-
Articles/Ads
Article OUR SCHOLARS IN AFTER LIFE. ← Page 2 of 2 Article OUR SCHOLARS IN AFTER LIFE. Page 2 of 2 Article OLIVER CROMWELL AND THE FREEMASONS. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Our Scholars In After Life.
Radclyffe , in which ho gives details of what has been done thus far in response to tho appeal of Lord Rosslyn . We publish also a letter from Bro . J . Jacobs , P . Prov . G . Beg . Slaffordshire , with particulars of a scheme , all but started in that Province . Both of these communications point to the
need of such a fund as these worthy brethren individually propose . Both bring forward credentials , which stamp their views as sound , Avorthy of support , and fairly promising ; timo alone can show how far theso brethren will meet with the response they ask for .
In the case of tho Staffordshire Masons , who propose to perpetuate the memory of him whom thoy justly describe as one of the most generous and popular G . Masters that ever ruled a Province , it is bnt natural to suppose that a comparatively limited sphere would bo open for the display
of their generosity . It would be unfair of other Provinces to expect the brethren of Staffordshire to watch over pupils other than their own , nor would it be possible for them so to do except pehaps in a few isolated cases . If it is their intention to ask for the support of tho
country , we hold they are wrong with their title ; however much auy man may be respected and esteemed in his own district wc must not forget that after the lapse of a few years his r . amc is hardly remembered , even in those parts to which he more particularly devoted his energies , much
less in distant counties whero it may bo ho was never seen , and but seldom referred to . Doubtless the promoters of the Shrewsbury Memorial Fund have really but ono object in view , that of perpetuating and increasing tho work of charity , of which their lato Prov . Grand Master was at
once the able exponent , and likewise a generous supporter . The question , then , that arises is , How can this desire best be gratified ? would it bo more advantageous to form a special fund , or to co-operate with others in raising such an amount as shall not only secure
the desired results to a district , but will bo the means of benefitting the class in every part of the country ? This most important point will doubtless be fully discussed at tho meeting of the Prov . Grand Lodge at which tho subject is to be bronght forward . Were the scheme taken up by
every Province as heartily as from the letter of Bro . Jacobs wo fcol sure it has been in his county of Staffordshre , the labour of establishment would virtuall y be at an end , but the brethren of Staffordshire must know , as wo do , that they are somewhat singular , and that they have no
light task before them if they wish to secure the assistance of others . At the same time , we emphatically say such assistance must be obtained before anything like a fund worthy of the object contemplated can be raised . Wo arc afraid our brethren are somewhat too sancruine
when thoy reckon that a few years will supply enough capital to realize , in interest , sufficient for their wants . If they aro not , they mnst contemplate , as we have before pointed out , confining their exertions within a very limited sphere . They must not , however , lose sight
of the fact that in order to obtain subscri ptions thoy must show immediate results , and these they can only achieve by heavy calls on their capital . With such brethren as those in Staffordshire who have taken this cause in hand , we may safely leave all these matters of detail
we feel assured they will not be above receiving suggestions , and that they will be among the first to support any scheme which may be put forward worthy of the name of onr much respected and lamented Brother the Earl of Shrewsbury .
Bro . Radclyffe informs us that details of tho scheme of Lord Rosslyn , which is promised the support of some of the most distinguished members of the Fraternit y , are so far advanced as to Avarrant their being immediatel y laid Before the Craft . From his letter Ave have additional
evidence of the pergonal interest his Lordshi p takes in the AVCIfare of our pupils . Bro . Radcl yilb ' s arguments as to what means might bo adopted to raise funds are generally known ; from personal experience Ave think tho reason thoy aro not more universally adopted usually is , that one brother
undertakes the work Avhich should bo left to a Committee of twelve or tAvent y , and ns a consequence finds these extra duties interfere Avith his ordinary engagements , and , in not a few cases , he is obliged to relinquish his scheme . Bro . Radclyffe has had experience in this business , and so have
many others ; if such men Avonld unite , and enlist a foAV untried brethren iu the cause , they might secure a o-rand success . A result might be achieved that Avould realise a far greater sum than if such labours AVCIO devoted sepnratcly . We anxiously await the issue of the circulai
Our Scholars In After Life.
promised by Bro . Radclyffe , as will likewise many of our readers who have allowed this project to exercise their minds . When details of tho scheme aro before us , we shall take tho opportunity of commenting on its merits .
Oliver Cromwell And The Freemasons.
OLIVER CROMWELL AND THE FREEMASONS .
