CHAPTER XVIII.

An Address to Lodges and Chapters.
BELOVED BRETHREN AND COMPANIONS,
THE honourable Institution of which you are members, lays claim to great me- rit, as well as high antiquity. In every age of the world, and almost every country, Masonry has met with distinguished pat- ronage. Not only men of great intellec- tual powers and eminent science, but ma- ny clothed with the highest civil authority, have been its hearty and zealous advocates. Not a few, also, distinguished for their pie- ty and devotion, whose virtues have adorn- ed their age, and whose names will descend to posterity as the friends and benefactors of mankind, have gone before you in that long trodden path of Masonry.
Such has been that illustrious succession of the guardidVts of thr institution whose vigilance and care have been constantly exercised, in preserving in their purity, from age to age, those princ iples now com- mitted to jour charge. Through your bands are they to descend to succeeding generations. How sacred is that deposit committed to you, in trust for future ages!
In view of the oii^in and true nature of the Institution, its hiv.h importance to the
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% SPECULATIVE MASONRY. ^ 3
world, (he sacredness of its principles, its harmonizing influence, and the whole ex- cellence of the system, whether it be con- sidered in an historical, benevolent, moral or religious point,* your minds must be so- lemnly affected, and your hearts seriously engaged to maintain the purity of its pre- cepts; not only as a plain and reasonable duty, but as examples worthy to be imita- ted by those who shall come after you. In view of such high responsibility, you cannot be insensible, that the greatest cau- tion, wisdom and prudence are indispensa- bly necessary, as respects the present ce- lebrity, and future usefulness of Specula* live Free- Masonry. Seeing your profes- sion is built on a tried foundation, you stand solemnly pledged to the world to maintain the cause of truth against all the assaults of vice, or the inroads of error.— Your several lodges are, or ought to be, so many temples of virtue, and schools of moral and religious instruction. Each in- dividual is, or ought to be, a watchful sen- tinel over the happiness of mankind ; ever on the alert to rescue injured innocence, or avert impending dangers.
Such, however, is the state of the world, and such the unhappy lot of all Institutions, that none have been preserved free from the unhallowed tread of unworthy members.
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Even in thy little family, O blessed Imma- nuel ! was a betraying Judas. Nor is thy sacred table in this world, always surround- ed by sanctified hearts.
Although such is a sore evil, and greatly to be lamented, yet from the nature of man, it cannot wholly be prevented in our pre- sent state; much however, may be done, to remedy this general evil.
Let it, therefore, be remembered, and written as with sunbeams on the heart of every Mason, that the harmony and happi- ness of your assemblies* and your true en- joyment as individuals, do not, cannot, de- pend on your numbers, but on the real in- trinsic worth, the virtue, the integrity and the moral excellence of your members. — This is a great peint as respects the unity and fellowship of Masonic brethren. You are, therefore, under solemn obligations to make a full and thorough examination, as to the true character of those who present themselves for the benefits of vour order. Here Is a point, never to be left unguard- ed. All the internal, social friendship and happiness of your communications, vitally depend upon it. Let the world know assur- edly,ifany individual desires admittance to your privileges, that the square of justice, and the plumb-line of rectitude must fit his character for that important place. Let
184 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
it be well understood, that vice is not to be winked at ; that the doors of your lodge can never be opened for the reception e- ven of a doubtful character ; that the sanc- tity of the Institution is not to be trampled under foot by the profane ; and that the precepts of Masonry, present an insur- mountable barrier against every immoral person.
Hence, the effect would be of great con- sequence to yourselves, even in a private capacity ; to the reputation of your lodge, as a wise Institution ; arid the general good of mankind, as a standard and rallying point for virtue. The more pious and meritorious part of the community, many of whom now stand aloof, would then crowd your assem- blies* Then might you enjoy more abun- dant social friendship in your stated com- munications, and the world, in view of your regular tenets and increasing respectabili- ty, be more deeply affected with the gene- ral utility of Masonry.
