CHAPTER IX.

Remarks on tke SecoTtd Degree^

MASONRY is a progressive science, and is
divided into different classes or degrees, for the
more regular advancement in the knowledge of its
mysteries. Accordmg to the progress we make,
we limit or extend our inquiries ; and, in propor-
tion 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 veil of its
mysteries, is comprehended a regular system of
science. Many of its illustrations, to the confined

FRIEMASON^S MONITCm* 51

genius, may appear unimportant ; 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 ingenious
artist, masonry is wisely planned ; and, in the in-
vestigation of its latent doctrines, the philosopher
and mathematician may experience equal delight
and satisfaction-

To exhaust the various subjects of which it
treats, would transcend the powers of Jhe^ brightest
genius ; still, however, nearer apprp^bes to per-
fection may be made, and the man of wisdom wiil
not check the progress of his abilities, though the
task he attempts may at first seem insurmountable.
Perseverance and application remove each diffi-
culty as it occurs ; every step he advances, new
pleasures open to his view, and instruction of the
jaoblest kind attends his researches. In the dili-
gent pursuit of knowledge, the intellectuial facul-
ties are employed in promoting the glory of G<xl,
and the good of maB#

The first degree is well calculated' to enforce
the duties of morality, and imprint on the memoiy
the noblest principles which can a<k)rn. the huma?n
mind, it is therefore the best introduction to the
second degree, which not only extehds the samfe
plan, but comprehends a more <lif&isive systenkof
knowledge.- Here practice and theory jpin,.ki

52 FREEMASOX^S MONITOR.

<|ualifyiDg the industrious mason to share tl}« plea-
sures which an advancement in the art must ne-
cessarily afford. Listening with attention to the
wise opinions of experienced craftsmen on impor-
tant subjects^ he gradually familiarises his mind
to useful instruction, and is soon enabled to inves-
tigate truths of the utmost concern in the general
transactions of life.

From this system proceeds a rational amuse-
ment ; while the mental powers are fully employ-
ed, the judgment is properly exercised, A spirit
of emulation* prevails ; and all are induced to vie,
who shall mo9t excel in promoting the raluable
rules of the institution.

The First Section.

The first section of the second degree acctirate-
ly eUicidates the mode of introduction into that
t)articular class ; and instructs the diligent crafts-
man how to proceed in the proper a^Tangement
of the ceremonies used on the occasion. It quali-
fies him to judge of their importance, and convinces
him of the necessity of strictly adhering to every
. established usage of the order. Here he is entrusted
with particular tests, to enable him to prove his
title to the privileges of this degree, while satis-
:factory reasons are given for their origin. Many
4uties, wfiich cement in the firmest union, well-

FREEMASON^S MONITOR, 53.

informed brethren, are illustrated in this sqction ;
and an opportiuaity is given to make such advan-
ces in masonry, as will always distinguish the
abilities of those who have arrived at preferment.

The knowledge of this section is absolutely
necessary for all craftsmen ; and as it recapitulates
the ceremony of initiation, and contains many
other important particulars, no officer or member
of a lodge should be unacquainted with it.

The PLUMB, sauARE, and LEVEL, those noble
and useful implements of a Fellow Craft, are here
introduced and moralized, and serve as a constant
admonition to the practice of virtue and morality.

The plumb is an instrument made use of by
operative masonvS, to raise perpendiculars, the
square, to square their work, and the levd, to lay
horizontals ; but we, as free and accepted masons,
tre taught to make use of them for more noble
and glorious purposes : the plumb admonishes us
to walk uprightly in our several stations before
God and man, squaring our actions by the square
of virtue, and remembering that we are travelling
upon the level of time, to " that undiscovered
country, from whose bourne no traA^eller returns/*

The Second Section*

The second section of this degree has recourse
to the origin of the institution, and views masonry

64 FREEMASON'S MONITOR.

under two denominatioiw, operative and specula-
tive. These are separately considered, and the
principles on which both are founded^ particularly
explained^ Their affinity is pointed out, by alle-
gorical figures, and typical representations. Tlie
period stipiilated for rewarding merit is fixed, and
the inimitable moral to which that circumstance
alludes is explained ; Uie creation of the world is-
described, and many particulars recited, all of
whioh have been carefully preserved among ma*
sons, and transmitted from one age to another, by
eral tradition.

