The Mystic Beauties Of Freemasonry.

THE MYSTIC BEAUTIES OF FREEMASONRY .

Among the mystic beauties of Freemasonry , there are probably none more deserving of attention and thoughtful consideration than " the seven liberal arts and sciences . " They are always Avorthy ofthe study ofthe " sons of light / ' and the more

studied , the more will their beauties appear . We shall , therefore , give expression to a few desultory thoughts upon the same , not for the purpose of telling anything new , but rather in the hope . that we may be able to give something more than is to

be generally read in the Hand-Books-We shall take them in their regular order . 1 . Grammar is the key by Avhich alone a door can be opened to the understanding of speech . It is grammar Avhich reveals the admirable art of

language , and unfolds various constituent partsits names , definitions , and respective offices ; it unravels , as it Avere , the thread of Avhich the Aveb of speech is composed . These reflections seldom occur to any one before their acquaintance Avith the

art ; yet it is most certain that Avithout a knowledge of grammar it is very difficult to speak with propriety , precision , and purity .

2 . It is by Rhetoric that the art of speaking eloquently is acquired . To be an elegant speaker , in the proper sense of the word , is far from being a common or an easy attainment . It is the art of being persuasiA e aud commanding ; the art not only of pleasing the fancy , but of speaking both to the understanding and to the heart .

3 . Logic is that science which directs us how to form clear and distinct ideas of things , and thereby prevents us from being misled by their similitude or resemblance . Of all the human sciences , that concerning man is certainly most Avorthy of men .

The precise business of logic is to explain the nature of the human mind , and the proper manner of conducting its several powers is the attainment of truth and knowledge . This science ought to be cultivated as the foundation or ground-work of our inquiries , particularly in the pursuit of thoso sublime virtues and celebrated acts which claim our

attention as Masons . h Arithmetic is the art of numbering , or that ¦ part of mathematics which considers the properties of numbers in general . We have but a very imperfect idea of things without quantity , and as imperfect of quantity , itself , Avithout the help of arithmetic . All the Avorks of the Almighty are

made in number , weight , and measure ; therefore , to understand them ri ghtly , we ought to understand arithmetical calculation ; and the greater advancement Ave make in the mathematical sciences , the more capable we shall be of considering such

things as are the ordinary objects of our conceptions , and be thereby led to a more comprehensive knowledge of our Creator , and the Avorks of the creation .

o . In all ages and countries Avhere learning- has prevailed , Geometry has been deemed the " mistress of the Arts ; " and is very properly defined to be that science from Avhence the mi ghty Avorks of God are revealed and demonstrated to men . It

considers magnitude in general , comprehending the doctrine and relations of whatever is susceptible of augmentation or diminution . We ought to revere and study the science of geometry , which discloses an inexhaustible fund of

information and knowledge , of impiOTement and advantage to its studious votaries , adepts in true science ; who , by the assistance of this sublime art , are enabled to discover , and in a small degree to explain , the wonderful works of the great

Geometrician of the Universe , to prove the equity of His laws ancl the wisdom of His decrees , by which they are instructed in those important duties which are due from a creature to his benevolent Creator .

6 . Music is that elevated science which affects the passions of sound . There are few who have not felt its charms , and acknowledged its impressions to be intelligible to the heart ; it is a language of delightful sensations , far more elegant

than words ; it breathes to the ear the clearest intimation ; it touches and greatly agitates the agreeable and sublime passions ; it Avraps us in melancholy , and elevates us in joy ; it dissolves and inflames ; it melts us in tenderness , and excites us

to war . This science is truly congenial to the nature of man ; for , by its powerful charms , the most discordant passions may be harmonized and brought into perfect unison ; but it never sounds with such seraphic harmony as when employed in singing hymns of gratitude to the Creator of the Universe .

7 . Astronomy is that sublime science Avhich inspires the contemplative vein to soar aloft , and read the Avisdom , strength , and beauty of the great Creator in the heavens . How nobly eloquent of the Deity is the celestial hemisphere !—the most magnificent heralds of His infinite glory ! ' They