THE SCOTTISH RITE JOURNAL--Article--March 1990--Artcoile.mar

               A Response to the Thirty-third Degree

                        James H. Coile, 33
         102 Dove Street, Carrboro, North Carolina  27510


     True humility comes to a person when, in reflecting upon 
those honors and blessings that have been bestowed upon him, he 
realizes that he neither has earned nor deserves that which he 
has received.  In that vein, we have experienced today the 
humbleness of unworthy, but grateful, individuals in receiving 
this distinguished honor, Inspector General Honorary.  In its 
conferral, we again are reminded that we have received from this 
Fraternity, in which we live out the meaning and purpose of life 
in the presence of the Deity, far more than we ever could have 
given to it.
     The Scottish Rite has involved us in a fellowship among men 
who adopted us as Brothers.  It has instructed us in a faith in 
the beneficence of a loving God whom we are privileged to call 
Father.  This Fraternity has inspired us to a realization that 
the entire human species is a vital part of the family of God.  
Today, we are so vividly reminded of all that this Fraternity has 
given to us and has allowed, even called, us to do and to 
perform.
     This honor, like the lambskin or white leather apron, which 
for so many years has adorned our waists and inspired and 
informed our conduct, will be to us an ever-present reminder of 
the life the Deity has called us and expects us to lead.  It will 
serve us as the never-ending argument for expanding and expending 
our lives and labors in service to humanity, thereby assuming the 
role of servant in imitation of the love the Creator has for all 
humankind.
     To that end, today we rededicate our lives--our times, our 
talent, our treasures, and our thought--to living out the true 
meaning of our Fraternity: the imitation of a beneficent, creator 
God in all of our relationships with Him, with His created order, 
and with all of the children of Earth whom He loves and seeks to 
bless.
     This commitment and rededication of ourselves, Illustrious 
Sirs, is our best expression of gratitude for the honor we have 
this day received.

Editor's Note: These remarks were made by Brother Coile, on 
behalf of the Candidates for the Thirty-third Degree, Conferred 
in Charlotte, North Carolina, on December 2, 1989.


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