Sketches Of Notable Masonic Works.

qualifying the industrious Mason to share the p leasures which an advancement in the art must necessarily afford . Listening with attention to the wise opinions of experienced Craftsmen on important subjects , he gradually familiarizes his mind to

useful instruction , and is soon enabled to investigate truths of the utmost concern in the general transactions of life . From this system proceeds a rational amusement j while the mental powers are fully employed , the judgment is properly exercised ,

a spirit of emulation prevails , and all are induced to vie , who shall most excel in promoting the valuable rules of the Institution . Such is the result of every illustration in Masonry . Reverence for the Deity , and gratitude for the blessings of

Heaven , are inculcated in every degree . This is the termination of our enquiries , and beyond these limits our capacities cannot reach . Unlike many Masons of the present day , who seem to disregard much of the teaching of the

Fellow Craft s degree , and endeavour to " cut it as short as possible , 55 Bro . Webb amplifies it considerably , and shows that not only does Masonry include within its circle almost every branch of polite learning , but also " under the veil of its mysteries , is comprehended a regular system of

science . An English Mason would find considerable novelty in reading the remarks on the third lecture . Many of the symbols are unknown in the English Rite , although certainly the illustrations are well

applied to moral culture , and many useful lessons are inculcated for the promotion of virtue , and the extension of knowledge . The " Pot of Incense , "Bee Hive , 55 "Anchorand Ark , 55 " Hour Glass , " Scythe " and others , such are foreign to British

Freemasonry , and hence contrary to the original modern sj'stem , which was originated in England . The mark degree receives particular notice , although not we think more pi'ominence than it deserves . The tools are thus explained . The

Chisel morally demonstrates , the advantages of discipline and education . The mind like the diamond , in its original state , is rude and unpolished ; but as the effects of the wheel on the external coat , soon presents to view the latent

beauties of the diamond , so education discovers the latent virtues of the mind , and draws them forth to range the large field of matter and space , to display the summit of human knowledge , our duty to God , and to man . " The Mallet morally teaches us to correct

irregularities , and to reduce man to a proper level so that by quiet deportment , he may , in the school of discipline , learn to be content . What the mallet is to the workman , enlightened reason is to the passions , it curbs ambition , it depresses

envy , it moderates anger , and it encourages good dispositions ; whence arises among Masons that comely order ,

' Which nothing earthly gives , or can destroy , The soul's calm sunshine , and the heartfelt joy . ' The Monitor on Mark Masonry of 1802 , reads as if it were dealing with the degree of the day . The uniformity in even minor details is remarkable ,

and proves how careful must have been the scrutiny and zeal of the guardians from that time to the present century . Before concluding the lodge meeting , the XX Chap , of Matthew ( 1—16 ) was recommended to be read , and the song was sung during - the ceremony of closing .

The observations on the " Degree of Present or Past Master are exceedingly good , and quite exhaustive in their nature . The whole of the ceremonies connected with Installations , Constitutions , Consecrations , Laying Foundation Stones ,

Dedication of Halls , and Service at Funerals , are all well explained . According to the system of the Grand Chapter of Scotland , the "Most Excellent Masters " degrees is given as the sixth , and immediately proceeding the Royal Arch , which

accordingly ranks as the seventh of the Americau and Scotch Rites . But little , however , is said historically of these degrees , and of the " Royal and select Masters , now worked in the United States , no mention whatever is made .

His " observation on the orders of Knighthood , ' and of the " Knights Templars in particular , though no doubt of value when written , would prove of little interest to the readers of the MAGAZINE of to-day , after the exhaustive history of the latter order , so carefully written by Anthony Oneal Haye .

Among other degrees the author notices may be mentioned , Knights of the " Red Cross , Holy Sepulchre , and the " Order of High Priest , 55 the latter appertaining to the office of High Priest of a Royal Arch Chapter . Chapter VI ., contains the

" Constitution of the General Royal Arch Chapter of the Northern States of America , ratified by duly qualified representatives at Rhode Island , 9 th January , A . D . 1799 . Bro . T . S . Webb was appointed Grand Scribe , and few if any were