CHAPTER X. Outlines of Masonic History.-The probable Origin, as an organized Institution. The dissemination of its Principles and Ceremonies amongst the vari ous Nations of the Earth. IT is now proposed to exhibit a succinct history of ancient Masonry, so far as the same can be ascertained, or fairly infered from the records of ancient, profane, sacred and church histories. Some of the most distinguished ancient patrons and benefactors of the Institution will be named. Perhaps something of this nature may be useful and satisfactory to every friend of truth. Various have been the opinions of historians, who have said any thing on this subject, as well as Masons, relative to the origin of ancient Free-Masonry: and this very circumstance will afford us incontrovertable evidence of its great antiquity. Had it been of modern date, no difficulties could have arisen on this point, its origin would have been recorded in numerous instances, and immediately published to the world. Some persons, from an enthusiastic fondness for its antiquity, have travelled back to the commencement of time for its origin. It has been asserted, that “ever since symmetry existed, and harmony displayed her charms, our order has had y a being." That the moralizing princiX ples were co-existent with those of true religion, there can be no doubt; yet with no semblance of propriety can we hence date Masonry, under its systematized form. It is by no means correct to speak of Masonry in the abstract, merely considering its principles, when we are only aiming to prove the origin of the society, in a state of organization. The materials of an excellent edifice may all exist, either in a wrought or unwrought state, yet with no propriety can we speak of the existence of that edifice until those materials are collected, properly arranged, and duly put together. Such, in this respect, is Masonry; though its principles existed "ere time began, or nature received her birth." Notwithstanding there are many symbolical representations bighly instructive, pointing out many important truths, and illustrating their excellencies, which claim great antiquity, yet these, + Demarcolining in themselves considered, afford not sufficient proof that Free-Masonry must necessarily have been co-existent. Should we argue thus, it would prove more than any Brother would be willing to admit. For, in the order of time, many of our symbols' have originated in periods far distant from each other. This argument, therefore, by proving too much, proves nothing. Hence, it is evident, if from our moralizing principles we date the origin of Masonry, we must fix its era co-existent with the Almighty. If we date it from the existence of symmetry and proportion, we date it from the creation of the world, yea, before man existed and if we date it from the introduction of our symbols, we plainly contradict ourselves. It would, therefore, be absurd to infer the origin of Masonry in its organized state, from either of those considerations. Could we in truth affirm that the earth had an absolute existence, merely from the Divine purpose to call it into being, while as yet the energies of Almighty power had not been put forth in its formation? If not, neither can we affirm it of Masonry. Nothing more can be understood by its. origin, than that period when its princi 量 ples were systematized, and an institution organized by mutual association. Hence, it appears, we have substantial reasons to conclude, that an organized state of that society, termed Masonic, arose from the manifest importance of social intercourse, the increasing relative duties of mankind, and an earnest solicitude amongst individuals to promote the general good. Men, who had a sacred regard for the Divine character, would endeavor to honor his name by a faithful discharge of each incumbent duty. Motives of benevolence would induce such men to unite their exertions in the cause of humanity. Profane history confirms the fact beyond the shadow of a doubt, that Masonry in its primeval state was principally operative. The same truth has also been made to appear from sacred history. Symbolical representations were introduced for the purpose of impressing on the heart, the importance and religious nature of those things, which were prefigured. Hence the serious and weighty considerations of eternity, were constantly kept in view.By an easy and natural transition, the order has been changed from operative to Speculative Masonry. This truth also appears in profane history. That the operative principles are coeval with the creation of the material world, cannot be doubted. That the moralizing principles are, at least, co-existent with true religion, is equally certain, But that the existence of the society in its organized state was previous to the building of the temple, during the reign of Solomon king of Israel, to me appears highly improbable. Those Masonic representations, which every brother must necessarily witness on receiving the several degrees, are sufficient to convince me, that the Society, according to common acceptation of the term, then had its origin, or those representations must be groundless and absurd. It is also evident, as will hereafter be made to appear, that the principles which constitute the foundation of the Masonic Institution, were known to the ancient wise men and fathers, from time immemorial; by them held sacred and transmitted to the prudent and faithful, during all succeeding ages, to the time of Solomon. It is, therefore, thought, in view of all considerations, and all the evidence which can be had on this subject, that we may |