NOL
The freemason's universal monitor

Chapter 15

CHAPTER II.

fellowcraft's degree.
Masonry is a progressive science, and, for the more regular advancement in the knowledge of its mysteries, it is divided into degrees, lectures, and sections, and embraces within the circumference of its circle every branch of polite and useful learning. Within its portals, and under the veil of its myste- ries, is comprehended a regular system of science, and, as we apply ourselves in the pursuit of the several subjects presented for our consideration, and according to the progress we make, we limit or extend pur inquiries, and, in proportion to our ca- pacity, attain to a less or greater degree of perfection.
To the mind, narrow and confined in its limits, many of the illustrations may appear unimportant, whilst to the intellect of more enlarged faculties they present a field of enlightened study in the pursuit of latent truths and knowledge. To ex- haust the various subjects of which it treats would transcend the powers of the brightest genius.
In the pursuit of useful knowledge, the intellectual faculties are employed in promoting the glory of God and advancing the good of our fellow-beings, which should be the great acme of wisdom.
The first degree is well calculated to enforce the duties of mo- rality, and, by its symbolic illustrations, more indelibly impress upon the memory the noblest principles of truth and virtue which can adorn the human mind. It is therefore the best in- troduction to the second degree, which not only extends the same plan, but comprehends a more enlarged and diffused sys- tem of knowledge, bringing into play more fully the mental powers, gradually leading them on to contemplate with vener- ated admiration the glorious works of creation.
PRAYER AT OPENING A FELLOWCRAFT^ LODGE.
Great Architect of the created universe, Father of Light and Love, may the benign influence of thy Holy Spirit be with us, guide and direct us, iu this our present assembling. May brotherly love and every ennobling virtue prevail among us, and at-
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tend our labors with success. May we exemplify, in our daily walks in life, the precepts inculcated in our time-honored institution for our moral and intel- lectual improvement; and to thy great and holy Name be all praise and honor, now and evermore. Amen. Response — So mote it be.
Section First.
The first section of this degree accurately elucidates the mode of introduction into that particular class, and instructs the dil- igent Craftsman how to proceed in the proper arrangement of the ceremonies used on the occasion. It qualifies 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 intrusted with particular tests, to enable him to prove his title to the privileges of this degree, while satisfactory reasons are given for its origin.
Many duties, which cement in the firmest union well-informed brethren, are illustrated in this section, and an opportunity is given to make such advances in Masonry, as will always dis- tinguish 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 ceremonies of initiation, and contains many other important particulars, no officer or member of a Lodge should be unacquainted with it.
The following passage of Scripture is here introduced during the ceremonies:
" Thus he showed me ; and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumb-line, with a plumb- line in his hand. And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what seest thou?
" And I said, A plumb-line. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumb-line in the midst of my people Israel ; I will not again pass by them any more." — Amos vii : 7, 8.
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The working tools of a Fellowcraft are here explained—they are the plumb, square, and level.
ii ii ii i n
The plumb is an instrument made use of by opera- tive masons, to try perpendiculars ; the square, to
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square their work; and the level, to prove horizontals. But we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of them for more noble and glorious pur- poses; the plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations, before God and man ; squar- ing our actions by the square of virtue, and remem- bering that we are traveling upon the level of time, to "that undiscovered country, from whose bourne no traveler returns."
Section Second.
The second section of this degree refers to the origin of the institution, and views Masonry under two denominations— operative and speculative.
By operative masonry, we allude to a proper appli- cation of the useful rules of architecture, whence a structure will derive figure, strength, and beauty ; and whence will result a due proportion and a just correspondence in all its parts. It furnishes us with dwellings and convenient shelters from the vicissi- tudes and inclemencies of the seasons; and while it- displays the effects of human wisdom, as well in the choice, as in the arrangement of the sundry ma- terials of which an edifice is composed, it demon- strates that a fund of science and industry is im- planted in man for the best, most salutary, and beneficent purposes.
By speculative masonry, we learn to subdue the passions, act upon the square, keep a tongue of good report, maintain secrecy, and practice charity. It is
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so far interwoven with religion, as to lay us under obligations to pay that rational homage to Deity, which at once constitutes our duty and our happiness. It leads the contemplative to view with reverence and admiration the glorious works of creation, and inspires him with the most exalted ideas of the per- fections of his divine Creator.
In six days God created the heavens and the earth, and rested on the seventh day ; the seventh, there- fore, our ancient brethren consecrated as a day of rest from their labors; thereby enjoying frequent opportunities to contemplate the glorious works of creation, and to adore their great Creator.
