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Article THE LATE BRO. THOMAS RAMSAY Page 1 of 1 Article THE LATE BRO. THOMAS RAMSAY Page 1 of 1 Article THE FIFTEEN SECTIONS Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Late Bro. Thomas Ramsay
THE LATE BRO . THOMAS RAMSAY
THE Large Hall of St . John Lodge , No . 3 bis , Glasgow , was quite filled on Tuesday , 8 th October , by the members of the Lodge and the Masters and Wardens of the other Lodges in the Province , to whom , on account of space , the invitations had to be limited . At 6 . 30 Bro . William Kylo jun . R . W . M . opened his Lodge , with Bros . Brownlee S . W ., James Kylo jun . J . W ., D . B . Bell D . M ., J . Harn S . M .
and the following Past Masters of the Lodge , viz .: William Bell , T . Fletcher , James McMillian , and T . Smilie . Amongst the Masters on the dais wo recognised particularly these—T . Thompson 103 , T . Halket 117 , D . Ronald 275 , J . Munro 360 . Tho choir , under the control of Bro . Dunbar D . of M . rendered efficient aid to the proceedings . The R . W . W . addressed the special meeting thus : —Brethren ,
At a meeting of tho St . John Lodge , No . 3 bis , on the first Tnesday of July , attention was drawn to tho death of Past Master Thomas Ramsay , and at that meeting it was agreed that a minute expressive of tho members' regret should bo inserted in tho minute book ; this was accordingly done , and it was subsequently resolved to hold a Funeral Lodge in memorv of onr deceased Past Master .
That the Lodge was justified in doing this is fully shown by the large number of brethren present on this occasion to pay a last tribute of respect to the memory of onr dear brother . Brother Ramsay filled the chair of tho St . John Lodgo in the years 1867-68 , with an amount of ability and energy rarely equalled . Those who havo had tho pleasure of being present at the meetings presided over by
him can bear testimony to tho kind and brotherly way in which he discharged his duties , and to tho deep interest he took in tho affairs of the Lodge . It was with deep regret that the members of tho Locige ported with him as Master , although as P . M . he continued to tnke a deep interest in the affairs of the Lodge . He went out to Canada about three years ago , and died at Montreal , on
the 4 th June last , aged fifty-seven years . It is now for us to improve the sad event which has brought us here , so that it may tend to our spiritual welfare . By cultivating brotherly love , spreading the true cement of friendship , always aiding and assisting each other in onr journey through life ; and , above all , evincing that distinguishing characteristic of our noblo order , Charity ,
so that , bo it sooner or later when we are laid on a death bod , may it not bo what we have done for ourselves , but what we have dene for others , that will give us tho greatest consolation and peace of mind . And when we are summoned by the Great Architect of the Universe to leave our Lodges here bolow , to enter the Grand Lodge above , may we receive tho ever joyful welcome . He then introduced the
Chaplain , the Rev . Dr . Dobie D . D ., who delivered the following oration : Eight Worshipful Master , Wardens and Brethren all , —We are met here this evening to testify tho sincere and affectionate regard cherished by the members of St . John ' s Lodgo 3 bis for our late Bro . Thomas Ramsay , Past Master of this Lodgo . Our high appreciation of the vorv able and faithful manner in which he had discharged the
duties connected with tho honourable office he held in this Lodge , our sorrow because of his death , and our very warm sympathy with those to whom ho was near and dear . A duty has been assigned me , as tho Chaplain of this Lodge , for the proper discharge of which I labour under very great disadvantages . As you aro all aware , only a few months havo elapsed since I had the honour of being admitted as a
Freemason , so that my knowledge of Masonic ceremonies is therefore very limited ; moreover , this is the first occasion on which I have been present at a Funeral Lodge , aud , further , I had no knowledge whatever of our deceased brother ; did not know him even by name . I nave boon informed that ho occupied , for two years , the important and honourable position of Right Worshipful Master ; that he
discharged his duties as Master of the Locige with marked ability , aud with great acceptance to tho brethren ; thafc four years ago he left this city ancl emigrated to Canada , that he died in Montreal on 4 th Juno last , aged 57 years , that ho was a man of excellent moral and Christian character , and was highly respected by a largo circle of friends . Such is all tho information I have obtained in regard to our
deceased and lamented brother . Our Right Worshipful Master has already this evening supplied my " lack of service" by making mention of tho mental and moral excellencies of our deceased brother , and therefore I will pass from what is personal to what is practical , and occupy your time for a few minutes in seeking to improve your moral and spiritual well-being . The event which has convened us on this very solemn occasion—I regard such Masonic ceremonies as the
present as being thoroughly in harmony with the fundamental principles of Christianity ; wo acknowledge that we are all members of the same family ; that we owe our being and well-being to tho same great and gracious Father , and it is comforting to think that when brethren are removed by death their removal does not sunder the family bond —does not dissolve their relationship to us . No ! Death merely removes them from the outer court to tho inner sanctuary , from an earthly Lodge to a heavenly one : —
" One Family , we dwell in Him , One Lodge above—beneath , Tho' now divided by the stream , The narrow stream of death . " Being brethren , and united by a tie which disease cannot weaken , and which death cannot sever , it is therefore onr duty " to lovo one
