Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Lodge Of Perseverance, No. 1743.
brotherly good will , and however great or small our own abilities may le , we should always remember that a cup of cold water , lhe humblest mite of true charity given in thc name and with the heart of a brother , shall in no wise be forgotten or blotted out of the Great Book cf God ' s remembrance . " Thus you sec , V . W . sir and brother , that these two great principles of our Masonic profession and
practice , ( cf course not cur only ones ) , must rest on some sacred authority , net merely human but God's and that authority is the Holy Bock of divine Law , happily fcr us in England , ever open in our lodges . It is the one sure foundation on which our whole Masonic edifice so peacefully rests . It animates , it inspires , every prayer we effer , every dectrine
we avow , every principle we profess , and every action we perform . It is thc source and the inspiration of all our Masonic existence , it alike directs , penades , and ennobles our whole Masonic theory , and our entire Masonic practice . Without Gcd ' s wor . l no true or binding morality can be proclaimed to man , because , all human morality is alike ephemeral and uncertain , shifting and erratic ,
because purely human , it resembles in eveiythir . g the weakness , the inconstancy , thc frivolity , thc mortality of man . To proclaim morality without the Bible , is as if we were to seek to steer a ship without a compass , or to set a mighty piece of machinery at werk , without a directing , controlling and sovereign power , without which ere long that mt chine must come to a stop , or fall to pieces and
crush all things within its range . As far as wc are concerned in Eng ' and , I make bold to say no profane hand shall ever remove our bibles from our lodger , because we find in them the very authority , reality , and soundness of our Mascnic morality , because God's holy and inspired word is thc best of counsellors , the safest of guides , and the most consoling ef friends to weak , and suffering , and
dying men . If in other jurisdictions unhappily thc Word of God has disappeared , as the great light of true Masonry , we do mat at all we nder at that dimness which now obscures their Masonic profession , according to our views , or at that daikncss which seems now overclouding their whole Masonic life . And wc also venture to assert , and in this I knew yon will agree with mc , V . W . sir , that the first
step needful to bring back other jurisdictions to the great universal family ef Freemasonry , to heal existing dissensions , and to prevent a lasting schism , is there-integration and thc restoration of thc Bible in these lodges , from which it has been most unwisely and irreligiously banished . Then wc might faiily hepe for peace for our universal family , and Freemasonry might seriously pursue its goodly
and gracious mission among men , inculcating mutual forbearance and tele-ration , proclaiming hatred of persecution , liberty tf conscience , loyalty to the throne and sympathy for thc people , reverence of God and love for man ! It is a matter of great rejoicing to us tc-day to see you , Very Worshipful Sir , with your wonted skill , urbanity , and courtesy to all , in the name of our Royal Grand
Master , consecrating another goodly lodge to the honour of God and the welfare of our ancient and accepted brotherhood . Wc thank you , Sir , for that admirable spirit of .-esthetic elegance and carefulness which you have thrown round those venerated ceremonies of ours , and wc tiust that this auspicious commencement of new Masonic work may result in the erection of a truly ¦
Masonic building amongst us , " perfect in all its arts , and honourable to the builders . " May all of prosperity attend thc new Lodge of Perseverance , and may it worthily take its rank on the lengthening roll of English ledges . May ils members tvir remember this day , and zealously strive to do good " ashlar work" for Masonry and for Charity in their time and generation , to uphold the reputation of the Lodge of Perseverance and maintain the prestige of
the Grand Lodge of England . In the words cf a Masonic pott , with which , if slightly adapted , I will close this imperfect oration , I beg to end my agreeable duty , and to com im iid in all honest carnrslness and sincerity that useful brotherhood to which it is our piide and privilege to belong , alike to thc matured intelligence of the old Mason and thc warm and zealous attachment of thc young Mason .