Circumstances of great importance to the fra-
ternity are here particularised, and many tradi-
tional tenets and customs- confirmed by sacred and*
profane record. The celestial and terrestrial globes
are considered | and here the accomplished gen-
tleman may display hiis talents to advantage, in-
the elucidation of the Orders of Architecture, the
Senses of human- nature, and the liberal Arts and*
ScienceSy wlijch. are severally classed in a regular
arrangement. In short, this section contains a*
store of valuable knowledge, founded on reason'
and sacred record^ both entertaining and instruc-
tive.

Masonry is con^'dered under t^vo dcnominOf-
lions; operative, and speculative^

FREEMASON'S MONITOR. 55

Operative Masonry^

By operative masonry we alkide to a proper
application of the useful rules of architecture,
whence a structure wili derive figure, strength,
and beauty, and whence wUl result a due propor-
tion, and a just correspondence in all its parts. It
furnishes us with dwellings, and convenient shel-
ters from the vicissitudes and inclemencies of sea-
sons ; and while it displays the effects of human
wisdom, as well in the choice, as in the arrange-
ment, of the sundry materials of which an edifice-
is composed, it demonstrates that a fund of science
and industry is implanted in man for the best, most
aalutary and beneficent purposes,.

Speculative Masonry.

By speculative masonry, we learn tp subdue the
passions, act upon the square, keep a tongue of
good report, maintain secresy, and practise cha-
rity. It is so far intetwoven with religion, as to
lay us under obligations to pay that rational hom-
age to the Deity, which at once constitutes our
duty and our happiness. It leads the contempla-
tive to view with- reverence and admiration the
glorious works of the creation, and inspires him
with the most exalted ideas of the perfectioBs of
his divine Creator,

$6 FREEMASON'S MONITOR.

In six days God created the heavens and the
earth, and rested upon the seventh day ; the se-
venth, therefore, our ancient brethern consecrated
as a day of rest from their labours, thereby enjoy*
ing frequent opportunities to contemplate the glo-
rious works of the creation, and to adore their
great Creator.

The doctrine of the spheres is included in the
science of astronomy, and particularly considered
in this section.

*

Of the Globes.

The globes are two artificial spherical bodies^
on the convex surface of which are represented
the countries, seas, and various parts of the earth,
the face of the heavens, the planetary revolutions,
and other particulars.

The sphere, with the parts of the earth delinea-
ted on its surface, is called the terrestrial globe ;
and that, with the constellations, and other hea-
venly bodies, the celestial globe.

The Use of the Globes.

Their principal use, beside serving as maps to
distinguish the outward parts of the earth, and the
situation of the fixed stars, is to illustrate and ex-
plain the phenomena arising from the annual re-
'folution, and the diurnal rotation^ of th« earth

FREEMASON'S MONITOR. 57

rosnd its own axis. They are the noblest uistru-
ments for improving the mind, and giving it the
most distinct idea of any problem or proposition,
as well as enabling it to solve the same. Contem-
plating these bodies, we are inspired with a due
reverence for the Deity and his works, and are
induced to encourage the studies of astronomy,
geography, navigation, and the arts dependent on
them, by which society has been so njuch bene-
fited.

The orders of architecture come under conside-
ration in this section ; a brief description of them
may therefore not be improper.

Of Order in Architecture.

By order in architecture, is meant a system of
all the members, proportions and ornaments of
columns and pilasters ; or, it is a regular arrange*
ment of the projecthig parts of a building, which,
imited with those of a column, form a beaatiful,
perfect and complete whole. . .

Of its jintiquity.

