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perstition, or fanaticism of any portion of the human race.

worthy of the true fellowship, "unless we walk in the light and do the L. S.

FOR THE MASONIC REGISTER.

On reading the report of the committee of the synod of Pittsburgh.

Oh say, shall the art now decay,

Which has rivall'd the empire of time;
Has mock'd at the battle's array,

And flourish'd in every clime?
When the standard of virtue lies low,

6. "What Christian has ever im- || truth." proved in piety by entering a Masonie lodge, and holding communion and fellowship with its members ?" though no Masou ever professed to be more pious than the worshippers of the true God, or more virtuous than the Christian of any sect or denomination, or even better than his neighbour; yet who amongst the great family of mankind, it may with propriety be asked, has ever been too pious to pay his devotions to the Supreme Architect of the universe? or too virtuous to practice the moral and social duties inculcated in the divine law? If any, let him bear testimony against the principles of Free Masonry.

7. "What youth have they ever reclaimed?" The insidiousness of this question may be fairly tested, by considering the application of the term as used by sectarians, who consider all in error, who do not subscribe to their particular creed.

8. "What reformation have they ever effected?" Many, both in manners and morals: by inculcating the true principles of civilization, and encouraging free toleration. They have not been surpassed by any human ininstitution, in giving facility to the spread of the gospel of Christ; nor have they been outdone by any in the practice of that charity which doeth no ill, knoweth no ill, nor thinks ill, but bears away upon its balmy wings in the perfume gale, every production calculated to give offence.

even

9. "What good moral effects have they produced?" As this is partially involved in the preceding question, and opens an extensive field for discussion, we shall make it a subject of subsequent communication, and close the present with that awful message of St. John, delivered to the world, that "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all;" and that we are not

And anarchy's banner's unfurl'd,
Then strike on the wild harp of woe,
For Masonry flies from the world.
Till then its fair temple shall stand,

Supported by friendship and love;
For its arch must spread over each land,
And encircle the regions above.

We pity the efforts of those

Who fain would our fabric deform;
For firmer and stronger it grows,
And thrives like the oak in the storm.
EUGENIUS.

AN ADDRESS,
Delivered by a noble Brother to his
son, on his first initiation into
Free Masonry.

I congratulate you on your admission into the most ancient, and perhaps, the most respectable society in the universe. To you the mysteries of Masonry are about to be revealed; and so bright a sun never showed lustre on your eyes. In this awful moment, when prostrate at this holy altar, do you not shudder at every crime, and have you not confidence in every virtue! May this reflection inspire you with noble sentiments; may you be penetrated with a religious abhorrence of every vice that degrades human nature; and may you feel the elevation of soul which scorns a dishonourable action, and ever invites to the practice of piety and virtue.

These are the wishes of a father and a brother conjoined. Of you the greatest hopes are raised; let not our expectations be deceived. You are

the SON OF A MASON, who glories in the profession; and for your zeal and H"h

attachment, your silence and good conduct, your father has already pledged his honour.

You are now, as a member of this illustrious order, introduced a subject of a new country, whose extent is boundless. Pictures are open to your view, wherein true patriotism is exemplified in glaring colours, and a series of transactions recorded, which the rude hand of time can never erase. The obligations which influenced the first Brutus and Manlius to sacrifice their children to the love of their country, are not more sacred than those which bind me to support the honour and reputation of this venerable order.

This moment, my son, you owe to me a second birth; should your conduct in life correspond with the principles of Masonry, my remaining years will pass away with pleasure and satisfaction. Observe the great example of our ancient masters, peruse our history and our constitutions. The best, the most humane, the bravest, the most civilized of men, have been our patrons. Though the vulgar are strangers to our works, the greatest geniuses have sprung from our order. The most illustrious characters on the earth have aided the foundation of their most amiable qualities in Masonry. The wisest of princes, SOLOMON, planned our institution, and raised a temple to the eternal and supreme Ruler of the universe.

Swear, my son, that you will be a true and faithful Mason. Know, from this moment, I centre the affection of a parent in the name of a brother and a friend. May your heart be susceptible of love and esteem, and may you burn with the same zeal your father possesses. Convince the world by your new alliance you are deserving our favours, and never forget the ties which bind you to honour and to justice..

View not with indifference the extensive connections you have formed, but let universal benevolence regulate

your conduct. Exert your abilities in the service of your king, and your country, and deem the knowledge you have this day attained, the happiest acquisition of your life.

Recal to your memory the ceremony of your initiation; learn to bridle your tongue, and govern your passions; and ere long you will have occasion to say; 66 In becoming a Mason, I truly become a man; and while I breathe will never disgrace a jewel that kings may prize."

If I live, my son, to reap the fruits of this day's labour, my happiness will be complete. I will meet death without terror, close my eyes in peace, and expire, without a groan, in the arms of a virtuous, and a worthy Free Mason.

