A candidate, after being strictly examined by the inspector, who must vouch for his qualifications, is thus addressed by the M. P.

"BROTHER,

"You have hitherto only seen the thick veil that covers the S. S. of God's temple; your fidelity, zeal and constancy have gained you this favour I now grant you, of shewing you our treasure, and introducing you into the secret place."

He is then invested with the ribbon, the crown of laurels and olives, by the M. P. who thus addresses him: "MY BROTHER,

"I receive you as secret master, and give you rank among the Levites. This laurel, the emblem of victory, is to remind you of the conquest you are to gain over your passions. The olive is the symbol of that peace and union, which ought to reign among us. It belongeth to you to deserve the favour, that you may be enabled one day to arrive in the secret place, to contemplate the pillar of beauty. I decorate you with the ivory key hung to a white and black ribbon, as a symbol of your fidelity, innocence and discretion.

"The apron and gloves are to be marks of the candour of all S. M. in the number of which you have deserved to be introduced. In this quality, my brother, you are to become the faithful guardian of the S. S. and I put you in the number of seven, to be one of the conductors of the works which are raising to the divinity. The eye upon your apron is to remind you to have a careful watch over the conduct of the craft in general.”

The lodge is closed by the mysterious number.

CHAPTER II.

Observations on the Degree of Perfect Master.

THE lodge of perfect masters is hung with green tapestry, on eight columns, four on each side, placed at equal distances; to be illuminated with sixteen lights, placed at the four cardinal points. A table before the canopy covered with black. The R. W. and respectable master represents the noble Adoniram, being the first that was elected S. M. because S. chose him the first of the seven. He commanded the works of the temple before H. A. arrived at Jerusalem, and afterwards had the inspection of the works at Mount Libanus. He is decorated with the ornaments of perfection, and is a prince of Jerusalem, with those decorations. He occupies the place of S. in

the east under the canopy.

There is only one warden, who represents Stockin, in the function of an inspector, with the ornaments of his highest degrees, which he received in the west.

The assistants, being at least perfect masters, ought to be decorated with a large green ribbon hung to the neck, with a jewel suspended thereto, being a compass extended to 60 degrees.

The brethren all have aprons of white leather with green flaps; on the middle of the apron must be embroidered a square stone, surrounded by three circles, with the letter P in the centre.

After a candidate is duly examined in the proficiency he has made in the foregoing degree, he is regularly introduced, and is thus addressed by the M. P.

"MY BROTHER,

"It is my desire to draw you from your vicious life, and, by the favour I have received from the most powerful of kings, I raise you to the degree of perfect master, on condition that you strictly adhere to what shall be presented to you by our laws."

The ceremonies, &c. of this degree, were originally established as a grateful tribute of respect to the memory of a departed worthy brother.

The lodge is closed by four times four.

CHAPTER III.

Observations on the Degree of Intimate Secretary.

THE lodge of I. S. is furnished with black hangings, and represents the hall of audience of Solomon. It should be enlightened with twenty seven lights, in three candlesticks of nine branches each, placed E. W. and S.

This lodge consists of two persons only; who represent S. and H. K. of T. They are covered with blue mantles, lined with ermine, with crowns on their heads, sceptres in their hands, and seated at a table, on which are placed two naked swords, a roll of parchment and a death's head.

All the rest of the brethren are considered only as perfect masters, and are termed the guards. They should. have white aprons, lined and embroidered with a blood colour, with strings of the same; and ribbons of the same colour round their necks, to which must be suspended, hanging on the breast, a solid triangle.

Charge to a new made Intimate Secretary. "MY BROTHER,

"I receive you an Intimate Secretary, on your promise to be faithful to the order in which you have just now entered. We hope, brother, that your fidelity will be proof to every trial; and that this sword, with which we arm you, will defend you from the attacks of those, who may try to extort from you those secrets which we are now about to confer upon you.'

History.

Solomon had agreed with the king of Tyre, in return for the materials taken from Mount Lebanon, and those drawn from the quarries of Tyre, made use of in constructing the temple (in part payment of which, he had already furnished him with a measure of oil, honey and

wheat) to have given him a province in Galilea, of thirty cities, immediately after the temple was completed.

A year bad elapsed before this was complied with on the part of Solomon; and when Hiram went to visit this newly acquired territory, he found the lands poor, the people rude, uncultivated, and of bad morals; and that the keeping of it would be attended with more expense than profit. He therefore went in person to Solomon, to complain of the deceit. Being arrived, he made his entry through the guards in the court, and went hastily to the king's apartment.

The countenance of the king of Tyre was so expressive of anger, as he entered, that one of Solomon's favourites, named Joabert, perceived it, and, apprehensive of the eonsequence, followed him to the door to listen. Hiram, observing him, ran and seized upon him, and delivered him into the custody of the guards; however, by the intercession of Solomon (who represented that Joabert was, of all those about the temple, most attached to him, and that his intentions could not have been evil) Hiram agreed to pardon him; and before they parted, renewed their former friendship, and concluded a treaty of perpetual alliance, which was signed by them, and to which Joabert was Intimate Secretary.

This lodge is closed by three times nine.

CHAPTER IV.

Observations on the Degree of Provost and Judge.

THIS lodge is adorned with red, and lighted by five great lights; one in each corner, and one in the centre. The master is placed in the east, under a blue canopy, surrounded with stars, and is styled, thrice illustrious. He represents Tito Prince Harodim, the eldest of the P. M. and I. S. first grand warden, and inspector of the three hundred architects; whose office was, to draw plans for the workmen.

After the candidate is introduced in due form, the maxter thus addresses him:

"RESPECTABLE BROTHER,

"It gives me joy, that I am now about to recompense your zeal and attachment to the institution of masonry, by appointing you provost and judge, over all the works of this lodge; and, as we are well assured of your prudence and discretion, we without the least hesitation entrust you with a most important secret. We expect you will do your duty in the degree to which you will now be elevated, as you have done in those already taken."

He is then decorated with a golden key suspended by a red ribbon, and an apron with a pocket in its centre.

The intention of Solomon in forming this degree, was, to strengthen the means of preserving order among such a vast number of craftsmen. Joabert, being honoured with the intimate confidence of his king, received this new mark of distinction.

Solomon first created Tito Prince Harodim, Adoniram and Abda his father, provosts and judges, and gave them orders to initiate Joabert, his favourite, into the secret mysteries of this degree, and to give him the keys of alf the building.

Lodge is closed by four and one.

CHAPTER V.

Observations on the Degree of Intendant of the Buildings, or Master in Israel.

THIS lodge is decorated with red hangings, and illuminated with twenty seven lights, distributed by three times nine round the lodge. There must be also five other great lights on the altar before the most puissant, who represents Solomon seated with a sceptre in his hand. The first warden, called inspector, represents the most illustrious Tito Harodim: second warden represents. Adoniram, the son of Abda; all the rest are arranged ́an