Should an unworthy person, however, gain admittance within the veils of your Sanctorum, remember, something ought immediately to be done. Adopt all pro- bable and proper means to mend his heart, correct his habits, improve his virtue and establish his good character. Persuade him to practice virtue from the love of it. Re-
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member, that not only a visible and mani- fest reformation must be effected, but one that is real and genuine ; such as shall be deemed satisfactory by every unprejudiced brother. But in case of non-compliance, or wilful obstinacy, by open violation of Masonic principles, such a one must be ex- pelled. The purity of the system itself does demand it, and the peace and harmo- ny of the Lodge imperiously require it. A just and righteous discipline must be main- tained, or the Institution necessarily fails of its great object*
Those brethren, who from any cause be- come immoral, and thereby disgrace their profession, are diligently and tenderly to be laboured with, and brought to a sense of their duty : but if they cannot, and will not, be reclaimed, the sentence of expul- sion must be pronounced. The irreclaima- ble must be excluded, by the fixed laws of the Institution, from those precious Mason- ic privileges, peculiar to worthy brethren* A distinction must be maintained between virtue and vice. Although cases of disci- pline are always painful, yet this can in no instance exonerate us from duty. Hence, the increasing importances before sugges- ted, of guarding the entrance to your pri- vileges with the utmost prudence. At that point, you meet with little or no difficulty
lb*
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in maintaining your purity and fellowship. No person found unworthy of admittance, need fear the loss of public reputation if re- jected ; for none except Masons are appri- zed of the fact : if rejected, the world will for ever remain ignorant of the case, unless divulged by the candidate himself. It is a maxim universally adopted, to injure no man's public or private character ; if you cannot, by the use of means, correct his vi- ces and improve his moral character, do him no injury : leave him, says the maxim, on the same ground you found him, and your consciences are guiltless.
In relation to Masonic discipline, we all know, that, in general, it is too remiss. Members are sometimes suffered to trans- gress and pass with impunity. Each indi- vidual excuses himself on the ground, that it will be more proper, or attended with more salutary consequences, for some o- ther brother to enter the complaint. In this way, it is sometimes finally neglected, so that what was every one's duty is even- tually performed by none.
To remedy this evil, should each Chap- ter and Lodge, by an article in their by- laws, constitute their three first officers, ex-officio, a standing committee, whose du- ty it should be made, in all cases within their knowledge, to take cognizance of un-
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iasonic conduct, and report the offenders > their Lodge ; few instances would pass n noticed, and few errors uncorrected. — 'he government of the Lodge being in the inds of those officers, the measure might npose a general restraint on vice, and be roductive of public as well as private ood. To promote the happiness and well- bing of mankind, is the great object of peculalive Free- Masonry. In carrying tto effect an object of such magnitude, no xpedient, wise and prudent in its nature, lould be left untried.
Brethren and Companions, in the fore* Ding pages you have seen some of the ge- eral outlines of the great body of the Ma- >nic system. You have seen how nume- )us, solemn and interesting are the con- derations involved in our profession.-— ind you may easily discover, from the na- lre and moral fitness of those principles 'hich constitute the foundation of the In- litution, how inestimable is their impor- ince to the world. You, as Masons, be- ig"well informed, can look back and see i how great a variety of instances, the mo- al state of the world has been benefited y the existence of this ancient association, io on, brethren, in the path-way of virtue.
Do good, and to communicate forget ot." " Add to your faith virtue, and
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knowledge, and temperance, and patience, and brotherly kindness, and charity/ 9 till your life shall be crowned with substantial joy, and the smiles of an approving con- science shed peace in your soul. Search deep into those hidden mysteries to which your profession leads. Raise your admi- ring views, and look abroad in the vast fields of Masonic research. Look through the forms of Masonry to the substance; through the symbols contemplate their high and sa- cred allusions. Think not you understand Speculative Free-Masonry, when you have regularly received the degrees. You are then just prepared to acquire true know- ledge. You are just entering the school of moral improvement. Think not, when all those useful and interesting lectures are thoroughly committed, you have done.— Much, very much, still remains. These principles must be exemplified by a regu- lar life and honest deportment. Nor is this the end of your duty. You may still look forward in boundless prospect. You may view the collective excellencesof the whole moral system, summarily comprised in the body of Speculative Free- Masonry. You mav dwell on the subject, till overwhelmed and lost in admiration. Such is the nature of our Institution; and it is hoped every brother will be suitably affected with those
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momentous considerations ; that every member will duly appreciate bis privile- ges ; that each presiding officer will exhi- bit a bright example of all that is praise- worthy, and the whole bedy universally appear to the world, as a " spiritual build- ing;, in which every part, being fitly joined together, may grow up into a building of God."
Finally, brethren, " let us keep the uni- ty of the spirit in the bonds of PEACE." * Let us love one another, for love is of God."
" Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity, It is like the precious ointment upon the head, which ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, which went down to the skirts of bis garments. As the dew of fler- mon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountain of Zion, for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for e^
vermore."
CHAP! ER XIX.
Evidences thai Masonry has been the medi- um through which the Pentateuch, or five Books of Moses y have been preserved to the world.
A SUBJECT is now to be presented for consideration, which cannot fail to en- gage the attention, and interest the feelings of every friend of truth and sober inquiry. It is, therefore, presumed every brother will prepare his mind to judge of such facts, and candidly examine such evidence, as may be exhibited.
