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Article THE MASONIC MIRROR. ← Page 3 of 5 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Masonic Mirror.
as must he your delight on the renewal of all the early associations of your life , we entreat yon to carry away with you an assurance , thafc those friends whom you are about to rejoin will not , nay , cannot be more sincere than those whom you are quitting , in whose hearts you will ever hold a firm and enduring place . Without farther preface , I call upon Bro . Du Jardin to read the document which has been prepared for tbis occasion . " This A \ - as as folloAi-s : — "Dear and honoured
bro . her , — Your native country is reopened to all her sons , and you avail yourself of the event to return to the cradle of your childhood , the scene of the labours of your early manhood , the home of your affections and aspirations . We rejoice and grieve at the event . We are glad , because an estimable citizen is restored to his country , to his family , to the friends and compeers of his youth and after life ; because , in the position to which he is restored , he may and will be iu a position to render greater services to the cause of humanity
and progress , thau he could in this circumscribed locality ; because in the lovo of his family and the esteem of his felloAV-citizens he is about to fiud some compensation for the privations and sufferings he has endured during the bitter period he has passed through—of proscription and exile . But AVC grieve afc your approaching departure , because it deprives us , individually , of a warm and most kind and valued friend ; and because the public of this island loses thereby the benefit of your intelligent and disinterested counsel and advicewhich have so
fre-, quently and usefully been laid before it , and generously placed at its service . As members of the antient Craft of Freemasons , we , more than any others of this community , regret your departure . You have , indeed , while among us , been the model of a true JIason . None more than you has , even amid extreme provocations , carried into the profane world the admirable spirit oi self-abnegation and persevering fraternity . None more than you has contributed in this island to the rehabilitation of JIasonry . And to you it is mainloAvingthat the present
y , prosperous state of the Lodge " Cesaree" is attributable . Your native country beckons you homo ; and an enlarged field of dutj' and services unrolls itself before you . Go , then , brother ; private friendship must yield to public duty . But go , accompanied by our respect and regard as menby our affection and gratitude as Jlasons —by our most sincere and devoted friendship both as men and as Masons . Whatever
the political chapter of accidents may bring forth , may you never cease to remember that the spirit which dominates the Lodge you have so effectually contributed to raise to its present high position , is , and will ever remain , one of peace on earth and goodwill among men . Farewell ; may the Great Architect take you under His especial protection ; and may AA'e—labourers both in the vineyard and the highwayhope one day to meet in His Universal Temple ! On behalf of the Lodge , Philip Le Cras , W . JI . " At the conclusion of the reading of the address
ifc Ai'as handed by the Worshipful JIaster , amid the acclamations of the brethren , to Bro . Ratier , who , in returning thanks , paid a high compliment to the Worshipful JIaster and the Past JIasters , to AA-hom he said : " Without your vigorous co-operation and that of all the officers AVIIO contribute to tho efficiency of the Avorking , Ave should not at this moment be able to congratulate ourselves as Ave may justly do under present circumstances on the success which crowns our united efforts . " The Lodge was closed in harmony and brotherly love , and soon after six o ' clock the
brethren adjourned to dinner in another room . The Worshipful Master presided , supported by a large number of Past JIasters . More than fifty of the brethren ivere present on the occasion , but only three visitors , among whom Ai-as the Prov . Grand JIaster , Bro . J . J . Hammond . Upon giving tlle health of the R . W . Bro . J . J . Hammond , Prov . Grand Master ofthe Channel Isles and the Provincial Grand Lodge , the Prov . Grand JIaster returned thanks briefly ; and though a Jerseyman by birth , requested permission to speak in English as the language most familiar to him . Ho contented himself with a simple acknowledgment ofthe compliments . Bro . Du Jardin , Prov . G . Treas ., also acknoAvledged the
