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Complimentary Masonic Supper To Bro. Walter Bentley.
COMPLIMENTARY MASONIC SUPPER TO BRO . WALTER BENTLEY .
On Friday evening , the ifith inst ., the Freemasons of Belfast entertained at a supper , in the Banqueting Chamber , Freemasons' Hall , Arthur-square , Bro . Walter Bentley , the talented young tragedian , who on Saturday night completed a fortnight ' s engagement in the Ulster I lall .
The supper , which was given on the occasion of his benefit , was attended by brethren hailing from the following lodges : The Provincial Grand Lodge of Co . Antrim , Provincial Grand Lodge of Co . Down , and Lodges Nos . 7 , io , 22 , 3 G , 40 , 51 , 59 , 77 , SS , 97 , 98 , 103 , 109 , 111 , 1 iS , 154 , 1 G 0 , 1 S 0 , 195 , 254 , 272 , 372 , and 74 6 , Ireland ; 477 , Dunedin , N . Z ., Scotch Constitution ; and 721 , 12 G 4 , and
1440 , England . Bro . Wm . , Redfern Kelly , G . L . Inst ., P . G . L . Antrim , presided , and grace having been said , the brethren sat down to a sumptuous repast . Supper being over , and the cloth having been removed , Thc CHAIRMAN proposed the three charter toasts of Freemasonry— "The Oueen , " with which was coupled
"The Craft . " 'Ihis toast was most enthusiastically acknowledged , and was followed by that of " The Three Grand Masters—H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , of England ; His Grace thc Duke of Abercorn , of Ireland ; and Sir Michael R . Shaw Stewart , of Scotland . " This toast having been received with the grand honours of Masonry , it was followed by that of " The Provincial Grand Lodge of Co .
Antrim , " coujjled with the name of the Marquis of Donegall , its Grand Master . This toast was also warmly received and duly honoured . A letter of apology from Bro . J . F . Warden was read , in which he expressed the regret he felt at not being able to be present on the occasion , on account of his absence from home . The CHAIRMAN next proceeded to propose the toast of
" The Guest of the Evening , Bro . Walter Bentley , " and , in doing so , referred to the great pleasure it afforded him to be present on the occasion , and to assist in doing honour to a worthy and distinguished brother . In the name of the brethren present lie most cordially welcomed Bro . Bentley , whose advent to Belfast for thc purpose of his present engagement they all so joyfully hailed , and whose
speedy departure they as sincerely regretted . ( Applause ) . Bro . Bentley's visits were like those of the angels , few and far between ; lie , however , hoped that at least once in each year the brethren would have the pleasure of feasting themselves upon the intellectual treats with which he was accustomed to regale them . He ( the Chairman ) referred to the first impression whicii was created upon his mind on
witnessing the inimitable jjcrformance of their guest on the occasion of his appearance in the role ot Clarence , in Bro . Henry Irving ' s representation of "Richard III . " His brilliant , lucid , and refined perception of the character whicii was intended by the writer , and his masterly execution of . the piece , were such as to impress every lover of the stage and every admirer of talent who heard him on
that occasion with the belief that he was destined sooner or later to inscribe his autograph ujion the great scroll of histrionic fame ( applause ) , and certainl y the recent display of his undoubted talents in the production of some of the most dillicult and trying of the immortal Shakespeare's plays before Belfast audiences ( of all others famed ior their keen criticism ) , amply justified the impression first
formed as to his theatrical genius . ( Great ajijilause ) . liro . Bentley had , in common with most other men of genius , to contend with the innumerable obstacles whicii bar their advancement in this world . So far , however , it was gratifying to find that lie had been most successful in surmounting those obstacles one after another . One by one the barriers opjiosed to his progress had fallen beneath
his persevering assaults , and he would , no doubt , yet succeed in jrdacing the ciladel at his feet . ( Ajij ) lause . ) It had been said of Bro . Walter Bentley that he hatl presumed to imitate the celebrated Bro . Henry Irving . Could such imitation be regarded as a crime ? Was there anything condemnatory in the desire of a young and rising actor to follow in the footsteps of a tragedian , so refined , so
accomplished , and so eminent as is liro . Henry Irving . ' Certainly not ; but rather , on the contrary , such an emulation ought to be considered as being laudable and praiseworthy in the extreme ; however , be that as it might , they all felt jiroud of their young brother , and indulged in thc fond hope that ( if spared ) hc would one day occupy as a tragedian a position on the British stage not less exalted than
that now occupied by Bro . Henry Irving or Bro . Barry Sullivan , two of the greatest and most famous tragedians of the present age . ( Prolonged apjilausc . ) liro . Bentley was no stranger amongst those present ; lie was , in fact , personally known to . most of them , and all who knew him ivere proud to bear testimony to his great iicrsonal worth . Wc was a gentleman , not alone by birth ,
breeding , and education , but by thc profession and practice of those exalted principles and virtues , the acquirement of which is essential to all those who would appropriate to themselves the proud title of Freemason . In conclusion , lie wished Bro . Bentley ( he utmost prosperity in the honourable profession whicii he had elected to adopt ; and
whilst expressing regret at his dejiarlnre , he was sure that all present would also rejoice with their brother guest in order to cheer and sujiport hinijon his road to fame . ( Prolonged cheering . ) The toast was received with thc usual Masonic honours amidst the utmost enthusiasm .
