I. — ^Documentary Evidence.

For all whicli relates to the foundation of tlie Eoman Colleges of Builders, {collegia fabrorum,) created by Numa Pompilius, in the year 715 B. C, their constitution and the modifications made in their privileges after the fall of the Roman Republic — ^particularly in the second century of the Christian era, under the emperors Trajan and Adrian — consult the following works, viz. :
1. — The Laws of the Twelve Tables, instituted in the year 451 B. C. The eighth of these tables refers particu- larly to those colleges.
2. — The Body of Roman Rights.
3. — First and second Epistles of Cicero to his brother Quintus.
4. — Architecture by Vitruvius. This work has been often translated.^
'In the edition of Anderson's Constitution for 1725, Vitruvius is stated to be, in the year 29 B. C, the representative of Cesar Augustus in the corporations of Builders. (232)
DOCUMENTARY AJSD HISTOKICAL EVIDENCE, 2S3
6. — History of Architecture. By Schoell. Vols. 1 aud 2.
6. — PoUion. By De Bugny.
As containing the text of many historic documents, as also the history and doctrines of the Masonic institution, consult the following works, viz, :
7. — The Book of Constitutions. By Dr. James Ander- son. First published in 1723, and subsequently to the extent of five separate editions.
8.— The History of Freemasonry, Drawn from Authen- tic Sources of Information. By Alexander Laurie, Lon- don: 1804.
9. — ^Illustrations of Freemasonry. By William Preston. London : 1772 and 1812.
10. — The Three Oldest Documents of the Fraternity of Freemasons. By K. C. F. Krause.
11. — The Three Oldest Historical Documents of the Fraternity of Freemasons of Germany. By Professor Heldmann.
12. — History of Freemasonry. By Professor Bobrick. Zurich.
13. — The Actual Condition of Freemasonry Diesoovered. By De Hammer.
14. — Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, ByLenning. Leip- sic.
15. — Memoirs of the Architecture of the Middle Ages. By Widdekind.
16. — The German Colonies and Division of Lands in the "Western Roman Provinces. By Gaup. 1844.
17. — Handbook of the Different Masonic Symbols. By Dr. Schauberg. Zurich : 1861.
18. — History of Freemasonry. By Kloss. Frankfort: 1861.
19. — ^Freemasonry, its Origin, Development, etc. By Hanau. 1862.
20. — History of Freemasonry, from its Origin to the Present Day. Leipsic : 1862.
234 GENERAL HISTORY OP FREEMASONRY.
21. — ^History of Freemasonry. By J. Q-. Findel. Leipsic : 1863.'
In addition to the works named, we find some valuable teachings "in the following books, the productions of au- thors who, as they have themselves informed us, are not Freemasons, and w;ho8e opinions, on that account, should be of more weight, as they must be disinterested writers upon the subject of Freemasonry :
22. — The Monumental Art. By Baptissier. Paris. (See pp. 466, 469.)
23. — History of the Cathedral of Cologne. By J. Bois- eerre. Paris.
24. — General History of Architecture. By Daniel Ramee. Paris : 1843. (See vol. 2, p. 234.)
These three authors, who are architects, unite in recog- nizing the fact that it is to the Freemasons of the middle ages we are indebted for all the monuments erected during that period.
n. — ^Historical Evidence. — {Chronologically arranged.)
A. D. 52. — The corporations of Constructors are estab- lished at this time in Great Britain. This fact is proven by the inscription upon a tubular stone found at Chichester in 1725, and whereon was chronicled the erection at that place of a temple to Neptune, and another to Minerva. (See the London Freemason's Magazine for 1862.)
A. D. 290. — The constitution or ancient privileges ac- corded by !N"uma Pompilius to the colleges of Constructors, and which were considerably restricted and diminished since their primitive concession, were this year renewed, fully and without any restriction, by Carausius, commander of the Eoman fleet, who, after possessing himself of Great
'From No. 10 to No. 21, inclusive, the works named are in the Get- man language.
DOCUMENTARY AND HISTOBIOAL EVIDENCE. 235
Britain, aud declaring his independence of Rome, in 287, had taken the title of emperor. By this favor, accorded to the Builders, he sought to assure himself of the assist- ance of that association, then the most powerful in the country.
The architect Albanus, originally a pagan, but converted to Christianity, was named by Carausius, Inspector of the Masonic Corporations of Great Britain. Two years after- ward he was beheaded by his protector for having preached the doctrine of Christ. He was the first martyr in Britain, and he is, according to authentic documents, ranked first on the historical list of the inspectors of Freemasonry in Britain. It was to these inspectors that subsequently was given the name of Grand Masters.
A. D. 296. — ^After the death of Carausius, which took place in 295, Constantius Chlorus, who succeeded him, chose for the place of his residence the city of York, (Eboracum,) where he found the most important lodges or colleges of Builders in Britain.
From A. D. 350 to 430. — During this period the first corporations of Artists and Operatives were instituted, with particular rules and regulations, out of the remains of the general association, dissolved after the retreat of the Romans in 426. These statutes, of which many libra- ries in France possess manuscript copies, evince, with more or less distinctness, the marks of the old association, as well in the connection of their humanitarian principles as in their secrets of art.
A. D. 557. — In this year Austin, an architect and Bene- dictine priest, was nominated to the dignity of Grand Inspector of the Masonic Fraternities. It was by thia pries't that the Anglo-Saxon kings were converted to Christianity. He died in 610, and was canonized under the name of St. Augustine.
A. D. 614. — Pope Boniface IV conferred, by diploma, upon the Masonic corporations the exclusive privilege of
236 GENERAL HISTORY OP FREEMASONRY.
erecting all religious buildings and monuments, and, by tbe same document, made them free from all local, royal, or municipal statutes, taxes, etc.
A. D. 620. — Daring the international and civil wars, whicb had paralyzed their development, the Masonic cor- porations sought refuge in the monasteries, which thus became the schools of architecture, and from which sub- sequently went out the most celebrated architects, among whom may be named St. Aloysius, bishop of Noyen (659), St. Ferol, of Limoges, Dalmac, bishop of Rhodes, Agricola of Chalons (680 and 700).
A. D. 680. — In this year the King of Mersey nominated Bennet, Abbot of Wirral, to the dignity of Inspector Gen- eral and Superintendent of Freemasonry.
From A. D. 700 to 900. — The Anglo-Saxon documents, emanating directly from the Masonic Fraternity, during this period, owing to the continual wars and pillagings, in great part disappeared or were destroyed. A large portion of what were saved became, possibly, the property of the lodges in London, and, in 1720, were nearly all burned by brethren of these lodges, in the belief that it was improper to have the information they contained dissemi- nated by publication in the work of Dr. Anderson. In some of the Anglo-Saxon documents which exist in the libraries of England, the Masonic fi-aternities are some- times designated- as " Freemasons."
A. D. 850. — The Saxon king, Ethelwolf, promotes the priest-architect, St. Swithin, to the directorship of the Freemasons, the assemblies of whom were much inter- rupted during this century.
A. D. 900. — The successor of Alfred Edward, King of Mersey, named, as grand inspectors of the Fraternity, his son Ethelward and his brother-in-law Ethred, both having become, through attendance in the schools of the Free- masons, practical architects.
