THE TWELFTH OF JULY ANNIVERSARY AT CAMBRIDGE.
The members of the Cambridge Orange Lodge celebrated the anniversary of the Boyne by a soireo and public meeting 1 in the Public Hall on Tuesday evening last, and it may with safety be said ' that a more imposing demonstation has seldom or never been held in Cambridge. The members of the Lodge met at two o'clock in their lodge-room and having gone into the preliminary affairs of the evening left .it 3 o'clock for the Wealuyan Church (marching in full regalia by Duke-street, and Chapel-street), whe-ro the Rev. Mr Bull according to announcement dohvered a luoid and most instructive sermon taking for his text Nehemiah No. 6. "So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof for the people had a mind to work." After Divine Service the members of the Lodfre returned to the hall, after which th^y dispersed until the hour for re-assembling. Tea was on the table in the Pubho Hall punctuality at six o'clock and in a few minutes after that hour the interior of the building presented a most pleading spectacle. There were over 200 persons present, and this number includes the members of the Cambridge Lodge, and several members of the various other Waikato Lodges, with their friend 0 . Ihe tables wore twelve in number, r.nd super-excellent in quality, and were contributed by Mehdames Bull, Cimp, Graham, Johnson, Young, Holloway, Mackintosh, Robeitshaw, liiley, Robertson, Moisley, and Wright, to whom the thanks of the Lodge are mainly duo. The first part of the programme having been disposed of to the manifest satisfaction of all present, the room was cleared and put in order for the meeting. The Company having again assembled at 8 o'clock, numbered considerably over 300 persons, every available seat in the building being occupied. The proceedings commenced with prayer by the Rev Mr Bull, after which the chairman of the meeting Mr John Knox, Mayor of Hamilton w«is introduced by Mr Mackintosh, amid applause. Mr Knox, on coming forward, said : Ladies, sympathisers, and brethren, I can assure you that this is the proudest moment of my life, if I might use so hackneyed an expression, and one which impresses me with a sense of deep gratification and pleasure at beholding such an extensive and enthusiastic gathering here to-nitrht, for it is a convincing proof of the heartfelt sympathy which is felt with the cause of our institution. I have only to look back to some ten years ago when the first branch of the Orange Society was opened in Hamilton, when there were only seven of us combined together to propagate its principles. At tins tune not a householder in Hamilton would give us a room wherein to hold our meetings. Certainly for some time we had the use of a room in the Royal Hotol, but when the proprietor came to know for what purpose we met he put an end to our meeting there again. This giievance, however, was soon remedied by a lady offering us the use of one of her rooms — an act of genet osity for which she was ever afterwards known in Waikato as "the mother of the order" — and this good lady's name is Mrs. O'Neill. (Applause). In that same room, ladies and gentlemen, I had the pleasuie of assisting at the making of a bi other Orangeman — a gentleman to whom is due most of the honor of having spread the pnnples of our noble Order in Waikato, and that gentleman is Bro. Mackintosh. (Applause). We planted the tree in Hamilton, fiom which has sprung the various other Waikato brandies, and the present gathering is a proof of their rapid piospprity and fixed stability. Of the institution in C unbridgc I am truly proud, and I now find occasion to compliment the biothren in Cambudjje and more especially their indefatigable leade>* Bro. Mackintosh upon the strides they had made in thr cause which they repiesent. And I think you will all agree with mo in sayinir that our Society in this township is .something to bo proud of. Our principles aie exactly as King William himself proclaimed — to maintain the Protestant religion, to proteot its moral liberties, and the rights and principles of its members. I thank you for the honor you have bestowed upon me by asking me to preside <it this riicetiug to-night. I will now call upon Mr Mackintosh and the members of the string-baud under his tuition to render some of their choice music d selections. The string band having rendered a few selections, the Chairman then called upon the Rev. Mr Bull to deliver his discourse on " Why T believe in Orangeism." The Rev. Mr Bull, on coming forward, said that as they were aware, according to the programme of tho evening, he was announced to deliver a discourse upon "The reasons why I belie\ e m Orangeism." He would endeavour to make tliem acquainted with Ins subject. When he was invited to become a member of the Society, he carefully perused the books, which explained the objects for which it existed, and also the rules, regulations, and ordinances of the institution. After very careful perusal of the books and due consideration of what they dealt