Bro . HENTI . EY , who , on rising to respond , was received with loud cheering , said : Bro . Chairman anil brethren , on my arrival in Belfast I was informed of your intended kindness , and I can assure you that I felt vcry deeply the compliment proposed , and was delighted to accejityotir offer to be present at this entertainment . I accept , as a young man beginning his jirofessional career ( as 1 confess
I am ) , such kindness as a sort of " God-speeding " from man to man , and from brother to brother . As one engaged in an arduous profession such as is mine , one which requires immense thought , and the exercise of every effort if success woultl be attained , yon will quite understand how imjiossible it would be fur me lo devote as iniiirh of my time
u : i I r . htjultlfeel inclined to tlo in furthering the best inteiesls of Freemasonry , an Order which I love , ami of which I , and I am sure all of us , feel jiiotid . ( Applause . ) I am not an exalted Ma-. on , anil cannot r , iru what I have done to elicit fniiii you siu . h a kindly I'vpii-ssimi as ha- ; been conveyed Ly yuti , Dm . Cliaiiiii . iti , finin Ihe britliiiii pus , til OH lllis ucciu-iy'i . Such Uritiii ll . c fuel , 1 inuiit Uke the
Complimentary Masonic Supper To Bro. Walter Bentley.
compliment as one not paid to myself personally , but to thc profession which I represent . As to the path of life which I have chosen , I would take leave to say that thc stage is an honourable profession , and one of which ! feel proud . The drama has an elevating tendency ; it is an edifying power of no mean pretentions , and instead of its being recognised , as it very often is , as being a merevchiele of amusement , it should occupy its legitimate position in
the intellectual world as a grand educational medium , which no doubt it is . ( Loud cheering . ) I feel proud to have my name associated with that of Bro . Henry Irving , even as being the student of the man who has done more than any other dramatic artist living towards elevating thc stage to that proud and dignified position which it is surely entitled to occupy among the many noble institutions of which our country can boast . I do not intend to imitate his gait or
his manner , but I can surely , without being rendered liable to a charge of plagiarism , follow in the steps of a great master , who himself follows , and is a profound exponent of the genuine princijiles of the histrionic art . ( Prolonged cheering . ) As Freemasons I am proud to meet you all , and I much regret that I cannot oftener be with you and visit your lodges " at labour ; " for though I am not what is termed a working Mason , I have the principle of the
Order deeply rooted in my heart . ( Loud applause . ) I leave Belfast in a day or two , and I can assure you I will carry with me the warmest feelings of gratitude for those members of thc Masonic Craft who have so nobly and so unselfishly extended to me the right hand of fraternal friendship . ( Prolonged cheering . ) I thank you deeply for having thus bid mc a kindly God-speeding on my way ( Loud cheering . )
Bro . W . A . CAMPBELL next proposed in eloquent terms thc toast of " The Chairman , Bro . Wm . Rcdfern Kelly . " The toast was received in the most enthusiastic manner , and thc grand honours of Freemasonry werc accorded to Bro . KELLY , who in feeling terms acknowledged the compliment , and expressed the great pleasure which it afforded him to preside on so auspicious an occasion .
During the evening the brethren were entertained with a choice selection of readings and songs from the following brethren : Bros . Walter Bentley , John Mantel ! , II . Joy M'Cracken , W . J . Stokes , Samuel K . Cowan , R . J . Brown , Francis E . Dale , R . J . Howard , R . J . Connor , VV . Chambers , Arthur Beale , and M . Corkin ; and a vcry enjoyable entertainment was brought to a close by the singing of " Auld Lang Sync" and the National Anthem .
The Reasons Why Ladies Have Never Been Made Freemasons.
THE REASONS WHY LADIES HAVE NEVER BEEN MADE FREEMASONS .
