the seasons, and replenishes nature, by taking the horrors
from winter, and produces the delights of spring.

Q. What does the triangle, with the sun in the centre, represent? A.
It represents the immensity of the Supreme.

Q. What signifies the three S. S. S.? A. Sanctitas, Scientia, and
Syrentia, which signify the science accompanied with wisdom, and make
men holy.

Q. What signifies the three candlesticks? A. It represents the course
of life, considered in youth, manhood, and old age.

Q. Has it any other meaning? A. Yes, the triple light that shines
among us, in order to take men out of darkness and ignorance into
which they are plunged, and to bring them to virtue, truth, and
happiness, a symbol of our perfection.

Q. What signifies the four triangles that are in the great circles? A.
They are the emblems of the four principal views of the life of
tranquility, etc. First. Fraternal love to all mankind in general,
more particularly for our brethren, who are more attached to us, and
who with honor have seen the wretchedness of the vulgar. Second. To be
cautious among us of things, and not to demonstrate them clearly to
any who are not proper to receive them; and to be likewise cautious
in giving credit to any matter, however artfully it may be disguised,
without a self-conviction in the heart. Third. To cast from us every
matter which we perceive we may ever repent of doing, taking care of
this moral precept, "To do to every one of your fellow creatures no
more than you would choose to be done to." Fourth. We ought always to
confide in our Creator's bounty, and to pray without ceasing, that all
our necessities might be relieved as it seems best to him for our
advantage; to wait for his blessings patiently in this life; to be
persuaded of his sublime decrees, that whatever might fall, contrary
to our wishes, will be attended with good consequences; to take his
chastisements patiently, and be assured that the end of everything has
been done by him for the best, and will certainly lead us to eternal
happiness hereafter.

Q. Explain the signification of the seven planets which are enclosed
in a triangle, that forms the rays of the exterior circles, and are
enclosed in the grand triangle. A. The seven planets, according to
philosophy, represent the seven principal passions of the life of man;
those passions are very useful when they are used in moderation, for
which the Almighty gave them to us, but grow fatal and