toast on behalf of the Prov . Grand Officers . Bro . Le Cras , W . M ., then said— "Brethren , I rise to propose the toast of this evening , namely , 1 Prosperity , long life , happiness , and honour to our illustrious Bro . Ratier . ' U was my desire to place this duty in the hands of some other brother Avho has not yet taken a part in auy portion of these proceedings , and Avho may be more capable than myself of doing justice to the subject ; but true to JIasonic order and discipline Bro . Ratier has expressed his desire to the contrary , and on this occasion , at least , his wish is a laiv to
ivhich I bow ; brethren , we are met to offer him our adieu . Ho goes to visit his aged father , from whom he has been separated for some years , to meet the members of his family AvIio are longing to receive him among them , to mingle again AA-ith his former companions iu the scenes of his youth , whose smiles will recall the recollections of days long passed . Brethren , let us unite again in assuring our valued friend and brother , that nowhere ivill he find those ivho entertain feelings more cordial and sincere than those by whom he is at this moment surrounded . " Bvo . Ratier
rose , and made au effort to speak , but , overwhelmed by his feelings , he said— "Brethren , I have already expressed my gratitude . I can now say nothing more ; I am full of emotion . " Bvo . Du . Jardin proposed the health of the newly initiated brother . Bro . Le Sueur having returned thanks , Bro . Schmitt rose to propose the health of the visitors . Bro . Aland , P . M . of an Irish Lodgo in Jersey , desired to return thanks for the honour . He disclaimed any high pretensions as to his quality as a JIason , though he believed that in his expressions Bro . Schmitt ivas
influenced by tho most sincere motives . Whatever failings ho might have , he trusted that he never tailed iu a communion of feelings with
members of the fraternity . Bro . Bisson , an Australian brother , coming from the antipodes , was anxious to express his ackiiOAvledgments , and to remind the brethren that the telegraph wire , which would soon flash messages hence to Australia , is an appropriate emblem of the communion , of sentiment existing in the minds of Jlasons , though on the opposite side of tho world . Ho could fully sympathize with the Lodge in the loss it ivas about to sustain , and trusted that another able orator would
speedily rise ivp to supply tbe vacant place . Bvo . Ratier next proposed the health of the W . Jf . He said , "I am personally grateful to him , because on the present occasion he has been as effective and energetic and thoughtful as he ever is , in omitting nothing which could contribute to my OAVU comfort , in the course of the proceedings connected with my final adieu . The Lodge , therefore , has reason to hold him in the highest estimation , since the firmness and courtesy of his own demeanour inspire others ivith the same sentimentsand produce a powerful influence on
, its prosperity . The same kind attention aud consideration on his part is extended to all impartially , whether members of this Lodge , visitors at its meetings , or brother Jlasons , wherever they are brought into communication with hiin . " The W . Jt . in reply said— " If I have in any way deserved the merit Attributed to me , I beg you , brethren , to believe that . I have felt a sincere nleasure in performing tho duties connected ivith the chair , I desire to express my hope , that the next W . M . will be fortunate enough to have a worthy representative of Bro . Ratier , to aid .
him with his counsel , to guide him by his example , and to work with , the same zeal thafc he has exhibited . Bro . J . J . Hammond , Prov . Grand JIaster , gave the next toast , to the health of those who constituted the strength , vigour , and beauty of the Lodge , namely , the Past JIasters , Avhose experience alivays availed much in the government of its affairs . He considered that Bro . Dr . Oliver was quite right in describing their relation to the Lodge as the same that money is to war , sinews to the fleshand the soul to the body . Bro . Du JardinP . JI .
