4th. Our Guest-The R. W. JAMES HERRING, P. G. Sec'ry of the G. Lodge of New York-"Honor to whom honor is due."

After the applause had subsided, the R. W. Bro. Herring replied in the following words:

Right Worshipful and Brethren :-According to usage on occasions of this kind, something will be expected from me in the acknowledgement of the honor done me by this testimony of your approbation of my conduct during a period of seventeen years that I have occupied the office of Grand Secretary. After the addresses which have been made by the R. W. Brothers, the Deputy and Past Deputy Grand Masters, there would appear to be really very little necessary to be said by me, beyond an expression of my thanks to the Brethren, who, whether present or absent, have united in this testimonial. I feel that it would be unbecoming in me to speak of my past labors without doing so. Neither do I wish to allude to those who have conferred upon me the honor of bearing the title of Past Grand Secretary. I recognize the perfect right of the majority of the Grand Lodge to elect whomsoever they please as their officers, and I have not the least objection to the result of the late election in that body. As I said at the time, so I continue to believe, it relieves me from great care, labor and responsibility, of which they knew but little, and it will be undoubtedly greatly to the advantage of myself and those dependent upon me. But while I feel all this, I cannot but feel a very great objection to the manner in which that result was brought about. Midnight caucusses, with locked doors, and a seal upon the lips, are not necessary for any honest or truthful purpose, and they who held such, probably forgot that, according to our Masonic doctrine, there was an EYE which looked down upon them, and witnessed their unhallowed work. But, rest assured, Brethren, that he who chiefly exults in the result of his schemes, will feel the eye of indignation frown upon him, and the finger of scorn will point out the traitor to fraternal friend

ship will not dwell upon a subject so disgusting. This is neither the time nor

place to enter at length into a detail of intrigues and combinations. It is to me satisfaction enough to be able to compare and to contrast the condition of the Grand Lodge at two points of time-my entrance to office in 1829, and my retirement in 1846. From 1825 to 1829, the expenditure of the Grand Lodge had been no less than $66 over the receipts. From that time to this, by the faithful co-operation of the Deputy Grand Master Myers, the Grand Treasurer, Van Benschoten, and those who succeeded them, I was enabled to check the destruction of the permanent fund, and to keep the expenditure of the Grand Lodge within its income, although for several years, that income was continually decreasing. On my retirement, I leave the Grand Lodge free from debt, money in the Treasury, the permanent fund untouched, and an extra fund of $3000, towards the erection of an asylum for our aged Brethren, and the widows and orphans of the Fraternity. There is another point not unworthy of notice by those who will have the future conduct of the affairs of our Grand Lodge. In 1829, there were upon the register, about 500 Lodges nominally holding under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of this State. Of these, a large proportion had not made any returns, or paid any dues to the Grand Lodge in three, ten, fifteen, and even twenty years. Nobody knew who were their officers, what they were about, or whether they were in existence. They appeared to have entirely forgotten that such a body as the Grand Lodge was in being. To ascertain the condition of these bodies, I wrote some thousands of letters, and reported the result from time to time. Some treated the G. Lodge with positive contempt-a few were brought into good standing-but much the larger proportion did nothing from that time to this, and their warrants were successively declared forfeited, until the whole number left amounted to only 72. To obtain the property, or even the old warrants of the erased Lodges, was found to be impossible, even when properly authorized persons were sent to demand them; and, as a final disposition of the subject, the Grand Lodge, in June, 1839, after a patient labor of 10 years, determined to give them the last

opportunity of performing their duty, by resolving that all the forfeited warrants, which should not be surrendered or revived (with the consent of the Grand Lodge,) previous to June, 1840, were forever annulled, and incapable of being revived. By this act, the Grand Lodge exhibited their determination to vindicate their own honor, sustain their own laws, and put an end to the vexation of laboring in vain to bring some 15,000 Masons to their duty. This last decision, like the appeals which had preceded it, was disregarded. Masonry no longer appeared in her golden girdle, and clad in purple and fine linen, but faint and weary and in distress, and as they thought, near to her end. There were no sounds of joy in her halls, there was no honor in her offices, no profit in her associations. Surrounded

by enemies without, and abandoned by pretending friends, the Grand Lodge was reduced to a very small assembly-so small, that it was sometimes doubtful if a quorum could be formed at our quarterly meetings. That day has passed, and with it, you, Brethren, will see a corresponding change in those whose business it is to speculate in Masonry. You will see those who could not be found by seeking in the day of trial, and there was no money to be had, now come forward and talk feelingly of" our beloved Institution," "our venerable Institution," "our timehonored Institution," and some such you have probably seen already. Beware of them. When they were amongst us, everything was brought into confusion and incomprehensible chaos.

