Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Obituary.
regret , we observe that among several of our Order , there has been elicited a tendency to the forgctfulness of our sacred principles , which , unless counteracted by severe reflection on their part , will toll sadly against them . AVe do not go the length that some do in looking upon this misconduct as a new feature in the morals of our Order ; for its principles denouncein the strongest termsthe
, , violation of decorum . AVhat we allude to is , a growing permission to the encouragement of scandal and slander , which has been put forth by tho unworthy , and for unworthy purposes , in low , vulgar , and defamatory papers ; wherein the noble and high-minded , the ardent , the generous , and the benevolent , have been attacked with an unholy malignity . As a moral lesson the passing circumstance
may not be without its value . Vice in its deformity may prove the best incentive to virtue , to those who have the moral courage to face the monster , and can turn from its pestilent breath to the mild aspirations of Freemasonry . " From this moment there was a current of prejudice at work which proved peculiarly unfavourable to the doctor ; although
he spent much time , and used the most unwearied exertions to promote the benefit of all the Masonic charities without exception . But even these benevolent labours were converted into a pretext for calumny and persecution . Petty foibles were magnified into crimes , and incautious omissions assumed the form of active
misdemeauours . It is quite clear from his letters that Dr . Crucefix never relinquished the hope that II . B . H . the Grand Master would abet the scheme of an Asylum for Worthy Aged and Decayed Freemasons with all his influence , when he had sifted the prejudices which had been excited against it , and found them hollow and insincere , until he had publicly declared himself inimical to its erectionin a letter to Brothers CrucefixBel ] M'Mullen
, , , , and Watkins , which was dated August 26 th , 1839 ; and the Grand Lodge had originated , on its own responsibility , a similar plan exclusive of the building . It was then that the first note of an organised opposition tp Dr . Crucefix and his project sounded in his ears . At the Grand Lodge in Decemberwhen the Duke of Sussex was
, nominated as Grand Master for the year , Dr . Crucefix declared most unequivocally his Masonic allegiance , and also expressed on the part of those who agreed with him in the general exercise of privilege , that they considered loyalty to the Masonic throne to be the key stone of their duty ; and yet , at the same Grand Lodge , a printed paper was placed in the hands of the members present
, and circulated freely iu the provinces , denouncing the Asylum under the title of " The Workhouse Question , " and stigmatized it as a job for personal aggrandizement , and accused Dr . Crucefix of disloyalty . Tlie author stated his conviction , with an oblique insinuation at the doctor , that " we have a strong suspicion that
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Obituary.
regret , we observe that among several of our Order , there has been elicited a tendency to the forgctfulness of our sacred principles , which , unless counteracted by severe reflection on their part , will toll sadly against them . AVe do not go the length that some do in looking upon this misconduct as a new feature in the morals of our Order ; for its principles denouncein the strongest termsthe
, , violation of decorum . AVhat we allude to is , a growing permission to the encouragement of scandal and slander , which has been put forth by tho unworthy , and for unworthy purposes , in low , vulgar , and defamatory papers ; wherein the noble and high-minded , the ardent , the generous , and the benevolent , have been attacked with an unholy malignity . As a moral lesson the passing circumstance
may not be without its value . Vice in its deformity may prove the best incentive to virtue , to those who have the moral courage to face the monster , and can turn from its pestilent breath to the mild aspirations of Freemasonry . " From this moment there was a current of prejudice at work which proved peculiarly unfavourable to the doctor ; although
he spent much time , and used the most unwearied exertions to promote the benefit of all the Masonic charities without exception . But even these benevolent labours were converted into a pretext for calumny and persecution . Petty foibles were magnified into crimes , and incautious omissions assumed the form of active
misdemeauours . It is quite clear from his letters that Dr . Crucefix never relinquished the hope that II . B . H . the Grand Master would abet the scheme of an Asylum for Worthy Aged and Decayed Freemasons with all his influence , when he had sifted the prejudices which had been excited against it , and found them hollow and insincere , until he had publicly declared himself inimical to its erectionin a letter to Brothers CrucefixBel ] M'Mullen
, , , , and Watkins , which was dated August 26 th , 1839 ; and the Grand Lodge had originated , on its own responsibility , a similar plan exclusive of the building . It was then that the first note of an organised opposition tp Dr . Crucefix and his project sounded in his ears . At the Grand Lodge in Decemberwhen the Duke of Sussex was
, nominated as Grand Master for the year , Dr . Crucefix declared most unequivocally his Masonic allegiance , and also expressed on the part of those who agreed with him in the general exercise of privilege , that they considered loyalty to the Masonic throne to be the key stone of their duty ; and yet , at the same Grand Lodge , a printed paper was placed in the hands of the members present
, and circulated freely iu the provinces , denouncing the Asylum under the title of " The Workhouse Question , " and stigmatized it as a job for personal aggrandizement , and accused Dr . Crucefix of disloyalty . Tlie author stated his conviction , with an oblique insinuation at the doctor , that " we have a strong suspicion that