the neglect of important avocations and religious concernments. Many at the time of initiation, and for sometime afterwards can consistently attend every meeting; but in the course of life, connections, circumstances, appointments to important offices of trust, and the fulfilment of engagements demand their whole attention, and prevent their assembling with their brethren, to transact the affairs of the fraternity. Did Gen. Green, Franklin, and Gen. Washington think meanly of Masonry, or wish our opponents to take advantage of their non attendance, when the arts of war, philosophy, and government kept them at a distance to labour for the good of mankind and the glory of Messiah's kingdom? Our ever revered Washington, addressing the brotherhood said, "Our liberal principles are founded in the immutable laws of truth and justice." And his prayer disclosed his unquenchable zeal for the institution. He said, "I sincerely pray that the Great Architect of the universe may bless you here and receive you hereafter into his immortal temple."

BEAUTIES OF FREEMASONRY.

CHAPTER I.

FREE-MASONRY, AN ANCIENT AND USEFUL INSTITUTION.

THE opinions of eminent writers on the origin of this society are numerous. This very circumstance, however, may afford us undeniable proof of its great antiquity for had it been of modern date, no difficulties could have arisen on this point. Every inquirer could turn to the page and there find where the faithful historian had recorded its Commencement. The fine spun reasonings, of those who make Masons. of every man of note, from Adam to Nimrod, and from Nimrod to Solomon, down to the present day, cannot be admitted to swell the pages of this book.

It is hoped that every Mason will be satisfied, and every reader rest contented, when the ground is presented; B

where our principles probably first dis posed individuals to form mutually into a society for their own benefit and the happiness of the human race.

Every descendant from our apostate father, found himself in need of knowledge to inform him, laws to direct him; property to support him, medicine to relieve him, aliments to nourish him, clothing and lodging to defend himself against the injuries of the seasons. Individuals in this situation felt inclined to unite themselves together in order that the industry of all might supply the wants of each.

It is easy to comprehend, that, in order to enjoy the blessing proposed by this assemblage, some maxims must be laid down and inviolably obeyed. It was necessary for all the members of that body to consider themselves as naturally equal; that, by this idea, they might be induced to afford each other

mutual succour.

Whenever that period arrived, our principles began to have their influence; and he that was the most pious, the most discerning, and the most anxious

ly disposed to develope the constitu tion of the universe and methodically tender the greatest services to the whole, retired when that assembly arose, deeply impressed with the importance of their transactions. When he had accurately reviewed the scene that was closed and the sentiments advanced, he was fully inclined to believe that there were some in that community with whom he could unite in bonds more precious and fraternal. He cautiously communicated his plan of intimate friendship, and reciprocal labours, and benefac tions, to those whom he had found to be true and trusty. Similar interests form a similar design. A few whose views were alike and whose desires were similar, relative to the improvement of their social powers, would readily embrace each other in the arms of friendship and form rules of equity binding each member sacredly to observe them, for his own safety, the glory of God, and the alleviation of every brother whom adversity might overwhelm with distress.

Hence we may conclude that an or

ganized state of the principles of the society, denominated Masonick, arose from the social and relative duties of mankind and an earnest solicitude of individuals, for their general well be ing.

Men who had a sacred regard for the Divine Being, would necessarily study to alleviate the miseries and calamities of his creatures, and improve their inconveniences.

To accomplish these important pur poses they must study, they must em. belish their minds with science, they must retire from the busy throng, they must labour and try experiments. These were instituted to establish data, and as operations and effects were multiplied, causes were developed, and the sciences and fine arts were established upon an imperishable foundation.

Emerging from the ignorance and blindness in which they had been over. whelmed, they traced the Great Architect of the universe through the walks of his power, and found themselves amazed in the boundless regions of