Arduous is the task I am now entering upon , and vcry difficult indeed is it to eradicate opinions which have been so strongly impressed upon the people's mind ( and especially those of the fair sex ) for ages past . However , the reasons and arguments that I shall lay down I hope will remove
those grounded ojiinions , and trust will prove highly satisfactory to my fair renders , as I am sure when they consider seriously upon Masonry , and but for a moment reflect that its institution is for the improvement of the mind and morals of mankind , they will allow them to be just . In the first instance , and it must be allowed a truth beyond the iioivcr of contradiction , that no society or body
of men upon earth can venerate , adore , antl esteem thc fair sex more than Freemasons do . We cannot but reckon it a very great misfortune that the ladies should be offended at their non-admission in our Craft , and the more so as they learn with what moderation Freemasons conduct themselves in their assemblies ; but without knowing the reasons why they arc not admitted , some indeed ,
censure us with all the severity their delicate minds arc capable of ; others , again , arc as liberal and unrestrained in jiraise of the society . This , we must beg leave to say , is entirely owing to mistaken prejudice , because a little reflection would convince them that their not being received into our institution is not in the least singular , as some allege , and whom I understand to have said " they stand in the same
predicament with respect to the priesthood antl many other societies , the solemn assemblies of the Ancients , thc senates of Pagan , and the conclaves of Koine , all national senates and ecclesiastical synods , universities , seminaries of learning , " Sic , Sic , with which they might in equal propriety be offended . Others have asserted that thc reason why ladies were
excluded our society was to take away all occasion for calumny and reproach , whicii those shallow geniuses seem to think would have been unavoidable hatl Ihcy been admitted . And , again , that since woman had in general been always considered as not very well qualified to keep a secret , * because the woman of Tamnath , whom Samson took to wife , betrayed the secret of the riddle ivhich he entrusted
her with to the Philistines ; t likewise , because Delilah , after rcjicated stratagems and arts , persuaded Samson to inform her where his great strength lay , whicii he had no sooner done but she betrayed him to the Philistines , who bound him and put out both his eyes . *] : I think it exceedingly unjust to exclude the fair sex from benefiting by our societies on account of Delilah's behaviour , because it is not
known whether she was one of the daughters of Israel or a woman of the Philistines . Sacred history is silent on the subject , and . according to Josephus she was a mercenary woman , and would do anything for money . § My fair readers will please to recollect that in the most early ages of antiquity women ' s minds were not so
enlightened as in the present age ; that they were only considered in the days of King Solomon as handmaids , and not as companions and associates to men , employed in so learned , so useful , and so mysterious a society as Alasonry , as there are many transactions in the Royal Art which are far beyond that knowledge whicii women generally attain . j | At
* Some men , I feel confident , are les * ( pt .-ililltrd to keep secrets than the ladies are here rcjiresentcd to be . t Judges , chapter \\ v . t Judges * , chajiter xvi . ' Josephus , v . 7 , chapter x . II I he most ancient inhabitant ** of the Irastwere little ac . piaintcl with the strongest tiassions of the son ] , 'i hey never showed thc
lea -. 1 III .-III .-I "f alli'i . lion or tenderness fur thai sex so much council bv 1-tei-ni . iMins ol lite jiresi-nl : i |* c . Thev cc , n * idered their wile :-( rind i-ien dual present : i . illief in lire Inrhl nl r , lavi-s I ! 1 . 1 n of companion-.. Thev did n-it evi n siilli-i lliiliilne . il with llicm alwal-, . - n . l h . i . l ii ,-ii | ., d the irrhl "I dn .-o in :-, ll'ivi Millliilll j . eimiliin- tiniiiiliili- A iH , ¦ fit III . III . I ' ' , aerin ; . I lie wonii ti then 1 * 11 llietuuclViD Una lo uKv , and cul'ii-ilUd valkiilly * ' > tficit lute .
The Reasons Why Ladies Have Never Been Made Freemasons.
the first institution of Masonry , it was thought proper to exclude the fair sex , and as old customs are but too seldom laid aside , their expulsion has been handed down to us . And as we are such strict obscrveis of the ancient manners and customs so transmitted to us by our forefathers , these , I hope , will be sufficient reasons why that amiable part of creation has hitherto been excluded .
