hless hand of ignorance, and the
devastations of war, have laid waste and destroyed many valuable
monuments of antiquity, on which the utmost exertions of human genius
have been employed. Even the Temple of Solomon, so spacious and
magnificent, and constructed by so many celebrated artists, escaped
not the unsparing ravages of barbarous force. The ATTENTIVE EAR
received the sound from the INSTRUCTIVE TONGUE; and the mysteries of
Freemasonry are safely lodged in the repository of FAITHFUL BREASTS.
Tools and implements of architecture, and symbolic emblems, most
expressive, are selected by the fraternity to imprint on the mind wise
and serious truths; and thus, through a succession of ages, are
transmitted, unimpaired, the most excellent tenets of our
institution."

Here the labor ends of the Fellow Craft's degree. It will be observed
that the candidate has received, in this place, the second section of
the Lecture on this degree. This course is not generally pursued, but
it is much the most instructive method; and when it is omitted, I
generally conclude that it is for want of a knowledge of the Lecture.
Monitorial writers (who are by no means coeval with Masonry) all
write, or copy, very much after each other, and they have all inserted
in their books all those clauses of the several Lectures which are
not considered by the wise ones as tending to develop the secrets of
Masonry. In some instances, they change the phraseology a little; in
others, they are literal extracts from the Lectures. This, it is said,
is done to facilitate the progress of learners, or young Masons; when,
in fact, it has the contrary effect.

The following charge is, or ought to be, delivered to the candidate
after he has got through the ceremonies; but he is generally told, "It
is in the Monitor, and you can learn it at your leisure." "Brother,
being advanced to the second degree of Masonry, we congratulate you on
your preferment. The internal, and not the external, qualifications of
a man are what Masonry regards. As you increase in knowledge, you will
improve in social intercourse. It is unnecessary to recapitulate the
duties which, as a Mason, you are bound to discharge; or enlarge on
the necessity of a strict adherence to them, as your own experience
must have established their value. Our laws and regulations you are
strenuously to support; and be always ready to assist in seeing them
duly executed. You are not to palliate or aggravate the o