Whole number employed, exclusive of the two grand wardens, and of the men of burthen, who were the remains of the old Canaanites, who being bondmen, are not numbered among Masons, was

. 113,600 SOLOMON likewise partitioned the fellow-crafts into certain lodges, appointing to each, one to preside as a Master, assisted by two others as guardians, that they might receive commands in a regular manner,* take care of the tools and jewels, and be duly paid, fed, cloathed, &c.

These necessary regulations being previously settled, to preserve that order and harmony which would be absolutely requisite among so great a number of men, in executing so large a work: He also took into consideration, the future agreement and prosperity of the craft, and deliberated on the best means to secure them by a lasting cement.

Now, brotherly love, and immutable fidelity, presented themselves to his mind, as the most proper basis for an institution, whose aim and end should be to establish permanent unity among its members, and to render them a society, who, while they enjoyed the most perfect felicity, would be of considerable utility to mankind. And, being desirous to transmit it under the antient restrictions as a blessing to future ages, SOLOMON decreed, that whenever they should assemble in their lodges to discourse upon, and improve themselves in the arts and sciences; and whatever else should be deemed proper topics to encrease their knowledge, they should likewise instruct each other in secrecy and prudence, morality and good fellow-ship; and, for these purposes, he established certain peculiar rules and customs to be invariably observed in their conversations, that their minds might be enriched by a perfect acquaintance with, and practice of, every moral, social, and religious duty, lest, while they were so highly honoured by being employed in raising a temple to the great JEHOVAH, they should neglect to secure to themselves an happy admittance into the celestial lodge, of which the temple was only to be a type.

Vide Book of Constitutions.

Thus did our wise Grand Master contrive a plan by mechanical and practical allusions, to instruct the craftsmen in principles of the most sublime speculative philosophy, tending to the glory of God, and to secure to them temporal blessings here, and eternal life hereafter; as well as to unite the speculative and operative Masons thereby forming a two-fold advantage from the principles of geometry, and architecture, on the one part, and the precepts of wisdom and ethics on the other. The next circumstance which demanded SOLOMON's attention was, the readiest and most effectual method of paying the wages of so vast a body of men, according to their respective degrees, without error or confusion, that nothing might be found among the masons of Sion, save harmony and peace. This was settled in a manner well known to all regularly made Masons, and therefore is unnecessary, as also improper, to be mentioned here.

These arrangements being adjusted, the noble structure was began, and conducted with such grandeur, order, and concord, as afforded SOLOMON the most exalted satisfaction, and filled him with the strongest assurance, that the royal art would be further encouraged in future ages, and amongst various nations, from the excellencies of this temple, and the fame and skill of the Israelites, in the beauty and symmetry of architecture therein displayed.

He was likewise sensible, that, when this building should be compleated, the craftsmen would disperse themselves over the whole earth; and being desirous to perpetuate in the most effectual manner, the harmony and good fellowship already established among them, and to secure to themselves, their future pupils, and their successors, the honour and respect due to men whose abilities were so great, and would be so justly renowned: In conjunction with HIRAM King of Tyre and Hiram Abiff, the Deputy Grand Master, concerted a proper plan to accomplish his intentions; in which it was determined,

1 Kings vi., 7.

This noble structure was erected in Mount Moriah, in the month Zif, which answers to our April, being the second month of the sacred year (A. L. 2992), and was carried on with such prodigious expedition, that it was completely finished in little more than seven years, in the month Bul, which answers to our October, A. L 2999, and was dedicated the year following.