It is my design to quote some of tte highest authorities to be found, in proof of this grand proposition ; viz. that ancient Masonry has been that medium, through which the Pentateuch, or five hooks of Mo- ses, have been preserved to the world. If this position can be supported by argu- ment, and proved to the reasonable satisfac- tion of the judicious and candid, the result will seal the true dignity of our Institution. In view of such an important truth, if sup- ported by preponderating evidence, the world would be constrained to acknow- ledge the instrumentality of the Masonic Institution, in a matter deeply involving
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e Universal good, and general happiness the whole human family. A few preliminary remarks are necessa- r to prepare the way, and lead our minds • a natural introduction of this subject. When God separated Abram, the He- ew, from his country and kindred, be id a fixed and unalterable purpose, e- mtually to make the greatest displays the infinite excellence of his own a ratter. Hence, the posterity of this an were chosen, to be the active instru- ent8, tinder Providence, of introducing id perpetuating the greatest subordinate tod in the moral system. This is a ain truth, clearly and fully attested by controvertible facts, in connexion with vine testimony.
By those early communications, made ► Abram and his descendants, God man- -sted his immutable designs to preserve e Hebrew nation as his covenant [>eo- !e, and through them to magnify the rhes of his goodness, by unfolding, and urying into effect, his infinite plan of race and salvation. .Numerous were the itermediate steps, to the accomplishment f this great and important end. The land of Canaan was, therefore, giv- i to Abram by promise, and fixed as the leatre of divine exhibition. Many ages,
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however, must intervene ; during which, Jacob and bis sons should remain under Egyptian bondage. When the time of their servitude was about to expire, it became necessary, in the chain of events, that God should raise up a deliverer for his chosen people. Moses, the man child, who had been preserved in an ark of bulrushes, and instructed in all the wisdom of Egypt, received this high mission. Under the guidance of a special Providence, he de- livered his nation, and led that holy en- terprise, which was made to issue in the in- troduction and promulgation of the great- est manifestations of goodness, and dis- plays of mercy, our world has ever wit- nessed.
Moses, in executing his mission, con- ducted the Hebrew** to the mount of God There be received the decalogue on tables of stone, written by the finger of Jehovah, and delivered amidst thunderings and light- nings and trembling elements. Moses was here commanded to prepare an ark, consecrated and set apart, as the sacred depository for the laws of God, the histo- ry of the antediluvian world, the revela- tions of grace, and the records of his na- tion. Thus far was the way prepared for God himself to communicate, and Moses to record those great and sublime events,
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which none could dictate but that Being who inhabits eternity. Under divine su- perintendence, therefore, Moses began his history with the morning of time, when, from the energizing voice of Omnipotence, worlds and systems of worlds rose into being. This was a most signal display of the majesty and power of Essential Di- vinity, at which " the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." From these writings we derive all our knowledge of what transpired " ere time began, or nature received her birth."
The book of Genesis, then, is the first and only authentic history extant, of all those events which pertain to the natural and moral world, for a period of two thousand three hundred and sixty-nine years. To say the least, this is a history above all others, rich in the most interesting matter, grand and gublime in description, and ac- tually constitutes the first link in the great chain of Divine operation.
The book of Exodus continues the his- tory from Genesis, one hundred and forty. five years, until the building of the taber- nacle, and records many supernatural dis- plays of the power of God, before ar ad- miring world.
Leviticus conlains the laws of the Jew- ish priesthood, with numerous typical ser-
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vices and offerings, pointing out the way in which atonement for sin should he made.
The book of Numbers continues the history from Exodus, thirty-nine years.
Deuteronomy is principally a recapitu- lation of those laws and institutes before delivered, to impress them on the minds of that people, and solemnly engage them to walk in all the statutes and ordinances of God blameless.
This was the last of the five books of Moses, comprising an account of divine operations, in the natural and moral world, for more than two thousand five hundred years. The subject matter of these writings, collectively considered, shows the necessity, and lays the proper foundation for the whole canon of Scrip- ture. Hence, we may at once discover their inestimable value, not merely in an historical view, but with a more special re- ference to the general good of the moral world. The vast importance, therefore, of having these writings carefully preserved, never can be fully appreciated.
The way is now prepared to introduce the faithfui testimony of Scripture, as to the writing, and place of deposit, of this part of sacred history.
Thus saith inspiration : " When Moses had made an end of writing all these words
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in a book, till they were finished, he com- manded the Levites, who bear the ark of the covenant, to take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark." From this quotation we learn the time when, and the place where, this sacred deposit was made. The exposition, however, of that clause, " put it in the side of the ark," has been controverted. Yet it must evident- ly be construed in one of twa ways. Ei- ther that the deposit was actually made within the ark, or in some place so closely attached to the side, as, in common accep- tation, to be identified with the inward a- partment.
