CHAPTER I.

The Great Outlines of Speculative Fre
Masonry.
BELOVED BRETHREN AND COMPANIONS,
THROUGH the merciful Provide of God, another opportunity is preser of addressing you in terms of fraternal fection. Once more, of asking that k indulgence, that serious and candid atl tion you have never denied me.
An attempt will now be made, briefl; exhibit, some of the great outlines of & culative Free-Masonry, in one gen view. General I say, because a single dress cannot embrace but the mere outl of a system, on which the mind may ra with fresh and admiring prospects, or d> with unspeakable delight. A subject vojving Jruths weighty aiKl importam thqjrk nature, aqpl consecjuenres serious eternal!** ^ \ * % j\ \*
The science of Speculative Firee" I\^ ry seems to have been mace a subject inquiry, in some general 'degree, in ev age ©Mbe waiJ^h # Heye vajLnii oflini have been entertained by mankind, a its origin and proper design. While sc
&>ECtJLATIYE MASONRY. 21
have really approved the Institution, oth- ers have wholly condemned it. While some have expressed a belief, that in a few instan- ces it might he beneficial to individuals, others have utterly denounced it as the bane of society. While some have wisely sus- pended their opinions, others have cast o- dium on the very name. In the abodes of ignorance, where the genial rays of science have faintly shone on the human intellect, Masonry has usually been denominated a scheme of practical impiety, bewildering the head and corrupting the heart. From such unfounded and uncharitable opinions have originated numerous fables, by which enchantment and witchcraft are said to be practised in Masonic assemblies. From these and various other causes, the public mind has long been labouring under seri- ous doubts, whether to consider, the Insti- tution laudable and good in its nature and design, or not. In view of such a consid- eration, we are loudly called upon, as Free and accepted Masons, to unfold the tenets of our system in the most plain and une- quivpcal terms. Distinctly to explain the moral nature of the Institution to the world, and by convincing the understanding, lay a sure foundation for its universal appro- bation. That Speculative Free- Masonry is wise-
22 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
ly calculated to irradiate the understand- ing, enlarge tbe capacity of the mind, and improve tbe heart, no man can doubt, who has been correctly taught in its principles. These are facts capable of as positive proof as the nature of moral fitness will admit. We are, therefore, bound by that benevo- lence and charity we profess, to adopt eve- ry laudable expedient to remove error, firejudice or misconception from the pub- ic mind. On the accomplishment of this desirable object depends much of the ce- lebrity of the order.
That our minds may be refreshed on this subject, let us turn our thoughts on some of the more prominent features of the Ma- sonic Institution.
Speculative Free-Masonry, as a system, evidently embraces, in body and 3ubstance > the whole duty of man as a moral being; comprising a summary of principles, con- formable to the very nature and fitness of things. Here is presented that variety and richness of scenery which charms the under- standing, that beauty, sublimity and gran- deur of objects which fill the contemplative mind with admiring views. Here we dis- cover the wisdom of God in the symmetry of nature, and the finger of Providence in the government of the world. The great outlines in the history of creation are also
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 23
unfolded. The primitive innocence of man, the fail and consequent scenes of natural and moral evil. In a word, tbe history of nature and grace is most beautifully taught in a lively display of Masonic symbols. — Here we view the coincidence of principle and design, between the Christian religion and Speculative Free-Masonry, with that pleasing admiration which satisfies inquiry, and clearly proves our system based on the Rock of eternal ages. As the subject con- tinues to open, the mind is presented with an endless variety of g*blime contempla- tions. Such are the deep mysteries of the Divine Word, in whom all the fulness of the Godhead dwells bodily. Such the ter- rible majesty of Him that rideth upon the heavens by his name J AH, who plants his footstepsin the sea, and manages the storms. Such the boundless displays of the unsearch- able riches of Divine Benevolence. Such the Grand Council of Eternity, which de- vised and executed that great plan of man's redemption. The mind is thereby present- ed with the co-equal and co-eternal exist- ence of the adorable Persons in the Sacred Trinity. The allusions are direct, and meet the understanding in a convincing light. Here we view the numerous allu- sions to that essential Divinity, which foil- ed the powers of darkness, and brought sal-
