Pantheon Boxing

Dear Scouts,

If you ever had the joy of watching a presentation of Peter Pan, chief of the pirates, you will remember that he would sometimes work on preparing his last message. He realized that when his time came to die, it would be impossible for him to do so. This is also my situation at the moment, and even though I look forward my return to our Father’s House one day, I wish to present you with my last message which, I hope, will inspire you to experience joy and wellbeing evrery day of your life.

By the grace of God, I’ve lived a very happy life and I wish the same thing for all of you. Have a positive and optimistic attitude towards life.

I believe that God has placed us on this earth to be happy. Happiness is not created by wealth, success, or self indulgence. First of all, you will find happiness if, as early as childhood, you become physically and morally strong, healthy in mind and body. You will then be able to make yourself useful and essentially enjoy life.

By observing nature and studying God’s words (Bible), you will learn that God is the Creator of all things and His wish is that you benefit from them in a sensible way. Be contented with what you have and make the best use of it. Look on the peaceful aspect of life instead of focusing on conflicts.

So, here is my last message: Be messengers of peace and may your most important principle be love for the truth and the sharing of our natural resources with others. Try and leave this world a little better than you found it and when your time comes, you will be happy, like me, to know that you have done well and that you did your best. Throughout your life, be always faithful to God and to your Scout promise. At all times, be prepared to do a good deed. Once a Scout, Always a Scout! May God bless you and guide you.

Your friend,

Robert Baden-Powell of Gilwell

Interpretation by the promoter, Donald G. Plourde, based on the original text