SONG IV

[Tune, Rule Britannia]

ERE God the Universe began,
In one rude chaos matter lay,
And wild disorder overran,
Nor knew of light one glimmering ray;
While, in darkness, o'er the whole
Confusion reign'd without control.

Then God arose, his thunders hurl'd,
And bade the elements arise
In air he hung the pendent world,
And o'er it spread the azure skies;
Stars in circle caus'd to run,
And in the centre fix'd the Sun.

Then Man he call'd forth out of dust,
And form'd him with a living soul;
All things committed to his trust,
And made him ruler of the whole;
But, ungrateful unto Heaven,
The rebel was from Eden driven.

From thence proceeded all our woes,
Nor could mankind one comfort cheer;
Until Free-masonry arose,
And form'd another Eden here;
'Tis only on Masonic ground,
Pleasure with innocence is found.

'Tis here the purest fountains flow,
Here naught corrupt can enter in;
Here trees of knowledge stately grow,
Whose fruit we taste, exempt from sin;
In friendship sweet we still abound,
While guardian Angels hover round.

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