Right Worshipful Sir and Brethren,-To say that I feel highly complimented by the honour you have done me personally and by the manner in which, the expression of the company has been so kindly given to the toast, and to the tribute offered to the exemplary conduct of the army in all respects, can but inadequately convey the extent of obligation, under which you have placed me. I have but one voice in proclaiming the praise due to the troops, but it is most gratifying to me to know, that government entertains the most favourable opinion of them; and this can be supported by a distinguished member of it, who is present, and who I am proud to say always with his colleagues, exults in the fame of the army. I mean Bro. Reid. There are many other gentlemen of the civil service here to-night, and in other civil occupations, who have cordially joined in the acclamation, and in whose friendship, hospitality and kindness, my brother officers and myself have largely participated. I arrived here six years ago, known to my own cloth, but an entire stranger to the gentlemen composing the civil service; since then I have frequently been their guest, and I have occasionally been their host. I can therefore speak from experience and say, that in all the relations of life, public and private, I think it impossible to find any class of men surpassing them, in zeal and efficiency on points of duty, or possessing a higher sense of honour and integrity. After the eloquent, and I may add brilliant, addresses from the two speakers who have preceded me, I cannot think of prolonging your attention to myself another moment; as I freely confess that I do not possess the power or ability to give utterance to half what I feel."

[The cheering stopped the gallant General for some time; after which he continued in the following words.]

"Right Worshipful Sir, I have the greatest satisfaction in proposing the health of Mrs. Grant, Masons' Wives and Children,' and I claim for myself the best right of any man in this room to that privilege, for I have known and esteemed this lady from her earliest days, and I had the honour of being present at her wedding, which took place at Calcutta, where her great amiability of disposition, kind manners, and charms of temper, secured for her in the extensive circle of the best society in which she moved, the regard of all who knew her. I beg leave to propose that this toast should be a flowing bumper." (Immense applause.)

The PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER OF BENGAL then replied :

"I thank your Excellency most sincerely for the honour you have done to one so inexpressibly dear to me, and your kindly allusion to the happiest day of my life. That honour, to say nothing of the quarter from which it emanates, is enhanced by her name being associated with Masons' wives and children. I will venture to say that there is not a Mason present, whose heart was not as full as the bumper-toast in his hand, when his Excellency proposed that toast. But with what a remorseful feeling must our bachelor Brothers have listened to it! Let me entreat of them to hasten and rid themselves of what that revered and illustrious nobleman, to whom our R. W. Brother has so beautifully alluded, happily called-their 'lamentable distinction.' Let them lose no further time: but contract that golden link which gives man his true dignity in the social scale and sweetens all his cares.

"Conceiving Masonry, under proper regulation, to be eminently calculated to benefit the natives of this country, I need not say how rejoiced I am to hail the presence here to-night of several native Brethren. I hope, in process of time, to see the number greatly

increased here and elsewhere. Whatever tends to strengthen our hold of the affection and loyalty of our fellow subjects, to elevate their views and refine their ideas, ought surely to be encouraged. The R. W. Master of Western India I know concurs in this. He has been most ably assisted in carrying out this object by his second in command. In the ranks of Masonry, as well as in those of Christianity itself, there are undoubtedly lukewarm professors, or nominal and unworthy Craftsmen. No human association can be perfect. If the unworthy are permitted to remain in the columns of our Order, it is because either they keep on the windy side of legality, or one charitably looks for their reformation, unwilling to evince a rigour that might drive to despair. How bright the contrast of one who is a Mason indeed, and who unites in the character the truly estimable man and the gentleman! Without further preface, I have the honour to propose the health of R. W. Bro. Le Geyt, Deputy-Provincial Grand Master, and prosperity to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Western India.' (Great cheering.) His Excellency the COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF here craved permission to give a toast, which being accorded, he spoke as follows:

"Right Worshipful Sir and Brethren,-I beg leave to propose that we should pay due homage to the memory of a great statesman, a great general, and a great Mason; I allude to the late Marquis of Hastings, whose virtues and talents gained for him the exalted reputation which he bore throughout India and over all Europe. I may say of this distinguished nobleman that he was the scholar of the camp, the patriot, the benefactor of the poor, and one of the brightest ornaments of his country." (Drunk in solemn silence.)

R. W. Bro. LE GEYT returned thanks and concluded with, as a toast, Prosperity to the Most Excellent Bro. Mullaly and the Royal Arch Chapter of Perseverance. The W. Bro. Blowers and the Lodge Perseverance. The W. Bro. Larkworthy and the Lodge Rising Star and the other private Lodges of Western India.” (Drunk with loud applause and all the honours.)