That the two tables of sfone, delivered to Moses at Horeb, were within the ark, at the dedication of the temple, we have the positive testimony of inspiration. But, as to the book of the law, we have not the same explicit proof. Some expositors give their opinion, that it was laid up, and kept within, and others, at th^ side of the ark. On this point we may introduce the testi- mony of the Rabbinical fathers.* They inform us, that " Solomon durst not make a new ark, which was the only thing that prince did not imitate, and make more glorious ; but this, he dared not to o?m T
* Origincs Hebrstx, vol. 2, page 350.
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or to take out the book of the law, and put it in an ark of his own making." This quotation is directly in point, and entitled to more weight, as coming from the an- cient fathers in Israel. In support of the same opinion, we can add the uniform prac- tice of the Jews, since the days of Ezra.
It is well known from history that Ez- ra did place the books of Moses within the ark, after the completion and dedica- tion of the second temple; and the same practice has uniformly prevailed in all the synagogues of that nation down to the pre- sent day.
It is, therefore, thought these considera- tions ought to govern our belief on this subject. Hence, we shall conclude, that the books of Moses were designed if not actually kept within the ark, as the ap- pointed place of deposit. This point, how- ever, is not material in our present discus- sion, so long as it is evidently intended, the ark and the law should remain to- gether.
From this view of the subject, therefore, we may safely conclude three points will readily be admitted ; that the writings of Moses constituted the original copy of the pentateuch ; — within or at the side of the ark, the appointed place in which they should be kept ; — and in obedience to Di-
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rine command, that they were here de po- rted, fourteen hundred and fifty-one years oefore Christ. These are facts, sufficient- ly established from the plain and positive testimony of Scripture.
The way is now prepared to trace the listory of this book of the law, and Ihe ark >f the covenants Wherever we find the ark stationary, we shall consider the laws of Moses laid up withdn, or by its side. No ioubt the one, in some way, contained the >ther, during, the journeyings of Israel in the wilderness..
After the conquest of Canaan, the ark was placed in the tabernacle, at Shiloli, where it remained between three and four hundred' years.
In the days of Eli, it was carried to the- field of battle, where it fell into the hands of the enemy, but wa» afterwards returned,, and placed in the house of Abinadab, at Gibe ah. Here it remained between fifty rod ninety years* whence, in the time of David, it was removed to the house of Qbed-£dom, and soon after to* Jerusalem.- Ab >ut forty years from that: tirae r Solo- mon caused it to be deposited by the priests, in solemn form, within the most holy place in the temple. Hence, from- the time the laws of Moses were delivered la the Levites, until the ark, which is sujf-
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posed to accompany or contain them, was placed in the temple of Solomon, it was four hundred and forty-seven years. And it appears there is no evidence to disprove that both were at the same time deposited, and both remained in the most holy place, except when read to the people, for about three hundred years, until the reign of Manasseh, or Amon, his son ; making the whole period from Moses, seven hundred and forty-seven years.
Brown, Scott and other expositors, give it as their opinion, that during the reign of Manasseh, or about that time, some zealous priest removed the book of the law from its accustomed place, to secure it from that wicked and idolatrous prince. How- ever this may have been, it is abundantly evident, those sacred writings were un- known to the Jewish nation from that time until the reign of Josiah, six hundred and forty-one years before Christ. Josiah was a pious prince, and abhorred the idolatry of his fathers. He therefore gave orders to cleanse and repair the temple, and re- establish the true worship of the God of Israel. In executing these orders, " Hil- kiah, the high priest, found the book of the taw, and delivered it to Shaphan the scribe, who read it before the king."
In Scott's exposition of this text, be says,
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" The book which Hilkiah found seems to have been the original book of the law, deposited bv Moses at the side of the ark." From the writings of Josephus we derive the same testimony ; — while the an- cient rabbins unequivocally affirm, " that it was the very copy itself that Moses wrote with his own hand." In addition to this tes- timony, we only add, that in Chronicles it is expressly called " the book of the law of the Lord, given by Moses."
Hence it is thought no reasonable doubt can remain that this was the identical copy delivered to the Levites, who bear the ark.
The next point in order, is to show ne- gatively, that no other entire copy existed in the days of Josiah, about fifty years be- fore the destruction of the temple. In re- lation to this particular, we have the result of the most profound and indefatigable re- searches of the learned world. On the one band, infidel writers have laboured to show that this book, found by Hilkiah, was the only entire copy claiming divine authori- ty, that it might not be the original, if such ever existed, but a mere fabrication, and, therefore, unworthy our religious confi- dence.
On the other hand, Christian writers, with their utmost research and investiga- tion of this subject, have not been able to
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show, by satisfactory proof, the existence of any other entire copy, and on that ac- count have been obliged to establish (be authenticity of this book, by quotations found in other Scriptures, given by inspi- red penmen. If, therefore, neither the af- firmative nor negative of this question can be made to appear by positive proof, our belief must rest on such circumstantial e- vidence as may arise from other known collateral facts..
