Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . THOMAS STEELE , P . PROV . S . G . D . BRO . THOMAS STEELE , P . Prov . S . G . D ., Somerset , died at his residence , Bath , ou Monday night , the 17 fch ult . This event will awaken feelings of the deepest sympathy and sorrow in the city and province where he was so well known for nearly forty years . There aro few men who so entwine themselves in the

affections of their Brethren as did Bro . Steele . As a Mason of many years' standing having filled an important provincial office , aucl nearly every office in his Lodge ancl Chapter , he was ever regarded as a peace loving , warm hearted friend and brother The principles of Masonry were engraven on his heart—they were the rule of all his actions—not merely towards his Brethren , but towards his very numerous friends . As a citizen of Bath he was highly respected for bis kind ancl courteous

disposition , his honest heart and his spotless character . In him the city mourns no ordinary loss . As he lived so he died , in pious resignation to the will of the Great Architect of the universe . So mote it be ! On the 20 th of January , a united Loclge of the Freemasons of Bath was held afc the Freemasons' Hall , Corridor , to consider what steps should be taken to pay

respect to the memory of tho departed Brother . Bro . T . P . Ashley , AA ' . M . No . 48 , Prov . J . G . AA ' ., opened the proceedings with au address appropriate to the occasion , in the course of ivhich he reminded the Brethren of the urgent necessity of each one iu his daily walk in life , doing his duty to his Maker and his fellow man , by not putting off his work of charity aud love to a day thafc may never come , and by having constantly in mind the fast approach of his own end , he might when

his own hour was como , look upon his dissolution not with fear and trembling , but in the humble hope of the mercies of his God . At the conclusion of his address , the V . AV . Brother called upon V . AV . Bro . Dr . Falconer , mayor of Bath , who addressed the Lodge in the following terms : — AA'orshipful Sir and Brethren , —It has been intimated to me , that occupying the position which I clo in this city , it would be gratifying to those interested in the present meeting if I proposed the first resolution . This is expressive of tho deep

regret which ive feel for the loss of a worthy brother of our craft , and of condolence with his bereaved widow and family under their irreparable loss . I wish this duty hacl devolved on some one ivhose intimate acquaintance with tho deceased , and ivhose knowledge of him during the hours of social intercourse , when the feelings are warm and the disposition has full play , would better have enabled him to dilate on his virtues and good qualities ; still , I havo had sufficient knowledge of our deceased Brother , having met him frequently in our assemblies , to be able

to say with perfect truth , that his loss will be deeply deplored , not only by his Masonic Brethren , but by his fellow citizens . There was one part of his character which coulcl nofc escape the notice even of those least acquainted with him , namely , great kindness ana benevolence combined with great unselfishness . He was never colli or indifferent fco the wants ancl anxieties of others ; his words were always kind , ' aud his actions , if possible , kinder . Many of you will lament the loss of a friend well worthy of that name ; many the loss of a brother by whom die principles of our Order were carefully carried out in his conduct . I feel how difficult is the task I have undertaken , aud how imperfectly it has been discharged .