II. and Henry IV. V. and VI. devoted

much of their time to promote the respec- tability and usefulness of the Society. Henry VI. however, was a most virulent enemy, during the former part of his reign; but his prejudices having in a measure sub- sided, he was initiated, in fourteen hundred and forty two, and, thenceforward, was as eminent for his attachment, as before for his enmity.
James I. of Scotland, honoured the lodg- es with his royal presence, often presided in person, and actually settled an annual revenue of an English noble, to be paid to every Master Mason in Scotland.
On the twenty-fourth of Juhe, fifteen hundred and two, Henry VII. formed a grand lodge in his palace, proceeded in
SPECULATIVE MASONRT. 103
reat splendour to the east end of West- inster abbey, and, wilb bis own hand, laid e first stone in thai excellent and much Imired building
During the reign of James I. of England, en of literature came from all parts of urope, and attended the lodges in Eng- nd, as seminaries where the arts and sci- ices were properly taught. Charles I. the successor of James, assem- ed the brethren, and, in person, laid (he rner stone of St. Paul's cathedral, with eat solemnity.
Sir Christopher Wren surpassed all who d gone before him, in his constant and defatigable exertions to promote Ma- nry.
After the great fire in London, in six- en hundred and sixty-six, the Masons had undant employ to display their skill, and nultitude of objects on whom to bestow sir charity.
Thus we find that Masonry has proba- ta existed in England since the time the uids received their instructions fromPy- igoras, about five hundred years before irist. And not to speak of what has tran- ired in more modern times, yet, from the pulsion of the Danes, by Alfred the eat, in eight hundred and ninety-six, till illiam III. in sixteen hundred and nine-
104 BPECULATIVE MASONRY.
t)-five, more than one hundred pubic } buiMings of the first importance, were ei- ther founded and completed, rebuilt or re- paired, under the immediate superintend ence and direction of the Masonic order.* Amongst this number, the following kinds are the mo4 important, viz. colleges, (Im- pels, towers, palaces, cathedrals, monaste- ries, churches, abbeys, halls, bridges, and the house of commons of England.
After the great fire in London, in six- teen hundred and sixty-six, the whole plan of the new city was committed to Sir Chris- topher Wren, then Grand Master of Eng- land. The plan on which that excellent Mason designed the city should be rebuilt, although admirably calculated for health, convenience and elegance, was unfortu- nately disapproved by the citizens, in con- sequence of their enthusiastic, supersti* lions attachment to their former local sit- uations. Thus the most favourable oppor- tunity was lost of rendering that city the ornament of the world. 5 *
By these brief remarks, we may see in what manner, and by whom, Masonry has been patronised in England. Men of the highest rank, in state arid church, have been its most active encouragers. Kings have
* See BriUnnica Encyclopaedia, first Amer. edition, vol. x«
I
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 105
*n brought to kneel before their subjects, 1 philosophers have been taught wis- m within the lodges. The most haughty i imperious monarchs, subdued by the Te of truth, have discovered themselves be but men, resigned the Masonic air to the most expert workmen, care- lly submitting to their control. Since the reign of William III. the In- tution has generally preserved a flour- )ing condition on the island of Great- itain. In other European countries, a nilar prosperity and patronage have irked the Society.
Masonry was introduced into the Uni- 1 States at an early period after their set- ment by Europeans. In the year seven- in hundred and thirty-three, a charter .8 granted by the grand lodge of Eng- ld, to a number of brethren, then resid- 5 in Boston, with full powers to consti- te Masonic lodges throughout North A- 3rica, as occasion might require. Under ^ authority of this charter, lodges were iablished in various parts of our then in- it colonies, in Canada, and several of ^ West- India islands. In the year seven- *n hundred and seventy-three, a commis- n was received in Boston, from the *nd lodge in Scotland, appointing the ;ht worshipful Joseph Warren grand
106 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
master of Masons for the continent merica. In consequence of the coiiini ment of hostilities between the co, ami the mother country, the regulai gress of Masonry was in some trie interrupted, until the restoration off Since that time its progress has bee interrupted, and still remains an In tion of high and distinguished cele Little need be said, therefore, in rel to the history of Masonry in the 13 States.
' 'It is a subject well understood, ar miliar to every well informed brott Let this circumstance, however, b membered, that the great, the imii Washington was a most firm, zealou active patron of this Institution, the greatest statesmen and civilia which our country can boast, have and are now, members of this society attached to its principles. That ver ny persons who minister at the sacred and others of distinguished piety, a heart attached to the Masonic Institul Thus, my brethren, I haveendeav( to give you a concise, and it is thou; true history of the great leading evei our order* Hence we may discov antiquity, and rapid dissemination am- mankind.
SPECULATIVE .MASONRY. 107
From this brief account of -those many aferences which might be drawn, one shall rt this- time suffice. A truth, pre-eminent- ly important, as it relates to social life.; that this Institution has been a most hap- py medium of preserving some of the most valuable AKTS* during the dark ages of the world, and transmitting them to pos- terity. In those periods of time when barbarism triumphed over refinement, this Institution held the arcana«of that know- ledge without which mankind must have been deprived of numerous and important privileges in civilized life. A faithful few preserved this noble science, which has so abundantly contributed to the convenience and happiness of mankind. When Chris- tianity was first promulgated, the fervour of enthusiastic superstition having subsid- ed, Mabonrv exhibited her charms, was em- braced, and went hand in hand with Chris- tianity in effecting that important change wrought on society. We have, therefore, by coincidence in effect, most convincing proof of coincidence in principle. This fact has been clearly exemplified in the Saxon heptarchy. At the same time when those petty monarchs became converted to Christianity, they embraced and patro- nised the Masonic art. The same is true at the present day. The united effects of
108 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
Christianity and Masonry in its purity, ever productive of the best society, rude savage of the wilderness, who has degrees, now meets the civilized Maso his brother. All distinctions of nat sect and color, are most happily forgo! on Masonic ground, while the great ob with all, so far as they act in charactei the promotion of human happiness.
A spacious field is therefore opened virtuous Masonic labours, The worl the grand theatre on which Masons an display the benevolence of tbeir hea by deeds of chanty to mankind. Th great and important duties first taught relation to our God, our neighbour! ourselves, if duly complied with, from sincerity of our hearts, will fit us to civ in the new Jerusalem, the everlasting bode of the righteous.