Section 2

The Junior Warden represents the sun at its meridian in the south, and as it is then the beauty and glory of the day, it is his duty to call the brethren from labour to refreshment, see that they do not convert the time thereof into intemperance, but to regulate them so that pleasure and profit may be enjoyed by all.
The Senior Warden represents the sun in the west at the close of the day, and it is his duty to see that the Brethren are all satisfied, and that they have had their just dues, before closing the lodge by command of the Master.
THE SECRETS.
Having been converted into one of thf Sort? of hi*mBwhiLTntr,ie8 Th
&lem, which is understood to contain the
The First Degree. 9
xJght, and taught to be cautious, the Candidate may be intrusted with the Secrets belonging to this degree, which consist of a Sign, a Grip or Token, and a Word. For these the reader is re- ferred to the lodge-room ; but it would be well to re- member that all squares, levels, and upright lines allude to the Obligation, and are proper signs by which to know a Mason.
THE INVESTITURE.
After the reciprocal communication of the marks which distinguish us as Masons, the Candidate is invested with a lambskin or white apron. It is the Emblem of Innocence, the Badge of a Mason, and the Bond of Brotherhood ; and, when wor- thily worn as such, will give pleasure to himself and honour to the fraternity; and be of more value than the diadems of Kings, or the pearls of Princesses ; and it should remind him that purity of life and rectitude of conduct are necessary to gain admission to the Celestial Lodge, where the Supreme Architect presides.
CHARGE AFTER INVESTITURE
You are never to put on that Badge if you are at variance with any Brother in the lodge ; if so, either or both of you must retire, so that the har- mony of the assembly be not disturbed by your unseemly strife. When haply your differences are reconciled, you may return and clothe your- selves, and * * dwell together in unity," for brotherly love is regarded as the strongest cement of the Order.
THE FOUNDATION STONE
Of every masonic edifice is, or ought to be, placed in the north-east corner of the building ;
10 Reflected Rays of Light.
and the newly initiated Brother is made to repre- sent that stone, and there receives his first lesson on Moral Architecture, teaching him to walk and act uprightly before God and man ; as well as for special reasons, a striking illustration of brotherly love and charity, which he is unable, in his pre- sent condition, to bestow (i Kings vi. 7). But charity is the principal of all social virtues, and the distinguishing characteristic of Masons. Let the feelings of the heart, guided by reason, direct the hand of Charity : — " When the fleet vanities of life's brief day
Oblivion' }s hurrying wing shall sweep away ; Each act by Charity and Mercy done,
High der the wrecks of time shall live alotieP
THE WORKING TOOLS
Are the twenty-four inch Gauge, the common Gavel, and the Chisel. Their use in operative Masonry is obvious, and requires no explanation ; but as speculative or Free Masons, we see them applied to our morals, thus —
THE TWENTY-FOUR INCH GAUGE
Is emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the day, which ought to be devoted to the service of God by a proper division of our time, for prayer, labour, refreshment, and sleep.
THE COMMON GAVEL
Is the emblem of Reason, and of labour being the lot of man. By rsiesoning and examining ourselves, we see the necessity of breaking off and divesting our consciences of all vice, thereby fitting our minds, as living stones, for that spiritual build- ing eternal in the heavens.
The First Degree, II
0 Vice is a monster of so frightful meiny As, to be hated, needs but to be seen"
THE CHISEL
Is the emblem of Perseverance, which is neces- sary to establish perfection, promote the habit of virtue, enlighten the mind, and make the soul pure. Education gives polish to the mind, as the chisel by perseverence gives smoothness to the stone.
THE JEWELS
Of a lodge are Six in number — viz., three movable and three immovable. The three mov- able are the Square, Level, and Plumb ;* the three immovable are the Rough Ashler, the Perfect Ashler, and the Trestle Board, f
THE ROUGH ASHLER
Represents* man in his natural state, ignorant, unpolished, and vicious, like a precious stone sur- rounded by a dense crust, its beauty unseen till the rough surface is removed.
