Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Banquet.
men , " 1 have caused an English translation to be printed on the backs of the cards which have been distributed . —( A laugh . ) I will read it . ( The Chairman here read the inscription in English . ) Now , Brethren , I ask you whether , what I have here written , is false or true ? —( Great cheering . ) I believe every word of it to be true ; if I had not so believed I never would have penned it . —( Cheers . ) But , being true , it at once shows why we bring this offering to our reverend friend . I did
not intend to say so much as I have done , but the feelings sometimes run away with discretion . I am telling you only what you know , and , therefore , will hasten to put the cope-stone upon our day ' s work . — ( Cheers . ) The Chairman here turned to Dr . Oliver and addressed him—W . Bro . Dr . Oliver , 1 would that one more able to do justice to the subject had been selectedbutas the lot has fallen upon meI hope you
, , , will take my elesire to express adequately what we all feel as in some degree compensating for my want of power . Bro . Dr . Oliver , in the name of the Freemasons scattered throughout the world , who have subscribed to it , I present you this tribute of regard , gratitude , anel affection . — ( Cheers . ) Receive it , not as being an offering fully representing their perception of the debt they owe to you , but as a token that there are some Brethren who know its amount and feel its obligation , although
quite unable to discharge it . —( Cheers . ) Receive it as something upon which you may look in after years , and transmit to your children ' s children . Receive it as a token that we appreciate your untiring energy , and unbaffled acumen ; anel , more than all , your devotion to a holy purpose , which has led you , from the time when you were an humble
curate at Grimsby until now , to dedicate your great powers of mind to the illustration cf the moral beauties of our Craft , and to the setting forth the honour and glory of our Creator . —( Cheers . ) Aucl now , Bro . Dr . Oliver , may the God of Abraham , of Isaac , and of Jacob , the God of our forefathers , bless and keep you ! May he preserve you in peace for long years to come , and guard you in happiness through the evening of life . And when it must be that the night shall arrive , may you pass in faith
and pious trusting to the Eternal Lodge above , where the world ' s great Architect lives and reigns for ever ! The most enthusiastic cheering followed this address , ivhich ivas continued for a considerable time . AVhen it subsided , the Chairman continued—Brethren , ive have presented our offering , let us now drink the health of Dr . Oliver , and wish him many many years of life to use what Ave have given to himand to continue to be as heretoforeour
in-, , structor , guide , and friend . —( Renewed and prolonged cheers—Masonic honours anil chorus , & c . ) DR . OLIVER rose , amidst continued cheering , and said—It was an observation of the best , the most benevolent , and the highest being that ever appeared amongst mankind , that . out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh . I am bound to acknowledge tlie correctness of this observation ; and I hope and trustnotivithstanding my present delicate
, state of health—notwithstanding the interesting situation in Avhich I am at this moment placed , that I shall possess sufficient nerve and presence of mind to verify it . M y heart is full , and I hope to be able , through the medium of the Masonic Key , to lay it open before you . My most secret thoughts and feelings are deposited there , and I should be guilty of the basest ingratitude , were I to withhold the expression of them from the best of friends , and the kindest and most sincere of brethren—
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Banquet.
men , " 1 have caused an English translation to be printed on the backs of the cards which have been distributed . —( A laugh . ) I will read it . ( The Chairman here read the inscription in English . ) Now , Brethren , I ask you whether , what I have here written , is false or true ? —( Great cheering . ) I believe every word of it to be true ; if I had not so believed I never would have penned it . —( Cheers . ) But , being true , it at once shows why we bring this offering to our reverend friend . I did
not intend to say so much as I have done , but the feelings sometimes run away with discretion . I am telling you only what you know , and , therefore , will hasten to put the cope-stone upon our day ' s work . — ( Cheers . ) The Chairman here turned to Dr . Oliver and addressed him—W . Bro . Dr . Oliver , 1 would that one more able to do justice to the subject had been selectedbutas the lot has fallen upon meI hope you
, , , will take my elesire to express adequately what we all feel as in some degree compensating for my want of power . Bro . Dr . Oliver , in the name of the Freemasons scattered throughout the world , who have subscribed to it , I present you this tribute of regard , gratitude , anel affection . — ( Cheers . ) Receive it , not as being an offering fully representing their perception of the debt they owe to you , but as a token that there are some Brethren who know its amount and feel its obligation , although
quite unable to discharge it . —( Cheers . ) Receive it as something upon which you may look in after years , and transmit to your children ' s children . Receive it as a token that we appreciate your untiring energy , and unbaffled acumen ; anel , more than all , your devotion to a holy purpose , which has led you , from the time when you were an humble
curate at Grimsby until now , to dedicate your great powers of mind to the illustration cf the moral beauties of our Craft , and to the setting forth the honour and glory of our Creator . —( Cheers . ) Aucl now , Bro . Dr . Oliver , may the God of Abraham , of Isaac , and of Jacob , the God of our forefathers , bless and keep you ! May he preserve you in peace for long years to come , and guard you in happiness through the evening of life . And when it must be that the night shall arrive , may you pass in faith
and pious trusting to the Eternal Lodge above , where the world ' s great Architect lives and reigns for ever ! The most enthusiastic cheering followed this address , ivhich ivas continued for a considerable time . AVhen it subsided , the Chairman continued—Brethren , ive have presented our offering , let us now drink the health of Dr . Oliver , and wish him many many years of life to use what Ave have given to himand to continue to be as heretoforeour
in-, , structor , guide , and friend . —( Renewed and prolonged cheers—Masonic honours anil chorus , & c . ) DR . OLIVER rose , amidst continued cheering , and said—It was an observation of the best , the most benevolent , and the highest being that ever appeared amongst mankind , that . out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh . I am bound to acknowledge tlie correctness of this observation ; and I hope and trustnotivithstanding my present delicate
, state of health—notwithstanding the interesting situation in Avhich I am at this moment placed , that I shall possess sufficient nerve and presence of mind to verify it . M y heart is full , and I hope to be able , through the medium of the Masonic Key , to lay it open before you . My most secret thoughts and feelings are deposited there , and I should be guilty of the basest ingratitude , were I to withhold the expression of them from the best of friends , and the kindest and most sincere of brethren—