Securely in thc Lodge without alloy We raise a Structure and thc mind employ , As o ' er thc universe Freemasonry extends , The voice of Truth in majesty attends . On that foundation we in safety build ; Through that fair medium our doctrines arc instilled , Here honest friendship rising from its scat ,
Bids peevish envy to its cave retreat , Here virtue lifts on high her gentle voice , Bidding true men and Masons all rejoice , Impelling vice , in every subtle shade , To quit her presence , nor dare her ranks invade . Here wisdom ' s utterance is gladly heard , Hcr ' s is the gentle and the monitory word . And thus she speaks to Masons in good will ,
And these her words—Oh ! listen to them still . " True to your trust be not unwisely gay , Nor carelessly your solemn vows betray : Be just and faithful , honest and sincere , Delight in virtue , and your God revere ; The world , convinced by honour's measured line , That all the virtues round your hearts entwine * , Will bright encomiums to your Order pay , And bless the light of our Masonic day . "
In the old formula of our ritual , V . W . Sir and brethren , let us say with one voice " So mote it be !" The above oration was very attentively listened to , and was loudly applauded on lhe rev . brother resuming his scat . The usual programme was afterwards gone through , the ceremony being splendidly accompanied by the musical brethren , Bros . T . W . Simons , F . H . Cozens , and Albeit Hubbard . The lodge having been formally consecrated
Consecration Of The Lodge Of Perseverance, No. 1743.
and dedicated to Freemasonry , Bro . Terry , presented to Bro . Hervey Bro . Louis A . Leins for installation . Bro . Hervey theicupon installed Bro . Leins as VV . M ., who afterwards invested as his officers , Bros . A . Baker , S . W . ; F . Kearney , J . W . ; J . L . Mather , Treas . ; W . H . Mollindinia , Sec ; E . Marlet , S . D . ; J . B . IS . Wall , J . D . ; Sparrow , I . G . ; C . Daniel , D . C . ; Robinson , Asst . D . C . ; Mellison ,
W . S . ; and Rccd , Asst . W . S . Bro . Hervey afterwards delivered the addresses to the W . M ., and Bro . James Terry the addresses to the Wardens and brethren . A vote of thanks was afterwards passed to the Consecrating Officers , and they were elected honorary niembets of the lodge . Bro . Hervey , on behalf of himself , Bro . Woodfcrd ,
Bro . Buss , and Bro . Terry , acknowledged the compliment , and expressed his hearty wishes that the lodge might long remain en the roll and confer honour on the Craft . The brethren immediately after closed lodge , and repaired fo the elining rccm , where a choice banquet was provided ^ , for their ertertainment . When this had been partaken cf , grace ( " Non Nobis " ) was sung by thc
musie * al biethren , aad the W . M . proceeded with thc toasts . " The Queen and the Craft , " and " The M . W . G . M ., " having been duly honoured , lhe W . M . proposed "The Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master and thc Rest of the Grand Officers . " Bro . the Rtv . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C , in reply said , you have done me , \ V . Sir , the honour to associate my
name with the least , and I feel it a great privilege , I assure you , to be peimilled to rise on the present occasion to return thanks on behalf of the present and past Grand Officers . The Grand Officers of England next to thc confidence of the Giand Master who selects from time to time Irethren from the Order to take thc highest places in Giand Ledge , always desire to earn the good opinion
of the Craft ; and I think I am justified in saying this , that under all circumstances , in lodge and out oi lodge , the present and past Grand Officers of England have always deserved the esteem tf their Grand Master , and thc hcaity consideration ( cheers ) and fraternal love of their brethren . It has struck me during the very interesting proceedings of to-day , and has ofien struck me before ,
what a remarkable thing Free-mast nry is ! Perhaps nor e of us in our various stations in life who have travelled through thc world at large , have ever heard ef or feund such a useful antl such an excellent society , or a sodality which has such claims on the affections of ils members , or on the respect and goodwill of mankind . Here is a society composed tf men of different creeds , different
denominations , diffiuent professions , different walks of life , different nationalities , different colours , all uniting together in thc one grand design ef reverence for God and love for man . Whatever differences there may le amongst brethren its members in their every day life Freemasonry makes them one in heart and feeling . Within the ledge the voice of controversy is . hushed , and the angry .