, , , was glad to find , that notwithstanding the importance of the special object of this meeting , tho former services of the Past JIasters were not forgotten , and especially that they were appreciated by the Prov . Grand JIaster , for that the good opinion of their fellotv Jlasons was an ample repayment . He was proud to have been one of the founders of Lodge La Cesaree , in ivhich the old Norman French language was
adopted , but had never anticipated that it would be able to boast of so many distinguished members , among the foremost of AA'hom stood Bro . Ratier . Would that all the brethren understood as ivell as he does the mission of Freemasonry . To his teaching , he and many others were deeply indebted , by which means they had been instructed in their JIasonic duties , and had been induced by his example to practise them . Bro . Ratier said— "Brethren , there is another health which is too important to alloAv of its omission on an occasion like the present . It is
that of our esteemed Bro . Hopkins AA-IIO has favoured us with his presence this evening , and whom I beg to introduce to you as the representative of the press , the able and independent advocate of all that is good , and true , and beautiful , in connection with our Order , and as fche representative of English Freemasonry . " Bro . Dr . Hopkins , P . JI . No . 51 , replied at considerable length ; he said : — "I haye felt it a duty to be present on this interesting occasion to join you in the expressions of esteem and respect for our excellent Bro . Ratier , to show my sympathy
in your regret at his departure , to assist iu paying him all the honour which is so justly his due , and with heart and soul to unite in prayers and best wishes for his health , happiness , prosperity , and usefulness , wherever he may bo placed by Providence , witli a sincere desire that ho may he blessed in bis restoration to his domestic circle in his native country . Tho main business of the evening is over , and after paying honour to your distinguished guest and to the heads of our Masonic Order , you noiv descend to the small fry , in which I may consider myself to be included , and as therefore Ave can claim no high honours , w-e may bo excused if we make ourselves heard by our much speaking . Though ,
hoivever , individually I can claim no distinguished position among you , and no high consideration ; such is not the case in regard to the toast ivith which my name has been connected , namely , ' The Liberty of the Press , ' ivhich is so important that it requires a more able advocate , and one officially connected with it , to do it justice . Permit me to make a feAV observations in reference to myself . A year and a half ago I came , to Jersey a stranger ; it is hardly right to use such a term among Jlasons , still in I strangerLooking around for means of
usefulono sense was a . ness , and thinking that I could not fail to find them in the Masonic Lodges , I visited all of them with this vieiv , endeavouring to carry out my desires in the best spirit , with a sincere wish to be useful and to derive benefit from intercourse with the Craft . Circumstances occurred which it is not desirable now to enter upon , but with ivhich many of you are acquainted . Jlisconceptions were unfortunately formed respecting my objects and intentions , and I had no alternative but to withdraw mistake trusthi
from communication with those who could so me , I , ignorance of my real character and JIasonic antecedents . In this state of things , having been invited by your respected Worshipful JIaster to attend tiie meetings of La C-tSsavtSc , I was received most kindly . Here then I felt that I could enjoy JIasonic intercourse , and enter on a sphere of usefulness , as well as cultivate the feelings and virtues , and benefit by the privileges , of tho Craft . Here I thought I could find a for found that had
home which would be congenial to me , I you enlarged views , that you had noble projects in hand , that you contemplated great efforts for the advancement of the Order , and especially of your own branch of it , of a kind similar to those with which I had to
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Masonic Mirror.
as must he your delight on the renewal of all the early associations of your life , we entreat yon to carry away with you an assurance , thafc those friends whom you are about to rejoin will not , nay , cannot be more sincere than those whom you are quitting , in whose hearts you will ever hold a firm and enduring place . Without farther preface , I call upon Bro . Du Jardin to read the document which has been prepared for tbis occasion . " This A \ - as as folloAi-s : — "Dear and honoured
bro . her , — Your native country is reopened to all her sons , and you avail yourself of the event to return to the cradle of your childhood , the scene of the labours of your early manhood , the home of your affections and aspirations . We rejoice and grieve at the event . We are glad , because an estimable citizen is restored to his country , to his family , to the friends and compeers of his youth and after life ; because , in the position to which he is restored , he may and will be iu a position to render greater services to the cause of humanity
and progress , thau he could in this circumscribed locality ; because in the lovo of his family and the esteem of his felloAV-citizens he is about to fiud some compensation for the privations and sufferings he has endured during the bitter period he has passed through—of proscription and exile . But AVC grieve afc your approaching departure , because it deprives us , individually , of a warm and most kind and valued friend ; and because the public of this island loses thereby the benefit of your intelligent and disinterested counsel and advicewhich have so
fre-, quently and usefully been laid before it , and generously placed at its service . As members of the antient Craft of Freemasons , we , more than any others of this community , regret your departure . You have , indeed , while among us , been the model of a true JIason . None more than you has , even amid extreme provocations , carried into the profane world the admirable spirit oi self-abnegation and persevering fraternity . None more than you has contributed in this island to the rehabilitation of JIasonry . And to you it is mainloAvingthat the present
