PREFACE.

In introducing a work of this kind, the author feels that he is but repeating a thrice told tale," and that before it can succeed it must meet and overcome the many prejudices existing in the minds of the Fraternity and the Public. Of the former many at the first glance may be inclined to consider it an innovation on the ancient rites and ceremonies of the order, others to

"Damn it with faint praise,"

because it is not entirely new; while as many of the latter may hastily fall into the supposition that it contains an exposition of Masonic secrets. To the Craft we need only say, that we desire not so much to produce a novelty as to correct some of the numerous errors and discrepancies which occur in many publications of a similar nature. We need scarcely remind them, that it is the pride of our institution that its forms and ceremonies cannot be changed, and that all intelligent Masons endeavor to perfect themselves in the ancient work. Of the Public we ask a candid perusal, trusting to that for the removal of any erroneous opinions, and for the reward which we seek in our work.

For twenty-seven years we have labored in the various branches of the order, with a single eye to its advancement and prosperity; during that time this publication has been the theme of our meditations and researches, and we now usher it forth, in the confident expectation that it will assist in transmitting our present and past mode of work to succeeding generations.

The Master, as well as the diligent Craftsman, will find the emblems arranged in accordance with the work and lectures handed down to us from the M. W. HENRY PRICE, the first Grand Master in North America, through such zealous and untiring Masons as GLEASON, HARRIS, BLANCHARD, CROSS, BARKER, CHILDS, BARNEY, CUSHMAN, JACOBS, PIXATTO, JONES, WADSWORTH, ENOS, and many others; and that nothing is revealed which is or ought to be kept secret from the uninitiated.

Should the work fall into the hands of any whose better judgments are still clouded by the calumnies of by-gone days, we beg to assure them that in the following pages they will find the best refutation of the various mis-statements that have so long been bandied about the world in regard to FREE-MASONRY.

However anxious and restless the busy and invidious may be, and whatever attempts they may make to traduce our Institution or discover our mysteries, all their endeavors will prove ineffectual. They will still find that the only means to attain to the knowledge of our mysteries are abilities, integrity, firmness, and a due and constant perseverance in the great duties of moral and social life, in principles of religion and virtue, and whatever is commendable and praiseworthy. These are the steps, and this the clue, that will lead and direct the practisers of such excellencies to the heights of Free-masonry, and while they adhere to them, will effectually secure them favor and esteem from every able and faithful Brother, and the warmest approbation and satisfaction from their own hearts.

THE AUTHOR.

INTRODUCTION.

LODGES, in the ancient and original acceptation of the term, were composed of a certain well-known number of Masons, duly assembled, having the necessary furniture, ornaments and working-tools. When thus convened, each body was perfect in itself and acknowledged no higher Masonic authority. In this respect Masonry differs from all other institutions of a like nature. The reason is obvious. Dating its commencement from a remote period, its government naturally became assimilated to that of the times and country where it arose; hence, we find its office-bearers invested with the high-sounding titles of the earlier ages of the world, and its ceremonies emblazoned with the gold and purple of antiquity; but with time, which traces its progress on all material things, the world changed, empires and kingdoms flourished and decayed, stately palaces and gorgeous temples now marked the habitations of earthly grandeur, or enclosed the altars whence arose the oraisons of the faithful, and anon-they crumbled into dust. The golden age encompassed the world with joy, and the age of darkness spread over it like a funeral pall; yet amid all these circumstances and changes MASONRY remained intact. The ceremonies that were practised in the beginning are still observed, the laws that first governed the CRAFT are still obeyed. Every zealous Mason should therefore keep steadily in view the ancient rules, customs and ceremonies which, by long continuance, have been stamped as portions of those landmarks which our fathers charged us not to remove. One of the most important of these is UNIFORMITY. Too

much care cannot be exercised in this respect; every Craftsman must acknowledge it as one of the safe-guards of our Institution, as one of the means by which it has outlived the pitiless storms of malice and persecution, that have so often burst upon it, the means by which it will be communicated in all the freshness of its original purity to the latest posterity.

Many ways of attaining this desirable end, have, at different times, been suggested to the Fraternity; but none seems to have met with more favor than the system of visitation by Grand Lecturers. Brethren selected to fill so important a station should be men of education, tact and address― well skilled in the lectures, and capable of winning the hearts as well as the attention of those whom they may be called to instruct. Assiduous attention on the part of the Lecturers, in correcting irregularities of work, and a desire to learn on the side of the members, cannot fail of producing the happiest results.

Another method tending to the same end, enjoined ancient charges and constitutions (portions of which we subjoin) is, that each Lodge in a jurisdiction shall appoint some of its members to visit the others. Apart from that knowledge which is to distinguish us from the profane, thus obtained, is the interchange of fraternal greetings-the formation of friendship cemented by our mystic ties, producing the most benificent effects.

Much also devolves upon the craft in the selection of competent officers for the various stations in the Lodge. "The possession and exercise of authority is a matter of honorable and proper ambition in every Brother who really prizes the Institution into which he has been initiated, and who wishes to render his Masonry productive of its legitimate fruits, the moral improvement of his mental faculties. To maintain his authority the Master of a Lodge must possess talent, moral virtue, and courtesy, blended with firmness.