Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
On the cloth being removed , the Chairman proposed the usual Alasonic and Loyal toasts . The AVorshipful Chairman in proposing the next toast , spoke as follows : —My Lord Mayor ancl Brethren—it gives me the greatest pleasure to see so many respectable and influential gentlemen of the Masonic Order assembled on the present occasion , and it is a source of proud gratification to methat have clone me the honour of calling me to
, you preside over such a distinguished company . For what are we met ? Why , to show a worthy and respected Brother the high estimation in which ive hold him—to come forward as one man to hear testimony to the rectitude of his principles—the urbanity of his manners—the independence of his mind ancl the goodness of his heart—these are qualities which have long endeared him to every one of his acquaintances in private life , and which , I venture to say , justly entitle him to a
cordial reception in any circle . The munificent and princely entertainments of Loclge 50 are proverbial throughout Ireland , and certainly the last display ivas transcendaiit , and must have filled every one who witnessed it with admiration and delight . It being a party given by that Lodge , no one , I presume , will question their right to adopt any rules and regulations respecting it . I will suppose for the sake of argumentthat some member of the Loclhad irregularliven a blank
, ge y g card—had the Committee any legitimate remedy ? I think not—they had reserved none . But in the present instance I am at a loss to conceive any argument that could be adduced against the admission of the gentleman in question—a man of unblemished character—of unassuming deportment—of most respectable connexions—and of undoubted
property—and who was educated for the Church—but from filial duty relinquished that profession , in order to soften the cares of his most respected ancl truly estimable parent . I confess I have too high an opinion of the Masonic feeling of the members of that truly respectable ancl intelligent Loclge , many of whom I am happy to see around me , to believe they could sanction any such distinction ; ancl I clo believe that most of them will fully concur with us in our views , ancl approve of the
manner in which so many of us—members of so many different Lodges —have come forward to give to the Fraternity and to our fellow citizens the sentiments of high estimation in which we hold our respeeted Brother . In conclusion , I propose the health of our respected guest , ' Past Alaster Brother Carleton , ancl may he long live to enjoy every blessing this world can afford ; and may he always be surrounded by friends ancl Brothers '"
. Brother Carleton then rose , and acknowledged the compliment . He said , " AVorshipful Sir and Brothers , I feel considerable embarrassment in rising to return thanks for the honour now conferred on me , since from the happy singularity of the occurrence there is not any one from whose eloquence I can borrow , or whose style I can copy . AVhen I reflect on the tlegree I have been permitted to attain in Masonry , and call to mind the manifestations of kind approval that accompanied me in
every progressive step , I might imagine that a further proof of your regard could not be shown ; but , AVorshipful Sir , another opportunity has been given , a proud one indeed to me , if I could feel satisfaction in anything which tended to bring prominently forward an individual to the postponement of that which should be the chief concern to uphold an Order venerable from its antiquity , whose corner-stone is peace , love , and harmony to all mankind . I shall but lightly touch upon the cir-VOL . v . N N
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
On the cloth being removed , the Chairman proposed the usual Alasonic and Loyal toasts . The AVorshipful Chairman in proposing the next toast , spoke as follows : —My Lord Mayor ancl Brethren—it gives me the greatest pleasure to see so many respectable and influential gentlemen of the Masonic Order assembled on the present occasion , and it is a source of proud gratification to methat have clone me the honour of calling me to
, you preside over such a distinguished company . For what are we met ? Why , to show a worthy and respected Brother the high estimation in which ive hold him—to come forward as one man to hear testimony to the rectitude of his principles—the urbanity of his manners—the independence of his mind ancl the goodness of his heart—these are qualities which have long endeared him to every one of his acquaintances in private life , and which , I venture to say , justly entitle him to a
cordial reception in any circle . The munificent and princely entertainments of Loclge 50 are proverbial throughout Ireland , and certainly the last display ivas transcendaiit , and must have filled every one who witnessed it with admiration and delight . It being a party given by that Lodge , no one , I presume , will question their right to adopt any rules and regulations respecting it . I will suppose for the sake of argumentthat some member of the Loclhad irregularliven a blank
, ge y g card—had the Committee any legitimate remedy ? I think not—they had reserved none . But in the present instance I am at a loss to conceive any argument that could be adduced against the admission of the gentleman in question—a man of unblemished character—of unassuming deportment—of most respectable connexions—and of undoubted
property—and who was educated for the Church—but from filial duty relinquished that profession , in order to soften the cares of his most respected ancl truly estimable parent . I confess I have too high an opinion of the Masonic feeling of the members of that truly respectable ancl intelligent Loclge , many of whom I am happy to see around me , to believe they could sanction any such distinction ; ancl I clo believe that most of them will fully concur with us in our views , ancl approve of the
manner in which so many of us—members of so many different Lodges —have come forward to give to the Fraternity and to our fellow citizens the sentiments of high estimation in which we hold our respeeted Brother . In conclusion , I propose the health of our respected guest , ' Past Alaster Brother Carleton , ancl may he long live to enjoy every blessing this world can afford ; and may he always be surrounded by friends ancl Brothers '"
. Brother Carleton then rose , and acknowledged the compliment . He said , " AVorshipful Sir and Brothers , I feel considerable embarrassment in rising to return thanks for the honour now conferred on me , since from the happy singularity of the occurrence there is not any one from whose eloquence I can borrow , or whose style I can copy . AVhen I reflect on the tlegree I have been permitted to attain in Masonry , and call to mind the manifestations of kind approval that accompanied me in
every progressive step , I might imagine that a further proof of your regard could not be shown ; but , AVorshipful Sir , another opportunity has been given , a proud one indeed to me , if I could feel satisfaction in anything which tended to bring prominently forward an individual to the postponement of that which should be the chief concern to uphold an Order venerable from its antiquity , whose corner-stone is peace , love , and harmony to all mankind . I shall but lightly touch upon the cir-VOL . v . N N