Provincial Lodges.

in which they are conducted . " But I would say more , and I am cautious how I express myself before a mixed company . I would have you remember we do not confine ourselves merely to the strict observance of the rites and ceremonies of our Ancient Order . We aim at something higher , * Ave are anxious , by the high principles inculcated in the Craft , to exalt ' the character of man . There is a French saying , most consise and expressive— " Noblesse , oblige . " Applying this to Masonry , I may say , "La Maqonnerie , oblige ; " that is , a brother should say , " I cannot

descend to such and such follies or improprieties because I am a Mason . " But , my brethren , I am not going to read you a moral lecture ; it is unnecessary , and would be out of place . But I must sa )* , if the important objects of our Order have been successfully carried out in this province ; if we have had a great accession to outnumbers , if numerous lodges have sprung up , and the duties of Masonry have been performed so as to meet the approbation- of the Grand Lodge , and to secure the respect of neighbouring provinces , it is not due to the exertions of one individual alone , though such exertions may haA'e contributed to so desirable a result . I will not

pretend to say , for it would be false modesty—that I have not used my best zeal and exertions in behalf of the cause which I have so warmly at heart . But I will say that those exertions would haA'e been unavailing , had I not been supported by the intelligence , by the experience , and by the talent ancl attainments of my brethren of the Craft during the whole period of my office . It is their kind support which has enabled me so agreeably to fulfil the duties which have devolved upon me . Brethren , I would merel y add in respect to this beautiful testimonial , that if it had only been a of heather

sprig from the forest so presented to me , I should hai'e esteemed it above all price —( cheers ) . As it is , it will be treasured as one of my proudest and most valuable possessions , which I hope to transmit as a precious relic and memorial of this day to my family —( loud cheering ) . Colonel Wildman again rose , and said he had to propose the health of a nobleman to whom he was sure they ivere all deeply grateful , for his kindness in presiding over them on this occasion . He ( Colonel Wildman ) had had the honour of making him .

a Mason , and he was sure he could say that every true Masonic feeling dwelt in the heart of the Earl Scarborough . They were proud to have such a Br . in this province as the lord-lieutenant of the county , ancl he had great pleasure in proposing his health —( cheers ) . _ The noble Chairman said he was really unable to find words in which to express his acknowled gments for the compliment which they had just paid to him , and which he feared he hardly deserved . —( cheers ) . He was exceedingly gratified to be present such

on an occasion , and to witness the kind feeling which had been testified to his old and tried friend —( cheers ) . Ho felt that institutions like these were the greatest in the country , and regretted that he was not associated with them earlier in life . Though from this cause ho was not so accomplished a Mason as he might otherwise haA-e been , he felt no lack of inclination or zeal in the furtherance of those principles which they had at heart . Ho begged , in conclusion , to thank the Grand Master for his kindness in proposing , and the company for the flattering manner in which they had received the toast .

Tho army and navy of Great Britain and our gallant allies , acknowledged by Col . Wildman . The mayor and magistrates of Nottingham , and the members of the House of Commons having been drunk , Mr . Close said , I rise to propose a toast which has been entrusted to my care , in doing which I hope I may be allowed to indulge in a few preliminary remarks , which I think will not eventually be found inconsistent with the toast which I shall have tho honour to propose . " I have many things in heartwhich 1 feel must be utteredbut onlfear is that tongue

my , , my y my will but inadequately express them —( cheers ) . As an old Mason in the province , and as tt s old and intimate friend of Colonel Wildman , I trust I may be permitted to refer once more to the beautiful testimonial which this day has been presented by our kind brother , the noble chairman . You will see engraved upon the testimonial , effigies of the human figure in three distinct attributes—of soldier , country gentleman , and Master Mason . It is on the separate phases of these three attributes , I should wish now to make a few observations , in connection with the occasion which has-