226 MEMOIR OF GEORGE WILSON. CHAP. V. 



intermingling of wit, poetry, song, and good sense at their con- 

 vivial meetings ; a total absence of jealousy, and a strong desire 

 for one another's advancement, which not only cemented their 

 friendship, but exercised a great influence on their subsequent 

 career. .... Such, indeed, were the strong feelings of friend- 

 ship and unity of sentiment which existed in this group of 

 students, that a Society or Order was at length formed." 



In the second volume of the ' Maga' there are frequent refer- 

 ences to this Society, its motto, and insignia. The former OIN02, 

 EP122, MA9H2I2, Wine, Love, and Learning, caused it to be 

 called occasionally the " Oineromathic Brotherhood," but this 

 name its members speedily disclaimed, announcing themselves 

 as " The Universal Brotherhood of Friends of Truth." Its aims, 

 so far from being selfish, were the regeneration of the world, by 

 means of the " wisdom of heaven shrined in matter," being un- 

 folded and interpreted by each brother. They are expressed in 

 the following manifesto, afterwards published : " The highest 

 aim of man is the discovery of the truth ; the search after truth 

 is his noblest occupation. It is more it is his duty. Every 

 step onwards we take in science and learning tells us how nearly 

 all sciences are connected. There is a deep philosophy in that 

 connexion yet undeveloped a philosophy of the utmost moment 

 to man ; let us seek it out. The world in which we live is a 

 beautiful world, and the Spirit of Omnipotence has given us 

 many pleasures and blessings ; shall we not enjoy them ? Let 

 us refresh ourselves with them thankfully, whilst we go forth 

 in our search after truth. We are all brethren, but it has pleased 

 God variously to endow our minds. Some delight in one thing, 

 some in another : some work for the good of the body, and some 

 for the good of the soul. Let us all work together in fellowship 

 for our mutual happiness and joy. Wherefore should men 

 quarrel one with another, because they hold different doctrines ? 

 Such as seek for truth in the right spirit sympathize with each 

 other, and however opposite may be their present opinions, revile 

 them not, but assist in their development, knowing, however 

 wide apart may seem the paths they have chosen, one goal is 

 aimed at, and if persevering, both must meet in the one wished - 

 for temple. Let those who feel the spirit to develop the wisdom 



