Page:Manual of the Lodge.pdf/87

42 adaptation of relief of the distressed, becomes, although incidentally, a prominent feature in its teachings. And hence it has been well said, that there is no institution whose laws more strongly enforce, or whose precepts more earnestly inculcate, the virtue of charity. In allusion to the ceremony now under consideration, remarks that "it is among the first lessons we are taught, when we pass the threshold of the mystic temple."

THIRD SECTION.

The third section of the Entered Apprentice's lecture explains the nature and principles of our constitution, and furnishes many interesting details relating to the Form, Supports, Covering, Furniture, Ornaments, Lights, and Jewels of a Lodge, how it should be situated, and to whom dedicated.

Nearly the whole of this section has been made monitorial. , and after him, , , and all other monitorial writers, have left but little of it unpublished. I have, on the same principle, slightly increased the amount of information given, by the publication of one or two passages, hitherto excepted from publication in other monitors, since I could discover no reason why this exception should have been made.

A Lodge is an assemblage of Masons duly congregated, having the Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses, and a Charter or Warrant of Constitution authorizing them to work.

Every lawful assemblage of Masons, duly congregated for work, will be "a just and legally constituted Lodge." It is just, that is, regular and orderly, when it contains the requisite number