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Article LESSONS TAUGHT BY FREEMASONRY. ← Page 2 of 2 Article ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Page 1 of 1 Article ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Page 1 of 1 Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1
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Lessons Taught By Freemasonry.
and Canopus , may have come at length to believe that there was nothing in the mysteries that they practised and transmitted but a symbolism of the real nature of the celestial scenery . But such was not the lesson that had
been taught them by the Patriarchal Master who left for their observation the sublime parable of Ophinchus , radiant with tbe hope of the race . Nor by the illustrious
Grand Master , second Father of the Adamites , who bequeathed to them the meaning of the threefold splen dour on the black emblem of death and destruction .
In spite of the wonderfully unalterable nature of Freemasonry , the rituals of different ages and races will become more or less fashioned in accordance with prevalent notions as to the chief meaning of the institution . Thus it may appear to many in our day a mere system of
morality , just as it probably seemed to some of our ancient brethren only the temple in which recondite scientific truth was safely enshrined . It is of course impossible to enter into any real and clear explanation of esoteric Masonry in an untyled assembly .
Suffice it to say , as bearing on the present subject , that it contains the essential truths of religion known to the primeval Adamites , however its formula ? may have been modified in ancient or modern times by dominant scientific
or religious systems : and that to the esoteric Mason , many a word , or even accent , of the Universal Language plainly and confidently declares that death , certain as it is , is not
a reality . Beneath its hideous panoply is hidden the angelform of immortal youth , " the bright face of a blooming boy fresh as a flower new-born . "
But , brethren and friends , we are assembled here to-day , not only beneath the shade of the acacia , but at the foot
of the Cross . All of us here present , whether Masons or not , are Christians ; and he whose body sleeps beneath this Cross leaned his dying head on the bosom of the Crucified Son of Mary .
The hope of a reunion in a happy eternity with our departed friends is so clearly the chief solace for the loss of their companionship in our lives , that one naturally finds himself , on an occasion like this , discussing the
subject of man ' s immortality . Speaking as the present occupant of the Oriental Chair of the Mount Olive , I have been privileged to direct attention , so far as it could be done outside the door of a Lodge , to the consolations
which Masonry offers in the presence of death . I have simply stated the teachings of our Order on the topic of a future existence ex cathedra , for there is no necessity to vex the holy calm of God ' s Acre by adducing arguments to a Christian assembl .-ige in justification of the hope that
us . As Christians we live in the shadowless light of a noontide Sun , the Sun of Righteousness . The darkness of
death and the gloom of the grave have disappeared from among the mysteries of our common humanity , for this is " the Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world , and the Light is the Life of men . "
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
The annual meeting took place on Friday , the 21 st inst ., at Freemasons' Tavern , when there was an exceptionally large attendance . Bro . Henry Smith , Deputy Prov . Grand Master West Yorkshire , was voted to the chair . The minutes of the last annual meeting having been printed and circulated , were adopted , as also was the report of the Audit Committee . The following is the report of the Committee of Management : —
REPORT . The Committee of Management has much pleasure in submitting a Report of its proceedings during the past year to the Governors and Subscribers of the Institution . The Annual Festival was held by direction of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , K . G ., & c , Grand Patron and President , on
Wednesday , the 24 th of February last . The Most Honourable the Marqnis of Hertford , Right Worshipful Grand Senior Warden , occupied the chair , and was supported by a Board of 279 Stewards , the aggregate of whose lists of subscriptions and donations amounted to £ 15 , 000 lis 6 d . A result so satisfactory , under a concurrence of
most depressing circumstances , cannot it is hoped be otherwise than eminently gratifying to the Craft in general , but more especially to those who had a hand in bringing it about . It is true the total was in round figures £ 2 , 770 less than was subscribed at the Festival held in February 1885 , under tbe auspices of Sir M . R ,