with, he came to the conclusion that it was his duty to respond to the invitation sent him, and accordingly unite himself with the loyal order of Orangeism in Waikato. His first reason for doing so was the profound reverence which the Order manifested for the Word of God, and there Avas certainly no one who could contradict this, for the rules and regulations of the Order, with the qualifications for membership, fully verified his statement. Another thing was that they never thought of opening a lodge meeting without prayer- was offered and 'the Wort} of God read, but not only was God's Word read in lodges, but it was ardently enjoined by every member ot the institution to every person within his influence or under his charge. The ordinances also laid down that Orangemen were to keep holy the Sabbath Day by attending to their spiritual duties and Divine Service. They had also to train Up their children in the fear and love of God, and in the Protestant faith. They should never take the name of God in vain, and abstain from cursing, swearing, and profane language, and not -only were they to abstain from doing so themselves, but to discourage such practices in others. Their deportment should be gentle, obliging, and courteous. They should cultivate^th* society ot others, and endeavour to reform by their good examji^all those with f whom they came in 'cputact, > ( JFor i this ,rea^on, t therefore," he thought they would agree with him' in why he believed in Orangeism. His second reason for believing in Orangeism was the strong attachment of its members
\o the British Constitution, and their loyalty to the rightful Sovereign. Using the expression in its particular sense, an,a not in its narrow and party sense, he thought the Orange Institution was Conservative in its principles, as it believed it to be far easier to pull down a Constitution than to build one up. It was one solemn obligation of the , members to stand by the Magistrates of the country, as well as the other officers of the law, in the discharge of their duty, and wherever they went exert themselves in the maintenance of law and order, quietness and peaceableness. This was one of the most important principles of the society, and a strong reason for his attachment to Orangeism, because it indicated devotion towards the British Constitution, and loyalty for the rightful Sovereign, Queen Victoria, on her throne. The third reason why he believed in Orangeism was the universal and Catholic spirit. People were very wrong for thinking that Orangeism rested on a narrow or party spirit- So far from being this they found it resting upon the broadest basis of Catholicity and love of all mankind. He had read in the pamphlets of the Order the word "brethren" applied to Roman Catholics. When William the Third came to England he came not as an aggressor, nor one bent on extirpation or destruction, but simply to maintain the rights and privileges of the British people, and to relieve them from the intolerable tyranny and thraldom of the Stewart dynasty, and when he was established on the throne of England as ruler of the English people and protector of their religion, toleration was extended to all classes, and the spirit of Catholicity pre- | vailed. Members were called upon to abstain from all uncharitable expressions of feeling, either by word or sentiment towards their. Roman Catholic brethren, and this was another cogent leason why he believed in Orangeism. (Applause). Another reason was the eminent services rendered by the members of the institution in times of trouble or danger, and in maintaining the constitution in every possible way, or by i standing by the oppressed or downcast when called upon. In support of this he would refer them to the action taken by the Orangemen of the North of Ireland a few months ago in assisting the boycotted farmers and land owners of the South. (Loud applause). Many other instances of such self-denial and bravery could be called forth if necessary, and instances where Orangemen had performed their task nobly and well. Another grand principle of the institution was its deep veneration and profound regard for one of the noblest, grandest, and best kings that ever swayed the sceptre of old EnglandKing William the Third, Prince of Orange. (Applause). It had been said that there was no call for such a society as Orangeism ; that the object they aimed at could be achieved without the outward show and demonstration of a society, but this he would assure them was not the case. It might be done in part certainly, but their object could not be attained so well as it could by the existence of a definite and distinct organisation. In their lodges they were combined to watch over the rights and privileges of all subjects both politically and religiously ; and without an organisation distinct and unanimous nothing effective could be done in defending that faith which they all so dearly owned. They believed in the benefits of organisation, and m quietness and peaceableness, with the love of God