24 ' SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
vation to the world. Here are we taught in meekness to reverence the name of Je- hovah, and dwell on the infinitude of his perfections, the eternity of his nature, — Within these consecrated walls are clearly unfolded the numerous relations of man, as a being destined to survive the general destruction of nature herself, and triumph in immortal existence. The wisdom and goodness and mercy and justice of the great God as displayed in the moral world, and his controling, governing power in the na- tural. AH the combined, unspeakable ex- cellencies of the Omnipotent Creator. — Time with all its interesting relations, e- ternity with its everlasting consequences. This world, as a dreary wilderness, heaven as the paradise of God. Mortal existence, interwoven with pains and sorrows and death, a happy immortality, endless frui- tion in the regions of bliss. Vice with her scorpions to the naked conscience, virtue with her sceptre of peace, and her crown of rejoicing. Here, in short, is an endless variety of moral and religious instructions. The admiring views are sometimes turn- ed on that wisdom which could devise, and that power which could call into being worlds and systems of worlds by the Word of his power. To adore that Divinity, Avhose goodness and mercy are so astonish-
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 25
ingly displayed in the salvation of man. Here we are led to trace the streams of hu- man happiness, to the inexhaustible foun- tain of Divine goodness.
Such are a few of the numerous excel- lencies found in the system of Speculative Free-Masonry. On these are indelibly im- pressed the seals of imperishable worth. If such in very deed were not the facts, no man of sense and independence of mind, could, in any shape, become attached to the Institution. If all were a mere specious form, a shadow without substance, a name without meaning — was there no other/nor higher attainment, than the mere externals, the naked ceremonies, the semblance of virtue, the appearance of sincerity, a kind of hypocritical sanctity, the badge of inno- cence to conceal the blackest crimes, the mask of friendship to allure and deceive, a mantle and profession of charity to wrap up a heart of fraud and malevolence, the empty names of moral and religious prin* ciples, basely prostituted and stripped of their appropriate meanings, the Institution would justly deserve nothing but infamous disgrace, and meet with little else than vir- tuous contempt. The sober and discreet part of the community, who might become members, indignantly frowning on such base duplicity, such sanctimonious, yet
3
26 SPECULATIVE MASONRY,
damnable deception, long ere this time, would have stripped off the mask, and ex- posed the monster naked to the world. — Regardless of the frowns or flatteries of men, they would have triumphed in the ex- tinction of the Institution. No age of hu- man depravity, no country so far sunk in the depths of moral pollution, but has been honoured with Masonic members, who, dreading nothing but the displeasure of heaven, would have trampled in the dust the very constitution of a corrupt and wick- ed association. Such attempts, however, are 'nameless on the records of time. And such we are sure never will be made, till the laws of nature shall be reversed, till light become darkness, and virtue, morality and religion, the blackest of human crimes. No individual, however corrupt in heart or abandoned in principle, however lost to a $ense of duty or honour, however regard- less of present conduct or future conse- quences, has yet been found, who could for once concentrate the whole vileness of bis nature into a single point sufficiently daring and desperate, to revile the true principles of Speculative Free-Masonry. An admiring world has often witnessed this cautious reserve with astonishment, and as often been inclined to ascribe it to some mysterious, controling influence of the
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 27
powers of darkness. Little, howeyer, do mankind imagine, that nothing but some lingering sense of the great, intrinsic ex- cellencies attached to this Institution,, can at any time, restrain slanderous expressions in disgraced and apostatized members. The very name itself of Masonry, forces on the mind some faint, perhaps, unwilling re- membrance of truths, which, for tbe mo- ment, command the approbation of the heart, and draw the tribute of praise even from polluted lips*.
This consideration, and this alone, is suf- ficient to account for that uniform applause from the vain and worthless, or prudent re- serve in the vile and abandoned. Such, we know, is the fact. When an unprinci- pled member, one who cannot be reclaim- ed, is expelled from the Society, his lips are closed in eternal silence, or only open- ed to approve that Institution from which be is for ever excluded.
