DUNEDIN CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 27, 21 April 1893, Page 25

DUNEDIN CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIETY.

INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF THE REV. PRESIDENT.

A ROUGH SKETCH OF A CATHOLIC LITERARY SOCIEIY.

Gentlemen, — This evening we commence, in a formal manner, the tenth Beseion of the Di 1 \cdm Catholic Literary Society. Our vacation is ended, and we settle down to woik again, I neea not say that I am glad to meet you once more, and pleased to find that your enthusiasm for the Society has not diminished. You have, no doubt, Bpsnt the time of rest in an agrtaable and useful manner. You have read, and eDJoyei your summer excursions, acd built up youi health by out-door games. You bring to the Society renewed vigour, with the deteiminatiun to make the seßsion tven more successful, if possible, than its predecessors. 1 have for a couple of months secretly n joiced at the eagerness with which you looked forward to a renewal of tbe weekly meeting?. You showed, tbireby, appreciation of the value of a literary society. You are evidently desirous of availing yourselves to tbe utmost of the advantages of this association.

Accept my best wishes on this, your opening night, and the good wishes of all who have at heart the cause of true education. Your work and conduct during the session of 1893 will be cloudy watched. Be true— " true as the dial to the sun"— to the traditions of the Dunedin Catholic Literary Society, and fear not the result. Briefly reviewing the last session, I must say that on the whole it was successful. A great deal of good, Bolid work was done. The evenings were pleasantly and usefully spent, and the end came all too soon. Though some defects necessarily dim the brightness of the sessional glory, you still merit, with honour, the title of the "Dunedin Catholic Literary Society." I must, in common fairness, accord you a welldeserved meed of praiee. Your shortcomings, too, will not be forgotten. You are called the Dunedin Catholic Literary Society. A brief analysis of the title will recall to mind the objects of the association, and set before us some of the many benefits of membership. You constitute a society. What is a society ? It is a collection of individuals, who band themselves together, to secure, by mutual help, a common object. The members of a society or club should bo forbearing with one *nother. They Bbould help one anothnr towards attaining the goal of a laudable ambition. During the session of 1892 the wheels were kept well oiled, and everything went with surprising smoothness. Despite the heat of controversy and the almost nightly storms, I am pleased to think that ill-feeling was) not allowed admittance, and that you are a happy band of united brothers. We do not require Captain Edwin or our local prophet to forecast the stormy weather of this session. We stall have our differences of opinion, and, in heated words, betimes strive to obtain the mastery. " Tis hard," says Swift, "where dulness overrules, to keep good sense in a crowd of fools." Bat in an intelligent literary society, "plain, sound, common sense, of which life's current com is made," will ever reign supreme, and quickly call a truce, or wisely effect a calm. You are a literary soci«ty. There seems to be some misunderstanding of this term. There are those who think that literature in the highest branches only is cultivated here, and that there is no place on our benches for those who have not attained to something more than mediocrity. This false idea keeps many from joining these excellent church-fostered associations. Tis true excellent work is done—work which secures the approval of keen literary critics— but we are not restricted to one branch, to oue stage of work. The child first moves about on hands and feat ; then it goes from chair to chair ; then it timidly walks, clinging to the kindly hand that supports it ; then it ventures out alone ; and lastly, it runs fearlessly ahead when speed is desired. And so in our association. Our aim is to become proficient in English literature, to fill our mental storehouses with useful know. ledge, to wnte our language with ease ftnd correctness, to speak with grace and fluency. The way is long, we have much to learn. There are various stages on our journey. Now we enter on the track, and progress but slowly ; again, thanks to the assistance of our friends, we march with greater speed, and then with firm step we go od alone, acquiring confidence and knowledge and power as we proceed. There is room in our Society for all— the beginner, the learner, and the proficient man. Our Society is not a society composed solely of literary men, but a society of persons who wish to become literary, and thoroughly masters of the difficulties of spoken and written language. Though our title raav not, in a strict sense, be appropi iate, taking the usage of Australia, America, and the Home countries into account, I see no reason for change. The word " literary '" certainly keeps a high ideal before our minds. You are a Catholic Literary Society. Our present Holy Father, Leo XIII., haa gone a step further than even his illustrious predecessor in the recommendation of Church organisations. There never was a time, perhaps, in the history of the world when organisation was more studied acd employe 1 than at present. The enemies of religion band themselves together in their nefarious work. Why Bhould we not meet organisation by organisation ? I do not know any society of more real utility to the Church in its relation to society than the Catholic Literary Association. Its tone is thoroughly Catholic. Its studies are in accordar cc with Catholic feeling. lis aim is to prepare Catholic youth to creditably take his rightful place among his fellows and to defend, by word and pm, when necessary, the interests of our holy faith. H'jnce a society such as ourß, which is Catholic to the heart's core, should be fostered and encouraged. That which provides a secure m<et ing-ground and safeguarding influences for Catholic youth, at the critical time of life, should obtain more than a passing word of commendation. It should receive from all Catho.

