ate the misfortunes of our fellow-citizens. Considering, however, the variety of objects, whose distress the dictates of nature as well as the ties of masonry incline us to relieve, we find it necessary sometimes to inquire into the cause of misfortune; lest a misconceived tenderness of disposition, or an impolitic generosity of heart, might prevent us from making a proper distinction in the choice of objects. Though our ears are always open to the dis tresses of the deserving poor, yet our charity is not to be dispensed with a profuse liberality on impostors. The parents of a numerous offspring, who through age, sickness, infirmity, or any unforseen accident in life, are reduced to want, particularly claim our attention, and seldom fail to experience the happy effects of our friendly association. To such objects, whose situation is more easy to be conceived than expressed, we are induced lib. erally to extend our bounty. Hence we give convincing proofs of wisdom and discernment; for though our benevolence, like our laws, be unlimited, yet our hearts glow principally with affection toward the deserving part of mankind.

From this view of the advantages which result from the practice and profession of masonry, every candid and impartial mind must acknowledge its utility and importance to the state; and surely, if the picture here drawn be just, it must be no triffing acquisition to any government, to have under its jurisdiction, a society of men, who are not only true patriots and loyal subjects, but the patrons of science and the friends of mankind.

OF TRUTH.

Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of every virtue. To be good and true, is the first lesson we are taught in masonry. On this theme we contemplate, and by its dictates endeavour to regulate our conduct; hence,

whilst influenced by this principle, hypocrisy and deceit are unknown amongst us, sincerity and plain dealing distinguish us, and the heart and tongue join in promoting each other's welfare, and rejoicing in each other's prosperity.

To this illustration succeeds an explanation of the four cardinal virtues-temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice.

OF FEMPERANCE.

Temperance is that due restraint upon our affections and passions which renders the body tame and governa ble, and frees the mind from the allurements of vice. This virtue should be the constant practice of every mason, as he is thereby taught to avoid excess, or contracting any licentious or vicious habit, the indulgence of which might lead him to disclose some of those valuable secrets, which he has promised to conceal and never reveal, and which would consequently subject him to the contempt and detestation of all good masons.

OF FORTITUDE.

Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose of the mind, whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain, peril or danger, when prudentially deemed expedient. This vir tue is equally distant from rashness and cowardice; and, like the former, should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every mason, as a safeguard or security against any illegal attack that may be made, by force or other wise, to extort from him any of those secrets with which he has been so solemnly entrusted; and which was emblematically represented upon his first admission into the lodge.

OF PRUDENCE.

Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and 'action's

agreeably to the dictates of reason, and is that habit by which we wisely judge, and prudently determine on all things relative to our present, as well as our future happiness. This virtue should be the peculiar characteristic of every mason, not only for the government of his conduct while in the lodge, but also when abroad in the world; it should be particularly attended to in all strange and mixed companies, never to let fall the least sign, token or word, whereby the secrets of masonry might be unlawfully obtained.

OF JUSTICE.

Justice is that standard, or boundary of right, which enables us to render to every man his just due without distinction. This virtue is not only consistent with di vine and human laws, but is the very cement and support of civil society; and as justice in a great measure constitutes the real good man, so should it be the invariable practice of every mason never to deviate from the minutest principles thereof.

The illustration of these virtues is accompanied with some general observations peculiar to masons.

Such is the arrangement of the different sections in the first lecture, which, with the forms adopted as the opening and closing of a lodge, comprehends the whole of the first degree of masonry. This plan has the advantage of regularity to recommend it, the support of precedent and authority, and the sanction and respect which flow from antiquity. The whole is a regular system of morality, conceived in a strain of interesting allegory, which must unfold its beauties to the candid and industrious inquirer.

M

CHAPTER IX.

REMARKS ON THE THE SECOND DEGREE.

MASONRY is a progressive science, and is divided into different classes or degrees, for the more regular advancement in the knowledge of its mysteries. According to the progress we make, we limit or extend our inquiries; and, in proportion to our capacity, we attain to a less or greater degree of perfection.

Masonry includes within its circle almost every branch of polite learning. Under the veil of its mysteries, is comprehended a regular system of science. Many of its illustrations, to the confined genius, may appear unimportant; but the man of more enlarged faculties will perceive them to be, in the highest degree, useful and interesting. To please the accomplised scholar, and ingenious artist, masonry is wisely planned ; and, in the investigation of its latent doctrines, the philosopher and mathematician may experience equal delight and satisfaction.

To exhaust the various subjects of which it treats, would transcend the powers of the brightest genius; still, however, nearer approaches to perfection may be made, and the man of wisdom will not check the progrsss of his abilities, though the task he attempts may at first seem insurmountable. Perseverance and application remove each difficulty as it occurs; every step he advances, new pleasures open to his view, and instruction of the noblest kind attends his researches. In the diligent pursuit of knowledge, the intellectual faculties are employed in promoting the glory of God, and the good of man.

The first degree is well calculated to enforce the duties of morality, and imprint on the memory the noblest

principles which can adorn the human mind. It is there fore the best introduction to the second degree, which not only extends the same plan, but comprehends a more diffusive system of knowledge. Here practice and theory join, in qualifying the industrious mason to share the pleasures which an advancement in the art must necessarily afford. Listening with attention to the wise opinions of experienced craftsmen on important subjects, he gradually familiarizes his mind to useful instruction, and is soon enabled to investigate truths of the utmost concern in the general transactions of life.

From this system proceeds a rational amusement; while the mental powers are fully employed, the judg ment is properly exercised. A spirit of emulation prevails; and all are induced to vie, who shall most excel in promoting the valuable rules of the institution.

THE FIRST SECTION.

This section of the second degree accurately elucidates the mode of introduction into that particular class; and instructs the diligent craftsman how to proceed in the proper arrangement of the ceremonies used on the occasion. It qualifies him to judge of their importance, and convinces him of the necessity of strictly adhering to every established usage of the order. Here he is entrusted with particular tests, to enable him to prove his title to the privileges of this degree, while satisfactory reasons are given for their origin. Many duties, which cement in the firmest union, well-informed brethren, are illustrated in this section; and an opportunity is given to make such advances in masonry, as will always distinguish the abilities of those who have arrived at preferment.

The knowledge of this section is absolutely necessary for all craftsmen; and as it recapitulates the ceremony of