The Meaning of Masonic Obligations

R.V. Harris
Past Grand Master, P Gd Secty, Nova Scotia

The obligation is the turning point of every degree; it makes a man an E.A.; a F.C.; a M.M.

As early as 1738, objection was taken to an oath of secrecy taken on the Holy Bible and a few years later in 1757, the Synod of Seceders of Scotland condemned the Masonic Order on five grounds, namely; that it is on oath of secrecy; secondly that such an oath is considered by Freemasons as paramount to the laws of the land; thirdly, that such oaths are administered before the secrets of Freemasonry are communicated; fourthly that they are accompanied by certain objectionable ceremonies, and lastly that to each is attached a penalty which is ridiculous and absurd. Is there anything in these criticisms?

What is an oath or obligation? The word “obligation” comes from a Latin word obligatio – a binding to, a tie. The same root lig is to be found in the words, ligament and religion. An obligation is more than an oath, it is more than a vow, it combines both. An obligation is a promise made solemnly and under the penalty or sanction of one’s religious belief.

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