mportant
occasion when on his left * * * which alludes to * * *

Temperance is that due restraint upon our affections and passions which
renders the body tame and governable, and frees the mind from the
allurements of vice. This virtue should be the constant practice of
every Mason; as he is thereby taught to avoid excess, or contracting any
licentious or vicious habit, the indulgence of which would subject him
to the contempt and detestation of all good Masons; and might lead him
to disclose some of those valuable secrets which he has promised to
conceal and never reveal. It will remind you of the p. and alludes to
the * * *

Justice is that standard, or boundary of right, which enables us to
render to every man his just due, without distinction. This virtue is
not only consistent with human and Divine laws, but is the very cement
and support of civil society. As justice in a great measure constitutes
the really good man, so should it be the invariable practice of every
Mason never to deviate from the minutest principles thereof; ever
remembering the time when placed in * * * which alludes to the * * *

[Illustration]

Chalk, Charcoal and Clay.

Entered Apprentices should serve their masters with freedom, fervency
and zeal, which are represented by Chalk, Charcoal and Clay.

There is nothing freer than Chalk, the slightest touch of which leaves a
trace; there is nothing more fervent than Charcoal, for to it, when
properly ignited, the most obdurate metals will yield; there is nothing
more zealous than Clay.

Our Mother Earth alone of all the elements has never proved unfriendly
to man. Bodies of Water deluge him with rain, oppress him with hail and
drown him with inundation; the Air rushes in storms and prepares the
tempest; and Fire lights up the volcano; but the Earth, ever kind and
indulgent, is found subservient to his wishes. Though constantly
harassed, more to furnish the luxuries than the necessaries of life, she
never refuses her accustomed yield, spreading his pathway with flowers
and his table with plenty. Though she produces poison, still she
supplies the antidote, and returns with interest every good committed to
her care; and when at last we are called upon to pass through the "dark
valley of the shadow of death" she once more receives us, and piously
covers our remains within her bosom, thus admonishing us that as from it
we came, so to it we must shortly return.

Symbolism of the Degree.