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show the particular correspondence of || each degree in MASONRY, with each state of regeneration.

THE CHRISTIAN MASON.
No. IV.

Whoso readeth, let him understand.

I shall now, as proposed, proceed to trace the correspondence and analogy which exist between the several degrees of MASONRY, and the several states through which the spiritual traveller must pass in his journey from Egypt to the heavenly Canaan. In doing this, it is presumed it will also appear, that these several states of regeneration are figuratively described in many historical parts of the WORD of God, and (consequently) that MASONRY, by virtue of its being derived from, and founded on those very parts of the holy Word, is of Divine origin. I shall confine myself, however, principally, to the Scripture history of the four following grand events, viz, the building of the universe, the ark, the tabernacle, and the temple at Jerusalem.

Now almost every one, who is merely externally a Mason, can easily perceive wherein Masonic operations signify and represent these four events; but those only who have left the surface, and entered into the spirit and essence of these mysterious operations, can perceive wherein they represent and signify the rebuilding of the soul of man, in order that it may become a fit temple for the residence of the Most High.

The Rev. brother whom we have before quoted* thus expresses himself on this interesting subject. "The first of these grand and sublime events, both in the order of nature and time, was that, when by the voice of Omnipotence, sleeping nature awoke, and the first flood of light burst upon the aston

* The Rev. Salem Town's Speculative Masonry.

ished world. A manifest allusion to this event appears in the first degree of Masonry. An audible voice is heard by the candidate, which is followed by scenes new, mysterious, beautiful and sublime. Was it admissible to enumerate the ceremonies of initiation, every person would at once dis. cover a manifest reference to the creation of the material world."

Now if this be admitted, (as it must be by every enlightened Mason ;) and if I can prove that in the history of the creation may be discovered an equally " manifest allusion" to the re-creation, or new birth of a penitent soul; then, it follows, as a necessary consequence, that the several degrees of Masonry have a "manifest allusion" to the several states through which every candidate for Heaven must pass, in the mysterious and wonderful process of regeneration. But let us descend to particulars.

Every man while in his natural state, is in disorder. His mind, however, well cultivated and enriched by human learning, is a "rude, chaotic, shapeless mass," destitute of life and light. He walks in spiritual darkness, and thinks he is all the while in a state of marvellous illumination. His will and affections are " without form, and void, and darkness is upon the face of the deep" recesses of his understanding. But "the Spirit of God moves upon the face of the waters;" in other words, while he is in this state of chaos and confusion, he is ever and anon invited, and even solicited by God, (through the instrumentality of his ministering angels, who operate upon the conscience) to aspire after higher, and more substantial enjoyments. On the other hand, he is as earnestly solicited by other invisible agents, (who operate through the passions) to reject the kind admonitory overtures of his real friends, and to descend still lower in the gratification of his sensual appetites.

Thus situated, between two attractive powers, man chooses for himself,

of all those earthly sources of enjoy. ment, in which he had hitherto placed his supreme delight-trembling with terror at the threatening dangers which rapidly thicken around him and depending solely on his invisible conductors for support, instruction, and consolation. In this state of debasement is he contemplated by that merciful Being who has assured his penitent children that "he who humbleth himself shall be exalted;" that Being who alone can call order out of chaos, and who, in the plenitude of his compassion, has said, " ask, and ye shall re

and it shall be opened unto you." In viewing his penitent child thus asking, seeking, and knocking for admittance into the strait gate, which leads to light, " He gives his angels charge concerning him" who " lead him in a path which he knows not."

