Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
this was followed by a song or two , after which the labour was resumed , to be again succeeded by refreshments , and so on alternately until the closing of the lodge . But we must even admit that this practice , when moderated within the bounds of decent decorum , was very fascinating , as it combined in a very pleasing and agreeable manner tbe useful with the pleasant , and whilst it had attractions without vice , it afforded a modest enjoyment without debauchery . But I am forced to say that
our practice of Masonry in Scotland , at least in this locality , on this point was not always kept within the limits alluded to , as I find from communication with old brethren that at no very distant day it was the practice to set aside the greater portion of the induction fee of each candidate , to be consumed in spirits on the occasion of his admission as a member of the lodge . This most objectionable practice has done more harm
to the Craft than is possible to name , bnt I am proud to think that its practice is now obsolete , and sobriety and good conduct are now the . characteristics of all our meetings . Wo are also charged with disloyalty , but our Craft teaches us to be faithful to our Queen and true to our country ; to avoid violent measures , and to submit with reverence to the decisions of legislative power . It is surelythenno mean advantage for any state to
, , have under its power a body of men who are loyal subjects and friends to mankind . The following " Song for the centenary of St . Marnock Lodge , " composed by tho Grand Bard , was then sung by tho author , to the air of " Maggio Lauder . "
Lang syne , when donco auld Saints cam roim ' , And carried blessings wi' them ; When cot aud clachau , dale and doun , Wero mica pleased to soo thorn-There canio a sago far keeker hero , His hallowed name St . Marnock ; Whas gonial light shono bright and clear ,
And Christianised Kilmarnock , Ho taught our sires tho grip and word , That tost ilk true leal hrilher ; And couucillod man to sheath tho sword , Aud a' bo friends thegithor . And this samo text spread Scotland's fame , Frao Labrador to Karuac . ;
When Bums sent forth in words o' flame , His soul flatights frao Kilmarnock . St , Marnock ' s sous for lang worked on , For foremost ranks aye striving ; And their Auld Mithor , couthy crone , Was blytho to soo them thriving . But through a long and eerio night ,
Time flow sice as a warlock ; And ottled sair to blot frao sight , Tho brethren o' St . Marnock . But our Grand Master has renewed , Our famous ancient charter ; And wi' now brithorlovo imbued , Wo seek our lovo to barter . Then brethren let your joyour shout Be heard frao Ayr to Darnock , Come , three times three , come , bumpers out , Hurrah for auld St . Marnock .
"Tho Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire , " given by Bro . Colonel Mure , was replied to by Bro . Wylie , as follows : "I have very much pleasure in rising to return you my warmest thanks for the kind way in which my health has been proposed and responded to by all the brethren present . I cannot help expressing the very great pleasure that I feel in being present on this occasion . From my Masonic position it is becoming that I should feel an interest iu the prosperity of all the
Ayrshire lodges , but as I had recently the pleasure of assisting in the resuscitation of this one , I cannot but feel a double and peculiar interest in its welfare and jn-ospeiily : and , from what 1 know of the office-bearers , I am assured it will at once take a respectable position among the sister lodges . I do not intend , neither am I prepared , to make a speech on this occasion , but I mayin passingmake a few short remarks on the
, , Masonic aspect of the province over which I have the honour to preside . Ayrshire is tbe largest province in Scotland , It contains thirty-two lodges iu active working order , and , as I can calculate , about 10 , 000 brethren . The number initiated last year was over 400 , and this year I anticipate a larger number will be added to the roll of members . In looking back I find
that the province has given Masters on three occasions to the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and it was , as you are all aware , the cradle of Freemasonry in Scotland . The Masonic communications held at Kilwinning many years ago , and presided over by the Scottish kings , must doubtless have been grand and imposing spectacles , bnt , although composed of tbe elite of the brethren from all parts of the realm , I question if they ever mustered in such large numbers as they have done to-night
under the presidency of Bro . Shaw . Allow me again to thank you for the honour you have done me and the Provincial Grand Lodgo on this occasion . " Bro . the Rev . Alex . Webster , after "The Provincial Grand Lodge of East Renfrewshire" had been proposed , and duly acknowledged by Colonel Campbell , prefaced the toast of " The Grand Bard" with these remarks : —The announcement of this
toast must excite in yon , as it docs in me , a twofold feelingfirst of all a feeling of admiration for Mr . Ballantine , who has honoured us with his presence here to-day , and lying behind this , a general feeling of respect for the high office he holds amongst us , and of sympathy with that branch of the literary profession to which he belongs . There are some who are apparentlborn and grow up with no poetic sympathiesand in this
y , utilitarian age the question has been put , What is the use of poetry ? To what practical -account can it be turned ? How can it be expressed in half-crowns ? It is the old question , To what purpose is this waste ? Now tbe very putting of such a question is a clear proof that the questioners are of the earth earthy , that they have never yet had their souls raised , if they have any souls to raiseabove eating and
