Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
India.
the shafts of misconstruction , and the assaults of prejudice . It is uc { the practice of our institution to blazon forth its measures of relief or usefulness ; suffice it my lord , that the vital principle of our Order is in active operation , and that philanthropy , moral subordination , and charity , in the full apostolic sense of the term , have as much as lay in our feeble power , been ever the landmarks of our associated endeavours . It were unreasonable to expect , that your lordship could do more than
countenance , our Order , by permitting your name , as it were , to honour our banners . In a variety of latent ways , unnecessary particularly to define , it cannot but prove advantageous to the institution , that your lordship should be believed to take an interest in its welfare . On the part of the masonic fraternity of Bengal , and its territories , we can assure your lordship in all sincerity , that it has been our constant endeavour to fulfil the "farewell injunction , " of ( that most worshipful and noble
brother ) the Marquis of Hastings , to " keep pure the craft . " Much my lord depends upon personal purity of character in all stations , but especially in those of authority in the Craft . It might be indelicate to say more than that we count much upon the moral influence of exalted example , in our hopes of still further keeping pure the Craft . The favour that we have now earnestly to crave therefore is , that your lordship would so far admit our claim to kindly recognitionas to permit
, us , now and in future , to consider you , as the most worshipful Lord Patron , of the masonic fraternity throughout Bengal and its territories . Again begging to tender our thanks for the honour of this audience , antl praying that the Almighty Architect of the Universe , may ever have your lordship and family in His hol y keeping , we how respectfully antl fraternall y beg to subscribe ourselves your lordship ' s most devoted and obedient humble servants ,
Signed by the Grand Master , Deputy Grand Master , Wardens and Officers of the Grand Lodge of Bengal , and the Masters and Wardens of the several Lodges in Calcutta and its vicinity .
The following is Lord Dalhousie ' s reply : — Right Worshipful Sir and Worthy Brethren , —It is with heartfelt pleasure that I receive the address which you have done me the honour to present to me , and thank you most sincerely for the congratulations and expressions of kindness and welcome which that address contains . I consider that Masonry , when under the control of proper discipline and the good example of those high in office in the Craftto be
calcu-, lated to effect much good in bringing into social union men of different grades and professions , and promoting harmony and good feeling between the highest aud the lowest ; but it is only under the influence of strict discipline and example that good can be effected , otherwise a Mason ' s lodge will tend to become a mere convivial meeting , and believe me , my brethren , that it is that laxity of discipline , that gives cause to those who are unfriendly to our society , and who do not understand our principles
and our objects , to represent a Mason lodge as a scene of revelry and drunkenness . But you , sir , I feel confident will maintain a strict discipline in the Craft , and that your own example and that of those holding high office in the Grand Lotlge of Bengal will keep pure the Craft . I feel particularly gratified by your congratulations R . W . Sir , on my accession to the most ancient and honourable Order of the Thistle , by the favour of our most gracious Sovereign , who has been thus pleased to
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
India.
the shafts of misconstruction , and the assaults of prejudice . It is uc { the practice of our institution to blazon forth its measures of relief or usefulness ; suffice it my lord , that the vital principle of our Order is in active operation , and that philanthropy , moral subordination , and charity , in the full apostolic sense of the term , have as much as lay in our feeble power , been ever the landmarks of our associated endeavours . It were unreasonable to expect , that your lordship could do more than
countenance , our Order , by permitting your name , as it were , to honour our banners . In a variety of latent ways , unnecessary particularly to define , it cannot but prove advantageous to the institution , that your lordship should be believed to take an interest in its welfare . On the part of the masonic fraternity of Bengal , and its territories , we can assure your lordship in all sincerity , that it has been our constant endeavour to fulfil the "farewell injunction , " of ( that most worshipful and noble
brother ) the Marquis of Hastings , to " keep pure the craft . " Much my lord depends upon personal purity of character in all stations , but especially in those of authority in the Craft . It might be indelicate to say more than that we count much upon the moral influence of exalted example , in our hopes of still further keeping pure the Craft . The favour that we have now earnestly to crave therefore is , that your lordship would so far admit our claim to kindly recognitionas to permit
, us , now and in future , to consider you , as the most worshipful Lord Patron , of the masonic fraternity throughout Bengal and its territories . Again begging to tender our thanks for the honour of this audience , antl praying that the Almighty Architect of the Universe , may ever have your lordship and family in His hol y keeping , we how respectfully antl fraternall y beg to subscribe ourselves your lordship ' s most devoted and obedient humble servants ,
Signed by the Grand Master , Deputy Grand Master , Wardens and Officers of the Grand Lodge of Bengal , and the Masters and Wardens of the several Lodges in Calcutta and its vicinity .
The following is Lord Dalhousie ' s reply : — Right Worshipful Sir and Worthy Brethren , —It is with heartfelt pleasure that I receive the address which you have done me the honour to present to me , and thank you most sincerely for the congratulations and expressions of kindness and welcome which that address contains . I consider that Masonry , when under the control of proper discipline and the good example of those high in office in the Craftto be
calcu-, lated to effect much good in bringing into social union men of different grades and professions , and promoting harmony and good feeling between the highest aud the lowest ; but it is only under the influence of strict discipline and example that good can be effected , otherwise a Mason ' s lodge will tend to become a mere convivial meeting , and believe me , my brethren , that it is that laxity of discipline , that gives cause to those who are unfriendly to our society , and who do not understand our principles
and our objects , to represent a Mason lodge as a scene of revelry and drunkenness . But you , sir , I feel confident will maintain a strict discipline in the Craft , and that your own example and that of those holding high office in the Grand Lotlge of Bengal will keep pure the Craft . I feel particularly gratified by your congratulations R . W . Sir , on my accession to the most ancient and honourable Order of the Thistle , by the favour of our most gracious Sovereign , who has been thus pleased to