We are also favored with all that moral instruction, which may be derived from the high commission received by Moses at Mount Horeb, to deliver the Hebrews from Egyptian bondage-their journeyings through the wilderness to the promised land-their being fed with manna and defended from their enemies. By all of which, we are taught, that in this world we are emphatically in a state of bondage-that a way of deliverance is provided by the Great Redeemer, "ordained of God to be a Prince and a Saviour"-that our journey is through the wilderness of a sinful world-that we are fed with the manna of divine consolation, protected and delivered from our spiritual enemies, until we finally arrive at the heavenly Canaan. The ark, the tabernacle and the temple also, become subjects of extensive moral instruction. These have their appropri ate, significant allusions, which in many respects, are peculiar to the Masonic Institution.

The Babylonish captivity, the restoration of the Jews, and the re-building of the temple, are converted into subjects of moral and religious instruction sublime and beautiful in the highest degree.

The grace of humility, or the exercise of a meek and quiet spirit, is recommended, under the full assurance, that "he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Hence, we discover a providence in all things, we draw instruction from all things, and are taught our duty in all things.

In addition to these useful lessons, so often repeated and religiously enforced within every regular lodge, the evidence of the holy Trinity meets our view on every side. The lodge is emblematically supported by three grand pillars-the principal officers are three-three articles constitute the furniture, the holy bible, square and compasses-three precious jewels-three governing tenetsthree lights on three pedestals-three great duties-three rounds in Jacob's theological ladder-three ornaments— three moveable, and three immoveable jewels-three articles of service for the craft-and in a great variety of instances, which may not be mentioned, the number three occurs, and as often reminds us, "there are three that bear witness in Heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost, and these three are

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 sup-ported 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