drinkingshopkecping-, , and money-making , but that they aro still grovelling there among their farthings and pence , and cleaving unto what , in commercial phrase , has been sarcastically termed " the dust . " But you , brethren , who have been emancipated from this low estate do not require to be told what is the use of the bard and what jilacc he holds in the great system of things . You know that poetry is one of the highest pursuits to which man can
devote himself , and that poets are among the best benefactors of mankind , for by the perusal of their works of creative genius , we are raised above ourselves and above the shopkeeping spirit , the dulness is taken out of this earthly existence , our higher nature is awakened , and our spirits are let
out into the region of infinitude , to wander through the vast of sjiacc , and there to gaze on the awful grandeur of things , and to hold converse with the Great Architect , who is also the Great Poet of the Universe . All honour , therefore , let us render those gifted men who , by their divine vision and faculty , help to redeem our lives from commonplace , and to lift us up above the region of plain prose , and above the things of sense , into the celestial cloudland of imaginationand into the lofty region
, of immortal song . The kind of poetry which is mote especially suggested to us by this toast is tbe writing of songs . This is a limited department , but it is confessedly one of the most difficult to excel in , and he who has written one good national song has , by that production , done more for the benefit of his countryman than if he had spent a whole lifetime in standing behind a counter retailing goods—or in making Town Council
speeches—or in performing , however faithfully , any of the other duties of common life , I would rather be the author of " Annie Lauiie , " or "Ye banks aud braes , " than the most consequential bailie of the land . " Let me make the songs of a nation , " said a great philosopher , " audi care not who shall make its laws ;" and you must all acknowledge the truthfulness of this remark . Laws are of great use for calling scoundrels and dishonest men
to order : but good songs and good music serve the far higher end of domesticating and elevating and refining a people , and thus raising them above the necessity of being looked after by magistrates and policemen . Now we have here among us tne grand bard of this great Masonic brotherhood , and the greatest song writer of Scotland at the present day . You have all heard the name ol James Ballantine—some of you may not have seen his
face before , but this day , I am sure , auld Kilmarnock cocks her tail , and wags him a hearty welcome to the land of his great master and progenitor , Robert Burns . Our Grand Bard is known from north to south , and his songs being , like those of Burns , characterised by naturalness and simplicity , and genuine pathos , have already found their way into almost every dwelling , and have awakened a responsive echo in every Scottish
heart , and have secured for him an honourable and permanent place in the literary history of this country . Who does not know his " Castles in the . air ? " and how many a poor , struggling widow in her little shop , and bow many a downcast spirit
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
this was followed by a song or two , after which the labour was resumed , to be again succeeded by refreshments , and so on alternately until the closing of the lodge . But we must even admit that this practice , when moderated within the bounds of decent decorum , was very fascinating , as it combined in a very pleasing and agreeable manner tbe useful with the pleasant , and whilst it had attractions without vice , it afforded a modest enjoyment without debauchery . But I am forced to say that
our practice of Masonry in Scotland , at least in this locality , on this point was not always kept within the limits alluded to , as I find from communication with old brethren that at no very distant day it was the practice to set aside the greater portion of the induction fee of each candidate , to be consumed in spirits on the occasion of his admission as a member of the lodge . This most objectionable practice has done more harm
to the Craft than is possible to name , bnt I am proud to think that its practice is now obsolete , and sobriety and good conduct are now the . characteristics of all our meetings . Wo are also charged with disloyalty , but our Craft teaches us to be faithful to our Queen and true to our country ; to avoid violent measures , and to submit with reverence to the decisions of legislative power . It is surelythenno mean advantage for any state to
, , have under its power a body of men who are loyal subjects and friends to mankind . The following " Song for the centenary of St . Marnock Lodge , " composed by tho Grand Bard , was then sung by tho author , to the air of " Maggio Lauder . "
Lang syne , when donco auld Saints cam roim ' , And carried blessings wi' them ; When cot aud clachau , dale and doun , Wero mica pleased to soo thorn-There canio a sago far keeker hero , His hallowed name St . Marnock ; Whas gonial light shono bright and clear ,
And Christianised Kilmarnock , Ho taught our sires tho grip and word , That tost ilk true leal hrilher ; And couucillod man to sheath tho sword , Aud a' bo friends thegithor . And this samo text spread Scotland's fame , Frao Labrador to Karuac . ;
When Bums sent forth in words o' flame , His soul flatights frao Kilmarnock . St , Marnock ' s sous for lang worked on , For foremost ranks aye striving ; And their Auld Mithor , couthy crone , Was blytho to soo them thriving . But through a long and eerio night ,
Time flow sice as a warlock ; And ottled sair to blot frao sight , Tho brethren o' St . Marnock . But our Grand Master has renewed , Our famous ancient charter ; And wi' now brithorlovo imbued , Wo seek our lovo to barter . Then brethren let your joyour shout Be heard frao Ayr to Darnock , Come , three times three , come , bumpers out , Hurrah for auld St . Marnock .
