my brother, in behalf of the lodge, i now present to you this white lambskin apron. it may be, that in the coming years, upon your brow shall rest the laurel leaves of victory; it may be that, pendant from your breast, may hang jewels fit to grace the diadem of some eastern potentate. aye! more than these, for light, added to coaling light, may enable your ambitious feet to tread round after round the ladder that leads to fame, in our mystic order; and even the purple of our fraternity may rest upon your honored shoulders; but never again, from mortal hands, never again, until your enfranchised spirit shall have passed upward and inward, through the pearly gates, can a greater honor be bestowed, or one more emblematical of purity and innocence, than that which has been conferred upon you tonight. this apron, the special gift of this lodge, is yours to wear upon all proper occasions throughout an honorable life, and at your death, it is to be placed upon the coffin that contains your lifeless remains and with them shall be laid beneath the silent clods of the valley. may the pure and spotless surface of this apron be an ever-present reminder of that "purity of heart and uprightness of conduct so essentially necessary," thus keeping pure your thoughts, and inspiring nobler deeds and greater achievements! then, when at last, your weary feet shall have come to the end of life's toil-some journey, and, from your nerveless grasp, shall drop, forever, the working tools of life, may the record of your life and actions be as pure and spotless as this apron now is......   tq6t7pze
Anarcho-Capitalist