[From Selections from Calcutta Gazettes, Vol. V]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1822

MASONIC ADDRESS

To The Most Noble FRANCIS, MARQUESS OF HASTINGS, K. G., &:c, &:c, &:c.

At ten o' clock on Friday, the Company began to assemble at the Government House; by eleven every seat in the room was occupied and many Ladies were obliged to stand.

The number of Ladies who attended was perhaps greater than ever before graced the room on such an occasion; and we believe that not an individual was there, who will not ever retain a lively remembrance of the scene. Certainly, not less than 800 persons must have been present, most probably more, yet the whole was conducted with an order and regularity highly befitting the occasion, and as highly creditable to those who formed and superintended the arrangements.

About eleven Lady Hastings entered the room, and took her seat to the left, a little behind the Chair of State; near her were Lady H. Paget, Ladies Me. Mahon, D'Oyly, and the Ladies of the Members of Council, &:c.

At eleven o' clock precisely, the procession arrived from the Town Hall, where the different Lodges and Brethren had assembled at ten: whence, after the necessary forms of preparation had been gone through, they marched in double files to the Government House, dressed in Masonic Order and wearing their appropriate emblems, according to arrangements before made, as following: -

Two Grand Tylers carrying drawn swords.
A Band of Music playing a Masonic Tune.
The Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Military Lodge of H.M.'s 17th Foot.
Military Lodge of Hon'ble Company's Artillery.
Courage with Humanity.
Aurora Lodge.
Marine Lodge
Military Lodge, Humility with Fortitude.
Lodge True Friendship.
Lodge Industry and Perseverance.
Lodge Star in the East.
Each of the above Lodges was preceded by a Tyler carrying a drawn sword, and an appropriate Banner, carried by a Brother.
Then followed in Procession the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bengal as follows -
Grand Tyler with a sword.
Two Grand Deacons carrying wands.
Grand Treasurer-Grand Recorder.
Grand Secretary.

A Brother carrying the HOLY BIBLE, on a Crimson Velvet Cushion.
The Grand Chaplain in full canonicals; and wearinng the
Insignia of Masonry.
The Past Provincial Grand Master.
The Grand Junior Warden.
The Grand Senior Warden.
The Grand Lodge Banners.
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master.
The Sword of State, carried by a Brother in a State Dress.

The Right Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master,
Brother J. P. LARKINS.
A Grand Steward - A Grand Steward.
Grand Tyler.

On reaching the entrance of the Government House, the Band of music halted under the portico,
but still kept playing until the first Lodge had entered the Upper Guard Room, when another Band stationed there took up the tune. The first Lodge then opened right and left, as to admit the other Lodges to pass through' their center, and form in three sides of a square, the Grand Master the MARQUESS OF HASTINGS seated on an elevation of three steps, checkered in the Masonic Manner, attended by his suite in full dress uniforms, forming the fourth side of the square. The Grand Lodge then advanced in Masonic Order up the center of the room, and on their approach to a Masonic Pedestal, which was placed opposite the Grand Master, opened right and left, so as to allow, the Provincial Grand Master with his attendants to pass up the center. The BIBLE, GOLDEN SQUARE, and COMPASSES were then deposited on the pedestal, and the Grand Conductor of the ceremonies, Brother C. Paton, after having marshalled the whole, in a manner which drew forth general marks of approbation, took his station on the right hand of His Excellency the Grand Master.

As soon as the noise, arising from the spectators getting up to stand on the seats for the purpose oB obtaining a better view, had ceased, the Provincial Grand Master thus addressed His Lordship, who rose, bowed, and re-seated himself: -

"MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER, -

I have the honor to inform your Lordship that at a Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bengal, at which all the Lodges of Free and Accepted Masons working under your Lordship's immediate auspices, were duly represented, it was resolved unanimously, that an Address should be presented to your Lordship, declaratory of the fraternal affection and regard entertained by the craft for your Lordship's Person and Virtues, and their deep feelings of unfeigned regret on the occasion of your Lordship's approaching departure for Europe. I have the honor, my Lord, to bear the Address so voted, and with your Lordship's permission will proceed to read it." Assent being given, the Provincial Grand Master then read the following: - Address to the Most Noble FRANCIS, MARQUESS of HASTINGS, K.G. &c. &c. &c. Acting Grand Master of the most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, in and through every part of the East Indies.

"MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER, - We, the provincial Grand Master, and the Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bengal, and the Masters, Wardens .and Members, of the several Lodges of Free Masons, working under its authority, most respectfully beg permission, on the eve of your Lordship's departure for Europe, to offer our united Sentiments of Regard and esteem for your Lord. ship's Person and Virtues.

"As a Masonic Body, placed under the protecting care of your Lordship, we cannot contemplate the loss of our Illustrious Grand Master, without feelings of the deepest regret; entertaining as we do the most affectionate regard and devotion to your Lordship, as one with whom it is our pride to be enrolled in the same Fraternal Band.