"Tho Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire , " given by Bro . Colonel Mure , was replied to by Bro . Wylie , as follows : "I have very much pleasure in rising to return you my warmest thanks for the kind way in which my health has been proposed and responded to by all the brethren present . I cannot help expressing the very great pleasure that I feel in being present on this occasion . From my Masonic position it is becoming that I should feel an interest iu the prosperity of all the
Ayrshire lodges , but as I had recently the pleasure of assisting in the resuscitation of this one , I cannot but feel a double and peculiar interest in its welfare and jn-ospeiily : and , from what 1 know of the office-bearers , I am assured it will at once take a respectable position among the sister lodges . I do not intend , neither am I prepared , to make a speech on this occasion , but I mayin passingmake a few short remarks on the
, , Masonic aspect of the province over which I have the honour to preside . Ayrshire is tbe largest province in Scotland , It contains thirty-two lodges iu active working order , and , as I can calculate , about 10 , 000 brethren . The number initiated last year was over 400 , and this year I anticipate a larger number will be added to the roll of members . In looking back I find
that the province has given Masters on three occasions to the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and it was , as you are all aware , the cradle of Freemasonry in Scotland . The Masonic communications held at Kilwinning many years ago , and presided over by the Scottish kings , must doubtless have been grand and imposing spectacles , bnt , although composed of tbe elite of the brethren from all parts of the realm , I question if they ever mustered in such large numbers as they have done to-night
under the presidency of Bro . Shaw . Allow me again to thank you for the honour you have done me and the Provincial Grand Lodgo on this occasion . " Bro . the Rev . Alex . Webster , after "The Provincial Grand Lodge of East Renfrewshire" had been proposed , and duly acknowledged by Colonel Campbell , prefaced the toast of " The Grand Bard" with these remarks : —The announcement of this
toast must excite in yon , as it docs in me , a twofold feelingfirst of all a feeling of admiration for Mr . Ballantine , who has honoured us with his presence here to-day , and lying behind this , a general feeling of respect for the high office he holds amongst us , and of sympathy with that branch of the literary profession to which he belongs . There are some who are apparentlborn and grow up with no poetic sympathiesand in this
y , utilitarian age the question has been put , What is the use of poetry ? To what practical -account can it be turned ? How can it be expressed in half-crowns ? It is the old question , To what purpose is this waste ? Now tbe very putting of such a question is a clear proof that the questioners are of the earth earthy , that they have never yet had their souls raised , if they have any souls to raiseabove eating and
drinkingshopkecping-, , and money-making , but that they aro still grovelling there among their farthings and pence , and cleaving unto what , in commercial phrase , has been sarcastically termed " the dust . " But you , brethren , who have been emancipated from this low estate do not require to be told what is the use of the bard and what jilacc he holds in the great system of things . You know that poetry is one of the highest pursuits to which man can
devote himself , and that poets are among the best benefactors of mankind , for by the perusal of their works of creative genius , we are raised above ourselves and above the shopkeeping spirit , the dulness is taken out of this earthly existence , our higher nature is awakened , and our spirits are let
out into the region of infinitude , to wander through the vast of sjiacc , and there to gaze on the awful grandeur of things , and to hold converse with the Great Architect , who is also the Great Poet of the Universe . All honour , therefore , let us render those gifted men who , by their divine vision and faculty , help to redeem our lives from commonplace , and to lift us up above the region of plain prose , and above the things of sense , into the celestial cloudland of imaginationand into the lofty region
, of immortal song . The kind of poetry which is mote especially suggested to us by this toast is tbe writing of songs . This is a limited department , but it is confessedly one of the most difficult to excel in , and he who has written one good national song has , by that production , done more for the benefit of his countryman than if he had spent a whole lifetime in standing behind a counter retailing goods—or in making Town Council
speeches—or in performing , however faithfully , any of the other duties of common life , I would rather be the author of " Annie Lauiie , " or "Ye banks aud braes , " than the most consequential bailie of the land . " Let me make the songs of a nation , " said a great philosopher , " audi care not who shall make its laws ;" and you must all acknowledge the truthfulness of this remark . Laws are of great use for calling scoundrels and dishonest men
to order : but good songs and good music serve the far higher end of domesticating and elevating and refining a people , and thus raising them above the necessity of being looked after by magistrates and policemen . Now we have here among us tne grand bard of this great Masonic brotherhood , and the greatest song writer of Scotland at the present day . You have all heard the name ol James Ballantine—some of you may not have seen his
face before , but this day , I am sure , auld Kilmarnock cocks her tail , and wags him a hearty welcome to the land of his great master and progenitor , Robert Burns . Our Grand Bard is known from north to south , and his songs being , like those of Burns , characterised by naturalness and simplicity , and genuine pathos , have already found their way into almost every dwelling , and have awakened a responsive echo in every Scottish
heart , and have secured for him an honourable and permanent place in the literary history of this country . Who does not know his " Castles in the . air ? " and how many a poor , struggling widow in her little shop , and bow many a downcast spirit