Peace, Unity, and Plenty are here introduced and explained. 5
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The doctrine of the spheres is included in the science of as- tronomy, and particularly considered in this section.
The globes are two artijBfoial 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 delineated on its surface, is called the terrestrial globe ; and that with the constellations and other heavenly bodies, the celestial globe.
Their principal use, besides serving as maps to distinguish the outward parts of the earth and the situation of the fixed stars, is to illustrate and explain the phenomena arising from the annual revolution, and the diurnal rotations of the earth round its own axis. They are the noblest instruments for improv- ing the mind, and giving it the most distinct idea of any problem or proposition, as well as enabling it to solve the same. Contemplating these bodies, we are inspired with a due reverence for the Deity and hie works, and are induced to encourage the studies of astronomy, geography, navigation, and the arts de
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pendent on them, by which society has been so much benefited.
THREE, FIVE, AND SEVEN STEPS.
The orders of architecture come under consideration in this section. A brief description of them may, therefore, not be improper.
By order in architecture is meant a system of all the members, proportions, and ornaments of columns and pilasters ; or it is the regular arrangement of the projecting parts of a building, which, united with those of a column, form a beautiful, perfect, and complete whole.
From the first formation of society, order in archi- tecture may be traced. When the rigor of the sea- sons obliged men to contrive shelter from the inclem-
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ency of the weather, we learn that they first planted trees on end, and then laid others 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 capital of pillars ; and from this sim- ple hint originally proceeded the more improved art of architecture.
The five orders are thus classed: the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite.
THE TUSCAN
Is the most simple and solid of the five orders. It was invented in Tuscany, whence it derived its name. Its column is seven diameters high, and its capital, base, and en- tablature have but few moldings. The sim- plicity of the construction of this column renders it eligible, where ornament would be Hfl superfluous.
THE DORIC,
Which is the most plain and natural, is the most ancient, and was invented by the Greeks. Its column is eight diameters high, and has seldom any ornaments on base or capital, ex- cept moldings, though the frieze is distin- guished by triglyphs and metopes, and tri- glyphs compose the ornaments of the frieze. The solid composition of this order gives it a
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preference in structures where strength and a noble simplicity are chiefly required.
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 simple 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 kind of mean proportion between the more solid and delicate orders. Its col- umn is nine diameters high ; its capital is adorned with volutes, and its cornice has dentals. There is both delicacy and ingen- uity displayed in this pillar; the invention of which is attributed to the Ionians, as the famous temple of Diana at Ephesus was of this order. It is said to have been formed after the model of an agreeable young woman, of an elegant shape, dressed in her hair, as a contrast to the Doric order, which was formed after that of a strong, robust man.
THE CORINTHIAN,
The richest of the five orders, is deemed a master-
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piece of art. Its column is ten diameters high, and its capital is adorned with two rows of leaves, and eight volutes, which sus- tain the abacus. The frieze is ornamented with various devices, the cornice with dentals and modillions. This order is used in stately and useful structures.
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 circumstance : Accidentally passing by the tomb of a young lady, he perceived a basket of toys covered with a tile, placed over an acanthus root, having been left there by her nurse. As the branches grew up, they encompassed the basket, till, ariving at the tile, they met with an obstruction, and bent downward. Callimachus, struck with the object, set about imitating the figure : the vase of the capital he made to represent the basket, the abacus the tile, and the volutes the bending
THE COMPOSITE
Is compounded of the other orders, and was contrived 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 rounds, as the Tuscan and Doric orders ; is ten diameters high ; and its cor- nice has dentals, or simple modillions. This pillar is found in buildings where strength, elegance, and beauty are displayed.
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The ancient and original orders of architecture, re- vered by Masons, are no more than three — the Doric, Ionic , and Corinthian , which were invented by the Greeks. To these the Romans have added two — the Tuscan, which they made plainer than the Doric, and the Composite, which was more ornamental, if not more beautiful, than the Corinthian.
THE INVENTION OF THE ORDER IN ARCHITECTURE.
The first three orders alone, however, show inven- tion and particular character, and essentially differ from each other ; the two others have nothing but what is borrowed, and differ only accidentally. The Tuscan is the Doric in its earliest state, and the Com- posite is the Corinthian enriched with the Ionic.
To the Greeks, therefore, and not to the Romans, we are indebted for what is great, judicious, and distinct in architecture.
Of these orders, the Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian are most esteemed by Masons.
OF THE FIVE SENSES OF HUMAN NATURE.
An analysis of the human faculties is next given in this sec- tion, in which the five external senses particularly claim atten- tion : these are Hearing, Seeing, Feeling, Smelling and Tasting.
