more light #288
Enemies & God Give Us Men
by Ed Halpaus
Grand Lodge Education Officer
Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of Minnesota
Dear Masonic Student,
In the last issue of T.F.S I mentioned the book by Brother Ken Baril “The
Medal of Honor – the Letter G in Valor” It’s a very good book for the Masonic
student to have. However, I gave you some wrong information on where to get the
book. Here’s a note from Brother Ken: “Thanks for the kind words.
Unfortunately, Weidner Publishing Co no longer is in business. My book can be
purchased from The McCoy Masonic Supply Co. in Richmond, VA. The book is listed
in their catalog under “Biography.” Thanks again.”
If you are looking for a very good Masonic book to read and have for
reference work Brother Ken’s book is one you’ll want to have.
Below are some things I think you will like. – Ed
Enemies
By St. Augustine
Ye have enemies; for who can live on this earth without them? Take heed to
yourselves; love them. In no way can thy enemy so hurt thee by his violence as
thou dost hurt thyself if thou love him not. And let it not seem to you
impossible to love him. Believe first that it can be done, and pray that the
will of God may be done in you. For what good can thy neighbor’s ill do to thee?
If he had no ill, he would not even be thine enemy. Wish him well, then, that he
may end his ill, and he will be thine enemy no longer.
For is it not the human nature in him that is at enmity with thee, but his
sin. Let thy prayer be against the malice of thine enemy, that it may die, and
he may live. For if thine enemy were dead, thou hast lost, it may seem, an
enemy, yet thou hast not found a friend, but if his malice die, thou hast at
once lost an enemy and found a friend.
God Give Us Men
By Josiah Gilbert Holland
God give us men. A time like this demands
Strong minds, great hearts, true faith, and ready hands.
Men whom the lust of office does not kill;
Men the spoils of office cannot buy;
Men who possess opinions and a will;
Men who possess honor, men who will not lie.
Men who can stand before a demagogue
And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking;
Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog
In public duty and private thinking.
For while the rabble with their thumb-worn creeds,
Their large professions and their little deeds,
Mingle in selfish strife—lo, freedom weeps,
Wrong rules the land, and waiting justice sleeps.
God, give us men, men who serve not for selfish booty,
But real men, courageous, who flinch not at duty;
Men of dependable character, men of sterling worth;
Then wrongs will be redressed, and right will rule on earth.
God, give us men.
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