CHAPTER XXII.

Extracts from the Valedictory to the Grand Chapter. - - - - 255
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PRELIMINARIES.
THE great field of Masonic research has, for many centuries, been'explored by -the most able, ingenious and fruitful ima- ginations. The origin of the Institution, its principles and design have employed many pens, in every age. But, notwith- standing 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 clear- ly and fully presented to the world.
That point is, that the principles of Spe- culative 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 of very high import, and great extent ; yet the truth of it is not doubted by those who are thoroughly ver- sed in Masonic knowledge. To explain fundamental principles, and establish the
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Institution, to the satisfaction of every per- son, on a tried foundation, becomes a mat- ter of primary importance. It is, however, thought plain and conclusive evidence can be adduced, sufficient to satisfy every can- did 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 na- tions whose characteristic is Christian, are usually sanguine in their devotions to such establishments as they have reason to be- lieve are founded on Divine revelation. — Taught, from their youth, that hence are derived those principles which emanate from the very throne of God, their venera- tion 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. It is evident, if we would give universal celebrity to our In- stitution, 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 ac- complished. The ignorant and supersti- tious will be constrained to behold the light. The sober and discreet will rejoice in Masonry as a compendious system of
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moral and religious instruction ; while the pious and devout will embrace it as an aux- iliary to human happiness, and a guide to a blessed immortality.
This truth, being well understood, would present a powerful motive before men of integrity and worth to solicit the benefits of the Institution.
As we, my brethren, have a special at- tachment to the principles of Speculative Free-Masonry, why should we feel indif- ferent to the clear manifestation of so im- portant a truth as that contained in the pro- position, and one which may be subservient to the general good of mankind ? Why sub- mit to the calumnies of the illiberal, with- out attempting a refutation?
The learned Doctor Robertson has la- boured to identify Masonry with Ulumin- ism. No plan could have been more fatal- ly 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 calcu- lated to raise alarms, and excite odious de- nunciations against Free-Masonry. Cha- rity, however, inclines us to believe that
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tbe doctor thought his opinion well found- ed, though it has since appeared to the world he was greatly deceived. Time, and a re- gular course of unimpeachable conduct in the great body of the fraternity, have near- ly, or quite obliterated those unjust im- pressions.
It is now manifest to the world, from the history of the Institution, that Masonry has never been tbe exciting cause of evil in governments, policy or religion. Can a single charge of this nature be substantia- ted ? How astonishing, that a world which cannot bring and maintain one charge of this kind, either of a public or private na- ture, as an authorized act of the Institution, should stand aloof, and still harbour un- founded suspicions ! Has not the experi- ence say of two hundred years, been suffi- cient for an experiment ? Faithful records have been preserved during that period. Is not the testimony of thousands of indi- vidual members, persons of religion, can- dor and truth, to be credited ? Can no con- fidence be reposed in those of our friends with whom we are on terms of the utmost intimacy ? Has not the Institution been pa- tronised by kings, princes and presidents, as well as men in every station of civil au- thority ? Would such men take to their bo- soms, and patronise and recommend what
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was aiming to dethrone them, or in any way subvert their governments or disturb the peace of society ? The thing is incredi- ble in its nature, and carries a plain con- tradiction in terms.
Have not many holy ministers of the al- tar, and a multitude of meek, humble, pi- ous and devout Christians embraced the In- stitution, frequented the regular commu- nications, promulgated the principles, and lived and died recommending them to the world? How can this practice be reconcil- ed with a profane, irreligious, demoralising 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 testify to the sincerity of their hearts. The private christian, also, gives strong, if not indubitable proof of the same t ruth by his daily deportment. Does not the same contradiction, therefore, most manifestly appear in this case, as in the former, if the society be instituted for vi- cious purposes? If it does, the institution must necessarily be good, or all those pat- rons who claim to be considered pious, are mere hypocrites.
Do not great numbers of our acquain- tances now belong to the Masonic Institu- tion, who in all things are considered men
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of approved integrity, men of sound judg- ment, and whose character for honesty and truth was never suspected ? And do they not, by the very fact of continuing their membership, and frequenting our assem- blies, bear public testimony to the proprie- ty, as well as the utility of the institution ? How shall we reconcile such conduct in those persons on the supposition that the Masonic society is, in its nature, immoral?
But we will name one example, familiar to every person.
The great and immortal Washington was a Free- Mason: — That father of bis country's salvation was our brother. In him was combined every excellence of character, in the field, in the cabinet, and in the church. He was one of our fairest, brightest, greatest ornaments. The weight of his talents and character was never with- bolden from Masonic support. This man could have no motive in deceiving the world, no motive in patronising Masonic assemblies, unless, in his view, the institu- tion ought to be supported and maintain- ed. Suffice it to say, therefore, as Free- Masonry was countenanced and approved by this great and good man, it could be on no other ground than that of its own in- trinsic worth, and consequent importance to mankind. If such men have not only
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honored the society with their presence^ but sanctioned the institution by precept and example, who shall presume to con- demn it ? If the testimony of men, first in the affections of their countrymen, is valid in relation to other matters, why not e- qually so in the case before us ?
But there is one more consideration to be noticed. Those who denounce the In- itiation are certainly ignorant of its true nature and principles, and of consequence, in that state cannot be competent judges* It is necessary first to understand what the tenets are, before we can decide correctly as to their propriety or impropriety, use- ful or destructive tendency. The farther persons are made acquainted with the true principles, the more beauty they discover, and hence that general love to the Society by its own members, that universal attach- ment to its principles, and that brotherly affection which always prevail.
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