Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Banquet.
it was suggested that such testimonial should be irrespective of province or nation , so that all who had benefited by the patriarchal lessons of Dr . Oliver ( as what Mason may not have done so if he would ?) might have the opportunity of adding his mite in grateful acknowledgment of the information ivhich he had derived . Circumstances to which it would be improper more particularly to refer , noiv that the causes of those misunderstandings have ceased —( hearhear ) have in some measure
, , contributed to prevent the Offering attaining to that amount ivhich the proposers desired , and which the services of our very worshipful Brother so richly merited . Still , however , in bringing this Offering for you to present , we are gratified in finding that it is not confined to province or nation ; in looking upon this memorial , our reverend guest may say , as ofthe Craft itself and of our beloved country , that upon the contributors to ittlie sun never sets . On referring to the list of
sub-, scribers , in whose names we now offer it , we find contributions from both the East and Al- ' est Indies—and if I may be excused for a moment diverging from the object before us , it is a matter for sincere congratulation that the last accounts from India afford us a flattering evidence of the progress of our Craft ; Lodges have long been held there , but they have been almost entirely restricted to natives of Britain settled in India ; but this year has witnessedfor the first timethe establishment of a
, , native Lodge , at the request of the natives , and in which some who bear rule are natives of tbe country . Hitherto the prejudices of caste and tribe have kept from the participation in our mysteries those who , however they may differ in the form of their creed , are not excluded from Freemasonry , inasmuch as they believe in the Almighty Architect of
heaven and earth , and practise the sacred duties of humanity and brotherly love . Those prejudices are wearing away , and it is a happy omen to find the natives themselves seeking to participate in the rites of our Craft ; how the British sway has been obtained , ive as citizens of the Avorld do not discuss , but believing it to be for the Avelfare of that country it should now continue , I for one hail the introduction of Freemasonry amongst our native fellow subjects of India as but the precursor to that better intercourse ivhich shall terminate in their civilizationand , I
, trust 1 am not out of order ivhen I add , their Christianization . Apologising , Sir , for this digression , in the name of the subscribers , I offer you this small token of our Masonie regard , to be by you presented to our Worshipful Brother and guest . Dr . Oliver —( Much cheering ) . AFhen the cheering had ceased , the CIJAIR . IIAN rose , and spoke somewhat to the folloiving effect : — BrethrenI have during my life been placed in positions of
consider-, able anxiety and difficulty , in having to address public assemblies , yet , without resorting to the use of a hacknied phrase , I must say that I never felt a difficulty so pressing as that under ivhich i labour at the present moment ; and that , not because I have nothing to say , but because the subject is so full of interest as to make me feel the impossibility of doing it justice . It is , hoivever , a comfort to know that it requires no advocacy to put it forward ; our W . BrotherDr . Oliver
, , stands too firmly placed in your regard to need any words from me to set forth his merits . —( Cheers . ) Yet , upon the present occasion , it is necessary that I should offer some few observations , therefore 1 beg you to bear with me . I can assure you I am not appointed to present this " offering" to Dr . Oliver on account of my superior fitness , for there are many many Brethren far better qualified to address you ; but I owe my
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Banquet.
it was suggested that such testimonial should be irrespective of province or nation , so that all who had benefited by the patriarchal lessons of Dr . Oliver ( as what Mason may not have done so if he would ?) might have the opportunity of adding his mite in grateful acknowledgment of the information ivhich he had derived . Circumstances to which it would be improper more particularly to refer , noiv that the causes of those misunderstandings have ceased —( hearhear ) have in some measure
, , contributed to prevent the Offering attaining to that amount ivhich the proposers desired , and which the services of our very worshipful Brother so richly merited . Still , however , in bringing this Offering for you to present , we are gratified in finding that it is not confined to province or nation ; in looking upon this memorial , our reverend guest may say , as ofthe Craft itself and of our beloved country , that upon the contributors to ittlie sun never sets . On referring to the list of
sub-, scribers , in whose names we now offer it , we find contributions from both the East and Al- ' est Indies—and if I may be excused for a moment diverging from the object before us , it is a matter for sincere congratulation that the last accounts from India afford us a flattering evidence of the progress of our Craft ; Lodges have long been held there , but they have been almost entirely restricted to natives of Britain settled in India ; but this year has witnessedfor the first timethe establishment of a
, , native Lodge , at the request of the natives , and in which some who bear rule are natives of tbe country . Hitherto the prejudices of caste and tribe have kept from the participation in our mysteries those who , however they may differ in the form of their creed , are not excluded from Freemasonry , inasmuch as they believe in the Almighty Architect of
heaven and earth , and practise the sacred duties of humanity and brotherly love . Those prejudices are wearing away , and it is a happy omen to find the natives themselves seeking to participate in the rites of our Craft ; how the British sway has been obtained , ive as citizens of the Avorld do not discuss , but believing it to be for the Avelfare of that country it should now continue , I for one hail the introduction of Freemasonry amongst our native fellow subjects of India as but the precursor to that better intercourse ivhich shall terminate in their civilizationand , I
, trust 1 am not out of order ivhen I add , their Christianization . Apologising , Sir , for this digression , in the name of the subscribers , I offer you this small token of our Masonie regard , to be by you presented to our Worshipful Brother and guest . Dr . Oliver —( Much cheering ) . AFhen the cheering had ceased , the CIJAIR . IIAN rose , and spoke somewhat to the folloiving effect : — BrethrenI have during my life been placed in positions of
consider-, able anxiety and difficulty , in having to address public assemblies , yet , without resorting to the use of a hacknied phrase , I must say that I never felt a difficulty so pressing as that under ivhich i labour at the present moment ; and that , not because I have nothing to say , but because the subject is so full of interest as to make me feel the impossibility of doing it justice . It is , hoivever , a comfort to know that it requires no advocacy to put it forward ; our W . BrotherDr . Oliver
, , stands too firmly placed in your regard to need any words from me to set forth his merits . —( Cheers . ) Yet , upon the present occasion , it is necessary that I should offer some few observations , therefore 1 beg you to bear with me . I can assure you I am not appointed to present this " offering" to Dr . Oliver on account of my superior fitness , for there are many many Brethren far better qualified to address you ; but I owe my