~ The Test ~
Author Unknown
Several years
ago, the story is told of a Mason who always wore his Masonic ring and lapel
pin when in public. On some occasions, he rode the bus from his home to the
downtown area. On one such trip and when he sat down, he discovered the
driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.
As he
considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give the
quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it." Then he thought, "Oh, forget it,
it's only a quarter; who would worry about this little amount." Anyway, the
transit company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a
'gift from God' and keep quiet.
When his stop
came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the
driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change."
The driver with
a smile replied, " I noticed your Masonic ring and lapel pin. I have been
thinking lately about asking a Mason how to join. I just wanted to see what you
would do if I gave you too much change. You passed the test. Can you tell me
how to become a Mason?"
When the Mason
stepped off the bus, he said a silent prayer, "Oh God, Grand Architect of the
Universe, I almost sold you and my beloved Masons out for a mere quarter."
Our actions are
the only Masonic creed some will ever see. This is a really almost scary
example of how people watch us as Masons and may put us to the test even without
us realizing it! Always be diligent, whether it be at the theater, restaurant,
grocery, service station or just driving in traffic.
Remember,
whether it be a lapel pin, a ring, or an emblem on the car, you carry the name
of our great fraternity on your shoulders whenever you call yourself a Mason.
You never can tell who might be watching!
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