that, in conformity to the practice of the original professors of the royal art, general distinguishing characteristicks should be established for a proof of their having been fellow labourers in this glorious work, to descend to their successors in all future ages, who should be in a peculiar manner qualified to cultivate the sublime principles of this noble establishment; and such were adopted and received accordingly. With respect to the METHOD which would be hereafter necessary for propagating the principles of the society, SOLOMON pursued the uniform and antient custom, in regard to degrees of probation and injunctions to secrecy; which he himself had been obliged to comply with before he gained a perfection in the royal art, or even arrived at the summit of the sciences, therefore, tho' there were no apprentices employed in the building of the temple; yet, as the craftsmen were all intended to be promoted to the degree of Masters, after its dedication; and, as these would secure a succession, by receiving apprentices who might themselves in due time also become Master-Masons, it was determined, that the gradations in the science should consist of three distinct degrees, to each of which should be adapted a particular distinguishing test, which test, together with the explication, was accordingly settled and communicated to the fraternity, previous to their dispersion, under a necessary and solemn injunction to secrecy; and they have been most cautiously preserved, and transmitted down to posterity by faithful Brethren, ever since their emigration. Thus the center of union among Freemasons, was firmly fixed; their cabala regulated and established; and their principles directed to the excellent purposes of their original intention.

CHAP. II.、

HE harmony and connexion of the Society of Free-Masons, and the excellent precepts and principles thereof, have produced the utmost good consequence, not only to the particular members of it, but frequently to the nations where it has been cultivated and practised. For united by the endearing name of Brother, they live in an affection and friendship, rarely to be met with even among those whom the ties of consanguinity ought to bind in the firmest manner. That intimate union which does so much honour to humanity in general, in the particular intercourse, which prevails among FreeMasons, diffuses pleasure that no other institution can boast. For the name which they mutually use one towards another, is not a vain compliment, or an idle parade; no, they enjoy in common all the felicities of a true Brotherhood. Here, merit and ability secure to their possessors, an honourable regard, and a respectful distinction, which every one receives with an unaffected complacency and a perfect humility; constantly exerting himself for the general good, without vanity, and without fear. For they who are not adorned with the same advantages, are neither mortified nor jealous. No one contends for superiority; here emulation is only with a view to please; the man of shining abilities, and those unblessed with such ornaments, are here equally admitted; all may here perform their parts; and, what may seem surprising amongst such a variety of characters, haughtiness or servility, never appear. The greatest admit of a social familiarity; the inferior is elevated and instructed, constantly maintaining by these means a beneficent equality.

With respect to the conversation which they hold during their assemblies, it is conducted with the most perfect decency: Here it is an universal maxim, never

to speak of the absent but with respect; ill-natured satire is excluded; all raillery is forbidden; they will not even suffer the least irony, or the poignant strokes of wit, because they generally have a malignant tendency; they tolerate nothing which carries with it even the appearance of vice.

Their pleasures are never imbittered by ungrateful reflections, but produce a serene and lasting composure of mind. They flow not like a torrent which decends with noise and impetuosity, but, like a peaceful stream, within its own channel, strong without violence, and gentle without dulness.

This exact regularity, very far from occasioning a melancholy seriousness, diffuses, on the contrary, over the heart, and over the understanding, the most pure delights; the bright effects of enjoyment and hilarity shine forth in the countenance; and altho' the appearances are sometimes a little more sprightly than ordinary, decency never runs any risque; 'tis wisdom in good humour. For if a Brother should happen to forget himself, or in his discourse should have the weakness to use such expressions as are distinguished under the name of liberties, a formidable sign would immediately call him to his duty; a brother may mistake as a man, but he hath opportunity and courage to recover himself, because he is a Free-Mason. Altho' order and decorum are always scrupulously observed in the lodges of Free-Masons; these exclude not in any wise gaiety and chearful enjoyment: The conversation is animated, and the kind and brotherly cordiality that presides there, affords the most pleasing sensation.

These particulars may justly recall to our minds the happy time of the divine Astrea! when there was neither superiority nor subordination, because men were as yet untainted by vice, and uncorrupt.

Having now given a general sketch of the nature of this institution, from whence a candid reader may form no inconsiderable idea of that composed wisdom, and laudable harmony which governs in the fellowship of Free-Masons, we shall proceed in taking some notice of the several accusations frequently brought against it.

And first: As none can venerate and esteem the fair