Hicks-Beach , Bart ., M . P ., Prov . Grand Master of Gloucestershire , but it must not be forgotten that on the occasion referred to an exceptional amonnt of enthusiasm was created by the paucity of vacancies , and the overwhelming number of applicants for admission on the Widows' Fund ; that the Board of Stewards was also stronger by 76 brethren than it was this year ; aud last , but not least , that
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
the Chairman had the aid of a Province which both for its own credit ' s sake , ns woll as from the sense of respect and I i \ ulty ifc entertained for its chief , gave him an action and genei-on * support . Lord Hertford , the Chairman for this year's Festival , w . ts not so fortunately placed . He had a less numerous Board of Stewards ,
and he had no Province—at least in the sense in which Gloncestershire helped Sir M . E . Hicks-Beaoh . Yet , notwithstanding these drawbacks , the total realised was in exceai of any previous year , — 1885 excepted . With these facts before if , the Committee is moat anxious to place on record its deep gratitude to their noble Chairman
and the brethren who so successfully co-opt r .. t -d wit ' i him iu obtaining this brilliant resnlt . At the election in May 1885 , there wero upon tho Funds ( . f t ' . e Institution 375 annuitants , that is to siy , 173 men an 1 202 widows , while to-day there are 129 candidates , namely 58 men and
71 widows , all of whoso respective claims to receive the benefits of the Institution have been most fully investigated and approve 1 . The vacancies to be balloted for consist of 15 on the Mai ; Fund , and 9 on the Widows' Fund , so that exolnding tho 3 deferred aunuitiuts in each case , there aro 12 on tho former and 6 on the latter . Since ,
however , these figures were declared at the meeting of tho Committee in February there have died 9 men and 2 widows , so that the numbers to be elected to-day will be 24 mon and 11 widows Tho Committeo very seriously regrets the marked disproportion there is between the numbers of vacancies and candidates iu ro-pect « f
each Fund , especially that of the Widows , bnt having regard to the largo increase which was sanctioned—not only in tho last , but in previous years —by the Governors and Subscribers of tha Institution , it does not consider it wonld be justified in recommending the creation of any fresh annuities . The sum annually ivqnir d tow rls
providing for the present needs of the Institution in this respect is £ 13 , 416 , to which must be added tho farther sum of £ 340 , divisible under Law 9 ( Male Fund ) among the widows , 17 in number , of recently deceased male annuitants . This gives a total annual expenditure on account of annuities amounting to £ 13 , 750 , and tbe
Committee , in the exercise of what it trusts will bo considered a wire direction , does not consider it would be warranted in recommending that any farther liability in this direction should be incurred . The Committee avails itself of this opportunity of expressing its thanks bo United Grand Lodgo for ita renewed vote of £ 70
towards pi-oviding the residents at Croydon with coal during tho winter months . It is also most anxious to convey its very cordial thanks to tho Honorary Surgeons of the Institution , Henry J . Strong , Esq ., M . D ., and E . Percy Middlemist , Esq ., for their invaluable services and nn .
remitting attention to those among the annuitants , both resident aud non-resident , who have been under the necessity of seeking medical advice and assistance . It is likewise a source of satisfaction to be able to report that tho building at Croydon is in a complete state of repair , and only needs
that caro and supervision to which all buildings of this character must from time to time be subjected . The audited Statement of Account for tho year ended 31 st March 1886 is appended , and , while inviting tho most rigid examination of its details , the Committee is confident it will be found that the
utmost economy has been observed in administering the funds of the Institution . Hence , in appealing both to the Craft at largo as well as to the general body of the Governors and Subscribers for a continuance of that support which alone has enabled it to fulfil its arduous duties with , it trusts , so mnch satisfaction and success , it
is fully persuaded that such appeal will not be made in vain . It only remains for the Committee to express the earnest hope that the urgent appeals it is compelled to address annually to tho brethren for the means which are indispensable in order to maintain the Institution at its present strength will be ns generously
responded to in the futnre as in tho past . Moreover , ifc must be obvious that , if the funds of the Charity were increased , there wonld be a proportionate diminution in the number of unsuccessful candidates , and as a consequence an alleviation to a still greater
extent than is now possible of that great amount of distress which it is the desire of every one to cope with successfully . May the support which is needed so imperatively , and to an annually . increasing extent , be forthcoming always in equal , if not in an ever-increasns abundance .
