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238 BOOK OF THE A. AND A. KITE.
mas.
Hatred injures all the fine feelings of the heart.
Discord is contrary to the very principle of society
Pride prevents the exercise of humility.
Indiscretion is fatal to Freemasonry.
Perfidy should be execrated by every honest man.
Rashness leads into unpleasant and difficult dilem-
Calumny, the worst of all, should be shunned as a
vice which saps the very foundations of friendship
and society.
The Book of the Seven Seals, which only one can
open, is Masonically explained as representing a
Lodge or Council of Masons, which the all-puissant
alone has the right or power to convene or open.
The breaking of the 'first seal displayed a bow, ar-
rows, and crown, signifying that the orders of this
Preceptory should be executed with as much prompt-
ness and exactitude as an arrow sent from a bow, and
be received with as much submission as if they came
from a crowned head.
The second seal displayed the sword, denoting that
this Preceptory and the order in general is always
armed for its defence and to punish the guilty.
The third seal revealed the balance—the symbol
that Masonry should always act with justice in all
her ministrations.
The fourth seal produced the skull, which is the
representative of that brother who has caused him-
self to be excluded from the Lodge or Preceptory.