THE

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Free Masons' Vade Mecum.

Most of the succeeding Chapters as regard the three first degrees in Masonry, viz. the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, are extracted from that useful work, "The Freemasons' Monitor;" compiled by our highly respected brother THOMAS SMITH WEBB, Esq. past grand master, of the state of Rhode Island. Mr. Webb observes in his preface, that many of his remarks on the above degrees are taken from PRESTON'S "Illustrations of Masonry," with some necessary alterations, particularly as it respects the distribution of the lectures, in order to render them more agreeable to the mode of working in America.

It will be found that I have not adhered strictly to Mr. Webb's arrangement; having introduced a greater variety of excellent prayers and charges, and as far as practicable, so enlarged the matter, that the work of the respective degrees may be conducted with regularity and ease to the presiding officer.-Compiler.

A VINDICATION OF MASONRY, INCLUDING A DEMONSTRATION OF ITS EXCELLENCY.

CHAPTER I.

Reflections on the symmetry and proportion displayed in the works of Nature, and on the harmony and affection which subsist among the various species of beings of every rank and denomination.

WHOEVER reflects on the objects that surround him, will find abundant reason to admire the works of Nature, and to adore the all-supreme Being who directs such a stonishing operations: he will be convinced, that infinite wisdom could alone design, and infinite power accomplish, such amazing

works.

Were a man placed in a beautiful garden, would not his mind be affected with the most exquisite delight, on a calm survey of its rich collections; would not the groves, the grottos, the artful wilds, the flowery parterres, the opening vistos, the lofty cascades, the winding streams, the whole variegated scene, awaken his sensibility, and inspire his soul with the most exalted ideas? When he observed the delicate order, the nice symmetry, and beautiful disposition of every part, seemingly complete in itself, yet reflecting new beauties on the other, and nothing wanted to make one beautiful whole, would not his mind be agitated with the most bewitching sensations, and the view of the delightful scene naturally lead him to admire and venerate the happy genius of Him who contrived it?

If the productions of art can so forcibly impress the mind with admiration, with how much greater astonishment and reverence must we behold the operations of Nature? On every hand she presents to view unbounded scenes of utility and delight, in which divine wisdom is most strikingly conspicuous. Such scenes are indeed too expanded for the narrow capacity of man to comprehend; yet, whoever contemplates the general system, will easily perceive, from the uniformity of the plan, ample traces of an original source, and be naturally directed to the first cause, the grand author of existence, the supreme governor of the world, the one perfect and unsullied beauty!

Beside all the pleasing prospects that every where surround us, and with which our senses are every moment gratified; beside the symmetry, good order, and proportion, which appear in all the works of creation, there is something farther that attracts the reflecting mind, and draws its attention nearer to the Divinity-the universal harmony and affection which subsists among the different species of beings, of every rank and denomination. These are the cements of the rational world, and by these alone does it subsist. When they cease, nature must be dissolved, and man, the image of his maker, and the chief of his works, be overwhelmed in the general chaos.

On a careful examination, we shall find, that in the wholeorder of being, from the seraph which adores and burns, down to the meanest insect, all, according to their rank in the scale of existence, have, more or less, implanted in them, the principal of association with others of the same species with themselves. Even in the most inconsiderable animals

are formed into different ranks and societies for mutual benefit and protection. Need we name the careful ant, or the industrious bee; insects which the wisest of men has recommended as patterns of unwearied industry and prudent foresight? When we farther pursue our remarks, we shall find, that the innate principle of friendship increases in proportion with the extension of our intellectual faculties; and that the only criterion by which a judgment may be formed, respecting the superiority of one part of the animal creation above the other, must be, by observing the degrees of kindness and good nature in which it excels.

If such are the general principles which pervade the whole creation, how forcibly must those lessons predominate in the assemblies of masons, where civilization and virtue, under the sanction of science and art, are ever most zealously cherished?

CHAPTER II.

Friendship considered, with the advantages resulting from it.