A. D. 925. — All the Masonic lodges of Great Britain
DOCUMENTARY AND HISTORICAL EVIDENCE. 237
were this year convoked in a congress by the king, Ath- elstan, grandson of Alfred the Great, who had been prompted thereto by some priest-architects. The object of this assembly was to reconstitute the Fraternity, accord- ing to the laws and written documents saved in the con- vents from destruction during the wars, and afterward disseminated through the country, divided, as it had been during five hundred years, into seven kingdoms. This assembly discussed and accepted the constitution sub- mitted to it by Edwin, son of King Athelstan, and the city of York was chosen for the future seat of the Grand Mastership.
A. D. 926.— In this year the charter of York, adopted at the assembly of 925, was promulgated, and this charter from this time became the basis of all Masonic constitu- tions. Prince Edwin is nominated to the dignity of Grand Master. (See the text of this charter, suppdo.)
A. D. 960.— The Archbishop of Canterbury, St. Dun- stan, is named Grand Master of the Fraternity.
A. D. 1040.— Edward the Confessor, King of England, declares himself the protector of Freemasons, and names Leoffick, Count of Coventry, as his substitute, and, by his intervention, reestablishes the Abbey of Westminster.
A. D. 1066. — l!Tomination of the Count of Arundel, Roger of Montgomery, to the Grand Mastership.
A. D. 1100. — King Henry IV, of England, accepts the Grand Mastership of the Fraternity.
A. D. 1145. — The Archbishop of Rouen publicly blesses the Freemasons assembled at Rouen, who came from upper Normandy at the call of those who were engaged in the construction of the cathedral of Chartres, and who desired their help to more speedily complete that work. These brethren made a triumphal entry into the city, accompanied by the brethren of neighboring corporations, particularly those of Caen and Bayeux. (See History of France. By Henry Martin. Vol. 2.)
238 6ENEKAL HISTOKY OF FKEEMASONRT.
A. D. 1155. — Richard Coeur de Leon, Grand Master of the Knights of the Temple, is nominated to the Grand Mastership of the Masonic Fraternity of Great Britain.
A. D. 1185. — Gilbert of Clare, Marquis of Pembroke, is nominated Grand Master.
A. T>. 1199. — It was under the Grand Mastership and direction of Colechurch, Chaplain to King John, that the work on the first London bridge was begun, and finished under the direction of his successor, "William Allemain, in 1212.
A. D. 1250. — The Grand Lodge of Cologne is instituted. The master of this lodge, and director of the work on the cathedral of this city, is regarded and obeyed as the mas- ter of all the Freemasons of Germany.
A. D. 1275. — A Masonic congress is convoked by Erwin of Steinbach, with the object of concerting measures to continue the work, which for a long time was interrupted, on the cathedral of Strasburg. This assembly organized itself into a Grand Lodge, (Saupt-hiitte,) and nominated Erwin architect-in-chief of the work, and chair-master, {Mtister vom Stuhl.)
A. D. 1277. — Pope Nicholas III confirms, by diplomas in favor of the Masonic corporations, the monopoly ac- corded to them by Pope Boniface IV, in the year 614.
A. D. 1.314. — Documents, the genuineness of which has not been established, assert that in this year Robert Bruce, King of Scotland, founded the Order of Harodom of Kil- winning, and also elevated to the rank of a Grand Lodge of Harodom of Kilwinning the lodge founded in 1150, at the time of the erection of the Abbey of Kilwinning.
A. D. 1334. — Pope Benedict II confirms, by diploma, to the corporations their exclusive privileges for the con- struction of religious edifices.
A. D. 1358.— [Jnder Edward III the charter of York of 926 is submitted to revision. In an appendix to this charter, which contains only some new regulations re-
DOCUMENTARY AND HISTORICAL EVIDENCE. 239
lating to the rights and emoluments accruing to Grand Masters, there is prescribed that, in future, at the recep- tion of a brother, the constitution and old instructions shall be read to him by the master of the lodge. A char- ter in verse, written upon parchment, and bearing the title, "Hio indpiunt constitutiones artis geometrice secundum Euclidem" — (Here begin the constitutions of the art of Geometry, according to Euclid) — has been found in the British Museum by an antiquary named J. 0. Halliwell, and published by him in 1810, under the title of ."The Early History of Freemasonry in England," and trans- lated into German by Brother Afher, of Hamburg, in 1842. This document, submitted to the examination of experts, has been recognized, from its favorable comparison with the statutes of the parliament of 1425, as having been produced in the latter part of the fourteenth century, and, consequently, may be considered as based upon the charter of Edward III.
A. D. 1360. — At this time Germany had five grand lodges : Cologne, Strasburg, Berne, Vienna, and Madge- burg, upon which were dependent the local lodges of France, Belgium, Hesse, Swabia, Thuringia, Switzerland, Franconia, Bavaria, Austria, Hungary, and Styria.
A. D. 1425. — The English Parliament passed a bill this year suppressing the assemblies of Freemasons. The Gen- eral Assembly which, notwithstanding, took place at York in 1427, protested against this bill, and annulled its effect. The manuscript register in the Latin language, containing all the names of the Master Masons who signed this pro- test, is to be found in the library of Oxford, and is dated with the year 1429.
A. D. 1438. — James 11, King of Scotland, accords juris- diction to the Grand Masters of the lodges of his kingdom, and authorizes them to establish special tribunals in the principal cities, by which are to be recognized the privi- leges of Freemasons. For this privilege the Grand Mas-
240 GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
ter IS charged with the payment into the state treasury of a tax of four pounds, to be collected from each Mason passing to the degree of Master ; and such Grand Master is further authorized to impose upon each new member a right of reception (fee). These two documents are to be found in the Law Library in Edinburgh.
A. D. 1439. — James TI, King of Scotland, nominated William Sinclair (St. Clair) to the dignity of Grand Mas- ter adjunct for the lodges of Scotland,
A. D. 1442.— Initiation of Henry VI, King of England, into the Masonic Eraternity — an example followed by nearly all the gentlemen of his court, admitted as "Ac- cepted Masons." The number of these latter-named had already increased so as to exceed the " Freemasons."
A. D. 1459. — A Masonic congress is held at Ratisbonne (the seat of the German Diet), devoted principally to the discussion of the new constitution compiled at Strasburg in 1452, which was based upon the laws of the English and Italian corporations, and which constitution was styled "Statutes and Regulations of the Eraternity of Stonecutters of Strasburg." The text of this constitution is to be found in many German works.
A. J). 1464. — Second congress of Ereemasons assembles at Ratisbonne.
' A. D. 1469. — A congress of Ereemasons assembles at Spire. (The object of this congress will be found in our Historical Summary of Masonic Conventions, suppeto.)
A. D. 1498. — The Emperor Maximilian sanctions the Masonic constitution of Strasburg, and renews the ancient privileges accorded to the Ereemasons.
A. D. 1502. — A Grand Lodge of Master Masons is held at London on the 24th June of this year. It is presided over by Henry VII of England, who lays the corner-stone of "Westminster Chapel, or chapel of Henry VII.
A. D. 1522. — ^By a decree of the Helvetian Diet, the Grand Lodge of Zurich is dissolved. This Grand Lodge
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DOCUMENTARY AND HISTOEICAL EVIDENCE. 241
had been transferred to Zurich from Berne in 1502, after the cathedral of the latter city was finished.
A. D. 1639. — By an edict, Francis I dissolves the ancient corporations of Freemasons, because they had vindicated their ancient rights and privileges, and, by meeting m secret, gave ofiense to the clergy.