"Fathers alone a father's heart can know What secret tides of still enjoyment flow When brothers love; but if their hate suc⚫ ceeds,

They wage the war, but 'tis the father bleeds."

OF THE THREE FIRST DEGREES OF MASONRY.

The three first degrees of Masonry, are those of the ENTERED APPRENTICE, FELLOW CRAFT, and MASTER MASON, and though each of these degrees, has its peculiar beauties, the latter is much more important, and sublime, and far exceeds the preceding, in sacredness and solemnity.

THE ENTERED APPRENTICE.

THE FIRST LECTURE Is divided into sections, in which virtue is most beautifully painted, and morality strictly enforced; many important lessons are deeply impressed upon the mind, and all the social virtues inculcated.

THE FIRST SECTION, Which is suited to all capacities, and ought to be well known to every Mason, unfolds an unbounded field for speculation, and communicates much useful, and highly interesting knowledge. It qualifies us to try and examine the rights of others to our privile

erative Masons, to break off the corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the use of the builder; but we, as speculative Masons are taught

ges, and enables us to prove ourselves. It reminds us of our entire dependence on the superintending hand of Providence, and our duties to each other; and serves as an introduction to sub-to use it for a more glorious and nojects afterwards more fully explained.

It is the indispensable duty of every master of a lodge, previous to the initiation of a candidate, to inform him of the purpose and design of the institution, to explain to him the nature and solemnity of the engagements into which he is about to enter; and in a manner peculiar to our order, to require his cheerful assent to the duties of morality, and all the sacred tenets of the fraternity.

or

In this section is explained, that peculiar ensign of Masonry, the LAMBSKIN, OF WHITE LEATHER APRON, which is an emblem of innocence, and the badge of a Mason; more ancient than the golden fleece, or the Roman eagle; more honourable than the star and garter, or any other order that could be conferred on the candidate at the time of his initiation, or at any subsequent time, by king, prince, potentate, or any other person except he be a Mason, and which every one ought to wear with equal pleasure to himself, and honour to the fraternity.

This section is closed with an explanation of the TWENTY-FOUR INCH GUAGE, and the COMMON GAVEL, which are the working tools of an entered apprentice.

The TWENTY-FOUR INCH GUAGE, is used by operative Masons to measure and lay out their work; but we as speculative Masons, are taught to use it for a more glorious and noble purpose, that of making a suitable division of our time. Its twenty-four equal parts are emblematical of the twenty four hours in a day, which Masonry teaches us to divide into three equal parts, whereby we may find eight hours for the service of God, and a worthy brother in distress; eight hours for business, and eight for refreshment and sleep.

The COMMON GAVEL is used by op

ble purpose, that of divesting our minds and consciences, of the vices, superfluities, and prejudices of life, thereby fitting our bodies, as living stones, for that spiritual building, not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.

The following passages of Scripture may be read or rehearsed during the time of initiating a candidate :

"I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known; I will make the darkness light before them; and crooked things straight; these things will I do unto them and I will not forsake them.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding.

"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

"Turn not to the right hand nor to the left; remove thy feet from evil.

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form and void, and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light, and there was light."

For a suitable prayer, together with a charge at initiation into the first degree, the reader is referred to number VI, page 205.

THE SECOND SECTION

Accounts for the various peculiar forms and ceremonies used at the initiation of a candidate into the ancient mysteries of Masonry, and demonstrates the propriety of our rites, as well as their excellence and utility. It teaches us our duty of making daily progress in the art, pursuing the paths of virtue, practising justice with all mankind, and accurately elucidating those symbolical mysteries, tending to embellish and adorn the mind. The attention is engaged, and very serious

and solemn truths are imprinted on the The ornamental parts of a lodge memory, by every thing that strikes here displayed, are the Mosaic pavethe eye; each figure and emblem hav-ment, the indented tessel, and the ing a moral tendency, and being calculated to inculcate the principles of virtue.

THE THIRD SECTION

Explains the nature and principles

blazing star. The Mosaic pavement represents the ground floor of king Solomon's temple; the indented tessel, that beautifully tessellated border or skirting by which it was surround

of our constitution, teaches us faith-ed; and the blazing star in the cenfully to discharge the duties of our respective stations, instructs us relative to the forms, support, coverings, furniture, ornaments, lights, and jewels of a lodge; how it should be situated, and to whom dedicated; while a proper attention is paid to our ancient and venerable patrons.

and which we may hope to obtain, by a faithful reliance on that Divine Providence, which is hieroglyphically represented by the blazing star in the centre.

tre, is commemorative of that star which appeared to the wise men of the east, to guide them to the place of the birth of our Saviour. The Mosaice pavement is also emblematical of human life, which in all stages, is in a degree chequered with good and evil; the border with which it is encircled, Masonry is not confined to any par- is indicative of the numerous-blessticular section of the globe; its boundsings and comforts which surround us, being marked by the circuit of the sun, and its covering no less than the canopy of Heaven. Wisdom, strength, and beauty, are said to be its supports; as all great and important undertakings, require wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to adorn them. Faith, hope, and charity, are, in this section, represented by the three principal rounds of the ladder which the patriarch Jacob discovered in his vision, ascending from earth to Heaven; which admonishes us to have faith in God, hope in immortality, and to the exercises of charity towards all mankind.

