CHAPTER VilJ...^

Remarks on tlie First Lecture, ^

WE shall now enter on a disquisition of the dif-
ferent sections of the lectures appropriated to the
icveral degrees of masonry, giving a brief suitt-

S4 FllEEMASON'5 MONITOR.

Kiary of the whole, and annexhig to every re-
mark the particulars to which the section alludes.
By these means the industrious mason will be in-
•tructed in the regular arrangement of the see-
tions in each lecture, and be enabled with more
ease to acquire a knowledge of the art.

The first lecture of masonry is divided into
three sections, and each sect* on into different
clauses. Virtue is painted in the most beautiful
colours, and the duties of morality are enforced.
In it we are taught such useful lessons as prepare
the mind for a regular advancement in the princi-
ples of knowledge and philosophy. These are im-
printed on the memory by lively and sensible
images, to influence our conduct in the proper dis-
charge of the duties of social life.

The First Section.

The first section in this lecture is suited to all
capacities, and may and ought to be known by
every person who ranks as a mason. It consists
of general heads, which, though short and simple,
carry weight with thera. - They not only serve as
marks of distiiKrfion, but communicate useful and
iotejfiStrJJgknowledge, when they are duly invest!-
d. They qualify us to try and examine the
rights of others to our. privileges, while they
prove ourselves ; and, as they induce us to inquire

FltBEMA50if*S MONITOR. 85

more minutely? into other particulars of greater
importance, they serve as an introduction to sub-
jects more amply explained in the following sec-
tions*

A Prayer used at the Initiation of a Candidate*

'* Vouchsafe thine aid. Almighty Father of the
Universe, to this our present convention ; and
grant that this candidate for masonry may dedir
cate and devote his life to thy service, and become
a true and faithful brother among us ! Endue
him with a competency of thy divine wisdom,
that, by the secrets of our art, he may be better
tnabled to display the beauties of virtuousness, to
the honour of thy holy ncme ! AmenJ*^

It is a duty incumbent on every master of a
lodge, before the ceremony of initiation taket
place, to inform the candidate of the purpose and
design of the institution ; to explain the nature of
his solemn engagements ; and, in a manner pecu-
liar to masons alone, to require his cheerful acqui-
escence to the duties of morality and virtue, and
all the sacred tenets of the order.

Towards the close of this section is explained
that peculiar ensign of masonry, the lambskin, or
white leather apron, which is an emblem of inr
nocence, and the badge of a mason ; more an^-
«ient than the golden fleece or Roman eagle ;

3d FREEMASON'S MONITOR.

more honourable thau the star and garter^ or aoy
other order that could be conferred upon the can-
didate at the time of his initiation^ or at any time
thereafter, by king, prince, potentate, or any other
person except he be a mason ; and which every
one ought to wear with equal pleasure to himself,
and honour to the fraternity.

This section closes with an explanation of the
working tools and implements of an entered ap*
prentice, which are the twenty-four inch gduge,
and the common gaveL

The twenty-four inch gauge is an instrument
made use of by operative masons, to measure and
lay out their work ; but we, as free and accepted
masons, are taught to m^ke use of it for the more
noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time.
It being divided into twenty-four equal parts, is
emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the day,
which we are taught to divide into three equal
parts, whereby we find eight hours for the service
of God and a distressed worthy brother ; eight
hours for our usual avocations ; and eight for re-
freshment and sleep."*

* " The most effectual expedient employei] by Alfred the
Groat, for the encouragement of learnin<^, was his own exam*
pie, and the constant assiduity with which he employed him.
self in the pursait of knowledge. He usually divided hif?

FREBMASON'S MONITOR. 57

'the common gavel is an instrument made use
of by operative masons, to break off the corners
-of rough stones, the better to fit them for the
builder's use; but we, as free and accepted
masons, are taught to mike use of it for the more
ooble and glorious purpose of divesting our minds
and consciences of all the vices and superfluities
of life, thereby fitting our bodies, as living stones^
for that spiritual building, that house not made
with bands, eternal in the heavens.

The Second Section.

The second section rationally accounts for the
origin of our hieroglyphical instruction, and con-
vinces us of the advantages which will ever ac-
company a faithful observance of our duty: it
maintains, beyond the power of contradiction, the
propriety of our rites, while it demonstrates to
the most sceptical and hesitating mind, th^ir ex-
cellency and utility ; it illustrates, at the same
time, certain particulars, of which our ignorance
might lead us into error, and which, as masons,
we are indispensably bound to know,

time into three equal portions ; one was enployed in sleep
and the refection of his body ; another in the dispatch^ of
business 3 and a third in study and devotion.^^

^ tlnrm'a History of England.

