CHAPTER XX,

Speculative Masonry, one great mtdium r through which the world will be civilized, united and Christianised.
ALL mankind. are by nature brethren, •members of one great family, and share the munificence of one common Parent. Their wants are reciprocal ; and mutual depen- dence is their common lot. Divine consti- tution imposes our moral obligations, and defines our relative duties. Each individu- al is bound to exercise friendship and fideli- ty, and practice universal benevolence.
The world* however, is sunk in pollu- tion, and whelmed in misery. Intervening rivers and mountains and seas often make enemies of nations. Local considerations*, diversity of interests, sectarian creeds,and a- thousand casualties of time, place and cin~ cumstance, frequently excite bitter enmity between man and man, and raise the arm of personal, revenge. Such is the malignity of unrestrained passion, that the peace of society is often interrupted, and whole na- tions involved in bloodshed, or bloltedi from political existence. Under the influ- ence of such passions, the social harmony of the domestic circle, the peace and tran- quility of civil government, and even the-
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happiness of the world is often disregarded.
Since the days of murderous Cain, the earth has been a field of blood. Countless millions have expired on the point of the sword. The dagger of the midnight assas- sin, has converted the calm and innocent repose of thousands into the iron slum- bers of death. How many have sunk heart- less, beneath the hand of cruel oppres- sion ? How many have fallen, magnani* inously fallen, in defence of jthe common* rights of man ? How many have pined ia chains and dungeon glooms ? How many, under sullen despair, have arrested life with their owu hands? How many, during this very moment, are involved in actual wretchedness and misery ? Could angels weep, a full view of suffering humanity would cause celestial tears to flow.
This deplorable condition of the world has originated from the corrupt propensi- ties of the heart, and the want of that genuine benevolence which seeks for the peace, and combines the happiness, of all our species. Almost six thousand years have rolled their floods of misery over the earth. But we have, for our encourage- ment, Divine assurance, that this world is not destined to remain a perpetual scene of niinous desolation. The great Author of nature has been pleased to reveal rich
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blessings in reserve ; and the moral world will soon experience an important renova- tion. Even now, the radiant beams of ci- vilized lift*, Jike the eyelids of the trior* ning, are dispelling the lengthened shades of native barbarism. The day star of Mil- lennial glory, has already arisen; and nu- merous proofs might be adduced, in support of an approaching reign of uninterrupted peace, unanimity of sentiment, and univer- sal philanthropy.. All Christian nations hold this period in joyful anticipation. — Speculative Masonry, as- the Christian handmaid, has ever been labouring to disseminate those benign principles of peace on earth, and good will towards men; Animated with a commendable zeal, all the faithful patrons of our Institution, have steadfastly persevered in the dili- gent use of such means as were directed to this end. That strong chain of Masonic friendship which connects individual mem- bers, binds nation to nation, and country to country; The 6ound maxims of wis- dom, and the sublime doctrines of morality, bave been preserved with fidelity, and per- suasively taught from age to age. Ere long the voice of wisdom will reach the understanding : ere long the world will be purged from all the pollutions of vice. Man shall again resume the moral dignity
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of his nature, and abundantly participate in the rich blessings of Christian enjoy- ment, and Masonic fellowship, fidelity and love. Christianity, in a pre-eminent sense, points out the path, and opens the door to a blessed immortality ; while Spec illative Ma- sonry lays the foundation for the improve- ments of civilized lite, and is a powerful auxiliary in the advancement of temporal enjoyments, and the attainment of uiinier- rupted felicity. Leaving the superior in- fluence and divine efficiency of ihe former, to writers on theology, we will only attend to the latter; a sister Institution in that great and important work, the Millennial peace of the world.
The first argument in support of this o- pinion, is drawn from the early establish- ment, uninterrupted succession, and pre- sent existence of Speculative Masonry. — The moral principles of this institution are at least co-extensive with those of the Christian System*
Masonry, in its organized slate, has "li- ved with ages, and been a traveller with time." Its perpetuated descent strongh ar- gues intrinsic worth. " Trine has subdued the greatest efforts of human ability, and le* veiled in the dust the proudest monuments of human ingenuity/ 9 Other societies, en- gendered in the corruption oi their age, have
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expired in the hands that gave them birth. This has escaped the ruin of empires, and outlived the storms of persecution. Under the guardian protection of Heaven, it has descended on the lapse of time, an angel of peace and a minister of consolation to the destitute and afflicted of every age. Lt't the records of time bear witness, if aught of genuine Vlason y, has cast a blot on the page of human existence. We do hence infer, that our Institution did origi- nate from Divine wisdom, and has been preserved, in mere mercy, to aid some wise and important end. And what end can be more important, or better comport with the nature of genuine Free-Masonry, than the general advancement of human happiness? Our second argument is drawn from an •abstract view of Masonic principles. The fundamental tenets of our faith, evidently comprehend the sublime doctrines of the great moral system. The main pillars in the Masonic edifice, are emblems of that Divinity, whose nature is perfection, and whose works are the displays of his wisdom. These principles are virtuously maintain- ed, unshackled by sectarian creeds or reli- gious partialities. No man of sober re- flection can witness the beauty and har- mony of a well regulated Lodge, and lis- ten to the voice of wisdom, without belie-
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ving in the existence of a God. No man, under an impressive sense of human de- pendence, as? here (aught, rati refuse to obey, reverence and a dure that Being. — Those moral truths, inculcated within the Lodge, are of that solemn import, and so diiectly meet the understanding, that the heart embraces, and the conscience ap- proves them.
