Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Banquet.
advanced active and intelligent Brethren to the purple ; I distributed honours with impartiality , and , 1 trust , with a strict regard to justice ; 1 instituted an inquiry into the state of the Lodges , and introduced a discipline which operated so effectually , as not only to revive most of the old Lodges , but to cause new ones to spring up in every part of tbe province —( Cheers ) . During the progress of these measures for the purification of the OrderI assure Brethrenmost solemnlythat 1
, you , , , never sought for popularity at the expense of principle : I never sought for popularity by the infringement of any Masonic law , or a dereliction of any Masonic duty . In a word , I never thought of popularity ; I thought only of a strict and conscientious discharge of my duty . I flatter myself that I improved the details of Masonry in the province . I remodelled the ceremonial of the introduction and departure of the P . G . M . into P . G . Lodgewhich had been very looseland inefficiently
, y conducted before my time . I re-arranged the order of public processions ; so that regularity and decorum succeeded carelessness and disorder , and , I am happy to add , that other provinces have adopted my arrangement . Thus Masonry became respected ; and , instead of continuing to be a by-word and a reproach , it is now considered a title of dislinction —( Cheers ) . A system of lecturing has began to prevail irr the Lodgesand the Brethren have shown a disposition to become
, acquainted with the philosophy of the Order . 1 had other projects in view , which could not have failed to operate well ; and 1 was makingarrangements for opening new Lodges in tivo or three additional towns , when my unexpected dismissal frustrated the design —( Hear ) . And now , Brethren , I am anxious that you should not misunderstand me . i
am not saying this from a principle of ostentation . I do not mean to infer that I have done more than my duty ; but I thought it necessary to give you a brief sketch of my exertions for the benefit of Masonry in the province , as I may not be favoured with another opportunity of doing so . Every thing I did was part of a system prescribed in my own mind for elevating Freemasonry to a high rank amongst the literary and scientific institutions of the kingdom . The plan was in progress , and ,
though it worked well , I admit was far from completion . And it never could have been completed Avithout the kindness and co-operation of the fraternity at large . Yes , Brethren , I am proud to have an opportunity of admitting , that if I had not been encouraged by your approbation—if I had not been assisted by your zeal—I could never have succeeded in placing Freemasonry in the high rank which it now sustains in public opinion —( Loud cheers ) . It is more than thirty years since my connexion
with the P . G . Lodge of Lincolnshire commenced . During the whole of that period Freemasonry has heen my constant and unremitting care . Expense has not been spared , and much personal inconvenience has been sustained for the benefit of the Craft . I have had no common feeling on the subject . It has been a kind of monomania which I have never endeavoured to suppress —( Cheers ) . The time has at length arrived when I feel myself called on by years and infirmities to bid adieu to practical
Freemasonry . You have this day pronounced that I have discharged my duty , during my official rule , like a good and worthy Mason ; I shall therefore have the satisfaction of retiring from the scene assured of your approbation . I confess it is painful to sever tbe link which lias cemented ine to the Craft for so many happy years ; and to mitigate my regret , I must throw myself on your indulgence —( Cheers ) . Your approbation of what I have clone will hallow the remembrance of our
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Banquet.
advanced active and intelligent Brethren to the purple ; I distributed honours with impartiality , and , 1 trust , with a strict regard to justice ; 1 instituted an inquiry into the state of the Lodges , and introduced a discipline which operated so effectually , as not only to revive most of the old Lodges , but to cause new ones to spring up in every part of tbe province —( Cheers ) . During the progress of these measures for the purification of the OrderI assure Brethrenmost solemnlythat 1
, you , , , never sought for popularity at the expense of principle : I never sought for popularity by the infringement of any Masonic law , or a dereliction of any Masonic duty . In a word , I never thought of popularity ; I thought only of a strict and conscientious discharge of my duty . I flatter myself that I improved the details of Masonry in the province . I remodelled the ceremonial of the introduction and departure of the P . G . M . into P . G . Lodgewhich had been very looseland inefficiently
, y conducted before my time . I re-arranged the order of public processions ; so that regularity and decorum succeeded carelessness and disorder , and , I am happy to add , that other provinces have adopted my arrangement . Thus Masonry became respected ; and , instead of continuing to be a by-word and a reproach , it is now considered a title of dislinction —( Cheers ) . A system of lecturing has began to prevail irr the Lodgesand the Brethren have shown a disposition to become
, acquainted with the philosophy of the Order . 1 had other projects in view , which could not have failed to operate well ; and 1 was makingarrangements for opening new Lodges in tivo or three additional towns , when my unexpected dismissal frustrated the design —( Hear ) . And now , Brethren , I am anxious that you should not misunderstand me . i
am not saying this from a principle of ostentation . I do not mean to infer that I have done more than my duty ; but I thought it necessary to give you a brief sketch of my exertions for the benefit of Masonry in the province , as I may not be favoured with another opportunity of doing so . Every thing I did was part of a system prescribed in my own mind for elevating Freemasonry to a high rank amongst the literary and scientific institutions of the kingdom . The plan was in progress , and ,
though it worked well , I admit was far from completion . And it never could have been completed Avithout the kindness and co-operation of the fraternity at large . Yes , Brethren , I am proud to have an opportunity of admitting , that if I had not been encouraged by your approbation—if I had not been assisted by your zeal—I could never have succeeded in placing Freemasonry in the high rank which it now sustains in public opinion —( Loud cheers ) . It is more than thirty years since my connexion
with the P . G . Lodge of Lincolnshire commenced . During the whole of that period Freemasonry has heen my constant and unremitting care . Expense has not been spared , and much personal inconvenience has been sustained for the benefit of the Craft . I have had no common feeling on the subject . It has been a kind of monomania which I have never endeavoured to suppress —( Cheers ) . The time has at length arrived when I feel myself called on by years and infirmities to bid adieu to practical
Freemasonry . You have this day pronounced that I have discharged my duty , during my official rule , like a good and worthy Mason ; I shall therefore have the satisfaction of retiring from the scene assured of your approbation . I confess it is painful to sever tbe link which lias cemented ine to the Craft for so many happy years ; and to mitigate my regret , I must throw myself on your indulgence —( Cheers ) . Your approbation of what I have clone will hallow the remembrance of our