(by virtue of that free will which God has given to all the human race) the course he intends to pursue-whether it be to obey the dictates of conscience, or to remain the wretched vassal of his own natural and corrupt lusts and passions. If he is wise enough to choose the former, and obeys the kind admonition of those invisible agents (who are constantly soliciting him to become initiated in the work of regeneration, so as to become a member of the angelic fraternity) he immediately feels that his judicious determination, and good resolutions, are acquiring strength from the heavenly suggestionsceive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, which are whispered to his soul by his angelic, but invisible friends. He at length consents to yield himself up to their direction and guidance, and closing his eyes to the carnal delights which had so long kept him chained to the earth, and turning his back upon his former pernicious advisers, he suffers himself to be led in a new and opposite direction. No sooner is the light of nature thus shut out, than he finds himself in total darkness, and, for the first time, feels the want and necessity of that spiritual light to which he had heretofore been a stranger. He is now made sensible of what he really is by nature; that instead of being "rich, and increased with goods, and having need of nothing," as he had fondly but falsely imagined, he " is wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." He finds himself groping in darkness, starting with horror at the groans and shrieks of anguish which salute his mental ear, accompanied with the clanking of chains, and the gnashing of teeth.

This is a state of preparation which always precedes the first step in the path of regeneration. For without being thus reduced to a state of humility and dependence, no one would consent to be led oward by the Lord, and consequently no one could be saved. But the all-seeing eye of Divine Love now beholds the humble candidate for salvation voluntarily divested

A state like that which I have here attempted briefly to describe, may well be compared to that chaos which preceded the first dawn of light in the process of creation-when "the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep." For previous to repentance and conversion, man is totally destitute of any real goodness or truth-his will being empty and void of any virtuous love, and his understanding being equally destitute of heavenly light and truth, but shrouded in the deepest darkness. It is then that the Spirit of God more effectually "moves upon the face of the waters," or in other words, prepares to vivify the seeds of virtue and godliness which had been sown in the human mind by education.

As such a preparatory state of hu mility may be thus compared to the

* The Hebrew word which has been translated "without form" in the second verse of the first chapter of Genesis, is more properly rendered " empty."

+ This sentence, in the original, expresses the idea of brooding, as a hen broods over her eggs, in order to vivify the internal principle of life which is within them.

chuotic darkness which preceded the || creation of the world, so also may it, with equal propriety, be compared to that more dreadful chaos which pre-generation will never be effected in importance. It is calculated to im- || Jesus Christ, that with quietness they press on the mind, the "being and existence of a supreme Deity, without beginning of days, or end of years," and forcibly to remind us of the reverence due to his Holy Name. Base indeed must be that man, who, after travelling thus far, can calmly hear the name of the Supreme High Priest of the Universe used in any other manner, than with "reverential awe;" or in any degree countenance disobedience to his commands.

Many of the essentials of the craft, which were buried in darkness for the space of four hundred and seventy years, are in this degree brought to light; a knowledge of which, is absolutely necessary to render the Masonic character complete..

This lecture is divided into two sections, which every Royal Arch Mason should perfectly understand, before he is qualified to fill the various stations to which he may be called, and to perform such services as may be required by the chapter.

The following passage of scripture is read or repeated at opening a royal arch chapter:

2 THESSALONIANS iii, 6-17. " Now we command you, brethren,

work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word, by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but adımonish him as a brother. Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul, with mine own hand, which is the token in every epis tle; so I write."

THE FIRST SECTION

Presents an extensive field for contemplation and study; and furnishes many highly interesting particulars relative to the state of Masonry, during king Solomon's reign, and subsequent to that period. It explains the mode of government, designates the appellation, number, and situation of the several officers, and points out the purpose and duty of their respective stations. It also designates the various colours of their banners, and explains the morals to which they allude.

THE SECOND SECTION

Contains a fund of interesting and valuable historical information, and

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, demonstrates, in a striking manner,

that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us, for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you, Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought, but wrought with labour

that virtue and happiness are the ultimate consequences of virtue and justice; whilst the practices of vice and immortality, are invariably followed by disgrace and ruin.

The following passages of scripture, prayer, charge, &c., which are introduced during the ceremony of exaltation, should be properly arranged, and it is essentially necessary that theit application should be familiar to all royal arch Masons.

and travail night and day, that wemight not be chargeable to any of you. Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat: For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorder-will make the darkness light before

ly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such, we command and exhort, by our Lord"

ISALAH xlii, 16.

"I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known; I them, and crooked things straight: These things will I do unto them, and will not forsake them."