Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Banquet.
morals and science are so intimately blended , that they cannot he separated . And this indelible connexion arises out of the very nature of the system ; for both are veiled in allegory , which is uniform and consistent ; and both arc illustrated by symbols , which are plain , intelligible , and satisfactory . By applying the system of association , morals inculcate science , autl science enforces morals . The advantage is mutual ; and the intelligent Brother cannot fail to derive considerable benefit
from both . Thus , when we find science , in its allegorical references , teaching us , that while we endeavour to promote our own happiness , we must not interfere ivith that of our neighbour —( hear ) ; when we find it inculcating , in the language of the greatest of all moral teachei's , that , as Masons , we ought to be humble and meek ; merciful , pure , and peaceable ; patient under adversity and reproach ; good and kind to all men , even to those whom we may not consider to be our friends . AA'hen
we find science thus employed , shall we withhold our approbation ? Shall we not rather confess that she is employing her rich stores of knowledge to the noblest purpose , the extension of relig ion and virtue ? Such is the true design of Freemasonry . To trace wisdom , and to follow virtue ; to add new charms to science , by investing it with the sanctions of religion ; and to promote the general benefit of society , by the dissemination of her purified lessons of conduct .
But I find—and I ought to apologize for it—that I am wandering from the point . I find that I am Avandering into the wide field of Masonic metaphysics—which have been the delight of many a weary hour in my eventful life—instead of confining myself , as I ought to do on an occasion like the present , to facts . To facts , then , I will endeavour
to confine myself ; and if I should again wander , I beg that you ivill attribute it to a weakness of nerve , or a iveakness of intellect , or any other cause , except a want of respect for you . My esteemed and highlytalented Friend and Brother Dakeyne , in bis too partial view of what he has been pleased to term my services to Freemasonry , has referred to a series of publications which bear my name in the title page . With respect to those publications , I speak it with candour and with humility ,
whatever be their demerits , tlie consequences must be visited on me alone . In their composition I have had no colleague—no coadjutor ; and very small portions of the M . S . have been seen by any Brother before publication . I may go one step further , and plainly assert that no portion whatever of the M . S . has been read by any individual before it was placed in the printer ' s hands , except one ; and that is a Brother for whom I entertain the highest possible esteem ; in whom 1 have reposed
the most implicit confidence for years , and of whom I am gratified in having this public opportunity of saying , that I never , in any one instance , have had occasion to regret that my confidence has been so placed . The Brother to whom I refer is present , Dr . Crucefix . He only has seen any portion of my M . S . before publication . As I am doubtless indebted principally to these publications for the high distinctions of this day have a riht to expect that I should ive an
, you g g you ¦ account of their origin —( hear ) ; and 1 am the more willing to comply with such a reasonable demand , because tlie detail may constitute a piece of literary history —( hear , hear)—ivhich may be of service to the present or future generations of Masons , by inciting others to copy my example . AVhen I was first initiated into . Masonry , about the year 1801 , I resided at a distance of more than tiventy miles from the Loelge ; and as facilities for communication between one place and another ivere not so great then
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Banquet.
morals and science are so intimately blended , that they cannot he separated . And this indelible connexion arises out of the very nature of the system ; for both are veiled in allegory , which is uniform and consistent ; and both arc illustrated by symbols , which are plain , intelligible , and satisfactory . By applying the system of association , morals inculcate science , autl science enforces morals . The advantage is mutual ; and the intelligent Brother cannot fail to derive considerable benefit
from both . Thus , when we find science , in its allegorical references , teaching us , that while we endeavour to promote our own happiness , we must not interfere ivith that of our neighbour —( hear ) ; when we find it inculcating , in the language of the greatest of all moral teachei's , that , as Masons , we ought to be humble and meek ; merciful , pure , and peaceable ; patient under adversity and reproach ; good and kind to all men , even to those whom we may not consider to be our friends . AA'hen
we find science thus employed , shall we withhold our approbation ? Shall we not rather confess that she is employing her rich stores of knowledge to the noblest purpose , the extension of relig ion and virtue ? Such is the true design of Freemasonry . To trace wisdom , and to follow virtue ; to add new charms to science , by investing it with the sanctions of religion ; and to promote the general benefit of society , by the dissemination of her purified lessons of conduct .
But I find—and I ought to apologize for it—that I am wandering from the point . I find that I am Avandering into the wide field of Masonic metaphysics—which have been the delight of many a weary hour in my eventful life—instead of confining myself , as I ought to do on an occasion like the present , to facts . To facts , then , I will endeavour
to confine myself ; and if I should again wander , I beg that you ivill attribute it to a weakness of nerve , or a iveakness of intellect , or any other cause , except a want of respect for you . My esteemed and highlytalented Friend and Brother Dakeyne , in bis too partial view of what he has been pleased to term my services to Freemasonry , has referred to a series of publications which bear my name in the title page . With respect to those publications , I speak it with candour and with humility ,
whatever be their demerits , tlie consequences must be visited on me alone . In their composition I have had no colleague—no coadjutor ; and very small portions of the M . S . have been seen by any Brother before publication . I may go one step further , and plainly assert that no portion whatever of the M . S . has been read by any individual before it was placed in the printer ' s hands , except one ; and that is a Brother for whom I entertain the highest possible esteem ; in whom 1 have reposed
the most implicit confidence for years , and of whom I am gratified in having this public opportunity of saying , that I never , in any one instance , have had occasion to regret that my confidence has been so placed . The Brother to whom I refer is present , Dr . Crucefix . He only has seen any portion of my M . S . before publication . As I am doubtless indebted principally to these publications for the high distinctions of this day have a riht to expect that I should ive an
, you g g you ¦ account of their origin —( hear ) ; and 1 am the more willing to comply with such a reasonable demand , because tlie detail may constitute a piece of literary history —( hear , hear)—ivhich may be of service to the present or future generations of Masons , by inciting others to copy my example . AVhen I was first initiated into . Masonry , about the year 1801 , I resided at a distance of more than tiventy miles from the Loelge ; and as facilities for communication between one place and another ivere not so great then