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, as 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.

That sacred volume clearly reveals the existence of one Supreme Eternal God. The Masonic system is first opened to the view of every member, by a solemn acknowledginent of this fundamental truth. The Bible exhibits the nature, character and perfections of God as essentially and infinitely excellent, and himself as a being in whom all our holy affections should ultimately centre.Masonry, in the strongest and most impressive language, inculcates the same interesting truths. The scriptures enjoin supreme love to God, and universal benevolence to all mankind. These are the first duties impressed on the heart of a Mason. Inspiration urges the exercise of brotherly love, and a due regard to the well being of our neighbor. Masonry considers the whole human family as brethren, and imperiously en-. joins mutual and reciprocal acts of friendship and affection.

The holy Bible enforces a strict adherence to truth, as a Divine attribute. This is a distinguishing tenet in the Masonic system, and impressed on the mind by all the authority of the Institution. The word of God requires a conscientious and scrupulous observance of jus

tice in every relation. Masonry adopts this principle, as a criterion of moral rectitude. The sacred writings enforce a religious attention to the sabbath, as a day of holy rest. Masonry is equally emphatic in all her commands, and injunctions, to keep that day holy. The word of God enjoins submission and obedience to the powers that be, as ordained of God. Masonry lays similar commands on all her members, and enforces them by constant admonitions. The scriptures teach us, in general terms, all the duties of charity, to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, to visit the widow and fatherless, and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. Masonry dwells upon these subjects in every degree, and lays her members under solemn obligations to exercise Christian charity and benevolence, and never to violate the laws of chastity. The word of God teaches us to love our enemies, and render good for evil. Masonry will feed a brother, though a personal enemy, even at the point of a sword, should his necessities absolutely require it, and uniformly exhorts to overcome evil with good. Inspiration commands us to live peaceably with all men, and pursue our lawful avo

cations with diligent application. The nature of the Masonic Institution accords with these principles, and enjoins. similar commands in numerous ways.The scriptures of truth, in every part, hold forth such duties, in general terms, as are incumbent on moral beings in every situation of life. Masonry is a system, which, in this particular, converts every station and condition of life into a subject of useful instruction.

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By the oracles of truth we are also forbidden to indulge in anger and resentment, profanity, rioting and intemperance, falsehood and slander, hatred, malice and revenge, and every vice which corrupts the human heart, disturbs good society, or in any respect is repugnant to a sober and virtuous life. sonry interdicts every vice, lays her restraints, prohibitions and commands on every member, and enforces obedience by the authority of her discipline. The scriptures, in a word, require a strict obedience to the whole moral law. This law is summarily interwoven with every part of the Masonic system.

Such are some of the more general principles and duties contained in the scriptures of truth:-the same are fundamental in the system of Masonry.