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Article GRAND MARK LODGE BENEVOLENT FUND. ← Page 2 of 2 Article GRAND MARK LODGE BENEVOLENT FUND. Page 2 of 2 Article GRAND MARK LODGE BENEVOLENT FUND. Page 2 of 2 Article Poetry. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Mark Lodge Benevolent Fund.
England . ( Hear , he _ r . ) He was present at the union referred to by Bro . Matier , when England and Scotland joined . The meeting was held in Manchester , snd there was left much impressed on his mind the broth .. ly love which was then
exhibited , and winch he hoped was thoroughly cemented . ( Hear , hear . ) The Chairman then proposed " Success to the Mark Benevolent Fund , and the Masonic Institutions . " He said—In giving you this toast I
feel that no small responsibility devolves upon nie , not only from the records of the distinguished members of the Order who have preceded me in tlie chair , but from my earnest desire that the appeal to be made to you to-night should , if
possible , stimulate that feeling of sympathy with misfortune which is found in nearly every human heart . It has a special claim upon those who own a universality of brotherhood more wide-spread and ancient than any other system
iccorded iu the history of the world . Religion , politics , or commerce , occupy the attention of large numbers of persons—probably no subjects claim so much general attention ; and we can hardly wonder at this when we consider
the importance of those problems which affect the relations of man with his Creator , the government of nations , and the extension of civilization . But I venture to think that the basis of rehVion , freedom , and morality will be found
in those simple truths which are contained in our ritual , enunciated in ourobservancesandillustrated through the volume ofthe Sacred Law . Every secret society , that is to say one—which affects aims distinct from the rest of mankind—has been
regarded with disfavour , denounced by the despot , and envied by the ignorant . Infidelity , disloyalty , and self-indulgence have been among the hard terms applied to the members of such societies , and , making allowance for the difference of the times , I question if the persecutions of Philip the Fair were much more severe thau those we
have to undergo in the present day . Yet all these secret societies have been called into existence by the necessities of the times , either to avert public danger , arouse public opinion , or mitigate public abuses ,- and they have passed away either
because they have fulfilled their work , or proved themselves unfit to do it . If our Society , the oldest of all , still remains with undiminished vigour if it contains traces of every form of religious worship by which man has sought to
recognise the duty which he owes to the Great Overseer of the Universe and his fellow men if it affords a haven or place of concord , where those who differ on all other points can meet : if its progress at the present time is neither slow nor partial , sur-dy—we are justfied in contending
that our mission is not yet completed , and that in spite of imperfections our members , both individually and collectively , are performing the work for which the Order was appointed in the earliest ages of the world . What were those objects ? We can understand that the mind of man in a state of
primeval innocence , expressed its predominant feelings by an act of religious worship , apart from niere creed or sect . Absence of reli gion is regarded as the surest test of barbarism . But as that reli gious feeling intensified and expressed itself in action , we find that human intellect , vigour ,
and skill lavished their noblest powers on those buildings intended for Divine worship , and our record of ancient nations is mainl y derived from the works of ancient Masons , displayed in the erection and decoration of pyramid , temple , or
pagoda . If the Masonic art culminated in the erection ofthe magnificent building of the Jewish Monarch , whose regal splendour and unparalleled 'Magnificence far surpassed all imagination , he "id but consecrate to the worship of the true
Jehovah that Masonic skill and energy which , in partial blindness and ignorance , had previously erected those wonderful works which have survi-V « J to our own day . All that has come down to us J" ancient times in architecture , sculpture , paint' , " . Poetry , and tradition , is connected with the
« , IVIne * ancl with the work by which the ancient w ason expressed his reverence and love . I need " ° t remind you of the position which our Craft 1 ( - - t ! in thc middle ages , supposed to be days of universal intolerance and bigotry ; but there is j . undant evidence to show that the Hebrew - ' , despised and persecuted elsewhere , re-
Grand Mark Lodge Benevolent Fund.
