Have you ever noticed that Freemasons tend to have long lives? It was something someone mentioned to me a few years ago. I had never really thought about it before, but when I took some time to think about it, the statement really rang true. All the brothers I knew who had passed to the Grand Lodge above had indeed had an extended term of service in this sublunary plane. The cause of this blessing may be rather straightforward; modern research indicates that social contact and having a sense of purpose are two of the most significant factors in longevity. Being a member of a lodge virtually guarantees both of these, but could there be something more?
The association between health, longevity and Freemasonry is one that goes back to the start of organised Freemasonry.
That is to say, we can find this association in some early writings on the subject. It’s important to note, however, that Freemasonry has always been inclusive, and its members have always had a variety of opinions. In this blog article, I aim to explain why some brethren writing in the early eighteenth century believed that Freemasonry could lead to a long life. I hope that these opinions from the past can be an inspiration to us in the modern age.
Now, if we start to read these early works soon, we often find that these texts use confusing philosophical or alchemical language popular at the time, or are only vague, expecting the reader to have associations and understandings that we don’t have now. The good news is that I am here to translate and let you know why early Freemasons would have expected Freemasonry to lead to good health and a long life.
What does Freemasonry have to do with Longevity?
In the eighteenth century, there was a ubiquitous belief that goodness radiated outwards and had a positive knock-on effect on all levels. If someone made a room more beautiful, then it’s likely the people in that room would be happier, and they in turn would do better jobs, and this would continue onward. The same was seen as being true in terms of self-development. When a Freemason improved themselves, they did so not just for its own sake but so that this goodness would radiate outwards. They believed that someone who wanted to build a better character would also want to build a better world and that these two would be interconnected. The aim was to fix the problems or bring about that positive change inside first. But how would the cultivation of virtue have a side effect of making the Mason healthier and help him remain youthful?
Well, the answer lies in the combination of balance and self-mastery. In those days, the Freemasons very much saw the ritual in terms of mastering the inner pillars. The left hand pillar being mastery of the body, the ability to be restrained and to control oneself. The right being about the mind, learning, charity and action. Think of them like Yin and Yang in modern terminology.
Early brethren believed that one side effect of the self-development involved in Freemasonry would be radiant health and a long, good life.
The idea was that the Freemason would spend years working with the teachings of Freemasonry, applying the working tools, contemplating the symbols and adjusting his words and actions in everyday life. This would allow him to master one pillar after another.
In terms of his health, every Freemason to this day is given a brief overview of how this would work during his Initiation.
And to yourself, by such a prudent and well-regulated course of discipline that will best conduce to the preservation of your corporeal and mental faculties in the fullest energy, thereby enabling you to exert those talents wherewith God has blest you, as well to his glory as to the welfare of your fellow creatures. – The First Degree Charge
Note once again, in this case, the good work is not just for himself, but he is aiming to remain healthy to help the world and contribute to society.
Mastering the left-hand pillar would allow him never to eat, or drink to excess (or too little), to rest enough, work the right amount and spend calm time in prayer and contemplation. The right-hand pillar would keep him learning, exploring and doing good works. Encourage him to be social, charitable and ambitious.
This may read very much like a modern health regime, but some authors thought that Freemasonry had something else to offer. Something special that could not be expressed in such plain terms. When one has mastered both the principle or restraint and that of endeavour, after years of honing control over the body and mastery of the mind, he could learn to combine the two.
Imagine a state of self-mastery where you could both listen to your body and be guided by it, but also be able to incorporate the latest scientific understanding and situational awareness into your decision-making. You would know exactly what to eat, when to sleep, the right way to exercise and the correct way to approach things.
Now, let’s consider the body becoming more in tune with and responsive to the mind, thus capable of healing when requested or changing its responses and adaptations through directed understanding and will. Think in terms of a permanent responsive placebo effect! Just picture what it would be like if your higher intellect and intuition were to be working in unison.
This state of equilibrium, or stability, was seen as the real secret of a long, healthy life that masonry could provide.
Would you like to know more about this from an author of the time?
Please click the link below to learn about a fascinating book from 1722 written by a Freemason of the day and lovingly reproduced with an introduction by yours truly.
Long Livers: with the Rare Secret of Rejuvenescency (1722)
Dedicated to the Grand Master, Masters, Wardens and Brethren
of the most Ancient and most Honourable Fraternity
of the Free Masons of Great Britain and Ireland
https://www.lewismasonic.co.uk/latest-titles/long-livers.htm