SECTION II.

This section fully explains the manner of constituting and the proper authority for holding a Lodge. Here, also, we learn where Lodges were anciently held; their Form, SUPPORT, COVERING, ORNAMENTS, LIGHTS, and JEWELS,
how selected and to whom dedicated, as well in former times as at present.
A Lodge is an assemblage of Masons duly congregated, having the Holy Bible, Square and
Compasses, and a Warrant authorizing them to work.
Lodge meetings at the present day are usu- ally held in upper chambers, probably for the better security which such places afford. It may be, however, that the custom had its origin in a practice observed by the ancient Jews, of
a a me a a
42 THE FREFMASON’S MANUAL.
building their temples, schools, and synagogues on high hills, a practice which seems to have met the approbation of the ALMIGHTY, who said unto the prophet EzEKIEL, “‘upon the top of the mountain the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy.” Before the erection of temples the celestial bodies were worshipped on fills, and the ¢errestrial ones in valleys at a later period. The Christians, when it was prac- ticable, era. ted their churches on eminences.
The form of a Lodge is dimensions from east to west, embracing every clime between north and south. In fact, its universal chain of friendship encircles every por- tion of the human family, and beams wherever civilization extends. |
treme points of the crinpass, the highest hea-
| vens, and the lowest depth of the central abyss, | is metaphorically supported by three great pil- | lars, WISDOM, STRENGTH, and Beaurry ; because g their should be zzsdom to contrive, ues eth to support, and deauty to adorn all great and im- portant undertakings. The universe is the tem- ple of the Deity whom we serve; Wisdom, Strength and Beauty are about His throne as pillars of His work ; for His wisdom in infinite, His strength is omnipotent, and His beauty shines forth through all His creatures in sym- metry and order.
— aa NMA A ang The Masonic Lodge bounded only by the ex-
Wisdom is represented by the Ionic column and the W.’. M.°., because the lonic column wisely combines the strength without
t i a
—_—————
44 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL.
the massiveness of the Doric; with the grace, without the exu- berance of ornament of the Corinthian ; and because it is the duty of the W.°. M.*. to superintend, instruct, and enlighten the craft by his superior wisdom, Solomon, King of Israel, is also con- sidered as the column of wisdom that supported the temple.
Strength is represented by the Doric column and the 8.°. W.°., because the Doric is the strongest and most massive of the Orders, and because it is the duty of the S.°. W.*. by an attentive super- intendence of the craft, to aid the W.°. M.*. in the performance of his duties, and to strengthen and support his authority. Hiram, King of Tyre, is also considered as the representative of the col- umn of strength which supported the temple.
Beauty is represented by the Corinthian column and the J °. W.*. because the Corinthian is the most beautiful and highiy finished of the Orders, and because the situation of the J.*. W.’. in the S.°. enables him the better to observe that bright luminary which, at its meridian height, is the beauty and glory of the day. Hiram Abiff is also considered a representative of beauty which supported the temple,
ee
INITIATION —SECTION II, 45
Its Covering is no less than the clouded can- opy or starry decked heaven, where all good Masons hope at last to arrive, by the aid of that theological ladder which Jacos in his vision saw from earth to heaven, the three principal rounds of which are denominated Fairy, Hope and CuHaritTy, which admonishes us to have faith in Gon, hope in immortality and charity to all mankind. The greatest of these is CHARITY. For our faith may be lost in sight; ope ends in fruition; but charity extends beyond the grave through the boundless realms of eternity.
The Furniture of a Lodge consists of the Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses. The Bible to rule and govern our Faith; the Square to square our actions, and the Compasses to keep us within due bounds, more especially with our Brethren in Masonry.
The following appropriate illustrations of the * * * of Mas- onry may be given with beautiful effect:
As more immediate guides for a Freemason, the Lodge is fur- nished with unerring rules, whereby he shall form his conduct,
46 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL.
The Book of the Law is laid before him, that he may not say, through iguorance he erred; whatever the Great Architect of the world hath dictated to mankind, as the mode in which he should be served, and the path in which to tread, is to obtain his appro- bation ; whatever precepts he hath administered, and with what- ever laws he hath inspired the sages of old, the same are faithfully comprised in the Book of the Law of Masonry. That book reveals the duties which the Great Master of all exacts from us; open to every eye, comprehensible to every mind. Then who shall say amo1. ; us that he knoweth not the acceptable service?
