The Sixth Section.

The Sixth 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, in public as well as in private life; in the lodge, as well as in the general commerce of society.

This Section forcibly inculcates the most instructive lessons. Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, are themes on which we here expatiate.By the exercise of Brotherly Love, we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family, the high and low, the rich and poor; who, as children of the same 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 is the next tenet of the profession; and though to relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men, it is more particularly so on Masons, who-are linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To soothe calamity, alleviate misfortune, compassionate misery, and restore peace to the troubled mind, is the grand aim of the true Mason.

I cite a single instance of this fact from Lawrie. "A Scottish gentleman in the Prussian service, was taken prisoner at the battle of Lutzen, and was conveyed to Prague along with four hundred of his companions in arms. As soon as it was known that he was a Mason, he was released from confinement; he was invited to the tables of the most distinguished citizens, and requested to consider himself as a Freemason and not as a prisoner of war. About three months

after the engagement, an exchange of prisoners took place, and the Scottish officer was presented by the fraternity with a purse of sixty ducats to defray the expenses of his journey."

EDITOR.

On this basis he establishes his friendships, and forms his connections.-Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of every virtue. To be good and true, is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry. On this theme we contemplate, and by its dictates endeavour to regulate our conduct: influenced by this principle, hypocrisy and deceit are unknown in the lodge, sincerity and plain-dealing distinguish us; while the heart and tongue join in promoting the general welfare, and rejoicing in each other's prosperity.

To this illustration succeeds an explanation of the four cardinal virtues, Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice.-By Temperance, we are instructed to govern the passions, and check unruly desires. The health of the body, and the dignity of the species, are equally concerned in a faithful observance of it.-By Fortitude, we are taught to resist temptation, and encounter danger with spirit and resolution. This virtue is equally distant from rashness and cowardice; and he who possesses it, is seldom shaken, and never overthrown, by the storms that surround him.-By Prudence, we are instructed to regulate our conduct by the dictates of reason, and to judge and determine with propriety in the execution of every thing that tends to promote either our present or future well-being. On this virtue, all others depend; it is, therefore, the chief jewel that can adorn the human frame. Justice, the boundary of right, constitutes the cement of civil society. This virtue, in a great measure, constitutes real goodness, and is therefore represented as the perpetual study of the accomplished Mason. Without the exercise of justice, universal confusion would ensue; lawless force might overcome the principles of equity, and social intercourse no longer exist.

The explanation of these virtues is accompanied

with some general observations on the equality observed among Masons. In the Lodge, no estrangement of behaviour is discovered; influenced by the same principle, an uniformity of opinion, which is useful in exigencies, and pleasing in familiar life, universally prevails, strengthens the ties of friendship, and promotes love and esteem. Masons are brethren by a double tie; and among them, as brothers, no invidious distinctions exist; merit being always respected, and honour rendered to whom honour is due. A king, in the Lodge, is reminded, that although a crown may adorn the head, or a sceptre the hand, the blood in the veins is derived from the common parent of mankind, and is no better than that of the meanest subject.-The statesman, the senator, and the artist, are there taught that, equally with others, they are, by nature, exposed to infirmity and disease; and that an unforeseen misfortune, or a disordered frame, may impair their faculties, and level them with the most ignorant of their species. This checks pride, and incites courtesy of behaviour.-Men of inferior talents, or who are not placed by fortune in such exalted stations, are instructed to regard their superiors with peculiar esteem; when they discover them voluntarily divested of the trappings of external grandeur, and condescending, in the badge of innocence and bond of friendship, to trace wisdom, and follow virtue, assisted by those who are of a rank beneath them. Virtue is true nobility, and Wisdom is the channel by which Virtue is directed and conveyed; Wisdom and Virtue, only, mark distinction among Masons.

Such is the arrangement of the Sections in the First Lecture; which, including the forms adopted at opening and closing the lodge, comprehends the whole of the First Degree. This plan has not only the advantage of regularity to recommend it,

but the support of precedent and authority, and the sanction and respect which flow from antiquity. The whole is a regular system of morality, conceived in a strain of interesting allegory, which readily unfolds its beauties to the candid and industrious inquirer.

SECT. IV

REMARKS on the SECOND LECTURE.

MASONRY is a progressive science, and is divided into different classes, or Degrees, for the more regular advancement in the knowledge of its mysteries. According to the progress we make, we limit or extend our inquiries; and, in proportion to our talents, we attain to a lesser or greater degree of perfection.

Masonry includes almost every branch of polite learning under the veil of its mysteries, which comprehend a regular system of virtue and science. Many of its illustrations may appear unimportant to the confined genius; but the man of more enlarged faculties will consider them in the highest degree useful and interesting. To please the accomplished scholar and ingenious artist, the institution is well suited; and in the investigation of its latent doctrines, the philosopher and mathematician may experience equal satisfaction and delight.

To exhaust the various subjects of which Masonry treats, would transcend the powers of the brighest genius: still, however, nearer approaches to perfection may be made; and the man of wisdom will not check the progress of his abilities, though the task he attempts may at first seem insurmountable. Perseverance and application will

remove each difficulty as it occurs; every step he advances, new pleasures will open to his view, and instruction of the noblest kind attend his researches. In the diligent pursuit of knowledge, great discoveries are made; and the intellectual faculties are wisely employed in promoting the glory of God, and the good of mankind.

SUCH IS THE TENDENCY OF ALL THE ILLUSTRATIONS IN MASONRY. REVERENCE FOR THE DEITY, AND GRATITUDE FOR THE BLESSINGS OF HEAVEN, ARE INCULCATED IN EVERY DEGREE. This is the plan of our system, and the result of our inquiries.

The First Degree being intended to enforce the duties of morality, and imprint on the memory the noblest principles which can adorn the human mind; the Second Degree extends the plan, and comprehends a more diffusive system of knowledge. Practice and theory are united, to qualify the industrious Mason to share the pleasures which an advancement in the Art necessarily affords. Listening with attention to the opinions of experienced men on important subjects, the mind of the Craftsman is gradually familiarised to useful instruction, and he is soon enabled to investigate truths of the utmost concern in the general transactions of life.

From this system proceeds a rational amusement. While the mental powers are fully employed, the judgment is properly exercised: a spirit of emulation prevails; and every brother vies, who shall most excel in promoting the design of the Institution.

The First Section.

The First Section of the Second Degree elucidates the mode of introduction into this class; and instructs the diligent Craftsman how to proceed in the proper arrangement of the ceremonies which