Our attention in this section is also called to the moveable and immoveable jewels.

The rough ashler is a stone, as taken from the quarry in its rude and natural state, and serves to remind us, of our rude and imperfect state by nature, forcibly exemplifying the speculative use of the common gavel. The perfect ashler, is a stone ready prepared by the workmen, to be ad

Every well governed lodge is fur-justed by the tools of the fellow craft, nished with the Holy Bible, the square, and the compass. The Bible, that inestimable gift of God to man, is dedicated to the bountiful giver, and points out the path that leads to eternal happiness. The square, which is dedicated to the master of the lodge, being the proper emblem of his office, teaches us to regulate our conduct by the principles of morality and virtue, and serves constantly to remind the master of the duty he owes the lodge. The compass, which is dedicated to the craft, teaches us to limit our desires, in whatever station we may be placed, and to keep our passions within due bounds.

and serves to remind us of that state of perfection at which we may hope to arrive, through the means of a virtuous education, and our own endeavours, with the blessing of God. The trestle board, is that on which the master workman draws his designs, and serves to remind us, that as the operative workman rears his temporal building agreeably to the rules and designs, thus laid down by the master workman on his trestle board, so should we, both operative and speculative, use our utmost endeavours to erect our spiritual building, agreeably to the rules and designs laid down by the Supreme Architect of the uni

verse, in the book of life, which is our || spiritual trestle board

Brotherly love, relief, truth, temperance, fortitude, prudence, justice, and universal charity, are themes on which every true Mason delights to dwell, and the principles of which he will endeavour to enforce, both by precept and example. But among the greatest of these virtues, is charity.

"Charity is the chief of every social virtue, and the distinguishing characteristic of Masons. This virtue includes a supreme degree of love to the great Creator and Governor of the universe, and an unlimited affection to the beings of his creation, of all characters and of every denomination. This last duty is forcibly inculcated by the example of the Deity himself, who liberally dispenses his beneficence to unnumbered worlds.

"It is not particularly our province to enter into a disquisition of every branch of this amiable virtue; we shall only briefly state the happy effects of a benevolent disposition toward mankind, and shew that charity, exerted on proper objects, is the greatest pleasure man can possibly enjoy.

ing with their misfortunes, and to restore peace and tranquillity to agitated spirits, constitute the general and great ends of the Masonic institution. This humane, this generous disposition fires the breast with manly feelings, and enlivens that spirit of compassion, which is the glory of the human frame, and which not only rivals, but outshines, every other pleasure the mind is capable of enjoying.

"All human passions, when directed by the superior principle of reason, promote some useful purpose; but compassion toward proper objects, is the most beneficial of all the affections, and excites the most lasting degrees of happiness; as it extends to greater numbers, and tends to alleviate the infirmities and evils which are incident to human existence.

"Possessed of this amiable, this godlike disposition, Masons are shocked at misery under every form and appearance. When we behold an object pining under the miseries of a distressed body or mind, the healing accents which flow from the tongue, mitigate the pain of the unhappy suiferer, and make even adversity, in its dismal state, look gay. When our pity is excited, we assuage grief, and cheerfully relieve distress. If a brother be in want, every heart is moved; when he is hungry, we feed him; when he is naked, we clothe him; when he is in trouble, we fly to his relief. Thus we confirm the propriety of the title we bear, and convince the world at large, that BROTHER, among Masons, is something more than a name.

"The bounds of the greatest nation, or the most extensive empire, cannot circumscribe the generosity of a liberal mind. Men, in whatever situation they are placed, are still, in a great measure, the same. They are exposed to similar dangers and misfortunes. They have not wisdom to foresee, or power to prevent, the evils incident to human nature. They hang, as it were, in a perpetual suspense between hope and fear, sickness and health, plenty and want. A mutual chain of dependence subsists throughout the animal creation. The whole human species are therefore proper objects for the exercise of cha-liberality. Our charitable establishrity.

"Beings who partake of one common nature, ought to be actuated by the same motives and interests. Hence, to soothe the unhappy, by sympathiz

"The most inveterate enemies of Masonry must acknowledge, that no society is more remarkable for the practice of charity, or any association of men 'more famed for disinterested

ments and occasional contributions, exclusive of private subscriptions to relieve distress, prove that we are ever ready with cheerfuluess, in proportion to our circumstances, to contribute to

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