30

58 FREEMASON'S MONITOR.

To make a daily progress in the art^is our con-
stant duty, and expressly required by our general
laws. What end can be more noble, than the'
pursuit of virtue? what motive more alluring^
than the practice of justice ? or what instruction
more beneficial, than an accurate elucidation of
symbolical mysteries which tend to embellish and
adorn the mind? Every thing that strikes the
eye> more immediately engages the attention^
and imprints on the memory serious and solemn
truths: hence masons, universally adopting this
method of inculcating the tenets of their order by
typical figures and allegorical emblems, prevent
their mysteries from descending into the familiar
reach of inattentive and unprepared novices^
from whom they might not receive due venera-
tion. .

Our records inform us, that the usages and cusr
toms of masons have ever corresponded with
tliose of the Egyptian philosophers, to which they
Uear a neat affinity. Unwilling to expose their
mysteries, to vulgar eyes, they concealed their par-
ticular tenets, and prmciples of polity, under hie-
roglyphical figures ; and expressed their notions^
of government by signs and symbols, which they
communicated to their Magi alone, who were
ix>und by oath not to reveal them. The Pytha-
gorean system 5eems to have been established on

FREEMASON'S MONITOR. 3i

a similar plan, and many orders of a more recent
date. Masonry, however, is not only the most
ancient, but the most moral institution that ever
subsisted; every character, figure and emblem,
depicted in a lodge, has a moral tendency, and
inculcates the practice of virtue*

The Badge of a Mason.

Every eandidate, at his Initiation, is presented
with, a lamb-skin, or white leather apron*

The lamb has in all ages been deemed an em-
blem of innocence ,* he, therefore, who wears the
lamb-skin as a badge of masonry, is thereby^cou-
tinually reminded of that purity of life and eon*
duct, which is essentially necessary to his gain-
ing admission into the Celestial Lodge above,
where the Supreme Architect of the Universe
presides^

The Third Section.

The third section explains the nature and pxixt-
ciples of our constitution, and teaches us to dis-
eharge with propriety the duties of our respective
stations. Here, too, we receive instruction. cela«
tive to the form, supports, covering, furniture, oi^
naments, lights and jewels of a lodge, how it
should be sitmatedj^ and^ to whom, dedicated. A.

40 miEMASON^S MONITOR.

propel^ attention is also paid to our ancient and
venerable patrons.

From east to wc8t^ freemasonry extends^ and
between the north and souths in every clime and
nation^ are masons to be found.

Our institution is said to be supported by tct^*
dom, strength and beauty, because it is necessary
that there should be xmsdom to contrive, strength
to support, and beauty to adorn, all great and im*
portant undertakings. Its dimensions are umlimit-
ed^ and its covering no less than the canopy of
heavem To this object the mason's mind is
continually directed, and thither he htJpes at last
to arrive, by the aid of the theological ladder,,
which Jacob in his vision saw ascending from
earth to heaven ; the three principal rounds of
which are denominated faith, hope and charity /
and which admonish us to have faith in God^
hope in immortality, and charity to all mankind.

Every \>^11 governed lodge is furnished with
the Holy Bible, the l^quare and the Compass ; the
bible points out the path that leads to happiness,
and is dedicated to God ; the square teaches to
iregulate our conduct by the principles of morality
and virtue, and is dedicated to the Master ; the
compass teaches to limit our desires in every
station, and is dedicated to the Craft*

I

FREEMASON^S MONITOR. 4T

The Bible is dedicated to the service of God^:
because it is the inestimable gift of God to man ;
the Square to the Master^ because, being the pro*
per masonic emblem of his office, it is constantly
to remind him of the duty he owes to the lodge
over which he is appointed to preside ; and the
Compass to the Craft, because, by a due attention
to its use, they are taught to regulate their desires,
and keep their passions within due bounds.

The ornamental parts of a lodge, displayed in
this se<;tion, are, the Mosaic pavementy the in-
dented tessel^ and the blazing star. The Mosa-
iv pavement is a representation of the ground
floor of king Solomon's temple ; the indented tes-
self that beautiful tesselated border, or skirting^
which surrounded it ; and the blazing star^ m

*

the centre, is eommemorative of the star which
appeared, to guide th^ wise men of the east to the
place of our Saviour's nativity. The Mosaic pave^
ment is emblematic of human life, checquered
with good' and evil ; the beautiful border which
surrounds it> those blessings and comforts which
surround us, and which we hope to obtain by a
faithful reliance on Divine Providence, which is
hieroglyphicaily represented by the blazing star
m the centre.