y , prosperous state of the Lodge " Cesaree" is attributable . Your native country beckons you homo ; and an enlarged field of dutj' and services unrolls itself before you . Go , then , brother ; private friendship must yield to public duty . But go , accompanied by our respect and regard as menby our affection and gratitude as Jlasons —by our most sincere and devoted friendship both as men and as Masons . Whatever
the political chapter of accidents may bring forth , may you never cease to remember that the spirit which dominates the Lodge you have so effectually contributed to raise to its present high position , is , and will ever remain , one of peace on earth and goodwill among men . Farewell ; may the Great Architect take you under His especial protection ; and may AA'e—labourers both in the vineyard and the highwayhope one day to meet in His Universal Temple ! On behalf of the Lodge , Philip Le Cras , W . JI . " At the conclusion of the reading of the address
ifc Ai'as handed by the Worshipful JIaster , amid the acclamations of the brethren , to Bro . Ratier , who , in returning thanks , paid a high compliment to the Worshipful JIaster and the Past JIasters , to AA-hom he said : " Without your vigorous co-operation and that of all the officers AVIIO contribute to tho efficiency of the Avorking , Ave should not at this moment be able to congratulate ourselves as Ave may justly do under present circumstances on the success which crowns our united efforts . " The Lodge was closed in harmony and brotherly love , and soon after six o ' clock the
brethren adjourned to dinner in another room . The Worshipful Master presided , supported by a large number of Past JIasters . More than fifty of the brethren ivere present on the occasion , but only three visitors , among whom Ai-as the Prov . Grand JIaster , Bro . J . J . Hammond . Upon giving tlle health of the R . W . Bro . J . J . Hammond , Prov . Grand Master ofthe Channel Isles and the Provincial Grand Lodge , the Prov . Grand JIaster returned thanks briefly ; and though a Jerseyman by birth , requested permission to speak in English as the language most familiar to him . Ho contented himself with a simple acknowledgment ofthe compliments . Bro . Du Jardin , Prov . G . Treas ., also acknoAvledged the
toast on behalf of the Prov . Grand Officers . Bro . Le Cras , W . M ., then said— "Brethren , I rise to propose the toast of this evening , namely , 1 Prosperity , long life , happiness , and honour to our illustrious Bro . Ratier . ' U was my desire to place this duty in the hands of some other brother Avho has not yet taken a part in auy portion of these proceedings , and Avho may be more capable than myself of doing justice to the subject ; but true to JIasonic order and discipline Bro . Ratier has expressed his desire to the contrary , and on this occasion , at least , his wish is a laiv to
ivhich I bow ; brethren , we are met to offer him our adieu . Ho goes to visit his aged father , from whom he has been separated for some years , to meet the members of his family AvIio are longing to receive him among them , to mingle again AA-ith his former companions iu the scenes of his youth , whose smiles will recall the recollections of days long passed . Brethren , let us unite again in assuring our valued friend and brother , that nowhere ivill he find those ivho entertain feelings more cordial and sincere than those by whom he is at this moment surrounded . " Bvo . Ratier
rose , and made au effort to speak , but , overwhelmed by his feelings , he said— "Brethren , I have already expressed my gratitude . I can now say nothing more ; I am full of emotion . " Bvo . Du . Jardin proposed the health of the newly initiated brother . Bro . Le Sueur having returned thanks , Bro . Schmitt rose to propose the health of the visitors . Bro . Aland , P . M . of an Irish Lodgo in Jersey , desired to return thanks for the honour . He disclaimed any high pretensions as to his quality as a JIason , though he believed that in his expressions Bro . Schmitt ivas
influenced by tho most sincere motives . Whatever failings ho might have , he trusted that he never tailed iu a communion of feelings with
members of the fraternity . Bro . Bisson , an Australian brother , coming from the antipodes , was anxious to express his ackiiOAvledgments , and to remind the brethren that the telegraph wire , which would soon flash messages hence to Australia , is an appropriate emblem of the communion , of sentiment existing in the minds of Jlasons , though on the opposite side of tho world . Ho could fully sympathize with the Lodge in the loss it ivas about to sustain , and trusted that another able orator would
speedily rise ivp to supply tbe vacant place . Bvo . Ratier next proposed the health of the W . Jf . He said , "I am personally grateful to him , because on the present occasion he has been as effective and energetic and thoughtful as he ever is , in omitting nothing which could contribute to my OAVU comfort , in the course of the proceedings connected with my final adieu . The Lodge , therefore , has reason to hold him in the highest estimation , since the firmness and courtesy of his own demeanour inspire others ivith the same sentimentsand produce a powerful influence on
, its prosperity . The same kind attention aud consideration on his part is extended to all impartially , whether members of this Lodge , visitors at its meetings , or brother Jlasons , wherever they are brought into communication with hiin . " The W . Jt . in reply said— " If I have in any way deserved the merit Attributed to me , I beg you , brethren , to believe that . I have felt a sincere nleasure in performing tho duties connected ivith the chair , I desire to express my hope , that the next W . M . will be fortunate enough to have a worthy representative of Bro . Ratier , to aid .
