vegetable bodies, and indeed most other bodies, while exposed to the air, continually send forth effluvia of vast subtilty, as well in the state of life and growth, as in the state of fermentation and putrefaction. These effluvia, being drawn into the nostrils along with the air, are the means by which all bodies are smelled. Hence it is evident, that there is a manifest appearance of design in the great Creator's having planted the organ of smell in the inside of that canal through which the air continually passes in respiration.

TASTING

Enables us to make a proper distinction in the choice of our food. The organ of this sense guards the entrance of the alimentary canal, as that of smelling guards the entrance of the canal for respiration. From the situation of both these organs, it is 'plain that they were intended by nature to distinguish wholesome food from that which is nauseous. Everything that enters into the stomach must undergo the scrutiny of tasting; and by it we are capable of discerning the changes which the same body undergoes in the different compositions of art, cookery, chemistry, pharmacy, &c.

Smelling and tasting are inseparably connected; and it is by the unnatural kind of life men commonly lead in society, that these senses are rendered less fit to perform their natural offices. OF THE SEVEN LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES. THE SEVEN LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES are also illustrated in this section. A very brief analysis of the character of each may not, therefore, be altogether inappropriate in this place.

GRAMMAR

Is the key by which alone a door can be opened to the understanding of speech. It is Grammar which reveals the admirable art of language, and unfolds its various constituent parts, its names, definitions, and respective offices; it unravels, as it were, the thread of which the web of speech is composed. These reflections seldom occur to any one before their acquaintance with the art; yet it is most certain, that, without a knowledge of Grammar, it is very difficult to speak with propriety, precision, and purity.

RHETORIC.

It is by Rhetoric that the art of speaking eloquently is acquired. To be an eloquent speaker, in the proper sense of the word, is far from being either a common or an easy attainment. It is the art of being persuasive and commanding; the art, not only of pleas ing the fancy, but of speaking both to the understanding and to the heart.

LOGIC

Is that science which directs us how to form clear and distinct ideas of things, and thereby prevents us from being misled by their similitude or resemblance. Of all the human sciences, that concerning man is certainly most worthy of man. cise business of Logic is to explain the nature of the human The premind, and the proper manner of conducting its several powers in the attainment of truth and knowledge. This science ought to be cultivated as the foundation or ground-work of our inquiries; particularly in the pursuit of those sublime principles which claim our attention as Masons.

ARITHMETIC

Is the art of numbering, or that part of the mathematics which considers the properties of numbers in general. We have but a very imperfect idea of things, without quantity, and as imperfect of quantity itself, without the help of Arithmetic. All the works of the Almighty are made in number, weight, and measure; therefore, to understand them rightly, we ought to understand arithmetical calculations; and the greater advancement we make in the mathematical sciences, the more capable we shall be of considering such things as are the ordinary objects of our conceptions, and be thereby led to a more comprehensive knowledge of our great Creator, and the works of the creation.

GEOMETRY

Treats of the powers and properties of magnitudes in general, where length, breadth, and thickness. are considered — from a point to a line, from a line to a superfice, and from a superfice to a solid.

A point is the beginning of all Geometrical matter.

A line is a continuation of the same.

A superfice is length and breadth without a given thickness. A solid is length and breadth with a given thickness, which forms a cube, and comprehends the whole.*

OF THE ADVANTAGES OF GEOMETRY.. By this science, the architect is enabled to construct his plans, and execute his designs; the general, to arrange his soldiers; the engineer, to mark out grounds for encampments; the geographer, to give us the dimensions of the world, and all things therein contained, to delineate the extent of seas, and specify the

*This definition is sometimes given as follows:-"A point is a figure without dimensions, or an indivisible part of space. continued, and a figure of one capacity, namely, length. A superfice is A line is a point a figure of two dimensions, namely, length and breadth. A solid is a figure of three dimensions, namely, length, breadth, and thickness.”

divisions of empires, kingdoms, and provinces. By it, also, the astronomer is enabled to make his observations, and to fix the`duration of times and seasons, years and cycles. In fine, Geometry is the foundation of architecture, and the root of the mathematics.

MUSIC

Is that elevated science which affects the passions by sound. There are few who have not felt its charms, and acknowledged its expressions to be intelligible to the heart. It is a language of delightful sensations, far more elegant than words; it breathes to the ear the clearest intimations; it touches and gently agi. tates the agreeable and sublime passions; it wraps us in melancholy, and elevates us in joy; it dissolves and inflames; it melts us in tenderness, and excites us to war. This science is truly congenial to the nature of man; for, by its powerful charms, the most discordant passions may be harmonized, and brought into perfect unison; but it never sounds with such seraphic harmony as when employed in singing hymns of gratitude to the Creator of the universe.

