led, and never excelled, in the history of man.

The Third Section illustrates certain hieroglyphical emblems, and inculcates many useful lessons, to extend knowledge and promote virtue.

In this branch of the lecture, many particulars relative to king Solomon's Temple are considered.

The construction of this grand edifice was attended with two remarkable circumstances. From Josephus we learn, that although seven years were occupied in building it, yet during the whole term it rained not in the day time, that the workmen might not be obstructed in their labour: And from sacred history it appears, that there was neither the sound of the hammer, nor axe, nor any tool of iron, heard in the house, while it was in building.

This famous fabrick was supported by fourteen hundred and fifty-three columns, and two thousand nine hundred and six pilasters; all hewn from

All

the finest Parian marble. There were employed in its building, three Grand Masters; three thousand and three hundred Masters, or overseers of the work; eighty thousand Fellow Crafts; and seventy thousand Entered Apprentices, or bearers of burdens. these were classed and arranged in such a manner by the wisdom of Solomon, that neither envy, discord, nor confusion were suffered to interrupt that universal peace and tranquility, which pervaded the world at this important period.

The Three Steps usually delineated upon the Master's Carpet, are emblematical of the three principal stages of human life, viz. youth, manhood, and age. In youth as Entered Apprentices, we ought industriously to occupy our minds in the attainment of useful knowledge: In manhood as Fellow Crafts, we should apply our knowledge to the discharge of our respective duties to God, our neighbours, and ourselves; that so in age as Master Masons, we may enjoy the happy re

fections consequent on a well spent life, and die in the hope of a glorious immortality.

The Pot of Incense is an emblem of a pure heart, which is always an acceptable sacrifice to the Deity; and as this glows with fervent heat, so should our hearts continually glow with gra titude to the great and beneficent Author of our existence, for the manifold blessings and comforts we enjoy.

The Bee-Hive is an emblem of industry, and recommends the practice of that virtue to all created beings, from the highest seraph in heaven, to the lowest reptile of the dust. It teaches us, that as we came into the world rational and intelligent beings, so we should ever be industrious ones; never sitting down contented while our fellow creatures around us are in want, when it is in our power to relieve them without inconvenience to ourselves.

When we take a survey of nature, we view man in his infancy, more helpless and indigent than the brutal

creation; he lies languishing for days, months, and years, totally incapable of providing sustenance for himself, of guarding against the attack of the wild beasts of the field, or sheltering himself from the inclemencies of the weath

er.

It might have pleased the great Creator of heaven and earth to have made man independent of all other beings; but, as dependence is one of the strongest bonds of society, mankind were made dependent on each other for protection and security, as they thereby enjoy better opportunities of fulfilling the duties of reciprocal love and friendship. Thus was man formed for social and active life, the noblest part of the work of God; and he that will so demean himself, as not to be endeav-. ouring to add to the common stock of knowledge and understanding, may be deemed a drone in the hive of nature, a useless member of society, and unworthy of our protection as Masons.

The Book of Constitutions, guarded by the Tyler's Sword, reminds us that

we should be ever watchful and guarded, in our thoughts, words, and actions, particularly when before the enemies of Masonry; ever bearing in remembrance those truly Masonick virtues, silence and circumspection.

The Sword, pointing to a Naked Heart, demonstrates that justice will sooner or later overtake us; and although our thoughts, words, and actions, may be hid from the eyes of man; yet, that All Seeing Eye, whom the sun, moon, and stars obey, and under whose watch care, even comets perform their stupendous revolutions, pervades the inmost recesses of the human heart, and willr eward us "according to our works."

The Anchor and Ark are emblems of a well grounded hope, and a well spent life. They are emblematical of that divine Ark, which safely wafts us over this tempestuous sea of troubles, and that Anchor, which shall safely moor us in a peaceful harbour, where