By well considered measures, the Institution is placed in a flourishing condidition: the same measures steadfastly persevered in, will continue to keep it so; but you may depend upon it, that efforts will be made to destroy that system on which its prosperity for the future depends. An effort has, indeed, been already made to insert the wedge of destruction by an endeavor to expunge the resolution of 1839. For whose benefit was this attempt intended? There can be but one answer: for the benefit of those who, previous to 1839, had neglected their duties to the Grand Lodge for three, ten, fifteen and twenty years, and then treated her with silent contempt, but this attempt was happily defeated. Upon all innovators and speculators, I shall continue to maintain perpetual watch. They made a great mistake if they thought that when they took off my official gloves, I should be so offended as to abandon the field. It will probably be all the better for the Institution, for there are some subjects which can be best handled without gloves; and so long as I find myself sustained by the good men and true of the Fraternity, I shall wage war upon all corruptors, speculators, and mischief-makers; against all enemies of pure Masonry, whether without or within; and if I can no longer lead the charge, I will fight in the ranks; and so long as the Grand Lodge maintains its integrity and honor, continues to aim at the accomplishment of high, noble and useful objects, so long will I give it my most cheerful support, and endeavor to preserve your good opinion. Brethren, in conclusion, I ask you to fill to the following sentiment:

The Asylum Fund-May it meet with the cordial support of every Brother in the State, have the blessing of God, and approbation of the world.

5th. The Representatives of the Grand Lodges throughout the world.

The R. W. Bro. J. H. Rogers, Representative of the Grand Lodge of the State of Connecticut, responded, and gave

The Masonic Fraternity-May they ever adhere to the ancient Landmarks of the Order, viz: to protect and cherish the widow and the orphan.

A deputation from L'Union Francaise Lodge, who were celebrating the Festival of St. John in another part of the city, were announced and admitted, and gave: Prosperity to the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, the Grand Lodges throughout the world, and the Lodge of Strict Observance, No. 94.

By R. W. Bro. Willis, P. D. G. M. The Lodges of Albany and Schenectady. This was responded to by Bro. James, of Albany, who gave

The M. W. Grand Lodge of this State-Through the energy, zeal, and ability of its officers, it has been a bright, particular star: May that star never set.

By W. Pro. Giles F. Yates, of Schenectady-after alluding to the long and faithful services of Bro. Herring. The Genuine Freemason-Operative, not speculative. The faith by which he lives, he practically considers "dead without works." Wisdom directs him to contrive what is for the best interests of the Craft. His deeds of love, though unobtrusive, abound in Strength, and illustrate the Beauty of our ancient Order. "The palm to him who merits it."

By the R. W. John Horspool, G. Treasurer. May the Ancient Charter of Masonry, wherein it inculcates harmony and brotherly love, never be tarnished by the demon of discord and confusion.

By Bro. F. G. Tisdall. The Memory of the late M. W. Alex. H. Robertson. Drank with appropriate solemnity and honors. Music-a dirge, by Brs. Loder, Massett, Kyle, and Austin Phillips.

After a few remarks from R. W. Bro. James Herring, he gave: Bro. Herr Alexander-Wherever he sojourns, may happiness, prosperity and success attend

him.

Bro. Alexander not being able to reply in English, sang a German song, which was loudly applauded.

By R. W. Bro. J. H. Rogers. Bro. George Loder-The philanthropist, and friend of the widow and orphan. Although an exotic, he has become a native plant among us, and is known by the universality of his benevolence.

Bro. Loder playfully replied, that he did not like the idea of being called an exotic, by the R. W. Brother, it being unknown in Freemasonry; but could appreciate the motive of the kind-hearted Brother who had honored him with the encomiums contained in the sentiment given, and would direct the attention of the Brethren to what, perhaps, might be termed an erotic-at least, it was a thing very much desired, and he wished soon to see it in this city, upon a permanent foundation, towering towards heaven, to the honor of our beloved Order. He said he alluded to a Freemasons' Hall, and gave

The Scheme for the erection of a Freemasons' Hull-Honor and credit to those who first planned and originated it, and now support the project.

The R. W. Bro. Willis, having retired, W. Bro. Daniel Seixas was called to preside, and offered the following: The R. W. P. D. G. Master, Wm. Willis. Song by Br. Loder-"The Brave Old Oak."

By Bro. John F. Robinson. The W. Master of the Lodge of Strict Observancethe R. W. Bro. James Herring-A Master whom the members are exceedingly proud of, and whom we delight to honor.

By the Representative of the G. Lodge of District of Columbia, W. Bro. Wm. C. Barnet: The Representative System.

The W. Brother, in a few plain and sensible remarks, cited several cases, in which the system of Representatives was productive of good, and to his own knowledge, was the means of settling some serious disputes between the aburigines and the General Government.

During the banquet, the purest Masonic feeling and perfect unanimity were manifested by all present; and it was concluded in that harmony which is becoming Masons, and which will cause the Herring Festival to be fondly remembered by its participators, who, as they were prompt on this occasion, will be ready at all times to render homage and “ Honor to whom honor is due.”

66

THE LATE R. W. BR. HENRY PURKITT.

