Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemason's Hall. Birth Day Of H.R.H. The Duke Of Sussex, M.W.G.M.
the cure was wrought . Mine is , however , still but a light obscure , the strength of ivhich does not enable me to discern the form of any individual , of that part of our community who heighten the value of our proceedings by witnessing them from the galleries , and add to our happiness by then presence . —( Cheers . ) This is a lesson to me , showing me the value of what I have regained , but admonishing me not to lock further than I ought . I am informed that there is hardly a lady in those timentwith
naileries , ivho is not connected , by blood or sen , some Brother Mason who is present .- ( Hear , hear . ) In this they evince their participation in our happiness and wishes . They come with us to the door of the holy temple , there they wait our return , and give us a cheerful and ready welcome when we join them again . Quite sure am 1 after our Masonic meetings we are not the less welcome . —( Cheers . ) Turning to those by whom I am surrounded , I earnestly assure them that I feel most sensibly their kindness in meeting me here this day , many I know to their extreme inconvenience , and some have even left
their beds to meet me with congratulation . 1 feel the compliment ootn as a Mason and as a man . In reflecting on the occasion of this Fraternal meeting , I cannot forget that its peculiar feature is the celeDration of my natal day , and that at my time of life , and in my situation , I should be warned that the sun is going down , and although I can look at it qu i etly , still it is a warning . And looking round upon those who are here assembled to greet me , and full , as is the hall , how many are the from
pleasant faces and warm hearts that have passed away among us , since I last met the Craft on such an occasion ; withm the brief period ot three years ! Darkness overtook me , but the LIGHT IS restored , and 1 again address you-to detail what my sufferings have been ivould be a lon « - story . HE ivho presides over all vouchsafed His protection to me ; and this I tell you with thankfulness , that when the operation was performed , the beautiful flood of light burst upon me . Most forcibly ivas that emphatic expression of Holy Writ biought to my recollection , the instant I regained my sight— " AND GOD SAID LET THERE BE LIGHT , AND
THERE WAS LIGHT . Nor will the first objects I beheld ever pass irom my mind , they ivere the clouds and the sunshine ; the sentiments they produced I will not attempt to describe , because it is indiscnbable—I feel that I am greeted by many kind faces , my calendar however reminds me that many a warm heart and happy face that almost ever presented itself are not now here '—that is painful to reflect upon ; but they have met their reward above . I have now occupied the chair of Grand Master when the recollection ot
twenty-five years , and am arrived at that age sixty becomes lost in the encounters of sixty-five ; but 1 feel nevertheless , that my heart is as young and as warm as ever ; and as long as it retains your trust , your esteem , your confidence , and your affection , the last drop that flows irom that heart shall be devoted and delegated to you . —( Long continued cheers . ) The worthy brother who proposed my health said that , even in sickness , I had not forsaken the interests ot could not be activel
the Craft ; but my regret was ever that I more y engaged in the service of Freemasonry , and most of all did I lament that 1 could not aid the M . W . G . M . for Ireland , the Duke of Leinster , one ot the most active and honest of Masons , iu his successful efforts to prevent a ban being placed on our Brethren in that country , whose loyalty is as undoubted ' as yours . You have always treated me with confidence and kindness—I think I may say that 1 never abused them , at least willingly 1 never did— to err " is human—and whenever an error is known to
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemason's Hall. Birth Day Of H.R.H. The Duke Of Sussex, M.W.G.M.
the cure was wrought . Mine is , however , still but a light obscure , the strength of ivhich does not enable me to discern the form of any individual , of that part of our community who heighten the value of our proceedings by witnessing them from the galleries , and add to our happiness by then presence . —( Cheers . ) This is a lesson to me , showing me the value of what I have regained , but admonishing me not to lock further than I ought . I am informed that there is hardly a lady in those timentwith
naileries , ivho is not connected , by blood or sen , some Brother Mason who is present .- ( Hear , hear . ) In this they evince their participation in our happiness and wishes . They come with us to the door of the holy temple , there they wait our return , and give us a cheerful and ready welcome when we join them again . Quite sure am 1 after our Masonic meetings we are not the less welcome . —( Cheers . ) Turning to those by whom I am surrounded , I earnestly assure them that I feel most sensibly their kindness in meeting me here this day , many I know to their extreme inconvenience , and some have even left
their beds to meet me with congratulation . 1 feel the compliment ootn as a Mason and as a man . In reflecting on the occasion of this Fraternal meeting , I cannot forget that its peculiar feature is the celeDration of my natal day , and that at my time of life , and in my situation , I should be warned that the sun is going down , and although I can look at it qu i etly , still it is a warning . And looking round upon those who are here assembled to greet me , and full , as is the hall , how many are the from
pleasant faces and warm hearts that have passed away among us , since I last met the Craft on such an occasion ; withm the brief period ot three years ! Darkness overtook me , but the LIGHT IS restored , and 1 again address you-to detail what my sufferings have been ivould be a lon « - story . HE ivho presides over all vouchsafed His protection to me ; and this I tell you with thankfulness , that when the operation was performed , the beautiful flood of light burst upon me . Most forcibly ivas that emphatic expression of Holy Writ biought to my recollection , the instant I regained my sight— " AND GOD SAID LET THERE BE LIGHT , AND
THERE WAS LIGHT . Nor will the first objects I beheld ever pass irom my mind , they ivere the clouds and the sunshine ; the sentiments they produced I will not attempt to describe , because it is indiscnbable—I feel that I am greeted by many kind faces , my calendar however reminds me that many a warm heart and happy face that almost ever presented itself are not now here '—that is painful to reflect upon ; but they have met their reward above . I have now occupied the chair of Grand Master when the recollection ot
twenty-five years , and am arrived at that age sixty becomes lost in the encounters of sixty-five ; but 1 feel nevertheless , that my heart is as young and as warm as ever ; and as long as it retains your trust , your esteem , your confidence , and your affection , the last drop that flows irom that heart shall be devoted and delegated to you . —( Long continued cheers . ) The worthy brother who proposed my health said that , even in sickness , I had not forsaken the interests ot could not be activel
the Craft ; but my regret was ever that I more y engaged in the service of Freemasonry , and most of all did I lament that 1 could not aid the M . W . G . M . for Ireland , the Duke of Leinster , one ot the most active and honest of Masons , iu his successful efforts to prevent a ban being placed on our Brethren in that country , whose loyalty is as undoubted ' as yours . You have always treated me with confidence and kindness—I think I may say that 1 never abused them , at least willingly 1 never did— to err " is human—and whenever an error is known to