Untitled Article

THE R , W . BRO . WILLIAM LLOYD THOMAS , P . S . G . W

At Hatfield , in the 65 th year of his age , on the 21 st of April , and to deep regret of all who knew him , the R . W . Bro . William Lloyd Thomas , P , S . G . W ., of the Grand Lodge of England , and P . 3 XG . M . for Herts . The Lodges in Hertfordshire were under the deepest obligation to the late R . W . Brother , whose most valuable time and exertions had heen given in spreading wide the limits of the Craft , and in rendering his valuable services whenever and wherever they were required . He lived in the affectionate love of his family , and has died regretted by all who had the great pleasure of his friendship or acquaintance .

BRO . HENRY VERNON , J . D .

We regret , that in consequence of an error , the account furnished to us of the death of our excellent Bro . Henry Vernon , Esq ., J . D ., of St . Matthew ' s Lodge , No . 786 , Walsall , was misplaced , and the event only appeared in a briefer form . It is therefore with melancholy satisfaction that we draw attention to the excellent address given on the sad occasion by Bro . James Downes , B . A ., which combines sentiments illustrative of his own benevolent feelings , as well as of the worth of the deceased young and most promising brother so universally mourned . The respect due to private sorrow alone forbids our giving quotations from this admirable oration , but the following account of the ceremony used at the funeral will be read with interest by the numerous admirers of our late Brother , and of his highly respected family .

FUNERAL CEREMONY AT WALSALL ON THE OCCASION OF THE DEATH OF BRO HENRY VERNONJ . D . NO . 786 .

The Lodge of Emergency having been legally summoned , the Worshipful Master explained the purport of the solemn assembly ; and requested the Brethren to assist him and the Brother Chaplain in conducting a service so worthy of the Craft , and with honours due to the deceased Brother . The WorsJiipful Master then said— " What man is he that liveth , and shall not see death ? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave ?" Brethren Respond . —" Man walketh in a vain shadow ; he heapeth up riches , and cannot tell who shall gather them . "

W . M . — " When he dieth , he shall carry nothing away with him ; his glory shall not descend after him . " Response . —" Naked he came into the world , and naked must he return . " W . M . — " The Lord gave , and the Lord hath taken away , blessed be the name of the Lord . " Response . —" Let us die the death of the righteous , and let our last end be like his . "

A sacred roll of parchment having been prepared with the name , styles , and titles of the deceased Brother , was read by the Worshipful Master , and then deposited in the archives of the Lodge , while the Brethren said— "God is our God for ever and ever , he will be our guide unto death . " The Brother Chaplain then read the following prayer : —Almighty and everlasting God , who art always more ready to hear than we to pray ; pour down upon us , at this time , the divine consolations of thy Holy Spirit ; and may it be to us a spirit of wisdom and understanding . In thy hands are the spirits of all living , and in thee alone we live and move and have our being . Thou givest and

thou takest away . Thou doest what thou pleasest in the heavens above , and amongst the inhabitants of the earth . Be this our wisdom to know , that thou art always , in all thy conduct , guided by infinite justice , wisdom , and mercy . May thy judgments teach us the true lesson of meekness , resignation , and patience . May the sad calamity , which at this present time must extract the tear of friendly commiseration from every tender heart , teach us all the important value of being always ready , however young we may be , to meet our God . We have indeed had a lesson , that in the midst of life we are in death . Teach us , gracious Father , the