M. D., in the faculty of Paris, was unfortunately shipwrecked on an

island, whose viceroy was a Freemason. Along with his ship M. Preverot had lost all his money and effects. In this destitute condi- tion he presented himself to the viceroy, and related his misfortune in a manner which completely proved that he was no impostor. The viceroy made the masonic signs, which being instantly returned by the Frenchman, they recognized and embraced each other as brethren of the same Order. M. Preverot was conducted to the viceroy's house, who furnished him with all the comforts of life, till a ship bound for France touched at the island. Before his departure in this vessel, the viceroy loaded him with presents, and gave him as much money as was necessary for carrying him into his native country. The next instance is still more striking. In the battle of Dettingen in 1743, one of the king's guards having his horse killed under him, was so entangled among the animal's limbs, that he was unable to extricate himself. While he was in this situation, an English dragoon galloped up to him, and, with his uplifted sabre, was about to deprive him of life. The French soldier having, with much difficulty, made the signs of Masonry, the dragoon recognized him as a brother, and not only spared his life, but freed him from his dangerous situation. He was made a prisoner by the English dragoon, who was well aware that the ties of Masonry cannot dissolve those of patriotism.— EDITOR.
OF MASONRY.
SECT. IV.
Masonry considered under two Denominations.
MASONRY passes under two denominations, — operative and speculative. By the former, we allude to a proper application of the useful rules of architecture, whence a structure derives figure, strength, and beauty; and whence result a due proportion and a just correspondence in all its parts. By the latter, we learn to rule and direct the passions, act upon the square, keep a tongue of good report, maintain secrecy, practise charity, and every other virtue that can adorn the Man.
Speculative Masonry is so far interwoven with religion, as to lay us under the strongest obligations to pay that rational homage to the Deity, which at once constitutes our duty and our happiness. It leads the contemplative to view with reverence and admiration the glorious works of creation, and inspires them with the most exalted ideas of the perfections of the Divine Creator. Operative Masonry furnishes us with dwellings, and convenient shelter from the inclemencies of seasons ; and whilst it displays the effects of human wisdom, as well in the choice as in the arrangement of the materials of which an edifice is composed, it demonstrates, that a fund of science and industry is implanted in man, for the best, most salutary, and beneficent purposes.
The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance, and the devastations of war, have laid waste and destroyed many valuable monuments of antiquity, On which the utmost exertions of human genius have been employed. Even the Temple of SOLOMON, so spacious and magnifi- cent, and constructed by so many celebrated artists, escaped not the unsparing ravages of barbarous force.4
4 This once famous Temple is no m^.-e. Its destruction by the Romans, as predicted by Jesus Christ, was fulfilled in the most minute particulars ; and, on the same authority, we are quite certain that it will never be rebuilt. It may not, however, be uninteresting to notice briefly the account which travellers give of the site of this celebra- ted masonic pile. "Near St. Stephen's gate," says M. Maundrell, "stands an indifferent Turkish house, said to have been the spot whereon stood the palace of Pilate. From the terrace of this house you have a fair prospect of all the place whereon the Temple stood —
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Freemasonry, notwithstanding, has still survived. The attentive ear receives the sound from the instructive tongue, and the sacred mysteries are safely lodged in the repository of faithful breasts. Tools and implements of architecture (symbols the most expressive!) are selected by the Fraternity, to imprint on the memory serious and solemn truths; and thus the excellent tenets of the insti- tution are transmitted, unimpaired, under circumstances precarious, and even adverse through a succession of ages.
SECT. V.
The Government of the Fraternity.
THE mode of government observed by the Fraternity will give the best idea ~of the nature and design of the masonic institution.
Three classes are established among Masons, under different appellations. The privileges of each class are distinct ; and particular means are adopted to preserve those privileges to the just and meritorious. Honour and probity are recommendations to the First Class ; in which the practice of virtue is enforced, and the duties of moral- ity are inculcated ; while the mind is prepared for a regu- lar progress in the principles of knowledge and philosophy. Diligence, assiduity, and application, are qualifications for the Second Class ; in which is given an accurate eluci- dation of science, both in theory and practice. Here human reason is cultivated, by a due exertion of the intellectual powers and faculties ; nice and difficult theo- ries are explained; new discoveries are produced, and
indeed, the only good prospect that is allowed you of it ; for there is no going between the borders of it without forfeiting your life, or( what is worse, your religion. A fitter place for an august building could not be found in the world than in this area. It lies on the top of Mount Moriah, over against Mount Olivet. One may still discover marks of the great labour that it cost to cut away the hard rock, and to level such a space upon so strong a mountain. In the middle of the area stands at present a mosque, of an octagonal figure, supposed to be built upon the same ground whereon anciently stood the Sanc- tum Sanctorum. It is neither eminent for its largeness nor its struc- ture, and yet it makes a stately figure, by the sole advantage of its situation." — -EDITOR.
