CHAPTER VIII.

Moral Improvement from the Order 1 and Succession of Masonic degrees.
NOT only are the several Masonic Jrtures replete with moral and religious istructions, but their very order and t>uc- 5ssion are sources of improvement, and fford great consolation and encourage- lent to the good man, when viewed in ieir proper light. The first degree in lasonry, naturally suggests that state of 'oral darkness, which begloomed our orld. On the apostacy of our first com- on parent, not a gleam of light was left 1 irradiate and cheer his desponding mind, o his surprise and amazement, he found ttiself in total obscurity, as to those fu- re and interesting scenes, on which he *s entering. Soon, however, to bis inex- essible joy, the first kind promise was ade. This promise, though hut a single y, afforded much consolation. Although e true light now began to shine, yet how int were its beams compared with that ight and meridian splendour, afterwards
illuminate the. moral world ! — Adam, erefore, was, in a comparative sense, still
darkness, as to those great displays and onderful manifestations of divine love
72 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
and complacency, which were in due time made. Such is the very nature of the firs degree, that every observing candidate 1 led to view his moral blindness, and de plorable state by nature. Under thes* impressions he enters on the second de gree, which in view of his moral blindness he is to consider emblematical of a stat of improvement and trial. Such was tb« second state of Adam. Hence arises th* idea of probationary ground. Some lifjh and knowledge having been imparted, reasonable improvement is not only reqir red, but the probationer, by seeing his state feels the increasing weight of obligation t the faithful discharge of duty. A due ot servance of all former requisitions, and sincere desire to make advances in knov ledge and virtue, open the way for the rf ception of more light, and prepare the mill for greater views, and consequent enjo^ menls. He who perseveres in well, doini and is actuated by pure motives in the dii charge of incumbent duties, wisely to im prove his probation season in this world is thereby prepared to be strengthened an* supported and animated in his course, t( hold on his way rejoicing, that he may u due time receive clearer manifestations o tlv divine character, and ultimately expe rie-nce such joys as the stranger doth no
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 73
intermeddle wilh. Having diligently per- severed in the use of appointed means, the third degree prefigures the life of the good man in his pilgrimage state. Passing through a vale of tears, and often beset with the allurements of vice, he is some- times diverted from his Christian course. Although the true light has shone into his heart, and he has experienced much conso- lation, vet he sometimes wanders into de- vious and forbidden paths. His spiritual enemies arise, and are ready to destroy him. The evil propensities of his heart, and the remaining corruptions of his na- ture beset him at every point. His pros- pects are at times darkened, and a gloom settles around his mind. Death appears frightful and stares him in the face. The grave is opening to receive him. In the midst of such trials he resolves to be faith- ful, and manfully to withstandlemptations. He determines to preserve thai sacred trust committed to his care, and therefore, endeavours to escape for his life to the great Rock of his salvation. He is, how- ever, humbled in view of past offences, and lies prostrate in the dust. Suddenly then does his hope revive, bis faith strengthens, and with confidence and composure he looks forward to a blessed immortality, and doubts not but, in the glorious morn of the
7
74 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
resurrection, his body will arise and to* come as incorruptible as his soul.
In advancing to the fourth degree, tto good man is greatly encouraged to perse vere in ways of well doing, even to the end Although he meet with frowns and con- tempt from the ignorant and vain-glorious and is reputed a man of naught, buffete and rejected by the world, yet he has * name which no man knoweth, save he tha receivelh it* A conscious rectitude ena. bles him to support his integrity, thougl tried on every side. If, therefore, he bi rejected and cast forth amongst the rubbisl of the world, he knows full well, the grea Master Builder of the universe, having cho sen and prepared him as a lively stone ir that spiritual building in the heavens, wil bring him forth with triumph, while shout ing grace, grace to his Divine Redeemer,
In advancing to the fifth degree, he dis covers his election to, and his glorified sta tion in, the kingdom of his Father. Hen he is taught how much the chosen ones ar honoured and esteemed by those on eartt who discover and appreciate the image o their common Lord. This image beinj engraven on his heart, he may look foi ward to those mansions above, where higher and more exalted seat has been pre pared for the faithful from the foundatio
}
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 7f>
of the world. There all will be ruled by We, and all submit with holy reverence to tbe Supreme Grand Master of the uni- verse.
With these views the sixth degree is con- ferred, where the riches of Divine grace are opened in boundless prospect. Every substantial good is clearly seen to be con- ferred through the great atoning sacrifice. *hat precious work of grace hopefully brought in his heart, having been begun, ^nd thus far carried on by an invisible, though powerful agent, he believes will be perfected in the completion of that spiritu- al building of God, eternal in the heavens. -Hence the good man is induced again and *rgain to dedicate himself entirely to the service of his Divine Master. To rejoice in opportunities of communicating, to oth- ers less informed than himself, that know- ledge which passeth understanding.
In the seventh degree the good man is truly filled with heartfelt gratitude to his heavenly Benefactor, for all those wonder- ful deliverances wrought out for him, while journeying through the rugged paths of human life. Great has been his redemp- tion from the Egypt and Babylon of this world. Great his preservation through a wilderness of temptations. Great is his joy, even in affliction?, while travelling to-
76 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
wards the heavenly Jerusalem. Though dangers and snares are still found thick in his way, yet animated with the cheering prospect, and trusting in that faithful Pro- vidence which wrought his deliverance, he perseveres in the comfortable assurance of being finally admitted into the favourable presence of the great High Priest of his salvation.
There he beholds, in the eighth degree, that all the heavenly sojourners will be ad- mitted within the veil of God's presence, where they will become kings and priests before the throne of his glory for ever and ever. Having been consecrated by that blood, shed for the remission of sins, born of the Spirit and anointed with the oil of Divine grace, having on the robe of righte- ousness and the breastplate of salvation, he doubts not but a crown of glory and re- joicing will be put on his head, and the praises of the Redeemer for ever dwell on hi* tongue.
In advancing to the ineffable degrees, the pious heart is filled with joy, in view of those infinite displays of the Divine character and perfections which will con- tinue to unfold through a boundless eter- nity. Here will be an endless progression in know ledge and holiness and consequent happiness. Here the triumphant thought
SPECULATIVE MASONRY, 77
Resents to the mind an everlasting series ^f new, sublime, ineffable, transporting Joys. Here is viewed the consummation of the great plan of human redemption, where every saint will be filled with the fulness of God for ever and ever.
Such, my brethren, in brief, is the moral ind religious instruction derived merely Tom the order of Masonic degrees* No brother or companion can fail of discover- ng those plain yet instructive lessons. — Fust as far as his knowledge extends, in a- ly or all the above degrees* their separate >r connected allusions will appear perfect- y evident. All leading from one degree >f grace to another, by a regular gradation ; til pointing to the great ultimate object in- volved in human existence.
If such useful instruction may be drawn rom the order of the degrees, how great nust it be from the system itself ! Let e ve- y brother duly examine the subject for limself. Here is wisdom. Here is a vast ield for moral improvement.
On every side, from every consideration, ind in every point of view, the system, the iibject, and the whole economy are suffi- :iently interesting, to engage the atten- ion, and affect the heart of every reflect- ng brother^
7*