and all mankind, and they were bound together firmly and strongly m the protection and propagation of one grand faith. (The speaker resumed his seat amidst vociferous cheering). Miss Johnson was then introduced to the audience, and rendered her favourite song — and apparently the favourite of a good few present — "In the Gloaming' 1 in her usual charming manner, eliciting the well-merited approbation from all present. The Chairman then introduced Bro. Thomas Mooney to the audience, who on coming forward was received with loud and prolonged cheering. He said :— He had been asked to give them his experience of Orangeism that night. He thought the object of the Orange institution was misunderstood by a good many and grossly misrepresented by others. There were in Ireland at the present tune several barbarous, evil-disposed organisations and societies, some with philanthropic appellations as a sort of cloak for the temporary secrecy of their designs, but, candidly speaking, they all aimed at the one sole object, and that was the f lustration of Butish law and order in Ireland — the downfall in that country of that dear old flag that had biaved the battle and the breeze for over a thousand years'. To protect a nation, societies must, be formed to work m unison for the extirpation of allthroatening evils, and unless this was done, In all probability the evil would spread and ultimately become uncontrollable. It was thoreforo necessary in a new couutry, such as New Ze dand that societies should be orsramfed to prevent the^e moral maladies irom taking rone, for once they wero permitted to grow the oontagiam would spread, and this was not desirable. The history of the Orange Institution was nn unblemished one, and one which from its birth had been connected with the preservation of the laws of the country and universal good order throughout the realm. Dark and heavy clouds hang o\er Ireland at tho present time and through tho misty future rebellion could be sgen flickering 1 in tho distance, But he could positively assure them that if Sitch an occurrence arose to-morrow, the noble thousands of their brethern in the IN orth of Ireland would become alive to the sense of danger which purrounded them, and sweep down on the maloontents, suppressing their 'rebellious projects within a few hours, He would ask them for what they had- 'met there that night? Was it to commemorate their victory over Uoman Catholics ?* No ! Decidedly not. It was to vindicate their moral principles, to uphold the liberties of the people, and commemorate the anniversary of the battle' of the, Boyne. (cheers). It could not be said that the Irish soldiers under James who fought that memorable battle were cowards. No ! but it was their cowardly commander, King James .himself, who had run from Derry a^ he did at the Boy De. This man was the paid vassal of Louis of FrajlQe, who had allured the poor Irish to fight his battles, with the intention, if successful of selling the country to his Frenoh master. The Irishmen fought hard at the Boyne, and proved themselves valiant soldiers, dying as they did — like men. Mr Monney was enthusiastically cheered ou resuming his seat. A clarionet solo was then contributed by Mr Mackintosh and was received with merited applause, the music being exceedingly well rendered. The Chairman then introduced Mr Mackintoih, who on coming forward, said : Brethren, ladies and frentlemen, as you are aware that 1 the title of th ! e nubject' upon which - 1 ' am' about to speak is " Pacts are stubborn things," or in other words Popery and the Bible. Papal aggression has given rise to a most important > What. p v i^ Popery? Answers pour in upon us In every imaginable form. We ,ar6 r jaot tercifiea into silence by the horrors, of , the inquisition with the fear of God i?e'forV6nr eyes, we can bear witness for l tHB :f ttath and against evil,' 1 I though it might be spiritual wickedness iin high pianos, On the present oooaiiQn/
we proppße to consider Popery in one of its aspects — its opposition to Bible reading and, Bible circulation. We believe the Bible alone to be the rule of faith, but this is denied by the Church of Borne and,the Council of Trent has decreed that all saving truth is not contained in the Holy Scriptures, but partly in the Scriptures and partly in unwritten traditions, which whoever doth not receive with like piety and reverence as he doth the Hply, Scripture is accursed. It is hardly conceivable that God would give His church an incomplete revelation of His willj an imperfect rule of faith and practice in His written Word, or that He would commit to any uninspired man or assembly of men the keeping of His unwritten Word. No, no ! We prefer the old-fashioned »]but true Protestant doctrine on this subject ; we believe that Holy Scriptuie containeth all things necessary to salvation, so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, and that it should be believed as an article of faith or be thought requisite and necessary for salvation (Article 6, Church of