member with whom he cannot consistently and cor dially associate.

Should the candidate find the charter to be genuine, the by-laws salutary, and such as he can cheerfully observe; and should he be pleased with all the brethren of the Lodge, his wish to proceed is reported to the Master, who makes it known to the Lodge.

CHAPTER IV.

ENTERED APPRENTICE'S DEGREE.

THE first lecture of Masonry is divided into three sections, and each section into several clauses. Virtue is painted in the most beautiful colors, and the duties of morality are enforced. In it we are taught various useful lessons, to prepare the mind for a regular advancement in the principles of knowledge and philosophy. These are imprinted on the mind by lively and sensible hieroglyphical figures, which are here cxplained, and which have a moral tendency, and inculcate the practice of virtue.

Section First.

This part of the lecture of an Entered Apprentice unfolds our object in visiting the hall of Masonry ;

develops the justice of our pretensions to the privileges of the order; illustrates the manner of our reception within the threshold of a Lodge; reminds us of our dependence on the supporting hand of Deity ; exhibits the pledge of our fidelity, secresy, and conformity to immemorial masonic customs; opens our eyes to the light of knowledge; presents to our hearts the lovely purity of innocence; draws upon our affections by the silken cord of charity; and speculatively explains the implements of the degree.

A PRAYER USED AT THE INITIATION OF A CANDIDATE.

Vouchsafe thine aid, Almighty Father of the Universe, to this our present convention; and grant that this candidate for Masonry may dedicate and devote his life to thy service, and become a true and faithful brother among us! Endow him with a competency of thy divine wisdom, that, by the secrets of our art, he may be better enabled to display the beauties of brotherly love, relief, and truth, to the honor of thy holy name. Amer.

The following Psalm is here introduced during the ceremonies:

Behold! how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity?

It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran dewu upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments;

As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon

the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore.-Psalm cxxxiii.

Toward the close of the section is explained that peculiar ensign of Masonry, the lamb-skin or white apron, which is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason; more ancient than the golden fleece, or Roman eagle; and when worthily worn, more honorable than the star and garter, or any other order that could be conferred upon the candidate at that or any future period. It has been worn by kings, princes, and potentates of the earth, who have

never been ashamed to wear it, and which every one ought to wear with equal pleasure to himself and honor to the fraternity.

This section closes with an explanation of the working tools of an Entered Apprentice, which are the twenty-four inch gauge and the common gavel.

The twenty-four inch gauge is an instrument made use of by operative masons, to measure and lay out their work; but we, as free and accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time. It being divided into twenty-four equal parts is emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into three parts, whereby we find a portion for the service of God and the relief of a distressed worthy brother; a portion for our usual avocations, and a portion for refreshment and sleep.

The common gavel is an instrument made use of by operative masons to break off the superfluous corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the builder's use; but we, as free and accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble

and glorious purpose of divesting our minds and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of life; thereby fitting us, as living stones, for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

The second section rationally accounts for the ceremony of initiating a candidate into our ancient institution.

Every candidate, at his initiation, is presented with a lamb-skin or white apron.

The Lamb has, in all ages, been deemed an emblem of innocence; he, therefore, who wears the lambskin as a badge of Masonry, is thereby continually reminded of that purity of life and conduct, which is essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.