The moveable and immoveable jewels alscj
elaim our attention in this section.

D 3

42 IpREEAfASO^'S MONITOR.

The rough ashler is a stone as taken from the
quarry in its nide and natural state. The perfect
ashler is a stone made ready by the hands of the
workman to be adjusted by the working tools of
the fellow craft. The trestle-board is for the
master workman to draw his designs upon.

By the rough ashler, we are reminded of our
rude and imperfest state by nature; by the perfect
ashler, that state of perfection at which we hope
to arrive, by a virtuous education, our own en-
deavours, and the blessing of God ; and by the
tresite-board, we are reminded, that as the ope-
rative workman erects bis temporal building
agreeably to the rules and designs laid down by
the master on his trestle-board, so should we,
both operative and speculative, endeavour to erect
our spiritual building agreeably to the rules and
designs laid down by the Supreme Architect of the
Universe, in the book of life, which is our spiritual
trestle-board.

By a recurrence to the chapter upon the dedi-
cation of lodges, it will be perceived, that although
our ancient brethren dedicated their lodges to
King Solomon, yet masons professing Christianity
dedicate theirs to St. John the Baptist, and St.
John the Evangelist, who were eminent patrons
of masonry ; and since their time there is repre-
•ented in every regular and well governed lodge.

tREKKfASON'S MONITOR. 49

a certain point within a circle ; the point repre-
senting an individual brother, the circle represent*
ing the boundary line of his duty to God and man^
beyond which he is never to' suffer his passions^
prejudices or interests to betray him, on any oc-
casion. This circle is embordei;ed by two per--
pendicular, parallel lines, representing St. John
the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist ; who
were perfect parallels, in Christianity, as well as
masonry ; and upon the vertex rests the book of
Holy Scriptures, which point out the whote duty
of man. In going round this circle, we necessarily
touch upon these two lines, as well as upon the
Holy Scriptures, and whilst a mason keeps himself
thus circumscribed, it is impossible that he should
materially err.

This section, though the last in rank, is not the
least considerable in importance. It strengthens
those which precede, and enforces, in the most en-
gaging manner, a due regard to character and be-
haviour in public, as well as in private life ; in the
lodge, as weil as in the .general commerce of soci*
ety. :.. ■

It forcibly inculcates the most instructive les-
sons. Brotherly love,' relief and truth, are themes
on which w^ here expatiate.

«C FREEMASON'S MOHITOR;

OF BROTHERLT LOVE.

By the exercise of brotherly love, we are
tiiught to regard the whole human species as one
family^ the high and low, the rich and poor ; who^
as created by one Almighty Parent, and inhabi-
tants 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
conciliates true friendship among those who
might otherwise have remained at a perpetual,
distance.

OF RELIEF.

To relieve the distressed, is a duty incumbent oa
all men; but particularly on masons, who are
Unked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere
affection. To soothe the unhappy, to sympathize
with their misfortunes^ to compassionate their mi-
series,, and to restore peace to their troubled
minds, is the grand aim we have in view. On
this basis we form our friendships, and establisK
our connexions.

OF TRITPH.

Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation
•f every virtue. To be good and tnie, is the first
tesson we are taught in masonry* On this theme

FREEMASON^S MONITOR. 48

we contemplate, and by its dictates endeavour to
regulate our conduct ; hence, whilst influenced by
this principle, hypocrisy and deceit are unknown
amongst us, sincerity and plain dealing distinguish
us, and the heart and tongue join in promoting
each other's welfare, and rejoicing in each otherl
prosperity.

To this illustration succeeds an explanation oP
the four cardinal virtues*— temperance^ fortitade^
prudence and justice.

OF TEMPERANCE.

Temperance is that du^ restraint upon our af-
fections 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 licen*-
tious or vicious habit, the indulgence of which'
might leiad him to disclose some of those valuable
secrets, which he has promised to conceal and ne-
ver reveal, and which would consequently subject
him to the contempt and detestation of all good-
masons.

/

4$ FREEMASON'S MONITOR.

OF FORTITUDE.

