Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Thirtieth Of October, 1840.—Conclusion Of The Case Of Dr. Crucefix.
Lord John Churchill was acknowledged in the same circular . The Grand Lodge would bear in mind that this intelligence , from their own Secretariat , reached some few of the Lodges when both these noblemen were deceased , ancl that the Brethren were actually clothed in mourning for their beloved Pro-Grand Master the late Earl of Durham . The November and December Lodges had yet to peruse this posthumous intelli
gence ! These matters should be duly reflected upon . The next point to which he should advert , would be , on his part , to grant an amnesty . Shamefull y as he had been treated , it was not possible for " man" to rob him of tbe great gift of GOD . He possessed the largess of forgiveness of injuries , and none possessed this power so extensively as he who had sustained the most injury . From that moment he forgave all—even the poor scribblers ; nay , further , he was desirous , if of at hi
possible , aiming a gher gift—that of forgetfulness _ but as this would depend on others not adverting to the past , he must in such case await the fullness of time to enable him to follow the dictates of his heart . He hoped to have used no expression of disrespect to Grand Lodge , or a term that mi ght be excepted to by any Brother ; if he had , he requested any inadvertence to be attributed to the difficulty of addressing so large a body , under feelings of emotion , which it required great moral courage to repress : the difficulty hacl been increased by circumstances he could not well explain . —Dr . Crueefix then concluded his address in nearly the following words :
" But Freemasonry suffers . Faithless Brothers have afflicted it with a moral ulcer , which is painful to behold , and which they have no healing power to cure . I unhesitatingly offer myself read y to suck the venom from the poisoned wound . Dissention caused by the slanderer and the scorner has raised a tempest they have no power to still , —painful as may be the sacrifice , I offer myself . I clo not court the sentence that may await me , for I have taught my heart its lesson , andit is content . Should it be
your direction that 1 am to appear no more among you , I shall retire to that circle of friends where kindness ancl confidence still await me , and we can exchange those relations of confraternity which God will sanction , and which man cannot deprive me from reciprocating . My wrongs may remain unredressed , but public opinion will mitigate the effects of undeserved persecution , and , in the fullness of time , when some of those who have differed with me shall be at rest , it may be , that as a
compliment to their memory , the word " CHARITY" will be inscribed on their hatchment , as a voice from the grave demanding my recal ; or it may be , that I may be summoned to my last home , in which I pray may be entombed all angry feeling , and that nothing may be remembered of me but my undying veneration for Freemasonry . "The terms in whicli my apology is to be couched will , I understand , be offered to you by those Brethren to whom I have entrusted my honour . I shall bend to their decision most willingly , assured that they will not require me to do any act they would not , situate as I am , themselves perform .
" Before I retire , permit me , my Lord and Right Worshipful Brother , as it is the first opportunity afforded me , and it may be the last , of having the honour to address you , to express my congratulation on your promotion , an event equally complimentary to yourself and to the Order . " DEPUTY GRAND MASTER . —Brother Crueefix , do you wish to call witnesses ?
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Thirtieth Of October, 1840.—Conclusion Of The Case Of Dr. Crucefix.
Lord John Churchill was acknowledged in the same circular . The Grand Lodge would bear in mind that this intelligence , from their own Secretariat , reached some few of the Lodges when both these noblemen were deceased , ancl that the Brethren were actually clothed in mourning for their beloved Pro-Grand Master the late Earl of Durham . The November and December Lodges had yet to peruse this posthumous intelli
gence ! These matters should be duly reflected upon . The next point to which he should advert , would be , on his part , to grant an amnesty . Shamefull y as he had been treated , it was not possible for " man" to rob him of tbe great gift of GOD . He possessed the largess of forgiveness of injuries , and none possessed this power so extensively as he who had sustained the most injury . From that moment he forgave all—even the poor scribblers ; nay , further , he was desirous , if of at hi
possible , aiming a gher gift—that of forgetfulness _ but as this would depend on others not adverting to the past , he must in such case await the fullness of time to enable him to follow the dictates of his heart . He hoped to have used no expression of disrespect to Grand Lodge , or a term that mi ght be excepted to by any Brother ; if he had , he requested any inadvertence to be attributed to the difficulty of addressing so large a body , under feelings of emotion , which it required great moral courage to repress : the difficulty hacl been increased by circumstances he could not well explain . —Dr . Crueefix then concluded his address in nearly the following words :
" But Freemasonry suffers . Faithless Brothers have afflicted it with a moral ulcer , which is painful to behold , and which they have no healing power to cure . I unhesitatingly offer myself read y to suck the venom from the poisoned wound . Dissention caused by the slanderer and the scorner has raised a tempest they have no power to still , —painful as may be the sacrifice , I offer myself . I clo not court the sentence that may await me , for I have taught my heart its lesson , andit is content . Should it be
your direction that 1 am to appear no more among you , I shall retire to that circle of friends where kindness ancl confidence still await me , and we can exchange those relations of confraternity which God will sanction , and which man cannot deprive me from reciprocating . My wrongs may remain unredressed , but public opinion will mitigate the effects of undeserved persecution , and , in the fullness of time , when some of those who have differed with me shall be at rest , it may be , that as a
compliment to their memory , the word " CHARITY" will be inscribed on their hatchment , as a voice from the grave demanding my recal ; or it may be , that I may be summoned to my last home , in which I pray may be entombed all angry feeling , and that nothing may be remembered of me but my undying veneration for Freemasonry . "The terms in whicli my apology is to be couched will , I understand , be offered to you by those Brethren to whom I have entrusted my honour . I shall bend to their decision most willingly , assured that they will not require me to do any act they would not , situate as I am , themselves perform .
" Before I retire , permit me , my Lord and Right Worshipful Brother , as it is the first opportunity afforded me , and it may be the last , of having the honour to address you , to express my congratulation on your promotion , an event equally complimentary to yourself and to the Order . " DEPUTY GRAND MASTER . —Brother Crueefix , do you wish to call witnesses ?