A. D. 1540. — Thomas Cromwell, Count of Essex, be- headed for political offenses, is succeeded, in the Grand Mastership of Freemasons, by Lord Audley.
A. D. 1550. — The Duke of Somerset, who succeeded Lord Audley as Grand Master, is decapitated — a victim of his attachment to the Stuarts.
A. D. 1561. — ^Queen Elizabeth, indignant that the Free- masons had not offered the Grand Mastership to her con- sort during his life, on the 27th of December of this year, ordered the dissolution of the Masonic assembly which on that day commenced its semi-annual meeting, and ordered the execution of her edict to be enforced by a detachment of armed men ; but, upon a report having been made to her by the commanding officer of the detachment express- ive of the politically harmless character of the assembly, the Queen revoked her order. Subsequently Queen Eliza- beth became the protectress of the Freemasons of her kingdom, and confirmed their choice of Thomas Sackville for Grand Master.
A. D. 1563. — Congress of Swiss and German Masons takes place at Basle.
A. D. 1564. — Congress of Masons at Strasburg. .
A. D. 1590. — Charter of James IV, King of Scotland, granted, on the 25th November of this year, to Patrick Copland of Urdaught, and which conferred upon him the right of filling the office of senior warden of Freemasons in the districts of Aberdeen, Banff, and Kinkardine.
A. D. 1598. — ^Acceptance of the new statutes for all the lodges of Scotland in a general assembly, which took place at Edinburgh, on the 29th December. 16
242 .aBNBKAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONET.
i
A. D. 1607. — James I, King of Great Britain, having proclaimed himself the protector of Freemasonry in his kingdom, affords much hrilliancy and importance to the institution ; and the high consideration which it enjoys at this time is greatly augmented by the election of the celebrated architect Inigo Jones to the dignity of Grand Master. The new direction that he initiated in the Eng- lish lodges developed a spiritual movement in their Ma- sonic life that compared favorably with that of the art academies of Italy. From this time, also, the Accepted Masons greatly preponderated over the Freemasons.
A. D. 1630. — A document is signed by all the repre- sentatives of Scottish lodges, by which are confirmed to the successor of William St. Clair, Baron of E.oslin, the dignity and hereditary rights of Grand Master of the lodge? of Scotland, and which were conferred upon the head of that family by James II of Scotland, in 1439. This document may be found in the law library of Edin- burgh.
A. T>. 1650. — This was the year of mourning for all true Freemasons, it being signalized by the political ten- dencies into which many of the lodges were precipitated by the decapitation of Charles I. The Masons of Eng- land, and particularly those of Scotland, partisans of the Stuarts, labored in secret to reestablish the throne over- turned by Cromwell. JS'ot being able to induce all the Masons to become adherents of their propositions, they invented two superior degrees, viz. : Templar and Scottish Master, into the secrets of which they initiated those who were favorable to their secret plans.
A. D. 1663. — A general assembly of the Masons of Eng- land takes place at York, and which is presided over by King Charles II. At this assembly the king confirmed the Grand Master, Henry Germain, Count of St. Albans, in the dignity of his office, and decorated him with the ribbon of the Order of the Bath. This assembly passed a
.DOCUMENTARY AND HISTORICAL BVIDBNCB. 243
series of regulations, conceived entirely with reference to passing and past political events, and confirmed the con- tinuance of the two superior degrees of Scottish Master and Templar.
A. D. 1666. — The great fire of London destroys forty thousand dwellings and eighty-six churches. As there did not exist at this time but seven lodges in London, nine-tenths of the members of which were "Accepted Masons," it became necessary to invite the Freemasons of Europe generally to England to reconstruct the city. All the Freemasons, as also the Masons and architects whicl^ did not belong to the Masonic association, put themselves under the direction of a central lodge, governed by Chris- topher "Wren, the Grand Master, and architect of St. Paul's Cathedral, and in accordance with whose plans the city was rebuilt.
A. D. 1685. — James HI reestablished the Order of Knights of St. Andrew, which, established by Robert Bruce, King of Scotland, in 1314, in favor of the Freema- sons who fought for him, had been suppressed, and the property of the Order confiscated, during the Reformation. This order, according to the intention of the king, should be conferred as a sign of distinction and recompense awarded to the Freemasons who had stood by his house ; and it is probable, had fortune favored James in, he would have reinstated this Order in its possessions.
A. D. 1703. — At this time there existed but four lodges of Freemasons in London ; and, notwithstanding the zeal exhibited by the aged Grand Master, Christopher Wren, the members of these lodges gradually decreased. The annual feasts, were completely neglected and the lodges deserted. Under these circumstances, the Lodge of St. Paul, (known at the present time as the Lodge of An- tiquity,) with the object of retarding the continually decreasing number of its membership, as also to give some importance to its existence, passed a resolution that en-
244 GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
tirelj changed the face of the society. (This resolution will be found on page 56, ante.)
A. T). 1717. — This memorable year, from which it is necessary to date the era of modern Freemasonry, was marked by the death of Christopher "Wren. (The Masonic events of this year will be found first given at pages 51 and 57, ante, and subsequently often referred to in this work.)
m. — Indications of the ' Causes for the Diversity oe Opinions which exist as to the Origin of Freemasonry.
The opinion that has generally prevailed, as well in Europe as in America, that Freemasonry is indebted for its origin to the religious mysteries of the Jews, or to the initiations of India, Persia, or Egypt, is owing, to a great extent, to the numerous writings of an eccentric char- acter which have been published, principally in France, by designing persons, for political purposes, during the last century.
This opinion, however, has never had supporters among such English Masonic writers as have produced histories of Freemasonry, of whom the number, however, has been few. These writers remain faithful to their ancient tra- ditions and documents in their possession, and, according to which, Freemasonry existed under this name since the occupation of Q-reat Britain by the Roman legions; and, therefore, they very logically determine that the institu- tion was brought to that country by the Romans.
Within the present century, two works have appeared which have helped to strengthen French Masons in the errors into which they have fallen upon the subject of the origin of Freemasonry. The first is the work of Brother Lenoir, a distinguished antiquary, published at Paris in 1814, and bearing the title, "Freemasonry Restored to its True Origin, or the Antiquity of Freemasonry proven by
DOCUMENTARY AND HISTORICAL BVIDENCB. . 245
the Explanation of its Ancient and Modern Mysteries ;" ' and the second is the work of Brother Eeghelini de Ohio, entitled "Freemasonry in its Connection with the Eelig- ions of the Egyptians." The first of these works has dis- played a rare quality of research for proofs to support the opinions of its author, while the second exhibits less care in establishing, by the aid of science and history, the con- nections which its author believes he has discovered be- tween the religions of the Egyptians and Ereemasonry. It is but doing justice to both authors, however, to believe that they earnestly desired to seek the truth. But while, in the forms, symbols, doctrines, and principles of Free- masonry they have discovered the true secrets of the philo- sophic schools of Greece, Egypt, and India, introduced, during many centuries which have preceded our era, into the Roman colleges of constructors, and which latter were, from their foundation, the theater of all initiations, and open to all mysterious doctrines, it may not be concluded that Freemasonry sprang by direct issue from these schools of antiquity. K these doctrines have been religiously pre- served by the corporations, as we have stated, and by them as religiously transmitted, with little alteration, to those which succeeded them in Gaul and Britain, these corpora- tions alone should not monopolize the merit of such trans- mission; for the Greeks and Jews, and particularly the primitive Christians, have equally propagated these doc- trines, lifow, notwithstanding the connection that Free- masonry presents, in its forms of initiation, with the
'In the work of Brother J. G. Findel of Leipsic, entitled "History of Freemasonry from its Origin to the Present Day'' — one of the best Ger man works of its kind — in speaking of the diversity of opinion prevalent particularly in France, upon the origin of Freemasonry, the author re- marks that all the French Masonic writers have accepted and followed the opinion of Alex. Lenoir, with the exception of Brother Heboid and Brother Moreau. These brethren, he continues, coincide in the opinion of all our (German) earnest and thorough historians, such as Krause, Boberich, Heldmann, and others.