Fortitude is that noble and steady p
the mind^ whereby wns are enabled to
any pain, peril or danger, when prudcntij
cd expedient. This virtue is equally dis
rashness and cowardice ; and, like th
should be deeply impressed upon the mil
ry mason, as a safeguard or security ag
illegal attack that may be made, by forc<
wise, to extort from him any of those se
which he has been so solemnly ientrui
which was emblematically represented
first admission into the lodge.

OF PRUDENCE.

Prudence teaches us to regulate our
actions agreeably to the dictates of reas
that habit by whicb we wisely judge, ar
tially determine on all things relative tc
aent, as well as to our future happiness.
tue should be the peculiar characteristic
mason, not only for the government o
duct while in the lodge, but also whei
the world; it should be particularly a
in all strange and mixed eompanies, n

FREEMASON'S MONITOR. 47

&11 the least sign^ token or word^ whereby the
seorets of masonry might be unlawfully obtained*

OP JUSTICE.

Justice is that standard^ or boundary of right,
which enables us torender to everyman hit just due,
without distmction. This virtue is not only con*
sistent with divine and human laws, but is the ve«
ry cement and support of civil society; and, as
justice in a great measures constitutes the real
good man, so should it be the invariable practice
of every mason never to deviate from the minut-
est principles thereof.

Th£ illustration of these virtues is accompanied
with some general observations peculiar to ma-
sons.

Such is the arrangement of the different sec-
tions in the first lecture, which, with the forms
adopted at the opening and closing of a lodge,
comprehends the whole of the first degree of ma-
sonry. This plan has the advantage of regularity
to recommend it, the support of precedent and
authority, and the sanction and respect which
flow from antiquity. The whole is a regular sys-
tem of morality, conceived in a strain of interest-

k.

4S f&EKMASON'S MONITOR.

ing allegory^ which must unfold its beauties to the
oandid and industrious inquirer.

Charge at Initiation into thUs First Degree*

Brother,

As you are now introduced into the first^ prin-
ciples of masonry, I congratulate you on being ac-
cepted into this ancient and honourable order ; an-
cient, as having subsisted from time immemorial;
and honourable, as tending, in every particular, so
to render all men who will be conformable to iU
precepts. No institution was ever raised on a
better principle, or more solid foundation; nor
were ever more excellent rules and useful maxims
laid down, than are inculcated in the several ma-
ionic lectures. The greatest and best of men in
all ages have been encouragers and promoters of
the art, and have never deemed it derogatory from
their dignity, to level themselves with the frater-
nity, extend their privileges, and patronise their
assemblies.

There are three great duties, which, as a ma-
son, you are charged to inculcate — to God, your
neighbour, and yourself. To God, in never men*
tioning his name, but with that reverential awe
which is due from a creature to his Creator ; to
implore his aid in all your laudable undertakings ;
and to esteem him as the chief good: to your

FJtEEMASON'S MONfTOR. 4§

neighbour ; in acting upon the square^ and doing
unto him as you wish he should do unto you : and
to yourself; in avoiding all irregularity and in-
temperance^ which may impair j'our faculties, or
debase the dignity of your profession. A zealous
attachment to these duties will ensure public and
private esteem.

In the state, you are to be a quiet and peaceful
subject, true to your government, and just to j^our
coimtry ; you are not to countenance disloyalty or
rebellion, but patiently submit to legal authority,
and conform with cheerfulness to the government
of the country in which you live.

la your outward demeanour be particularly care-
ful to avoid censure or reproach. Lei not interest,
favour, or prejudice, bias your integrity, or influ-
ence you to be guilty of a dishonourable action.
Although your frequent appearance at our regular
meetings is earnestly solicited, yet is is not meant
that masonry should interfere with your necessary
vocations ; for these are on no account to be
neglected : neither are you to suffer your zeal for
the institution to kad you into argument with
those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it.
At your leisure hours, that you may improve in
masonic knowledge, you are to converse with well
informed brethren, who will be always as ready
to give, as you will be to receive^ instruction.

£

^0 FREEMASON'S MONITOR,

Finally ; keep sacred and inviolable the myste-
ries of the order, as these are to distinguish you
from the rest of the community, and mark your
consequence among masons. If, m the circle of
your acquaintance, you find a person desirous of
being initiated into masonry, be particularly atten*
tive not to recommend him, unless you are con-
vinced he will conform to our rules ; that the
honour, glory and reputation of the institutiomnay
be firmly established, and the world at large con-
vinced of its good effects.