derstand what the tenets are, before we can decide correctly as to their propriety or impropriety, useful or destructive tendency. The farther persons are made. acquainted with the true principles, the more beauty they discover, and hence that general love to the Society by its own members, that universal attachment to its principles, and that brotherly affection which always prevails.

CHAPTER I.

The great outlines of Speculative FreeMasonry.

BELOVED BRETHREN AND COMPANIONS,

THROUGH the merciful Providence of God, another opportunity is presented of addressing you in terms of fraternal affection. Once more, of asking that kind indulgence, that serious and candid attention you have never denied me.

An attempt will now be made, briefly to exhibit, some of the great outlines of Speculative Free-Masonry, in one general view. General I say, because a single address cannot embrace but themere outlines of a system, on which the mind may range with fresh and admiring prospects, or dwell with unspeaka-. ble delight. A subject, involving truths. weighty and important in their nature, and consequences everlastingly serious and eternal.

The science of Speculative Free-Masonry seems to have been made a subject of inquiry, in some general degree, every age of the world. Hence va

in

rious opinions have been entertained by mankind, as to its origin and proper design. While some have really approved the Institution, others have wholly condemned it. While some have expressed a belief, that in few instances it might be beneficial to individuals, others have utterly denounced it as the bane of society. While some have wisely suspended their opinions, others have cast odium on the very name. In the abodes of ignorance, where the genialrays of science have but dimly shone on the human intellect, Masonry has usually been denominated a scheme of practical impiety, bewildering the head and corrupting the heart. From such unfounded and uncharitable opinions have originated numerous fables, by which enchantment and witchcraft are said to be practised in Masonic assemblies.From these and various other causes, the public mind has long been laboring under serious doubts, whether to consider the Institution laudable and good in its nature and design, or not. In view of such a consideration, we are loudly called upon, as Free and accepted Masons, to unfold the tenets of our system in the most plain, unequivocal terms. Distinct

ly to explain the moral nature of the Institution to the world, and by convincing the understanding, lay a sure foundation for its universal approbation by all mankind.

That Speculative Free-Masonry is wisely calculated to irradiate the understanding, enlarge the capacity of the mind, and improve the heart, no man can doubt, who has been correctly taught in its principles. These are facts capable of as positive proof as the nature of moral fitness will admit. We are, therefore, bound by that benevolence and charity we profess, to adopt every laudable expedient to remove error, prejudice or misconceptions from the public mind.On the accomplishment of this desirable object depends much of the celebrity of the Institution, and the great accession to human happiness.

That our minds may be refreshed on this subject, let us turn our thoughts on some of the more prominent features of the Masonic Institution.

Speculative Free-Masonry, as a system, evidently embraces, in body and substance, the whole duty of man as a moral being; comprising a summary of principles, conformable to the very na

ture and fitness of things. Here is presented, that variety and richness of scenery which charms the understanding, that beauty, sublimity and grandeur of objects which fill the contemplative mind with admiring views. Here we discover the wisdom of God in the symmetry of nature, and the finger of Providence in the government of the world. The great outlines in the history of creation are also unfolded. The primitive innocence of man, the fall and consequent scenes of natural and moral evil. In a word, the history of nature and grace is most beautifully prefigured in a lively display of Masonic symbols. Here we view the coincidence of principle and design, between the Christian scheme and Speculative Free-Masonry, with that pleasing admiration which satisfies inquiry, and clearly proves our system based on the Rock of eternal ages. As the subject continues to open, the mind is presented with an endless variety of sublime contemplations. Such are the deep mysteries of the Divine WORD, in whom all the fulness of the Godhead dwells bodily. Such the terrible majesty of Him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, who plants his foot