An Oration

would receive full justice . The allowance to members was put on a correct footing , and the lodge was opened up to good men of all ranks and rirofessions , instead of confining it , as hitherto , almost exclusively to operative Masons . The

consequence was that better days began to dawn on the lodge . No doubt , as time rolled on , our deceased friend saw many old bretliren , whose names had long been as household words amongst us , falling around him , and their names erased

from the roll for ever , but , on the other hand , he saw many youthful aud active members coiningforward to supply their places . He saw the lodge restored to something like its former greatness , when this hall could not contain the numbers that

flocked to its meetings . He saw the work of the lodge carried on with a great amount of cordiality , vigour , and success . He saw every member actuated by an admirable esprit de corps , and anxious to uphold the renown of the lodge , and

to add to its credit ancl stability . He saw , and we know with great jn-ide ancl satisfaction , that the funds of the lodge were not merely sufficient to meet all liabilities , but to leave year after year a constantly-increasing balance in the bank .

Bro . Smith , as you all know , gave his services to the lodge gratuitously . He laboured from year to year without the hope of fee or reward . The power that moved him to action was a love to the cause , and an anxiety to keep the lodge in an

independent and solvent position . It would not be easy to estimate the time that he bestowed on the lodge ' s affairs . A great deal of what he did was not of a demonstrative character , and was apt to be passed over -without notice . The brethren ,

however , were not insensible to the benefits which they derived from his services . They appreciated his unwearied care , and put unbounded confidence

m his integrity . On St . John ' s Day , 1849 , the lodge presented him with a handsome silver mounted Bible : and on St . John ' s Day , 1862 , a further manifestation of its gratitude and approbation was given , by putting into his hands a purse

containing fifty-two sovereigns . Both of these testimonials were presented in suitable terms b y Bro . Andrew Kerr , who has so long been associated with the operations of the lodge , and been reckoned its chief ornament and support .

There are two or three other things connected with our late friend ' s career , little diversified though it was , worthy of notice and commendation . In the first place , he was a dutiful son , a kind

brother , ancl an affectionate husband . I do not know a better test of a man ' s character than that he honours the father and the mother to whom he owes his existence- Such conduct shows that his heart beats in unison with the better sympathies

of our nature , and that the feeling of gratitude burns strongly in his bosom . Children receive so much care , so much solicitude , so many acts of kindness ancl self-denial from their parents , that they are guilty of the direst cruelty , of the blackest

ingratitude , when they grieve them by disobedience and irregularities , and turn their backs on them when enfeebled ancl disquieted by the frailties and bereavements of advancing- years . Bro . Smith's uniform kindness and attention to his

parents was one of his distinguishing characteristics . He was a pride and a comfort to them in the days of their health and strength , and , when sickness came , when they had to enter on the dread and final conflict with that inexorable

antagonist—death , he was their great earthly stay ancl consolation . He clung to the family circle to the last . His mother , ancl then his father , disappeared from the scene , but he did not forsake the family altar . He kept house with his sister

until she , too , ] : > aid the debt of nature , and he was left without a domestic companion . It was not till this event happened , it was not till he had been left in solitude , that he resolved to take a partner to his bosom . The object on whom he

placed his affection was Miss Jane Jeffrey , the daughter of a joiner , who was in business many years on his own account in Old Broughton , and whom some of the brethren now present may have known , or at least remember to have seen along with Bro . Smith , in this hall . They were married

in ArjriL 1850 , when he had reached his 48 th year . And , when he did enter on this new sphere of life , where could a better-ordered household be found ? Steadiness , discretion , and rational tenderness were seen on the one hand , and

industry , order , fidelity , and devotion on the other . The diseases with which he was afflicted , no doubt , for many years detracted from the full amount of their domestic enjoyment , but they did not in the least destroy their mutual peace and confidence .

They had no children ; but even tins want bred on . discontentment , and they lived together in great harmony ancl endearment for seventeen years . She has now been left alone , ancl will enjoy his society no more . As men , and as Masons , we extend to her our united sympathies , and we pray