tabernacle and temple, those principles necessary for that purpose must, of consequence, have been communicated to others.

These several buildings had their spiritual allusions, and were typical of very important events in the economy of the moral system, and originally designed to convey religious instruction.

The ark most beautifully typified the great Redeemer of the world, who endured the flood of divine wrath for a season, that he might atone for the sins of man. It was also emblematical of that great salvation which constitutes the sure ark of our safety in the day of final retribution. The tabernacle was a type of the human nature of our glorious Mediator. It also had a manifest reference to every true believer, to the church of God, and even to heaven itself. Numerous references were made to this tabernacle, under the Jewish dispensation, which are replete with religious knowledge and instruction. Its very figure and partitions, its ornaments and coverings, with its whole plan, workmanship and service, were subjects of moral and religious explanations. Thus did the ancient Jews understand them, and thus do modern expositors.

The temple of Solomon was an assemblage of types, which in a peculiar manner prefigured those numerous moral events on which the salvation and future happiness of man depended. The whole workmanship, its materials and building, its pillars, porches and partitions, the brazen sea, and the lavers, the candlesticks and the utensils of service, the cherubim, the ark of the covenant, the altar of incense, the censer and the mercy-seat, all pointed to those sublime events which issued in man's redemption. All things pointing to the purification of the soul, through the office-work of the promised Messiah, to the great atonement which should be wrought out by him, to the gospel dispensation, to the calling of the Gentiles, to the future glory of the church on earth, and to the final admission of the righteous to that "temple not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." Such was the divine appointment under the Jewish economy, that sensible objects were constituted emblematic of moral events, in so striking a manner, as in view of them to impress the mind with devotional contemplations. The ancient Jews were looking forward, with anxious expectations,

to the coming of the promised Messiah. And the constant employment of the craftsmen who wrought at the temple, was on those sensible objects which pointed to his appearing, and constantly reminded them of its happy and glorious consequences. Hence, we may reasonably conclude that architecture, or ancient Masonry, was not only operative, but, in many respects, religious.Suffice it, therefore, to say, in addition to all other considerations, that just and satisfactory evidence of this truth is contained within the sacred veils of our Institution; and every person who is regularly introduced, may on this head obtain such evidence.

That ancient Masonry was operative, there can be no doubt; and, from this view of the subject, all may have reason to believe it was improved for moral and religious purposes.

CHAPTER VI.

Modern Free-Masonry Speculative and Religious.

MODERN Masonry is not operative, but speculative and religious."By speculative Masonry we learn to subdue the passions, act upon the square, keep a tongue of good report, maintain secrecy, and practice charity." "It leads the contemplative mind, to view with wonder and admiration, the stupendous works of creation, and inspires the most exalted ideas of the perfections of the divine Creator."

Speculative Masonry, according to present acceptation, has an ultimate reference to that spiritual building erected by virtue in the heart, and summarily implies the arrangement and perfection of those holy and sublime principles by which the soul is fitted for a meet temple of God in a world of immortality. In this point of view every enlightened Mason understands that excellent system of Masonic virtues which adorns the man, and displays the superior excellencies of a benevolent heart. Such is

the only proper and significant meaning, which accords with the profession, and such the only one justly drawn from the true nature of the Institution under its present form. The superior excellence of Masonic precepts greatly consists in that lively display of truth by which deep and lasting impressions are made on the heart. Little, therefore, need be said under this head. If what has been exhibited, in relation to belief and principle, as embraced in the body of the system, be true; if the duties of a Mason are what have been stated, something of a serious nature must be attached to the Institution. And we again appeal to every enlightened Mason on the globe for the truth and correctness of the above positions.

There are men of eminent piety, meek and humble Christians, who greatly delight in Masonic instructions. There are men who minister before the sacred altar, who conscientiously approve and admire this system of moral virtues. There are multitudes who possess an honest heart, a correct taste, a sound understanding, and an inflexible attachment to truth, who by practice and profession support the dignity, and evidence the worth of