The Rule, the Square, and the Compasses, are emblematical of the conduct we should pursue to society. To observe punctuality in all our engagements, faithfully and religiously to discharge those important obligations which we owe to God and our neigh- bor; to be upright in all our dealings; to hold the scale of jus- tice 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 recall 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 Freemasons 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.
The Ornaments of a Lodge are the Masonic PAVEMENT, the INDENTED TESSEL, and the BLAZING STAR,
ere Sites F
READIES VE Ss ee a
INITIATION—SECTION II, 47
eee
The Mosaic Pavement is a representation of the ground floor of King Solomon’s Temple ; the Indented Tessel of that beautiful tesselated border or skirting which surrounded it; the Mosaic Pavement is emblematical of human life, checkered with good and evil ; the Indent- ed Tessel or tesselated border, of the manifold blessings and comforts which constantly sur- round us, and which we hope to eijoy by a firm reliance on Divine Providence which is hieroglyphically represented by the Blazing Star in the centre.

= |
Ce ee ee ea Pe ee eee aan “yy
48 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL,
a es ee
A Lodge has three symbclic lights ; one in the East, one in the West, and one in the South. A Lodge has six jewels; three movable and three immovable.
INITIATION—SECTION IT, 49
—
a
The movable jewels are the SQUARE, LEVEL and PLUMB.
The Square inculcates morality ; the Level equality ; and the Plumb rectitude of conduct.
The movable jewels are the RouGH ASHLER, the PerFecT ASHLER and the TRESTLE BOARD.
————
The Rough Ashlar is a stone as taken from the quarry in its rude and natural state. |
a nr
50 CHE FREEMASON’S MANUAL,
The Perfect Ashlar is a stone made ready by the hands of the workmen, to be adjusted by the working tools of the Fellow Craft.
The Trestle Board is for the Master work- man to draw his designs upon.
By the Rough Ashlar we are reminded of our rude and imperfect state by nature ; by the Per- fect Ashlar, of that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive by a virtuous education, our, own endeavors, and the blessing of God; and by the Trestle Board we are also reminded that, as the operative workman erects his temporal building agreeably to the rules and designs laid down by the Master on the Trestle Board, so should we, both operative and speculative, en- deavor to erect our spiritual building in accord- ance with the designs laid down by the Supreme Architect of the Universe, in the Great Book of Nature and Revelation, which is our spiritual, moral, and Masonic trestle board.
INITIATION—SECTION
* keke t+ * &* * ee eH He
The Lodges were anciently dedicated to | KiNG SoLomon, as he was our first Most Excel- lent Grand Master; but Masons professing Christianity, dedicate theirs to St. Joun the Baptist and Sr. Joun the Evangelist who were
A Ne LS a a a en eee setee hae ee
§2 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL.
two eminent patrons of Masonry; and since their time there is represented in every regular and well governed Lodge a certain point within a circle—the point representing an individual brother ; the circle, the boundary line of his con- a duct to God and man, beyond which he is never | to suffer his passions, prejudices, or interest to betray him on any occasion. The Circle is em- bordered by two perpendicular parallel lines representing these two Saints, who were perfect parallels in Christianity, as well as in Masonry and upon the vertex rests the Holy Scriptures which point out the whole duty of man. In i. going round this circle we necessarily touch | upon these two lines, as weil as upon the Holy |
eer eee Ee A: ES oe EY EE OR ES a
since pular ithin idual ; con- never | est to is em- lines erfect sonry ptures 1 %In touch Holy |
INITIATION—SECTION II. 53
Scriptures, and while a Mason keeps himself thus circumscribed, it is impossible that he should err.
The three great tenets of a Mason’s profes- sion inculcate the practice of those truly com- mendable virtues, BROTHERLY Love, RELiEF and TRUTH.
BROTHERLY LOVE.
By the exercise of Brotherly Love we are taught to regard the whole human species as one human family—the high, the low, the rich, the poor,—who, as created by one Almighty Parent and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support and protect each other. On this principle, Masonry unites men of every country, sect, and opinion, and concilliates true friend- ship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.
RELIEF,
To relieve tne distressed is a duty incumbent on all men, but particularly on Masons, who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of
ee ae
a ee.
a >
54 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL.