The acknowledgment of a God, and the obligation of worship, are first princi- ples in every religion, and common to every faith. These truths being once ad- mitted, the way is fully prepared to intro* duce and enforce every subordinate duty, required of man. Of these, are truth, jus- tice anil fidelit\, which hold the first rank in the estimation of every nation, whatever may be their practice. Temperance, so- briety, and rectitude of conduct, comport with the testimony of everv man's con- science, whatever may be his real charac- ter, or religious profession. Add the bles- sings of peace and unanimity*, the exercise ot charitv and affection, and above all a heart of pure benevolences and the climax of human virtues is completed.
As light breaks upon the understanding, through the medium of instruction, all these virtues and duties are appioved and admired, and wilt for ever remain the land-
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marks of a distinguished moral institution. Hence the whole system presents the most lively display of every moril. beauty,- in connexion with every desirable and happy- fying consequence. When such truths are inculcated and enforced on the candidate* in the simplicity of nature, they are cor- dially embraced, whatever his country his nation, his faith or his ptactice. And the way ineffectually prepared, under the most favourable circumstances, to effect union in sentiment, unity in design, and of conse- quence, in the same extent, the advance- ment of universal peace. Let all mankind embrace and practice those moral princi-
Eles, precepts and duties, which are taught y Speculative Masonry, and no inference can be more justly drawn, than that the whole human family would dwell together in love, as the children of one common pa- rent. The mind cannot reject the unavoid- able deductions of reason ; and this is one* enforced with the clearness of demonstra- tion. Should our Institution, therefore, do her perfect work, the weakest capacity would discover and the strongest prejudice yield the conclusion, that it must issue in the reign of millennial peace.
Our third argument is derived from known and existing facts. In the honnn of every lodge, are men of different habits
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of life, and different religious tenets*. Yd all things appertaining to the Institution; are conducted with perfect accordance.— Peace and order reign within. All their members cordially unite in the great essen- tial doctrines and duties*. Other conside- rations not affecting the vital principles of the Institution, are wholly excluded. The same is substantially true, of each Chapter and Lodge within the confines of every na- tion. As Masons, and acting in character, there is no clashing of interests, no colli- sion in sentiment, no interruption of friend- ly intercourse,, and no abatement of kin- dred affection. Brethren of different na- tions, and distant countries, maintain and perpetuate the same mutual. friendship, on terms of reciprocal kindness. No excep- tions are taken from the nature of that go- vernment, under which we may chance to be born, nor that religion in which we were educated.
The ruthless hand of war may desolate kingdoms and empires ;. the dashing of nations may fill the world with terror and dismay, yet, in the midst of all these conh motions, our Brethren, composed of every nation, and kindred, and language, meet on the level, and part on the square.— No slate of moral or political confusion* has ever been known to alienate the affee-
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tions of the great body of Masons, weaken their fidelity, or sunder the strong cords of coMHtion fellowship. Though mountains rise and oceans roll between, though chains and dungeon glooms confine them, still do their kindred spirits meet and mingle with emotions of one common joy. Let masonic fidelity and friendship predominate in eve- ry beart,and who candenv, that it would re- sult in the bighebt earthly bliss? Here then is precept teaching the world by example. Our fourth argument 4s predicated on the exercise of one Masonic virtue ; -chari- ty or the pure benevolence of the gospel. This pre-eminent virtue assumes different names, from its varied agency. Witness those indescribable emotions, fisnaHy ma- nifest, when the candidate first enters the threshold of our Institution. Under the impressions of his common relation, nature begins to stir in his bosom, and awakens his conscience to a fively sense of duty, his heart is inspired with a laudable zeal to advarrce the happiness of his species.- — He looks abroad into the world, and views its inhabitants as Brethren. Hence the powerful influence of that principle, which may be traced, through every circle of private and domestic life, up to the great source of universal benevolence. It is a cha- ritable and benevolent disposition, which
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warms the heart, subdues the passions, and brings home peace to our own bosoms. It is this which lays the foundation for every substantial enjoyment within the domestic circle. It is this which confirms the barmo- ' ny of every well governed Lodge, It is this which prompts the true patriot boldly to defend the liberties of his country. It is this which creates the peace, and perpe- tuates the happiness, of social and civilized life. It is pure friendship, arising from be- nevolent feelings, which leads to a union in heart and sentiment, a love of country and kindred, national peace and tranquility) with every concomitant blessing.