No subject can more properly engage the attention, than the humane and benevolent dispositions which indulgent Nature has bestowed upon the rational species. These are replete with the happiest effects, and afford to the mind the most agreeable reflections. The breast which is inspired with tender feelings, is naturally prompted to a reciprocal intercourse of kind and generous actions. As human nature rises in the scale of things, so do the social affections likewise arise. When friendship is firm and lasting, we enjoy the highest degree of happiness: but when it declines, we experience an equal degree of pain. Where friendship is unknown, jealousy and suspicion prevail; but where virtue is the cement, true pleasure must be enjoyed. In every breast there exists a propensity to friendly acts, and when those are exerted to effect, they sweeten every temporal enjoyment; and if they do not always totally remove the disquietudes, they at least tend to allay the calamities of life.

Friendship is traced through the circle of private connexions to the grand system of universal benevolence, which no limits can circumscribe, and its influence extends to every branch of the human race. Actuated by these sentiments, each individual centers his happiness in the happiness of his neighbour, and a fixed and permanent union is established among men.

Nevertheless, though friendship, considered as the source of universal benevolence, is unlimited, it exerts its influence more or less powerfully as the objects it favours are nearer or more remote. Hence the love of friends and of country takes the lead in our affections, and gives rise to that true patriotism, which fires the soul with the most generous flame, creates the best and most disinterested virtue, and inspires that public spirit and heroic ardour which enables us to support a good cause, and risk our lives in its defence.

This commendable virtue crowns the lover of his country with unfading laurels, gives a lustre to his actions, and consecrates his name to posterity. The warrior's glory may consist in murder, and the rude ravage of the desolating sword; but the blood of thousands will never stain the hands of his country's friend. His virtues are open, and of the noblest kind. Conscious integrity supports him against the arm of power; and should he bleed by tyrant hands, he gloriously dies a martyr in the cause of liberty, and leaves to posterity an everlasting monument of the greatness of his soul.

Friendship not only appears divine when employed in preserving the liberties of our country, but shines with equal splendour in the more tranquil scenes of live. Before it rises into the noble flame of patriotism, aiming destruction at the heads of tyrants, thundering for liberty, and courting danger in defence of rights; we behold it calm and moderate, burning with an even glow, improving the soft hours of peace, and heightening the relish for virtue. In these happy moments contracts are formed, societies instituted, and the vacant hours of life wisely employed in the cultivation of social and polished manners.

CHAPTER III.

The Government of the Fraternity explained.

The mode of government observed by the fraternity will best explain the importance, and give the truest idea of the nature and design of the masonic system.

There are several classes of masons, under different appellations. The privileges of these classes are distinct, and particular means are adopted to preserve those privileges to the just and meritorious of each class.

Honour and probity are recommendations to the first class; in which the practice of virtue is enforced, and the

duties of morality inculcated, while the mind is prepared for regular and social converse, in the principles of knowledge and philosophy.

Diligence, assiduity and application, are qualifications for the second class; in which an accurate elucidation of science, both in theory and practice, is given. Here human reason is cultivated by a due exertion of the rational and intellectual powers and faculties; nice and difficult theories are explained; new discoveries produced, and those al-` ready known beautifully embellished.

The third class is composed of those whom truth and fidelity have distinguished; who, when assaulted by threatsand violence, after solicitation and persuasion have failed, have evinced their firmness and integrity in preserving inviolate the mysteries of the order.

The fourth class consists of those who have perseveringly studied the sientific branches of the art, and exhibited proofs of their skill and acquirements, and who have consequently obtained the honour of this degree, as a reward of merit.

The fifth class consists of those who, having acquired a proficiency of knowledge to become teachers, have been elected to preside over regularly constituted bodies of masons.

The sixth class consists of those who, having discharged the duties of the chair with honour and reputation, are acknowledged and recorded as excellent masters.

The seventh class consists of a select few, whom years and experience have improved, and whom merit and abilities have entitled to preferment. With this class the an cient lardmarks of the order are preserved; and from them we learn and practise the necessary and instructive lessons, which at once dignify the art, and qualify its professors to illustrate its excellence and utility.

This is the established mode of the masonic government, when the rules of the system are observed. By this judicious arrangement, true friendship is cultivated among different ranks and degrees of men, hospitality promoted, industry rewarded, and ingenuity encouraged.

CHAPTER IV.

The importance of the Secrets of Masonry demonstrated.

If the secrets of masonry are replete with such advantages to mankind, it may be asked, why are they not divulged for