CHAPTER III.

The general nature and design of the Ma sonic Institution.-Summary of Duties. -Principles in the abstract.

THE way is now prepared to speak of the nature and design of the Masonic institution. Its real, as well as professed object, is to promote the highest possible good of rational intelligences. To inculcate the sound doctrines of morality and virtue, and deeply impress on the heart those great and fundamental principles, which constitute the beauty and divine excellency of the moral system. These are objects noble and praise-worthy. Such as ought to command the affections, and secure the universal approbation of mankind. That such is the professed object of this institution, has long been known to the world. That such also is the fact, it is confidently believed can be clearly established. In proportion, therefore, to the importance of the end proposed, must be the worth of the institution, the magnitude of incumbent duties, and the weight of corresponding obligations.

These things being premised, it will be in order to treat of Masonic principles in the abstract. To shew that they are fundamental in the great moral system, and consequently involve the ultimate end of all human existence.

An acknowledgment of the existence of God, as the moral governor of the universe, is the first profession by the candidate for Masonry. An unequivocal assent, and professed belief therein, is the only condition, by which any person can lawfully and regularly gain admission. A serious conviction of this truth is indispensably necessary, that rational beings may feel their responsibility to the Supreme moral Governor.Such a principle, therefore, lying at the threshold of our institution, must be a sanctifying circumstance.

Three great and important duties are solemnly inculcated on every Mason at his initiation; to his God, his neighbor and himself. He is exhorted to love and adore, to reverence and worship his God in sincerity and truth-to contemplate his character as a being transcendently excellent-to live in the exercise of humble dependence, and acknowledge bim as the Governor of the universe, and dispenser of every blessing.

His neighbours are the world of mankind. Integrity and justice, benevolence and fidelity are to characterize his conduct in every relation.

To himself, he owes the constant duties of sobriety, temperance, chastity and a due control over all the unruly and turbulent passions of the human heart.

All these duties originate from divine constitution, are fundamental in the moral system, and perfectly accord with the fitness of things. The very nature of their excellence consists in their peculiar fitness to render our whole existence the greatest blessing. To these are added numerous subordinate duties, in a relative point of view. The exercise of brotherly affection towards every being capable of happiness, or exposed to misery-relief, or benevolent conduct towards objects of commisseration-truth and uprightness in all our intercourse with mankind-temperance, or a due restraint upon all our passions, affections, pleasures, or enjoyments of life-fortitude, or that steady purpose of mind which leads to the exercise of every virtue, and the performance of every duty, notwithstanding all the frowns or the flatteries

of the world-prudence, to manage wisely in all matters which relate both to time and eternity-justice, which is the standard and criterion of moral rectitude-faith, which constitutes the mental eye, às respects the invisible world, and fixes our confidence on God-hope, that powerful anchor of the soul amidst the storms and boisterous waves of human adversity-charity which is the bond of perfectness, which elevates the affections and binds the heart to the throne of God.

These are duties of intrinsic excellence, and such as will, from the constituted nature of things, necessarily promote the peace and harmony of society, the present and future well-being of individuals, and the general good of the intelligent universe. Principles and duties, which lie at the foundation of the Masonic system, and are solemnly enjoined on every brother. Whoever, therefore, shall conscientiously discharge them in the fear of God, fulfils the whole duty of man.

Such we pledge ourselves to the world are Masonic tenets and duties. In these, every Mason is thoroughly instructed within his own Lodge, where the highest

inducements are exhibited, which may affect the heart and wisely regulate the whole tenour of life.

CHAPTER IV.

Coincidence of Masonic Principles with Divine Revelation.

AFTER what has been said, in relation to some of the leading principles embraced in the Masonic system, it may not be improper, briefly to shew their coincidence with Divine Revelation. The scriptures of the Old and New Testament, are now received and acknowledged, by all Christian nations, to be given by Divine Inspiration.Hence, all Christendom quote the authority of this book in all matters of religious faith and practice. To this also we appeal as a standard for the correctness and sanctity of our principles.

Masonic faith acknowledges the holy Bible to be the word of God,-that it was written by persons divinely inspired, and reveals the whole duty of man. Let us therefore candidly compare the Masonic system with that standard of truth.