Brethren, have you not sometimes con- sidered these things with a degree of aston- ishment? What nation or government on earth, but has been execrated by disaffect- ed members of its own domain ? What so- ciety or institution, except the Masonic, in any age or country, but has been reviled and slandered by outcast individuals, once the members of its own body ?
28 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
Have you not sometimes, in a measure, been lost in contemplating the great anti- quity and universal identity of Masonic e- conomy, as now existing amongst all civil- ized nations? Have you not sometimes viewed the Institution, in that point of light, which filled the mind with a high and ex- alted sense of its divine excellence ? Have you not sometimes been truly astonished, that this institution hath survived the ruins of states, of kingdoms and empires ? That in every nation under heaven, amidst the clashing interets of religious sectarians, the merciless persecutions of enthusiastic big- ots, the jealousies of unpilying ty ranis, and all the convulsions of the moral, and revo- lutions of the political world, Masonry hath escaped the ruin, preserved her integrity and purity, and by the influence of her principles, like the sun in his strength, hath again and again irradiated the nations. — Herein is abundantly verified that wise re- mark of Gamaliel, a doctor of the Jewish law ; " If this counsel, or this work, be of men, it will come to nought, but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it."
Brethren, the design of this address, as* was said, is merely to present the outlines of Speculative Free-Masonry. But, if what has been advanced be true, you alrea-
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 29
dy discover, through the magnitude of the subject, the greatness of the undertaking.
The characteristic principles are such as embrace the whole subject matter of di- vine economy. The farther you attempt to investigate the whole system, the more deep and solemn and interesting the sub- ject appears.
Such, therefore, is the nature of Specu- lative Free- Masonry, that the most exalted human intellect can never survey the whole field of improvement. The attainment of a full and adequate view, lies far beyond the powers of any finite mind.
Perhaps my brethren may consider this description too great. If so, be persuad- ed to suspend your final decision for one moment.
Where is the beginning and where is the end of eternity t What is the length and breadth and height and depth of eter- nal truth? Where, the finite mind, which can look through the vast machinery of na- ture ? Where, the vain presumer, who dare assort he can trace unerringly the footsteps of Omnipotence in all his works? Where, the created being, however exalted in rank, of ethereal mind, who comprehends the great mystery of God in the plan of redemp- tion ? The wonder of angels, the eternal Word manifested in the flesh ! Where, the
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. 30 SPECULATIVE MASONRV.
profound wisdom, which can fathom tha$ mystery of mysteries, a Trinity in Unity ? In a word, where is that created being, in the universe of God, who will fully com- prehend, through a boundless eternity, the great and unsearchable riches of uncreated Divinity ; or the amazing displays of the divine character and perfections? Or who can trace immortal existence through all its relations ?
These subjects, collectively considered, constitute the vital parts of Speculative Free-Masonry. Full of interest as the na- ture of immortality, solemn and momen- tous as everlasting consequences. Say then, my brethren, who is sufficient for these things ? Who can unfold the myste- ries of this Institution, or explore the ut- most boundaries of the Masonic system ?
Brethren, are our minds duly and so- lemnly impressed with these truths ? We may pass through all the forms, understand all the ceremonies, participate in all the communicative knowledge, but unless we discover the great point to which these pre- cious instructions allude, and experience in very deed what they were designed to effect, we fail of the great object in view. Although many things are discovered in the midst of pur ceremonies which affect the mind with peculiar delight, yet these
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 31
are but the mere externals, the appendages, the symbols, the visible features, the index of those sublime principles whichcharacter- ize the nature of our Institution.