passions are still . And I venture to say—and I say it especially in the interest of our younger brethren—that go where you will , north , south , east or west , you cannot find a society which so commends itself in this present time to the love of the thoughtful and the respect of the intelligent . ( Cheers . ) Freemasonry has long teen a beacon light in the world , and long may it
be a rallying point for us all . ( Cheers . ) Long may it proclaim liberty of conscience , long may it proclaim the sacred right of every human being on this our earth to worship God in his own fashion . ( Cheers ) . You , Bro . Hervey , said in those admirable remarks , with whicb you operetl the proceedings to-day that if the measures taken in other jurisdictions arc to be followed out , Freemasonry
may become a benefit order , it may become a friendly association , but it will cease to be Freemasonry . ( Cheers . ) I am quite sure , W . Sir , that in entire agreement with that statement will be found to be the fee-ling of the great body of English Freemasons . English Freemasonry has always been distinguished not only for its humanitarian , not only for its cosmopolitan , but also for its religious
character . It not only opens its loelges with an expression cf reverence for the G . A . O . T . U ., but it shows that there is not a moment of its work , net a ceremony of its ritual , which is not better for being hallowed by Masonic prayer . If for one moment wc stir from that position , wc shall not only drift into a mere ephemeral benefit order , but we shall cease to maintain our prestige in the world , our usefulness and
our value will have passed away . It is our duty as English Freemasons , then , while we consider it not to be our right to interfere with any man ' s creed , to welcome all good men into the lodge , and so long as he acknowledges a reverence for the G . A . O . T . U . we shall adhere to our present formula ; . And , therefore . I beg to repeat that if we ever depart fiom that combined c . isrnopolitan and yet
religious character which has made Freemasonry admired among the brotherhood and respected among men , we may be sure that we are departing altogether from that which constitutes the value of our mission and our true work in the woild . ( Cheers . ) I might go on at a greater length to comment on the value of Freemasonry , but to you , Sir , who have often presided over a lodge , I know it
is perfectly needless . I would merely say in conclusion , as I sit down , to use the language of the motto to be found in the great and mighty cathedral under whose shadow we are , in reference to its builder , who was a great Fro-cmason , " Si monumentum qu-eris , circumspice . " If any man asks what is Freemasonry ? and what Freemasonry docs ? I would simply say it clothes , cares for , and
educates the orphan young , it assists the aged , it soothes the voice of anguish , and helps infirmity , and causes the w idow ' s heart to sing for joy . It proclaims before man a firm adherence , an unchanging belief in the great God of heaven and earth , and we couple with that unchanging belief , hearty goodwill , tenderness , sympathy , and compassion for every brother , nay , for every mortal of the dust . ( Loud cheers . )
Consecration Of The Lodge Of Perseverance, No. 1743.