On motion duly proposed and seconded , tho Report was a lopted . As there were 20 candidates who sought election as Members of the Committee , a Poll was demanded , and Scrutineers were appointed to examine the papers . The result was in favour of the following : — Frederick Adlard P . M . 1 , John Bulmer P . M . 174 , C . H . Driver P . M . 905 , A . Forsyth , M . D ., P . M . 140 , Thomas Griffiths P . M . S 07 , Wm
Hilton P . M . 1351 , C . E . Soppet P . M . 60 , Louis Stean P . M . 212 , Eaynham W . Stewart P . M . 12 , Stephen Barton Wilson P . M . 59 . A motion which stood in tbe name of Bro . Birch , to a'ter the day for holding the Annual Meeting of the Institution was withdrawn ; but an alteration was made in the law respecting the e ' ection of Treasurer . The result of the election for this office was in favour of
Bro . Edgar Bowyer , Past G . Standard Bearer , but tho change did not give satisfaction to all who were present , and some discussion afterwards ensned as to the legality of altering the law . Bro . Fenu , President of the Board of General Purposes was elected Trustee of
the Sustentation Fund ; and Bros . John Newton , J . J . Berry , and Tattorshall , Auditors . The Election of Annuitants on the respective Fnnds , Male and Female , was then proceeded with . We gave the List of those successful in our issue of last week . The proceedings concluded with tbe routine votes of thanks to Chairman and Scrutineers .
Ad00303
FUNERALS properly carried out and personally attended in London , or Country by Bro . G . A . HTJTTON , 17 Newcastle Street , Strand , W . C . Monuments erected . Valuations made .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Lessons Taught By Freemasonry.
and Canopus , may have come at length to believe that there was nothing in the mysteries that they practised and transmitted but a symbolism of the real nature of the celestial scenery . But such was not the lesson that had
been taught them by the Patriarchal Master who left for their observation the sublime parable of Ophinchus , radiant with tbe hope of the race . Nor by the illustrious
Grand Master , second Father of the Adamites , who bequeathed to them the meaning of the threefold splen dour on the black emblem of death and destruction .
In spite of the wonderfully unalterable nature of Freemasonry , the rituals of different ages and races will become more or less fashioned in accordance with prevalent notions as to the chief meaning of the institution . Thus it may appear to many in our day a mere system of
morality , just as it probably seemed to some of our ancient brethren only the temple in which recondite scientific truth was safely enshrined . It is of course impossible to enter into any real and clear explanation of esoteric Masonry in an untyled assembly .
Suffice it to say , as bearing on the present subject , that it contains the essential truths of religion known to the primeval Adamites , however its formula ? may have been modified in ancient or modern times by dominant scientific
or religious systems : and that to the esoteric Mason , many a word , or even accent , of the Universal Language plainly and confidently declares that death , certain as it is , is not
a reality . Beneath its hideous panoply is hidden the angelform of immortal youth , " the bright face of a blooming boy fresh as a flower new-born . "
But , brethren and friends , we are assembled here to-day , not only beneath the shade of the acacia , but at the foot
of the Cross . All of us here present , whether Masons or not , are Christians ; and he whose body sleeps beneath this Cross leaned his dying head on the bosom of the Crucified Son of Mary .