FBOM THE "VOICE OF MASONEY . "
THEEE ffibles have been invented to establish a connection between Freemasonry and tho dynasty of the Stuarts ; ono which made ifc the pni'poso of the adherents of James II . to use the Institution as tho means of restoring thafc Monarch to the throne ; a second , in which the Jesuits wero to employ ifc for the same purpose , as well as for tho re-establishment of tho Itoman Catholic religion in England ; tho third and most preposterous of theso fables is that which attributes
tho invention of Freemasonry , as a secret society , to Oliver Cromwell , who is supposed to havo employed it as a political engine to aid him in the dethronement of Charles I ., in tho abolition of tho monarchy , and in tho foundation of a republic on its ruins , with himself for its head . The theory thafc Freemasonry was instituted by Oliver Cromwell
was not at first received , like tho other tivo , by any large portion of tho Fraternity . It was the invention of a simple mind , and was first mado public in the year 18-16 by the Abbe Larndan , who presented his views in a work entitled Les Franc Macons ecrasses , a book , which Kloss , tho bibliographer , says , is the armoury from which all tho enemies of Masonry havo since derived their weapons of abuse .
The propositions of Larndan aro distignished by their absolute independence of all historical authority , and for the bold assumptions which are presented to the reader , in the place of facts . His strongest argument for tho truth of his theory is that tho purposes of tho Masonio Institution and of tho political course of Cromwell aro identical , namely to sustain tho doctrines of liberty and equality among mankind .
Rejecting all tho claims of antiquity that have been urged in behalf of tho Order , ho thinks it was in England whoro Freemasonry first saw tho light of clay , and that it is to Cromwell ifc owes its origin . And this theory ho claims ( with what truth we know not ) to havo received from a certain Grand Master with whoso astuteness and sincerity he was well acquainted . Bnt even this authority , ho savs ,
wonld not have been sufficient to secure his belief had ifc nofc afterwards been confirmed by his reading of the history of tho English Protector and his mature reflections on tho morals and the laws of tho Order , where ho detected at every step the presence of Cromwell . Tho object of Cromwell , as it has been already said , was by the organisation of a secret society , whose members would be bound by tho most solemn vows of fraternity , to reconcile the various religions and
political sects which prevailed in England in the reign of Charles I . to tho prosecution of his VIOAVS , which wero equally opposed to tho supremacy of the King and to tho power of the Parliament , and by tho distraction of both to the elevation of himself to the headship of affairs . In the execution of this plan Cromwell proceeded with his usual caution and address . Ho first submitted tho outline to several of hia
most intimate friends , such as Algernon Sidney , Harrington , Monk , and Fairfax , and he held with them several private meetings . But ifc Avas not until the year 1618 , thafc he began to take tho necessary steps for bringing it to maturity . In thafc year , at a dinner which he gave to a number of his friends , he opened his designs to the company . "When his guests , among
whom were many members of Parliament , Avith both Presbyterians and Independents , tho two rival religious sects of the day , had been Avell feasted , the host dexterously led the conversation to tho subject of the unhappy condition of England . He showed in a pathetic manner , how tho unfortunate nation had suffered distracting conflicts of politics , and he declared that ifc was a disgrace that men so
intolligent as thoso who then heard him did not make an exertion to put an end to these distracting contests of party . Scarcely had Cromwell ceased to speak when Ireton , his son-in-law , Arho had been prepared for the occasion , rose , and seconding tho sentiments of his leadei - , proceeded to show tho absolute necessity for tho public good of a conciliation and union of many discordant parties
that wero then dividing the country . Ho exclaimed Avith fervour thafc ho Avould nofc hesitate to sacrifice his fortune and his life to remedy such calamities , and to show to the people the road they ought to take to relievo themselves from tho yoke which was oppressing them and to break the iron sceptre under which they wero groaning . Bufc to do this it Avas first necessary , he insisted , to destroy every power and
influence which had betrayed tho nation . Then , turning to Cromwell , he conjured him to explain his views on this important matter , and to suggest the cure for these evils . Cromwell did not hesitate to accept tho task which had , apparently without his previous concurrence , beeu assigned to him . Addressing his guests in that metaphorical style Avhich he was accustomed to use ,
the object of Avhich Avas to confuse their intellects and make them more ready to receive his boldest propositions , he explained the obligation of a worship of God , the necessity to repel force by force , and to deliver mankind from oppression and tyranny . Ho then concluded his speech by piquing the curiosity of his auditors , in telling them lie
kneAV a method by which they could succeed in this great enterprise , restore peace to England nnd rescue it from the depths of misery into which it was plunged . This method , he added , if communicated to the world would Avin the gratitude of mankind and secure a glorious memory for its authors to tho latest posterity . The discourse wns Avell maunged and well received . AH of his guests earnestly besoug ht
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Our Scholars In After Life.