ceived the hand of Masonic brotherhood ; and it has been reserved for a Pontiff of the 19 th century to excommunicate the Order which erected those magnificent cathedrals which are still the pride of Christendon' . But it may be said tli . it our Order now no longer continues
to perform such work ; why , therefore , sluuld it remain ? that our appearance in procession at the laying of the foundation stone of some church or school is but a relic of the gorgeous work which involved the labour of a lifetime , and would be as poor an expression of religious
zeal as the annual appearance of the long-haired Merovingian monarchs was of kingly power . Why should our Order continue if it possess only the traditions of the past ? How is it that our work still continues . ' The principles wliich prompted the ancient Masons still actuate our
conduct , but with a change of tune and circumstances we are no longer " operative , but speculative Masons ; " that is to say , we seek to implant in every human heart a temple of Divine worship where the Schechinah may dwell unseen by mortal eye , but sanctifying the inner life , and
guiding the outward action . If we understand the vows we have undertaken , if we are true to our professions , if we comprehend the meaning of our ritual and our observances , nothing less than this will suffice . But how is this to be shown to the outer world ; how , in answer to
ignorance , incredulity , and scepticism , can we offer a reply simple or easy to be understood ? The occasion of our meeting to-day supplies the answer . The poor we have always with us , and Masonry affords no exemption from the common lot of mankind . Age ,
misfortune , and sickness have fallen , and will continue to fall , upon those who have taken the same vows as ourselves , with whom we have held friendly intercourse , and by whose counsels we have been guided and strengthened . Like the skeleton at the Egyptian feasts , our meeting
today in health and happiness should remind us of tlie misfortunes and poverty of others , and that mutual dependence which has been impressed on every member of our brotherhood is with them a stern reality . We are placed in a somewhat peculiar position as regards the outer world . We
are forbidden to explain , and therefore to a large extent to defend , many customs which may seem outlandish and unnecessary ; but we have an opportunity , by the support of our Masonic Charities , to shew the value of the great principles of brotherly love and relief of which our Order boasts . With regard to the Institution on
whose behalf we are met to-day , I need simply add that it is not founded in any spirit of rivalry to our older institutions—that it supplies ati important want , and it affects a most interesting branch of our science . In conclusion , Bro . Callender appealed to the company for liberal contributions in aid of the Benevolent Fund . ( Great cheering . )
Bro . F . Binckes ( Grand Secretary ) responded . The result of the meeting would be read out b y the Assistant Grand Secretary . He ( Bro . Binckes ) would not take upon himself to say one word on behalf of the great Masonic Institutions , or their work , as it was before the Craft at large .
It was a source of intense satisfaction that he found in the meeting of that evening that the great institutions were not forgotten which Masons so delighted to do their best to support . The work of Freemasonry was a very hard work , especially in connection with the Masonic
Institutions . He would undertake to say that no bod y of men did so much in the cause of charity as Freemasons , for it would be found that during the present year , £ 37 , 000 was the aggregate amount contributed in support of the three
Masonic Institutions . With respect to the Mark Benevolent Fund , there had been this remark made , that every Mark Mason was a member of the Craft , and if in distress could appeal to the Fund of Benevolence . But Mark Masons had
not done wrong in organizing their own Benevolent Fund , which was to provide for the peculiar wants of Mark Masons . Without making a remark as to the preference of one degree in
Freemasonry over another , he would submit that it mi ght just happen that a brother who had been an idle Craft Mason mi ght have been a very energetic Mark Mason , and if his widow or children appealed for assistance to
Grand Mark Lodge Benevolent Fund.
the Craft in which he had done but little , £ 10 or ro guineas mi ght be considered enough to give them ; but if he had done much in Mark Masonry , Mark Masons would do more . Not to magnify the Alark Degree too much , he thought they were doing right in takiag car
lo have a fund such as he had described . It was a source of great gratification that these annual meetings were so substantially supported , which proved that the brethren wore of this opinion . He hoped that these hjppy meetings would go on increasing year bv year in prosperity . He
was happy to say that the fund contribnted to the Masonic Institutions , and that Mark Masons also supported them very liberally . It was only a fortnight ago that Mark Masonry contributed more than £ 50 to one of the Institutions , Bro . Binckes concluded by thanking the brethren in
the name of these Institutions for their support . Bro . Henry Binckes then read the list of subscriptions , which amounted to £ iy $ . " The Board of Stewards " was then proposed and drunk , and Bro . Roebuck having responded , the company separated .
During the evening a splendid selection of music was performed under the direction of Madame Thaddeus Wells . Madame Wells , Madame Alice Barnett , and Bro . Chaplin Henry were the excutant ' s of the vocal music ; Mdlle . Bertha Brousil , solo violin , and Bro . Henry Parker , pianoforte .
