A Lecture

was something expressive either in the number of them or in their shape , or in the order and figure in which they were placed . Of the first kind were the monuments erected by Moses at the foot of Mount Sinai ( Exod . xxiv ., v . 4 ) , and the altar of Gilgal , erected by Joshua , upon the banks of Jordan , the first being twelve illarsaccording to the number of the twelve tribes of

p , Israel ; and the other consisting of as many stones taken out of the river which had been miraculously divided for their passage into the promised land , in memory of which the same number of stones were likewise ordered by Joshua to be placed in the midst of the river on the spot where the feet of the priests who bore the ark had stood f Josh iv .. v . 9 V

And with respect to assemblies and establiehmenls amongst men , they even had signs and words , symbolical customs and ceremonies , different degrees of probation , & c . This manifestly appears from all histories , sacred and profane . When the Israelites marched through the Wilderness we find that the twelve tribes had between them four

principal banners or standards , every one of which had its peculiar motto , and each standard had a distinct siga described upon it . The ancient prophets , when they would describe tilings emphatically , did not only draw parables or allusions from things which had offered themselves , as from the rent of a garment ( 1 8 am . xv . ) , from the vessels of potter

( Jer . xvii . ) , & e ., but also when such fit objects were wanting they supplied them by tbeir own actions , as by rending a garment ( 1 Kings xi . ) , by imposing significant names on their sons ( Isaih viii ., Hos . i . ) , by dividing hair into three parts ( Ezek . v . ) , by making a chain ( Ezek viii . ) , & c . By such kind of types the prophets of old were accustomed to express themselves . A further illustration may not be improper . Thus , as as a society professing themselves servants of the Deity , the lodge in which they assemble presents a

representation of the world , where the Great Architect hath spread over the earth the illuminated canopy of heaven . Such was the veil wherewith Solomon covered the temple of Jerusalem , and such is the covering of the lodge , as an emblem of God ' s power , his goodness , his omnipotence , and eternity . The lodge is adorned with the image of the sun , which He ordained to arise from

the east , to call forth the people of the earth to their worship , and to exercise in the walks of virtue . They wear the figures of the sun and moon , thence implying that they claim the auspicious countenance of heaven on their virtuous deeds , and , as true Masons , stand redeemed from darkness and are become the sons of liht , acknowledging in their profession their reverence

g and adoration to Him who gave light into his works , and by their practice showing that they carry their emblems into real life by resisting the impulse of impurity , inebriation , hatred , and malice , preferring charity , benevolence , temperance , chastity , and brotherly love as that acceptable service on which the Great Master of All in his glory looks down with approbation .

The same divine hand , pouring forth gifts of benevolence , which hath blessed men with the sight of his glory in the heavens , hath also spread the earth with a beauteous carpet of mosaic work ; and that he might still add beauty to the earth he hath bordered it with the ocean . As man travels incessantly through the various incidents of life , and his days are chequered

with innumerable events , so is the lodge furnished with mosaic work to remind us of the precariousness of our state on earth . Whilst this emblem is before us we are instructed to boast of nothing , to have compassion upon and aid the distressed , and to walk uprightly and with humility . The emblem of prudence is the first and most exalted object , ever to be present to the eye , that the heart may he attentive to her dictates and sfcedfasfc to her laws ; for prudence is the rule of all virtuesprudence is the path which leads to every degree o £

A Lecture

prosperity—is the channel where self-approbotion flows for ever . Fortitude , temperance , and justice are her constant companions ; she leads forth to worthy actions , and , as a blazing star , shines through the doubtfulness and darkness of this world . By fortitude man is enabled in the midst of pressing evils to do that which is agreeable to the dictates of right reason . Temperance , as

being a moderation or restraining of the affections and passions , and considered under tne various definitions of moralists , constitutes honesty , decency , and bashfulness , and lays the foundation of meekness , clemency , and modesty . By justice we are taught to do right to all , and to yield to every man whatever belongeth to him .

inns Having in an ample manner set torcu une antiquity , meaning , and propriety ofthe use of hieroglyphics , symbols , and allegories from the earliest antiquity to the present time amongs the wisest and best of men , the next subject which comes under consideration is that of probationary degrees . The instances that mig ht be produced of the antiquity , necessity , and general use of them , would be numerous . Suffice it here to mention the

very following - . — If we examine the custom of the Jews we shall see that the Levites had the several degrees of Initiation , Consecration and Ministration , and in their Grand Councils they had also three chief officers , the Principal , Vice-Principal and Chacam , or AVise Man ; the last two were called Assistant Counsellors ; their pupils were

divided into three distinct classes , who according to their abilities were from time to time elected to fill up the vacant offices in their great assembly . ( To be Continued . )

Poetry.

Poetry .

MASONIC SONG . TUNE— " Scotland yet . " Sung hy Bro . G . MEIKLEJOUS , Jun . Lot's sing of Masonry , tho old , Tho universal art ,

And celebrate this festival AVith leal and merry heart—AVith fortitude and temperance , And unit 3 r , and love . Success to every Freemason , And wisdom from above . Prosperity has filled our sail

, And fann'd into a ( lamo Tho ashes of fraternal lovo . United wo remain . Tho gonial , moral atmosphere , Of this our mother lodge , Will propagate tho ancient art , And hanish evorv srrudcre .

Our comor-stono is charity , Cemented by true lovo ; Our lights—a ladder leading up To tho Grand Lodge above . Tho silent tongue , tho faithful breast , Ancl outstretched helping hand , Distinguish worthy sons of light ,

In this and ovory laud . Now , let us hope , tho triangle—Tho compasses and square , May guide and circumscribe tho Craft Honco-. i . h , and or orywhoro . To celebrate tho Mason ' s art , Tho worlds historic page ,

Its beauties , ayo , will mirror forth , And toll—from ago to ago . P . L .