Many of the fair sex , 1 am truly sensible , would be the greatest ornaments to Masonry , did not our laws and institutions exclude them . However , what I shall now advance will be allowed , especially among- - those of my fair readers who are united in the sacred institution of marriage with Freemasons , who , I flatter myself , are convinced of its truth . And as Freemasons , by thc rules of the Craft , pay
a far greater attention to the moral and social duties of life than the generality of mankind , they are inspired with a far greater desire and reverence for thc most sacred and happy of all institutions—marriage . They of all others best know how to love , to cherish , to value the dear companion of their fortunes , who , by her kind participation and affectionate regard , softens and alleviates every
distress and worldly care , and adds sweetness and comfort to all the pleasures of life . She is the most pleasing companion in the gay and cheerful hour of prosperity , and his chief friend and adviser in the dark and dismal day of adversity . She is the tender and careful preserver of his health , and the ever anxious antl soothing attendant on his sickness . She is the watchful , cautious , and prudent manager of all
his domestic concerns . We do declare there is nothing which affords so pleasing a prospect of human nature as thc contemplation of wisdom , virtue and beauty ; the latter is the peculiar gift of heaven to that sex wc call fair ; but wisdom , virtue and beauty are attributes too celestial to be frequently found united in one form . We too often find beauty capricious ,
self-sufficient , negligent of adorning itself with any other ornaments than such as are conveyed by the hands of fashion and folly . If this most beautiful part of the creation would but for a moment consider how much their charms are heightened and their empire preserved , by an accomplished mind and manners , they would neglect no opportunity of obtaining those more lasting charms , which
will be engraved on the hearts of their husbands when the transient ( lower of life is no more . Whenever a good Mason ' s fancy and judgment has agreed in the choice of a j-artner for life , he will support the authority and dignity of a husband with that wisdom , moderation , tenderness and affection that shall render him honoured and believed ; for the Mason , above all others ,
well knows that if happiness is not found in the narrow circle of his own home it will be sought for in vain ; in short , the fair sex will ever find in a Alason a warm and passionate admirer , a most sincere friend , an affectionate husband and father ; they will ever find a Mason the jirotectorof innocence , and at all times andsituations attentive to every delicacy and decorum they sojusjly claim from all mankind .
I must further add , that in the most solemn and serious moments of tbe assembled Freemasons in ojicn lodge , and at the reception of a brother , the ancient , and even a part of the modern Freemasons , present the newly-initiated brother with two pair of white gloves , one pair for himself , and another for a lady , with a strict charge to jiresent lliem to that female fur whom he has the greatest regard ; and even in our hours of relaxation from labour , when innocent mirth abounds , we never forget Milton ' s words , viz .:
" Grace was in all her stcjis , heaven in her eye , In every gesture dignity and love . " And in another place : "So absolute she seems , And in herself comjiletc , so well to know Her own , that what she wills to do or say , Seems wisest , virtuousest , discrcetest , best ; All higher knowledge ill her presence falls
Degraded : wisdom in discourse with her Loses , discountenanced , and like folly shows ; Authority and reason on her wait , As one intended first , not after made Occasionally ; and to consummate all Greatness of mind and nobleness , tlieir scat lluiltl in her loveliest , and create an awe About her , as a guard angelic jilaced . "
No belter jiroof is required of a Mason ' s admiiation for the fair sex than the Masonic song : " We ' re true and sincere Antl just to the fair , They'll trust us on any occasion ; No mortal can more Thc ladies adore , Than a Free and Accepted Mason . "
A . Masonic writer of reputation observes , that th ough men are more reserved and secret in their friends' concerns than their own , women , on the contrary , keeji their own and friends' secrets better than men . Modesty in . 1 woman surpasses all other virtues ; immodesty , all other vices . Women generally take greater care of their reputation thar . men do of theirs ; why , then , do we count them the
weaker sex ? Hence , virtue makes a beautiful woman ajipearmore beautiful , so beauty makes a virtuous woman really more virtuous . In many countries ladies have been admitted to ' sundry parts of our ceremonies , such as laying the foundation stones of jiublic buildings , jirivate or public orations , at one tif which the ladies in particular were addressed thus by the orator . *
" You have heard , ladies , our grand princijiles explained , with Ihe instructions given to the brethren , and 1 doubt not at other times you have heard many disrespectful things saitl of this society . Envy , malice and uncharitableness will never be at a loss to decry , find fault , and raise objections to what they do not know . With what respect , superior esteem and regard are we to look on every lady
present that has done us the honour of being present on this occasion . To have the sanction of the fair is our highest ambition , as our greatest care will be to pieserve it . The virtues of humanity are peculiar lo your sex ; ami we flatter ourselves the most splendid ball could not afford yon better jileasure than lo see the human heart matle happy , antl tin : Jioor and distressed obtain jiresent relief . "—Bro . / .. A I lav'is in the A ' erstoiie .
* I Iwtn . ts I linn , lie 1 le * . , !•;* .-., I ' K . riiiiUI Giand Mauler for Essex , Wilulitie and Uuutl'diite , l . u l . unl ,
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Complimentary Masonic Supper To Bro. Walter Bentley.