him with his counsel , to guide him by his example , and to work with , the same zeal thafc he has exhibited . Bro . J . J . Hammond , Prov . Grand JIaster , gave the next toast , to the health of those who constituted the strength , vigour , and beauty of the Lodge , namely , the Past JIasters , Avhose experience alivays availed much in the government of its affairs . He considered that Bro . Dr . Oliver was quite right in describing their relation to the Lodge as the same that money is to war , sinews to the fleshand the soul to the body . Bro . Du JardinP . JI .
, , , was glad to find , that notwithstanding the importance of the special object of this meeting , tho former services of the Past JIasters were not forgotten , and especially that they were appreciated by the Prov . Grand JIaster , for that the good opinion of their fellotv Jlasons was an ample repayment . He was proud to have been one of the founders of Lodge La Cesaree , in ivhich the old Norman French language was
adopted , but had never anticipated that it would be able to boast of so many distinguished members , among the foremost of AA'hom stood Bro . Ratier . Would that all the brethren understood as ivell as he does the mission of Freemasonry . To his teaching , he and many others were deeply indebted , by which means they had been instructed in their JIasonic duties , and had been induced by his example to practise them . Bro . Ratier said— "Brethren , there is another health which is too important to alloAv of its omission on an occasion like the present . It is
that of our esteemed Bro . Hopkins AA-IIO has favoured us with his presence this evening , and whom I beg to introduce to you as the representative of the press , the able and independent advocate of all that is good , and true , and beautiful , in connection with our Order , and as fche representative of English Freemasonry . " Bro . Dr . Hopkins , P . JI . No . 51 , replied at considerable length ; he said : — "I haye felt it a duty to be present on this interesting occasion to join you in the expressions of esteem and respect for our excellent Bro . Ratier , to show my sympathy
in your regret at his departure , to assist iu paying him all the honour which is so justly his due , and with heart and soul to unite in prayers and best wishes for his health , happiness , prosperity , and usefulness , wherever he may bo placed by Providence , witli a sincere desire that ho may he blessed in bis restoration to his domestic circle in his native country . Tho main business of the evening is over , and after paying honour to your distinguished guest and to the heads of our Masonic Order , you noiv descend to the small fry , in which I may consider myself to be included , and as therefore Ave can claim no high honours , w-e may bo excused if we make ourselves heard by our much speaking . Though ,
hoivever , individually I can claim no distinguished position among you , and no high consideration ; such is not the case in regard to the toast ivith which my name has been connected , namely , ' The Liberty of the Press , ' ivhich is so important that it requires a more able advocate , and one officially connected with it , to do it justice . Permit me to make a feAV observations in reference to myself . A year and a half ago I came , to Jersey a stranger ; it is hardly right to use such a term among Jlasons , still in I strangerLooking around for means of
usefulono sense was a . ness , and thinking that I could not fail to find them in the Masonic Lodges , I visited all of them with this vieiv , endeavouring to carry out my desires in the best spirit , with a sincere wish to be useful and to derive benefit from intercourse with the Craft . Circumstances occurred which it is not desirable now to enter upon , but with ivhich many of you are acquainted . Jlisconceptions were unfortunately formed respecting my objects and intentions , and I had no alternative but to withdraw mistake trusthi
from communication with those who could so me , I , ignorance of my real character and JIasonic antecedents . In this state of things , having been invited by your respected Worshipful JIaster to attend tiie meetings of La C-tSsavtSc , I was received most kindly . Here then I felt that I could enjoy JIasonic intercourse , and enter on a sphere of usefulness , as well as cultivate the feelings and virtues , and benefit by the privileges , of tho Craft . Here I thought I could find a for found that had
home which would be congenial to me , I you enlarged views , that you had noble projects in hand , that you contemplated great efforts for the advancement of the Order , and especially of your own branch of it , of a kind similar to those with which I had to