Dalcho's Exposition of the Implements.

As the various tools and instruments, which we use in the lodge, are all emblematical of the conduct which free-masons should pursue in their intercourse with society, I shall, therefore, endeavour to explain to you such of them as we most frequently use.

In a lodge of masonry, the first object which deserves attention, is the Mosaic floor upon which we tread. It is intended to convey to our minds, the vicissitudes of human affairs, checkered with a strange contrariety of events. Today, elevated with the smiles of prosperity, to-morrow depressed by the frowns of misfortune. The precariousness of our situation, in this world, should teach us humility, to walk uprightly and firmly upon the broad basis of virtue and religion, and to give assistance to our unfortunate fellow creatures who are in distress; lest on some capricious turn of fortune's wheel, we may become dependants on those who before, looked up to us as their benefactors.

The two emblematical pillars, erected in front of the porch of the temple, independant of the beauty which they added to the building, conveyed to the minds of those who entered, a knowledge of the attributes of that Being to whom it was dedicated. The literal translation of the name of the left pillar, is, "in thee is strength;" and that of the right, "it shall be established," which, as a learned author observes, may very naturally be transposed in this manner-“O Lord, thou art mighty, and thy power is established from everlasting to everlasting." The name of one of the pillars, as relating to a person, may give a different translation, which may be pointed out on some other occasion.

The next object which demands attention, is the holy bible, with the square and compasses thereon. As these instruments remind us to keep our actions within the bounds of propriety, and to square them with all mankind, the sacred volume on which they lie, contains the unerring guide for our conduct through life, as it relates to our worship of the Supreme Master of the world, and our conduct to each other. For these reasons, the book of the divine law is never closed in our lodges: it is is open to every eye, and comprehensible to every mind."

The letter G.* which ornaments the master's lodge, is not only expressive of the name of the Grand Architect of the

Robinson, in his proofs of a conspiracy, says "G. is grace; the flaming star is the torch of reason. Those who possess this knowledge are indeed

universe, but, also, denotes the science of geometry, so necessary to artists. But the adoption of it, by free-masons, implies no more than their respect for those inventions which demonstrate to the world, the power, the wisdom, and beneficence of the Almighty Builder in the works of the creation.

The blazing star is the emblem of prudence, which is one of the emanations of the Deity, agreeably to the system of Basilides. It points out to free-masons the path which leads to happiness, and is the sure source of self-approbation. It enlightens us through the dark and rugged paths of life, and enables us to shun the many obstacles which would impede our progress and imbitter our journey with pain.

The three great luminaries allude to the three masonic degrees, and at the same time are emblematical of that effulgence which should illuminate the mind of a free-mason, and which he can alone receive from a perfect understanding of the principles of the order. The white apron and gloves are also emblematical. They are not worn merely as insignia of the order, but as badges of that innate innocence, and purity of soul, which free-masons should always possess; and, in this point of view, they are more honorable distinctions than any order of knighthood which can be conferred. On being invested with these badges of innocence and humility, a free-mason should firmly resolve to support that purity and integrity of heart, of which he outwardly wears the emblems.

The rule, the plumbline, the square, and the compasses,† are emblematical of the conduct we should pursue in society. To observe punctuality in all our engagements, faithfully and religiously to discharge those important obligations, which we owe to God, and our neighbour; to be upright in all our dealings; to hold the scale of justice in equal poise; to square our actions by the unerring rule of God's sacred word; to keep within compass and bounds with all mankind, particularly with a brother;

illuminati." When prejudice warps the mind, and reason is sacrificed to establish a favorite theory, we need not be surprised to find truth prostrated to fiction, and the production offered to the world as the result of sound reflection, and the combination of just principles.

*This system he called Abrax, which is a mystical term given by him to the Supreme Being, from whom emanated 365 powers and intelligences; constituting virtue, prudence, temperance, fortitude, justice, truth, charity, honesty, meekness, &c. &c.

Agreeably to the mode practised in most lodges, what follows is more particularly adapted to the work of the second or fellow craft's degree.

to govern our expenses by our incomes; to curb our sensual appetites; to keep within bounds those unruly passions which oftentimes, interfere with the enjoyments of society, and degrade both the man and the free-mason; to recal to our minds, that in the great scale of existence, the whole family of mankind are upon a level with each other, and that the only question of preference among free-masons should be, who is most wise, who is most good? For the time will come, and none of us know how soon, when death, the great leveller of all human greatness, will rob us of our distinctions and bring us to a level with the dust.