From the first formation of society, order in ar-
chitecture may be traced. When 'the rigour of
seasons obliged men to contrive shelter from the
inclemency of the weather, we learn that they
first planted trees on end^ and theii l^td others

68 FREEMASON'S MONITOR.

across, to support a covering. The bands which
connected those trees at top and bottom, are said
to have given rise to the idea of the base and ca?
pital of pillars ; and^ from this simple hint, origi-
nally proceeded the more improved art of archi*
lecture.

The ^ve orders are thus classed : the Tuscan^
Doric^ lonic^ Corinthian, and Composite*

THE TUSCAN

Is the most simple and solid of the five orders*
It was invented in Tuscany, whence it deriver
its name. Its column is seven diameters high;,
and its capital, base and entablature have but few
mouldings. The simplicity of the construction of
this column renders it eligible where ornament
would be superfluous.

THE DORIC,

'Which is plain and natural, is the most ancienff
and was invented by the Greeks. Its column is
eight diameters high, and has seldom any orna-
ments on base or capital, except mouldings ;
though the frieze is distinguished by triglyphs and
Tnetopes, and triglyphs compose the ornaments of
the frieze. The solid composition of this order
gives it a preference, in structures where strength,
and a noble simplicity^ are chiefly required^

FREEMASON'S MONITOR, 50

The Doric is the best proportioned of all the
orders. The several parts of which it is composed
are founded on the natural position of solid bodies.
In its first invention it was more simple than in
its present state. In after times, when it began
to be adorned, it gained the name of Doric ; for
when it was constructed in its primitive and sim-
ple form, the name of Tuscan was conferred on it.
Hence the Tuscan precedes the Doric in rank, on
account of its resemblance to that pillar in its
original state.

THE IONIC

Bears a kmd of mean proportion between the
more solid and delicate orders. Its column is
nine diameters high ; its capital is adorned with
volutes, and its cornice has dentals. There is
both delicacy and ingenuity displayed^ in this pil-
lar ; the invention of which is attributed to the
lonians, as the famous temple of Diana at Ephesus
was of this order. It is said to have been formed
after the model'of an agre&able young woman, of
an elegant shape, dressed in her hair ; as a con-
trast to the Doric order, which was formed after
that of a strong, robust man*

00 FREEMASON *3 MONITOR.

TIIR CORINTHIAN,

The richest of the five orders, is deemed a
masterpiece of art. Its column is ten diameters
high, and its capital is adorned with two rows of
leaves, and eight volutes, which sustain the abacus.
The frieze is ornamented with curious devices,
the cornice with dentals and modillions. This
order is used in stately and superb structures.

Of the Invention of this Order.

It was invented at Corinth, by Callimachus,
who is said to have taken the hint of the capital
of this pillar from the following remarkable cir-
cumstance. Accidentally passing by the tomb of
a 3'oung lady, he perceived a basket of toys, co-
vered w^ith a tile, placed over an acanthus root,
having been left there by her nurse. As the
branches grew up, they encompassed the basket^
till, arriving at the tile, they met with an ob-
struction, and bent downwards. Callimachus^
struck with the object, set about imitating the
figure ; the vase of the capital he made to repre-
sent the basket ; the abacus the tile ; and the vo-
lutes the bending leaves.

^KEEMASON'S MONITOR. 61

t

THE COMPOSITE

Is compounded of the other orders, and was con-
trived by the Romans. Its capital has the two
rows of leaves of the Corinthian, and the volutes
of the Ionic, Its column has the quarter-round as
the Tuscan and Doric order, is ten diameters high,
and its cornice has dentals, or simple modillions.
This pillar is generally found in buildings where
strength, elegance and beauty are displayed.

