CHAPTER XL

tes and Masonic Characters of Ancient and Pious Patrons.
IT will now be in order to introduce names and Masonic characters of some the most venerable personages of anti- ty. Some light may be reflected on Jern Masonry, by a reference to the ellencies of those men, who were the ourites of Heaven, the light of their ge- ation, the fathers of Masonry, and the laments of the Christian world. Snoch, who was the seventh from Adam, ever been acknowledged as a father in Institution. Masonic traditions inform he was, in many respects, instructed in t science from which ancient Masonry >se. The Arabian history ascribes much ^wledge to this excellent man ; and a- ngst other things, that he was instructed Heaven in a " mysterious science." >ephus speaks of the same man in terms high distinction ; but sacred history in- rns us, " that he walked with God," that e pleased God," and was translated, t he should not see death. It appears m Josephus, as well as other ancient iters, that (wo pillars were erected in time of Enoch, on which were engra-
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veil some general knowledge of (he heaven- ly bodies, and more especially of geome- li1 try. Some writers have ascribed these pit- li)i lars, with their engravings, to Seth ; but hx Masonic tradition, from time immemorial, |i« affirms that they were erected by Enoch. However this may have been, it is very certain, that both Seth and Enoch were truly pious and devout persons, and, in many respects, skilled in geometrical know- ledge. The probable design, therefore, of those pillars, with their inscriptions, was to transmit the knowledge of geometry to fu- ture generations. All Masons, therefore, who are properly instructed in the history of our Order, believe Enoch was, in a spe- cial manner, acquainted with those princi- ples of geometry, whence in process of time the Masonic Institution arose.
In relation to the Masonic character of Noah, little more need be said. That he was commanded of God to build the aik, and divinely taught as respects the work- manship, is attested by unerring truth* From the dimensions of this building, it- 9 peculiar construction and fitness to answe** its destined purpose, to preserve man an** beast from an overwhelming flood, whet* " the windows of heaven were opened, and " the fountains of the great deep br ken up," we must infer Divine wisdof* 1
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in the design, as well as Divine preserva- tion in the event. No mere man, in that early period of the world, could have de- vised and executed a work of such magni- tude, unaided by heavenly wisdom.
From this event, therefore, arose the ark- mariner's degree, comprising the general outlines in this important mechanism, re- plete with useful and interesting moral in- structions.
Abraham, the father of the faithful, is claimed as one of the primitive brethren, and an active patron of the ancient princi- ples of our order. This man by nation was an idolatrous Chaldean, yet, being call- ed- of God, he became a most eminent Christian, and a distinguished instructor of the principles of Christianity, and the art of geometry or Masonry. To him God made special manifestations of his loving kindness, and established the true church in his family. The writings of Josephus inform us, when Abram sojourned in the land of Egypt, that he was principally em- ployed incommunicatingtothem the know- ledge of arithmetic, and instructing them in the science of astronomy ; that he was reputed a man of wisdom, of deep sagaci- ty, and of profound understanding. In the -stories of ancient heathens, Indians, Ma- hometans and other Asiatics, Abraham is
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represented as a celebrated teacher of a- ritbmetic and astronomy. The Egyptians and Chaldeans long maintained and pro- mulgated the same opinion. Masonic tra- ditions, time out of mind, have handed down the name and character of this man, as enhinently skilled in the true prihciples of ancient Masonry. That solemn inter* view between Abraham and Melchizedeck* is full of Masonic instruction, well under- stood, and duly appreciated, by those ad- mitted to that sacred degree.
