THE MASON’S PLEDGE
Brother, harken, while I tell you
What we Masons pledged to do,
When, prepared at yonder altar,
We assumed the Mason’s vow!
Foot and knee, breast, hand and cheek–
while I make
them speak!
Foot to foot, on mercy’s errand,
When we hear a brother’s cry,
Hungry, thirsty, barefoot, naked,
With God’s mercy let us fly.
This of all our thoughts the chief,
How to give him quick relief.
Knee to knee, in earnest praying,
None but God to hear Or heed
All our woes and sins confessing,
Let us for each other plead;
By the spirit of our call,
Let us pray for brothers all.
Breast to breast, in sacred carket,
At life’s center let us seal
Every truth to us entrusted,
Nor one holy thing reveal!
What a Mason vows to shield,
Let him die, but never yield.
Hand to back, a brother’s falling,
Look, his burdens are too
Stretch the generous hand an(] hold him
Up before it is too late.
The right arm’s a friendly prop,
Made to hold a brother up,
Cheek to check, in timely whisper
When the tempter strives to win,
Urge the brother’s bounden duty,
Show him the approaching sin,
Point to him the deadly snare,
Save him with a brother’s care.
Brother, let us often ponder
What we Masons pledged to do,
When, prepared at yonder altar,
We assumed the Mason’s vow;
Foot and knee, breast, hand and check,
Let these oft our duties speak.
THE MODEL MASON
There’s a fine old Mason in the land, he’s genial, wise and true. His list of brothers comprehends, dear brothers, me and you; So warm his heart the snow blast fails to chill his generous blood,
And his hand is like a giant’s when outstretched to man or GOD;-
Reproach nor blame, nor any shame, has checked his course or dimmed his fame-
All honor to his name!
This fine old Mason is but one of a large family:
In every lodge you’ll find his kin, you’ll find them two or three;
You’ll know them when you see them, for they have their
father’s face,
A generous knack of speaking truth and doing good always;-
Reproach nor blame, nor any shame, has checked their course or dimmed their fame-
Freemason is their name!
Ah, many an orphan smiles upon the kindred as they pass;
And many a widow’s prayers confess the sympathizing grace;
The FATHER of this Brotherhood himself is joyed to see
Their works-they’re numbered all in Heaven, those deeds of
charity!
Reproach nor blame, nor any shame, there check their course or dim their fame–
All honor to their name!