—_——— ee ee eS
sincere affection. ‘To soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compas- sionate their miseries, is the great aim we have in view. On this basis, we form our friend- ships and establish our connection.
TRUTH.
Truth is a divine attribute and the foundation of every virtue. To be good and true is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry. On this theme we contemplate, and by its dictates en- deavor to regulate our conduct. Hence, while influenced by this prin ciple, hypocrisy and deceit are unknown among us; sincerity and plain deal- ing distinguish us, and the heart and the tongue join in promoting each others welfare and rejoic- ing in each others prosperity.
-
An explanation of the four CARDINAL VIRTUES, which are FORTITUDE, PRUDENCE, TEMPERANCE and JUS- TICE,
FORTITUDE,
Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose of the mind, whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain, peril or danger when prudently deemed expedient.
tion the this ; en- yhile >celt leal- ngue joic-
vhich J us-
pose lergo ently
INITIATION—SECTION ITI. 55
This virtue is equally distant from rashness and cowardice, and should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every mason as a safeguard or security against any illegal attack that may be made, by force or otherwise, to extract from him any of those valuable secrets with which he is entrusted, and which were emblematically represented upon his first admission into the Lodge.
PRUDENCE.
Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeably to the dictates of reason, and is that habit by which we wisely judge and prudently determine on all things relative to our present, as well as to our fuiure happiness. This virtue should be the peculiar characteristic of every Mason, not only for the government of his conduct while in the Lodge, but also when abroad on the world.
It should be particularly attended to, in all strange and mixed companies, never to let fall the least sign, token, or work, whereby the secrets of Masonry might be unlawfully obtained.
THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL,
TEMPERANCE
Temperance is that due restraint upon our affections and passions, which renders the body tame and governable, and frees the mind from the allurements of vice. This virtue should be the constant practice of every Mason, as he is thereby taught to avoid excess, or contracting any licentious or vicious habits, the indulgence of which might lead him to disclose some of those valuable secrets which he has promised to
conceal and never reveal, and which would con-
sequently subject him to the contempt and detestation of all good Masons.
JUSTICE.
Justice 1s that standard or boundary of right, which enables us to render to every man his just due, without distinction. This virtue is not only consistent with divine and human laws, but is the very cement and support of civil society ; and as justice in a great measure con- stitutes the really good man, so should it be the invariable practice of every Mason never to deviate from the minutest principles thereof.
-
A ST —$—$——- = —_——:
CHARGE, FIRST DEGREE, ' 57
Such is the arrangement of the sections in the first
EEE
| our | degree, which with the form adopted at the opening and ody . closing of a Lodge, comprehends the whole of the first from | degree of Masonry. Id be | This plan has the advantage of regularity to recom- he is | mend it, the support of precedent and authority, and the cting | sanction and respect which flow from antiquity, rence | | ne of | iisinianiinaa ed to | con- ar | CHARGE, FIRST DEGREE. As you have now passed through the cer- monies of your initiation, allow me to congratu- ; late you on being admitted a member of our right, ancient and honorable society. Ancient, as sn his having subsisted from time immemorial, and ANE honorable because, by a natural tendency it laws, conduces to make all those honorable who are civil strictly obedient to its precepts. Indeed no in- aia stitution can boast a more solid foundation than be the that on which freemasonry rests—the practice of er to social and moral virtue, and to so high an emin- eof. ence has its credit been advanced, that, in every * *
age, monarchs themselves have been promoters
een ———~
A EN A grange "> § bia ate srrepiteert ta eos |
SES aS
|
58 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL.
of the art ; have not thought it derogatory from their dignity to exchange the sceptre for the gavel ; have patronized our mysteries, and have joined our assemblies. As a mason, I would first recommend to your most serious contem- plation the volume of the sacred law, charging you to consider it the unersing standard of truth and justice, and to regulate your actions by the divine precepts which it contains. Therein you will be taught the important duty you owe to God, to your neighbour, and to yourself. To God, by never mentioning His name but with that awe and reverence which are due from the creature to his Creator, by im- ploring His aid on all your lawful undertakings, and by looking up to Him in every emergency for comfort and support, to your neighbour, by acting with him on the square, by rendering him every kind office which justice or mercy may require, by relieving his distresses by soothing his afflictions, and by doing to him, as in simi- lar cases, you would wish he should do unto you ; and to yourself, by such a prudent and well-regulated course of discipline as may best conduce to the preservation of your corporeal
from r the | have would ntem- arzing urd of ctions itains. t duty ind to g His which by im- kings, rgency bur, by g him y may othing } simi- » unto t and y best poreal
CHARGE, FIRST DEGREE, 59
and mental faculties in their fullest energy ; thereby enabling you to exert those talents wherewith God has blest you, as well as to his glory as to the welfare of your fellow creatures.
