Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Address Of Brother James Burnes, Lld. Km.
enforcement of the obligations of Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth can be inapplicable , or otherwise than a blessing ; and I glory in the conviction , that Masonry was never more extended , triumphant , and influential , than at the present moment . " From the qualification required in military Lodges , as well as the character of our Institution , the Masonic badge has become an honorable distinction in the ranks of the . Although I have known much
army of soldiers , I offer not my own experience . On last St . John ' s Day , I had the honour of being supported hy Brigadier Valiant , commanding the Garrison of Bombay , and Colonel Griffith , the commandant of artillery , two distinguished officers and Masons , who asserted , in presence of the military Lodge ' Orthez , ' then headed by Brothers Serjeant Horrocks and Captain Hall , that Masonic Brethren had invariably been the best conducted soldiers . It is within my knowledge also , that a
gallant officer well known to all present , Colonel William Dunlop , the quarter-master general of this army , himself no Mason , though probably one of those worthy men who scarcel y require to be made so , stated publicly at the meeting at Agra , that during his command of the Bengal European regiment , no Masonic Brother ' s name had ever appeared in the defaulters' list ! Do the most incredulous require a further proof that Masonry is calculated ' to make men better , and to keep them " so ?' It is from a philanthropic contemplation of its effects upon our countrymen , that I believe my Right Worshipful Brother , the Provincial Grand Master for Bengal , of whom , as he is absent . T mav sav that a
more noble-minded , generous , and enlightened man was never lent by Europe to Asia , has imbibed the idea of making admission within its precincts a reward for well-tried integrity , and intellectual attainments , amongst the natives . " So much , however , for the effect of Masonry on the soldier . How it has chastened the officer , I need scarcely recount here , since the annals of this city contain a glorious record of its triumph ; and many still
glow with enthusiasm at the recollection of the august scene when Francis , Marquis of Hastings , the most chivalrous character of later times , impressed with devotion for the Craft , and love for all his Brethren , descended from his high estate as governor-general and commander-in-chief in India , and within the halls of his own palace , offered the right hand of fellowship , with his parting benediction , to every soldier individually that wore an apron ; acknowleding also his
g pride that Masonic principles had been discovered in bis exercise of authority . I have met with Brethren here and elsewhere , who made it their highest boast that they had exchanged the fraternal embrace with that illustrious statesman , warrior , and Mason ; and when we recollect that the same nobleman presented himself at another assembly , with the proud vaunt that he was the descendant of that Hastings , whose ancient blood and royal lineage had entitled him to contest the crown of Scotland
with Bruce and Baliol , we discover the natural feelings of the man , and can understand what had tempered them . In the words of that glorious and never to be forgotten Brother , I would say to this Lodge , and to all others , FEAR GOD , HONOUR YOUR SOVEREIGN , KEEP PURE THE CRAFT . "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Address Of Brother James Burnes, Lld. Km.
enforcement of the obligations of Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth can be inapplicable , or otherwise than a blessing ; and I glory in the conviction , that Masonry was never more extended , triumphant , and influential , than at the present moment . " From the qualification required in military Lodges , as well as the character of our Institution , the Masonic badge has become an honorable distinction in the ranks of the . Although I have known much
army of soldiers , I offer not my own experience . On last St . John ' s Day , I had the honour of being supported hy Brigadier Valiant , commanding the Garrison of Bombay , and Colonel Griffith , the commandant of artillery , two distinguished officers and Masons , who asserted , in presence of the military Lodge ' Orthez , ' then headed by Brothers Serjeant Horrocks and Captain Hall , that Masonic Brethren had invariably been the best conducted soldiers . It is within my knowledge also , that a
gallant officer well known to all present , Colonel William Dunlop , the quarter-master general of this army , himself no Mason , though probably one of those worthy men who scarcel y require to be made so , stated publicly at the meeting at Agra , that during his command of the Bengal European regiment , no Masonic Brother ' s name had ever appeared in the defaulters' list ! Do the most incredulous require a further proof that Masonry is calculated ' to make men better , and to keep them " so ?' It is from a philanthropic contemplation of its effects upon our countrymen , that I believe my Right Worshipful Brother , the Provincial Grand Master for Bengal , of whom , as he is absent . T mav sav that a
more noble-minded , generous , and enlightened man was never lent by Europe to Asia , has imbibed the idea of making admission within its precincts a reward for well-tried integrity , and intellectual attainments , amongst the natives . " So much , however , for the effect of Masonry on the soldier . How it has chastened the officer , I need scarcely recount here , since the annals of this city contain a glorious record of its triumph ; and many still
glow with enthusiasm at the recollection of the august scene when Francis , Marquis of Hastings , the most chivalrous character of later times , impressed with devotion for the Craft , and love for all his Brethren , descended from his high estate as governor-general and commander-in-chief in India , and within the halls of his own palace , offered the right hand of fellowship , with his parting benediction , to every soldier individually that wore an apron ; acknowleding also his
g pride that Masonic principles had been discovered in bis exercise of authority . I have met with Brethren here and elsewhere , who made it their highest boast that they had exchanged the fraternal embrace with that illustrious statesman , warrior , and Mason ; and when we recollect that the same nobleman presented himself at another assembly , with the proud vaunt that he was the descendant of that Hastings , whose ancient blood and royal lineage had entitled him to contest the crown of Scotland
with Bruce and Baliol , we discover the natural feelings of the man , and can understand what had tempered them . In the words of that glorious and never to be forgotten Brother , I would say to this Lodge , and to all others , FEAR GOD , HONOUR YOUR SOVEREIGN , KEEP PURE THE CRAFT . "