lie parents and those who have responsibility, great encouragement and every practical support. You are called the Dunedin Catltolic Literary Society, and are thus differentiated from other Catholic literary societies in Australasia which are nobly carrying on a great work. It giveß pleasure to anyone who takes an interest in Catholic education to find tbat, while proud of your own society, you look with satisfaction on the labours of your brethren in the literary field in other parts, It is well known that a warm-hearted welcome always awaits in Dunedin the visitor from other Catholic literary societies. I had intended, as an inaugural lecture, to give yon an address on an interesting scientific subject. About a week ago, however, several of tbe older members requested me to reserve the work for aoother occasion and to give instead tc-nigbt some plain and practical advice for your guidance during the session. "We want you to tell us what we are to do during the session of 1893, and direct us in the manner of doing it." This was practically the request of the outgoing committee. Allow me before endeavouring to comply with your request, to say once more that personally I am grateful to the officers of last session for the loyal, zealous manner in which they worked. Labour, when all pull together, becomes easy. Unity is happily a characteristic of this Society, and unity all tbe world over is strength. I wish once more to compliment you on tbe enthusiasm you bring to this session. Though I had notes ready and an address almost prepared, I was delighted with a request wbich, while changing the track of the opening address, clearly showed that members are thoroughly in earnest. Enthusiasm is a great factor in human success. You place this lever in my hand and ask me to pive the firßt turn in the sessional wheel. I hope it may prove a wheel of great good fortune and tbat zeal may spnr you on to persevering work and consequent progress. Have I praised you sufficiently ? You sometimes s-ptak cf yourselves, wben you think you want a little corrective medicine, as a " mutual admiration society." It is noticed, however, that blame with you quickly f illowa in the wake of praise. The bard of Avon says somewhere that " all men have faults. " Your common Bense will not be off^ndtd when you are told that you were not immacula'e last year. Ihere were blemishes on the encutcheon There were failings, ehortcomings, which should not have existed and which you will now sedulously avoid. "We had too few debates," you will say was one of tbe drawbacks of last session We had few formal debates certainly, but if memory be not false, it seems there whb an informal nnd often an animated debate nearly every evening. Still there is some truth in the reproach though it is hard to Bee how much more work could have been done. Let, however, tho incoming cjmmittee see to it, that formal debates on new and important subjects be regularly held. In debate all the qualities wbich characterise the good reasoner and effective ep«aker are brought into play, opportunity is given for the practice cf extemporisation. Tho rules wuicb regulate the conduct of public meetings are so learnt by cons' ant practise as to become second nature, members are prepared for t he ordinary duties of good citizenship. Another matter deserving of mention is the giving of original papers. Though the annual report shows that much propresa has been rnada in this respect there is room for further improvement, both as to quantity and qnality. Lose no tim; in making selection of your subjects, and as Boon as possible begin the preparation, You will then read with k special motive and wi h ereater profit. You will find in a printed address given by me la«t session some advice on this important branch of literary society work. Yel another bmt and the budget of blame will be exhausted. Tis not difficult for any person of moderately strong resolve to come early on the evening of meeting. The habitual and inexcupable late-comer cannot be a happy member. Come early, work well, go home early. These should be inscribed among tho wa'cbwords of the session. You wish to know bow you are to act in order to realise ths ideal of true membership. Well, foi une thing, be active propagandists, strive earnestly by pUcing before them the advantages of union, to induce other Catholic young men to join yonr iot-titute. Tell them, when a fitting opportunity offers, tbat the Catholic Literary Society fulfils an important mission and effects incalculable goo 1. You need scarcely be reminded of ita advantagesIt brings young men together for intellectual improvement, for rational enjoyment, for most useful labour. It link 9 together talen ond industry, places the combined forces in tha channel of well.

