|
I hold in my hands a little scrap of paper, 2.25" X 3.75" in size. It is of no intrinsic worth; not a bond, not a check or receipt for value, yet it is one of my most priceless possessions. It is my membership card in a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons.
It tells me that I have entered into a spiritual kinship with my fellow Masons to practice charity in word and deed; to forgive and forget the faults of my brethren; to hush the tongues of scandal and innuendo; to care for the crippled, the hungry, and the sick, and to be just to all mankind.
It tells me that no matter where I may travel in the world, I am welcome to visit a place where good fellowship prevails among Brother and friends.
It tells me that my loved ones, my home, and my household are under the protection of every member of this great Fraternity, who have sworn to protect and defend mine, as I have sworn to protect and defend theirs.
It tells me that should I ever be overtaken by adversity or misfortune, the hands of every Mason on the face of the earth will be stretched forth to assist me in my necessities.
And finally, it tells me, my Brethren, that when my final exit from the stage of life has been made, there will be gathered my Lodge friends and Brothers who will recall to mind my virtues, though they may be few, and will forgive and forget my faults, though they may be many.
It tells me all this and a great deal more, this little scrap of paper, 2.25" X 3.75" in size.
Author unknown
|
|
