this Institution. Some few there are who speak with indifference and act with coldness; but such, most surely, are ignorant of the true Masonic principles. It is confidently believed no man well instructed in Free-Masonry, and possessing a correct taste, can avoid being pleased with its moral beauties. Notwithstanding the system may be abused, and its principles perverted by men of corrupt hearts and licentious conduct; notwithstanding individual members may bring odium on the Masonic name by an irreligious life; and notwithstanding some lodges may improperly neglect discipline and duty, by suffering disorderly members to pass with impunity, yet these defects do not subvert the fundamental principles of the system, or in any important sense alter the real nature of the Institution. The same interesting truths are retained, and the same duties continue solemnly binding, and must be thus considered, as long as virtue shall retain its amiable nature, and religion and morality necessarily promote the happiness of mankind. Speculative Free-Masonry unfolds the outlines of the History in several great and leading Events, both in the natural and moral World. AN attempt will now be made to show that the great leading events, both in the natural and moral world, are in some respects brought to view in the Masonic system, In this point of light, Masonry becomes a subject highly interesting, and worthy the attention of every investigating mind. According to the great plan of Divine operation, we know that all things are happily ordered to answer the best and wisest purposes. Even "the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world, are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead." Hence we may discover so many things in the natural world, in some respects analogous to others in the moral, that we are without excuse if we neglect suitably to improve those means of knowledge to our own edification, and the declarative glory of our God. From a due and careful attention to Masonic emblems, we may, without any unnatural or forced construction, derive some knowledge as to the creation of the material world, the general deluge, and the final consummation of all things in the end of time. Masonic representations are peculiarly calcula ted to raise, in the contemplative mind, ideas which allude to those grand and sublime events. The first, both in the order of nature and time, was that, when, by the voice of Omnipotence, sleeping nature awoke, and the first flood of light burst on the astonished world. A manifest allusion to this event appears in the first degree of Masonry. An audible voice is heard by the candidate, which is followed by scenes new, mysterious, beautiful and subline. Was it adinissible to enumerate the ceremonies of initiation, every person would at once discover a manifest reference to the creation of the material world. Such are the ceremonies in their coincidence, that the manner of the one may be infered from the manner of the other. The grandeur and sublimity of the former event, compared with the simplicity and beauty of the latter, detracts nothing from the symbolical reference. We may easily discover, in the sacred writings, the introduction and proper application of numerous symbols, infinitely inferior to their antitype. Such are all those which relate to the Saviour. It is a point sufficiently established by expositors, that the figurative and metaphorical language of scripture often has a two-fold allusion. That the type and antitype, or prototype are presented in the same figure, or meet in the same object. A similar mode of conveying useful and important knowledge is embraced by the Masonic sys tem. The next great event in the natural world, was the general deluge. This was a very awful exhibition of divine displeasure. The material world, with all its inhabitants, appeared to be consigned over to undistinguished ruin. The whole human race, with the exception of one family, in astonishment and dismay, saw the prelude to their inevitable destruction. Deserted by a former protecting Providence, they gave themselves up to hopeless despair. Gloomy in the extreme was their situation in view of all surrounding objects. This melancholy event is, in some circumstan tial points, faintly called up to the mind in the third Masonic degree. Notwithstanding the primary reference in this degree to the melancholy fate of Hiram, yet a partial allusion may be had relative to the destruction of the old world. Those inconceivably great calamities, which seemed to threaten the total and final destruction of all things, were not experienced in their full extent. By a wonderful deliverance, Noah and his family were preserved, the flood of waters was dried up, and the earth again appeared. Then was made and confirmed that sure promise in relation to the plenitude of the earth, and a multiplied increase of temporal and spiritu al blessings. In a similar joyous manner, is the apparent gloomy scene in the third degree, suddenly changed. A ray of hope enters the desponding mind, and the heart exults in the prospect of future peace and consolation. Let every Masonic brother attentively compare the ceremonies and representations of this degree with that amazingly awful catastrophe, which befel the antediluvians, and say if the allusion does not appear at least probable. The last great and overwhelming |