246 . GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY. ,
ancient mysteries — a connection that lias induced error among, most writers — ^it can not be considered more than a feeble imitation, instead of a continuation, of these mysteries; because, from .the beginning, initiation into the mysteries of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Hindoos was the teachings of the worship, philosophy, philan- thropy, and morality, as well as art, science, and legisla- tion of these peoples, while Freemasonry should be con- sidered as a purely philosophic school of perfection, having for its leading object universal fraternity.
We will refrain from qu6ting much that has been pub- lished upon this subject by writers more or less convinced, and which has contributed greatly to mislead the minds of brethren, even the most enlightened. '
Can it be wondered that among Masons, such as Brother Garon, who would bid historians look into their own hearts for authentic materials with which to construct a history of any human institution, there will be found to- day— notwithstanding the consistent, straightforward, and authentic productions on this subject which have been given to the brethren during the past ten years — orators of lodges in France, and probably elsewhere, misleading the minds of young Masons and disgusting those of the old with their Masonic romances and absurd histories, as gathered from their favorite Masonic authors?
To discover the cradle of the institution, it should suf- fice to seek it in the history of England, and at the time
^ In the report that Brother Garon, president of the Chamber of Cor respondence, made to the Grand Orient of France, upon the General History of Freemasonry — the earlier production of the author of the present work — he says, in closing : "All Masons who may read the learned work of this historian will find therein much valuable informa- tion and historical instruction.; but they will also be convinced, as I am, tnat if Brother Eebold had sought the History of Freemasonry in his heart, in place of taking it from books, he would not have landed this almost divine institution from among an association of workmen con- Btruotors."
DOCUMENTARY AND HISTORICAL EVIDENCE. ' 247
when are first mentioned the corporations known by the name of Free Masons. Then, after having consulted all the documents of this period, go back still further, by the aid of such marks as can be found, to the place or first appearance of the persons among whom the society ap- pears; then follow it down through the wars and inva sions to which that country has been subject. If, aftei this process of investigation, and notwithstanding the changes of its primitive name, the identity of the affilia- tion is established, or successively developed, it is not necessary then to have recourse to hypothesis to indicate with certainty its origin. It is by proceeding thus that we have found that Freemasonry is the issue of an ancient and celebrated corporation of artists and mechanics, united for the prosecution of civil, religious, naval, and military architecture, founded at Rome in the year 715 B. C, by the celebrated legislator, Numa Pompilius ; and which, during the eleven hundred years which elapsed subsequent to its foundation, had been known, in all the countries subject to Eoman rule, under the designation of Corpora- tions or Fraternities of Roman Builders; but, after the re- treat of the Roman legions of the Gauls, and being .no longer sustained by the Roman powers, these associations were forced to dissolve and divide themselves into separate corporations, (between A. D. 486 and 500,) from which sprang the artists and mechanics of the middle ages, as the new corporations of mason builders, and preserving only their ancient laws and the artistic and philosophic secrets of their art.
The members of these corporations, remaining in Brit- ain after their transformation, were called Free Masons, to distinguish them from the masons and stone-cutters who were not in the enjoyment of the privileges extended to them by written constitutions and diplomas. These Free- masons have had, since that time, an immense political and scientific influence; they communicated their secrets
248 GENBKAl. HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
but to those whom, according to traditional forms, they initiated into their mysteries; they had a liberal organi- zation, and a philosophic code of laws which had governed them from ancient times. This association, dissolved in the sixteenth century in consequence of the peculiar cir- cumstances of the Protestant Reformation in the countries where it then principally subsisted, is subsequently main- tained without interruption in England, under its tradi- tional forms, even after having abandoned its material object. Numerous fractions of it, called lodges, continue to exist until the beginning of the eighteenth century, disseminated throughout the country, and meeting only once a year, at the feast of St. John, to distribute aid among the brethren, and elect their officers; while, be- yond the control of any state laws, they conserved the privilege unabated of uniting in public processions and laying the corner-stones of all public buildings and monu- ments. This corporation of Freemasons, finally trans- formed at London in 1717, declares its wish to continue and to propagate the philosophical principles which, from all time, have been the basis of the society ; and, renoun- cing forever material architecture, to thenceforth employ itself wholly with moral architecture and philosophy. Such IS the origin of Modern or Philosophical Freemasonry.
And why should not such an origin be acceptable to all Freemasons ? Because, simply, it is repugnant to their self-love to acknowledge the descent of their society from an association of practical masons, or, in the language of Brother Garon, from " an association of workmen-con- structors;" and this, too, notwithstanding the very name Freemason indicates no other source or origin.
Examine more closely this association of which they are ashamed.
By its antiquity alone — an antiquity which they at all times desire, most heartily to endorse and extend beyond all reasonable limit — is it not respectable ?
DOCUMBHTARY AND HISTORICAL EVIDENCE. 249
By its having beeu based upon the laws of the Diony- sian priest-architects, admitted by Solon in his legislation, and subsequently inscribed by him upon the Roman ta- bles— ^is it not respectable ?
By its having been composed, from the beginning, of the most eminent men of the most eminent nations — of Greeks, of Egyptians, of Phenicians — initiates into the mysteries of their respective countries, and experts in all branches of human knowledge — is it not respectable ?
Did not these corporations collect and adopt all the philosophic and humanitarian truths taught and implied in the doctrines of the greatest thinkers of antiquity ; and, by having, long before the birth of Christ, practiced those principles pointing to the emancipation and elevation of woman, as the fountain of our existence, and to the abol- ishment of human slavery — are they not respectable ?
Can we point to any other association which for twenty- five centuries has preserved in their primitive simplicity and purity, and written, as it were, with a pen of steel in the rock forever, those humanitarian principles of love to God and to our neighbor ?
Was it an association of no importance which erected those thousands of majestic temples, those superb monu- ments whose very ruins to-day involuntarily excite our admiration ?
Were they simple associations of workmen-constructors who, possessing all the art, science, and knowledge of any value acquired at that time, exercised so great an influence upon Roman civilization, that it may be considered in- debted to them for all of art and civil law disseminated wherever the legions fixed themselves, and who thus be- came the forerunners of Christian teaching and civiliza- tion?
Was it a simple association of practical masons who, during the middle ages,' constructed those numerous and sublime religious edifices, which shall be forever the ad-
260 GENERAL HISTORY DF FREEMASONRY.
miration of posterity — ^those master-pieces of Christian genius, those grand, gigantic conceptions of religious faith and zeal — ^the cathedrals of Strasburg, Cologne, Kouen, Paris, etc.? Could such monuments be the work of ordi- nary masons and stone-cutters? If so, where shall we find their like to-day ?
