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 acknowledgment 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 enjoins 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.

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. Masonry 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.

For the truth of these sentiments, and the correctness of their statement, an appeal is made to every Mason, who understands the system, and every just memorial of the order, both ancient and modern.

It hence appears, that the same system of faith, and the same practical duties taught by revelation, are contained in, and required by, the Masonic Institution. If, therefore, the former be justly entitled to the approbation of mankind, from the nature and excellence of its principles, the latter must be.-if the former is wisely calculated to alleviate human misery and promote the happiness of man, so must the latter be. As the former accords with the nature and fitness of things, so does the latter.-If the Christian system displays the glory of the moral Governor of the universe, and constrains us to admire and love his character, so also does the Masonic.

It is, therefore, confidently believed, in view of these considerations, every unprejudiced mind will draw a favorable conclusion of our system.-Surely it cannot be otherwise. These are the genuine principles of Masonry, and every member is solemnly bound to believe them in his heart, and practice them in his life.

Ancient Masonry Operative and Religious.

THE next point in order, will be to establish this position, that Ancient Masonry was Operative and Religious. "By operative Masonry, we allude to the proper application of the useful rules of architecture, whence a structure will derive its figure, strength and beauty." Hence, Masonry and architecture or geometry were anciently used as synonymous.

"In the beginning," we are informed, "the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep." Then did the Supreme Architect of universal nature display the greatness of his power, and the excellency of his wisdom. "He spake, and it was done, He commanded, and it stood fast."The amazing sublimity and grandeur of the material creation, the beauty and variety, the harmony and order, excited the liveliest emotions of joy amongst the angelic hosts. This was the first display of the operative principles pertaining to