At the quarterly Communication of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, on the 11th Sept., 1845, the R. W. JOHN B. HAMMATT submitted the following communication:

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, at its Quarterly Communication, Sept. 11, 1845:

I, John B. Hammatt, a meniber of the Grand Lodge, make the following communication:

On the 8th day of the present month, our venerable Brother, HENRY PURKITT, a permanent member of the Grand Lodge, aged 90 years, sent for me, and I visited him at his house. He was very feeble in bodily health, and unable to write, but he was cheerful and of sound mind. He confidently charged me, verbally, with a communication to the Grand Lodge, of the import following:

"I have long had the honor of being a member of the Grand Lodge, and I have just received the usual notice to attend their Quarterly meeting, on the 10th inst.

For more than fifty years I have been a member of the Order, and I am now, as I have ever been, fully convinced of the purity, benevolence and value of its objects and pursuits. I have mingled with its labors through prosperity and adversity: I know its character, and I cheerfully bear my testimony, that the calumniators of Freemasonry have treated it with gross injustice. They have misrepresented its character and its labors. They have presented against it false accusations, and endeavored to sustain them by false testimony.

It has been my ardent desire to meet the Grand Lodge once more in the Hall of its labors, where I have passed so many interesting and happy hours, and on receiving notice, I determined to attend the approaching Quarterly Communication, and to express to the Grand Lodge, and to the Brethren whom I have so often met there, my cordial affection for them, and my entire confidence in their rectitude. I would have congratulated them on the triumph achieved by their unostentatious, modest, but inflexible pursuit of their appro priate labors, over the vindictive assaults and false accusations of disorgan izing and unprincipled assailants.

But, as the hour of the meeting approaches, I find that extreme age, and many bodily infirmities, will forbid me to enjoy the anticipated pleasure, and I now feel convinced that I shall never again on earth be able to meet a Masonic Lodge.

Impressed with these feelings, I have requested my early friend and confi dential Brother, John B. Hammatt, to bear from my lips to you, this, my last, solemn, fraternal, and affectionate greeting.

Many of my most cherished hours have been passed in your assemblies; but with me, these joys have been fulfilled; destiny calls me to scenes where a higher Master and purer rules shall govern.

I thank you, collectively and individually, for your uniform, kind, and confi dential deportment towards me.

My strength is failing; but its last effort will be to breathe a fervent prayer that you may long continue to confer on mankind the benefits that ought to flow from our Order, and that when your Lodges shall be closed, to be opened no more on earth for your reception, the Grand Master above may find you worthy, and qualified to be received into his celestial mansions."

To the above communication, the M. W. Grand Master, at the request of the Grand Lodge, returned the following answer:

GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS,

Quarterly Communication, Sept. 11, 1845.}

To our Beloved and Venerated Brother, Henry Purkitt :

The Grand Lodge have, with no ordinary sensation, received your kind greeting, and forthwith reply:

That such affectionate and encouraging sentiments as are transmitted to us this evening, from one of our oldest, wisest, most revered and beloved Brothers, are received with peculiar pleasure.

The Grand Lodge holds dear the remembrance that you have ever been a faithful Brother, ardently attached to the principles of Freemasonry, and ready to devote your time, your strength, and your wisdom, to promote its benevolent objects and to defend it against assaults. We reciprocate your kind, fraternal greeting, and cherish the hope that you may long be spared to enjoy in health and peace, the fruits of an active, honest, and honored life.

From the example you have left, every Brother should take lessons that will assist him in the performance of his duties.

Our hearts' desire is, that in the fullness of years, you may still be blessed with such a portion of strength as to enable you again to visit and aid us by your council, as, through your long and active life, you have done by your labors.

Your name will be long remembered among us. It is an honored name; and it is not uncommon to hear the younger Brethren express the wish that they may become as good, zealous, and faithful Masons as HENRY PURKItt.

Adieu, beloved friend and Brother: And, whether your strength still be preserved, or wholly fail under the accumulated weight of many years, we will unitedly breathe our aspirations that, while you continue the pilgrimage on earth, you may enjoy all the comforts that can be allotted to declining humanity, and that, in the life to come, your happiness may be perfect.

By order of the Grand Lodge.

AUGUSTUS PEABODY, G. M.

At the quarterly Communication on the 11th March, 1846, the R. W. Br. WINSLOW LEWIS, Jr., offered the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:

Within a few days, one of our brightest lights has been extinguished, and the "brave old oak" of our Masonic domain, cut down to mingle again with the earth from which it came. The "seer and yellow leaf" has for many years progressed to its termination, but its fall has been protracted to a period far beyond the common allotment of existence. It has survived the tempest and the storm, to witness the renewed verdure and vigorous growth of an Institution, so long fostered and sheltered by its benign influences.

Our aged Brother, the R. W. HENRY PURKITT, has passed away. After "life's lengthened fever," he sleeps well the sleep that knows no earthly waking. Well should he sleep whose long day of life was passed in the exercise of the kindly affections, the noblest functions of the heart, the broadest duties of unsparing charity. I cannot but feel a melancholy pleasure, a "joy of grief,” in this announcement,-joy at the recollection that he has left the odor of a name to stimulate us to the performance of good;-satisfaction, that his virtues and excellencies were but the fulfillment of the teachings of Masonry. But grief must have its share, that we shall behold that kindly face no more;