These sanctuaries of the Great Architect of the Universe, as they are avowed to be by the most distinguished archi- tects— strangers to the Masonic institution — are due to the Freemasonry of the iaiddle ages: to "these philosophic, learned, modest, pious, and truly Christian Freemasons," as they are called by the author of one of the best and most recent works upon architecture. *
Was it a simple association of workmen-constructors who by their protest annulled an act of the Parliament of England of 1425?
Is that an association of no importance which, since the sixth century, cau count as its presidents, thirteen bishops and archbishops, twelve dukes of the kingdom, and four- teen princes and kings ?
And should we, as Freemasons, blush to descend from those corporations of mason philosophers, because they wrought, in their time, as workmen-constructors ?
No associations of any period of the world's history have produced works so remarkable as those which are due to these corporations ; and no society that ever had place on the world's surface can be compared to them either as to length of years or value of principles.
Far from contemning so respectable an origin, we should seek glory in acknowledging it, at all times and in all places ; and endeavor to render ourselves worthy of it by continuing, in our own persons, that sublime work of which the Roman constructors, in the spiritual darkness of twenty-five hundred years ago, laid the foundation stone.
' See " General History of Architecture," by Daniel Bamee, p. 234.
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mSTOEICAIi BinJMBEATIOlSr
PRINCIPAL MASONIC CONGRESSES AND CONVENTIONS
WHICH HAVE HAD PLACE IN EUROPE SINCE THAT OF YORK, A. D. 926, TO THAT OF PARIS, A. D. 1856.
York, in 926.
Convoked by Edwin, son of King Athelstan, for the reconstitution of the Masonic corporations. A new con- stitution, based upon the ancient laws, is at this time pro- mulgated.
Strasburg, in 1275.
Convoked by Erwin of Steinbach for the continuation of the work on the cathedral of Strasburg. A great num- ber of architects and workmen from Germany, England, and Lombardy are assembled at this congress. At the instance of the lodges of England, they constituted them- selves under the rule of the Freemasons, and each took the oath to faithfully observe the ancient laws and regulations of the Fraternity of Freemasons.
Eatisbonnb, IN 1459.
Convoked by Job Dotzinger, working master of the cathedral of Strasburg, to discuss the affairs of the Fra- ternity generally, and sanction the new laws and regula-
(251)
252 aBNBRAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY
tions prepared at a meeting that took place at Strasburg in 1452.
Ratisbonne, in 1464.
Convoked by the Grand Lodge of Strasburg with the following objects: 1. General afEairs, and to receive re- ports concerning the edifices then in course of construc- tion, with the intention of overcoming or removing the difficulties which prevented their completion. ' 2. To de- fine more precisely the rights and attributes of the foxu; Grand Lodges, viz. : those of Cologne, Strasburg, Berne, and Vienna. 3. The nomination of Conrad Kuyn, work- ing master, to the Grand Mastership of the Grand Lodge of Cologne, etc.
Spike, m 1469.
Convoked by the Grand Lodge of Strasburg, with the following objects, viz. : 1. To receive and act upon com- munications concerning all the religious edifices finished, as well as in course of construction, and also as to those the work upon which has been arrested. 2. To hear re- ports upon the situation and condition of the Fraternity in England, Gaul, Lombardy, and Germany.
Cologne, in 1535.
Convoked by Hermann, bishop of Cologne, to take measures to meet the accusations and dangers which men- aced the Freemasons. The " charter of Cologne " is stated to be the oft'spring of. this congress ; but the authenticity of this statement is not believed by those who have criti- cally examined that document.
Basle, in 1568.
Convoked by the Grand Lodge of Strasburg, with the following objects, viz. : 1. To receive and act upon a general report of the condition of architecture and that of
MASONIC CONOBESSES AND CONVENTIONS. 253
the Fraternity. 2. To discuss and amicably terminate the differences which had arisen concerning the rights of some of the twenty-two lodges subordinate to the Grand Lodge of Strasburg. 3. To sanction the revised statutes pre- pared by a commission of the Grand Lodge of Strasburg, to date from the feast of St. Michael, 1563.
Strasburg, in 1564.
Convoked as an extraordinary convention by the Grand Lodge of Strasburg, with the objects, viz. : 1. To explain definitely all the subjects in dispute among the lodges, and to decide that the difficulties which should hereafter arise among them should be submitted directly to the Grand Lodge of Strasburg, and adjudged (decided) by that body without appeal. 2. To continue the customary reports, etc.
London, in 1717.
Convoked by the four lodges which at this time ex- isted in London, at the head of which was the old lodge of St. Paul. Approving and ratifying a resolution adopted by this lodge in 1708, viz. : " That the privileges of Ma- sonry shall no longer be confined to operative Masons, but be free to men of all professions, provided that they are regularly approved and initiated into the Fraternity," they constituted themselves, in accordance with this de- cision, a Grand Lodge of England of Free and Accepted Masons, with a rite consisting of three primitive degrees, called symbolic.
DxjBLm, IN 1729.
Convoked by the lodges of Dublin, with the object of organizing Freemasonry upon the basis adopted in Eng- land in 1717, and to institute a Grand Lodge for Ireland. At this convention the viscount Lord Kingston was elected Grand Master.
254 GENERAL HISTORY OE FKBBMASONRT.
Edinbtjkgh, m 1736.
Convoked by the baron Sinclair of Roslyn, Grand Mas- ter of the Masons of Scotland by appointment of King James 11 in 1439, with the object of abdicating his dig- nity of hereditary Grand Master, and organize Masonry upon the new basis recognized and sanctioned by the Grand Lodge of England and Ireland, There were pres- ent at this convention the members of thirty-two lodges, who instituted the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and elected Baron Sinclair Grand Master for the year 1737.
The Hague, in 1756.
Convoked by the mother lodge "Royal Union," of the Hague, with the object of instituting a national Grand Lodge for the United Provinces, under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of England. The object of this convention was consummated by the thirteen lodges assembled, and the baron of Aersen-Beyeren was elected Grand Master.
Jena and Altenburq, in 1763, 1764, and 1765.
In the first of these conventions, Johnson, the self-styled plenipotentiary of the "Unknown Superiors" resident in Scotland, assembled at Jena, on the 25th October, the lodges established under the system of Strict Observance, for the purpose of recognizing him in his office of Supe- rior. A second convention was convoked by him at Jena to establish his system. To this was invited Baron Hund, and the lodges of the same rite founded by him; but Hund, who had at first believed in the mission of John- son, discovered and declared him to be an impostor. At the third convention, held at Altenburg, near Jena, the following year. Baron Hund was proclaimed Grand Mas- ter of all the lodges of this system.
MASONIC COKQRESSES AND CONVENTIONS. 255
KoHLO, IN 1772.
Convoked by some lodges of the system of Strict Gbserv- ance, with the object of opposing a new rite established by Zinnendorf. At this convention the duke Ferdinand of Brunswick was elected Grand Master of Strict Observ- ance lodges.
Brunswick, in 1775.
Convoked by Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick, with the object of ascertaining which, if any, of the rites pretend- ing to the possession of the true Masonic science, reaUy possessed it. Baron Hund, and twenty-three lodges of the system he had instituted in the convention of Altenburg, assisted at this convention, in which the discussions took place daily, from the 22d May to the 6th July, without any decision having resulted.
Lbipsic, in 1777.
Convoked by the lodges of the system of Strict Observ- ance located in Berlin, with the object of putting into operation the resolutions passed at a meeting, or succes- sion of meetings, which took place at Hamburg, from the 4th to the 16th June, relative to the establishment of a compact of union among all the lodges of the system, both in Sweden and Germany, and to nominate a new Grand Master, for which oflB.ce they proposed the Duke of Suder- manie. This convention lasted from the 16th to the 22d of October, and then dissolved without having decided on any thing.
