Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland,
the dead the excellencies and the virtues of the good of every age , are brought back to the time of the Patriarchs and their simple altars , and the ancient Prophets , led by the invisible finger of God through the rapt pathway of their glorious visions clown to the coming of tidings of joy to man . Many of you , my Brethren , must remember how you have been placed , as it were , in the presence of the great leader of Israel , who lifted the rodand made a through the seaand who smote
, passage , the rock , and gushing waters flowed to invigorate the fainting hosts . In fact , the Mason who contemplates and can understand the objects of our Order , becomes the companion of the wisest and best of earth ; and , amidst the terrible ancl the grand , the beautiful and the sublime , he is taught to reverence , love , and adore , the great I AM . Such are the pure founts in whose crystal streams the Mason loves to bathe his soul , extracting therefrom wisdom and knowledge , and striving to imbue his
mind with Faith , Hope , and Charity ; and , from their heavenly influence , he must feel subdued , chastened , and made better . It is not my purpose to enter into an elaborate analysis of our Order ; time ancl circumstance may yet arrive for doing so . But a parting word or two , and I have
done . I ivould have you bear in mind , Brethren , that , although the handmaid of Christianity , Masonry is not a peculiar system of religion , but demanding a belief in God , and his superintending Providence ; it neither supersedes , subverts , nor is opposed , to any religion whatever . It is not as those who know us not—and amongst them are many , and I grieve to say it , who have entered within the pale of the Square—a senseless round of unmeaning ceremonies—an assembly met to absorb the passing hour in conviviality . NoBrethrenit is a round of
sym-, , bolic mysteries , beautifully calculated to attract , to purify , to enlighten , to raise fallen man—to reinstate him in his primitive moral grandeurby means acknowledged by , and in unison with , the laws of God ' s moral government . May we all , then , Brethren , through the sign , see the thing signified . May we , enlightened ourselves , not only enjoy Masonry , but be able to impart to others worthy the true secrets of our Art ; and , ultimately , may we , by an upright life , and well-squared actions , secure
an entrance to that Temple illuminated by Jehovah ' s presence , where life will be everlasting , and love without alloy . " ( Bro . Grant sat down amidst the applause and cheers of the Brethren , which lasted for several minutes . )
The Vice-Chairman then proposed the health of the Masters of the several Lodges ; the Masters severally returned thanks . The health of Bro . Colonel Loughead , whom we consider the representative of American Masons amongst us , as he is of the American Government . The toast was drunk with great cordiality , and three cheers for American Masons . Bro . Longhead , much affected by the feeling of kindness and esteem evinced towards him , returned thanks in very appropriate and feeling terms . The " Visiting Brethren " was then proposed from the
chair ; prolonged applause followed the announcement of this toast , which was acknowledged by Bro . Barr , a very distinguished Mason from Belfast . The Stewards , Bro . Dr . H . Skipton , and the other Stewards , expressed their acknowledgments , after which the party separated , having enjoyed an evening in harmony and Brotherl y kindness . NORTH MUNSTER . — LIMERICK . —21 th Dec , 1850 . —The Lodges 13 and 73 , mustered strongly in their respective Halls on this occasion , and
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland,
the dead the excellencies and the virtues of the good of every age , are brought back to the time of the Patriarchs and their simple altars , and the ancient Prophets , led by the invisible finger of God through the rapt pathway of their glorious visions clown to the coming of tidings of joy to man . Many of you , my Brethren , must remember how you have been placed , as it were , in the presence of the great leader of Israel , who lifted the rodand made a through the seaand who smote
, passage , the rock , and gushing waters flowed to invigorate the fainting hosts . In fact , the Mason who contemplates and can understand the objects of our Order , becomes the companion of the wisest and best of earth ; and , amidst the terrible ancl the grand , the beautiful and the sublime , he is taught to reverence , love , and adore , the great I AM . Such are the pure founts in whose crystal streams the Mason loves to bathe his soul , extracting therefrom wisdom and knowledge , and striving to imbue his
mind with Faith , Hope , and Charity ; and , from their heavenly influence , he must feel subdued , chastened , and made better . It is not my purpose to enter into an elaborate analysis of our Order ; time ancl circumstance may yet arrive for doing so . But a parting word or two , and I have
done . I ivould have you bear in mind , Brethren , that , although the handmaid of Christianity , Masonry is not a peculiar system of religion , but demanding a belief in God , and his superintending Providence ; it neither supersedes , subverts , nor is opposed , to any religion whatever . It is not as those who know us not—and amongst them are many , and I grieve to say it , who have entered within the pale of the Square—a senseless round of unmeaning ceremonies—an assembly met to absorb the passing hour in conviviality . NoBrethrenit is a round of
sym-, , bolic mysteries , beautifully calculated to attract , to purify , to enlighten , to raise fallen man—to reinstate him in his primitive moral grandeurby means acknowledged by , and in unison with , the laws of God ' s moral government . May we all , then , Brethren , through the sign , see the thing signified . May we , enlightened ourselves , not only enjoy Masonry , but be able to impart to others worthy the true secrets of our Art ; and , ultimately , may we , by an upright life , and well-squared actions , secure
an entrance to that Temple illuminated by Jehovah ' s presence , where life will be everlasting , and love without alloy . " ( Bro . Grant sat down amidst the applause and cheers of the Brethren , which lasted for several minutes . )
The Vice-Chairman then proposed the health of the Masters of the several Lodges ; the Masters severally returned thanks . The health of Bro . Colonel Loughead , whom we consider the representative of American Masons amongst us , as he is of the American Government . The toast was drunk with great cordiality , and three cheers for American Masons . Bro . Longhead , much affected by the feeling of kindness and esteem evinced towards him , returned thanks in very appropriate and feeling terms . The " Visiting Brethren " was then proposed from the
chair ; prolonged applause followed the announcement of this toast , which was acknowledged by Bro . Barr , a very distinguished Mason from Belfast . The Stewards , Bro . Dr . H . Skipton , and the other Stewards , expressed their acknowledgments , after which the party separated , having enjoyed an evening in harmony and Brotherl y kindness . NORTH MUNSTER . — LIMERICK . —21 th Dec , 1850 . —The Lodges 13 and 73 , mustered strongly in their respective Halls on this occasion , and