"Nine years have elapsed since your Lordship's auspicious arrival to preside over the destinies of this Great Country. The general sentiment on the approaching relinquishment of your high office, has already reached your Lordship's ear by the united voice of its inhabitants, in this, we as individuals have most cordially joined. The wisdom of the measures planned by your Lordship, and the splendid achievements that were their consequence, will shed luster on the pages of future history, and become lessons for the policy of the Statesman, and the honorable ambition of the Soldier. Permit us, Most Illustrious and Noble Brother, to dwell upon the more endearing Virtues by which your Residence amongst us has been distinguished.

"It was with no ordinary feelings of gratitude to our Illustrious and Royal Grand Master for the watchful care evinced by him for the craft in general, that we found your Lordship invested with a superintending power over the Masonic Institutions in the Eastern Quarter of the world. The wisdom of this appointment in the immediate effects-the influence of your Lordship's great name, exalted rank, high acquirements, extensive benevolence, and Masonic character, was seen in the new zeal it infused into the Fraternity. The appearance of your Lordship amongst the Brethren in India gave additional vigor to the spirit so inspired; and working under the eye of a Grand Master so distinguished for every Masonic virtue, the ardor of spirit has continued unabated, to the honor of the Craft, the increase of its Number, and the extension of its Charities.

"As Masons, contemplating and constantly remembering the remote antiquity of our origin, and interested in every thing that promotes the usefulness of our Craft, it is impossible to have beheld the advantages derived to this great city, in the encouragement given by your Lordship to science and the arts, without a grateful admiration of the enlightened and liberal mind, under whose influence they have been attained. We have witnessed our City improved and embellished, not to gratify the caprice of private taste, but to promote the general health, and convenience. We have seen public edifices arise for the advantage of commerce, and we have been repeatedly called on to perform the grateful task of laying, with the impressive mysteries of our Order, the foundation of temples, erected to the pure service of the ever living God. These, my Lord, will remain monuments of your enlightened taste, and of the patronage afforded by you to the liberal arts, while, on the firm foundation you have laid for the future security of this vast empire, a fair fabric of public prosperity and gratitude shall arise, sacred to the happiness of Millions, and the perpetuation of your Lordship's fame.

"As a Masonic Body, we feel ourselves called on by a sense of duty to offer to your Lordship the testimony of out grateful homage, for the benefit which we in particular have derived from the exercise of the high powers vested in your hands, in the selection of a Deputy Grand Master from among the most honorable and respected of Our Brethren, in the formation of a Provincial Grand Lodge, and the appointment of a zealous, able, and enlightened Grand Master, under the influence of whose character and watchful superintendence, incalculable benefits have accrued to the Fraternity. In the readiness with which, amidst concerns of the greatest public importance, your Lordship has uniformly received our applications for advice or instruction, for the condescending urbanity, and endearing kindness with which this advice and instruction have been afforded, and for the example you have given for the exercise of the first and noblest duties of our Order, Universal Charity, and Benevolence.

"It only remains for us now, Most Noble Lord dnd Illustrious Brother, to perform the sorrowful task of bidding you Farewell! We invoke with fervent hearts the Almighty Architect of the Universe, to bless and preserve you for many years to 'Come, in health, peace and happiness, unclouded by misfortune to your Lordship, and those most dear to you, and, above all, that internal gratification which cannot fail to arise from the consciousness of having discharged the duties of your High Station, to the satisfaction of your Sovereign, the admiration of your Country the honor of your own great Name, and the benefit of Mankind."'*

Having finished, the Provincial Grand Master -walked up to His Lordship, and placed the Address in his hands, and addressing him as his Most Noble Illustrious Brother, expressed the pride and gratification he felt in placing in His Lordship's hands the document he then had the honor to deliver. His Lordship, in reply to this feeling Address, spoke to the following effect: - "The gratification I feel on receiving a document so highly to be valued, is enhanced by its being conveyed to me through your hands."

(* Here follow the signatures, which I have omitted. - ED.)

His Lordship then rose with that dignity for conspicuous, and made which he has been so long the following -

REPLY:

"BRETHREN, the compliment which you have" offered to me is peculiarly affecting and grateful to my Feelings. It ought to be so. As you have yourself observed, each of you has already affixed his name to the General Address with which I was honored some days ago. There is, of course, a motive of your wishing to come forward again, and, as I cannot but understand it, the quality of that motive is most flattering to me; you have desired to bear a more precise and emphatic testimony to my conduct. That observation which Masons reciprocally exercise over each other, not as a privilege, but as a duty, binds the Craft to be strict in a public profession of opinion; so that, where it can commend, their commendation stands vouched by their known caution. Your approbation of me may be mistaken; may be undeservedly partial; may be exaggerated in phrase; but it must be sincere, and as such I take it to my heart. (Applause.)

