Oration

inscribed the proud motto " Per mare per terrain . As you would glory in upholding the honour of that flag , so glory in upholding the principles of Masonry in every part of the world to Avhich your duty calls you . Glory in showing to mankind the

lessons which Masonry has taught you , as soldiers , as citizens , as Masons . First , never forget the allegiance due to the Sovereign of your native land , be prompt to obey as to enforce the laAvs of your country ; prove by cheerful submission to the

Civil PoAvers , which govern all alike , the falsity of the charge levelled against our noble Order by foreign priests ; show that Masons are to be classed among the foes , not the allies , of rebels , revolutionists , anarchists , and atheists ; be conspicuous

by your devotion to your country ' s interests , and be ready to defend her honour with your lives . But oh ! in the hour of victory , when her honour has been vindicated , and her cause assured , oh ! then remember mercy , turn aside the avenging

steel from the vanquished foe , extinguish the infuriate incendiaries' torch , protect the Avounded , the suppliant , the innocent , and the helpless ; pomoil and . wine into the wounds which Avar has made ; be then the missionaries of God-like charity , and

you Avill have fulfilled , the noblest teachings of Masonry . Brethren of the Metham and Elms Lodges , my task is ended . Would I could read in the prophetic future that my words were seeds destined to produce the fruits I pray for . I linger

still , scarcely knowing IIOAV to say Avhat should not , and yet what should , form part of Avhat I have to say to-day . Should not , because it is personal to myself , and , therefore , below "the height of this great argument , " and yet should , for it would be

unseemly and ungrateful if I closed Avithout an expression of my thanks for the great , the unprecedented honour the brethren have paid me in calling these two lodges , the one after my name , the other after my residence . I fear—I cannot

say how much I fear—that some day a more correct aud lower estimate of my powers and judgment may lead them to regret the choice they have made . But if I know myself , no power of mine will be abated from AA'ant of will , no judgment

will be faulty from want of thought or consideration for the feelings of others . Each fresh proof of my brethren's kindly feelings , each new honour conferred , come from Avhere it may , will but make me take the greater heed lest I fall from self-esteem or presumption ; instead of beguiling me to repose on honours already won , Avill but stimulate me to

fresh exertions on behalf of the cause I love so well . The delivery of this admirable oration was interrupted and closed amidst the cheering of the brethren .

Masonic Notes And Queries-

MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES-

THE OLD LECTURES AND CHARGES . Christianity dictated the old lectures ; but natural religion dictated the old charges . —From a manuscript volume in Bro . Purton Cooper ' s collection , indorsed "Freemason's Table Talk . "

MASONIC INFORMATION . My answer to a London correspondent is that the sixteen volumes of THE or OUR Magazine ( expressions that I find in his letter , and which have latterly been used by myself , although certainly not for brevity sake ) , are full of Masonic information under all the

heads that he enumerates . But my correspondent must read and study the sixteen volumes as he would read and study a work not of temporary utility only . At au age exceeding that which we are told is allotted to man , Masonic information has been gathered by me from those volumes , which has sufficed to fill more than one Common-place Book . ^ - From Bro . Purton Cooper ' s Masonic Letter-book , Julv , 1 S 67 .

BRO . H . B . AVHITE AND THE EOTAE ARCH , & 0 . It appears to me that Finch is scarcely a safe guide to take as to the teachings or the Rituals of Masonry , although your able correspondent , Bro . H . B . White , gives some cogent reasons Avhy many of that noted charlatan's statements may be relied

upon . However , his works relate to the 19 th century , and although no one can read them without interest , the real question at issue is whether the Royal Arch of England was known to exist in this country before A . D . 1740 . Can any one refer us to any authority whatever

that mentions this Royal Arch degree before the date stated ? I quite agree Avith Bro . White as to the Christian nature of ancient Freemasonry from the beginning doivn to A . D . 1813 , but think that since then a man can become a true Mason even if he is not a Christian . Bro . Findel ' s observation AvasI am

, sure , not meant offensively , as that learned brother is too good a Mason to act contrary to the principles o f the Craft . Let us hear in mind that Bro . Findel is a German , and that his thoughts sufl ' er from being translated into our language . —W . J . HUGHAN .

LOST THE NUMBER OF HIS MESS . Can you tell me the name of the lodge in London that gives horse banquets and does not inform its guests until after the dinner has been eaten ? In the course of the evening a toast is given , " Our Departed Guests . " —A COUNTRY MEMBER .

CENTENARIES . What lodges will celebrate centenaries in 1 S 6 S ?—X .