is exclusively devoted to the history of Scotish Masonry, from the institution of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, in 1736, to the present year. This has been extracted from the records of the Grand Lodge, and contains much important information, equally interesting to the public in general, and to the Brethren of the order. Two ancient charters from the Scotish masons to the Sinclairs of Roslin, from Hay's Manuscript in the Advocates' Library, together with other papers which were necessary for completing the work, are given by way of appendix. THE attentive reader will find, in the First Part of this work, some interesting facts, which have hitherto been unknown, and many more brought to view which have never been noticed in any former history of Free Masonry. The history of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, too, is altogether new, as its records, though frequently solicited, have never been granted granted to any who have written a history of the order. As no labour has been spared in the execution of this plan, it is hoped that the candour of the public will be experienced for any defects which they may discover; and that these may be imputed to want of ability, rather than to want of attention. For the sentiments which are expressed concerning the nature and tendency of Free Masonry, neither pardon nor indulgence are solicited. The object of the fraternity is certainly innocent and salutary, though, like other institutions, it has sometimes been perverted by the ignorance and depravity of its members. THE CONTENTS. On the separation of Professions Superiority of Architecture as a separate profession Description of the Institution of Free Masonry Different opinions respecting its origin It probably originated in Egypt Page Comparison between the Eleusinia and Free Masonry 16 Connection between the Eleusinian and Dionysian The existence of Free Masonry at the building of Solomon's Temple, highly probable Comparison between the Essenes and Free Masons On the fraternity of the Kasideans Comparison between the Pythagorean Fraternity and Connection of the Pythagoreans and Essenes with the Kasideans, whose office it was to repair the The innocence of the Templars maintained against Impossibility of the public in general ever knowing the mysteries of secret associations Connection between chivalry and Free Masonry Exemplified in the case of the Templars The Knights Templars initiated into the Syrian fra- Time of its introduction into England unknown Causes of the decline of Free Masonry in Britain History of the fraternity in the reign of Henry VII. Persecution of Free Masons in Switzerland Cruelty of the Inquisition to individuals who were Free Masons, at Florence, St Sebastian, and Lis- |