PREFACE.

THAT free-masonry has greatly tended to enlighten the minds, as well as to improve the morals of those, who have arranged themselves under its banners, is a fact, which the most intelligent part of the community will not be disposed to contradict; and were its principles more generally known, the objections against the meetings of free-masons in secret, would be removed from the breast of every unprejudiced person.

The Great First Cause ought to be the first object of our adoration; and the rules of our order enjoin, that we should perform acts of humanity, beneficence, and compassion to all men, as far as may be in our power; particularly to those, who may be connected with us in the mystic tie. To extend our good offices to every human being, when in distress,

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we consider as our bounden duty; but it would be unjust to accuse us of illiberality, if we should be more attentive to the wants of a brother or of his family than to those of others. Here the duties of an upright mason are circumscribed by similar boundaries, as those assigned to the pious Christian; "As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto those, who are of the household of faith." Galatians vi. 10.

To this society, as will be seen in the following pages, emperors, kings, princes, lords, bishops, &c. have deemed, and still do deem it, an honour to belong; and the immortal Washington, the illustrious Franklin, the brave general Warren, the patriotic Adams, formerly governor of Massachusetts, together with a great proportion of our most eminent revolutionary characters were amongst its votaries; and it may be added, without fear of contradiction, that many of our citizens, who now sustain the most distinguished stations in the army and navy, in church and state, are proud of having their names enrolled in the list of free-masons.

In this institution, party spirit is unknown. The Prince Regent of England, the Kings of

Prussia and Sweden, the Emperor of Austria, His Excellency Daniel D. Tompkins, Vice President of the United States, His Excellency De Witt Clinton, Governor of the state of New-York, &c. &c. as well as the lowest peasant or labourer in the universe, provided he be a mason, may unite together as a band of brothers. Here that asperity, which is so common amongst men who meet together, entertaining different sentiments with respect to politics or religion, is abandoned; and harmony, love and benevolence are enforced by such emblems, that these virtues cannot easily be eradicated from the human mind.

Masonry excludes all distinction of rank as well as of religion. It considers them as being naturally on a level; and within the walls of a lodge, no one should be admitted, unless he have made himself conspicuous by the rectitude of his conduct, and his improvement in those arts and sciences, which tend to refine our morals, and render us more worthy and upright members of society.

Actuated by this divine principle, the Roman Catholic, the Episcopalian, the Presbyterian, the Methodist, the Baptist, the Univer salist, the Hebrew, the Gentoo, the Indian, &c.

may here sit together in harmony and peace. Such an institution requires only to be better known to be more respected.

Upon the subject of masonry, many books have been written; but most of those, which I have perused, have appeared to me to be greatly deficient in that kind of information, which was most important to be communicated. In this science, art, or mystery, it is well known, that there are secrets, which will never be divulged to the world at large; but the history of masonry, its general regulations, the benevolent views by which masons are actuated, the constitution and government of lodges, may be communicated with propriety; nor is there any obligation of secrecy, with respect to our hymns, anthems and songs, which delight the ears of the fraternity, at almost every meeting.

I trust that my brethren will receive this Masonic Guide or Free-mason's Monitor, with their accustomed goodness and candour; as it is truly intended to promote the real good and benefit of our most excellent society, to make its admirable principles and worthy practices more generally known, &c. and, if possible, to silence the sneering critic, and

satisfy the unprejudiced stranger, that a good mason and an honest man are synonymous terms.

I may further observe, that notwithstanding all the difficulties and discouragements, all the reproach and obloquy, all the scandal and defamation, which the fraternity has, without mercy, been loaded with, they still not only keep their ground, but every where increase to an incredible degree. Our actions, though reproached, are yet blameless.

Great pains have been taken to render this publication more interesting than any of the kind, which have yet preceded it; and as it is the honour of human nature, to be the friend of the unfortunate, I am fully persuaded, that from the well known liberality of my worthy brethren, I shall receive a reasonable compensation for my labour.

JAMES HARDIE.

NEW YORK, MARCH 9th, 1818.