COMPLIMENTARY MASONIC SUPPER TO BRO . WALTER BENTLEY .
On Friday evening , the ifith inst ., the Freemasons of Belfast entertained at a supper , in the Banqueting Chamber , Freemasons' Hall , Arthur-square , Bro . Walter Bentley , the talented young tragedian , who on Saturday night completed a fortnight ' s engagement in the Ulster I lall .
The supper , which was given on the occasion of his benefit , was attended by brethren hailing from the following lodges : The Provincial Grand Lodge of Co . Antrim , Provincial Grand Lodge of Co . Down , and Lodges Nos . 7 , io , 22 , 3 G , 40 , 51 , 59 , 77 , SS , 97 , 98 , 103 , 109 , 111 , 1 iS , 154 , 1 G 0 , 1 S 0 , 195 , 254 , 272 , 372 , and 74 6 , Ireland ; 477 , Dunedin , N . Z ., Scotch Constitution ; and 721 , 12 G 4 , and
1440 , England . Bro . Wm . , Redfern Kelly , G . L . Inst ., P . G . L . Antrim , presided , and grace having been said , the brethren sat down to a sumptuous repast . Supper being over , and the cloth having been removed , Thc CHAIRMAN proposed the three charter toasts of Freemasonry— "The Oueen , " with which was coupled
"The Craft . " 'Ihis toast was most enthusiastically acknowledged , and was followed by that of " The Three Grand Masters—H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , of England ; His Grace thc Duke of Abercorn , of Ireland ; and Sir Michael R . Shaw Stewart , of Scotland . " This toast having been received with the grand honours of Masonry , it was followed by that of " The Provincial Grand Lodge of Co .
Antrim , " coujjled with the name of the Marquis of Donegall , its Grand Master . This toast was also warmly received and duly honoured . A letter of apology from Bro . J . F . Warden was read , in which he expressed the regret he felt at not being able to be present on the occasion , on account of his absence from home . The CHAIRMAN next proceeded to propose the toast of
" The Guest of the Evening , Bro . Walter Bentley , " and , in doing so , referred to the great pleasure it afforded him to be present on the occasion , and to assist in doing honour to a worthy and distinguished brother . In the name of the brethren present lie most cordially welcomed Bro . Bentley , whose advent to Belfast for thc purpose of his present engagement they all so joyfully hailed , and whose
speedy departure they as sincerely regretted . ( Applause ) . Bro . Bentley's visits were like those of the angels , few and far between ; lie , however , hoped that at least once in each year the brethren would have the pleasure of feasting themselves upon the intellectual treats with which he was accustomed to regale them . He ( the Chairman ) referred to the first impression whicii was created upon his mind on
witnessing the inimitable jjcrformance of their guest on the occasion of his appearance in the role ot Clarence , in Bro . Henry Irving ' s representation of "Richard III . " His brilliant , lucid , and refined perception of the character whicii was intended by the writer , and his masterly execution of . the piece , were such as to impress every lover of the stage and every admirer of talent who heard him on
that occasion with the belief that he was destined sooner or later to inscribe his autograph ujion the great scroll of histrionic fame ( applause ) , and certainl y the recent display of his undoubted talents in the production of some of the most dillicult and trying of the immortal Shakespeare's plays before Belfast audiences ( of all others famed ior their keen criticism ) , amply justified the impression first
formed as to his theatrical genius . ( Great ajijilause ) . liro . Bentley had , in common with most other men of genius , to contend with the innumerable obstacles whicii bar their advancement in this world . So far , however , it was gratifying to find that lie had been most successful in surmounting those obstacles one after another . One by one the barriers opjiosed to his progress had fallen beneath
his persevering assaults , and he would , no doubt , yet succeed in jrdacing the ciladel at his feet . ( Ajij ) lause . ) It had been said of Bro . Walter Bentley that he hatl presumed to imitate the celebrated Bro . Henry Irving . Could such imitation be regarded as a crime ? Was there anything condemnatory in the desire of a young and rising actor to follow in the footsteps of a tragedian , so refined , so
accomplished , and so eminent as is liro . Henry Irving . ' Certainly not ; but rather , on the contrary , such an emulation ought to be considered as being laudable and praiseworthy in the extreme ; however , be that as it might , they all felt jiroud of their young brother , and indulged in thc fond hope that ( if spared ) hc would one day occupy as a tragedian a position on the British stage not less exalted than
that now occupied by Bro . Henry Irving or Bro . Barry Sullivan , two of the greatest and most famous tragedians of the present age . ( Prolonged apjilausc . ) liro . Bentley was no stranger amongst those present ; lie was , in fact , personally known to . most of them , and all who knew him ivere proud to bear testimony to his great iicrsonal worth . Wc was a gentleman , not alone by birth ,
breeding , and education , but by thc profession and practice of those exalted principles and virtues , the acquirement of which is essential to all those who would appropriate to themselves the proud title of Freemason . In conclusion , lie wished Bro . Bentley ( he utmost prosperity in the honourable profession whicii he had elected to adopt ; and
whilst expressing regret at his dejiarlnre , he was sure that all present would also rejoice with their brother guest in order to cheer and sujiport hinijon his road to fame . ( Prolonged cheering . ) The toast was received with thc usual Masonic honours amidst the utmost enthusiasm .
