MASONIC.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 3, Issue 268, 11 February 1879, Page 3

MASONIC.

The Fire of Friendship,

At the reception given to the American Masonic pilgrims at Glasgow, Scotland, July 23rd, Bob Morris recited the following poem:—

Masons of Sctotland's glorious fame," oh! true and glorious band, Who, linked in chains of charity, around this altar stand; Bright let the fire of frienship burn, and warmly let it glow, For strangers from a distant land are in your circle now.

And why ? because one God we have, in whom alone we trust, He made us all—our Father made us all of kindred dust;

The same green mother earth, the broad, the generous, He gave ■ To feed us while we live, and give us when -.. we die a grave.

We build a common Temple, too, the lofty

and the low, ' We bring the same heart-offerings, and in

common homage bow; Our Trestle Board, the same designs in

every clime has given— And serving the same Master, we expect the same bright Heaven.

Then let these strangers have a place within your Mystic Band, Where eye responsive answers eye, and hand unites with hand ; We know your Word, we know your Sign, we ask no better grace Than with you here to sit awhile, and greet you face to face.

Peace to old Scotland's lodges be th' Almighty's boon to-day, And peace to Glasgow's noble Craft, these strangers all will say; And could you hear it from the land and from th® rolling Sea, From every Mason in the world would come—" So mote it be."