swers, which, I trust, will be more satisfactory to the reader.

1. Free-masonry, as practised in ancient lodges is universal; but that which is called modern masonry is not.

2. An ancient mason cannot only make himself known to his brother; but, in case of necessity, can discover his very thoughts to him in the presence of a modern, while the modern cannot discover, that either of them are free-masons.

3. A modern mason may, with safety, communicate all his secrets to an ancient mason; but it would be highly indiscreet in an ancient mason to repose confidence in a modern; for as a science comprehends an art, though an art cannot comprehend a science, even so ancient masonry contains every thing valuable amongst the moderns, as well as other things, which cannot be revealed without additional ceremonies.

4. A person made in the modern manner is not qualified to sit in a master's lodge, according to the universal system of masonry. To such an one, therefore, the appellation of "Free and Accepted" is, by no means, applicable.

5. A modern mason cannot be initiated into the Royal Arch Lodges, which is the very essence, the prop, the key stone of masonry, unless through the ancient ceremonies.

6. The number of the ancient masons, compared with moderns, being at least as ninety

nine to one,* proves the universality of the old order; and its utility appears from the love and respect shewn to the brethren in consequence of their superior abilities, in conversing with, and distinguishing the masons of all countries and denominations.

These and many others too tedious to be mentioned, are the advantages, which the ancient have over the modern masons; these last, however, are not so much to be blamed as some may suppose; as they have been duped and received for sterling, that which was not much better than dross. But I announce with pleasure, that modern masons becoming sensible of their delusion, are, from time to time, joining the ancient lodges; and without possessing the spirit of prophecy, I may assert, that the time is not far distant, when all who profess themselves to be masons will rally round the ancient standard.

CHAPTER V.

Objections against Free-Masonry obviated.

In the year 1794, an extraordinary publication was issued from the press in Great Britain,

* This is so well known in Great Britain, Ireland, the United States, &c. that it becomes altogether unnecessary, to add a single argument in proof of this assertion. It is believed, that no modern lodge exists on the continent of North America.

written by John Robinson, A. M. professor of Natural Philosophy in the university of Edinburgh, entitled "Proofs of a conspiracy against all the religions and governments of Europe, carried on in the secret meetings of Free-masons, Illuminati and reading societies." What could have occasioned such a production from the pen of a professor, in so eminent an university, is difficult to conjecture. He must, however, have been actuated by the most malignant passions, stimulated by avarice to make money by any means whether right or wrong, or much learning may, perhaps, have made him mad. But whatever may have been his motive, his work was well calculated to excite the most ill founded suspicions respecting an institution, which in every age and country, had been uniformly friendly to government, good order, and religion; an institution which, in the most positive and solemn manner, denounces all plots, conspiracies, and rebellions; an institution, the very essentials of which, breathe nothing but peace and good will towards men.

But Robinson's book, notwithstanding the above well known facts, had passed through several editions in the United States; and though more replete with assertion than proof, with jealous surmises than satisfactory reasons; and in many parts inconsistent and contradictory, had met with numerous readers and some advocates. What the Illuminati may be I know not; but if their principles be such as professor Robinson has represent

ed them, there is no masonic lodge, either ancient or modern, which would not shudder at the very idea of having any connexion or correspondence with them.

When the fact, however, was notorious, to professor Robinson, as well as to all the intelligent part of the community, that many of the wisest as well as the best members of society, in every part of the civilized world, were freemasons, he ought to have paused before he vented a philippic, which will be believed by

no one of common sense, and which will ever tend to vilify his character in the opinion of men, who choose to think for themselves.

From the first chapter of this book, which treats of the origin and history of free-masonry, it appears that kings and princes, bishops and other dignitaries of the Christian Church, had deemed it an honour to belong to the order. It is likewise well known, that the immortal Washington, the illustrious Franklin, the gallant general Warren, the patriotic Samuel Adams, late governor of the state of Massachusetts, and many others of our most eminent citizens, whose names might be adduced, belonged to this ancient and honourable fraternity. Were these enemies to religion and government? His royal highness the prince regent of England, was grand master of masons in England, of whom he now styles himself the patron, and his brother prince Edward was, in the year 1815, grand master in Tower Canada. Who can for a moment sup

pose, that these, or any of the other eminent personages, whom I have inentioned, would wish to overturn the government of his native country? But to come nearer home, his excellency Daniel D. Tompkins, vice president of the United States, and his excellency De Witt Clinton, Esq. governor of the state of New-York, as well as many others of our most distinguished citizens, are masons of the highest grade. Does any one apprehend, that gentlemen of their rank and standing in society, would have any agency, directly or indirectly, in subverting the government or religion of the country, which gave them birth?

It may be supposed, that I am contending with a shadow, as Mr. Robinson only speaks of a conspiracy against the religions and governments in Europe; but enough has been said to convince the unprejudiced reader, that the general principles of masonry have been, in all ages and countries, essentially the same; and that in masonic lodges, there never did, nor never can exist any discussions, which can excite animosity in regard to politics, religion, or any other subject, which has the least tendency of disturb the public tranquillity.

But in order to allay every apprehension, which this book might have excited in the mind of the community, the grand lodge of Massachusetts, on the 11th June, 1798, deemed it adviseable to report to the chief magistrate of the federal government those senti