Asa citizen of the world, I am next to en- join you to be exemplary in the discharge of your civil duties, by never »roposing, or at all countenancing, any act that may have a ten- dency to subvert the peace and good order of society ; by paying due obedience to the laws of any state which may ior a time become the place of your residence or afford you its protec- tion ; and, above all, by never loosing sight of the allegiance due to the Sovereign of your na- tive land; ever remembering that nature has implanted in your breast a sacred and indis- soluble attachment to that country from which you derived your birth and infant nature.
As an individual, I am further to recommend the practice of every domestic as well as public virtue. Let prudence direct you; temperance chasten you ; fortitude support you ; and justice be the guide of ail your actions, and be especi-
+
Eble paiotabthiullinnibeanctiabanteiant
60 THE FREKEMASON’S MANUAL,
ally careful to maintain, in their fullest splendor, those truly masonic ornaments benevolence and charity.
Still, however, as a mason there are other ex- cellencies of character to which your attention may be peculiarly and forcibly directed ; among the formost of these are secrecy, fidelity and obedience. |
Secrecy may be said to consist in the inviol- able adherence to the obligations you have entered into, never improperly to reveal any of those masonic secrets which have now been, or may at any future time be, entrusted to your keeping, and cautiously to shun all occasions which might inadvertently lead you so to do.
Your fidelity must be exemplified by a strict observance of the constitutions of the fraternity ; by adhering to the ancient landmarks of the order ; by never attempting to extort, or other- wise unduly obtain the secrets of a superior degree, and by refraining to recommend any one to a participation of our secrets, unless you have strong grounds to believe that, by a simi
pce ASN OM ROT TTS
cen RTO NAAN EE TON
bad
endor, ce and
1er eXx- fention among y and
inviol-
1 have any of een, Or o your asions do.
h strict ernity ; of the other-
perior
ny one ss you simi
CHARGE, FIRST DEGREE, 61
lar fidelity, he will ultimately reflect honor on our choice.
So must your obedience be proved by a close conformity to our laws and regulations; by prompt attention to all signs and summonses ; by modest and correct demeanour whilst in the lodge ; by abstaining from every topic of re- ligious or political discussions; by ready acqui- esence in all votes and resolutions duly passed by the brethren, and by perfect submission to the master and his wardens whilst actiny in the discharge of their respective offices.
And, as a .ast general recommendation, let me exhort you to dedicate yourself to such pur- sults as may enable you to become at once re- spectable in your rank of life, useful to mankind, and an ornament to the society of which you have this day been admitted a member: that you will more especially devote a part of your leisure hours to the study of such of the liberal arts and sciences as may lie within the compass of your attainment, and that without neglecting the ordinary duties of your station, you will con-
| 62 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL.
sider yourself called upon to make a daily ad- vancement in masonic knowledge.
From the very commendable attention which you appear to have given to this charge, I am led to hope that you wil! duly appreciate the exellency of Freemasonry, and imprint indelibly on your mind the sacred dictates of truth, honour, and virtue.
| aati RABI
i
LECTURE ON THE TRACING BOARD, 63
lily ad-
LECTURE ON THE TRACING BOARD, 1 which The usages and customs of masons have ever e, I am corresponded with those of the ancient Egyp- ate the tians, to which they bear a near affinity. Their adelibly philosophers, unwilling to expose their mysteries honour, to vulgar eyes, concealed their particular tenets
and principles of polity and philosophy under hieroglyphical figures, and expressed their no- tions of government by signs and symbols, which they communicated to their Priests or Magi alone, who were bound by oath not to re- veal them. Pythagoras seems to have estab- lished his system on a similar plan, and many orders of a more recent date have copied their example. But masonry, however, is not only the most ancient, but the most moral institution that has ever existed, as every character, figure, and emblem depicted in the lodge has a moral tendency, and tends to inculcaté the practice of virtue.