Of the Invention of Order of uirchttecture^

The ancient and original orders of architecture,
revered by masons, are no more than three, the

Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, which were

invented by the Greeks. To these the Romau^
have added two ; the Tuscan, which they made
plainer than the Doric ; and the Composite, which
^vas more ornamental, if not more beautiful, than
the Corinthian. The first three orders alone,
•however, shew invention and particular character,
=and essentially differ from each other : the two
t)thers have nothing but what is borrowed, and
differ only accidentally : the Tuscan is the Doric
an its earliest state ; and the Composite is the Co-
riAthian enriched with the Ionic. To the Greeks,
therefore, and not to the Romans^ we are indebt-

F

ff2 FREEMASON'S MONITOR.

cd for what is great, judicious and distinct in ar-
chitecture*

Of the Jive Senses of IIumQn Naiurr,

An analysis of the human faculties is next giv-
en in this section, in which the five external sen-
ses particularly claim attention: these are bear-
ing, seeing, feeling, smelling and tasting.

HEARIXO

Is that sense by which we distinguish sounds,
and are capable of enjoying all the -agreeable
charms of music. By it we are enabled to enjoy
the pleasures of society, and reciprocally to com-
municate to each other our thoughts and inten-
tions, our purposes and desires; while thus our
reason is capable of exerting its utmost power
and energy.

The wise and beneUccnt Author of Nature in-
tended, by the formation of this sense, that we
fihould be social cieaturcs, and receive the great-
est and most important part of our knowledge by
the .information of others. For these purposes we
are endowed with hearing, that, by a proper ex-
ertion of our rational powers, our happiness may
be complete.

FREEMASON'S MONITOR. 63

SEEING

Is that sense by which we distinguish objects,
and in an instant of time, without change of place
or situation, view armies in battle array, figures
of the most stately structure?, and all the agreea-
ble variety displayed in the landscape of nature*
By this sense we find our way in the pathless
ocean, traverse the globe of earth, determine
Its figure and dimensions, and delineate any re-
gion or quarter of it. By it we measure the pla-
netary orbs, and make new discoveries in the
' sphere of the fixed stars. Nay, more : by it we
perceive the tempers and dispositions, the passions
and affections, of our fellow creatures, when they
wish most to conceal them, so that though the
tongue may be taught to lie and dissemble, the
countenance would display the hypocrisy to the
discerning eye. In fine, the rays of light which
administer to this sense, are the most astonishing
parts of the animated creation, and render the
eye a peculiar object of admiration.

Of all the faculties, sight is the noblest. The
structure of the eye, and its appertcnances, evince
the admirable contrivance of nature for perform-
ing all its various external and internal motions,
while the variety displayed in the eyes of differ-^
cat aninials, suited to their several ways of life^

jP4 FREEMASON'S MONITOR.

clearly demonstrates this organ to be the master?
piece of nature's work,

FEELINO

Is that sense by which we distinguish the differ*
ent (qualities of bodies; such as heat and cold^
hardness and softness^ roughness and smoothnesBj
figure^ solidity, motion, and extension.

These three senses, HEARING, SEEING, and
FEELING, are deemed peculiarly essentii^l among
masons.

SMEJLLING

Is that sense by which we distinguish odours^
the various kinds of which convey different im-
pressions to the mind. Animal and vegetable bo^
dies, and iqdeed most other .bodies, while exposed
to the air, continually send forth effluvia of vast
subtilty, as well in the state of life and growth,
as in the state of fermentation and putrefaction.
These effluvia, being drawn into the nostrils along
with the air, are the means by which all bodies
are smelted* Hence it is evident, that there is a
manifest appearance of design in the great Crea-
tor's having planted the organ of smell in the in-
side of that canal, through which the air continu-
ally passes in respiration.

FREEMASON ^S MONITOR. 65

TASTING

Enables us to make a proper distinction in the
choice of our food. The organ of this sense guards
the entrance of the alimentary canal, as that of
smelling guards the entrance of the canal for re-
spiration. From the situation of both these organs,
it is plain that they were intended by nature to
distinguish wholesome food from that which is
nauseous. Every thing that enters into the sto-
mach must undergo the scrutiny of tasting ; and
by it we are capable of discerning the changes
which the same body undergoes in the different
compositions of art, cookery, cliemi^stry, pharmacy,
&c.

Smelling and tasting are inseparably connected,
and it is by the unnatural kind of life men com-
monly lead in society, that these senses are ren-
dered less fit to perform their natural offices.

