We know, most assuredly, from Divine testimony, that the ark was prepared, and the book of the law deposited therein, fourteen hundred and fifty-one years before Christ; and that no other fixed place was known for more than eight hundred and sixty years:-That in the reign of Manasseh, or Amon, this book was removed from its accustomed place, and safely deposited, where it lay concealed till the time of Josiah, when it was found, and publicly read to the people:-That it never has, and probably never can be proved, any other entire copy then existed, or was then made:That Josiah ordered the ark to be replaced, "in the house which Solomon did build;" and from that time, no mention is made of the book of the law, until the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, a period of one hundred and twenty, or perhaps one hundred and eighty years.

When Ezra returned from Babylon, he zealously engaged with his countrymen in the general concerns of the nation, but soon retired from public view, and remained unnoticed, for about thirteen years, after which, he again came forward, and for the first time after the captivity, mention is made of the read

ing, and expounding the laws of Moses. Expositors agree in the opinion, that Ezra was then employed in studying the law, and transcribing, and arranging the writings of the prophets.

The fact is beyond all question, that the book of the law was not publicly known, or publicly read, during the captivity; and the evidences are strong, if not conclusive, that it lay beneath the ruins of the city. The ancient Rabbins affirm, that Josiah caused it to be placed in a vault, expressly prepared for that purpose. Masonic traditions support the same opinion, but add the providential discovery of the law, on removing the ruins of the temple. The Rabbins speak of its concealment as a matter of unquestioned fact, and ascribe its discovery to Ezra, who on that account, is styled, "the second Moses, the restorer of their law." Masonic tradition coincides with the same sentiment, but ascribes the discovery to Zerubbabel, in connexion with his associated companions.

Such, therefore, are the facts, such the evidence, and such the corroborating circumstances, in support of our first proposition, that Masonry has been

that medium, through which the pentateuch, or five books of Moses, have been preserved to the world.

If these considerations are entitled to any weight, they go very far in point of absolute proof. How important then does it render ancient Masonry! To those of my brethren who are Royal Arch Masons, nothing further need be urged. It is confidently believed, from the very nature of this degree, you can entertain no doubt of the truth of what is therein taught. How deeply interesting, therefore, does this subject appear!

If the foregoing conclusions are justly drawn from fact and evidence, what claims of gratitude has ancient Masonry on the whole christian world, as the angel of mercy, in protecting the revelations of grace!

Companions, how shall we express our own gratitude, that the infinite God should fix on our Institution, as the handmaid of his providence, in safely watching over, and preserving to the world. this invaluable treasure? Shall we not, hereby be constrained to admire the riches of his goodness and mercy, to

live more and more to the honor and glory of his name, wisely to improve his sacred word, and thereby, be preparing ourselves for those sublime entertainments of his holy and heavenly kingdom?

CHAPTER XX.

Extracts from the Valedictory to the Grand Chapter.

BELOVED COMPANIONS OF THIS GRAND CHAPTER,

IN closing that duty you have been pleased to assign me, I feel it a privilege to unbosom my feelings, and address you in that language, which at best can give but a faint idea of the emotions of the heart. Here has been my favored seat for many years past, the remembrance of which can never be erased from the mind. Under the fostering care of many worthy and beloved companions, whom I now behold, this Grand Chapter has advanced to its present state of celebrity. It is now justly considered the most respectable, both in point of number and weight of character, of any within these United States. The fruits hence arising are abundantly manifest. Chapters and Mark Lodges have been multiplied in every section of the state, with a general prevalence of Masonic principles. Men high in civil authority, of literary fame and hopeful piety, have come forward, and given the