Bro. Dr. LARK WORTHY returned thanks for the honour that had been done him in a luminous address, which he concluded by observing he gave credit to Bro. Le Geyt and Bro. Burnes that they had been the originators and founders of the Lodge Rising Star, and took credit to himself that he had joined with them most heartily on the occasion, and had done all in his power, and would continue so to do to ensure its perfect success, he continued, "and who shall blame us for our

exertions? do we not all breathe the same air, inhabit the same soil, and enjoy the like faculties? and have we not all souls to be saved, and must we not all appear before the same throne of Justice in the Grand Lodge above to be there judged for deeds done below? I look upon Masonry as containing a more holy and more sacred principle than that of mere active benevolence and charity—good though they be. I consider it to develop that great principle we all hope to see adopted and believed by the masses around us. I thank you again for the honour that you have done me as an individual, and propose 'Health and success to the Native Brethren."" (Loud applause.)

Bro. M. CURSETJEE acknowledged the toast in nearly the following words: "I have, R. W. Sir, and Brethren, a grateful, and a gratifying duty to perform-grateful, to have to return thanks on behalf of the Native Brethren for the last toast, and gratifying, to have to propose another with the permission of the Master, The establishment of the

Lodge Rising Star of Western India is an event glorious in the annals of Freemasonry. It has only been formed two years and yet it has attracted much notice, so gratifying to its members, that it must be a matter of proud gratulation to those who originally planned its erection, supported its construction, and are now endeavouring to consolidate it. The gratitude which the native members owe to its originators and supporters, is of a permanent kind-like the national debt it can only be acknowledged by humble instalments. I believe there is no Lodge where our principles are more beautifully practised. There indeed, we know no distinction of colour, creed, or caste, save that marked by virtue. My toast needs no eloquence to ensure its welcome. It is a Masonic one, and will be hailed with cordiality by every Mason in India. It is Prosperity to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bengal,' a distinguished body, happily under the government of one whom we are delighted to see here,-one, of whom we heard and read so much, and who has now afforded us an opportunity of ascertaining the truth of all we heard and read in his favour. Brethren, I would point out the great parity between him and our own Provincial Grand Master,-alike ornaments of the same profession,-they are, as Masons, equally enthusiastic; the Craft owes a deep debt of gratitude to both, for it was sinking in India, until they took the helm in their hands, and guided its course to its present haven of prosperity. Truly it is gratifying to the mind, and refreshing to the sight, to see two such resplendent ornaments of Masonry seated side by side; we know of the brilliant reception our P. G. Master met with in Bengal, but there, though Bro. Grant was foremost, he was not alone in paying homage to our Head. There, every Mason stood up, each Lodge vied with one another in the warmth of its greeting, and the splendour of its entertainments to him. Let us then fill our glasses, and drink Prosperity to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bengal, and the Bretheren of that Province."" (Great applause.)

The P. G. M. of Bengal returned thanks in warm terms, and paid a kind and brotherly compliment to M. Cursetjee, observing that the sentiments he had expressed did honour to his heart and head.

V. W. Bro. BLOWERS then rose to acknowledge Bro. Le Geyt's toast, and proposed "The health of the R. W. Bros. Reid and Willoughby." (Loud applause.)

Companion MULLALY M. E. Z., proposed " Health and Prosperity to Bro. Colonel Pennefather and the Visiting Brethren."

Bro. PENNEFATHER returned thanks and expressed his gratification at being present at such a meeting.

Bro. GRANT then again addressed the meeting on the excellent conduct of the Grand Stewards, and proposed "The health of V. W. Bro. Downes and the Grand Stewards' Lodge." (Great applause.)

Dr. DOWNES returned thanks, and this happy and joyful gathering of the Craft shortly after separated. The recollection of this great festival will, we are sure, long live in the memory of all who were present at it, Bro. Grant and the gallant Commander-in-Chief remained to the last, and entered their carriages amidst the cheers of the Brethren.

Would that some member of our charitable institutions could have been present at this auspicious meeting-what great events might have resulted from a personal appeal to such Brethren as the two Provincial Grand Masters, M. Cursetjee, Sir Thomas Mc Mahon, Dr. Larkworthy, and other Brethren, whose addresses were such beautiful expositions of our charitable tenets.

LITERARY NOTICES.

An Apology for Freemasons. By the Rev. George Oliver, D. D. Spencer.