directed effort, and leads the Incky possessor to laudable results. It stimulates good reading, refreshes and invigorates the mind by a constant supply of suitable food. It gives fluency of speech and makes the pen run with greater facility. It strengthens the memory by well-chosen recitation. It increases knowledge and enlarge! experience. It promotes kindliness, self-restraint, and gentlemanly behaviour. It takes away bashfulneee, which is the rust of real ability and which is sheepishness rather than true modesty. It tone! down the forwardness which the precocity of youth sometimes engenders, It withdraws men from many a danger, and prepares them for maoy a life battle. It is blessed by the Church and encouraged in its effort to organise Catholic young men for the promoting of their highest interests. In yoar canvass for suitable members you will have to meet some objections and difficulties. "Literary societies are too much above me" pleads one who would fain shirk the duty of self -improvement. Reply that every grade of worker is represented. The humblest contributor is of ten listened to as eagerly aßtbe finest essayist. "Your Literary Society is not sufficiently advanced for me says another." Perhaps not. Conceit, however, is not yet one of the attributes of fellowship. Say to such a one, " Come to our meetings, you will do good to all by raising onr standard and showing in a practical manner our literary shortcomings. We are open to correction and disposed to follow sage connsel. " Receive adverse criticism well" is one of the canons of conduct wbich iB most vigorously insisted on. Members are required to criticise with judgment and freedom from personal bias, and to submit to correction es men, who, whatever their ability and knowledge, know they have yet much to learn. Sensitiveness must only show itself in the tact with which we point out the mote in our brothers eye. If you wish to have it said with truth that your criticism is gentlemanly and effective you will ever bear in mind the words of Pope and remember that " men must be taught as if you taught them not." As previously said, and as you well know, tbe great object of the Literary Society is to encourage good reading. It is sometimes said that Catholics do not read ; that we are not a reading people. It is true that we discriminate in our reading. The trashy novel, the mischievous quasi-theologico-scientific volame, the perverted hutory were better left unread. But I would n>-t like to think that Catholics read but little. We require much knowledge to converse intelligently and pleasurably with ttie many well-informed men we meet in daily life, and we are, indeed, foolish if we expect to draw information from an empty mind. The fault we rather have to correct is probably spasmodic, desultory, unmethodical reading. We go about from gaiden to garden, and from field to field plucking many a lovely flower, and tasting cf many a lu«cious fruit, but storing up little useful provender in tbe mental granary. There is such a thing as reading too much and such a common failing as thinking too little. " jYon mult a sed multum," says Pliny — " not many things, but much " — select a few authors, read, much of them, study every page thoroughly, master them well, and your reading will be profitable. Bear in mind the old saying, " Tirneo hominem unius libri "—"" — " I fear the man of one book." Why is this so? Because he has always near hrn a reliable weapon for tho onftict. Ha has not to run tj an armory for a chance pistol in th i turn of danger. Taere is something in tbe sayiog of Milton that " many books are wearisome." Select a few classic authors, and mike them intimate companions. If you would get full value from time spent in reading, you will always read with weU-defiaed object before the mind. Read to g*ther material for a speech or to prepare an essay, or even to recreate the fatigued brain — while reading allow tbe mind time and liberty to digest the subject of your reading. Be not among the number of those who are "deep versed in books but shallow in themselves." Watch carefully the author's style of expression, and try occasionally to express the meaning of a sentence in your own words. The comparison will be profitable. Always have a note book and pencil at band. "Lectionem sine stylo somnium puta" says Pope Damasus. Reading without note-taking, consider a dream — an ephemeral thing, a literary bubble, which quickly passes away, and leaves little or no trace behind. It is said that Cardinal Wiseman always had note-paper by bis side, in which he jotted down whatever struck him as being worthy of remembering. Hence his readiness of speech and the acility with wbich he prepared learned addresses, Whatever we take;

