sings and comforts which surround us, and which we hope to obtain by a faithful reliance on Divine Providence, which is hieroglyphically represented by the blazing star in the centre.

The moveable and immoveable jewels also claim our attention in this section.

The Rough Ashler is a stone as taken from the quarry in its rude and natural state.

The Perfect Ashler is a stone made ready by the hands of the workman, to be adjusted by the tools of the Fellow Craft.

The Trestle Board is for the master workman to draw his designs upon.

By the Rough Ashler, we are reminded of our rude and imperfect state by nature; by the Perfect Ashler, that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive, by a virtuous education, our own endeavours, and the blessing of God; and by the Trestle Board, we

are reminded, that as the operative workman erects his temple building agreeably to the rules and designs laid down by the master, on his trestle board, so should we, both operative and speculative, endeavour to erect our spiritual building agreeably to the rules and designs laid down by the Supreme Architect of the universe, in the book of Life, which is our spiritual trestle board.

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Our ancient brethrened their lodges to king Solomon, yet Masons, professing christianity, dedicate theirs to St. John the Baptist, and St. John the Evangelist, who were eminent trons of Masonry; and since their time there is represented in every regular and well governed lodge, a certain point within a circle; the point representing an individual brother; the circle representing the boundary line of his duty to God and man, beyond which he is never to suffer his passions, prejudices, or interests to betray him, on any occasion. This circle is cmbordered by two perpendicular parallel lines, representing St. John the

Baptist and St. John the Evangelist; who were perfect parallels in christianity as well as Masonry; and upon the vertex rests the book of Holy Scriptures, which point out the whole duty of man. In going round this circle, we necessarily touch upon these two lines, as well as upon the Holy Scriptures; and while a Mason keeps himself thus circumscribed, it is impossible that he should materially err.

This section, though the last in rank, is not the least considerable in importance. It strengthens those which precede, and enforces, in the most engaging manner, a due regard to character and behaviour, as well in publick as in private life; in the lodge, as well as in the general commerce of society.

It forcibly inculcates the most instructive lessons. Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, are themes on which we here expatiate.

Brotherly love. By the exercise of this, we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family, the high

and low, the rich and poor-who, as created by one Almighty Parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support, and protect each other. On this principle, Masonry unites men of every country, sect,and opinion, and conciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.

Relief. To relieve the distressed, is a duty incumbent on all men-but particularly on Masons, who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To sooth the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries, and to restore peace to their troubled minds, is the grand aim we have in view. On this basis, we form our friendships, and establish our connec

tions.

Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of every virtue. To be good and true is the first lessons we are taught in Masonry. On this theme we contemplate, and by its dictates en

deavour to regulate our conduct: hence, whilst influenced by this principle, hypocrisy and deceit are unknown among us, sincerity and plain dealing distinguish us, and the heart and tongue join in promoting each other's welfare, and rejoicing in each others's prosperity.

To this illustration succeeds an explanation of the four cardinal virtuesTemperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice,

Temperance is that due restraint upon our affections and passions, which renders the body tame and governable, and frees the mind from the allurements of vice. This virtue should be the constant practice of every Mason, as he is thereby taught to avoid excess, or contracting any licentious or vicious habit, the indulgence of which might lead him to disclose some of those valuable secrets, which he has promised to conceal, and never reveal, and which would consequently subject him to the contempt and detestation of all, good Masons.