The Square And Compasses.

heaven , ascertains Avith accuracy and precision the limits and proportions of his building material , and by comparing the same with those divine laws and moral plans laid down for his guidance in the sacred volume , that spiritual Tracing Board of the

G . A . O . T . U . he will readily be enabled to judge whether that material is in accordance Avith the divine standard , or whether ifc must be rejected . By taking a very accurate pair of compasses set to a certain radius , describe a circle , then without

altering : the radius , we divide the circumference CD * into six equal parts , the six points together with tbe point in the centre , give the number of perfection , these seven points connected by straight lines , viz : from point to point on fche

circumference , from the centre to the lower point and from the centre to each of the points next to the upper point to the third , the second to the fourth , and so -on alternately until we have six lines , will give us the double equilateral triangle , which is the

emblem of Christ , the perfect God and perfect man , the apex pointing upwards , alluding to his divinity , that pointing downwards to his humanity .

As the Compasses therefore is the instrument by Avhich the most perfect figure is formed , and the most minute limits are ascertained , it teaches as as a symbol in every station , in life , so to limit our desires , curb our ambition and keep our

passions and prejudices within due bounds , that while rising to eminence by merit and by it alone , Ave may live respected and die regretted . The Square and Compass collectively teach us all our duties and obligations knvards God our

neighbour , and ourselves , and point out the exact limit of good and evil , remind us of God's unerring and impartial justice , who will reward and punish as we have obeyed or disregarded his Divine command . The cube described Avithin the circle remind us of the altar on which we were

obligated , the double equilateral triangle within the circle reminds us of Him who died for us afc Golgabha ; the seven points represent the seven stars , the uumber of perfection , and are emblematical of that ethereal mansion , veiled from the

mortal eye , Avhich every Mason considers as the summit of perfection , and which he hopes to attain by the assistance of the spiritual ladder of which the principal rounds are Eaifch , Hope and Charity . The point reminds of the " Chief points " in Masonry , which teaches us to be happy and com-

The Square And Compasses.

municate happiness , of fche " Principal point" in . Masonry , which teaches us the grand principles upon which Freemasonry is founded namely : Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth ; and of the " Point within the circle " which teaches us to

circumscribe our actions within the limits of Scriptural command . Freemasonry , like Geometry , is a science ; a thorough knowledge of either can only be obtained by a regular course of studies , ifc can neither be

purchased nor purloined , there is no royal road to Geometry , neither to Ereemasonry . The end or the chief aim of Ereemasonry being to establish peace , intelligence , and happiness among mankind on earth , and thereby attain access

to the Great Lodge above where the world ' s Great Architect lives and reigns for ever and ever . The means applied to attain thafc aim being fche components parts of our spiritual edifice , which has for its foundation Brotherly Love , Relief , and

Truth , supported by Wisdom , Strength , and Beauty ; raised by Temperance , Fortitude , Prudence and Justice ,, combined with Faith , Hope and Charity ; ornamented by Virtue , Honour , and

and Mercy , by Music , Poetry , and Eloquence ; and united by Fraternity , Liberty , and Equality ; and which edifice is raised and completed according to the Divine laws and plans laid down for our guidance by the G . A . O . T . U . in his holy book .

Having thus briefly shown that the Square and Compasses teach us the aim of every true Freemason , and point out the means by which alone that aim is attainable Ave are justified in saying that , as Charity is the greatest of the theological

virtues ; so are the Square and Compasses the most important of the many and various Masonic symbols since they , the Square and Compasses , in their symbolic meaning comprehends that of all others ; and it may therefore most properly be

said thafc : " The Square and Compasses , are well known , symbols of Masonry which convey the abstract means and end of the science in the most clear and comprehensive manner . "

A Plea For Freemasonry.

A PLEA FOR FREEMASONRY .

BY ALBERT G . MACKEY . There is in the moral as in the physical atmosphere , an alternation of calms and storms . There are long periods of quiet , Avhen science and philosophy are uninterrupted in their search for truth ;