trouble in writing down remains almost indelibly stamped on our memory. The very fact of writing while preparing materials for a paper is about the best preparation for a readable essay. What books are we to read ? That question cannot be fully answered in this address. Wbat is one nun's mrat is ano'her man's poison. Each to his taste, only let not the taste be vitiated. If you read for simple information you will, of course, select the best authorities. If yon read to improve your natural style, you will read the author whose characteristics are congenial to your temperment. Taere is such a thing as difference of character. One man is quick and impulsive. Another is deliberate and even ponderous. One man is caustic and biting in ordinary discourse. Another is the quintessence of politeness and tact. Men's minds are different ; men's thoughts differ; and men's words, the expression of thoughr, differ likewise. Hence the varied style of many authors. Do not select, as a literary model, the writer whose style is at variance with the peculiar way in which you express your thoughts. Select one, the reading of whose works gives you most pleasure, with whose feeling you are in most accord, the formation of whose sentences secures your warmest approval, whom, naturally, you will call a favourite author. Style is to be improved rather than acquired. Before passing on to writing — to composition — allow me to say that reading should always give pleasure. " While reading pleases, but no longer, read." It is said that Gladstone has always at hand three or more books to rest the mind by frequent change. If I might make a suggestion that would benefit all, I would be inclined to recommend to your consideration the works of Washington Irving, say his Sketch B^ok, and Cardinal Newman, as models of style. Bear in mind, too, the woris of an eminent Anglican archbishop : " There are two bjoks which made me an archbishop— the Bible and Shakispia r e." In your compositions, remember that the true function of langu. ge is not, as the witt/ Tal eyrand said, to conceal thought, but to mautfest the conceptions of the mind and rind suitable expression for our ideas. We fehould ever aim at being clear. The use of short sentences, for which Irving ia remarkable, conduces much to intelligibility. Long, straggling sentences may be well enough in classic Latin, but they are out of place in modern English. ILte words which will correctly " express the inward i nage of thoughts," for " Words," as Butler says, " are but as pictures, true or false designed, To draw the lines and features of the mind." Employ good honest Anglo-Saxon words which will leave no doubt in the mind of tne reader as to your meaning. Cardinal Newman's saying should be remembered by budding prose writers and poets " A great author, gentlemen, is one who has something to say, and knows how to say it." Ajyropos of intel. ligibihty, I may here nitroduce an anecdote, which, though it has evident reference to oratory, may with profit be Bpplied to writing and composition. " I recollect," writes a certain distinguished clergyman, " having been much edified by an anecdote I once heard related by a venerable bishop. It had reference to himself. He was an eminent preacher, and was fnquently complimented on his sermons Keferring to these compliments, he said, ' I never felt more gratified than by what a poor woman said to me, wnom I met on the road, when walking out for vacition on a Saaday after havinaj preached as usual to the congregation at Mass in the morning. "Omy lord,' said the good poor soul, " how we were all delighted with the darling sermon you gave us this morning. There was not one in the church, even among the poorest, and the most ignorant amongst us, that did not understand every word your lordship said from beginning to end. God bless your lordship, and long life to you. May God preserve you many a day over your people." ' " As to the manner of learning compolition, 1 take it for granted that you possess and study a good manual. I hope yon are alive to the fact that the practice of writing essays and papers is the very best prsparation for successful public speaking. " Caput est, quamplurimum scribere " The great— the chief thing is to write as much as possible — provided care be employed in composition. There is one matter about which you should be on your gn<ird. Plagiarism — literary piracy — is an unpardonable offence, Ideas, which, indeed, rarely are original, are looked upon as common property, but word-theft must never be committed. If you use an author's actual words, either openly acknowledge ycrar indebtedness or by inverted commas or the context, let it be clearly seen that you give a borrowed clause. Make the thoughts of others your own by earnest meditation, aud you need not be afraid of not

