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 be exhibited to this effect, the great point is fully accomplished. The ignorant and superstitious will be constrained to behold the LIGHT. The sober and discreet will rejoice in Masonry as a compendious system of moral and religious instruction; while the pious and devout will embrace it as an auxiliary to human happiness, and a guide to a blessed immortality. This truth, being well understood, would present a powerful motive before men of sobriety and worth to solicit the benefits of the Institution. As we, iny brethren, have a special attachment to the principles of Speculative Free-Masonry, why should we feel indifferent to the clear manifestation of so important a truth as that contained in the proposition, and one which may be subservient to the great good of mankind? Why submit to the calumnies of the illiberal, without attempting a refutation? The learned Doctor Robertson has laboured to identify Masonry with Illuminism. No plan could have been more fatally concerted to fix deep rooted prejudices in the mind. Illuminism, in Europe, was justly considered the bane of empire, the secret and skulking enemy of all civil and ecclesiastical institutions, and the very school of licentiousness. The writings of this man, therefore, from his character and high literary fame, were peculiarly calculated to raise alarms, and excite odious denunciations against FreeMasonry. Charity, however, inclines us to believe that the doctor thought his opinion well founded, though it has since appeared to the world he was greatly deceived. Time, and a regular exhibition of unimpeachable conduct in the great body of the fraternity, have nearly, or quite obliterated those unjust impres sions. It is now manifest to the world, from the history of the Institution, that Masonry has never been the exciting cause of evil in governments, policy or religion. Can a single charge of this nature be substantiated? How astonishing, that a world which cannot bring and maintain one charge of this kind, either of a public or private nature, as an authorized act of the Institution, should stand aloof, and still harbour unfounded suspicions! Has not the experience, say of two hundred years, been sufficient for an experiment? Faithful records have most surely been preserved during that period. Is not the testimony of thousands of individual members, persons of religion, probity and truth, to be credited? Can no confidence be reposed in those of our friends with whom we are on terms of the utmost intimacy? Has not the institution been patronized by kings, princes and presidents, as well as men in every station of civil authority?— Would such men take to their bosoms, and cherish and recommend what was aiming to dethrone them, or in any way subvert their governments or disturb the peace of society? The thing is incredible in its nature, and carries a plain contradiction in terms. Have not many holy ministers of the altar, and a multitude of meek, humble, pious and devout christians embraced the Institution, frequented the regular communications, promulgated the principles, and lived and died recommending them to the world? How can this practice be reconciled with a profane, irreligious, demoralizing establishment? Those pious ministers of the gospel spend their days in declaiming against vice and irreligion, in preaching the unsearchable riches of righteousness, and their lives |