This pamphlet is a reprint of three articles which lately appeared in the "Freemasons' Quarterly Review," on the religious tendency of the Order. The author has revised those articles and made considerable additions: the form of the pamphlet will, no doubt, extend the circulation beyond the readers of the F. Q. R., and diffuse the principles of Freemasonry far and wide, in refutation of the unfounded attacks upon its purity.

A Sermon. By the Rev. Frederic William Freeman, M.A. Spencer. Our reverend author is Worshipful Master and Chaplain to the British Union Lodge, 131, and uniting in his own person two Masonic offices of high import, words falling from him are of double value. The discourse was delivered at Stowmarket, on the consecration of a new Lodge, the Phoenix, No. 557, by Bro. James Clarke, to whom it is appropriately dedicated. As may be expected, it has reference to the solemnities of the occasion. The text is from Gal. vii. 9, 10. Our author observes that "the church of Galatia had been founded by the Apostle Paul himself, who asserted that his knowledge was obtained from God, and not from man, and gave directions and precepts all tending to the cultivation of practical virtue." The discourse is an admirable exposition of the principles of Freemasonry, as a grand scheme of morality; in no way more beautifully proved than as it has power to draw together in one bond of indissoluble affection, men of the most distant countries, of the most contradictory opinions. Charity and benevolence are enlarged upon as the leading basis of all good. This sermon is highly worthy of meditation.

The Trestle-Board. C. W. Moore, Boston, U. S.

This useful work has been reduced in size, but not in matter. Large orders have been sent from London, giving good evidence of a desire to facilitate a more general uniformity of work.

Freemasons' Monthly Magazine. Boston, U. S.

We have received numbers of this periodical to February inclusive. As will be seen by our American intelligence we have profited accordingly by their contents. It is gratifying to find the labours of our brother editor are so highly appreciated; those labours are too essential to our own necessity not to wish him long life, and health to enjoy it.

American Masonic Register. Hoffman, Albany, N. Y.

From what cause we know not, but we are without numbers since October last; we mention this lest we should be thought wanting in respect to our contemporary, or negligent to our readers.

Historical Landmarks. By Dr. Oliver. Spencer.

This labour of Hercules is, we presume, drawing to a close; not that such is desirable, unless as some relief to the industrious author, for the work increases in interest. The present is a double number, 33 and 34, and is embellished with fine engravings of the tabernacle and encampment of Israel in the wilderness, and of an explanation in the Royal Arch, by Bro. Harris.

A Sketch of the Life and some Account of the Writings of the late Dr. James Johnson. By his Son. Highley.

A son, on writing the biography of his father, must be pardoned the amiable weakness of making the parent appear as the preux chevalier of his order. That the late Dr. Johnson was a man of more than average talent we agree; but we differ on many points from the author, and we apprehend so do many others. The late physician could employ the pen as a ready writer" with much facility; and the "Sketch that the son inherits this not unenviable power.

The New Timon. A Romance of London. Colburn.

shows

The Cynic may question the talent of this poem, but it will be in vain; its originality will claim for it a precedence, that its great merit will support. To us, "The New Timon" embraces the leading merits of contending spirits-its language is terse and expressive. Its poetry harmonious and energetic. Its satire is pointed, and in description of character, there is a raciness and truthfulness that tells home. The Political portraits are well drawn by a master-spirit, both the foreground and the perspective prove his power of illustration. We understand that, in the very latest edition, some of the more personal allusions have been delicately softened.

Friendly International Addresses recommended. Manchester. Bradshaw and Blacklock.

The peace of nations, in this unpretending little brochure, is recommended with so much pathos, yet so much moral power, that to pass it over without comment, would argue indifference to principles second only to the duty we owe to God the Almighty Father.

The appeal to the good sense, the honour, the benevolence of human nature is irresistible, and we are grateful to a large body of the public press who have given the sanction of their position in favour of the principles of peace. In adding our feeble aid to theirs, we are sensible of our inferiority, but do not, on that account, hesitate to unite in the great and good cause of universal Peace.

We have been favoured by the perusal of some highly interesting MSS., written by the Rev. Erskine Neale, M. A. Some on Masonic points, others on subjects of domestic interest; there are also several reprints by the same author, which have appeared in the leading periodicals. The whole of the papers are now collected, and will appear in one volume. The Reverend Author, we understand, intends with praiseworthy liberality to devote his share of the proceeds to the Masonic charities. The title of the work is "A Home for the lonely, or why falter in the erection of the Masonic Temple." As Bro. Spencer is entrusted with the typographical department, there is no doubt but he will do justice to the author.