Let me first call your attention to the form of the Lodge, which is of an oblong square: in the length from east to west, in breadth between
bias
ig
64 THE FREFMASON’S MANUAL.
north and south, in depth from the surface of the earth to the centre, and even as high as the heavens. The reason that a Freemason’s Lodge is represented of this vast extent is to show the universality of the science, and that a Mason's charity should krow no bounds save those of prudence. Qur Lodge stands on holy ground ; because the first Lodge was consecrated on ac- count of three grand offerings thereon made, which met with divine approbation: first, the ready compliance of Abraham to the will of God, in not refusing to offer up his son /saae¢ as a burnt offering, when it pleased the Almighty to substitute a more agreeable victim in his stead; second, the many pious prayers and ejaculations of King David, which actually ap- peased the wrath of God, and stayed a pestilence which then raged among his people, owng to his inadvertenily having had them numbered: and thirdly, the many thanksgivings, oblations, burnt sacrifices, and costly offerings, which Solomon King of Israel made at the completion, dedica- tion, and consecration of the Temple of Jerusa- lem to God’s service. Those three did then, have since, and I trust, ever will, render the
rface of h as the 's Lodge how the Mason's those of ground ; d on ac- n made, first, the 2 will of Isaac as Imighty in his ers and ually ap- estilence ing to hes red: and ns, burnt Solomon
LECTURE ON THE TRACING BOARD. 65
ground-work of Masonry holy. Our Lodge is situated due east and west ; because all places of divine worship, as well as Masons’ regular, well-formed, and constituted Lodges are, or ought to be, so situated: for which we assign three Masonic reasons: first the sun, the glory of the Lord, rises in the east and sets in the west ; second, learning originated in the east, and from thence spread its benign influence to the west ; a third, last, and grand reason, which is too long to be entered pon now, 1s explained in the course of our lectures, which you will have many opportunities of hearing. °
Our Lodge is supported by three grand pil- lars. They are called wisdom, strength and beauty. Wisdom to contrive, strength to sup- port, and beauty to adorn. Wisdom to conduct us in all our undertakings ; strength to support us under all our difficulties, and beauty to adorn the inward man. ‘The universe is the temple of the Deity whom we serve—wisdom, strength and beauty, are both his throne and pillars of his works ; for his wisdom is infinite, his strength is omnipotent, and beauty shines through the
| | |
THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL,
whole of the creation. In symmetry and order, the heavens he has stretched forth as a canopy ; the earth he has planted as his footstool; he crowns his temple with stars, as with a digaeoer:
and his hands extend their power and alates The sun and the moon are messengers of his will, and all his law is concord. The three great pillars supporting a Mason’s Lodge are emblematical of those divine attributes, and further represents, Solomon King of Israel, Hiram King of Tyre, and Hiram Abiff. Solo- mon King of Israel for his wisdom in building, completing, and dedicating the temple at Jeru- salem to God’s service; Hiram King of Tyre for his strength in supporting him with men and materials ; and Hiram Abiff for his curious and masterly workmanship in beautifying and adorn- ing the same. As there are no noble orders in architecture known by the name of wisdom, strength, and beauty, we refer them to the shree most celebrated—the Doric, Ionic, and the Corinthian.
The covering of a Freemason’s Lodge is a celestial canopy of diverse colours, even as the
Se CT 4 ee a t's | ae Se
order, nopy 5 1; he adem ; glory. of his . three ge are s, and Israel, Solo- uilding, t Jeru- bf Tyre en and bus and L adorn- rders in isdom, e three nd the
ge 1s a h_ as the
See ae st
€:
peat Stee
Fe
ae Mex
as Ih
a
LECTURE ON ‘THE TRACING BOARD, 67
heavens. ‘The way by which we, as masons, hope to arrive at it is by the assistance of a ladder, in Scripture called Jacob’s ladder. It is composed of many staves, or rounds, which point out as many moral virtues. Three are principle ones—Jaith, pe, and Charity. Faith in the great Architect of the universe ; hope in salvation ; and to be in charity with all men. It reaches to the heavens, and rests on the volume of the sacred law ; because, by the doctrines contained in that holy book, we are taught to believe in the wise dispensations of Divine Providence, which belief strengthens our faith and enables us to ascend the first step. This faith naturally creates in us a hope of be- coming partakers of the blessed promises therein recorded, which hope enables us to ascend the second step. But the third and last being charity, comprehends the whole ; and the Ma- son who is possessed of that virtue in its most ample sense, may justly be deemed to have at- tained the summit of his profession, figuratively speaking, an ethereal mansion veiled from mor- _ tal eye by the starry firmament ; emblematically | depicted here by seven stars, which have an al-
ye ne
STs RRC VSP ae
OS Ae es eben
|
re
cy 3
ne
68 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL
out which number no Lodge is perfect, nor can any candidate be legally initiated into the order.