That many extracts, made by the priests and Levites, and perhaps by some of the more pious kings, were preserved, there can be no doubt ;. but that more than one entire copy existed in the days of Josiab, is what never has been, and probably never can be, certainly proved.
Although the kings of Israel were com- manded to transcribe the law for them- selves, yet it can neither be determined from Scripture or history that any of them strictly complied with that command. On this point Mr. Scott gives his opinion in the following words: — u If the kings of Jui- dah had observed the rule of transcribing the law with their own hands, very saluta- ry effects might have been produced ; but it seems," says he, " to have been entirely neglected." And he adds, " Josiab cer- tainly acted like a man who had never
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seen the law before, and this most likely was tiie case."
Such, then, is the crpinion of that pi«>us, learned and able expositor, which, on the point before us, is entitled to much weight. Indeed, it is difficult to conceive that the king of Jerusalem should commence such a thorough reformation, and continue it so zealously for the space of eleven years, both in his own kingdom, and that of Israel also, not only causing the cities and villa- ges, but even the private dwellings of the people, to be carefully examined, which we know was the fact, without finding other books of the law, if they existed.
But there is another strong circumstance found recorded in the second book of Kings : " And Josiah sent, and they gath- ered unto him all the elders of Juclah and Jerusalem. And the king went up into the house of the Lord, and all the men of Ju- dah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great, and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant, which was found in the house of the Lord. And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant be* fore theLord. And all the people stood to the covenant." Hence, from the very na- ture of this transaction, from the assembly's
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being composed of all the elders and pro- phets and priests, as well as the common people, both small and great ; from the unu- sual surprise of the king himself, on the dis- covery of the law, and from the silence of Scripture, we have just reasons to conclude no oilier entire copy then existed, or was known amongst all that vast multitude.
The next point, is to show that those writings, found by Hilkiah, were in some way providentially secured, both from the idolatrous rage of Josiah's successors, and that general destruction brought on the ci- ty and temple by the Chaldeans.
After the temple had undergone all ne- cessary repairs, the Scriptures inform us, that " Josiah commanded the Levitesto put the holy ark in the house which Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel, did build." In this transaction, no mention is made of the book of (he law ; and the reason is per- fectly obvious. The ark was the know& and long established depository for those writings, according to a Divine command ; and we should naturally conclude the one was deposited when the other was restored to its accustomed place. This opinion k greatly strengthened by that zeal which Josiah manifested in every respect, both it erally and conscientiously, to comply with the laws of Moses, not only as a rea-
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enable duty, but, if possible, to avert im- ending judgments. If, therefore, he had ny knowledge of that express command, ecorded in the book of Leviticus, we can ave no good reasons to doubt his strict nd literal compliance. However the fact lay have been, it is certain there is nothing o disprove such a conclusion, or weaken a ational belief of its truth. Hence, it is bought, we may justly conclude, when Jo- iah replaced the ark, he caused the book >f the Jaw to be deposited, as Moses had lirected.
From this time the book of the law is lot again mentioned, until the days of Ez- a and Hehemiah, a period of about one mndred and eighty years. Different opin- ons have been entertained by the learned, n every age, how that part of revelation ♦scaped the general destruction, which be- el Jerusalem, and where it remained du- ing the captivity. This becomes an in- juiry, therefore, of the utmost importance.
After the restoration of the Jews, from be Babylonish captivity, we learn from the writings of Ezra a»d \Nehemiah, that the aws of Moses were, for eight days, public- y read and expounded to the people. It berefore appears absolutely certain, these writings were, in some way, safely preserv- ed, from the time of Josiah till the days
w^
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of Ezra. Tf so, it must have been accord- ing lo some one of the following supposi- tions: — 1. They were either publicly or privately seized, retained and preserved, by some person, or persons, of the Jewish nation : Or, 2. They were taken by the Chaldeans, and, with other spoils, carried to Babvlon, and afterwards returned to Ez-
w
ra, or some of his companions : Or, 3. Tbey perished in the destruction of Jerusalem, and Ezra was enabled to write them again, letter for letter, and word for word : Or, 4. They were thoroughly concealed by Josi- ah, or by others, at some time previous to the destruction of Jerusalem, and after- wards discovered and brought to light. Be- side these, it is thought, there is no other possible way in which they could have been preserved to (he world. As to the first sup- position, the truth of it is wholly improba- ble, since all the priests were put to death, except Josedek, and he was carried bound to Babylon, and all the principal men of Judah were taken, and brought to Riblab, and slain before the king. The city of Je- rusalem was laid in ruins, its inhabitants carried captive to Babylon, and none were left " but the poor of the land, to be vine- dressers and husbandmen." As to the se- cond and third suppositions, it never has been pretended by those who have examin-
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 20 J
cd this subject, that the Chaldeans either took or destroyed the book of the law, or that Ezra wrote it from memory, or by in- spiration. All those spoils taken from the temple, are carefully enumerated in Scrip- ture, and the same were re-numerated when returned to the Jews. Josephus, also, gives a minute relation to the same effect. It is, therefore, not in the least degree probable, that the books of Moses were carried to Babylon, since neither the Scriptures, nor the writings of Josephus or any other re- cord of antiquity, afford the least shadow of evidence that they were. Hence, we are constrained to believe the fourth sup- position is, substantially, true : viz. That the book of the law was thoroughly con- cealed, and lay buried beneath tue ruins of the city, during the captivity. This sup- position receives strong support, from se- veral important considerations.