beiDg natural. 'Fill yourself,'' to use a not very polite but expressive Americanism, " chock full of the subject," and then let nature caper." If you be full of your subj jet there will be seldom qtestion of the proverbial peacock's feathers. You will always be yourself in a good three-volume-library edition. What subjects should you select for eseiys and papers 1 Provided the tone be good, and the aim lofty — select what you please. Consult your own taste. Know* ing, however, that members dearly love a friendly tug-of-war, try to hit on some subject wbicb will lead to animated discußsioo, if not to a formal debate. Each member will profitably resolve to-night to give a short, thoughtful paper if possible, every month, if not more frequently, during the session. We come, now, to addresses and speeches of various kinds — to speech, which is called " the noblest and most powerful of the arts." Readiness in public speaking comes by study and practice. Eloquence must have superadded to ability great natural gifts. In the matter of speech women have, we are told, some advantage over us. They have greater sensibility and impres* flionableness, and much more gracefulness, " They speak," to uae now borrowed words, " pretty much as the birds sing — and their language has the same charm— and they wiite as they speak. 1 ' «' lien," according to my informant, " who wish to acquire the art of speaking, must learn by study what most women do naturally.' ' The advocates of the claims of ladies to membership in Catholic literary societies do not possibly entertain the idea of the gentle sex taking the position of oratorical models. As ladies are naturally graceful and fluent in speech, they would have an undue advantage over us duller mortals who " must learn by study " the coveted art of speak ing, By study, yes — and persevering study of others and ourselves. But, pass the ladies, we shall always be delighted to see them at our occasional re-unions. As " good reading — reading aloud — is the foundation of good delivery in public speaking," and is one of the branches of culture cherished in a literary society, permit me to say a word or two on this sadly-neglected accomplishment. Good readers are few, and hence good speakers are scarce. It is painful to fiad an educated man, who is emine nt in the dooaain of science or art flounder helplessly among a few simple sentences. No matter how clever a nnn may be reading in public should, to be thoroughly effejtive, be always preby private rehearsal. Faults could not be corrected on the platform in the hearing of all. Those who, during the session, will read before the Society, will do well to bear in mind a story told by Plutarch :— A Roman barber had a magpie which had learned to say many common words and catchy phrases. It was musical, and varied speech with song. Its power of imitation was very great. One day a funeral procession passed by; a band of musicians accompanied the crowd. A halt for some reason was made opposite ths barber's shop, and the trumpeters performed a selection. The magpie was preternaturally silent after the cortege had passed. Its master I was put out very much, for the bird-pet did not utter a sound fjr i three full days His distress became greater as he perceived the workings of the throat as it vainly — as be thought — tried to talk again. At length when he had abandoned all hope of recovery, the solemn bird suddenly broke out into song, and gave forth with greatest accuracy and clearness the leading notes of tha identical funeral march it had heard three days before. As Plutarch saye, " The cause of its three day's silencs was the exercise and meditation within itself, of its talent of imitation, and its tuning and adapting its voice like a musical instrument." Some will say that Plutarch's m«gpie sets ns a suitable example in the preparation of reading and delivery of speeches. I give you the story fjr what it is worth. Pay attention to the sen9e and to the ordinary stops, avoid undue haste, enter heartily into the subject, and you will read well. Both ia public reading and public speakiag good articulation, pleisant modulation, and correct pronunciation are essential. A word upon each : By good articulation we are to understand the distinct utterance of words, of the syllables of words, of the let ers of syllables, and the unifying of all the component parts, so that each sentence, with meaning fully conveyed, may be distinguished from all other sentences. The word articulation is used in anatomy, and means " the junction of any two bones, however firmly or loosely connected, or in whatever mode the union may be affected." Articulatioa comes from the Latin verb " articulare," which signifies to divide into simple members or jointe. Transfer the word to the body of a discourse, remember the derivation and use, and you have a fair idea of what ia required in speech or reading. Want of dis'inctness is the great defect of most speakers. What is the use of a well-prepared speech