Radclyffe , in which ho gives details of what has been done thus far in response to tho appeal of Lord Rosslyn . We publish also a letter from Bro . J . Jacobs , P . Prov . G . Beg . Slaffordshire , with particulars of a scheme , all but started in that Province . Both of these communications point to the
need of such a fund as these worthy brethren individually propose . Both bring forward credentials , which stamp their views as sound , Avorthy of support , and fairly promising ; timo alone can show how far theso brethren will meet with the response they ask for .
In the case of tho Staffordshire Masons , who propose to perpetuate the memory of him whom thoy justly describe as one of the most generous and popular G . Masters that ever ruled a Province , it is bnt natural to suppose that a comparatively limited sphere would bo open for the display
of their generosity . It would be unfair of other Provinces to expect the brethren of Staffordshire to watch over pupils other than their own , nor would it be possible for them so to do except pehaps in a few isolated cases . If it is their intention to ask for the support of tho
country , we hold they are wrong with their title ; however much auy man may be respected and esteemed in his own district wc must not forget that after the lapse of a few years his r . amc is hardly remembered , even in those parts to which he more particularly devoted his energies , much
less in distant counties whero it may bo ho was never seen , and but seldom referred to . Doubtless the promoters of the Shrewsbury Memorial Fund have really but ono object in view , that of perpetuating and increasing tho work of charity , of which their lato Prov . Grand Master was at
once the able exponent , and likewise a generous supporter . The question , then , that arises is , How can this desire best be gratified ? would it bo more advantageous to form a special fund , or to co-operate with others in raising such an amount as shall not only secure
the desired results to a district , but will bo the means of benefitting the class in every part of the country ? This most important point will doubtless be fully discussed at tho meeting of the Prov . Grand Lodge at which tho subject is to be bronght forward . Were the scheme taken up by
every Province as heartily as from the letter of Bro . Jacobs wo fcol sure it has been in his county of Staffordshre , the labour of establishment would virtuall y be at an end , but the brethren of Staffordshire must know , as wo do , that they are somewhat singular , and that they have no
light task before them if they wish to secure the assistance of others . At the same time , we emphatically say such assistance must be obtained before anything like a fund worthy of the object contemplated can be raised . Wo arc afraid our brethren are somewhat too sancruine
when thoy reckon that a few years will supply enough capital to realize , in interest , sufficient for their wants . If they aro not , they mnst contemplate , as we have before pointed out , confining their exertions within a very limited sphere . They must not , however , lose sight
of the fact that in order to obtain subscri ptions thoy must show immediate results , and these they can only achieve by heavy calls on their capital . With such brethren as those in Staffordshire who have taken this cause in hand , we may safely leave all these matters of detail
we feel assured they will not be above receiving suggestions , and that they will be among the first to support any scheme which may be put forward worthy of the name of onr much respected and lamented Brother the Earl of Shrewsbury .
Bro . Radclyffe informs us that details of tho scheme of Lord Rosslyn , which is promised the support of some of the most distinguished members of the Fraternit y , are so far advanced as to Avarrant their being immediatel y laid Before the Craft . From his letter Ave have additional
evidence of the pergonal interest his Lordshi p takes in the AVCIfare of our pupils . Bro . Radcl yilb ' s arguments as to what means might bo adopted to raise funds are generally known ; from personal experience Ave think tho reason thoy aro not more universally adopted usually is , that one brother
undertakes the work Avhich should bo left to a Committee of twelve or tAvent y , and ns a consequence finds these extra duties interfere Avith his ordinary engagements , and , in not a few cases , he is obliged to relinquish his scheme . Bro . Radclyffe has had experience in this business , and so have
many others ; if such men Avonld unite , and enlist a foAV untried brethren iu the cause , they might secure a o-rand success . A result might be achieved that Avould realise a far greater sum than if such labours AVCIO devoted sepnratcly . We anxiously await the issue of the circulai
Our Scholars In After Life.
promised by Bro . Radclyffe , as will likewise many of our readers who have allowed this project to exercise their minds . When details of tho scheme aro before us , we shall take tho opportunity of commenting on its merits .
Oliver Cromwell And The Freemasons.
OLIVER CROMWELL AND THE FREEMASONS .
