remain humble and open to learning from others, recognizing that pride and arrogance hinder growth.
6. The Value of Charity
- Lesson: Freemasonry places a strong emphasis on charity—helping those in need. The initiate is taught to not only care for their brothers within the lodge but also to contribute to the well-being of society at large.
- Moral Implication: This lesson highlights the importance of generosity, empathy, and service to others, teaching the initiate that true fulfillment comes from giving rather than receiving.
7. Respect for All Mankind
- Lesson: Freemasonry teaches respect for all people, regardless of background or belief. The First Degree reinforces the idea that, as Masons, members should strive to embody universal compassion and understanding.
- Moral Implication: This lesson encourages the initiate to practice tolerance, understanding, and kindness in all interactions, promoting peace and harmony in society.
8. Justice
- Lesson: The candidate is reminded of the importance of justice, both in their personal and public life. Freemasonry teaches that one should treat others fairly, uphold the law, and pursue what is right.
- Moral Implication: This lesson challenges the initiate to act with fairness, equality, and impartiality, ensuring that justice guides their decisions and actions.
9. The Role of Light and Darkness
- Lesson: The candidate is taught about the transition from darkness to light, a symbol of their journey from ignorance to knowledge. This light represents not just intellectual understanding but moral clarity and spiritual awakening.
- Moral Implication: This lesson encourages the initiate to strive for enlightenment and clarity in all aspects of life, dispelling ignorance and confusion with wisdom and truth.
10. The Importance of Self-Reflection
- Lesson: The initiate is taught to engage in self-reflection—to regularly examine their own behavior, thoughts, and actions to ensure they are living in alignment with the virtues of Freemasonry.
- Moral Implication: This lesson encourages the initiate to continually assess themselves, acknowledge their shortcomings, and take steps to improve their character and actions.
11. The Willingness to Help Others
- Lesson: Freemasonry teaches that the initiate should be ready to help others in need, both in material ways (through charity) and in moral ways (through counsel, support, and fellowship).
- Moral Implication: This lesson stresses that one’s own growth is incomplete without contributing to the growth and well-being of others.
12. Living a Moral Life
- Lesson: The First Degree encourages the initiate to adopt a moral code that aligns with Masonic teachings. It encourages members to lead lives based on virtue, ethical conduct, and sound principles.
- Moral Implication: This lesson calls on the initiate to live with honor, avoiding vice and striving to uphold the highest moral standards in all circumstances.
13. The Unity of Purpose
- Lesson: Freemasonry teaches that the purpose of all Masons is unified in the pursuit of truth, wisdom, and enlightenment. The First Degree teaches the importance of working together as a cohesive body of brothers, each supporting the other in their shared mission.
- Moral Implication: This lesson teaches the initiate the value of cooperation, teamwork, and shared goals. It shows that strength comes from unity, not individualism.
14. The Importance of the Lodge
- Lesson: The lodge itself is seen as a sacred space for moral and spiritual growth. The First Degree emphasizes that the lodge is a place of mutual support, learning, and fellowship.
- Moral Implication: This lesson reminds the initiate that Freemasonry is not just a private affair; it is a collective effort where members help each other to improve morally, spiritually, and intellectually.
These moral lessons form the bedrock of Masonic teaching and serve as a guide for the initiate's behavior within and outside the Lodge. The First Degree is essentially about starting a journey of personal transformation through self-discipline, education, and a commitment to moral excellence.