HEARING
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 communicate to each
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other our thoughts and intentions, our purposes and desires ; while thus our reason is capable of exerting its utmost power and energy.
The wise and beneficent Author of Nature intended, by the formation of this sense, that we should be social creatures, and receive the greatest and most important part of our knowledge by the information of others. For these purposes we are endowed with hearing, that, by a proper exertion of our natural powers, our happiness may be complete.
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 structures, and all the agreeable variety displayed in the landscape of nature. By this we find our way in the pathless ocean, traverse the globe of earth, determine its figure and dimensions, and de- lineate any region or quarter of it. By it we measure the planetary orbs, and make new discoveries in the sphere of the fixed stars. Nay, more: by it we per- ceive 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 will display the hypocrisy to the discerning eye. In fine, the rays of light which administer to this sense are the most astonishing parts of animated creation, and render the eye a peculiar object of admiration.
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Of all the faculties sight is the noblest. The structure of the eye and its appurtenances evince the admirable contrivance of nature for performing all its various external and internal motions; while the va- riety displayed in the eyes of different animals, suited to their several ways of life, clearly demonstrates this organ to be the masterpiece of nature's work.
FEELING
Is that sense by which we distinguish the different qualities of bodies, such as heat and cold, hardness and softness, roughness and smoothness, figure, so- lidity, motion, and extension.
SMELLING
Is that sense by which we distinguish odors, the various kinds of which convey different impressions to the mind. Animal and vegetable bodies, and, in- deed, most other bodies, while exposed to the air, continually send forth effluvia of vast subtlety, as well in a state of life and growth as in a state of fermen- tation and putrefaction. These effluvia, being drawn into the nostrils along with the air, are the means by which all bodies are smelled. Hence, it is evident that there is a manifest appearance of design in the great Creator's having planted the organ of smell in the inside of that canal through which the air con- tinually passes in respiration.
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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 smell- ing guards the entrance of the canal for respiration. 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 stomach must undergo the scrutiny of tasting ; and by it we are capable of dis- cerning the changes which the same body undergoes in the different compositions of art, cookery, chem- istry, pharmacy, etc.
Smelling and tasting are inseparably connected, and it is by the unnatural kind of life men commonly lead in society, that these senses are rendered less fit to perform their natural offices.
The proper use of these five senses enables us to form just and accurate notions of the operations of nature; and when we reflect on the objects with which our senses are gratified, we become conscious of them, and are enabled to attend to them, till they become familiar objects of thought.
On the mind all our knowledge must depend; what, therefore, can be a more proper subject for the investigation of Masons? By anatomical dissection and observation, we become acquainted with the body ; but it is by the anatomy of the mind alone we discover its powers and principles.
To sum up the whole of this transcendent measure
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of God's bounty to man, we shall add, that memory, imagination, taste, reasoning, moral perception, and all the active powers of the soul, present a vast and boundless field for philosophical disquisition, which far exceeds human inquiry, and are peculiar myste- ries, known only to nature and nature's God, to whom we are all indebted for creation, preservation, and every blessing we enjoy.
The first three senses- Hearing, Seeing, and Feeling - are deemed peculiarly essential among Masons.
OF THE SEVEN LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES.
The seven liberal arts and sciences are illustrated in this sec- tion, which are f Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music, and Astronomy.
GRAMMAR.
Grammar teaches the proper arrangement of words, according to the idiom or dialect of any particular people ; and that excellency of pronunciation which enables us to speak or write a language with accuracy, agreeably to reason and correct usage.
RHETORIC.
Rhetoric teaches us to speak copiously and fluently on any subject, not merely with propriety alone, but with all the advantage of force and elegance ; wisely contriving to captivate the hearer by strength of argument and beauty of expression, whether it be to entreat and exhort, to admonish or approve.
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LOGIC.
Logic teaches us to guide our reason discretionally in the general knowledge of things, and directs our inquiries after truth. It consists of a regular train of argument, whence we infer, deduce, and conclude, according to certain premises laid down, admitted or granted ; and in it are employed the faculties of con- ceiving, judging, reasoning, and disposing; all of which are naturally led on from one gradation to an- other, 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, reasons and demonstrations are given for finding out any cer- tain numbers, 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 are considered, from a point to a line, from a line to a superfices, and from a superfices to a solid.
A point is a dimensionless figure, or an indivisible part of space.
A line is a point continued, and a figure of one capacity, namely, length.
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A superfices is a figure of two dimensions, namely, length and breadth.
A solid is a figure of three dimensions, namely, length, breadth, and thickness.