Poetry.
Poetry .
MAY GOD PRESERVE THE CRAI'T . Words and music by T . BURDETT YEOMAN , M . L . 713 , 14 ( 10 . DEDICATED to Bro . C __ .. E _ FIIANCIS B- IIU _ TT , M . W . P . G . M ., Middlesex . Come list a while , till I relate A prayer we like to hear ;
'Tis gracious in its very tone , The form of speech is dear ; And all Freemasons it receive ; With all becoming pride . The utt ' rancc reaches ev ' ry heart ,
Long may it still abide . CIIOHUS . Then we will sing , our work _> done , And labor ' s in the aft , Come , pleasure , come , but we will pray , May God preserve the Craft .
H . Within our sacred bovver of blue , And free from care ' s alarm , Secluded from the world outside—For us it has no charm . We like the spot wherein we ' re found , It is our holy land , For there we strive to emulate
And nil our chief ' s command . CHORUS : Th-n we will sing , etc .
Ill The outer world , our mystic ritos Can never , never learn , Nor yet behold our Temple work Its beauties to discern . True Order dwells , within our realm , The Master ' s word is Law . Hush I he recites some hallow'd theme
With rev'rence and with awe . CHORUS : Then we will sing , etc .
IV . From cowans' gaze , and babblers' talk We hold no mode of speech , Nor care wc for a mitred priest , Whose aid we ne ' er beseech .
We know our toil is labours' love , The glory is our own , We our Great Architect adore , To us He gives the crown . CHORUS ; Then we will sing , etc .
Colonial and Foreign Subscribers are informed that acknowledgments of remittances received will in future be published in thc first number of every month . Sir James Hogg , thc Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works , accompanied by several members of the Board , paid a visit to Liverpool on Monday with the object
of inspecting the water system of the town . They were received at the Town Hall by the Deputy Mayo ' r , and afterwards had interviews with thc municipal authorities , and witnessed experiments with fire-engines , one end of their visit being the extension and improvement of thc hydrant system in London .
At a meeting held at the Mansion House , Bi > . Alderman Sir B . Phillips in the chair , it was resolved to form an executive committee for the purpose of promoting the objects of the Congress and International Exhibition of Appliances for Saving Life , to be opened in Brussels next year ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Mark Lodge Benevolent Fund.
England . ( Hear , he _ r . ) He was present at the union referred to by Bro . Matier , when England and Scotland joined . The meeting was held in Manchester , snd there was left much impressed on his mind the broth .. ly love which was then
exhibited , and winch he hoped was thoroughly cemented . ( Hear , hear . ) The Chairman then proposed " Success to the Mark Benevolent Fund , and the Masonic Institutions . " He said—In giving you this toast I
feel that no small responsibility devolves upon nie , not only from the records of the distinguished members of the Order who have preceded me in tlie chair , but from my earnest desire that the appeal to be made to you to-night should , if
possible , stimulate that feeling of sympathy with misfortune which is found in nearly every human heart . It has a special claim upon those who own a universality of brotherhood more wide-spread and ancient than any other system
iccorded iu the history of the world . Religion , politics , or commerce , occupy the attention of large numbers of persons—probably no subjects claim so much general attention ; and we can hardly wonder at this when we consider
the importance of those problems which affect the relations of man with his Creator , the government of nations , and the extension of civilization . But I venture to think that the basis of rehVion , freedom , and morality will be found
in those simple truths which are contained in our ritual , enunciated in ourobservancesandillustrated through the volume ofthe Sacred Law . Every secret society , that is to say one—which affects aims distinct from the rest of mankind—has been
regarded with disfavour , denounced by the despot , and envied by the ignorant . Infidelity , disloyalty , and self-indulgence have been among the hard terms applied to the members of such societies , and , making allowance for the difference of the times , I question if the persecutions of Philip the Fair were much more severe thau those we
have to undergo in the present day . Yet all these secret societies have been called into existence by the necessities of the times , either to avert public danger , arouse public opinion , or mitigate public abuses ,- and they have passed away either
because they have fulfilled their work , or proved themselves unfit to do it . If our Society , the oldest of all , still remains with undiminished vigour if it contains traces of every form of religious worship by which man has sought to
recognise the duty which he owes to the Great Overseer of the Universe and his fellow men if it affords a haven or place of concord , where those who differ on all other points can meet : if its progress at the present time is neither slow nor partial , sur-dy—we are justfied in contending