Lyons, in 1778.
Convoked by the lodge of the "Benevolent Knights" at Lyons, under the pretext of reforming Freemasonry, throwing light upon all obscurity, and correcting the
256 GBNBKAL HISTOET OP FREEMASONKT.
rituals; but tlie real object of whicli was to establish the Martinist rite over that of the Templars. Only one of their objects was accomplished : they changed the rituals. The convention remained in session from the 23d !Novem- ber to the 27th of December.
WOLFBNBUTTEL, IN 1778.
Convoked by Frederick, Duke of Brunswick, with the like object of the convention at Brunswick in 1775, It lasted from the 15th July to the 22d August; and the assembly not seeing any clearer on the last of those days than they did on the first through the chaos into which the mystical systems had plunged Freemasonry, decided that they should make a general appeal to all the Masonic bodies, and convoke at "Wilhelmsbad a convention of all the Masons of Europe.
Wilhelmsbad, m 1782.
(This convention was at first fi^ed for the 15th October, 1781, afterward for Easter week, 1782, and finally for the 16th July, 1782.)
Convoked by Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick, agreeably to the decision of the convention at Wolfenbuttel, in 1778, with the following objects, viz. : 1. The general reforma- tion of Freemasonry; 2. To discuss, with the object of obtaining light as to the origin of the diflerent systems and doctrines; and, above all, 3. To solve the following questions: Is Freemasonry a modern society? Is it, on the contrary, derived from an ancient society? If so, from what ancient society is it derived? Has Freema- sonry Superior Generals? Who are they? What are their attributes? Do these attributes enable them to command or to instruct?
All these questions, submitted to the assembly during its thirty meetings, were unanswered. The congress suc- ceeded, however, in exposing a number of mystical sys-
MASONIC CONGRESSES AND CONVENTIONS. 257
teine, and in remodeling the system of Strict Observance. Jt also caused the creation of the Eclectic Rite.
Pabib, in 1785.
Convoked by the Philal^tes of the Lodge of United Friends of Paris, for the purpose of assembling all the learned Masons in France to clear up the fog produced by the numerous systems introduced into Freemasonry; to discuss and arrange the essential points of Masonic doc- trine, origin, and historical affiliation, and determine the actual condition of Masonic science. This congress con- tinued in session from the 15th February to the 26th May, without determining any thing. ,
Paris, in 1787.
Also convoked by the Philal^tes, to continue the discus- sions opened at the previous congress upon many dogmatic and historic points already settled by the congress of "Wil- nelmsbad ; but none of the questions which induced the assembly of this congress were at this time determined, and the origin, nature, and object of perpetuating Masonry continued to remain an insoluble problem to the greatest number of the Masons of the continent.
t
Switzerland, in 1836 to 1842.
The first of these conventions was held at Zurich m 1836, the second at Berne in 1838, the third at Basle in 1840, and the fourth at Locle in 1842. Their object was the fusion of the Masonic powers of Switzerland, the abolishing of high degrees, and the organization of one Masonic authority, to be called the Alpine Grand Lodge. The constitution of union was signed at Locle in 1842, ratified in 1843, and became the law of the Fraternity in 1844.
17
258 general history op fkbemasonrt.
Paris in 1848.
Convoked, after the revolution in February 1848, hy a few members of the "Supreme Council for France" calling all the lodges of France to constitute a new power, to elab- orate a constitution based upon the broadest democratic principles, and to adopt exclusively the modern English rite. The result of this congress was the organization of The National Grand Lodge of France.
Paris, in 1855.
Convoked by Prince Lucien Murat, G-rand Master of the Grand Orient of France, who had extended an invitation to all the Grand Orients and Grand Lodges of the world to unite in a Universal Masonic Congress, the object of which would be to cement more closely the bonds of union among all the Masonic powers wherever dispersed. A very small number of those powers responded to this call; and the propositions discussed and adopted were of so feeble a na- ture that they are not worth mentioning. The result ot this congress has been nothing.
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flBSI CHBONOLOaiOAL EPOCH. 269
CHRONOLOGICAL ARRANGEMENT
HISTOHY OF FREEMASONRY,
BASED UPON THE ANCIENT DOCUMENTS, AND UPON THE PRIN-
CIPAL MONUMENTS ERECTED BY FREEMASONS:
DIVIDED INTO THREE EPOCHS.
From the year 716 B. C. to the year 1000 A. D.
715 B. C.
Foundation of the colleges of Roman Constructors (col- legia fahroruni), composed of all the arts and trades necessary for the execution of religious and civil, naval and hydraulic architecture, with their own laws and lawgivers — ^laws at this time based upon those of the priest architects of Greece, whose mysteries, under the name of Dyonisian, had spread among the principal peoples of the East. Numa Pompil- ius, in organizing these colleges, constituted them at the , time as a civil and religious society, with the exclusive privilege of erecting the public temples and monuments in Rome. Their connection with the State and the priesthood was determined by the laws with precision;' they had
' Consult on the subject of these associations the Body of Roman Rights ; Cicero's Second Rustle to hit Brother Qjiintui ; The Pollion of De Bugny ; Schoell's Siilory of Archiiectwe, vol. 1 ; De Hammer's Discovery of the Actual State of Free- masonry; Leaning's' Encyclopedia of Freemmonry; C. Krauser's Three Oldest Landmarks of Freemasonry; De Widdekind's Menioirupon the State of Architecturt in the Middle Ages ; and Heldmann's Eitiory (if Freemasonry
260 GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
their own jurisdiction, their own worship : at their head were to be found presiding officers called magistri (masters), wardens, censors, treasurers, keepers of the seals, archivists secretaries, etc.; they had special physicians, serving broth- ers, and they paid into their treasury monthly collections. The number of members of each college was fixed, and de- .termined by law. Composed principally of G-reek artists, they, surrounding the secrets of their art and of their doc- trines with the mysteries of the worship of their country, enveloped them in the symbols borrowed from these same mysteries, and of which one of the characteristic traits was the employment, in a symbolical sense, of the tools of their profession.'
710 B. C.
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Numa, the wise lawgiver, who founded the colleges, im- mediately assigned to them their work: at first the en- largement of the Capitol ; next the completion of the tem- ples dedicated to the Sun, to the Moon, to Saturn, Rhea, and Vesta, to Mars, and the other pagan divinities, which were begun under Romulus and the king of the Sabines. These monuments finished, Numa ordered them to erect temples to Faith, to Fidelity, to Romulus, and to Janus the god of Peace, whom Numa particularly adored. He ordered them to fortify the city and surround it with walls ; and this work accomplished, he directed them to continue the construction of that famous temple that Romulus erected to Jupiter Stator, upon the spot where his army, when nearly vanquished, recovered their strength an"d courage, after Romulus had addressed a prayer to Jupiter.'
1 By virtue of these privileges, all the public monuments which were con. structed from the organization of these colleges until the reign of Gonstan- tine the Great, (380 years after Christ,) in Rome and the provinces, were ex- clusively erected by them, or und^ their direction; but of which nothing exists to-day but ruins of more or less importance.
