The Chisel and the Mallet are the working tools of the mark master mason. The moral instruction, which is intended to be conveyed to us in the lodge by the chisel, is to afford us a demonstration of the advantages, which result from discipline and education. "A human soul without education, is like marble in the quarry, which shews none of its inherent beauties, until the skill of the polisher fetches out the colours, makes the surface shine, and discovers every ornamental cloud, spot and vein, that runs through the body of it. Education, after the same manner, when it works upon a noble mind, draws out to view, every latent virtue and perfection, which, without such helps, are never able to make their appearance." The mind, like the marble in the quarry, is in its original state, without any polish; but the effect of the chisel on the marble, is no less obvious, than education on the latent virtues of the mind, and draws them forth, in such a manner, as will greatly expand our knowledge, and thereby enable us more effectually to perform our duty to God, to ourselves, and to our fellow mortals. The Mallet. This instrument, as used by operative masons, needs no explanation. It, in a moral sense, teacheth us to subdue all irregular passions, and to treat every man on his proper level in society; so that, in every state, in which Providence may cast his lot, he may learn therewith to be contented. What the mallet is to the operative mason, enlightened reason is to the speculative. It curbs ambition; it depresses envy; it moderates anger; and it encourages every good and virtuous principle. Contentment with our, respective stations, ought to be the characteristic of every virtuous man, particularly of those, who are initiated into the mysteries of our order. M Indeed, a contented mind is a continual feast, and, if in the present life, a man's happiness arises from the subduing of his desires, it will arise in the next from the gratification of them. The contented man enjoys many blessings, to which those of a different description are total strangers, and he may with propriety, exult in the language of a celebrated poet. "Let other's boast their useless wealth; 'Tis time at length I should be wise, Come, conscious virtue, fill my breast, In ever smiling charms. Let sacred friendship too attend, A friendship worthy of a friend, With these, I'll in my bosom make OF SOLOMON'S TEMPLE. Numerous are the traditions to shew, that the principles of our institution are coeval with the wants of men; but the occurrences of the early ages are so involved in fable and obscurity, as to render it difficult to give credit to many things, which have been asserted on this subject. We, therefore, pass to that memorable era, when the wise king Solomon, at the head of an hundred and eighty three thousand three hundred craftsmen and labourers, was enabled by an admirable display of his wisdom and perseverance, not only to designate their respective merits and employments, but by a judicious enaction of by-laws, and an impartial appointment of officers to administer them, he established that undissembled love and friendship, by which this illustrious and truly numerous band of brothers, were, for a period of seven years, so happily distinguished. Here, every member was taught "to keep a tongue of good report, maintain secrecy, and practise charity." It appears from chronology, that the dedication of this splendid temple was a thousand and four years previous to the birth of Christ, and if the ceremonies and privileges of the fraternity, were originally confined to operative masons, and their associates in practical architecture, till that period, it is equally certain, that they were now communicated to the free-born and accepted; that they were patronised by the wise and learned, and were liberally extended to every good man and true. The erection of this stupendous edifice, was attended with two circumstances, both of which are peculiarly interesting, 1st. Josephus, the celebrated historian of the Jews, informs us, that although seven years were employed in building it, during the whole time it never rained in the day time; so that the workmen were never interrupted in their labours. 2d. That "the house, when it was in building, was built.of stone made ready before it was brought thither, so that there was neither hammer, nor axe, nor any tool of iron heard in the house while it was in building." 1 Kings, vi. 7. This famous fabric was supported by one thousand four hundred and fifty-three columns, and two thousand nine hundred and six pilastres, all made of the finest Parian marble; and so wisely were the arrangements made by that mighty monarch, whom the Most High had endowed with more wisdom than any other person, that notwithstanding the immense multitude who were employed on the work, the utmost regularity prevailed, and every thing was conducted in such a manner, that none went away dissatisfied. The cost of Solomon's Temple is computed at 77,531, 965,636 dolls. A writer supposes that the building of the city of Philadelphia cost 450 millions, which is the 172d part of the above sum; consequently 172 cities like Philadelphia might be built with the money which Solomon's Temple cost; or build one city 775 miles in length, reaching from Maine to Virginia along the coast. Philadelphia is four and a quarter miles long. The Badge of a Mason. It is well known to those who have not been initiated into the secrets of our order, as well as to those who have, that every one, on his admission, is presented with a lamb skin, or white apron. The lamb has, in all ages, been considered as an emblem of innocence and of peace. The Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, will grant to those, He, therefore, who who put their trust in him, his peace. wears the lamb-skin as the badge of masonry, is thereby reminded of that purity of life and conversation which it is absolutely necessary for those to observe, who expect to be admitted into the grand lodge above, where under the precedency of the Grand Master of Heaven and Earth, they will for ever enjoy those "pleasures, which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have enter ed into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." 1 Corinthians, ii. 9. This lamb-skin, or white apron, the person initiated is told, is more ancient than the golden fleece, or Roman eagle, more honourable than the star and garter, or any other which could be conferred upon him then, or at any time thereafter by king, prince, potentate, or any other person, except he be a mason, and which every one ought to wear with equal honour to himself and to the fraternity. From what has been said, it must appear obvious, that science and morality have, from time immemorial, gone hand in hand together; that at the building of Solomon's temple, the workmen were divided into classes or lodges under competent masters; that the implements of operative masonry were made symbols of moral duties; and from the nature and interpretation of those symbols, we learn, that their purport was to form good men, to inspire a love of fidelity, truth, and justice, to promote friendship and social manners, and to associate men under the banners of voluntary order and virtue. Free-masonry deals in hieroglyphics, symbols, and allegories, and to be qualified to reveal their meaning, a man must know more than a mere nominal mason. The full interpretation of them, like that of the mysteries of old, is in select hands; it has been committed only to those of tried fidelity. Others, if not deficient in intellect, yet wanting industry or inclination to explore the penetralin of the temple, are not qualified, if willing to betray it. Hence the secrecy, which has so long distinguished the fraternity. Hence it appears, that the doctrine of free-masonry embraces all the natural, moral, and political obligations of society. It directs us to fulfil our duty to our God, our country, our neighbours, and ourselves. It inculcates |
