This article is taken from the July 2021 issue of Fraternal Review titled, “The American Revolution”.

Three words, three ideals of the Enlightenment that continue to ring deep within this country, are “Liberty,” “Equality,” and “Justice.” The time period of the American Revolution is nothing short of powerful in every aspect, regarding both that period in time and even to the current day.

When I have the pleasure of my trips back East, it’s like a social immersion, almost an out-of-body experience, into the front lines of that legacy which we only read about in the books here in Kansas. But in areas like Boston, it’s almost like an everlasting experience that is all around you still. Something like the Phantom of the Opera, with the physical plane now half masked with a modern cityscape, a much denser population, and an overall faster pace of life.

This present is separated only by a thin line from our prominent past, which shows its face at almost every turn. To walk the streets, physically touch the landmarks, and stand on the soil that still encapsulates the power of this turbulent fossil within our history, both excites the nerd in me and grounds me in appreciation of the magnitude of struggle embraced here. That struggle, however, is what set the path for the lives we are able to lead today.

INITIATIC TIES OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS

This country, and the population within it during the time of the American Revolution, was but a skeleton of that which populates it today. However, the labors and intentions of some in their time were such a strike to the Bell of Liberty that their actions caused an eternal ring to be heard and felt in our core to this day. That ring will continue to be heard and felt well beyond our time!

There is obviously a great importance tied to the Founding Fathers of the United States, as well as to many others who were of instrumental importance leading up to, during, and after our gaining of independence. For those of us in the initiatic tribe, those ties go somewhat deeper, as several of those iconic names also stand upon a level ground with us Masons in that regard. However, due to those very initiatic ties, I feel like we tend to blindly follow without seeking the true merit within ourselves, whether it is there or not.

MASONIC CONNECTION

Simply put, we tend to see that a man is a Mason, and he automatically gains a level of respect or praise from us; not a blanket statement by far, but an underlying truth nonetheless. It is a misfortune to blindly follow fallacy wrapped up around the fraternal ties of men. My Brothers, surely a Masonic connection alone is far from a valid reason for worthy praise. The act of initiation is not a magic pill that makes one a better man; it is merely a path in that direction.

The result from there will vary, depending on the intentions and stamina of the individual. The very nature of duality that exists in all things is one that is often accounted for only when it is conveniently in alignment with one’s personal beliefs and opinions. However, we can find sanctuary within ourselves, by obtaining knowledge of the very actions and ideals these men of history put forth that still closely align with our intentional Masonic qualities. There is a powerful and refreshing level of intertwinement here that we find among the universal truths professed in our initiatic journey.

IDEALS OF THE GREATER GOOD

These truths not only aim to better the self at the core, but hold an intention that, by the self being bettered, change will continue its positive transformation into that of the greater good.

These men that we still talk about did indeed put forth a set of ideals that stemmed from the age of Enlightenment— Liberty, Equality, and Justice—as heretofore stated. These very ideals, that became deeply ingrained into the culture of this movement towards freedom, still remain as worthy of praise as they have throughout all of those years gone by.

These ideals seem to hold an underlying universal level of truth—and maintain that truth outside of the confines of our collective mortality—ideals that I would suggest are also encouragements within the journey of the initiated. It is no secret that the greater Enlightenment era thinking seeded many of the underlying beliefs such as these, which in turn helped to create the conditions for the American Revolution itself; not to mention the subsequent Constitution that resulted from it.

But holding a common view of these ideals would not be enough to make a difference in the case of a monarchical government that disagreed in the matter. It would come down to how deeply these men believed in these ideals, and the efforts they were willing to put forth to obtain them. This was not just for their own sake but as well for their neighbors, who already felt isolated and unfairly represented by their existing government. It would be the joint actions of these men, and like-minded others, that would alter the course of history, and impact the greater good of all.

GEORGE WASHINGTON

George Washington demonstrated these ideals, with his passion and willingness to put his own life on the line in order to lead the military campaigns that not only defended his fellow citizens, but brought our nation through to the other side—the dawn of a new era. This allowed his fellow men the pleasures of experiencing liberty, equality, and justice like never before. He continued to demonstrate these ideals as our first President after the Constitution, to the degree that he made sure to step down from office before he died.

Some may not see the significance here, especially its timeless importance, but his intention was to avoid accepting the view of the Presidency as a lifelong appointment. By separating his own ego, he created progress that would long outlive his mortal frame. It was his action that set into motion the ongoing tradition of a two-term limit for holding the office of President in this country.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Benjamin Franklin was another who was instrumental in his historic roles and likewise a praised member of our gentle Craft. Franklin was not of the military mind, but military force alone could not win this battle nor ensure the long-term success of their efforts after the war was brought to a close. He was described as both strategic and persuasive; and in these manners, offered his services to further protect the people of the land he loved.

Franklin was truly instrumental in gaining the support of France by getting King Louis XVI to sign the military alliance of 1778. He also served in the Second Continental Congress and helped draft the Declaration of Independence, forming the firm foundation on which our country was built and moving America in the direction of collective improvement. These are only a few examples, from a couple of men among many; but it was the efforts of these men and others that are pursuits still worthy of our respect and praise.

THE COLLECTIVE EFFORT OF MANKIND

We remember and honor them, not only because they were men of our Craft in high places. At the end of the day, it was not just about them then, the same as it is not just about us now. Understanding that the individual actions of any of these men alone would not have made the difference, we realize that, when we align ourselves appropriately and improve ourselves strategically, the natural changes that will result on a combined level will impact the greater good in ways we could never imagine.

Then it impacted a group of disparate colonies in a time of need, transforming them into a great nation where those Enlightenment ideals remain a part of our foundation. Through a larger lens and a larger collective effort for the betterment of mankind, we can impact still the world.

Written by R. W. Alex G. Powers

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