Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

MENTAL DUPRAVITV. 151
And must this great society, this mighty society, which
has waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies,
and has kings for her grand masters, and the princes of the
earth for her priests and ministers; which saith in her heart,
"I sit as a queen and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow
;" must she be numbered with the superstitions and impostures
which have deceived mankind; must she pass
away and be found no more at all ?*
Indeed, I think so;—let those who will, take up the lamentation,
(not given for the mourners on this particular
occasion, yet so admirably suited, that may I be pardoned
for introducing it) "Alas! Alas! that great society that was
clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked
with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!
" For in one hour so great riches is come to nought."
CHAPTER XXV.
" Again!—Again!—#20,000 '.—Two Quarters of the Highest Prize drawn
here ! w —Broadway,
THE history of Free Masonry alone can fully develope
its character; a true and rational account of its origin,
changes, operations and results. Such a history it is not
within the scope of this work to give; and yet, for the reader's
satisfaction, I attempt to embody in this chapter, views
of Free Masonry drawn from a satisfactory conception of
its history, and ably supported by the succeeding chapters
of this treatise.
* St. John.