that our mission is not yet completed , and that in spite of imperfections our members , both individually and collectively , are performing the work for which the Order was appointed in the earliest ages of the world . What were those objects ? We can understand that the mind of man in a state of
primeval innocence , expressed its predominant feelings by an act of religious worship , apart from niere creed or sect . Absence of reli gion is regarded as the surest test of barbarism . But as that reli gious feeling intensified and expressed itself in action , we find that human intellect , vigour ,
and skill lavished their noblest powers on those buildings intended for Divine worship , and our record of ancient nations is mainl y derived from the works of ancient Masons , displayed in the erection and decoration of pyramid , temple , or
pagoda . If the Masonic art culminated in the erection ofthe magnificent building of the Jewish Monarch , whose regal splendour and unparalleled 'Magnificence far surpassed all imagination , he "id but consecrate to the worship of the true
Jehovah that Masonic skill and energy which , in partial blindness and ignorance , had previously erected those wonderful works which have survi-V « J to our own day . All that has come down to us J" ancient times in architecture , sculpture , paint' , " . Poetry , and tradition , is connected with the
« , IVIne * ancl with the work by which the ancient w ason expressed his reverence and love . I need " ° t remind you of the position which our Craft 1 ( - - t ! in thc middle ages , supposed to be days of universal intolerance and bigotry ; but there is j . undant evidence to show that the Hebrew - ' , despised and persecuted elsewhere , re-
Grand Mark Lodge Benevolent Fund.
ceived the hand of Masonic brotherhood ; and it has been reserved for a Pontiff of the 19 th century to excommunicate the Order which erected those magnificent cathedrals which are still the pride of Christendon' . But it may be said tli . it our Order now no longer continues
to perform such work ; why , therefore , sluuld it remain ? that our appearance in procession at the laying of the foundation stone of some church or school is but a relic of the gorgeous work which involved the labour of a lifetime , and would be as poor an expression of religious
zeal as the annual appearance of the long-haired Merovingian monarchs was of kingly power . Why should our Order continue if it possess only the traditions of the past ? How is it that our work still continues . ' The principles wliich prompted the ancient Masons still actuate our
conduct , but with a change of tune and circumstances we are no longer " operative , but speculative Masons ; " that is to say , we seek to implant in every human heart a temple of Divine worship where the Schechinah may dwell unseen by mortal eye , but sanctifying the inner life , and
guiding the outward action . If we understand the vows we have undertaken , if we are true to our professions , if we comprehend the meaning of our ritual and our observances , nothing less than this will suffice . But how is this to be shown to the outer world ; how , in answer to
ignorance , incredulity , and scepticism , can we offer a reply simple or easy to be understood ? The occasion of our meeting to-day supplies the answer . The poor we have always with us , and Masonry affords no exemption from the common lot of mankind . Age ,
misfortune , and sickness have fallen , and will continue to fall , upon those who have taken the same vows as ourselves , with whom we have held friendly intercourse , and by whose counsels we have been guided and strengthened . Like the skeleton at the Egyptian feasts , our meeting
today in health and happiness should remind us of tlie misfortunes and poverty of others , and that mutual dependence which has been impressed on every member of our brotherhood is with them a stern reality . We are placed in a somewhat peculiar position as regards the outer world . We
are forbidden to explain , and therefore to a large extent to defend , many customs which may seem outlandish and unnecessary ; but we have an opportunity , by the support of our Masonic Charities , to shew the value of the great principles of brotherly love and relief of which our Order boasts . With regard to the Institution on
whose behalf we are met to-day , I need simply add that it is not founded in any spirit of rivalry to our older institutions—that it supplies ati important want , and it affects a most interesting branch of our science . In conclusion , Bro . Callender appealed to the company for liberal contributions in aid of the Benevolent Fund . ( Great cheering . )
Bro . F . Binckes ( Grand Secretary ) responded . The result of the meeting would be read out b y the Assistant Grand Secretary . He ( Bro . Binckes ) would not take upon himself to say one word on behalf of the great Masonic Institutions , or their work , as it was before the Craft at large .
