Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Banquets.
BANQUETS .
BY ONE OF 261 . "From labour to refreshment , that , " & c . TT has been the custom , from time immemorial , to finish all grand
- * - celebrations and festivities , for whatever purpose or purport they be , with a sumptuous feast . With us that custom is held in high esteem , and justly so , for during the time of refreshment Brethren from far and near are brought into closer contact with each other , and for once will drop that coldhearted chilly constraint and silly
affectation which often turn men into bloodless dummies . Cheerful conversation flows on , only now and then interrupted by strains of harmony and song , gladdening and warming our hearts . Those occasions form an oasis in the dreary desert of life , of which Ave often think long after with grateful p leasure for having met with a soul
equally attuned to our own . Unfortunately , in this sublunary abode of ours there is no unalloyed pleasure , and this is especially the case with our feasts and festivals , the alba dies of Freemasonry , when celebrated in small country places . There you have indeed ample opportunities to practice all Masonic and all social virtues . The room chosen for the
repast is frequently of such dimensions as to admit but half , even less , of the number of Brethren collected together for the occasion , and every one and all most anxious at the same time to be in the company of the M . W . Prov . G . M . and his officers , to listen to some good speeches , and enjoy , above all , the hearty society and unaffected
conversation of brother Masons . Now you have come , perchance , a good distance ; you were at work for some time ; you are rather tired and weary ; you are anxious to get refreshed , and in order not to be disappointed you have already taken your dinner ticket ; you are not one who knows well how to push his way in life ; you are rather
modest and retiring ; you allow other Brethren precedence ; and the result is , we speak from experience , you find yourself one of the last ; you are left out in the cold—no ! by no means , the room being small , narrow , low , and ill ventilated , you are warmer than you like , or wish to be . That all Brethren may find room , you are huddled together
like sheep in a pen , or rather Russian prisoners ready to be sent off to some dreadfully hot regions instead of Siberia . Indeed , the dinner , a , la Russe justifies your fancy ' s flight . Should you be fortunate enough
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Banquets.
BANQUETS .
BY ONE OF 261 . "From labour to refreshment , that , " & c . TT has been the custom , from time immemorial , to finish all grand
- * - celebrations and festivities , for whatever purpose or purport they be , with a sumptuous feast . With us that custom is held in high esteem , and justly so , for during the time of refreshment Brethren from far and near are brought into closer contact with each other , and for once will drop that coldhearted chilly constraint and silly
affectation which often turn men into bloodless dummies . Cheerful conversation flows on , only now and then interrupted by strains of harmony and song , gladdening and warming our hearts . Those occasions form an oasis in the dreary desert of life , of which Ave often think long after with grateful p leasure for having met with a soul
equally attuned to our own . Unfortunately , in this sublunary abode of ours there is no unalloyed pleasure , and this is especially the case with our feasts and festivals , the alba dies of Freemasonry , when celebrated in small country places . There you have indeed ample opportunities to practice all Masonic and all social virtues . The room chosen for the
repast is frequently of such dimensions as to admit but half , even less , of the number of Brethren collected together for the occasion , and every one and all most anxious at the same time to be in the company of the M . W . Prov . G . M . and his officers , to listen to some good speeches , and enjoy , above all , the hearty society and unaffected
conversation of brother Masons . Now you have come , perchance , a good distance ; you were at work for some time ; you are rather tired and weary ; you are anxious to get refreshed , and in order not to be disappointed you have already taken your dinner ticket ; you are not one who knows well how to push his way in life ; you are rather
modest and retiring ; you allow other Brethren precedence ; and the result is , we speak from experience , you find yourself one of the last ; you are left out in the cold—no ! by no means , the room being small , narrow , low , and ill ventilated , you are warmer than you like , or wish to be . That all Brethren may find room , you are huddled together
like sheep in a pen , or rather Russian prisoners ready to be sent off to some dreadfully hot regions instead of Siberia . Indeed , the dinner , a , la Russe justifies your fancy ' s flight . Should you be fortunate enough