Untitled Article

mind and heart of man were fully and truly imbued with the real feelings and principles of Masonry , it was that of his royal highness . And I do consider it the most honourable , important , and gratifying circumstance of my life , to have enjoyed the confidence and friendship of that illustrious man . It would neither be suitable nor convenient , on the present occasion , to enter into any details of the history of Masonry , during the last thirty years , in this Province ; but for their result , I would say to the Brethren present , and to the visitors this evening ,

" Look around you . " To the Brethren from other Provinces I would say , " Visit our Lodges ; you will be received with kindness and hospitality , and may judge for yourselves of the manner in which they are conducted . " But I would say more than that , Brethren ; I would caution visitors that we do not confine ourselves to the more strict performance of the rites and ceremonies of our ancient Order ; no , we aim at something higher , and are anxious to instil into the members of the

Craft , those high principles and rules which are calculated to exalt the character of man . I remember a Prench precept , which I hold to possess particular aptitude , conciseness , and meaning , with reference to my noble friend on the left ( the noble chairman ) : "Noblesse oblige . " This I shall-take leave to apply to Masonry , and say , "La magonnerie oblige , " which I may interpret simply in this way , viz . : that a Brother should always be ready to say , " such and such follies are improperbecause I am a Mason" ( loud cheers ) . That is the principle which ought to reign in the breast of every one . Yet , my Brethren , I am not going to read you a moral lecture , which is quite unnecessary , and would be out of place here . Yet if the great principles and important objects of our Order have been successfully carried out in this Province ; if our numbers have greatly increased ; if , in

addition to this great accession , numerous new Lodges have sprung up ; if the manner in which the Craft has been conducted amongst us , has been such as to gain the approbation of the Grand Lodge of England , and the Grand Lodges of the neighbouring Provinces , it is not to the exertions of one individual alone that such results are to be attributed . Brethren , I will not attempt to pretend , with any false modesty , that I have not warmly and zealously used my best exertions in a cause which I have so much at heart . But those exertions would have been

unavailing and futile without the efficient support and assistance afforded me by Brethren whose talents , experience , knowledge , and attainments have been always readily brought forward to my aid . By the leading members of the Craft I have been admirably supported throughout . I see , even now , around me —though only but a few—some of those who were amongst them when I first came in ; and , since then , I have met with numbers whose conduct has been truly

fraternal . And now , Brethren , I will merely say , with respect to this beautiful testimonial before me , that had it been a Sprig of Heather from the forest so presented , I should have esteemed it above all price . As it is , a model of art , having everything in keeping , I shall only say that it will be treasured as one of my proudest possessions , one of my brightest heirlooms , which I hope may be transmitted down as a precious relic , by which this day may be bad in remembrance in my family . ( The gallant colonel sat down amidst loud and protracted

enthusiasm ) . Colonel Wildman almost immediately rose and said , I rise again to propose the health of a nobleman with which I feel sure you will all be delighted . I myself feel especially grateful to him for coming here this day , which , however , is only of a piece with his constant kindness towards me . Those who have been much amongst us and all his colleagues , know how he conducts himself as a Mason ;

and what is extraordinary , I had the honour and pleasure of making him a Mason . When Master of the Boyal Sussex Lodge , I had the honour of making Lord Scarborough a Mason , and raising him to the second degree . It was after my time that he attained to the Mastership ; but I need not tell you that his heart is truly Masonic , and filled with every noble feeling . " The health of the Earl of ScarboroughLord Lieutenant of the county . " ( Masonic honours . )

, The Noble Chaiuman in reply said—Bight Worshipful Grand Master , Brethren , and Gentlemen—In rising to thank you for the honour which the Grand Master has conferred upon me in proposing , and you in receiving , the toast which has just been drank , I feel quite unable to find words suited to the occasion . 1 feel