CONCEPTION.--The conception in the moon shows the purity of matter, and that nothing can be impure to the eyes of the Supreme.
HOLY SPIRIT.--The Spirit is the figure of our soul, which is only the breath of the Eternal, and which cannot be soiled by the works of the body.
TEMPLE.--The temple represents our body, which we are obliged to preserve by our natural feelings.
FIGURE OF A MAN.--The figure is in the entrance of the temple, which bears a lamb in his arms, and teaches us to be attentive to our wants, as a shepherd takes care of his sheep; to be charitable, and never let slip the present opportunity of doing good, to labor honestly, and to live in this day as if it were our last.
COLUMNS OF JACHIN AND BOAZ.--The columns of J. and B. are the symbols of the strength of our souls in bearing equally misfortunes, as well as success in life.
SEVEN STEPS OF THE TEMPLE.--The seven steps of the temple are the figures of the seven degrees which we must pass before we arrive to the knowledge of the true God.
GLOBE.--The globe represents the world which we inhabit.
LUX EX TENEBRIS.--The device of "Lux ex tenebris" teacheth, that when man is enlightened by reason, he is able to penetrate the darkness and obscurity which ignorance and superstition spread abroad.
RIVER.--The river across the globe represents the utility of the passions that are necessary to man in the course of his life, as water is requisite to the earth in order to replenish the plants thereof.
CROSS SURROUNDED.--The cross surrounded by two serpents signifies that we must watch the vulgar prejudices, to be very prudent in giving any of our knowledge and secrets in matters, especially in religion. End of the moral explanation.
LECTURE.--Question--Are you a Knight of the Sun? Answer--I have mounted the seven principal steps of Masonry; I have penetrated into the bowels of the earth, and among the ancient ruins of Enoch found the most grand and precious treasures of the Masons. I have seen, contemplated, and admired the great, mysterious, and formidable name engraved on the triangle; I have broken the pillar of beauty, and thrown down the two columns that supported it.
Q. Pray tell me what is that mysterious and formidable name? A. I cannot unfold the sacred characters in this manner, but substitute in its place the grand word of [represented by the Hebrew consonants Jod, He, Vau, He.]