Provincial Lodges.

give expression to my feelings in as full and earnest a manner as I should desire to do . To do so , indeed , would require a far greater gift of natural eloquence than any I can by any means lay claim to —( applause ) . Brethren , Avhen an individual has devoted for years his attention and exertions in any one pursuit , and is rewarded at tho end by the good will , approbation , and regard of those whose good opinion lie most esteems , he must certainly deem himself a most happy ancl fortunate man—( applause ) . But , brethren , when I look upon this magnificent , this beautiful work of art which you have

now placed before me ; when I recur to that eloquent and to me most interesting address with which itis accompanied , I cannot but feel that my debt of gratitude to you is of a threefold character . However much your partiality may have thought fit to exaggerate any merits of mine , at the same time I do feel proud—doubly , trebly proud of such a testimony , so awarded and so proclaimed , of your approbation and esteem—( cheers ) . You have thought fit in your address to advert most kindly to my humble services in the late Avar . Alasthey were longlong but the of those

, , ago ; memory stirring times is now vividly brought back to my recollection by the glorious achievements of our army in the east —( loud and prolonged cheering ) . I cannot but look back upon , that eventful period , when I think that'the noble chief who noiv leads our gallant army learnt the art of war on many a battle-field by the side of the great Wellington ( loud applause ) , and who has certainly proved himself a most apt and worthy pupil —( hear , hear ) . Brethren , it has been well said "the warrior is no patriotsave when obedient to his country ' s call he draws the sword of justice" and

, ; never , surely , did justice more loudly call , and never was her call more nobly answered , than it has been by our gallant countrymen and their ancient rivals , now their glorious allies—( cheers ) . They are banded together to uphold the rights and liberties of nations , of Europe , of the world —( hear , hear ) . They are banded together to resist the foul usurpations and inordinate ambition of a base ancl unprincipled despot—( applause ) . I think we may fairly say , in allusion to the present struggle ,

"Oh war , when truth thine arm employs , And freedom ' s spirit guides the lab'ring storm , -Tis then thy vengeance takes a hallowed form , Aud , like IicaV ' n ' s lightning , sacredly destroys . " But 1 must not permit myself to be led away by old associations . I must remember that I am now—a quiet country gentleman ; and there are duties , and important ones ,

attached to that position , which I trust , please God , I shall continue to discharge with all the ability which I am possessed of , cheered as I have been , and am now , by the kind support and by the amiable approbation of my valued friends and neighbours—( applause ) . Now , brethren , I really feel somewhat pained to be obliged to talk so much of myself . At the same time you must remember that it is your own kindness , ¦ partiality , ancl liberality which has placed me under such a necessity . I think it was the Prince de Lignewho said" Je n ' aime parler de moi et le mot je m ' est odieux

, , pas , quand je m'en sers . " With your permission , therefore , I will now come to that character in which especially I appear before you on this occasion—as the Provincial Grand Master for Nottinghamshire —( applause ) . Selected and appointed to this high ancl honourable office about thirty-five years ago , by the illustrious prince who then presided over the Craft , the name of the Duke of Sussex being ever a passport to the good Avill , the confidence ancl approbation of the Masonic body , I opened my career under most excellent auspices . For , if ever there was a mind and . heart of man .

truly and thoroughly embued with the pure principles of Masonry and of patriotism , it was that of his Royal Highness —( cheers ) . I do consider it the most honourable and important circumstance of my life that I enjoyed the confidence and friendship of that illustrious individual . Now brethren it would not be suitable to the present occasion to enter into any lengthened details of the history of masonry during the last thirty years in this province . I will merel y look at the result , and I would say to those who are not Masons , and are our visitors on this occasion , "Look around you , " and to our brethren who are visitors here from other provinces , I would say , " Visit ovu' Lodges . yon will be received with kindness and hospitality ; judge for yourselves as to the manner