the lodge, are all emblematical of the conduct which Free Masons should pursue in their intercourse with society, I shall, therefore, endeavour to explain to you such of them as we most frequently use.

In a lodge of Masonry, the first object which deserves attention, is the Mosaic floor upon which we tread. It is intended to convey to our minds, the vicissitudes of human affairs, checkered with a strange contrariety of events. Today, elevated with the smiles of prosperity: to-morrow, depressed by the frowns of misfortune. The precariousness of our situation, in this world, should teach us humility, to walk uprightly and firmly upon the broad basis of virtue and religion, and to give assistance to our unfortunate fellow creatures who are in distress; lest on some capricious turn of fortune's wheel, we may become dependants on those who before looked up to us as their benefactors.

The two emblematical pillars, erected in front of the porch of the temple, independent of the beauty which they added to the building, conveyed to the minds of those who entered, a knowledge of the attributes of that Being to whom it was dedicated. The literal translation of the name of the left pillar is, "in thee is strength;" and that of the right, "it shall be established," which, as a learned author observes, may very naturally be transposed in this manner-“O Lord, thou art mighty, and thy power is established from everlasting to everlasting." The name of one of the pillars, as relating to a person, may give a different translation, which may be pointed out on some other occasion.

The next object which demands attention, is the holy bible, with the square and compasses. As these instruments remind us to keep our actions within the bounds of propriety, and to square them with all mankind, the sacred. volume on which they lie, contains the unerring guide for our conduct through life, as it relates to our worship of the

Supreme Master of the world, and our conduct to each other. For these reasons, the book of the divine law is never closed: "it is open to every eye, and comprehensible to every mind."

The blazing star is the emblem of prudence, which is one of the emanations of the Deity, agreeably to the system of Basilides. It points out to Free Masons the path which leads to happiness, and is the sure source of self-approbation. It enlightens us through the dark and rugged paths of life, and enables us to shun the many obstacles which would impede our progress and embitter our journey with pain.

The three great luminaries allude to the three Masonic degrees, and at the same time are emblematical of that effulgence which should illuminate the mind of a Free Mason, and which he can alone receive from a perfect understanding of the principles of the order. The white apron and gloves are also emblematical. They are not worn merely as insignia of the order, but as badges of that innate innocence, and purity of soul, which Free Masons should always possess; and, in this point of view, they are more honorable distinctions than any order of knighthood which can be conferred. On being invested with these badges of innocence and humility, a Free Mason should firmly resolve to support that purity and integrity of heart, of which he outwardly wears the emblems.

The rule, the square, and the compasses, are emblematical of the conduct we should pursue in society. To observe punctuality in all our engagements, faithfully and religiously to discharge those important obligations, which we owe to God, and our neighbour; to be upright in all our dealings; to hold the scale of justice in equal poise; to square our actions by the unerring rule of God's sacred word; to keep within compass and bounds with all mankind, particularly with a brother; to govern our expenses by our incomes; to

curb our sensual appetites; to keep within bounds those unruly passions which oftentimes interfere with the enjoyments of society, and degrade both the man and the Free Mason; to recal to our minds, that in the great scale of existence, the whole family of mankind are upon a level with each other, and that the only question of preference among Free Masons should be, who is most wise, who is most good? For the time will come, and none of us know how soon, when death, the great leveller of all human greatness, will rob us of our distinctions and bring us to a level with the dust.

ENTERED APPRENTICE'S SONG.

Come let us prepare,

We brothers that are,

Assembled on every occasion;

Let's drink, laugh, and sing,

Our wine has a spring,

Here's a health to an accepted Mason.

The world is in pain,

Our secrets to gain,

And still let them wonder and gaze on;

Till they're brought to the light,
They'll ne'er know the right
Word or sign of an accepted Mason.

"Tis this and 'tis that,

They cannot tell what,

Why so many great men of the nation

Should aprons put on,

To make themselves one,

With a free and accepted Mason.

Great Kings, Dukes, and Lords,

Have laid by their swords,

Our mystery to put a good grace on;

And thought themselves fam'd, To hear themselves named, With a free and accepted Mason.

Antiquity's pride,

We have on our side,

Which makes men just in their station;

There is naught but what's good

To be understood,

By a free and accepted Mason.

We're true and sincere,

And just to the fair,

They 'll trust us on any occasion;

No mortal can more,

The ladies adore

Than a free and accepted Mason.

Then join hand in hand,

By each brother firm stand, Let's be merry and put a bright face on;

What mortal can boast,

So noble a toast,

As a free and accepted Mason.

(Thrice repeated in due form.)

FELLOW CRAFT DEGREE.

REMARKS ON 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 accomplished 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 progress 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.