England). We therefore say that all men have a right to possess and read the Bible. This is proved from the book itself. The Jews were admonished to search the Scriptures, the Bereana were commended for searching the Scriptures daily, and the Apostles James, Peter, and John wrote most of their epistles, not to bishops, elders, or individuals, but to churches and to believers generally. This being the case, we have a right to conclude that the Bible .is not for a class, but for all. We know that the right to read the Scriptures was not opposed by the Apostles and Primitive Christians, Chrysostora who lived about the second century says the Apostles and the Prophets set before all, the things that they delivered in clear and plain terms as the common teachers of the whole earth, to the intent that every one might be able even by himself to learn what was said from the reading only. We might ask what is Holy Scriptures but an epistle of Almighty God to His creatures, and add "study therefore I pray Thee and meditate on the words of thy Creator learn the mind of God in the Word of God." Those who have lived among Roman Catholics are well aware of the ridicule cast upon the Protestant practice of roading the Bible at home and carrying it to church. Some years ago Father Lyons, of Mallow, in Ire- | land, published a catechism, and at the i end of it inserted some lines in which the general reading of the Bible is ridiculed l as follows :: — • 1 To kirks with Bibles under arm Like bagpipes, from each countiy farm They trudge ; each ploughman had his book, In which the tevts and proofs to look. So Moll, the kitchen-wench, was stored With doctrines learned from the word. The 'prentice boys of every trade Before 'cm bad their Bibles laid. An agent of the Irish Societies produced the following reply :—: — Oh ! may I live that day to see When men of high and low degree, Coachmen, ploughmen, smiths and nailers, Porters, draymen, fiddlers, tailors, Weavers, cobblers, pedlars, tinkers, Shall fling away their Popish winkers, To read both night and day their Bibles, And cast aside their senseless idols. Oh blest be God, poor Moll is stored With doctrines learned from the word. She never bows to wood or stone, And always plays to God alone ; Nor puts her trust in incantations, Meddos, scaptulars and orations. Holy bones or holy clay, Or anything so vain as they, Nor c\ cr chaunts her Holy Marys T,o banish goblins, ghosts, and fairies. Now what are the reasons for withholding the Bible from the people? Cardinal Wolseley declaimed against the art of printing, as that which would take down the honor and the profit of the priesthood. Why I again ask are the priests against the Bible ? I answer because the Bible is against the priests. Then who is prepared to give up his Bible ? We are not ! The Bible is the light of our dwelling ; the daily bread on our table ; the fountain of refreshing water in the wilderness ; our guide in difficulty ; our solace in distress ; our companion in solitude ; our chart on the voyage of life ; and our comforter in sickness and in death. Lastly, God's best gift to man. We will now conclude in the words of the young Protestant's hymn — We won't give up the Bible Nor heed what scoffers say, Noi Popish cr.ift of those who would Ihis treasure take away, For they would tain enshroud our minds In gloom of moral right, But to this blessed book we'll cleave And God defend the right. Mr Mackintosh was loudly cheered at the clo&e of his address. Mr Mackintosh on being introduced to the company, sang "Oh ye Tears" and was loudly applauded, for her contribution. Thia having terminated the programme Mr Mackintosh came foiward and on behalf of the Orange Society tendered a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman for his kiudness in presiding at the meeting in which they had all taken part. Also to the string band, as it wns their first appearance in public, and having gratiutously rendered their services in aid of this philanthropic purpose. Lastly he would thank the ladies who had so generously and liberally provided such an excellent tea, and would call upon the brethern to rise and give three rounds of Kentish fire, which wa3 subsequently accorded by the brethern throughout the Hall. This beinar done the National Anthem brought one of the most enjoyable and decidedly satisfactory gatherings ever yet held in Cambridge to a close.
Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18810714.2.24
Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka
Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1409, 14 July 1881, Page 3
Word count
Tapeke kupu
3,382THE TWELFTH OF JULY ANNIVERSARY AT CAMBRIDGE. Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1409, 14 July 1881, Page 3
Using this item
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
No known copyright (New Zealand)
To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.
You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.
For further information please refer to the Copyright guide.