Bro . Hervey , Grand Sccrctaiy , in proposing "The Health of the W . M . and Prosperity to the Lodge of Perseverance , " said he trusted the brethren would tolerate him for a very few moments . It had been a very great gratification to him to be present that evening among the brethren . He had attended at the instance of the W . M . to consectate the lodge , and although he felt that
there were men in London who could have performed the ceremo . iy better than he had , and notably , onc brother on his right ( Bro . Terry ) , yet he felt it a great compliment to be asked to perform the ceremony of consecrating the lodge of Perseverance . He felt it to be a great compliment because the W . M . put it to him in a way which he could not understand , and he would like him to instal him in
the chair once more . It had happened to him to instal Bro . Leins before , and like all modest people he ( Bro . Hervey ) probably had a few deprecatory doubts as to undertaking the task ; but finally Bro . Leins otercame his medesty , and hence his attendance . Now , his great gratification was based on the fact that hc had placed at the head of the brethren a brother who would do them justice ,
and that he thought was the greatest tower of gratification a Corse-crating Officer could have . He was convinced that the W . M . would do them justice , and placing such a brother over a new lodge gave an additional pleasure to adding one more link to the long chain of Masonic lodges . He was convinced that this new link would not soon rust away . They had descanted a good deal that night upon
one phase and another of Freemasony , and after the excellent speech which had just been delivered by Bro . Woodfcrd , he felt he was out of order in addressing the brethren at length : but he felt that the feelings of the W . M . were so much his own . on one or two points which hc was going to mention , that he would not make any apology for dilating upon them . From what he understood from
the W . M . and the Treasurer , it was the brethren ' s wish not to make the lodge a large lodge , but rather to make it one where thc brethren might meet those whom they would wish to meet , and where they would find no sort of difference or disagreement , where they would enjoy a quiet evening , and then go away feeling that all those whom they had met were true and sincere friends , not only Masons
in name , but brothers in reality . ( Cheers ) . This being the ' bjcet oi the W . M . and the brethren it was one to be highly commended . He advised brethren not to go for numbers , not to take into their lodge those whom they did net know , and did not feel would do them justice while they were in the lodge . Let them not take them for the sake of their fee , but for the sake of themselves . Look to
their characters and enquire what they were in private life , anil if they were good men and true in private life , if they were good fathers , husbands , brothers , or sons , then they might entrust them with the Masonic grip , and feel assuicel that those men would not do them injustice and would come in as the W . M . wished , as good men and true . ( Cheers ) .
The W . M . in reply said that Bro . Hervey had represented himself as under an obligation to him for asking him to perform the ceremony of the evening but the obligation was really the other way . He had applied to Bro . Hervey to consecrate the lodge and moreover to do him the high honour of installing him as W . M ., very likely forth ; last linn * . He ( the W . M . ) had gained his point , getting into
lhe chair of W . M ., and all brethren should try to gain that point before going to the Grand Lodge above . He ( the VV . M ., ) most heaitily thanked Bro . Hervey for having done him the honour to install him , and he could assure Bro . Hervey that it would never be effaced from his memory . He trusted that God would spare Bro . Hervey for many more tears and that the brethren might have the pleasure
and honour of seeing him on many future occasions . Thc W . M . having given the toast of " The Consecrating officer . " Bro . Hervey made a very short reply on the ground that the brethren had heard him a great many times that evening . The VV . M . then gave " The Assistant Consecrating
Officers , " and informed Bro . Etlgar Bowyer tbat though he was not elected an honorary member that evening it was an oversight which would be remedied , and he hoped Bro . Bowyer would not feel himself slighted . The W . M . then thanked all the brethren who assisted in the consecration , and assured Bro . Woodford that if he would take a quiet hint and act as Chaplain at the lodge meetings it would
be exceedingly gratifying to all the brethren . Bro . t ' ue Rev . A . F . A . Woodford in reply said if the Grand Secretary had proclaimed himself a trespasser he was afraid the brethren must by this time be sick of hearing his voice . He hoped none of the brethren were in the position of a wicked old married man , who when a friend said " your wife is in a state of coma : had not you better run for a
doctor ; " said "No , I don't often get thc chance . " He hoped the brethren would not , to use a common phrase , ha \ ing heard him so often iluring the day , tell the Past Grand Chaplain to " shut up . " He had said so much that evening that though he had said it with all sincerity he did not think it became him to trespass any longer on the brethren ' s time . He should be very happy , whenever
numerous other employments permitted him to come to the lodge and act as Chaplain , as requested by the W . M . Bro . Wootlford then referred in most complimentary terms lo Bros . Buss , Terry , and Bro . Bowyer , and left the further reply to the toasts in their hands . Bro . Buss , Assist . G . Secretary , who was also called on for a re-ply , in the course of doing so , said , he knew the
brethren so well who were connected with the lodge , that he felt it had in it thc ingredients which would make it an honour to the order . RIany observations had been made during the evening , and for some time past with regard to the action taken by the Grand Orient of France , and these observations must have convinced the brethren that Masonry was entertaining , and bringing to bear those grand questions which must bring their institutions to support the
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Lodge Of Perseverance, No. 1743.