If it be not beard and understood. A ape iker with an inferior voice, who usea his vocal organs properly, can often be well heard in a large hall and at considerably disance. The origin of bad articulation is frequently to be saught for in childhood; hurried, blurred reading during school life is largely responsible for the defect of late jean. Indistinct utterance is like bad type. Old type leaves a dirty, indistinct impression. Gbod type ca 1 a clean and leaves an impression which pleases the eye. Good articulation pleases the ear. With a view to distinctness, strict attention should, in our language, be paid to consonants. The lips and teeth should be carefully exercised. By practice even natural impediments can be overcome or modified. Stammering, for iostance, is not uafreqcnntly cured. Verba movent ted exempla trahunt words move, but example draws. Allow me to illustrate what I have said. You have heard of Demosthenes. He became one of the greatest, perhaps the greatest, of ancient or modern orators. Bat he was not naturally a good speaker. We are told that he had three difficulties to contend against. His breathing was short, he could not readily pronounce certain sounds, especially the letter B, and he was easily put oat by interruptions. He improved his breathing by reading aloud, while walling, a numbar of verses without taking fresh breath. His faalty articulation was cared by practising speeches with pebbles in his mouth. His nervousness and liabilityto be disconcerted were overcome bydeclaimiog on the sea shore amid the noises made by the loud-sounding waves. Let your enunciation be neat, clear, and sharp, and your pronunciation according to approved authors. Some members of literary societies, who are remarkable for ability and fluency, are wanting in accuracy of pronunciation, and the effect of their speeches is greatly marred. If you have a shadow of doubt consult a dictionary. Always have Stormouth or Ogilvie handy. I invite yon to be merciless in your criticism in this respect during the session. Proper pronunciation is more important to the speaker than good spelling for the writer, for he has not a friendly compositor to conceal his failing from the public notice. I once read a letter written by a really learned man in which he Bpelled Deacon, Dekon. I have listened to addresses in which decidedly able men murdered common English words ; neither Bhould happen if ear and eye were properly educated. It is very important in public reading or speaking to modulate the voice. There are some whose tones at fitting moments are soft and loud, sorlowful and joyful, angry and pathetic. These speakers keep us awake, make us attentive and pleased. There are others who go along in a long, droning monotone. They weary and worry us if sleep does not mercifully intervene. Do I advise you to take up the studied tones of professional elocutionists ? I certainly do not. Bpeak plainly and distinctly, speak when repeating from memory as if you were giving expression to your own thoughts, put yourself for the time being in the place of the'onginal speaker, be thoroughly natural and you will be decidedly effective. Once more, a story told by a writer on rhetoric will convey mure than any words of mine. " I was asked," he says, (l by a young preacher to do him the kindness of assisting at a sermon he wa« going to preach, ia order to tell him of any faults I might observe for his correction, or any improvementa I might point out to him to make. His sermon, as a specimen of composition was excellent, but ha delivered it in so monotonous a way that he became tiresome almost at ooce, and failing to interest his audience, he produced no impression. Coming home, I noticed on the way, two women lustily scolding each other. Speaking according to thtir feelings, they varied their voices in pitch and tone so naturally and with such expression that I said to my companion :— • Oh, if Mr A. had heard these good poor women before ascendiDg the pulpit and imitated their manner, what a different sermon he would have delivered, different, not in words, but in the manner of expressing them, and by that means different in the effect and fruit he would have produced.' " Singers pay great attention to voice production. Speakers should be equally careful about voice regulation. Take one hint. Do not slavishly imitate the voice and manner of another. Be natural and in no way artificial. Gesture ia a matter of some consequaace. At the present day it is perhaps, not attended to so much in English-speaking countries, as in other lands. An effective speaker in the Imperial Parliament dues not always withdraw his hand from his pocket to perform one of the studied movements of elocution masters. There is no doubt that graceful action— a little of it— not too much— always adds greatly to the effect of speech. When Cicero spokt of " the eloquence of the body," and the