My Brother,
The Mason’s word – By Bro. Rev. John George Gibson (From The Tyler Keystone, Ann Arbor, Mich., January 1914)
Mason, pass thy word before the Throne,
The throne of Truth and Light.
Thine Honor pledge to God in Heaven above,
Each day to go the right.
Then Mason, by the square of the holiest Law,
Test every sweet desire.
Plumb well each plan, then eager forward go
To noblest things aspire.
And Mason, never pass thy word to Man
Save as the Law commands.
But when ’tis right, then in fighting van,
Each Mason faithful stands.
Each Mason’s word though cautiously ’tis given,
is gone beyond recall;
Though hearts, by tempting afterthoughts, be riven,
For e’er he gives his all.
The word was in the stoneyard plumbed and squared,
‘Tis now for aye built in.
The King can never have his courses bared
Sin’s wages to win.
What e’er the cost of loyalty may be,
The Mason does not fail
His Honour’s word to keep, and bends the Knee
Before the Mystic Veil.
And thus the Mason’s word becomes the sign
Of Honour’s Holy Cross;
Of true obedience to the God benign
Who glorifies each loss.
As we now come to the closing of our Masonic year, let us remember the vows each of us has taken, let us take this time to reflect on our lives and actions and look within and ask ourselves; ” Have I been a good and just man? Have I been a good Mason? Have I made myself a better man, a better Mason?” We have given our word and bond on the great Book of Law. It may be passing strange that this time of year may often bring reflection, for would not any season but suitable for such thoughts. Perhaps we move toward the end of the year and we realize we have taken yet another step on this path we call life that we take the time to quiet our minds, to look within and ask: ” Have I kept my word and bond to God, to my country, to my neighbor and to myself?”
Be well my Brother and may Peace and Love be with you and your family always.
Have a great Holiday Season!!
Fraternally,
John W. Lord, WM