THE PERFECT ASHLER
Represents him in a high state of civilisation, with his mind divested of all vice, and prepared for that house, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, which, by a liberal and virtuous edu- cation, our own endeavours, and the grace of God, we hope to attain.
* The Square, Level, and Plumb being the working tools in th© Second Degree, are explained at page 24
t In America, the reverse is the case, the immovable being the Square, Level, and Plumb, because always found in the east, south, md west.
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THE TRESTLE BOARD
Represents the Book of Life, or Natural and Revealed Religion, in which the Supreme Archi- tect of the Universe has drawn designs to guide us, and laid down precepts whereby we are to erect our spiritual temple, and find acceptance into the city of our God.
THE THREE VIRTUES
t Of an Entered Apprentice are symbolically de- signated the Precious Jewels, which are, in this Degree, an Attentive Ear, a Silent or Instructive Tongue, and a Faithful Heart.
AN ATTENTIVE EAR ^ Is to be given to the instructions of your supe« riors in knowledge, and the calls of a worthy, distressed Brother. All nature, and the events which are continually happening in the world's history, proclaim lessons of wisdom which an at- tentive ear will remember. But there are many entering the porch of Masonry, who, for want of this virtue, fall asleep in the arms of indolence, and do not penetrate beyond the surface, to find the golden treasures which the rich mine contains.
A SILENT TONGUE
Is the sanctuary of Prudence and Discretion. This virtue is essential to Masons, so that I he vail of Mystery behind which our secrets are hidden may not be incautiously drawn aside. It will also remind us that we should " Speak evil of no man," and that it is more honourable to vindicate than to accuse. Whom we cannot approve, we should pity in silence. Titus, chap. iii.
The Fir si Degree. 13
A FAITHFUL HEART
To fulfil your obligations, is the safest repository in which you can lock up your secrets, and exem- plify your Honour and Fidelity.
CHALK, EARTH, AND CHARCOAL
Are emblematical of Freedom, Fervency, and Zeal, which are qualifications necessary to promote independence, devotion, and love in the heart of every faithful servant. " There is nothing freer than chalk, the slightest touch of which leaves a trace behind ; no heat more fervent than burning charcoal ; and nothing more zealous than the earth to bring forth. " We must love God with freedom, fervency, and zeal.
BROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF, AND TRUTH
Are the three great Tenets or Principles of a Freemason.
BROTHERLY LOVE
Is the strongest cement of the Order, and with- out it the Fraternity would soon cease to exist. By it we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family, to aid, support, and protect each other.
RELIEF
Flows from brotherly love, and it is a duty in- cumbent on all men, to soothe the unhappy, re- lieve the distressed, and restore peace to their troubled minds.
TRUTH
Is a divine attribute, and the mother of Virtue ; and the first lesson we are taught in Masonry is to be fervent and zealous in the pursuit of truth, and to dispense it freely.
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THE LODGE-ROOM
Is a representation of the world ; and a properly constructed lodge should be situated due east and west, for which we assign three Masonic reasons — First, the sun rises in the east, and sets in the west ; second, Learning originated in the east, and extended to the west; third, The Tabernacle in the ^ Wilderness was so situated (Exodus, chaps, xxvi. and xxvii.), to commemorate the miraculous east wind ^ (Exodus xiv. 2j), and being symbolic of the universe, was the type of a Freemason's Lodge.
ITS FORM,
Being an oblong square, or double cube, is em- blematical of the united powers of Darkness and Light.
ITS DIMENSIONS
Embrace every clime ; in length, from east to west ; in breadth, between the north and south ; in depth, from the surface of the earth to the centre ; and in height, from earth to heaven ; denoting the universality of its influence.
