SECTION III.

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, Sup- port, Covering, FuRNrruRE, Ornaments, Lights, and Jewels; how situated, and to whom dedicated, as well in former timea as at present.
A Lodge is an assemblage of Masons, duly congregated, having the Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses, and a Charter or Warrant, au' thoriziiig them to work.
ENTEEED APPRENTICE. 75
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 build- ing 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 tem- ples, the celestial bodies were worshiped on hills, and the terrestrial ones in VALLEys.f At a later period, the Christians, wherever it was practica- ble, erected their churches on eminences.
Hills or mountains were al\rays considered the peculiar abode of the Deity; and hence the Mnsonio tradition, that our ancient bretliren held their Lodges most frequently on the highest of hills. The veneration for hills or secret caverns induced the construction of temples for divine worship in such situations. The custom yraa
* The NoachldtB met on the summit of high hilla, to practice their eimpla devotions, which were commemorative ot their preservation amidst the de- Btniction of mankiad by the Universal Deluge, and of the promise that th€ world should never again be subjected to a similar judgment.
t In Imitation of the primitive practice, but with a much more Innocent purpose than the worship of idol j, before Freemasons possessed the convf». nlonce of well-formed Lodges, our ancient brethren used to assemble oi» thi bighest of hills or in the lowest of valleys, because Buch situationB afforded tii« meano of securil^ from unla-wful intrusion.
76 GENERAL AHIMAN BEZON.
Initiated in the early ages of Cliristianity; for our ancient charchoi are usually erected on hills, and, beneath the foundations of those which are cathedral or collegiate, crypts were commonly construct* ed for private deyotion and other secret purposes.
Its form is * * * *. Its dimensions, from east to west, embracing every clime between north and south. In fact, its universal chain of friendship encircles every portion of the human family, and beams wherever civilization extends.
The form of a Lodge should always be an oblong square, in length, between the east and the west; in breadth, between the north and the south; in height, from earth to heaven; and in depth, from the surface to the center. This disposition serves to indicate the prevalence of Freemasonry over the whole face of the globe, guarded by its laws, and ornamented by its beautiful tenets. Every civilized region is illuminated by its presence. Its charity relieves the wretched; its brotherly love unites the Fraternity in a chain of indissoluble affection, and extends its example beyond the limits of the lodge-room, to embrace, in its ample scope, the whole human race, infolding them in its arms of universal love. The square form was esteemed by our ancient operative brethren as one of the Greater Lights, and a component part of the furuitnT6 of the Lodge. The double cube is an expressive emblem of the anited powers of darkness and Ught in the creation.
SChe 'gonxn&KVitfi at tint 'gia&^t. The Masonic Lodge, bounded only by the ex- treme points of the compass, the highest heavens, and the lowest depth of the central abyss, ia metaphoiically supported by three large pillars
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 77
which are denominated Wisdom,* Strength,-} aild Beauty :{ because there should be wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to adorn all great and important undertakings. The universe is the temple of the Deity whom we serve : Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty are al)out His throne as pillars of His work; for His wisdom is infinite. His strength is omnipotent, and His beauty shines forth through all His cre- ation in symmetry and order.
As the work of building the temple at Jerusalem wae conducted by the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hiram, king of Tyre, and the beauty, or cunning workmanship of Hiram Abiff, so the labors of the Lodge are supported by the wisdom, strength, and beauty of the three presiding- officers, who occupy the prominent stations in the East, West, and South; thus locally forming a tri-
* Wisdom Is represented by the lonlo colamn and the W. M. ; becanse the lonlo column wisely combines the strength without the massiveness of the Doric; with the gi-ace, without the exuberance of ornament, of the CorinthinD; and because it is the duty of the W. M. to superintend, instruct, and enlighten the Graft by his superior wisdom. Solomom, king of Israel, is also considered as the column of wisdom that supported the temple.
t Sthength is represented by the Doric column and the S. W.; because the Doric Is the strongest and most massive of the Orders, and becanse it is the duty of YhQ S. W., by an attentive superintendence of the Craft, to aid the W.