Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Testimonial To Brother Robert Thomas Crucefix , M.D.
ness , as to render any thing like a reply impossible . In particular , he has alluded to the Freemasons' Quarterly Review , of which , indeed , I am proud to declare myself as the orig inating editor . The primary objects of that periodical were to disseminate , as widely as possible , the benefits of Freemasonry , and thus make the whole Masonic world akin . He has adverted to the late Earl of Durham , as having spoken out in its favour ; that noble Brother wasindeedan enthusiastic supporter of the
, , objects I entertained , as were the late Brothers Meyrick , Prescott , ancl many others ; of all this I have evidence , which may one clay see the light . Were such Brethren traitors to Freemasonry ? If they were not , what have I done that they did not approve ? These patrons , with many others , have descended to that bourn from whence no traveller has returned , ancl I have hacl the melancholy duty of commemorating them in the Review . It woulcl not have been difficult to have found
a more competent , but it would not have been easy to have found a more faithful , biographer . Their names are not among those whom the page of history will record rather with pity than admiration ; for their memory shadows out with greater truthfulness the value of their lives .
Some there are who , living , should pause that they may profit by the warning—ancl there are some dead—but in the grave is deposited much animosity . Peace be with them ! Brethren , let me turn to another point of the subject : youhaveheard our chairman speak of the share he has taken in the promulgation of truth through the pages of the Review . Does he shrink from the responsibility ?—No . I mention his name because he has encouraged me to do so bhis candour—by his honour . There is not a gracie in society ,
y from the nobleman to tbe humblest brother , who has not written in or for the Review ; and you may believe how often I have pondered on the fact , that the minds of masters in Israel , like those of Dr . Oliver , and other Brethren of powerful intellect , should have consented to act under my leadership ; but the truth is , they must have felt they had no rival in me , and that sincerity in a chief was no mean qualification ; the merits of a seven ' literary campai -were theirs aud theirs
years gn only—the failings , mine . Their important contributions , so beautifully illustrative of Masonry , have been fully appreciated and approved by the Craft , and deservedly so ; for there ought to be some inducement to study ancl reflection , otherwise science itself could not advance—it requires to be aided by the mental energy of those who devote themselves to its pursuit .
But the Review , by a disingenuous ruse , was forced on the rocks ; it was hoped by some to have foundered ; but the crew were not mutinous ; the helm was nobly kept by my successor , and the gallant bark has continued to bear its quarterly freight of information , amusement , and intelligence . Let us hope it will continue its useful course ; it deserves success , for falsehood has never stained its pages ; there is not a line to which modesty can take exception ; it has supported the Freedom of Masonry it has recounted the good deeds of the Brethrenwith
; , the rewards that gratitude has bestowed . Honour has been its theme-Truth its guide—Adoration to the Great Architect its end . When it forgets these hallowed principles , I for one would look to the moral power of public opinion to engulp h it in the deep waters of oblivion . Brethren , permit me to offer a few words in relation to the Asylum . At length we have the promise of a great dividend on a large debt of VOL . VIII . 3 L
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Testimonial To Brother Robert Thomas Crucefix , M.D.
ness , as to render any thing like a reply impossible . In particular , he has alluded to the Freemasons' Quarterly Review , of which , indeed , I am proud to declare myself as the orig inating editor . The primary objects of that periodical were to disseminate , as widely as possible , the benefits of Freemasonry , and thus make the whole Masonic world akin . He has adverted to the late Earl of Durham , as having spoken out in its favour ; that noble Brother wasindeedan enthusiastic supporter of the
, , objects I entertained , as were the late Brothers Meyrick , Prescott , ancl many others ; of all this I have evidence , which may one clay see the light . Were such Brethren traitors to Freemasonry ? If they were not , what have I done that they did not approve ? These patrons , with many others , have descended to that bourn from whence no traveller has returned , ancl I have hacl the melancholy duty of commemorating them in the Review . It woulcl not have been difficult to have found
a more competent , but it would not have been easy to have found a more faithful , biographer . Their names are not among those whom the page of history will record rather with pity than admiration ; for their memory shadows out with greater truthfulness the value of their lives .
Some there are who , living , should pause that they may profit by the warning—ancl there are some dead—but in the grave is deposited much animosity . Peace be with them ! Brethren , let me turn to another point of the subject : youhaveheard our chairman speak of the share he has taken in the promulgation of truth through the pages of the Review . Does he shrink from the responsibility ?—No . I mention his name because he has encouraged me to do so bhis candour—by his honour . There is not a gracie in society ,
y from the nobleman to tbe humblest brother , who has not written in or for the Review ; and you may believe how often I have pondered on the fact , that the minds of masters in Israel , like those of Dr . Oliver , and other Brethren of powerful intellect , should have consented to act under my leadership ; but the truth is , they must have felt they had no rival in me , and that sincerity in a chief was no mean qualification ; the merits of a seven ' literary campai -were theirs aud theirs
years gn only—the failings , mine . Their important contributions , so beautifully illustrative of Masonry , have been fully appreciated and approved by the Craft , and deservedly so ; for there ought to be some inducement to study ancl reflection , otherwise science itself could not advance—it requires to be aided by the mental energy of those who devote themselves to its pursuit .
But the Review , by a disingenuous ruse , was forced on the rocks ; it was hoped by some to have foundered ; but the crew were not mutinous ; the helm was nobly kept by my successor , and the gallant bark has continued to bear its quarterly freight of information , amusement , and intelligence . Let us hope it will continue its useful course ; it deserves success , for falsehood has never stained its pages ; there is not a line to which modesty can take exception ; it has supported the Freedom of Masonry it has recounted the good deeds of the Brethrenwith
; , the rewards that gratitude has bestowed . Honour has been its theme-Truth its guide—Adoration to the Great Architect its end . When it forgets these hallowed principles , I for one would look to the moral power of public opinion to engulp h it in the deep waters of oblivion . Brethren , permit me to offer a few words in relation to the Asylum . At length we have the promise of a great dividend on a large debt of VOL . VIII . 3 L