"You have thanked me for the encouragement I have given here to Masonry, and for the vigilance I have exerted for its preserving an accurate course. That fostering care was incumbent on me from the superintendence which I have held. But I have not considered the fulfillment of such an obligation as a dry duty. I have felt a lively interest in the promotion of what I believe to be highly beneficial to Society. The veil thrown over Masonry renders its operation silent and unobserved; yet the influence of a body spread through all classes of Society, pervading every circle, and diffusing (through its separate members) opinions digested and matured from remote periods in the Brotherhood, must be powerful in its effect. I think the traces of its useful sway are discoverable if we cast our eyes on older times. Reflect upon that semi-barbarism which: was the condition of all the states of Europe in ages' not long past. What apparent cause was there for a sudden and rapidly progressive mitigation of the rude oppressions which characterized the day? If none such can be confidently pointed out, is it not reasonable to recur to an agency which, while it is unobtrusive, its very nature is to be active? The secrecy observed in Masonic Proceedings, - and the rigid scrutiny exercised into the private character of candidates for admission, excited the curiosity of the higher ranks, and at the same time removed every fear of their discrediting themselves by becoming members of the fraternity. Once initiated, they received lessons which never could have reached them in any other situation. They were taught that, throughout the necessary gradations in a Community, and amid the unavoidable distinction arising from talents or property, man was still the brother of man. This primary position once adopted, all corollaries from it were readily embraced. The doctrine imbibed in the Lodge became the rule of action for the man of might in his public sphere, and his example disseminated the principles of humanity and justice to the utmost extent of the circle. Surely this is not a visionary supposition. Observe the difference 01 character between the nations of Europe where Masonry has flourished, and those in which it has been proscribed; and let the contrast, so favorable for the former, support my hypothesis. The proof will be still stronger if you advert to the Despotism, the Ferocity, the Degradation of Man. hood in the Asiatic regions where no casual ray of Masonry has ever pierced the gloom. In Europe, what were once Masonic principles alone, are so generally prevalent that it would now be difficult to make it believed, that they were once acknowledged only in a confined Society; yet it is well that the Sanctuary for them should still exist. Our forms are only constant inculcations to us of the moral rules which ought to be observed in all times, cases, and situations. If I may have been fortunate enough to have recollected them in the exercise of authority, as you would kindly persuade me, I am most happy.

"Now, in the truest spirit of fraternal affection, I bid you FAREWELL, with this parting injunction; continue to fear GOD, to honor the KING and to keep pure the CRAFT."

His Lordship having finished, the applause was general, and continued; the Band struck up "God Save the King," and the procession returned in reversed order; each Brother passing to the right of the Chair of State on which His Lordship had been seated, who, with his accustomed urbanity and kindness, had descended, returning the respectful and fraternal greetings of his Brethren, as the)' passed, with affectionate condescension and regard.

The whole filed off in perfect regularity and order, making their compliments to the Grand Master as they passed him; nor was this the least imposing part of the ceremony; it was indeed a sight tending more to unite in one brotherly bond of affection and interest, the rich and the poor, than all that Royalty and Rank could bestow. His Lordship's condescension and kindness was most marked, and pointed to his BROTHER Soldiers; not one of whom we will venture to say was there, who will not through life, remember with pride the share he took on this occasion; for our own parts we have very seldom in our lives witnessed a scene, so truly gratifying throughout; but the particular circumstances to which we allude, was so striking and so grateful to every noble and manly feeling, that we imagine it will leave an impression on the minds of those who witnessed it, not easily effaced. The procession returned to the Town Hall in reversed order, when the Provincial Grand Master took leave of the Brethren, after exhorting them to bear in their recollection the parting injunction of the Grand Master; and cordially returning his grateful thanks for the support they had afforded him in the execution of a grateful but painful duty, and for the Order and regularity they had all so admirably and strictly observed on the occasion.

The whole ceremony appeared to be conducted with the greatest order and regularity, and had a very grand and imposing effect.

His Lordship looked remarkably well; was dressed in the full dress uniform of a General Officer; wore a Masonic Apron: and was adorned with a variety of jewels appertaining to the High Degrees of Masonry, of which he is so great an Ornament, among which was the splendid jewel presented to him by the United Grand Lodge of England on his departure for India. If we are to trust the feeling evinced by His Lordship on the present occasion, in the very pathetic and eloquent speech addressed to the Brotherhood, he will carry from India with him, a jewel of at least equal estimation; the proud consciousness of living long in the grateful remembrance of a Brotherhood, zealously and affectionately attached to him, as was dearly observable in the eyes of his auditors, when he pronounced the empathetic word FAREWELL.

We understand it is His Lordship's intention to attend Divine Service, with the Brotherhood, on the Anniversary of their Tutelar Saint, St. John, on Friday next.

John Bull

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