| | lusion to as many regularly made Masons, with- | | | The interior of a Freemason’s Lodge is com- posed of ornaments, furniture, and jewels. The ornaments of the Lodge are the Mosaic pave- | ment, the blazing star, and the indented or tes- | | selated border. The mosaic pavement is the
beautiful flooring of a Freemason’s Lodge ; the | blazing star, the glory in the centre ; and the indented or tesselated border, the skirtwork round the same. The mosaic pavement may justly be deemed the beautiful flooring of the Lodge, by reason of its being variegated and chequered. This points out the diversity of ob- jects which decorate and adorn the creation,
the animate as wellas the inanimate parts there-
of. The blazing star or glory in the centre re-
fers us to the grand luminary of the sun, which
enlightens the earth, and, by its benign influence, dispenses its blessings to mankind in general. |
The indented or tesselated border refers us to the planets, which, in their various revolutions, | form a beautiful ‘order of skirtwork round that ! |
, with- or can order.
Ss com- . The > pave- or tes- is the e; the nd the irtwork it may of the Pd and of ob- eation, s there- tre re- which uence, eneral, us to uitions, id that
a Par,
perce B= Sige Se en ee a ee ae
oe
ne
=
LECTURE ON THE TRACING BOARD. 69
grand luminary the sun, as the other does round that_of a Freemason’s Lodge. The furniture of the Lodge is the volume of the sacred law, the compasses and the square. ‘The sacred writings are to govern our faith. On them we obligate our candidates for Masonry. So are the com- pass and square when united to regulate our lives and actions. The sacred volume is derived from God to man in general. The compasses belong to the Grand Master in particular, and the square to the whole craft.
The Jewels of the Lodge are tnree moveable and three immoveable. The moveable jewels are the square, level, and plumb-rule. Among Operative Masons, the sgware is to try and ad- just all irregular corners of buildings, and to as- sist in bringing rude matter into due form ; the level, to lay levels and prove horizontals ; and the plumd-rule to try and adjust all uprights while fixed on their proper basis. Among free and accepted Masons, the square teaches mor- ality, the level equality; and the plumb-rule justness and uprightness of life and actions. They are called moveable jewels because they
2 eee e+ errr
—_
+ a ee ee
70 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL.
are worn by the Master and his Wardens, and are transferable from them to their successors on nights of installation. ‘The Master is distin- guished by the square ; the Senior Warden by the level ; and the Junior Warden by the plumb- rule. The immoveable jewels are the ¢racing board and the zough and perfect ashlers. ‘The tracing board is for the Master to lay lines and to draw designs on. The rough ashler for the entered apprentice to work, mark, and indent on; and the perfect ashler for the experienced craitsman to try and adjust his jewels on. They | are called immoveable, because they lie open for the brethren to moralize upon. As the ¢rac- ing board is for the Master to lay lines and draw | designs on, the better to enable the brethren to | carry on the intended structure with regularity | and propriety, so the volume of the sacred law | | | | |
may justly be deemed the spiritual tracing board of the great Architect of the universe, in which are laid down such divine laws and moral plans, that were we conversant therein and adherent thereto, they would bring us to an ethereal man- sion not built by hands, but eternally in the | heavens. The rough ashler is a stone, rough
wa nner oe ee nt a es ee eenyeeeacemees wenevareate or een oe
s, and essors distin- en by umb- racing
The , lines ler for indent ienced They open e frac- draw ren to ularity Pd law board which plans, herent | man- in the rough
te at
ies
red,
~—_--- ' '
LECTURE ON THE TRACING BOARD, 71
and unhewn, as taken from its quarry, till by the industry and ingenuity of the workman it is modelled, wrought into due form, and rendered fit for the intended building. ‘This represents the mind of man in its infant or primitive state, rough and unpolished as _ that stone, till by the kind care and attention of his parents or guard- lans in giving him a liberal and virtuous educa- tion, his mind becomes cultivated, and he is thereby rendered a fit member of civilised so- ciety. The perfect ash’erisa stone of a true die, square, and fit only to be tried by the square and compasses. This represents the mind of a man in a decline of years, after a regular and well-spent life in acts of piety and virtue, which can no otherwise be tried and approved than by the square of God’s word, and the compasses of his own self-convincing conscience.
