itself, [from their wives,*] but even the manner of pronouncing it. In this way both might have been transmitted with little or no variation, through Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and the Jewish priests, till the days of Solomon. That language may have varied during this period, can be no objection. Since the time of Solomon, however, we have no doubt but the very same WORD, with the manner of pronunciation, has been religiously observed in the masonic institution in every age and country to the present day." Exactly so. "For mystic learning, wondrous able, "In magic, talisman, and cabal; "If, therefore, the above be correct, we may plainly discover why Speculative Free Masonry involves so many principles which are fundamental in the Christian system. As the WORD, in the first verse of St. John, constitutes the foundation, the subject matter, and the great ultimate end of the Christian economy, so does the same WORD, in all its relations to man, time, and eternity, constitute the very spirit and essence of Speculative Free Masonry," So ends the chapter. Now, lest the reader should suspect that Mr. Town never delivered this chapter of his work in the presence of the grand chapter, but put it in his printed work on his own re *This fact is introduced by a masonic poet into the following wretched lines lines worthy of the Tyler's office on this occasion. "And Ham, as tyler, ordered to secure "From all their WIVES the secret door."-A. Rezon, p. 172. sponsibility, and without the knowledge of his sponsors, (which supposition, charitable as it would be to Masonry, cannot be correct,) I will copy similar sentiments respecting the masonic word, scattered through different parts of his volume. (p. 121.) Speaking of Melchisedeck and the Jewish order of priesthood, from Aaron to the Messiah, he says, "All pointed to the eternal priesthood of the Son of God, who, by his own blood, made atonement for sin, and consecrated the way to the Holy of Holies. This constitutes the great and ultimate point of masonic research." The zenith and the nadir are not more diverse, than our author's assertion, and the truth. Again, p. 130., speaking of the wise men who came. from the east to inquire for the babe of Bethlehem, he says, "One thing is evident, that they were favoured with Divine communications, and probably understood the name of the Logos or WORD, with its divine essence and offices. No doubt they received, and embraced in their hearts, the true LIGHT, and were enabled to walk therein.” (P. 138.) "Plato often used the term Logos, or divine WORD, in a very significant point of light. [This proof he adduces to show that Plato was a Free Mason!] Whether Plato rightly understood its appropriate meaning, or not, we cannot certainly determine." (p. 152.) "The great scheme of redemption began to be published to our first parents immediately after their apostacy. Early was the first promise made of a Saviour, even that divine WORD which created all things. Here was laid that deep foundation on which the whole superstructure of the gospel dispensation was erected. The same precious promise is the great corner stone in the edifice of Speculative Free Masonry."* (p. 171.) * In commemoration of this great promise to the faithful, we ornament the entrance into our lodges with three emblematical pillars; from our knowledge of the completion of that sacred Word, in the coming of our Redeemer.-Hutch. Spirit of Masonry. To conclude with a short extract from our author's address to lodges and chapters: "Brethren and companions, in the foregoing pages you have seen some of the outlines of the great body of the masonic system. Search deep into those hidden mysteries to which your profession leads. Raise your admiring views, and look abroad into the vast fields of masonic research. You may view the collective excellencies of the whole moral system, summarily comprised in the body of Speculative Free Masonry." (p. 205.) Such is modern Free Masonry, according to Mr. Town, and the grand chapter, and the grand officers. Such is the work certified by the grand chapter to be "a most valuable production on Speculative Free Masonry," and which the grand officers say, "we do most cordially recommend as a most valuable production, and, in our opinion, calculated to advance the general interests of the masonic institution, and open a field for individual improvement in masonic knowledge, MORE than any WORK which, to our knowledge, has appeared before the public." Excellent! And all this under their own sign manual. The Past Deputy Grand High Priest, the Most Excellent Z. R. S. of G. goes still farther. "I have examined Companion Salem Town's Addresses to the Grand Chapter of New-York, and for extent of masonic research, correctness of masonic principles, and fervency of piety, I consider them UNEQUALLED." Reader, what think you of Speculative Free Masonry? -Vox et pretera nihil ? "In hoc est hoax, cum TEKEL et pretences, P. S. To pass, without further notice, thirty pages of Mr. Town's book, entitled, “Evidences that Masonry has been the medium through which the Pentateuch, or five books of Moses, have been preserved to the world," cannot proceed from any disposition to neglect Mr. Town, or his unequalled effort. The fact is, our author has not been thoroughly taught in his logic; does not know how to reason closely; is easily imposed upon; tells a story about the land of Canaan, the ark, and the law of Moses, before he comes to the matter in hand; and having come to that, what are his strong arguments? why, one single fact-that, an assumed fact, and a fact which, if granted, proves nothing in the premises; viz. "that they (the five books of Moses) were thoroughly concealed by Josiah, or by others, at some time previous to the destruction of Jerusalem, and afterwards discovered and brought to light." (p. 222.) He does afterwards say, the hiding and finding was performed by Masons, and in proof brings that veritable witness, masonic tradition, who is well known to consider, No judge would allow the testimony of such a witness to go to the jury in an action of petty trespass. Our author is truly a man of pure intentions; his errors are not of the heart, but of education and understanding. Governors and kings have taken an interest in Free Masonry for the accomplishment of their personal schemes; and he, in common with others, has thought it was for the intrinsic value of the institution! Not finding that expected value in any particular mystery, or in any new developement of science, or in any other thing; and still supposing intrinsic value must be there to engage the attention of the philosopher and prince, he simply supposes it to be in the religious and moral nature of the institution; not considering that the institution, which alike embraces men of all religions, must itself be totally destitute of a religious nature, and that, being destitute of fixed reli gious principles, it has no good foundation for its moral character; that as it participates with equal freedom in the religion of the Hindoos, Greeks, Jews, and Egyptians, so must it in the morals of the Turk, pirate, and Christian. I take my leave of him without unkindness, and of his highly approbated addresses without regret. CHAPTER XXXV. Containing a Plan for the great extension of Free Masonry in all Heathen Countries, in the manner of the Grand Chapter. "Masonry excludes all distinctions of religion, as well as of rank. The Episcopalian, the Presbyterian, the Methodist, the Baptist, the Catholic, the Hebrew, and the Turk, may here sit together in peace and harmony." -New Monitor, p. 111. MASONRY, claiming to have taught mankind the arts, and among them, like Saul among the prophets, religion, we have been for some time observing in what manner she has performed this part of her duty. The grand chaplain and the grand officers of the grand chapter of New-York, have, under their own several signatures, held forth in a very singular strain: one that outstrips admiration, and defies satire; and is, moreover, utterly hostile to the text at the head of this chapter, and, also, to the generally received maxims of the order. Whether the Jewish, Turkish, and Chinese Masons will |