On Tree And Serpent Worship, As Exemplified By Some Recently Discovered Indian Monuments.

as the great centre of Tree and Serpent worship of the present day . The faith of the kingdom of Dahomey , on the Gold Coast , is essentially the adoration of Trees and Serpents , accompanied by ancestral worship and human sacrifices , and female

soldiers . In fact , Africa preserves in full vigour and perfection at the present day all those characteristics which we see only dimly reflected in the myths of other nations . In the new world , too , the worship of the

Serpent—apparently there connected with that of the sun—certainly prevailed extensively before that continent was discovered by Columbus ; and with forms so like many of those found in Asia that frequent attempts have been made to prove that what we find there is a form of Buddhism .

This cannot , however , be sustained ; but it certainly appears to be a form of that primaBval faith on which Buddhism was based , and out of which it arose in India . In conclusion , the speaker pointed to certain

forms of Dolmens , stone circles , menhirs , and such like rude stone monuments , found in India , identical in form and purpose with those found in Africa , in Britanny , and nearly all over the world wherever a Turanian people can be traced . These

are not necessarily old , though some of them may be of any age : others were certainly erected in India within the limits of this century and are undistinguishable from the older examples ; showing how persistent certain forms of faith are when once adopted by certain races of

mankind . Among these the Turanians are certainly the most instinctive and least progressive of any . It is the last fact which gives unity while it adds interest to the whole subject . In Tree and

Serpent worship we have the oldest known form of faith and belonging to the most ancient people of Avhose existence Ave have any knoAvledge . It is now found generally in a nearly fossil state uuderlying the Semitic and Ayran strata which

have been superimposed upon it . Occasionally , however , it crops up in out-of-the-way corners of the world , fresh and vigorous , aud tells a strange tale of the persistent unchangeableness of certain races of mankind and still more strano-e irradicability of certain forms of superstitious faith .

Opinion Of Freemasonry Expressed By The Earl Of Derby.

OPINION OF FREEMASONRY EXPRESSED BY THE EARL OF DERBY .

The motives of the ancient and honourable Order of Freemasons have often been regarded with suspicion by those who do not belong to it , and who have no knowledge of its affairs . It might be supposed , indeed , that the rules and

principles of Freemasons Avere so far known , thatthe public mind should be inclined to regard them with respect , and the character of the members of the Order is generally such as to command respect in all circles of society . All this ,

however , does not prevent a feeling of doubt and suspicion on the part of some , who can give no reason for it , but who are perhaps ready to entertain such a feeling as to everything beyond the ' sphere of their once immediate observation .

There are many , however , who do not belong tothe Masonic Order , who judge more justly , and a strong testimony in favour of its high and estimable character was recently bore by the Earl of Derby , in a speech made by him in the House

of Lords on the 7 th June 1869 . Referring to the Order of Freemasons , he said : " I am not a . member of that body , but I believe that a more loyal , peaceable , charitable , and benevolent body

does not exist . " * Higher commendation could hardly be given , nor could it be given by one ^ whose opinion is more worthy of respect- Such a testimony borne by Lord Derb y cannot but bevery gratifying to the members of the Craft , and

ought to have some effect on the minds of those who do not belong to it . Freemasons , themselves , indeed , are well aware of the high and noble principles on which their ancient Order is founded and of the excellence of the rules by which it is

governed , of the landmarks in constant adherence to which its true nobility is maintained . These ancient landmarks have not often been overlooked and can never be broken down . Whilst they subsist and are kept clearly in vieAV by Freemasons

themselves , the character of the Order must appear in the eyes of the Avorld , such as Lord Derby has declared it to be . Loyalty is , indeed , one of the essential principles of Freemasonry , and a Freemason is bound by the most solemn

obligations to live as a good member of society , observing the laws of God and of his country . Peaceable he therefore must be , whilst these obligations are remembered . As to charity and