OF MASONRY. 9/
those already known beautifully embellished. The Third Class is restricted to a selected few, whom truth and fidelity have distinguished, whom years and experience have improved, and whom merit and abilities have enti- tled to preferment. With them the ancient land-marks of the Order are preserved; and from them we learn the necessary instructive lessons which dignify the Art, and qualify the professors to illustrate its excellence and utility.
Such is the established plan of the masonic system. By this judicious arrangement, true friendship is culti- vated among different ranks of men, hospitality promoted, industry rewarded, and ingenuity encouraged.
SECT. VI.
Reasons why the Secrets of Masonry ought not to be publicly exposed; and the Importance of those Secrets demonstrated.
IF the secrets of Masonry are replete with such advan- tage to mankind, it may be asked, Why are they not divulged for the general good ? To this it may be answer- ed— Were the privileges of Masonry to be indiscriminately dispensed, the purposes of the institution would not only be subverted, but our secrets, being familiar, like other important matters, would lose their value, and sink into disregard.
It is a weakness in human nature, that men are gene- rally more charmed with novelty than with the intrinsic value of things. Innumerable testimonies might be adduced to confirm this truth. Do we not find that the most wonderful operations of the Divine Artificer, however beautiful, magnificent, and useful, are overlooked, because common and familiar ! The sun rises and sets, the sea ebbs and flows, rivers glide along their channels, trees and plants vegetate, men and beasts act ; yet these, being perpetually open to view, pass unnoticed. The most astonishing productions of Nature, on the same account, escape observation, arid excite no emotion, either in admi- ration of the great Cause, or of gratitude for the blessing conferred. Even Virtue herself is not exempted from this unhappy bias in the human frame. Novelty influences 2*
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all our actions and determinations. What is new, or difficult in the acquisition, however trifling or insignifi- cant, readily captivates the imagination, and ensures a temporary admiration; while what is familiar or easily attained, however noble or eminent, is sure to be disre- garded by the giddy and the unthinking.
Did the essence of Masonry consist in the knowledge of particular secrets, or peculiar forms, it might, indeed, be alleged that our pursuits were trifling and superficial. But this is not the case ; they are only the keys to our treasure, and, having their use, are preserved; while, from the recollection of the lessons which they inculcate, the well-informed Mason derives instruction : he draws them to a near inspection, views them through a propel medium, adverts to the circumstances which gave them rise, and dwells upon the tenets they convey. Finding them replete with useful information, he prizes them as sacred ; and, being convinced of their propriety, estimates their value by their utility.
Many are deluded by the vague supposition that our mysteries are merely nominal; that the practices estab- lished amongst us are frivolous ; arid that our ceremonies may be adopted or waived at pleasure. On this false basis we find too many of the Brethren hurrying through all the degrees of the Order, without adverting to the propriety of one step they pursue, or possessing a single qualification to entitle them to advancement. Passing through the usual formalities, they consider themselves authorized to act as masters of the art, solicit and accept offices, and even assume the government of the lodge, equally unacquainted with the rules of the institution that they pretend to support, and the nature of the trust which they are bound to perform. The consequence is obvious ; anarchy and confusion ensue, and the substance is lost in the shadow. Hence men who are eminent for ability, rank, and fortune, frequently view the honours of Masonry with indifference ; and, when their patronage is solicited, either accept offices with reluctance, or reject them with disdain.5
5 The above remarks are worthy of the serious consideration of every person who is ambitious to hold an office in Masonry. I have had much experience in the management of country lodges, and am aonvinced, that the want of success, which is so often and so justly
OF MASONRY. 11
Masonry has long laboured under these disadvantages, and every zealous friend to the Order must earnestly wish for a correction of the abuse. Of late years, it must be acknowledged, our assemblies have been in general better regulated ; of which the good effects are sufficiently displayed in the judicious selection of our members, and the more proper observance of our general regulations.
Were the Brethren who preside at our meetings to be properly instructed previous to their appointment, and duly apprized of the importance of the offices they are chosen to support, a general reformation would speedily take place. This conduct would establish the propriety of our government, and lead men to acknowledge that our honours were not undeservedly conferred; the ancient consequence 'of the Order would be restored, and the reputation of the Society preserved. Till genuine merits shall distinguish our claim to the honours of Mason- ry, and regularity of deportment display the influence and utility of our rules, the world in general will not be led to reconcile our proceedings with our professions.