another with pure hearts fervently ; " to rejoice with each other in seasons of health ancl happiness , and to sympathise with each other in times of sickness and sorrow . Such brotherly kindness ancl sympathy are earnestly and affectionately enjoined upon us by our Father in Heaven ; and they are perfectly exemplified in the character aud life of our
beloved Lord and Master , and tho more fully we manifest them in our character and life tho greater will bo our peace of mind , and the more rapid will be our moral and spiritual progress Further , —An occasion like the present is well fitted to solemnize our minds , and stimulate us in making preparation for that important hour , when , like our departed brother , we must close our eyes for
The Late Bro. Thomas Ramsay
ever on this sublunary sceno , and pass through " the gates of death , aud the doors of the shadow of death" into the spiritual and eternal world . And , do you ask , what is the preparation necessary for passing safely from Time to Eternity ? I answer , in the words of Jnde , " Beloved , building up yourselves on your most holy faith , praying in the Holy Ghost , keep yourselves in the love of God , looking for the
mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto Eternal life . " In the passage quoted , the Apostle speaks of UM as builders , and as spiritual builders three all-important duties are incumbent upon us . First , to bnild upon a sure foundation ; and need I remind you that a sure foundation-stone has been provided by tho Great Architect of the Universe , one God and Father ; and that the foundation which has
been provided has been " laid in Zion . Reference has been made this evening , both in our prayer and praises , to Christian brethren being living stones upon the ono foundation which God has laid in Zion . " There is one thought which it is my duty to impress very specially uponyonrminds and hearts , —viz ., that it is your duty to build solely 071 tho foundation laid in Zion—viz ., tho perfect obedience and atoning
death of Christ . Many build their hopes of acceptance with God , partly npon Christ's perfect work , and partly upon their own imperfect works ; in other words , they build partly upon rocfc ancl partly upon sand . An edifice thus founded cannot stand . You all remember a sad occurrence a few years ago in tho West-end of onr city . A tenement of new buildings suddenly collapsed , and several of tho builders
wero crushed to death , buried in tho ruins . When tho authorities examined into tho causo of tho sad accident , it was found that the fault was not in the materials—for they wero good materials , and thoy were compactly built together—but in tho foundation ; tho foundation was found to bo partly rock and partly rubbish ; the rubbish subsided , and the necessary consequence was that the building
collapsed . Now , my brethren , all who build their hopes of acceptance with God , partly upon Christ's perfect work , and partly upon their own imperfect works , bnild partly upon rock and partly npon rubbish . Snch a bnilding is certain to collapse , ancl tho consequences are certain to bo most disastrous ; disastrous beyond all description . Whilst it is your duty , as builders , to
build upon a sure foundation , to build upon tho sure foundation fit and proper materials , not materials like wood , hay and stnhhle ( see 1 Corinthians iii . 10—15 ) , but materials like gold , silver and precious stones ; materials which will stand tho test of thafc awful day when " every man's work shall be tried by fire . " In other words , let us , by abounding in good works , make manifest tho sincerity of
our faith . Saving faith is a fruitful grace ; it never fails to pr ; dure in the character and life of those in whom it is implauted the peaceable fruits of righteousness , which consist in whatsoever things are pure and lovely , and honest and true , and of good report . Wherefore , brethren beloved , build yourselves up on your most holy faith ; add to your faith virtue , knowledge , temperance , patience , godliness , brotherly
kindness and charity . Whilst it is your duty to build upon a good foundation , and to build upon the good foundation good materials , ifc is also your duty to persevere in the work until it is finished . You will find many dangers as well as difficulties in building yourselves np . Yon have many spiritual adversaries , and they aro continually warring against you . And the work is the cause of the war . If
you cease from your work , they will cease from the warfare , but cease you must nofc ! You must , in the strength of Divine grace , persevere in your important work , until it is completed . That you may be strong for work , avail yourselves frequently of God ' s gracious calls " to rest and refreshment . " God has , in his goodness and grace , erected a Tabernacle into which you aro invited
fco retire from time to time from "tho burden and heat of the day . " In that Tabernacle God has graciously provided for yon sumptuous entertainment , fat things full of marrow , wines in the lees well refined ; water , cool as ice , and clear as crystal ; honey from the rock ; oil , which will make your face to shine ; and bread which will strengthen your heart . Snch is the refreshment provided for
you ; avail yourselves of ifc , partake of it gladly , and gratefully eat yonr bread with gladness , and drink your wine with a merry heart , and thus refreshed and strengthened , persevere in "building yourselves up , " until your work is completed : and when the copo stone is being brought forth , shout with all your heart and soul , " grace ,
grace , unto it . " Your work being thus completed , tho Great Master Builder will draw aside the mysterious veil which separates Time from Eternity , and , in a " still small voice , " will say to yon , " Come in hither ; " and as you enter in , ho will receive you with tho gracious welcome , " Well done , good and faithful servant , enter thou into the joy of your Lord . " Amen .
