part consisted.

Passing a series of names, especially in the line of high priesthood, we will next speak of David, the man after God's own heart. This man, we believe to be the last distinguished patron of ancient Ma- sonic principles, previous to the regular organization of the Institution. David was a man of early piety, set apart for the deliverance of his nation, to subdue their enemies and prepare the way for the build- ing of that temple, which should be typi* cal of the favourable presence of God in the New Jerusalem. Early did he form the design of executing this great work himself, and establishing a place for the name and worship of the Holy One of Israel. — His pious heart was fervently engaged in this laudable design. His zeal was approv- ed, though a Divine prohibition prevent- ed his execution of the work, attended
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with a sure, promise, that his son should accomplish what had been in his heart to do. David, though a man of war, affords numerous examples of active Masonic vir- tues. The mutual friendship between bim and Jonathan, the fidelity of Jonathan in apprizing David of approaching dan- gers, their affectionate interviews, their mutual pledges of love, the earnest solici- tude and bitter lamentations of David on the death of 'his brother Jonathan, are characteristic examples of Masonic prin- ciples. The forbearance of David in the cave of Engedi, when the enemy of his life Jay defenceless before him, strongly marks that spirit of forgiveness, which is solemn- ly enjoined on every Masonic brother.
These considerations induce us to be- lieve, that David, the sweet musician of Israel, was one of our ancient brethren, ^ friend and patron of Masonic princi- ples.
In relation to Solomon, the son of Da- vid, sufficient has already been said. Yet, K may not be improper to add in this place, that from a full view of Masonic symbols and representations, from the na- ture and import of our ceremonies in con- ferring the several degrees, and from the whole tenor of the system, there can be no joubt, but he was the man, who ftrsfc ox*
118 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
ganized the Institution, and laid the foun- dation, on which this great Masonic edifice has been erected ; that the government of the Lodge, its precepts, laws, rights and ceremonies, were measurably fixed and ordained by this good, wise and discerning man. The evidence of these facts has been satisfactory to all well informed Ma- sons, in every age and country- Prom this period, therefore, we date our Institu- tion in its regular, organized form.
Zerubbabel, who was constituted the governor of Israel, Joshua the high priest, and Haggai the prophet, who rebuilt the temple at Jerusalem after the Babylonish captivity, were most evidently skilled in ancient Masonry, and very distinguished patrons of the craft. It appears from sa- cred and profane history, that soon after the subversion of the Babylonish empire, Cyrus issued a proclamation by which the Jews were not only liberated and permit- ted but encouraged to return to their na- tive country, and rebuild their temple.— Many of them returned, yet nothing was attempted in forwarding the work, until the reign of Darius. At the commence- ment of his reign, Zerubbabel, who had been a friend and companion of Darius, suggested the importance of the underta- king, and, as Joteftavk* oWto ^reminded
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the king of his own vows, to aid the Jews in rebuilding the house of the Lord at Je- rusalem. Darius, therefore, added his own edict to that of Cyrus, by which he author- ized Zerubbabel and his brethren to com- mence their work without delay. The foundation, therefore, of this temple was laid with great joy, and the building com- pleted and solemnly dedicated to the God of Israel. During the whole of this peri- od, Zerubbabel encouraged his brethren in their labor, while Joshua, the high priest, ministered in holy things, and Haggai pro- phesied and taught them the fear of the Lord.
Thus was the second temple erected in Masonic form, under the superintendence of men of piety, and the true worshippers of God. No person can receive the seventh degree of Masonry, without feel- ing convinced that those three men pertain- ed to the ancient brotherhood.
Ancient Masonry, as appeared in chap- ter fifth, was operative and religious. — Have we not, then, some reason io con- elude that the patriarchs taught their de- scendants in the religious, or speculative principles ? To me this appears evident, in as much as this part, most surely, then consisted, as well as now, in communica- t ing the knowledge of God and his works.
120 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
We are sure that Noah must have taught his sons in the operative, and religious principles. Abram, also, as appears from historical facts, taught many individuals, in different nations, the name ,and attri- butes of the true God, In the same man- ner did all the patriarchs instruct their pos- terity in the knowledge and worship of the one supreme, eternal God. In the days of Samuel, mention is made of a school at Najoth, others of a similar cast are noticed at Bethel and Jericho. From EzekieFs conferences with the eiders of the Jewish nation, these schools appear to have been maintained, even during the Babylonish captivity.
The Egyptians, Chaldeans, Greeks, and Romans had schools where ancient philo- sophy was taught as a religious science.— Great care was exercised, that none should be admitted into those schools, but such as were of a regular life, and approved character. Due examination and strict trial of their fidelity and love of truth, was always made an indispensable requisite to their admission. Those wise men of the east, who came to do homage to the infant Sav- iour, at Bethlehem, w T ere probably men of distinction in their own country. Their names from some cause, have never been transmitted to posterity. Yet as most, if
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not all the wise men and philosophers of ancient Eastern nations, were initi- ated into (he mysteries of those limes, and obtained their knowledge in a princi- pal degree through this medium, may we not reasonably conclude, such might have been the source of information to those who came to inquire, " where is he that is born king of the Jews !" One thing is evi- dent, that they were favoured with Divine communications, and probably understood the name of jthe Logos or Word, with its divine essence and offices, for they pre- sented an offering of gold and myrrh and frankincense, which are thought to be an acknowledgment of his divinity. No doubt they received arid embraced in their hearts the true light, and were enabled to walk therein.
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