New Year’s Reflections

By: Dr. Rob Morris

Shall we see it, loving Brothers,
Ere another New Year’s day?
Shall we join those loving others,
Whom the past year tore away?
Shall we change this toil and drudge,
For the bright Celestial Lodge,
The Celestial Lodge above,
where
The Supreme Architect of the Universe presides?

Shall we tread that one more station,
Take that last and best degree,
Whose consummate “Preparation”
Is to set the spirit free?
Lay our bodies off, that then
Souls unburdened may go in,
The Celestial Lodge above,
where
The Supreme Architect of the Universe presides?
Shall we find beyond the river,
Shall we find beyond the tomb,

—

Those who left us, not forever,
Left us till we, too, should come?
Shall we learn the long-lost Word
That admits a man to God,
The Celestial Lodge above,
where
The Supreme Architect of the Universe presides?

Then, be zealous, loving Brothers,
While your lives so swiftly tend;
Emulate those faithful others
In the prizes they have gained;
O’er the river, on the shore,
They are happy evermore, —
The Celestial Lodge above,
where
The Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.

Toil, — your wages rich are ready;
Bear, — your burdens all shall cease;
Give, — however poor and needy;
Pray, — and God will give release

From this bitter toil and drudge
To the bright Celestial Lodge,
The Celestial Lodge above,
where
The Supreme Architect of the Universe presides!