his vices and improve his moral character, do him no injury. Leave him, says the maxim, on the same ground you found him, and your consciences are guiltless.

In relation to Masonic discipline, we all know, that in general, it is too remiss. Members are sometimes suffered to transgress and pass with impunity.Each individual excuses himself on the ground, that it will be more proper, or attended with more salutary consequences, for some other brother to enter the complaint. In this way, it is sometimes finally neglected, so that what was every one's duty, is eventually performed by

none.

To remedy this evil, should each Chapter and Lodge, by an article in their bye-laws, constitute their three first officers, ex-officio, a standing committee, whose duty it should be made, in all cases within their knowledge, to take cognizance of unmasonic conduct, and report the offenders to their Lodge; few instances would pass unnoticed, and few errors uncorrected. The government of the Lodge being in the hands of those officers, the measure might impose a general restraint on vice, and be produc

tive of public as well as private good. To promote the happiness and well-being of mankind, is the great object of Speculative Free-Masonry. In carrying into effect an object of such magnitude, no expedient, wise and prudent in its nature, should be left untried.

Brethren and Companions, in the foregoing pages you have seen some of the general outlines of the great body of Masonic system. You have seen how numerous, solemn and interesting are the considerations involved in our profession. And you may easily discover from the nature and moral fitness of those principles, which constitute the foundation of the Institution, how inestimable is their importance to the world. You, as Masons, being well informed, can look back and see in how great a variety of instances, the moral state of the world has been benefited by the existence of this ancient association. Go on, brethren, in the path-way of virtue. "Do good, and to communicate forget not." "Add to your faith virtue and knowledge and temperance and patience and brotherly kindness and charity," till your life shall be crowned with substantial joy, and the smiles of an approving

conscience shed peace in your soul. Search deep into those hidden mysteries to which your profession leads. Raise your admiring views, and look abroad in the vast fields of Masonic research. Look through the forms of Masonry to the substance; through the symbols contemplate their high and sacred allusions. Think not you understand Speculative Free-Masonry, when you have regularly received the degrees. You are then just prepared to acquire true knowledge. You are just entering the school of moral improvement. Think not, when all those useful and interesting lectures are thoroughly committed you have done. Much, very much, still remains. Those principles must be exemplified by a regular life and honest deportment. Nor is this the end of your duty. You may still look forward in boundless prospect. You may view the collective excellences of the whole moral system, summarily comprised in the body of Speculative Free-Masonry. You may dwell on the subject, till overwhelmed and lost in admiration. Such is the nature of our Institution; and it is hoped every brother will be suitably affected with those momentous considera

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tions; that every member will duly ap preciate his privileges; that each presiding officer exhibit a bright example of all that is praiseworthy, and the whole body universally appear to the world, as a "spiritual building, in which every part being fitly joined together, may grow up into a building of God.”

Finally, brethren, "let us keep the unity of the spirit in the bonds of PEACE." "Let us love one another, for love is of God."

"Behold how good and bow pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, which ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, which went down to the skirts of his garments. As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountain of Zion, for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore."

CHAPTER XIX.

Evidences, that Masonry has been the medium through which the Pentateuch, or five Books of Moses, have been Preserved to the world.

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A SUBJECT is now to be presented for consideration, which cannot fail to engage the attention, and interest the feelings of every friend of truth and sober inquiry. It is, therefore, presumed every brother will prepare his mind to judge of such facts, and candidly examine such evidence, as may be exhibited.

It is my design to quote some of the highest authorities to be found, in proof of this grand proposition; viz. that ancient Masonry has been that medium, through which the Pentateuch, or five books of Moses, have been preserved to the world. If this position can be supported by argument, and proved to the reasonable satisfaction of the judicious and candid, the result will seal the true dignity of our Institution. In view of such an important truth, if supported by preponderating evidence, the world