2 The great number of temples which were subsequently erected in Rome are due to the practice which waa thus originated by Romulus — that the commander in chief should erect a temple to the god whom he invoked dur-
FIEST CHRONOLOGICAL EPOCH. 261
650 B. C.
The population increases much, under Ancus Martius, who fortifies the city anew and surrounds it with new walls; and a considerable aqueduct, that takes his name, is con- structed by his orders. He orders the colleges of con- structors to erect at Ostia a port of entry, or harbor, to en- courage maritime commerce; and they there constructed some ships.
610 B. C.
Under the reign of Tarquin the Elder, some temples were erected; upon the Capitoline Hill one to Jupiter, one to Juno, and one to Minerva. He had constructed within the city a wall of cut stone, a subterranean canal (the cloaca maxima) for the drainage of the city, and a great many other public monuments. Under his orders.the first circus was constructed.
580 B. C. Home is further aggrandized under the^ reign of Servius TuUius, and increased in size by taking within its limits the Virinal, Quirinal, and Esquiline Hills, which, by his or- ders, are surrounded with walls. He erected a temple to the idea Manly Fortune, and another to the goddess Diana.
530 B. C.
The monuments and temples begun under Tarquin the Elder are completed under Tarquin the Superb, who also continues the famous cloaca maxima, in which a person might row a boat. He finishes the temple of Jupiter Cap- itoline, and the circus begun by his predecessor ; while an- other circus, dedicated to the exercises of the Roman youth, 18 constructed by his orders.
ing the progress of a battle iron. This custom explains the great numbei of monuments erected to the same diyinity.
262 GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
500 B. C.
The temples of Vesta and Hercules are eretj'.ed upon the Aventine Hill, and the temples of Pallas and Minerva Medica are erected under Junius Drusus.
490 B. C.
The Consuls Sempronius and M. Minucius order the erection, by the colleges of constructors, of two temples ; ^e one dedicated to Saturn, the other to Mercury. They also establish the Saturnalian feasts.
480 B. C. The temples of Castor and Pollux are erected under the dictator Posthumius, who, after his victory over the Latins, also ordered the erection of two other temples — the one in honor of Ceres, the other of Bacchus. The most remarkable of all that he had erected, however, was the temple to the idea Better Fortune.
451 B. C.
Creation of the laws of the Twelve Tables, the eighth of which is confined to provisions concerning the colleges of builders.
396 B. C.
Furius Camillus, during his consulate, orders the erec- tion of temples; one to Queen Juno, after a victory; also, one to Jupiter, and one to Concord.
390 B. C.
Destruction of a part of the public monuments at the sacking of Rome by the Gauls.
385 B. C.
Re-erection of the destroyed monuments under Flaviua Quintus, who also orders the erection of new temples,
FIRST CHBONOLOGICAL EPOCH. 263
whieli lie dedicates; one to Mars, anotiier to Juno Moneta; while two others are consecrated to Salus (health) and Concord.
312 B. C. The first stone road is constructed by the colleges, under the orders of Appius Claudius, who directed that it be continued to Capua. The first great aqueduct was con- structed at this time.
290 B. C.
The temple of Romulus, who was, by order of the Senate of Pompilius, deified, under the title of Quirinus, is erected, and in it is placed the first solar dial. The consul, Spur. Carvilius, also ordered the erection of a temple to Fortis Fortuna, to contain the spoils taken from the Etruscans. He also ordered the construction of a temple in honor of -^sculapius, to be situate upon the island of the Tiber.
285 B. 0.
The Fraternities of Constructors, as they are called at this time, attached to the Roman legions, locate them- selves in that portion of Cisalpine Gaul known to-day as Venice and Lombardy, whither they had followed the conquest of the Roman arms. To these fraternities — of whom a brigade was attached to each legion, and which they accompanied every-where — ^was entrusted the design- ing of the plans of all the military constructions, such as intrenched camps, strategic routes, bridges, aqueducts, and dwellings. They directed the labors of spldiers and the more ignorant workmen in the mechanical execution of these works ; and it was them who also manufactured the implements of war. They were submissive to the gen- erals or chiefs of the legions in such matters, as related" directly to the movements of the army, but in all else they remained in the enjoyment of their privileges. Composed of artists and learned men, these fraternities spread the
264 GKNERAL HISTORY OF FBEBMASONBY.
ideas of Eoman tast6, and the knowledge of Roman man- ners, literature and art, wherever the Roman nation carried its victorious arms ; while, at the same time, they insured the vanquished in the possession of the pacific element of Roman favor, her arts and civil laws.
280 B. C.
Under the consulate of Caius Duilius new temples are erected, one of which, after having vanquished the Cartha- ginians at sea, he dedicated to Janus. Another temple, erected by order of Actilius, he dedicated to Hope.
275 B. C.
The conquest of nearly all of Cisalpine Gaul- now known as the Sardinian States— was followed by this country being at once taken possession of by the frater- nities of constructors, who, never remaining inactive, re- erected every-where and always in better manner, those monuments which the legions had destroyed.
250 B. G. While Cisalpine Gaul was covered over with military colonies, surrounded with fortifications executed by the fraternities of constructors, who likewise erected in their midst habitations and palaces for the principal commanders, other legions carried their conquering arms beyond the Alps into Transalpine Gaul and Spain. The first great highway is constructed about this time across Gaul, and leading from Rome to the valley of Ostia.
225 B. 0.
The fraternities of constructors, who followed the le- gions into. Gaul and Spain, completed their mission. In Spain they founded Cordova; in Gaul, Empodorum. Those of Rome there constructed the famous Plaminian Circus, to which the Consul, C. Flaminius, attached his name.
FERST CHKONOIiOQICAL EPOCH. 265
220 B. C. The Eomans, attacked by Hannibal, erected after his retreat, in commemoration of that event, a temple to the god (idea) Ridicule. Under the direction of the colleges, and by order of the censor Flaminius, the Roman soldiers construct a great strategic route. Flaminius also orders the erection of a circus in Rome.
210 B. C. During the second Punic War the colleges had no em- ployment at Rome, there being nothing for them to con- struct; they, therefore, went into the conquered provinces. Subsequently they returned, and under the orders of Mar- cellus, they constructed two temples, bearing the titles respectively, of Virtus and Juno HosjpjLta.
200 B. 0. The Roman people having decided, in the year 202, to erect a temple to the god Mars, and another to the founders of Rome, Romulus and his brother Remus, both of these temples are completed during this year.
148 B. C.
The first temple in marble is ordered to be erected by the general Metellus, who, after his victory over the king of Macedonia, dedicated it to Jupiter Stator. Afterward he ordered the erection of another temple at his own ex- pense, which he dedicated to Juno; also, a remarkable sepulchcr, that bears his name.
125 B. C
The legions, become masters of Helvetia, there fortified themselves, and gradually enriched the country with camps and the cities Augusta Basilia and Aventicum, t)iiQ latter of which became of some importance.
266 GENBKAL HISTOKY OF FRBBMASONBT.
121 B. C.
A Roman colony, commanded by Marsius, founded Narho Marsius, {Narbonne,) which became the principal head-quarters of the Roman armies until the time of Augustus. The consul Opinius ordered the construction at Rome of the first' court of justice or city hall. He also ordered the erection of a temple, which he dedicated to Concord.
