s well in
former times as at present.

A Lodge.

[Illustration]

A Lodge is an assemblage of Masons, duly congregated, having Holy Bible,
Square and Compasses, and a dispensation or charter, authorizing them to
work.

Ancient Lodges--Where Held.

Our ancient brethren held their Lodges on high hills or in low vales,
the better to observe the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers,
ascending or descending.

Lodge meetings at the present day are usually held in upper
chambers--probably for the security which such places afford. This
custom may have had its origin in a practice observed by the ancient
Jews of building their temples, schools and synagogues on high hills, a
practice which seems to have met the approbation of the Almighty, who
said unto the Prophet Ezekiel, "Upon the top of the mountain, the whole
limit thereof round about shall be most holy."

[Illustration]

Form and Dimension.

Its form is * * * Its dimension, from east to west, embracing every
clime between north and south. Its universal chain of friendship
encircles every portion of the human family and beams wherever
civilization extends.

A Lodge is said to be thus extensive to denote the universality of
Freemasonry, and teaches that a Mason's charity should be equally
extensive.

[Illustration: W. S. B.]

The Supports of a Lodge.

A Lodge is supported by three great pillars, denominated Wisdom,
Strength and Beauty; because there should be wisdom to contrive,
strength to support, and beauty to adorn all great and important
undertakings. They are represented by the three principal officers of
the Lodge: The pillar Wisdom, by the W. M. in the East, who is presumed
to have wisdom to open and govern the Lodge; the pillar Strength, by the
Senior Warden in the West, whose duty it is to assist the W. M. in the
discharge of his arduous labors; and the pillar Beauty, by the Junior
Warden in the South, whose duty it is to call the craft from labor to
refreshment, superintend them during the hours thereof, carefully to
observe that the means of refreshment are not perverted to intemperance
or excess, and see that they return to their labor in due season.

Its covering is no less than the clouded canopy or starry-decked heaven,
where all good Masons hope at last to arrive, by the aid of that
theological ladder which Jacob, in his vision, saw extending from earth
to heaven; the three principal rounds of which are denominated Faith,
Hope a