The third Section.

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, free-masonry extends, and between the north and south, in every clime and nation, are masons to be found.

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.

A farther definition of the Emblems, and Working Tools.

The lamb-skin, or white leather apron, is an emblem of innocence, and the badge of a mason; more ancient than the

Masons, as one of their first principles, profess innocence-they put on white apparel, as an emblem of that character, which bespeaks purity of soul, guiltlessness, and being harmless.

We have the following passage in the Biographia Ecclesiastica-"The an

golden fleece, or Roman eagle, more honorable than the star and garter, or any other order that could be conferred upon the candidate at the time of initiation, or at any time thereafter, by king, prince, potentate, or any other person, except he be a mason; and which every one ought to wear with equal pleasure to himself, and honor to the fraternity.

The lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of iunocence; 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 the celestial lodge above, where the Supreme Grand Architect of the Universe presides.

The twenty-four inch gauge is an instrument made use of by operative masons, to measure and lay out their work; but we, as free and accepted masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time. It being divided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into three equal parts, whereby we find eight hours for the worship of God and a distressed worthy brother; eight hours for our usual avocations; and eight for refreshment and sleep.

cients were also wont to put a white garment on the person baptized, to denote his having put off the lusts of the flesh, and being cleansed from his for. mer sins, and that he had obliged himself to maintain a life of unspotted innocency. Accordingly the baptized are both by the apostle and the Greek fa. thers frequently stiled Owosso, the enlightened, because they professed to be children of light, and engaged themselves never to return again to the works of darkness.-This white garment used to be delivered to them with this solemn charge, Receive the white and undefiled garment, and produce it without spot, before the tribunal of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you may obtain eternal life. Amen.' They were wont to wear these white garments for the space of a week after they were baptized, and then put them off and laid them up in the church, that they might be kept as a witness against them, if they should violate the baptismal covenant."

Whilst the apron with which we are clothed, indicates a disposition of innocence, and belies not the wearer's heart, let the ignorant deride and scoff on; superior to the ridicule and malice of the wicked, we will enfold ourselves in the garb of our own virtue; and safe in self-approving conscience, stand unmoved amidst the persecutions of adversity.

The raiment, which truly implies the innocence of the heart, is a badge more honorable than ever was devised by kings: the Roman Eagle, with all the orders of knighthood, are inferior; they may be prostituted by the caprice of princes; but innocence is innate, and cannot be adopted.

To be a true mason, is to possess this principle; or the apparel which he wears is an infamy to the apostate, and only shews him forth to shame and contempt.

Isaiah ix 2. The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light; they that dwellin the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined."

The common gavel is an instrument made use of by operative masons, to break off the corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the builder's use; but we, as free and accepted masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our minds and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting our bodies, as living stones, for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Definition of Masonry.

Masonry passes under two denominations-operative and speculative. By the former we allude to a proper application of the useful rules of architecture, whence a structure derives figure, strength and beauty; and whence result a due proportion and a just correspondence in all its parts. By the latter, we learn to govern the passions, act upon the square, keep a tongue of good report, maintain secrecy, and practise charity.

Speculative masonry is so far interwoven with religion, as to lay us under the strongest 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 creation, and inspires them with the most exalted ideas of the perfections of the divine Creator-Operative masonry furnishes us with dwellings, and convenient shelters from the inclemencies of seasons; and while it displays the effects of human wisdom, as well in the choice as in the arrangement of the 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.

The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance, and the devastations of war, have laid waste and destroyed many valuable monuments of antiquity, on which the utmost exertions of human genius have been employed. Even the temple of Solomon, so spacious and magnificent, and constructed by so many celebrated artists, escaped not the unsparing ravages of barbarous force. Free-masonry, notwithstanding, has still survived. The attentive ear receives the sound from the instructive tongue, and the sacred mysteries are safely lodged in the repository of faithful breasts. Tools and implements of architecture, symbols the most expressive! are selected by the fraternity, to imprint on the mem