harmonize our conduct by the principles of morality and virtue.

The Compass teaches to limit our desires in every station, that, rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected, and die regretted.

The Rule directs, that we should punctually observe our duty; press forward in the path of virtue, and neither inclining to the right nor left, in all our actions have eternity in view.

The Line teaches the criterion of moral rectitude, ro avoid dissimulation in conversation and action, and to direct our steps to the path which leads to immortality.

The Book of Constitutions you are to search at all times. Cause it to be read in your lodge, that none may pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts it enjoins.

Lastly, you receive in charge the Bye Laws of your lodge which you are to see carefully and punctually executed.

CHAPTER VIII.

REMARKS ON THE SIXTH OR MOST EXCELLENT MASTER'S DEGREE.

None but the meritorious and praiseworthy; none but those who through diligence and industry have progressed far towards perfection; none but those who have been seated in the Oriental Chair, by the unanimous suffrages of their brethren, can be admitted to this degree of Masonry.

In its original establishment, when the Temple of Jerusalem was finished, and the fraternity celebrated the capestone with great joy, it is demonstrable that none but those who had proved themselves to be complete Masters of their profession were admitted to this honour; and indeed the duties incumbent on every Mason, who is accepted and acknowledged as a Most Excellent Master, are such as render it indispensable that he should have a perfect knowledge of all the preceding degrees:

One of the following passages of Scripture is rehearsed at opening, accompanied by solemn ceremonies:

Psalm 24. "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who

shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? and who shall stand in his holy place?. he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up ve everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, even lift them up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. Whe

is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah."

Psalm 122. "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact to gether: whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house. of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek thy good."

The following passages of Scripture are also introduced, accompanied with solemn ceremonies.

"Then said

ii. Chron. chap. 6. Solomon, The Lord hath said, that he