Melchizedeck, priest of the Most High God, who met Abram, returning from the slaughter of the five kings, and blessed him, was an eminent type of the promised Messiah. Abram appears to have looked through Melchizedeck to the great Shilob, who was to come. For he kneeled be- fore him to receive his kind benedictions. From this solemn and interesting event arose one of the most grand, sacred and sublime degrees pertaining to our Institu- tion. Ancient Masonry recognises Mel- chizedeck, as one of her most venerable patrons. His name, his office, his virtues and his typical character, furnish abundant instructions in a Masonic point of view, and are wisely improved to direct our thoughts to the " Lamb of God, which ta- keth away the sins of the world." Hence
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our ancient brethren, through him, could look forward to the Great High Priest of our salvation. The Jewish order of priest- hood from Aaron to Zacherias, and even till the coming of Messias, was in confir- mation, of that great event, which issued in the redemption of man. AH pointed to ttie eternal priesthood of the Son of God, who by his own blood made atonement for sin, and consecrated the way to the Holy °f Holies. This constitutes the great and ultimate point of Masonic research.
Joseph, the son of Jacob, who by his un- natural brethren was sold for a slave, be- anie, in a certain extent, the Grand Mas- ter of Egypt. This chaste and pious youth, ftj'ly exemplified the superior excellence " Various principles, interwoven in the bo- 'y of our system. To him was revealed "^ divine purpose, that God was about to ^s?te the land by a distressing famine. — ^seph, therefore, suggested to Pharoah "^ expediency of gathering the fruits of "^ land into store-houses, and providing ( **~ the sustenance of the nalion. When ^^ famine had not long prevailed, the hreth- e n of Joseph came down to Egypt to buy : °rn, whence arose one of the most tender nf l affecting interviews left on sacred re- °i*c|. All this was widely designed to af- ec t their hearts in view of their former
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conduct, to show them human frailty ar dependence, to humble their pride, at give them a just sense of a superintendii Providence in all the incidents of life.- During this scene Joseph gave vent to tl tenderest feelings of his nature, address* his brethren in the most melting terms artless friendship, and loaded them wi rich favours. Mis readiness to forgive, ai his zeal to subserve their wants, were tr ly characteristic of a benevolent heart, ai a distinguishing criterion of Masonic ch rity. The chastity, benevolence, cbarit filial and paternal love and affection of tt amiable man, are interwoven with oursj tem of precepts, and obligatory on all o brethren in a very peculiar sense. Josej w T as skilled in Egyptian science, and en nent as a man of wisdom. No reasonafc doubt, therefore, can be entertained of! Masonic knowledge, according to its p milive acceptation.
The Masonic character of Moses, t deliverer of the Hebrews from Egypti bondage, has been introduced in the begi ning of this work. It is therefore thougl little more need be added in relation him. If it be admitted, that ancient M sonry was operative and religious, no dou can remain as to his knowledge of this s ence. That it was operative is abundai
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ly manifest from profane history. That it was clothed with religious instructions, is equally evident from the Sacred writings. Divines and expositors in every age, have made the tabernacle and its appendages, a fruitful source of moral and religious in- struction. From these considerations, as well as from numerous others, which may n °t be named, Masons entertain no doubt °f his masonic character. Joshua, the dis- ciple and successor of Moses, by Divine a ppointment, led the Hebrews into the promised land. Previous to the death of Moses, Joshua was solemnly installed in "is high and responsible office. Long had " e been instructed by Moses in all things ♦ *uich pertained to the Jewish religion. — " *se in heart, and prudent in counsel, he . Wf *s qualified to go before that people, to instruct them in their duty, and the wor- ship of their God. When the river Jordan w ***s divided before the ark of the Lord, Jo- s "Ua erected twelve stones where the feet ?* the priests stood, and twelve others ta- * e n from the bed of the river, were set up, ori the farther side, as a memorial of that m| raculous event. On Ebal, also, he e- re **ted stones, and wrote thereon some part ?f the Mosaic law. Now, as Joshua was instructed by Moses during forty years, Wa s present at the setting up of Uvfc \&fefcx-
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nacle, often experienced Divtae manifes- tations, was appointed of God to divide tbe land of Canaan for inheritance, was tho- roughly taught in the Jewish religion, and the ceremonies of service pertaining to the priesthood, and lived in the exercise of vi- tal piety, we must of necessity infer,1hat be was thoroughly acquainted with all those allusions and typical references, in which ancient Masonry in its more important