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selves. In the second, we are more thoroughly inducted into the mysteries of moral science, and learn to trace the goodness and majesty of the Creator, by minutely analyzing his works. But the third degree is the cement of the whole. It presents us with a series of historical facts and ceremonies, illustrating many passages in the Jewish Scriptures, and referring to the fundamental truths of our holy religion. It is calculated to bind men together by mystic points of fellowship, as in a bond of fraternal affection and Brotherly-Love. It is among Brethren of this degree that the ancient landmarks of the Order are preserved, and it is from them that we derive that fund of information which none but ingenious and expert Masons can supply. It may be truly said, that but few ever attain to a perfect knowl edge of it; yet it is not less true, that they who gain by merit the marks of preeminence and distinction which it confers, receive a reward which amply compensates them for their attention and assiduity.

It is also from Brethren of this degree that the rulers of the Craft are selected; because it is only from those who are capable of giving instruction that we can reasonably expect to receive it. And well would it be for our Lodges, and for the Fraternity at large, if the ancient regulation were more strictly observed, that no Brother should be permitted to be raised to this degree who had not made himself thoroughly proficient in the two preceding.

Divested of those duties and ceremonies which more immediately appertain to the degree of a Past Master, this is divided into three sections, throughout the whole of which we are taught to circumscribe our conduct within the boundary line of our duties to God and man.

FIRST SECTION.

The first section in this, as in the two preceding degrees, is initiatory; and a knowledge of it is indispensable to

every Brother who is desirous of holding office, or who would make himself useful in the ceremonial transactions of the Lodge.

The following passage of Scripture is introduced and read by the Master: :

ECCLESIASTES XII. 1-7.*

"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; while the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, and the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low. Also, when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond-tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets : or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."

*The following Hymn is occasionally introduced as a substitute for the Scripture: MUSIC- Bonny Doon.

Let us remember, in our youth,
Before the evil days draw nigh,
Our GREAT CREATOR, and his TRUTH,

Ere memory fail, and pleasure fly;

Or sun, or moon, or planet's light

Grow dark, or clouds return in gloom;

Ere vital spark no more incite ;

When strength shall bow, and years consume.

Let us in youth remember Him,

Who formed our frame, and spirits gave,
Ere windows of the mind grow dim,
Or door of speech obstructed wave;
When voice of bird fresh terrors wake;
And music's daughters charm no more,
Or fear to rise, with trembling shake,
Along the path we travel o'er.

In youth, to God let memory cling,
Before desire shall fail, or wane,
Or e'er be loosed life's silver string,
Or bowl at fountain rent in twain;

All the implements of Masonry, indiscriminately, properly belong to Brethren of this degree, and may be illusThe TROWEL, however, is more par

trated in this section.

ticularly referred to.

THE TROWEL

Is an instrument made use of by operative Masons to spread the cement which unites the building into one common mass; but we, as free and accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of Brotherly-love and affection, that cement which unites us into one sacred band, or society of friends and Brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work, and best agree.

SECOND SECTION.

This section recites the historical traditions of the Order, and presents to view a picture of great moral sublimity. It exemplifies an instance of virtue and firmness seldom equalled, and never excelled.

The following prayer may be used in the ceremony of this degree, by the Master, if the occasion requires, or renders it expedient:

Almighty and Eternal God! Great Architect and Ruler of the Universe! - at whose creative fiat all things first were made! - We, the frail creatures of thy Providence, humbly implore thee to pour down on this convocation, assembled in thy holy name, the continual dew of thy blessing. And we especially beseech thee to impart thy grace to this thy servant, who offers himself a candidate to partake with us the mysterious secrets of a Master Mason. Endue him with such fortitude that, in the hour of trial, he faint not; but pass him safely, under thy protection, through the valley of the shadow of death, that he may finally arise from the tomb of transgression, and shine as the stars for ever and ever. Amen.

Response. So mote it be.

For man to his long home doth go,
And mourners group around his urn;

Our dust to dust again must flow,
And spirits unto God return.