On the mind all our knowledge must depend .
what, therefore, can be a more proper subject for
the investigation of masons ? By anatomical dis-
section and observation, we Lecome acquainted
with the body ; but it is by the anatomy of the
mind alone we discover its powers and principlci».

To sum up the whole of this transcendent mea-
sure of God^s bounty to man, we shall add, that

memory, imagination, taste, reasoning, moial

1' 'i

ae FREEMASON^S MONITOR.

perception, and all the active powers of the soul,
present a vast and boundless field for philosophical
disquisition, which far exceeds hurnan inquiry, and
are peculiar mysteries, known only to nature, and
to nature^s God, to whom we and all are indebted
for creation, preservation, and every blessing we
enj©y.

Of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences*

The seven liberal Arts and SCIENCES are
next illustrated in this section : it may not there-
fore be improper to insert here a short explanation
of them.

GRAMMAR.

Grammar teaches the proper arrangement of
words, according lo the idiom or dialect of aoy
particular people ; and that excellency of pronuij-
ciation, which enables us to speak or write a lan-
guage with accuracy, agreeably to reason and
correct usage.

RHETORIC.

Rhetoric teaches us to speak copiously and flu-
ently on any subject, not merely with propriety
alone, but with all the advantages of force and
elegance ; wisely contriving to captivate the hear-
er by strength of argument and beauty of expres-

FJIKEMASON'S MONITOR. (57

sion, whether it be to entreat and exhort, to ad?
monisb or applaud.

LOGIC.

Logic teaches us to guide our reason discretion-
ally in the general knowledge of things, and di-
rects our inquiries after truth. It consists of a
regular train of argument> whence we infer, de-
duce, and conclude, according to certain premise*
laid down, admitted, or granted ; and in it are
employed the faculties of conceiving, judging,
reasoning, and disposing ; all of which are natu-
rally led on from one gradation to another, till the
point in question is finally determined.

ARITHMETIC.

Arithmetic teaches the powers and properties
of numbers, which is variously effected, by letters,
tables, figures, and instruments. By this art, rea-
sons and demonstrations are given, for findmg out
any certain number, whose relation or affinity to
another is already known or discovered.

GEOMETRY.

Geometry treats of the powers and properties
of magnitudes in general, where length, breadth,
and thickness, ar$ considered, from a point to a

68 FREEMASON^S MONITOlT.

line, from a line to a superficies, and from a s\>
perficies to a solid.

A point is a dimensionless figure ; or an indi-
visible part of space,

A line is a point continued, and a figure of one
oapac ity, namely, length.

A superficies is a figure of two dimensions,
namely, length and breadth,
. A solid is a figure of three dimension.*?, namely,
length, breadth and thickness.

Of the Advantages of Geometry.

By this science, the architect is enabled to con-
struct his plans, and execute his designs ; the
general to arrange his soldiers ; the engineer to
mark out ground for encampments ; the geogra-
pher to give us the dimensions of the world, and
all things therein contained, to delineate the ex-
tent of seas, and specify the divisions of empires,
kingdoms and provinces ; by it, also, the astrono-
mer is enabled to make his observations, and to
fix the duration of times and seasons, years and
cycles. In fine, geometry is the foundation of ar-
chitecture, and the root of the mathematics.

MUSIC.

Music teaches the art of forming concords, so
as to compose delightful harmony, by a mathema-

FREEMASON'S MONITOR. Q9

ticftl and proportional arrangement of acute, grave
and mixed sounds. This art, by a series of experi-
ments, is reduced to a demonstrative science, with
respect to tones, and the intervals of sound. It
inquires into the nature of contovds and discords^
and enables us to find out the proportion betweem
them by numbers.

ASTRONOMY.

Astronomy is that divine art, by which we are
taught to read the wisdom, strength and beauty
of the Almighty Creator, in those sacred pages
the celestial hemisphere. Assisted by astronomy,
we can observe the motions, measure the distan-
ces, comprehend the magnitudes, and calculate
the periods and eclipses, of the heavenly bodies.
By it we learn the use of the globes, the system
of the world, and the preliminary law of nature.
While we are employed in the study of this sci-
ence, we must perceive unparalleled instances of
^sdom and goodness, and, through the whole
creation, trace the Glorious Author by his works.

