CHAPTER I.

Origin of Masonry^ and its general Aivan-

tagcs*

FROM the Gonaraencem^nt of the world, we
may trace the ibundation of masonry.* Evjbt
since tymmetry began, and harmony displayed her
charms, our order has had a being. During ma-
ny ages, and in many diiferent countries, it has
flourished. In the dark periods of antiquity, whca
literature was in a low state, and the rude mannen
of our forefathers withheld from them that know-
ledge we now so amply share, masonry diffu8<ed
Its influence. This science unveiled^ arts aro«e^

* Masonry and Geopictry are gometioie* uiied as synom-
•oioiis terms.

B

.«

14 FRKEMASON^S MONITOR.

civilization took place, and the progress of know-
ledge and philosophy gradually dispelled the
gloom of ignorance and barbarism. Government
being settled, authority was given to laws, and
the assemblies of the fraternity acquired the
patronage of the great and the good, while the
tenets of the profession were attended with un-
bounded utility.

Masonry is a science confined to no particular
country, but diffused over the whole terrestrial
globe. Wherever arts flourish, there it flouri^ht's
too. Add to this, that by secret and inviolable
signs, carefully preserved among the fraternity
throughout the world, masonry becomes an uni-
versal language. Hence many advantages are
gained : the distant Chinese, the wild Arab, and
the American savage, will embrace a brother
Briton, Franc or German ; and will know, that
beside the common ties of humanity, there is still
a stronger obligation to induce him to kind and
friendly offices. The spirit of the fulminating
priest will be tamed; and a moral brother,
though of a different persuasion, engage his
€Steem. Thus, through the influence of masonry,
which is reconcileable to the best poliey, all those
disputes, which embitter life, and sour the tempers
of men, are avoided : while the common good.

FREEMA«ON^S MONITOR, ^ 15

tke genf ral design of the craft, is zealously pur«
fued.

From this view of the system, its utility must
be sufficiently obvious. The universal principles
,of the art unite men of the most opposite tenets,
of the most dittant countries, and of the nl^ost
contradictory opinions, in one indissoluble bond of
afTection, so that in every nation a mason J^uds
a friend, and in every climate a hoai«.