It was a source of intense satisfaction that he found in the meeting of that evening that the great institutions were not forgotten which Masons so delighted to do their best to support . The work of Freemasonry was a very hard work , especially in connection with the Masonic
Institutions . He would undertake to say that no bod y of men did so much in the cause of charity as Freemasons , for it would be found that during the present year , £ 37 , 000 was the aggregate amount contributed in support of the three
Masonic Institutions . With respect to the Mark Benevolent Fund , there had been this remark made , that every Mark Mason was a member of the Craft , and if in distress could appeal to the Fund of Benevolence . But Mark Masons had
not done wrong in organizing their own Benevolent Fund , which was to provide for the peculiar wants of Mark Masons . Without making a remark as to the preference of one degree in
Freemasonry over another , he would submit that it mi ght just happen that a brother who had been an idle Craft Mason mi ght have been a very energetic Mark Mason , and if his widow or children appealed for assistance to
Grand Mark Lodge Benevolent Fund.
the Craft in which he had done but little , £ 10 or ro guineas mi ght be considered enough to give them ; but if he had done much in Mark Masonry , Mark Masons would do more . Not to magnify the Alark Degree too much , he thought they were doing right in takiag car
lo have a fund such as he had described . It was a source of great gratification that these annual meetings were so substantially supported , which proved that the brethren wore of this opinion . He hoped that these hjppy meetings would go on increasing year bv year in prosperity . He
was happy to say that the fund contribnted to the Masonic Institutions , and that Mark Masons also supported them very liberally . It was only a fortnight ago that Mark Masonry contributed more than £ 50 to one of the Institutions , Bro . Binckes concluded by thanking the brethren in
the name of these Institutions for their support . Bro . Henry Binckes then read the list of subscriptions , which amounted to £ iy $ . " The Board of Stewards " was then proposed and drunk , and Bro . Roebuck having responded , the company separated .
During the evening a splendid selection of music was performed under the direction of Madame Thaddeus Wells . Madame Wells , Madame Alice Barnett , and Bro . Chaplin Henry were the excutant ' s of the vocal music ; Mdlle . Bertha Brousil , solo violin , and Bro . Henry Parker , pianoforte .
Poetry.
Poetry .
MAY GOD PRESERVE THE CRAI'T . Words and music by T . BURDETT YEOMAN , M . L . 713 , 14 ( 10 . DEDICATED to Bro . C __ .. E _ FIIANCIS B- IIU _ TT , M . W . P . G . M ., Middlesex . Come list a while , till I relate A prayer we like to hear ;
'Tis gracious in its very tone , The form of speech is dear ; And all Freemasons it receive ; With all becoming pride . The utt ' rancc reaches ev ' ry heart ,
Long may it still abide . CIIOHUS . Then we will sing , our work _> done , And labor ' s in the aft , Come , pleasure , come , but we will pray , May God preserve the Craft .
H . Within our sacred bovver of blue , And free from care ' s alarm , Secluded from the world outside—For us it has no charm . We like the spot wherein we ' re found , It is our holy land , For there we strive to emulate
And nil our chief ' s command . CHORUS : Th-n we will sing , etc .
Ill The outer world , our mystic ritos Can never , never learn , Nor yet behold our Temple work Its beauties to discern . True Order dwells , within our realm , The Master ' s word is Law . Hush I he recites some hallow'd theme
With rev'rence and with awe . CHORUS : Then we will sing , etc .
IV . From cowans' gaze , and babblers' talk We hold no mode of speech , Nor care wc for a mitred priest , Whose aid we ne ' er beseech .
We know our toil is labours' love , The glory is our own , We our Great Architect adore , To us He gives the crown . CHORUS ; Then we will sing , etc .
Colonial and Foreign Subscribers are informed that acknowledgments of remittances received will in future be published in thc first number of every month . Sir James Hogg , thc Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works , accompanied by several members of the Board , paid a visit to Liverpool on Monday with the object
of inspecting the water system of the town . They were received at the Town Hall by the Deputy Mayo ' r , and afterwards had interviews with thc municipal authorities , and witnessed experiments with fire-engines , one end of their visit being the extension and improvement of thc hydrant system in London .
At a meeting held at the Mansion House , Bi > . Alderman Sir B . Phillips in the chair , it was resolved to form an executive committee for the purpose of promoting the objects of the Congress and International Exhibition of Appliances for Saving Life , to be opened in Brussels next year ,