St . John's Lodge , 3 bis . —Held a meeting at their own Hall , Glasgow , on Tuesday , 16 th , Bro . W . Kyle in the chair , supported by Bros . Fletcher and Bell P . M . ' s Captain James Menzies , T . B . Bell , Brownlee S . W ., James Kyle J . W . After the minutes had been read and approved of , the R . W . M . drew the attention of the brethren
to the Indian Famine Relief Fund , when the Lodge voted £ 5 , ancl the brethren made up the sum to £ 20 . It was agreed to keep the list open for eight days , to give the other members of tho Lodge who were nofc present an opportunity of subscribing . There being no further business , the Lodge wont upon harmony for a short time , and then closed in duo and ancient form .
The Fifteen Sections
THE FIFTEEN SECTIONS
On Saturday , the 27 th insfc ., afc the Percy , No . 198 , Jolly Farmers , Southgate-road , Islington , N . Bro . Tolmie as W . M . On Tnesday , the 30 th insfc ., afc the Prince Frederick William , Ho . 753 , Lord ' s Hotel , St . John ' s Wood , at 7 o ' clock . On Monday , the 12 th November , at the Tredegar , No . 1625 , Royal Hotel , Mile End-road . Bro . T . J . Barnes as W . M .
On Friday , tho 30 th November , at the Hervey , No . 1260 , Punch ' s I Tavern , 99 Fleet-street , E . C . Bro . G . King jun . as W . M .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Late Bro. Thomas Ramsay
THE LATE BRO . THOMAS RAMSAY
THE Large Hall of St . John Lodge , No . 3 bis , Glasgow , was quite filled on Tuesday , 8 th October , by the members of the Lodge and the Masters and Wardens of the other Lodges in the Province , to whom , on account of space , the invitations had to be limited . At 6 . 30 Bro . William Kylo jun . R . W . M . opened his Lodge , with Bros . Brownlee S . W ., James Kylo jun . J . W ., D . B . Bell D . M ., J . Harn S . M .
and the following Past Masters of the Lodge , viz .: William Bell , T . Fletcher , James McMillian , and T . Smilie . Amongst the Masters on the dais wo recognised particularly these—T . Thompson 103 , T . Halket 117 , D . Ronald 275 , J . Munro 360 . Tho choir , under the control of Bro . Dunbar D . of M . rendered efficient aid to the proceedings . The R . W . W . addressed the special meeting thus : —Brethren ,
At a meeting of tho St . John Lodge , No . 3 bis , on the first Tnesday of July , attention was drawn to tho death of Past Master Thomas Ramsay , and at that meeting it was agreed that a minute expressive of tho members' regret should bo inserted in tho minute book ; this was accordingly done , and it was subsequently resolved to hold a Funeral Lodge in memorv of onr deceased Past Master .