brotherly good will , and however great or small our own abilities may le , we should always remember that a cup of cold water , lhe humblest mite of true charity given in thc name and with the heart of a brother , shall in no wise be forgotten or blotted out of the Great Book cf God ' s remembrance . " Thus you sec , V . W . sir and brother , that these two great principles of our Masonic profession and
practice , ( cf course not cur only ones ) , must rest on some sacred authority , net merely human but God's and that authority is the Holy Bock of divine Law , happily fcr us in England , ever open in our lodges . It is the one sure foundation on which our whole Masonic edifice so peacefully rests . It animates , it inspires , every prayer we effer , every dectrine
we avow , every principle we profess , and every action we perform . It is thc source and the inspiration of all our Masonic existence , it alike directs , penades , and ennobles our whole Masonic theory , and our entire Masonic practice . Without Gcd ' s wor . l no true or binding morality can be proclaimed to man , because , all human morality is alike ephemeral and uncertain , shifting and erratic ,
because purely human , it resembles in eveiythir . g the weakness , the inconstancy , thc frivolity , thc mortality of man . To proclaim morality without the Bible , is as if we were to seek to steer a ship without a compass , or to set a mighty piece of machinery at werk , without a directing , controlling and sovereign power , without which ere long that mt chine must come to a stop , or fall to pieces and
crush all things within its range . As far as wc are concerned in Eng ' and , I make bold to say no profane hand shall ever remove our bibles from our lodger , because we find in them the very authority , reality , and soundness of our Mascnic morality , because God's holy and inspired word is thc best of counsellors , the safest of guides , and the most consoling ef friends to weak , and suffering , and
dying men . If in other jurisdictions unhappily thc Word of God has disappeared , as the great light of true Masonry , we do mat at all we nder at that dimness which now obscures their Masonic profession , according to our views , or at that daikncss which seems now overclouding their whole Masonic life . And wc also venture to assert , and in this I knew yon will agree with mc , V . W . sir , that the first
step needful to bring back other jurisdictions to the great universal family ef Freemasonry , to heal existing dissensions , and to prevent a lasting schism , is there-integration and thc restoration of thc Bible in these lodges , from which it has been most unwisely and irreligiously banished . Then wc might faiily hepe for peace for our universal family , and Freemasonry might seriously pursue its goodly
and gracious mission among men , inculcating mutual forbearance and tele-ration , proclaiming hatred of persecution , liberty tf conscience , loyalty to the throne and sympathy for thc people , reverence of God and love for man ! It is a matter of great rejoicing to us tc-day to see you , Very Worshipful Sir , with your wonted skill , urbanity , and courtesy to all , in the name of our Royal Grand
Master , consecrating another goodly lodge to the honour of God and the welfare of our ancient and accepted brotherhood . Wc thank you , Sir , for that admirable spirit of .-esthetic elegance and carefulness which you have thrown round those venerated ceremonies of ours , and wc tiust that this auspicious commencement of new Masonic work may result in the erection of a truly ¦
Masonic building amongst us , " perfect in all its arts , and honourable to the builders . " May all of prosperity attend thc new Lodge of Perseverance , and may it worthily take its rank on the lengthening roll of English ledges . May ils members tvir remember this day , and zealously strive to do good " ashlar work" for Masonry and for Charity in their time and generation , to uphold the reputation of the Lodge of Perseverance and maintain the prestige of
the Grand Lodge of England . In the words cf a Masonic pott , with which , if slightly adapted , I will close this imperfect oration , I beg to end my agreeable duty , and to com im iid in all honest carnrslness and sincerity that useful brotherhood to which it is our piide and privilege to belong , alike to thc matured intelligence of the old Mason and thc warm and zealous attachment of thc young Mason .
