MASTER MASON

WHAT SEEKEST THOU? Still further light in Masonry, even the light that sees through the shadow into the life of things. As an Apprentice I have been taught the morality that purifies youth, and a Fellowcraft the knowledge the knowledge that glorifies manhood: learning the wisdom that lives upon the Level, by the square, within the compasses, in the spirit of Brotherly Love, the practice of Relief, in the quest of Truth. In humble awe and longing, I seek a Lost Word which murmurs in my ears and trembles on my lips, but eludes my speech and escapes into Silence.

  BY WHAT RIGHT OR BENEFIT? By the right of a man to know the meaning of his life, so brief at its longest, so broken at its best; and by the benefit of a meed too deep for tears. Life ends in death, every ray of light is tipped with darkness. We are born, then we struggle up into strength, we seek the truth, we train our hands to good, and our quest and sorrow are met by death. The longest service, the most faithful labor, the highest dream ends in the grave, which Divinity with god, engulfing the loves of life and the fellow-ship of years!

  KNEEL AT YOUR ALTER! Know, O Brother Man, the secret which thou seekest is concealed within thyself; the Lost word thou would hear is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. Nay the word is very nigh unto thee, it is in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. Here this promise: if thou art willing and worthy, thou may know the truth that makes all other truth true, and be free indeed. Learn this truth: since thou art immortal, now hast thou courage and humility and integrity to risk all and make trail of truth? Or death, where is thy sting? Or grave, where is thy victory? Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory, by the strong grip of faith and the power of an Endless Life. God is here, eternity is now, and death is but he shadow of life. Truth is lord of death, but a cloud-shadow wandering over a valley! O my soul, remember and rejoice; life is a moment of Eternity lived in Time!

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