(...) Shirley explained Franklin became a Master Mason in Sept. 1731 and in June 1734 he was elected the Grandmaster of Pennsylvania. Franklin printed the first Masonic book in North America and, while he was active in Freemasonry, Shirley said Franklin only mentioned it three times in his writings.
Throughout the seminar, Shirley quoted various writings by Franklin including some of his thoughts on religion. He also said it made sense for Franklin to be a Mason because the society's political and religious beliefs are similar to Franklin's. Masonic politics were similar to the "American experiment" which Franklin supported. The Masons, like Franklin, were more interested in being honorable than following exact religious principles. (...)