Securely in thc Lodge without alloy We raise a Structure and thc mind employ , As o ' er thc universe Freemasonry extends , The voice of Truth in majesty attends . On that foundation we in safety build ; Through that fair medium our doctrines arc instilled , Here honest friendship rising from its scat ,
Bids peevish envy to its cave retreat , Here virtue lifts on high her gentle voice , Bidding true men and Masons all rejoice , Impelling vice , in every subtle shade , To quit her presence , nor dare her ranks invade . Here wisdom ' s utterance is gladly heard , Hcr ' s is the gentle and the monitory word . And thus she speaks to Masons in good will ,
And these her words—Oh ! listen to them still . " True to your trust be not unwisely gay , Nor carelessly your solemn vows betray : Be just and faithful , honest and sincere , Delight in virtue , and your God revere ; The world , convinced by honour's measured line , That all the virtues round your hearts entwine * , Will bright encomiums to your Order pay , And bless the light of our Masonic day . "
In the old formula of our ritual , V . W . Sir and brethren , let us say with one voice " So mote it be !" The above oration was very attentively listened to , and was loudly applauded on lhe rev . brother resuming his scat . The usual programme was afterwards gone through , the ceremony being splendidly accompanied by the musical brethren , Bros . T . W . Simons , F . H . Cozens , and Albeit Hubbard . The lodge having been formally consecrated
Consecration Of The Lodge Of Perseverance, No. 1743.
and dedicated to Freemasonry , Bro . Terry , presented to Bro . Hervey Bro . Louis A . Leins for installation . Bro . Hervey theicupon installed Bro . Leins as VV . M ., who afterwards invested as his officers , Bros . A . Baker , S . W . ; F . Kearney , J . W . ; J . L . Mather , Treas . ; W . H . Mollindinia , Sec ; E . Marlet , S . D . ; J . B . IS . Wall , J . D . ; Sparrow , I . G . ; C . Daniel , D . C . ; Robinson , Asst . D . C . ; Mellison ,
W . S . ; and Rccd , Asst . W . S . Bro . Hervey afterwards delivered the addresses to the W . M ., and Bro . James Terry the addresses to the Wardens and brethren . A vote of thanks was afterwards passed to the Consecrating Officers , and they were elected honorary niembets of the lodge . Bro . Hervey , on behalf of himself , Bro . Woodfcrd ,
Bro . Buss , and Bro . Terry , acknowledged the compliment , and expressed his hearty wishes that the lodge might long remain en the roll and confer honour on the Craft . The brethren immediately after closed lodge , and repaired fo the elining rccm , where a choice banquet was provided ^ , for their ertertainment . When this had been partaken cf , grace ( " Non Nobis " ) was sung by thc
musie * al biethren , aad the W . M . proceeded with thc toasts . " The Queen and the Craft , " and " The M . W . G . M ., " having been duly honoured , lhe W . M . proposed "The Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master and thc Rest of the Grand Officers . " Bro . the Rtv . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C , in reply said , you have done me , \ V . Sir , the honour to associate my
name with the least , and I feel it a great privilege , I assure you , to be peimilled to rise on the present occasion to return thanks on behalf of the present and past Grand Officers . The Grand Officers of England next to thc confidence of the Giand Master who selects from time to time Irethren from the Order to take thc highest places in Giand Ledge , always desire to earn the good opinion
of the Craft ; and I think I am justified in saying this , that under all circumstances , in lodge and out oi lodge , the present and past Grand Officers of England have always deserved the esteem tf their Grand Master , and thc hcaity consideration ( cheers ) and fraternal love of their brethren . It has struck me during the very interesting proceedings of to-day , and has ofien struck me before ,
what a remarkable thing Free-mast nry is ! Perhaps nor e of us in our various stations in life who have travelled through thc world at large , have ever heard ef or feund such a useful antl such an excellent society , or a sodality which has such claims on the affections of ils members , or on the respect and goodwill of mankind . Here is a society composed tf men of different creeds , different
denominations , diffiuent professions , different walks of life , different nationalities , different colours , all uniting together in thc one grand design ef reverence for God and love for man . Whatever differences there may le amongst brethren its members in their every day life Freemasonry makes them one in heart and feeling . Within the ledge the voice of controversy is . hushed , and the angry .
