I AM FREEMASONRY
I was born in antiquity, in the ancient days when men 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 skills of my hands. I strive for symmetry.
In my heart is wisdom and strength and the courage of those who ask.
Upon my altars 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, the public market 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 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 yet so difficult to attain.
I hark to the orphans’ cry, the widows’ tears and the pain of the old and destitute. I am not church; nor political party; nor school; yet my sons bear a full responsibility to God, to country, to their neighbours and to 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 hourglass 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.
Written by- Ray. V. Denslow (date unknown)