CHAPTER XXVIII. Showing how Free Masonry is a Guide to a Blessed Immortality. MUCH reliance is placed upon Mr. Town's work by the friends of Masonry. The unanimous recommendation of the Grand Chapter, who heard it as it was delivered in lectures, entitles it to a fair and close examination. Nothing can be more just to the author and to his commenders, than to give a large view of the work in its own words; therefore the reader may expect, if Mr. Town's work be condemned, it shall be by the evidence of his own mouth, and that not scantily furnished. To begin with our author, the title-page is furnished with this scripture: "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it."-St. John. "According to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began."-St. Paul. To which I add a line from a heathen poet : 66 Accipe nunc Danaum insidias, et crimine ab uno disce omnes.' In the preface our author says: " At the annual meeting of the Grand Chapter in Feb. 1816, the idea was suggested of preparing for the press several masonic addresses, which had been exhibited before that honourable body. On mature deliberation, the measure was thought expedient, and adopted. Relying on the better discernment of respectable and well informed brethren, the work has been submitted. It is, therefore, presented to the public, not for its elegance of composition, but for its truth." Throughout his preface, our author speaks of candour and kindness; wishing, for the sake of peace and charity, that all men were Masons, and disclaiming the thought of deception, he inquires how improbable it is that all Masons have been deceived? "Tum vero ardemus scitari, et quaerere causas, Eneid, ii. 105. These fair words "Raised expectations in our longing hearts, 66 "His former trembling once again renewed, "With acted fear, the mortal thus pursued."-Dryden. "The great field of masonic research has for many cen "Now hear how well the Greeks their wiles disguised; "Behold a nation in a man comprised."-Dryden. turies been explored by the most able, ingenious, and fruitful imaginations. The origin of the institution, its principles, and design, have occupied many pens in every age. But notwithstanding those numerous, as well as great exertions, so often and so ably repeated, much still remains. The subject is not, neither can it be exhausted. The great and paramount point has never been clearly and fully presented to the world. "That point," says Mr. Town, " is simply this, that the principles of speculative Free Masonry have the same coeternal and unshaken foundation, contain and inculcate in substance the same truth, and propose the same ultimate end, as the doctrines of Christianity taught by Divine Revelation." (P. 13.) This single point our author labours to establish, being himself persuaded, that (p. 14.) "if we would add universal celebrity to our institution, the world must be convinced that the foundation is laid in evangelical truth." "When evidence is exhibited to this effect," says Mr. Town," the great point is fully accomplished. The ignorant and superstitious will be constrained to behold the LIGHT; the sober and discreet will rejoice in Masonry as a compendious system of moral and religious instruction; while the pious and devout will embrace it as an auxiliary to human happiness, and a guide to a blessed immortality." (P. 15.) 0, the strait way to be happy here and hereafter! Pay twenty dollars and be a Free Mason. What a pretender is this Free Masonry! We have seen it before claim to be the most ancient and honourable in. stitution descended from Heaven to bless mankind; but now, grown more bold, it claims to be founded on the Word of God, and on evangelical truth; to inculcate the same truth, and serve the same purpose, with Christianity, even to be a guide to a blessed immortality. The absurdity, the folly, the impiety of these pretensions, place them beyond the reach of comment. Town's Speculative Free Masonry. Chapter 1st." The great Outlines of Speculative Free Masonry." "THAT speculative Free Masonry is wisely calculated,” says Mr. T., "to irradiate the understanding, enlarge the capacity of the mind, and improve the heart, no man can doubt who has been correctly taught in its principles. These are facts capable of as positive proof as the nature of moral fitness will admit. We are, therefore, bound by that benevolence and charity we profess, to adopt every laudable expedient, to remove error, prejudice, or misconception from the public mind. On the accomplishment of this desirable object depends much of the celebrity of the institution, and a great accession to human happiness. "That our minds may be refreshed on this subject, let us turn our thoughts on some of the more prominent features of the masonic institution." (P.23.) 66 66 Speculative Free Masonry, as a system," says Mr. T., evidently embraces, in body and substance, the whole duty of man as a moral being, comprising a summary of principles conformable to the very nature and fitness of things. Here is presented that variety and richness of scenery which charms the understanding; that beauty, sublimity, and grandeur of objects, which fills the contemplative mind with admiring views." Now, mark the particulars which follow this promising introduction. I will number them. 1. "Here* we discover the wisdom of God in the symmetry of nature, and the finger of Providence in the government of the world. (p. 24.) 2. "The great outlines in the history of creation are also unfolded. (p. 24.) 3. "The primitive innocence of man, the fall and con sequent scenes of natural and moral evil. 4. "In a word, the history of nature and grace is most beautifully prefigured in a lively display of masonic symbols. (p. 24.) 5. "Heret we view the coincidence of principle and design between the Christian scheme and speculative Free Masonry, with that pleasing admiration which satisfies inquiry, and clearly proves our system‡ based on the Rock of eternal Ages. As the subject continues to open, the mind is presented with an endless variety of sublime contemplations. (p. 24.) 6. "Such are the deep mysteries of the Divine WORD, in whom all the fulness of the Godhead dwelt bodily. (P. 24.) 7. "Such the terrible majesty of Him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, who plants his footsteps in the sea, and manages the storms. (pp. 24 and 25.) 8. "Such the boundless displays of the unsearchable riches of Divine benevolence. 9. "Such the Grand Council of Eternity which devised and executed that great plan of man's redemption. (p. 25.) *That is, in speculative Free Masonry. + In speculative Free Masonry. Speculative Free Masonry. |