passions are still . And I venture to say—and I say it especially in the interest of our younger brethren—that go where you will , north , south , east or west , you cannot find a society which so commends itself in this present time to the love of the thoughtful and the respect of the intelligent . ( Cheers . ) Freemasonry has long teen a beacon light in the world , and long may it
be a rallying point for us all . ( Cheers . ) Long may it proclaim liberty of conscience , long may it proclaim the sacred right of every human being on this our earth to worship God in his own fashion . ( Cheers ) . You , Bro . Hervey , said in those admirable remarks , with whicb you operetl the proceedings to-day that if the measures taken in other jurisdictions arc to be followed out , Freemasonry
may become a benefit order , it may become a friendly association , but it will cease to be Freemasonry . ( Cheers . ) I am quite sure , W . Sir , that in entire agreement with that statement will be found to be the fee-ling of the great body of English Freemasons . English Freemasonry has always been distinguished not only for its humanitarian , not only for its cosmopolitan , but also for its religious
character . It not only opens its loelges with an expression cf reverence for the G . A . O . T . U ., but it shows that there is not a moment of its work , net a ceremony of its ritual , which is not better for being hallowed by Masonic prayer . If for one moment wc stir from that position , wc shall not only drift into a mere ephemeral benefit order , but we shall cease to maintain our prestige in the world , our usefulness and
our value will have passed away . It is our duty as English Freemasons , then , while we consider it not to be our right to interfere with any man ' s creed , to welcome all good men into the lodge , and so long as he acknowledges a reverence for the G . A . O . T . U . we shall adhere to our present formula ; . And , therefore . I beg to repeat that if we ever depart fiom that combined c . isrnopolitan and yet
religious character which has made Freemasonry admired among the brotherhood and respected among men , we may be sure that we are departing altogether from that which constitutes the value of our mission and our true work in the woild . ( Cheers . ) I might go on at a greater length to comment on the value of Freemasonry , but to you , Sir , who have often presided over a lodge , I know it
is perfectly needless . I would merely say in conclusion , as I sit down , to use the language of the motto to be found in the great and mighty cathedral under whose shadow we are , in reference to its builder , who was a great Fro-cmason , " Si monumentum qu-eris , circumspice . " If any man asks what is Freemasonry ? and what Freemasonry docs ? I would simply say it clothes , cares for , and
educates the orphan young , it assists the aged , it soothes the voice of anguish , and helps infirmity , and causes the w idow ' s heart to sing for joy . It proclaims before man a firm adherence , an unchanging belief in the great God of heaven and earth , and we couple with that unchanging belief , hearty goodwill , tenderness , sympathy , and compassion for every brother , nay , for every mortal of the dust . ( Loud cheers . )
Consecration Of The Lodge Of Perseverance, No. 1743.