That the Lodge was justified in doing this is fully shown by the large number of brethren present on this occasion to pay a last tribute of respect to the memory of onr dear brother . Brother Ramsay filled the chair of tho St . John Lodgo in the years 1867-68 , with an amount of ability and energy rarely equalled . Those who havo had tho pleasure of being present at the meetings presided over by
him can bear testimony to tho kind and brotherly way in which he discharged his duties , and to tho deep interest he took in tho affairs of the Lodge . It was with deep regret that the members of tho Locige ported with him as Master , although as P . M . he continued to tnke a deep interest in the affairs of the Lodge . He went out to Canada about three years ago , and died at Montreal , on
the 4 th June last , aged fifty-seven years . It is now for us to improve the sad event which has brought us here , so that it may tend to our spiritual welfare . By cultivating brotherly love , spreading the true cement of friendship , always aiding and assisting each other in onr journey through life ; and , above all , evincing that distinguishing characteristic of our noblo order , Charity ,
so that , bo it sooner or later when we are laid on a death bod , may it not bo what we have done for ourselves , but what we have dene for others , that will give us tho greatest consolation and peace of mind . And when we are summoned by the Great Architect of the Universe to leave our Lodges here bolow , to enter the Grand Lodge above , may we receive tho ever joyful welcome . He then introduced the
Chaplain , the Rev . Dr . Dobie D . D ., who delivered the following oration : Eight Worshipful Master , Wardens and Brethren all , —We are met here this evening to testify tho sincere and affectionate regard cherished by the members of St . John ' s Lodgo 3 bis for our late Bro . Thomas Ramsay , Past Master of this Lodgo . Our high appreciation of the vorv able and faithful manner in which he had discharged the
duties connected with tho honourable office he held in this Lodge , our sorrow because of his death , and our very warm sympathy with those to whom ho was near and dear . A duty has been assigned me , as tho Chaplain of this Lodge , for the proper discharge of which I labour under very great disadvantages . As you aro all aware , only a few months havo elapsed since I had the honour of being admitted as a
Freemason , so that my knowledge of Masonic ceremonies is therefore very limited ; moreover , this is the first occasion on which I have been present at a Funeral Lodge , aud , further , I had no knowledge whatever of our deceased brother ; did not know him even by name . I nave boon informed that ho occupied , for two years , the important and honourable position of Right Worshipful Master ; that he
discharged his duties as Master of the Locige with marked ability , aud with great acceptance to tho brethren ; thafc four years ago he left this city ancl emigrated to Canada , that he died in Montreal on 4 th Juno last , aged 57 years , that ho was a man of excellent moral and Christian character , and was highly respected by a largo circle of friends . Such is all tho information I have obtained in regard to our
deceased and lamented brother . Our Right Worshipful Master has already this evening supplied my " lack of service" by making mention of tho mental and moral excellencies of our deceased brother , and therefore I will pass from what is personal to what is practical , and occupy your time for a few minutes in seeking to improve your moral and spiritual well-being . The event which has convened us on this very solemn occasion—I regard such Masonic ceremonies as the
present as being thoroughly in harmony with the fundamental principles of Christianity ; wo acknowledge that we are all members of the same family ; that we owe our being and well-being to tho same great and gracious Father , and it is comforting to think that when brethren are removed by death their removal does not sunder the family bond —does not dissolve their relationship to us . No ! Death merely removes them from the outer court to tho inner sanctuary , from an earthly Lodge to a heavenly one : —
" One Family , we dwell in Him , One Lodge above—beneath , Tho' now divided by the stream , The narrow stream of death . " Being brethren , and united by a tie which disease cannot weaken , and which death cannot sever , it is therefore onr duty " to lovo one
another with pure hearts fervently ; " to rejoice with each other in seasons of health ancl happiness , and to sympathise with each other in times of sickness and sorrow . Such brotherly kindness ancl sympathy are earnestly and affectionately enjoined upon us by our Father in Heaven ; and they are perfectly exemplified in the character aud life of our
beloved Lord and Master , and tho more fully we manifest them in our character and life tho greater will bo our peace of mind , and the more rapid will be our moral and spiritual progress Further , —An occasion like the present is well fitted to solemnize our minds , and stimulate us in making preparation for that important hour , when , like our departed brother , we must close our eyes for
The Late Bro. Thomas Ramsay
ever on this sublunary sceno , and pass through " the gates of death , aud the doors of the shadow of death" into the spiritual and eternal world . And , do you ask , what is the preparation necessary for passing safely from Time to Eternity ? I answer , in the words of Jnde , " Beloved , building up yourselves on your most holy faith , praying in the Holy Ghost , keep yourselves in the love of God , looking for the
mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto Eternal life . " In the passage quoted , the Apostle speaks of UM as builders , and as spiritual builders three all-important duties are incumbent upon us . First , to bnild upon a sure foundation ; and need I remind you that a sure foundation-stone has been provided by tho Great Architect of the Universe , one God and Father ; and that the foundation which has
