ENTERED APPRENTICE'S DEGREE.

SECTION FIRST.

THE first section consists of general heads; which though short and simple, carry weight with them, and qualify us to try and examine the rights of others to our privileges, while they prove ourselves. It also accurately elucidates the mode of initiating a candidate into our ancient order.

A Prayer used at the Initiation of a Candidate.

Vouchsafe thine aid, Almighty Father of the universe, to this our present convention; and grant that this candidate for masonry may dedicate and devote his life to thy service, and become a true and faithful brother among us! Endue him with a competency of thy Divine Wisdom, that by the secrets of our art he may be better enabled to display the Beauties of Holiness, to the honor of thy holy name! So mote it be. Amen.

The following passage of scripture is rehearsed during the ceremony.

Behold! how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity:

It is like the precious ointment upon the head. that ran down upon the beard, even

Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of

his garment:

As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Towards the close of the section is explained that peculiar ensign of masonry the lamb-skin, or white leather apron, which is an emblem of innocence, and the badge of a mason; more ancient than the golden fleece or Roman Eagle; more honorable than the star and garter, or any other order that could be conferred upon the condidate at that or any future period, by king, prince, potentate, or any other person, except he be a mason; and which every one ought to wear with pleasure to himself, and honor to the fraternity.

This section closes with an explanation of the working tools, which are, the twenty-four inch gauge and the common gavel.

The twenty-four inch guge is an instrument used by operative masons to measure and lay out their work; but we, as free and accepted masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time. It being divided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematical of the twentyfour hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into three equal parts; whereby are found eight hours for the service of God, and a distressed worthy brother; eight for our usual vocations; and eight for refreshment and sleep.

The common gavel is an instrument made use of by operative masons to break off the corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the builder's use; but we, as free and accepted masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of life; thereby fitting our minds as living stones for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.