Of the Moral Advantages of Qeometry.

From this theme we proceed to illustrate the
moral advantages of Geometry ; a subject on
which the following observations may not be \xnr
s^cceptable :

70 FREEMASON'S MONITOR.

Geometry, the first and noblest of Ecicncc*, is
the basis on which the superstructure of niaj^onry
is erected. By geometry, wc may curiously
trace nature, through her various windings, to her
most concealed recesses. By it, we discover the
power, the wisdom, and the goodnei^s, of the
Grand Artificer of the Universe, and view with
delight the proportions which connect this vast
machine. By it we discover how the planets
move in their different orbits, and demonstrate
their various revolutions. "By it we account for
the return of seaions, and the variety of scenes
which each season displays to the discerning eye.
Numberless Avorlds are around us, all framed by
the same Divine Artist, which roll through the
vast expanse, and are all conducted by the same
unernng laws of nature.

A survey of nature, and the observation of her
beautiful proportions, first determined man to imi-
tate the divine plan, and study symmetry and or-
der. This gave rise to societies, and birth to eve-
ry useful art. The architect began to design, and
the plans which he laid down, being improved by
experience and time, have produced works which
are the admiration of every ago.

The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of igno-
rance, and the devastations of war, have laid
waste and destroyed many valuable monument*

FREEMASON'S M0XIT6R. 71

#f antiquity, on which the utmost etertions of hu-'
man genius have been employed. Even the Tem-
ple of Solomon, so spacious and magoifijcrent, and
constructed by so many celebrated artists, escaped
pot the unsparing ravage* of barbarous force.
SFreemasonry, notwithstanding, has still survived.
The attentive ear receives the sound from the irin
structive tongue, and the mysteries of masonry
are safely lodged iu the repository of faithful
breasts^ Tools and implements of architecture are
selected hy the fraternity, to imprint on the me-
mory wise and serious truths ; and thus, through
a succession of ages, are transmitted unimpaired
the excellent tenets of our institution.

Thus end the two sections of the second lecture,
■which, with the ceremony used at opening and
closing the lodge, comprehend the whole of the
second degree of masonry. This lecture contain*
a regular system of science, demonstrated on the
clearest principles, and established on the firmest
foundation.

Charge at Initiation into the Second Degree*
Brother,

Being advanced Ito the second degree of ma-
sonry, we congratulate you on your preferment.
The internal, and not the external qualification*
©f a man, are what ma'sonrj'^ regards. As you in-

72 FREEMASON'S MONITOR.

crease in knowledge, you will improve in social
intercourse.

It is mmoccssary to recapitulate the duties which
as a mason you are bound to discharge ; or en-
large on the necessity of a strict adherence to
them, as your own experience must have esta^-
blisiied their vakie.

Our laws and regulations you are strenuously
to support ; and be always ready to assi.st in see-
ing them duly executed. You are not to palliate,
or aggravate, the oftVnces of your brethren ; but,
in the decision of every trespass against our rules,
j'ou are to judge with candour, admonish with
friendship, and reprehend with justice.

The study of the liberal arts, that valuable
branch of education, which tends so effectually to
polish and adorn the mind, is earnestly recom-
mended to your consideration ; especially the
science of geometry, which is established as the
basis of our art. Geometry, or masonry, originally
synonymous terms, being of a divine and moral
nature, is enriched with the most useful know-
ledge ; while it proves the wonderful properties
of nature, it demonstrates the more important
truths of morality.

Your past behaviour and regular deportment
have merited the honour which we have now con*
ferred ; and in your new diaractcr it is expected

FREEMASON'S MONITOR. 73

that you will conform to the principles of the or-
der, by steadily persevering in the practice of every
commendable virtue.

Such is the nature of youf engagements as a
fellow craft, and to these duties you are bound by
thij most sacred ties.