his own vows, to aid the Jews in rebuilding the house of the Lord at Jerusalem. Darius, therefore, added his own edict to that of Cyrus, by which he authorized Zerubbabel and his brethren to commence their work without delay. The foundation, therefore, of this temple was laid with great joy, and the building completed and solemnly dedicated to the God of Israel. During the whole of this period, Zerubbabel encouraged his brethren in their labor, while Joshua the high priest ministered in holy things, and Haggai prophesied and taught them the fear of the Lord. Thus was the second temple erected in Masonic form under the superintendence of men of piety, and the true worshippers of God. No person can receive the seventh degree of Masonry, without feeling convinced that those three men pertained to the ancient brotherhood. Ancient Masonry, as appeared in chapter fifth, was operative and religious. Have we not, then, some reason to conclude that the patriarchs taught their descendants in the religious, or speculative principles. To me this appears evident, in as much as this part, most surely, then consisted, as well as now, in communicating the knowledge of God and his works. We are sure that Noah must have taught his sons in the operative, as well as the religious principles. Abram, also, as appears from historical facts, taught many individuals, in different nations, the NAME and attri butes of the true God. In the same manner did all the patriarchs instruct their posterity in the knowledge and worship of the one supreme, eternal God. In the days of Samuel, mention is made of a school at Najoth, others of a similar cast are noticed at Bethel and Jericho. From Ezekiel's conferences with the elders of the Jewish nation, these schools appear to have been maintained, even during the Babylonish captivity. The Egyptians, Chaldeans, Greeks, and Romans had schools where ancient philosophy was taught as a religious science. Great care was exercised, that none should be admitted into those schools, but such as were of a regular life, and approved character. Due examination and strict trial of their fidelity and love of truth, was always made an indispensable requisite to their admission. Those wise men of the east, who came to do homage to the infant Saviour, at Beth lehem, were probably men of distinction in their own country. Their names from some cause, have never been transmitted to posterity. Yet as most, if not all the wise men and philosophers of ancient Eastern nations, were initiated into the mysteries of those times, and obtained their knowledge in a principal degree through this medium, may we not reasonably conclude, such might have been the source of information to those who came to inquire, "where is he that is born king of the Jews." One thing is evident, that they were favored with Divine communications, and probably understood the name of the logos or WORD, with its divine essence and offices, for they presented an offering of gold and myrrh and frankincense, which are thought to be an acknowledgment of his divinity.— No doubt they received and embraced in their hearts, the true LIGHT, and were enabled to walk therein. CHAPTER XII. Ancient Mysteries.-Philosophers.- TO every person, conversant with ancient history, it is abundantly evident, that certain individuals, in most of the eastern nations were in possession of what was termed mysteries, or a mysterious science, studiously concealed from the promiscuous multitude. Of those ancient mysteries there were several kinds. Some contained nothing but a heterodox tissue of heathen mythology. Some were instituted and adapted to subserve venal purposes of the most odious cast. Some introduced for political ends, to awe an ignorant multitude, and promote the cause of tyrannical usurpation. While others, manifestly had a very different origin, proposed the accomplishment of a different end, and were common to some individuals in many nations. The main object of these mysteries was philosophical, moral and religious. They also contained certain requisitions, as a test of the secrecy, fidelity and justice of the disciple. From these mysteries, some true knowledge of natural and moral philosophy was obtained. While the others were either confined to particular countries, or had their origin from the evil propensities of the human heart. In those mysteries, however, which engaged the attention of men of wisdom and prudence, much of truth was contained. Something of the unity and character and attributes of the one true God. Many principles of morality were taught, and seriously impressed on the mind. It was a general practice of ancient philosophers, to travel from one country to another, in search of such wisdom as might lead to a right understanding of God and nature. Hence it appears, from their own accounts, or what has been recorded of their lives, they never were denied such knowledge in any country, where it was to be found. And it further appears, either from their own writings, or ancient records concerning their opinions, that much truth, which comports with Divine revelation, was collected and taught by them. It being evident, from the experience of many ages, that the knowledge of such truths was not the result of human wis |