101 B. 0.
After the victory over the Cimbrians and the Teutons, vanquished by Marius, he ordered the erection in Rome, under the special direction of the architect C. Musius, a temple in honor of the divinities Honor and Virtue.^
79 B. C.
The ancient city of Herculaneum, in which were erected by the fraternities of constructors numerous monuments of art, is overthrown and buried in the lava of an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The magnificent monuments with which Pompeii, no less celebrated than Herculaneum, had been ornamented by the Roman constructors, crumbled and disappeared, in great part, in consequence of the earth- quake that accompanied the eruption which destroyed the latter city, and all that remains is covered with the ashes and lava thrown out by the eruption mentioned.
75 B. C.
A great number of towns are erected in Gaul in the dis- trict of lifarbonne. Military colonies are every-where es- tablished to maintain the conquered country against the
1 Up to this time architecture partook of the Etruacan style, and the at- tempts made to embellish the public temples and edifices consisted but in the ornamentation of statues and other objects erected in conquered coun- tries, particularly in Greece; but from this time the predilection of thB fiomans for Greek art and architecture became dominant, and the Etruscan »tyle of architecture was abandoned, as being too seyerely simple.
FIRST OHRONOLOaiCAL EPOCH. 267
neighboring peoples, and principally in the neighborhood of the ancient MassUia (Marseilles) founded by the Pho- necians in 549, and of Arelate (Aries), of which the origin goes back to 2000 years before Christ. Among those are Aqua Sextia (Aix) and Nemausus (Mmes), which be- came important cities. Arelate, before mentioned, subse- quently became the capital of the kingdom of Aries, and attained the rank of a powerful city, wherein the Masonic fraternities constructed some sumptuous monuments. The ruins of an amphitheater, an obelisk, a temple, an arch of triumph, and an aqueduct, reveal to us the ancient impor- tance of the residence of Constantine in this city.
60 B. C.
After ten years of almost continual war, during which, according to Plutarch, 800 villages were devastated, Julius Csesar made himself master of all Transalpine Gaul. He at once -put the numerous fraternities of constructors at- tached to his legions at work, and ordered the attendance of many others scattered throughout the provinces, to re- erect, with the aid of his soldiers, the towns and cities destroyed, and to render more beautiful and ornamental the monuments of the people. By his orders and those of his successors, the following named cities became important, viz.: Treviri (Treves), Bemi (Rheims), Bothomagus (Rouen), Cesarodunum (Tours), Avaricum (Bourges), Senones (Sens), Burdigala (Bordeaux), Vesontio (Besancon), Lugdunum (Lyons), Vienna, Tolosa (Toulouse), and Lutetia or Parisie (Paris). A great many other cities are erected by the colleges, such as Gergobia, Xelodunum, Avaricum, etc., but none of them attained the importance of the above. Treves was subsequently chosen as the residence of the prefect or governor of the Gauls.
56 B. 0.
Britain, conquered in part at this time, some reinforce-
268 GENDEAL HISTORY OF FBEEMASONKT.
ments of constructors were sent there to establish more ex- tended fortifications. Under the command of Julius Caesar, one of his legions pushed further into the country, and, to hold its ground, there constructed an intrenched camp, with walls, inside of which the constructors immediately erected, as elsewhere, habitations, temples, aqueducts, etc., and in this manner gave birth to Eboraeum (York), a city cele- brated in the history of Freemasonry.
50 B. C.
While Julius Csesar pushed his conquests, and destroyed druid altars and celtic monuments, Pompey erected in Rome numerous temples and the famous amphitheater, built of white marble, capable of containing thirty thou- sand persons. He also, under the direction of the fraterni- ties of architects, constructed the not less famous road which led from Rome through Italy across the Alps into Gaul. Julius Csesar, upon his return to Rome, also ordered the construction of many temples, of which he dedicated one each to Mars, Venus Genitrix, and Apollo. All the col- leges located in the cities of Cisalpine Gaul (actual Italy) are called together by him and sent to Carthage and Cor- inth to reerect those ruined cities.
45 B. C.
The Roman senate,' after the civil war, ordered to be erected, by the colleges of constructors, many monuments of different kinds, in honor of Julius Caesar, among which were four temples, dedicated respectively to Liberty, Con- cord, Happiness, and Mercy. In the year 42 the triumvirs of Rome erected a temple to Isis and another to Serapis.
41 B, C.
A military colony is established on the site of a Gallic village, at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone, and there is founded Jjugdunum (Lyons.) [It was burnt, i-e-
FIRST CHRONOLOGICAL EPOCH. 269
erected by Nero, and beautifully embellished by Trajan'. Lugdunum became afterward the capital of Gaul, the seat of government, and the imperial residence during the voy- ages of the emperor Augustus and. the majority of his successors.]
37 B. 0.
The Eoman legions, stationed along the Rhine to pro- tect Gaul against the continual aggressions of the German peoples, formed at many points intrenched camps, which became strong colonies. Colonia Agrippina (Cologne) had its origin in this' manner. It was enlarged at this time, and invested with the rights of a Roman city, under the emperor Claudius.
35 B. C.
The Pantheon, at Rome, is finished under Marcus Agrippa, who also constructed some superb hot baths, which bore his own name. The great road from Rome, crossing Cisalpine Gaul and the valley of Ostia to Lyons, is continued by his orders, under the direction of the fraternities of constructors, in four main directions, viz.: First, to Aquitaine, by Auvergne; second, to the Rhine; third, to Laon, by Burgundy and Picardy; fourth, to Marseilles, by Farbonne.
32 B. C. The Roman legions who located themselves at Iditetia, (Paris,) under Julius Caesar, there, side by side with the Gallic altars erected to Teuton gods, erected temples to Isis and Mithra.
80 B. C.
The reign of Augustus is fruitful in great constructions. The fraternities of architects are greatly increased, and a certain number form themselves into special colleges for
270 GENEBAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
the branches which occupy their attention more particu- larly, viz.: naval and hydraulic architecture. The ex- tensive knowledge of these men, initiated into the mys- teries of every art, the humanitarian principles which they profess, their tolerance and their mysterious oganization, surround them with such consideration, that aU the dis- tinguished men seek admittance into their association.
The most considerable monuments at this time erected by them, at Rome, are the temple of Jupiter Tonans, the theater commenced under the consulate of Claudius Mar- cellus, the mausoleum that bore the name of Augustus, two arches of triumph, also named after him, and two Egyptian obelisks. In the Roman provinces we are un- able to mention others among the monuments erected by them at this time, beyond the temple of Clitum at Foli- gui, that of Jupiter at Pouzzoli, of Sibyl at Tivoli, and the arch of triumph at Suza. In Gaul a great number of somewhat less sumptuous constructions ornament the cities erected and founded by the Romans. A great many roads, and particularly that of Emporium, situate near the Pyrenees, to the crossing of the Rhone, are due to the orders of Augustus. The friends of this emperor rivaled him in the construction of magnificent monuments. Sta- titius Taurus constructed an amphitheater J Marcus Phil- lippus a temple to Hercules Musag^tes ; Munatius Plancus one to Saturn; Lucius Carnifucius one to Diana; and Lucius Cornelius Balbus finished his great theater in stone.
A. D. 1.
Augustus erected at Nlmes, in the first year of the Christian era, a temple in honor of his friends Caius and Lucius.^
1 The remains of this temple are now known under the name of the Square House.
FIRST CHKONOLOGIOAL EPOCH. 271
A. D. 5.
The Jewish architects are protected at Eome, where they have been authorized, under Julius Csesar, to estab- lish synagogues. Admitted into the colleges of con- structors, which, at this time, were the theater of all for- eign initiations, they instructed them in the knowledge of the Hebrew mysteries — a type of the Egyptian.