Before I Became a Free-mason

Before I became a Free Mason, Some said twas a damnable thing, Some said it was witchcraft and treason, And swore that the devil reign'd king. I thot to myself I will venture, And went without further delay With a firm resolution to enter, To a Lodge, then, I hasted away.

I met an old friend and relation, Whom I heard was a mason before, To him I soon made application, He carried the news to the door; He bid me to tarry with patience, Straitway to the room did repair, And soon he return'd with an answer, And bid me to come and prepare.

Good Heaven! then how my heart panted, Expecting to meet with old Nick; The report I had taken for granted, My conscience began for to prick; But I found it a matter more serious, Tho never a word I yet spoke, The way that I went was mysterious, I felt it no humor to joke.

Thro dark dismal shades how I blunder'd, Lord help me! in private I cry'd, With a voice, unto me it seem'd thunder, One question'd my friend and my guide, Saying brother who's this you are leading? My case unto him he made known; My guide was my lawyer in pleading, And carried my cause to the throne.

Then Wisdom he taught me my duty, He gave me new light to my eyes, I was struck with such majestic beauty, Which fill'd my poor heart with surprise; He told me that I was his brother, And that I had nothing to fear, We love and respect one another, So come and partake of our cheer.

But what I saw there I cant tell ye, Tho this I may say without fear, I found something good for the belly, And believe me there's no devil there. And now for to tell you my mind, sir, But not what was told unto me, Before I went there I was blind, sir, But now with both eyes I can see.