Great-Britain. In other European countries, a similar prosperity and patronage has marked the Society.

Masonry was introduced into the United States at an early period after their settlement by Europeans. In the year seventeen hundred and thirty-three, a charter was granted by the grand lodge of England, to a number of brethren, then residing in Boston, with full powers to constitute Masonic lodges throughout North America, as occasion might require. Under the authority of this charter, lodges were established in various parts of our then infant colonies, in Canada, and several of the West-India islands. In the year seventeen hundred and seventy-three, a commission was received in Boston, from the grand lodge in Scotland, appointing the right worshipful JOSEPH WARREN grand master of Masons for the continent of America. In consequence of the commencement. of hostilities between the colonies and the mother country, the regular progress of Masonry was, in some measure, interrupted, until the restoration of peace. Since that time its progress has been uninterrupted, and still remains an Institution of high and distinguished ce

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lebrity. Little need be said, therefore, in relation to the history of Masonry in the United States.

It is a subject well understood, and familiar to every well informed brother. Let this circumstance, however, be remembered, that the great, the immortal WASHINGTON was a most firm, zealous and active patron of this Institution. That the greatest statesmen and civilians of which our country can boast, have been, and are now, members of this society, and attached to its principles.That very many persons who minister at the sacred altar, and others of distinguished piety, are in heart attached to the Masonic Institution.

Thus, my brethren, I have endeavored to give you a concise, and it is thought a true history, in the great leading events of our order. We hence may discover its antiquity, and hence its early and rapid dissemination amongst mankind.

From this brief account of those many inferences which might be drawn, one shall at this time suffice. A truth, pre-eminently important, as it relates to social life; that this Institution has been a most happy medium of preserving some of the most valuable ARTS during

the dark ages of the world, and trans mitting them down to posterity. In those periods of time when barbarism triumphed over refinement, this Institution held the arcana of that knowledge without which mankind must have been deprived of numerous and important privileges in civilized life. A faithful FEW preserved this noble science, which has so abundantly contributed to the convenience and happiness of mankind. When Christianity was first promulgated, the fervor of enthusiastic superstition having subsided, Masonry exhibited her charins, was embraced, and went hand in hand with Christianity in effecting that important change wrought on society. Hence we have, by coincidence in effect, most convincing proof of coincidence in principle. This has been clearly exemplified in the Saxon heptarchy. At the same time when those petty monarchs became converted to Christianity, they embraced and patronized the Masonic ART. The same is equally true at the present day. The united effects of Christianity and Masonry in its purity, are ever productive of the best society. The rude savage of the wilderness, who has the degrees, now

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SPECULATIVE MASONRY.

meets the civilized Mason as his brother. All distinctions of nation, sect and color, are most happily forgotten on Masonic ground, while the great object with all, so far as they act in character, is the promotion of human happi

ness.

A spacious field is therefore opened for virtuous Masonic labors. The world is the grand theatre on which Masons are to display the benevolence of their hearts, by deeds of charity to mankind. Those great and important duties first taught in relation to our God, our neighbor and ourselves, if duly complied with, from the sincerity of our hearts, will fit us to dwell in the New Jerusalem, the everlasting abode of the righteous.

CHAPTER XI.

Names and Masonic Characters of Ancient and Pious Patrons.

IT will now be in order to introduce the names and Masonic characters of some of the most venerable personages of antiquity. Some light may be reflected on modern Masonry, by a reference to the excellences of those men, who were the favorites of Heaven, the light of their generation, the fathers of Masonry and the ornaments of the christian world.

Enoch who was the seventh from Adam, has ever been acknowledged as a father in the Institution. Masonic traditions inform us, he was in many respects instructed in that science from which ancient Masonry arose. The Arabian history ascribes much knowledge to this excellent man; and amongst other things, that he was instructed by Heaven in a MYSTERIOUS SCIENCE.' Josephus speaks of the same man in terms of high distinction; but sacred history informs us, "that he walked with God," that "he pleased God,”—and was trans

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