SECT. VII.
Few societies exempted from Censure. Irregularities of Ma- sons no Argument against the Institution.
AMONG the various societies of men, few, if any, are wholly exempted from censure. Friendship, however valuable in itself, and however universal may be its pretensions, has seldom operated so powerfully in gene- ral associations as to promote that sincere attachment to the welfare and prosperity of each other which is neces- sary to constitute true happiness. This may be ascribed to sundry causes, but to none with more propriety than to the reprehensible motives which too frequently lead men to a participation of social entertainments. If to pass an idle hour to oblige a friend, or probably to gra-
complained of, and frequently ends in the actual dissolution of the establishment, is to be attributed, in nine instances out of ten, to a deficiency in point of judgment, as well as talent, in the presiding officer. Vide Signs and Symbols, by the Editor, sect. 11, on the government of a lodge. — EDITOR.
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fcify an irregular indulgence, be the only inducement to mix in company, is it surprising that the important duties of society should be neglected, and that, in the quick circulation of the cheerful glass, the noblest faculties should be sometimes buried in the cup of ebriety?
It is an obvious truth, that the privileges of Masonry have long been prostituted for unworthy considerations, and hence their good effects have been less conspicuous. Many have enrolled their names in our records for the mere purposes of conviviality, without inquiring into the nature of the particular engagements to which they are subjected by becoming Masons.6 Several have been prompted by motives of interest, and many introduced to gratify an idle curiosity, or to please as jolly compa- nions. A general odium, or at least a careless indiffer- ence, must be the result of such conduct. But the evil stops not here. Persons of this description, ignorant of the true nature of the institution, probably without any real defect in their own morals, are induced to recom- mend others of the same cast to join the society for the same purpose. Hence the true knowledge of the art
' It is provided by the laws of Masonry, that no person shall bo received as a candidate for initiation, except he be "a freeman and his own master ; and, at the time of his initiation, be known to be in reputable circumstances. He should be a lover of the liberal Arts and Sciences, and have made some progress in one or other of them." (CONST. Of proposing members, sect, iv., p. 90.) A want of attention to this salutary rule induces other irregularities which seldom fail to involve a lodge in ultimate ruin. The following cen- sure of the Grand Lodge on this point merits general circulation amongst the brethren. For obvious reasons the name of the offend- ing lodge is omitted. " It being remarked in the Grand Lodge that some of the brethren of the Lodge No. — were unable to unite, inasmuch as their marks only were affixed against their names, and amongst them was the junior warden ; and the law, sect, iv., p. 90, declaring such individuals ineligible for initiation, the M. W. Grand Master will, after this notice, feel it a duty he owes to the Craft to bring under the cognizance of the Grand Lodge the conduct of any Lodge which shall violate the wholesome and necessary law above referred to ; a breach of which, it is declared in the preamble to the regulations for proposing members, offending Lodge to erasure. And the M. W. Grand Master will require his Provincial Grand Masters to warn the Lodges under their respective superintendence, of this His Royal Highness's determina- tion, and to report to him any instance which shall come to their knowledge of a disregard of the law in this respect. (Quart. Com. 26th Sept., 1826.)— EDITOR
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decreases with the increase of its members, and the most valuable part of the institution is turned into ridicule; while the dissipations of luxury and intemperance bury in oblivion principles which might have dignified the most exalted characters.
When we consider the variety of members of which the society of Masons is composed, and the small number who are really conversant with the tenets of the institu- tion, we need not wonder that few should be distin- guished for exemplary lives. By persons who are precipitately introduced into the mysteries of the. art, without the requisite qualifications, it cannot be expected that much regard will be paid to the observance of duties which they perceive to be openly violated by their own initiation ; arid it is an incontrovertible truth, that, such is the unhappy bias in the dispositions of some men, though the fairest and best ideas were imprinted on the mind, they are so careless of their own reputation as to disregard the most instructive lessons. We have reason to regret, that even persons who are distinguished for a knowledge in the art, are too frequently induced to violate the rules, a pretended conformity to which may have gained them applause. The hypocrisy, however, is speedily unveiled; no sooner are they liberated from the trammels, as they conceive, of a regular and virtuous deportment, in the temporary government of the lodge, than, by abusing the innocent and cheerful repast, they become slaves to vice and intemperance, and not only disgrace themselves, but reflect dishonour on the Fra- ternity. By such indiscretions the best of institutions is brought into contempt ; and the more deserving part of the community justly conceives a prejudice against the society, of which it is difficult afterwards to do away the impression.