We can have no doubt that the ark of the covenant, and the book of the law, were with- in the confines of toe city, when the sie^v of Jerusalem commenced. The temple and ci- ty were plundered and burnt, and all their magnificence laid in ruins. It is, therefore, exceedingly difficult, aside from special, Divine agency, to account for the escape and preset vation of this book, on any other ground than that of a thorough conceal-
ia
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merit. In support of this opinion, we can adduce the positive testimony of the Jew- ish Rabbins. By examining the history of the Jewish republic,* we find that all those ancient fathers agreed as to the fact, that the book of the law was concealed. Some say 1 Liis was done by the prophet Jeremi- ah ; hut others, and by far the most nume- rous class, give their opinion in the follow- ing remarkable words: "That king Josiab, being foretold, by Huldah, the prophetess, that the temple would be destroyed soon after his death, caused the .ark to be put in a vault, under ground, which Solomon, foreseeing this destruction, had ordered to be built on purpose for the preserving of it."
No mention is made of the book of the law in this quotation, for the same reasons already assigned ; and because the Rab- bins speak of the ark, as containing the law ; but more especially so in this in- stance, for the whole scope of their reason- ing is to show in what manner the Jaws of Moses were safely preserved. On the score of reason, also, no person, of common dis- cernment, would suppose the Jews would have the precaution to conceal the less im* portant of those two articles, aud leave the
* Origines Hebrre, vol. 1, page 2£9.
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more valuable and precious entirely at the mercy of the enemy, or in danger of pe- rishing in the ruins of the city.
Such then, are some of the existing evi- dences, that the ark and the law were both concealed. If, therefore, these considera- tions prove any thing, they prove the very fact. Hence, it is thought, we may safely conclude, in view of substantial reasons, that the books of Moses were preserved from the general destruction which befel Jerusalem, by a thorough concealment.
It now remains, that we inquire when, and by -whom, the book of the law was found, and restored to the world.
As no mention is made, in Scripture or history, of these writings, from the days of Josiah, until the time of Ezra, we are strongly induced to believe, they were un- known, during the captivity, and were ac- tually found at the time when the city and temple were rebuilt. When those spacious ruins were overhauled, that Providence, whirh could direct their concealment and preservation, could, also, direct their disco- very and restoration. Such we, as Koyal Arch Masons, are taught to believe was tho fact. We have a tradition descending from time immemorial, involving certain facts, unknown to the world, that the sacred ark, together with the book of the law, wa* re- moved from the most holy place, under Ma-
208 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
sonic direction, and so deposited, as io es- cape that overwhelming destruction, which swept the whole land of J udea. From this tradition we learn where, and under what circumstances, the book of the law was found. The very name, of Royal-Arch, has n significant allusion, well understood by every brother of that degree. The very foundation of that degree rests on this fact. As Royal Arch Masons, therefore, we en- leiliiin no doubt, this important discovery was made during the building of Uie second temple, by Zerubhabel and his compan- ions. Directed by a special Providence they are said to have found this treasure, with Masonic inscriptions, in the very place where it had been deposited by their an- cient brethren, to prevent its destruction h> the Chaldeans. This tradition, therefore, must have been founded on the fact of the concealment and discovery of the book of the law, or baselv fabiicated and intiodu- red, at some period subsequent to the re- storation of the Jews. But its origin never has, 01 can he traced to any subsequent pe- riod, and no important object could there- by have been effected. The same tradi- tion, in substance, has existed amongst all Royal Arch Masons, in every age and eve- ry country. Who, then could suppose a- ny body of men, of different languages, in-
SPECULATIVE MASOMIY. 20. )
habiting countries so remote, should all combine to admit and perpetuate a false- hood ! Were it a mere fabrication, it must, of necessity, have been detected as such, in the very first instance, and consequent- ly discarded, and could in no shape have been imposed on the body of the Institu- tion. But the Masonic evidence of truth, contained in this tradition, is so strong and conclusive, in the view of Roval Arch Ma- sons, they are seldom inclined to indulge a doubt, that such was the /act, as to the con- cealment, preservation and discovery of the book of the law.
