Freemasonry, Considered In Its Relations To Moral Sciencl.

of moral philosophy , and afterwards consider Masonry in its moral , intellectual , and devotional aspects , and we shall not fail to observe its perfect agreement with scientific requirements according to one of tho latest treatises on moral science . 1 . Ethics , or moral philosophy , being the science of moral law , aud lav ,-, meaning a form of expression

denoting either a mode of existence or au order of sequence , moral law is a form of expression denoting an order of sequence established between the moral quality of actions and their results . Ethics is the science which classifies and illustrates moral law . 2 . A moral action is tho voluntary action of an intelligent agent , who is capable of distinguishing between

right and wrong . 8 . The moral quality of an action does not belong to the outward act , nor to the conception of this act , nor to the resolution to carry that conception into effect , but to the intention or design ivith which all this is done . 4 . We "derive our notion of tho moral qualities of actions in the following manner : —

I . We stand in such relations to the several beings with which ive are connected , that some of them , as soon as they are conceived , suggest to us tbe idea of moral obligation . II . Our relations to our fellowmen suggest this conviction , in a limited and restricted sense , corresponding to the idea of general or essential equality .

III . The relation in which wo stand to the Deity suggests the conviction of universal and unlimited love and obedience . This binds us to proper dispositions towards Him ; and , also , to such dispositions towards His creatures as Ha - fnall appoint . IV . Hence , our duties to men are enforced by a twofold obligation ; first , because of our relations to man as man ; and secondly , because of our relation to man as being , with ourselves , a creature of God . V . Ancl hence au act which is performed in obedience

to our obligations to man may be virtuous ; but it is not pious , unless it also be performed in obedience to our obligations to God . VI . And hence we see that two things are necessary in order to constitute any being a moral agent . They are , first , that ho possess an intellectual power , by which be can understand the relation in which he stands to the

beings by whom he is surrounded ; secondly , that he possess a moral power by which the feeling of obligation is suggested to him , as soon as the relation in which be stands is understood . This is sufficient to render him a moral agent . He is accountable , just in proportion to the opportunity which he has enjoyed for acquiring a knowledof tho relations in which he standsand of

ge , the manner in ivhich his obligations are to bo discharged . These preliminary observations on ethics , from " Wayland ' s Moral Science , " serve to introduce the subject of conscience , or the moral sense , the existence of which faculty is clearly acknoivledged in the Masonic system . His self-convincing conscience and God ' s Word must try

and approve his acts of piety and virtue , as an operative mason tries a perfect ashler or squared stone with square and compasses . How beautifully the conscience is here likened to a pair of compasses we shall perceive , on reading , in the work just quoted , a description of the office of the conscience . " In relation to passion or appetite , and interest or self-love , both impulsive faculties , the

office of conscience is to restrain our appetites within such limits that the gratification of them will injure neither ourselves nor others ; and so to govern our selflove tbat we shall act in obedience to that law which limits the pursuit of happiness so that the happiness of others shall not be interfered with . " Tbe Holy Scriptures , or volume of the Sacred Law , sometimes termed God's Word is highly venerated by all true Masons . This holy book " constitutes the furniture of the pedestal . " Tbe study of its pages is

recommended as being " the unerring standard of truth and justice" by which to try all their actions and regulate their conduct . So far we have treated of theoretical ethics only . Let us now pass to practical ethics , ivhich we may comprehend under two heads—reciprocity and benevolence . Reciprocity includes justice , voracity , filial piety ,

temperance , and civil duties—as allegiance , patriotism , & c . Justice may bo further divided into four " subjects , as it relates to the property , reputation , character , or liberty of our neighbour . Benevolence includes brotherly love and relief . Every one of these duties is inculcated in a clear aud pleasing style , and in such a manner as to create a

lasting impression on the mind . The cardinal virtuestemperance , prudence , fortitude , and justice—are particularly expatiated on . Patriotism is enjoined , and the preservation of health recommended to be studied . It will thus be seen that every relative duty has its place . Natural ' equality , mutual dependence , subordination of rank and fortune to honour and virtue , the duo appointment of time , labour , perseverance , innocence ,

friendship , charity , and her sister mercy , secresy , fidelity , and obedience to authority , are all in turn assisted on as being necessary to complete the character of an upright man and a genuine good Mason . Intellectual power , it may be remembered , is necessary to moral agency , and we will now proceed to the cultivation of the intellect , and enumerate those studies

specially recommended to Freemasons . Generally speaking , the highest education is to be sought , aud every study attainable , without neglect of ordinary social duties . Nature and science—the works of the Great Architectand the laws He has imposed on them ; the seven liberal arts and sciences— -gramma ? -, rhetoric , logic , arithmetic , geometry with architecture , music , and astronomy

•—of all these , Masons believe geometry to be the first and noblest of the sciences . " By geometry , we may curiously trace nature through her various windings to her most ; concealed recesses . By it we may discover the power , the wisdom , and the goodness of the Grand Artificer of the Universe , and view with amazing delight the beautiful proportions which connect and grace this vast machine . "

Tbe ancient Masonic literature , illustrating the lecture , traditions , and usages of Freemasons , is chiefly composed of the Bible , Jdsephus , Plato , Jamblichus' Life of Phythagoras , ancl the history of the ancient Egyptians . All these are to receive a due share of attention from him

who is anxious to perfect himself iu the knowledge of the mystic art . Besides moral and intellectual cultivation , the devotional spirit is also to be fostered . The omniscience , justice , and other attributes of the Deity are , in various modes , brought before the notice of Masons ; also , trust in God , and submission to His decrees , humility ,

selfknowledge , daily prayer , godliness , faith , hope , and charity . Death is kept in view , and the doctrines of a resurrection to a future life—where rewards or punishments await us as we bave obeyed or disregarded the Divine commands—are taught in the clearest manner , so as to make an indelible impression on the mind .

Masonry thus constitutes a complete system of moral and social science , by which , after the heart and intellect have been trained and duly exercised in useful labour , her disciple is instructed to contemplate aud prepare for tbat solemn hour , when "Death will have his prey , " and consoles him then with tbe prospect of immortality . In conclusionI would ask tbe detractors of our

vene-, rable order , in the eloquent language of Bro . Moore , of Exeter , " If Freemasonry instils into the mind the sacred precepts of justice , honour , and mercy , as found in that sacred volume , which , in her lodges is never closed ; if she continually appeals to that book , not for the purposes of polemical controversy , or the discussion