WISDOM, STRENGTH, AND BEAUTY
Are the three great pillars on which the Lodge- room is supported. Wisdom to contrive, govern, and instruct ; Strength to support ; and Beauty to adorn. The W. M. in the east represents Wisdom, the S. W. in the west represents Strength, and the J. W. in the south represents Beauty. Their situations forming a triangle is emblematical of
The First Degree. IS
their unity in forming one Government ; they also represent Solomon, King of Israel, for his wisdom ; Hiram, King of Tyre, for his assistance in build- ing the Temple ; and Hiram Abiff, for his cunning or beautiful workmanship. These three great pillars are represented by the three principal orders of Architecture, i.e., the Doric, Ionic, and Corin- thian. The Ionic column represents Wisdom, because it wisely combines strength with grace. Strength is represented by the Doric, being the strongest and most massive of the orders. Beauty is represented by the Corinthian, being the most beautiful and ornamental.
THE COVERING
Of a Freemason's Lodge is the-Celestial Canopy, or the starry decked Heavens,
. " Where streams of joy glide ever on, Around the Lord's eternal throne. "
The sun, moon, and stars are emblems of God's power, goodness, omnipresence, and eternity.
THE FURNITURE
Consists of the Holy Bible, Square, and Com- passes. The Bible is the symbol of God's Will, and is dedicated to His service ; the Square to the Master, being the emblem of his office ; the Compasses are dedicated to the whole Craft, being emblematical of the limits which ought to circumscribe our conduct, that we may live with honour, and be respected by a large circle of good friends, and make our exit from the stage of life in the humble hope of being rewarded with a Crow n of Glory.
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THE ORNAMENTS
Are the Mosaic Pavement, the Indented Border> and Blazing Star.
THE MOSAIC PAVEMENT
Reminds us of the bounteous liberality of our Father in heaven, who has spread the earth with a beauteous carpet, and wrought it, as it were, in Mosaic work. It also represents the world chequered over with good and evil, pain and pleasure, grief and joy : to-day we walk in pros- perity, to-morrow we totter in adversity ; but, united in the Bond of Brotherhood, and walking uprightly, we may not stumble.
THE INDENTED BORDER
Of the Mosaic Carpet may be likened to the wavy ocean, which skirts the land, and by indent- ing it, adds beauty to the earth; but it is emblemat' ically intended to represent the many blessing and comforts with which we are surrounded in thi life, but more especially those which we hope to enjoy hereafter.
- THE BLAZING STAR
Is the emblem of Prudence, which should shine conspicuous in our conduct, and be the guiding star of our lives, instructing us to regulate our actions by the dictates of reason and experience, to judge wisely, and determine with propriety, on everything that tends to our present or future happiness. Its proper place is in the centre of the lodge, so as to be ever present to the eye, that the heart may be attentive to the dbtates, and steadfast in the laws of Prudence.
The First Degree. 17
THE TASSELS
Which adorn the four corners of the Indented Border, are emblematical of the Cardinal Virtues — viz., Prudence, Fortitude,. TTemperance, and Justice. (For Prudence see the u Blazing Star. ")
FORTITUDE
Is that virtue which enables us to bear the ad- versities of social life, encounter danger, resist temptation, and keep us in the practice of Virtue.
TEMPERANCE
Sets bounds to our desires, frees the mind from the allurements of vice, and renders our passions tame and governable. The health of the body, and the dignity of man, depend upon a faithful observance of this virtue.
JUSTICE
Is the boundary of Right, and the cement of Civil Society. Without the exercise of this virtue, social intercourse could not exist ; might would usurp the place of right, and universal confusion ensue. Justice commands you to " Do unto others as you would that others 'should do unto you. " Let Prudence direct you, Fortitude support you, Temperance chasten you, and Justice be the guide of all your actions.