ASTRONOMY

Is that sublime science which inspires the contemplative mind to soar aloft, and read the wisdom, strength and beauty, of the great Creator, in the heavens. How nobly eloquent of the Deity is the celestial hemisphere!-spangled with the most magnificent heralds of his infinite glory! They speak to the whole universe; for there is neither speech so barbarous but their language is understood, nor nation so distant but their voices are heard amongst them.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God;

The firmament declareth the works of his hands.

Assisted by Astronomy, we ascertain the laws which govern the heavenly bodies, and by which their motions are directed; investigate the power by which they circulate in their orbs, discover their size, determine their distance, explain their various phenomena, and correct the fallacy of the senses by the light of truth.

OF THE MORAL ADVANTAGES

OF GEOMETRY.

Geometry, the first and noblest of sciences, is the basis on which the superstructure of Freemasonry is erected. By Geometry, we may curiously trace nature, through her various windings, to her most concealed recesses. By it, we discover the power, wisdom and goodness, of the Grand Artificer of the Universe, and view with delight the proportions which connect this vast machine. By it, we discover how the planets move in

their respective orbits, and demonstrate their various revolutions By it, we account for the return of seasons, and the variety of scenes which each season displays to the discerning eye. Numberless worlds are around us, all framed by the same Divine Artist, which roll through the vast expanse, and are all conducted by the same unerring law of nature.

A survey of nature, and the observation of her beautiful proportions, first determined man to imitate the Divine plan, and study symmetry and order. This gave rise to societies, and birth to every useful art. The architect began to design; and the plans which he laid down, being improved by time and experience, have produced works which are the admiration of every age.

The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance, and the devastations of war, have laid waste and destroyed many valuable monuments of antiquity, on which the utmost exertions of human genius have been employed. Even the Temple of Solomon, so spacious and magnificent, and constructed by so many celebrated artists, escaped not the unsparing ravages of barbarous force. Freemasonry, notwithstanding, has still survived. The attentive ear receives the sound from the instructive tongue, and the mysteries of Masonry are safely lodged in the repository of faithful breasts. Tools and implements of architecture, most expressive, are selected by the Fraternity, to imprint on the memory wise and serious truths; and thus, through a succession of ages, are transmitted unimpaired the most excellent tenets of our Institution.

CHARGE AT INITIATION INTO THE SECOND

DEGREE.

MY BROTHER: - Being advanced to the second degree of Freemasonry, I congratulate you on your preferment.

Masonry is a progressive moral science, divided into different degrees; and as its principles and mystic ceremonies are regularly developed and illustrated, it is intended and hoped that they will make a deep and lasting impression on the mind.

It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which, as a FellowCraft, you are bound to discharge. Your general good reputation affords satisfactory assurance that you will not suffer any consideration to induce you to act in any manner unworthy of the re

spectable character you now sustain. But, on the contrary, that you will ever display the discretion, the virtue, and the dignity, which become a worthy and exemplary Mason.

Our laws and regulations you are strenuously to support; and be always ready to assist in seeing them duly executed. You are not to palliate, or aggravate, the offences of your Brethren; but in the decision of every trespass against our rules, you are to judge with candor, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with justice.

The impressive ceremonies of this degree are calculated to inculcate upon the mind of the novitiate the importance of the study of the liberal arts and sciences, especially of the noble science of Geometry, which forms the basis of Freemasonry; and which, being of a divine and moral nature, is enriched with the most useful knowledge; for while it proves the wonderful properties of nature, it demonstrates the more important truths of morality. To the study of Geometry, therefore, your attention is specially directed.

Your past regular deportment and upright conduct have merited the honor we have conferred. In your present character, it is expected that at all our assemblies you will observe the solemnities of our ceremonies,—that you will preserve the ancient usages and customs of the Fraternity sacred and inviolable, and thus, by your example, induce others to hold them in due veneration.

Such is the nature of your engagements as a Fellow-Craft, and to a due observance of them you are bound by the strongest ties of fidelity and honor.

CHAPTER VIII.

REMARKS ON THIRD DEGREE.

As before remarked, Freemasonry in every degree is progressive. A knowledge of it can only be attained by time, patience, and application. In the first degree, we are taught the duties we owe to God, our neighbor, and our◄