To fill the mind with images which may present themselves in every transaction of life, which, if evil, may call loudly upon the conscience to shun the danger, is surely a medium not to be despised, particularly when recommended by such high and unequivocal sanctions. When engaged in sinful practices, if any object appear in which is wrapped up a familiar precept, indicating the punishment of sin, how insignificant soever that object may appear to an eye unenlightened by the rays which burn around it; if it rouse the sinner to a sense of his duty, and cause him to abandon his evil pursuits, it has performed a service over which angels shall rejoice, though fastidious mortals may ridicule such a medium, and pronounce it trifling and absurd.

The uninitiated may urge the absurdity of squares and compasses, mallets and chisels, because being mere instruments of labour, they do not present immediately to the mind any visible tendency to the cultivation of moral virtue. But were the useful lessons they contain openly displayed and fully comprehended, Masonry would no longer be an object of ridicule or aspersion, but would occupy the first rank amongst those human sciences which confessedly promote the benefit of mankind. From the chequered groundwork of a Mason's lodge to its splendid and celestial covering, it contains no point, part, or secret

which does not convey a fund of valuable information. The Mason in his full clothing is a striking emblem of integrity, and a perfect model of wisdom, strength, and beauty. The white apron, gloves and wand, which are characteristic of his profession, have a direct reference to the innocence and purity with which he ought to be invested, by an adherence to the invaluable lessons which they contain. In all ages, and amongst all people, white robes have been assumed as characteristic of innocence and purity. Such were the robes worn by the priests of Egypt and Greece, the Druids of Gaul and Britain, the Bramins of India, the Gymnosophists of Persia, &c. And in such garments, under the Christian dispensation, were the Catechumens habited after baptism, to express the purity they had obtained through the performance of that initiatory rite.

The universal extent of his lodge, referring to the unlimited obligation of Masonry, is well expressed by Zophar in his Masonic address to Job: "It is as high as heaven, deeper than hell; the measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea."* It stands due east and west, that its governors may behold the rising and the setting of the sun, with sentiments of devotion and gratitude to Him who appointed that luminary as a

* Job, xi. 8, 9,

blessing to his creatures. Its peculiar situation is in the vale of Jehosaphat. The highest of hills or the lowest of vallies was in ancient times accounted most sacred. Thus tradition placed the peculiar residence of God on the summit of Mount Horeb; and Ezekiel declares that "on the top of the mountain the whole limit thereof round shall be most holy."* The Bible, square, and compass point out the sacred source of his faith, and the rectitude of his practice: for while the former, which is always open in the lodge, is considered the rule and standard of his faith and hope, the two latter have the same reference to his life and actions. The Bible is the sacred compact between God and man; for in that holy book the divine will in essentials is so clearly revealed that he who runs may read; and the way of salvation is so explicitly pointed out, that the sojourner shall not err therein. The compass is appropriated to the Grand Master, as the supreme governor of the institution, because it is the most comprehensive and useful instrument in forming plans and designs, which belong exclusively to his province; for on the art and judgment with which he applies this instrument depend the general beauty and harmony of the whole. The square belongs to the brethren in general, be

* Ezek., xliii. 12.

cause their obligations are founded upon, and they are consequently bound to square their actions by, the principles of virtue and right reason. From these visible symbols Masonry teaches, in its beautiful and expressive phraseology, to keep within compass, and act upon the square with all mankind, but more particularly with brethren. And this is consistent with the teaching of Christianity. St. Paul has interpreted this precept in his truly Masonic address to the Galatians: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."*

The jewels, both moveable and immoveable, have a significant reference to what is most dear and valuable to man in this mortal state; exposed, as he is, to sorrow, sickness, pain, and adversity. The square is an instrument by which truth and perfection are attained in all manner of architecture; and consequently recommends morality and justice in all our commerce with mankind. The level is an emblem of equality, and demonstrates, that as we are descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope, we ought strictly to render unto others the same measure of kindness and affection which, in similar circumstances, we should require

of them. The plumb is an emblem of integrity, and admonishes to walk uprightly in our station; to hold the scale of justice in equal poise; to observe the happy medium between intemperance and rigid self-denial; and to make our passions and prejudices coincide with the straight line of duty. The tracing board refers to the correct plans and designs traced by the great Architect of the Universe in the Holy Bible, which constitute the summit and perfection of a Mason's faith and hope. We have also other emblematical jewels, to denote the mind of man in its progress from infancy to old age, from ignorance to knowledge. In the dawn of life, uncultivated nature feels its own inferiority, and is like a rough and shapeless stone newly taken from the quarry, which requires the skilful hand of patient industry to mould it into form. Manhood succeeds, and the ripening faculties, emulating perfection, press on with diligence and assiduity, to the great object of rational attainment. And when old age comes on, the placid mind, reflecting on a well spent life, devoted to acts of piety and virtue, looks forward to another and a better state of existence, where, infinitely perfect, it will be filled with the fullness of God. This state of mind may be aptly compared to a well wrought and highly polished cubical stone, accurately exact in all its lines and angles; which though minutely