Amos 7th chapter. "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."

The Second Section of this degree has recourse to the origin of the institution, and views Masonry under two denominations, operative and speculative. These are separately considered, and the principles on which both are founded, particularly explained. Their affinity is pointed out, by allegorical figures, and typical representations. The period stipulated for rewarding merit is fixed, and the inimitable moral to which that circumstance alludes is explained-the creation of the world is described, and many particulars recited, all of which have been carefully preserved among Masons, and transmitted from one age to another, by oral tradition.

Circumstances of great importance to the fraternity are here particularized, and many traditional tenets and cus toms confirmed by sacred and profane record. The celestial and terrestrial globes are considered-and here the accomplished gentleman may display his talents to advantage, in the elucidation of the Orders of Architecture, the Senses of human nature, and the Liberal Arts and Sciences, which are severally classed in a regular arrangement. In short, this section contains a store of valuable knowledge, founded on reason and sacred record, both entertaining and instructive.

Masonry is considered under two denominations---Operative and Specu

lative.

By Operative Masonry, we allude to a proper application 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 vi

cissitudes and inclemencies of seasons; and while it displays the effects of human wisdom, as well in the choice as in the arrangement of the sundry materials of which an edifice is composed, it demonstrates that a fund of science and industry is implanted 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 rẹport, maintain secresy, and practice charity. It is so far interwoven with religion, as to lay us under obligations to pay that rational homage to the Deity, which at once constitutes our duty and our happiness. It leads the contemplative to view with reverence and admiration the glorious works of the creation, and inspires him with the most exalted ideas of the perfections of his Divine Creator.

"In six days the Lord made heaven. and earth, and rested on the seventh day" the seventh, therefore, our ancient

brethren consecrated as a day of rest from their labours, thereby enjoying frequent opportunities to contemplate the glorious works of creation, and to adore their great Creator.

The doctrine of the spheres is included in the science of astronomy, and particularly considered in this section.

Globes. These are two artificial 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.

The Use of the Globes. Their principal use, beside 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 rotation of the earth round its own axis. They are the noblest instruments for improving 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 his works; and are induced to encourage the studies of astronomy, geography, navigation, and the arts dependent on them, by which society has been so much benefited.

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 a regular arrangement of the projecting parts of a building, which, united with those of a column, form a beautiful, perfect, and complete whole: