Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Testimonial To Brother Robert Thomas Crucefix , M.D.
parting grace—a fellow-sufferer with me . Side by side were we placed , a Masonic synod sitting in judgment upon us . Him no sophistry could deceive , no power appal . Day by day did we commune as to the best means of escaping the threatened avalanche . Sentinel-like , we took our turn on duty ; and here we are again , I know not which the happier of the twain—he in contemplating the success of a measure in which he has been so instrumental , or I in thus gratefully thanking you and him .
Need I name my zealous friend , Brother John Lee Stevens ? Bear with me my friends , there must be some last words . It is true I have no Lewis to share with me the heat and burthen of the . day , who can hereafter look on this testimonial as a record of a sire ' s zeal ; but there is one at home now waiting my return , as she often has with far different feelings , in whose bosom this splendid proof of your attachment will enkindle the gentle consolation , that her husband has equally
gained the appiobation of his friends , as he has proved deserving of her affection . Brethren , failing strength and impaired health admonish me to limited duty ; but there is no dishonour in retirement . I feel that when I shall reflect on the transactions of this auspicious day , as if my spirits would reanimate and my health improve : in such case , I doubt my resolution to keep from among you . Not that I . mean to be a drone in the hive . Should my health permit , you will probably hear from my chamber . I am the custos of many circumstances too important for concealment , aud I must endeavour still to do my duty . Should I be
unable to do further personal service , my papers will , I hope , be confided to some Brother who will do public justice , and who may not forget him who will thus bequeath his legacy to the Craft . Whatever may be said of me , I have never abused my licence . I may have been unwise in my devotion to the Craft ; but that devotion will continue as a lifeline and for a life-time . I look on the perfect freedom of Masonry as the pure aether in which the bird of Heaven may soar , and feel the force of the words of the Psalmist— " Ohthat I had wings like a dove 1 then
, would I fly away and be at rest ; " for I have an abiding faith that enduring success will crown the cause of universal charity ; that Freemasonry is the best moral agent , and therefore the most conducive one to socialize mankind ; for " it teaches us that the earth around is bright with its flowers , the heavens , with their stars , are bright above , but that futurity and its hopes are a thousand-fold brighter far . " It is not possible to record tbe alternations of mute attention and of
enthusiastic cheering with which this address was received . At its conclusion , tearful sympathy and high exultation held divided power over the meeting ; whilst all seemed to deprecate the idea of its being taken as a Masonic farewell . After the Doctor had resumed his seat , tbe following song , written for the occasion by Brother J . Lee Stevens , was sung by Brother
Fitz-Where is the eye that sparkles not In this delightful meeting?—Or where the heart too dull to share Our true fraternal greeting ? No sneering cynic here can trace Such traits of innate treason ?—Here all partake the " flow of soul "The sacred '' feast of reason ! "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Testimonial To Brother Robert Thomas Crucefix , M.D.
parting grace—a fellow-sufferer with me . Side by side were we placed , a Masonic synod sitting in judgment upon us . Him no sophistry could deceive , no power appal . Day by day did we commune as to the best means of escaping the threatened avalanche . Sentinel-like , we took our turn on duty ; and here we are again , I know not which the happier of the twain—he in contemplating the success of a measure in which he has been so instrumental , or I in thus gratefully thanking you and him .
Need I name my zealous friend , Brother John Lee Stevens ? Bear with me my friends , there must be some last words . It is true I have no Lewis to share with me the heat and burthen of the . day , who can hereafter look on this testimonial as a record of a sire ' s zeal ; but there is one at home now waiting my return , as she often has with far different feelings , in whose bosom this splendid proof of your attachment will enkindle the gentle consolation , that her husband has equally
gained the appiobation of his friends , as he has proved deserving of her affection . Brethren , failing strength and impaired health admonish me to limited duty ; but there is no dishonour in retirement . I feel that when I shall reflect on the transactions of this auspicious day , as if my spirits would reanimate and my health improve : in such case , I doubt my resolution to keep from among you . Not that I . mean to be a drone in the hive . Should my health permit , you will probably hear from my chamber . I am the custos of many circumstances too important for concealment , aud I must endeavour still to do my duty . Should I be
unable to do further personal service , my papers will , I hope , be confided to some Brother who will do public justice , and who may not forget him who will thus bequeath his legacy to the Craft . Whatever may be said of me , I have never abused my licence . I may have been unwise in my devotion to the Craft ; but that devotion will continue as a lifeline and for a life-time . I look on the perfect freedom of Masonry as the pure aether in which the bird of Heaven may soar , and feel the force of the words of the Psalmist— " Ohthat I had wings like a dove 1 then
, would I fly away and be at rest ; " for I have an abiding faith that enduring success will crown the cause of universal charity ; that Freemasonry is the best moral agent , and therefore the most conducive one to socialize mankind ; for " it teaches us that the earth around is bright with its flowers , the heavens , with their stars , are bright above , but that futurity and its hopes are a thousand-fold brighter far . " It is not possible to record tbe alternations of mute attention and of
enthusiastic cheering with which this address was received . At its conclusion , tearful sympathy and high exultation held divided power over the meeting ; whilst all seemed to deprecate the idea of its being taken as a Masonic farewell . After the Doctor had resumed his seat , tbe following song , written for the occasion by Brother J . Lee Stevens , was sung by Brother
Fitz-Where is the eye that sparkles not In this delightful meeting?—Or where the heart too dull to share Our true fraternal greeting ? No sneering cynic here can trace Such traits of innate treason ?—Here all partake the " flow of soul "The sacred '' feast of reason ! "