The Mystic Beauties Of Freemasonry.

enable those under his direction to carry on the intended structure with symmetry and order , so may the Bible be justly deemed the tracing-board of the Great Architect of the Universe , wherein are laid down the most divine laws and moral

plans for the regulation of our lives and conduct ; in it we trace all truths necessary to be believed , and plain and easy directions for the practice of every duty . Therefore , we should make thafc blessed volume of instructive wisdom and

nevererring square to regulate our conduct ; the compass within whose circle we may watch with safety and peace—the infallible plumb-line and criterion of rectitude and truth . The rough ashlar , as taken from the quarry , is an emblem of infancy ;

for as that stone is wrought into due form by the hands of the skillful artist , so , by a liberal education , the faculties of youth are nurtured and cultivated , their judgments enlarged , and their genius , conducted by the rudiments of science , is

led to the knowledge of the polite arts ; by which they are taught that the will and understanding are the two ennobling faculties of the soul , and , therefore , they never consider themselves educated until their minds are beautified with the invaluable

furniture of true knowledge , and enveiled with every enduring virtue , which cannot fail to render them worthy members of society . The perfect ashlar is formed , by the rules of geometry , into a true die or cube ; and as it is wrought , so only

can it be tried by the square and compass . This represents , or is emblematic of adults who , having regulated their lives by the square of rectitude , and circumscribed their actions within the compass of morality and justice , are to be tried only by

the square of God's holy word and the compass of their own approving conscience . On the tracingboard is delineated , among other matter , the 47 th proposition of the first book of Euclid , proving that the square subtending a right angle is equal

to the squares on the sides that form the ri ght angle . From the construction of the figure it is evident that the triangles within the square are reciprocally equal , and also , that the squares on the sides

forming the right angle are equal to the square subtending the right angle . Pythagoras , generally believed to be the inventor of this proposition , which is the formation of geometry , in graceful testimony for the happy discovery , sacrificed a hecatomb to the Muses .

But Freemasons consider geometry as a natural logic ; for as truth is ever consistent , invariable , and uniform , all truths may and ought to be investigated in the same manner . Moral and religious definitions , axioms , and proportions have

as regular and certain dependence upon each other as any in physics or the mathematics . As the figure thus delineated depends upon the connection of the several lines , angles , and triangles which form the whole , so Freemasonry depends

upon the unanimity and integrity of its members ,, the inflexibility of their charitable pursuits , and the immutability of the principles upon which the society is established . The position is clear , and therefore , in a synthetical sense , we

demonstratethat some of our Fraternity , from their exalted situation in life , rolling in their chariots at ease ^ . and enjoying every luxury , pleasure , and comfort , may , with strict propriety , be considered as standing on the basis of earthly bliss—emblematic of the greater square which subtends the right angle . Others , whom Providence has blessed with means

to tread on the flowery meads of affluence , aredescriptive of the squares which stand on the sides which form the right angle . The several triangles inscribed within the square are applicable to those happy beings who enjoy every social

comfort , and never exceed the bounds of mediocrity . Those who , by application to peculiar arts , manufactures , and commerce , from their several productions , not only add to the wealth of their country , and to the happiness of the exalted ,

but have the heartfelt satisfaction of administering : to the wants of the indigent and industrious , may with strict justice be compared to the angles which surround and support the figure ; while the lines which form ifc remind us of those unfortunate

brethren who , by a series of inevitable events , are incapable of providing the common necessaries of life , until aided by our cheerful and ever-ready assistance . Hence , from the corollary we draw an axiom in

Masonry ; for by connecting the several linestogether , and bringing the unfortunate and industrious into contact with the affluent and

exalted , we form a figure descriptive of the true basis on which our ancient brethren raised th © superstructure of Freemasonry ¦ a basis which no mortal power can shake— " The bosom of all gentle charity ; " that heaven-born virtue is the attribute divine of God , omnipotent ; a sublime