Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Research.
more to light by the diligence of the Masonic investigator . I would urge you , brethren , never to miss any opportunity of turning over any old minutes or journals which may be available . Our worthy Suffragan has himself told you of the very curious and valuable discovery made by him a short time since amongst the Stukeley papers , where allusions occur and facts are stated in regard to the condition and working of Masonry at the beginning of the last century of the greatest interest .
I should like also to say that this college offers a fair platform for the discussion of any point of Masonic jurisprudence , for any disputed system of working , and for any kindred subject or question , by means of which we should not only interest ancl enlighten one another , but , by an interchange of opinions and ideas , equalize Masonic opinion in this part of the country , and perhaps tend to do away with some of those isolated ideas which I regret to
find existing in many centres of Masonry . To this same end I regard the Masonic newspapers valuable media , and I would urge all those members of the college who do not subscribe to one or more of our English publications , to lose no time in at once doing so . They will find their interest greatly quickened by a regular perusal of the Masonic press , and will seldom each week fail to find something " to make a note of , " and calculated to assist them
in progress in Masonic knowledge . Looking forward to our jirospects for the coming year , fratres , I hope we may be able to see our way to one or more ai-chaaological expeditions . We have many spots of great interest within easy reach , ancl we shall endeavour to arrange something for our two summer meetings . I also hope that we shall not fail in members who will , by means of papers , aid in the interest of
our gatherings . Fratres must not wait to be asked to prepare ancl read papers . It is impossible for your Chief Adept to know the opportunities which may occur to each of you ; but I shall at all times esteem it a favour if I receive an intimation from any frater that he is willing to contribute an essay . As far as our funds will allow , we purpose to continue printing these papers as read , and I trust that in years to come they will serve to remind us of pleasant gatherings , and of the association with one another , which the medium of our M *** C *** affords .
In conclusion , fratres , let us be exceedingly careful who we admit to our college . We are already strong in numbers . Let us aim at intellect as much as possible . Drones are of no service to us , and onl y block up our ranks to the exclusion of workers . My ambition is that this college should take a leading position in the Order , ancl no pains shall be wanting on my part to bring about such a consummation . Let us aim at winning for our body such a reputation that when a frater is said to be a member of it , the Masonic world will know that he is a true Mason in every sense of the word , and that he is one of an association which exists for the advancement of Masonic knowledge and the enlightenment of our mysteries .
Song.
SONG .
BT BRO . THE VEN . ARCHDEACON COLLET , J . W . ( Time— " Wait for the Waggon . " ) IN the work supreme , Masonic , Brothers ! let us all unite , As architects harmonic , To build our lodge to-night :
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Research.
more to light by the diligence of the Masonic investigator . I would urge you , brethren , never to miss any opportunity of turning over any old minutes or journals which may be available . Our worthy Suffragan has himself told you of the very curious and valuable discovery made by him a short time since amongst the Stukeley papers , where allusions occur and facts are stated in regard to the condition and working of Masonry at the beginning of the last century of the greatest interest .
I should like also to say that this college offers a fair platform for the discussion of any point of Masonic jurisprudence , for any disputed system of working , and for any kindred subject or question , by means of which we should not only interest ancl enlighten one another , but , by an interchange of opinions and ideas , equalize Masonic opinion in this part of the country , and perhaps tend to do away with some of those isolated ideas which I regret to
find existing in many centres of Masonry . To this same end I regard the Masonic newspapers valuable media , and I would urge all those members of the college who do not subscribe to one or more of our English publications , to lose no time in at once doing so . They will find their interest greatly quickened by a regular perusal of the Masonic press , and will seldom each week fail to find something " to make a note of , " and calculated to assist them
in progress in Masonic knowledge . Looking forward to our jirospects for the coming year , fratres , I hope we may be able to see our way to one or more ai-chaaological expeditions . We have many spots of great interest within easy reach , ancl we shall endeavour to arrange something for our two summer meetings . I also hope that we shall not fail in members who will , by means of papers , aid in the interest of
our gatherings . Fratres must not wait to be asked to prepare ancl read papers . It is impossible for your Chief Adept to know the opportunities which may occur to each of you ; but I shall at all times esteem it a favour if I receive an intimation from any frater that he is willing to contribute an essay . As far as our funds will allow , we purpose to continue printing these papers as read , and I trust that in years to come they will serve to remind us of pleasant gatherings , and of the association with one another , which the medium of our M *** C *** affords .
In conclusion , fratres , let us be exceedingly careful who we admit to our college . We are already strong in numbers . Let us aim at intellect as much as possible . Drones are of no service to us , and onl y block up our ranks to the exclusion of workers . My ambition is that this college should take a leading position in the Order , ancl no pains shall be wanting on my part to bring about such a consummation . Let us aim at winning for our body such a reputation that when a frater is said to be a member of it , the Masonic world will know that he is a true Mason in every sense of the word , and that he is one of an association which exists for the advancement of Masonic knowledge and the enlightenment of our mysteries .
Song.
SONG .
BT BRO . THE VEN . ARCHDEACON COLLET , J . W . ( Time— " Wait for the Waggon . " ) IN the work supreme , Masonic , Brothers ! let us all unite , As architects harmonic , To build our lodge to-night :