Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
the still more signal benefits derived to the Lodge from your invaluable co-operation . It is , let me say , no ordinary desert that could have entitled you to the tribute with which , on the part and in the name of your Lodge , I am this evening commissioned to present you . It is , no doubt , the offering of our common affection and esteem '; and even the youngest of the Brethren have had ample opportunities of appreciating your pretensions to be so distinguished ; but that those who may be called the of
partners your toil—they who from time to time , and from a very remote period , have been actual witnesses of the good you have achieved for the support and welfare of the Lodge , should be amongst the foremost to honour such services as yours , is , indeed , a circumstance that gives peculiar interest and still higher value to the gift . Looking back for an instant to that distant period in the annals of our Lodge , when , it must be confessed , a too general apathy pervaded the bodywhenfrom the death absence
, , or , or secession of members , its meetings were but thinly attended and its ceremonials , which , in our sublime science , are but so many vehicles of instruction , must , on that account , have been Jess effectively observed ; when , in a word , the Lodge seemed verging to decay , there still were to be found some true-hearted and devoted Masons in the body , amongst whom , Brother Aikenhead , your zeal and faithfulness were conspicuous '"" . The example of so excellent a spirit could not have been lost upon the brotherhood . In the worst of times you were able to associate with ycu menwholike yourself ,
, , drew onl y higher and more than ever powerful motives of attachment and fidelity to so good a cause , from the very difficulties which assailed it . Amongst the names thus honourabl y linked with yours in the prosecution of these labours , are those of some who have already gone to their last account , and the recollection of whose eminent services still lives in the gratitude of the Brethren . Others of your fellow-labourers are now present , and share with you the kindliest regards of the Lodge . the
During whole of the period at which I have but glanced , which was one of the deepest interest to our institution , and which you can look back upon with so much pride , your conduct was on all occasions marked by the utmost anxiety for the success of every measure calculated to advance the interests , to cement the union , and maintain the respectability of our body . Of your continued attention to the business of the Lodge , and the interests
of the Craft in general , within that later interval which brings your services within my own observation , it would be difficult to speak too highly . We feel , that to your zeal , judgment , and activity , we have been indebted for many advantages , not only as respects the comfort , but the general welfare of our Ledge . Your admirable arrangement of our usual festivals , and the excellent provision you have made , on every such occasionfor promoting social happiness and good fellowshi
, p amongst us , will be heartily acknowledged by all who hear me . And when it is considered how much , not only of the conviviality , but of the general harmony and Masonic order by which these delightful assemblages of the Brethren have been always distinguished , must depend
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
the still more signal benefits derived to the Lodge from your invaluable co-operation . It is , let me say , no ordinary desert that could have entitled you to the tribute with which , on the part and in the name of your Lodge , I am this evening commissioned to present you . It is , no doubt , the offering of our common affection and esteem '; and even the youngest of the Brethren have had ample opportunities of appreciating your pretensions to be so distinguished ; but that those who may be called the of
partners your toil—they who from time to time , and from a very remote period , have been actual witnesses of the good you have achieved for the support and welfare of the Lodge , should be amongst the foremost to honour such services as yours , is , indeed , a circumstance that gives peculiar interest and still higher value to the gift . Looking back for an instant to that distant period in the annals of our Lodge , when , it must be confessed , a too general apathy pervaded the bodywhenfrom the death absence
, , or , or secession of members , its meetings were but thinly attended and its ceremonials , which , in our sublime science , are but so many vehicles of instruction , must , on that account , have been Jess effectively observed ; when , in a word , the Lodge seemed verging to decay , there still were to be found some true-hearted and devoted Masons in the body , amongst whom , Brother Aikenhead , your zeal and faithfulness were conspicuous '"" . The example of so excellent a spirit could not have been lost upon the brotherhood . In the worst of times you were able to associate with ycu menwholike yourself ,
, , drew onl y higher and more than ever powerful motives of attachment and fidelity to so good a cause , from the very difficulties which assailed it . Amongst the names thus honourabl y linked with yours in the prosecution of these labours , are those of some who have already gone to their last account , and the recollection of whose eminent services still lives in the gratitude of the Brethren . Others of your fellow-labourers are now present , and share with you the kindliest regards of the Lodge . the
During whole of the period at which I have but glanced , which was one of the deepest interest to our institution , and which you can look back upon with so much pride , your conduct was on all occasions marked by the utmost anxiety for the success of every measure calculated to advance the interests , to cement the union , and maintain the respectability of our body . Of your continued attention to the business of the Lodge , and the interests
of the Craft in general , within that later interval which brings your services within my own observation , it would be difficult to speak too highly . We feel , that to your zeal , judgment , and activity , we have been indebted for many advantages , not only as respects the comfort , but the general welfare of our Ledge . Your admirable arrangement of our usual festivals , and the excellent provision you have made , on every such occasionfor promoting social happiness and good fellowshi
, p amongst us , will be heartily acknowledged by all who hear me . And when it is considered how much , not only of the conviviality , but of the general harmony and Masonic order by which these delightful assemblages of the Brethren have been always distinguished , must depend