Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Obituary.
than by the object of his dislike ; and it was generally observed that the almost playful maimer in whieh his unkindness and austerity were met and commented on , was galling to his pride . Some may consider these remarks too severe ; but our deceased Brother took a very leading part during the iew past years , and his character belongs to Masonic history . To be truthful is our object , and we conscientiously believe we have not shadowed out defects ( and who is without them ) with an
unkindlfeely ing . AA'e conclude by observing that at the last general meeting of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Annuity Fund , an address of condolence to the widow and family of the deceased Brother , was unanimously passed . This was an act of Masonic justice . Also , that at the last meeting of the Moira Lodge , a eulogistic address to his memory was delivered by Bro . John Bigg , forming a graceful record on the minutes of that highly respectable Lodge .
April 22 . —BRO . AA ^ ILLIAM ECCLES is no more ! As the heart si ghs over the virtues of a departed friend , whose natural affection for all mankind was constitutional in its most extended sense , so may the pen well falter in endeavouring to record those excellences of character which were peculiarly his . For upwards of twenty years were we attached by a friendship as sincerely reciprocated as ever fell to the lot of man to enjoy ; and it is not too much to say that we fear the loss may not easil
y be supplied . He was indeed a younger Brother who was summoned from the world suddenly , alas ! how suddenly ! without an instant ' s warning , at the call of the Almighty . A few friends had dined with him ; he himself saw them to the door ; went up-stairs , and with his beloved wife visited his children as they slept ; retired to bed ; and , in
a few minutes , was no more ! He had awakened , and complained of sickness ; two medical friends were in attendance within ten minutes , but the spirit had flown . AVe have said that he possessed excellences of character ; but how describe them ? As a medical attendant , ask of those by whose bed side as he sat , how he beguiled sickness of its sorrow by the nope he inspired , and by the skill which by that hope became the augury of frequent
success . The rich could buy this aid , which no price could repay unless accompanied by that feeling of gratitude that made the office of medical adviser one of the highest in mental thought ; but the poor—aye , among them the brightness of his pure philanthropy shone lustrously beautiful . He was , indeed , the poor man ' s friend ; the fees he thus earned , but received not , were offered up with heartfelt benignity ; he well illustrated the scriptural adage , " He that giveth to the poor , lendeth to the Lord . " As a member of social life , he was an accomplished man—by nature a gentleman—firm and uncompromising in friendship—forgiving injuries
—deucate in conduct—courteous in manner—nis way was winning , and his smile was sweet—consolation flowed from his words—honour from his actions—honesty from all his works . AVe dare not profane the mystery of what was the home of such a one ; now rendered drear and desolate—nor can we but tearfully allude to her who , with five of his children ; and , alas ! also the unborn embryo of a world to be entered into after its father has departed from that world—is thus a widow . AVe know , however , that the gifts by which she is endowed , and for which
he first prized , and then selected her as his meet partner in life , are of that lasting and priceless value , that as the days of mourning pass away , she will rise from her morning prayer , humbled before her Maker , but strengthened by His grace and supported by His protection , and like a
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Obituary.
than by the object of his dislike ; and it was generally observed that the almost playful maimer in whieh his unkindness and austerity were met and commented on , was galling to his pride . Some may consider these remarks too severe ; but our deceased Brother took a very leading part during the iew past years , and his character belongs to Masonic history . To be truthful is our object , and we conscientiously believe we have not shadowed out defects ( and who is without them ) with an
unkindlfeely ing . AA'e conclude by observing that at the last general meeting of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Annuity Fund , an address of condolence to the widow and family of the deceased Brother , was unanimously passed . This was an act of Masonic justice . Also , that at the last meeting of the Moira Lodge , a eulogistic address to his memory was delivered by Bro . John Bigg , forming a graceful record on the minutes of that highly respectable Lodge .
April 22 . —BRO . AA ^ ILLIAM ECCLES is no more ! As the heart si ghs over the virtues of a departed friend , whose natural affection for all mankind was constitutional in its most extended sense , so may the pen well falter in endeavouring to record those excellences of character which were peculiarly his . For upwards of twenty years were we attached by a friendship as sincerely reciprocated as ever fell to the lot of man to enjoy ; and it is not too much to say that we fear the loss may not easil
y be supplied . He was indeed a younger Brother who was summoned from the world suddenly , alas ! how suddenly ! without an instant ' s warning , at the call of the Almighty . A few friends had dined with him ; he himself saw them to the door ; went up-stairs , and with his beloved wife visited his children as they slept ; retired to bed ; and , in
a few minutes , was no more ! He had awakened , and complained of sickness ; two medical friends were in attendance within ten minutes , but the spirit had flown . AVe have said that he possessed excellences of character ; but how describe them ? As a medical attendant , ask of those by whose bed side as he sat , how he beguiled sickness of its sorrow by the nope he inspired , and by the skill which by that hope became the augury of frequent
success . The rich could buy this aid , which no price could repay unless accompanied by that feeling of gratitude that made the office of medical adviser one of the highest in mental thought ; but the poor—aye , among them the brightness of his pure philanthropy shone lustrously beautiful . He was , indeed , the poor man ' s friend ; the fees he thus earned , but received not , were offered up with heartfelt benignity ; he well illustrated the scriptural adage , " He that giveth to the poor , lendeth to the Lord . " As a member of social life , he was an accomplished man—by nature a gentleman—firm and uncompromising in friendship—forgiving injuries
—deucate in conduct—courteous in manner—nis way was winning , and his smile was sweet—consolation flowed from his words—honour from his actions—honesty from all his works . AVe dare not profane the mystery of what was the home of such a one ; now rendered drear and desolate—nor can we but tearfully allude to her who , with five of his children ; and , alas ! also the unborn embryo of a world to be entered into after its father has departed from that world—is thus a widow . AVe know , however , that the gifts by which she is endowed , and for which
he first prized , and then selected her as his meet partner in life , are of that lasting and priceless value , that as the days of mourning pass away , she will rise from her morning prayer , humbled before her Maker , but strengthened by His grace and supported by His protection , and like a