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Article JOHN FITZ. ← Page 5 of 6 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
John Fitz.
could upon his oath aver , that their principal objects were morality , and that they employed themselves in the cultivation of the natural sciences , and in obtaining mathematical and mechanical knowledge . " This upright answer was grating to the ears of this unchristian judge . " I demand you " to inform me , without evasion , the exact ceremonies made use of when persons are initiated . "
This Fitz declined answering , stating , that he had solemnly engaged never to reveal the same by word of mouth . " Then write it down- ! " the bishop exclaimed . " No , " answered Fitz , " I am equally bound never to reveal , by any act or deed , either directly or indirectly , the peculiar and valuable tenets which have been entrusted to my keeping . "
" Then , put him to the torture ! " cried the infuriated bishop ; " we will force this braggart to tell the truth . " " Never ! " answered John Fitz ; " I will never swerve from the principles of honesty : rather than my tongue or my hands should disgrace themselves by violating my honour , I would submit to their loss . " " You shall be taken at your word , " exclaimed the bishop ; " for
without you clearly explain to us the practices pursued in your treasonable society within twenty-four hours , you shall be punished in such a manner , as to be an example for deterring others from pursuing such damnable doctrines . " Fitz was then recommitted ; and , strange to relate , it appeared by report , that in the course of the night he made his escape from his
dungeon . But what excited the wonder and apprehension of his relatives and friends , was the strict concealment he apparently observed , for from that period they were unable to trace him , and at length , after a considerable period hacl elapsed , they concluded that he had been basely murdered .
- _• vi- J A- -A- - £ ¦ _ : It was in the year 14-17 that the Bishop of Winchester died , having survived the good Duke of Gloucester , as he was called ( whose death or murder has been placed , upon sure foundation , to his account ) , onl y two mouths . After this event took place , the Lodges met openly , without incurring
any penalty for so doing , and the St . John Lodge was then held at the Apple Tree Tavern . At one of their meetings , they were informed that a person unknown to their Guard or Tyler wished to obtain admitance , and who appeared , from infirmity , to be unable to give proof of his eligibility . The necessary and requisite measures were immediately ordered to be taken , and after a considerable delay , which arose from unforeseen difficulties , it was reported that the stranger was reall y entitled to admission . He was consequently introduced , and to the
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
John Fitz.
could upon his oath aver , that their principal objects were morality , and that they employed themselves in the cultivation of the natural sciences , and in obtaining mathematical and mechanical knowledge . " This upright answer was grating to the ears of this unchristian judge . " I demand you " to inform me , without evasion , the exact ceremonies made use of when persons are initiated . "
This Fitz declined answering , stating , that he had solemnly engaged never to reveal the same by word of mouth . " Then write it down- ! " the bishop exclaimed . " No , " answered Fitz , " I am equally bound never to reveal , by any act or deed , either directly or indirectly , the peculiar and valuable tenets which have been entrusted to my keeping . "
" Then , put him to the torture ! " cried the infuriated bishop ; " we will force this braggart to tell the truth . " " Never ! " answered John Fitz ; " I will never swerve from the principles of honesty : rather than my tongue or my hands should disgrace themselves by violating my honour , I would submit to their loss . " " You shall be taken at your word , " exclaimed the bishop ; " for
without you clearly explain to us the practices pursued in your treasonable society within twenty-four hours , you shall be punished in such a manner , as to be an example for deterring others from pursuing such damnable doctrines . " Fitz was then recommitted ; and , strange to relate , it appeared by report , that in the course of the night he made his escape from his
dungeon . But what excited the wonder and apprehension of his relatives and friends , was the strict concealment he apparently observed , for from that period they were unable to trace him , and at length , after a considerable period hacl elapsed , they concluded that he had been basely murdered .
- _• vi- J A- -A- - £ ¦ _ : It was in the year 14-17 that the Bishop of Winchester died , having survived the good Duke of Gloucester , as he was called ( whose death or murder has been placed , upon sure foundation , to his account ) , onl y two mouths . After this event took place , the Lodges met openly , without incurring
any penalty for so doing , and the St . John Lodge was then held at the Apple Tree Tavern . At one of their meetings , they were informed that a person unknown to their Guard or Tyler wished to obtain admitance , and who appeared , from infirmity , to be unable to give proof of his eligibility . The necessary and requisite measures were immediately ordered to be taken , and after a considerable delay , which arose from unforeseen difficulties , it was reported that the stranger was reall y entitled to admission . He was consequently introduced , and to the