Promotion by Merit.

Promotion by Merit. [No. 70]

If Rank and Wealth gains precedence o’er Worth,
The thing is not Masonic. In the Lodge,
We all are Equal; and no worldly dodge
Should there upset the Level. Pride of Birth,
Purse-pride, or Pride of Power, if carried there, 5
Is out of place; and Flunkeyism ne’er
Should fill a Mason’s Breast. We need not fear
For the old Craft, if we will only dare
To live to its noble Precepts. Let us Trust
Them fully; for their practice will conduce 10
To truest Happiness, if we will use
Them as all Masons ought. Let us be Just
In choosing into Office the best Brother,
And foster Loving-kindness to each other.

by George Markham Tweddell 1st published c 1887