Hands Across The Sea Lawrence N Greenleaf

Here’s "Hands across the sea !" good sirs, Here’s "Hands across the sea !"To every isle and continentWhere ’ere our brethren be,For we are one in sympathy,As we are one in name;The self-same tools are bright with useand mystic lights aflame; The same designs on trestle-boardBy which our tasks are wrought,Their symbol-truths impressed on heartand centred in our thoughtFor that which counts for greatest goodIs through the lives of each,Who by their acts exemplifyThe principles we teach. The world’s great heart is throbbingwith the spirit of unrest,We hear the cry that welleth upfrom people long oppressed,We see the rule of mammonand the grasping hand of greed,The travesties of justiceand the toiler’s bitter need,The striving for the mastery,The ever-present fear,With nation watching nation,and the war clouds hovering near. And the question ever risethas portentious signs we traceWhat will the final outcome be,and what the saving grace;And Masonry makes us answerWith it’s never changing plan,The Fatherhood of God,The Brotherhood of Man! Though aeons upon aeons breakupon the shores of timeThis the grand fulfilment,the prophesy sublime,This the work of the trestle-boardfor brethren everywhere,For never was there a greater needfor level, plumb and square, For trowel with cement of loveTo strengthen and uniteThe human race in brotherhood,and usher in the Light!To all who aid this glorious work,wherever they may be,Here’s to the Craft in homeland,and here’s "Hands across the sea !"