Bro . Hervey , Grand Sccrctaiy , in proposing "The Health of the W . M . and Prosperity to the Lodge of Perseverance , " said he trusted the brethren would tolerate him for a very few moments . It had been a very great gratification to him to be present that evening among the brethren . He had attended at the instance of the W . M . to consectate the lodge , and although he felt that
there were men in London who could have performed the ceremo . iy better than he had , and notably , onc brother on his right ( Bro . Terry ) , yet he felt it a great compliment to be asked to perform the ceremony of consecrating the lodge of Perseverance . He felt it to be a great compliment because the W . M . put it to him in a way which he could not understand , and he would like him to instal him in
the chair once more . It had happened to him to instal Bro . Leins before , and like all modest people he ( Bro . Hervey ) probably had a few deprecatory doubts as to undertaking the task ; but finally Bro . Leins otercame his medesty , and hence his attendance . Now , his great gratification was based on the fact that hc had placed at the head of the brethren a brother who would do them justice ,
and that he thought was the greatest tower of gratification a Corse-crating Officer could have . He was convinced that the W . M . would do them justice , and placing such a brother over a new lodge gave an additional pleasure to adding one more link to the long chain of Masonic lodges . He was convinced that this new link would not soon rust away . They had descanted a good deal that night upon
one phase and another of Freemasony , and after the excellent speech which had just been delivered by Bro . Woodfcrd , he felt he was out of order in addressing the brethren at length : but he felt that the feelings of the W . M . were so much his own . on one or two points which hc was going to mention , that he would not make any apology for dilating upon them . From what he understood from
the W . M . and the Treasurer , it was the brethren ' s wish not to make the lodge a large lodge , but rather to make it one where thc brethren might meet those whom they would wish to meet , and where they would find no sort of difference or disagreement , where they would enjoy a quiet evening , and then go away feeling that all those whom they had met were true and sincere friends , not only Masons
in name , but brothers in reality . ( Cheers ) . This being the ' bjcet oi the W . M . and the brethren it was one to be highly commended . He advised brethren not to go for numbers , not to take into their lodge those whom they did net know , and did not feel would do them justice while they were in the lodge . Let them not take them for the sake of their fee , but for the sake of themselves . Look to
their characters and enquire what they were in private life , anil if they were good men and true in private life , if they were good fathers , husbands , brothers , or sons , then they might entrust them with the Masonic grip , and feel assuicel that those men would not do them injustice and would come in as the W . M . wished , as good men and true . ( Cheers ) .
The W . M . in reply said that Bro . Hervey had represented himself as under an obligation to him for asking him to perform the ceremony of the evening but the obligation was really the other way . He had applied to Bro . Hervey to consecrate the lodge and moreover to do him the high honour of installing him as W . M ., very likely forth ; last linn * . He ( the W . M . ) had gained his point , getting into
lhe chair of W . M ., and all brethren should try to gain that point before going to the Grand Lodge above . He ( the VV . M ., ) most heaitily thanked Bro . Hervey for having done him the honour to install him , and he could assure Bro . Hervey that it would never be effaced from his memory . He trusted that God would spare Bro . Hervey for many more tears and that the brethren might have the pleasure
and honour of seeing him on many future occasions . Thc W . M . having given the toast of " The Consecrating officer . " Bro . Hervey made a very short reply on the ground that the brethren had heard him a great many times that evening . The VV . M . then gave " The Assistant Consecrating
Officers , " and informed Bro . Etlgar Bowyer tbat though he was not elected an honorary member that evening it was an oversight which would be remedied , and he hoped Bro . Bowyer would not feel himself slighted . The W . M . then thanked all the brethren who assisted in the consecration , and assured Bro . Woodford that if he would take a quiet hint and act as Chaplain at the lodge meetings it would
be exceedingly gratifying to all the brethren . Bro . t ' ue Rev . A . F . A . Woodford in reply said if the Grand Secretary had proclaimed himself a trespasser he was afraid the brethren must by this time be sick of hearing his voice . He hoped none of the brethren were in the position of a wicked old married man , who when a friend said " your wife is in a state of coma : had not you better run for a
doctor ; " said "No , I don't often get thc chance . " He hoped the brethren would not , to use a common phrase , ha \ ing heard him so often iluring the day , tell the Past Grand Chaplain to " shut up . " He had said so much that evening that though he had said it with all sincerity he did not think it became him to trespass any longer on the brethren ' s time . He should be very happy , whenever
numerous other employments permitted him to come to the lodge and act as Chaplain , as requested by the W . M . Bro . Wootlford then referred in most complimentary terms lo Bros . Buss , Terry , and Bro . Bowyer , and left the further reply to the toasts in their hands . Bro . Buss , Assist . G . Secretary , who was also called on for a re-ply , in the course of doing so , said , he knew the
brethren so well who were connected with the lodge , that he felt it had in it thc ingredients which would make it an honour to the order . RIany observations had been made during the evening , and for some time past with regard to the action taken by the Grand Orient of France , and these observations must have convinced the brethren that Masonry was entertaining , and bringing to bear those grand questions which must bring their institutions to support the