The Knights Templars.

Philip shortly after this resigned the Grand Mastership of the Temple , finding himself unable to combat the growing laxity that had crept into the Order , and trusted to the appointment of an abler successor to correct those abuses . He was

highly esteemed by the brethren , and we find him subsequently employed by them on many important occasions , and he was honoured and beloved by all durin g the remainder of his life . ( To be continued . )

Address.

ADDRESS .

DELIVERED BY COJTP . R . W . LITTLE , P . Z . 975 , At the Consecration of the Victoria , Chapter , No . 1 , 056 , on the 7 th October , 1867 . M . E . and Companions , — Having been requested to offer a few remarks on this

interesting occasion to the companions who have been instrumental in promoting the formation of the Victoria Chapter , I must beg your indulgence for the brief aud necessarily imperfect address , which , owing to unforeseen demands upon

my time and attention , I shall be enabled to submit to your notice . The object of our assembly here to-day is to inaugurate a new temple for the solemnisation of the higher and more profound mysteries of the

Masqnic Order , as embodied in the august ceremonies of the Royal Arch degree ; and I think it is in the first place incumbent upon me to express my hearty congratulations to those worthy companions who have been called upon to fill the

exalted positions of Chiefs , or Principals , and whose zeal and ability are sufficient guarantees to all who know them for the good government and prosperity of the chapter placed under their care .

The mighty truths revealed to those who have attained this supreme degree are familiar to all present ; it is reserved for us—the chosen fewto receive knowledge of the most sublime character—to obtain the clearest and grandest

elucidation of the sacred name of the Most High ; that name which , under various forms and modes of expression , has been an object of veneration , not only to the Jewish race , but to all the nations of the earth from the earliest period of time .

The learned Josephus informs us that the true name was never known until the Almighty himself communicated it to Moses in the Wilderness , and it was strictly forbidden to be used excepting once

a year , by the high priest when he appeared before the mercy seat on the day of expiation . He further adds that it was lost through the . wickedness of the Children of Israel in after years ,, aud it is now referred to amongst the Jews as

" Shemhamphoresh , " or the unutterable name . Numberless instances occur in the writings of ancient philosophers of the profound reverence with which they regarded this ineffable word . Lucan tells us that he who can perfectly

pronounce the name has power to shake the earth , and the greatest exertions have been made by learned , men to ascertain its true pronounciation . It is our proud privilege , companions , to have learned this abstruse mystery , and to be favoured with a comprehension of the wonders that are found in this , sacred retreat .

Let us , therefore , prize the knowledge that is . vouchsafed to us ; let us be guided by its precepts , and guarded by its maxims—dwelling together ia peace and unity during our sojourn in the landever remembering that we are hastening day by

day to a grander sanhedrim , to a wiser council , to a more exalted sphere than any we can find in this mortal existence ; that , however enlightened we may be , the perfect attributes of the Divine Being , cannot be fully estimated by our frail human

faculties ; but in the eternity toward which we are rapidly approaching—the mystery of mysteriesshall be unfolded , aud our immortal spirits shall be filled with wisdom from the glorious founts of the . celestial Jerusalem .

Holding as we do , with a great Mason of the past century , * that the Royal Arch is the very root , and marrow of Masonry , it is our duty to assist in developing and spreading- its principles among , our brethren in the Craft .

Let us , however , be careful in our choice of companions , and admit none into this select association but men of good repute , who haveevinced in the probationary degrees of the Order ,, an appreciation of the esoteric doctrines

concealed in our symbols and ceremonies . Men who , according to the ancient requirements ofi our laws , are " totally devoid of superstitious bigotry , and real philanthropists , " and who are : willing to advance the interests of truth and .

science . Finally , my companions , let us be of one mind , regulating our impulses , thoughts , and