Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-12-26

our natures and elevate our thoughts and |
actions TO the standard at which our insti-
tuition aims, is life work and the reward
is commensurate with the labor. Whatev-
er your antcipations may have been in re-
gard to the Fraternity, we rejoice that you
give evidence that you appreciate the in
stiiution, and we confidently trust that you
win prove an honor to the cause. But
amid our satisfaction in welcoming you on
this festive occasion, we are forcbly and
painfully reminded of absent ones whom
we met at our last annual greeting. Some
have moved to other places and have formed
other associations, and we may never have
the pleasure of seeing them again around
oar altar. Yet we would rejoice that our
institution is broad enough TO embrace the
soiourners of all lands that around our
common altar, wherever civilization rrigns,
there may BE- found ready and cheering
welcome TO the stranger who seeks admit
lance. And although at the recollection OF
the happy seasons which We have enjoyed
with them, the silent tear unbidden flows,
vet we would be cheered by the fact that
from this little parent stock there have
sprung 30 many branches. which in return
| will still send forth the blessings we ENJOY,
and cheer other hearts in all coming time.
We would remember with gratitude the
tokens of their regard which we have re-
ceived during the year, to assist US to erect
a suitable place in which to meet May
they. together with those in our midst, though
not members of our Lodge, some of whom
we greet to-day, be abundantly rewarded
for their generosity
Some of our members to-day are battling
for our common country, exposed to hard
ships of which we can form no adequate
idea. Whist We deeply deplore the neces-
stv which called tht IN to the battlefield.
vet we would rejoice that The love of coun-
try should have prompted them 10 otiei
their all upon its altar. May He who tenn
pers the wind to the shorn lamb have them
in His keeping and restore them again TO
us, uncouIaminated by the evil influences
which are incident 10 war. Whilst there
are so many seals in our Lodges made va
cant by this unnatural strife, let us hope
, that the influence exerted by the teachings
) of our order may form nucleus around
, which shall spring up better feelings, and
do away with hatred and restore order and
, harmony.
Some Of US have been called in the Prov
; idence Of God TO consign those who were
) near aud dear. to the narrow house appoint
ed for all the living. And although we
, could not stay the relentless destroyer, yel
/, we trus, our sympathy has in some meas
: ure assuaged their grief. How often have
] we been reminded during the year, that nc
4 a.e nor condition IN life is exempt from the
: shaft. Of Death. The young and tendel
: blossoms around whom clustered our fond
e est hopes are stricken. They wi'her, ant
: we see their faces no more. Youth witt
$ all its vigor and strength forms no harriel
: to his onward march and although we es
r cane diseases incident to Childhood anC
youth. and arrive to the vigor of manhooC
Il with 6rm and elastic step, yet death is OF
e our track, and ere we are aware he sap
i the foundations of life, and we droop and die
It Could we have known at our last annua
: gathering that our Fraiernal father ere an
n other year would sleep the sleep that kno"
IS no waking, how sad would have been ou
b hearts. 1t needs no words OF mine TO re
e mind YOU that he is gone. These sabl
e mementoes and your sad countenances al
Is proclaim that death has entered our hit!
N circle and borne away one we honored an
o tray is worth, for he has left his image in a
p, our hearts, which time will never effact
Of His faults, if he had any, we have burie
at in his grave,-and happy would it be for u
10 and the cause we represent should 70
= have so few to bury. For his virtues an
iy his unwavering devotion to our institutions
We honor and cherish his memory. /
ii lifs's early morn he devoted bis energies
h. the upbuiding of Masonry, and lahore
o. with zeal for its advancement in the ms
turity of manhood he cherished her teact
'y in.s And although for time he was de
~ prived Of the privilege cf meeting aroun
,u her altar, yet esteem for her welfare va
g. unabated. In connection with few other
e. some of whom went before him to the spir
10 land whilst the whitening locks of those WI
81 are still spared are blossomiug for the srav
he here kindIed the fires upon her altar, an
De spared no pains to make the Lodge worth
IL of the respect and esteem of those wi
all sought her portals. That his efforts WEI
re duly appreciated his Office testiies, as b
its few Masters retained the chair so mar
ds years in succession, or endeared himst
oy more intimately 10 a Lodge.
i'd Ny aged Brothers! Your thinned ranl
n are again broken, and one with whom "
all have held sweet converse is gone; and "
A. l.,