Bro . HENTI . EY , who , on rising to respond , was received with loud cheering , said : Bro . Chairman anil brethren , on my arrival in Belfast I was informed of your intended kindness , and I can assure you that I felt vcry deeply the compliment proposed , and was delighted to accejityotir offer to be present at this entertainment . I accept , as a young man beginning his jirofessional career ( as 1 confess
I am ) , such kindness as a sort of " God-speeding " from man to man , and from brother to brother . As one engaged in an arduous profession such as is mine , one which requires immense thought , and the exercise of every effort if success woultl be attained , yon will quite understand how imjiossible it would be fur me lo devote as iniiirh of my time
u : i I r . htjultlfeel inclined to tlo in furthering the best inteiesls of Freemasonry , an Order which I love , ami of which I , and I am sure all of us , feel jiiotid . ( Applause . ) I am not an exalted Ma-. on , anil cannot r , iru what I have done to elicit fniiii you siu . h a kindly I'vpii-ssimi as ha- ; been conveyed Ly yuti , Dm . Cliaiiiii . iti , finin Ihe britliiiii pus , til OH lllis ucciu-iy'i . Such Uritiii ll . c fuel , 1 inuiit Uke the
Complimentary Masonic Supper To Bro. Walter Bentley.
compliment as one not paid to myself personally , but to thc profession which I represent . As to the path of life which I have chosen , I would take leave to say that thc stage is an honourable profession , and one of which ! feel proud . The drama has an elevating tendency ; it is an edifying power of no mean pretentions , and instead of its being recognised , as it very often is , as being a merevchiele of amusement , it should occupy its legitimate position in
the intellectual world as a grand educational medium , which no doubt it is . ( Loud cheering . ) I feel proud to have my name associated with that of Bro . Henry Irving , even as being the student of the man who has done more than any other dramatic artist living towards elevating thc stage to that proud and dignified position which it is surely entitled to occupy among the many noble institutions of which our country can boast . I do not intend to imitate his gait or
his manner , but I can surely , without being rendered liable to a charge of plagiarism , follow in the steps of a great master , who himself follows , and is a profound exponent of the genuine princijiles of the histrionic art . ( Prolonged cheering . ) As Freemasons I am proud to meet you all , and I much regret that I cannot oftener be with you and visit your lodges " at labour ; " for though I am not what is termed a working Mason , I have the principle of the
Order deeply rooted in my heart . ( Loud applause . ) I leave Belfast in a day or two , and I can assure you I will carry with me the warmest feelings of gratitude for those members of thc Masonic Craft who have so nobly and so unselfishly extended to me the right hand of fraternal friendship . ( Prolonged cheering . ) I thank you deeply for having thus bid mc a kindly God-speeding on my way ( Loud cheering . )
Bro . W . A . CAMPBELL next proposed in eloquent terms thc toast of " The Chairman , Bro . Wm . Rcdfern Kelly . " The toast was received in the most enthusiastic manner , and thc grand honours of Freemasonry werc accorded to Bro . KELLY , who in feeling terms acknowledged the compliment , and expressed the great pleasure which it afforded him to preside on so auspicious an occasion .
During the evening the brethren were entertained with a choice selection of readings and songs from the following brethren : Bros . Walter Bentley , John Mantel ! , II . Joy M'Cracken , W . J . Stokes , Samuel K . Cowan , R . J . Brown , Francis E . Dale , R . J . Howard , R . J . Connor , VV . Chambers , Arthur Beale , and M . Corkin ; and a vcry enjoyable entertainment was brought to a close by the singing of " Auld Lang Sync" and the National Anthem .
The Reasons Why Ladies Have Never Been Made Freemasons.
THE REASONS WHY LADIES HAVE NEVER BEEN MADE FREEMASONS .