FBOM THE "VOICE OF MASONEY . "
THEEE ffibles have been invented to establish a connection between Freemasonry and tho dynasty of the Stuarts ; ono which made ifc the pni'poso of the adherents of James II . to use the Institution as tho means of restoring thafc Monarch to the throne ; a second , in which the Jesuits wero to employ ifc for the same purpose , as well as for tho re-establishment of tho Itoman Catholic religion in England ; tho third and most preposterous of theso fables is that which attributes
tho invention of Freemasonry , as a secret society , to Oliver Cromwell , who is supposed to havo employed it as a political engine to aid him in the dethronement of Charles I ., in tho abolition of tho monarchy , and in tho foundation of a republic on its ruins , with himself for its head . The theory thafc Freemasonry was instituted by Oliver Cromwell
was not at first received , like tho other tivo , by any large portion of tho Fraternity . It was the invention of a simple mind , and was first mado public in the year 18-16 by the Abbe Larndan , who presented his views in a work entitled Les Franc Macons ecrasses , a book , which Kloss , tho bibliographer , says , is the armoury from which all tho enemies of Masonry havo since derived their weapons of abuse .
The propositions of Larndan aro distignished by their absolute independence of all historical authority , and for the bold assumptions which are presented to the reader , in the place of facts . His strongest argument for tho truth of his theory is that tho purposes of tho Masonio Institution and of tho political course of Cromwell aro identical , namely to sustain tho doctrines of liberty and equality among mankind .
Rejecting all tho claims of antiquity that have been urged in behalf of tho Order , ho thinks it was in England whoro Freemasonry first saw tho light of clay , and that it is to Cromwell ifc owes its origin . And this theory ho claims ( with what truth we know not ) to havo received from a certain Grand Master with whoso astuteness and sincerity he was well acquainted . Bnt even this authority , ho savs ,
wonld not have been sufficient to secure his belief had ifc nofc afterwards been confirmed by his reading of the history of tho English Protector and his mature reflections on tho morals and the laws of tho Order , where ho detected at every step the presence of Cromwell . Tho object of Cromwell , as it has been already said , was by the organisation of a secret society , whose members would be bound by tho most solemn vows of fraternity , to reconcile the various religions and
political sects which prevailed in England in the reign of Charles I . to tho prosecution of his VIOAVS , which wero equally opposed to tho supremacy of the King and to tho power of the Parliament , and by tho distraction of both to the elevation of himself to the headship of affairs . In the execution of this plan Cromwell proceeded with his usual caution and address . Ho first submitted tho outline to several of hia
most intimate friends , such as Algernon Sidney , Harrington , Monk , and Fairfax , and he held with them several private meetings . But ifc Avas not until the year 1618 , thafc he began to take tho necessary steps for bringing it to maturity . In thafc year , at a dinner which he gave to a number of his friends , he opened his designs to the company . "When his guests , among
whom were many members of Parliament , Avith both Presbyterians and Independents , tho two rival religious sects of the day , had been Avell feasted , the host dexterously led the conversation to tho subject of the unhappy condition of England . He showed in a pathetic manner , how tho unfortunate nation had suffered distracting conflicts of politics , and he declared that ifc was a disgrace that men so
intolligent as thoso who then heard him did not make an exertion to put an end to these distracting contests of party . Scarcely had Cromwell ceased to speak when Ireton , his son-in-law , Arho had been prepared for the occasion , rose , and seconding tho sentiments of his leadei - , proceeded to show tho absolute necessity for tho public good of a conciliation and union of many discordant parties
that wero then dividing the country . Ho exclaimed Avith fervour thafc ho Avould nofc hesitate to sacrifice his fortune and his life to remedy such calamities , and to show to the people the road they ought to take to relievo themselves from tho yoke which was oppressing them and to break the iron sceptre under which they wero groaning . Bufc to do this it Avas first necessary , he insisted , to destroy every power and
influence which had betrayed tho nation . Then , turning to Cromwell , he conjured him to explain his views on this important matter , and to suggest the cure for these evils . Cromwell did not hesitate to accept tho task which had , apparently without his previous concurrence , beeu assigned to him . Addressing his guests in that metaphorical style Avhich he was accustomed to use ,
the object of Avhich Avas to confuse their intellects and make them more ready to receive his boldest propositions , he explained the obligation of a worship of God , the necessity to repel force by force , and to deliver mankind from oppression and tyranny . Ho then concluded his speech by piquing the curiosity of his auditors , in telling them lie
kneAV a method by which they could succeed in this great enterprise , restore peace to England nnd rescue it from the depths of misery into which it was plunged . This method , he added , if communicated to the world would Avin the gratitude of mankind and secure a glorious memory for its authors to tho latest posterity . The discourse wns Avell maunged and well received . AH of his guests earnestly besoug ht