Freemasonry is a secret institution; and its peculiar benefits are limited to its own body. And although we act upon the ancient principle of procul hinc quivis scelestus, yet our lodges are open to all good and worthy men, and our mysteries are hidden from none but those whose presence would be of doubtful benefit, either to themselves or the Order. We do not invite adherents, and therefore none can be disappointed. But we rejoice when men of name in science or literature solicit admission amongst us, because we may confidently anticipate that the expectations of every person who possesses taste and judgment will be fully realized, and the pursuits of masonry be congenial to his mind. I keep lingering over my task, and continue to scribble for lack of moral courage to pronounce the word "FAREWELL" to those dear brethren and kind friends by whom I have ever been so well received and bounteously treated. Jucundi acti labores. And still the benediction must be uttered; for "the best of friends must part," and the most intimate and beloved connections will be severed in the end. In my various publications I have endeavoured to redeem the Order from the charge of frivolity, which was brought against it in the last century, by showing its applicability to many of the sciences-I have portrayed its literary character-I have pointed out the various sources of amusement and instruction of which it is the author and dispenser; and in this, my closing work, I have shown how, in concurrence with other causes, its sincere professors, through the merits of the Great Architect of the Universe, may find their way to another and a better world. My labours cannot have a more satisfactory termination. I am verging on that period which our Grand Master David pronounces to be "labour and sorrow," soon to pass away and be gone; and it is extremely probable that the fraternity will hear little more about me, except in an occasional Paper in the Freemasons' Quarterly Magazine and Review! I now subscribe myself, Dear Brethren and Friends, Your obliged and faithful servant, SCOPWICK VICARAGE, Oct. 1st, 1850. DEAR BRETHREN, FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES, As the first and chief Grand Lodge in the United States of America, it will be needless for me to assure you of the high value which I place on the masonic dignity that you have conferred upon me in a manner not merely flattering to my feelings, but peculiarly honourable as an unequivocal testimony of your appreciation of my masonic labours. It is an exalted step, to which my humble ambition had never, even in thought, aspired; and I am proud to have this public opportunity of testifying my gratitude. |