language of the body ; he had reason for his utterance. When the hand ie called a " weapon," a "second tongue,' an " admirable contrivance ot the divine artist, the minister of reason and wisdom," we are not to suppose that this is exaggerated talk. By all means Btudy graceful motion—" poetry of graceful motion " —learn to move with ease and without awkwardness, but again I entreat you be natural. I had, when young, a master who once a week for an hour, made us go through a Beries of graceful motions but when there was.question of delivering a piece, gave this advice : " Commit carefully to memory, understand well what you are about throw yourself right into your subject, and your speech and gesture will be natural." It is another application of the Americans : " Fill

yourself fall of the subject and let nature caper." lam coming near the end. You will say it is time. I should have liked to say something more in detail on the preparation of papers, essays, and lectures, but an opportunity will present itself later od. There is a branch of culture which I mnat just touch in a passing way before sitting down. This Society is specially valuable for the frequent practice which it gives io improvisation or extempore speaking. •' Fit fabricando faber," A man becomes a carpenter by carpentering. So you will become a good speaker by speaking. A man is not usually bom a good speaker. A woman, it is said, generally is. " Finnt oratoreg," says Quintillian, " nasountur poetas "—poets are born poets ; but men become orators by labour and practice. A great motto of this society is-" What is worth doing is worth doing well." Apply that to extemporary speech, aad you have the key to successful effort, 'Tis a nice thing to be able at short notice to make a pleasing speech. Remember, however, that preparation— long or short— is essential". Always know what you are going to say before you get on your feet. Do not aim at saying much, but a little well. The advice of 8t Francis de Sales should ever be borne in mind— Die quantumvis mirifice, nintamenbene, nihil disserts ; dicpauca, at bene, ntita effieeris that is— no matter bow beautiful your ideas, and wonderful your matter, if you do not speak well, the effect ia completely lost. If yoc only say a little, but say it well, yon will produce great effect. Always bear in mind that the object of true oratory is to enlighten the understanding, and move the heart, while giving pleasure at the same time. I would like to say a word on the Bobject of library extention, but cannot do so at any length now. We must increase the number of our books— that is of our silent but true friends. Onr efforts in this direction will, 1 am sure, be appreciated by his Lordship and the clergy, and the body of the congregation. It is not necessary to dwell on this point. I wish, however, to make only one remark. The Literary Society has given its services to many a good cause. It is a long time since it did anything for itself. This session ought not to be allowed to go by without an eSort being seriously made to increase the aparatus for efficiently carrying on our desirable work. I shall end this address by strongly exhorting you to reaci r- ~ich during the winter months. Be attached to this association, ue fond of the society of good books. Believe me, you will find them always true, unselfish friends on whose power of soothing, and helping, and directing you oan always rely. I came across, during |the recess, in a heap of wordy rubbish, a small literary pearl, which I have preserved, and now, with best wishes, present to you. A certain author has a few words on books whicn are worthy of being remembered, and even committed to memory. Speaking of good books, he says :— " We go to them when we want them. We know where to seek them ; we know what to expect from them. They are never pre-ocenpied ; they are always at home; they never turn their backs, nor walk away, as people do in real life, nor let their houses, and leave the neighbourhood, and disappear for weeks together ; they are never taken up with strange people, nor suddenly absorbed into some more genteel society, or by Borne nearer fancy. Even the most volatile among them is to be counted upon. We may have neglected them, and yet when we meet again there are the familiar old friends, and we seem to find our own old selves again in their company." In a world where unselfish persons are seldom met, it is well to know where to look for real friends. There are many other things, gentlemen, which I should have said to-night, but which perforce must for the present be left unsaid. Before sitting down allow me to heartily wish you great success in all the literary work of this session. I know full well— applying and changing slightly toe words of Addison— " 'Tis not in mortals to command success, But yoa'll do more, my friends, you'll deserve it."