Masonic Symbolism*

morally , and intellectually , and of his final spiritual and eternal existence beyond the grave . By the symbolism of the First degree we are instructed how best to divide onr time so that a portion of each day of our active life may be devoted to religion and charity , a portion to onr worldly cares and interest , and the remainder to refreshment and rest ; in the Second degree we are admonished to

act honestly , live virtuously , and to be not forgetful of the future life towards wliich we are fast journeying ; and in the Third degree there are vividly exemplified to us the certainty of death , the dissolution of our bodies , and the immortality of our souls . In the First degree we are taught the importance of prayer , the necessity of a belief in Deity , and the virtue of charity ; in the Second the value of

learning , the dignity of true character , and the wisdom of God , the Creator of the boundless Universe ; and in the Third that fidelity and zeal are essential elements of true manhood , and that cowardly and brutal assaults upon them will inevitably result in defeat , disgrace , and punishment . Faith in God , the hope of a future life , and the duty of human charity , are symbolized bthree rounds of a ladder—the one of which Jacob dreamed .

y Morality is symbolized by the square , equality by the level , and i ^ irightnessand integrity of character by the plumb . Brotherl y . love is exemplified by the cordial grasping of hands , relief by the pictured story of the Good Samaritan , and truth by the Word of God , wdiich is never closed in open lodge . The beehive is an emblem of industry , frugality , and thrift , is a symbol which would be understood as such in or out of the lodge . So with the

hourglass as a reminder how rapidly our sands of life are running out . The scythe as an emblem of death , the coffin as a reminder that our bodies are born to decay , and the acacia as the symbol of eternal spiritual life , are , at sight , so many legible volumes of the truths they speak . Their language is , indeed , a universal one—as plain , almost , to the unmasonic as to the Masonic reader .

Every man ' s temporal career is apt to be as chequered as the Mosaic pavement p ictured on our Masonic charts , but when he shall have passed through the mysterious borderland indicated by the indented tessel , the blazing star , symbolizing eternal glory , leads him to hope for an immortality wholly beyond the power of mortal language to describe . Thus , from the very furniture and ornaments of his lodge , the reflective Mason learns , and may philosophize upon

the whole story of his existence , present and future . From them he may learn patience , fortitude , and hope—patience to bear the ills of life , fortitude to endure the pangs of death , and hope—nay certainty—of a glorious immortality . ( To be continued . )