Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

174 REVIEW OF
To which I add a line from a heathen poet:
u Accipe nunc Danaum insidias, et crimine ab uno disce omne3. V¥
JEneid, ii. 65.
In the preface our author says: " At the annual meeting of
the Grand Chapter in Feb. 1816, the idea was suggested of
preparing for the press several masonic addresses, which had
y been exhibited before that honourable body. On mature
deliberation, the measure was thought expedient, and adopted.
Relying on the better discernment of respectable and
well informed brethren, the work has been submitted. It
is, therefore, presented to the public, not for its elegance
of composition, but for its truth."
Throughout his preface, our author speaks of candour
and kindness; wishing, for the sake of peace and charity,
that all men were Masons, and disclaiming the thought of
deception, he inquires how improbable it is that all Masons
have been deceived ?
" Turn vero ardemus scitari, et quaerere causae,
" Ignari scelerum tantorum, artisque Pelasgae,
"Prosequitur pavitans, et ficto pectore fatur."
JEneid, ii. 105.
These fair words
" Raised expectations in our longing hearts,
41 Unknowing as we were in Grecian arts.
u His former trembling once.again renewed,
" With acted Jear, the mortal ihua pursued."—Dryden. *
" PRELIMINARIES.
44 The great field of masonic research has for many cen-
* " Now hear how well the Greeks their wiles disguised;
" Behold a nation in a man comprised."—Dryden,