By this science the architect is enabled to conduct his plans, and execute his designs — the general to ar- range his soldiers — the engineer to mark out ground for encampments — the geographer to give us the di- mensions of the world, and all things therein con- tained ; to delineate the extent of seas, and specify the divisions of empires, kingdoms, and provinces. By it, also, the astronomer is enabled to make his observations, and to fix the duration of seasons, years, and cycles. In fine, geometry is the foundation of architecture and the root of mathematics.
MUSIC.
Music teaches the art of forming concords, so as to compose delightful harmony, by a mathematical and proportional arrangement of acute, grave, and mixed rounds. This art, by a series of experiments, is reduced to a demonstration with respect to tones and the intervals of sounds; inquires into the nature of concords and discords, and enables us to find out the proportion between 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
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observe the motions, measure the distances, compre- hend 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 science, we must perceive unparal- leled instances of wisdom and goodness, and, through the whole creation, trace the glorious Author by his works.
Here an emblem of plenty is introduced and explained.
CORN.
WINE.
GIL.
ATTENTIVE EAR.
INSTRUCTIVE TONGUE.
FAITHFUL BREAST.
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THE MORAL ADVANTAGES OF GEOMETRY.
Geometry is the first and noblest of sciences, and the basis on which the superstructure of Freemasonry is erected.
The contemplation of this science, in a moral and comprehensive view, fills the mind with rapture. To the true geometrician the regions of matter with which he is surrounded, afford ample scope for his admira- tion, while they open a sublime field for his inquiry and disquisition. Every blade of grass which adorns the field, every flower that blooms, and every insect which wings its way in the bounds of space, proves the existence of a Great First Cause, and yields a pleasure to the intelligent mind.
The symmetry, beauty, and order displayed in the various parts of animate and inanimate creation, are
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pleasing and delightful themes, and naturally lead the mind to dwell with reverence upon the Source whence the whole is derived.
When we bring to the discerning eye the variegated carpet of the terrestrial creation, and survey the pro- gress of the vegetative system, our admiration is justly excited. Every plant that grows, every flower that displays its beauties or breathes its sweets, affords in- struction and delight. When we extend our views to the animal creation, and contemplate the varied cloth- ing of each different species, we are equally struck with astonishment; and when we trace the lines of geometry, drawn by the Divine pencil, in the beautiful plumage of the feathered tribe, how exalted is our conception of the heavenly work ! The admirable structure of plants and animals, and the infinite num- ber of fibers and vessels which run through the whole, with the apt disposition of one part to another, is a perpetual subject of study to the true geometrician, who, while he adverts to the changes which all un- dergo in their progress to maturity, is lost in rapture and veneration of the Great Cause that produced the whole, and which continues to govern the system.
When he descends into the bowels of the earth, and explores the kingdom of ores, minerals, and fossils, he finds the same instances of Divine wisdom and good- ness displayed in their formation and structure ; every gem and every pebble proclaims the handiwork of an Almighty Creator.
When he surveys the watery element, and directs his attention to the wonders of the deep, with all the
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inhabitants of the mighty ocean, he perceives emblems of the Supreme Intelligence. The scales of the largest and the penciled shell of the most diminutive fish, equally yield a theme for his contemplation, on which he fondly dwells, while the symmetry of their forma- tion and the delicacy of their tints evince, to his ap- preciative eye, the wisdom of the Divine Artist.
When he exalts his view to the more noble and ele- vated parts of nature, and surveys the celestial orbs, how much greater is his astonishment! If, on the principles of geometry and true philosophy, he con- templates the sun, the moon, the stars, and the whole concave of heaven, his pride is humbled, and he is lost in awe and admiration.
The immense magnitude of those bodies, the regu- larity and rapidity of their motions, the vast extent of space through which they move, are equally incon- ceivable, and so far exceed all human comprehension as to baffle his most daring ambition, till, lost in the immensity of the theme, he sinks into his primitive insignificance.
By geometry, then, we may curiously trace nature through her various windings to her most concealed recesses. By it we discover the power, the wisdom, and goodness 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 seasons, and the variety of scenes which each sea- son displays to the discerning eye. Numberless
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worlds are around us, all framed by the same Divine Artist, which roll through the vast expanse, and are all conducted by the same unerring law of nature.
A survey of nature, and the observation of her beautiful proportions, first determined man to imitate the Divine plan, and study symmetry and order. This gave rise to societies, and birth to every 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 age.