In all regular, well-formed, constituted Lodges, there is a point within a circle round which a Mason cannot err. This circle is bounded be- tween north and south by two grand parallel lines, and one represents Moses, the other King Solomon, On the upper part of this circle rests
a epee
| |
|
72 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL,
the volume of the sacred law, which supports Jacob’s Ladder, the top of which reaches to the heavens ; and were we as adherent to the doc. tkines therein contained as both those parallels were, it would not deceive us, nor should we suffer deception. In going round this circle, we must necessarily touch on both those parallel lines and on the sacred volume, and while a Mason keeps himself thus circumscribed he can- not err, |
The word Zewés denotes strength and is here
depicted by certain pieces of metal, which, when dovetailed in a stone, form a cramp, and enables the operative Mason to raise great weights to certain heights with little encum- brance, and to fix them on their proper bases.
| Lewes likewise denotes the son of a Mason. His
| duty is to bear the burden and heat of the day, from which his parents, by reason of their old age, ought to be exempt; to help them in time of need, and thereby render the close of their days happy and comfortable. His privilege for so doing is to be made a Mason before any other person, however dignified.
LECTURE ON THE TRACING BOARD. 73 |
eae
| |
| |
| ever be found in a Mason’s breast !
Pendant to the corners of the Lodge are four |
tassels, meant to remind us of the four cardinal! virtues, namely, Zemperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Fustice, the whole of which tradition in- forms us were constantly practised by a great majority of our ancient brethren. The distin- guishing characters of a good Freemason are virtue, honour, and mercy ; and should those be banished from all other societies, may they
|
a a
FELLOW CRAFT’S DEGREE
SYMBOLISM OF THE DEGREE.
If the object of the first degree be to symbolize the struggles of a candidate groping in darkness for intellec- tual light, that of the second degree represents the same candidate laboring amid all the difficulties that encumber the young beginner in the attainment of learning and science. ‘The Entered Apprentice is to emerge from darkness to light—the Feliow Craft is to come out of ignorance into knowledge. This degree, therefore, by fitting emblems, is intended to typify these struggles of the ardent mind for the attainment of truth—moral and intellectual truth—-and above all, that Divine truth, the comprehension of which surpasseth human understand- ing, and to which, standing in the middle chamber, after
FELLOW CRAFT’S DEGREE, 75
his laborious ascent of the winding stairs, he can only ap- proximate by the reception of an imperfect and yet glori- ous reward, in the revelation of that ‘* hieroglyphic light which none but craftsmen ever saw.”
SECOND LECTURE.
MASONRY is a progressive science, and is divided into different classes, or degrees, for the more regular advance- ment 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 vail of its mysteries is comprehended a regular system of science. Many of its illustrations, to the confined genius, may appear unim- portant ; 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 in- genious 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 varied 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 pro- gress of his abilities, though the task he attempts may at
———----
76 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL.
first seem insurmountable. Perseverence and application remove each difficulty as it occurs ; every step he ad- vances, new pleasures open to his view, and instruction of the noblest kind attend his researches. In the dili- gent pursuit of knowledge, the intellectual faculties are employed in promoting the glory of Gop and the good of man.
The first degree is well calculated to enforce the duties of morality, and imprint on the memory the noblest prin- ciples which can adorn the human mind, It is, therefore, the best introduction to the second degree, which not only extends the same plan, but comprehends a more diffusive system of knowledge. Here, practice and theory join, in qualifying the industrious Mason to share the pleasures which an advancement in the art must necessarily afford. Listening with attention to the wise opinions of experienced craftsmen, on important subjects, he gradually familiarizes his mind to useful instruction, and is soon enabled to investigate truths of the utmost concern in the general transactions of life.