one"-that there are three also, that bear witness in earth, "the Spirit, the water and the blood, and these three agree in one." How wonderful is this system, whence moral and religious instructions are drawn from every object and every relation! CHAPTER VIII.. Moral Improvement from the Order and Succession of Masonic degrees. NOT only are the several Masonic lectures replete with moral and religious instructions, but their very order and succession are sources of improvement, and afford great consolation and encouragement to the good man, when viewed in their proper light. The first degree in Masonry, naturally suggests that state of moral darkness, which begloomed our world. On the apostacy of our first common parent, not a gleam of light was left to irradiate and cheer his desponding mind. To his surprise and amazement, he found himself in total obscurity, as to those future and interesting scenes, on which he was entering. Soon, however, to his inexpressi ble joy, the first kind promise was made. This promise, though but a single ray, afforded much consolation. Although the true light now began to shine, yet how faint were its beams compared with that bright and meridian splendor, afterwards to illuminate the moral world.— Adam, therefore, was, in a comparative sense, still in darkness, as to those great displays and wonderful manifestations of divine love and complacency, which were in due time made. Such is the very nature of the first degree, that every observing candidate is led to view his moral blindness, and deplorable state by nature. Under these impressions he enters on the second degree, which in view of his moral blindness, he is to consider emblematical of a state of improvement and trial. Such was the second state of Adam. Hence arises the idea of probationary ground. Some light and knowledge having been imparted, a reasonable improvement is not only required, but the probationer, by seeing his state, feels the increasing weight of obligation to the faithful discharge of duty. A due observance of all former requisitions, and a sincere desire to make advances in knowledge and virtue, open the way for the reception of more light, and prepare the mind for greater views, and consequent enjoyments. He who perseveres in well doing, and is actuated by pure motives in the discharge of incumbent duties, wisely to improve his probation season in this world, is thereby prepared to be strengthened and supported and animated in his course, to hold on his way rejoicing, that he may in due time receive clearer manifestations of the divine character, and ultimately experience such joys as the stranger doth not intermeddle with. Having diligently persevered in the use of appointed means, the third degree prefigures the life of the good man in his pilgrimage state. Passing through a vale of tears, and often beset with the allurements of vice, he is sometimes diverted from his Christian course. Although the true light has shined into his heart, and he has experienced much consolation, yet he sometimes wanders into devious and forbidden paths. His spiritual enemies arise, and are ready to destroy him. The evil propensities of his heart, and the remaining corruptions of his nature beset him at every point. His prospects are at times darkened, and a gloom settles around his mind. Death appears frightful and stares him in the face.The grave is opening to receive him.In the midst of such trials he resolves to be faithful, and manfully to withstand temptations. He determines to preserve that sacred trust committed to his care, and therefore, endeavours to escape for his life to the great Rock of his salvation. He is, however, humbled in view of past offences, and lies prostrate in the dust. Suddenly then does his hope revive, his faith strengthens, and with confidence and composure he looks forward to a blessed immortality, and doubts not but in the glorious morn of the resurrection, his body will arise and become as incorruptible as his soul. In advancing to the fourth degree, the good man is greatly encouraged to persevere in ways of well doing, even to the end. Although he meet with frowns and contempt from the ignorant and vain-glorious, and is reputed a man of naught, buffeted and rejected by the world, yet he has a NAME which no man knoweth, save he that receiveth it. A conscious rectitude enables him to support his integrity, though TRIED on every SIDE.If, therefore, he be rejected and cast forth amongst the rubbish of the world, he knows full well the great Master Builder of the universe, having chosen and prepared him as a lively stone in that spiritual building in the heavens, will bring him forth with triumph, while shouting grace grace to his Divine Redeemer. Hence opens the fifth degree, where he discovers his election to, and his glorified station in, the kingdom of his Father. Here he is taught how much the chosen ones are honored and esteemed by those on earth, who discover and appreciate the image of their common Lord. This image being engraven on his heart, he may look forward to those mansions above, where a higher and more exalted seat has been prepared for the faithful from the foundation of the world. There all will be ruled by love, and all submit with holy reverence to the Supreme Grand Master of the uni verse. With these views the sixth degree is confered, where the riches of Divine grace are opened in boundless prospect. Every substantial good is clearly seen to be confered through the great atoning sacrifice. That precious work of |