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ADDRESSES
the official monitor
grand lodge of texas (1922)
Address to a Brother Upon the Presentation of a Lambskin Apron
by the Lodge
My brother, in behalf of the Lodge, I now present to you this
white Lambskin Apron. It may be, that in the coming years, upon your brow shall
rest the laurel leaves of victory; it may be that, pendant from your breast, may
hang jewels fit to grace the diadem of some Eastern potentate.
Aye! more than these, for light, added to coaling light, may enable your
ambitious feet to tread round after round the ladder that leads to fame, in our
Mystic Order; and even the purple of our Fraternity may rest upon your honored
shoulders; but never again, from mortal hands, never again, until your
enfranchised spirit shall have passed upward and inward, through the pearly
gates, can a greater honor be bestowed, or one more emblematical of purity and
innocence, than that which has been conferred upon you tonight.
This Apron, the special gift of this Lodge, is yours to wear upon all proper
occasions throughout an honorable life, and at your death, it is to be placed
upon the coffin that contains your lifeless remains and with them shall be laid
beneath the silent clods of the valley. May the pure and spotless surface of
this Apron be an ever-present reminder of that "purity of heart and
uprightness of conduct so essentially necessary," thus keeping pure your
thoughts, and inspiring nobler deeds and greater achievements!
Then, when at last, your weary feet shall have come to the end of life's
toil-some journey, and, from your nerveless grasp, shall drop, forever, the
working tools of life, may the record of your life and actions be as pure and
spotless as this Apron now is; and when your soul, freed from earth, shall stand
naked and alone before the Great White Throne, may it be your portion to hear
from Him who sits thereon, the welcome plaudit: Well done, thou good and
faithful servant! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!"
Address at Initiation of a Clergyman
You, brother, are a preacher of that religion which inculcates
universal benevolence and unbounded charity. You will, therefore, be fond of the
Order, and zealous for the interests of Freemasonry, which, in the strongest
manner, inculcates the same charity and benevolence, and which, like that
religion, encourages every moral and social virtue; which introduces peace and
good-will among mankind. So that whoever is warmed with the spirit of
Christianity must esteem, must love, Freemasonry.
Here, virtue, the grand object in view, luminous as the meridian sun, shines
effulgent on the
mind; enlivens the heart, and warms with sympathy and affection.
Though every man, who carefully listens to the dictates of reason, may arrive
at a clear persuasion of the beauty and necessity of virtue, both private and public, yet it is a full
recommendation of a society, to have these pursuits continually in view, as the
sole object of their associations; and these are the laudable bonds which unite
us in one indissoluble Fraternity.
Address at Initiation of a Soldier
Our institution breathes a spirit of general philanthropy. Its
benefits, considered in a social view, are extensive. It unites all mankind. It,
in every nation, opens an asylum to virtue in distress, and grants hospitality
to the necessitous and unfortunate. The sublime principles of universal goodness
and love to all mankind, which are essential to it, cannot be lost in national
distinction, prejudices and animosities. The rage of contest it has abated, and
substituted in its stead the milder emotions of humanity. It has taught the
pride of victory to give way to the dictates of an honorable connection.
Should your country demand your services in foreign wars, and should
captivity be your portion, may you find affectionate brethren where others would
only find enemies.
In whatever nation you travel, when You meet a Mason, you will find a brother
and a friend, who will do all in his power to serve you; and who will relieve
you, should you be poor or in distress, to the utmost of his ability, and with
ready cheerfulness.
Address at Initiation of a Foreigner
You, brother, the native and subject of another nation, by
entering into our Order, have connected yourself, by sacred and affectionate
ties, with thousands of Masons in this and other countries. Ever recollect that
the Order you have entered into bids you always to look upon the world as one
great republic, of which every nation is a family, and every particular person
is a child. When, therefore, should you return and settle in your own country,
take care that the progress of friendship be not confined to the narrow circle
of national connections, or particular religions; but let it be universal, and
extend to every branch of the human race. At the same time, remember that,
besides the common ties of humanity, you have at this time entered into
obligations, which engage you to kind and friendly actions to your Brother
Masons, of whatever stations, country, or religion.
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