I am Freemasonry

I was born in antiquity, in the ancient days when man 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 altar

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 will 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 orphan's cry, the

widow's tears, the pain of the old and destitute. I am not church, nor

party, nor school, yet my sons bear a full share of responsibilty to God,

to country, to neighbour 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

immortality, and even as I raise men from darkness into light, I am a way

of life.

I am freemasonry.