Nothing, therefore, remains but to .show through whose hands we have received the five books of Moses. On this point authori- ties might be multiplied ; but as there is little doubt that Ezra is entitled to this ho- nour, we shall only quote such authority as may prove that he held the original, as well as the only copy extant after the re- turn of the Jews.
In the days of Rehohoam, the son of So- lomon, a schism was produced, which ter- minated in the establishment of two go- vernments, the one of Judah, and the other of Israel. Pertaining to the latter, was the citv of Samaria ; whence the Samaritan. In process of time a temple was erected on mount Gerizim, and religious services
18*
210 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
instituted. Hence arose a contention rela- tive to the original manuscript of t lie Jaws of Moses. Tlie Samaritan?, from resentment, and perhaps envious motives against the Ji u>. attempted to maintain that Ezra co- pied his bonk of the law from their manu- script, which was said to he the original.
Father Simon, a verj just and able critic on the Old Testament, has cleat I v derided this point. After thoroughly, and very candidly, examining all the evidences in re- lation to this matter, he decides, in view of substantial reasons, that the Samaritan wa9 not the original, but a mere transcript made from Ezra's copy. And he further add?, that Ezra was, in his opinion, possessed of the original manuscript, as given by Moses. It would hence seem abundantly evident, both from the testimony of father Simon* and fiom the origin and nature of this dis- pute, that the Jews, as well as the Samari- tans, virtually admitted the existence of only owe copy, at, or soon after, the time Ezra arrived in Jerusalem. All expositors agree in this point, that the pentateuch, now in our possession, was received through the hands of Ezia, and is the true and genuine copy of the laws of Moses.
From those three considerations above mentioned, we have strong evidence, if not abundant proof, that Ezra bad the ori-
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 211
ml manuscript, [f so, have we not sub- ntially the same evidence, that this inuscript was secured and preserved *ough the instrumentality of our ancient ethren?
As to the Masonic character of Zerub- bel, Ezra, and their companions, little ed he said. It is evident, they, as well many others of that nation, were skilled geometry and architecture ; which were nonymous with ancient Masonry. Authentic histories of that people in- ?m us, " The public structures amongst » Hebrews, if we consider either the ignificence of the temple, or the state- ess of their buildings in Jerusalem and ier cities, are undeniable testimonies
their skill in architecture, above other lions." No doubt, Solomon perfect-
those principles, and fully exemplifi-
their proper application, in the sym- 'try, beauty and grandeur of the tem- *. The same geometrical or Masonic owledge was perpetuated, as appears nil history, t ill the days of Herod; who,
repairing the temple, " employed ten ->u sand artificers to fit all things for the irick, and a thousand priests, skilful in
parts of architecture, to supervise and •ect the whole."*
* Hebrew Republic, rol. 2, page 418,
212 SPECULATIVE MASOKRY.
It hence appears, the Jewish priests weie considered the most eminently quali- fied, from their knowledge and skill in an- cient Masonic principles, to superintend and direct the operative concerns of the Institution.
The fact is, however, admitted by all who have duly examined this subject, that Solomon was a Mason; and his Masonic character is justly inferred from his build- ing the temple. The Scripture account of the different orders of workmen, enga- ged in that great and splendid undertaking, affords something more than presumptive evidence of the existence of a regularly organized body. That such was the fact, few who are not Masons are inclined to disbelieve. When, therefore, it was un- derstood, that a man endowed with such distinguished attainments, stood at the head of the association, both the founder and the patron, who could doubt the ge- neral celebrity of the Institution, or the rapid increase of its members ?
Our own experience and observation teach us, there is a natural propensity in man to associate. Whenever, therefore, associations are formed on such principles as are congenial to the heart, and accord with the sober dictates of wisdom and piu- dence, such associations become lasting;
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 213
ind nothing but a dissolution of the kin- Jred ties of nature, and the sympathies of the heart, can sunder those strong bands of union, or destroy the social compact.
Judging from human nature in every state of society, and under every degree of refinement, we find there is a vibrating cord in human composition, capable of binding heart to heart, which is neither re- laxed by time, nor weakened by revolu- tions of kingdoms or fall of empires.
Such, it must be admitted, is the nature, and such the heart-uniting influence of Ma- sonic principles, or its members never could have braved the strong prejudices of mankind, and maintained the Institution, amidst the commotion and revolutions of the world.
It would therefore appear, aside from every other consideration, that an organi- zed society, formed under such favourable circumstances, as those which attended the building of the first temple, combining in- terests dear to individuals, and involving the general good of mankind, could not fail to excite the attention, and draw to its bosom the most valuable part, of the com- munity.