The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance, and the devastations of war, have laid waste and de- stroyed many valuable monuments of antiquity, on which the utmost exertions of human genius have been employed. Even the Temple of Solomon, so spacious and magnificent, and constructed by so many celebrated artists, escaped not the ravages of barbarous force. Freemasonry, notwithstanding, has still survived. It has existed where all things else of human origin have perished — the tempest of persecution has not in- jured, the mutations of the world have not shaken it ; the wing of Time has flapped over it in vain ; through centuries of changes it has stood changeless and serene.
And to the true and loyal Brother, it is a source of exulting promise to know that it will continue to sur- vive so long as the attentive ear receives the sound from the instructive tongue, and the mysteries of Freemasonry are safely lodged in the repository of faithful breasts. Tools and implements of architecture are selected by the
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Fraternity to imprint on the memory wise and seri- ous truths ; and thus, through a succession of ages, are transmitted unimpaired the excellent tenets of our institution.
The lecture closes by paying profound homage to the sacred nnme of the Grand Geometrician of the universe, at the men- tion of whose name all Masons, from the youngest E. A., who stands in the * * , to the W. M , who * * * , together with all created intelligent beings, should, with reverence, most humbly bow.
% >l | ; ; •
Thus end the lectures of this degree, which, with the cere- monies used at opening and closing the Lodge, constitute the whole of the second degree.
The lectures of the Second Section contain a regular system of science, demonstrated on the clearest principles, and estab- lished upon the most stable foundation, and to which the mind is particularly directed.
CHARGE TO A FELLOWCRAFT.
Brother, — You are now advanced to the second degree of Masonry, and we congratulate you on your preferment. The ceremonies you have witnessed must convince you that it is a rational and progressive sci- ence, including within its circle almost every branch of polite learning.
Under the veil of its symbolic cabala is compre- hended a regular system of knowledge, and though to a contracted mind many of its illustrations may appear unimportant, yet upon investigation they will be found in the highest degree useful and interesting.
The accomplished scholar and ingenious artist may
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gather wisdom at its shrines of learning, while in the research of its latent principles, the philosopher and mathematician may experience equal delight and satis- faction. . ,
To exhaust the various topics of which it treats would transcend the powers of the brightest genius, and the narrow space allotted to human life would fall far short of the time requisite to master all its subjects of inquiry. Still, however, it is in the power, as it is the duty, of every Craftsman to make some advances in our necessary learning, and not to be discouraged and turned aside because the task he attempts may at first appear difficult — perhaps insurmountable. Every- thing under the sun has had a beginning — the infant crawls before it walks, and it lisps the accents of child- hood before it speaks in the language of man ; the Temple of Solomon was many years in its construction, and even our great Creator took six days to fashion and create the universe.
If you are desirous to fulfill the requirements of Masonry, we bid you to be encouraged by this unex- ceptionable example, and doubt not, with perseverance and application, you will conquer many difficulties.
At each step you advance in your journey of knowledge, new pleasures will expand before you, and instruction of the noblest kind will attend all your labors. The abstract doctrines of geometry will fa- miliarize your mind to frequent meditation and close reasoning, while an intimate acquaintance with the great book of Revelation will show, you the wisdom, power, and beneficence of the Creator ; it will teach
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you lessons of humility, fervency, faith, and charity, and fit you to play your part in the drama of human life, with honor to yourself and with credit to the Fraternity.
It is unnecessary here to recapitulate the indis- pensable duties which, as a Mason, you are bound to discharge, or to enlarge upon the necessity of a strict adherence to them, as by this time your own expe- rience must have fully established their value. Our laws and regulations you are strenuously to support, and be always ready to assist in seeing them duly executed. You are not to palliate or aggravate the offenses of your brethren, but in the decision of every trespass against our rules, you are to judge with candor, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with justice.
Such, Brother, is the nature of some of your en- gagements as a Fellowcraft ; such are the duties you are now called upon to perform, and ever bear in mind that you are bound to discharge them by ties the most serious, sacred, and indissoluble.
PRAYER AT CLOSING A FELLOWCRA.FT's LODGE.
Great Architect of worlds innumerable, whose works are founded in infinite wisdom and established upon immutable truths, may we ever seek thy guid- ance in the attainment of knowledge and truth, essen- tial to our usefulness.
As the ways of science are beautiful, and knowledge is attainable only by degrees, inspire us, therefore, we most humbly entreat thee, with a desire to attain wis-
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dom, contemplate her ways, promote every useful art, cultivate every moral virtue, and improve all that is good and amiable, and thereby erect a moral temple, endowed with excellence, conducive to our happiness, and dedicated to thy glory and honor. Amen. Response — So mote it be.
MASTER MASON'S DEGREE.
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