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mental colour and two “battalion aids” for presentation to this company and solicited the Countess of Waldegrave to present them. The Hall was densely crowded, and the platform was filled by many of the clergy and gentry of both towns and neighbourhood. The banners were placed in front of the platform, and the Rifles were arranged in two sub-divisions, one on each side of the Hall, thus leaving the centre clear for the colour party and the ceremony of presentation. In the rear of the Rifles were arranged the 4th Cinque Ports Artillery also in sub-divisions, with the bands of both companies. At the lower end of the hall were seats, occupying about one half of the room, for the lookers-on, who were admitted by ticket only. These, irrespective of the men under arms, were nearly 500 in number, and as many more had to be refused admittance for want of space. On the arrival of the Company, under Lieut. Crake and Ensign Rock, the men were placed in “open order”, with swords fixed. The Artillery, under Capt. Scrivens and Lieut. Hayles took up position soon after, also in open order, with drawn swords. On the colour being placed in the hands of the Rev. J. Parkin (the late Earl Waldegrave’s private chaplain) for transference to a told-off party of reception, the Rev. gentleman spoke in substance as follows:- Lady Waldegrave, - It is my duty to-night to hand over to you this flag from the ladies of Hastings, who have selected you as their representative on this occasion to present it to the 1st Company of the Cinque Ports Volunteers. It will be my duty before I hand it to you to ask God’s blessing – not on the flag, as newspapers sometimes erroneously represent, which would be merely a superstitious ceremony – but to ask His blessing on the whole undertaking of the Cinque Ports Volunteers. It will be a great pleasure to me as well as privilege to do this. I have also a great wish if your ladyship will bear with me to tell you why I feel it to be a pleasure. I bow down to no authority but the Word of God, and I feel persuaded that our undertaking to-night in the establishment of this Company and the great Volunteer movement now progressing throughout the country is in accordance with that Word and will of God (notwithstanding what the peacemongers say to the contrary), and from which it might easily be proved. I will tell you how I ground this, because great misconception has prevailed on the subject. We ought ever to remember that we are fallen creatures, living in a fallen world and surrounded by fallen beings. The consequence is this – that to preserve peace – as has been shewn in the whole history of the world – the best means is to cultivate the art of war. The best method to preserve ourselves from insult and aggression is always to be ready with an armed force to resent -