Tom: Very Interesting. As I learned it, there are ...

2007-10-05T09:37:00.000-04:00

Tom: Very Interesting. As I learned it, there are no commas. Grammatically, this does change the meaning, but as you said, only subtly.

I read a similar analysis concerning Wills. If I leave an inheritance to be divided equally among "Allan, Beth, and Charlie" then each will receive 1/3. If I leave it to be divided equally among "Allan, Beth and Charlie" (notice no comma after Beth) it could be interpreted as being divided into 2 with Allan receiving 1/2 and Beth and Charlie sharing the other 1/2. Amazing what a comma can do!

In the case of this topic, I think that it's safe to say that in either case, subduing one's passions is of high importance to the degree.

In some states, notably Texas, the line reads:
...

2007-10-04T17:33:00.000-04:00

In some states, notably Texas, the line reads:

To learn, to subdue my passions, and to improve myself in Masonry.

Note the commas. It's a small but significant difference.

Comments on The North Eastern Corner: Subduing My Passions

Tom: Very Interesting. As I learned it, there are ...

In some states, notably Texas, the line reads:...

In some states, notably Texas, the line reads:
...