8uch are the natural conclusions, drawn from the state of things during the build- ing of the temple, and from the propensi-
214 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
ties of the human heart to unite in social compact.
Hence, if this society was formed, and the first temple built under Masonic di- rection, which has seldom heen question- ed by the learned, we may safely infrr the regular itiaintainance of that order, through each succeeding period of li;ne. The building of the second temple, there- fore, would be considered as a right of pre- rogative, sufficiently confirmed by those powers and privileges, delegated b>, and 1 descending from, Solomon, as the instru- ment of Providence in that great nnd cho- rions work. A* Solomon combined every virtue arising from piety and wisdom, and was, at the same time, clothed with the highest temporal dignity, no one could think him unworthy of imitation in his Ma- sonic life and character, ft is, therefore, presumed, such dignity and patronage could not fail to unite and engage the priests and prophets and elders, and all the principal men in that nation, to support and perpetuate ihe order and principles of ancient Masonry.
As Masons, however, we need not resort to a train of circumstances in support of the Masonic character of those concerned in the repairs of Jerusalem, and the erec- tion of the second temple. The evidence!
SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 215
>f those farts, is clear and conclusive io hose admitted within the veil. On that rround, we are convinced the high jliiest, to iw the nature of his office, stood at Lhe head of the Masonic-Apartment ; the whole superintendence of each temple, with all its services, furniture and appen- dages, being under the control of the high priest, was virtually under Masonic direc- tion ; and whatever of the sacred treasures escaped destruction must have been depo- sited in the secret archives of the Institu- tion, and thus safely preserved to the world.
Brethren, what conclusion ought we to form, in view of all which has been said on this interesting subject ? We know, most assuredly, from Divine testimony, that the ark was prepared, and the book of the law deposited therein, fourteen hundred and fiftv-one years before Christ ; and that no other fixed place for it was known for more than eight hundred and sixty years : — That in the reign of Manasseh, or Amon, this book was removed from its accustomed place, and safely deposited, where it lay concealed till the time of Josiah, when it was found, and publicly read to the people : That it never has, and probably never can be proved, any other entire copy then ex- isted, or was then made : — That Josiah or-
216 SPECULAIVE MASONRY.
dered (be ark to l>e replaced, " in (be house which Solomon did build ;" and from that time, 'no mention is made of the book of the law, until t£*e days of Ezra and IN e he- rnial), a period c^ane hundred and twenty, or perhaps one hundred and eighty years.
When Ezra returned from Babylon, he zealously engaged with his countrymen, in the general concerns of the nation, but soon retired from public view, and remain- ed unnoticed, for about thirteen years ; af- ter which, he again came forward, and, for th* 4 first time after the captivity, mention is made of the reading and expounding of the laws of Moses.
Expositors agree in the opinion, that Ez- ra was then employed hi studying the law, and transcribing, and arranging the wri- tings of the prophets.
The fact is beyond all question, that the book of the law was not publicly known, or publicly read, during the captivity; and the evidences are strong, if not con- clusive, that it lay beneath the ruins of the city. The ancient Rabbins affirm, that Josiah caused it to be placed in a vault, expressly prepared for that purpose. Masonic traditions support the same opin- ion, and add the pi evidential discovery of the law, on removing the ruins of the temple. The Rabbins speak '/its concealment as
SPECULATIVE MASONRY 217
a matter of unquestioned fact, and ascribe its discovery to Ezra, who on that account, is styled, " the second 31oses, the restorer of their Jaw." Masonic tradition coin- cides with the same sentiment, but ascribes the discovery to Zerubbabel, in connexion with bis associated companions.
Such, therefore, are the facts, such the evidence, and such the corroborating cir- cumstances, in support of our first propo- sition, that Masonry has been that medium through which the pentatevvh % or Jive books of Moses, has been preserved to the world.
If these considerations are entitled to any weight, they go very far if) point of absolute proof. How important then does it render ancient Masonry ! To those of my brethren who are Roval Arch Ma- sons, nothing further need be urged. It is confidently believed, from the very nature of this degree, you can entertain no doubt of the truth of what is therein taught. How deeply interesting, therefore, does this sub- ject appear !
If the foregoing conclusions are justly drawn from fact and evidence, what claims of gratitude has ancient Masonry on the whole Christian world, as the angel of mer- cy in protecting the revelations of grace!
Companions, how shall we express our own gratitude, that the infinite Cod should
1.9
248 SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
fix on our Institution, as the handmaid of his 'Providence, in safely watching over, and preserving to the world, this invalua- ble treasure ? Shall we not hereby be constrained to admire the riches of his goodness and mercy, to live more and more to the honour and glory of his name, wisely to improve his sacred word, and thereby, be preparing ourselves for those sublime entertainments -of bis iioly heavenly kingdom ?