The hope of a reunion in a happy eternity with our departed friends is so clearly the chief solace for the loss of their companionship in our lives , that one naturally finds himself , on an occasion like this , discussing the
subject of man ' s immortality . Speaking as the present occupant of the Oriental Chair of the Mount Olive , I have been privileged to direct attention , so far as it could be done outside the door of a Lodge , to the consolations
which Masonry offers in the presence of death . I have simply stated the teachings of our Order on the topic of a future existence ex cathedra , for there is no necessity to vex the holy calm of God ' s Acre by adducing arguments to a Christian assembl .-ige in justification of the hope that
us . As Christians we live in the shadowless light of a noontide Sun , the Sun of Righteousness . The darkness of
death and the gloom of the grave have disappeared from among the mysteries of our common humanity , for this is " the Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world , and the Light is the Life of men . "
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .
The annual meeting took place on Friday , the 21 st inst ., at Freemasons' Tavern , when there was an exceptionally large attendance . Bro . Henry Smith , Deputy Prov . Grand Master West Yorkshire , was voted to the chair . The minutes of the last annual meeting having been printed and circulated , were adopted , as also was the report of the Audit Committee . The following is the report of the Committee of Management : —
REPORT . The Committee of Management has much pleasure in submitting a Report of its proceedings during the past year to the Governors and Subscribers of the Institution . The Annual Festival was held by direction of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , K . G ., & c , Grand Patron and President , on
Wednesday , the 24 th of February last . The Most Honourable the Marqnis of Hertford , Right Worshipful Grand Senior Warden , occupied the chair , and was supported by a Board of 279 Stewards , the aggregate of whose lists of subscriptions and donations amounted to £ 15 , 000 lis 6 d . A result so satisfactory , under a concurrence of
most depressing circumstances , cannot it is hoped be otherwise than eminently gratifying to the Craft in general , but more especially to those who had a hand in bringing it about . It is true the total was in round figures £ 2 , 770 less than was subscribed at the Festival held in February 1885 , under tbe auspices of Sir M . R ,
Hicks-Beach , Bart ., M . P ., Prov . Grand Master of Gloucestershire , but it must not be forgotten that on the occasion referred to an exceptional amonnt of enthusiasm was created by the paucity of vacancies , and the overwhelming number of applicants for admission on the Widows' Fund ; that the Board of Stewards was also stronger by 76 brethren than it was this year ; aud last , but not least , that
Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
the Chairman had the aid of a Province which both for its own credit ' s sake , ns woll as from the sense of respect and I i \ ulty ifc entertained for its chief , gave him an action and genei-on * support . Lord Hertford , the Chairman for this year's Festival , w . ts not so fortunately placed . He had a less numerous Board of Stewards ,
and he had no Province—at least in the sense in which Gloncestershire helped Sir M . E . Hicks-Beaoh . Yet , notwithstanding these drawbacks , the total realised was in exceai of any previous year , — 1885 excepted . With these facts before if , the Committee is moat anxious to place on record its deep gratitude to their noble Chairman
and the brethren who so successfully co-opt r .. t -d wit ' i him iu obtaining this brilliant resnlt . At the election in May 1885 , there wero upon tho Funds ( . f t ' . e Institution 375 annuitants , that is to siy , 173 men an 1 202 widows , while to-day there are 129 candidates , namely 58 men and
71 widows , all of whoso respective claims to receive the benefits of the Institution have been most fully investigated and approve 1 . The vacancies to be balloted for consist of 15 on the Mai ; Fund , and 9 on the Widows' Fund , so that exolnding tho 3 deferred aunuitiuts in each case , there aro 12 on tho former and 6 on the latter . Since ,
however , these figures were declared at the meeting of tho Committee in February there have died 9 men and 2 widows , so that the numbers to be elected to-day will be 24 mon and 11 widows Tho Committeo very seriously regrets the marked disproportion there is between the numbers of vacancies and candidates iu ro-pect « f
each Fund , especially that of the Widows , bnt having regard to the largo increase which was sanctioned—not only in tho last , but in previous years —by the Governors and Subscribers of tha Institution , it does not consider it wonld be justified in recommending the creation of any fresh annuities . The sum annually ivqnir d tow rls
providing for the present needs of the Institution in this respect is £ 13 , 416 , to which must be added tho farther sum of £ 340 , divisible under Law 9 ( Male Fund ) among the widows , 17 in number , of recently deceased male annuitants . This gives a total annual expenditure on account of annuities amounting to £ 13 , 750 , and tbe
Committee , in the exercise of what it trusts will bo considered a wire direction , does not consider it would be warranted in recommending that any farther liability in this direction should be incurred . The Committee avails itself of this opportunity of expressing its thanks bo United Grand Lodgo for ita renewed vote of £ 70
towards pi-oviding the residents at Croydon with coal during tho winter months . It is also most anxious to convey its very cordial thanks to tho Honorary Surgeons of the Institution , Henry J . Strong , Esq ., M . D ., and E . Percy Middlemist , Esq ., for their invaluable services and nn .