Arduous is the task I am now entering upon , and vcry difficult indeed is it to eradicate opinions which have been so strongly impressed upon the people's mind ( and especially those of the fair sex ) for ages past . However , the reasons and arguments that I shall lay down I hope will remove
those grounded ojiinions , and trust will prove highly satisfactory to my fair renders , as I am sure when they consider seriously upon Masonry , and but for a moment reflect that its institution is for the improvement of the mind and morals of mankind , they will allow them to be just . In the first instance , and it must be allowed a truth beyond the iioivcr of contradiction , that no society or body
of men upon earth can venerate , adore , antl esteem thc fair sex more than Freemasons do . We cannot but reckon it a very great misfortune that the ladies should be offended at their non-admission in our Craft , and the more so as they learn with what moderation Freemasons conduct themselves in their assemblies ; but without knowing the reasons why they arc not admitted , some indeed ,
censure us with all the severity their delicate minds arc capable of ; others , again , arc as liberal and unrestrained in jiraise of the society . This , we must beg leave to say , is entirely owing to mistaken prejudice , because a little reflection would convince them that their not being received into our institution is not in the least singular , as some allege , and whom I understand to have said " they stand in the same
predicament with respect to the priesthood antl many other societies , the solemn assemblies of the Ancients , thc senates of Pagan , and the conclaves of Koine , all national senates and ecclesiastical synods , universities , seminaries of learning , " Sic , Sic , with which they might in equal propriety be offended . Others have asserted that thc reason why ladies were
excluded our society was to take away all occasion for calumny and reproach , whicii those shallow geniuses seem to think would have been unavoidable hatl Ihcy been admitted . And , again , that since woman had in general been always considered as not very well qualified to keep a secret , * because the woman of Tamnath , whom Samson took to wife , betrayed the secret of the riddle ivhich he entrusted
her with to the Philistines ; t likewise , because Delilah , after rcjicated stratagems and arts , persuaded Samson to inform her where his great strength lay , whicii he had no sooner done but she betrayed him to the Philistines , who bound him and put out both his eyes . *] : I think it exceedingly unjust to exclude the fair sex from benefiting by our societies on account of Delilah's behaviour , because it is not
known whether she was one of the daughters of Israel or a woman of the Philistines . Sacred history is silent on the subject , and . according to Josephus she was a mercenary woman , and would do anything for money . § My fair readers will please to recollect that in the most early ages of antiquity women ' s minds were not so
enlightened as in the present age ; that they were only considered in the days of King Solomon as handmaids , and not as companions and associates to men , employed in so learned , so useful , and so mysterious a society as Alasonry , as there are many transactions in the Royal Art which are far beyond that knowledge whicii women generally attain . j | At
* Some men , I feel confident , are les * ( pt .-ililltrd to keep secrets than the ladies are here rcjiresentcd to be . t Judges , chapter \\ v . t Judges * , chajiter xvi . ' Josephus , v . 7 , chapter x . II I he most ancient inhabitant ** of the Irastwere little ac . piaintcl with the strongest tiassions of the son ] , 'i hey never showed thc
lea -. 1 III .-III .-I "f alli'i . lion or tenderness fur thai sex so much council bv 1-tei-ni . iMins ol lite jiresi-nl : i |* c . Thev cc , n * idered their wile :-( rind i-ien dual present : i . illief in lire Inrhl nl r , lavi-s I ! 1 . 1 n of companion-.. Thev did n-it evi n siilli-i lliiliilne . il with llicm alwal-, . - n . l h . i . l ii ,-ii | ., d the irrhl "I dn .-o in :-, ll'ivi Millliilll j . eimiliin- tiniiiiliili- A iH , ¦ fit III . III . I ' ' , aerin ; . I lie wonii ti then 1 * 11 llietuuclViD Una lo uKv , and cul'ii-ilUd valkiilly * ' > tficit lute .
The Reasons Why Ladies Have Never Been Made Freemasons.
the first institution of Masonry , it was thought proper to exclude the fair sex , and as old customs are but too seldom laid aside , their expulsion has been handed down to us . And as we are such strict obscrveis of the ancient manners and customs so transmitted to us by our forefathers , these , I hope , will be sufficient reasons why that amiable part of creation has hitherto been excluded .