But if some do transgress, no wise man will thence argue against the institution, or condemn the whole Fraternity for the errors of a few misguided individuals. Were the wicked lives of men admitted as an argument against the religion which they profess, the wisest and most judicious establishments might be exposed to cen- sure. It may be averred in favour of Masonry, that, whatever imperfections are found among its professors, the institution countenances no deviation from the rules
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of right reason. Those who violate the laws, or infringe on good order, are kindly admonished by secret monitors; when these means have not the intended effect, public reprehension becomes necessary ; and, at last, when every mild endeavour to effect a reformation in their conduct is of no avail, they are expelled the lodge as unfit members of the society.
Vain, therefore, is each idle surmise against the plan of our government: while the laws .of the Craft are properly supported, they will be proof against every attack. Men are not aware, that by decrying any laudable institution, they derogate from the dignity of human nature itself, and from the good order and wise disposition of things, which the almighty Author of the world has framed for the government of mankind, and established as the basis of the moral system. Friendship and social delights can never be the object of reproach ; nor can that wisdom which hoary Time has sanctified be a subject of ridicule. Whoever attempts to censure what he does not comprehend, degrades himself, and the generous heart will pity the mistakes of such ignor- ant presumption.
SECT. VIII.
Charity the distinguishing Characteristic of Masons.
CHARITY is the chief of all the social virtues, and the distinguishing characteristic of Masons. This virtue includes a supreme degree of love to the great Creator and Governor of the universe, and an unlimited affection to the beings of his creation, of all characters and of every denomination. This last duty is forcibly incul- cated by the example of the Deity himself, who liberally dispenses his beneficence to unnumbered worlds.
It is not particularly our province to enter into a disquisition of every branch of this amiable virtue; we shall, therefore, only briefly state the happy effects of a benevolent disposition towards mankind, and show that charity, exerted on proper objects, is the greatest plea- sure man can possibly enjoy.
The bounds of the greatest nation or the most exten-
OF MASONRY. 15
sive empire cannot circumscribe the generosity of a liberal mind. Men, in whatever situation they are placed, are still, in a great measure, the same. They are exposed to similar .dangers and misfortunes; they have not wisdom to foresee, or power to prevent, the evils incident to human nature ; they hang, as it were, in a perpetual suspense between hope and fear, sickness and health, plenty and want. A mutual chain of dependence subsists throughout the animal creation. All of the human species are, therefore, proper objects for the exercise of charity.
Beings who partake of one common nature ought to be actuated by the same motives and interests. Hence, to soothe the unhappy, by sympathizing with their mis- fortunes, and to restore peace and tranquillity to agitated spirits, constitute the general and great ends of the Masonic System. This humane, this generous disposi- tion, fires the breast with manly feelings, and enlivens that spirit of compassion which is the glory of the human frame, and which not only rivals, but outshines every other pleasure that the mind is capable of en- joying.
All human passions, when directed by the superior principle of reason, tend to promote some useful pur- pose ; but compassion toward proper objects is the most beneficial of all the affections, and excites more lasting degrees of happiness, as it extends to greater numberg, and alleviates the infirmities and evils which are incident to human existence.
Possessed of this amiable, this godlike disposition, Masons are shocked at misery under every form and appearance. When they behold an object pining under the miseries of a distressed body or mind, the healing accents which flow from the tongue mitigate the pain of the unhappy sufferer, and make even adversity, in its dismal state, look gay. When pity is excited, the Mason wi!1 assuage grief, and cheerfully relieve distress. If a Brother L? in want, every heart is moved;7 when he is
7 "In 1739, tif-o"- Pope T'leenius had issued his bull against Free- masonry, one Crudeii, o. ^reenwm, was imprisoned at Florence by the Inquisition, and suffered u^ most ^.nmerited cruelties, for main- taining the innocence of the associate- When the Grand Lodge of England was informed of his miserable sl.."U>n. they recollected
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hungry, we feed him ; when he is naked, we clothe him ; when he is in trouble, we fly to his relief. Thus we confirm the propriety of the title we bear ; and convince the world at large, that BROTHER, among Masons, is more than the name.
SECT. IX.
The Discernment displayed by Masons in the Choice of ~ 'jects of Charity.