THE THEOLOGICAL LADDER,
Which Jacob saw in his vision, extending from earth to heaven, represents the way of salvation, the many steps composing it representing as many moral virtues, the principal being Faith, Hope, and Charity. It rests on the volume of the Sacred Law, 2
1 8 Reflected Rays of Light,
which strengthens our Faith, and creates Hope in Immortality ; but Charity is the chief of all social virtues, and the distinguishing characteristic of the Order ; and the Mason possessed of that virtue in its widest sense, may be said to wear the brightest jewel that can adorn the Fraternity. The Sacred Volume is represented on the Tracing Board as resting on the vortex of a circle, which is em- bordered by two perpendicular parallel lines, re- presenting Moses and King Solomon ; or (in Christian Lodges) St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, who, in Masonry, it is under- stood, were parallels, and exemplary of those virtues which Masons are taught to reverence and practise.
THE CIRCLE
Represents the Boundary Line of a Mason's conduct ; and in going round the circle, we neces- sarily touch upon these lines, and the Holy Scrip- tures, which point out the whole duty of man ; and they who circumscribe their conduct by those examples, and the precepts therein contained, cannot materially err. There is a point within the circle referring to the Glorious Throne of God, the Great Architect and Creator of the Universe, who is Almighty, of infinite Wisdom, and whose Being extends through boundless space, enjoying alone the attributes of Immortality and Eternity ! This symbol of God is almost universal in his works.
The God of Nature and of Grace
In all his works appears ; IT is goodness through the earth we trace*
His grandeur in the spheres.
The First Degree. 19
THE LEWIS,
Which is dovetailed into the Perfect Ashler, denotes Strength, to support us in all our lawful Undertakings. It also denotes the son of a Mason, whose duty it is to support his aged parents, when they are unable to labour or bear the burden of cares, gathered upon them in their journey through life,
CHARGE TO NEWLY ADMITTED BRETHREN.
You have now passed through the ceremony of your Initiation, and been admitted a member of our ancient and honourable Order. Knowledge and virtue are the objects of our pursuit ; and the Great Architect of the Universe is our Supreme Master. On him we rely for support and protection, and to his will we ought to submit, while we work by the unerring rule he has given to guide us. By having said so much, we do not mean you to understand that Masons arrogate to themselves everything that is great, good, and honourable. By no means. The gates of knowledge, and the paths of truth and virtue, are open to all who choose to enter and walk therein ; but this much may be affirmed of Masonry, that the moral lessons which it teaches favour us with peculiar advantage, which, if duly studied and practised, would exalt us above the rest of mankind
As a Mason, you are bound to be a strict ob- server of the moral law, as contained in the Holy Writings, and to consider these as the unerring standard of Truth and Justice, and by their di- vine precepts, to regulate your life and actions. Therein is inculcated your duly to God, your neigh- bour, and yourself ; to God, in never mentioning his name but with that reverential awe which
20 Reflected Rays of Light.
becomes a creature to bear to his Creator, and to look upon him as the source of all good, which we came into the world to enjoy, to love, and obey ; to your neighbours, by acting on the Square, and doing unto them as yoc would wish them to do unto you ; to yourself, in avoiding all irregu- larity and intemperance, or debasing your dignity as a man, and a Mason. A zealous attachment to these duties will insure public and private esteem.
As a citizen, you should be exemplary in the discharge of your civil duties, true to your govern- ment, and just to your country, yielding obedience to the laws which afford you protection.
As an individual, be careful to avoid reproach or censure ; let not interest, favour, or prejudice bias your integrity, or influence you to be guilty of any dishonourable action ; and, above all, practise benevolence and charity, so far as you can without injury to yourself or family. " But do not suppose that Masonry confines your good offices to the Fraternity only, or absolves you from your duty to the rest of mankind, — it inculcates Universal Bene- volence, and extends its benign influence to the whole world. Your frequent attendance at our meetings we earnestly solicit, yet it is not meant that Masonry should interfere with your necessary avocations ; but in your leisure time, that you may improve in Masonic Knowledge, you should con- verse with well informed Brethren, who will be as ready to give as you to receive instruction. Finally, you are to keep sacred and inviolable the mysteries of the Order, as these are to distinguish you from the rest of the community; and if a person of your acquaintance is desirous of being initiated into Masonry, be careful not to recom-