There’s a fine old Mason in the land, he’s genial, wise and true,

His list of brothers comprehends, dear brothers, me and you;

So warm his heart the snow blast fails to chill his generous blood,

And his hand is like a giant’s when outstretched to man or God;—

Reproach nor blame, nor any shame, has checked his course or dimmed his fame—

All honor his name!

 

This fine old Mason is but one of a large family:

In every lodge you’ll find his kin, you’ll find them two or three;

You’ll know them when you see them, for they have their father’s face,

A generous knack of speaking truth and doing good always;—

Reproach nor blame, nor any shame, has checked his course or dimmed his fame—

Freemason is their name!

 

Ah, many an orphan smiles upon the kindred as they pass;

And many a widow’s prayers confess the sympathizing grace;

The Father of this Brotherhood himself is joyed to see

Their works—they’re numbered all in Heaven, those deeds of charity!

Reproach nor blame, nor any shame, has checked his course or dimmed his fame—

All honor their name!

Brother, harken, while I tell you

What we Masons pledge to do,

When, prepared at yonder altar,

We assumed the Mason’s vow!

Foot and knee, breast, hand and cheek—

Harken while I make them speak!

 

Foot to foot, on mercy’s errand,

When we hear a brother’s cry,

Hungry, thirsty, barefoot, naked,

With God’s mercy let us fly.

This of all our thoughts the chief,

How to give him quick relief.

 

Knee to knee in earnest praying,

None but God to hear or heed,

All our woes and sins confessing,

Let us for each other plead;

By the spirit of our call,

Let us pray for brothers all.

 

Breast to breast, in sacred casket,

At life’s center let us seal

Every truth to us entrusted,

Nor one holy thing reveal!

What a Mason vows to shield,

Let him die, but never yield.

 

Hand to back, a brother’s falling,

Look, his burdens are too great.

Stretch the generous hand and hold him

Up before it is too late.

The right arm’s a friendly prop,

Made to hold a brother up.

 

Cheek to cheek, in timely whisper

When the tempter strives to win,

Urge the brother’s bounden duty,

Show him the approaching sin,

Point to him the deadly snare,

Save him with a brother’s care.

 

Brother, let us often ponder

What we Masons pledged to do,

When, prepared at yonder altar,

We assumed the Mason’s vow;

Foot and knee, breast, hand and cheek,

Let these oft our duties speak.

And can we know the mind of God,

A window to the will supreme?

And is His purpose all exposed

To human eye, so faint and dim?

Look! open upward broadly lies

 

The Word of God—the unerring Law,

Threatening and promising by turns,

As Masons yield to fear or love,

Oh, be it ours to walk thein,

And at the end have sure reward!