I hold in my hand a little
scrap of paper 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches in size. It is of no intrinsic worth,
not a bond, not a check or receipt for valuables, yet it is my most priceless
possession. It is my membership card in a Masonic Lodge.
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 fair and 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 brothers 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 defend and protect mine as
I have sworn to defend and protect theirs.
It tells me that should I
ever be overtaken by adversity or misfortune through no fault of my own,
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
that when my final exit from the stage of life has been made, there will
be gathered around my lifeless body, friends and brothers who will recall
to mind my virtues, though they be but few, and will forget my faults,
though they may be many.
It tells me that, and a great
deal more, this little card, and makes me proud yet humble, that I can
possess this passport into a society of friends and brothers that are numbered
in the millions.
SO MOTE IT BE !!
Author unknown
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