Page.

66

CHAPTER VII.

Speculative Free-Masonry unfolds the Outlines
of History in several great and leading Events,
both in the Natural and Moral Worlds.

CHAPTER VIII.

Moral Improvement from the Order and Suc-
cession of the Degrees.

CHAPTER IX.

Ancient Masonry, ancient Christianity.

CHAPTER X.

Outlines of Masonic History.-The Probable
Origin as an organized System.*-The Dis-
semination of its Principles and Ceremonies
amongst the various Nations of the Earth.

CHAPTER XI.

Names and Masonic Characters of Ancient pi-

ous Patrons.

CHAPTER XII.

Ancient Mysteries.-Philosophers.-Wise Men. 131

CHAPTER XIII.

Masonic WORD, or DIVINE LOGOS-How trans-
mitted.

147

Whatever is found in the first chapter of "Bradley on
Masonry," in the same words as contained in this chapter,
was by him quoted from an address of the author, pub-
lished by the G. R. A. Chapter of this state, some years
since,

CHAPTER XIV.

The Unity and Fellowship of Masons.--All a-
gree in the great essentials.-Things unessen-
tial break not the Unity of the Brotherhood.

CHAPTER XV.

Masonry as a Charitable Institution.

CHAPTER XVI.

Page.

Millennial State.-General Prosperity and prev-
alence of Speculative Free-Masonry.

CHAPTER XVII.

155

163

171

Motives, Persuasives and Inducements to main-
tain the true Dignity of the Masonic Char-

Evidences that Masonry has been the Medium
through which the Pentateuch, or five Books
of Moses, have been preserved to the World. 207

CHAPTER XX.

Extracts from the Valedictory to the Grand
Chapter.

239

*This chapter was not named in the Prospectus. From
its interesting nature it was considered advisable, and it is
hoped pardonable, to substitute it, for "the Vision of Solo-
mon," which was written in poetic form.

PRELIMINARIES.

THE great field of Masonic research has, for many centuries, been explored by the most able, ingenious and fruitful imaginations. The origin of the Institution, its principles and design have occupied many pens, in every age. But, notwithstanding those numerous, as well as great exertions, so often and so ably repeated, much still remains.

The subject is not, neither can it be exhausted. The great and paramount point has never been clearly and fully presented to the world.

That point is simply this, that the principles of Speculative Free-Masonry have the same co-eternal and unshaken foundation, contain and inculcate, in substance, the same truths, and propose the same ultimate end, as the doctrines of Christianity taught by Divine Revelation.

This is a position, in the view of the world, of very high import, and great extent; yet the truth of it is not doubt

ed by those who are thoroughly versed in Masonic knowledge. To explain fundamental principles, and establish the Institution, to the satisfaction of every person on a tried foundation, becomes a matter of primary importance. It is, however, thought, plain and conclusive evidence can be adduced, sufficient to satisfy every candid mind. If, therefore, the above position can be fairly established, Masonry will be hailed by all Christian nations as a precious repository of truth, sacred in their eyes, and hallowed in their esteem. Those nations whose characteristic is Christian, are usually sanguine in their devotions to such establishments as they have reason to believe are grounded on Divine revelation. Taught, from their youth, that hence are derived those principles which emanate from the very throne of God, their veneration increases with their years, and excites in the mind admiring views of truth and sanctity.

Such is the infallible result of a sound faith in revelation. Hence, it is evident, if we would add universal celebrity to our Institution, the world must be convinced that the foundation is laid in evangelical truth. When evidence shall