If one is fortunate enough to be born in the United
States, citizenship is bestowed upon them. If
someone from another nation wishes to immigrate
to the United States, there are specific laws, rules
and regulations set forth by the government. Once a
person qualifies to become a naturalized citizen they
must swear/affirm to a prescribed oath:
A
s a member of our fraternity we are called
upon "to be a quiet and peaceable citizen,
true to your government and just to your
country" (NC Lodge Manual by Charles F. Bahnson,
pg. 38). Yet what does it mean to be a citizen of
the United States? What privileges and duties
accompany such a position?
Since the beginning of our Republic, there has
always been discussion and disagreement regarding
the citizenship of the men, women and children who
have arrived upon the shores of the United States.
Today is no different. Webster defines peaceable
and citizen as:
Peaceable: Disposed to peace – quietly behaved –
marked by freedom from strife or disorder.
Citizen: One entitled to the rights and privileges
of a freeman – a native or naturalized person who
owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to
reciprocal protection from it.
The Grand Historian's
Courier Case
To Be a Peaceable Citizen
By Steven Campbell, Grand Historian
14
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T H E M A S O N M AGA Z I N E