It is the same Divine principle, expand- ing into universal benevolence, which can ever embrace or secure the peace of the world. No moral truth can be more ob- vious, no deduction of reason more abso- lutely certain. To argue the peace of na- tions, the mutual friendly intercourse of the world, arid the consummation of the highest earthly bliss, asicte from the general prac- tice of Masonic chaiity, or Christian bene- volence, contradicts the common sense, and daily experience, of all mankind. Where this virtue has no agency in the heart, the mind is left, to brood over the solitude of its own inhospitable reflections. Cruel jealousy, revenge, misanthropy, or mere
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stoic indifference, are the only miserable tenants of the mind.
From this view of Masonic charity, it is difficult to avoid an important conclusion, that our Institution, next to the Christian system, will be a distinguished agent, in the great work of millennial peace.
Our fifth argument rests on Masoniccoin- cidencfc with Divine revelation. This con- sideration is weighty, if nol conclusive, in the case before us. Our system of reveal- ed truth, is the touchstone of every vir- tue ; the criterion of faith and practice* Masonry glories in b'.'ing second to no in- stitution, except the Christian, that first, and of all others most pre-eminent. In the inspired writings, the ancient fathers and prophets have taught us to expect a day of millennial glory. The Christian world is now alive with joyful anticipations of its speedy approach. Notwithstanding all events, both in the natural and moral world, are under the control of Omnipo- tence,. yet are they brought forward, and carried into execution, by the use of con- stituted means. In this great work, it ia confidently believed, Speculative Mason- ry will bear a distinguished part. The Christian religion must and will be publish- ed to all the nations of the earth. This is tbo power and the wisdom of God, in re-
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d'-i'ining mankind from the miseries of lire f the moral excellence of its principles, must of necessity, hold an equal rank.
Two substantial facts will confirm this point. The first is, the present existing con- cord, and harmonious progress, and pros- perity of both Institutions. In whatever country or kingdom the one is embraced, there, in the same extent, is the other pa- tronised. Numerous historical facts might here be quoted, in Italy, Germany, Eng- land and America. That eminent philan- thropist who first attempted to Christian- ize the island of Great Britain, presented, on the one hand, the sweet consolations of the. Christian faith, and on the other, the in- viting doctrines of 'Speculative Masonry. The same individual who now ministers be- fore the Christian altar, pays his devotions at the altar of Masonry. Many of those heralds of the gospel, now gone to the pa- gan nations of the eastern hemisphere, have enrolled their names on the records of our Institution. What multitudes of private Christians have patronized Masonry, from a conviction of its benign influence on the human heart ! These facts afford us a stri- king specimen of Christian sentiment, as well as Christian attachment.
In the second place, this point is conclu-
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ftivefy argued from tbe fact, that the dis- tinguishing doctrines of Speculative Ma- sonry, happily coincide with those of Re- velation. If, therefore, there is coincidence in principle, there must of consequence- he coincidence in the ultimate design. To suppose it otherwise, involves a? manifest contradiction. No man of common obser- vation, ever questions the benign effects of true Christian piety. If, therefore, the mo- ral precepts of Speculative Masonry are in any degree identified with, or flow from, Divine Revelation, a belief and practice of the one, must correspond, in every essen- tial point, with that of tbe other. Hence, to me, it appears difficult to avoid tbe fol- lowing important conclusion, viz. that Spe- culative Masonry, as a moral institution, mill* in the most important sense, aid Chris- tianity, in establishing the peace of the world,, in civilizing the rude nations of the earth, in- troducing common fellowship and brotherly affection, and ultimately perfecting the high- est earthly bliss.
Brethren and companions, if what you have heard on this interesting subject com- port with Masonic faith ; if moral princi- ples, rendered efficient on tbe heart, are productive of the peaceable fruits of righte- ousness, we have preponderating, if not conclusive evidence in support of our final
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conclusion. The opinion has been advan- ced, and the attempt made to support it, under the fullest conviction, that time will present a fair demonstration of its truth. In my view, the contrary involves an un- natural war in principles, and actually le- vels every distinction between virtue and vice.
Suppose for one moment, the moral prin- ciples of our system should be carried into full operation ; suppose each precept writ- ten, as with sunbeams, on the heart; suppose every Mason should live up to the stan- dard of his profession ; add to this number every male inhabitant of the earth, who is of lawful age ; let each action flow from the heart, in perfect accordance with Ma- sonic rules; and I ask, could anv state of society approximate nearer the standard of human perfection? Let the truth of these suppositions be once admitted, and we may speak of the result with absolute certainty.
Taking the volume of inspiration as the standard of truth, we have full assurance, the moral principles which characterize our system, will bear the investigations of time, and brighten in the searching light of eternity.
Brethren, seriously contemplate our principles, precepts and duties ; compare
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m with Revelation ; test them by the Mill experience of ages ; view them as ried into effectual operation, and rea* will enforce conviction of their truth I importance on the heart of every dis- ning mind.
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