Many of the fair sex , 1 am truly sensible , would be the greatest ornaments to Masonry , did not our laws and institutions exclude them . However , what I shall now advance will be allowed , especially among- - those of my fair readers who are united in the sacred institution of marriage with Freemasons , who , I flatter myself , are convinced of its truth . And as Freemasons , by thc rules of the Craft , pay
a far greater attention to the moral and social duties of life than the generality of mankind , they are inspired with a far greater desire and reverence for thc most sacred and happy of all institutions—marriage . They of all others best know how to love , to cherish , to value the dear companion of their fortunes , who , by her kind participation and affectionate regard , softens and alleviates every
distress and worldly care , and adds sweetness and comfort to all the pleasures of life . She is the most pleasing companion in the gay and cheerful hour of prosperity , and his chief friend and adviser in the dark and dismal day of adversity . She is the tender and careful preserver of his health , and the ever anxious antl soothing attendant on his sickness . She is the watchful , cautious , and prudent manager of all
his domestic concerns . We do declare there is nothing which affords so pleasing a prospect of human nature as thc contemplation of wisdom , virtue and beauty ; the latter is the peculiar gift of heaven to that sex wc call fair ; but wisdom , virtue and beauty are attributes too celestial to be frequently found united in one form . We too often find beauty capricious ,
self-sufficient , negligent of adorning itself with any other ornaments than such as are conveyed by the hands of fashion and folly . If this most beautiful part of the creation would but for a moment consider how much their charms are heightened and their empire preserved , by an accomplished mind and manners , they would neglect no opportunity of obtaining those more lasting charms , which
will be engraved on the hearts of their husbands when the transient ( lower of life is no more . Whenever a good Mason ' s fancy and judgment has agreed in the choice of a j-artner for life , he will support the authority and dignity of a husband with that wisdom , moderation , tenderness and affection that shall render him honoured and believed ; for the Mason , above all others ,
well knows that if happiness is not found in the narrow circle of his own home it will be sought for in vain ; in short , the fair sex will ever find in a Alason a warm and passionate admirer , a most sincere friend , an affectionate husband and father ; they will ever find a Mason the jirotectorof innocence , and at all times andsituations attentive to every delicacy and decorum they sojusjly claim from all mankind .
I must further add , that in the most solemn and serious moments of tbe assembled Freemasons in ojicn lodge , and at the reception of a brother , the ancient , and even a part of the modern Freemasons , present the newly-initiated brother with two pair of white gloves , one pair for himself , and another for a lady , with a strict charge to jiresent lliem to that female fur whom he has the greatest regard ; and even in our hours of relaxation from labour , when innocent mirth abounds , we never forget Milton ' s words , viz .:
" Grace was in all her stcjis , heaven in her eye , In every gesture dignity and love . " And in another place : "So absolute she seems , And in herself comjiletc , so well to know Her own , that what she wills to do or say , Seems wisest , virtuousest , discrcetest , best ; All higher knowledge ill her presence falls
Degraded : wisdom in discourse with her Loses , discountenanced , and like folly shows ; Authority and reason on her wait , As one intended first , not after made Occasionally ; and to consummate all Greatness of mind and nobleness , tlieir scat lluiltl in her loveliest , and create an awe About her , as a guard angelic jilaced . "
No belter jiroof is required of a Mason ' s admiiation for the fair sex than the Masonic song : " We ' re true and sincere Antl just to the fair , They'll trust us on any occasion ; No mortal can more Thc ladies adore , Than a Free and Accepted Mason . "
A . Masonic writer of reputation observes , that th ough men are more reserved and secret in their friends' concerns than their own , women , on the contrary , keeji their own and friends' secrets better than men . Modesty in . 1 woman surpasses all other virtues ; immodesty , all other vices . Women generally take greater care of their reputation thar . men do of theirs ; why , then , do we count them the
weaker sex ? Hence , virtue makes a beautiful woman ajipearmore beautiful , so beauty makes a virtuous woman really more virtuous . In many countries ladies have been admitted to ' sundry parts of our ceremonies , such as laying the foundation stones of jiublic buildings , jirivate or public orations , at one tif which the ladies in particular were addressed thus by the orator . *
" You have heard , ladies , our grand princijiles explained , with Ihe instructions given to the brethren , and 1 doubt not at other times you have heard many disrespectful things saitl of this society . Envy , malice and uncharitableness will never be at a loss to decry , find fault , and raise objections to what they do not know . With what respect , superior esteem and regard are we to look on every lady
present that has done us the honour of being present on this occasion . To have the sanction of the fair is our highest ambition , as our greatest care will be to pieserve it . The virtues of humanity are peculiar lo your sex ; ami we flatter ourselves the most splendid ball could not afford yon better jileasure than lo see the human heart matle happy , antl tin : Jioor and distressed obtain jiresent relief . "—Bro . / .. A I lav'is in the A ' erstoiie .
* I Iwtn . ts I linn , lie 1 le * . , !•;* .-., I ' K . riiiiUI Giand Mauler for Essex , Wilulitie and Uuutl'diite , l . u l . unl ,