and striking impression. Whether seen in the Lodge or in a Masonic engraving, the effect on a genuine Mason is little short of electrical. The moment his eye meets the sign its appropriate lesson is written on the index of his mind, and the usual incitements to practical virtue, which are there induced, cannot fail to exhibit some corresponding testimony that their efficacy has been fructifying, and that the seed has been cast on good ground, and produced the expected return of thirty, sixty, or a hundred fold. To ripen these fruits and to bring them to maturity two qualities are essentially necessary, talent in the Master and subordination in the members.

"How many particular points pertain to a Freemason? Three; fraternity, fidelity, and taciturnity. What do they represent? Brotherly love, relief, and truth, among all right Masons; for which Masons were ordained at the building of the Tower of Babel and the Temple of Jerusalem. How many proper points? Five; foot to foot, knee to knee, hand to hand, heart to heart, and ear to ear. What is the right point of a Mason? Adieu. Where is the Master's point? At the east window, waiting for the rising of the sun, to set his men to work. Where is the Warden's point? At the west window, watching the setting of the sun, to dismiss the Entered Apprentices."-AN OBSOLETE RITUAL.

THE most trivial details in the ceremonies of Masonry are not passed over without full explanation in the Ritual; for there is no subject, however apparently unimportant, which may not induce many weighty suggestions. For instance, what can appear more insignificant than a simple Point? Has it any parts? Has it any dimensions? Has it any being; or is it a nonentity? These are questions which may rationally arise on the contemplation of such an unimaginable space as is created by the imprint of the point of a needle on a sheet of fine paper; for who can attach any specific idea to such a minute object of meditation? We see it, indeed, imperfectly, but it is only a speck; and considered physically, as

the smallest portion of matter, is as inconceivable a mystery as the vast expanse of the universe, which is only the central point of the Divinity. If considered mathematically as the beginning and end of length, it will be represented by a continued series of points, which brings it within the reach of our senses and the legitimate scope of our observation.

And yet, notwithstanding these incongruities, some of the most substantial Landmarks of Masonry are included in the countless varieties of a Point. For instance, commencing with the geometrical point, the subject radiates indefinitely to a first point, the point of a sharp instrument, a master's point, a warden's point, chief point, principal point, central point, particular point, right point, traditional points, remarkable points, cardinal points, proper points, perfect points, points of entrance, original and standing points, points parts and secrets, points of fellowship, &c., &c., &c.; the practical application of all which, if it be permanently fixed in the mind, will serve as a sure guide and undeviating Landmark to other parts of the system.

These points are subdivided into several minute particulars, each constituting a distinct Landmark. It would be almost a work of supererogation to explain every variety of point which Masonry contains; but I may briefly remark that the Traditional points are a triad, consisting of Forms and Ceremonies-Secrets and Landmarks-Types, Allegories, and Symbols; all of which the Masonic tyro will find it his interest to study with attention, and endeavour completely to understand. In like manner

K

the Remarkable points are triform. By the first we learn that Masonry is free, and consequently requires a freedom of inclination from every candidate for its mysteries. The second teaches that the order is founded on the purest principles of piety and virtue. And by the third we learn that to restrict its privileges to worthy men alone, vows of fidelity are required, provided they be not inconsistent with human or Divine laws.

The Particular points also assume a triad form, expressive of Fraternity — Fidelity — Taciturnity. What our ancient Brethren called proper points, we term the points of fellowship. The points of entrance are a triad, expressed simply by the monosyllables Of-At-On, which are said to include the whole ceremony of initiation; or in other words, Preparation-Admission-Obligation; and hence they are also denominated perfect points. They were formerly denoted by the interchange of the words "hele," and "conceal." In many Lodges the above word (hele) is improperly pronounced hail, which, in another part of the ritual, is used as a term of salutation; e. g. hailing from the Lodge of St. John; but in this place the word must be interpreted to embody and convey the idea of concealment ; for it is derived from the old Saxon word Helan, which signifies to hide; and in the western parts of England, the word hele is commonly used to denote concealment; thus, he who covereth the roof of a house with tile or slate is called a Heliar; which, indeed, amounts to the same thing; and may be interpreted of the duty of hiding the secrets of Masonry in faithful breasts, so

that they may be effectually guarded against the curious inquiries of cowans and anti-masons.

The Principal points constitute a tetrad, referring to certain signs which are denominated guttural, pectoral, manual, and pedal; pointing out so many cardinal virtues. And, not to be tedious on this subject, the original and standing points produced, amongst our Brethren of the last century, a tetrad of triads, or twelve separate Landmarks, which were then reputed to constitute the solid basis of the entire system, and in the absence of which, no person ever was or could be legally received into the order.

The points which are now esteemed of the greatest importance in Masonry are the Chief point-Principal point-point within a circle. The first refers to certain obligations which are binding on every free and accepted Mason, to promote the happiness and prosperity of his Brethren by the influence of his own example. The second includes another remarkable triad of Landmarks, which we denominate Brotherly Love-Relief-Truth. The leading member of this triad is so highly esteemed by the fraternity as to constitute the chief foundation of the order. It may, however, be necessary to observe that the brotherly love of Masonry must not be confounded with charity, nor supposed to consist in administering