Masonic Notes And Queries.

graphs on the subject the same orthography is to be found , as Bros . Hughan and Binckes have properly pointed out . Yet , I am- of opinion that the phrase , " Knights Templar , " as used by the FREEMASONS MAGAZINE , is decidedly correct , notwithstanding such authority to the contrary , as the cyclopaedias and

monographs may represent . The phrase is obviously a mere translation of the Latin " equites templarii " or "templarii equites , " and in both cases templarii is an adjective in Latin , and consequently " templar " an adjective in English . The same is the case in the phrases " Chevaliers templiers" in French , and

" Cavalieri templarii" in Italian . In these two languages the termination of adjectives varies in the plural like that of substantives , but it does not in English . The plural of " Knight errant" is " Knights errant , " certainly not " errants . " I should think the analogy with the latter phrase is clear enough to warrant the use of the term " Knights Templar , " in which you will do well to persist . —DIGAMHA .

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

3 ths Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed & y Correspondents . LOST YOTES .

16 IBS EBIIOE OI IHE IBBHJIASOXS MAGAZINE AND irASOUIC MIKR 0 H . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —No doubt many like myself who read your valuable MAGAZINE were very forcibly struck with the great contrast displayed by the writers of the two letters which appeared in your last number—one from Bro . Spurr as enunciating the hihest princiles of the Orderand the other I

g p , blush to say from one who professes to have been " Forty-one years a Mason . " HadBro . Spurr chosen for the insertion of his valuable and beautifully written opinion on what Masonry and its 'members should he , a , fitting opportunity to illustrate the old adage that " comparisons are odious" he could not

, have chosen a more happy occasion;—how precisely lie has painted the character of the true Mason and that of the mere professor of Masonry " who blunders out his ridiculous conceptions of the institutions , and debases through ignorance of its virtues a pearl

without price . " The "Mason of Forty-one Tears" ( I cannot call him brother till I know who he is ) affects to censure you , Brother Editor , for doing that which he openly avows never to have done—that is , for taking a personal interest in the prosperity of the widows and orphans of our deceased brethren , and wishes the Masonic world to know that he is so far

placed above tlje rank of ordinary mortals being blessed by Providence largely with this world ' s goods ( of which he is only the Steward ) that he has " never had any personal knowledge of any of the candidates or their circumstances "—no—not in forty aud one years ! I pity him ; bordering as he must be on

threescore years and ten , how has he employed those talents wherewith it has pleased the G . A . O . T . TT . to bless him ? He tells us he has given—I will not call it his mite , for we are told that that sum from the widow had a peculiar blessing , and the writer of that article must be a rich man—his dole to our Masonic charities , and supposes when that is done he can rest contented ; that it matters not to him whether "Jemima Spriggina or Betty Wiggena" be elected

Correspondence.

or not , the oue has as much favour m his eyes as the other , and this is the Alpha and Omega of this greatman ' s charity . But what says Saint Paul ; let him carefully read the thirteenth chapter of his First Epistle to the Corinthians , and he will there find that if he hath not the charity of the heart , though he bestoAV all his goods to feed the it profiteth him

poor , nothing . Is it charity to designate the AvidoAvs and orphans of our departed brethren , many , no doubt , at one time holding as high a position as himself , Avith such offensive levity as Spriggens , "Wiggens , Snooks and Popkins ? Is it charity to designate those brethren of Avhich I admit I am one ( when the

case is known to me ) as Brother Busybody ' s ? Is it charity to charge those who exert themselves with such contemptible egotism' as to suppose that all their exertions are simply for the gratification " to tell at their next lodge meeting how they got poor Ebenezer Snooks or Betty Popkins into the

Benevolent Asylum . " I for one hurl back the slander to the slanderer , and tell him the Almighty -did not make man for his own individual comfort and aggrandisment . That He did not give him those talents to be wrapped in a napkin , but that from him to whom much is given much will be required ; that it is the duty oi those to visit the fatherless and widow , to soothe their afflictions and relieve their distresses , and to do unto them as in similar cases he would

they should do unto mm . Had he done this , he Avould have found plenty , more than plenty of cases from " personal kuoAvledge" that would require his exertions iu their favour to interest him , and not say that the poor destitute widoAv ' s case is to be left without a brother's helping hand to direct and comfort her in her bereavementby taking an interest in

, getting her child elected into our schools rather than the workhouse , and not leave it to the formal notice on the voting papers as a matter of " perfect indifference Avhether successful or not . " I cau only say Brother Editor , I for one thauk you for taking an interest in these charitiesand fearlessly tell the

, Mason of forty and one years standing that his is not a true tale , but that his heart and his Masonic feelings are " out in the cold , " and would strongly recommend him at his age to folloAV that excellent maxim , " Never too late to mend ; " to take a personal interest iu cases of distress and affliction , and Avhen

next , as Brother Spurr aptly describes , he attends the " club conviviality" of his lodge in "the AOAV of soul" he Avill then more heartily respond and feel the force of the usual petition that " God may supply the Avants of others , and give us Masons grateful hearts . "

Having no faith in . assumed names , believe me , Tours fraternally , WILLIAM BIGGS , P . M ., 205 , 414 ., 663 , 1101 , P . Prov . S . G . W . Wiltshire . 6 , Duke-street , Beading .

Masonic Readings.

MASONIC READINGS .

TO THE EDITOR OF THE rBEEMASONS' MAGAZINE AMD MASOMIC MIEBOB . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Penny Readings have now become quite an institution . Not only in this great metropolis , but in almost every little village , however remote , they beguile the long winter evenings and by the beneficial influence that they exert are