been provided has been " laid in Zion . Reference has been made this evening , both in our prayer and praises , to Christian brethren being living stones upon the ono foundation which God has laid in Zion . " There is one thought which it is my duty to impress very specially uponyonrminds and hearts , —viz ., that it is your duty to build solely 071 tho foundation laid in Zion—viz ., tho perfect obedience and atoning
death of Christ . Many build their hopes of acceptance with God , partly npon Christ's perfect work , and partly upon their own imperfect works ; in other words , they build partly upon rocfc ancl partly upon sand . An edifice thus founded cannot stand . You all remember a sad occurrence a few years ago in tho West-end of onr city . A tenement of new buildings suddenly collapsed , and several of tho builders
wero crushed to death , buried in tho ruins . When tho authorities examined into tho causo of tho sad accident , it was found that the fault was not in the materials—for they wero good materials , and thoy were compactly built together—but in tho foundation ; tho foundation was found to bo partly rock and partly rubbish ; the rubbish subsided , and the necessary consequence was that the building
collapsed . Now , my brethren , all who build their hopes of acceptance with God , partly upon Christ's perfect work , and partly upon their own imperfect works , bnild partly upon rock and partly npon rubbish . Snch a bnilding is certain to collapse , ancl tho consequences are certain to bo most disastrous ; disastrous beyond all description . Whilst it is your duty , as builders , to
build upon a sure foundation , to build upon tho sure foundation fit and proper materials , not materials like wood , hay and stnhhle ( see 1 Corinthians iii . 10—15 ) , but materials like gold , silver and precious stones ; materials which will stand tho test of thafc awful day when " every man's work shall be tried by fire . " In other words , let us , by abounding in good works , make manifest tho sincerity of
our faith . Saving faith is a fruitful grace ; it never fails to pr ; dure in the character and life of those in whom it is implauted the peaceable fruits of righteousness , which consist in whatsoever things are pure and lovely , and honest and true , and of good report . Wherefore , brethren beloved , build yourselves up on your most holy faith ; add to your faith virtue , knowledge , temperance , patience , godliness , brotherly
kindness and charity . Whilst it is your duty to build upon a good foundation , and to build upon the good foundation good materials , ifc is also your duty to persevere in the work until it is finished . You will find many dangers as well as difficulties in building yourselves np . Yon have many spiritual adversaries , and they aro continually warring against you . And the work is the cause of the war . If
you cease from your work , they will cease from the warfare , but cease you must nofc ! You must , in the strength of Divine grace , persevere in your important work , until it is completed . That you may be strong for work , avail yourselves frequently of God ' s gracious calls " to rest and refreshment . " God has , in his goodness and grace , erected a Tabernacle into which you aro invited
fco retire from time to time from "tho burden and heat of the day . " In that Tabernacle God has graciously provided for yon sumptuous entertainment , fat things full of marrow , wines in the lees well refined ; water , cool as ice , and clear as crystal ; honey from the rock ; oil , which will make your face to shine ; and bread which will strengthen your heart . Snch is the refreshment provided for
you ; avail yourselves of ifc , partake of it gladly , and gratefully eat yonr bread with gladness , and drink your wine with a merry heart , and thus refreshed and strengthened , persevere in "building yourselves up , " until your work is completed : and when the copo stone is being brought forth , shout with all your heart and soul , " grace ,
grace , unto it . " Your work being thus completed , tho Great Master Builder will draw aside the mysterious veil which separates Time from Eternity , and , in a " still small voice , " will say to yon , " Come in hither ; " and as you enter in , ho will receive you with tho gracious welcome , " Well done , good and faithful servant , enter thou into the joy of your Lord . " Amen .
St . John's Lodge , 3 bis . —Held a meeting at their own Hall , Glasgow , on Tuesday , 16 th , Bro . W . Kyle in the chair , supported by Bros . Fletcher and Bell P . M . ' s Captain James Menzies , T . B . Bell , Brownlee S . W ., James Kyle J . W . After the minutes had been read and approved of , the R . W . M . drew the attention of the brethren
to the Indian Famine Relief Fund , when the Lodge voted £ 5 , ancl the brethren made up the sum to £ 20 . It was agreed to keep the list open for eight days , to give the other members of tho Lodge who were nofc present an opportunity of subscribing . There being no further business , the Lodge wont upon harmony for a short time , and then closed in duo and ancient form .
The Fifteen Sections
THE FIFTEEN SECTIONS
On Saturday , the 27 th insfc ., afc the Percy , No . 198 , Jolly Farmers , Southgate-road , Islington , N . Bro . Tolmie as W . M . On Tnesday , the 30 th insfc ., afc the Prince Frederick William , Ho . 753 , Lord ' s Hotel , St . John ' s Wood , at 7 o ' clock . On Monday , the 12 th November , at the Tredegar , No . 1625 , Royal Hotel , Mile End-road . Bro . T . J . Barnes as W . M .
On Friday , tho 30 th November , at the Hervey , No . 1260 , Punch ' s I Tavern , 99 Fleet-street , E . C . Bro . G . King jun . as W . M .