THE most inveterate enemies of Masonry must ac- knowledge, that no society is more remarkable for the practice of charity, or any association of men more famed for disinterested liberality. It cannot be said, that Masons indulge in convivial mirth, while the poor and needy pine for relief. Our charitable establishments and quarterly contributions, exclusive of private subscrip- tions, to relieve distress, prove that we are ready, with cheerfulness, in proportion to our circumstances, to alle- viate the misfortunes of our fellow-creatures. Consider- ing, however, the variety of objects, whose distress the dictates of Nature, as well as the ties of Masonry, incline us to relieve, we find it necessary sometimes to inquire into the cause of misfortune; lest a misconceived ten- derness of disposition, or an impolitic generosity of heart, might prevent us from making a proper distinction in the choice of objects. Though our ears are always open to the distresses of the deserving poor, yet charity is not to be dispensed with a profuse liberality on impos- tors.3 The parents of a numerous offspring, who, through
that a foreigner, however low his rank, and however distant his abode, had a claim upon their sympathy. They transmitted to him twenty pounds for procuring the necessaries of life, and exerted every nerve for effecting his liberation." (Lawrie, p. 128.) — EDITOR.
8 It is to be regretted that, from the charitable principles of the institution, masonic impostors are very numerous. They prowl about the country with fictitious certificates, and often succeed in deluding the masters of lodges and other benevolent brothers, to the injury of worthy Brethren, whose tale of distress proceeds from the gonuine workings of a heart oppressed with unmerited misfortune. The difficulty of distinguishing between real and assumed objects of charity, may be estimated from such cases as the folio wing, extracted
OF MASONRY. 37
age, sickness, infirmity, or any unforeseen accident in life, may be reduced to want, particularly claim our attention, and seldom fail to experience the happy effects of our friendly associations. To such objects, whose situation is more easy to be conceived than expressed, we are induced liberally to extend relief. Hence we give convincing proofs of wisdom and discernment ; for, though our benevolence, like our laws, be unlimited, yet our hearts glow principally with affection toward the deserving part of mankind.
From this view of the advantages which result from the practice and profession of Masonry, every candid and impartial mind must acknowledge its utility and import- ance to the State ; and surely, if the picture here drawn be just, it must be no trifling acquisition to any govern- ment, to have under its jurisdiction a society of men, who are not only true patriots and loyal subjects, but the patrons of science and the friends of mankind.
SECT. X. Friendly Admonitions.
As useful knowledge is the great object of our desire, let us diligently apply to the practice of the art, and steadily adhere to the principles which it inculcates. Let not the difficulties that we have to encounter check
from the Quarterly Communication for December, 1823. " A Report from the Board of General Purposes was read, stating that an indi- vidual, calling himself Simon Ramus, had been endeavouring to impose upon Brethren, and to obtain pecuniary assistance, under colour of a fabricated certificate, stating him to have been a member of the Lodge No. 353, formerly No. 280, but which certificate had been detained from him by the Lodge No. 283, and transmitted to the Grand Lodge. And, also, that another individual, calling himself Miles Martin, but supposed to be one Joseph Larkins, had, in a similar manner, been endeavouring to impose upon Brethren, under colour of a certificate from the Grand Lodge of Ireland, and a cer- tificate from the Lodge No. 145, at Norwich, but which certificates had been detained by the S. W. of the Lodge No. 779, and trans- mitted to the Grand Lodge : the Board stated that they were induced to make this Report with a view to guard Brethren against further attempts at imposition by those individuals, although their means were, in a great measure, destroyed by the detention of the certifi- cates."— EDITOR.
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our progress, or damp our zeal ; but let us recollect, that the ways of wisdom are beautiful, and lead to pleasure. Knowledge is attained by degrees, and cannot every where be found. Wisdom seeks the secret shade, the lonely cell, designed for contemplation. There enthroned she sits, delivering her sacred oracles. There let us seek her, and pursue the real bliss. Though the passage be difficult, the farther we trace it the easier it will become. Union and harmony constitute the essence of Freema- sonry: while we enlist under that banner, the society must flourish, and private animosities give place to peace and good fellowship. Uniting in one design, let it be our aim to be happy ourselves, and contribute to the happiness of others. Let us mark our superiority and distinction among men, by the sincerity of our profession as Masons; let us cultivate the moral virtues, and im- prove in all that is good and amiable ; let the Genius of Masonry preside over our conduct, and, under her sway, let us perform our part with becoming dignity; let us preserve an elevation of understanding, a politeness of manner, and an evenness of temper ; let our recreations be innocent, and pursued with moderation; and never let irregular indulgences lead to the subversion of our system, by impairing our faculties, or exposing our character to derision. In conformity to our precepts, as patterns worthy of imitation, let the respectability of our character be supported by the regularity of our conduct and the uniformity of our deportment : then, as citizens of the world, and friends to every clime, we shall be living examples of virtue and benevolence, equally zealous to merit, as to obtain, universal appro- bation.
OF MASONRY. 19