The mosaic pavement is emblematical of human life, checkered with good and evil; the beautiful border which surrounds it, of those blessings which surround us—and which we hope hereafter to enjoy, by a filial 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 workmen to be adjusted by the tools of the fellow-craft. The TRETSLE-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, of 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 taught, that, as the operative builder erects his temporal edifice agreeably to the designs of the master, laid down on his trestle-board; so should we construct our spiritual temple according to the laws prescribed in the book of life, which is our spiritual and masonic trestle-board.

Lodges were anciently dedicated to king Solomon, as it was said he was the first most excellent grand master; but Masons, professing Christianity, dedicate theirs to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist who were eminent patrons of our order. Therefore 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. This circle is embordered by two perpendicular parallels, representing St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist; and on the top rests the book of life, which contains the whole duty of man. In going round this circle we necessarily touch pon these two lines as well as upon the book of the ho

ly scriptures; and while a Mason keeps himself thus circumscibed, it is impossible that he should materially err.

BROTHERLY LOVE.

By the exercise of brotherly love we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family. Notwithstanding the accidental distinctions of high and low, rich and poor, bond and free, we are still inhabitants of the same planet, the children of the same Almighty Parent, and are bound to support, to comfort, and love each other.

RELIEF.

To relieve the distressed, is a duty binding on every moral agent; but more especially on the fraternity of free and accepted Masons. 'Tis a tenet in their profession, to soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with affliction, to weep for the miseries of others. Thus, the good Mason will pour the oil and the wine into the wound of the sufferer, though the Priest and the Levite may be deaf to his intreaties.

TRUTH.

Truth is one of the first virtues we are taught in Masonry. While we are influenced by its dictates, hypocrisy and deception are unknown among us, sincerity and plain deal ing distinguish us, and the heart and tongue unite in rejoicing in each other's prosperity.

THE CARDINAL VIRTUES.

TEMPERANCE.

This 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. It should be the constant study of every Mason, as he is hereby taught to avoid excess, the indulgence of which might lead him to disclose some of those valuable secrets, which he has promised to conceal, and never reveal

FORTITUDE.

This virtue is equally distant from rashness and cowardice; and, like the former, should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every Mason, as a safeguard against any illegal attack that may be made by force or art, to extort from him any of those valuable secrets, with which he has been so solemnly intrusted, and of which he was solemnly and sen sibly reminded, on his first admission into the Lodge

PRUDENCE.

Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeably to the dictates of reason. This virtue should be the peculiar characteristic of every Mason, not only for the government of his conduct while in the lodge, but also when abroad in the world; it should be particularly regarded.in all mixed companies that we may never drop the least sign, token, word, or point, whereby the secrets of the craft may be unlawfully obtained

JUSTICE.

This is that standard of right, which measures to every man his due. As justice, in a great measure, constitutes the real good man, so should it be the invariable practice of every Mason never to deviate from the minutest principles thereof

BROTHER,

.

CHARGE AT INITIATION.

As you are now introduced into the first principles of masonry, I congratulate you on being accepted into this ancient and honourable order; ancient, as having subsisted from time immemorial; and honourable, as tending, in every particular, so to render all men who will be conformable to its precepts. No institution was ever raised on a better principle, or, more solid foundation; nor were ever more xcellent rules and useful maxims laid down, than are incul

cated in the several masonic lectures. The greatest and best of men in all ages have been encouragers and promoters of the art, and have never deemed it derogatory from their dignity, to level themselves with the fraternity, extend their privileges, and patronize their assemblies.

There are three great duties, which, as a Mason, you are charged to inculcate to God, your neighbour, and yourself. To God, in never mentioning his name, but with that reverential awe which is due from a creature to his Creator; to implore his aid in all your laudable undertakings, and to esteem him as the chief good; to your neighbour, in acting upon the square, and doing unto him as you wish he should do unto you; and to yourself, in avoiding all irregularity and intemperance, which may impair your faculties, or debase, the dignity of your profession. A zealous attachment to these duties will ensure public and pri

vate esteem.

In the state, you are to be a quiet and peaceful subject, true to your government, and just to your country; you are not to countenance disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently submit to legal authority, and conform with cheerfulness to the government of the country in which you live.

In your outward demeanor be particularly careful to avoid censure or reproach. Let not interest, favour, or prejudice, bias your integrity, or influence you to be guilty of a dishonourable action. Although your frequent appearance at our regular meetings is earnestly solicited, yet it is not meant that masonry should interfere with your necessary vocations; for these are on no account to be neglected; neither are you to suffer your zeal for the institution to lead you into argument with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it. At your leisure hours, that you may improve in masonic knowledge, you are to converse with well informed brethren, who will be always as ready to give, as you will be ready to receive instruction

Finally, keep sacred and inviolable the mysteries of the order, as these are to distinguish you from the rest of the community, and mark your consequence among Masons. If, in the circle of your acquaintance, you find a person desirous of being initiated into masonry, be parlicularly attentive not to recommend him, unless you are convinced he will conform to our rules; that the honour, glory, and reputation of the institution may be firmly es tablished, and the world at large convinced of its good effects.

SONGS APPROPRIATED TO THE FIRST DEGREE.
Selected and revised by companion S. Brown.

COME let us prepare,
We, Brothers, that are,

Assembled on happy occasion;
Let's talk, laugh, and sing ;-

Good cheer has a spring

For the heart of a social FREEMASON.