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Post by Tamrin on Aug 31, 2010 6:54:20 GMT 10
We meet upon the level and we part upon the square These words have precious meaning and are practiced everywhere Come let us contemplate them, they are worthy of a thought From the ancient times of Masonry these symbols have been taught We meet upon the level, every country, sect and creed The rich man from his mansion, the poor man from the field For wealth is not considered within our outer door And we all meet on the level upon the chequered floor
Bro. Rob Morris, founder of the Order of the Eastern Star (Born this day 1818)
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Post by Tamrin on Sept 1, 2010 6:50:04 GMT 10
Jones on the transposition of the modes of recognition in the first and second degrees (p. 195):
Bernard E. Jones, Freemasons' Guide and Compendium, 1956, Harrap Ltd., London
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Post by Tamrin on Sept 2, 2010 7:30:24 GMT 10
I am Freemasonry, by Ray V. Denslow (G.M. Missouri G.L.):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 cathedrals 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 altars 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. By 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 sands within the glass and think how small is a single life in the eternal universe. Always have I taught immortality, and even as I raise men from darkness into light, I am a way of life.
I am Freemasonry.
The End but actually, just the beginning.
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Post by Tamrin on Sept 3, 2010 7:28:37 GMT 10
R.A. Q.& A.:Q: What do you mean by Masonry?
A: That great and universal science which includes all others; but more especially that which teaches the knowledge of ourselves and the duties incumbent on us as men and Masons.
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Post by Tamrin on Sept 4, 2010 14:07:46 GMT 10
It Matters Not, anon., (J. Fort Newton's, "The Square", Brothers and Builders, p.33):It matters not whate'er your lot Or what your task may be One duty there remains for you, One duty stands for me. Be you a doctor skilled and wise, Or do your work for wage, A labourer upon the street, An artist on the stage; One glory still awaits for you. One honour that is fair, To have men say as you pass by: "That fellow's on the square."
Ah, here's a phrase that stands for much, Tis good old English, too; It means that men have confidence In everything you do. It means that what you have you've earned, And that you've done your best And when you go to sleep at night Untroubled you may rest. It means that conscience is your guide, And honour is your care; There is no greater praise than this: "That fellow's on the square."
And when I die I would not wish A lengthy epitaph; I do not want a headstone large, Carved with fulsome chaff. Pick out no single deed of mine, If such a deed there be, To 'grave upon my monument, For those who come to see. Just this one phrase of all I choose, To show my life was fair: "Here sleepeth now a fellow who Was always on the square."
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Post by Tamrin on Sept 5, 2010 10:59:13 GMT 10
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Post by Tamrin on Sept 6, 2010 7:30:50 GMT 10
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Post by Tamrin on Sept 7, 2010 18:56:56 GMT 10
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Post by Tamrin on Sept 8, 2010 7:33:26 GMT 10
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Post by Tamrin on Sept 9, 2010 6:50:38 GMT 10
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