remitting attention to those among the annuitants , both resident aud non-resident , who have been under the necessity of seeking medical advice and assistance . It is likewise a source of satisfaction to be able to report that tho building at Croydon is in a complete state of repair , and only needs
that caro and supervision to which all buildings of this character must from time to time be subjected . The audited Statement of Account for tho year ended 31 st March 1886 is appended , and , while inviting tho most rigid examination of its details , the Committee is confident it will be found that the
utmost economy has been observed in administering the funds of the Institution . Hence , in appealing both to the Craft at largo as well as to the general body of the Governors and Subscribers for a continuance of that support which alone has enabled it to fulfil its arduous duties with , it trusts , so mnch satisfaction and success , it
is fully persuaded that such appeal will not be made in vain . It only remains for the Committee to express the earnest hope that the urgent appeals it is compelled to address annually to tho brethren for the means which are indispensable in order to maintain the Institution at its present strength will be ns generously
responded to in the futnre as in tho past . Moreover , ifc must be obvious that , if the funds of the Charity were increased , there wonld be a proportionate diminution in the number of unsuccessful candidates , and as a consequence an alleviation to a still greater
extent than is now possible of that great amount of distress which it is the desire of every one to cope with successfully . May the support which is needed so imperatively , and to an annually . increasing extent , be forthcoming always in equal , if not in an ever-increasns abundance .
On motion duly proposed and seconded , tho Report was a lopted . As there were 20 candidates who sought election as Members of the Committee , a Poll was demanded , and Scrutineers were appointed to examine the papers . The result was in favour of the following : — Frederick Adlard P . M . 1 , John Bulmer P . M . 174 , C . H . Driver P . M . 905 , A . Forsyth , M . D ., P . M . 140 , Thomas Griffiths P . M . S 07 , Wm
Hilton P . M . 1351 , C . E . Soppet P . M . 60 , Louis Stean P . M . 212 , Eaynham W . Stewart P . M . 12 , Stephen Barton Wilson P . M . 59 . A motion which stood in tbe name of Bro . Birch , to a'ter the day for holding the Annual Meeting of the Institution was withdrawn ; but an alteration was made in the law respecting the e ' ection of Treasurer . The result of the election for this office was in favour of
Bro . Edgar Bowyer , Past G . Standard Bearer , but tho change did not give satisfaction to all who were present , and some discussion afterwards ensned as to the legality of altering the law . Bro . Fenu , President of the Board of General Purposes was elected Trustee of
the Sustentation Fund ; and Bros . John Newton , J . J . Berry , and Tattorshall , Auditors . The Election of Annuitants on the respective Fnnds , Male and Female , was then proceeded with . We gave the List of those successful in our issue of last week . The proceedings concluded with tbe routine votes of thanks to Chairman and Scrutineers .
Ad00303
FUNERALS properly carried out and personally attended in London , or Country by Bro . G . A . HTJTTON , 17 Newcastle Street , Strand , W . C . Monuments erected . Valuations made .