The man who desires to improve in knowledge,, must apply the constituted means. Here are we presented with an inexhaustible fountain ; yet this fountain, with all its streams of knowledge, in itself considered, avails nothing till we approve the instructions in our heart, and practice them in our life and conduct. Notwith- standing the moral precepts of our Order may be equally sacred and equally pre- [ cious with those of Christianity, yet, unless tbey become ours by sentiment, identified with our affect ions,and flow from the heart in every act of duty, how are we benefit- ed ? Notwithstanding this plain truth, that the Masonic requirements coincide with revealed Religion, yet if these require- ments are not conscientiously obeyed, from a view of their reasonable nature, and a just sense of Divine authority, they avail us nothing. No moral truth presented to the mind can be more evident, more compre- hensive, more universally binding, and at the. same time more reasonable in its na- ture and requirements, than wh&t is taught in the first Masonic lesson; that is, to dis- charge every incumbent duty which arises
32 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
from the nature of our existence, to our God, our neighbor, and ourselves. Here- in is comprised the whole subject matter of divine revelation, as respects the du- ty of man. These duties, therefore, must be discharged with that sincerity of heart which comports with the fitness of n oral propriety, or no relative good is derived to ours* Ives or others.
Hence, brethren, for our own personal happiness, and the increasing celebrity of our useful institution, we are loudly called upon to prove the excellency of our pro- fession by the purity of our practice. Let us, therefore, bear this strong testimony to the world, not only by publicly avowing what we are taught by precept, but also by exhibiting the reasonable fruits, in the bright example of our life and conversation. In this way truth may be displayed with a convincing power ; the principles of Ma- sonry will then appear to mankind in their original purity, combining all the moral excellencies in the moral world. Then, and not till then, will the tongue of slander be silenced, or the lip of prejudice sealed. Then, and not till then, will the Institution appear in all its loveliness to the world ; then, and not till then, shall we experience that sw?et consolation which flows from a
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 33
heart and conscience approved in the sight of God.
Brethren, I cannot close this address without expressing the most earnest solici- tude, that the Companions of this Grand Chapter will redouble their exertions, will use all their influence and weight of char- acter to remove every prejudice or miscon- ception from the minds of the community, and plainly set before the world the lead- ing principles of Speculative Free- Mason- ry. We, as Masons, do hkow, that the sjstera as such, is truly and emphatically excellent in its nature, and we are bound by conscience, and every benevolent af- fection which warms the heart, which re- joices in the promotion of human happi- ness, to proclaim it distinctly to the world. Let the veil of ignorance, therefore, be rent from the understanding, let the true light shine into the heart, and Masonry will be hailed with acclamations of joy as the harbinger of peace.
By a full and fair exposition of our great leading principles we betray no Masonic secrets ; these are safely locked up". * l :z, heart of every Mason, and are never to h imparted, except in a constitutional in ner. Were these secrets communic they could be of no material servn. Mankind : their appropriate use is
*
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34 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
tinguish our brethren of every nation ; kindred and language. On these no r has any claim, except he enter the doo Masonry. By these, Masons of every tion are recognised as brethren, and the by entitled to privileges which the wc can never enjoy in common. No mc quality can be predicated on those tok % by which Masons distinguish each othe These considerations, therefore, sho silence every murmur, allay every un apprehension, and satisfy every can mind.
But our leading tenets are no seer
It is no secret that the system embraces j
inculcates evangelical truth. It is no
cret that there is not a duty enjoined,
a virtue required in the volume of Insp
tion, but what is found in, and taught
Speculative Free-Masonry. It is no
cret that the appropriate name of God i
preserved in this Institution, in every co
. try where Masonry existed, while the 1
\ of the world was literally sunk in heath
X^m. It is no secret that we feed the h
%£ and clothe the naked, protect the w
■ gnd orphan, and in all things, accord
^r ability do good to the whole
%)ily. And, above all, it is not, r
^Mt be a secret, that a good Mai
•■■■*
%:
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 35
is of necessity, truly and emphatically, a Christian.
Finally, my brethren, in view of this whole subject, we see what a great myste- ry is involved in Speculative Free-Mason- ry, [low weighty, and solemn and inter- esting is our profession ! No period, short of a boundless eternity, can fully display the moral beauties, the unsearchable rich- es of this system. Let us, therefore, re- joice ki the light, persevere in ways of well doing unto the end, that we may, at the last, receive a crown of righteousness in- corruptible, which can never fade away.