SECTION II.

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SECTION n.
DEGREE OF FELIOW-CKAFT.
If the object of the first degree be to symbolize the strag- gles of a candidate groping in darlsncss for intellectual liglit, that of the Becond degree represents the same candidate laboring amid all the difficulties that encumber the young beginner iu the attainment of learning and science. The Entered Apprentice is to emerge from darkness to light — the Fellow-Craft is to come ont of ignorance into knowledge. This degree, therefore, by fitting emblems, is intended to typify these struggles of the ardent mind for tlie attainment of truth — moral and intellectual truth — and, above all, that Divine truth, the comprehension of which surpasseth human nnderstanding, and to which, standing in the Jliddle Cham- ber, after his laborious ascent of the Winding Stairs, he can Duly approximate by the reception of an imperfect and yet glorious reward, in the revelation of tha*^ " hieroglyphic light which none but Craftsmea ever saw."
SECOND lECTURE.
Masonry is a progressive science, and is divided into dif ferent classes, or degrees, for the more regular advancement in the knowledge of its mysteries. According to the progress we make, we limit or extend our inquiries; and, in proponioD
116 GENERAL AHIMAN KEZON.
to our capacity, we attain to a less or greater degree of perfection.
Freemasonry includes within its circle almost every brancli of polite learning. Under tlie vail of its mysteries is com- preliended a regular system of science. Many of its illus- trations, to the confined genius, may appear unimportantj 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, Freemasonry is wisely planned ; and, in the investigation of its latent doc- trines, the philosopher and mathematician may experience equal delight and satisfaction.
To exhaust the varied subjects of which it treats, wouM 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 progress of his abilities, though the task he attempts may at first seem insurmountable. Per- severance and application remove each difficulty as it occurs, every step he advances, new pleasures open to his view, andl instruction of the noblest kind attends his researche.s. In thfc diligent pursuit of knowledge, the intellectual faculties ar«j employed in promoting the glory of God and the good of man
The first degree is well calculated to enforce the duties of morality, and imprint on the memory the noblest principles 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 advance- ment 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 Dfieful instruction, and is soon enabled to investigate truths af the ntmo3t concern in the general transactions of L'fe.
FEI-LOW-CRATT. lit
From tliis system proceeds a rational amusement; while the meTital puwers are fully employed, the judgment is prop- erly exercised; a spirit of emulation prevails; and all are hiduccd to contend who shall most excel in promoting the valuable rules of the institution.