The Second Section rationally accounts for the origin of our hieroglyphi cal instruction, and convinces us of the advantages which will ever accompaný a faithful observance of our duty--it maintains, beyond the power of contradiction, the propriety of our rites, while it demonstrates to the most sceptical and hesitating mind, their excellency and utility-it illustrates, at the same time, certain particulars, of which, as Masons, we are indispensably bound to know.

To make a daily progress in the art, is our constant duty, and expressly required by our general laws. What end can be more noble, than the pursuit of virtue? What motive more alluring, than the practice of justice? or what instruction more beneficial, than an accurate elucidation of symbolical mysteries which tend to embellish and adorn the mind? Every thing that strikes the eye, more immediately engages the attention, and imprints on the memory serious and solemn truths -hence Masons, universally adopting this method of inculcating the tenets of

their order by typical figures and alle. gorical emblems, prevent their mysteries from descending into the familiar reach of inattentive and unprepared novices, from whom they might not receive due veneration.

Our records inform us, that the way's and customs of Masons have ever corresponded with those of the Egyptian philosophers, to which they bear a near affinity. Unwilling to expose their mysteries to the vulgar eyes, they concealed their particular tenets, and principles of polity, under hieroglyphical figures-and expressed their notions of government by signs and symbols, which they communicated to their Magi alone, who were bound by oath not to reveal them. The Pythegorean system seems to have been established on a similar plan, and many orders of a more recent date. Masonry, however, is not only the most ancient, but the most moral institution ever invented by man-every character, figure, and emblem, depicted in a lodge, has a moral tendency, and inculcates the practice of virtue. Every candidate,

at his initiation, is presented with a lamb skin, or white leather apron.

The lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of innocence-he, therefore, who wears the lamb skin as a badge of Masonry, is thereby continually reminded of that purity of life and conduct, which is essentially necessary to his gaining admission into that Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the universe presides.

The Third Section explains the nature and principles of our constitution, and teaches us to discharge with propriety, the duties of our respective stations. Here, too, we receive instruction relative to the form, supports, covering, furniture, ornaments, lights, and jewels of a lodge, how it should be situated, and to whom dedicated. A proper attention is also paid to our ancient, and venerable Patrons.

From East to West, Freemasonry extends, and between the North and South, in every clime and nation are Masons to be found.

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Our institution is said to be supported' by wisdom,strength,and beauty; because it is necessary that there should be wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to adorn, all great and important undertakings. Its dimensions are unlimited, and its covering no less than the canopy of heaven. To this object the Mason's mind is continually directed, and thither he hopes at last to arrive, by the aid of the theological ladder, which Jacob in his vision saw ascending from earth to heaven; the three principal rounds of which are denominated faith, hope, and charity; and which admonish us to have faith in God, hope in immortality, and charity to all mankind.

Every well grounded lodge is furnished with the Holy Bible, the Square, and the Compass; the Bible points out the path that leads to happiness, and is dedicated to God; the Square teaches us to regulate our conduct by the principles of morality and virtue, and is dedicated to the Master; the Compass teaches us to limit our desires in every station, and is dedicated to the Craft.

The Bible is dedicated to the service of God, because it is the inestimable gift of God to man; the Square to the Master, because, being the proper Masonick emblem of his office, it is constantly to remind him of the duty he owes to the lodge over which he is appointed to preside; and the Compass to the Craft, because by a due attention to its use, they are taught to regulate their desires, and keep their passions within due bounds.

(The ornamental parts of a lodge, displayed in this section, are, the Mosaick pavement, the indented tessel, and the bazing star. The Mosaick pave• ment is a representation of the ground floor of king Solomon's Temple; the indented tessel, that beautiful tesselated border, or skirting, which surrounded it; and the blazing star, in the centre, is commemorative of the star which appeared, to guide the wise men of the East to the place of our Saviour's nativity. The Mosaick pavement is emblematical of human life, chequered with good and evil: the beautiful border, which surrounds it, those bles