Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Testimonial To Brother Robert Thomas Crucefix , M.D.
justice ; and the future betokens a probability of the payment of the entire principal , with full interest . But a short time since , and the project was declared by some to be impracticable and injurious ; and now , lo ! the Masonic executive has issued such directions as prove that the cause of the Worth y Aged and Decayed Freemason has virtuall y triumphed . Do I congratulate on this cheering prospect ? A indeed do I
you ye , , ancl from my heart of hearts ; but I congratulate you still more on the fact , that you have corrected an anomaly in charity , by having directed the mighty stream of a boundless current to the accomplishment of good and great ends . Brethren , I feel I am losing my self-possession , and must appear somewhat unsteady ; but you will pardon Nature when she is overtasked : joy and sorrow have a twin-like power over the heart . I feel
what vou must detect—an incompetence to approach the master-subject of this day ' s proceedings . About two years ago the present kind demonstration was first contemplated , and responded to ivith an alacrity that might have gratified the most ambitious Mason , when suddenly , alas ! how suddenly , and by me how totally unexpected , the darkness , came , and threatened to enshroud the sentiment . Many reserved their inion until
generous op the storm should pass away . But in all this I see nothing but Justice , somewhat sternly , perhaps , putting character to a severe test . But to you , my kind protectors , who in friendship commenced , in friendship continued , ancl in friendship have concluded a fair spirit of inquiry into character and conduct , how am I not bound by gratitude for having
supported the one and approved the other ? Such protection can only be appreciated by those who , like myself , have so much needed assistance . Brethren , there may happen to some now present a moment of trouble : to such I can only say , that I trust the recollection of the happiness they have afforded me may attend them in abundant repayment . Mv colleague , friend , ancl Brother in the chair , has once taken me by the hand in presence of you all , when he first raised me to your public noticeafter he had vindicated honour bhis powerful
, my y advocacy : you re-echoed his sentiments , aud I felt the pressure of his hand in mine to be as a testimony in the Presence above that we all agreed to the bond . I would now , were it possible , reciprocate the token with each and every one ; but I must content myself with asking you to believe , in taking our Brother Dr . Oliver ' s right hand in mine , that you figuratively accept the mutual pledge . At this moment Dr . Oliver roseancl the two Freemasons again grasped
, each other firml y by the hand . The effect was electrical ; the acclamation was as one voice—loud , but distinct . The Doctor resumed his seat , ancl Brother Crucefix continued his address . Brethren , with what emotion do I look on that elegant and costl y testimonial of esteem ancl affection , so cheerfully subscribed for by Brethren of every clime and every creed , dispersed over the wide world of earth and its waters ! I thank you who are present , and the far
greater number that are absent ; I thank the artist , who has caught the generous enthusiasm , and hope he will not be called on to answer for having so legibly and intelli gibly engraven thereon your too expressive sentiments ; and I would thank , if I could , the Chairman himself ; to him , however , as well as to you , I can only offer my note of hand . May God bless you all ! There is one Brother , however , to whom I must say a word of
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Testimonial To Brother Robert Thomas Crucefix , M.D.
justice ; and the future betokens a probability of the payment of the entire principal , with full interest . But a short time since , and the project was declared by some to be impracticable and injurious ; and now , lo ! the Masonic executive has issued such directions as prove that the cause of the Worth y Aged and Decayed Freemason has virtuall y triumphed . Do I congratulate on this cheering prospect ? A indeed do I
you ye , , ancl from my heart of hearts ; but I congratulate you still more on the fact , that you have corrected an anomaly in charity , by having directed the mighty stream of a boundless current to the accomplishment of good and great ends . Brethren , I feel I am losing my self-possession , and must appear somewhat unsteady ; but you will pardon Nature when she is overtasked : joy and sorrow have a twin-like power over the heart . I feel
what vou must detect—an incompetence to approach the master-subject of this day ' s proceedings . About two years ago the present kind demonstration was first contemplated , and responded to ivith an alacrity that might have gratified the most ambitious Mason , when suddenly , alas ! how suddenly , and by me how totally unexpected , the darkness , came , and threatened to enshroud the sentiment . Many reserved their inion until
generous op the storm should pass away . But in all this I see nothing but Justice , somewhat sternly , perhaps , putting character to a severe test . But to you , my kind protectors , who in friendship commenced , in friendship continued , ancl in friendship have concluded a fair spirit of inquiry into character and conduct , how am I not bound by gratitude for having
supported the one and approved the other ? Such protection can only be appreciated by those who , like myself , have so much needed assistance . Brethren , there may happen to some now present a moment of trouble : to such I can only say , that I trust the recollection of the happiness they have afforded me may attend them in abundant repayment . Mv colleague , friend , ancl Brother in the chair , has once taken me by the hand in presence of you all , when he first raised me to your public noticeafter he had vindicated honour bhis powerful
, my y advocacy : you re-echoed his sentiments , aud I felt the pressure of his hand in mine to be as a testimony in the Presence above that we all agreed to the bond . I would now , were it possible , reciprocate the token with each and every one ; but I must content myself with asking you to believe , in taking our Brother Dr . Oliver ' s right hand in mine , that you figuratively accept the mutual pledge . At this moment Dr . Oliver roseancl the two Freemasons again grasped
, each other firml y by the hand . The effect was electrical ; the acclamation was as one voice—loud , but distinct . The Doctor resumed his seat , ancl Brother Crucefix continued his address . Brethren , with what emotion do I look on that elegant and costl y testimonial of esteem ancl affection , so cheerfully subscribed for by Brethren of every clime and every creed , dispersed over the wide world of earth and its waters ! I thank you who are present , and the far
greater number that are absent ; I thank the artist , who has caught the generous enthusiasm , and hope he will not be called on to answer for having so legibly and intelli gibly engraven thereon your too expressive sentiments ; and I would thank , if I could , the Chairman himself ; to him , however , as well as to you , I can only offer my note of hand . May God bless you all ! There is one Brother , however , to whom I must say a word of