Here human reason is cultivated by a due exertion of the rational and intellectual powers and faculties; nice and difficult theories are explained; new discoveries produced, and those already known beautifully embellished.

The third class is composed of those whom truth and fidelity have distinguished; who, when assaulted by threats and violence, after solicitations and persuasions have failed, have evinced their firmness and integrity in preserving inviolate the mysteries of the order.

The fourth class consists of those who have perseveringly studied the scientifick branches of the art, and exhibited proofs of their skill and acquirements, and who have consequently obtained the honour of this degree, as a reward of merit.

The fifth class consists of those who, having acquired a proficiency of knowledge to become teachers, have been elected to preside over regularly constituted bodies of Masons.

The sixth class consists of those who, having discharged the duties of

the chair with honour and reputation, are acknowledged and recorded as excellent masters.

The seventh class consists of a select few whom years and experience have improved and whom merit and abilities have entitled to preferment. With this class the ancient land marks of the order are preserved; and from them we learn and practice the necessary and instructive lessons, which at once dig. nify the art, and qualify its professors to illustrate its excellence and utility.

This is the established mode of our government, when we act in conformity to our rules. By this judicious arrangement, true friendship is cultivated among different ranks and degrees of men, while hospitality is promoted, industry rewarded, and ingenuity encouraged.

CHAPTER III.

REMARKS ON THE LECTURE OF THE FIRST DEGREE,

The first lecture of Masonry is di vided into Three Sections, and each section into different clauses. Virtue is painted in the most beautiful colours and the duties of morality are enforced, In it we are taught such useful lessons as prepare the mind for a regular advancement in the principles of knowledge and philosophy. These are imprinted on the memory by lively and sensible images, to influence our conduct in the discharge of the duties of social life.

The First Section in this lecture is suited to all capacities, and may and ought to be known by every person who ranks as a Mason. It consists of general heads which though short and simple, carry weight with them. They not only serve as marks of distinction, but communicate useful and interesting knowledge, when they are duly inves

tigated. They qualify us to try and examine the rights of others to our privileges, while they prove ourselves

and, as they induce us to inquire more minutely into other particulars of greater importance, they serve as an introduction to subjects more amply explained in the following sections.

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 cagle-more honourable than the star and garter, or any other order that could be conferred upon the candidate at the time of his initiation, or at any time thereafter, 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 closes with an explanation of the working tools and implements of an Entered Apprentice, which are the twenty four inch gauge and the common gavel.

\ The twenty four inch gauge is an instrument made use of 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 divi: ded into twenty four equal parts, is emblematical of the twenty four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into three equal parts, whereby we find eight hours for the service of God and a distressed worthy brother-eight hours for our usual avocations--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 minds and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting our bodies, as living stones, for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.