Masonic Poems, Quotes, etc...

Adonairam · Entered

Masonic Poems, Quotes, etc...

Jubelum · Entered

I AM FREEMASONRY

I was born in antiquity, in the ancient days when men first dreamed of God. I have been tried through the ages, and found true. The crossroads of the world bear the imprint of my feet, and the cathederals of all nations mark the skill of my hands. I strive for beauty and for symmetry. In my heart is wisdom and strength and courage for those who ask. Upon my alters is the Book of Holy Writ, and my prayers are to the One Omnipotent God, my sons work and pray together, without rank or discord, in the public mart and in the inner chamber. Bu signs and symbols I teach the lessons of life and of death and the relationship of man with God and of man with man. My arms are widespread to receive those of lawful age and good report who seek me of their own free will. I accept them and teach them to use my tools in the building of men, and thereafter, find direction in their own quest for perfection so much desired and so difficult to attain. I lift up the fallen and shelter the sick. I hark to the orphans' cry, the widows tears, the pain of the old and destitute. I am not church, nor party, nor school, yet my sons bear a full share of responsibility to God, to country, to neighbor and themselves. They are freemen, tenacious of their liberties and alert to lurking danger. At the end I commit them as each one undertakes the journey beyond the vale into the glory of everlasting life. I ponder the sand within the glass and think how small is a single life in the eternal universe. Always have I taught immortaility, and even as I raise men from darkness into light, I am a way of life. I Am Freemasonry.

- Ray V. Denslow

-- Edited by Jubelum at 17:47, 2004-11-03

hotciats · ML40 Board Master

When is a man a Mason?
by Reverend Joseph Fort Newton

When he can look out over the rivers, the hills, and the far horizon with a
profound sense of his own littleness in the vast scheme of things, and yet
have faith, hope, and courage which is the root of every virtue.

When he knows that down in his heart every man is as noble, as vile, as
divine, as diabolic, and as lonely as himself, and seeks to know, to
forgive, and to love his fellow man.

When he knows how to sympathize with men in their sorrows, yea, even in
their sins knowing that each man fights a hard fight against many odds.

When he has learned how to make friends and to keep them, and above all how
to keep friends with himself When he loves flowers, can hunt birds without a
gun, and feels the thrill of an old forgotten joy when he hears the laugh of
a little child.

When he can be happy and high-minded amid the meaner drudgeries of life.

When star-crowned trees and the glint of sunlight on flowing waters, subdue
him like the thought of one much loved and long dead.

When no voice of distress reaches his ears in vain, and no hand seeks his
aid without response.

When he finds good in every faith that helps any man to lay hold of divine
things and sees majestic meanings in life, whatever the name of that faith
may be.

When he can look into a wayside puddle and see something beyond mud, and
into the face of the most forlorn fellow mortal and see something beyond
sin.

When he knows how to pray, how to love, how to hope.

When he has kept faith with himself with his fellow man, and with his God;
in his hand a sword for evil, in his heart a bit of a song -- glad to live,
but not afraid to die!

Such a man has found the only real secret of Masonry, and the one which it
is trying to give to all the world.

Jubelum · Entered

MY SACRED OBLIGATIONS
"Rays of Masonry" by Dewey Wollstein -1953

It is the quiet of night, a time when Day's Door closes to the tumult
of the world, and darkness opens the portals of our spiritual nature.
Here in comfort I rest in a clean bed. The good health of my loved
ones brings a feeling of satisfaction and gratitude. I cannot feel
that I deserve the good fortune that is mine, the joy of home,
privilege of health, the love of wife, the blessing of children, the
confidence of friends. But in that reverential peace and quiet calm I
resolve to do more for others, to think more of giving and less of
getting, to put all those good thoughts of mine into action, to
translate those intentions into deeds, to be in unity with my brother
by dwelling with him, to know him better.

Let me see. Did I go by and see Brother John yesterday? Brother John
is old and feeble. He is no longer able to attend lodge. He has
always loved Masonry. I could have brought a bit of Masonic cheer to
him; I could have made him happier by letting him know the Masons
remember. I reflect now that it would have cost only a small
inconvenience, only a little time. What single thing I accomplished
yesterday was worth more than would have been a visit to Brother John?

Recently a brother passed away. Did I attend his funeral? I failed to
go. I saw the notice of the Masonic meeting in the paper.

Yes, as I rest comfortably and enjoy the good things of life, I
remember too well. I remember the things I should have done and
failed to do- *My Unfulfilled Obligations*.

Adonairam · Entered

Utopia Found?

There is a place that you can find
Where everyone is always kind,
Where everything is harmony,
Where every man is always free.

No politics are spoken there,
No arguments to rend the air,
Where smiles glow bright on every face,
A joyful and a friendly place.

A place where men can do good deeds
And share their lot with those with needs,
But still have fun in all they do
While being good and firm and true.

A place where God is still revered
And tyranny is never feared,
A place there virtues still are taught,
Where goodness is not sold or bought.

"A Shangri La?" you say to me,
"Why such a place can never be!"
Untrue, my friend, there's one I know,
A place where good men often go.

And not just one, but many more,
Both here at home, on distant shore,
Thousands and thousands, I would guess;
There might be more, but never less.

They've been around hundreds of years,
These places where men need have no fears,
So now you ask, "Where do I go?"
All right, my friend, I'll let you know.

Look for a sign with compasses and square,
Easily found, they're most everywhere,
Just note the number and the street
To know where Masons go to meet.

Anon.